Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)
Luke 9 narrates an amazing event, the transfiguration of Jesus, and His conversation with Moses and Elijah. The event ends with the Father’s endorsement of His Son. “Hear Him.”
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Sermon: The Progression of Sin (Romans 1)
A Discussion of Romans 1 showing how sin grows worse and worse, and the end of those who refuse to repent
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Sermon: Transporting the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 13,15)
When David determined to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he first disregarded the “proper order” but later acknowledged his error as the Ark was brought by the Levites into the city.
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Sermon: But Now After You Have Known God (Galatians 4:8-9)
Jehovah God is knowable through His person and His actions. It is an honor to know Him. Question is, does He know you?
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The Passion of Gospel Preaching
In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?. It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture. Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging. Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text. The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied. God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.
The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it. It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15). However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.” For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16). The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls! If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!
A Mistaken View of the Old Testament
Some religious people believe the Old Testament to still be in effect. If not for all men, then at least for the Jewish people. While we believe the Law to be from God, and an important part of our story of redemption, Paul made it very clear that its authority was only temporary. This truth is taught time and again in scripture, but a very interesting argument on the matter is made by Paul in Galatians 3:15-18:
“Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise” (Galatians 3:15-18).
Sermon: Straight Answers to Questions About Modesty
A discussion of the topic of modest dress, especially as it concerns sexually alluring or insufficiently covering articles of clothing.
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Sermon: Learning Contentment (Philippians 4:10-13)
A discussion of Philippians 4:10-13 applying Paul’s contentment in prison, and his recognition that with God’s help he could not be thwarted in his efforts to please Him, to our own lives.
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What Our Church Needs!
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he expressed the type of Christians that please God, categorized by age and gender. Consider the following verses:
“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:1-10).
First, note the phrase “sound doctrine.” The word ‘sound’ means “to be well, to be healthy, figuratively, to be uncorrupt, true in doctrine.” These things are as they should be. They are God’s desires rather than the desires of men. These are things we disregard at our own peril. Consider further these thoughts: Continue reading “What Our Church Needs!”
Clearly Evident
“Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (1 Timothy 5:24-25),
The premise of Paul’s words here is very simple, you can’t hide either your obedience or disobedience from God! “But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who ‘will render to each one according to his deeds’”… “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (Romans 2:5-6,16). Continue reading “Clearly Evident”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:16-21
The calling in Christ is described by Paul here. In calling, we must determine how we are called. It is through the gospel of Christ. God is not capricious, giving his grace to some, but denying it to others. The reason why so many who are humanly wise, mighty and noble are not of the elect is they choose not to be! They trust and depend upon themselves rather than upon God (cf. Proverbs 16:18).
God champions the humble. What He considers to be valuable differs greatly from the world’s definition of value. God chooses that which indicates man’s dependence upon Him, rather than things which promote selfishness and arrogance. Why? “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (29).
Accepting God’s wisdom, His righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), and the blessings that accrue from our relationship to Him, this is what God desires for us. Don’t glory in yourself (pride); instead, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (31).
“…We could no longer endure it”
Paul was a man motivated by love and concern for others, especially his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This is evident from his life of ministry, going to various congregations to preach to them, writing letters, and sending his companions when he couldn’t go himself to help them during trials or difficulties. One example of this is 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3:
“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
Can you imagine a love for your brethren so strong that concern for their well being troubles you beyond the point of endurance? So, Paul sent Timothy to help them by establishing them in the faith, and encouraging them.
He did not want their faith to be shaken. It is the lot of all of us to suffer tribulation. The help of our brethren can aid our maintaining faithfulness despite such trials.
To our point, do you have the same love for your brethren that Paul exhibited? We are spiritual family! (cf. Matthew 12:46-50).
Sermon: Meditations on God’s Laws
A wonderful passage of scripture, Psalm 119:97-104 is discussed, showing the benefits of immersing yourself in God’s law, and proper attitude of the disciple.
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Sermon: (Short) Useless Wrangling (1 Timothy 6:5)
In this short lesson, Stan examines Paul’s teaching, showing that as a Christian we must honor others rather than acting in self-centered, divisive ways.
