The Dones

Several years ago I learned about a phenomenon called "The Dones." This is a group of people, supposedly more than thirty million in number, who previously were involved in various churches, who, for various reasons, are no longer involved in organized religion. Many were very actively volunteering in their local congregations, serving in many capacities. In contrast to a group called the "Nones," who no longer claim any belief, the Dones maintain belief and a walk with God. I have participated in the Church in America, serving,giving,volunteering and even leading in various ministries in a variety of local congregations, both traditional and house based over almost five and a half decades. I have wrestled with the reality of the American church system for a long time and have done my best to change, ameliorate, or survive in it. As of today, I am a Done.

Birthdays

Today marks another birthday of my lengthening life. As I reflect back on that life that God has given me, I am extremely grateful that He saved me at the age of eighteen. His patience and perseverance with me since then is the most powerful way in which He has demonstrated His love for me. It hasn't been an easy road for me. I grew up emotionally crippled and socially awkward. I have made horrendous decisions and mistakes. Life is hard; God is faithful. He has blessed me with solid, enduring friendships. The one child whom He blessed me with loves the Lord and is walking with Him. May the Name of the Lord be praised forever and ever. May I endure until the end and be found pleasing in His sight. Again, my appreciation for all readers of this blog through the years.

Titus 2

Last night a few believers worked our way through Titus 2. We saw that sound doctrine doesn't consist only of topics like justification or sanctification, but also the behavior that God expects of various groups of people like older men, older women, younger women, younger men and slaves. I also reminded them as we looked at certain controversial points like wives submitting to their husbands of two foundational pillars of our faith. One is receiving the love of God, decisively shown by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The other is receiving, believing and obeying the Scripture as if Jesus was in the room with us speaking. The final section, verses 11 to 15,showed the importance of grace to live the godly and self-controlled lives that followers of Christ are called to live. Contained in this section, verse 13,is one of eight specific NT references to Jesus as God.

Titus 1:8-16

Last night our Bible study group worked through the 2nd half of Titus 1. Verse 7 speaks of what an elder, or shepherd of the Church should not be. Verse 8 speaks of qualities they need to have. Verse 9 speaks of the importance of sound doctrine, and of rebuking those who oppose it. We looked at three levels of admonishment, exhortation (encouragement),reproof,and rebuke. Rebuke is the most severe, not to be regularly practiced, but used particularly with regard to "salvation" doctrines. An example is found in Galatians 2 where Paul rebuked Peter publicly. Verses 10 thru 16 shows Paul refuting a major heresy in the early church against those (Judaizers) who insisted that Gentile believers keep the law of Moses including circumcision.

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!