Healthy Churches

Part 4

Lastly, a healthy church recognises its unique identity, requires godly leaders, faces a deceptive enemy and lastly is committed to the trustworthy message.  (Titus 1: 9)

9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

There is a whole world of hell gathered against those two words - hold firm.  It is the thing that the church’s great enemy does not want to see happen.  Why?

Because this trustworthy message as taught by the apostles accomplishes God’s great purposes for this world.  As this trustworthy message is taught it builds up and tears down at the same time.

Titus needs to remind the elders he appoints as they do this one thing - hold firm - they will give instruction in sound doctrine - literally health producing doctrine. 

‘Sound’ in the sense of being life giving so that the precious gospel of Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins, flows into the veins and arteries of our churches producing life.

But at the very same time as this happening it also tears down. 

It is by holding to this trustworthy word as taught, others who contradict it will be rebuked.  There is not one word for the weak and another for the strong.  The same word accomplishes both. 

It both encourages the sheep and chases away the wolves.

And this is where our confidence lies in ICM.  It is what the health of our churches depends upon.

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Today is a great day for mission. Thank you.