Thursday, November 28, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 22

Paul Reminds Titus of what the Grace of God our Savior Did

Titus 3:4-5 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; KJV Note: (CEV) = Contemporary English Version

Paul now reminds Brother Timothy and everyone of us who are truly born again believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ exactly what the grace of God did to make us into new creatures or new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) first with these words, "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared," (Titus 3:4) (KJV). It was God the Father's kindness and love toward sinful rebellious humanity that compelled Him to send our Lord Jesus Christ to suffer our penalty for sin and pay our sin debt in full in order to make us right with Him now and for all eternity. Sinful humanity can never come to or approach God the Father without the intercessor between God and man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). The English word 'kindness' is translated by the Greek word chrēstotēs meaning usefulness, that is, moral excellence (in character or demeanor): - gentleness, goodness, kindness. The English phrase 'love of God our Saviour toward man' is translated by these two Greek words, the first is, philanthrōpia meaning fondness of mankind, that is, benevolence (philanthropy): - kindness, love towards man. The second Greek word is sōtēr meaning a deliverer, that is, God or Christ: - Saviour. In other words, the Divine One has such fondness or affection for mankind (even though man rebelled against Him) that His goodness and gentleness toward man prompted Him to provide man a way back into right relationship with Him, that being, through the shed blood of Christ Jesus our Lord our deliverer, that is, the One who rescues us sinners from harm and danger, which would be spending eternity in hell and the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

The English word 'appeared' is translated by the Greek word epiphainō meaning to shine upon, that is, become (literally) visible or (figuratively) known: - appear, give light. In other words, the love of God toward man was manifested and made visible in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ as it is written by the Apostle John with these words, "The Word became a human being and lived here with us. We saw His true glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. From Him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us." (John 1:14) (CEV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "We may understand the essential goodness of the Divine nature; that which is the spring whence all kindness, mercy, and beneficence proceed. Love toward man - Philanthropy. It is to be regretted that this attribute of the Divine nature, as it stands in relation to man, should have been entirely lost by a paraphrastical translation. Philanthropy is a character which God gives here to Himself; while human nature exists, this must be a character of the Divine nature. God loves man; He delighted in the idea when formed in His own infinite mind, He formed man according to that idea, and rejoiced in the work of His hands; when man fell, the same love induced Him to devise His redemption, and God the Savior flows from God the Philanthropist. Where love is it will be active, and will show itself. So the philanthropy of God appeared, it shone out, in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and in His giving His life for the life of the world."

Because all of our gratitude, that is, thankfulness and appreciation should at all times go to our Lord Jesus Christ alone, for without His acceptance of us even when we hated and despised Him, He died in our place taking on Himself the punishment for our sins, but now for us it is like this, as it is written by the Apostle Paul to the Church @ Rome, "Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. But God showed how much He loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed His life's blood, we will also be kept safe from God's anger. Even when we were God's enemies, He made peace with us, because His Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by His Son's life." (Romans 5:6-10) (CEV). This is why Paul writes these words in the very next verse to Brother Titus reminding him once more of the love of God for Him and for all of us lost sinners who have been found by the grace of God, fortunate to receive the grace of God, and favored by the grace of God, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" (Titus 3:5) (KJV).

When Paul writes, 'not by works of righteousness which we have done', he means not by anything good that is in any sinner that is saved, for again as it written by this same Apostle to the Church @ Rome with these piercing, punishing, and penetrating words, "The Scriptures tell us, No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right." (Romans 3:10-12) (CEV). So, I say to everyone, when you see that sweet, adorable, cuddly little baby girl or baby boy born and you think they are so good, remember these words, for they are not born innocent and good, instead they are born guilty and bad. Question: When can any loving parent declare that they taught there little toddler to lie? Answer: Never. They were born knowing how to be bad. When Paul next writes these words then, 'but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost', he means that our redemption is all done by the supernatural power of God the Holy Spirit. The English word 'mercy' is translated by the Greek word eleos meaning active divine compassion. The English word 'saved' is translated by the Greek word sōzō meaning safe; to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): - heal, preserve, make whole. The little English phrase 'of regeneration' is translated by the Greek word paliggenesia meaning (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), that is, (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specifically Messianic restoration: - regeneration. This is why our Lord Jesus Christ said these words to Nicodemus one of the most devout religious Jews during that time, "Jesus replied, 'I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!' Nicodemus asked, 'How can a grown man ever be born a second time?' Jesus answered: 'I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit.'" (John 3:3-5) (CEV). Here is what John Wesley had to say about this verse, "In this important passage the Apostle presents us with a delightful view of our redemption. Herein we have, The cause of it; not our works or righteousness, but 'the kindness and love of God our Saviour.' The effects; which are, Justification; 'being justified,' pardoned and accepted through the alone merits of Christ, not from any desert in us, but according to His own mercy, 'by His grace," His free, unmerited goodness. Sanctification, expressed by the laver of regeneration, (that is, baptism, the thing signified, as well as the outward sign,) and the renewal of the Holy Ghost; which purifies the soul, as water cleanses the body, and renews it in the whole image of God. The consummation of all; - that we might become heirs of eternal life, and live now in the joyful hope of it."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…




Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 21

Paul Reminds Titus of who we were before the Grace of God

Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. KJV

The very next thing the Apostle Paul reminds Brother Titus and we true believers of today and of every era and generation is what our lives were constantly and continually before we were saved by the grace of God with these words, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." (Titus 3:3) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish', he means that prior to our conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8) by God the Holy Spirit, we were in those days and times with no connection to God the Father and completely without understanding of His Holiness and Purity and how filthily engulfed and engrossed in and by our sin nature we were, as Paul declared to the Ephesian Church with these words, "Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else." (Ephesians 2:3) (Contemporary English Version). Our ignorance of God the Father was at the forefront and we were oblivious to His pending Judgement against sin and sinners. The English word 'sometimes' used by Paul here is translated by the Greek word pote meaning in the old time or in times past. The English word 'foolish' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word anoētos meaning (as a negative particle); unintelligent; by implication sensual: unwise.

Our foolishness toward God before we received the grace of God was just as that of the unrepentant thief on one of the crosses next to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ when confronted by the other thief on one of the crosses next to Christ as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "One of the criminals hanging there also insulted Jesus by saying, 'Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and save us!' But the other criminal told the first one off, 'Don't you fear God? Aren't you getting the same punishment as this man? We got what was coming to us, but He didn't do anything wrong.' Then he said to Jesus, 'Remember me when You come into power!' Jesus replied, 'I promise that today you will be with Me in paradise.'" (Luke 23:39-43) (Contemporary English Version). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about being foolish in times past, "All of us, whether Jews or Gentiles, were, before our conversion to Christ, foolish, disobedient, and deceived. There is no doubt that the Apostle felt he could include himself in the above list, previously to his conversion. The manner in which he persecuted the Christians, to whose charge he could not lay one moral evil, is a sufficient proof that, though he walked according to the letter of the law, as to its ordinances and ceremonies, blameless, yet his heart was in a state of great estrangement from God, from justice, holiness, mercy, and compassion." The English word 'disobedient' is translated by the Greek word apeithēs meaning (as a negative particle); unpersuadable, that is, contumacious (wilfully obstinate; stubbornly disobedient). The English word 'deceived' is translated by the Greek word planaō meaning to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): - go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way.

In other words, to be disobedient and deceived means to be in that perpetual state of being controlled by our fallen nature that every human being is born with by virtue of Adam's sin as it is written, "Adam sinned, and that sin brought death into the world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die. Sin was in the world before the Law came. But no record of sin was kept, because there was no Law." (Romans 5:12-13) (Contemporary English Version). This is the condition of all who are without Jesus Christ and His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). When Paul writes, 'serving divers lust and pleasures', he means being in slaved by and in bondage to the desires of the flesh, specifically sexual lust and gratification of that carnal pleasure outside the bonds of marriage, as it is written, "Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage." (Hebrews 13:4) (Contemporary English Version). The English word 'divers' is translated by the Greek word poikilos meaning motley (consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds), that is, various in character: - divers, manifold or many. The English word 'lusts' is translated by the Greek word epithumia meaning a longing (especially for what is forbidden). The English word 'pleasures' is translated by the Greek word hēdonē meaning (to please); sensual delight. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about the serving of divers lust and pleasures, "Being in a state of continual thraldom (the state of being under the control of something or someone); not served or gratified by our lusts and pleasures, but living, as their slaves, a life of misery and wretchedness."

