July 25, 2023

Scripture: Titus 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. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 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, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

What it means

Here’s a great passage of scripture that gets to the core of what we stand for as Christians – the grace and mercy of God! We tend to be people that are pretty messed up from time to time – look again at the end of verse 3: “We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”  If we start to think that we are capable of somehow being righteous enough to be in a right relationship with Our Father…let me be the bearer of bad news and tell you that it ain’t so.  But you guys know the drill – we don’t have to be!  Verses 4-7 are chock full of good news for sinners like you and me – Jesus wipes our slate clean so that we will have the opportunity to go to Heaven one day…and we can approach God anytime we feel like it right now – how incredibly cool is that?

What it means to me

I especially like the end of verse 7 – “we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”  I have always joked with Jan about wanting to get a phone call from some complete stranger who advises that I had a long-lost aunt or uncle that left me a vast fortune in their will, and it is time to collect 😊 Well, I haven’t received that call yet in this lifetime, but I have something even better to collect one day.  Since Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and am one of His heirs, I will collect my reward of eternal life, even though I flat out don’t deserve it.  And yes, you guys will to – isn’t that great? So join me today in thanking God yet again for His grace, His mercy, and His great love for His children – you and me!

Love you guys, take care and we’ll talk on Thursday!

In Christ,

Brian