Growing in Grace Titus 2:11-15

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 24

Verses Titus 2:11-15

Saying Grace

Do you remember when you first learned to pray? From the earliest years most of us probably learned to pray at the kitchen table more than anywhere else on earth. Many homes followed the practice of saying "grace", of giving thanks at meal time.

The first may be a memorized prayer, "God is great. God is good. And we thank him for this food."

Then there is a time in most children’s lives when they will look around the table and begin to thank God for the hamburger, the buns, the salt, the pop, the catsup, the potato chips. The prayer ends up being among the longest at the table as all the food is listed. Usually someone tries to coax the youngster by interjecting, "Amen. Say Amen!”

Most families will have funny stories about table grace prayers. One Mother told her small girls to stay their blessings without her. She watched them as they both squeezed their eyes tightly shut over folded hands. As her 4-year-old finished, her 3-year-old sister kept on praying.
Another minute or two passed before she lifted her head, looked at her plate, and in an indignant voice said, “Hey! My peas are still here!”
Another family told of the kids squabbling and fighting, and finally to stop all the spats the Dad said the next words I want to hear are in prayer. Silence loomed. Finally his 10 year old prayed, "Dear Lord, help Mom to pass the salt please."

Some young people may develop a kind of a cynical doubting, "What does it matter if I don't say grace? This is a ritual. Does it really serve a purpose? God knows that I'm grateful,"

In Junior high years often the whole scene of bowing heads and closing eyes and saying religious words suddenly seemed childish and needless, and for the most part embarrassing if there are friends around, especially those who are not churched.

But some realize how good it is to cultivate this healthy habit. ‘Asking the blessing’ is a sweet and much needed refreshing pause during hectic days.

Grace means something more however. It is a great word indicating the goodness of God. At Thanksgiving time we are focused to think of the bounty of food we have in America and then reflect on the needs of the world and those who are dying without food. We see that it is not because of our doing that we live in the land of plenty; it is by God's grace. Then we are not only thankful, we are also desirous to share of our abundance.

Grace is looking at God who is the giver of good things. Are we thankful for what God has provided through farmers, and groceries, through jobs, or food shelf? Do we offer grace for the air we breathe, the houses we live in, the beds we sleep in, the clothes we wear? These are all part of undeserved favor of God

I would like us to think again this week on the greatness of God's grace as reminded in Titus of even greater gifts from God.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 25

Verse Titus 2:11

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Grace is demonstrated in Salvation

Judi and I received a gift awhile ago from someone that was unexpected and undeserved. We called the person to let her know how grateful we were. Our comments were a mixture of “you shouldn't have”, “we really appreciate it”, “I was far more than we imagined”. To us she was wonderful.

Paul begins to show us the great wonder of God who brought for us the tremendous gift of salvation. We have been looking at the book of Ephesians for our sermon series on Sundays and the key verses include 2:8,9 "It is by grace that you have been saved through faith it is not of yourselves it is a gift of God lest anyone should boast." We have received a tremendous gift that is also undeserved. Salvation includes the greatness of heavens, escape from the judgment of hell. Salvation means something when we understand our freedom from the bondage of sin and of Satan. We have the indwelling Spirit of God within our lives. We are never left alone. We have been made into new creatures bound for glorious things. We are loved by the creator who sought us by his grace. What a wonder of God to graciously give us what we do not deserve.

The phrase "salvation that has appeared to all men," simply means that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and appeared to mankind. Jesus appeared in Bethlehem. He suffered and died at Calvary. Because Jesus arose and ascended and He intercedes on our behalf we can have salvation.

The unmerited favor of God was demonstrated in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ set aside his glory and removed His splendor to take on human form and became for us the sin offering.

He walked among us for 33 years. He humbled himself and became obedient even to go to the cross.

Every news program I watch I am further convinced that this world needs hope like never before. When I perform funeral services I think about what I know of the person’s life an wonder if he/she had that hope of salvation trusting in the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Is your hope in the grace of God that has appeared to all men, and will appear again to bring us to Him?

