Cretans and Their Prophets

‘For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but IN WORKS THEY DENY Him, being abominable (detestable), disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.' (Titus 1:10-16)

I hear many speakers disqualifying their listeners, and themselves, regarding works in the 'common faith' which Paul discusses with Titus. They regularly say "I'm not telling you that a person is saved by works!", or "salvation is though faith, and that a gift of God, not by works that we should boast!". Then, they go on to bring to light all the things that those folks won't DO; like pray, share their faith, gather together etc. When you inform a person that they are not saved by works, you had better qualify it: not by the works of the law of Moses, not by our own self-willed design, but by the message of the cross of Jesus Christ and believing in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead! Through faith in Christ, believing in the word/works of faith, no longer liars, evil, or lazy; nor prophets to those, allowing them to remain defiled and unbelieving.