Week of 5/17/26, Men's Breakfast, Pentecost

Dear Church Family,
Have you ever struggled to 'give to Caesar what is Caesar's'? There are both practical, philosophical, and theological questions that come to our minds when we consider things like taxes and obedience to any authority, government or otherwise. I hope this last week's message was an encouragement in looking not to a man-sized solution of logic or resources, but a God-sized solution born out of faith in a God who rewards heart-level obedience to him and the authorities he places over us. What is inthe mind of God that he would ask such a thing? Scripture tells us our response to authority is a testimony to others and our God is One 'who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.' (1 Timothy 2:4). I would encourage you to go back and listen to the message (Under GCBC Live Service) and look at the scriptures if you, like me, have had to wrestle with this idea.
May the Lord fill us with faith that we might be a light to a world who struggles to trust earthly or heavenly authority. May we show them that our heavenly authority allows us to live freely and graciously under lesser earthly authorities! In Jesus' name, amen.

There is Men's Breakfast this Saturday at 8am in the Fellowship Hall!

We will be celebrating Pentecost this Sunday as a church. To gain a little understanding of Pentecost, watch this video.


Home Enjoyment
Read Titus 3:1-8
Who is Paul referring to as 'them'? (Hint, look at vs 8)
Give a few daily examples of where submitting to a ruler or authority is agreeable and a help. What personal and communal gain comes from this?
Give a few examples of where you struggle to accept what you are asked by a ruler or authority. What personal or communal gain comes from this?
What about the things you don't agree with or see the personal or communal gain from? Are you still supposed to obey? How do you discern what to obey or not obey?
Read both 1 Peter 2:13-17(also 18-25 if you have time) and what Peter says in Acts 4:18-20 and 5:27-32.
How does this help give a picture of both discerning where we are obedient AND the reason for obedience in each situation?

What are some typical 'good works' that come from a cultural understanding of good? What are some 'good works' you might do based on your preferences or the preferences of those around you?
How are the good works believers are to be doing different? What are they based on?

Why is it so easy to speak evil of those we don't agree with? What's the difference between speaking evil and speaking the truth about evil? (Ephesians 5:10-13)

How do you see Jesus making peace(not quarreling), being gentle, showing perfect courtesy(meekness-power under control) in his ministry to his disciples and us?

What word in vs 3 helps you understand that Paul gives it as a reason for what was written before?
Take a moment to consider how you exemplified each of these negative traits before Christ or still struggle in these places.
David Guzik says that for the believer in Christ this list should elicit 1) gratitude, 2) humility, 3) kindness towards others, and 4) faith towards God's work in us and others.
Take time to walk through each of those.
Read Titus 3:4-8.
How does a clear view of Jesus change our view of our past sin and current sin?
What are some ways looking at what Jesus did prepares you to go beyond the ordinary expectations of 'good' and towards truly good works of faith?

I mentioned in the message that to be ready for every good work we must repent of our sin and faithless works and receive Jesus' words by faith and act upon them.
Where are you in that process?

May our Father in heaven receive all the glory from the Son and his work for us and in us as we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit!

In Our great God and Savior,
Pastor Phillip