Thy Kingdom Come | Dr. Crawford Loritts | Sunday, June 14, 2026 | Scripture: Psalm 1:1-3

Overview | Outline

Reflections on Personal and Ministry Growth

• Jonathan Evans shares a personal anecdote about Dr. Loritts' son, Brian, and his journey of faith, highlighting the transformation and blessings Brian has received over the years.

• Dr. Loritts reflects on the congregation's faithfulness and the impact of their prayers and support on the ministry and the lives of the next generation.

• The importance of preaching as a divine message, rather than merely a speech, is emphasized, with a focus on the Bible's transformative power.

• Dr. Loritts prays for the congregation, asking for God's guidance and acknowledging the need for divine wisdom and direction.

The Role of the Bible in Personal and Corporate Life

• Dr. Loritts discusses the significance of the Bible in the life of the church, emphasizing that it is not just a book but the voice of God.

• The Bible is described as the foundation for identity and aspiration, and its centrality in the life of the church is reiterated.

• A prayer is offered, asking for God’s spirit to speak to the hearts of the congregation and for the church to remain true to its biblical roots.

• He shares a story about a man seeking to hear God's voice, illustrating the Bible's role as God's literal voice.

The Necessity and Power of the Bible

• Dr. Loritts explains why the Bible matters, emphasizing that it is essential for transformation and relationship with God.

• The Bible is described as true and worthy of belief and obedience, and its role in guiding and transforming lives is highlighted.

• The cultural resistance to being told what to do is addressed, with a call to align with God's purposes rather than seeking personal happiness.

• The Bible's unity and unified message, centered on Jesus, are emphasized, and its uniqueness and divine origin are affirmed.

The Self-Authenticating Nature of the Bible

• Dr. Loritts discusses the self-authenticating nature of the Bible, explaining that it does not need external confirmation to validate its power.

• The importance of submitting to and obeying the Bible is emphasized, with a promise of transformation through its application.

• The Bible is described as the foundation for purpose and success, with success defined as alignment with God’s purposes.

• An illustration from Joshua 1 is used to emphasize the importance of meditating on the law day and night to achieve prosperity and success.

The Decision to Follow God's Word

• Dr. Loritts transitions to discussing the importance of deciding to follow God’s word, using Psalm 1 as an example.

• The necessity of refusing the counsel of the wicked, standing against sin, and avoiding the posture of scoffers is emphasized.

• The choice to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night is presented as the path to blessing and prosperity.

• The transformative power of the Bible in personal lives is illustrated, and a call is issued to choose it as a source of joy and delight.

The Impact of Choosing the Bible

• Dr. Loritts explains the impact of choosing the Bible as a source of joy and delight, using personal anecdotes to illustrate its importance.

• The Bible is described as a living book that brings life, resilience, and prosperity to those who absorb and apply it.

• The importance of discipline in reading and applying the Bible is emphasized, with a promise of transformation and spiritual growth.

• A prayer is offered, asking for God's favor and blessing on the ministry and the congregation, and for the new members to feel welcomed and valued.

Summary

Dr. Crawford Loritts emphasized the transformative power of the Bible, highlighting its role in personal and communal spiritual growth. He recounted his journey of faith, noting the impact of faithful leaders like Tony and Lois, and the importance of biblical preaching.  

Loritts stressed that the Bible is not just a book but the voice of God, essential for transformation and relationship with Him. He urged the congregation to reject ungodly counsel, delight in God's word, and meditate on it day and night. 

This practice, he argued, leads to a life of resilience, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment, as exemplified by the metaphor of a tree planted by streams of water.

Overview

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The Bible is central to Christian identity, not just a reference but the very voice of God and the foundation for transformation and relationship with Him.

Preaching is not about eloquence or entertainment, but delivering a timely word from God to His people.

The Bible is unique, self-authenticating, and the unified message of Jesus Christ runs throughout its pages.

