Week of 3/22/26

Dear Church Family,
It is a gift to be a 'shepherd' among you. We all struggle in what we feel that we do or don't bring to the table in being part of His church, but it is about Him! Jesus saved us and made us a part of His family so that we could grow in our love and knowledge of Him forever. He is so good to enable us to encourage and challenge one another and sometimes it is hard, very hard, but when we seek Him and His kingdom first we grow in His love for each other and He is glorified! Do not let yourself drift from Godly fellowship and input that would sharpen you and remind you of obedience to Christ born out of gratitude and worship. May we be ready always to remember that Jesus laid down his life that we might live for Him today and always.
Who would God have you encourage today... "for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began..." Titus 1:1-2
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

Home Enjoyment
Read Titus 1:9-16
Who is Paul referring to in vs 9? Do others in the church have a responsibility to know God's Word and teach others how to live by it?
Why is this a qualification for an elder? How do the other qualifications(6-8) serve as a foundation for this one?
What does Paul mean 'as taught'? 2 Timothy 1:13
Can you think of an example of healthy doctrine or teaching versus unhealthy?
What is needed from you and I in order to receive instruction and rebuke?
Why is it essential that someone have a firm grasp before they start teaching others?

What does it mean to be insubordinate? Do you ever remember acting insubordinate or having someone act that way to you? How does that attitude lead to empty talk and deceit? What do you think is at the core of that attitude?
How does doing things in your own pride and strength coincide with righteousness by your own works (circumcision party)?
What does it forget about human nature? Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:23
Why is it so appealing to try and cover over things with an outward code of behavior or physical characteristics?
How is the fact that Jesus knows our hearts and failures go from terrifying to freeing?
What does it reveal about man-made rules attempting to 'add to' or 'make up for' our sin?

What should always be the goal of any kind of rebuke? (vs 13, Eph 4:15)

What spiritual ideas or myths have you been tempted to believe that would distract from Jesus alone as your source of life and purpose?
What commandments of men have you been tempted to think add to your acceptability with God? Or where have you feared you would lose acceptance?
The thought of obedience can be difficult to separate from our acceptance by God. Through faith in Jesus we are 'justified' and saved, our debt and separation from Him are dealt with in a just way because payment has been made for our sins and applied to us. Because of our justification we grow in our love, faith, and obedience to Jesus, this is sanctification - becoming more like him.
Is it pleasing to God when we obey? Is that the same as being accepted by Him?
How is that similar to a parent and child?

We will look at 14-16 in more detail after Easter. But a few questions to consider...
How do people's efforts to add to what Jesus has done (or to earn their salvation) actually belittle and defile obedience?
How does trusting in his work purify our motives?

Please feel free to reach out through the church email with any questions you have, and we(the elders or I) will gladly search the scriptures with you.

In Christ,
Pastor Phillip