Category: Subject Index

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The 10th chapter of 2 Corinthians is examined to make the point that our sufficiency is not in ourselves, but in the Lord. Therefore, “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (vs. 17)

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The sermon examines from a Biblical perspective the 5 most commonly stated regrets voiced by individuals who are on their deathbed.

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The text of 1 Kings 2:1-4 is examined, clause by clause. King David’s charge to his young son Solomon, as he neared his death, is one that has applicable principles for us today.

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We live in a postmodern age, one that has rejected the idea of absolute and verifiable truth. In the minds of many, the only intolerable contention is that we may know truth. Is this right? Is it possible to know (be certain) that we are right? The answer is most certainly yes!

To be clear, we are not maintaining that we have obtained perfect and complete knowledge of God’s word. The process of maturity is an ongoing one. However, an answer to this question will give us confidence as we seek to defend the truth against the various errors we confront. If we are given the charge to “contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), it logically follows that said faith is verifiable and knowable.

Continue reading “Can We KNOW We Are Right?” →

This text contains an admonition from the apostle to the young evangelist to be faithful to the word of God. While this is certainly an important aspect of the preacher’s work, it is equally applicable to every Christian.

The first phrase “the pattern of sound words” indicates what many refuse to accept, that God’s word contains a pattern or blueprint that Christians are to follow. “Pattern theology” is ridiculed today, but is certainly advocated by Paul in this text. As Adam Clarke wrote in his commentary, “No man was left to invent a religion for his own use, and after his own mind. God alone knows that with which God can be pleased.”

The second phrase “that good thing which was committed to you” indicates the effectual nature of God’s word. It is “profitable” and able to “complete” the man of God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Timothy was to be a good steward. He was to “hold fast” to that which was “committed to” him. We have the same obligation.

The last several weeks have been pretty hectic in our congregation. May is the month for graduations, and we have had our share with graduations from high school, college, law school, etc. both members, and family members of those who are members at West Side.

In this same period some have been grieving the loss of loved ones, and others are feeling the ravages of disease and sickness. Weddings, funerals, moves, trips, pregnancies, the list is long and the effect is a bit unsettling. Even good times can be a bit disruptive or at least distracting.

Two things to remember:

1. The importance of empathy among the brethren. Among other admonitions to the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:15-16a).
2. The importance of keeping our priorities in the right place. As we live day by day we can become distracted with the common events of a busy life. Let us remember why we are here! “Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

The Bible begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:1).

It is important to note that these words, penned by Moses, ultimately have their origin with the Holy Spirit. This is the account of the beginning of the universe, given by the Creator Himself. Men may claim that physical evidences trump the Genesis account, but this is mere perception. If the evidence seems to contradict this historical narrative, then the interpretation of the data is in error. There are many scientists who can and do successfully put data derived from astronomy, geology, physics, etc., within the construct of the supernatural creative acts described in the Genesis account. “…Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4).

Continue reading “The Creation of Man” →

Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson

Josh expresses the importance of having and showing a correct attitude in the Christian life. We are to rejoice, even amid tribulation. The point is made that such an attitude is a matter of choice or will.

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Sermon by Armando Vera

The sermon is a scriptural examination of the basis of the Christian’s Hope. It is not in self, but in God!

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Preacher: Bob Ward

Old Testament examples are used to indicate the danger then and now of rebelling against the authority of God.

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The charge given by Paul to Timothy in our text is a simple one. “teach no other doctrine.” The charge was not given to Timothy, as Paul trusted his protégé. However, there was a danger that some other Christians (in Ephesus) might stray from true doctrine, and teach error. The Greek term literally means to “teach otherwise”, and obviously refers to doctrines that differ from those taught by the apostles.

Further, Timothy was to admonish against “fables and endless genealogies.” These have references to the fictions and traditions of men, that have no bearing or benefit to the Christian. They are simply a source of division. It has been stated that men could all “speak the same thing” (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10), if only they would limit their speech to those things found in God’s word.

The purpose of spiritual instruction is edification. Such edification can be found exclusively in the word of God. Paul’s admonition is as needed (and as often violated) today as it was in his time.

The question of morality has always been an interesting one as it pertains to technology. In fact, it is a common theme of science fiction, as writers consider what will happen as robots and computers develop more autonomy. Way back in 1942, Isaac Asimov famously produced the Three Laws of Robotics, to govern the behavior of autonomous robots. They are:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Continue reading “In the News: Robots With Morals?” →

You may have noticed a few of my recent sermons emphasizing our need to be diligent and zealous in the dispatching of our duties before God. Complacency is a problem when seen among God’s children. “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). I recently came across the following illustration:

There are four main bones in every organization.

• The wish-bones: Wishing somebody would do something about the problem.
• The jaw-bones: Doing all the talking but very little else.
• The knuckle-bones: Those who knock everything.
• The back-bones: Those who carry the brunt of the load and do most of the work.

Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 16-17.

So, as a member of this congregation, ask yourself, “What kind of ‘bone’ am I?” Of course, what we need are some back-bones! We need individuals to be, “…steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Are you ready to do your part? “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 6:11 the apostle Paul expresses his love for the Corinthians despite the necessity of admonishing them. We should have a wide open heart for one another, but not for the world!

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In 1 Samuel 17:29, David asked his brother “Is There Not a Cause?” He desired to be of service to Jehovah, and slayed the giant Goliath. The question can be asked today, and three “giants” that need slaying are mentioned. False Doctrine, Worldliness and Complacency.

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