Author: Stan Cox
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:18-20
Our text begins a significant section of Paul’s letter, establishing the evidence of God’s existence, and end of those who deny it. This denial can take place in atheistic views, or the distortion of God’s nature, changing, “the glory of the incorruptible God into an image make like corruptible man” (23), i.e. idolatry.
Idolatry is the specific problem in Romans 1. The people to whom Paul refers have by their idolatrous inclinations suppressed “the truth in unrighteousness” (18). Consider that we may know certain things about God simply by what is evident in nature (cf. Psalm 19:1-4). As the Psalmist said concerning the testimony of nature, “There is no language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:3).
Because God’s eternal power and Godhead are clearly seen, those who are unwilling to acknowledge them become ungodly and unrighteous in their behavior. The Gentiles of the day are a very good example of this. God’s righteousness required He visit such rebellion and immorality with His wrath. (cf. 1:32).
Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!
One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.
It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark. At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read. If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.
If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…
- Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month. If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
- Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
- Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!
Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!
Sermon: Have a Good Day on the Last Day
On the last day, the universe will come to an end, and all will be resurrected to stand in judgment. For you, the day can be a good one, or one filled with sorrow. Which do you choose?
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Sermon: Work to Do in the New Year
There are three important things to work on as 2023 begins. Work on your love for God and man, Your zeal in obeying God, and your Thankfulness for His great blessings.
A New Year Is Upon Us
Next Sunday we will be beginning a new year on the calendar. I know that resolutions can be made at any time, and do not need to wait until the calendar turns its page. But, this is as good a time as any to review your commitment to the Lord, and determine to better in the future. So, might I make a few suggestions…
Work on Your Love
The two great commandments, emphasized by Jesus for us as well, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). Continue reading “A New Year Is Upon Us”
A Woman’s Reproductive Rights
Everyone recognizes the physical differences between men and women (though some seek to blur the differences for political purposes). One difference is that God created the woman to cradle the unborn in her womb as the child grows and develops sufficiently to be born.
A wonderful passage in Luke reveals the conversation between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth said to her, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (1:42). Most women rejoice at the news they are pregnant, and revel in their unique position as the protectors of the unborn. Author Maureen Hawkins wrote concerning her child, “Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of love.” So many women feel the same. Continue reading “A Woman’s Reproductive Rights”
Mining the Scriptures: Acts 1:15-20
While the disciples waited in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to send the Holy Spirit, Peter addressed the need to appoint another to fill the office of Judas Iscariot.
The reason for the need was to fulfill prophecies found in the book of Psalms (69:25;109:8). The prophecies were general, concerning the enemies of David, but the Holy Spirit intended a special fulfillment in the events surrounding the Christ. There would be a need for someone to the chosen as Judas’ successor.
You may notice that verses 18-19 are parenthetical, supplied by Luke to explain the death of Judas. While Judas did not personally purchase the field where he committed suicide, it was purchased with the money he obtained by betraying the Lord. Thus Luke’s explanation surrounding the gruesome end of Judas Iscariot.
In verse 15, Peter stood among 120 disciples. These were not the only believers in the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 15:6 where we are told that over 500 believers had seen the resurrected Lord). But, these were the disciples present with the apostles as they awaited their promise. In verses 21-26 we will see how the successor was chosen.
God’s Power and Protection
The book of Psalms often refer to the victory of God over either His own enemies, or the enemies of His people, the Israelites.
As Christians today are God’s people, an understanding of God’s power and ability both to protect us, and to punish the wicked, brings us comfort and hope.
In Psalm 68, the singer extolls God’s power over His enemies. He has the ability to scatter them, causing them to flee “As smoke is driven way” (2). He writes, “As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God” (2).
As a contrast we have joy as we abide in God’s favor. “But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice exceedingly. Sing to God, sing praises to His name; extol Him who rides on the clouds, by His name Yah, and rejoice before Him” (3-4).
Our God is wonderful to the righteous, those who depend upon Him. He is “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (5). “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our Salvation!” (19).
As such, He is worthy of our praise. “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; Oh, sing praises to the Lord. To Him who risdes on the heaven of heavens, which were of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice. Ascribe strength to God; His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds… Blessed be God!” (32-35).
Sermon: Ask for the Old Paths
Every decision you make impacts your life, often spiritually. Ultimately you must decide whether to walk the Highway to Holiness or the Way of Destruction.
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Sermon: The Names of Jesus
There are numerous titles used to refer the Jesus. We discuss words like Master, Lord, Messiah/Christ, Savior and Lamb of God, to show their meaning, and significance to Christians.
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Daniel’s Kingdom Prophecies
Two of the visions recorded in the book of Daniel are very similar in their main parts. And, the fulfillment of the prophecies are clearly seen in the writings of the New Testament. Here is a simple overview of these truths.
The first vision, recorded in Daniel 2, was a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. A great image with a head of gold, a chest and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of bronze, and legs of iron with feet partly of iron and clay were seen by the king. A stone struck the image on its feet, and them in pieces bring the entire image to ruin. The stone became a great mountain that filled the earth. The interpretation give by Daniel is found in verses 36-45. Continue reading “Daniel’s Kingdom Prophecies”
Mining the Scriptures: John 1:19-23
In our text, the apostle John refers to John the Baptist’s “testimony.” The term is a general one and can be used in a judicial sense, as in many other contexts. Here it is stating the truth that John said about himself as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist was a charismatic and compelling figure. A rough hewn man, coming out of the wilderness, preaching a message of repentance to the people. As Herod knew, the people thought him to be a prophet (Matthew 14:5). From John’s own testimony we know the following:
- He was not the Christ. In fact, he freely admitted that “One mightier that I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose” (Luke 3:16).
- He was not literally Elijah, or the Prophet, though Jesus later said that John did fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 4:5-ff.
- He was, however, the one to herald the coming of the Messiah, in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 40:3).
We are grateful for his ministry, he did his work powerfully, willingly and well.
Walk Worthy
In the New Testament, the phrase “walk worthy” appears three times, with a fourth, in Revelation 3:4, referencing some in Sardis described by the Lord, “who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”
Such a walk should be the desire of every child of God. Fortunately, the texts do a good job of characterizing that walk, giving us insight. So how can we walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called as God’s children? Continue reading “Walk Worthy”
The Whirlwind of the Lord
As I write this, a storm has just passed through our little town. As the storm continues through the metroplex, other towns and cities are in danger. The storm has strong wind, heavy rain and lightning. The town emergency siren was activated, and a tornado was spotted above the town, though it seems it did not touch down. The schools all had their children in the hallways, to protect them from the potential of the storm.
The danger brought to mind the descriptions given of God’s judgment in the Old Testament. For example, in Jeremiah 30:23-24 as God promised the restoration of His people, He described the judgment that would come to His enemies. “Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goes forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind; it will fall violently on the head of the wicked. The fierce anger of the Lord will not return until He has done it, and until He has performed the intents of His heart. In the latter days you will consider it.”
Like a tornado, when God’s wrath is visited upon the wicked, nothing can be done to withstand it. Destruction is inevitable because of the power of His purpose. Until He determines to finish, danger will remain.
It is for this reason that we seek to please Him. As Jesus told His disciples, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Our God brings the whirlwind to the wicked, but tranquility to the just. We would do well to consider this truth.
Sermon: “Is There Not A Cause?”
The 1 Samuel 17 narrative of David’s Battle with Goliath reveals certain applications that we can use as we are confronted with our own enemies (spiritual and physical).
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