Living Church

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From Acts 2:42-47, a living a church is a:


1. Learning Church
The early Christians devoted them to the apostles teaching

2. Fellowshipping Church
The early Christians shared things in common, gathered day by day, informally and formally.

3. Worshipping Church
They also "broke bread" referring to the Lord's Supper and fellowship centered upon Jesus Christ.

4. Evangelizing Church
The Lord added to their number day by day. It was the Lord Jesus Christ that was working through his people. Stott writes, "We simply do not share the gospel if we do not declare God's love in the gift of his Son to live our life, to die for our sins and to rise again, together with his offer through Jesus Christ, to all who repent and believe, of a new life of forgiveness and freedom, and of membership in his new society" (Living Church, 63).

5. A Holy Church
"If our life contradicts our message, our evangelism will lack all credibility. Indeed, the greatest hindrance to evangelism is lack of integrity in the evangelist" (66). Furthermore, "Worship without holiness was hateful to God" (45).

6. A Visible Church
God is seen through Creation (Psalm 19, Rom. 1:19-20), His Son (John 1:18), Our Love for one another through the local body (John 13:34-35).

7. A Sending Church
Stott observes, "Some zealous churches organize an overfull program of church-based activities. Something is arranged for every night of the week. On Monday night the committees meet, and on Tuesday night the fellowship groups. On Wednesday night the Bible study takes place, and on Thursday night the prayer meeting. Even on Friday and Saturday evenings other good causes occupy people's time and energy. Such churches give the impression that their main goal is to keep their members out of mischief! Certainly they have neither time nor opportunity to get into mischief since they are busily engaged in the church every single night of the week." (Living Church, 56) The Church must learn to avoid the two extremes of coming to church activities alone and going to people without worshiping the living God. The Church must come (Worship) and go (Evangelism) to be healthy.

Important Questions to consider in Evangelism:

1. What sorts of people live in our area? Ethnic origin, nationality, religion, culture, media preference, and work? Single parents? Families? Housing Situation?

2. Has the local area any centers of education, whether schools, colleges, adult education centers, or reading groups?

3. What places of business are found in it? Unemployment?

4. Where do people live? Do they occupy houses or flats? Own or rent?

5. Where do people congregate when they want to relax? Mall? Recreation Centers? Parks? Concert halls? Cafe? Starbucks?

6. Has the community change in the last ten years? If so, what can be forecasted in the following years?

7. What public services have their headquarters locally? Police? City Hall? Library? Other Social Services

The priority of the Church is worship. Worship (come) then becomes Mission (Go). All Christians are to partake in worshiping the living God through Jesus Christ and to be sent into the world as Christ's ambassadors. In other words, God calls out a people for himself (1 Peter 2:9-10) and sends out a people to declare his excellencies. The church must be holy (not of the world), but also engaging in the world.

Some Personal Applications from 1 and 2 Timothy

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1. Devote yourself to prayer for the lost (1 timothy 2).


I need to pray for the salvation of my unbelieving family, friends, leaders, and officials.

2. Be aware that every deed, whether good or bad, will be expose (1 timothy 5:24-25)

God sees all my secret sins. I cannot hide from him and everything will be found out. I should confess my sins to God, repent, and walk in the light. I must be rich in good deeds in secret, not doing evil deeds in secret. I must learn to pray, give, fast, and hunger for righteousness in secret.

3. The Goal of Paul's teaching was love (1 timothy 1:5)

It comes from a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere faith. What is bothering my conscience right now and how can I cleanse myself from the defilement of my flesh?

4. God uses honorable vessels ( 2 timothy 2:21)

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. How do you become a honorable vessel? (v.22) Flee youth lusts (sex, pride, greed, power) and pursue righteousness (purity, service, compassion), faith (reading God's word and prayer), (service to my neighbor and sincere obedience to God) love, and peace (reconciliation with my neighbors, asking forgiveness, confession of sins, and repentance of sin).

Christ abolishes Death

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"[He] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" 2 Timothy 1:9-10


The Lord saved us by sheer grace. And this calling is a holy calling. Christ appeared to destroy death and open the floodgates of heaven and eternal life. This is why we must suffer for the gospel, because heaven has been given freely to us through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide us to our Glorious Risen Savior as we walk the narrow path that will one day end in glory when we see our Lord face to face!

