Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Defense/Truth
Subject: Defense of Truth
“Holding Fast” the Faithful Word
In Titus 1:9, there is a phrase used to describe a qualification for elders, which should be present in every Christian. The elder must hold fast the “faithful word.” Though they are not alone in the requirement, it is especially important for an elder to be able and willing to defend the truth.
The phrase “hold fast” is taken from a single Greek word. Vine defines that term — to hold firmly to, cleave to.
The word that is to be cleaved to is the “faithful” (pistos) word. Vine’s says that in the context of Titus 1:9, this word is — faithful, to be trusted, reliable.
The “word” (logos) is a common word here used to refer to the sayings of God. In effect, the doctrine delivered by the Holy Spirit. This is why it can be trusted, or relied upon. As Peter states, “…no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This defense of God’s word is possible when one “has been taught.” This emphasizes the needed teaching in our churches, and the importance of any man who would be an elder to be familiar with the doctrine of Christ.
The reason for this is seen in the phrase, “that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.” No man should occupy the office of elder who is not able both to correct the misunderstandings and actions of the flock, and to protect against false teachers.
Click below to…
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
Sermon: Taught and Established
Peter wrote in 2 Peter 14-18 that untaught and unstable people may twist the scriptures to their destruction. This shows us how important it is to be taught, and established in the faith.
Sermon: The Sovereignty of God
An explanation of the Bible doctrine of God’s sovereignty, together with a refutation of false teaching regarding the same. (Specifically, the erroneous view espoused by Calvinists).
The Patternists: Is There a Difference Between Gospel and Doctrine?
Back in the 1970’s, brethren were troubled by the teaching of men, the most famous being Carl Ketcherside, who taught a bifurcation of the gospel of Christ and the doctrine of the church. This has long been a popular view held by many in the denominations. If you have ever heard someone say that unity in doctrine is not important so long as we all accept Jesus as our Savior, you have heard this position taken.
Some say, “You have to believe in the resurrected Jesus, but you don’t have to agree on whether baptism is for believers or it can include infants too.” Or, “You can differ on whether to take the Lord’s Supper every Sunday or twice a year.” Or, “God doesn’t care if you use an mechanical instrument in musical worship or not!”
Continue reading “The Patternists: Is There a Difference Between Gospel and Doctrine?”
The Patternists: Entrusted with the Gospel
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He contrasted the “gospel of God” (vs. 2) with error, uncleanness, deceit, flattering words, and a cloak of covetousness. He wrote, “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (vs. 8).
This careful treatment of the gospel of God is described by the apostle as devout, just and blameless behavior (cf. vs. 10). It must be understood that his work was the work of an apostle, having been given the responsibility to witness Jesus to the world. Paul had been given the gift of inspiration, joining others in writing the scripture which constitutes the new covenant of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). Peter noted the nature of this work, writing, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). This work was also contrasted with false apostles. Notice Paul’s words about them:
Continue reading “The Patternists: Entrusted with the Gospel”
Persuasive Words
In Colossians 2, the apostle Paul expressed his desire for the church in Colosse as well as Laodicea, that they might have an understanding of the mystery of God. His reason for this is simple:
“Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words” (Colossians 2:4).
The nature of religious and philosophical error is that it can be persuasive. I once heard a gospel preacher talk about a particular false teacher who had some influence in the 1970’s. Regarding this errorist, and his effect on young college students, the preacher said that if you gave him 20 minutes he could convince those vulnerable students that white was black and black was white.
This is how error works. It exploits (2 Peter 2:3). It entices (2 Peter 2:14). It consists of “great swelling words of emptiness” (2 Peter 2:18).
False teachers “allure” (2 Peter 18). They serve “only themselves” (Jude 12). They “mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16).
Edification is the only protection we have against such evil influences. We must be “building [our]selves up on [our] most holy faith” (Jude 20). Using the language of our text, “attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in who are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
May we all work at having such an understanding of the truth.
Click below to…
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2020, Jeremiah Cox
The following lessons were preached from November 1-6, 2020 during the West Side Fall Meeting.
Brother Jeremiah Cox is the evangelist for the Elm Street church of Christ in El Reno, Oklahoma. He and his wife Zoe and little girl Collins live in Yukon, OK.
Sunday Sermon in two parts
Boldness to Enter the Holiest (Hebrews 10)
Sunday Class
Asking for Wisdom in Faith (James 1)
Monday
The Defense for My Hope
Tuesday
Walking in the Light (1 John 1)
Wednesday
Memories from Home
Thursday
The Generic Jesus
Friday
If They Were Here, What Would They Say?
War and Making War in the Church
Webster defines the word polemic – “An aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another. The art or practice of disputation or controversy.” Describing the etymology of the word, “When polemic was borrowed into English from French polemique in the mid-17th century, it referred (as it still can) to a type of hostile attack on someone’s ideas. The word traces back to Greek polemikos, which means “warlike” or “hostile” and in turn comes from the Greek noun polemos, meaning “war.”
This Greek noun polemos is used in James 4. “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:1-2).
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).
The Patternists: Destructive Heresies
I came across an interesting discussion on Facebook the other day. Someone had posted an article that was critical of Joel Osteen, the charismatic TV preacher from Houston, calling him a false teacher.
In the comments there were efforts on the part of several to defend the man and his teaching. These efforts ranged from characterizing his lack of scripture in preaching as “paraphrasing to make it more understandable”, to decrying those critical because they were “judging him when they have never met him”, to referencing his 20,000 strong Sunday services and prolific TV, radio and podcast messages as evidence of His being anointed by God and blessed by Him.
We are living in a time where our culture has greatly impacted our view of God, grace and judgment. These apologists were not parroting godly principles, but an attitude of tolerance for all that has its genesis in popular culture rather than the Bible.
“But for you it is safe”
“…For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Paul repeated a message in his letter to the Philippians, revisiting a theme that was common for him to discuss. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation…” (vs. 2).
Have you ever thought about why a preacher might repeat the same messages over and over and over? Have you thought that surely he must be tired of covering the same themes and subjects? I fear that some men do burn out. After all, I shouldn’t have to tell the brethren over and over again. Once or twice should suffice!
But, Paul said “to write the same things to you is not tedious.” He was fine with the repetition. The warnings, (“beware”), are found in every letter. Again and again and again. Yet he did not wane in his diligent efforts to warn them about false teachers, doctrinal error, and evil men. He told the Philippians why — ”but for you it is safe.”
The Holy Spirit knows the danger of error; how the false teacher destroys faith; how the devil is ever on the prowl. Some tire of preaching the warning, and others tire of listening to it. They impatiently say “I know, I know!” when the warning is offered. Yet, the importance of the constant “beware” remains. It is to make you safe. It is important. When the warning comes, please listen!
Click below to…
Walk in Wisdom
“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).
This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.
The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.
The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.
Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.
Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!
Click below to…
Sermon: The Clarity of Revelation
The lesson answers two questions using the scriptures:
-
Is scripture sufficiently clear to be understood by man?
-
Is our understanding relative? Does a lack of understanding on our part excuse false teaching or sinful action?
We must defend the truth of God’s word against those who teach error. False doctrine cannot be tolerated among the people of God.
Sermon: Dealing with Difficult Passages
Some passages of scripture are difficult to understand, and must be approached carefully. The lesson talks about suggestions in preparation for such studies, the studies themselves, and the potential for trouble in the aftermath of such study. The lesson is intended to be practical in nature.
