Basic Gospel

"First Things First. When we know God's priority for us, we can begin to live as He intends. For many, changing behavior in an effort to become worthy precedes coming to God. God's priority is first to give us life, which is what makes change possible. It is the death of Christ that paid the price for our sins, the death of Christ reconciled us unto God. But the story doesn't end there. It is the resurrection of Christ that makes us alive. Because He lives, we live. * Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is grace from start to finish. Grace is what draws us in, grace is what saves us and grace is what moves us forward. Many of us begin our journey thinking that Christianity is a self-improvement program. And we fail over and over again. This results in two nagging questions: How can I call myself a Christian and yet experience so little power for change? How can I be so sincere and eager yet struggle so much with temptation? When you dig in to these questions, you will discover the truth that will set you free.

"Have you ever in your life made some kind of promise to God to do better and be better? What was your motivation? Was it fear, guilt, or a desire to do better? Were you able to live up to those promises? In its 5th year, Simple Gospel is a clear and comforting journey to discover the grace of God. How is the Christian life to be lived? By faith. * Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - https://simplegospelsimplygrace.com

"Jesus gave His life to free us from sin, to cleanse us, to make us His own, a people eager for good works. Let's learn that this is who we are and devote ourselves to walking in the works God has prepared for us. It is in this we find our place in the story of God's grace.

"Titus 3 contains a rich summary of what it means to be a believer. Once we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved, living in malice and envy, being hated and hating others. But because of God's kindness and love, we have been saved to show kindness to others, to express love to others, and to work together in unity.

"Many have asked, "is the grace of God giving us a license to sin?" Today we're going to look at Titus 2:11-15 and we're going to look at something that's often overlooked in the teaching of grace. I've entitled this, "Trained by Grace". The grace of God appeared in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Therefore if we're going to know anything about the grace of God we will have to look at Jesus. Grace brings salvation and salvation is received through faith in Jesus.

"In Titus, chapter 2, Paul give directions for sound teaching and sound living. Older men and women are to live dignified self-controlled lives, being sound in faith, love and steadfastness. Paul urges Titus to recognize the importance of his role and encourages him to to be an example of good works.

"Titus was tasked with putting into order the church in Crete. Crete was known for its degenerate culture. This culture was negatively influencing the believers there. As a result, specific qualities were defined for the elders of this new church. Also the warning was given to not let false teaching take hold in the church from the insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers. The utmost concern for the church in Crete was the message of grace - that it remain pure.

"Finding Your Place in the Story of Grace * Paul's ministry was for the sake of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth. * This lines up with godliness that is shaped by the hope of eternal life. * God, who never lies, promised this before the ages began. * This promise of eternal life was made manifest at the proper time. It was entrusted to Paul to preach by the command of God our Savior. * Grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus our Savior.

"Jesus Christ is the Great "I Am". He declares this throughout the Gospels and underscores this through statements like: "I am the resurrection and the life", "I am the bread of life", "I am the way, the truth, and the life", and more. When you get to know Jesus, you will get to know the "I am". For he "is the vine and you are the branches". And when you become attached to the vine by believing the Gospel and receiving his life, he is where we live our lives and we will bear the fruit of his life in the world today. Live in the confidence you have being rooted in The Great "I am".