Category: Subject Index

Pride is sinful. It is destructive to the character of a Christian, and corrosive to his relationship. It is wise to be humble, and folly to be arrogant. This sermon seeks to demonstrate the destructive nature of pride.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This passage is one of only two in the New Testament that list the qualifications for elders. The other passage is 1 Timothy 3:1-8.

The importance of elders is intimated here, as Paul tells Titus to “set in order the things that are lacking” (5). A congregation that does not have elders needs them to be in accord with God’s design. While it would be wrong to appoint men to the task who are unqualified, every congregation should develop men for this important work.

Note also the phrase, “must be” in verse 7. These are qualifications, not suggestions. As indicated, only men who are married with children who are faithful can scripturally serve. They are to be blameless, and in control both of their emotions and their desires. They are to be hospitable, and sober-minded. They must be familiar with scripture and willing to take a stand for the truth of God’s word, when it is attacked by evil men.

In every generation there are men who oppose the truth of God. In His wisdom, He has equipped the church to deal with and defeat those in opposition. Among other things, this is the elder’s work.

The following is a poem written by Tracy Gallman. Sister Gallman prepared the children’s curriculum for our recent Family Bible Study Week. The poem appeared in that material. I commend it to you!

The Path
“Walking in Sunlight”

There is a Path we are called to walk on;
By faith and not by sight.
A path where Jesus is
A Path that reveals His light.

His light will guide you and teach you
About His love and care,
The Path will never be lonely
As long as Jesus is there.

The Path may at times become rocky
And full of weeds, but…
Don’t lean on your own understanding –
Look to Jesus – Trust Him –
And with new eyes you will see
The path that Jesus sees.

Jesus calls all who hear
To follow Him along their way,
He promises to guide, guard and Save you
If in His Path you will stay.

Tracy Gallman

The sermon is an explanation of Romans 13:11-14. A wonderful passage indicating the importance of a dedicated and focused “walk” to fulfill righteousness and refuse the flesh.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Fifth sermon in an occasional series entitled Concepts of Authority. The text of 1 Timothy 5 is examined to determine whether there is a difference between what God authorizes an individual Christian and a congregation of Christians to do.

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

The difference between Israel’s victory at Jericho, and their defeat at Ai was God’s pleasure. He did not lead Israel to victory because of their sin. The sermon contrasts the two battles, and the reasons behind the different results. (Joshua 6 & 7)

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel” (Colossians 1:3-5).

The Bible often refers to heaven as the final abode of the righteous. Those familiar with the Christian faith understand, of course, that it is intended as a reward for the faithful — a good thing. But, what does the Bible reveal heaven to be?

First, the definition of the term. The word heaven comes from a root word that means “to rise, rear up.” It is used to reference the sky, and by extension, the abode of God. The term implies, as it is used in scripture, happiness, power and eternity.

Continue reading “Heaven is a Wonderful Place” →

Occasionally I receive a bulletin called Preacher Talk written by Cecil May Jr. May is, I believe, the President of Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, and a long time preacher among the institutional churches. He is a good writer, and wrote the following short article titled, Selective Preaching, in the May 2011 issue.

Continue reading “In the News: On “Selective Preaching”” →

Paul’s second and final letter to his “son in the faith” Timothy gives evidence of the tender feelings the aging apostle had for the young man. The letter was the last Paul wrote, and was penned shortly before his death.

He noted Timothy’s tears on his behalf, and expressed his desire to see him. It is believed that Paul wrote this letter from prison, perhaps only a few months before he died.

Despite Paul’s circumstances, he expressed joy because of the genuine faith of Timothy. That faith had its genesis in the instruction Timothy received from his mother and grandmother. (This shows the wisdom of Paul’s exhortation for fathers to bring up their children in the “training and admonition of the Lord” – Eph. 6:4).

After this well deserved compliment, Paul encouraged Timothy in the use of the spiritual “gift of God” given him through Paul’s hands. Timothy was not to be timid in utilizing this gift, despite the potential of persecution amply demonstrated by Paul’s own chains.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (vs. 7).

Many in the congregation are familiar with social networking on the computer. The most prominent example of this is Facebook, where “friends” share pictures, videos, internet links, and personal information online.

Some Facebook denizens have hundreds and hundreds of “friends”, which are in reality often merely acquaintances, schoolmates, and friends of friends. With such a large and varied “audience” reading the posts you send out, it is important to ask yourself how your Christian influence will be impacted, before posting any message, picture or other link.

Last week, I came across a beneficial quote regarding Facebook, attributed to David Lanius.

“We do need to always remember that our posts are a reflection of who and how we are. To those traveling on an honest, earnest, and genuine path of faith — diligence in purpose should always reflect His Holiness (1 Peter 1:15, Ephesians 4:29) lest we become the cause for others to sin or remain in it.”

Think about it!

In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul clearly expressed the serious nature of the work of preaching the gospel. He expected Timothy to take the work seriously, and accomplish the will of the Lord.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Jesus’ statement, “I am the bread of life” was not easily received by His followers. Some who accepted that He was God, nevertheless rejected Him because His teaching and life did not suit their preconceptions.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Debbie and I are beginning a new stage of our lives about now, as Jeremiah graduated from high school yesterday evening. Kaleigh is leaving for school (in Nacogdoches) in August, so things will definitely be different around the Cox house.

Jeremiah is staying at home at least for the first couple of years, but will be going to school and working (if he can find a job)! So, the hatchlings are all about out of the nest.

If you see Debbie dabbing at her eyes from time to time, it is definitely at least a mild case of empty nest syndrome. As for me, I am excited about what is to come, Lord willing. Change can be good!

I am proud of my kids, and I think they know that. (I try not to tell them that too often, as I don’t want their heads to swell). I am most proud of the fact that they are all here this morning (assuming no sickness, since they are all healthy at the time of this writing), and are striving to serve God. I also am proud of what they are doing with their lives.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5).

In verse 7, Paul states again a common claim, that his appointment as a preacher and apostle was from God. Paul was not a usurper, God had chosen him to be a vessel to the Gentiles, to teach them His precious gospel (cf. Acts 9:15-16).

Verses 5 and 6 reveal an important fact about Jesus Christ. He alone is the Mediator between God and man. This mediation is a function of His person, and His redemptive work. Jesus is here affirmed to be a man — “the Man Christ Jesus.” He is also the One through which redemption comes, “who gave Himself a ransom for all.”

When Jesus came to earth as a man, he was tempted as we are, (cf. Hebrews 4:15), “yet without sin.” In His death, payment is made for our sin, and reconciliation with God is possible. It is because of this that the Hebrew writer wrote, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:16).

Why do we pray, “In Jesus name”? Because it is through Jesus we have access to the Father! He is our Mediator.

I remember when researchers supposedly discovered what was claimed to be a “gay gene.” It was all over the news, and trumpeted to such an extent by homosexual activists that it is now commonly believed that homosexuals “do not choose” their lifestyle.

Of course, it wasn’t true. As the researcher who supposedly discovered the “gay gene” noted, “Homosexuality is not purely genetic… environmental factors play a role. There is not a single master gene that makes people gay….I don’t think we will ever be able to predict who will be gay” (Dean Hamer).

Continue reading “In the News: One Point Four Percent” →