Category: Grace

Paul’s salutation in this epistle is similar to other letters he wrote. His letter is addressed to the “saints in Christ Jesus.” The term saint indicates one who has been set apart by God. It denotes those who have been cleansed from sin, and are called to obedience and good works. This is, of course, accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ.

Bishops and deacons are given special note. The term “bishop” is a term used interchangeably with the terms “elder” and “pastor” indicating men who are ordained to the position of oversight in a local congregation. The term deacon indicates a man who is given a special work of service. The term indicates an attendant or servant.

Both of these offices are important, and the men who serve in them are first to be qualified (cf. 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1), and then treated honorably for their work’s sake (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17). It is proper that they were singled out by Paul in his greeting.

Paul, in expressing his desire that they receive grace and peace from God and His Son, relates perhaps the most precious sentiment possible for the Philippians.

Paul begins his epistle to the Ephesians with a few long sentences that are challenging to understand because of their complexity. One sentence covers verses 3-6. Another verses 7-10.

The first two verses of the epistle, however are simple.

Paul starts by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ, and affirms that his apostleship was from God rather than usurped. This was a common claim made by the apostle due to attacks levied by Judaizing teachers.

Paul next identifies his readers as saints. The term signifies a special relationship with Christ, as those who are separated to a life of godliness. Paul regarded the Christians in Ephesus to be faithful to God.

To such brethren, Paul pronounces a blessing. Grace and Peace. There is nothing difficult here, but the sentiment is sublime. God’s undeserved favor, extended ultimately through the death of His Son, is the means through which true Peace is obtained. This shows that the ultimate gifts can come only from God, and, that God indeed has granted such gifts to those who proclaim their fidelity to Him.

This sermon shows that our love for God is the result of the love and benevolence we have received from Him. He has created us, saved us by His grace, sustained us on this earth, and given us hope for a future home with Him.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Christmas approaches. We will soon hear the repeated admonitions to “Remember the reason for the season.” We will not belabor the simple point that Christmas is a man-made holiday. Jesus did not authorize the observance of a day to commemorate his birth.

However, it is appropriate here to admonish all, “Jesus is the reason for every season.” It is absurd for men to believe they honor the Son of God by taking time out once or twice a year to consider His gift to mankind.

As His disciples, we should be ever mindful not only of His birth, but of his perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. These are the things that afford us life and hope. These are the things we ought to remember, and daily offer up praises and thankfulness to Him.

The Sermon explains Bible teaching regarding salvation by Grace. In so doing it refutes Calvinistic and Neo-Calvinistic concepts of Grace.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

A few short truths to take from Paul’s introduction in his second letter to Corinth:

First, Paul’s apostleship was genuine. Here he states as fact what he argued strongly in other places, his apostleship was from God (cf. Galatians 1:1).

Second, the church at Corinth is described as “the church of God.” This is not a denominational name, but a description. It affirms that the church at Corinth belongs to God. It is in this same way (and only in this way) that congregations may identify themselves as churches of Christ (cf. Romans 16:16). The phrase indicates ownership.

Third, the designation “saints” applies to all Christians. It is not limited to a few. All of us, when separated from the world, are called to a holy life. We are sanctified, hence, we are saints. Our lives should demonstrate that calling (cf. Titus 2:11-12).

Fourth, true grace and peace comes from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” We have a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Great things can be learned from every verse in God’s wonderful word.

A proper understanding of why the Christian has hope will dispel much of the religious error surrounding the concept, and will benefit the child of God by increasing his assurance based upon his faith in God.

The basis of the Christian’s assurance is NOT:

• Predestination
• Experiences (Emotions)
• Good Works

Rather, the basis of the Christian’s assurance is the promises of God.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The Sermon is an analysis of the song written by John Newton. Grace:

• Saves
• Teaches
• Keeps us Safe
• Provides Hope
• Speaks of Eternity

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Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

I recently came across a poem titled, “God is Mighty Kind”, written by Carl Flynn. The poem states that although we suffer in this life, God is merciful, and grants us bountiful blessings. Note the following verse:

“For every dark and stormy day
A week of days are fair;
However chill the clouds and gray
‘Tis always bright somewhere.

This is something to remember. Especially when we become burdened from time to time with the cares and trials of our lives. No matter how bad it may be at any one time, we all have been wonderfully blessed by our God in heaven. Remember the promise, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Stan

The Apostle Paul used Sarah and Hagar to express some important truths concerning the change in law from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. The application is important here. 1) Do not allow yourself to be entangled in bondage to the law; 2) Do not use the Liberty of Christ as a liscense to sin.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Below is the material used in our recently completed Vacation Bible School.  Any who would like to use this material for their own school or studies are more than welcome.  The materials were created by members of the West Side congregation.  (Please note the acknowledgments at the end of this post).
This class consists of five lessons taught at West Side from June 23-27, 2008.  Stan Cox taught the adult class of the 2008 Vacation Bible School.

