Training In Titus

The Book of Titus was written by The Apostle to his young pastor/protégé that he left on the Island of Crete to get The Church back on the tracks of sound doctrine that reflects lives that demonstrate what we believe.

First Leaders who are qualified by their godly conduct.
Then Older men who are influential by their self - control.
And Older women who are influential by their investment in to lives of the next generation.
Also Young men who are influential by the Gospel demonstrated in their daily lives.
Finally Employees who are influential by being honest, hardworking, and loyal.

Spurgeon On Our Attitude Towards Sin

O sirs, if I had a dear brother who had been murdered, what would you think of me if I valued the knife which had been crimsoned with his blood? —if I made a friend of the murderer, and daily consorted with the assassin, who drove the dagger into my brother’s heart? Surely I, too, must be an accomplice in the crime! Sin murdered Christ; will you be a friend to it? Sin pierced the heart of the Incarnate God; can you love it? Oh, that there was an abyss as deep as Christ’s misery, that I might at once hurl this dagger of sin into its depths, whence it might never be brought to light again!   

The Call To Christian Maturity

I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.  I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.  1st John 2:12-14 

Imagine with me spending a full day observing a preschool and the children during their daily activities there. And one of the students is a 30 year old man enrolled as one of the preschoolers? And each time the teacher asked a question the man gave the correct answer. And each time the teacher asked for cleanup time the man was the first to have his area cleaned. And at the end of the day you observe the 30 year old man is one of the best preschoolers.  But you know in your heart there is a problem. A 30 year old man does not belong in preschool! 

What an incredible experience it was for me when I became a disciple of Jesus almost 29 years ago.  As a brand new baby Christian, to know I had been forgiven and given the privilege of becoming one of God's family. To learn of the wonderful love that God has for me as a child of God.

But if my relationship with Jesus was formed only from my understanding of my forgiveness and acceptance and never moved from that starting point to other important truths like stewardship, obedience, and service any keen observer would say there is a problem. He is still in Christian preschool after almost 29 years of discipleship.

In 1st John 2:12-14 John illustrates three stages of Christian maturity with little children, young men, and fathers.  And it appears the path from little children to fathers is the way of young men and having the Word Of God to strengthen us to overcome temptation. In other words, learning and applying God's Word for daily living. Jesus wants us to graduate from Christian Preschool to normal life long discipleship.  See also Hebrews 5:12-6:3

Our New Generation Has Forgotten The Respect For The Great Generation

Thank You Delbert Belton (Shorty).

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/09/01/funeral-held-for-beaten-wwii-veteran/

"Such Things As Ye Have" By F.B. Meyer

"Moses had only a rod, but a rod with God can open the Red Sea.

David had only five pebbles, but these with God brought down Goliath.

The woman had only a little pot of oil, but that pot of oil with God paid all her debts.

The poor widow was scraping the bottom of the barrel, but with God the handful of meal kept her child, herself, and the prophet until the rain came.

The boy had only five tiny loaves and two small fish, but with Jesus they were enough for five thousand men, beside women and children.

Estimate what you have got, and then count God into the bargain!

He never lets go you hand. He will never leave nor forsake those that trust in Him!"