Grace demonstrates the wonder of God that he would even desire to save us when he doesn't have to. He could have rejected us on the garbage heap of sinful souls, but His abounding love is manifested in our salvation. His gift is awesome when we think that He makes us holy from evil and makes us His showpieces unto righteousness.

When you say “grace” today, thank Him not just for the food you are eating but for saving your soul. If you are not sure, commit your life to Him trusting in the works of Jesus to make you whole and forgiven forever. Receive His free gift!

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 26

Verses- Titus 2:12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Grace is Demonstrated in Sanctification

God’s grace saves us. But then Paul reminds us it is by God grace we are taught to say "No" to meaningless things like ungodliness and to worldliness.

Ungodliness means that we have an attitude of heart and an activity in life-style that clearly demonstrates we are not serious about God. The Greek word used here is the exact opposite from the word godly, or to take God seriously. The problem, God says, with our society and with our lives, is that we do not take Him seriously and we exhibit this in the activities we find so attractive. Do you realize that if it wasn't by the gift of God to us to live in us we would not have the option of saying no to many of our lusts and desires? We find ourselves controlled by thoughts and actions we wish we did not have. We would automatically be drawn by our old sinful nature to live our lives in the flesh and not by the Spirit. We might have religion for God places the need for Himself in our hearts, but it would be without the reality of God living in our lives.

Not only does God's wonderful grace teach us to say no to ungodliness but it also teaches us to say No to worldly passions Worldly passion is tied with this present age and what we call secularism. It has to do with an attitude of the heart, mind and life-style that show we are interested in the now and here than the hereafter. Or to put it another way we are more interested in the materialistic world and the pleasures now than the spiritual world and the pleasures yet to come.

Joni Eareckson Tada wrote an article “This World is not My Home.”

She was wheeling in a mall and felt like stranger. There was a fashion show going on in the center courtyard, she was hit with the thought, "Does anyone else here realize that there is more to life than the new winter designs?"

She was troubled with the impressions and the discussions she overheard that the world that most people are deeply engrossed are with video games, movie complexes, and latest clothing styles She called it conspicuous consumption. It's not that we cannot enjoy these things, it is that meaning of life and the priority we give them does not satisfy the heart. When we are dead and gone none of this means a thing. But people are missing out on the treasures of heaven.

Faith is double sided. It not only verifies heaven as real, giving hard and fast reality to that which we do not yet see, but it also makes us look differently at visible things on earth. Like the hymn writer says, "the things of this earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace." Most are more interested in worldly things than Christ. Faith makes invisible things real and visible things unreal, earthly dissatisfaction becomes the road to heavenly satisfaction. One place supplants the other as home. And it hurts that so many lack faith to see it.

Not only does grace of God teach us to say no to meaningless things it teaches us to say yes to spiritually meaningful things. That's why grace then teaches us to live self-controlled, upright godly lives in this present age, It provides for us an awareness that because God has invaded this planet it changes our attitude toward it. We can be self-controlled and not manipulated by the demands of the world. By the indwelling of the Spirit in our lives we can have the power of God within and live upright and godly lives. But when it comes right down to it we are foreigners in a strange land.

Hebrew 11:13-16 says it right "People who say such things show they are looking for a country of their own. They had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. That is the hope.

The glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, we look ahead to his glory and revelation of his second coming. We have been excited about what God has done, we can be excited about what God is going to do. God has promised that there is a great day coming when Jesus will appear again in his glory and redeem us from this world. This appearing is the second coming.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Oct 27

Verses- Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope-- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Grace is demonstrated in Good Works

It is grace that centered on the work of Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness. We wonder at the love of God who sought to redeem us, but grace shows us the works of God of how he accomplishes that. Jesus has visibly, spectacularly, miraculously appeared at a precise time and place in history. for the purpose of saving and is even now saving us by training us to renounce godliness and worldly passion and to live sober, upright and godly lives in this world.

