Author: Stan Cox

LAGNIAPPE. Don’t try to pronounce the word phonetically.  The correct pronunciation is: (LAN-yap).  It is  defined as “a little something extra,” and is originally taken from the Spanish (la ñapa) “the gift.” Long ago it became a common word in the French/Creole culture in Louisiana. If you have been to New Orleans during their celebrations, you may have heard the term.

Consider what Jesus said in Luke 18 in response to Peter’s declaration that they had left all to follow Him.  “So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life’” (Luke 18:29-30). Continue reading “Lagniappe” →

The triumphal entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem is so called because of the response of the people to Him.  This response is written by Mark in 11:9-10.

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’
 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”

The event is chronicled in all four gospels—Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12. The word Hosanna in the text above is a transliteration from the Hebrew into the  English translations, and is an expression of adoration with which the Jews were familiar.  The basic sentiment was an expression seeking to bring well being and victory to Jesus as the Messiah of the Jews.  A literal definition from the Hebrew would be something like — oh save! Continue reading “Hosanna!” →

James, after establishing the sinfulness of showing partiality, points out a sin in this area is sufficient to condemn a man. This is a truth with which Jews were especially familiar. He who willfully breaks one command is a law breaker and is guilty before the law. You can’t treat God’s law as a buffet, taking what you want and ignoring the rest.

So, in this regard we are to love all men and treat them well. As James wrote, “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (12). To dishonor the poor man is to act in a way that is inconsistent with the law of Christ. He taught clearly the responsibility to love all men.

God will not forgive our sins, if we don’t forgive the sins of others. (cf. Matthew 6:12). He will not treat us with mercy if we are not willing to treat others mercifully. (Matthew 18:21-35). This mercy and compassion for one another is what sets apart the disciples of Christ from the world. 

In Jeremiah 25, God is revealed to have sent His prophets to Judah. He sent them to warn Judah to repent to avoid harm. Consider His warning and their response:

“‘Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you. Yet you have not listened to Me,’ says the LORD, ‘that you might provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt’” (Jeremiah 25:6-7).

Because of their rebellion, God sent Nebuchadnezzar to judge the nation, leading to destruction, oppression, and captivity for a period of 70 years.

An interesting phrase is used here, “to your own hurt” (7). Consider that God’s sincere desire is that every man receive His eternal blessings. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). The proof of His love and motivation toward man is seen in the sending of His son to the earth (cf. John 3:16).

When condemnation comes, it is not God’s doing.  Men often do not act in their own interest. Peculiar, but very prevalent.  This is why addiction, crime, etc. is rampant.  When condemnation is present, it is because we act to  our “own hurt.” Think about it!

A discussion of Psalm 15.  Who is it that may dwell in the Presence of the Almighty?

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“Does God exist?  Who Cares? I’m not interested.”  How does this disinterest come to be, and what can we do to combat it!

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The earliest manuscripts head the writing “the Hebrews”, which later was expanded to “The Epistle to the Hebrews.” It’s exact date of writing is not known, but there is strong internal and external evidence that it was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. AD 68 or AD 69 are dates commonly posited. We know from Clement of Rome in his writing that by the end of the first century he was in possession of the manuscript.

The exact audience is likewise unknown, but the title and content show that the audience was Jewish Christians. The book deals with a common problem early in the church, the Jewish struggle to know how exactly to place Jesus and His sacrifice in the context of God’s will for man. Continue reading “A Short Introduction to Hebrews” →

In the first seven verses of the chapter, Paul affirms an important truth, we are saved by the mercy and grace of God, brought to us through Jesus Christ.

Right after he states that we do not merit our salvation by “works of righteousness we have done” (5), he writes Titus to “affirm constantly” the need to “maintain good works.”

Interestingly, denominational preachers often do just the opposite. They are so interested in affirming that we are not saved by our own merit (which is true), that they deny that our salvation depends at all upon our obedience (which is decidedly false)!

Read this from Paul’s pen, “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works” (8).

Any doctrine that teaches God’s grace does not expect anything in return from its recipients is a cheap and faulty view of grace.  We can’t get to heaven without God.  We all agree with this.  Nowhere does the Bible say we don’t have to do anything!

