Pursing Peace In A Divided World - Old & New

River City Church - Cambridge, ON

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Welcome to River City Church Online. Thank you for joining us today as we start our new series called Pursuing Peace In A Divided World.
Today's message has been presented by our Pastor Darrell Bierman.

Titus 3:1-11 provides a powerful picture of society – living ‘naturally’ (and of the temptation we face – to capitulate or to fall back into old bad habits).

Old (worldly/natural) Way	New (Christian/Disciple) Way
Critical of rulers and authorities (disrespectful in our attitudes, actions and speech).	Subject to (respectful and supportive of) rulers and authorities. (v1)
Disobedient – so long as we don’t get caught, it’s ok.	Obedient. (v1)
Only responsible for myself (doing no harm).	Responsible to others (actively doing good). (v1)
Slander anyone I choose (esp. s/o who hurts me)	Slander no one. (v2)
A peace disrupter.	A peacemaker. (v2)
Inconsiderate.	Considerate. (v2)
Sometimes gentle (if you catch me on a good day), and only gentle with some people.	Always gentle. (v2), and gentle toward everyone!
Enslaved by passions & pleasures (the result is we were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved).	Master of our passions & pleasures (through partnering with the Holy Spirit) (the result is wise living, obedient living, undeceived/enlightened, and free – we don’t have to live as instinctual beings [as other ‘animals’]). (v3)
Lived in malice and envy toward others.	Live in benevolence and generosity toward others
Hating others (and being hated by others).	Loving others (and being loved by others).
	So what accounts for this new way (this marked difference)? v.4. The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. v.5-6. He saved us (not because we were deserving – but in his mercy). He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit (v.6. whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior)
	WHY? v.7. So that justified by his grace we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. NEVERTHELESS…
	v.8. [know this… trust that this is God’s Truth]: We who have trusted in God must be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good à excellent à and profitable FOR EVERYONE. Which is why this series is SO important!!
	v.9. IN ORDER TO DO THIS: You must (1) avoid foolish controversies, arguments & quarrels about the law/Bible (don’t get involved in foolish & unprofitable arguments [a repeat of 2 Tim. 2:14]. [e.g., replacement, cov’t/organic, dispensation] This does not mean we should refuse to study, discuss and examine different interpretations of difficult Bible passages. Paul’s warning is against petty quarrels, not honest discussions that lead to wisdom. As foolish arguments develop it’s best to turn the discussion back to a helpful direction – or politely excuse yourself. …because these are unprofitable and useless. &
	You must (2) warn divisive persons (and hold them accountable: if they don’t heed your warnings, then, for the sake of the believing community – you must expel them. (v10-11)

We welcome you to join us for our service.

Café will be open right after the service.
We are located at 215 South Street, Cambridge, Ontario.

God bless you today and we hope to see you soon.
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River City Jingle by Pat Chan