Transformed by Grace: Guarding the Truth

Imagine someone selling industrial bleach as a miracle cure—promising it could heal everything from COVID-19 to cancer. It sounds outrageous, but that’s exactly what Mark Grenon and his sons did. Under the banner of a fake church called the “Genesis II Church of Health and Healing,” they made over a million dollars selling this toxic substance, cloaked in spiritual-sounding language. Despite government warnings, they kept going, leaving behind hospitalized victims and grieving families.

It’s a disturbing story, but it reveals an important truth: deception is often dressed in religious language. What promises healing can instead bring destruction. And while most of us won’t fall for a bleach-based cure, we are vulnerable to a different kind of danger—spiritual deception. False teachers, just like the Grenons, peddle false ideas wrapped in religious packaging. The consequences are just as serious: broken faith, disrupted communities, and spiritual harm.

That’s the challenge Paul addresses in Titus 1:10–16. Writing to his trusted companion Titus, Paul warns about the danger false teachers posed to the young churches on the island of Crete. These weren’t abstract theological threats—they were real people teaching real lies, causing real damage.

Recognizing the Threat (Titus 1:10–11)

Paul pulls no punches. He describes these teachers as “insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers,” especially those pushing Old Covenant legalism. They didn’t just have bad theology; they were rebellious (refusing to submit to the authority of the Scripture or the Apostles), spreading confusion, and motivated by greed. Their teaching lacked substance, offered false hope, and created division—upsetting entire households, perhaps even dismantling house churches.

Paul’s command is clear: “They must be silenced.” Not through violence or censorship, but through strong, sound teaching that exposes error and explains Scripture. Truth must be louder than deception.

Application: Our world is full of spiritual noise. Not every podcast, sermon clip, or viral quote is rooted in truth. Some voices are driven by money, influence, or ego, not the gospel. Discernment begins with Scripture. A healthy skepticism isn’t a lack of faith—it’s a shield of wisdom in a world full of false promises.

Confronting Error with Courage (Titus 1:12–14)

To drive home his point, Paul quotes a Cretan poet who called his own people “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Paul doesn’t shy away from cultural critique—he uses it to illustrate just how urgent the problem is. These false teachers were promoting “Jewish myths” and human commands instead of God’s Word. They weren’t just off-base; they were pulling people away from Jesus.

Paul tells Titus to “rebuke them sharply.” That might sound harsh, but it’s a form of loving correction. Titus wasn’t picking fights over small differences—he was protecting the church from teachings that distorted the gospel and undermined grace.

Application: Confronting error is an act of love. Truth matters, and when someone teaches a gospel that leads people away from Jesus, we can’t afford to stay silent. But we must correct with humility, not arrogance. As Paul says in Ephesians 4:15, we “speak the truth in love.”

Exposing False Faith (Titus 1:15–16)

Paul contrasts authentic faith with the hypocrisy of the false teachers. “To the pure, all things are pure,” he writes, “but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure.” He’s pointing to the obsession some had with purity laws and religious rituals. Instead of resting in the cleansing power of Christ, they clung to rules, judging others and separating themselves from those they deemed “unclean.”

The irony? Their actions betrayed their message. “They profess to know God,” Paul writes, “but they deny him by their works.” Their lives were marked by greed, disobedience, and corruption—not the grace they claimed to preach.

Application: Right doctrine must lead to right living. What we believe should be evident in how we live. If our lives don’t reflect the love, purity, and truth of Jesus, then we’ve missed the heart of the gospel. As Jesus said, a tree is known by its fruit.


Guarding the Truth by Grace

How do we stay grounded in truth in a world so full of noise and deception? Paul’s words offer us a few practical ways to remain faithful:

1. Have a trusted teacher.

God gives the church pastors and elders to shepherd His people. Know who you’re learning from. I approach the Bible with three principles: (1) The Bible is for us but not written to us—so I study commentaries to gain understanding about the original context. (2) I interpret Scripture through the lens of God’s covenants. (3) The Kingdom of God is the heartbeat of the gospel. Knowing your teacher’s approach builds trust.

2. Watch how Scripture is handled.

If someone cherry-picks verses without context, be cautious. A good teacher explains not just a verse but the whole passage—what it meant then and what it means now.

3. Consider the focus of the message. 

Are they always telling personal stories but rarely digging into doctrine or Scripture? Are their messages more about themselves than about Jesus? That’s a red flag.