Grace always refers to god's loving kindness. What amazes Paul is that God was at work at the beginning of the world. As one views the prophecies of the bible things are not happen chance. We review that wonderful story at Christmas. When we review again the prophetic fulfillments of the cross at Easter we see how these Old Testament stories are more than interesting history lessons of the Jewish people. They become the revelation of almighty God carrying out the plan of our redemption whether we realize it or not. There was no other way for us to be forgiven than to have a righteous one pay for our debt. There is none that is righteous than God. So God came as man to take on Satan in sinlessness, but then die unjustly that unjust people may life. The work of God's grace doesn't stop there with the manifestation of Jesus Christ as our Savior, but as Lord over all.

When God as grace first appears it was to give himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity, when he again appears glorified, it will be to receive us as a purified people of his very own.

A preacher a Oxford once remarked that it is the modern temper to cry in despair, "Look what this world has come to", while the early Christian shouts "Look what has come to the world!" God has revealed his loving purpose to save all men by his work of the coming first and second, the death burial, resurrection, ascension and return.

But we live in this in between stage of the saved, but not yet glorified. We live in this time between redemption of soul to reigning in glory with him, after Satan is completely defeated. Notice the title “great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” is affirming clearly in the Bible the divinity of Jesus as well as his humanity.

Now the work of Jesus is to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. But we can say, “Please Be Patient God isn't Finished with Me Yet.” He died to make us good.

Philip Yancey in CT describe a friend named Larry who had he most colorful background of anyone he knows. He has history of sexual liaisons with people of both genders. A recovering drug addict, he attends a 12 step recovery groups almost daily, has recently celebrated his 10th Anniversary of sobriety and has become a substance abuse counselor.

Along the way Larry became a Christian. He says he was converted by hearing two hymns, "Just as I am" and "Amazing Grace". As he heard the words of those hymns it sunk in for the first time that God really did want him to come just as he was. God's grace was that amazing. In his own way Larry has been trying to follow God ever since. But also in his own way he has not experienced the victorious Christian life. He overeats, chain smokes, and sex continues to be a problem and since he never manages to get up in time for church.

Now the question Larry has is if he is dead to sin how come it has such ongoing victory in his defeated life. How can he act as if he is dead to sin, because essentially he is. In the sanctifying work of God Sin has lost its controlling power over you. In Romans Paul teaches that we are no longer slaves to sin. He is no longer our master. There is a way out from defeat. We have changed masters.

The question of the legalist is ‘how far can I go so as to be righteous and more righteous?’ The question of a love relationship is

‘how can I please the one I love?’. Would a groom on his wedding night say to his bride, Honey, now that we're married I want to work out a few details, "How far can I go with other women? Can I kiss them? Sleep with them, I know a few affairs might hurt you, but just think of all your opportunity you have to forgive me. That will really show what a great woman you are." It is obviously he does not understand the first thing about love.

Similarly if we approach God with a ‘What can I get away with?’ It proves we do not grasp God’s grace gift.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 28

Verses Titus 2:15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Grace is demonstrated in God's Word

This entire gospel is the Word of God that is to be taught. The fact that we can have this Word spread is by God's grace and our commitment and obedience to his call. The fact that we have the Scriptures is by God's grace; the fact we have churches that teach the word of God is by God's grace. The fact that your parents, or SS teachers, or tv or radio preachers, or tract writers were used of the Holy Spirit is to your praise to God of His grace who saw to it that not only are we presented with the good news the gospel, but we can grow in our wisdom and understanding and put godly things to practice in our lives by His power.

The purpose of the Word of God is to shape us into a thing of beauty. This is to be taught, to be passed on in our homes and in our churches until Jesus comes again. It is to train, to instruct and to educate people not in intellectual understand but in the practical sense to be godly to be hopeful in the world that is to come.

