False Teachers Titus 1:9-16

Sermon Nuggets Monday Oct 10- False Teachers

Verses Titus 1:9-16

False Teachers

There is lots of news reporting last week on a pastor calling Mormonism a cult. Interestingly, fundamental Christian literature for decades have identified various popular groups as cults including Jehovah Witnesses, Armstrongism (World wide Church of God), Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Christian Science, and Scientology.

Since the 60s there have been a rash of other groups rise up from both non Christian and Christian traditions with teaching that would deviate from traditional Biblical teaching and doctrine. The more people are open to private, personal and visionary teaching the more leaders rise up and gain followings.

Christians define religious cults from a different perspective. Simply, a cult is any religious group that deviates from the fundamental teachings of the historic, Bible-based, Christian faith. There have been doctrines established in the early centuries like the Apostle’s Creed that was stated to help the church identify accepted teachings. Generally, if a religious organization follows Jesus Christ, but denies or distorts essential Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the resurrection, or salvation by grace alone, that organization is considered a cult. In addition, some add to the Bible, such as Christian Science has added “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures”. The Jehovah's Witnesses have actually changed the text of the Bible to make it fit their version of doctrine. Similarly, Mormonism have “The Book of Mormon”, and “The Pearl of Great Price”. In Mormon teaching Joseph Smith had visions of further revelations and private interpretations of a book given by the angel Moroni. Interestingly, Mohammad had revelations from an angel resulting in the Koran.

Gal 1:8 says, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”

But let me tell you some things that happen in some churches that would call themselves fundamental, Bible believing congregations. One girl aged 12 was forced to repent in front of her entire congregation for playing with dolls. The group held bonfires to encourage members to rid themselves of sinful possession that hampered their devotion to the Lord. Children were forced to throw stuffed animals and baby dolls into the fire. One woman was advised to free herself of her deceased husband's spirit by burning her wedding pictures, selling her wedding ring and disposing of their bed.

A lady named Kristi tells of being attracted to a church which illustrated a strong commitment to Jesus Christ. "Our pastor had this big thing about idolatry and the need to love Jesus Christ above anything. But the problem we mothers had was our children. Excessive devotion to children was seen as a form of idolatry, the leader called it the spirit of motherhood. I was terrified to even talk to my children or show any kind of concern for them. One time my young son fell in a race and split his head open. I knew he needed stitches, but I didn't dare suggest that he go to the hospital because I knew that if I did, it would be considered an example of the spirit of motherhood. Furthermore, as a woman, Kristi says, I could never make a suggestion like that without being labeled unsubmissive and out of line with God's chain of authority."

Cults often prey on new Christians or believers who do not understand the Bible very well. Some are enamored by strong pastoral leaders, or charismatic personalities who slowly lead people into false and oppressive doctrine. How can we tell if someone is misled?

Last week we preached on what is important in good leadership qualities. It is important to evaluate home life. Is it consistent, pure, and well managed? Secondly, evaluate the personal life- Is he overbearing, quick-tempered, drunk, violent, dishonest financially.

We wrote about evaluating his spiritual life-Does he love God and others and show kindness and balance, and discipline in areas of priorities.

But an important guideline is doctrine as understood in basic Bible interpretation, and not special revelations that give new and unusal teaching by some strong leader. A true teacher seeks to pass on God's word and show it is fully trustworthy.

As we look at false prophets from this passage Paul lists other ways they are identified.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues October 11

Verses: Titus 1:10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.

11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

12 Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons."

Examining Character

We discussed evaluation last week on a leader’s personal qualities. The apostle Paul highlights character concerns when discussing false prophets. Certainly, refuse to follow any leader who says that wrong is right and right is wrong. Refuse to follow any teacher who personally violates the moral standards of the Bible or law, and encourages others to violate them.

According to some writings some followers of the cult leaders, Jim Jones and David Kerish, leader of the Branch Davidian, they would have defected except for three things-armed guards, lack of personal money and guilt over immoral behavior. Leaders will often redefine the morality into behavior from complete celibacy even among married couples to polygamy, multiple partners, homosexuality, fornication, adultery and all sorts of lewdness.

Jesus turned his followers from sin and to righteous living. Paul said, "Follow me- as I follow Christ." Jesus welcomed rejected men and women and then brought self-acceptance and self-respect into their lives. Let the red lights of warning flash if you have teachers who refuse to submit themselves to the authority of the Word of God.

The letter to Titus records there are rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers. They love to be heard, but refuse to submit themselves to authority of the Bible.

One pastor was told by someone his church was spiritually dead because they did not practice the speaking of tongues. Yet this person would readily lie about things. When confronted she simply justified her actions as a little white lies. What good is speaking in tongues if that same tongue consistently lies? That ignores the importance of integrity and excuses sin in her life. Talking the talking is of no value if someone does not walk the walk.

Beware of people who also draw for themselves large possessions at the expense of others. So many cult followers are struggling financially yet giving large sums of money supporting the affluent life style of the leaders. A good rule of caution is to look at way some of these religious leaders live and watch how money is spent. We've seen examples of dishonest gain of TV religious personalities. It is dishonest gain when one evangelist said publicly his followers don't care how he spends the money because everything he does is the Lord's work.

