Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: “By whose stripes you were healed”
A discussion about the suffering of Jesus, what it means for us, and how we are to respond as His disciples.
Sermon: We Will Come to Him
A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples in John 14:19-24. The text emphasizes the relationship Jesus would have with them in His kingdom.
Is a Single Child … Children?
In our study of the qualifications of elders we have researched all of the qualifications other than the two that deal with a man’s children. These two qualifications, listed in 1 Timothy 3:4, (“one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence”), and Titus 1:6, (“having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination”), are the most difficult for Christians to understand.
We have already mentioned the importance of avoiding speculation. It is a mistake to try to determine the “Why?” of a qualification, unless that “Why?” is stated in the text itself. Of course, there is an indication of this in 1 Timothy 3:5, “for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?”
The Patternists: Paul’s Lord’s Supper Admonitions
There are several texts we used to establish our practice of observing the Lord’s Supper. By looking at all relevant passages, we see the entirety of what God expects of us as we worship Him in this way.
The church at Corinth was abusing the Lord’s Supper, observing it in an unscriptural way. So, he admonished them. In these admonitions, we receive some important knowledge about how to worship God acceptably. The text we are considering in this article is 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.
Continue reading “The Patternists: Paul’s Lord’s Supper Admonitions”
Pandemic VS Endemic
Breaking news: We have been in the midst of a worldwide pandemic for more than two years now! (Duh!) This is the first worldwide pandemic that we have experienced in our lifetimes. This is fortunate, but I would have appreciated another 30 or so years before it happened (let the kids and grandkids deal with it).
Some experts are cautiously predicting that the pandemic is almost over. They say the best case scenario to hope for is for the COVID virus to become endemic. Pandemic, endemic, what is the difference?
Pandemic is defined as a disease that is, “prevalent in a country or the world.” A disease that is endemic is one that is regularly found in the population, (like colds or the flu). In other words, the COVID virus will always be around, but we are getting a handle on it.
How about a spiritual application? In our world is faith a pandemic or is it endemic? Well, true faith is certainly not prevalent in the world today — would it were so. It is more accurate to consider it endemic in society. It is always there, it is around, but it doesn’t particularly effect the majority of society.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to “[turn] the world upside down” (cf. Acts 17:6)? That’s what the Thessalonians accused Paul of doing. Our expressions of faith and efforts to preach the gospel should have an unsettling effect on our society. Are you doing your part to “spread” the faith of our Lord to “infect” those you meet day to day?
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Sermon: The Right Hand of Fellowship
A study of the basic principles of Fellowship. What is is, and who enjoys it.
Sermon: The Helper, the Spirit of Truth
A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples, recorded in John 14:12-18.
The Husband of One Wife
The final three qualifications for elder that we will be discussing in our series are the domestic qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications are the most disputed in the list. So, we will use longer articles to fully address them.
A few things to consider in our discussion. First, there is a danger in speculation. We can get caught up in our own personal views of the why or how things should be, and actually read into the text something that is not there. Please distinguish between what the text says, and what we might think it should mean. Second, as in all things we must be patient in the midst of disagreements. Our call as Christians is to unity. The study of truth should never cause division between those who love it.
The Patternists: A Simple Demonstration of Authority
There are many who take issue with the idea that the New Testament is intended to be a pattern for the lives we live. Some consider only the words of Jesus to be authoritative (cf. John 16:5-15). Others deny the sufficiency of scripture to equip us to every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Others simple view the New Testament as a love letter to men (cf. John 14:15).
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A Righteous Person
In Titus 3, the apostle Paul gave instructions to Titus as an evangelist about what he must teach. These instructions serve to express, through positive affirmation and negative rebuke, the type of person a Christian should be. Consider the following attributes, taken from the list:
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Obedient to civil authorities
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Ready for every good work
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Unwilling to speak evil of others
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Peaceable, gentle, humble to all men
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Wise, obedient, perceptive, self-controlled
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Refusing anger, malice, envy and hate
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Careful to maintain good works
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Avoiding foolish arguments
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A maker of peace with brethren
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One who rejects those who bring division
A Christian should be pleasant to be around. He recognizes the importance of getting along, having a selfless and perceptive mind, and being in control of his impulses. Seldom will he be a part of conflict, and then only when the defense of truth is required. Because he emulates his Lord, he seeks to be a positive influence on others, making their eternal welfare his priority.
Look at the list, and determine what improvements might be needed to be the kind of person God wants you to be! “Let our people also learn to maintain good works” (14).
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Sermon: Destabilizing Marriage
Our American culture has in the last several decades destabilized the institution of marriage, changing the morals of our nation, and causing great destruction. The Bible calls for the protection and respect for the permanency of Marriage, God’s first institution.
Sermon: Creatures of Habit
Speaker: Justin Carrell
Justin points out that humans are prone to develop habits, both good and bad. He encourages us as Christians to help one another to create good habits that will please God.
The Patternists: Hold the Traditions
The apostle Paul used an interesting turn of phrase in exhorting his readers, in 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”
His exhortation is to be a response to the calling of God. The elect of God are eligible to obtain “the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (14). Because of what God has done for us as Christians, and the hope we enjoy, we have a responsibility to “stand fast.”
Sermon: Providing Honorable Things
This lesson is a discussion of Paul’s efforts to act in a transparent and honorable way in conducting the Corinthians gift to Judea (2 Cor. 8:21). Applications can be made in the area of Christian influence.
Sermon: Knowing the Son is Knowing the Father
A lesson discussing Jesus’ conversation with Philip in John 14:7-11. A true recognition of Jesus includes a recognition of his unity with the Father Himself.
