DEVOTED

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Titus 3:1-8 (NLT)

LIARS, BRUTES & GLUTTONS

In this final online service lesson we focus upon the letter of the apostle Paul to Titus who was on the island of Crete. The island had a long history going back at least 3,000 years before Christ. For the last 200 years a Jewish community had flourished on the island as well.

As an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea it served as a nautical crossroads between the middle east and Italy and Spain, from north Africa to Greece and Asia Minor. As a cultural center, the people knew how to take advantage of visiting foreigners passing through. Hence, their reputation as “liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons” as described by Epimenides, a Cretan philosopher from around 600 B.C. and quoted by Paul in the first chapter of his letter to Titus. “This saying is true,” Paul says (Titus 1:12-13).

DEVOTED TO DOING GOOD

Ethical behavior is so important to the early church in Crete that Paul starts the letter describing what behavior their leadership must exhibit in their community. The contrast between the native Cretans and the newly established Christian community could not have been more stark. By the end of the letter, however, Paul stresses that everyone is getting ready for the day of Christ’s return by being devoted to doing good (Titus 3:8).

This is to be our rallying cry today, as well.

Please Note: This will be our final online worship service during the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting this Sunday we will begin moving back towards the building with a “Welcome Home Celebration” on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

We will have a meal outside on the grounds focusing upon dishes that our father’s loved. Lord willing, we will combine this love feast with our worship and communion service.