"Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgement of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, Who cannot lie, promised before time began.... (Titus 1)
The NIV says in verse 1: "....to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness...." This is an ongoing process for all. This is the reason we must read the Scriptures regularly, walk in the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with other Followers of Jesus, "to further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth...."
Now I'm not an expert in Greek, but from what I can gather in the lexicon, the phrase translated, "according to," has the idea of bringing Biblical principles, "down to our understanding." Any communication of the Godhead to humanity involves a, "down to our understanding." Now the proud, whether the "professional" or the regular person in the Church, thinks that if you and I are to come to where they are in the "walk," we must come up to their understanding. It's sort of like those who came up with the name, "Generals of Intercession." What does that mean? they are the top, the best intercessors, have more incite, a sort of if-you-really-want-to-understand-intercession-come-to-us? Do they consider you and me captains, privates?!?
It is not some false humility to say that I am always, continually learning of Jesus, His Church, His Kingdom, and as Paul said, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" The, "further ... faith...and knowledge," comes from/in Jesus Christ's Words, the Holy Spirit, and sharing the Common Life of the Church. All expressions of the Living Triune God in the Universe, whether in "nature" or in humanity, all Biblical principles, worship, intercession, missions, etc., need a, "down to our understanding." I continually, "further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth that lead to godliness," when I am continually in His Words, walking in the Holy Spirit, and participate in the life of the Church, viz., in communion with His People. Being "on your own" is a dangerous life style.
I encourage you to join me in our, "further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth that lead to godliness." It's a glorious pursuit, isn't it?
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for what the Creed says, "Who for us men and our salvation came down." Amen.
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See video of a pastor who is being harassed by the German Government at: jhs58.blogspot.com
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.'
The NIV says in verse 1: "....to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness...." This is an ongoing process for all. This is the reason we must read the Scriptures regularly, walk in the Holy Spirit, and fellowship with other Followers of Jesus, "to further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth...."
Now I'm not an expert in Greek, but from what I can gather in the lexicon, the phrase translated, "according to," has the idea of bringing Biblical principles, "down to our understanding." Any communication of the Godhead to humanity involves a, "down to our understanding." Now the proud, whether the "professional" or the regular person in the Church, thinks that if you and I are to come to where they are in the "walk," we must come up to their understanding. It's sort of like those who came up with the name, "Generals of Intercession." What does that mean? they are the top, the best intercessors, have more incite, a sort of if-you-really-want-to-understand-intercession-come-to-us? Do they consider you and me captains, privates?!?
It is not some false humility to say that I am always, continually learning of Jesus, His Church, His Kingdom, and as Paul said, "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" The, "further ... faith...and knowledge," comes from/in Jesus Christ's Words, the Holy Spirit, and sharing the Common Life of the Church. All expressions of the Living Triune God in the Universe, whether in "nature" or in humanity, all Biblical principles, worship, intercession, missions, etc., need a, "down to our understanding." I continually, "further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth that lead to godliness," when I am continually in His Words, walking in the Holy Spirit, and participate in the life of the Church, viz., in communion with His People. Being "on your own" is a dangerous life style.
I encourage you to join me in our, "further the faith...and...knowledge of the truth that lead to godliness." It's a glorious pursuit, isn't it?
Father, in Jesus' Name, I thank You for what the Creed says, "Who for us men and our salvation came down." Amen.
***************************
See video of a pastor who is being harassed by the German Government at: jhs58.blogspot.com
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.'
Hebrews 12:2
