Love of God Titus 3:4-8

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 7 Titus 3:4-8

Verses- Titus 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

The Love of Christ

Certainly Paul knew deeply the love of Christ. He taught his son in the Lord well. Titus was a gentile who was told and taught of the marvelous story of God’s redemption in Jesus. It is the love of God that compelled him to serve the Lord all his life. It was faith in God that brought him from darkness into the light. He trusted in the one who loves him more than one can imagine. But in his holiness there is a message people need to hear to be saved from their sins and from their punishment for sin.

I remember a friend of mine who was an avid sports fan speaking truth to his sister who was not living for the Lord. He said, “I can’t change the rules just because I love the players.” She wanted him to condone her living situation because she loved her boyfriend so much.

Love does not mean eliminating the rules. It means seeking a way to follow the rules and come our victorious.

God found a way in Jesus. And the rule that cannot be changed is there is salvation in no other means than complete trust in Jesus the only way to the Father. His love compels us to share that message but the rules of the way to be saved do not change regardless of how much we love someone.

Bill Keller said it this week in his devotional- “while God is a 'loving God", He is also a HOLY GOD! It is sin that separates us from God. It is because that He is a 'loving God' that He made a plan of salvation for His fallen creation. By faith in His Son Jesus Christ, we can be once again reconciled to God our Creator. However, God, in His love, gave us free will. The choice to love Him is NOT HIS, but ours.

How can anyone go the lengths God did to save us by sending his Son to the cross to die for us? How can that not be the highest of kindness and love? To reject that love and ignore the many ways and times God makes his truth known is for mankind a guilt for which he cannot be forgiven until there is confession, repentance, and submission to Him who loves us.

This week I will be performing a wedding. They profess love to one another. But as they stand in a religious ceremony before God and make a vow of commitment to one another they are not married. This “I do” is an official acceptance of their love for another. And according to the rules of the state of Minnesota someone like me can be licensed to show the world the outward expression of their personal and spiritual commitment. It is crossing the line in a public manner to identify with one another as husband and wife.

Have you made your vow of commitment to Jesus Christ? There is also a public expression of this commitment that is called baptism. Baptism does not save us but lets the world know of His love and our acceptance of it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon nuggets Tues Nov 8

Saving Love

One of the greatest themes in the New Testament is how God’s love extends to our eternal salvation. It has been the theme of the whole Bible why God of glory should demonstrate his love to his creatures to the point of dying. It is a further confusion that with His power and Sovereignty why he would direct his love to those who are so unworthy. Each creature created carried out their created plan for being, except humans. When sin occurred that marred all of creation. Other than Satan an the angels with a will of rebellion has anything created gone against the will of God. Animals did what they were created to do.

When sin came by Adam and Eve now plants an animals were affected. But rather than destroy everything, God sought to redeem it and save us.

John 3.16 has been called the greatest verse in the Bible. It is learned in Vacation Bible School, quoted often in sermons and even hung over guard rails in football stadiums during the Super Bowl. I even heard of a man who changed his name legally to John Threesixteen.
Many preachers have preached a sermon by taking the verse phrase by phrase. I read a thirteen-point sermon entitled, ‘Our Value To God’ by Maurice McCarthy I find it hard to beat this for clearly telling the gospel in a nutshell:

For God- The greatest one
So loved- The greatest degree
The world- The greatest amount of people
That He gave- The greatest generosity
His only begotten Son- The greatest uniqueness
That whosoever- The greatest invitation
Believeth in Him- The greatest simplicity
Should not- The greatest certainty
Perish- The greatest possible loss
But- The greatest difference
Have- The greatest possession
Eternal- The greatest length
Life- The greatest gift

Jesus didn’t come into the world for us because we deserved Him or because we were friends with him or part of his family. God gave His Son because we needed to be saved. Without Jesus, we would have no hope of a future.
God’s generous approach means that he freely gives us this precious gift of Jesus, without us needing to earn it. And the gift of Jesus is not just limited to Jesus himself. When we trust Jesus, the gifts for life now and in the future continue to come our way.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 9