Lastly, when Paul writes, 'living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another', he means to despise other human beings even though they have done nothing personally to the person or persons and being jealous of what others have (this was the sin of Cain which caused him to murder his own brother) (Genesis 4:8) and wanting to hurt other human beings for no reason is the state or condition of sinful humanity without the grace of God (just look at the national and local news every night). The English word 'malice' is translated by the Greek word kakia meaning badness, that is, (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble. The English word 'envy' is translated by the Greek word phthonos meaning ill will (as detraction), that is, jealousy (spite): - envy. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another, "They had not only malice and envy in their hearts against their fellow creatures, but practised it in their lives; yea, their lives were a continued series of malice and envy; particularly this was true of the Apostle, who haled men and women out of their houses, and committed them to prison; breathed out slaughter and threatenings against the saints; was exceedingly mad against them, persecuted them to strange cities, and compelled them to blaspheme, and gave his vote for punishing them with death. This is abominable in the sight of God, as considered in themselves, and on account of their nature and practices; and to be abhorred by all good men; and who, by their continual feuds, quarrels, and animosities among themselves, showed an hatred, an abhorrence of one another."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…




Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 20

Paul Reminds Titus to Live by the Grace of God

Titus 3:1-2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. KJV

It is not only the grace of God that saves all we sinners (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it is also the same grace of God that allows we sinners who are now saints to live differently in this world of woe, subjecting ourselves, that is, causing ourselves to experience or suffer or make liable or vulnerable to things which our old man or woman would never tolerate, such as being defrauded of payment of money owed to us by others for service or other things that we have right to compensation for, yet are defrauded. Such is the mind set that we have been given a new to not count the things of this present world (that is passing away) (1 Corinthians 7:31) as something to build into an empire but only as our means to live peacably with all men as much as lieth within us (Romans 12:18), so Paul reminds Brother Titus of this grace of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these words first, "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work," (Titus 3:1) (KJV). The English phrase 'Put them in mind' that opens this verse is translated by the Greek word hupomimnēskō meaning to remind quietly, that is, suggest to the (middle voice, one’s own) memory. In like manner this same Apostle Paul told this to Brother Timothy to put the believers into rememberance of how they/we must be good soldiers of our Lord Jesus Christ and what they/we must do to be good soldiers of Him (2 Timothy 2:1-26).

Here Paul wants Brother Titus to put the believers in Crete in remembrance to be subject to and obedient to the principalities, powers, and magistrates on the island of Crete. The Creatian believers were to willingly submit themselves to the laws of the rulers at that time, so long as they were not mandated to disobey what God has declared, decreed, and designated as truth in His Word (Acts 5:29). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about putting the believers into mind to be subject to principalities, powers, and magistrates, "Magistracy is God's ordinance for the good of all, and therefore must be regarded and submitted to by all; not for wrath and by force only, but willingly and for conscience' sake. Principalities, and powers, and magistrates, that is, all civil rulers, whether supreme and chief or subordinate, in the government under which they live, of whatever form it be; that they be subject to them and obey them in things lawful and honest, and which it belongs to their office to require. The Christian religion was misrepresented by its adversaries as prejudicial to the rights of princes and civil powers, and tending to faction and sedition, and to rebellion against lawful authority; therefore to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and stop the mouths of malicious enemies, Christians must be reminded to show themselves examples rather of all due subjection and obedience to the government that is over them."

When Paul writes, 'to be ready to every good work', he means just what the words declare to do that which is good to other human beings. The Lord Jesus Christ was hassled, harassed, and even hated by many during his 33 years on the earth as the God/Man, yet this is the testimony concerning Him, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went about doing good, and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) (MKJV). Therefore, so too must we Christians go about doing good to humanity, rather than doing harm, just as it is written by this same Apostle to the Galatian believers with these words, "But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. So then as we have time, let us work good toward all, especially toward those of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10) (MKJV). Paul continues in his reminding Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to live by grace with these next words written, "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." (Titus 3:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'To speak evil' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word blasphēmeō meaning to vilify; specifically to speak impiously: - (speak) blasphemously, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil. In other words, it is when we are living by the grace of God that we can restrain our tongues from this sin, even despite the fact that we may be dealing with many evil men and women, yet we are to allow grace to set a watch and guard over our mouths and shut the doors of our lips (Psalm 141:3) in this matter. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about speaking evil of no man, "To blaspheme no person, to reproach none, to speak nothing to any man’s injury; but, on the contrary, bearing reproach and contumely with patience and meekness."

