Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Author: Stan Cox
Minister, West Side church of Christ since August of 1989 ........ Editor of Watchman Magazine (1999-2018 Archives available online @ http://watchmanmag.com) ........ Writer, The Patternists: https://www.facebook.com/ThePatternists
Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?
This past week, I was made aware of an argument, made by some, to contend that Jesus implicitly approved of a homosexual relationship. The account is Luke 7. I would like to examine that text and the argument.
In my research, it seems that the argument has two main features, both based on the meaning of Greek words. The first word is pais. Thayer defines the term — 1) a child, boy or girl. 2) A servant or slave.
Continue reading “Did Jesus Heal a Homosexual Soldier’s Slave?”
The Patternists: You “Ought” To
“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
The English word “ought” is “used to indicate duty or correctness” (Oxford). The Greek word is dei, “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper” (Thayer). It is important to key in on the word “necessary” in the definition, especially as it concerns the context of 1 Timothy 3.
Reasons for Thanksgiving
In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he began by expressing thanksgiving for them. Why was he thankful?
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Because it was fitting (3). In other words, there was a legitimate reason for his joy. Its origin was their conduct in Christ, which he lists in verses 3-4.
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Because their faith was growing exceedingly (3). These Christians hadn’t stalled in their faith as others did and can do today (Hebrews 5:12—6:6). Through diligence and effort, they were making progress, and growing stronger spiritually.
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Because their love for each other was abundant (3). John considered this the primary characteristic identifying the people of God (1 John 4:7-11). The Thessalonians were wonderful examples of the proper response to God’s love. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
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Because they were strong in faith and patience in the midst of tribulation and persecution (10). It is one thing to be strong when the going is easy. It is a true reason to rejoice when faithfulness is seen despite the devil’s attempt to destroy it. The zeal of the Thessalonians was truly praiseworthy.
So, a natural question to ask… Is our congregation one that Paul would “thank God always for”? Are we growing in faith? Abounding in Love? Remaining steadfast despite trials? It is important to be counted “worthy of this calling” (11).
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Sermon: Is the Bible Enough?
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Many churches seem to think that they need to modernize worship, add social programs and entertain to convert souls. This lesson shows that the preaching of the gospel is sufficient in and of itself to save the souls of men.
Sermon: The Eternal Word
In the beginning was the Word. God in the flesh. Jesus is God the Son, as affirmed by Jesus in John 1.
Sermon: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter”
It was traumatic to Peter when the Lord looked at him, and he realized he had denied Him three times. We too seek to avoid such trauma, by rationalizing, covering up, lying about, and hiding our own sins.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Examining Our Claims of Salvation
Each of us should carefully and honestly examine the circumstances surrounding our own claimed conversion, to ensure that what happened is actually what God requires for us to be saved.
Sermon: Proper Attitudes Toward One Another
As we work together as brethren, certain attitudes will help us to be successful in our efforts.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Liberty in Christ Jesus
We have obtained liberty in Christ. Why would anyone want to return to a law that did not bring liberty, but rather bondage?
Lessons from a Barren Fig Tree
In Luke 13, Jesus spoke a parable discussing the need for repentance. He pictured a fig tree that did not bear fruit. The master of the vineyard told the keeper to cut it down, “why does it use up the ground?” (7). The keeper asked for another season to cultivate and fertilize it, with the hope that it would bear fruit. “And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down” (9).
The parable mirrors the petition made by Abraham to God, who had determined to destroy the city of Sodom, (Genesis 18:16-33). Abraham asked that the city be spared if fifty righteous souls could be found. He continued to intercede until God decided to spare the city if only ten righteous souls could be identified. Alas, the city was fully given over to ungodliness, and God destroyed the city.
A couple of things to note about the parable. First, there is no indication whether the master of the vineyard spared the tree for another season. (The petition was made, but we don’t know if it was granted). Second, without a change (from non-fruit bearing to fruit bearing) the fate of the tree was sealed.
How does this parable apply to us? First, we must note that our opportunity to repent is dependent upon God’s longsuffering. We may be granted a stay from judgment, but we have no guarantee beyond today! (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-10). Second, without repentance from our sins, our fate is also sealed. Twice in our context, our Lord said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (3, 5).
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Sermon: Teach Me, O Lord (Psalm 25)
The Psalmist asked God to “show me Your ways”, “teach me Your paths”, “lead me in Your truth.” Jesus has done all of these things for us!
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Sermon: Individuals Helping Individuals
Speaker: Justin Carrell
As Christians, it is our duty and should be our desire to be helpful one to another.
Sermon: Philip’s Work in Samaria (Acts 8)
A study of Philip’s ministry among the Samaritans, recorded in Acts 8.
Sermon: Knowledge VS Love
Knowledge can bring arrogance, if it is not tempered by the love of a Christian. Though knowledge is good, love must be present too, in order to please God.
Guard the Faith
As an evangelist, Timothy had a wonderful teacher, who instructed him in the gospel of Christ. The great apostle Paul took a personal interest in the young man, and called upon Timothy to “Guard what was committed to your trust” (1 Timothy 6:20).
The Greek word translated “Guard,” (or “Keep” in the KJV), means to guard or preserve. An evangelist is certainly not to guard the faith in the sense of keeping it from others. Rather, he is to guard or preserve the integrity of the faith that is committed to his trust.
In fact, the phrase “committed to your trust” indicated that Timothy had a responsibility to pass on to others the exact message of truth that he himself had received. As we consider the extant dangers listed by Paul in the context, “profane and idle babblings”, “contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge”, we see that such corruptions of the truth lead to a disciple straying.
One of the primary responsibilities of the child of God is to, “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Jude speaks of “certain men”, “ungodly men”, who corrupt the truth of God, and in so doing defile themselves, and those who hear them.
As an evangelist, Timothy had a special burden in defending the truth. No man who claims to be an evangelist is worth his salt if he does not stand up to the error that is present in every generation. Not only is a preacher to be a proclaimer, he is to be a guardian of the truth!
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