Merciful Love

There are different meanings for the word “love” as well. There is romantic love, the kind between a man and woman. There is brotherly love we have for friends. We also have parental love, and love for our pets. There is a whole host of uses for love when it comes to appreciating things, food, sports. I “love” my job. Some could say, “I love my car”. In the 60’s movie “Love Story” Ali McGraw turned to Ryan O’Neal and said, Love means never having to say you’re sorry.
So, when it comes to talking about God, what kind are we talking about? Obviously human love fall short. Here is a working definition of love (agape’ in Scripture):
God’s kind of love is an unselfishness which results in doing the best for another, even at the highest personal cost, without requiring or expecting payback.

Paul says we used to be this way at one time, but then something happened. They were saved by the kindness of love of Jesus Christ. Now not everyone has yet experienced the wonderful attitude toward God has their savior. Not everyone has experienced this attitude that God has toward his children because they can't say this is how life used to be- in envy and malice and disobedience, but this is how my life is now. They have not felt they experienced the kindness of God. They haven't claimed the love of God. They are outside of his fellowship.

But when we look to Christ we seek life differently. If there is no evidence that God has changed you from what you were, then you need to take a good, long hard look to see whether you were saved at all.

Salvation is an act of God as a Savior on our behalf. It is an act of God in mercy and loving kindness not the action of man.

Have this attitude in you which is also in Christ, in says in Philippians who humbled himself and became obedience even unto death on the cross.

Mercy is being treated not as we deserve, but out of the love God has even for the sinner and the worst of sinners. It isn’t based on anything other than love. Mercy is treating people kindly not just when they treat us kindly but in spit of how we treat them. When we are faced with our sin then we better understand mercy as well as grace. We are grateful we have not been punished for what we deserve.

When I walked into a meeting with some clergy friends they asked the typical question, “How are you today.” I responded as I sometimes do, “Better than I deserve”. One quirked “and what do you deserve?” I said, “Hell”. For some reason that comment surprised them. They had to think about it. And giving it some thought, agreed. That’s mercy

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 10

Cleansing Love

The impression that comes to my mind as I read these verses is a forgiving love. When people make things right with others it is taking a burden away. Then forgiveness is sought and granted then a relationship is restored and the past is in the past.

As we think about Christ, think about his actions that saved us because he took the penalty and we are forgiven. He did the saving not because he deserved it, when we reflect on the cross we are reminded to extent of forgiving love. He saved us by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

People who understand that salvation means washing, a cleansing, a blotting out of their past are people who are most highly motivated in Christian service. Those who understand the debt of their sin are the ones who get excited about the wonder of their cleansing.

The rebirth also speaks of a new beginning. When you turn your life over to the Lord the Holy spirit comes in and takes control of the situation. That is a new beginning. We are born again and have a new start. Old things are past away because of the Cross. Faith allows us to experience the indwelling of the Spirit of God and to be renewed. Our hearts are changed by what God does in our lives.

God's people behave differently from those who are not God's people? That should be obvious, but we need to go on reminding each other of this. Behaving differently means that we cannot indulge ourselves the way we used to do; and we want to indulge ourselves so we carefully forget. It means that I refuse to be what others insist I be. One of the greatest tragedies of the Christian Church in America is that we have millions of people who profess they have been saved, but show absolutely no evidence of it, because they insist on living the way the unsaved do.

Looking to Christ and the power from the Holy Spirit within

begins to change our behavior too. Do people see Jesus in you?

We are people who see love through eternities eyes, not just for the immediate gratification of our desires. We see a love that forgives because we have been forgiven. Amazing love.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 11

Eternal Love

How long does love last? For most it is as long as things seem to go well in a relationship. We see men and women stand at the altar and commitment themselves to a loving relationship as long as we both shall live. That implies love lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately we see many relationships ending not only without love, but in divorce often with great hatred and anger. I saw a bumper stick on the back of a car that said, “I missed my ex. Next time I will take better aim”.

We may love spouses and children as far as our feelings go even after death. Many out in the cemetery go to grieve the loss or honor the life of someone they love or are related to. Some want their memories to continue. But when that person has died it goes to reason that any individual love ends at the grave when all earthly relationships ends.

