Christians In America

 The preamble to the Declaration of Independence has had a greater impact on modern America than the Bible has. Many people may even think that the Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness is in the Bible. (Spoiler Alert: It isn't).

It doesn't take genius to see that there are deep divides in our nation. But the biblical perspective has condemnation for people on both sides who scream and shout - hate and are hated - in the name of personal freedom.

This message gives us God's perspective on how Christians should behave in the midst of a pagan culture.

Our Greatest Hope

 We just came through a presidential election in which the country was divided right down the middle... Pretty much 50/50. Nevertheless, when it is finally decided, one side will be jubilant and the other despondent. The winning side will be sure that this is the beginning of best years yet. The other side will see it as the beginning of the end.

As Christians we care about elections but we don't think they are the most important thing in the world. There is something else that is far more important. It is our greatest hope.

Discerning The Lord's Body

 In our instructions about observing communion we are strictly warned that when we partake of the Lord's supper, we must be sure to "discern the body" or we will bring God's judgment on ourselves. Well, how exactly do we "discern the body?"

Sound Doctrine For Living

 To have the word of God is not enough. We must learn sound doctrine and then put it into action in our lives. The word of God is meant to change us from the inside out.

Order In The Church #2

 The elders that are appointed in the churches must be irreproachable in their knowledge and handling of sound doctrine. Their core service is to instruct people in sound doctrine in preaching, teaching and counseling. But they also must "rebuke those who contradict" sound doctrine.

The meaning of this charge to rebuke is deeper than it might appear on the surface.

Order In The Church #1

 What would you do if it was your job to find qualified pastors for local churches? What would you look for? What questions would you ask? How would you figure out what was really going on?

Titus was pretty much given that job in Crete. He was supposed to oversee the appointment of elders in every town. But he is given good instructions in what constituted "highly qualified" candidates. If everyone followed these instructions there would be less trouble in churches.

An Encouraging Word

We all need an encouraging word no and then... Maybe now more than ever. Titus was assigned to ministry in a very difficult place - the island of Crete. Imagine how happy he was to receive a letter from his mentor - the apostle Paul. And Paul was careful to strike an encouraging tone right from the start.

We should be encouraged too.