Paul tells Titus to communicate what has been taught this far as authoritatively from God. That include the need for older men to be worthy of respect, the older women to be models and trainers for younger women, who need not neglect the place God has given them in the home and the awareness of young men to be faithful in love and in self control. Those who are slaves are to be a witness of their new found faith by their life and an example in all things that the word of God would be attractive to those who watch.

Paul gives Titus three verbs, teach, encourage and rebuke in authority. He can do that only if what he is teaching and encouraging and rebuking is in line with the authoritative word of God.

It is the Word of God that will not return void. Jean Giono tells the story of Elzeard Bouffier, a shepherd he met in 1913 in the French Alps. At that time because of careless deforestation, the mountains around Provence, France, were barren. Former villages were deserted because their springs and brooks had run dry. the wind blew furiously, without foliage and made that mountainside almost inhabitable.

While mountain climbing, Giono came to a shepherd's hut where he was invited to spend the night. After dinner Giono watched the shepherd meticulously sort through a pile of acorns, discarding those that were cracked, or undersized. When the shepherd had counted out 100 acorns, he stopped for the night and went to bed.

He learned that the 55 years old shepherd had been planting tree on the wild hillside for over three years. He had planted 100,000 trees, 20,000 of which had sprouted. Of those, he expected half to be eaten by rodents or die due to the elements, and other half to live.

After WW I Giono returned to the mountainside and discovered incredible rehabilitation; there was a veritable forest, accompanied by a chain of reaction in nature. Water flowed in the once empty brooks. The ecology sheltered the trees now abounded to healthy Willows, bushes, meadow gardens and flowers.

Giono returned again after WW II 20 miles from the lines, the shepherd had continued his work, ignoring the war just as he had before. The reformation of the land continued. Whole regions glowed with health and prosperity. Giono writes, "On the site of the ruins I had seen in 1913 now stand neat farms.The old streams, fed by the rains and snows that the forest conserve, are flowing again. Little by little, the villages have been rebuilt. People from the plains, were land is costly have settled, bringing youth, and adventure."

The planting of the Word of God in barren land and in barren people are like the parable of the sower and the seed.

"Titus, continue to teach." Continue to plant; continue to sow;

Continue to encourage those who need it by my Word. Continue to rebuke, continue to let the Word of God be what people are fed for in the process it will make a difference in some people’s lives like the barren mountainside the love of Jesus will produce life. It is a marvelous grace of our loving Lord.

When you are doing the work of God people will try to stop you. Discouragement will abound, but don't let people despise you. Keep doing what God's will is by His strength and His power and even if you do not see the fruit, He will produce it in His time.

Pastor Dale

Discipleship Titus 2:1-10

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 17 Relationships Titus 2:1-10

Titus 2:1-10

1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

Teaching Relationship Responsibilities

"The greatest miracle that God can do today," observed evangelist Leonard Ravenhill, "is to take an unholy man out of an unholy world and make him holy, and then put him back in that unholy world and keep him there." The reason the disciples displayed great influence is that their lives were transformed by Jesus Christ and they were living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What difference does it make that you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? We certainly understand that difference when we die, or when Christ returns. But does it make a difference Monday through Saturday?

On the island of Crete Paul when preached many came to Christ. They lived in a very ungodly culture. They hadn't the slightest idea what it meant to belong to God. But after one comes to know the Lord in a personal way Titus was instructed to disciple people in the fellowship of believers in the Church of Jesus Christ. God wants to call a people unto himself to show the world that we know God. Now that we are God's, show it.