Success in life is defined by alignment with God’s purposes, not personal ambition; this alignment comes through knowing, meditating on, and obeying God's Word.

• Psalm 1:1-3 highlights the importance of making decisive choices:

• Refusing ungodly influences

• Choosing to delight in and meditate on God's Word

• Becoming spiritually fruitful and resilient as a result.

• Transformation and spiritual prosperity are the legacy of those who discipline themselves to prioritize and apply God’s Word daily.

• The church community is encouraged to remain rooted in the Word, support one another, and welcome new members into a loving, spiritually nurturing environment.

Notes | Thoughts | Reflections on Sermon

Success in the Bible is Understanding the Passionate Pursuit of God’s Word

Biblical Success is measured by aligning our lives to God’s purposes through a passionate pursuit of Scripture. 

2 Timothy: God’s Presence Goes with This Book.  It is God’s authority. 

Key passages in 2 Timothy that speak about suffering/persecution addressed to/including Timothy:

• 2 Timothy 1:8 — Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord and to “share in suffering for the gospel,” i.e., a call to endure opposition.

• 2 Timothy 2:3–4 — Paul tells Timothy to “share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” and not be distracted by civilian affairs, an image of endurance under hardship.

• 2 Timothy 3:10–12 — Paul contrasts Timothy’s experience with false teachers and states the pattern plainly: “You, however, know all about my teaching… and persecutions, and sufferings — such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This passage explicitly links Timothy’s apprenticeship under Paul with the reality of persecution for gospel faithfulness.




Brief Note: Elsewhere in the Pastoral Epistles, Paul frames suffering as expected for those faithful to the gospel and encourages Timothy to endure; these are the main verses in 2 Timothy that address that theme. 

 1 Timothy 4 Summary and Interpretation

Summary

• Paul warns Timothy about coming false teachers and deceptive doctrines that lead people away from the faith (vv. 1–5).

• He describes their tactics: forbidding marriage, prescribing abstinence from certain foods, and promoting ascetic regulations that appear spiritual but are contrary to God’s created order and the truth of the gospel vv.1–5.

• Paul exhorts Timothy to be sober-minded and to endure hardship as a good minister of Christ (vv. 6–11).

• He urges Timothy to train himself in godliness, to prioritize spiritual formation over bodily discipline, and to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (vv. 7–12).

• Paul encourages faithful persistence in ministry: careful reading, exhortation, teaching, and stewardship of the entrusted message until Paul’s return vv.13–16.

• He reminds Timothy of the value of godly mentorship, the example of Paul, Lois, and Eunice, and warns against neglecting his gift; he closes with an appeal to persevere in the public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching (vv. 14–16).

Interpretation and Implications

• Divine Sovereignty Over Creation and Provision: Paul rebukes legalistic or ascetic distortions that treat God’s good creation as unclean; food is sanctified by prayer and thanksgiving v. 5), countering ideas that spiritual maturity requires rejecting God’s gifts.

• False teaching arises from apostasy and appeals to human sensations and speculations, so discernment and doctrinal fidelity are essential v.1–2.

• Spiritual Formation is Intentional: Godliness is a discipline to be practiced and trained v.7.  Christian maturity is developed by habituated commitment, not merely by moralizing or external rules.

• Pastoral Identity: ministry requires endurance, prudence, and exemplary character. Timothy’s public life and teaching credibility depend on consistent personal holiness (vv. 6, 12).

• Stewardship of the Gospel: the entrusted message must be guarded and proclaimed until Christ’s return; neglecting this gift risks weakening the church’s witness (vv. 14–16).

Practical Applications

• Prioritize sound doctrine and teach the church how to recognize and resist false teachings that repackage legalism or sensationalism.
• Emphasize spiritual disciplines that form character: Scripture reading, prayer, worship, and service, over asceticism or formulaic rules about externals.

• Encourage leaders to model integrity in speech and conduct; training, mentorship, and intergenerational faith transmission matter.

