Saints Below Titus 3:9-11

Sermon Nuggets Mon Nov 14

Verses Titus 3:9-11

The Saints Below

Most know what I mean when I talk about the saints below. It is a take off on a now well known ditty. "To dwell above with the saints I love, Oh that will be glory, But to dwell below with the saints I know, Well, that's another story!"

But until we are with the saints above we must learn to put up with them and they with us. That's what makes the writings of Paul so practical.

We know it is God's design as a church to work together in cooperation and appreciation of the variety of gifts. It is not God's plan to live our Christian life in isolation of other believers. The

Bible tells us to submit our rights unto Jesus Christ and by His Spirit let him assign to us the task to carry out his work together in His love and in his power.

But Satan keeps us separated with envy, selfish ambition, competition, individualism, and dissension.

The story is told of a bright yellow highway department truck that creeps along a quiet, city street. A worker slowly climbs out of the truck and laboriously digs a large hole between the sidewalk and the street. A few minutes later, the second worker gets out, fills in the hole, and taps down the dirt. A few yards down the street they repeat the same procedure. Then again and again.

An elderly lady was been watching. She walks over and asks. "What in the world are you doing? " The workers says, "We're on an urban beautification project." She asks with dismay.

"What's' so beautiful about all these filled-in holes?”

"Well, you see," says the worker, the man who actually plants the trees is out sick today. And we're certainly not to going do his job too."

In a ridiculous way that little story reminds us that different people play different roles. When one person does not do his or her job, there is a hole. When there is a spirit of shortsightedness we lose the purpose behind what we are doing.

The apostle Paul gave Titus a job to do. It was to work in cooperation with other believer to grow disciples of the new believers on the island of creed. He instructs them to pick qualified leaders, to guard against false teachers. He tells Titus to instruct the people how they ought to live as the people of God. Doctrine is important. Good works is important. He concludes this book by reminding us of the saints below. There are two kinds of people identified: The Divisive and the Devoted. Now I am sure there are also a bunch in between these two extremes, but we learn from God's word how to work with them.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 15 Differences

Verses- Titus 3:9-11

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Differences

One important way of working together is to determine in a church what the major and minor issues are and be willing to go to the wall for the majors, but allow flexibility to the minors. Of course who determines what is major and what is minor?

The clear doctrine of Scriptures we do not change. But not everyone is going to experience the same priorities and gifts. How can a healthy dialogue occur? Ought we to go around walking on eggs never mentioning the things that need to be addressed? Ought we to expose and bring out for open vote and discussion everything that anyone has that comes to mind?

Three words which might help explain what I mean. There are differences, difficulties, and divisions. I believe that differences which can bring some tension are inevitable in the church of Jesus Christ. People just are not going to think alike, act alike, enjoy the same music, dress the same way. Who knows some might even like clean shaven faces and others prefer beards. People are different.

People are going to have different gifts and abilities, and sometimes some will step on another’s toes. Love is like that if you are committed together to work on those differences.

Newlyweds often move from a glowing ideal romantic relationship to discover that a deep love comes through continually adjusting in this new found entity called love in marriage. Working out differences doesn't mean one loves the other less, but learning to adjust to moods, to habits, and preferences is part of what makes the task of commitment important.

Stewart Briscoe in his book “Purifying the Church” identifies several common differences in church people. There is the difference with knowledge, difference in spiritual experience and how some are saved and mature. There are differences in social graces and backgrounds differences in psychological makeup, and different personality. We can learn to agree to disagree, without being disagreeable.

Now where to have differences you will also have some difficulty. We still need to treat brothers and sisters with respect. There is something I've learned in time and it is that some people don't necessarily say what they mean. So many arguments are over what one said instead of what one meant. Also people don't necessarily hear what you say. This is a communication problem. But instead of calling it a communication problem people make it into personal problems. People not having expressed themselves properly or not having been heard adequately attributes motives to those related to the problem. Once you have people anticipating motives, problems often occur.

Be committed not only to forgiveness but clarification. The cause of Christ and unity in the church is worth it.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 16 Divisive

Verses- Titus 3:10-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Divisiveness

A divisive person seeks to divide people onto their side and against the side and opinions of others. Now that is the way politics works, you understand. We have some people who are democrats and some who are republicans. I am here to tell you that those who are really into their party find absolutely no good in anything anyone says from the other party. Even if they say the right things their motive are questioned.

When division begins in a church it makes enemies of friends we are called to love for Jesus sake. Trust is breaking down.

A divisive person will take offense if everyone doesn't agree in most issues with him/her. A divisive person in the church will live as if they have a chip on their shoulder and love to have people make choices as to which camp or opinion they belong?

Legalistic churches are well known for fighting about anything and everything. I asked one person who had been in a number of churches what some do not get along with others when I could not see any difference in their theology. The answer he gave was a true, but sad one. They cooperate based on who they are against, not what they are for. Now that is division and inbreeds divisiveness.

