"Remind them to subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 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. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing. And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. (Titus 3)
This is from yesterday's latter New Testament reading. This is normal Christianity, normal Church life and Church discipline. In this chapter is command, The Gospel encapsulated, rebuke, and revelation on how you and I as members of the Church should relate with one another.
This is why Biblical preaching is no option in the Church. Preaching and teaching the Bible is the, "whole counsel of God." Anything other is the "whole counsel" of me. I cannot encourage you enough to just read this chapter and "meditate," think your way, and open your heart through it. These are "God-Breathed" Words. These are the Breath of Jesus, serving, encouraging, rebuking, and reminding you and me from where we came, our present life in Jesus, and where and to Whom we are going.
The whole passage "pivots" around, "....not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us...." Remembering this always will keep pride at bay, will keep us rightly related to one another as His Church, and walking victorious in Jesus Christ.
Father, in Jesus' Name, nothing, but nothing can improve on Your Words. Thank You. Amen.
***************************
I am sending a related article separately.
This is from yesterday's latter New Testament reading. This is normal Christianity, normal Church life and Church discipline. In this chapter is command, The Gospel encapsulated, rebuke, and revelation on how you and I as members of the Church should relate with one another.
This is why Biblical preaching is no option in the Church. Preaching and teaching the Bible is the, "whole counsel of God." Anything other is the "whole counsel" of me. I cannot encourage you enough to just read this chapter and "meditate," think your way, and open your heart through it. These are "God-Breathed" Words. These are the Breath of Jesus, serving, encouraging, rebuking, and reminding you and me from where we came, our present life in Jesus, and where and to Whom we are going.
The whole passage "pivots" around, "....not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us...." Remembering this always will keep pride at bay, will keep us rightly related to one another as His Church, and walking victorious in Jesus Christ.
Father, in Jesus' Name, nothing, but nothing can improve on Your Words. Thank You. Amen.
***************************
I am sending a related article separately.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
