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Memorize Scripture: Titus 2:13-14

In this week’s passage, Paul wraps up the thought begun in the last couple of verses. Although he is specifically speaking of the second coming of Christ, it is highly appropriate for this week before Christmas for us to remember.

You can see this passage in Titus 2:13-14:

Titus 2:13-14

Paul contrasts this present age with the one we are waiting for, and he uses a few specific phrases that are central to our faith, and to the meaning of Christmas as well.

First of all, he speaks of a “blessed hope.” Hope is not simple wishful thinking, as we tend to define it today. Rather, hope is anxiously waiting for something that is certain. And what is it that we are waiting for? Paul doesn’t allow us to wonder, he gives us that information right away: “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

This is perhaps one of the most beautifully phrased passages in the entire letter, if not in the entire New Testament. Our hope is centered on the return of Jesus, but is intricately connected with the first appearance, to which Paul will turn his attention next.

But first, Paul’s statement here reflects the deity of Christ. He is both God and Savior. And his return in imminent, for which we longingly wait.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)
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Responding To Criticism

I have always been told that there is an element of truth in any and every criticism. And while that may be true some of the time, I do not believe that this is true in every case. Sometimes, criticism has no basis in truth at all.

Man Standing On A Dock

I experienced some pretty severe criticism recently. This was a critical statement that came across very hateful. It hurt. And it came from someone that I counted as a friend, making it feel all the more personal.

This criticism struck me deeply, and hurt. But at the same time, it has no truth to it at all.

The statement was made that I am a poor father, a lazy father, and that I do nothing to help my wife with the kids.

If there is one area of my life where I sense my priorities need to be strong, it is in my role in the home. I give serious effort to being the best father and husband I can be. My relationship with my wife and my relationships with my kids are at the top of my list, surpassed only by my relationship with God. These relationships are crucial to me, and I make every effort to be the best that I can be in each.

In fact, I view my role as a father as so important that I created a website with encouragement and resources for dads to be the best dads that they can be. You can check it out at DeliberateDads.com.

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Book Review – Grappling With The Chronology Of The Genesis Flood

Grappling With The Chronology Of The Genesis FloodPerhaps my favorite topics to study are the worldview issues developed in the first few chapters of Genesis. I typically devour every new book I can find that deals with Creation, the Fall, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel and more found in the first chapters of Genesis.

When I discovered that a new book was to be released examining the chronology of Noah’s Flood in detail, I got pretty excited. Specifically, this new book looks closely at the grammatical construct of the Hebrew text to determine the chronology of the Flood.

Grappling With The Chronology Of The Genesis Flood is not an easy book to read. I studied New Testament Greek for several years while in Bible college, but only had a smattering of studies in Old Testament Hebrew, so for me to follow the lines of thought in this volume was a challenge. In order to grasp the meaning of what the authors were communicating, I often had to go back and read again several parts, or grab a Bible and examine the text in detail, in English, to help me understand just what was being conveyed.

However, that is not a negative critique of this book. I was fascinated by what I learned about the timeline of the Genesis Flood. I was captivated with the examination of the geology and geography studied to determine just when the Flood started, when it peaked, when it started to decline, and when it was finished.

And even though I found the geology and geography interesting, I was even more intrigued by the very structure of the Hebrew grammar and how much it contributes to our understanding of the Genesis Flood.

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Coffee Break – 12.15.2014

This week’s edition of Coffee Break contains some more great gift guilds and lists for those last minute Christmas gifts, along with a few other interesting things to consider concerning the holidays. Enjoy and have a Merry Christmas!

Coffee Beak

DCILY’s Coffe Lover Gift Guide 2014 – Last week, I posted a few coffee lover gift guides from Coffee Geek. This week, I want to add the list from Dear Coffee, I Love You. Once again, if you are looking for any last minute gift ideas for me….

15 Every Day Carry Gifts Under $15 – This year has brought an interest into my life for several different Every Day Carry (EDC) items. Several of the items on this list I use frequently, and there are a few more that I wouldn’t mind dropping into my pocket.

How To Buy A Quality Necktie – I don’t wear ties too often. A tight collar tends to make my neck feel chaffed. But I love the look of a good tie. Here are some tips on how to buy a great tie, if you are planning on one for someone in your life. To help you out, here are 9 Neckties Every Man Should Own.

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Memorize Scripture: Titus 2:11-12

Paul has just given Titus instructions on what to teach older men and younger men, older women and younger women, and slaves. As he wraps up this section of his letter, he gives Titus some of his reasons for such teachings, and the ultimate reason, which we will address next week, appropriately for the Christmas season.

Take a look at this week’s very encouraging passage in Titus 2:11-12:

Titus 2:11-12

Many commentaries view this passage as Paul’s theological reasons for his call to Christian living to the various groups in the preceding verses.

He starts this section off by stating that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared.” What a statement! The Greek verb is in the past tense, indicating something that has already happened. Of course, he is speaking of Christ’s appearance to mankind, God’s ultimate revelation of himself.

Be careful to note that Paul does not say “the grace of God appeared bringing salvation to all men.” Rather, he states that “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,” meaning Christ. Our salvation is found in Christ alone, and God’s actions in sending his Son demonstrate his grace.