Introduction- IF THERE EVER WAS A PEOPLE THAT NEEDED GOD'S MERCHES IT WAS THE PEOPLE ON CRETE!!!

1. Titus was sent to lead the troublesome people into a proper church- adorning the doctrines
2. But the Isle of Crete was well known for its troublesomeness- Titus 1:10-15 Titus 1:10-15 fine fellows-
3. It was nothing but God's mercy that saved that island from destruction, or the people-

And it is nothing but His mercies that have brought you safe thus far to hear His Word

I.- THE MERCIES OF GOD

A.- THE WORD " MERCY" IS IN BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW TESTAMENTS

1. Lam 3:22,3 (Hesid) means kindness, pity in action- the only ray of hope in a dark day -Lam
2. Eph 2:4 (Helos) means compassion - and God is rich in mercy
3. But His mercy does have conditions - Isa 45:7 -Seek him-, and Luke 1:50- Fear him

B.- "FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER" THE PSALMS ARE FULL OF REFERENCES TO GOD'S MERCY

1. Repeat the last half of each verse from memory- (Psa 136:1-14, 23-26) For his mercy endureth forever
2. Psa 103:1-11-22 I use in hospital calling, and when sickness and accident strikes
3. As Israel accounted her episodes of near catastrophe, she recognized God's Mercy- we ought to

C.- WE COULD ADD TO THIS PSALM BY NUMBERLESS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT STICK IN OUR MINDS

1. I went bird hunting with a high school couple-ONCE - the buddy shot between me & other one.
2. The new Bus- kids never knew- but heavy load- first turn south of Prescott- Tanker truck- almost
3. Donna heard Elizabeth's cry in middle of night-head caught in bunk rail- THEN WOKE ME UP!

It should not take much for us to realize - it is God's mercies we are not consumed Lam3:21

II.- "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS Titus 3:5a

Very similar to the passage from Paul in Ephesians 2:1-, But this is a universal truth

A.- "WE WERE SOMETIMES FOOLISH, DISOBEDIENT, - HATEFUL AND HATING ONE ANOTHER" 3:3

1. This sure fit the Cretians- These troublesome islanders were known through out Mediterranean
2. It sure fits people living in Phoenix too- Occasionally a ray of culture- but often this
3. It fits the human nature of all people- in and out of the church- but for God's grace!

B.- "BUT THE KINDNESS AND LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR TOWARD MAN APPEARED " V. 4

1. Any change in a human life is because v.4 came crashing into history- and into their life!
2. God's mercy was personified in the person of our Saviour- He appeared on earth-
3. God proved his love for us- in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us-

C.- AND IT WAS NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE - FOR WE HAVE NONE

1. This is the dividing line of Religion and Faith- some merit, purchased indulgence, human good
2. We have "do-gooders"- tied up in Peace movements-, ecology bashes- & cause war & disaster
3. Total depravity keeps us from having any good works-in human good-self destruct.

It is only in Christ that we can "maintain good works" v.8,14, & these are necessary

III.- MERCY SHED ABUNDANTLY v. 6a

When we become aware of what His mercy is, we see a constant flood- like an Arizona cloud burst

A.- GOD'S MERCY IS SHOWN TO US THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR

1. Jesus- the Son of God- came to this earth to seek and to save the lost- God's Arrow of Mercy
2. The World has been turned up side down to get you to come to Jesus- & to live for him-
3. He is Saviour now- but He is coming back as Judge- His love & Mercy is also JUST!  Be Justified!

B.- GOD'S MERCY HAS BEEN SHED ON US ABUNDANTLY LIKE A FOUNTAIN OF WATER

1. In your life how many situations to catch your attention to God- and lead to Jesus-
2. How many people have tried to witness to you- (consider human failure)
3. How many times you offered God's best for your life (Satan blinds you)

C.- BY HIS MERCY AND GRACE WE ARE MADE JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST, & GIVEN ETERNAL LIFE

1. Titus 3:7 - even though our sins are great- we are justified by His grace- made just!
2. We are made Heirs- of all his riches in Glory- joint heirs with Christ
3. The greatest treasure - Eternal Life- Now a Hope but steadfast and sure-

Have you experienced this mercy and grace? Accept Christ- Live for Him-

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