The word of the day is “pure.” Today with the reading of Titus 1:5-2:1, we begin the reading of Paul’s letter to one of his most trusted co-workers, Titus.  In about 63 AD, Paul had appointed this Gentle Christian to oversee the mission in Crete.  It was a challenging ministry because the church was young and susceptible to smooth talkers who were deceiving whole households of church members (vs. 11). In our reading, Paul instructs Titus to censure these false teachers because they are “abominable,” that is, “detestable” (Strong’s 947),  “disobedient,” and  “unqualified for every good work” (Strong’s 96) (Titus 1:16).  Moreover, their motives are “dishonest,” that is “shameful” (Strong’s #150 ) (Titus 1:11). The Commandments of Men What are…