Author: Stan Cox

We have had the concept of sanctification as a particular touchstone in our preaching the last several months.  The sanctification of God’s people is a primary truth which not only impacts our redemption, but also our responsibilities to God and man.

In Hebrews 10, the writer takes time to establish Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth,  as  prophesied in Psalm 40:6-8. “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, ‘Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.’” In verses 8-10, the Hebrew writer comments on the meaning of the Psalm as it pertains to Christ.  This serves as the grist for these thoughts. Continue reading “Another Point on Sanctification” →

Among Paul’s final exhortations to the Colossians in 4:2 he wrote, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” This reminds us of both the importance of our petitions, and the proper characteristic that should accompany them.

Vigilance is a virtue in prayer. He hears and answers our prayers in His own time. Our continued petitions and willingness to trust in Him as time passes indicates the degree of our faith. “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?” (Luke 18:7 ).

Earnest prayer pleases God. The word is tied in to the Greek word translated continue. Constant prayer should not be ritualistic or empty, it should happen due to our true conviction in its effective nature. As James said about the one who doubts, “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:7-8).

Thanksgiving is the final consideration by Paul. This is something fathers want from their children.  It is a sign of character, not to take for granted what has been graciously supplied. In scripture, God commands it! “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

A Discussion of 1 and 2 Peter, and the things the great apostle intended to remind us about before his passing. 

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A discussion of the question whether Gentiles should be allowed in the Messianic Kingdom (Acts 10, 14, 15)

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An examination of Ephesians 4:29 helps to explain the premise of our article. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Important concepts here are edification and grace. Edification defined is “to build up…the act of one who promotes another’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, happiness.” Such efforts to edify are required by God.  Grace is defined as “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech.” Our language toward one another should be to build up, to be that which will make us better and promote loveliness and righteousness rather than strife.

This is key — this job, this obligation to one another. It is a responsibility every child of God has to strengthen his brothers or sisters. Anything violating such an effort has no place, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.” The next time you are tempted to speak without carefully considering to how it will impact your brother, you need to refrain. God expects us to take great care in how we speak. Continue reading “(6 of 13) Strengthening Each Other” →

Paul’s great teaching on man’s redemption is encapsulated in these few verses. They are plain, though often misunderstood by the biases and twisted theologies of men.  What is affirmed?:

We have been saved by the grace of God. This is God’s love expressed by a freely given gift of salvation. The sin of man brought death upon him, and only God’s mercy can lift that burden.  His justice demanded a sacrifice and God supplied His Son.  This is a fact to which we all give assent.

Salvation is not universal.  It is granted only to those who exhibit faith in Jesus. He is the sole Messiah.  He is God’s chosen, we must not look to another.

With these two truths in hand, we know that we can’t earn our salvation. No one can boast about his standing with God because it comes despite, not because of what we have done.

God has created us to obey.  To do His good works, works that God has determined beforehand we “should walk in them” (10).

In 1 Peter 1, the apostle pronounced a benediction [devout or formal utterance of blessedness] upon God for his “abundant mercy” (3).  According to Peter, this mercy is shown by His giving spiritual life to us, and a “living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (3-5). Continue reading “Abundant Mercy” →

Next Saturday our meeting begins with brother Bruce Reeves of Conway, AR ~ (October 18-23). Considering this effort we examine the purpose of these scheduled events that happen in the spring and fall of each year.

You get a different voice sharing important scriptural truths from God’s word. We invite capable men whose preeminent desire and purpose is to preach the will of God, His Son, and His Spirit. Bruce Reeves will do a wonderful job and probably will reveal those truths in ways, arguments, and illustrations that you have not heard before. (Each man is unique in his presentation as he shares our common faith).

You will receive an extended opportunity to worship God through prayer and song. Each week is a spiritual feast. If you approach the week in this way you may get tired physically, but your spirit will soar with encouragement and revitalization.

You will receive an opportunity to express hospitality and fellowship to one who is preaching the message of the cross. While Bruce will benefit from this show of love and fellowship, you will be blessed even more.  As Paul said, “but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

You will receive the opportunity to share God’s words with the lost. Invite friends and family! They need the Lord’s gospel!

The principle of sanctification is examined as it pertains to the Christian’s involvement in recreational drug use.  God’s call to holiness precludes our involvement!

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A Discussion of the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, recorded in Acts 8.

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All of us understand the importance of friendship. We grasp it when we are young. Perhaps that is why a little child can come tell their parent after an hour’s play, “Mommy, I have a new friend!” This desire and readiness to accept another as a friend, unfortunately, becomes more rare as we get older. Personalities, politics, religion, culture, and biases all begin to erect boundaries. Perhaps personal disappointment or unpleasant experiences make us more cautious and make it harder to foster close relationships.

Disappointed experiences change nothing about the benefit of friendship. We are told, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs 27:6). All of us need a voice we can trust and cherish, knowing that what they say may be difficult to hear, but it is said out of love and concern for us. A voice that comes from someone who we know is looking out for our interests.  In short, a friend. Continue reading “(5 of 13) The Warmth of Friendship” →

The question Paul asks here regards God’s supply or provision of  miraculous gifts to Christians.  Also under consideration were the miracles themselves (as we know confirming the word, and culminating with the resurrection of Christ Himself) cf. Hebrews 2:3-4).

Did God do this under the law of Moses? Or under the New Covenant of Christ? It was by the “hearing of faith” in Jesus Christ, which included salvation both to the Jews and to the Gentiles.

The conclusion is one that Paul argued continually in many places. It is interesting here he uses the miracles that had occurred and continued in the time of the Galatian Christians to make his point. “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (9).

His question to the Galatians is one we must ask ourselves. Why were they returning to the law of Moses, when salvation was through faith in Christ? And, why do so many do the same today!

You are familiar with Jesus’ words to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…” (John 8:31-32). These words create what amounts to a litmus test to establish discipleship.

Let’s define a couple of terms. The first is litmus test. It is “a test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus.” Litmus is a dye that is added to paper, that when touched by acidic liquid turns red, and when touched by alkaline liquid turns blue. It is completely reliable and definitive. As such, the phrase “litmus test” has come to mean a test that decisively indicates a particular nature. Continue reading “The Litmus Test of Discipleship” →

A sermon discussing Titus 3. It show that the proper response to the kindness and love of Christ in His sacrifice to mankind demands a proper response from His disciples, to treat one another with kindness and goodness.

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The book of Ruth shows an obvious respect given to the elderly in that day. This is seen in Ruth leaving her homeland to stay with Naomi as she returned to Israel.

It is seen in Boaz’ treatment of Ruth. While it is certain that Boaz was a noble individual, his treatment of Ruth came in part because of his respect for his Naomi, his kinswoman. When Ruth was identified as the “young Moabite woman who came back with Naomi” (6) he encouraged her to stay and glean in his fields. He was protective of her, and supplied her and Naomi enough to eat. The reason Boaz gave for helping her related to her sacrifice in leaving the land of her birth to “come to a people (Naomi’s) whom you did not know before” (2:11).

Ruth showed respect to Boaz despite his being significantly older, and she sought his favor. He said, “You have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning, in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich” (3:10).

After Boaz wed Ruth, they had a son. The women of the village of Bethlehem had an interesting reaction. “Also the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, ‘There is one born to Naomi.’ And they called his name Obed” (17).

Rather than being dismissed by society, Naomi was revered in her old age. What an example for us to embrace!