Good Works Titus

What are good works?

Last week we read in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 that God’s word is powerful to establish us in sound doctrine, to correct us and thoroughly outfit us for every good work – of course one of those good works is being a good and faithful steward over the spiritual gifts the Spirit has given you.
However there are many more good works!
What are they, what do they have to do with Christ being formed in us and doing ministry work?
That is what we begin to address this week.
So are you ready to dive into learning more about good works?
Before we begin, remember that many miss the supernatural looking for the spectacular. Good works are things we do in our everyday life which are in accordance with God’s word and ways.
Today we are looking at some good works for men, women, children and employees and our text is in Titus 2:1-15.

Continue reading
Psalm 139

A literal & relational exploration of Psalm 139

This is one Psalm I have been eager to study in preparation to teach, but which somewhat disappointed me once I got into it.

On the surface it appears a very intimate psalm. It opens with words that seem very personal, even warming, but evidently they are words which are used more generically of what God does with every human being.

So while there is a romantic notion of beginning this psalm as if David were making very personal claims of the exchanges he has with God, it is evidently to be taken as generalized statements which he experiences as an individual but which are not unique to him nor are they the result of being in covenant with God. They are truths respecting God’s knowing of His creatures, rather than personal statements of a Father with His son or a God with His beloved servant.

In summary, this Psalm is a poetic way of saying Hebrews 4:12-13 & Matthew 10:29-30.

Continue reading
Exalt word name

Exalt His name above His word?

These Psalms include psalms of praise, psalms of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, a lament over captivity in Babylon but ending with faith filled assurance of their deliverance & finally a Psalm from David regarding God’s delieverance.

There are a couple of difficult sections in these psalms and one regards the title for this message.

The phrase “for You have exalted your Word above your Name” appeasr quite differently in various translations and we address that and the reasons why in this segment.

Continue reading