Author: Stan Cox
COVID-19 (32) Learning from Juneteenth
President Abraham Lincoln signed his Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves, on January 1, 1863. However, many slaves remained in bondage as the Civil War raged on, as many refused to acknowledge the authority of Lincoln to do what he did.
General Robert E. Lee surrendered his southern army to General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia on April 9, 1865, though Civil War hostilities actually continued up to 16 months following that surrender. Texas had not suffered as much as many of the southern states, and was last to reestablish a state government acknowledging the authority of the federal government. This occurred in August of 1866.
Sermon: What God Values in Man
What Does God Value in Man? Eyes of humility. A tongue of truth. Hands that do honest work. A good heart. Cautious feet. Those who advocate for justice and mercy, A maker of peace. That is what God values.
Sermon: Paul’s Prayer for the Colossians (1:9-14)
The lesson is a discussion of Paul’s prayer, in (1:9-14), where he prayed that the Colossians would be filled with knowledge, walk worthily, and be strengthened.
Covid-19 (31) – How Do People View You?
I have an interesting question to ask you. How do people view you? And, is it important to know that? Ultimately, does it matter? There actually is a Bible answer to the second question, which we will discuss. You will have to answer the first by examining yourself, and trying to look at your words and actions as others do.
First, does it matter? Well, in one way yes, and another way no. Consider Paul’s words, “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthiansa 4:3-4). God will judge us. Because of this, we must ultimately please Him alone. If we are pleasing Him, then it doesn’t matter if others condemn us. All that matters is God is pleased.
However, that doesn’t give us carte blanche to go around acting obnoxiously, with no concern what others might think. Consider that God requires us to concern ourselves with how others might view us. In other words, to please God we need to please men, within certain parameters.
Sermon: Nehemiah – A Man for His Time
Nehemiah was the right man in the right place and time for his service to God. He had a heart of compassion and concern for God’s people, and the confidence to provide for them with God’s protection and help.
Sermon: May the Lord Bless You
A discussion of Psalm 20. A petition from the Psalmist that his readers might be protected and defended, may be strengthened, that God may accept them, and answer their prayers, and ultimately that they might be saved.
COVID-19 (30) Be Careful
In Titus 3, Paul gave instructions to the evangelist Titus. He wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
The frequency
Paul told Titus to affirm the truth constantly. The phrase is not translated consistently by English versions. While the KJV and NKJV say to “affirm constantly”, the ESV says “to insist”, and the ASV to “affirm confidently.” Young’s Literal translation says, to “affirm fully.” Regardless of the different words used, the translations are not far apart in expressing the intent of Paul’s admonition.
Sermon: Resolve to Stand
Regardless of the opposition of the world, and of Satan himself, we as Christians will be victorious if only we resolve to stan with Christ!
Sermon: Fundamental Truths About the Church
This lesson discusses the Who? What? When? Where? and Why? about the Lord’s church.
COVID-19 (29) Why Are You Cast Down?
The first verse of Psalm 43 reads, “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” It is a natural petition made by a man of God to His Master. The word “vindicate” comes from a Hebrew word which indicates a request for God to undertake his cause, to ensure that justice is done in his conflict with his enemy.
Sermon: Put God First!
If we give God the first hour of every day, the first day of every week, the first portion of every paycheck, the first consideration in every decision and the first place in our hearts, then we will understand what it is to be putting God first in our lives.
COVID-19 (28) God is Our Refuge and Strength
During times of national and global distress, Psalm 46 is the believer’s friend. The Psalmist wrote:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (1-3).
Those who place their trust in God have no need to fear, no matter the dangers that lurk. Surely what we are suffering through today does not compare to the removal of the earth or the casting of the mountains into the sea? God’s helps those who are His. We can trust Him.
Continue reading “COVID-19 (28) God is Our Refuge and Strength”
Sermon: Give a Defense
The lesson examines Peter’s admonition to be ready to defend the hope that lies within you. (1 Peter 3:15).
Sermon: Why Jesus Came
There are a number of answers which Jesus Himself supplied while on earth. This lesson examines the reasons Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago.
Sermon: King Abijah
A discussion of Abijah’s war speech, and his ultimate victory, described in the text of 2 Chronicles 13. From this we learn the important truth: God determines the Victors!