I was told by one missionary of another evangelist who came into their country flying in on private jet, staying at lavish hotels and restaurants, and driving limousine and trying to tell the crowds in his rallies to sacrifice for Jesus. Jesus didn't even have a place to lay his head. Beware of those who are in ministry for profit.

vs. 12 is a most interesting one and almost seems prejudicial in first reading. What would you say about those who live in Hollywood? They depict a lifestyle of immoral and materialistic, Hollywood is synonymous with celebrities living a life that is shallow, fast paced, party filled and sexy. What comes to your mind when you think of New Yorkers? New Yorkers are rude, abrupt, fast paced, unconcerned about others, unfriendly and argumentative. There are stereo types based on how people are treated. But not all are.

The dwellers of Crete had become notorious for their lack of morals To demonstrate the depths to which these people had fallen, Paul quoted a native of the island. The poet was Epimenides. He called them "always liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons." What Paul is warning Titus of is these people that claim to be Christians and some in the church are following are indeed liars. They are evil in deceiving others and lazy and more concerned about their stomachs than the things of God. Be wary of talkers by examining their character.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 12

Verses Titus 1: 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.

Examining Content

Do churches believe and teach that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ? It is a gift from God to all who believe. The place of Jesus Christ is one tell tale sign if someone is cultic or not. Many want to add to other requirements of salvation, speaking in tongues, joining a church, baptism, being circumcised. That is what was happening among Judaizers in Crete.

He tells people not to have anything to do with Jewish myths or command of those who reject the truth. He identifies people from the circumcision party. It is likely they promote observing Jewish laws and traditions to be saved, not just Jesus. There are those who twist the Gospel and add to it. When Paul preached to the Bereans he told them to check the Scriptures to see if what he was saying was true. They found his message to be consistent with the Word of God.

There are three ways that I find the use of the Bible abused. Most false teachers will strongly declare Biblical authority and quote verses and bring you to believe what they are saying is from the Word. But check it out. The first abuse is the misuse of Scripture. Many don't catch that. Satan himself quotes the Bible to Jesus in the wilderness.

Just because someone uses the Bible doesn't mean they are not false. There are many examples of people who misquote the passage to say what it really is not saying. Some make it fit what they are saying or take personal claim to be the final authority of interpretation.

One church noticed things changing when the pastor claimed to have a special heavenly vision. He told them God allowed him to experience things during his vision that no other human has ever experienced. Beware when someone says God had given them some truth that he has not given to man before. There is no other additional revelation that adds or takes from the Bible.

The second way in which the Bible is abused is what is called proof texting. That is taking verse or passage out of the context. If you are going to do a Bible study on love, or on anger, or on fear, or on finances, for instance, you must look up all the verses that speak to that issue, So understandably one will jump from verse to verse to understand all the teachings on that subject. There's nothing wrong with that. For the sake of time to make a point many will choose verse here and there and use them in appropriate ways. However some will only pick a few verses and ignore others like Satan did giving a different message.

Let me illustrate: Matt 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."(NIV) People will teach to pray for anything and God will give it if you do not doubt. But in James 4:3 adds to the teaching on prayer when it says you ask but have not because you do not ask properly, because you want to use it on your own lusts." Now we must add to that teaching of prayer which points to faith, the teaching to examine the lusts of your own hearts. Do you want what God wants? What God wanted the rich young ruler was to sell everything and follow him. One type of proof texting is taking a verse without regard to the other verses that may give partial understanding.

But there is another common method of proof texting. It is taking a verse without regard to what goes on before it or after it. Many teachers will readily read a verse without reading all that surrounds it. Politicians can be made to say absolutely anything their opponent wants them to say by quoting them out of context.

One group was teaching it was a sin to have a Christmas tree. I looked up the verse they quoted and read the chapter in the Old Testament condemning idolatry when one cuts a tree shapes the wood and puts on silver and gold and falls down and worships it God is offended. The context is clearly speaks against idol worship, not decorating trees for the Holidays, unless people think their tree is a god. Read what goes before and comes after a passage of Scripture.

Lastly, I see Scripture abused by putting lots of emphasis on a particular interpretation of a verse that is unclear and has no other verse that help explain it. Some cults will take unclear, confusing verse or passage and make that a particular truth or practice. I teach what is said clearly, plainly, and repeatedly in the Bible believe strongly. Where there is confusion or very little insight in what something means be gracious to allow for various interpretations but don’t make that a guiding principle with equal value of the rest of the Bible that is clear. That is not good Bible study. Let the passage surrounding help you understand the verse.

Evaluate the context of what people are trying to get you to believe.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 13

Verses- Titus 1: 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Examine the Effects

What is the effect of one's ministry? What effects are seen in those who follow a particular leader or pastor? I am not referring to the American criteria of positive ministry of large numbers and large offerings, material abundance and celebrity status or lifestyle. Notice that these false teachers on Crete were corrupting whole households, they were being divisive. They were lazy willing to live off the gifts of others without work or personal responsibility.