4. Test every “revelation.”

Some teachers constantly claim direct revelations from God, using phrases like “God told me…” as conversation stoppers. But Scripture tells us to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). God’s Word is the standard, not someone’s feelings or visions.


Final Thoughts: Truth in the Fog

In 2016, The Economist published a cover story titled “Yes, I’d Lie to You: The Post-Truth World.” It explained how modern censorship doesn’t always come through suppression—but through distraction. Some governments flood social media with so much noise that truth gets buried under an avalanche of nonsense.

That’s our spiritual challenge, too. In a world full of TikTok theology and algorithm-approved preachers, truth can get lost in the shuffle. But here’s the good news: grace gives us clarity. The gospel shines like a lighthouse through the fog. God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to guide us.

So let’s guard the truth—not just in what we believe, but in how we live. Let’s be people who speak with clarity, live with integrity, and shine with grace. In a post-truth world, that’s what it means to follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Big Idea: Grace transforms us to love the truth and reject lies.

Challenge: Practice reading Scripture with discernment. Try the COMA method:

Context – What’s happening around this passage?

Observation – What stands out?

Meaning – What does it teach us about God and His people?

Application – How should it change us?


Need help? I’d love to walk through Scripture with you.

Let’s be people who not only know the truth—but who live it for the glory of King Jesus.

Sunday Prayer: Putting on the Character of Jesus

Father in Heaven, 

Thank You for choosing us—broken as we are—to be Your holy and beloved people. Help us live into that calling by putting on the character of Christ. Clothe our hearts with mercy when we would rather be harsh, with kindness when we feel irritated, with humility when pride rises up, with gentleness when we want control, and with patience when we grow weary of others.

Teach us to make space for one another’s flaws. Soften our hearts to forgive, not once or twice, but again and again—just as You have graciously forgiven us in Jesus. Root out bitterness and resentment, and replace them with the healing power of love.

Let love be our covering and our calling, uniting us in true harmony. May the peace of Christ—not our preferences or opinions—be the ruling force in our hearts. Shape our community into one body, knit together by Your grace and guided by Your Spirit.

And in all things, Lord, may gratitude rise in us like the morning sun. Let thankfulness be the rhythm of our lives, a daily reminder that every good thing comes from You.

In the name of Jesus, who clothes us in righteousness and peace,

Amen.

The Life We Imagine vs. The Life God Offers

We all carry a picture in our minds of what life should be. 

For some, it’s a sprawling mansion on a hill, bank accounts overflowing with millions, and every desire within reach. 

For others, it’s simpler—a cozy two-story home, a white picket fence, and a loving family to share it with. 

Still others envision a life of comfort and freedom, with just enough resources to live on their own terms. 

Every now and then, we catch a glimpse of that ideal, a fleeting moment where we sigh and say, “Now this is the life.”

But how often do we actually live the life we’ve imagined? And for those rare few who do, does it ever truly measure up to the dream?

For many of us, the life we are living feels like a letdown. It is not the life we imagined, and the gap between our reality and our dreams breeds frustration. To cope, we tell ourselves this is just how life is supposed to be and that life will always be a grind. We clench our fists, grit our teeth, and mutter, “Life is hard. It is full of disappointments and struggle. That’s just the way it is.” 

There is some truth in this thought—hardship is real—but I can’t help but wonder if that mindset sets us up to miss something bigger, something better: the life God actually created us to experience.

I’m not saying a life with God erases difficulties. Struggles will always be part of the journey. 

Imagine for a moment: What if there’s a kind of life that doesn’t just endure those challenges, but actually redeems them?

The Apostle John offers us an insight into what a life with God is like:

“So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us” (1 John 2:24-25, NLT).

Two crucial truths stand out in this passage, and they’re as relevant today as they were two millennia ago.

First: Life flows from obedience. Do you want to experience the life God has for you? It starts with following Jesus. Real life isn’t unlocked by believing the right doctrines or checking spiritual boxes—it’s discovered in trusting Jesus. Loving God, loving our neighbors, serving sacrificially, and giving generously—these aren’t just nice ideas. This is what true life looks like. Bible studies and church gatherings are vital, but they’re only the beginning. The life God promises takes shape when we take what we’ve learned and put it into practice.

Second: Life is fellowship with God. Without Jesus—and by extension, without the Father—true life remains out of reach. It’s in abiding with Him that we find it. John ties fellowship directly to obedience. How we live determines whether we’re walking with God or drifting away. Make the decision align your life with Scripture, and you’ll find yourself in step with your Creator. If you choose to chase selfish desires, and you’ll stumble into emptiness.

