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By Cox, Stan, on May 13th, 2012
I recently read an interesting short article on the use of the term “literally” that I want to share with you, then comment upon.
Two Misuses of “Literally”
“He literally knocked his head off.” No. If he had, the head would have rolled across the floor, separated from the body. “Literally,” in that case, is mistakenly used to intensify a figure of speech, but “literally” does not intensify the figure. It says “knocked his head off” is not a figure of speech but a true description of what he did.
Another misuse of “literally” has to do with word meaning. Someone says, “proskuneo ‘literally’ means ‘kiss the ground toward.’” No, proskuneo literally means “worship.” “Kiss the ground toward” is its etymology, how the word was formed. It is also an archaic meaning; as ancient Persians did literally fall on their faces and kiss the feet or hem of the robe of their deified kings. Etymology does not determine meaning; usage does. The New Testament frequently says, “They fell down and worshipped him” (Matthew 2:11; e.g.). “Fell down” is from a different original word, “worshipped” is proskuneo.
“Literally” does not intensify a figure. A word’s etymological meaning is not its “literal” meaning.
Cecil May
Preacher Talk (Vol. 27, No. 2—April 2012)
The first misuse of the term “literally” is typical in casual conversation. While irritating to those who are sensitive to the mangling of the English language, it is innocuous. However, defining biblical terms by their etymology, (or even their assigned dictionary definitions), without considering context, is extremely troubling as we seek to interpret God’s word.
Continue reading » “Literally” – A Discussion of Definitions
By Cox, Stan, on March 6th, 2012
I grew up hearing lessons preached on ethics. The lessons were critical of a ethical view taken by many religious people called “Situational Ethics.” While a situational view of what constitutes ethical action has always had a foothold in the world, it was largely rejected by those who claimed an affinity for the Bible. For generations religious people were content to let the word of God be the standard by which ethics were established. They accepted at face value the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who wrote, “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). To those who accepted the Bible as an authoritative and absolute ethical standard, lying was always a sin, as was sexual activity outside of the marriage bed. Regardless of circumstance, sin was sin, and righteous behavior was well defined.
In the 1960’s things changed for many religious people. Situational Ethics was first popularized by an Episcopal priest named Joseph Fletcher, who wrote two books titled The Classic Treatment and Situation Ethics. In the books he contended that the principle of Love (agape) was supreme, and sometimes situations necessitated a breaking of God’s law for the higher good of expressing love for another. The concept was accepted by a large number despite its arbitrary, individualistic and subjective nature. Its influence is the primary reason why the hue and cry of religious people today, rather than obedience to God, has become, “You have no right to judge me!”
Continue reading » The Ethics of Men
By Cox, Stan, on January 27th, 2012
John 4:25-26
At the end of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4, the woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus’ response was His most direct self-affirmation to date in His early ministry, as He said, “I who speak to you am He.”
Other words and phrases had earlier been used, by Jesus and others, that intimated His position. The first example, of course, was the angel’s words to the virgin Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
Continue reading » “I who speak to you am He”
By Cox, Stan, on January 3rd, 2012
Several times in the history of Watchman Magazine I have written articles explaining the present state of the effort, and desires for the future. As many may know, Watchman Magazine is my personal project, for better or worse, and the ebb and flow regarding its relevance and prolificacy are almost entirely a result of my efforts or lack thereof. That means that my organizational abilities, mental state, and life circumstances all play a part -both in my writing, and in my publishing of the magazine.
Watchman Magazine began in January of 1998, and continued a regular publication schedule, for the most part, through 2004. Toward the end of this initial iteration of the magazine, publication became more sporadic, as I personally dealt with a bad case of editor/publisher burnout. After a hiatus of several years, publication resumed in January of 2010, with several changes. Primarily, the magazine took on a blog format, rather than maintaining a monthly schedule. With the advent of social networking, and powerful blogging software platforms, I believe this change to be a positive one. It has made it possible for the Watchman writers to post articles on their schedule, and my editorial responsibilities have lightened. It is nice to no longer be responsible for coding HTML, and fighting the compatibility problems of earlier years.
Continue reading » Are We Relevant?
By Cox, Stan, on December 10th, 2011
 I recently came across an internet article listing the 5 most hated YouTube videos in internet history. This list was based upon the number of “thumbs down” designations given. Fifth on the list is the music video, “Baby”, by teen pop singer Justin Bieber. First on the list is a young lady who videotaped her opinion that the earthquake and resultant tsunami that devastated Japan was an answer to prayer, that God might convince the atheist of His existence. Interestingly, the girl later admitted that her video is a hoax, deliberately outrageous with the intent of provoking the ire of viewers.