Does the religious leader separate families? Does he forbid contact with friends? It is typical that some controlling leaders stress isolation. They cut off people from other Christians condemning all others groups as being wrong and not even to associate with them. Such churches teach their members are the only true people of God. All other churches are corrupt and godless and have nothing to do with any of them.

One fellow Baptist confessed after he left a very strict and controlling church, "We really believed that our church was the last true church that God would use to save America. They would be made to feel guilty to visit relatives or be gone from church for a week-end or go on vacation."

Paul warns about consequences that ruin households because they steal people away from normal relationships. But Jesus said that because of him it will divide son from father and brother against brother. People will be jealous of commitments of Christ followers. When conviction of the Bible and commitment to Jesus causes others to reject us, and they will, then expect it. When people lead you into sin or temptation it is wise to change friends. But if groups are requiring you not to have contact with family or other believers they become controlling in unhealthy and divisive ways.

Many Jews when they accept Jesus as their savior, are kicked out of their families. They are rejected from them. With the exception of a few disciplinary matters, the church of Christ has its witness as it is involved in a culture, but is separate from its values. In other words, “be in the world, but not of it.”

Stay away from leaders who increase your feelings of worthlessness vulnerability and helplessness. Who can understand that extreme of leaders who command parents to kill their children and they obey a Jim Jones or David Keresh? What kind of bind does a group have on parents that refuse to let them take their children to the doctor when they are sick? Jesus, when he healed, often told people to be examined. That confirmation gave further glory to God.

Jesus never violated the will of anyone who followed him. He didn't say a word to dissuade the rich young ruler who walked away. Knowing Judas Iscariot's plan of betrayal, Jesus did not interfere with his freedom to do so. Of all men, Jesus could most easily have manipulated his followers. But He gives us freedom of our will. True faith is never coerced faith. True faith is free faith.

When you see other Christians who are divisive causing doubts, leading people in manipulative ways, evaluate the consequences of the effects they have on others. Is it focused on God and his glory or focused on guilt, manipulation, and intimidation and falsehood?

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 14

Verses- Titus 1:9-16

11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-- and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith

14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.

15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Examine Correction

How do people handle correction? No one like it. There are many leaders who will never take correction or ask forgiveness when it is p0inting out they were wrong. No one is always right. I am not always right. Billy Graham is not always right. The Pope is not always right. We are sinners saved by grace and are maturing in our understanding. Let your confidence of faith be centered on Jesus Christ and no one person. The value of a church body or various elders is correction. One can balance another. One gets off balance another can Biblically provide correction.

When Apollos was preaching with all his heart what he believed, he needed correction. Pricilla and Aquila sat down with him privately and opened to him further understanding. How did he take correction? With rejoicing that he would add to that which God wanted for his own growth and for others.

Did Peter need correction? He certainly did, and Paul rebuked Peter publicly because it was a public offense against the Gentile believers. He preached one thing, but when his friends, Jews from Jerusalem came to visit, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles. It had to do with a major doctrine, How did Peter take correction? Peter writes later of Paul that he is not easy to understand in his letters but he is brother who as the word of the Lord. (2 Pet. 3:15,16.)

The instructions to Titus were to rebuke the false teachers and hold them accountable to the Biblical teachings. Silence them so they will not continue to teach and disrupt the church until correction is made.

Leaders also need to be accountable for their teachings and for their actions. Discipline for false doctrine, or public sin is treated differently than correction in area of one’s life or beliefs where one comes to greater understanding of the word of God or how their actions affects others if it is in a wrong spirit or out of undisciplined character.

Did Paul have to be corrected? Paul was so upset with John Mark that didn't trust to take him on a missionary journey. He fought with

Barnabas about it and they split company and had two missionary teams in two directions. Later a humbled Paul he sees how valuable Mark really was for the ministry and asks for him to come to him. Paul did not want to give him a second chance. Barnabas did.

God corrected Paul also from being too elated or proud by having a thorn in his flesh.

How is one corrected? I like the way Aquila and Pricilla did it.

They talked quietly and privately first to Apollos who responded with appreciation. But according to Matthew 18 if that didn't work then it's good to bring along witnesses or a small group to work things out. If further discussion or discipline is required then perhaps public action needs to be done. Correction also comes through proper channels if some form of discipline is required.

Being a leader is first and foremost under the authority of God not even the church body. But that does not mean he answers to no one, but together they study the Bible and seek to apply their principles and work together to give honor to the Lord, not to get one’s power or opinions accepted.

Getting along with one another is a high goal of Christian love and fellowship. But allowing cooperation to hinder the church in ungodly attitudes or doctrinal error is not something that can be ignored.

People will be upset and leave the church for various reasons and some think that is horrible. It is far worse if uncorrected behavior is allowed to affect the cause of Christ or truth. When Paul corrected Peter regarding his outward racism, God used that experience to teach that the church is inclusive of people who are not just like us, but need Christ and are called to serve together.

We are not here to promote every idea. People who are teaching falsehood especially in the church must be silenced or rebuked if they continue in beliefs or actions. There is a time the line is drawn and discipline is required, even for leadership. That line is based Biblical truth more than making others happy.

When a pastor assumes a position that is above confrontation to correction then he has assumed too high an estimate of himself.

