Category: Godliness

The apostle Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). In these words are found the response of every Christian to the gift of grace. We have the hope of salvation because of what God has granted to us. Our response is an ordering of our lives: “we should live soberly, righteously and godly.”

The definition of the word godly is minimally helpful. The term refers to piety, devotion and reverence. More helpful are the verses that describe the kind of life that characterizes the Christian profession. For example, when considering the proper role model for a godly life, we consider Jesus Himself. Peter wrote, “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Jesus was guileless (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-24), and pure (cf. 1 John 3:1-3). In His life, and in His death, He always sought to do the will of His Father in heaven (cf. John 15:10).

Continue reading “Living Godly Lives” →

On Wednesday a family friend passed from this life to his reward. His name is Jay Bowman, and I have known him since I was 9 years old. Jay came to preach for the small Westridge congregation in Odessa where my family and I had recently started to attend.

A number of years ago, Jay contracted Parkinson’s disease, and over the last several years his health had declined. He broke a hip a month ago, and from that point deteriorated rapidly. He was buried in Lubbock yesterday.

You probably have heard of his brother Dee Bowman. Dee holds lots of meetings, and is well known as a charismatic and interesting speaker. Jay was not as well known, but labored faithfully for congregations in Odessa, Abilene and Midland, TX before retiring. His Parkinson’s affected his voice, and made it difficult to preach full time.

Jay, and his wife Glenda were greatly respected and loved by many, including my family. Jay was a very quiet and unpretentious man. He was a true scholar, one of the preeminent Greek scholars in the brotherhood. He was a capable speaker, though almost an opposite in style to his brother. Most of all, he personified what it means to be a Christian man. He was kind, compassionate and good. I have often said that his example served as a primary motivation for me to become a preacher. He will be missed.

His wife Glenda, son Philip, and Philip’s wife and kids, live in the Lubbock area. I would appreciate your saying a prayer for the family at their great loss.

Thursday night we went to see my nephew Darryl play in the Division 3A state championship game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. For the third straight year The Yoemen won the championship with a 70-40 victory.

This year was a bit different for the family. Darryl was on the team last year as a freshman, but did not play in the game. This year he was a starter on defense, and contributed a fumble recovery and 7 or 8 tackles in what was a dominating performance by the Cameron team.

Obviously his mom and dad are proud. Darryl is a very good athlete, and will continue to impress on the football field in seasons to come, Lord willing. Having said that, there was one moment, just after the game was over, that made all of us even more proud of him. As the two teams gathered at midfield and kneeled down, Darryl (as a sophomore) was asked to lead the two teams, all the cheerleaders, coaches and other participants in a prayer of thanksgiving.

That showed me that Darryl is living in such a way as to glorify God, and be known as a young man of faith (cf. Matthew 5:14-15). While it is one thing to dedicate yourself to excellence on the football field, it is quite another, more important thing to live a godly life that is recognized and appreciated by others! “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

1 Timothy 4:7-8 indicates that when we exercise ourselves toward godliness it profits us during this life (a wonderful benefit), but most importantly in the life which is to come!

Audio

I remember when playing sports in high school, one of the coaches referred to the fatigue after a workout as being a “good tired.” There was a feeling of accomplishment, and the realization that while the muscles were fatigued, progress had been made.

I must confess after the last month to feeling a “good tired” spiritually. Having preached several gospel meetings, listened to a week of preaching at the feet of brother Jerry Fite, and then attending meetings in Stonewall, LA, and at Woodmont, we then had our quarterly singing last night. So, I am ready to take a breath, and rest for a little while. But, it is a good tired. We have had many opportunities the past several weeks to exercise our spiritual muscles, and I hope that you too have taken advantage!

The apostle Paul once wrote, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:7-9).

How do you exercise yourself toward godliness? Meetings, Bible study, singing and prayer are all important. However, in the context, the contrast is between godliness and the profane. It is in the application of God’s standard of righteousness that spiritual muscles are strengthened. Think of how silly it would be for someone to read about exercise, and think the reading to be sufficient to build physical muscles. You have to apply the principles by actually doing the work! The same is true with applying the principles from God’s word (cf. James 1:25). Try it, it’s a “good tired!”.

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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?

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

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.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Senator Harry Reid was quoted this past week as saying that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was like a used salesmen, in that he was willing to say absolutely anything to get elected. (Just like a used car salesman is stereotyped as being willing to say anything to sell a car).

I got a kick out of the appearance of a used car salesman on FOX News following the remark. The man strenuously objected to how he and his fellow used car salesmen were characterized, and suggested that their reputation far surpasses the current view the American people have about the U.S. congress.

Continue reading “In the News: Used Car Salesmen” →

The sermon uses Paul’s exhortation to godly living in 1 Timothy 4:7-9 as a basis for needed admonitions. Paul contrasted godly living with physical exercise. Things such as physical exercise, money, education and tradition all have a “little profit.” However, they are also subject to abuse. In contrast, godliness is “profitable for all things.”

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

This lesson by Stan was based on an article written by Joe Price. In recognizing that one has no control over his reputation, Stan establishes that the most important thing is to establish yourself as righteous in character. Reputation is only what others think you to be, Character is what you are, and God knows how you truly are.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This sermon by Josh Cox examines the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to determine the characteristics that make for Spiritual Maturity. (Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love).

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

2 Peter 1:5-11

Here the apostle Peter calls Christians to add to themselves various righteous characteristics. The list includes: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

Peter indicates they are to do this for “this very reason”, referring back to the previous verses where eternal promises are alluded to as being given by God’s divine power. In effect, the promise of redemption and hope of heaven are our motivation to living a godly life. Considering what God has done for us in sending Jesus leads us to diligence, that we might mature into the disciples God would have us to be.

Verses 8-11 indicate that these promises are conditional, but sure. If we add these characteristics to the foundation, faith; there is no doubt as to what we will receive. “For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom…” (vs. 11).

It is our choice. Will we choose apathy, leading to spiritual blindness and apostasy? Or, will we choose zeal, leading to a sure standing with God, and an eternal abode with our “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?

Sermon based on the text of Ephesians 4:17-24. The new man of God is to live a life characterized by righteoueness.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Jeroboam convinced the Northern Tribes that it was too much to ask them to return to Jerusalem to worship God. Instead he fashioned golden idols, and introduced idolatry to the nation of Israel. (cf. 1 Kings 12). It is often claimed that God requires too much of us. Is it true? This sermon establishes that what God requires is reasonable and doable for the Christian.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

AOTS Number 24

As Christians, we are held by our God to a higher standard. It is appropriate for us to work on our faults, and conquer them that we might please God.

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Podcast Number 43

King David was an adulterer and a murderer. Still, the Bible calls David a man “after God’s own heart”. How could this be?

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