Sermon Series Introduction

Titus: Displaying Grace in a Chaotic World

Fall 2021 Sermon Series 

As the good news of Jesus Christ spread in the first century, many on the Mediterranean island of Crete believed in the Lord Jesus. However, we see from the book of Titus that the Cretan’s salvation was not the Apostle Paul’s only concern. Paul longed for roots of deep faith to take hold and spread in churches across the island (Titus 1:5). To accomplish this task, he sent to the island a young leader named Titus.

No doubt, Titus faced a difficult ministry assignment. While some Cretans on the island believed, others lived with no basis for truth, gave themselves over to their fleshly appetites, and indulged excessively in food and drink. In fact, Paul wrote, “One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true” (Titus 1:12-13). 

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The church and we as individuals struggle to be truth-tellers, godly, diligent, and self-controlled. However, we don’t have to look far to see that when people live by their own definitions of reality, one outcome is certain—chaos. Chaos inside—and outside—the walls of the church.

However, one thing separated the Cretans who believed in Christ and the ones who didn’t. It’s this: God’s grace. And His grace changes everything.

It changed everything for Paul.

It changed everything for Titus.

It changed everything for the church of Crete.

It changes everything for you and me. 

Now, saved by the grace of God, you and me, like Titus can labor with hope in a confused culture, loving those around us, sharing what we have received, and helping others display Christ in a chaotic world. 

Join us Sundays this fall at 9:00 or 11:00 as we study the book of Titus. Together, we’ll see how the early church displayed the grace of Christ in Crete, and we’ll be challenged to do the same in our schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.