Examine character, content, fruit, and how they respond to correction.

Pastor Dale

Leadership Qualities Titus 1:5-9

Sermon Nuggets Monday Oct 3 Leadership Qualities

Verses- Titus 1:5-9

Leadership Qualities

It was with bitter tears that I heard the news of a friend and classmate, a successful pastor, caught with another woman in his congregation. Further investigation revealed he had many long term affairs. It is no longer an isolated case.

One of my seminary professions later pastored the largest church in the conference at that time. He not only was found to be unfaithful to his wife, but refused to face up with what he was doing as wrong. He divorced his wife and married his girl friend of many years and still wants to pastor another church as if nothing is wrong. His ordination credentials were revoked.

One of the popular and effective pastors in the Twin Cities left the country with undisclosed amount of church money. I was bothered especially since he was one of the better Bible teachers. Another pastor I know ends his ministry with every church in severe church splits and divisions in the fellowship. Is it any wonder people who do not have a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ see religion as a sham and reject the church?

So it is with concern for the body of Jesus that Paul lists very important leadership characteristics. He is not talking about people who have sinless lives, for only Jesus would qualify, but people who in their sin come to the cross for confess and forgiveness and commit themselves to seek a higher standard of living as a witness to Jesus. Spiritual leaders in the church, be they clergy or laymen, must be evaluated in important areas of their lives.

Paul instructs Titus as to whom to pick as elders of churches in Crete. Crete was the stop Paul and some of his companion made as he was being transferred from the jail in Judea to go to Rome for his trial. As a prisoner, he had some freedom to meet with friends. Apparently while on this island there was contact with other believers, and evangelism that led some to Christ. According to Acts 27 it is apparent that Paul did not want to leave, but advised the owners and captains of the ship to winter in Crete.

There was not only the fear of rough voyage (which indeed resulted in shipwreck), but also the need to establish the witness, so things were left undone. Paul instructed Titus to better establish believers in churches and appoint leaders to minister and witness by their good lives and hard work.

The word elder is used in two different respects in this book. It denotes elderly men who thought to have maturity and common sense due to the experiences of life. But it is also used also to refer to the overseer, or pastor or spiritual leaders of these churches. Note that the term is plural. Most of these early churches had a plurality of overseers. In all probability they each supervised and led in some particular ministry. Be they lay or clergy is irrelevant.

What is important when looking for good qualities of leadership?

That is the theme of this week’s study.

This is a reminder to continually pray for spiritual leaders to be faithful to the Lord and strong against temptations of all sorts.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets- Tues Oct 4

Verses- Titus 1:5-9 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.

Evaluate the Home Life.

One is called to be blameless. Blameless doesn't mean sinless it means that no serious accusations can be made against him. Now before God anyone in Jesus Christ is made blameless by the blood of the cross. One could legitimately say, a spiritual leader must be saved and forgiven. You'd be surprised how many spiritual leaders have no personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ. They have people gifts and talents, and maybe speaking abilities and theological education, but have never repented and trusted in the cross of Christ to save them, and invited Christ to come into their lives and follow Him. So first evaluate is someone is saved, and trusting Christ as their savior.

But I believe Paul is talking about lifestyle here. As saved people we now must live above reproach of others. Although we are affected by sin, our desire is to live with integrity so we have nothing to hide. There are no skeletons in the closet that we are hiding that haven't been faced. One must live so as to bring no shame to Jesus and to the church. Out lives make a difference. Spiritual leaders have a higher calling and responsibility before God.

Dr. Millard Erickson in a survey of churches concluded the highest rating of what churches are looking for in pastors relate to what the person is rather than what he knows or what he can do.

One of the first areas of evaluation is one's home life. Those who have families are expected to manage them well. One of the complaints of pastors years ago was how their family lives in a fishbowl with everyone watching them and how they raise their family, whether their children are obedient and well behaved. There are some jokes made about being a PK preachers kids that children have learned to resent. Everyone expects pastors and wives, and children to be perfect by their expectations. But I am glad to say it seems those days of extreme scrutiny are diminished. No family is perfect.

Gone are the days when families walk in unannounced into a home thinking the parsonage is public domain. Many have realized because of mistakes made in the past pastors need family time, and time with their spouse. Two occupations sadly affected by divorce are medical physicians, and clergymen. One reason is that so much time is spent away from home normally that they do not provide adequate love and leadership in their own families. Absenteeism builds resentment. One complaint many spouses give of their ministerial husbands is even when he is at home he might as well be gone because he is always on the phone, reading material for a sermon or thinking about church problems instead of giving his family attention.

One of the best ways a church can help is to allow their leaders and workers times away for family. Some churches unfortunately are very blind to the needs for vacations and days off, and times away from church responsibilities. I am glad that Stanchfield recognizes that is an important part of ministry to the family, and know our family has been blessed because of that support.

But it is not the fault of churches when spiritual leaders are unfaithful to their wives. To be the husband of one wife is a charge against polygamy, but it may also be applied sexual morality and against divorce under the conditions laid out in Matthew 6 and I Cor. 7. This message is especially important in our day.

