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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Titus 1:15-16
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”
Moral integrity.
As I have said before, “The Christian life is more than just a ‘ticket to Heaven’.”
Paul reminds us that it is a ‘way of life’. Not a religion but a relationship with Our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, which then flows on out in our relationships with one another. Jesus taught us how to live by example and instruction (see again Matthew Chapters 5-7). We also have some very practical help in the Book of Proverbs. We must never think that Christianity is just a mental belief in God. It has to be lived out (see Matthew 7:24-27; James 2:14-19). It’s a ‘Ring of Truth’!
The advice given throughout Scripture is all designed for us to live in peace, joy, prosperity, health and significance. Why is it we ignore it? The enemy does all he can to deflect us into insignificance, guilt, despair, sickness and death. As Christians, we have the power of the Holy Spirit resident within us to rise above all his schemes.
Existentialism does not bring life and vitality – it produces mediocrity and boredom. No, as Christians, we need to be constantly on our guard and prepared to fight for the good life. Here, I am talking about both our individual and own family life. We have the choice, no matter what is going on around us, to live as God designed. He also gave us His power in order that we could do it.
Paul tells us that he left Titus in Crete to sort out what had been left unfinished. He had to appoint elders in every town. But he wasn’t to appoint just anybody. He had to be selective. He then itemises the characteristics that he needed to look for in leaders. They are the same for today.
I wonder how much trouble Titus had finding suitable people. The key to church growth is not just salvations but discipleship, and above all, good committed passionate leadership. Without sound leadership the flock will become discouraged and wander away.
Paul then warns Titus to watch out for false leaders. They may look and sound the part but on examination, you find that they are seeking to lord it over people and gain control. It is a subtle sin. Their teachings sound great. They prey on new Christians and single women, particularly divorcees, the separated and young widows.
They are forceful, restrictive and emphatic – but it is not based upon Scripture. It is based upon manipulation and criticism. They hold themselves up as the only perpetrators of the truth and any contrary view is demonic. They are more interested in the letter of the law than its guiding principles. They portray God as an unmerciful Judge who is constantly watching and ready to strike out at all wrongdoing, however petty. They trade on condemnation and guilt.
But Christ came to set us free. Not to licence but to freedom by His Spirit. These people “claim to know God” but give a false view of a loving Heavenly Father, who is merciful and kind, forgiving and forgiving and forgiving.
Yes, Holy, but not vindictive.
Keep well away from anyone who says anything to the contrary.
And we need to be careful whom we appoint as leaders. Rather than ‘appointing people to fill positions’, we should wait and ‘recognise’ those who are ‘doing the job’ already. People who are living responsibly and responsively with a servant heart, not looking for status, position or applause.
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