The Cross and the Crown

Why does Paul call our hope blessed, or happy? How do we wait for it? How does this impact our living in the here and now? 

What is this grace of God that has appeared, bringing salvation to all people? What does this entail? What does it mean that Jesus saves? How deep is the grace that rescues willing to go? 

God's promises throughout the Old Testament foretell of a Messiah that will come to rescue and rule His people. Who do these promises point us to? 

How does God use men and women, young and old to build up his church as one body with one mission? 

In this crossover episode with the

Who were the false teachers Paul addressed? What did they teach? Why did they teach it? How was Titus to guard against it? What was the aim of his rebuking false teaching? What is sound doctrine? What fruit does it bear?  

In this special episode, we will hear from two very special and God-glorifying guests. First, Jenny Odom, Executive Director of the Pregnancy Test and Resource Center, gives the mission and vision of the Jasper PTRC. Next, Steven Martin, a two-time cancer survivor, now facing the battle once again, shares his journey through life's most difficult trials. For further information on the Jasper PTRC,...

How should churches be governed? Should their be a plurality of elders or a single-elder led congregation... or neither...? What is the task of the elder? 

Paul shares the qualifications of elders in a church. Is this a call for churches to implement a plurality of elders? 

Paul calls Titus his true son in a common faith, bidding him grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Was this simply a common means of greeting his beloved disciple? Or, do these words matter immensely to this young pastor charged with putting into order the church at Crete? 

Paul's initial greeting to Titus is packed with amazing truths. How do these truths shape how we believe and interact with the world around us? 

As Blake embarks on this study through Paul's pastoral epistle to Titus, a word of introduction is in order. 

Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus finally make it to Rome. What can we learn from Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon about his time there? How does his time and activity in Rome both challenge and encourage us? 

How do we "take heart" during seasons of difficulty? How do we help others do so? How does the clarity of our worldview and Christlikeness impact the weight of our message? 

Paul departs for Rome with Luke and Aristarchus as new challenges emerge. How will this storm-tossed saint respond? 

As Paul stands before Agrippa, the next in the line of Herods that Luke has discussed in his gospel and Acts, what will be the outcome as Paul cheerfully gives his defense? 

In the 25th chapter of Acts, Paul stands trial before Festus and we are introduced to Agrippa, setting up the 26th chapter of Acts. As the text makes clear, Paul is ultimately on trial for testifying to the resurrection of Christ. What can we learn about Christianity and its opponents from this marvelous section of God's Word?

In Paul's trial before Felix, we see the contrast between Paul and his accusers. We also see crucial statements for understanding Paul's overall message. 

In this text, we see Paul surrounded by enemies and threats. How will God make a way for Paul to carry out His will of reaching Rome? 

Paul is surrounded by violent enemies who wish to flog him and kill him. What... or, Who gave Paul the strength to stand and endure his difficult days? How shall we endure ours? 

Our words matter. In this passage, we see Paul strategically use his words to share the gospel. We also see his enemies incited to kill him at the mention of but one word. Are we different? 

How will Paul respond to the mob's anger and hate? How does a high view of God's sovereignty relate to how we respond to our opponents?

We see instances of Paul's flexibility and inflexibility in this text. When is it wise to bend? When is it wise to be unbendable? How do we tell the difference?

What has unified this team of believers weeping together on the banks at Miletus? What will hold them together when they part ways? What will strengthen them as they run their course? The answer to all these questions is the same... for them as well as us today. 

In this session, the ordination charge for two elders is given to a house church in Pakistan.