The Lord My Refuge

For the second time I am working through a devotional titled "No Senhor Me Refugio," written originally in English by Dane Ortlund, and subsequently translated into Portuguese. He writes comments and observations on each of the 150 Psalms. Today's commentary was on Psalm 138. He writes (my translation from the Portuguese) "You want to glorify God? Here is one of the principle manners of doing this- allow that He love you." For many years I have believed that glorifying God is His supreme purpose and why everything was created. I hadn't put the idea of receiving His love as a primary way of fulfilling that purpose. As we say in English, maybe an old dog can learn new tricks.

Titus 1:1-7

Last night began facilitating a Bible study in the book of Titus using the English Standard Version, or ESV. ATMt the request of a long time friend and reader I will give some details of the study. Bear in mind that some of my perspectives are not mainstream although I believe them to be supported by Scripture. Titus is mentioned about a dozen other times in the NT, primarily in 2 Corinthians. As is his invariable practice, Paul refers to himself as an apostle, one of the ascension gifts given by the Lord Jesus. Cf Ephesians 4:7-11. We never see in Scripture the wording "the apostle Paul" which would indicate a title rather than a gift. If. Matthew 23:8-11 where 3 times Jesus shows us not to have titles. I believe only the Lord Jesus Christ should have a title. Verse 4, which refers to Titus as "my true child, (some versions say son) indicates the depth of their relationship. (also illustrated in 2 Corinthians 2:12-13). In fact, of all Paul's coworkers and companions, only Timothy and Titus are referred to us (spiritual) sons. verse 5 To put things in God's order it is necessary for Titus to appoint elders (plural) On this and 15 other references, e.g. Acts 14:23 I submit that church government is horizontal humanly speaking, with a plurality of Biblically qualified elders, none of whom is above the others. This view is in direct opposition to the vertical approach used in almost all American congregations. I don't expect my understanding to be accepted although I have experienced it working quite well in some churches in Brazil. verse 6, above reproach means no legitimate accusation can be lodged. husband of one wife. I am aware of at least six different interpretations of this verse. Take your pick. Children are believers, not guilty of debauchery or insubordination shows that a man with younger children should not be an elder. The primary qualification is godly character which sums up the specific requirements.

Philemon

Last night, New Year's Eve, had the pleasure of facilitating a Bible study in the book of Philemon. Two major themes emerged. The more obvious was the "appeal" approach that Paul uses in contrast to using his apostolic authority to command Philemon to do what would please God. cf. verses 8,9,10. The second is the unfolding of the close brotherly relationship that Paul and Philemon share. We read Paul praying for Philemon in verse 4, and of Philemon 's prayers for Paul in verse 22. We also see Paul's courage in going against the prevailing culture of slavery in the Roman Empire of his era urging Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than as a slave. May the Lord Jesus Christ abundantly bless all of my readers in this New Year!