Living Hope

It’s complicated to live as faithful followers of Jesus, speaking a language that engages the culture and addresses contemporary needs while remaining true to Jesus. Anybody can just go with the flow, adapting to culture while abandoning the lordship of Jesus. On the other hand, it’s easy to retreat into rules that cut ourselves off from the culture.

Read More God’s Word, culture, lifestyle

Tough Love

How does Christian community work in practice? If we don’t get this right we’re in danger of living like people who have “given up their faith” (v 8). We may fail to prevent others from “turn[ing] away from Christ” (v 11). As if that is not bad enough there is the damage we can do by bringing insult on the church (v 14).

Who’d be A Leader?

The distinctiveness of the Christian community is a hugely important biblical theme. The people of Israel were chosen to be a model, showing the world what a community in relationship with God looked like. Surrounding nations were meant to look at Israel and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Deuteronomy 4:5-8).

Read More character, accountability, leaders

“Riches I Heed Not…”

The Lord Jesus faced opposition from religious people during his lifetime. It was no different for his disciples. There will always be people who stray from the truth and cause destruction. Paul’s analysis in this passage suggests that often what lies behind disagreements is not truth but character.

Fighting to be Faithful

“You belong to God” (v 11). Is there a more fundamental statement? It’s the basis for understanding our identity, our present purpose and our future hope. Paul told the Corinthians, “You are no longer your own, God paid a great price for you. So, use your body to honour God” (1 Cor 6:19-20).

Read More Possessions, identity, loyalty, battle

Inflation Proof

Do you have everything you need? To answer this question, you need to ask another: ‘everything you need for what?’ God will give you everything you need to “enjoy life” (v 17), where enjoying life means generosity, looking to help others and remembering that “life” extends beyond our present earthly existence (vv 18,19).

All the Difference In The World

Read Reflect Titus is called to serve the Christian community in Crete. His role is to appoint leaders for the church and to build the different parts of the community into a body of God’s people who are “eager to do right” (2:14), who display kindness and gentleness to everyone (3:2), who have faith in […]

Making Good Choices

There is a grittiness about Titus’ leadership. He uses robust criteria in choosing leaders and a tough approach to anyone peddling error. It can sound a little heavy in our culture where accepting everyone and criticizing no one is something of the norm.

What’s The Difference?

Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) is held in high esteem in Scotland, both for his commitment to truth and his concern for the poor. It is said of him that “he warmed Glasgow,” a commendation of the gospel as much as Chalmers. He exemplifies the gospel as God at work to “rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure” (v 14).

We Need a Change

What changes people who are “stupid, disobedient and foolish” (v 3) into those “who do something helpful” (vv 1,8,14)? How can people who were full of jealousy and hatred (v 3) become gentle and kind to everyone (v 2)? Paul will tell us what brings about change but also warn us what can stifle change.