Paul's message is if things are falling apart at home, one will not lead in church matters very well. Spiritually rebellious children often result because they see inconsistency in their lives of their parents. That isn't always true of course. There are families who love the Lord and when some child reaches late adolescent they make decisions of their own. At that point the parents are no longer responsible. But the point of home evaluation is one cannot live two lives. Anything you try to cover up at home will come out through little mouths anyway.

Families that have strong marriages and committed children who are active believers, doesn't just happen. Not only is it by God's grace but you can bet parents work at Christian training in home and don't just leave it up to Sunday school and youth groups. It is important to spend time with you kids, to model Jesus and pray and teach. That kind of person makes the best church leader too.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 5

Verse- Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless-- not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.

Evaluate the Personal Life.

The work we do in the ministry is a trust from God. It is a responsibility given to us to do in His wisdom and strength. A steward takes care of that which he does not own. No church is ours as pastors, leaders or laity. Each church belongs to God or it is not a church in the Biblical sense. God has entrusted spiritual leaders with his work. So we need to be selective who serves in the churches and especially as pastors.

We not only evaluate the home life, but also one's personal life. Time does not allow me to say more than a comment or two in our list of criteria that is important regarding a leader's personal character.

First "He must be blameless, not overbearing" When I read that I think of overbearing, dictatorial leaders. I think there are some who love to confront and intimidate people in overbearing manner. Usually such people are very judgmental not in just Biblical principles but in legalistic rules about everything. Such a leader demands his way. There are many churches split over pastors who with pride and forcefulness and self-righteousness drive people away because of their bossy mannerisms.

Yet, there was no compromise in Paul's life. I am sure he was a confronting strong personality. What's the difference? A strong person is one whom you know does what he does out of conviction and love and not out of pride and self-righteousness. One encourages the church to follow Jesus, the others to follow the pastor. The overbearing person must always win. We must preach the word in power in power and love, but never to manipulate people in overbearing and closed minded ways.

2) A leaders ought not be quick tempered I know of one pastor who at a board meeting rose up with such anger he began attacking others and cursing and slammed down his Bible and stormed out of the church. He lost his position. Now anger is not the sin, how we display it is. When one has an ongoing characteristic of quick temperedness that will not do any church any good. Such a person does not hear people out without responding impulsively to the first thing that upsets him.

A person that can control his temper is a self-disciplined person. A person that responds out of impulsive emotion will sadly affect believers and baby Christians. Jesus seldom was angry, but when he was it was not with quick temper, but rather with righteous indignation. The best of leaders show a mannerism that is more thought out and not emotional explosive response where one must continually apologize later.

3) a leader is not given to drunkenness; I follow and advise all Christians to follow abstinence from alcoholic beverages. I do so because of our culture and its abuse of alcohol. I do so because of the influence and affect it has on others. I do so because of the many crimes committed under the influence. I do not want, in any way, to support an industry that makes profit at social ills of our society. The damage done to lives far exceeds any pleasure when you compare the costs. I go farther than Biblical demands. There is sin in drunkenness. When one does not drink at all there is never any problem with drunkenness. If there is any clergyman or Christian leader who is alcoholic, or tendencies to drinking too much they do not qualify unless they repent of sin and change their habits.

4) a leader is not violent. I am appalled at the increased information regarding abuse. We could easily translate this abusive. It comes out sexually, physically, emotionally. There is far too much child abuse under the guise of disciplining their children. There are battered kids, or kids who are harmed beyond normal and reasonable discipline.

But I never forget the headlines of Detroit Free Press at one of our conference churches made the news because police had to be called out three Sundays in a row because of physically fighting over disagreements in church policies and those who asked for the pastor's resignation and those who fought to support him. What a testimony for Jesus isn't it? How sad that the cause of Jesus is so compromised.

5. One does not pursue dishonest gain. There perhaps is no criticism more common than ministers who are after your money. TV personalities abound with lavish life styles and keep begging for more offerings promising greater spiritual blessings when you give to them. It is a mistake to take money under one pretense and use if for personal use. Honest and greed are both taken into consideration. There is nothing more at scrutiny than finances. People who give to the Lord want to be sure money is properly and carefully handled. More leaders get into trouble by first handling money, which I don't think any pastor needs to do; and secondly ignoring the church accountability.

A person is pegged quickly how he treats finances and if one is only concerned about benefits salary housing and professional expenses and asks very little about ministry they will not make good ministers. Jesus says it well when he said, "Where your treasurer is there will your heart be also." Look at a man's checkbook to see one's priorities. When one is more involved in personal investments and financial gains than the work of helping others, priorities of Christ get misdirected.

Notice there is nothing wrong with people who make investments or able to do a business in honest ways because the correction is against dishonest gain, and illegal or unethical means of making money.

Misrepresentation of a car is just as wrong as stealing from the treasury. It can be a temptation to be dishonest when filling out a professional expense. It can be dishonest when filling out mileage trip tickets. Cheating and taking of money and materials that do not belong to a person disqualifies them from such leadership according to the Word

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 6

Verses- Titus 1: 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

Evaluate the Spiritual Life.

Now these qualities certainly belong to personal characteristics, but they are also defined as upright holy and disciplined. And all have spiritual sources.