• Maintain regular public reading, clear teaching of Scripture, and exhortation so that faith is nourished and protected.

• Pastors and leaders should steward their gifts faithfully, investing in personal formation and perseverance under trial.

Transformation is Your Legacy

That’s a powerful takeaway — it captures Dr. Loritt's point that obedience to Scripture produces lasting change in lives and communities.  

Short phrases you can use aloud or in print:

• “Transformation is our legacy: lives changed by God’s Word endure beyond us.”
• “Let our ministry be measured by transformed hearts, not by temporary success.”

Dr. Loritts said the more you read and submit to Scripture, the more you fall in love with it. 

Short Ways to Use This Idea:

• One‑Sentence: “The more we read God’s Word and live under it, the more our hearts are shaped by its truth.”

• Practical Step: start a 30‑day Scripture rhythm 10–15 minutes/day and note one way the passage changes your thinking each day.

Church is a Place Where We Celebrate the "Words of God"

Dr. Loritts said the church “is a place where we celebrate the voice of God” and emphasized submission to and embrace of what God has said. Would you like me to draft a short reflection, a discussion question for the group, or a brief summary highlighting that theme?

Who is Crawford Loritts?

Crawford Loritts is an American pastor, author, and conference speaker known for biblical, expository preaching and teaching on discipleship and Christian living. He served for many years as the senior/teaching pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, GA, which is well‑known in evangelical circles, and speaks at conferences and seminars, and has written books and devotionals used in churches and study groups. 

The Bible is the Voice of God.  It Should Be Who We Are

• Short Reflection: “If the Bible is the voice of God, then living as a Bible-shaped people means letting Scripture form our identity, choices, and priorities rather than merely consulting it for occasional guidance.”

• Group discussion question: “What practical changes would look like in our lives and church if we truly treated the Bible as our primary identity rather than just a reference book?”

• Short Prayer: “Lord, help Your Word shape who we are; give us ears to hear, hearts to obey, and the courage to live out Scripture daily. Amen.”

Group Discussion of the Voice of God

Main Discussion Question: If the Bible is truly the voice of God and should shape our identity, what practical changes would we need to make individually and as a church to reflect that conviction?

 

Follow-up Prompts:

• Which habits, personal or corporate, most need to change to make Scripture the primary guide for decisions and behavior?

• How can we create rhythms that help Scripture form our thinking, e.g., reading plans, small groups, sermon responses?

• What obstacles cultural, personal, or organizational keep us from being “Bible-shaped,” and how can we address them realistically?

• Share one specific, measurable step you will take this week to let the Bible shape a decision or action in your life.

Joshua Proclaims Truth of the Bible; a word from God

Joshua models proclaiming the truth of God’s Word as a direct “word from God” — God commissions Joshua, commands him to meditate on and obey the Law Josh 1:7–8, and Israel’s victories follow when they act on divine instructions (Jericho), and fail when disobedience occurs (Achan). 

Short proclamation you can read aloud: 

“Like Joshua, we proclaim the Word of God as a living word from the Lord — to be heard, obeyed, and lived out, trusting God’s presence and promise.” 

Practical Steps for Your Group

Proclaim: Regularly preach and read Scripture aloud in worship so the congregation hears God’s voice. 

Meditate: Encourage daily meditation on a short passage Joshua 1:8 as a starter to internalize God’s commands.

Obey: Choose one communal obedience step e.g., a service project, a covenant renewal, or accountability pairs and commit to it for 30 days.

Remember: Use a simple memorial stones, testimonies to recall how God acted when His Word was obeyed.

Romans 10:17 Summary and Interpretation

Romans 10:17 NIV: Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 

Summary

 

The verse states that faith originates when people hear the message about Christ; hearing the gospel is the means by which faith is produced.