When Paul writes, 'not brawlers', he simply means not fighting against any man for dumb reasons, but he does not mean to not defend yourselves with deadly force if you are your family is attacked physically to be hurt or even killed. The Sermon on the mount where our Lord Jesus declares to turn the other cheek is not for the Church today, but for the time of His Millennial Reign on the earth for 1,000 years, for let us remember what our Lord said to the disciples shortly before He was to be Crucified as recorded by Dr. Luke with these words, "And He said to them, When I sent you without purse and wallet and sandals, did you lack anything? And they said, Nothing. And He said to them, But now, he who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his wallet. And he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one." (Luke 22:35-36) (MKJV). Our Lord Jesus is not commanding us to allow ourselves to be killed without trying to kill in self-defence, He's just not, but He is commanding us to not be quarrelsome and attacking others. We are to be the opposite of quarreling by being gentle, that is, kind and not harsh, but we are to allow the grace of God to lead us to meekness, that is, having a disposition of patience and long suffering, even when we have been wronged in other ways that is not a threat to ourselves and our family and their life. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about not being brawlers but being gentle showing meekness to all men, "Not 'fighters', either by blows or words; not litigious and quarrelsome, wrangling and striving about things to no profit, and to the detriment and disturbance of civil government, churches, neighbourhood, and families; which is very unbecoming the followers of Jesus, who strove not, nor cried, nor was His voice heard in the streets. But gentle, showing all meekness to all men; yielding and giving way, rather choosing to suffer wrong than to brawl, contend, and litigate a point; taking the advice of Christ, carrying it in a meek and humble manner to men of all ranks and degrees, whether superior or inferior, rich or poor, bond or free, Jews or Gentiles, members of the Church, or men of the world."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…





Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Titus Volume 19

Paul Gives Titus the Qualities of a Sound Church Part 9

Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. KJV

In concluding this Chapter, the Apostle Paul gives Brother Titus a short but forceful pep talk or motivational speech to carry him through to the satisfying of all that Paul has written to him in verses 1-14 of this Chapter. Paul knowing that Brother Titus (being younger in earthly years, as well as younger in time following our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) needs to hear from him that he is capable or adequate for doing all that Paul has commanded him to do, by and with the power of God the Holy Spirit, so he writes these words to him to close out this Chapter, "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." (Titus 2:15) (KJV). The 'these things' Paul refers to are again all that he has already written to him in the above verses commanding him to teach sound doctrine at all times and in all places. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ does no sinner any good if it is not declared in its entirety and without twisting it or making it more comfortable for the sinful ears to hear, for God the Holy Spirit can only convict the hearts of men and women of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:7-11) when they have been convinced of such by the Word of God.

Therefore, Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation are to 'speak' the truth of the Word of God in season and out of season, just as this same Apostle wrote to Brother Timothy with these words, "Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear. And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths. But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:2-5) (MKJV). The desire of the Apostle Paul for Brother Titus (just as he had for Brother Timothy) was for each of them (and us today) to never change what the Word of God declares or to never cut out parts of it or to never speak anything that does not align with what the Word of God says, just as the Apostle John warned all at the conclusion of the Book of Revelation with these words, "For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book." (Revelatiion 22:18-19) (MKJV).

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say about Paul urging Titus with the words 'these things speak', "Sound doctrine, the doctrine of grace, the doctrines of salvation and redemption by Christ, of peace, pardon, and cleansing by His Blood; these speak out clearly, plainly, publicly, boldly, and faithfully: and the things which become sound doctrine; the duties of religion suitable to every age and sex, a denying of ungodliness and worldly lusts, a sober, righteous, and godly life and conversation, exhort unto; and encourage the saints to be zealous of good works, and comfort them with the expectation of the blessed hope, and glorious appearance of Christ." When Paul writes, 'and exhort, and rebuke with all authority', he means that Titus and we true Christians today and of every era and generation are to exhort or spur on and encourage those who have wandered away from the truth of the Word of God to turn around, but at the very same time Brother Titus and we are to rebuke, that is, confute and admonish severely, even angrily all those who have wrongly, wastefully, and willingly changed or twisted the Word of God to their own destruction and to the destruction of the souls who listen to them and follow after their false teaching (2 Peter 3:16).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about exhorting and rebuking with all authority, "Convince and reprove such as contradict or gainsay, or neglect and do not receive the truth as they should, or retain it in unrighteousness - those who hear it not with such a believing and obedient mind and heart as they ought, but, instead of this (it may be) live in contrary practices, showing themselves stubborn and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Rebuke with all authority, as coming in the name of God, and armed with His threatenings and discipline, whoever make light of which will do it at their peril. Ministers are reprovers in the gate." Finally, when Paul writes, 'Let no man despise thee', he means for Brother Titus and we true believers today and of every era and generation to not be timid in our speaking and teaching the truth of the Word of God doing it with such exertion, enthusiasm, and energy being forceful in the authority that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and every Word He has spoken from Genesis to Revelation. It is the Word of God that carries authority and subsequently every man and woman of God who speaks and teaches His Word are speaking with His authority. When the truth of the Word of God is resisted, refused, or rejected all together it is not God's messenger that is being despised (although he or she is) but it is actually God who is being despised, just as Saint Paul wrote to the Thessalonian Church with these words, "Therefore he who despises does not despise man, but God, who also has given us His Holy Spirit." (1 Thessalonians 4:8) (MKJV).

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…