A brief meditation on Christ's third word from the cross to remember the day on which Jesus died.

A brief meditation on Christ's first word - second word from the cross to remember the day on which Jesus died.

In the final chapter of the Book of Nahum, the prophet writes about the evidence - assurance of Nineveh's judgment, God's mockery of the city in her impending doom, and the aftermath of the terrors of Nineveh's judgment. Then, because the New Testament uses Nahum 3 as a symbol - shadow of God's final judgment - His casting many into hell, we see how Nahum 3 applies to both the Christian - unbeliever.

In the first chapter of Nahum, we see the 'harsher' attributes of God and how His declaration of future judgment against Nineveh means protection for His people. In this second chapter of Nahum, we see that declaration of judgment in action- we see God's judgment against Nineveh playing out in motion - shadowing the reality of the final day of judgment. We also see how this 'final' judgment of God means worship - joy for His people.

The Word of God has informed us of the schemes of the Enemy. Satan seeks to deny and distort God's Word, derail our obedience, destroy and degrade our faith, and divide the Body. Praise be to God that He has given us His armor- the belt of truth, the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of peace, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of the hope of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Our most effective weapon in spiritual warfare is prayer. The Christian has confidence that he can withstand the Devil because Christ has already been victorious.

Despite the mercy that God showed to Nineveh under Jonah, Nineveh has returned to her wickedness, and now under Nahum God pronounces judgment without hope. In today's text, we see the attributes of God that make Him a consuming fire, and how those attributes mean that God will destroy the wicked - mean He is a refuge for those who come to Him.

The peace that Christ has purchased is true. Christ has purchased a larger supply of peace than what we are currently experiencing. It is closer than it feel. Christ has left that peace behind after His ascension. That peace is not destroyed by circumstances - not taken away by suffering or pain. And there is a resurrection coming when all hope seems lost.

Even though salvation is by grace and grace alone, every Christian will have to one day give an account of how he managed his words, finances, time, energy, talents, relationship, and opportunities and each will be rewarded according to his works.

Q71. What is the normal context for experiencing these outward means of grace--- A. The normal context for experiencing these outward means of grace is the local church, which is the pillar and support of the Truth. In the local church, there should be preaching and teaching of God's Word, participation in baptism and the Lord's Supper, public prayer, fellowship among the saints, and the giving of Christian offerings. -1 Cor. 9-13-14, 11-23-25, 14-31-32- 1 Tim. 3-13-17- Rev. 1-10-11- --Q72. What is the invisible church- A. The invisible -or 'universal'- church are all of God's elect who have been, are, or will be gathered together in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. -Eph. 1-10-23- John 10-16, 11-52- Q73. What is the visible church--- A. The visible church is made up of all professing believers around the world who take part in local assemblies where the Gospel is truly preached, and baptism and the Lord's Supper are practiced. -Acts 2-42, 20-7- Acts 7-38- Eph. 4-11-12-

In this passage, Paul again commands Titus to command his church members to live godly lives, with the authority of God behind him. Paul then gives two reasons to justify his command -- -1- because of what the Christian once was -totally depraved, 3-3-, and -2- because of what the Christian is - will one day be -3-4-7-. While both these reasons blend together, this study focuses on why - how total depravity motivates godly living.