I have already drawn attention to the fact that the elder qualifications in Titus 1.5-9 have many things in common with moral virtues expected from upstanding pagan citizens in the ancient world of Greece. (This is one piece of evidence for the fact that even non-Christians know something of God’sContinue Reading
As we approach another section in Titus that highlights the central importance of preaching and teaching in the life of the church – the minister must be qualified to preach and teach – I want to connect this chief public and corporate means of grace to the concept of biblicalContinue Reading
In recent weeks I have been using some theological categories (to help explain God’s Word in the book of Titus) that may be new to many people in the study. For one, I have been introducing covenant theology. So far we have considered at a basic level God’s covenant ofContinue Reading
What comes to mind when you think about qualifications for elders in the church? Ultra-spiritual? Other worldly? Or perhaps irrelevance? In Titus 1.5-9, Paul sets forth qualifications for elders. At first glance, they seem very ordinary and perhaps even out of place in the letter. In fact, as it turnsContinue Reading
Throughout history, the church has had to fight against being unduly influenced by the world or popular culture. The church is a counterculture institution with an otherworldly ethic. (Remember that the bible paints Christians as exiles and pilgrims in this world (cf. 1-2 Peter).) One way in which this isContinue Reading
The church today has various views on the relative importance of the church in the life of the Christian. In Titus 1:1, Paul speaks about godly conduct that accords with the Word of God. One question that naturally arises in this connection is: what kind of importance should be attachedContinue Reading
The Joostes at 26 Coniston Road will be hosting a boerewors social on Friday, June 15, at 7pm. Please come and join us and bring a friend or two. We only ask that you bring your own drinks and a few rolls, as well as *RSVP* by June 13. ItContinue Reading
On Thursday, May 31, we had the privilege of having the Minister (Coen Vrey) of Bellville RCSA and his wife join us, as well as one of the long time couples of the congregation. We were blessed by hearing some of their reflections on being part of a Reformed ChurchContinue Reading
There are few teachings in the bible that generate such controversy as God’s sovereignty in the salvation of mankind. Seeing that Paul brings up the doctrine of “election” in the first verse of Titus, I thought it important that we should consider it. While a brief blog post cannot doContinue Reading
For those interested in a little recap from last night, here are some of the highlights from our study: The gospel Teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, and not by human effort/deeds/works It includes not only Christ’s sacrifice for our sins (absorbing God’s wrath for ourContinue Reading
Reformed Church Southern Suburbs 2024