The Bible begins to say love the Lord God first and love your neighbor as your self. If someone doesn't have the love of God in them they are not going to have much love for others. Hospitality is one way that is evaluated.

If someone is loving God, love begins to flow to others. Hospitality is kindnesses

shown to others for the purpose of making them feel welcome. People are given food when needed, places to stay. In the first century when Christians traveled, they did not have motels and hotels like we do, many of them traveled and stayed in homes of other believers. To help evangelists and missionaries along their way was part of being hospitable. Kindness is a spiritual quality.

Next love what is good. There is a difference between doing what is good, and loving to do what is good. There are times in our lives when we do what we know to be right, but like Romans 7 there is a struggle within our souls. God honors us doing what is right, especially when faced with temptations. Do we love pleasing the Lord, and doing what we know pleases Him? Or do we really wish we could be in sin?

Rejoice in the right. Do we love to do the truth, to see God's will done, to see people walk in holiness? Do we love helping others, seeing people converted? Do we love to get involved in activities that help others in their spiritual walk? That is an important part of evaluating a persons spiritual life.

Another spiritual quality is one who is self-controlled. We all sin, but we must not continue in sin. There is a difference. We can lose our temper, but must not do so continually. There is difference between the character of Judas who sought to lie and deceive and steal, and the character of Peter who wanted to serve God but fell when he was walking in his own strength and not the power of the Spirit.

Next Paul talks about being upright and holy. How important it is to be honest and doing what is right instead of what is wrong, or compromising principles for the sake of accomplishing ends. People need to see honesty in all areas, especially in our day. Someone in church told me of returning money less than $1.00 to the local grocery store. There was a coupon given which he didn't use, and in checking the sales slip he was undercharged for another item. In wanting to be fair and upright he spend more money on his return trip than the cost of the items. How often people are surprised when we are honest?

Uprightness comes in treating people fairly, honestly, and with a level of wanting God's glory to be seen in and through him. We do not want to excuse our sin or our own personality traits. The question that is a good one to guide your spiritual life is "What would Jesus do?"

Lastly this list includes being disciplined. This is the hardest characteristic for me. If we talk about organization, plans, goals and strategy. I fail when it comes to diets and overeating. Satan gains a victory when how some of my time could be better spent, but I hope I am not just rationalizing when I think it Paul talking about Spiritual disciplines primarily.

Discipline for me comes with seeking to change my schedule to have regular devotions and prayer, not just when I feel like it. A Spiritual leader isn't living in the spirit if he isn't spending times listening to God through the Word and in prayer. It means not letting my emotions control my actions, but the Bible through the mind.

When it comes to the Lord, work toward that ideal of having study time, having family time, having budget plan, having your work responsibilities planned out. And always be aware surprises happen and God knows that. So go with it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 7

Verses Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Evaluate the Doctrinal Life.

Lets look at some of these phrases that supports the importance of holding to sound doctrine.

"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message.” In addition to the character qualities a true leader of God must also hold true to the message that is from the Bible. It is the anchor by which he does all teaching and living. All other revelations, opinions, suggestions, and so forth are unworthy. Of course, we have the advantage that Titus did not have, since we have all of Paul's authoritative letters and this is by the Spirit of God. We must be doctrinally sound.

"as it has been taught," This little phrase is significant in that Paul taught Titus the gospel. The Gospel cannot be conveyed without someone teaching someone else, who teaches someone else. The importance of teaching the Word of God continues from generation to generation. The importance of knowing the fundamentals makes a stronger church. Paul was authoritative in his teaching because he knew that it was God's. The Spirit bring that to us in his own unique way and illuminates our minds that we would know truth from the Bible and apply it to our hearts.

"so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." I have been reminded how important it is not only to stand firm to truth but people are encouraged when they are believers to know truth, good or bad. I think of Christ who says, You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. That is the case when people are not under bondage, but under grace. They are not under spiritual abuse, but under the love of God. They are freed from sin and the sins that entrap. We praise God for his revelation of truth. We praise God for encouragement that He provides. Secondly when one knows doctrines and teachings of Scriptures one has a basis of knowledge and can refute and show others the error in their thought.

We ought not to be afraid of offense if it is truth in love. When people preach materialistic gospel, we must show the lie of it. When people preach a Christless gospel, we must confront it with the truth. When people preach salvation by any other means than grace of God through faith there is false salvation. I am shocked when I hear so much religious gobbledygook that has no Biblical truth. But they don't know it. People need to be trained so that there is a foundation of truth and can discern what is a lie from Satan.

Don't be misled by exciting and dramatic personalities. Don't be mislead by the lusts of your own desires; don’t be mislead by traditions that go against the Bible. Don't be misled by new fads and new revelations or emotional experiences that are not consistent with the repeated teachings of the doctrines of the Bible. Don't get misled by people who think they have some new inside super spiritual insight unknown before. May those red lights of warning cause you to stop and seek the truth. Be like the Bereans who were instructed to check out what Paul said by the Scriptures to see if these things are so.