People get into arguments on the dates and details of Jesus return; people have church splits as to how long men's hair can be, or whether women can where slacks or shirts. People love to argue and divide as to which Bible version they should be reading, people will insist on areas of how many angels can fit on a head of a pin.

Paul tells us to avoid such arguments. Don't waste your time. If people want to argue about non essentials and confusing verses with such adamantly it will ruin the reputation of a church and not let people work together for the common good of the fellowship and the advancement of Christian growth, evangelism and discipleship.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 17 Discipline

Verses- Titus 3:10-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.

11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Discipline

What should be done? There are practical instructions when it involves the church, which is God’s plan for all believers to work and worship together for service and for outreach.

Vs 10 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.” Frankly, we are directed to discipline a divisive person. It is important to talk with them and if it doesn't work then warn them against such activities. If there is no change then give them another chance, and three strikes and you're out.

I was talking with a former missionary to who said that pastors in Brazil used to brag about how many they would kick out of the church. There was a spirit among some like a witch hunt where they are looking for infractions by which they can rebuke and in need be reprimand and kick out of the fellowship people that didn't change quickly enough. A purified church was more important than seeking to bring someone into growth or repentance.

Robert Moeller wrote an article on church fighting. He spoke of one pastor who was so concerned about keeping the peace and offending no one that he rarely called anyone to account with their divisive behaviors and words. If volunteers handled the financial affairs in a slipshod way, he said nothing. He didn't want them to quit or offend them. If a SS teacher led questionable life, the church said nothing If staff members didn't do their jobs, he pretended everything was fine. He reasoned love is what builds a church. But over the years problems accumulated. Without providing discipline and correction divisive people cause others to leave the church and it became another statistic of spiritless religious organization.

On the other hand, some pastors thrive on confrontation. Some call people on the carpet for the least bit of infraction that may not be sin, but even differences in lifestyle questions. Sermons sound like scolding. They berate people for their lack of faith, prayer, and service. Such churches train people to be sharks. That group can become very defensive and judgmental and results in power plays in congregations where various groups will gather to divide others from one another. All in the name of Christian purity, mind you.

The Bible says in Ephesians "speak the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ."

According to Matt 18 Jesus says if someone has something against another go to that person and work it out, If that doesn't work then bring along a witness or two if that doesn't work then let the church decide and if a person is still unrepentant then treat him as a tax collector. That may mean some people might be asked to leave the church or leave their positions of official service for the sake of the rest of the group. It may mean removing people from fellowship for a time until repentance and restoration occurs, which ought always to be the goal.

These actions are not to be taken lightly, but neither ought they to be ignored. Pray that we become people who delight in pleasing God and not ourselves and one another.

When it comes to individual matters this instruction is seeking to reconcile, but if attempts have been made without success and even involved others to help clarify matters, then leave them alone and let God deal with them. Have nothing to do with them until they are willing to cooperate in Christ. They are warped, sinful and self condemned.

Pastor Dale

Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 18 Destructive

Verse Titus 3: 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Dealing with Destructiveness

What is the character of one who refuses to submit and be cooperative? The disposition that leads to destruction is revealed. “You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” The reason why a divisive person or factions in a church need to be warned and warned and then disciplined is because their true colors are showing. They are not concerned about the church, they are not concerned about unity in the Lord, they are concerned about their own pride, popularity, and most importantly, power. Words and actions are more than seeking to build up the church it is to tear down. It is not the work of the Holy Spirit it is the work of the unholy spirit. It is devious and determined. Even if with good intentions there are times when faced with how they are coming across becomes a challenge to a fight instead of evaluation of the situation. Paul has seen and over critical people affects the work and destroys others.

Sinfulness is evil and they are condemned if they do not respond to authority. Some people in one setting are very controlling and in another setting fit in much better. The goals of disciple ought never to be ostracism; it ought always to be reconciliation.

Robert Moeller tells of a church in Southern US that no longer exists, due in part to an incident that took place in the church kitchen one Sunday afternoon. A new family had arrived to take part in their first pot-luck luncheon. The aroma of tuna casseroles, baked beans and Tater-Tot dishes waft through the building. The unsuspecting wife cheerfully brought her red gelatin salad to the kitchen then headed back to the fellowship hall to join her family.

After folks started going in the line the husband couldn't find her salad. "There must be some mistake" she said, "I'll find out what happened.” She reached the kitchen door in time to witness the queen of the kitchen ladling the last of her salad in the garbage disposal.

"What are you doing?" the newcomer shrieked. "That's my salad." without batting an eye, the woman looked up and said, "You're new to this church. You'll, soon learn we use only real whipped cream around here, not Cool Whip." One incident started a significant church battle that escalated into all out war.

The problem was they focused only on their own desires and what they wanted. Problems begin when people elevate personal convictions to the level of absolutes. It's when we insist on having things done our way and our way only, that shows character that is sinful and self-centered.

For the sake of God's kingdom if someone isn't' willing to face sin or spiteful attitudes then it is better if they not be part of the church and discipline by asking them to leave is required. Their disposition is destructive.

Pastor Dale

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