|
|
|
|
|
|
Sometimes, the truths we need most are the ones we've heard a hundred times before. This fall, we're kicking off a new One Thought series right here in our weekly email, diving into Titus 3 to revisit the heart of the gospel and to remember why the good news never gets old. Join us as we remember what God has done for us and why it changes everything! 🤗
|
|
|
The Divine Seat of Jesus
|
|
If you've been part of the Riverwood family in 2026, you know our theme for this year is To Know Him & Make Him Known. To continue leaning into that theme this fall here on the blog, we are going to do another "One Thought" series, this time based on the gospel reminder found in Titus 3.
|
|
This letter is one of encouragement and instruction from the Apostle Paul to his pastoral friend and protégé, Titus. Titus was serving as the pastor (or more likely, the bishop) of the churches on the island of Crete. Paul had left Titus there to raise up elders for the churches in each town, and so he wrote this letter to remind Titus of the type of pastors (elders) he should be looking for, as well as some things to do when resourcing these churches to make disciples of Jesus.
|
|
But what I find interesting is that Paul does for Titus what he often did in his letters to churches—he re-explains the gospel. Here is what Paul wrote:
|
|
|
|
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 out 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. (Titus 3:3-7, ESV)
|
|
|
|
|
|
If Titus is supposed to be "appointing elders in every town" (1:5), and "teaching what accords with sound doctrine" (2:1), surely Titus, of all people, knows the gospel. So why does he need a reminder?
|
|
|
|
|
Because we all need these reminders! Whether you've been following Jesus for a month, a decade, or a century, you need to be reminded of the significance of the gospel. We live in a world that screams the opposite of the gospel through its movies, songs, politics, and conversations around the lunch table. To counteract this bombardment, we need to be prompted to remember what God's love looks like and how it should impact our day-to-day lives.
|
|
So join me next week as we launch into verse 3 of Titus 3, which reminds us of the painful "bad" news that helps us realize just how powerful the "good" news actually is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ladies, Come to The Table
|
|
Ladies, on Monday, October 19th @ 7:00 pm, you're invited to join us for meaningful community and biblical conversations! Please connect with Cheryl Badura for more info!
|
|
|
Restoration Service
|
|
This Sunday, October 18th, we’ll be hosting our Restoration Service—an extended time of spiritual refreshment through songs, prayer, communion, and reflection. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious, we hope you will find healing in your life by drawing to Jesus through 1 Chronicles 29:10-22a.
|
|
|
|
|
Baby Bottle Fundraiser
|
|
We are partnering with Alternatives Pregnancy Center for their Baby Bottle Drive! Grab a baby bottle in the Lobby, consider giving generously, and please return them to the Riverwood building by Sunday, October 25th.
|
|
|
Just for Fun
|
|
A couple of weeks ago, we introduced a new song called 'Mystery of Christ' during our Worship Gatherings! We invite you to check it out and add it to your worship playlist. 😌🎶
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
