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According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary [an oath is a solemn attestation of the truth of one’s words or the sincerity of one’s intentions; specially one accompanied by calling upon a deity as a witness].

In Genesis 22:1-17, the LORD made a binding oath with Abraham. Because of Abraham’s obedience, God committed blessings on him, his descendants, and all nations of the earth. God awarded and still awards faithfulness.

God swore His oath with Abraham by His Holy name because there was no greater name than His. The LORD is great.

God not only committed blessings in His oath, but He also committed multiplication of Abraham’s offspring. Have you ever sung “Father Abraham?”

Throughout the ages, people have understood that an oath is only as reliable as the one making it, often appealing to a higher authority when taking such oaths.

God is a Promise Keeper. He has chosen to anchor the souls of all spiritual heirs of Abraham in His promises. This anchor for every believer today is the hope found in God’s unchanging and unwavering faithfulness. Only God is forever faithful, and He cannot lie.

We have sure and steadfast hope today because Jesus has entered that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells. Jesus has entered in advance as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7)

Jesus is both High Priest and King—eternal Mediator between God and humanity, and the Ultimate Authority as reigning King. He will soon return to establish His physical kingdom in Jerusalem. Like Abraham we must trust and obey Him.

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Isaiah’s name means “the salvation of Jehovah.” He was the Prophet who received and prophesied the visions God gave him concerning the coming Messiah. The days in which he lived were dark, and the Nation of Israel was in sinful rebellion of God. Yet, the Prophet spoke of a future day of hope and deliverance from God. He declared the magnificent titles of our coming King: “He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Today, we celebrate and know Him as King Jesus.

Isaiah prophesied that the Mighty God would be born as a special Child, conceived by a virgin. God became Man – (Immanuel), He was and will always be fully God yet fully Man! (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23)

King Jesus is the Messiah that Isaiah prophesied about. This Immanuel possesses dominion, power, and sovereignty, with royal authority that lasts for all eternity. (Matthew 28:18)

As Wonderful Counselor, King Jesus is portrayed as the Great One who shares a deep, loving relationship with His people. He is always available, offering perfect wisdom 24/7. He provides flawless counsel and ensures complete confidentiality in every session. For His faithful followers, He is our Wonderful Counselor. (1 John 3:1-3).

King Jesus is Mighty God, revealed throughout Scripture exercising His divine power, wisdom, and omnipresence. (Genesis 1:1; Job 38; 39; 40; John 1:1-5; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 1:11-18)

Jesus, as Everlasting Father, is the eternal Protector and Provider of His people Israel and all who are grafted in. (Psalms 121; Romans 11:11-36)

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. While this passage speaks of a future peace for Israel, believers today understand that Jesus doesn’t just give us peace; He gives us Himself. Through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers have peace with God. Jesus offers peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Isaiah 26:3-4; John 14:23-27; Romans 5:1-11).

He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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12/1/24

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11/24/24

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The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Pastor Titus, was speaking about the appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus when he wrote about the remarkable, undeserved grace of God that made salvation possible for mankind.

God’s saving grace is for all—older men, older women, younger men, younger women, and servants. There is no distinction with God. All who are saved become One in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:26-28

God’s saving grace gives opportunity for Christians to deny ungodliness and worldly passions. Grace disciplines us to deny self. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. John 16:7-15; Galatians 5:16-26

God’s saving grace offers Christians the ability to live sensible, upright, and godly lives, purposefully reflecting spiritual maturity to the world around them.

God’s saving grace empowers every Christian to confidently await the fulfillment of our blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He willingly gave Himself to be crucified on our behalf, to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness. He also purifies for Himself a chosen and special people, His own possession, who are eager to do what is good. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given.

Pastor Titus was responsible for preaching and teaching the standard of Kingdom living. Although the Cretans were known for their laziness and unscrupulous behavior, once they became born-again believers, they had an obligation to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. 1 Peter 2:9-17

Pastor Titus was to encourage and correct the churches in all the communities on the island of Crete, exercising full Biblical authority as he confronted opposition to God’s holy standards.

Have you experienced God’s saving grace?

Are you living like a Kingdom citizen?

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After exposing false teachers and their impure doctrines, Paul turned his attention to instructing Pastor Titus on how he should live, what he should teach, and how to counsel the various age groups within the communities on the island of Crete. He emphasized that all people must embody and communicate the doctrine of God our Savior in every aspect of their lives.

