Matthew 17:21

This morning one of my co-workers texted an intelligent and observant question. Why isn't there a Matthew 17:21 verse in the Bible? Had the opportunity to explain that the original manuscripts of the New Testament, written in Greek, did not have chapter and verse markings. Many centuries later they were added to Bibles written in Latin. As Latin was the language of educated people in Europe and North America until modern times, these chapter and verse divisions were used in the languages of many other translations including Portuguese. However more modern scholarship had discovered and subjected to textual criticism a vast new body of evidence from the original Greek. It was determined that in a few instances verses or passages had been added in the Latin based versions that were not supported by the Greek originals. Examples include Matthew 17:21 which says" that this kind only comes out through prayer and fasting." Other questionable passages are Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:53 to 8:11. However no important doctrines are affected.

Habakkuk part 2

Last our Bible study group worked through the remainder of chapter 2 and 3 of the prophet Habakkuk. Starting at chapter 2 verse 6 we saw the judgment of God on the wicked Chaldeans continuing to the end of the chapter in verse 20. In the middle of this pronouncement of doom we find the wonderful promise of verse 14. "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." Chapter 3 is the prayer song of the prophet. He asks God "in wrath remember mercy" which reminds me of Jesus's story of two men who pray in the temple. One,a Pharisee, proudly lists his accomplishments. The other, a acknowledged sinner pleads, " have mercy on me, a sinner." (Luke 18:9-14) In the final section of the chapter, verses 17-19 Habakkuk rejoices, "I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Habakkuk part 1

Last Wednesday evening our Bible study group began the prophet Habakkuk, one of the 12 so called minor prophets at the end of the Old Testament. These are referred to as minor, not because they are unimportant, but because they are shorter in length than the books of Isaiah,Jeremiah or Ezekiel. Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and God. Habakkuk doesn't hold back- God knows everything that he is feeling, thinking or about to say. This forms a good example for us. Be candid with God. He knows it anyway. The Lord responds to Habakkuk's complaint saying He will use a pagan nation, the Chaldeans,to judge the enemies of His people. Habakkuk utters a second complaint asking why God doesn't punish evil doers. Verse 13 contains the important statement that God is too pure to see evil. In chapter 2 God responds as He will to believers. Verse 4 informs us "the righteous shall live by his faith." This truth is amplified in the New Testament, especially in Romans. Justification by faith, rather than works, became the central doctrine of the Protestant Reformation. And all from a response from God to Habakkuk, whom followers of Christ will see in the next life.

Singapore

One of the features available to my blog is tracking of page views, not by person but by country. Since I renewed the blog in late,February of 2025, I have been curious to learn where my readers come from. At least thirty-five different countries have provided readers from all over the planet. By far the majority, probably 90% are from the small country of Singapore where English is the official language although a number of others are spoken. I take this opportunity to thank my Singaporean readers and pray that God bless them through what I am inspired to write. Without you the readership would be very small.

Titus 3

Last Wednesday evening our Bible study group worked through the last chapter of the letter to Titus. Verse 1 is one of several places in the NT that enjoin subnission to rulers. Cf. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14. Verse 2 contrasts with the following verses in stating what we should be like as opposed to what we are before Christ. Verse 2 also is one of five mentions of the theme of good works in this short letter which began in 1:16, continued in 2:14 (zealous for good works) and will come up again in 3:8 and 3:14 Verses 5,6,7 of chapter 3 show the powerful working of all 3 Persons of the Trinity in salvation. This encompasses the Father's mercy, the regeneration of the Holy Spirit and the justification by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 14 illuminates the theme of good works "to help cases of urgent need", while verse 13 directs the believers to assist itinerant ministers.

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!