A call to a life of prayer...

We come to the Scriptures to know God and be transformed by him. It is through the study of and meditation upon the Word of God that we find light in the darkness, a sure strength for traveling life's journey, truth for the mind and relationship with our God. In the Scriptures God reveals to us his character and purposes and the wise will take up the book for life and godliness.

God has graciously given spiritual practices to his people to adjust their daily lives to gospel rhythms. God gives us spiritual pathways and disciplines to practice in order to transform us (sanctification) and call us into deep relationship.

Easter confronts our questions as human beings in a profound way. In the life, death and resurrection of Jesus we find life through worship, forgiveness for sin and that life defeats death in the end.

The church is called to live out gospel conviction in the midst of culture. Our identity must be shaped by the gospel, our posture amongst others humble and courteous so that our reputation does not distract from the message of Jesus.

The foundation and impetus for the church's life together is the gospel. History is bracketed by two major appearings or epiphanies...an epiphany of grace in the first coming of Jesus and an epiphany of glory when he comes as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His grace now trains us to say no to certain and things and yes to others as we rep his rule and reign together.

Christians have a certain role and flow in culture in relationship to one another. In this passage Paul exhorts Titus to teach what accords with sound doctrine by encouraging young and old, men and women, slave and free to live in such a way that brings honor to the gospel. This is the result of inward, gospel life change not simply putting on an external front and face.

Paul exhorts Titus to establish elders who will confront error and sin

Paul left Titus in Crete to set the mission in order by appointing men to serve as elders. Responsible men of character who knew and could teach the gospel well should be entrusted to pastor and guide the church of God under the rule and reign of Jesus on the earth.

Paul's greeting to his friend Titus presents to us his identity and the purpose for his ministry. In just one sentence Paul lays out rich theological truth about God's people and the nature of gospel ministry in the world.