Love from God and to God will not end at death. This remains and if fact grows. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us faith, hope, and love abide but the greatest is love. Why? Because faith will end when we are in glory. Hope will have already been achieved. But love will not die. It is eternal.

God is inside us and growing in our maturity comes to recognize his power and peace. I am so glad that I don't have to live some of the days that I used to live. I am glad that God's grace and presence is real. I have a long way to go, but praise God he has never left me nor has he forsaken me. I praise him for his mercy.

The second relationship is with believers. We become part of a body, a church, carrying out together what we cannot do ourselves. God

calls us to work together each having different gifts each needing

one another. I should add that relationship does not die also at dearth for other believers will be with us in eternity. We will live them in a far different way that while on earth however. We will love not just our children and our spouses, but it will enlarge an include all, just like God’s love.

But for now, the instructions to Titus is to show that eternal love and let it shine that in an earthly way it can been seen by the unbeliever as well. Keep on reminding the people of the great works of Jesus Christ on the cross. Because God has marvelously saved us, let’s live the life that honors him and is a witness to others. For now that love which shall serve the Lord is glory is motivation to serve Him now an benefit others around us as a witness.

Pastor Dale

Changed Lives Titus 3:1-3

Sermon Nuggets Mon Oct 31 Changed Lives

Verses Titus 3:1-3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Changed Lives

In 1994 at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. a small, frail woman with no political credentials stood fearlessly at the podium surrounded by President and Mrs. Clinton and various government leaders.

She stood up and said, "I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion. It is a war against the child direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself.." She went on to say how abortion is the opposite of love; it show neglect of patriarchal responsibility and will increase in further abuses.

"Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion."

The crowd rose in thunderous applause. For that woman was Mother Theresa. When President Clinton rose to speak he said, "It's hard to argue with a life so well lived." How can a aged, weak, stooped woman catch the attention of influential leaders? It came not by political lobbying or leverage, but the power of a life lived with integrity, love and credibility, living for the Lord and serving others.

Paul is telling Titus to tell his people that what we do makes a difference. How Jesus in our lives affects our lives will affect others.

Paul reminds Titus to "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient." What is going to speak to others is our attitude that we have toward them. It is not easy in our individualistic society to want to submit to anything. Yet the Bible mentions to subject or submit 66 times. Part of God's plan for order is that people are given responsibilities of authority and leadership. They are to carry out the works of God by having others recognize that authority and leadership and give them the attitude that is willing to comply, or submit without rebellion, disobedience, or mockery.

There are people most certainly who abuse their positions of authority. There are times when one must chose between the authority of God in doing what is right, against the authority of a leader who leads people to do what is wrong.

How can a Mother Theresa be asked to speak before the president and express the words of truth she did? I believe it was because she knew the greatest authority over all kings and presidents. Because God changed her life He used her to be His witness even to those in authority over nations.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 1 Cooperation

Changed to Cooperate

God is the prime authority in our lives, but do not forget that it is part of his will to give responsibility of authority to kings, rulers, governors, officers, generals, elected and appointed officials, to husbands, to wives, to parents, to employers, to judges, to officers of peace, etc. Otherwise our society would be in chaos. Christians are charged by the Word of God to submit to authorities and obey them.

Always be ready to do what is good. God calls us to righteousness, He calls us be light in the darkness, and to be salt to the world. We can discern the will of God if we ask what would be the good thing to do. Not what is legal, or what is profitable, or what benefits me, or what rights do I have? But what is the good thing to do that would be a witness to the Lord?

Joseph Stowell the president of Cornerstone University, was in a conversation with a lawyer he just met. They discovered they had a mutual friend. The lawyer he said, "Art is like no other client I have. Most of my clients want me to keep them out of trouble no matter what it costs. When Art is in a difficult situation and he calls on me to unravel it, I always ask, ‘Art, what do you want me to do?’ Art’s reply is always the same, ‘Do whatever is right.’ I have no other client who responds like that."

