TITUS, PHILEMON, & HEBREWS

What a wonderful day we had Sunday!  It is a joy to go to church with those who love the LORD.  We had probably just over 1,000 in Sunday School, though I have not see the reports yet.  The parking lot was full and overflowing again.  We are hoping to add fifty more spaces in the next few weeks.  God is so good to us.  I'm reading in Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews.  Here is just a few thoughts: 1) PROFESSORS- In Titus 1:16, it says:  "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."  Here we have an example of those who had a profession, but not a possession of Salvation.  Maybe we don't mention that enough, but sure it is possible and likely that many a person who is professing Salvation does not possess it.  They prayed, but they did not trust Christ as their Savior.  The difference between the tare and the wheat is the fruit.  One bends over because of the grain it hold, the other lifts it's head up in pride but is fruitless!  Jesus said:  By their fruit you shall know them.  Maybe this is what explains many a professing Christian that has no heart for God.  Now, don't get me wrong... I'm going to keep on soul-winning and let God and that person work out their own Salvation.  (figure out who is saved)  My job is to share the life-changing, soul-saving message!  That I'm going to keep on doing.  (six last week) 2) EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY- In Hebrews 3:13, the Bible says: "But exhort one another daily while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."  Exhortation prevents heart hardening!  That is why preachers are told to preach and reprove, rebuke, and exhort.  We are to warn one another as well.  Warn your good friends, your fellow Christians.  Not in a harsh way, but in a way you need someone to exhort and warn you from time to time as well.  We all need this.... and we all need to exhort one another daily! 3) WHAT COMPANY WE WILL ONE DAY KEEP!  In Hebrews 12:22,23, we have this wonderful passage of scripture.  Just wonderful!  Here is what it says: "But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect."  Wow!  I'm underlined the special people we get the privilege of keeping company with in Heaven.  AND, one day, we will be among that group called "the spirits of just men made perfect".  I'm so looking forward to that day. LORD, thank you for today.  You are so wonderful.  I love you Lord, and I want to live like it all day long.  I want my thoughts and actions to please you.  I want to care for others with a heart of compassion.  I want to be used of You to be a blessing to others.  Flow through me today.... let me hear Your voice, and follow Your directions for my day.  Thank you Jesus for the great love You have for me.  Amen! Pastor Mike Mutchler, have a blessed day!