June 28, 2018: SOAP #3129: Amos 4-6; Psalm 86,87; Titus 1

Scripture:  Titus (NIV) 1:4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Observation:  The Apostle Paul was writing a letter to Titus.  Although Titus was young and still in the learning process, Paul realized that both he, Paul, and Titus were connected by a “common faith.”   It was not common because it was something cheap, but common because they had the same faith, indeed it is common because every true believer in Christ Jesus has the same faith!

It is a faith that God the Father sent Jesus to die in payment for our sins (John 3:16) and if we ask Him, He will forgive our sins and come to live in our lives (Romans 10:9&10) (1John 1:9).  The proof of His presence is that we now live our lives to please Him.  He gives us the undeserved honor of sharing our lives.  His life becomes more important than our lives.  At times we say “no” to what we like and do what He likes.  And as we do, we come to experience the power, and joy, and peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit!  We experience the pleasure of sharing His life.

Application:  Along with the Apostle Paul, and Timothy, every believer today shares that “common faith!”   Those who have known Jesus for 50+ years and those who just accepted Him as their Savior and Lord yesterday—we all share the “common faith.”

Prayer:   If you are not sure that Christ has forgiven you, pray with me:  Lord Jesus, I believe you are God.  I believe you came to earth as a man and died on the cross to pay for my sins.  I have sinned; I ask you to forgive me.  Come live in my heart.  Share my life with me and by the presence of your Holy Spirit, empower me to share your life.  Thank you for forgiving me.  Thank you for coming to live in my heart.  I know I will not be perfect, but I know your grace is sufficient.  I ask you to teach me and help me grow.  I set my life goal to please you as my Lord.  I pray this in Your Holy Name, Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!