Last week we talked about false teachers and concerns of identifying them as we evaluate their character, the content of their teaching, the consequence of their ministries and how they take correction. Hank Hanegraff said, "False teachers invite people to come to the Master's table because of what's on it, not because they love the Master." I thought that was insightful. If we look at what God provides and fail to come to Jesus the provider we have not found faith. Many followers of Jesus left when he stopped giving out food, and doing miraculous signs that they wanted to see. To come and follow me" is just as much of the call as "come unto me all ye who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Do you love God for what he provides, or for who He is? Far too many people turn to Jesus in trouble and leave him alone when everything is going fine in their life. That is not a disciple of Jesus Christ. One in peaceful relationship knowing who they are in Jesus and aware that Jesus dwells within finds strength throughout.

Now in Chapter 2 Paul instructs Titus about instructing others how they should live in relationships with one another. It begins with family and reaches to our work and tasks of responsibility with others. .

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Oct 18 Teaching Content

Verses- Titus 2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.

Teaching Content

Since what we believe is important in spiritual leaders so is it important to guide us in our relationships in the home. What we believe effects what we do. As Christians there is foundation that makes us who we are and it begins in our beliefs.

Paul teaches Titus to teach sound doctrine. Sound doctrine always leads to obedience and submission to God’s authority. There is a way to live and a way not to live as Christian. Nowhere is it taught to live however you wish. That is not real faith it is a false faith.

Notice that we’re not just to go over rote doctrine but are to share what is in “accord,” or that which is “fitting for” sound doctrine. Specifically, this refers to character qualities that are built upon the bedrock of belief. If we want to be spiritually healthy, and desire others to be as well, we must talk truth and dialog about doctrine in practical ways that can be fleshed out in daily life. Someone put it this way: “Sound doctrine is the basis for sound character and sound character is proof of sound doctrine.”

There was a study by sociologist John P. Bartkowski and a team of researchers at Mississippi State University. They examined data from the nationwide Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which evaluated first-graders by interviewing parents and teachers. The results were quite clear the religious attendance impacts children positively.

The message of a new study that says young children of church-going parents fare better behaviorally, emotionally and cognitively than do children of parents who never attend church. In fact, the more often the parents attend, the better off the kids are.
The study says. “The religious attendance of parents and a cohesive religious environment in the home yields significant benefits for children’s behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development, and such outcomes are most pronounced when both partners attend services frequently.

This by necessity means to know the main beliefs of the Christian faith. It is not just the minister who is to be a student of the Bible.

You might hear more today about having a Christian World View. That mean the Bible is the teaching that direct our thoughts and how we are to live. So much of the opinions of the world is being accepted even among Christians. What is politically correct is taught in many schools even though it go against the Bible. Evolution has long been the guide for believing man is the center of what we make ourselves and concept of creation by an all powerful God is suspect if not flatly rejected. Life is taught by secularists to be a matter of choice not a gift from above. How we treat others is motivated by profit or personal benefit, not because it reflects the character of Jesus.

The passage continues to examine how we life based on what we believe for older men and women, younger men and women, and between slaves and masters.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Oct 19 Conduct

Verses- Titus 2: 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

Teaching Conduct

I am bothered by the various reports that the Christian’s lifestyle is no different than that the lifestyle of non Christians. There is a difference in what they say they believe, but it doesn’t have much affect on how they live. The constant temptation is to fit in with the world instead of being an example to the world and living to the glory of Jesus.

The knowledge should be mixed with abundance of love for Jesus and love for the lost. Christ-like leaders are important, but Christ like congregations are essential.

Who is teaching the younger Christians today? Who is shaping their family values? I’m afraid that in many cases it’s someone like Oprah, and the View or Desperate Housewives or Family Guy. The world is sending all kinds of negative messages to our younger population “If you’re not happy/satisfied your spouse, just leave! After all, you have a right to be happy”

Older men are to have six requirements. Morally and ethically these men are to be temperate, worthy of respect, and self controlled. Temperate means not to over indulge in anything- eating, drinking, or things which can be hurtful or out of balance. I have appreciated many times when an older saint has loved me by giving me words of advice that in essence say, "Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill. When a number of younger couples moved away at the same time some sensed my discouragement and wisely said, "It's happened before and it's happened again. The work will continue". And it has. Experience helps put life in perspective and not be jumping to extremes. A wise man is one has a balanced view of life.

