Week of 5/31/26
Dear Church Family,
The other day I was remembering dissecting little pigs in high school. I think the idea was that you got a hands-on experience and view of anatomy and organs, but for the most part it was a smelly and weird process. I’m still not sure what I got out of it, but I probably understand the body a little better.
For some dissecting things has been the open door of discovery and science or breakthrough in diagnosis and disease. It’s amazing to me how some are drawn to the microscope until their nose and eyes and neck are all out of whack in search of marvelous things. Others might wonder what they are missing or why
Some of us approach the Bible in a similar way, like we’re being asked to dissect it and get something out of it. We may be either fascinated by the content or wondering what we are missing.
It is helpful to me to think about the intention of our Teacher, the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit as our Teacher we are called to search the depths of the scriptures, but with a heart to apply it, to be like Jesus. But reading God's Word is more than an exercise of the mind, which is good news if you feel very simple. Even hearing of God's Word and responding in faith brings salvation. 'The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;' Proverbs 19:7
A question for the happy dissector of God's Word: What is the end goal of your reading? Is it to gain knowledge alone or gain Jesus himself in your daily living?
For the one who feels like a simple reader of God's Word: Do you believe there is something for you in the Word of God? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is eager and able to shape you through your time in the Word to know and become like Jesus?
Pray as you prepare to read for faith to look for and long for the Holy Spirit to show you simple and immeasurable depths of Jesus!
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Home Enjoyment
Read Titus 3:1-8. (And please reread all of Titus before next Sunday as we wrap up the book, it should take less than 10 minutes.)
How does the transition from verse 3 to verse 4 catch you? Does it surprise you? Do you feel happy? Humble? What comes to your mind?
These verses are a beautiful description of the gospel or 'good news'. Take a moment and read these other passages that share the gospel: Isaiah 53:4-6, Mark 10:45, John 3:16, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 4:25 and 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 2 Timothy 2:8.
What are the common themes of the gospel?
Why are each of these themes so important in what they say about God? About us?
Why is it essential to 'insist on these things'?
Why is it important and helpful to know the Holy Spirit has given those who believe a 'new birth' through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?
Why is it important or helpful to understand that the Holy Spirit of God is the One renovating our lives?
Can you remember some times where the renovation work was hard, but looking back it's worth it? (Read Philippians 1:6 and 2 Corinthians 4:16)
What do you believe the Holy Spirit is renovating in you right now?
How does believing verses 3-7 cause us to be devoted to good works? What are some of the ways it shapes our response to the instructions in chapters 2 and 3?
Where have you seen that Jesus' way is most 'excellent and profitable for people'? Where have you doubted that? Pray and ask the Lord for his will and strength to obey in that area.
I am looking forward to being together again soon. God bless and keep you!
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
The other day I was remembering dissecting little pigs in high school. I think the idea was that you got a hands-on experience and view of anatomy and organs, but for the most part it was a smelly and weird process. I’m still not sure what I got out of it, but I probably understand the body a little better.
For some dissecting things has been the open door of discovery and science or breakthrough in diagnosis and disease. It’s amazing to me how some are drawn to the microscope until their nose and eyes and neck are all out of whack in search of marvelous things. Others might wonder what they are missing or why
Some of us approach the Bible in a similar way, like we’re being asked to dissect it and get something out of it. We may be either fascinated by the content or wondering what we are missing.
It is helpful to me to think about the intention of our Teacher, the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit as our Teacher we are called to search the depths of the scriptures, but with a heart to apply it, to be like Jesus. But reading God's Word is more than an exercise of the mind, which is good news if you feel very simple. Even hearing of God's Word and responding in faith brings salvation. 'The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;' Proverbs 19:7
A question for the happy dissector of God's Word: What is the end goal of your reading? Is it to gain knowledge alone or gain Jesus himself in your daily living?
For the one who feels like a simple reader of God's Word: Do you believe there is something for you in the Word of God? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is eager and able to shape you through your time in the Word to know and become like Jesus?
Pray as you prepare to read for faith to look for and long for the Holy Spirit to show you simple and immeasurable depths of Jesus!
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Home Enjoyment
Read Titus 3:1-8. (And please reread all of Titus before next Sunday as we wrap up the book, it should take less than 10 minutes.)
How does the transition from verse 3 to verse 4 catch you? Does it surprise you? Do you feel happy? Humble? What comes to your mind?
These verses are a beautiful description of the gospel or 'good news'. Take a moment and read these other passages that share the gospel: Isaiah 53:4-6, Mark 10:45, John 3:16, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 4:25 and 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:21 and 2 Timothy 2:8.
What are the common themes of the gospel?
Why are each of these themes so important in what they say about God? About us?
Why is it essential to 'insist on these things'?
Why is it important and helpful to know the Holy Spirit has given those who believe a 'new birth' through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?
Why is it important or helpful to understand that the Holy Spirit of God is the One renovating our lives?
Can you remember some times where the renovation work was hard, but looking back it's worth it? (Read Philippians 1:6 and 2 Corinthians 4:16)
What do you believe the Holy Spirit is renovating in you right now?
How does believing verses 3-7 cause us to be devoted to good works? What are some of the ways it shapes our response to the instructions in chapters 2 and 3?
Where have you seen that Jesus' way is most 'excellent and profitable for people'? Where have you doubted that? Pray and ask the Lord for his will and strength to obey in that area.
I am looking forward to being together again soon. God bless and keep you!
In Christ,
Pastor Phillip
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