If we had friends who met and they discussed knowing us what would they say? Would it be a positive testimony to the Lord? Doing what is right and good does influence our society. What we do and what we say reflects on our faith in Jesus Christ. Doing good also includes our tongue as well as our attitude. Titus is to teach other "to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

More damage is done in churches that people who slander. Slander in the Bible is evil, malicious talk intended to damage or destroy another person Ps.50:19 "You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit." Slander is prohibited in the ninth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor"

In your relationships seek to be peaceable and considerate. One who seeks to do what brings about peace among brothers among communities among families is doing the work of God.

A Christian ought always to seek peace and working out what needs to be worked out to bring about consideration of others. The Bible says blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. James 3:18 "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

Lastly, show true humility to all people. A freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God. Jesus is the supreme example of humility. Biblical humility is not belittling of oneself, but an exalting or praising of others, especially God and Christ. Phil 2:3 " Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves". A humble person focuses more on God and others than on himself. True humility does not produce pride but gratitude.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 2 – Unsaved Life

Verse Titus 3:3

Changed Attitudes

Something happened to the people. Although they recall the charge of what they want to be and ought to be, they certainly were not the people they used to be? Are you?.

Ken Zintak tells in an article how he and his friend Mark when they were in high school would take advantage of girls, party and see how much they could drink. His friend got into increasing trouble with alcohol and chemical abuse when in college. Then during the summer of the senior year, Mark called and told Ken "I've come to the Lord." Ken scoffed, "Give me a break"

When they got together he noticed a big change in Mark. He stopped drinking, he was nicer to people, he renewed his relationship with his parents. He would talk about God as if they were buddies, companions. Many times Ken tried to get Mark back to his old ways. He was bold enough to say after continued badgering, "I don't think I can handle being there. I might resort to my old ways."

They would argue about faith in Christ. One day Mark said, "One day you'll come the Lord." When either would start dating new girls they always talked in detail about their physical characteristics and exploits, but Mark described his new girl friend's heart and character. Ken tried to redirect the conversation but Mark showed that Lord changed his heart so much that what he saw in her were her outlook, her personality, her character, and where she stood with God.

Ken admitted there was a purpose in his old friend that he didn't have. He decided to attend a church and was introduced to the saving power of Jesus Christ. Mark was the first person he called. Mark’s response? I knew this day would come."

What God used was the change in Mark's life to bring Ken to questioning his own relationship to God. Paul wants us to remember how far we've come in our lives.

He had changed attitudes: "At one time we too were foolish,"

In the Bible, the most foolish person of all is one who denies the reality of God the Father: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" Ps. 14:1. Jesus also contrasted wise and foolish persons as those who would listen to the word of God and put it to practice with those who would listen but continue on living as if it didn't matter.

I really didn't understand all the benefits of growing up in a Christian home until much later in life. I realize now, how much hurt I avoided by seeking to follow Christian principles at a young age. I think about some of the lives of kids who did whatever they wanted, and they could no longer say no to their desires and lusts and paid deep consequences from the pain in life which I was spared- drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancies, dropping out of school, lack of job, lack of family ties.

Yet I also know many who were saved through those experiences and are able to tell you of the grace and mercy of God. Those who were saved later in life can tell you what they were saved out of. The greatest thing I remember before knowing Christ was I had fear of going to Hell, but when I trusted in Jesus who will bring me to heaven, fear was replaced with faith.

When people realized how foolish they were in ignoring God they couldn't believe they were so blind. When people realize their sin how foolish they could be in keeping on sinning. That's how we were.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 3- Unsaved Actions

Verse- Titus 3:3

Changed Actions

In additions to the change of attitudes, Paul instructs Titus to remind followers of Jesus they are to be changed in their unsaved actions as well.

“We lived in malice and envy.”

Malice is vicious intention, or a desire of one person to hurt another, or put them down. Malice is often irrational, usually based on the false belief against others they are unworthy. It is contrary to love. Envy is the attitude toward others of constantly comparing and recently what others have or can do. Or never satisfied with what God is doing in you life, you must compare your life with others. A great verse that has often spoken to my heart is in James. 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." It is usually a selfishness that compares and contrasts in an unfavorable attitude of self or others. It is at attitude that defined the people.