John calls this type of life “eternal life.” The idea of “eternal life” deserves a closer look. Too often, we reduce “eternal” to a matter of time—life that stretches on forever. A long life isn’t inherently good. A mediocre or miserable life isn’t made wonderful simply by adding time to it. I believe “eternal life” isn’t just about duration—it’s about quality. It’s the richest, fullest, most meaningful life possible, and it’s only found in relationship with God.

I revised this post from one I wrote in 2006, nearly two decades ago, and I’m struck by how timeless and universal this tension feels. We are still dreaming of “the good life,” still experiencing the disappointment caused by sin, and still overlooking the redeemed life God has for his people. 

But God’s invitation hasn’t changed. The life He offers—true, redeemed, eternal—is still ours to step into. It’s not a fantasy on a hill or a fenced-in ideal. It’s a reality rooted in obedience and relationship, ready to transform even our hardest days.

So, what’s your picture of life? And how does it stack up to the one God’s holding out to you?

The Choices That Define Us—and the One That Redeems Us

Ever catch yourself replaying a moment you’d give anything to redo? 

I do it all the time. 

Things like: the sharp response you gave to your kids, the chance to talk about Jesus to a co-worker that you let slip away, the choice to walk away from faith and live a party lifestyle for a few years, or the chance to do something special that you let get away.

I think, to one degree or another, all of us have those mental reruns. But here’s the question I would like you to consider: what if our past blunders don’t get the final say over our future?

Every day, we’re creating who we’re becoming by the choices we make—big, small, impulsive, or deliberate. These choices ripple out, shaping not just us, but also our little corner of the world.  So what happens when we mess up? When we cave to temptation, chase selfish desires, or stumble into sin? Are we stuck with the fallout forever? 

The answer is a big NO! 

The story doesn’t end with our failures—because God has a part to play in our lives as well.

I think Erwin McManus nails it in Uprising: 

The future is the sum total of all the choices that are made in the present and the past. Fortunately, that sum total includes the choices made by God. (p. 237)

Think about that idea for a moment. God isn’t some cosmic spectator, arms crossed, watching us struggle. He’s in it with us, steering things in ways we might not even notice. Our wrong turns? They don’t faze Him. His choices can rewrite our trajectory when we’ve lost the way.

Romans 8:5-8 (CSB) lays it out clearly: 

For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit. Now the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace. The mindset of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit to God’s law. Indeed, it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

There is no doubt that when left to our own devices, we’re a mess. 

We can’t muscle our way into the life God has for us on sheer willpower. And that is okay!  

God doesn’t leave us in the chaos we created. He hands us His Spirit, His Word, His grace—everything we need to choose life over death.

And if you want proof of God’s wild commitment, Romans 5:6-11 (CSB) points us to the evidence: 

For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from wrath. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.

That’s not us earning our salvation. That’s God saying, “I’m all in—whether you’ve got it together or not.” He chose to rescue us, not because we’re impressive, but because He is love in action. 

The life and death of Jesus is the evidence we need to know that God is committed to us.

True, we can’t rewind the tape on yesterday’s mistakes. But we can choose to trust the choices God has already made for us. 

When we surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, something changes. We’re not just fumbling through life on our own strength anymore—we’re being shaped by a God who has the power to redeem us, no matter who we are or what we have done. Our story isn’t a highlight reel of our screw-ups. It’s an amazing collaboration between our choices and His—a God who loves, restores, and refuses to let go.

What’s one choice you’re facing today? And what might it look like to let God’s voice weigh in?

Transformed by Grace: The Foundation of Godly Leadership

Introduction

Imagine this: you’re feeling under the weather, so what do you do? A recent survey revealed a startling trend—over half of Americans turn to the internet, social media, or even AI for medical advice before consulting a doctor. Even more surprising? 73% believe they know more about their health than their physician! While curiosity and research are great, the issue boils down to trust. People are placing their faith in TikTok doctors and Reddit threads over trained professionals.

This same pattern creeps into our spiritual lives. Instead of turning to God’s Word or seeking godly counsel, many of us scroll through social media, watch YouTube theologians, or follow influencers with no accountability or questionable theology. Pastors are fact-checked in real time, and the world’s trends often overshadow God’s truth. Questions are healthy, but when we trust fleeting opinions over the eternal Word, we risk our spiritual health.

