Category: Subject Index

Last week I wrote a lengthy article titled “An illogical attitude toward the Bible.“

The article was in response to another article titled “Evangelicals are Losing the Battle for the Bible. And They’re Just Fine With That.”

Consider the ramifications of that title. Evangelicals as a group have always contended that the Bible is inspired of God and inerrant. A new generation of Evanglicals are disavowing that position. The article states that the issues leading to this change in thinking revolve mainly around social issues. The Bible condemns homosexuality, contends for specific and different gender roles for men and women, and contends that the Bible was created by the fiat of God in seven days. These positions are rejected by society today. Young evangelicals, swayed by current mores, are accepting the wisdom of men, and rejecting what they perceive to be foolishness contained in God’s word.

In so doing, they deny the words of Paul, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ Therefore let no one boast in men“ (1 Corinthians 3:19-21).

Those who reject the Lord’s words are rejecting the Lord Himself! Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Matthew 27:32-54, Matthew narrates the crucifixion of Christ. This invitation is a reading of the narrative, with the invitation to take advantage of that sacrifice for our sins.

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“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins”(2 Peter 1:9).

Peter wrote these words after exhorting his readers to spiritual maturity. It is important to add to your faith by incorporating characteristics such as: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (cf. vs.5-7).

Lacking these things brings about spiritual myopia. Short or near sightedness. The inability to see far away (spiritually speaking).

The Christian has the hope of heaven. The best way to keep that hope in view is through spiritual growth. If we grow spiritually, we will receive and abundant and everlasting reward! (cf. vs. 11).

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The Sermon analyzes the letters of the Lord to the seven church of Asia, found in Revelation 2 & 3.

The letters emphasize Jesus’ knowledge of the works of the churches, His call for some to repent, and His promise of reward to the faithful.

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All of the things that God requires of us, Jesus did first. He leads the way, He is our trailblazer. He blazed the trail of:

* Obedience
* Sacrifice
* Love
* Forgiveness
* Resisting Temptation

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This past week I read an extended article from the Los Angeles Review of Books website, titled “Evangelicals Are Losing the Battle for the Bible. And They’re Just Fine With That”, by Jim Finch. The article is rather lengthy, and notes a trend among evangelicals, (a group which has historically contended for the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible), toward a more modernistic view of scripture. Today, many who consider themselves evangelicals no longer regard the Bible as “inerrant, dictated by God, historically accurate in all of its claims or even internally consistent with itself.”

It is not surprising to note that many reject the inspiration of scripture. Modernists, secularists, and proponents of other religions have always done so. However, it is a far different matter when individuals who claim to be respectful of the Bible reject the same. This is a highly illogical and intellectually unsustainable position.

Continue reading “An illogical attitude toward the Bible” →

Gossip is one of the most diabolical and destructive of sins. It is extremely common, it is often accompanied by disavowal and rationalization, and it can and does lay waste to relationships of all types. “A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:28).

It is for this reason that gossip is condemned in scripture. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

Gossip dies when it hits the ears of a wise person

The way to kill gossip is to refuse to participate in the ritual.

The wise man wrote, “A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13). May each of us heed the words of the Psalmist, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox ~

In 1 Corinthians 9:24 Paul uses the metaphor of a race to explain the fact that Christians should have a total commitment to obtaining the prize of eternity in Heaven.

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The sin of evil suspicion, or evil surmising (KJV), as listed in 1 Timothy 6, is divisive, destructive, and to be refused by faithful Christians.

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While powerful, the devil is not the evil antithesis of God. While God is omniscient, the devil is limited in knowledge, and is fallible. His pride is his downfall. We can be successful in resisting him.

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There are many moral issues that have cropped up in the news this past week. Some of these concern the politics of our day, but one in particular is certainly appropriate for this space.

Many younger Christians thoroughly enjoy superhero comic books, and lately, the movies that are being adapted from the material. CGI and other sophisticated special effects make for a much more believable Superman and Batman than cinematic treatments of previous decades.

Marvel has been especially successful in bringing superheroes to the big screen. Characters such as Captain America, Iron Man, Spider Man, the Hulk and Thor have captured the imagination of a new generation, and made hundreds of millions of dollars for the Marvel company.

Continue reading “In the News: Should We Watch? (Deadpool)” →

In Esther 4:14, Mordecai, Queen Esther’s older cousin and father figure told her, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

This question was the culmination of Mordecai’s exhortation to Esther that she petition the king to save the Jews, who were targeted for perdition. Esther was initially resistant, fearing the wrath of her husband. However, at Mordecai’s words she said, “And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” (vs. 16).

Regarding God’s providence, His will shall be done in all things. This is clear from the true statement uttered by Mordecia, “relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews.”

Consider that Mordecai was more concerned about the personal salvation of his younger cousin. While God’s will would be accomplished, it was important for her that she seek to assist God in His work.

The same is true for us. God has chosen to save the world through the preaching and influence of His people. Souls will be saved, and God’s will shall be done. The question is, will you be a part of that work? Your own salvation may depend upon it! “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul uses the little word “ought” to establish that God will hold us accountable for our actions.

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God has saved us, both Jew and Gentile, by Grace. This extension of God’s mercy, as seen in Romans 12, requires a submissive response on our part.

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The world we live in is truly profane. As Christians we need to take care that we not be corrupted by worldly influences.

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