I’m excited you’ve joined our church family in the 2nd week of this exciting adventure as we experience The Power of Everyone coming together to thank and seek God. For 21 days leading up to Sunday, Nov. 23rd, we’ve committed to pray, fast and seek God’s direction personally and for our church. I hope you’ll pause at 10pm each night and pray for about 10 minutes; do this individually, as a couple, or as a family.
During the days leading up to Nov. 23 and our Celebration Offering and the Thanksgiving Family Festival, I’ll list a scripture for you to read and consider. I’ll also share a few thoughts of my own, but my primary desire is that you ask God to reveal to you what this passage means in your life and how you should apply it as you think about what God would have you do. I would also ask that you pray and ask God to speak to the hearts of all the people in our church about this particular passage concerning what they should do. It’s already been a great adventure. Can’t wait to see what this week brings.
Bless you – Pastor BJ
Nov. 13 Titus 3:3-8
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
The most generous act in all history is what happened when through the kindness and love of God, He poured out on us His mercy and grace through Jesus Christ.
This passage makes it very clear that we are all sinners and disobedient to God. There isn’t a single thing we can do to make ourselves right with God; He saved us “not because of righteous things we had done.” There’s no amount of good in all the universe that will make us right with God. We are only made right with God when we accept His lavish gift of grace by turning from our sin and trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
By the way – no matter who you are or what you’ve done – you can be made right through what Jesus Christ did for you on the cross. If you’ve never trusted Him for your salvation – why not do it now. Make the choice to turn from your sin and living life your way (to repent), and choose to trust and follow Jesus Christ. If that’s your desire – take a moment to tell Him. Ask Him to forgive your sin and come into your life as Savior and Lord.
For those of us who are Believers – If we’re going to be Christ-like; if we’re going to be like God – what is one of the key characteristics that is evident in this passage? I think it’s generosity and giving. God generously gave us what we didn’t deserve, and we ought to devote ourselves to being like Him.
BJ Rutledge 