 

Interpretation and Implications

• Causation: Faith is not primarily a self-generated feeling but a response produced by receiving the gospel. Hearing the good news is the instrument by which God creates faith.
• The Word | Message: Refers to the proclamation of Christ — his life, death, resurrection, and saving work — as well as the Scripture’s testimony about him. Both preached proclamation and the written Word function to bring people to faith.
• Necessity of Proclamation and Scripture: The verse underscores the importance of evangelism, preaching, and regular exposure to Scripture; faithful proclamation is the ordinary means God uses to bring people to trust Christ.

• Human Responsibility and Divine Work: While God grants faith, humans are called to proclaim and to listen. Hearing implies a receptive response — hearing that leads to believing and obedience.

• Practical Application: Prioritize clear gospel proclamation, cultivate regular exposure to Scripture, personal and corporate, and foster listening hearts in worship, teaching, and evangelism so that faith can be produced and strengthened.

Dr. Loritts States: “The bible is Just Not An Inspiring Book or a Book Just to Be Considered"

Dr. Loritts argued the Bible is not merely an inspiring book or something to be casually considered; it is the authoritative word of God to be believed and obeyed. 

Practical Implications

• Prioritize Scripture in teaching and decisions; 
• Expect it to shape identity and behavior; 
• Preach and evangelize so people hear the word. (Romans 10:17)
• Create habits: reading plans, sermons applied, small groups that move hearing toward belief and obedience. 

The Bible Isn’t Just for Naming and Claiming

Dr. Loritts rejected using Scripture as a tool for “naming and claiming.” Instead, he argued the Bible is to be believed and obeyed, shaping our identity, repentance, and submission to God rather than being used to demand personal gain. 

Practical Takeaway

Resist treating verses as formulas for success 

Read Scripture to be formed, corrected, and sent into obedience. 

Who are the Authors of the Bible?

The Bible was written by about 40 different human authors over roughly 1,500–1,600 years.  They include a wide variety of people and roles, for example:

Old Testament Examples

Old Testament / Hebrew Bible (examples of traditionally attributed authors):

• Torah/Pentateuch: Moses (traditional attribution; modern scholarship debates multiple sources).

• Psalms: David and other psalmists (many psalms named for David; some anonymous).

• Wisdom Books: Solomon is traditionally linked to Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs (authorship debated).

• Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the twelve Minor Prophets (Hosea–Malachi)—each associated with the prophet whose name the book bears (some prophetic books include later editorial layers).

• Historical Books: Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah (compiled by various historians/chronists; Ezra/Nehemiah often linked to Ezra/Nehemiah themselves).

• Narrative/Books with Debated or Anonymous Authorship: Esther, Judges, Ruth, and others.

New Testament Examples | Traditionally Attributed Authors

• Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (traditional attributions; modern scholarship discusses composition contexts).

• Acts: Luke (companion of Paul; the same author as Luke is traditionally held).

• Paul’s Letters: Paul (letters to churches and individuals such as Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon; some Pauline letters' authorship is debated).

• General Epistles: Peter (1–2 Peter), James (James), John (1–3 John traditionally linked to the apostle), Jude (Jude).

• Hebrews: anonymous in the text; traditional attributions vary (Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, others) and remain debated.

Occupations | Backgrounds Represented

• Kings, shepherds, fishermen, priests, prophets, physicians, tax collectors, tentmakers, and scholars—showing broad social and vocational diversity.
• Christian belief holds that the Bible is authored by humans under divine inspiration, with God guiding the writers and producing a unified message despite their diverse backgrounds and the centuries that separated them. 

The Bible is the “Kingdom Manifesto”

This echoes Tony Evans’ description, presenting Scripture as a unified declaration about the person and work of Jesus and how God’s kingdom should be lived out in history.  

Short Line You Can Use Aloud: “The Bible is the Kingdom Manifesto — God’s unified proclamation about Christ and how we are to represent His kingdom in the world.” 

