preacherjrmy

Church Health

Over the past week, I have had a persistent cough that has whittled away at my strength and daily routine. I can be a hard headed with it comes to what I perceive as minor colds and going to the doctor. With this one, I probably should and will. Health is a vital part ofContinue reading “Church Health”

Bible Study: Titus 3:8-15

This post will conclude the devotions over Titus. Paul will give his closing remarks and salutations. He will be going to Nicopolis and wants Titus to eventually meet him. Before Titus receives word from Paul to make his journey, he is to remain busy at Crete. Besides preaching and modeling a Christian example, Paul usesContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 3:8-15”

Bible Study: Titus 3:1-7

Paul now brings us back to earlier points made in Titus 1:1-3. That is, to Christ and the Gospel. Paul would have Titus to remind the believers at Crete that our beliefs impact our behaviour. If we have believed in Christ for salvation and understand the great abundance of kindness that has been given toContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 3:1-7”

Bible Study: Titus 2:11-15

Hope and holiness are two distinguishing marks of the Christian’s life. In the passage we see before us, Paul reminds Titus that salvation is to all people. Every person is given an opportunity to know Christ at some time or another. The resurrection of Jesus Christ provides us with a blessed hope, the glorious appearingContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 2:11-15”

Bible Study: Titus 2:1-10

In light of Paul’s writing in Titus 1:10-16, Paul then gives one simple piece of instruction. That is to teach sound doctrine. Titus was leading this group of new believers, and they were going to make an impact in Crete. Titus’ work was teaching the people God’s Word. His message to the believers focused onContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 2:1-10”

Bible Study: Titus 1:10-16

Paul has a sense of humor. Even in the middle of a lesson on ministry, Paul finds a way to use tongue in cheek humor to get his point across. He uses it to encourage Titus to know the people he is ministering to and the philosophies they hold. For present day pastors, it isContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 1:10-16”

Bible Study: Titus 1:5-9

How should Christian leaders behave and think? The pastoral epistles give lists that are foundational for the qualifications many churches places upon pastors. If we were to answer the question and summarize these qualifications in one word, it would be “blameless.” In fact, blameless is the first quality noted for bishops in Titus andContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 1:5-9”

Bible Study: Titus 1:1-4

Titus is one of three letters known better as the Pastoral Epistles. The other two letters are both addressed to Timothy. It was written by the elder Paul to encourage the younger Titus. Titus was a pastor on the island of Crete. Paul leaves us instructions that are relevant to pastors and Christian leaders inContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 1:1-4”

Studying God’s Word

Recently, I was asked how to get deeper into God’s Word. The inquiry came after a service where I started a sermon series on Jonah. The person was underwhelmed by the basic Sunday school storyline that had frequently been given and was made thirsty for God’s truth through a fuller look at this familiar narrative.Continue reading “Studying God’s Word”

Protecting ministers from narcissism

C.S. Lewis calls pride the “great sin” and “the essential vice.” Scripture teaches that through the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16) we can be tempted into sin. There are even more passages show a disdain for hubris (excessive pride and self-confidence) and the need for humility. There is a healthy level of narcissism thatContinue reading “Protecting ministers from narcissism”