For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Titus 2:11
Dear Church and Friends,
Over the season of Advent we studied the confessions that teach the incarnation of Christ. One of the words that we found showing up over and over again was “Manifest.” In today’s edition of the Pastor’s Letter we find a similar word.
The word “appear” is used twice in Titus 2:11-15. The first time it speaks of Christ’s first coming. Notice:
- Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, This is a past event. It has appeared. The grace of God bringing salvation can only mean the coming of the Lord Jesus. His birth, life, death, and resurrection had a real-time effect for the elect. He saved us! This was not done in a corner, but openly so that all the world could believe.
Just as trustworthy as the first appearing was, so the second will come in like manner, at the Father’s discretion.
- Titus 2:12-13 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Because of the first appearing we have a discipline, a way of living and a hope to look forward to. The second coming of Christ is just as certain as the first. It is so certain that the apostle calls it a “blessed hope.”
The first appearing brings salvation, teaches us how to live in the world, and gives us a hope for the future which is rooted in appearing #2. For the church, He truly is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
Music: The Soul of Man Never Dies by Tony Rice and Ricky Skaggs.
Prayer Requests: Please pray for the following.
- Rob Looney, Winchester, Va. Rob Looney is a staff chaplain serving at the Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, Va. “Pray for open doors for sharing the gospel among patients and staff at the Winchester Medical Center. Pray for protection from COVID-19 and for healing of those who have it. Pray for strength, peace and hope in Jesus. Pray I will have wisdom and compassion in ministering to hurting people.”
Consider supporting Creek Road Baptist Church through the Amazon Smile program. Use this link to select Creek Road Baptist Church as your designated charity. Once you have made this selection simply begin using Smile.Amazon.com (instead of using Amazon.com). No credits are available using just Amazon.com. Please contact the church office or Pastor Dave if you need help or have any questions.
Craig’s Catechism: The Third Part of Our Belief
- Question 260: Why is He called Holy? Answer: Because He is the Fountain of holiness, and makes us holy.
- Question 261: When and how does He do this? Answer: When by His mighty power He separates us from our natural corruption and dedicates us to godliness.
- Question 262: What is this natural corruption? Answer: A blindness of mind, hardness of heart, and contempt of God.
All my best.
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