The Bible is the Expression of “A Living God”

Dr. Loritts presents the Bible as the living Word that reveals and communicates a living God, not merely a historical or theoretical text; it actively shapes our relationship with God and how we live.  

Short line you can read aloud: “The Bible is the expression of a living God — it speaks to us, shapes us, and calls us to respond.” Would you like a one‑paragraph reflection or a short devotional based on that idea?

Meditate on the Truth Day and Night

Practical Ways to Meditate on God’s Truth “Day and Night” | Brief Plan

1.  Morning Anchor | 5–15 min

• Read A Short Passage, e.g., Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1, Psalm 119:9–16.

• Ask: What does this passage say about God? What does it call me to do?

• Memorize one key verse for the day.

2.  Midday Reminder | 1–3 min

• Repeat the memory verse or a one‑line prayer that applies the morning passage.

• Use a phone alert or sticky note on your desk to prompt reflection.

3.  Evening Reflection | 5–15 min

• Re‑read the passage, review how you saw it at work during the day, confess failures, and thank God for any ways it shaped you.

• Journal One Sentence: “Today the Word taught me… / I will change….”

4.  Short Practices to Sustain It

• Use a simple reading plan of 5–10 verses/day rather than long chapters.

• Practice lectio divina: read slowly, meditate on one phrase, pray, rest in listening.

• Pair up for accountability or join a small group to discuss one passage weekly.

5.  Memory and Worship

• Sing or listen to a worship song that echoes the passage.

• Memorize key verses one per week/month so Scripture lodges in your heart.

6.  Corporate Rhythms

• Encourage public reading in worship and short practical application questions after sermons.

• Create a monthly “meditation challenge” for the congregation: daily verse, weekly check‑in.

Scripture Starters: Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; Psalm 119:11, 15–16; Romans 10:17; Colossians 3:16.

Truth is Meant to be Incarnational;  Be the Truth That You are Claiming

The Statement Captures Dr. Loritts' Point

Truth is meant to be incarnational, so we must embody the Scripture we proclaim. Practical ways to live this out:

• Model the Truth: leaders and members intentionally demonstrate Scripture in speech, decisions, and relationships so credibility matches proclamation.

• Practiced Habits and Adopt Daily Rhythms: short Scripture reading, memory verse, brief reflection that form convictions into actions.

• Accountability Structures: use small groups, mentorship, and public commitments to translate belief into observable obedience.

• One‑line to Read Aloud: “We must be the truth we claim — let our lives incarnate the Word we preach.” 

 

Psalm 1:1-3 Summary and Interpretation

Summary

Psalm 1 contrasts two ways of life: the righteous person who delights in and obeys God’s law, and the wicked who follow the counsel of sinners.

• The righteous is described as “blessed,” like a tree planted by streams of water: stable, fruitful, enduring, and prospering in due season.
• The wicked are transient and will not stand in the judgment; their way leads to ruin.  

Interpretation and Key Points

• Decision Precedes Development:  

• The psalm begins with a choice—whom will you listen to and follow? This intentional choice to reject sinful counsel and delight in God’s Word sets the path for spiritual growth.
• Relationship with Scripture:

• “Delight in the law of the Lord” implies not merely intellectual assent but affectionate, sustained engagement meditation day and night. Scripture is the life-source that nourishes and orients the believer. 

• Stability and Fruitfulness as Marks of the Godly Life: 

• The tree image communicates rootedness steadfastness, continual nourishment access to God’s life, productivity bearing fruit, and resilience leaf does not wither. Spiritual health shows in consistent fruit and perseverance, not occasional bursts. 

• Contrast with the Wicked: 

• The psalm emphasizes outcome—those who live by ungodly counsel are unstable and ultimately judged; moral and spiritual choices have long-term consequences. 

• Corporate and Personal Application: 

• The picture applies both to individuals and to communities; a congregation rooted in God’s Word will display sustained life and witness.

