Week of 5/3/26 and Missions Yard Sale

Dear Church Family,
I shared this last Sunday about Titus laying down his life to be an example of Jesus to the churches and communities on Crete, and the instructions to those in the seemingly impossible situation of slavery. I hope that wherever you find yourself this week that you are seeking to know the power of Jesus in your life; the life examples you receive and set for others and the strength to honor him in the unwanted situations of life. I pray you choose to act in faith of the God who himself entered into suffering and offers to us strength to persevere. I pray you believe and therefore act in such a way that reveals Jesus to a watching world and I wholeheartedly believe you will receive your reward in doing the hard things in faith towards Jesus.

Here is a song that has encouraged me lately. Our Labour is Not In Vain 

Missions Yard Sale this Friday and Saturday 8am-2pm.

Home Enjoyment
Read Titus 2:7-15.
There are a number of things in this passage that deserve more study! Consider picking a section or a few questions throughout with your small group or taking 2 or 3 evenings to read the passage and covering the related questions with your family or a friend.
The focus of this coming Sunday's message will be verses 11-15 if you'd like to read and meditate in preparation.

On verses 7-8.
When Paul tells Titus 'show yourself in all respects to be', what is the end motivation?
In our seeking to take on these sacrificial character traits of Christ why is it helpful to remember the motivation? Why would we submit ourselves to these challenges?

What makes a work truly good?
Why is a work not rooted in faith in God not 'good'?
What do you think of this definition of 'good works'? Doing what is needed as far as possible, believing God has provided for your needs.

Where does dignity come from? How do we gain dignity?
What does it take from us to treat others with dignity?
What are some examples of how flippancy degrades dignity?

When most of us talk, we are sharing our own thoughts and opinions. How can we fortify our words such that they cannot be condemned? What are the only words that cannot be condemned? We don't speak scripture constantly, but read Matthew 4:1-4 and 1 Peter 3:15. How does these scriptures help you think about what Paul encourages Titus, and us, to do?

I spoke briefly Sunday concerning the Bible and slavery. There is a lot of discussion in our culture about what the Bible actually says throughout on slavery as a critique on whether the Bible is truly credible. Here are two resources I think would be helpful if you are interested in wrestling with those ideas.
Shallow Dive Deep Dive
Deep Dive 

On verses 9-10.
What is the ultimate goal of these instructions in the lives of these slaves? Does that goal transcend or help them in their circumstances? Does it belittle them?
Was there ever a time you wondered if your circumstances made you beyond knowing or glorifying God in your life?
Read Genesis 39:1-6. Joseph came to Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37). Did Joseph have reason to be bitter and quit life?
How was it that Joseph honored God in his slavery? How does his work reflect Titus 2:9-10?
Read Daniel 1:8-21. Daniel was taken captive to Babylon as a slave. What do you see in Daniel that honored God? How did Daniel's faithfulness allow him to proclaim the God of Israel? (Daniel 2 is great, but long, read just verses 26-28 for time)
Daniel's life story is really one long example of Titus 2:7-10.
What does it look like for you to 'adorn' ( to decorate, or recommend) the doctrine of God your Savior in your hardship?
How are you trusting and honoring God in the hard places of your life right now?

May God bless you and keep you fully trusting and resting in his powerful hand over your lives.

In Christ,
Pastor Phillip