Older men are looked up to for leadership. They need to be worthy of that respect. Unfortunately many people tend to become increasing self-centered in later years, but Paul wanted Titus to remind them they have a lot to give and they should give it. Others need to see mature Christianity. Do not become self absorbed. Do not think retirement is an excuse for Christian inactivity. Be worthy of respect in your behavior and activity. Be self controlled. Not controlled by your lust and personal desires, but let God direct your later years.

Love is the essential quality of all believers and older men need to refrain from being cranky, opinionated, and disgruntled. Love those even who are immature and recognize they are in process too.

The idea of endurance is taking whatever obstacle Satan throws in the way we can keep pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The idea which Paul is advancing may be illustrated by an athlete who has run a cross-country race like the Vassolapet. The race is almost over. The skier is exhausted. Yet with his eyes affixed to the stand to the judges, he manages one last burst of speed and crosses the finish line. He has endured and there is now rest from the labor and reward for his effort. Don't quit.

We need some older men and women who have been married for years to step up and say, you have the right to keep your commitment/vow before God and it’s not your love that sustains your commitment, it’s your commitment that sustains your love!

We need some older women to say, we’ve had our share of problems, bigger ones than you’ve had, and more of them, but it has worked because of commitment.

Also the older women are to behave in a certain way. They are to be reverent in the way they live, not slanders or addicted to much wine. There have always been older women who drank too much and talked too much. But nothing is more impressive than a lovely woman living a life for the sake of Jesus as a servant of God.

A holy woman in tune with God will not be a slanderer. The passing on of talk that puts down others is never indicative of Christian spirit. Far too much damage is done through sins of gossip and half truths in the church than any one sin. So many people want to talk about problems they have with others to everybody but the person they should be talking to. If you have a problem with someone, either talk to them, or keep quiet about it. It isn't going to do anyone else any good and especially the church.

Police reports abound with people under the influence for many reasons. It used to be for alcohol abuse. Now, of course, one of the greatest problems is drug abuse. Many acknowledge illegal drugs as being a crime like Meth or Marijuana, but prescription drugs are also being greatly misused causes people to be over medicated to get a buzz or feel better. Passing on of pills and even misusing food and drink is something that needs to be evaluated within the Christian life and habits.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Thurs Oct 20

Verses Titus 2:4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

Teaching Commitment

How we are to live as Christians involves spirit of commitment to Christ and to one another in family and church relationships. Young women are to be taught to be in love with their husbands and children. There have always been younger women who have neglected home and children. The problem would probably be traced to boredom and or laziness. There is no question our day is different than Paul's day. We face situations that weren't the case then. Children are increasingly caught up in variety of school activities. Wives are working. Husbands have little time at home and what time the family has together is often spent in silence, or television. Family loyalties are divided as never before.

There is a need for spiritual love, emotional love, and physical love. The family is the place that is designed by God to nurture one another in pure intimacy. It is the tender care of a wife who knows Jesus Christ to be committed to caring for the home. We live in a society that seeks to re-define the family. With disruption all around stable homes are needed as never before. God's word shares the importance of Mom's place to help make that happen. Make it a priority.

Since verse 6 includes “similarly young men” it would apply that both are to be kind to be chaste, faithful to their mates.

Billions of dollars are spend on the pornography entertainment as well as addictions. If we make soft porn acceptable and call it innocent fun then what message is that giving to both young girls and young boys?

Sex sells. We learn if you are glamorous you are popular. If you are sexual you are valuable and wanted by others. If you are not, then you are a reject and unimportant. That all is a lie from Satan and it is growing in spite of all voices against female and child abuse in our society.