Practical Implications

• Make Intentional Choices about Influences: examine who/what you listen to media, peers, teachings and choose influences that align with Scripture.
• Cultivate Daily Meditation and Obedience: adopt simple rhythms: brief daily reading, memory, brief reflection, so the Word becomes the background music of life.
• Focus on Fruitfulness and Endurance: measure spiritual health by lasting change and Christlike fruit: love, joy, faithfulness, not by momentary emotion or success.
• Corporate Rhythms: encourage public reading, teaching, and practices that root the church in Scripture so the community collectively becomes a “tree planted by streams.”

Suggested Short Application to Read Aloud

• “Delight in and meditate on God’s Word daily so you may be like a tree planted by water—steady, fruitful, and flourishing by God’s life.”

Luke 14 Summary and Interpretation; relinquish ownership of your life.  Not Perfection but Decision

Summary

• Luke 14 contains teachings and parables of Jesus focused on humility, costly discipleship, and the nature of the kingdom.  
• Key Scenes Include:
• Jesus healing on the Sabbath and teaching about humility at a banquet vv.1–11
• Instructions about inviting the poor and marginalized to meals vv.12–14
• Two extended teachings on the cost of discipleship vv.25–35, including the call to “count the cost” and the parables of the Great Banquet vv.15–24 and the builder/warring king vv.28–33.

Interpretation and Themes: Relinquish Ownership; Decision Over Perfection

• Costly Discipleship and Decisive Commitment: Jesus insists that following him requires a resolute, radical choice. He uses strong language about “hating” one’s family and even one’s life v.26 to stress that allegiance to Christ must take priority—this hyperbolic language calls for relinquishing ultimate claims over one’s loyalties and agenda, not literal animosity.
• Relinquishing Ownership of Life: Jesus calls disciples to surrender personal control—“take up your cross and follow me” v.27. Relinquishing ownership means Christ becomes Lord of priorities, possessions, plans, and even reputation. It’s a posture of stewardship under God, not autonomous self‑rule.
• Decision Precedes Development: The “count the cost” warnings vv.28–33 teach that one must deliberately decide to follow, understanding the implications. Growth and maturity follow a prior decisive commitment; Jesus rejects casual or incremental discipleship that treats following as optional.
• Not Perfection but Determination: Jesus does not demand sinless perfection as a precondition; he demands a definitive orientation and willingness to endure hardship and to reorder life around him. The emphasis is on determined loyalty and willingness to suffer rather than flawless performance.
• Humility and Service as Marks of the Kingdom: The teaching on humility at the banquet vv.7–11 and inviting those who cannot repay vv.12–14 show that relinquishing status and rights is part of kingdom living—seek humility and serve sacrificially rather than pursue honor or return on investment.
• Universal Invitation and Urgency: The parable of the Great Banquet (vv. 15–24) shows God’s generous invitation to all and the tragic consequences when people reject or delay the decision—again underscoring that a timely, decisive response matters.

Practical Applications

• Make a concrete, public commitment: Decide now or soon what following Jesus means in a particular area—time, finances, relationships—and take a measurable step, e.g., join an accountability group, commit a portion of your income, or schedule service.

• Reorder Priorities Regularly: Use weekly rhythms Sabbath, Scripture, prayer, service that make Christ’s lordship visible in daily choices rather than relying on occasional feelings of devotion.

• Choose Humility and Hospitality: Practice the banquet teaching by intentionally serving someone without expecting a return visit, and invite or serve those who cannot repay.

• Count the Cost Before Major Decisions: Before major life moves, prayerfully consider how the choice aligns with following Christ and whether you’re willing to accept the tradeoffs.

• Encourage Decisive Discipleship, Not Perfectionism: Pastoral care should call people to committed obedience and endurance, offering grace for growth rather than demanding flawless performance as proof of commitment.

One‑line Takeaway to Use Aloud

“Following Jesus is a decisive surrender of ownership—not a call to perfection, but to determined loyalty and humble service.”