Titus was responsible for teaching godly doctrine that would produce men and women of good character, whose lifestyles would clearly identify them as true Christians. As older Christian men and women followed Paul’s instructions from God, they would continually disciple the next generation of believers.

God instructed older Christian men in the Churches of Crete to be sober, reverent, temperate, sensible, sound in faith, love, and patience, all while reflecting Christ-like character.

God instructed older Christian women in the Churches of Crete, like older Christian men, to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips or to be a slave to wine. They were to teach what was right and good in order to encourage the younger Christian women.

God instructed older Christian women to admonish younger Christian women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, and to create a home where God is honored. They were to be good-natured and willingly subject to their husbands, so that the Word of God would not be blasphemed.

Pastor Titus was instructed to urge younger Christian men to be sensible, self-controlled, and to behave wisely, taking life seriously. In all things, Titus was to serve as an example of good works, maintaining purity in doctrine and a strict regard for integrity and truth. He was to be dignified, sound, and beyond reproach in his teachings. Paul was concerned about the reputation of the Christian faith and God’s Word among outsiders.

Titus was to urge bondservants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, and to avoid stealing, regardless of the value of the items. Instead, they were to demonstrate good fidelity so that they would adorn and give credit to the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

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God’s Overseer must be blameless, serving as God’s steward and managing God’s household.

God’s Overseer should not be hot-tempered, greedy, or fond of wine.

God’s Overseer must be hospitable and sober-minded, embodying justice and holiness with self-control.

God’s Overseer must boldly hold fast to sound doctrine, exhorting, convicting, and opposing false teachings and false teachers.

Paul warned Titus that the Church and Overseers must be aware that there are many rebellious individuals who are empty talkers and deceivers, particularly among those of the circumcision—Jews who insist that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Law to be saved. These teachers were happy to lead others astray. Romans 1:18-30

Evil Overseers must be confronted with the truth of sound doctrine and silenced. Like wolves among sheep, they do not confront in large groups; instead, they go from house to house, subverting individual families for dishonest gain. 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 John 1:7-11

Evil Overseers were recognized by their own. They were heretics boldly promoted their own version of Christianity, creating a division that echoed through the new Church communities on the Island of Crete.

Paul affirmed the negative testimony spoken about the Cretans. Due to their lifestyle, he instructed Titus to rebuke them harshly so they could be sound in the faith and turn away from false teachings and turn to the truth. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Everything from God is acceptable and pure for His faithful followers. For unbelievers without a genuine faith, nothing is pure because of their defiled minds and consciences. They profess to know God, but in their actions, they deny Him. God deems them disqualified. Romans 2:1-16

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Paul authoritatively described his divinely appointed credentials (as a special messenger of God and a chosen representative of Jesus Christ). He shared his personal testimony of the grace of God.

Paul lovingly referred to Titus as my true son in our common faith. This common faith brings with it the gifts of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Church in Crete is believed to have been a young congregation. Pastor Titus was commanded by Paul to appoint Christian Elders in every town. The Church Overseer must be:

The post Out of the Common Faith (Titus 1:1-9) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

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Today’s text examines God’s fifth prophetic vision to Amos. God referenced Himself over thirty times in this vision to show Who He is and what He planned to do. God is awesome!

In the vision, God showed Amos His coming judgment by destroying the places of false worship along with those who worshipped and trusted false gods for protection.

The LORD God is omnipresent – present everywhere at the same time. He declared no one, nowhere, could escape His holy wrath. Psalm 139:7-12

The LORD God is omnipotent – unlimited in power. He created and controls all of Creation.

The LORD God’s wrath reflected His divine holiness. Although He loved His people, He detested their sin.

God revealed to Amos that He would preserve a remnant of the House of Jacob, the Jewish people.

God proclaimed that the penalty for sin is death and committed to sifting (separating) the faithful from the faithless. Romans 6:23

The LORD announced a future day of restoration for Israel and expressed His promise to welcoming all nations that would be called by His name. Acts 15:14-17

God promised future blessings and security for the Jewish remnant, committing to plant them in the promised land He had previously bestowed upon them. Romans 16:25-27

God finalized this vision by proclaiming, “says the LORD your God.”

What is your relationship with God?

Are you secure in God’s family through a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ?

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