Continue reading » The Intolerance of Toleration
By Cox, Stan, on October 24th, 2011
The following is a tribute I wrote for my father, who passed from this life October 20, 2011. My friend and brother in Christ, Dennis Craig, read it for me at a memorial service we had for dad on October 24, 2011. Dad’s name was Larry Cox. He was not well known in the brotherhood, but he was well loved by the brethren who knew him. He was not a preacher, just a kind and godly man. And a wonderful example for me and his family, friends and brethren. Men like this deserve honor as much as others who are better known. I pray you are encouraged and edified by learning a bit more about my dad.
The day before my dad died he and I were sitting in his hospital room talking. He mentioned to me that he had for a long while toyed with the idea of writing a short biography of his life that he thought might have meaning for his family. "When you have lived as long as I have," he said, "you gain a couple of insights you can share. Maybe not many, but a few."
This desire was not a surprise to me, because I had found a short outline he had handwritten some time before. I was going through his papers while he was in the ICU, near death, a year ago. I kept it with me for the past year. It is a single page, off of a 5" X 8" pad. I would like to spend a short time "fleshing out" that outline to give you a better idea of the type of man dad was. All of you know him as a kind man and a faithful Christian. There are reasons he lived his life as he did.
Continue reading » A Quiet Man of God
By Cox, Stan, on September 20th, 2011
Irony is defined as follows:
(1) Incongruity between the actual result of a sequence of events and the normal or expected result. (2) An event or result marked by such an incongruity. (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1977 edition)
One tragic example of real-life irony about which I recently read concerns a motorcyclist in New York last July. The helmetless man was riding his motorcycle as a part of a large group of cyclists staging an organized protest over the state’s mandatory helmet law. The 55 year old man crashed, hitting his head on the road, and suffering a fatal skull fracture. A state trooper was quoted, “The doctor felt that the death could have been prevented if he simply had been wearing a helmet.” (Reuters)
Continue reading » Tragically Ironic
By Cox, Stan, on September 13th, 2011
John 4:16-24
Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well was astounding in both circumstance and content.
The Jews hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual. The conflict had its origin in the divided kingdom, and the animosity only grew through the centuries until the time of our Lord. It is important to note that the Samaritans were the remnants of the northern Jews who had been taken into Assyrian captivity, and had intermarried with other races upon their return to Samaria. The mingling of races, combined with the Samaritans acceptance of pagan gods led to a mongrel race and religion.
The Samaritans had built a temple upon Mount Gerizim, adjacent to Jacob’s well. It is this mountain to which the woman referred, “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship” (vs. 20); and is the setting and context for the conversation recorded in John 4.
Continue reading » True Worship
By Cox, Stan, on September 13th, 2011
(John 4:1-15)
After Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus (John 3), He left Judea, and traveled through Samaria on His way back to Galilee. Many took a circuitous route between the two regions to avoid the Samaritans, who were despised by the Jews. However, Jesus determined to cross through Samaria, and immediately struck up a conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in the city of Sychar.
Jesus’ disciples had departed into the city to buy food, and upon their return (vs. 27) marveled that he had talked with the woman. Jesus’ actions, and the content of the conversation itself, made clear that His purpose in coming to earth was to save all men, not just the Jews.
Continue reading » Living Water
By Cox, Stan, on May 11th, 2011
Spring is in full bloom, and with the increase in temperatures, we see a corresponding decrease in the amount of skin covered by those who seek comfort in the sun and the approving gaze of others.
What? You say that your skimpy dress is not an attempt to gain approval (most often from the opposite gender?) Well, I was born in April, but I was not born this last April!
The immodest fashions of the day are very clearly designed to produce lust. The most common term that is used to describe bikinis, short skirts, halter tops and tight fitting clothes is “sexy.” The term sexy is defined by Webster, “sexually suggestive or stimulating: EROTIC” While the term has become common place, it nevertheless reveals a concept that is antithetical to the Christian’s perspective and profession.
Continue reading » Modest Dress: A Man’s Perspective
By Cox, Stan, on April 4th, 2011
We affirm that the gospel is God’s power to salvation. That to be saved one must believe that gospel, repent of their sins and be willing to confess before men that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God.
When we affirm these things, almost everyone is pleased. Texts such as Romans 1:16, John 3:16, Luke 13:5 and Romans 10:8-10 clearly teach these truths.
We also affirm that baptism in water is necessary for salvation. And now we have a problem. Most people deny that one must be baptized to be saved. So why do we affirm it? Simple, just as belief, confession and repentance are clearly taught as necessary for salvation, so it is with baptism. Don’t believe me? Well, consider the following:
Continue reading » Video Script: Wash Away Your Sins (11)
By Cox, Stan, on March 28th, 2011
By Cox, Stan, on March 28th, 2011
While commissioning his disciples to go and preach His gospel, Jesus said, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). Later in that conversation Jesus added, "He who doe not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it" (vs. 38-39).