Devotions in Ezekial

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God promises to send judgement to Jerusalem because they have acted faithlessly. The prophets and the priests carry idols in their hearts and they prophesy peace when destruction is over the horizon. Ezekial is sent to the false prophets to rebuke them. Israel is called a rebellious house because even though they have ears, they do not hear. My take away from the passage is that I must speak God's Word and not my own opinions. I must not be led by my own deceptive heart, but by the Spirit God that inspired the Word of God.

Insights from Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson

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A shepherd watches, guards, feeds, leads, and feeds the sheep.


"Lovers delight in repeating the words of the one they love." (218)

"The ideal preacher never goes into the pulpit without carrying all the people on his heart." (218)

"Character is the greatest of all treasures, and character is built by action." (219)

"The minister who watches and guards and guides men, heals and rescues and feeds them, develops by his work the virtues and graces of the Savior himself." (220)

"The work of a shepherd is full of interruptions, vexations, and disappointments, but these try his soul and refine it...in working with human nature a man gets something fo the patience of a mother. He is not daunted by a score of failures. He does not surrender to apparent defeat." (221)

"To a shepherd's work there is no limit. After he has done a thousand things, he can think of a thousand other things still to do. After he has done his best, he feels like confessing himself an unprofitable servant. The shepherd's work is never done." (223)

"To every man who shepherds Christ's sheep is the privilege granted of growing into the likeness of the perfect shepherd." (226)


Fail Proof Ministry

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John MacArthur preached this morning in Chapel from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-14. Very simple, yet profound and powerful message that made me want to live a life of integrity.


(1) Boldness in Gospel Preaching (v.2)

We do not water down the gospel message to make it more relevant to an unbelieving and sinful culture. If you want to be successful in ministry, you must make a commitment to preach the gospel even in the midst of opposition, hostility, and rejection.

(2) Integrity in Motive (v. 3)

There was no error or deceit or impurity in Paul's ministry. He was examined by God (2 Cor. 4:2, 5:11). We do not water down the content of what we preach and we must examine our motives in how we live.

(3) Purity in Behavior and Heart (v. 4)

The Gospel is a sacred trust that has been confirmed by the Seminary, Church, and God's Word. God examines our hearts and He is our Witness. God is witness to everything I do even when no one else sees.

(4) Gentleness in Ministry (v. 6-7)

Paul did not abuse his authority. How gentle was he? Like a nursing mother. An intimate picture of his love for the church.

(5) Gentleness in Affection (v. 8)

The theassalonians became very dear to him in heart. People need to know that you sacrificially love them. Success is determined by how low you can go and what can meet their needs and how willing you are to lay down your life for them.

(6) Diligence in Labor (v. 9)

Paul worked not to be a burden to the church. Sunday Message is not enough. You must toil night and day to serve the people of God.

(7) Holiness in Behavior (v.10)

Our lives must be open books. We must be transparent. There is no compromise in our ministry and our selves.

(8) Faithfulness in Care (v. 11-12)

A Fatherly care that exhorts, encourages, and commands.

(9) Humility in Attitude (v. 12-13)

Everything Paul did was for the glory of God. Paul was effectually called by God to give glory to God.

This results in a fruitful ministry (v. 13-14). Lord, please cleanse me from the defilements of my flesh and make me useful for your glory by your grace. In Christ name, amen.

Philippines Day 5 and 6

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Day 5


Because of the Typhoon, classes were canceled. I was supposed to preach at BBCA, but I did not because of class cancellation. I got to talk to Helen on Skpye and how I praise God for the Internet. We then proceeded to RockWell Mall and watched Captain America. Went home by 3:30 and slept most of the day because I have not adjusted. We ate dinner and I read a little.

Day 6

About to Board to Iloilo. My cell phone works here. Praise God!

Devotions in Matthew

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Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand."


Matthew 7:11 "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!"

Matthew 9:12-14 "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

Everyday, the Scriptures seem brand new to me. To be honest, I do not know what I am doing and where I am going. I just know I want to follow Jesus and treasure Him. I feel the pull of sin in my heart to treasure other things rather than Christ. But these passages spoke to my heart this morning:

1. In Jesus Preaching ministry, he emphasized the need for repentance. Why? Because the kingdom of God is at hand. In other words, in the person of Christ, he has and will inaugurate God's kingdom where He will reign and put down all the wicked and unbelieving. I must preach to others here to "Repent" and believe the good news of Christ.

