The Bible Bistro

Pastor’s Letter – February 23, 2021 – Meekness on Display

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:2

Dear Church and Friends,

We live in a very contentious time. The pandemic and political division have deepened the fractures between us. Encouragement to respond with violence is published daily and is a temptation, especially now. But how would the Lord have the church to behave?

Paul tells Titus that part of this sound doctrine must include an attitude of peace. Talk about an attitude of peace, check this out.

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,” (Titus 3:1).

Notice that verse one is just a continuation of his instruction in chapter 2. The “them” were the aged men, aged women, younger women, younger men, and servants who were members of the church. Their responsibility was to be “subject,” to “obey,” and to “be ready.” These church members were to act this way under the capricious rule of Roman emperors. We have it so much better.

The apostle then takes things to the next stage. The words we use. We might confess that we are subject, obedient, and ready to do good things, but do our words betray that or confirm it.

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men (Titus 3:2).

It is possible to be a brawler in your speech. Violent, angry words issue from a violent, angry heart. This is not to be a part of the character of a Christian. We are meant for something higher – gentleness and meekness. Even though wicked men may abuse us the character of God should define us.

Remember, we don’t reserve this for our friends in the church, this is for all men!

Music: Psalm 150 by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.

Prayer Request: Please pray for the following.

Bhim Mangar, Akron, Ohio. Bhim Mangar planted Spirit of Joy Church in Akron, Ohio. “Please pray with us that God will provide for a need we have at Spirit of Joy Church.”
Robert Kane, Columbus, Ohio. Robert Kane planted Citizens Church in Columbus, Ohio. “Pray the Lord will use us to faithfully proclaim His Word and make disciples who delight in Christ. Pray He will graciously provide us with partner churches who want to support the mission as we navigate this difficult terrain.”
Jimmy Hoskins and his family, here in Cincinnati, who are caring for him.
Jerry Teegarden , Laura and Mollie.

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 263: How does He dedicate us to godliness? Answer: He enlightens our minds, mollifies our hearts, and strengthens us.
Question 264: What then is all flesh without the Spirit of God? Answer: Blind and dead in all heavenly things.
Question 265: What other names has He in the Scriptures? Answer: He is called the Spirit of faith, regeneration, strength, and comfort.

All my best.

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The Exceptions #132

Look, the days are shortened, but
Thou art in every moment.
Upon me, lay your hand,
And be my Helper.
Merciful kindness,
Unto me you pour, 
As thou usest to. 
Do unto those who trust you,
That love you shed abroad.
Thy name is eternal.

The Exceptions #123

Mine eyes have a diminished field of vision, and
Fail for faulty focus.
Thy salvation is like a corrective lens,
And for me, it heals my blindness.
The word of God opens the iris, and 
Thy righteousness turns on the light.

Pastor’s Letter – February 16, 2021 – Two Appearings

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.”