Grace has Appeared

Grace has Appeared

There is an old Hymn that came to my mind as I embraced this word that God has given me for today.

There’s a name above all others,Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer. It’s the lovely name of Jesus,
Evermore the same, what a lovely name.

Chorus

What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. Reaching higher far, than the brightest star. Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.

There is no name more relevant for the times we live. For the season we are in. For the difficulties we face. The tragedies we endure. The joy we experience. The love that has embraced us. The blood that has cleansed us, and continues to cleanse all who follow Him.

What an awesome name, the name of Jesus.

I want to share some thoughts titled, “Grace has Appeared” (little history before I get started)

Titus, or Saint Titus as he is known today was a Greek convert of Paul, and a recipient of one of three Paul’s Pastoral Epistles. He was installed as the first Bishop of the island of Crete by Paul. This letter to him was one of instruction and encouragement in the ministry.

Something interesting about Titus that followed him to today. He is the Patron Saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. The order of Titus award is the only award presented by the chief chaplain to recognize outstanding ministry by chaplains and their associates.

Titus 2:11-15 NASB

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Titus 2:14 Amplified

who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.

From the Apostles, to the Bishops, to the Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, and the prophets. There is no more faithful, and profound word of encouragement, than the story of Jesus.

The heart and soul of our Christian lives, ministries, and purpose, is Jesus and His story. Jesus said this to Thomas, when Thomas questioned how would we know the way.

John 14:6 NASB

Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

There is only one door to walk through that leads to redemption, restoration, and eternal life.

That door is Jesus.

Chapter 2 of Titus ended with verse 15 but the exhortation of Paul continued in chapter 3

Titus 3:1-8 NASB

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,

2 to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

Titus 3:8 Amplified

This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.

The word translated good in this passage has a very broad and inclusive meaning. It comes from the Greek word, kal-os’, and it means, “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, and admirable. Excellent in its nature and characteristics. Genuine and approved.

These passages are not referring to good deeds that earn salvation. “that’s impossible.”

It is referring to doing good deeds because of your salvation.

The church today must define its responsibility to the world. 1^st,the world we live. 2^nd , to our global community.

Why?

For the grace of God has appeared

#lovewins #hopelives