Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Sermon: The TRUE Daniel Plan
There is a new diet book out called, The Daniel Plan. It references a passage from Daniel 1:8, where Daniel refused the diet of the king of Babylon. There is a true plan found in the book of Daniel, which if followed, will bring spiritual benefits and health.
Sermon: Sorrow for Sin
You cannot experience the joy of salvation unless you have felt the proper sorrow for your sins. One purpose of preaching is to bring sorrow to the sinner, that he might repent.
Sermon: Spring 2015 Meeting Sermons – Heath Rogers
Below are the links to the audio and powerpoint presentations from Heath Rogers, who held a meeting at the West Side church on May 9-14, 2015.
Lesson 1: “Whom Are You Seeking?”
Lesson 2: Help in Times of Trouble
Lesson 3: Lessons from Hezekiah’s Prayer
Lesson 4: Making Evangelism a Priority
Lesson 5: The Grace of God
Lesson 6: Mediocrity
Lesson 7: A Man After God’s Own Heart
Lesson 8: Can We Understand the Bible Alike?
Lesson 9: The Second Coming of Christ
Whatadinosaur!
Those in our Apologetics class on Wednesday night saw the placemat brother Hatch brought from Whataburger. You may have heard my response, “Here we have it, definitive evidence that man and dinosaurs inhabited the earth at the same time!” A T-Rex devouring a Whataburger, when the Whataburger restaurants were not established until 1950!
For those not in the class, here is a short recap of our study about dinosaurs. First, the creation account, if accepted as historical narrative, requires a relatively young earth, and the co-existence of men and dinosaurs. It may be that most dinosaurs (reptiles) became extinct because of the flood and possible climate changes that followed, but the creation week of Genesis 1 accounts for all life that has existed upon earth.
Evolutionists dismiss evidence that men and dinosaurs walked the earth together, but evidence (both direct and indirect in nature) does exist. A few examples:
Invitation: Pursue Peace
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The text of Hebrews 12:12-17 expresses our responsibilities toward one another as Christians. We pursue peace, lest we lose a brother to the world.
Sermon: Godly Ambition VS Selfish Ambition
In James 3, the Holy Spirit contrasted godly wisdom and the wisdom of the world. A main consideration is the character of the individual. We must not only be right, we must also be good!
Sermon: the Righteousness of God
God’s righteousness is not an act of will, it is an attribute of character. Put differently, God is not righteous because He chooses to be, but because it is His nature. This truth has enormous implications for man.
Invitation: Beside Ourselves for God
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In 2 Corinthians 5:12-15 the Apostle Paul acknowledged that he was beside himself for God. It was his great zeal, a zeal that should be present in each of us who name the name of Christ.
Sermon: The Limiting Nature of God’s Authority
In 2 Corinthians 10 & 11, the apostle Paul revealed his view of the authority granted him by God, determining to limit himself to the “sphere” to which God “appointed” him (cf. 10:13). This is a great object lesson for us as well!
Sermon: The Importance of Gospel Meetings
In preparation for an upcoming gospel meeting, the lesson is designed to emphasize the importance of every member doing their part in the collective work of evangelism and edification.
Sermon: The Church – Man Didn’t Do It!
The church is often denigrated and disregarded in our culture. Often even among religious people. In fact, the Lord’s church is a product of God, and is a central aspect of God’s plan for man’s redemption.
Sermon: 7 Keys to Raising Godly Children
It is the desire of every Christian parent to raise children who will take their place in Christ’s kingdom as faithful citizens. God’s word gives us great insight as to how to accomplish the task of raising godly children.
Mining the Scriptures: Luke 1:18-25
Zacharias and Elizabeth were childless and older (1:18), but had received a promise from the angel Gabriel that they would have a son who would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (1:17). This child was named John (John the Baptist).
Zacharias, incredulous, asked for a sign, showing a lack of faith in the angel’s promise. The sign was punishment for his unbelief, he was struck mute until the promise was fulfilled.
God fulfilled his promise to Zacharias and Elizabeth (as He is always just and faithful to do), and Elizabeth conceived. She hid herself for the first 5 months of her pregnancy, and her words of rejoicing are interesting, saying that the Lord had taken “away my reproach among people” (25). To be barren was a great burden and shame for her. How wonderful for her to be granted a son with such an important part to play in God’s great scheme of redemption for mankind (cf. Luke 7:28).
Devotions, Devotionals, Devos
It is typical of the young to have their own lingo. It is a way of differentiating themselves from older generations. In the 1920’s if a teenager managed a ride in a breezer (convertible), then everything was copacetic (wonderful). In the 1930’s a Joe (average guy) was ecstatic with a sawbuck ($10 bill) in his pocket. In the 1940’s khaki wacky (boy crazy) girls sometimes flipped their wigs (lost control of themselves) when a cute boy walked by. In the 1950’s an ankle biter (child) might go ape (get excited) over a piece of candy. In the 1960’s it wasn’t hip (acceptable) to hang out (spend time with) the old man (your father). In the 1970’s it was a bummer (depressing) if someone was bogarting (being selfish with) the TV. In the 1980’s an enjoyable time was totally (completely) gnarly (very good). In the 1990’s, however, the same enjoyable time was all that and a bag of chips. In the 2000’s, one person might be going postal (becoming uncontrollably angry), while another person might just be whatever (indifferent). (Thanks to the internet for the above examples, though I have to admit that I have used the term copacetic myself from time to time!)
From the Preacher’s Pen: One Who Rules His Spirit
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).
The above scripture is referred to as a value statement. It is one that we should carefully heed, as the values it espouses are those of the Holy Spirit. Which is better: One who rules others? Or one who rules himself? God says one who rules himself!
History is littered with men who because of strong passions, inherited privilege or physical dominance have found themselves rulers over others. However, their inability to control their own spirit has led to both their own demise, and also the ruin of their domain. It is far better to be of humble means and in control of your passions and tongue.
Self destructive behavior has obvious consequences: the loss of influence, health, position and respect. However, we are most concerned with the spiritual consequence that accompanies the physical. One who allows his passions to rule his behavior is spiritually vulnerable. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 5:17).
May each of us add to our faith, the attribute of self-control (cf. 2 Peter 1:6). It is only then that our calling and election can be made sure.
