Author: Stan Cox

In our text, Paul is unsure of whether he will live or die as he awaits his judgment from Caesar. So, his words, “For I know” should indicate faith rather than certainty. Paul was always willing to accede to God’s plan, but he believed the Lord would want him to continue his ministry to the Philippians and others.  “…to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (24).

Paul believed in the power of the Philippians’ prayers for him. He also believed in the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to spare Him should he so desire. Paul was also confident that His ministry and life was in accord with the Lord’s will.

As such, his expectation (indicates an intense watching) and hope (desire and expectation) is that his life at present, and that which would follow would lead to God’s approval. He would not be ashamed.  There would be no legitimate reproach found in his suffering (cf. 1 Peter 4:16), and God would be glorified both through his life and also his death should he be martyred for the cause.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things”  (Philippians 4:8).

This passage, is of course, very familiar.  But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful. Continue reading “Meditate On These Things” →

Paul’s exhortation is, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). It seems that the instructions in both verses have reference to how a Christian should behave among those who are not Christians.

They are to walk wisely. This is the general admonition.  It includes the call to redeem “the time.” The word redeem is defined by Strong—to buy up, i.e. ransom. Figuratively, to   rescue from loss, (improve opportunity). Time unused is time lost.  We have limited opportunities to both influence and teach those in the world. A wise Christian will make use of such opportunities to the best of his abilities. This is wise.

A wise Christian will measure his words. His speech will be careful, with a consideration of how they might impact the lost. Graceful speech represents Christ. It is speech where He can be seen. In the words, “seasoned with salt” we see the idea of influence. These words should exclude idle words, corrupt speech, filthiness, offensiveness, curing and lying. They should include soundness, blessings, that which edifies and expresses love for God and man.

Wise talk glorifies God, and is much more likely to bring the outsider to Christ. Our love for mankind is not only seen in such speech, but is demanded by it! May we all take this to heart.

Our lesson examines the text of Mark 16:16, giving four failed interpretations of the text, based on incorrect presumptions, contrasted with the actual words and meaning of Jesus.

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In the presence of a hostile and intolerant culture, the Christian needs the spirit of power, love and a sound mind to boldly proclaim the gospel of our Lord

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The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a  proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).

What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence? Continue reading “The Response of Faith” →

Our text here consists of a single, convoluted sentence by the apostle. There is much to unpack, but consider these highlights.  First, Paul was encouraged by the reputation of the brethren there at Ephesus. Their faith, and love toward the brethren were strong (15). So, he prayed to God for them. He gave thanks, and he made petitions for them to receive wisdom and understanding. In this they would know of hope (in eternal life), the glory of their eternal inheritance (that eternal abode), and power (of God, who raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand) (16-20).

As a part of his description of the Christ, Paul affirmed His preeminence in verse 21. The Lord has authority and dominion over all, “every name that is named.” His dominion has existed from the time that God sat Him upon the throne at His right hand. He is today King in His kingdom, a truth that some do not grasp. And, His dominion will continue, “not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” 

The first 8 verses of the  12th chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes contains an admonition to “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

Youth is a time of joy, vitality and physical prosperity. The days of the young are the halcyon (idyllically happy and peaceful) days of our lives. They are also the days where decisions can be made and actions can be taken that can make one’s older years a time of unhappiness and loss. Now is the time to turn to God.

As a part of the chapter, a description is given of old age. Those who have lived for decades will be able to relate. For example, verses 1 and 2 speak of evil and dark days without pleasure. With age comes wisdom, but also with a realization of the flawed nature of our earthly existence. We are weighed down by the burdens of life, our lives include the drudgery of heavy responsibilities and the cares of life. These are things of which the young are blissfully unaware. Continue reading “Remember Your Creator While Young” →

The book of Proverbs has many pithy gems of wisdom, including this one, found in 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” These words well illustrate the concept of love that should be the foundation of our interactions with one another.

Jesus words, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), are the basis of this bit of wisdom.

A friend will seek your welfare, even if it requires him to correct you.  An admonition or criticism, if needed, will still hurt (wound). But, as it comes from a friend the intent is recognized, and the wound can bring change and improvement.  So, the wounds of a friend are “faithful.”

Interestingly, one of the most effective tools that Satan and his minions have is flattery. Any praise of our intelligence, our accomplishments, our attractiveness can be used to manipulate and deceive.  We are all vulnerable to these tactics. It is best to be on guard!

Jude talked about false teachers in this way.  “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). The apostles warned of this type, and Jude notes, “These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit” (19).

When receiving criticism OR flattery, the wise man’s words are worthy of consideration.

To view entire sermon on YouTube, click here

To view the entire sermon on YouTube, click here

God has explicitly revealed both requirements and prohibitions for us to heed in our lives to please Him. What God says DO, we must DO. What God says DO NOT, we must DO NOT.

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Lupe Florez shares a message of personal integrity and effort as Christians, as we respond to the gospel, and God’s gift of salvation.

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Love is foundational to our faith as Christians.  It is the basis of all we are and all we do. This is so, because “God is love.” “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

In this we differ from the world.  John develops this truth fully in his first epistle. “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:10-15). Continue reading ““Behold what manner of love”” →