Author: Stan Cox
The Patternists: Walk Worthy of the Lord
Beginning in Colossians 2, the apostle Paul labored to establish the primacy of Christ and His will. As men consider how we will live our lives, what our philosophies and actions will be, allegiance to Jesus as Lord is the best choice we can make.
In contrast, Paul stated, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (2:8). Human philosophy is persuasive, but ultimately flawed and impotent. But, we are “complete in Him [Christ], who is the head of all principality and power” (2:10).
Beware of Hypocrisy
There is no doubt that hypocrisy is one of the greatest dangers to the spiritual welfare of God’s people. The devil is working hard to tempt Christians to sin. When such desire is conceived, and God’s children sin, a natural desire arises to hide that sin. That is hypocrisy.
For some, hypocrisy is a way of life. For others, it can be a weak response to shame and guilt. Regardless, it is certainly something Christians should avoid. God expects true righteousness from His children. Feigned righteousness may fool men, but not Him.
Jesus said as much to his disciples in Luke 12, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops” (1-3).
This passage is not teaching that a hypocrite will always be uncovered by men. It is possible (though difficult) to successfully fool men into thinking that feigned righteousness is genuine. The point is, our lives and hearts are open to God.
“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). So, heed the words of our Lord, “Beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
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Sermon: Questioning Convention
Jesus came to earth, and was radical in His teaching. He constantly questioned the conventional thinking of His age, and turned society on its head. We will too be countercultural if we follow His teaching.
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Sermon: Forgiveness
Speaker: Josh Cox
The lesson uses the text of 2 Corinthians to explain aspects of the concept of forgiveness.
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Sermon: Apathy to Zeal
Apathy leads to regression and apostasy, and Zeal, coupled with knowledge, can stir the heart, encourage others and bring steadfastness to the child of God.
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Sermon: I Am the True Vine
Jesus is the source of life, and His disciples must be in spiritual fellowship with Him. Without Him we can do nothing.
Sermon: It is Finished
Speaker: Josh Cox
An examination of Jesus’ last words on the cross as He died for the sins of mankind. Applications are made to our own lives.
Sermon: Metamorphosis
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin uses the illustration of the metamorphosis of a butterfly to illustrate the importance of a transformed life (cf. Romans 12:1-2).
Making Plans
Dick Hatch and I managed to establish a Thursday afternoon Bible class in the assisted living facility where he lives. Just about any afternoon would have worked, but I started out convinced that Thursday is great. I could see myself being there every class without fail.
In reality, I have missed two of the first six weeks we have had the class! The first Thursday I missed was because of sickness and ice on the roads. (I know, it is supposed to get up in the 90’s today). The second was this past Thursday when I had to take my mom to the hospital. “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men …” (Robert Burns, “To a Mouse”)
Paul had a similar thing happen to him in Acts 16. After spending some time in the region of Galatia, he decided he wanted to go on to Asia to preach there. But, the Holy Spirit did not allow it. So, instead he and his companions “tried to go into Bithynia”, but again the effort was vetoed by the Spirit. Finally, a vision appeared to Paul, with a man of Macedonia pleading with him to come help them in that region (Acts 16:6-10).
We can’t know what God has in store for us. Only one thing is certain. “…you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away… you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil” (James 4:14-16). Humble yourself and obey God now!
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Sermon: The Beginning of the Gospel
An examination of the text of Acts 2, as Stan describes the power of the gospel to pierce hearts and save souls.
Sermon: He Will Teach You All Things
A discussion of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to aid the apostles in their work following His death. (John 14)
Sermon: Learning Contentment
Speaker: Jeremiah Cox
The apostle Paul learned how to be content, no matter his life’s circumstances. This is a lesson we greatly need to learn as well.
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Sermon: Seeking Counsel
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Ian describes the importance of recognizing the benefit of counsel, or own need of it, and the importance of humbling ourselves that we might receive advice that others might give.
The Patternists: Love One Another
When we advocate for authority for all our practices, invariably some will seek to contrast such a position with the counterpoint of loving one another. As if the two are contradictory. They are not.
Why would the two be perceived as counterintuitive to one another? There are a couple of possible reasons. First, some may not realize that convicting others of sin is an act of love. Since the condemnation of sin can be unpleasant, it is perceived as unloving. Consider Paul’s words, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). It is an act of love to bring someone back from sin to reconciliation.
Three Rules
Social media is often criticized as a waste of time, and a potential stumbling block to Christians. This certainly can be so, but there are also good messages and thoughts that you come across from time to time.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across this jewel, and wanted to share it with you. Read it, and consider your own practice when you come to worship on the Lord’s day. Are you doing a good job of interacting with visitors and other members, to make them feel welcome and cared for? Consider these words:
My husband has three rules of engagement when we go to church.
- An alone person in our gathering is an emergency.
- Friends can wait.
- Introduce a newcomer to someone else.
Her husband sounds like a man who understands the importance of the church as a family. Each member of our congregation is equally important and significant. Each member is deserving of our attention and expressions of love. Is every member getting what they need and deserve from you? Think about it!
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