We're continuing our study of the New Testament book of Titus and today we'll hear the second half of Pastor Pierre Rosa's message on the Leadership of the Orderly Church.

Now let's continue the message with three more Lessons from the Life of Sarah.

Last week we learned about the crucial first ingredient- a right view of Scripture. If we don't view the Bible as God's Word -- the actual, inspired Word of God, then we have no foundation for understanding ourselves or our God. With that proper view, we can learn about our Creator, His creation and actually hear the heart of God speak to us.

As we now turn our attention to God's plan for married people we seek to answer several key questions. What does the Bible have to say to married couples- And what about divorce - the end point of nearly half of all American marriages - both Christian and non-Christian- How does the Bible's view on marriage and divorce differ from our secular society's view- I don't think the stark contrast will come as any surprise, but what is shocking is just how pervasive societal norms have affected the church's views on marriage and divorce.

This week we learn that, just like now, there were plenty of people confused about marriage and the role it plays in the human story. In fact, there's enough in this portion of Malachi that we'll break this down into two separate messages- one that covers God's plan for unmarried people and next week, a message about God's plan for Married people.

The book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, reveals that not much has changed since the time of the prophets. Just like then, there are plenty of people looking for a spiritual leader - someone with the answers to life's hard questions. And just like then, there are plenty of people claiming to be trustworthy spiritual leaders. But claiming to be a good leader and being a good spiritual leader are two different things.

One test of our faith is seen in how we invest our energies and how we order our priorities. If we have a vibrant, active faith in God then our priorities will keep Him and His work at the center of our activities. But if our faith is weak and our image of God is of someone far away and disconnected from our lives, then our energy will be spent on people we can see and things we can touch- we'll invest in things with a return in this present life.

Pastor Pierre Rosa now turns to the book of Malachi - the last book of the Old Testament - to begin a series exploring our devotion to God. Malachi lived during the late fifth century B.C. and recorded the last prophecies of the Old Testament. After Malachi, God was still very much involved in the life of His people, but there would be no recorded word from Him for 400 years - until the Word himself, Jesus Christ, was born in Bethlehem.

To -throw in the towel- is a phrase from the world of boxing. When a fighter is taking a beating, and facing almost certain defeat, their support team can literally throw a towel into the ring to signal they are conceding the contest. We use the phrase now in everyday language to describe any time we have decided to give up, rather than press on to the bitter end.

In our last message from the series, Philippians and the Joy of the Lord, Pastor Pierre Rosa expounds on the Joy of God's Provision. When we hear the word -provision- it's natural to think only of receiving something from God or someone else. But God's provision is like a coin - with two faces. There is great joy to be found in BEING God's provision - and giving to others, just as much as there is joy in receiving God's provision. In the end, we are to live a life of gratitude as we consider the fathomless depths of God's love towards us.