Thursday, January 1, 2015

Qualities of a sound church

Paul wrote a letter to Titus. Titus was ‘a convert of Paul and trusted coworker who proved a capable leader who was effective in mediating the controversy between Paul and the church.’ (Andrews Study Bible, p. 1591) This letter is appropriate for those who are “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (verse13) Doesn’t that sound like us? As followers of Jesus Christ we dearly await His second coming. And the following message would make a great message for us a church as we begin this new year of 2015. This passage is titled ‘Qualities of a sound church.’

But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Titus 2:1-10

Let us embed this message in our hearts today as we begin this New Year. Let the Scriptures be our guide and standard. Let the Scriptures be the root of our faith in God. Easy life will not be guaranteed this year as well. There might be difficulties in our way. If it happens, let us seek guidance in the Scriptures. When blessings are given in the New Year, let us rejoice for the promise God has fulfilled in the Scriptures.

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