October 25-November 2

Powerful Messages
John Collett
St. Louis, Missouri

I need to be reminded daily to do the right thing, to live the right way and to deal with people as they are today, not how they may have been in the past. God’s grace is gift available to all and these two books give examples of His grace in action.

Paul wrote to Titus as Titus headed to the island to Crete to spread the Good word. Neither man was naive as to the state of society where they were attempting to influence. (1:12) “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” False prophets abounded. (1:16) “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good”

Paul instructs Titus on the type of men to put in leadership of the new church and the way they should teach various groups. But Paul reminds Titus and his leaders to use humility in their teaching.

3:3-7 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Paul’s letter to Philemon expressed the redemptive nature of God’s grace. Onesimus was a slave who left Philemon, a crime which was punishable by death. Onesimus spent time with Paul and found Christ. Paul wanted Onesimus to return to Philemon to make amends. Rather than order Philemon to simply pardon Onesimus, Paul makes the case that Onesimus should be received as a brother, not a slave, by stating (11) “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful to you and to me.”

John Collett lives in St. Louis where he and his wife, Kathryn, worship at the McKnight Road Church of Christ. John and Kathryn are active in the congregation’s Celebrate Recovery ministry.