The Mountain Church

Psalm 1 - True Blessedness

Today we look at what true blessedness looks like by studying Psalm 1. The blessed man or woman does not align themselves with the values of this world, but instead meditates on and delights in God's instruction found in Scripture. They soak up the Word of the Lord and yield good fruit, and that makes them spiritually healthy and whole, fully known and loved by God. We see that the only one who fully meets the criteria of a blessed man is the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and we receive this blessing by being united with Christ in faith.

Praise the Lord!

This morning we start our Summer in Psalms series with an introduction to the Psalms followed by a study in Psalms 150. Psalm 150 is a psalm of praise. We [http://praise.we] will answer the questions where, why, how and who should worship the Lord. Let us lift our voices in praise to the one who is worthy of all praise.

Learning Devotion to Good Works

This morning we conclude our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 3:12-15. We see in our text that the Apostle Paul gives final instructions to Titus. These closing remarks include instructions to meet him in Nicopolis, to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey, a note about greetings, and finally a benediction. In the middle of these instructions is an echo of the main theme we’ve seen throughout the letter. "Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful" (Titus 3:14). Titus 3 informs us that since the grace of God is with us, we are to be learning devotion to good works. In response to God's grace, we are moved in gratitude to show grace, help those who proclaim this grace, and devote ourselves to doing good to others. These good works can look like the gift of physical presence, supporting partners in the gospel, and helping cases of urgent need. May our good works flow not from an attempt to earn the grace of God, but from the overflow of having already received it.

The Difference The Gospel Makes

This morning we continue in our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 3:1-11. After giving instructions to Titus about godly living in the home in chapter two, now in chapter three the Apostle Paul gives instructions to the church in how they relate to the world. The text could be organized into three main sections. First, there’s instructions on Christian living among outsiders (vv. 1-2). Secondly, there's teaching about who we were and what God has done (vv. 3-7). Thirdly, there’s instructions on what Titus is to insist on, what he’s to avoid, and who he’s to reject (vv. 8-11). This structure emphasizes that the gospel is the basis for godly living and the baseline for the church. The gospel shapes our public witness and is to be the standard by which we evaluate doctrine and differing voices. The gospel is to be kept central for both our public witness and doctrinal purity in unity. We are to be godly and do good works in the world to display the difference the gospel makes.  May God help us to be careful to devote ourselves to good works, to living in such a way that does good to others, builds them up, shows the difference the gospel makes. May this grace activate us, may this mercy mold us into people ready to do good works.

The Grace That Trains Us

This morning we continue in our study through the letter of Paul to Titus as we consider Titus 2:1-15. In the text we see that the grace of God trains us to live in a way that makes the beauty of the gospel visible to the world. First, we see what does this way of life, the teaching that accords with sound doctrine, look like? (vv. 1-10). Secondly, we see why we should live this way (vv. 11-14). Finally, we consider how this way of life comes about (v. 15). May God enlighten and empower us to grow in the grace and knowledge our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we be trained by the grace of God so that in everything we may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. May we live in such a way that makes the beauty of the gospel visible and displays the goodness of Jesus to others.