Sometimes there are arguments regarding style of music, dress, versions of the Bible who can pass out communion plate and variety of other items that people like to use to judge correctness. Oh let’s be people changed by God's love and desire to demonstrate in all of our lives what Paul stresses to evaluate leaders especially. Be people who are consistent at home as well as at church. Be people whose personal integrity is seen by outsiders as well as insiders. Have a spiritual life that draws upon the power of God and shows itself in one's life, and know what you believe and why. We will be stronger and so will others because of Jesus who demonstrates these qualities for us.

Pastor Dale

Ministry Matters Titus 1:1-5

Sermon Nuggets Mon Sept 26- Ministry Matters

Verses - Titus 1:1-5

1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--

2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Knowing your Plan

Last week I primarily looked at verse 1 where Paul was writing a personal letter to Titus to discuss ministry matters. Although the letter is referred to as one of the pastoral epistles, from Paul to pastor Titus and then 1,2 Timothy, there are truths that are applicable to all.

Paul begins by stating his call into the ministry as being a servant, an apostle, a minister to the church, a teacher, missionary.

But today I want us to focus on the one who does the calling.

I read this morning already about more of the republican debates. I didn’t watch them. As we get into the political preparations for another presidential election, I cringe because it seems so early and so long to listen to promise and ways to get our country back on its feet.

Politicians make campaign promises in order to gain our votes. Sales representatives make all kinds of pledges to win our business. In our lives we hear people make promises usually to get what they want. But when two or three politicians with contradicting promises try to work together, something has to give. Either one or the other will break his or her promises or there is a stalemate such as we are seeing in so many legislatures on national and state levels.

What happens when a salesman gives a promise for a product and discovers the company is out of stock. Maybe through no fault of his own he is forced to break his promise of having a product you wanted by a certain time. Emergencies happen so we soon discover very few promise are 100% guaranteed. There are no guarantees with people are there? There are too many things outside our control. Countless things can go wrong.

But what about God and the promises He makes? He promised Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky. Today millions can trace their family tree back to Abraham. God promised to bring His people out of slavery in Egypt and He sent Moses to lead them out. He promised to send a unique man to save His people – a Messiah saturated by God’s Spirit. And over 2000 years ago Jesus was born in Bethlehem. With God, a promise made is a promise kept.

Although Paul states his part in the program, it is based on his faith in a living and powerful God. He does not lie. He means what He says. He has the power to fulfill his promises and there are no surprises with God. We may not always understand his program but if there is one thing Paul discovered from Old Testament to then was all things were according to Gods greater plan and he delighted that he could be part of that plan in a significant way.

God makes sure people know about his plans. He even uses people like us to tell those who still don’t know about His promises.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Sept 27 Purpose

Verses- Verses - Titus 1:2,3

2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

Know Your Purpose

We have been talking a lot recently about purpose in our church. We have identified our purpose as glorifying God. We expand that to include in our constitution: “The purpose of the Stanchfield Baptist Church is to glorify God through worship, obedience, and love; to equip and edify the body of Christ for ministry of service, fellowship, and spiritual growth; to proclaim Christ to our community and world by word and deed.” From that our planning committee produced the challenge to be united in Loving God, Growing in Christ, and serving in Spirit.

As we looked at last week Paul knew who he was and recognized the call of God on his life. He also knew God who keeps his promises and has a bigger picture in mind to which our world events are moving to the final establishment of the Kingdom of God.

Now he knows his purpose on earth. He is to bring this message of salvation to the world. He was specifically called to the gentile population.

“What is the purpose of my life”? One Christian writer lists five purposes for Christains:

· We were planned for God’s pleasure, so your first purpose is to offer real worship.

· We were formed for God’s family, so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.

· We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.

· We were shaped for serving God, so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.

· We were made for a mission, so your fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.

There is no question that Paul was excited about God and living for His pleasure. He writes to Titus that he might pick men capable of leading God’s church in their own fellowship on Crete. He has been the mentor to pastors Titus and Timothy as well as others to keep the growth going in the faith. He gives the their job descriptions and most importantly the character needed to do the work of the Lord.

It is good to time to time to re-evaluate the priorities on life through a Biblical perspective.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Sept 28 Goals

Verses Titus 1: 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness--

2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

Know your Goals:

Stuart Briscoe said many people who want to get right with God go about it in two basic ways, One is to do your best and the other is hope for the best. For those who seek to do their best find it isn't good enough.

Paul knew his goals. First it was for the faith of the elect.

People of faith are those who understand the only way you can get right with God is by asking Him graciously to give them what they do not deserve. Trusting that God will save them by Jesus works and grace are people of faith. You start as one justified or made right with God by his grace and your faith in it, but then you go on from there. You also live by faith. We need to have as our goals bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ and once they are saved to encourage people to grow in their faith by trusting Jesus every day. Do you believe by faith that every single day God can intervene in your affairs by His Spirit through His Word in the fellowship of believers that enriches your life?

You are connected to God in all you do because you want Him at school with you, you want him at work with you, you want Him at home with you. Of course He never leaves nor forsakes you.

Secondly another goal for believers is knowledge of truth that leads to Godliness. This is to increase people's understanding of God's truth.