Now they have been freed from those attitude bondage.

In addition to those actions they were "disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures." That dealt with knowing God's will and choosing to do what we want anyway.

It is like one man I talked with many years ago who was arguing with me about what the Bible said concerning a sin in his life. He gave me this line that said you can make the Bible say anything you want it to say, that's why we have so many differing denominations and preachers around. If everyone interpreted it all the same way we'd only have one church.

I asked him to explain to me how else he could interpret this passage that God gave us regarding this man's sin.

Finally in excusing our conversation he made two of the most foolish statements I have heard from someone claiming to be a Christian. "How can it be wrong when it feels so right." and secondly, "I don't care what the Bible says, I have made my choice." From that time I learned a tremendous lesson. It is the deceitfulness of one's heart. He is blinded to the truth and decidedly remains. It is the spirit of disobedience that kept him from seeing the spiritual consequences of His decisions. What became so plain to me from God was a matter of personal opinion interpretation and decision and he went his own way.

Then I think, that is how we all were, justifying our actions and rationalizing our ways. But God is still God. Then I think about how God is changing us even after we are believers. People who are brought up in a Christianized community with many opportunities to read the Bible and other books, Christian magazines, radio and television and still doesn't bother to find out what God says this person is living in rank disobedience to what God says.

Paul says to remind the people and go on reminding the people of what they used to be like. They used to live in such a ways that the relationship was totally away from what it ought to have been. Their relationship to God was characterized by disobedience to His truth and it was darkening of their understanding.

People think that pleasure is great and they are all in favor of indulging in their own passions. And our present society says get as much pleasure as you can. But what they fail to tell us is, You live a life indulging in your passions you'll end up enslaved by your own passions and your own pleasures.

So many are plagued with additions of alcohol, drugs, gambling, and pornography because of simple pleasures that soon take over their lives to not being able to control their lusts for more.

Some of us can look back to times when our greed was all that matters. More greedy we were the more enslaved we became by greed. Some look back and see sexual freedom is not freedom at all. It ends up enslaved to passions and consumed by desire to satisfy ourselves.

For those outside of Christ those unsaved actions are more common. But for the believer God still has a work to do in our lives to flee sin and embrace the love of Christ and fellowship of believers who encourage one another in good works.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 4 Relating to Others

Changed Relationships

Anger and hatred are part of the old nature from which we have been forgiven and also delivered. Malice and envy are part of the make up of a sinful heart. Jealousy and bitterness become ways people hold relationships outside their circle of love. Brothers and sisters in Christ have not only a higher standard of relating to one another but the Holy Spirit that allows forgiveness and reconciliation to occur.

The person who is only interested in his own passion and pleasures doesn't make very good husband. The person who is only interested in making sure that she is always happy and looked after doesn't make a very good wife or mother. Such people are self-absorbed.

Marriage is often centered on passion, and commitment is replaced by pleasure and having one's own needs met. The home is where our emotions are most commonly played out and that includes attitudes and actions against someone we have vowed to love, honor and respect.

The church also becomes a training ground for believers. Of course not all are believers in Jesus and love does not mean we do not hold people accountable for actions and words that hurt and cause division. These will happen. To pretend it doesn’t is not realistic. That is the reason such instructions and commands are put in the Bible for us to leave the past and work toward future allowing the Spirit to bring healing.

There are crimes that one commits against another. Those crimes are indeed not only wrong, but breaking the law and should be punished. Tough love holds people responsible for their actions. Malice, envy, anger and hatred can lead to abuse not only verbal but physical. I have never encouraged people to stay in unsafe environments. Help to control emotions is available and should be utilized for the sake of peace and glory to God. As much as it depends upon you, live in peace.

It is unrealistic to think everyone will get along. But how we handle our feelings can result in reconciliation, or retaliation or resentment that lingers. What would Jesus have you do?

The path to take is to treat others you way you want to be treated. The way of Jesus is to pray for one another and work for His glory. Ask God to change us as well as others that the testimony of believers be held to a higher standard that those of the world.

Pastor Dale

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