Lord's Day - August 21, 2005

Scripture Passage of the Week: Titus 2

Craig spoke about the importance of the older teaching the younger (men as well as women). He tied this to Deuteronomy 6 ("You shall teach them diligently to your children....") ... words spoken on the brink of the promised land. Spiritually, the promised land means a daily, close walk with God. There are always giants there, but we are not to fear them ... God intends for these giants to be "bread for us" (Numbers 14:9) ... to make us stronger, and in the words of Titus 2:14, to "purify unto himself a peculiar people."

Alan pointed out some similar phrases in verses 5, 8, and 10 ... "that the word of God be not blasphemed" ... "that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you" ... "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." Our actions make a difference in how the word of God is received.

Greg, in light of some serious prayer requests involving children, reminded everyone of the love of God and the joy and wonders of heaven. God loves children, and when a child is taken home to heaven, this is a tragedy to those left, but not for the child!

Mark talked about the "Titus 2 Man." The older men are to have a well-rounded soundness ... in faith, in love, in patience. The younger men are exhorted to be serious minded ... a rebuke to our culture's notion of a frivolous, irresponsible "adolescence" between boyhood and manhood.


PRAYER BURDENS:

Anthony Dye (a man Alan met this week) asks for strength to continue his ministry to the homeless.

Michelle Melvin ... 13 year old with serious diagnosis of cancer.

Josiah Atkinson ... 5 year old with inoperable brain tumor.

Eloise's mom ... getting stronger.

John K. has job interview Monday.

Faith Harris ... infant needing heart transplant.

Hannah F. leaving for two week strings workshop in Indianapolis.