Philemon 8–16 (NKJV) Paul has just greeted and complemented Philemon for his love and compassion toward others, and now moves to an appeal for Onesimus. This man was a slave in Philemon's house, and fled Philemon's household to go to Paul. The result of this visit and Paul's wish are the subject of this section … Continue reading From a Slave to a Brother
I Thank God for You, Philemon
Philemon 1–7 (NKJV) Paul writes this letter to Philemon, not as doctrinal or practical teaching per se, but as a personal appeal on behalf of another soul. Paul's appeal is in some measure outside of societal norms, but nevertheless shows the reader the greater truth found in Christian love, even though it is not socially … Continue reading I Thank God for You, Philemon
Maintain Good Works
Titus 3:9–15 (NKJV) Paul has just finished explaining to Titus and the church in Crete the Christian’s responsibility to live peacefully and humbly among others, in the church and outside of the church. He emphasized the greatness of the grace Christians have received. Now Paul moves into a discussion of the uselessness of debates and … Continue reading Maintain Good Works
How to Live in This World
Titus 3:1–8 (NKJV) After instructing Titus to teach the people in Crete about the greatness of God's grace and the expected behavior in response to that grace, Paul begins to give specific instructions on how the people of God should relate to each other and to the world around them. He speaks to the Christian’s … Continue reading How to Live in This World
Our Response to Grace
Titus 2:11–15 (NKJV) In this passage, Paul seeks to teach Titus, and by extension the church at Crete, the way to respond to the grace of God given to us by the work of Jesus Christ. Grace should drive us toward a holy lifestyle, full of gratitude for the wonderful grace of God. The elements … Continue reading Our Response to Grace
Peace Through the Incarnation
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20th, 10:30 AM SERVICE Isaiah 9:6–7 (NKJV) 6 For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will … Continue reading Peace Through the Incarnation
Make Jesus Look Good
Titus 2:1–10 (NKJV) 1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish … Continue reading Make Jesus Look Good
The Faith That Saved You
Titus 1:10–16 (NKJV) 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy … Continue reading The Faith That Saved You
Elder Traits
Titus 1:1–9 (NKJV) 1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through … Continue reading Elder Traits
Do Your Utmost to Come Before Winter
2 Timothy 4:9–22 (NKJV) 9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have … Continue reading Do Your Utmost to Come Before Winter