November 4, 2024
Derek Smith
Lead Pastor
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.
In the movie A Few Good Men, one of the more famous movie lines ever spoken was by Jack Nicholson’s character (Col. Nathan R. Jessep) as he’s being examined in a military court by Tom’s Cruise’s character (Lt. Daniel Kaffee). Lt. Kaffee tells Col. Jessep, “I want the truth!”, to which Col. Jessep replies, “you can’t handle the truth!” I can still see Jack Nicholson’s scowl as he screams those words.
Some people can’t seem to handle the truth, but in order to grow in Christ we must know and apply the truth to our lives. Unintentionally at times, we settle into this mentality that just a little bit of Jesus will do. Just a touch of Scripture and prayer over our meals is enough to call ourselves faithful Children of God. The truth is that no child of God grows this way. Growth in Christ takes a deep commitment to prayer and the study and application of God’s Word. The word here for knowledge is the word “epignosis” in the Greek language. It is not speaking of mere mental assent, it is referring to full and complete knowledge. Paul is saying here that true godliness comes from a full and complete knowledge of Christ Jesus, a true experiential knowledge that goes beyond the words on a printed page to life testimony. Some people can tell you what the Bible says, but someone who is truly walking with Jesus does what it says and exemplifies the grace of Christ in his or her life.
So, can you handle the truth? Can you testify of what He’s done in your own life or just tell about what He did for others in the Bible? Immerse yourself deep into the Word and prayer. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart through His Holy Spirit. Seek Him continually with your entire heart and He will impart Himself to you.
Lead Pastor
Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.
In the movie A Few Good Men, one of the more famous movie lines ever spoken was by Jack Nicholson’s character (Col. Nathan R. Jessep) as he’s being examined in a military court by Tom’s Cruise’s character (Lt. Daniel Kaffee). Lt. Kaffee tells Col. Jessep, “I want the truth!”, to which Col. Jessep replies, “you can’t handle the truth!” I can still see Jack Nicholson’s scowl as he screams those words.
Some people can’t seem to handle the truth, but in order to grow in Christ we must know and apply the truth to our lives. Unintentionally at times, we settle into this mentality that just a little bit of Jesus will do. Just a touch of Scripture and prayer over our meals is enough to call ourselves faithful Children of God. The truth is that no child of God grows this way. Growth in Christ takes a deep commitment to prayer and the study and application of God’s Word. The word here for knowledge is the word “epignosis” in the Greek language. It is not speaking of mere mental assent, it is referring to full and complete knowledge. Paul is saying here that true godliness comes from a full and complete knowledge of Christ Jesus, a true experiential knowledge that goes beyond the words on a printed page to life testimony. Some people can tell you what the Bible says, but someone who is truly walking with Jesus does what it says and exemplifies the grace of Christ in his or her life.
So, can you handle the truth? Can you testify of what He’s done in your own life or just tell about what He did for others in the Bible? Immerse yourself deep into the Word and prayer. Ask the Lord to speak to your heart through His Holy Spirit. Seek Him continually with your entire heart and He will impart Himself to you.
Posted in Daily Devos