Has advocates of contemporary lusting and hordes of tv program and sitcoms and movies helped us to liberty or to bondage? Is Aids, S.T.D.s pornography, and rape and incest, and unwanted pregnancies, drugs, alcoholism, abortions, the kind of freedom we desires? That is not liberty. We must teach our young people the Biblical point of view before they are eternally ruined. The only way to deal with the commercialized sex is a renewal of the Bible that makes for godliness.

For young women who are not married it means that they are to behave as one who has been separated unto God until the marriage to a mate who loves God. 1,000s of teens across America are making vows of chastity recognizing that true love waits. They make commitments to God and sign statements that from this day forward they will follow God's plan of sexual abstinence until marriage. Even if men and women have been sexually promiscuous that vow stands now until marriage by the grace and deeper understanding of the forgiving love of God.

For the married couples faithfulness is required. It means refraining from methods of dress or action that would provoke lust. Never does sex outside of marriage free someone up. It has negative consequences emotionally, psychologically and physically producing deeper scars that what the world can begin to understand.

Men have a tremendous responsibility for homes, for wives, for business, for employment, for church. Young men, take serious the importance of being a father and meeting the needs God asks you to meet in the lives of your children.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Oct 21 Example

Verses Titus 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Teaching by Example

How does one go about teaching and training for godliness?

People need to be controlled by the Spirit not by their own wants and tastes.

First, the teacher is not above hits teaching. To the extent that you want to produce disciples of Jesus, the teachers and leaders must also show them how a disciple of Jesus lives. In everything set for them an example by doing what is good. Ethically, spiritually, practically, a Christian leader never says, it's for you, not for me. One must model integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned.

The plan is modeling it yourself so people will see Christians live differently. The plan is to instruct people to let the spirit of God live in their lives and change them so when the live in unholy world the people will see Christ in you the hope of glory.

Part of discipleship is to pass it on to pass it on to others and to the younger generation. One of the greatest challenges in the Church of Jesus Christ has been the fallacy that you pay the professional minister to do it all. The pastor and staff certainly cannot do it all. When you have a situation where people are in different ministries then the burdens, blessings, and responsibilities are being shared. The load is being shared the many opportunities are being delegated. This has always been the New Testament principle.

Scriptures are clear those who are pastor-teachers, apostles or prophets, have the responsibility to equip people to do the work of the ministry. What do you do when people do not respond? I admit I take it much more personally than I should. You can take the horse to the water, but you can't make it drink" It is not the responsibility of the leaders to make people drink, or come to meetings or make them listen. It is not our job, if folks are not interested in doing it. But it is our job to be sure the water source is the right one and food is from above. It is our responsibility to practice what we preach. If you have no appetite for the Bible or not interested in discovering things of God, if you have no interest in seeing others come to Jesus then there is something wrong with your spiritual life. Then revival is needed in our churches and in our individual lives .

Notice how Paul is aware of different needs among different groups. Women need certain things. Men need to be taught certain things; Young people have different needs than the older people. Those who are disadvantaged (the slaves or the poor) have different way of witness and responsibilities that those who have. All have different problems. All have different interests. All have different prejudices.

In our churches it is appropriate that we have something for women, It is appropriate that we have something for seniors, and for youth. It is appropriate as we apply all of God's truth to all of God's people, but there are things that each needs to be especially aware of.

How do we teach? by modeling it, passing it on so others pass it on and train people according to their maturity and stations in life.

I was so pleased recently to hear of one of our older saints taking the initiative to getting to know one of our younger saints because they cared. I was happy to hear without program or plan of one helping another on a problem or project. It thrills my heart to hear of one member giving another food, of another loaning money for an emergency, of another caring for the children of a young family so the couple can have time away together.

The Pharisees sought to convince people they were perfect. The disciples sought to convince people that the perfect one loves them. True character begins with Jesus Christ. The greatest thing in all

Of life is knowing Him. God has begun his work in you. He doesn't stop. And best of all, people will notice if it is real. And we will be blessed of God.

Pastor Dale

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