Paul had the apostolic calling to write what we now have as the truths from God. I am troubled that many in North America are more experience oriented than knowledge oriented. Most don't study at all and those who do usually study experience oriented things. Oh that we will be people who are disciples knowing more and more what God's will is by knowing more and more what the Bible says.-to learn it, memorize it, and then to live it. What good is knowledge if we don't use it?

Where do you and I struggle with godliness? Do you demonstrate growth in love, in patience, in gentleness, in forgiveness, in your conversation, in self control? That is all godly character? In your comings and goings to people see Jesus in you?

Thirdly, there is the goal of Paul to have believers live in the hope of Eternal life. v2 Faith and knowledge resting on the hope. Eternal life becomes the foundation of our hope. It is interesting to note that future blessing and reward is a motivating factor for faithfulness.

Like most people I am appalled at the inhumanity of torture during the holocaust. One of the main reasons some people in concentrations camps could keep going in spite of horrendous conditions is the hope that they would soon be delivered. For many who fought battles with heroic courage in spite of odds against them fought with the hope that victory was just around the corner. For the Christian to keep going when the going is so hard come from the hope that Jesus Christ is coming again and our rewards await us as promised. This hope of eternal life is given as one of the reasons for endurance and persuasion.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Sept 29 Strategy

Verses Titus 1: 3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,

4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Know your Strategy:

Well how does one begin to achieve their goals? It is developing a strategy. Paul knew that preaching was entrusted to Him. Preaching was God's plan for people to hear of His love. Proclamation is God's plan for people to grow in the faith, preaching is God's strategy entrusted to his people to proclaim knowledge that leads to godliness and preaching is the strategy to hope.

One of the strategies God has given to the church is the power of the proclaimed word. It is God’s will that pastors, evangelists, prophets to proclaim the truths of the Bible. It is a divine, God appointed task to be a preacher and to do it to the best of one's abilities. It is done by God's will. The strategy is taking the Word of God and preparing it and proclaiming in trusting God’s Spirit and filling to produce spiritual results. We must translate God's word so people can understand it, but it is still God's word.

Each pastor will be held accountable for what he preaches and teaches the people. It is a tremendous privilege, but it is also an awesome responsibility. Pray for me that I may declare it faithfully and have the illumination of the Spirit in interpretation and the power of proclamation. When I or others preach a different message than is in the book, we need to be rebuked, challenged, and corrected. Many have fallen to the temptation of a public forum to state all kinds of political ideas, social ideas, personal ideas, philosophies of man, personal dress tastes, or cultural traditions that have nothing to do with God's word.

Another strategy is discipleship. He writes to Titus his true son in our common faith. Paul is writing to one of his converts, with whom he has a relationship with closer than a biological son. It is not uncommon for us to feel akin to fellow Christians more than unsaved relatives. Jesus said that about the people who believed when his own biological family wanted him to stop his ministry. "These are my mother and brothers and sisters."

But part of the strategy to help people grow in the Lord is working with them to train and teach them to do ministry. When Paul left Antioch to discuss the gospel with the Jerusalem leaders, he took Titus with him

(Ga.l.2:1-3) Titus was a Gentile as a Christian yet without circumcision. In this relationship he watched Paul and assisted in the work by prayer and writing and sharing his testimony. Titus worked with Paul at Ephesus during the third missionary journey. From there the apostle sent him to Corinth to help that church with its work. He did the work and Paul evaluated it.

His strategies including having his disciple, Titus, become a disciple maker passing on the training to capable men to carry on the ministry and share in the call. Find men to be elders in every town. There were a number of believers around Crete and Titus could not do it all. It is God’s plan to share the load. Discipleship is training people to the ministry and grow in their faith.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Sept 30 Execution

Verses Titus 1: 5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you

Execute the Plan

All the plans preparation, goals and strategy in the world isn’t going to do a bit of good until or unless the plan is executed. There might be revisions along the way but get moving toward the goals. Paul may have had a wonderful blueprint, but results happened when he obeyed and did what God called him to do.

Paul does what he does out of obedience to God and people see that in his life. When people obey the Lord others will be blessed and grow. When you obey God at home your children and grandchildren will benefit. When you obey God at work your fellow workers will be blessed. When you obey at school the classmates will be ministered to in ways that you will not even be aware. Obedience is God's strategy to sharing your gifts that others will be built up in the faith, in knowledge, in hope.

In the remainder of this book we will study together some of the commands that are our responsibilities as God's children. We are commanded to use our various gifts unto the Lord and for the strengthening of the fellowship. We are to stay from sin, we are to encourage one another in the faith.

Following Paul's release from his first Roman imprisonment he and

Titus worked briefly in Crete, after which he commissioned Titus to remain there as his representative and complete some needed work. We see at the end of this book Paul asks Titus to meet him at Nicopolis on the coast of Greece when a replacement arrived. Later as we understand in Timothy’s letter Titus went on a mission to Dalmatia which is Yugoslavia today.

The last word we hear about him 2 Tim 4:10. Paul's ministry was always pouring the work into others that they might learn and pass it on to others- training trainers to train trainers. That is discipleship. Discipleship It is helping them know their gifts and watch them develop those gifts of the Spirit. It is seeing someone's strengths and interests and let them loose with one important goal in mind. Each must look to Christ.

Pastor Dale