In Titus 1:1-9, we see a similar challenge in Crete 2,000 years ago. False teachings were spreading, and the new churches lacked leadership. Paul commissioned Titus to establish godly leaders—elders—to guide God’s people with truth and integrity. Today, we’ll explore two crucial elements for living as God’s people: God’s truth and godly leadership.

Context

Paul and Titus had planted churches across Crete, but Paul left before appointing leaders. Without guidance, false teachings took root, and the churches struggled. Paul’s letter to Titus served as both encouragement and a public endorsement of Titus’s apostolic authority to preach, teach, and organize the churches. Read aloud in the churches, this letter affirmed Titus’s role and provided clear instructions for establishing leadership.

Let’s dive into Titus 1:1-9, where Paul outlines two foundations for God’s people: God’s truth (vv. 1-4) and godly leadership (vv. 5-9).

Two Foundations

1. The Importance of God’s Truth (Titus 1:1-4)

Core Message: God’s truth transforms us, giving hope and purpose. It changes not just what we do but who we are.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 1: Paul’s identity is rooted in God—he’s a “slave” to God’s will and an “apostle” of King Jesus, carrying the authority to share the Gospel. His mission is to serve God’s elect, those chosen to live by faith and honor Jesus.
• Verses 2-3: The Gospel offers confidence in eternal life, a promise God made before creation. God, who never lies, sent Jesus at the perfect time, fulfilling His plan. Paul was entrusted with sharing this life-changing message.
• Verse 4: Paul calls Titus his “true son,” united by their shared faith. This faith binds all believers together, blessed with God’s grace and peace.

Applications:

• Find your identity in Jesus: Like Paul, see yourself as a servant of God with a purpose—to make disciples.
• Build hope on God’s promises: Spend time in Scripture through personal study, group discussions, meditation, or worship.
• Prioritize Christian community: Our faith unites us with other believers, strengthening us for the mission.

2. The Call for Godly Leadership (Titus 1:5-9)

Core Message: Godly leaders represent Jesus with integrity and truth, guiding the church in its mission and teaching sound doctrine.

Scripture Points:

• Verse 5: Titus’s task was to appoint elders to bring order to Crete’s churches. Paul had left before establishing leadership, leaving the churches vulnerable.
• Verse 6: Elders must be blameless, with personal integrity—a good reputation, faithful in marriage, and children of good character. This reflects their ability to lead well, especially in house churches.
• Verses 7-8: Elders are stewards of God’s household, requiring moral integrity. They must avoid arrogance, anger, drunkenness, violence, or greed. Instead, they should be hospitable, love what is good, live wisely, and pursue holiness.
• Verse 9: Elders must be doctrinally faithful, holding to the truth, teaching sound doctrine, and refuting error. Their lives add credibility to their teaching.

Note on Scope: Paul’s instructions weren’t a rigid blueprint for church governance but a call for leaders to embody Jesus’s truth and character. The specifics varied (e.g., Timothy’s instructions in Ephesus differed), but the principle remains: the church needs godly leaders to make disciples.

Applications:

• Pray for and support church leaders: Lift up your elders, pastors (like Jenny and me), Superintendent Carl Brannon, Bishops Keith Cowart, Kaye Kolde, Kenny Martin, and your church board and teachers.
• Lead with integrity: All believers lead somewhere—home, work, or community. Live blamelessly to point others to Jesus.

Conclusion

Summary: As Christians, we’re called to be transformed by God’s truth and to follow and support leaders who represent King Jesus. We trust God’s promise of eternal life and embrace our mission to make disciples. Living with integrity ensures we don’t discredit Jesus or cause doubt. We encourage each other to grow in maturity and represent Jesus in the world.

Big Idea: God’s Word transforms lives and calls for godly leaders to represent King Jesus. To take the Bible seriously, we must mature in our discipleship, becoming more like Jesus daily, and hold our leaders accountable to reflect Him well.

Challenge: Pray for our church leaders—Bishops, Superintendent Carl Brannon, Jenny and me, our board, and Pastor’s Cabinet member Sue. Your prayers are vital for godly leadership.

Final Thought: We live in the age of the influencer. With 3.4 billion people on social media, influencers shape culture without titles or offices—they lead through their voice and life. Jesus called us to be influencers for His Kingdom through the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about living blamelessly in belief and action, inviting others to follow Jesus. As an African proverb says, “He who thinks he leads and has no one following is only taking a walk.” So, who are you influencing, and where are you leading them? If you follow Jesus, you’re called to lead.