Spiritual stagnancy. We all experience this, at some point in our Christian walk. How do Paul's instruction to Titus help us with this, and how does the gift of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit change us? What role do we play in this, and might God be accomplishing something during this time?

Spiritual stagnancy. We all experience this, at some point in our Christian walk. How do Paul's instruction to Titus help us with this, and how does the gift of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit change us? What role do we play in this, and might God be accomplishing something during this time?

Our 4th Trustworthy saying is on the topic of suffering. Paul invites Timothy (and all believers) to share in suffering for the gospel, and throughout history, it has been more common than not for Christians to endure persecution and hardship. As the atmosphere in the US becomes more toxic, what hope or strength can we call on to help us endure? As Paul did, we must remember that God has given us mercy, is training us for service, and that he is always at work to advance the gospel - even redeeming our suffering for his glorious ends.

Our 4th Trustworthy saying is on the topic of suffering. Paul invites Timothy (and all believers) to share in suffering for the gospel, and throughout history, it has been more common than not for Christians to endure persecution and hardship. As the atmosphere in the US becomes more toxic, what hope or strength can we call on to help us endure? As Paul did, we must remember that God has given us mercy, is training us for service, and that he is always at work to advance the gospel - even redeeming our suffering for his glorious ends.

When Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, he wanted to leave a long-lasting legacy of strength and courage. He challenged them to serve the Lord only, or to choose some other idol of their option. We face the same challenge: God has called us to himself in Christ, but we face many other rivals for our attention. Whatever promises to give us purpose, meaning, comfort, security, and direction can become an idol - things like wealth, entertainment, work, or family. Are you serving the Lord with single-minded devotion?

When Joshua led the people of Israel into the Promised Land, he wanted to leave a long-lasting legacy of strength and courage. He challenged them to serve the Lord only, or to choose some other idol of their option. We face the same challenge: God has called us to himself in Christ, but we face many other rivals for our attention. Whatever promises to give us purpose, meaning, comfort, security, and direction can become an idol - things like wealth, entertainment, work, or family. Are you serving the Lord with single-minded devotion?

Paul's 2nd "trustworthy saying" to Timothy was about the sort of leadership a church needs to have. Rather than the most gifted, talented, high-capacity leaders by the world's standards, Paul sets out a completely different model for leadership: men of integrity, maturity, and humility, who are already respected and esteemed in their home, their work, their community, and growing in their walk with Christ. Whether you aspire to church leadership or not, it's important to know what God calls for in those who shepherd his flock - those who are being used by God in spite of their sin. Is that you?

Paul's 2nd "trustworthy saying" to Timothy was about the sort of leadership a church needs to have. Rather than the most gifted, talented, high-capacity leaders by the world's standards, Paul sets out a completely different model for leadership: men of integrity, maturity, and humility, who are already respected and esteemed in their home, their work, their community, and growing in their walk with Christ. Whether you aspire to church leadership or not, it's important to know what God calls for in those who shepherd his flock - those who are being used by God in spite of their sin. Is that you?

When Paul wanted to give encouragement to a beloved friend serving in a challenging location, he reminded him of what he already knew: God saves sinners. No matter how offensive the sin, God is a God who is merciful and gracious to his people. No matter how toxic the environment, he is at work in his people, extending his mercy further and further. We each have a story to tell about how God has been merciful in our lives, and there are people that need to hear it; how will God be using YOU this week?

When Paul wanted to give encouragement to a beloved friend serving in a challenging location, he reminded him of what he already knew: God saves sinners. No matter how offensive the sin, God is a God who is merciful and gracious to his people. No matter how toxic the environment, he is at work in his people, extending his mercy further and further. We each have a story to tell about how God has been merciful in our lives, and there are people that need to hear it; how will God be using YOU this week?