2. God wants me to ask good things. I want to treasure Christ in my mind, but my heart pulls me towards different directions of sin, worldliness, and temptation. God help me treasure you because I know in my heart I don't. I'm asking honestly to help me turn my eyes away from worthless things that distract me from seeing your glory in everything and all that I do. You promised to answer this prayer. Give me a heart that treasures and magnifies Christ.

3. Jesus comes to call sinners to repentance. This is good news for me because I am desperately wicked. I am glad that my Lord is aware of my shortcomings and failures, yet He comes to save, redeem, and renew sinners.

4. There are few following Christ today. God is telling me to pray for more workers in the harvest field. I pray that I would be a humble servant and obedient servant and willing servant that I may proceed into God's harvest field.

Father in Heaven,

Do for me what I cannot do for myself. Help me follow your will and make your will clear to my life and stay out here in the Philippines.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Goals when I Get Home

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(1) Talk to Desiring God and TMS to get more books for the Philippines


(2) Build the Library of CBS and BBCA

(3) Send a Balikbayan Box over there

(4) Pray about building a school/seminary/TMI/orphanage over here

(5) Pray about having a consistent team to come here to minister

(6) Pray about teaching modular courses in the Summer

Philippines Day 3 and 4

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Day 3


Woke up early in the morning and went with Pastor Art to a province north of Manila. Pastor Art taught a three hour counseling class. The people were warm and receptive. We then had lunch with Pastor John and proceeded home. I got to talk to my lovely fiance on skype and then proceeded to Robinsons where we met Pastor Luis, Joshua, and Dan to eat Chinese food.

Day 4

Woke up early and went to a Senior's Ministry. Pastor Art made me preach on the spot!But I preached the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-10). After the meeting was over, we went upstairs and talked to some slum kids who were detained for stealing. My heart was breaking for them because one six year old girl had no shoes and steals because of the poverty in the Philippines. My heart was breaking for them and I really wanted to buy them shoes. Afterwards, we took a two hour car ride to Antipolo where Center for Biblical Studies was located. It was raining hard today and it was type 1 Typhoon (which is not so bad). Ate Cookie greeted us when we got there and showed us the library. The students were fascinated to see a foreigner visit (BTW: Cookie is Pastor Art's Sister and "Tita Ritz" in the Philippines for CBS). 3pm came and Pastor Leo was going to teach apologetics. However, when he found out that it was my field, he insisted that I teach his 3rd year class. I was rushing and scattered because I was trying to teach them everything in one hour sitting. I gave some the students Piper books and they were leaping for joy. We proceeded to the faculty lounge where we had fellowship with Cookie and Pastor Leo. We ate shakeys pizza. Cookie and I were discussing possible opportunities in the future to teach at CBS. Need to pray about it. We then left CBS and went to Pasig where Pastor Art played basketball with the other pastors. I read J.I. Packer's Keeping in Step with the Spirit. Packer argued that the main ministry of the Holy Spirit is to mediate the presence of the living Christ to a believer. As I was reading, I got stung by a lot of mosquitos because it was really humid. Long day. Tired. But God is good. I am a sinner, but the Spirit is still working in me. I really miss Helen.

Philippines Day 2

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I preached this Lord's Day on Ephesians 2:1-10. I woke up at 5a.m. and started to prepare my heart to preach. God is so kind to me in answering my prayers. After the service, we went to Manila Bay to eat at "Army & Navy" which was an imitation of Chipotle. We came back to Pastor Art's House and I read, rested, and slept till seven in the evening. At night, we went to Robinson's Mall to eat KFC with the Youth Group. Praise the Lord for my salvation in Christ, his answer to my prayers, the internet so that I can talk to my lovely fiance, and safety.

Philippines Day 1

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I arrived 3:40 a.m. in Manila. It was a blessing because I slept for ten hours on the plane. I had a whole row to myself or the first few hours. Pastor Art picked me up and then we came back to his place. At 9:30 a.m., we went to Robinsons Mall where I went to a starbucks to prepare for the evening youth service. We came back home, ate shakeys, and rested for a bit until 5pm came. We arrived at Pastor Faller's Youth Service where four different churches gather together to sing. The music was very contemporary with each youth group performing their songs. I preached on 1 Cor. 15, "What is the Gospel?". I hope these kids do not have a shallow understanding of God, but that they may see Christ magnified.

The wrong reasons to avoid sin

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"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

I have been noticing that I avoid sin for the wrong reasons. For example, I want to avoid sin because I want to be the "perfect pastor." Or I want to avoid sin because I hate failing God. Or I want to avoid sin because I hate feeling guilty. The problem with this mind set is that it is not rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I fundamentally avoid sin because I want to be my own savior, that is why I keep failing to keep God's standard (Rom. 3:23).

