Tri-Annual Singing!
June 20, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Invitation: The word of the Lord may run swiftly
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The invitation discusses Paul’s prayer request to the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3. An application is made to the phrase, “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly”, and the understanding that men who reject the faith are “unreasonable and wicked.”
From the Preacher’s Pen: God Hates the Sower of Discord
Among the seven things the Lord hates, as recorded in Proverbs 6:16-19, is “…one who sows discord among brethren.” The word hate is a strong one, a word that many do not want to attribute to God. But, it is accurate. It is defined as we use the term today, and is also translated in the American Standard Version using the term “detest.”
It is important to consider what our text reveals — that God is extremely unhappy with anyone who sows discord. While God counsels patience with many who are guilty of sin, there is little forbearance shown for this class of sinner. The apostle Paul exhorted Titus, “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:9-11).
Strife is antithetical to Christian unity. It has no place among those who profess to follow the “Prince of Peace” (cf. Isaiah 9:6). Instead, may we emulate the example of Abraham. Because of his and his nephew Lot’s possessions, the land was not sufficient to support them both. As a result, there “was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock” (Genesis 13:7). This was untenable to Abraham. His plea to his nephew is touching, and a worthy example to us: “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren” (8). Abraham’s willingness to accommodate and sacrifice is an attitude worthy of imitation, and will help secure for us God’s love and acceptance.
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers – 4
In this final of four lessons on the subject, the sermon discusses Paul’s admonition to Timothy to contend for the truth as a young preacher.
Sermon: Neither Will I Be With You Anymore
Israel’s Defeat at Ai is examined (Joshua 7), with proper applications made for Christians. In order for us to have God “with us”, we must refrain from taking part in what is accursed by God. There is a clear admonition to faithfulness, and to refrain from worldliness.
Sermon: Let Us…
Sermon by Jonathan Hinds
A survey of the book of Hebrews. Jonathan discusses the motivation, confidence, instruction and gratitude of the Christian, as revealed in the text.
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers – 3
In this third of four lessons on the subject, we note Paul’s admonitions to the young evangelist Timothy to teach the brethren. The purpose for such instruction was to “equip the saints” (cf. Ephesians 4).
Sermon: My Will VS Thy Will
God has blessed man with free will. He compels no one to obey Him. His desire is for men to voluntarily come to Him, to worship Him, and obey Him. Men have a choice. However, while all of this is true, it must be understood that the choices men make have consequences.
In the News: What are We Doing for Christmas?
I have answered the question many times — “What is your church (congregation) going to do to celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas?” The answer never fails to surprise. “We are going to do nothing at all.” How can a group that claims allegiance to Jesus as Lord and Savior neglect to celebrate His birth on Christmas day?
The simple and concise answer as to why we do nothing special on Christmas day is because Jesus never indicated He wants us to! We are not so presumptuous to think that He desires it, unless He indicates such a desire in His will for us.
Continue reading “In the News: What are We Doing for Christmas?”
From the Preacher’s Pen: Assessment Before Resolution
Late December is a time where we commonly consider possible resolutions for the new year. I am a fan of resolutions. One of mine is to lose the rest of my excess weight, and keep it off by exercise and proper diet.
Of course there are spiritual resolutions to set, that if kept diligently, will be even more beneficial to each of us. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
There is a step to be taken prior to the setting of resolutions. That step is assessment. It takes discernment and introspection. Whether you desire to time any resolutions with the beginning of the new year or not, such assessment is needful, and should be constant. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Perhaps there is some deficiency that devotional acts of prayer, study and meditation might fill. Maybe there is a bad habit or trait that can be altered through diligent effort. It is possible that a careless neglect can be made into a point of focus in the months ahead. Surely there is something done, or left undone that can be addressed after an honest assessment of our life and faith is made.
Might I suggest that each of us set aside time this next week, amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, to “examine” ourselves, and then upon that assessment resolve to improve in any appropriate facet of our life and faith? This would certainly please our heavenly Father, as we improve the expression of our devotion to Him.
Invitation: The Gospel is Veiled
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
The talk discusses Paul’s statement that the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 4:3). The gospel’s power is persuasive, and will only impact those who are willing to listen. The efforts of God’s people to share the message will not go unrewarded.
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers – 2
Second lesson in a series of four consisting of a survey of 1 Timothy. This lesson consists of the work that Paul charges Timothy and all evangelists to do.
Sermon: Selflessness – Love’s Foundation
The sermon identifies God’s definition of Love in its highest expression. Agape love is founded upon the principle of selflessness. It is expressed in God’s sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. It must be mirrored in our expressions of love to others.
In the News: Attacks on Faith
Watching FOX News a few nights ago, I noted Bill O’Reilly’s editorial on what he calls the “War on Christmas.” He referred to one of a myriad objections being raised by segments of our society against the “Christian” aspect of Christmas observance. The attack against such religious observances is decades old. Whether it be a nativity scene on public land, or the large cross in San Diego, built 59 years ago at the Mt. Soledad Veteran’s memorial, which a federal judge ruled on Thursday must be taken down within 90 days. Many in America interpret the words of the first amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion. or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” as precluding any religious observance in any public (governmental) circumstance. This interpretation would exclude prayer in school, a posting of the 10 commandments in a court of law, a nativity scene in a public park, or the national Christmas tree being displayed and lighted in front of the White House each year.
Invitation: Are You Crazy?
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
On several occasions the apostle Paul was accused of being crazy. In 2 Corinthians 5:13, he wrote, “For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God.” Maybe we too should be crazy for the Lord?
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers 1
First lesson in a series of four consisting of a survey of 1 Timothy. This lesson consists of the character that should be present in the lives of a young evangelist.
