Category: Subject Index

The account of Samson’s fall and imprisonment by the Philistines teaches some important truths about sin:

1) Sin will always take you farther than you want to go.
2) Sin will always keep you longer than you want to stay.
3) Sin will always cost you more than you intended to pay.

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Another mass shooting took place on Wednesday morning, in San Bernardino, CA. Two shooters killed 14 and injured 17 others. At this writing, authorities are looking into the motivation and circumstances behind the killing.

We are living in fractious times. Each scary situation foments partisan rhetoric, and America is deeply divided as to how to deal with mass shootings and terrorist activity in our nation. It seems that ideologues are breathlessly waiting for that moment when they can triumphantly proclaim each incident as “domestic” or “Islamic” terrorism. It is as if the motivations of violent and often deranged criminals serve to validate their narrative. This is sad.

Continue reading ““God Isn’t Fixing This” ???” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In Colossians 4:12-13 Paul identifies Epaphras as a friend to the Colossians. He said he was always “laboring fervently for you in prayers.” An interesting way to describe the act of prayer – as labor.

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Last week a mentally unbalanced man named Robert Dear killed three people in Colorado City, Colorado. The location of the attack was a Planned Parenthood clinic.

The statement above contains one assumption, that the man was mentally unbalanced. It is admittedly an assumption, but there are a number of facts that seem to bear out the assessment. First, there is the deranged look of the man in his booking photos. Second, there is the characterization of the man’s interaction with police which was described in numerous press reports as incoherent ramblings. Finally there are the descriptions of witnesses of a man who was a loner, a recluse who lived by himself in an isolated shack without plumbing or electricity. In many ways, he seems reminiscent of the “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski.

Continue reading “In the News: The Colorado City Murders” →

The Bible clearly reveals that it is a sin to entertain bitterness in our hearts as children of God. Consider the following passages:

(Ephesians 4:31), “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

(Hebrews 12:14-15), “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

We see bitter and hateful words in the day’s political rhetoric, in Facebook comments and online discussions, and in the words that pass between men and women in the streets of our country.

It is fine for a child of God to hold a political opinion, to stand for what is right and to stand against what is wrong. It is sinful, however, for a child of God to descend to hatefulness and bitterness in tone, words or actions. There is no provocation or evil that is visited upon us by the ungodliness of men that can justify an unseasoned tongue or action from God’s people.

Please think of that before you pen or share your next post, or as you are talking around a cup of coffee in your local cafe. We are to be the salt of the earth. Remember, “if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13b).

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It is comforting to read the many assurances found in God’s word concerning His power, and beneficence toward those who belong to Him. One example of this is found in Isaiah 35:2-3:

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, you God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.'”

In the midst of uncertain and disturbing times, we cast our confidence in the Almighty God. Jesus has come as a Savior, and will come again to judge the ungodly, and “to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The text of Ephesians 2:1-10 is examined to provide a concise summary of God’s scheme of redemption for mankind.

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The URGENCY of the Gospel is seen in:

* The Plan of Salvation before Creation.
* The Compassion of the Christ
* The Crucifixion of the Christ
* The Exaltation of the Christ
* The Future Coming of the Christ
* The Christ’s Charge to the Church

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In 1 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul realistically predicted the reaction of most people to the message of the cross. He wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (18). Many times when I have preached a simple lesson on some aspect of truth, I will be asked by a brother or sister in Christ, “How can anyone in their right mind reject such an obvious truth?” The answer is given by Paul, it is foolishness to them. They reject the message and proofs supplied by God, preferring instead their own ideals and opinions. As Paul continued, “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.” (22-23).

In contrast, to those “who are being saved”, the message of the cross is “the power of God” (18). In verse 24, the preaching of “Christ crucified” is said to be to “those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (24).

Continue reading “The Power of God’s Foolishness” →

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 11:2-3:

“The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.”

God’s works are indeed great, honorable, glorious and enduring. This is seen in His creation (cf. Genesis 1; Ecclesiastes 1:4-7), and especially in His redemptive work. He determined to redeem men before His creative work was even begun (cf. Ephesians 1:3-6). Later in his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul indicated that God’s eternal purpose to redeem men was accomplished in the sending of His son. “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him” (3:11-12).

The question is, do you have pleasure in God’s work? The Psalmist notes that if you do, you will study them! As always, our true view of things is found in our priorities. Too often claims of devotion and interest are made, when the actions reveal apathy and disinterest.

The Psalmist wrote, “The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name” (11:7-9)

It is worth our time and effort to examine His works. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (111:10).

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade is not the same as it used to be. Nowadays it serves as a way for current pop stars to sing snippets of their latest songs. It’s good advertising, I suppose, but kind of awkward to see the artist standing on a float that has nothing to do with his or her song, obviously lip synching for 35 or 40 seconds.

This morning Debbie had the parade on, and since the football game hadn’t started, I was watching. A young singer, Rachel Platten, was singing a portion of her song, “Stand by You.” Here is a portion of the lyrics:

Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’ll walk through Hell with you
Love, you’re not alone, cause I’m gonna stand by you
Even if we can’t find heaven, I’m gonna stand by you

Continue reading “In the News: “Stand by You”” →