Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Word
Subject: Word
Mining the Scriptures: Hebrews 4:11-13
Having established a remaining rest (indicating eternity in the presence of God), here the Hebrew writer encourages his readers to act in a way that secures that rest.
Notice the way (diligence) is regarding obedience to God’s commands. Put negatively, the Israelites failed to enter Canaan because of their disobedience (cf. 11).
Here is stated a preeminent principle in scripture. Our salvation is tied inextricably to our obedience to God’s revealed will. This does not mean we earn our salvation, only that the gift of redemption is reserved by Him for those who obey Him. God’s word is the key. He has revealed His will for us.
God’s word is powerful, sharp, piercing. As the Hebrew writer states, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (13).
Carefully consider the part that the Bible has as God judges us to be worthy or not. He has told us what to do. We will be judged by whether we are willing to do it. Nothing could be more plainly revealed!
The Sword of the Spirit
“Consider how I love Your precepts; revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness. The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:159-160).
A love for God’s word is characteristic of the true Christian. It is what animates him. What guides him in his every step on the earth. Why? As the Psalmist stated, “The entirety of your word is truth…”
In the New Testament, the word of God is referred to as the sword of the Spirit. “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). As Paul states in this context, it is a part of the Christian’s armor, the purpose of which is to enable the Christian “to stand against the wiles of the devil” (6:11). Together with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith and the helmet of salvation, we are equipped as a soldier of the Lord. “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (6:13). Continue reading “The Sword of the Spirit”
Sermon: Honey and the Honeycomb (Psalm 19:9-10)
A discussion of the use of the terms honey and honeycomb in scripture, especially their metaphorical use to consider what his valuable, sweet and beneficial.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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My Soul Melts
It is commonly known that the 119th Psalm is a discourse on the greatness of God’s will, at that time encompassed by the Law of Moses. It is 176 verses long, and verse after verse reveals how wonderful God’s ways, statutes, commands, instructions, testimonies, precepts, etc., truly are. They are the directions of life that bring God’s blessings. As such they are to be meditated upon and obeyed in order to please Him. Continue reading “My Soul Melts”
Sermon: Warnings From Hebrews
A number of warnings concerning improper attitudes toward the word of God, given by the writer of Hebrews.
Mining the Scriptures: James 1:19-20
Our text begins a section that emphasizes the proper response to God’s grace. We are brought forth by the word of truth, How do we respond?
We listen to God’s word, “swift to hear”! Listening rather than talking is a good response in just about every situation. It is especially important when considering the source of information is God Himself. We exercise care in our speech, “slow to speak.” In James 3:1-12, the writer shows the danger to be found in the use of the tongue. This is especially so when words are uttered from anger “slow to wrath.”
Our purpose in life is to express the wisdom we receive from God in our own words and actions. Wrath precludes this. It takes discipline on our part. One who is “slow” is one who has control over his words and actions. It is contrasted with being “swift” to hear God. Used only here, the word swift shows a man who does not hesitate to listen to and apply God’s word in his life.
Sermon: The Beginning of the Gospel
An examination of the text of Acts 2, as Stan describes the power of the gospel to pierce hearts and save souls.
Glorifying God’s Word
There is an interesting phrase from the pen of the apostle Paul, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The phrase is, “that the word of the Lord may…be glorified.” Paul was asking that these faithful brethren petition God on his behalf. It was his desire that through his efforts, the word of the Lord would spread swiftly. That is, that many would hear and repeat it. Also, that it would be glorified. By this Paul meant, as noted by Thayer, that through his efforts the value of the word of God would become evident or made manifest.
A similar statement is made by the Lord regarding our influence. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We extol the greatness and righteousness of God whenever we live in accord with His will. Men see it, and “glorify” Him.
Pieces of Armor
Paul wrote in Ephesians 6, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (10-13).
What is the armor of God? Well, it certainly is not any type of physical armor. While Paul uses the metaphor, mentioning shields, swords and helmets, he is of course not talking about physical pieces of a literal suit of armor. This is because of the nature of the conflict waged between the child of God and the forces of evil we fight. We must stand against the wiles (devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants) of the devil. A literal shield or sword is of no use in such a conflict.
Sermon: I Have Set the Lord Always Before Me
The Psalmist depended upon God as should we. However, sometimes we struggle in this matter. However, attention to nature, God’s word and prayer will help us to do the same.
Sermon: God’s Mirror
The word of God is His mirror for us to gaze into, and see what manner of Christian we are. We must know how we look to God that we might approve our appearance, and make whatever changes are necessary to please Him.
Sermon: God’s Word is Excellent!
The text of Psalm 119 is devoted to expressing to man the blessings which come from God’s excellent word. It guards and directs us, brings us comfort and wisdom, and ultimately brings salvation to mankind.
Invitation: The Mighty Word of God
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
In Acts 19:20, “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” The preaching of the word brings opposition, but ultimately God gains the victory!
Invitation: The Word of God
Invitation delivered by: Josh Jackson
An examination of various texts indicates the central part God’s word plays in our faith and standing before Him.
Sermon: Psalm 119 (The Benefits of God’s Word)
The 119th Psalm describes some of the benefits that come from immersing oneself in the word of God. His law, precepts, statutes, commandments, are good for man, helping him in this world, and preparing him for the life to come.
