Tri-Annual Singing!
October 17, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Faith
Subject: Faith
Invitation: Our Sufficiency is in Christ
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The 10th chapter of 2 Corinthians is examined to make the point that our sufficiency is not in ourselves, but in the Lord. Therefore, “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (vs. 17)
From the Preacher’s Pen: Fideism
Ron Doss shared with me a word that he recently came across, with which he and I were not familiar. The term was fideity, or fideism. (Interestingly, my spell checker in the computer program I use to prepare this bulletin doesn’t know the term either).
There are two definitions for fideism I want to share with you—both from online dictionaries. 1) exclusive reliance in religious matters upon faith, with consequent rejection of appeals to science or philosophy—dictionary.com; 2) The doctrine that knowledge depends on faith or revelation—oxforddictionaries.com.
The term would be used disparagingly toward Christians, as clearly indicated by the first definition. The question is, is it true? Well, it depends a bit upon the actual definition of the term. According to the second definition, absolutely so! We are dependent upon God’s revelation regarding what is true. Even if such revealed truth is counterintuitive to what we think would be true, we accept revelation above our own thoughts. “Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4). However, if it is claimed that belief in God and His word is contradictory to true science or philosophy, and in order to believe we must be unreasonable, that is categorically untrue. As Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
If you want an example of unreasonable dependence upon faith, how about the idea that all you see today is the result of mere chance? Now that is a true example of fideism!
Sermon: Jesus’ Walk on the Water
The sermon discusses the text of Matthew 14:22-33, and lessons learned (such as the power of faith, and the worthiness of Jesus as Lord and object of our worship).
Sermon: Inheriting the Promises
The promises of God are wonderful and bountiful, but they are also conditional. the ultimate promise is that of heaven. May we have the patience and faith to receive it.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
In the News: Baptism Permits?
In a Fox News (internet) story from August 30, writer Todd Starnes reported:
“The National Park Service began enforcing a policy recently that required churches to obtain special use permits in order to baptize in public waters. As part of the same permit process, the NPS also mandated that churches give the Park Service 48 hours advance notice of pending baptisms.” (story link here)
Missouri Baptists complained vociferously about the restrictions, as it impacted their practice (for generations) of baptizing in area rivers.
The Patternists: The Consequence of Faith in God
Do you believe in an Almighty God who created the universe? Not all men do, but for those who believe in God, there is a consequence to their faith. God exists, so what’s next? The Psalmist said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).
That God who is responsible for our existence deserves praise and obedience, if He so requires it. It is disrespectful of us to acknowledge His existence, and not willingly submit to His will. Consider the punishment of Aaron’s sons who were guilty of disobeying God (cf. Leviticus 10). God killed them because of their disobedience. When Moses explained to Aaron why Nadab and Abihu were destroyed, he quoted God as saying, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3). Aaron understood, and accepted the punishment as just.
The lesson for us? God expects us to carefully follow His instructions. He deserves praise and obedience, and He does indeed require it! In our time, He has granted all authority to His Son Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 28:18). As God Himself said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Those who refuse to listen to the Son, and obey His words are foolish indeed (cf. Matthew 7:26-27).
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
In the News: Demonstrating a Bias
This one is hitting close to home. The San Antonio city council is considering adopting an ordinance that will update their non-discrimination policy. This new ordinance will, if enacted, effectively ban anyone who expresses their faith from involvement in city business. Following is the text of the proposed ordinance:
“No person shall be appointed to a position if the city council finds that such person has, prior to such proposed appointment, engaged in discrimination or demonstrated a bias, by word or deed, against any person, group or organization on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, age, or disability.”
The ordinance adds two new categories to protected status — sexual orientation and gender identity. It also uses the words “demonstrated a bias”, without defining what rises to the level of bias. It is open ended, showing that such “demonstrations” have no expiration date.
The Patternists: The Five Steps to Salvation
The question is as old as the Kingdom itself, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (cf. Acts 2:37). When confronted with the reality of sin, those convicted of their guilt desire to know what they must do to be saved from condemnation.
An examination of God’s word reveals five things to be done for a person to be saved. So, Christians have often referred to the five steps to salvation. This phrase has been ridiculed as simplistic, legalistic, PATTERNISTIC. What it is, is scriptural.
- HEAR. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
- BELIEVE. “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness…” (Romans 10:10).
- REPENT. “Repent…for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38).
- CONFESS. (That “Jesus Christ is the Son of God” Acts 8:37) “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
- BE BAPTIZED. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
The process of passing from death to life begins when an alien sinner hears the good news of Jesus Christ, and is completed when he arises from the waters of baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
For those who object to such a listing of steps to salvation, we ask two simple questions. Are any of the listed steps unnecessary? Did we leave any steps out? In reality, this teaching approach has led to the salvation of multitudes. The gospel is sublime, but simple.
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
Sermon: Increase Our Faith
In Luke 17:5-10, the apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. In response, Jesus challenged them with suggestions to follow that their faith might increase. The lesson discusses those suggestions.
Sermon: Stand Still
In Exodus 14:13, Moses told the people of God to, “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” We must be discerning to know when to press forward, and when to stand still. The phrase is used several times in scripture.
No audio was recorded of this lesson.
Sermon: The Outward Man VS The Inward Man
The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4, explains how, though the outward man is perishing, the inward man is renewed each day.
Sermon: Three Responses to the Gospel
The lesson is a textual sermon on Acts 17, showing the different responses shown to Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica, Berea and Athens.
Sermon: On What Are You Building Your Life?
Jeremiah Cox asks “On what are you building your life?” He then shows through the scriptures the proper foundation for a life that is acceptable to God.
