Christian Sermons from Calvary Chapel Greenmeadow, North Kingstown, RI

Titus is a pastoral epistle along with 1 & 2 Timothy, written for the care of the churches. In it, we find examples of having enthusiasm for the Lord, caring for people, and taking initiative and getting involved. We are called to be servants like Titus.

When we recognize that we need forgiveness, it becomes possible to forgive others, but when we do not forgive others, our own forgiveness from God is blocked. We are told to forgive like God forgave us: repeatedly and even when it costs us dearly.

Our God is a God who provides for His people like a shepherd, yet can also bring nations to their knees. He is a God so holy, that sin cannot be in His presence, and yet He is the God who casts sin away and who delights in showing mercy!

What is important in our days? Having time with God so that He can satisfy us with His unfailing love. We can sing for joy and be glad all our days even when facing trouble if we pray for God to establish the work of our hands for us.

Our enemies like it when we fall and want to remind us of our weaknesses, but Proverbs 24:16 tells that that "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again." It is not falling, but failing to get up that is the worst.

It was not his personal problems, but the lack of godly people that brought Micah to despair. Although our natural inclination is to be miserable when things seem hopeless, we are reminded to look to the Lord, who has the hope and the answers.

Pastor Rich reflects on a short list of "things that matter" after his open-heart surgery. They include faith, which allows us to call out to Jesus, an ever-present help in times of trouble, family and friends, fellowship, and our future in heaven.

Placing hope in the things of this world is not fitting for Christians. Our hope in God is an anchor, and what ties us to that anchor are His promises. We can expect Him to keep His promises because He controls the hearts of man.

Being gentle is a prerequisite to rejoicing because it helps us avoid discord. It is also essential to not be anxious, remember God's great love for us, and be thankful. The most important key to rejoicing is praying for help when things get difficult.

An often-misunderstood concept, the phrase "separation of church and state" penned by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Baptist churches, was meant to keep Government from meddling with the free worship of God.