Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
Summary: Peter reminds us that the reason for Jesus to be born as a human here on earth was to establish a new covenant that replaced the old.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:3c — The Day Everything Changed”
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ …
Summary: Our God is amazing. He is perfect in every aspect. Thankfully, his perfection extends to include perfect love and perfect forgiveness.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1d — The Righteousness of God”
Grace be with you all.
Summary: The ‘grace of God’ is a phrase that covers a lot of ground. By closing with this statement Paul is affirming the benefit of being restored to a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is also reminding us of something very important.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (b) — A Gentle Reminder”
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Summary: These words give us a peek into Paul’s world. Today we meditate on the meaning of camaraderie and what that means to us.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (a) — Camaraderie”
… in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Summary: This single sentence near the end of Paul’s letter to Titus includes clues to what it means to be a believer in Christ. Giving ourselves to Christ transforms us from unproductive people into people who live productive lives that are a blessing to others.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (c) — Antidote”
Our people … must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good
Summary: The word “devote” could have several meanings. The surprise is that understanding this word leads to an insight into how we can get better at doing good.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (b) — Right and Wrong”
Our people…
Summary: What does Paul mean when he writes “our people?” Not all believers are the same.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (a) — Believers”
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way
Summary: Today’s passage provides another glimpse into the life of early Christians. Paul, acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is directing others in their work for the Lord. The glimpse we get is a fascinating peek at a much larger puzzle.
Continue reading “Titus 3:13 (a) — Puzzle Pieces”
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
Summary: Paul’s reasoning behind his instructions regarding divisive people is grounded in both the protection of God’s church, and the wellbeing of all believers.
Continue reading “Titus 3:10 — A Church Divided”
… because these are unprofitable and useless.
Summary: Paul has constructed example of both the profitable and unprofitable. He stops short of comparing that which is unprofitable to sin, but does feel strongly that such behavior should be avoided.
Continue reading “Titus 3:9 (e) — Worse Things”