Lord’s Day Message:
Titus Chapter 1
Bible Verses: (NLT)
1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God– who does not lie– promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 For an elder must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. 8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. 10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 12 Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.” 13 This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth. 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Message Outlines
- The background
Concerning the disorderly situation in the church in Crete, Paul first helps Titus to appoint the elders so that a healthy service can be set up. He also deals with errors in teaching and also encourages the saints to pursue the healthy truth and a godly living.
- In his greeting Paul emphasizes
- The faith of God’s chosen people
The healthy condition of a Christian is related with the knowledge of God’s work (His choosing) as well as his response (faith).
- The knowledge of the truth according to godliness
Every Christian should pursue the knowledge of the truth, however, this must be in accordance with the reality and testimony of his godly living.
- The eternal life promised by God
- To preach according to the command of the Lord
We must preach God’s promise so that His promise can be realized upon men. Furthermore, this is also the Lord’s command.
- Concerning the serving in Crete
- To appoint the elders
For a church, her healthy situation, her testimony, and her growth all depends on how her serving ones are. When the church is unhealthy, it is very important to raise up healthy serving ones.
- To rebuke those who are rebellious and talk uselessly
Paul had very strong words of rebuking towards Cretans. However, he did not do it without reasoning. He did it to help the saints know the truth in a healthy way. Besides, to deal with the influence of the Jewish religion which focuses on the outward doing, first Paul points out that the heart of a person is more important. Second, he also points out that a spiritual reality is not according to what he talks, but to how he lives.
Next Topics: Titus Chapter 2
Church Meetings/Time/Place
Home Meeting: 9/6 Mon. 7:30pm, Postponed
Young Professionals Meeting: 10/6 Tue. 7:30pm, Meeting Hall
Sister meeting: 11/6 Wed. 10:00am, Ann’s
Prayer Meeting:11/6 Wed. 7:30pm，Meeting Hall
Young People Meeting/Pursuing for Adults：14/6 Tue. 7:30pm, Thomas & Lena’s
Announcements:
- We welcome all the new ones who are joining us today and hope that you can leave your information for us to contact you in the future.
- Today after the love feast the church plans to have a outing. We will take the train to city and then take ferry to Watson Bay for sightseeing. Then we will come back to Circular Quay to enjoy the “Vivid Show.” (Dinner is prepared by individuals.) All are welcome to join and please ask the details to brother Richard Chen and sister Lamee.
- If any gospel friend plan to be baptized in June (15/6), please contact brother Yulin Wang by 8/6.
<Reminder>
- During the meeting, please turn off your mobile phone or put the volume on silence.
- If the brothers and sisters see something that needs to be fixed in the meeting hall, please report to brothers Michael Lin or Richard Chen. If anyone has questions or suggestions for the cleaning service, please fellowship with brothers Richard Cui or Patrick Li.
- When you prepare the love feast for Lord’s Day lunch, please do not prepare any food containing nuts that someone may have food allergy.
Intercession:
- Pray for Hui Yang, Holly, Jerry and Vasya who are newly baptized that they can grow healthily in the Lord.
Keep praying for the gospel friends among us, especially young people and our family members, so that our Lord can open their hearts to see God’s salvation and be willing to receive the Lord and become the member in God’s family.
- Pray for the health of each family (especial for the older ones). Pray especially for Sister Da-Nan Lu who just came back from China. May the Lord care her spirit, soul, and body.
Serving Next Week: (June 15)
- Sharing: Richard Cui & Yulin Wang
- Breaking the Bread: David Tan & Richard Cui
Serving Bread and Cup: Sean Dong, Jack Lee & Richard Cui
- Pianist: Hannah Cui
- Cleaning: Richard & Flora Family, Joyce & Chris, Peter Gao, Olsen & Likun Family, Pauline Zhang, Rebecca Li
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