As I was meditating on Ephesians, holy living always flows from gospel believing: God loved us that He would send His Son to die for us, lavish his grace upon us, predestine us, redeem us, raise us from the dead, seat us with Him, make us alive in Him. In other words, I should avoid sin because I have been bought with a high price. To sin is to disbelieve the infinite riches I have in Christ. To sin is to disbelieve that my salvation is precious. To sin is to disbelieve that I have been bought with the blood of Jesus Himself. To sin is to grieve the Spirit of God that has been freely given to me when I trusted Jesus to save me from my sins. To sin is to disbelieve that God is good. To sin is to neglect the promises of God. To sin is to ultimately reject Jesus and the greatness of what He has done for me so that He can deliever me from my radically self-centered self, sin, and death. May I remember that I have been bought with a price, the precious blood of God himself in the person of Jesus Christ.

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for my sin. I confess to you my unwholesome talk and for dishonoring your name with my behavior. Thank you that Jesus has bought with His blood. Please seal within my heart the good news of Jesus death and resurrection. Make it clear to me so that I might not sin against you. Thank you that Jesus was the perfect pastor. Thank you that Jesus is the perfect Savior. Lord, please examine my motives and help me repent of any hypocrisy and unbelief.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

Salvation by Christian Ministry vs. Salvation by Christ and HIm Crucified.

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May I never forget the sufficiency of Christ and Him crucified. I am not saved by how well I preach, how many disciples I make, how many people acknowledge me. I am saved by the blood of Christ crucified period. He makes righteous through his death and resurrection. And the grace of God teaches me to renounce wordly passions, sin, ungodliness, and unbelief.


Lord, I believe in the gospel, yet help my unbelief.

The Practice of Godliness

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In The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges, he gives some very helpful exhortations in the pursuit of godliness. First of all, godliness begins with a sincere devotion to God. It begins with a fear of God, understanding his infinite majesty and being. God is holy. God hates sin. God will judge sin. God cannot stand evil. But not only should we fear God, but we should understand the love of God. God's love is so deep because He sent his Son to atone for all our sins. We do not earn merit through our good deeds, but only through the shed blood of his Son by which we are forgiven. Both a fear and love of God will lead to a desire for God. Understanding who God is and what He has done for us will lead us to worship and desire to please Him. Jerry Bridges argues that the practice of godliness will ultimately flow from devotion to God. How do we practice godliness?


(1) Godliness demands commitment

We cannot mystically wait to be godly and "let go and let God." Sanctification does not happen like that. We must be active in our sanctification (Phil 2:13), while God works within us to accomplish His good will.

(2) Godliness demands the Right Teacher

We must be trained by the Holy Spirit. And the greatest means the Holy Spirit uses is the Word of God. We must commit ourselves to reading the Word of God daily. The Word will inform us, convict us, rebuke us, encourage us, strengthen us. In other words, the Word will keep us in relationship to God as we meditate and pray.

Second of all, we must memorize scriptures on the holiness of God, the love of God, the mercy of God, forgiveness, etc.

(3) Godliness demands practice

We must practice godliness in all our lives. We must be prayerful in how God should lead us.

Lord, increase my devotion to you. I've been busy, but not being busy devoted to you. Lead my heart to you again. Forgive me for my transgressions and sins against you. Turn my heart to you again and help me be active in my fight against sin. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Avoid Wreckless Living

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I am being reminded of how weak I am and how I need to depend on the Lord to fight my flesh. I need to kill sin in the "small" areas of life: oversleep, gluttony, lust, complaining, dishonoring my parents...because little sins eventually become big sins, and big sins become character sins, and character sins leads to death....


For grace to kill my sin, help me Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Lecture to My Students by Spurgeon: Lecture 2

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How do you know you are called to Pastor?