The child of God has great assurance given him by his heavenly Father. It is a wonderful thing to be able to go through life with the certainty that the preeminent Being in the universe is on your side! It is good to be mindful that “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalms 62:5-7).

Sometimes we have difficulty accepting this truth. We can become preoccupied with things that are seen. This is something Paul understood, and so wrote the Corinthians something we need to hear. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

If you are having difficulty with your life in this difficult world, trying focusing on your hope of heaven as God’s child!

A fact of life we all face is our inevitable decline. The Bible says, “…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27). While some die due to unforeseen circumstances, most see it coming through age, or a failure of health.

It is not a surprise that God has accommodated this truth in His instructions to His children. His call for us to love one another is specially challenged when the object of that love becomes more vulnerable or needy. There are numerous examples found in scripture of such circumstances. And it often does not involve age, as other physical circumstances in life can impact our service to one another. Continue reading “(12 of 13) Physical Considerations in Our Relationship” →

A discussion of the Two Tabernacles and the ordinances of divine service mentioned in Hebrews 9.

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An examination of Paul’s wonderful sermon preaching on Mars Hill in Acts 17.

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Each of these articles in past weeks have emphasized our responsibility to help each other. At this point we recognize the importance of expressing love for our neighbor, and the emphasis that the Lord places on our good treatment of other brethren. The imperative of love is what divides the righteous from the unrighteous.  The Lord emphasized this truth, distinguishing between two groups as He talked of future judgment. His statement, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 25:34), was directed at those who were benevolent and loving to others. A peculiar part of our culture is the pride (or perhaps other motivations) that cause some to refuse the help or friendship of others. This should never be the case with a Christian. Why would we ever put an obstacle in the way of another’s potential reward in Judgment?

Hopefully we will be quick to offer friendship, care, benevolence and hospitality to those we love. We should be quick to ask, “What can I do?” And to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Consider the very next verse of that context, where Paul admonishes the Romans, “Be of the same mind toward one another…” (16). If we are ready to help our brothers, but unwilling to ask for or receive the same from them, how can we be described as being of the same mind? Part of being gracious is our willing reception of the help offered by our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not let pride, or a desire “not to be burden” to impede their efforts to do what God expects of all of us. Continue reading “(13 of 13) My Individual Responsibility to Accept Your Friendship” →

The imagery of the vessels can be explained simply. In the Lord’s church, He has the right to expect us to be honorable in our service. Unfortunately, some fail Him in this. They are described as vessels of wood and clay, rather than gold and silver.

Can you imagine being in the Lord’s house, and dishonoring yourself? Some do! Thus his warning which includes the following: Sinful lust (referred to here as youthful lusts), and participating in foolish and ignorant disputes, causing strife and division among the people of God.

The key is to be honorable. This is done by cleansing ourselves from any dishonor. For God’s child, knowing that sin is possible for any of us, we must repent and pray God’s forgiveness when we dishonor ourselves (cf. 1 John 9-10).

Here is what God expects, that we be “a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (9). Are you sanctified? Are you prepared?

Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The sentiment (as it relates to our understanding of God) is stated in two other Psalms. The first follows an admonition against anger in Psalm 4:4. Instead, we are told to “…Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” The second follows an acknowledgment of divine judgement on the earth in Psalm 76:8, “…The earth feared and was still.”

God is great. He is preeminent in the universe. This is not merely a reference to His position. It relates as well to our responsibility before Him. He is God. The Son is our Lord and Savior. A way to ensure our acquiescence to Him is to take time to “be still.”

What happens in stillness? As stated in Psalm 4:4 we have opportunity to meditate. 1) Meditate on our actions, and whether we are truly following His will in our lives. 2) Stillness is associated with respect.  The stillness of the earth was the acknowledgment that the Creator had acted. We are to fear God. This fear indicates awe and respect. If we are too busy for God, we are too busy! Take time everyday to consider Him!  3) Stillness is an opportunity for prayer. Go to your “closet”, and in such privacy make yourself known to God!