How do you want to be remembered? In our passage today we have two men who are mentioned one time in the Bible. They deserted the Apostle Paul in his hour of need. That is not a good legacy to leave. As we read this 2000 year old letter we learn that loyalty and faithfulness are age old characteristics that are still as important today as they were in the First Century. Can God count on you? Can your family and friends count on you? Where will you be when the going gets really hard?- Jul 17, 2016Loyal, Focused and Faithful
Loyal, Focused and FaithfulHow do you want to be remembered? In our passage today we have two men who are mentioned one time in the Bible. They deserted the Apostle Paul in his hour of need. That is not a good legacy to leave. As we read this 2000 year old letter we learn that loyalty and faithfulness are age old characteristics that are still as important today as they were in the First Century. Can God count on you? Can your family and friends count on you? Where will you be when the going gets really hard?
- Jul 10, 2016Stoke the Fire (2 Tim. 1:6-14)
Stoke the Fire (2 Tim. 1:6-14)
Some of us know the old adage “use it or lose it.” So we scramble to use up vacation days, or money in a special fund, before those things disappear. While we may not lose a spiritual gift, it is still true that if we do not exercise our spiritual gifts they could go dormant for a time. In his final words to his protégé Timothy, Paul encourages him to not just use his gifts but to stoke the fire of his spirit and use them boldly. Are you and I boldly using what God has given us? ". - Jul 5, 2016The Power of Heritage (2 Timothy 1:1-5)
The Power of Heritage (2 Timothy 1:1-5)
As we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago, it is a good time to reflect on our heritage. Some of us celebrate the famous people in our lineage. Others of us are chagrined to know there were unsavory types climbing around our family tree. Still others, aren’t too sure of our lineage much beyond our great-grand parents. But we all have a spiritual heritage if we follow Jesus and the power of that heritage is great and should be reason to rejoice. - Jun 26, 2016The Main Thing (Titus 3:9-15)
The Main Thing (Titus 3:9-15)
Some people love to debate just for the sake of having something to debate about. At times it can be entertaining, and yet it can also become rather irritating. In the Household of God we need to be very careful that we are focusing on the things that matter to God and not on debating issues that may divide us. One of the key ways to be united is to bring our focus back to the main thing. In this passage the main thing is doing good in our community in a way that draws the attention of others to Jesus. - Jun 19, 2016Balancing Mercy and Works (Titus 3:1-8)
Balancing Mercy and Works (Titus 3:1-8)
We live in a time when many people speak about “giving back” or “paying it forward.” The emphasis on helping others and making a difference is good. In fact those who claim to follow Christ should be the leaders in these efforts. However, there is often a difference in motives. Some feel that giving back may put them in good stead with God. Others feel that giving back shows that only humanity will “save” itself. What we will learn today is that those who trust Jesus by faith are redeemed so that in one sense we can make an eternal difference right now. - Jun 5, 2016Making the Gospel Attractive (Titus 2:9-15)
Making the Gospel Attractive (Titus 2:9-15)
At
tractive (adj) pleasing, arousing interest or engaging one’s thought, consideration, etc. (Webster Dictionary). In our passage today we will take stock of the way we present the gospel by our actions. Does the way I interact within my own culture make the good news of Jesus attractive? Do others want to know what I believe by the way I conduct myself? If not, what do I need to change? Am I ready to respond to them when they ask me what I believe and why? - May 29, 2016The Power of “Family” Titus 2:1-8
The Power of “Family” Titus 2:1-8
Consider the term “church family.” What does it mean to you? How is this local church your family? In the first century where people gathered in homes it was much easier to get a concept of church family, or more accurately a household. Those gatherings were intergenerational and made up of people who really cared for the welfare of all in their midst. As we look at a model for church today, consider your part in a church family. - May 22, 2016Consistency in an Inconsistent World
Consistency in an Inconsistent World
Between news media, entertainment media, and social media, we can get pulled in many different directions. Just as the sailors of old we need our own “North Star” a fixed point that is reliable. In our passage today we find that developing Godly character is the solution to spiritual posing and empty religion. - May 15, 2016Accepting My Role Titus 1:1-4
Accepting My Role Titus 1:1-4
Take a little self test. Choose four words to describe yourself, and write them down. It doesn’t have to be list. It can be a brief statement, or phrase. But it can only be four words. Three is too brief, and five is too long. Just four words. It's not easy. In the passage at hand we will discover that a simple four word description with the correct focus can be a life changing difference maker.
- May 8, 2016Final Charge to a Young Warrior (1Tim 6:11-21)
Final Charge to a Young Warrior (1Tim 6:11-21)
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If you had one piece of paper left to send your final words to a young friend what thoughts would be on your mind? How would you synthesize the key principles of living that you wanted to convey? As we wrap up this part of our study of the Pastoral Epistles, we find Paul trying to summarize great truth in a few lines. As a result we have ten verses that are full of practical theology for us to consider and apply.