1. Do I have a genuine burning desire?

2. Do I have a ability to preach and teach publicly?

3. Do people get converted through my ministry?

4. Do the people of the church affirm my preaching and teaching

Some quotes:

When young fellows say that they have not made up their minds upon theology, they ought to go back to the Sunday school until they have. Pg. 41

We must try whether we can endure browbeating, weariness, slander, jeering, and hardship; and whether we can be made the offscouring of all things and be treated as nothing for Christ's sake. If we can endure all these, we have some of those points which indicate the possession of the rare qualities which should meet in a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Pg. 42

A man who would succeed as a preacher would probably do right well either as a grocer or a lawyer or anything else. A really valuable minister would have excelled at anything. There is scarcely anything impossible to a man who can keep a congregation together for years, and be the means of edifying them for hundreds of consecutive Sabbaths; he must be possessed of some abilities, and be by no means a fool or ne'er do well. Jesus Christ deserves the best men to preach his cross, and not the empty headed and the siftless. Pg. 39

Lecture to My Students by Spurgeon: Lecture 1

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Robert Murray McCheyene: “My people’s greatest need is what? My personal holiness.”


"When we say to you, my dear brethren, take care of your life, we mean be careful of even the minutiae of your character. Avoid little debts, unpunctuality, gossiping nicknaming, petty quarrels, and all other of those little vices which fill the ointment with flies. The self-indulgences which have lowered the repute of many must not be tolerated by us. The famimliarities which have laid others under suspicion, we must chastely avoid. The roughness which have rendered some obnoxious, and the fopperies which have made others contemptible, we must put away. We cannot afford to run great risks through little things. Our care must be to act on the rule, "giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed...Even in your recreations, remember that you are ministers. When you are off the parade you are still officers in the army of Christ, and as such demean yourselves. But if the lesser things must be looked after, how careful should you be in the great matters of morality, honesty, and integrity! Here the minister must not fail. His private life must ever keep good tune with his inistry, or his day will soon set with him, and the sooner he reitres the better, for his continuances in his office will only dishonor the cause of God and ruin himself." Lecture 1

A pastor cannot neglect to watch his own life. A very loving brother of mine once texted me this verse,

"Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;
so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor " (Ecclesiastes 10:1 ESV)

There is no such things as little sins. Little sins that go unconfessed, hidden, and unrepented of will destroy me, my ministry, and cause Satan to blaspheme my Lord who died for me. I cannot keep abusing the grace of God. The grace of God should motivate me to holiness, not licentiousness. I may build people up with my teaching, but I may destroy them by how they view my life. The Lord's work is serious business.

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for sinning against You, and only You. Whom do I have in Heaven but You? Lord, forgive me for my folly, indulgences in the flesh, impatience, gossip, and tolerating evil within my soul. Help me see Christ crucified once again for these sins. Help me be holy because you are holy. Help live out my identity as your child, in holiness, righteousness, and truth. Help me repent of my hypocrisy in the private moments. Help me repent of my lack of love for my very own family. Help me repent of my gossip and slander and obscene talk from my mouth. Help me repent of any unknown sins and may I walk in your light. Protect me from the Evil One by your Spirit.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Need to Kill my Hypocrisy

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"Teaching will be of little worth if there is not a corresponding uprightness and holiness of life." John Calvin


Father,
Help me imitate our Lord Jesus. Forgive me for my failures and shortcomings. I look to the cross again. I am bought with a price. I am redeemed from the slavery of sin. Grant me grace to walk in obedience to you

For your glory,
Amen.

Purity

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"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6 ESV)


Father in Heaven,

You know how inadequate I feel. I am unworthy to do anything for you. I am a sinner. I go astray so many times. Please forgive my shortcomings. Please cleanse me from the inward being. Please grant me purity of mind, thought, deed, and conduct. Grant me purity of heart and conscience that I might freely worship and adore you.

For your name's sake,
Amen.

What is the Gospel?

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I preached this past Sunday on the topic: What is the Gospel? Preaching can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting; however, by God's grace, I felt a deep peace and calmness while up on the pulpit. I felt confident in the Savior and His Righteousness. The text I preached the gospel was from Romans 3:21-26.


What is the Gospel?

The heart of the Gospel is that God saves sinners through faith alone in Christ alone. All have sinned and are utterly lost, hopeless, and condemned before a holy God. But God in his great mercy sent His Son to die on the cross in our place, be buried, and rise again so that we might be declared righteous before the Father because he was our substitute. Jesus redeemed us from the slavery of sin and God's wrath was satisfied on the cross. Now God looks on us with favor because of the work of Christ when we embrace the Son of God by Faith. What glorious news!

Titus Chapter 3

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Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrels, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, dissensions, genealogies, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division,after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.


When I send Artemas and Tychius to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do you best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruitful. All those who are with me sends greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

Titus Chapter 2

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But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything, they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and holy lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things: exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.