The lesson is clear. Jesus demands loyalty. We must be on His side, we must be militant, we must be bold. It is unacceptable for us to hide our allegiance in the hope we will be spared by our enemies. There is no room for covert operations in the battle with Satan, we are required to boldly proclaim, "I am on the Lord’s side, Master here am I."
Continue reading » Video Script: With the Mouth Confession (10)
By Cox, Stan, on March 23rd, 2011
By Cox, Stan, on March 23rd, 2011
Little Johnny hits his playmate in a dispute over a favorite toy. His momma first says, “Tell Bobby you’re sorry for hitting him.” Then, after the apology, she makes little Johnny promise not to hit anymore. What she has required of little Johnny is repentance. If he modifies his behavior, he proves himself and all is well.
God requires the same of us. Sin is the bane of mankind. All are guilty, and as Paul tells us, “The wages of sin is death.” All of us desire to escape the consequence of our sin. God tells us clearly that in order to do so, we must repent.
Continue reading » Video Script: Repent or Perish! (9)
By Cox, Stan, on March 8th, 2011
In early March, 2011, some anonymous former and current students of Harding University published a “zine”, devoted to changing student and administrative attitudes toward homosexuality. Harding is a conservative private university in Searcy, Arkansas. The publication, entitled The State of the Gay at Harding University, was published by a group calling themselves HU Queer Press. A website was created to host the document (huqueerpress.com), and at this writing the site consists entirely of the document itself, and positive or neutral reviews published on blogs and internet news sites. The document is 32 pages long, and consists of personal testimonials, a review of Harding’s efforts to deal with homosexuals in the student population, and an attempt to justify homosexuality by an appeal to scripture.
Continue reading » HU Queer Press Reviewed: A Dialogue on Homosexuality
By Cox, Stan, on February 18th, 2011
In 2 Timothy 4:5, the Apostle Paul exhorted young Timothy, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” The admonition is serious, and any man who would take on the work should have an understanding of what God requires of him. It is also important that all Christians know what is the evangelist’s work.
Too many times I have heard the simplistic answer, “The evangelist is to evangelize!” The Greek word for evangelist means, “the bringer of good tidings … one who brings good news.” So, looking at the definition, the evangelist preaches the gospel to the lost. When this is contended, it is sometimes intended to limit the work of the evangelist to that single act, preaching to the lost.
Continue reading » The Work of an Evangelist
By Cox, Stan, on January 26th, 2011
In 1 John 4, the apostle instructed his readers to “test the spirits, whether they are of God.” This testing was necessary because, “many false prophets have gone out into the world.” One of the false doctrines that was deceiving brethren at that time was the claim that Jesus had not really come in the flesh. John said that the denial of Jesus’ humanity was “the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world” (vs. 3).
In writing to his brethren, John said, “You are of God” (vs. 4), and “We are of God” (vs. 6). These statements were in contrast to those who “are of the world.” They “speak as of the world, and the world hears them” (vs. 5). In contrast, John commended his readers as those who know God and who would as a result heed John’s writings, “He who knows God hears us” (vs. 6). This willingness to heed John’s writings was evidence that his readers, (in contrast to the worldly), possessed the “spirit of truth” (vs. 6).
It is in this context that John instructed his readers on the importance of love. As did the acceptance of Jesus’ humanity, the presence of love set the true believer apart from the world. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (vs. 8).
Continue reading » Editorial: Love (Motivation, Obligation & Reciprocation)
By Cox, Stan, on December 7th, 2010
The New Testament contains many passages that clearly show the limited nature of Christian fellowship. Consider a few examples:
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).
Two things become apparent as these verses are considered: 1) God does not accept every individual. Some, because of their own actions (sin), are not worthy of His fellowship. 2) God expects us to reject at least some of these who are unacceptable to Him. As such, it is incumbent upon us to determine who it is that God calls us to reject. Or, stated more practically, what are the factors that determine the limits of Christian fellowship.
Continue reading » The Ultimate Basis of Christian Fellowship
By Cox, Stan, on November 16th, 2010
I mentioned my intention earlier this year to write an occasional article on the subject of technology and preaching. You may put this article in that category, though the tie-in is tangential at best. I would like to spend a moment explaining why I believe it is important for preachers to write, as a means of teaching and personal growth.
I recently came across a memoir written by Warren E. Berkley, where he described his views of writing. The quote comes as Warren describes his 40 years of work as a gospel preacher:
Continue reading » Advice to Preachers: Write!
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