What Christians need to say “No” to – Titus 2:11-15, Part 3

How are you with saying “No” to people or opportunities or temptations in life? It can be difficult, especially for those of us who have people-pleasing tendencies or addictive personalities. Being able to say “No” is vital in many areas of life, and in our series on Titus 2:11-15, Paul brings it up. In verseContinue reading “What Christians need to say “No” to – Titus 2:11-15, Part 3″

Do you really know God? Titus 2:11-15, Part 2

As we continue studying Titus 2:11-15, Paul says that salvation has appeared to all.  “Appeared” is the Greek word where we get our English word, “epiphany.”  Epiphany gives us the idea of light appearing in the darkness, like at sunrise.  Here “epiphany” refers to God’s grace like a new light of truth in Christ appearingContinue reading “Do you really know God? Titus 2:11-15, Part 2”

When you forget to save your work – Titus 2:11-15, Part 1

I was listening to a podcast recently that was talking about research into the mob.  Organized crime families.  What the research revealed was fascinating: most mobsters don’t want to be mobsters.  In fact, even when they themselves cannot break free from a life of crime, they will go to great lengths to help their kidsContinue reading “When you forget to save your work – Titus 2:11-15, Part 1”

What Christians need: Grace, Peace…and Titus? Titus 1:1-4, Part 5

What do you need? A million bucks? I often daydream about how a million dollars would free up my life. But that’s not really what I need. What do we need? We conclude this week’s blog posts on Titus 1:1-4 today looking at what Christians need. If you haven’t read the previous four posts, IContinue reading “What Christians need: Grace, Peace…and Titus? Titus 1:1-4, Part 5”

Love the sinner, hate the sin? [False ideas Christians believe about…Sin. Part 5]

Have you ever heard a Christian say, “love the sinner, hate the sin”?  We hear that all the time.  Maybe you’ve said it yourself. On the surface it sounds really good.  We should be a people that love others no matter who they are.  What could be wrong with that?  If that was all itContinue reading “Love the sinner, hate the sin? [False ideas Christians believe about…Sin. Part 5]”

We really need grace

Do you or anyone you know go by a nickname?  I love the band U2, and both the lead singer Bono and lead guitarist, The Edge, go by the nicknames.  Bono has said on numerous occasions that even The Edge’s mom calls him “The Edge”. But I wonder how many people with a nickname referContinue reading “We really need grace”

How to become more gracious

Have you ever had an encounter with someone who was less than gracious?  Have you been accused?  Confronted? Or maybe you’re in the store, waiting in line at checkout, and right in front of you is a family with young children.  Just then one of the kids start freaking out because the parent won’t letContinue reading “How to become more gracious”

God wants to adopt you

I have been inside a courtroom for actual proceedings five times in my life.  The first time was my fault, and it was scary. The second time was a school field trip, and it was a relief…it wasn’t about me this time!  Those last three times? Well, they have been astoundingly beautiful. In each ofContinue reading “God wants to adopt you”

How God feels about sinners…even the worst ones!

Can God save the worst sinner ever?  Would he want to?  You and I might not feel like the worst sinners ever in history, but we can often feel pretty guilty about our bad choices.  In the middle of the guilt, we wonder, “How does God feel about us when we have screwed up?” AsContinue reading “How God feels about sinners…even the worst ones!”

Mercy and Grace – What we all need – Luke 1:57-80

Last week I asked: What do we all need? The amazing message of Christmas is that God wants to shower us with his mercy and grace! That is our need! Zechariah’s song proclaims the good news of salvation that is found in Christ. That salvation is found nowhere else. We need God’s grace and mercy.Continue reading “Mercy and Grace – What we all need – Luke 1:57-80”