The VBS followed the theme:  “Growing in Grace.”

Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources in this course of study include Powerpoint presentations and Audio files in the mp3 format of the adult class, and classbooks used in the childrens’ classes.
Lesson 1 – Growing in Grace Through Jesus

* A Loving Relationship With God
* Cultivating a Relationship With God
* Relationship Myths
* How the Relationship is “Entered”
* Conclusion: Press On!

Lesson 1 – Growing in Grace Through Jesus (PPT)

Lesson 1 – Audio (mp3)

Lesson 2 – Growing in Grace Through The Knowledge of God’s Word

* What We Get from God’s Word
* Facts About the Bible
* Get A Plan (Just Do It!)
* Our Desire to Know God and His Word
* Conclusion: Live the Word!

Lesson 2 – Growing in Grace Through a Knowledge of God’s Word (PPT)

Lesson 2 – Audio (mp3)

Lesson 3 – Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Disciplines

* Prayer
* A Formula for Prayer – A.C.T.S.
* Keep a Journal
* Memorize Scripture
* What Is Your Focus?
* Conclusion: Discipline Yourself!

Lesson 3 – Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Disciplines (PPT)

Lesson 3 – Audio (mp3)

Lesson 4 – Growing in Grace Through Obedience

* Examples of Authority
* The Authority of Christ
* Obedience
* Conclusion: Obey God!

Lesson 4 – Growing in Grace Through Obedience (PPT)

Lesson 4 – Audio (mp3)

Lesson 5 – Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Maturity

* The Example of Jesus
* Growing as a Christian
* Exemplify Christ in…
* Conclusion: Live a Life of Sobriety and Purity!

Lesson 5 – Growing in Grace Through Spiritual Maturity (PPT)

Lesson 5 – Audio (mp3)

Note:  In addition to the Powerpoint and Audio of the Adult class, other materials were prepared for the VBS.  Primary among these was a curriculum written by one of the members of the West Side congregation, Tracy Gallman.  Sister Gallman did a wonderful job with the lessons, and they were published in booklet form using the Microsoft Publisher program.  The adult class powerpoints were developed using this curriculum as the base.  Links to the booklet, as used by students from 3 grade through high school, another version for 1-2 graders, and other materials are listed below.  Feel free to use, and feel free to modify the materials to personalize for your congregation if you desire to utilize the material.  However, please do not alter the content, and please give proper credit to sister Gallman for the material, and sister Jade Calvert for the art work.

* VBS Student Book (Grades 3 through 12) (Microsoft Publisher)
* VBS Student Book (Grades 1 through 2) (Microsoft Publisher)
* VBS Circular (Advertisement) (Microsoft Publisher)
* VBS Bookmarks (Microsoft Publisher)

On April 1, 2008, an article was posted to the website of Plain Truth Ministries. (To read the article, click here). The article was written by Monte Wolverton. It is titled, “Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?”

The article quotes a survey study by Ellison Research, which it states is a “Christian research firm” located in Phoenix, AZ. The survey sampled over 1000 adults, and came to the conclusion that most Americans believe in sin.

However, Americans vary widely in what they believe to be sin. Consider the following:

• 81% believe adultery is sin.
• 74% believe that racism is sin.
• 65% believe using hard drugs is sin.
• 41% believe that smoking marijuana is sin.
• 41% believe getting drunk is sin.
• 14% believe drinking alcohol is sin.
• 56% believe having an abortion is sin.
• 52% homosexuality is sin.
• 30% believe gambling is sin.
• 4% believe that dancing is sin.

Continue reading “In The News: Is It a Sin or is It Just Stupid?” →

Titus 2:11-15

Our text contains a wonderful explanation of grace, and what it means for man.

First, grace brings salvation. Man can not save himself, he can not earn his redemption. But, God freely gave His son to die in our stead. This is grace. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, allowing us to be spared an eternity in hell.

Second, grace is available to all men. It is not limited only to the Jew. All men have access to the saving grace of God.

Third, grace does not excuse us from personal responsibility. The idea of cheap grace, so popular today, is false. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Rom. 6:1-2). Rather, Paul says that grace teaches us to deny worldly lusts, and live “soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”

Finally, as recipients of grace, we have hope as we look for the second advent of our “great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Jesus Christ came to earth, taking on the form of man, and suffering humiliation and suffering, that we might be forgiven, and gain access to the blessings of fellowship with God.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .