The Bible Standard - Discover the Truth.
Christadelphians Talk about various subjects concerning True Bible Teaching.
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Episodes
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
In Job 8 Bildad, the next youngest in age, of Job's friends speaks. He together with Eliphaz contends that Job suffers because he has sinned. What is needed from Job is repentance. God will not allow you to suffer if you are upright. The fact that your suffering persists is proof of your guilt. Don't question the Almighty about your suffering - our experience is too limited to rightly judge - just acknowledge your guilt. He, like Eliphaz, musters his arguments from his understanding of nature. Job you must relent, change your way, confess to God and you will be restored.In Micah 3 the rulers and prophets are denounced for their corruption, contempt for God's people, callousness to the poor and total self-interest. Yahweh's face would be hidden from these godless religious leaders. These leaders prophesied of a peace that was not possible given the deplorable state they had brought upon their nation. The consequence of the nation's refusal to receive the Word of God would, verse 6, be a withdrawal of the inspired prophetic guidance - "the sun would go down over the prophets". We notice the parallels of Hebrew poetry - the expression is repeated to be reinforced in different words to say the same thing, "I am filled with power, with the spirit of Yahweh and with justice and might" (v 6 ESV). In this verse, the spirit of Yahweh is power, and is also the same as might. I This occurred from about BC 444 until the ministry of John the Baptist around 21 AD. There would be for them (verse 7) "no answer from God". By way of contrast to this the prophet Micah was "the inspired Word of Yahweh" to the kingdom of Judah (verse 8). And Micah would forthrightly denounce their transgressions, in order that God may save a remnant of them. The prophet's message was that their violence had filled up the cup of LORD's patience. God's exhausted patience the reason "Zion would be ploughed as a field" (verse 15). This message shook king Hezekiah to the core (see Jeremiah 26verses18-19). The prophecy was fulfilled by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. Chapter 4 says that, nonetheless, Zion (meaning "conspicuous"), Jerusalem's aspirational future glorious state would be realised at Christ's coming kingdom. Read verses 1-5 aloud, and pause and ponder - compare with Isaiah 2verses1-4. Verses 6-13 tell us that at that future time Yahweh will restore Zion (Jerusalem). The prophet calls the nation Jacob, after the father of the nation. Micah shows us that Jacob's personal life finds echoes in the nation's history - "her that halters" loops back to when Jacob's thigh was dislocated to teach him dependence on his God (Genesis 32). Likewise, the Almighty's affliction of the nation was designed to bring her finally in faith to her Maker. And through restored Zion Yahweh will bring all nations of the earth into subjection to Zion's glorious king. Hebrews 13 begins, "Let brotherly love (Greek "philadelphus" the love among brothers) continue". And this is the message of the first nineteen verses. There are many ways to show brotherly love and in verse 2 the writer shows that hospitality is one of the ways. Everyone is a stranger until you get to know them; and who knows whether the unknown person to whom you show kindness might even be an angel. In Genesis 18 3 strangers came to Abraham's tent bringing great blessings. Verse 3 focuses on supporting the afflicted and counsels visits to encouraged. This has often been done by Christadelphians resulting in people becoming believers, but without this you will be blessed in your care being shown to another).Verse 4 tells of the honourable and elevated state of marriage among believers; and states that sexual relationships outside marriage are unacceptable to God. Verse 5 tells of the dangers of coveting and explains that knowing God is the best way to counter this. Be content (see 1 Timothy 6verses5-10). The literal Greek of this verse is - "I will never, no not ever, leave you, nor forsake you". How incredibly encouraging are these thoughts - so that whatever is before us can be overcome v6. One person and God is always an overwhelming majority (see 2 Kings 6verses16). Always (v7) show respect for those who guide you to understand the Word and counsel of God. Imitate their faith, for it is sustained by an unchanging Lord Jesus Christ (v8). Grace must lead us (v9). We ought not be focused on the present - this includes foods, which are all too important a part of today's transient world. Verse 10 we live lives sacrificing everything upon our altar, Christ, who gave all to bring us to God. The Law of Moses taught the same in the code of offerings. It was leading us to Christ as the writer was reminding the Hebrew believers. As a consequence of doing this our Lord was crucified and we must take up our cross They were citizens of the coming Zion and not the present Jerusalem which was awaiting destruction. Our sacrifice is of praise - an attitude of gratitude (v15). Show submission to your guides in the Word, because it is not for their benefit that they give counsel. Those leaders, too, will be called to give account for their words. Pray for the writer, indeed for all who labour in the Word to magnify our Sovereign and His incomparable Son. Verses 20-21 give us the closing benediction. ESV "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever. Amen." Pause and ponder. Final greetings follow and finish with a request for God's grace to be with them.
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
In chapters 6 and 7 Job replied to Eliphaz. He says in chapter 6, "My complaint is just". To get the full impact of the Hebrew poetry reading from a modern version such as the ESV is recommended. Metaphor after metaphor is added by Job in an attempt to explain that nature's lessons do not agree with Eliphaz's contentions. In verses 8-9 Job asks the LORD to take away his life. From verses 24-30 he declares, if you can teach me and show me my faults I am ready to receive instruction. In chapter 7 Job says, that his life now is without hope. The truth of the words of verse 7 are echoed by James in chapter 4verses14-15. Verses 9- 10 of Job 7 tell us of an often-repeated truth in the Bible - that the dead are unconscious and incapable of thought. The rest of the chapter outlines the misery of Job's present life; and that death would be a better option.
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
Wednesday Dec 03, 2025
In chapter 5 Eliphaz continues his first talk. He says that, although the fool appears to prosper this is only for a time. As verse 7 indicates, the trouble for which that type of person was born will soon come upon them. This is not the case for the upright, contends Eliphaz. In verse 17 the words of Eliphaz are directed at Job - "Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore, despise not the discipline of the Almighty" (Hebrews 12verses5-11). The supposed friend is saying, since you are suffering greatly your secret sin must be great; so be grateful for the chastisement that has come from God. And when you repent you will find lasting peace.
The prophecy of Micah related to the period BC 787 to BC 721. Chapter 1 tells of the kings whose reign the prophecy spanned; and include an allusion to the earthquake of BC 786 - once more establishing Micah's authority as Yahweh's prophet (cp Deuteronomy 18). The prophet Micah was from a rural area - Moresheth. Verses 2-16 tell of the coming destruction, and like the pattern in Amos, the following chapter outlines the reasons for this judgment. The prophet Micah was a contemporary of the prophet Amos.Both prophets extensively use the device of ascending numeration - i.e. if (x) is sufficient, then (x+1) will be more than enough. Our God is beyond "sufficient", He is super abundant - Exodus 34verses6-7 “Abounding in steadfast love (chesed) and faithfulness (eduth) .. keeping steadfast love (chesed) for thousands" ESV; compare also the thoughts of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. Verse 2 echoes Isaiah 1verses2, and once again we are dealing with two contemporary prophets - Micah to the northern kingdom of Israel; and Isaiah the southern kingdom of Judah. By contrast to Micah Isaiah was the prophet in Jerusalem who was constantly able to advise the king. The language of Yahweh coming out of His place to judge is prominent among the prophets of this era. Micah declared that Yahweh will roar out of His place against the idols in showing His wrath. Israel's wounds were incurable and so God was left with no alternative, but to execute justice. From verses 10 to the chapter's end is an itinerary of the path the Assyrians took on their March through the Land. It is also a great play on words, i.e. tell it not in tell town; then, in the house of dust, roll yourselves in dust... v16 make yourselves bald like the bald eagle etc. After the conqueror had taken the prophesied route the foe would then take the population of the northern kingdom to exile in Assyria.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews is about "by faith"verses what can be accomplished; chapter 12 "with hope”verses patientlyenduring; chapter 13 "in love" the abiding overarching necessity for believers - these 3 (compare1 Corinthians 13verses13; Galatians 5verses5-6)). The writer completed the book on the great and lofty themes of God's Word. All good translations convey the sense of Hebrews 11 verses 1-3, that faith tells us that the framing, or adjusting, of this world's ages has been done with our Lord Jesus Christ in mind. Faith is the reality, substance, of the things being hoped for. Without faith, hope and love we would find ourselves living in a meaningless world. The chapter could also be called "Faith's family". From verses 4-7 the writer takes us to the roots of this family and looks at what was done by faith before the flood. Abel commences the list, and his name means "futility" - that is the human position apart from God (but with God all things are possible). Abel offered what God asked i.e. what God wanted. It cost Abel his life (as it had, and would still, cost the lives of the faithful readers of this book should they stand firm for their faith). But faith gave Abel an abiding and eternal life guaranteed by God. Similarly, Enoch's life was threatened by Lamech, whose power could not match that of our Almighty Sovereign. Verse 6 should be read slowly and pondered, "Without faith it is not possible to please God; for the ones who come to Him must wholeheartedly believe two things - God is; and He becomes a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him". Noah was warned of God about a coming flood, when as yet it had not even rained on earth. The readers were likewise being threatened to be overwhelmed by an impending and tumultuous unstoppable Roman tide, and if they were without God's provided ark (Christ) they could not survive. By faith Noah built the ark to save his family, commencing this labour 20 years before having any family.Consider Abraham and Sarah (Vv8-12). They, says the prophet Isaiah, were the human founding source of faith's family (51verses1-2). Both of them left a life of luxury to faithfully follow He who had promised them a land and city with foundations (verses 9-16; cp also Hebrews 6verses13-20). The writer shows that all the Father's family died in faith awaiting their future reward at Christ's coming. The book's readers, likewise, had in Jerusalem no continuing city; but were seeking the one which their God was building; and by faith they would constitute that city (Psalm 87). It was by faith (verses 17-19) that Abraham was able to offer, as a sacrifice, the heir of the promises. Abraham was fully and firmly convinced that Isaac would be resurrected. The members of the patriarchal family demonstrated their faith, often in small and simple ways - faith is frequently shown in the little things (verses 20-22). Moses' faith was evident when God used Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt. Faith gave Moses the capacity to endure suffering. Moses looked, not on what seemed to be, but believed what the Omnipotent had promised (so must the readers' faith sustain them in their trials). Faith brought Israel through the Red Sea (and it sustained would see them rewarded in the Promised Land). The writer says time was insufficient to keep naming the members of faith's family (verses 32-38); but consider the power of faith to sustain enduring trust in God to live faithfully in a godless world. And all of these together with us will receive the reward of the faithful when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to set up his kingdom on earth (verse 39).
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Tuesday Dec 02, 2025
Thoughts on the Bible Readings December 3rd (Job 3, 4; Jonah 4; Hebrews 10)
The initial suffering of Job is intensified in chapters 3-41 as we are told of his education. Following the drift of the conversations and the unfolding drama in Job can be complex. Recommended reading to assist the above is available from CSSS -"The Education of Job" by David Baird. In chapter 3 Job is in such despair that he mourns his birth. Surely many of us have been there at some time in our life, but we should never lose hope - when we cannot help ourselves, God can and is willing and waiting for us to commit ourselves to Him in continual prayer. If it wasn't for the pathetic situation Job found himself in, the imagery and poetry is magnificent. One after another the metaphors of his tragedy are multiplied. Job 3verses13-19 tell us that in death people are unconscious and are as though they had never existed. From verses 20-26 the question is asked, "Would it have been better to have never existed, than to be enlightened and find oneself in the condition that Job now found himself?" Job 4 is about the response of Eliphaz who most likely was the eldest of Job's friends. The great error of his discourse that was widely believed at this time was, that God pays back people swiftly for their actions - right, or wrong. It is known as the doctrine of exact retribution. So, the argument of Eliphaz is that the innocent never suffer. And since you, Job, are suffering you must be guilty. Verse 7 is the key to Eliphaz's discourse. From verse 8 to the chapter's end Eliphaz says, this is what I have found in my experience. The record of the book of Job is not an endorsement of the beliefs of any of the friends. It is simply a record of what was said among them. In chapter 4 several of Eliphaz's views supposed spiritual views on the spiritual world are found to be false.
Jonah 4 concludes the book with the mission, which God gave him, being accomplished. Yet Yahweh must still teach the prophet some important lessons. In those lessons we find a great contrast between our God's compassion and the prophet's anger. Jonah, still the great patriot who knew what God would bring upon guilty Israel through the Assyrians, said to his Sovereign, I should not have done what you asked, since You are true to Your revealed character. God now will re-educate His prophet. Jonah left the city in a bad mood brooding on what would follow. The temperature intensely rose and Jonah's misery increased. And so, Yahweh in His kindness caused a gourd grow to rapidly and shade the prophet. Jonah was thankful for this. But then, just as quickly a grub destroyed the gourd. Jonah was outraged and complained to God, who told the prophet that the Almighty had worked two miracles, as was His right, to teach Jonah that Assyria was God's and did not belong to the prophet. Even the animals of Nineveh were under God's care. Today, the modern city of Mosul is built on the site of ancient Nineveh. The Taliban constructed massive tunnels beneath the city. And though there is no record of where Jonah went, or what he did, after the book's end, archaeologists have found beneath the city of Nineveh a tomb with the inscription, "Nabi Yonas" (i.e. the prophet Jonah). So, it appears the lessons were learnt and the prophet continued to labour preaching God's Word to the Assyrians.
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
The book of Job was, perhaps, the first written among the Old Testament books. From the people mentioned in the book it would seem to have been told between the time of Abraham and the Exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt. Perhaps between 40 to 80 years before the exodus. This would place the time of writing between BC 1571 and BC 1531. Its author may have been Moses. The place of the events described is in the area of Midian, to the south-east of the Promised Land. There are many views as to whether the events told actually happened, or were rather an ancient drama to instruct faithful believers. From what has been written in James 5 it would seem more likely to be a record of what actually occurred (James 5verses11). What an introduction to the man Job - he was the greatest of all men from the east. But, chiefly, his greatness lay in that, he "was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (verse 1 ESV). He is a family-oriented man, who brought up his family in "the fear and admonition of the LORD". Verses 6-12 introduces us to "the Satan" of the book. Note, that this time I have used an upper-case S, because the book is dealing with a specific adversary, or opponent - as the Hebrew word indicates - though the name of this adversary is not revealed). As a common noun the word occurs numerous times in the Old Testament, and in the vast majority of cases is without the definite article ("ha" in the Hebrew). The majority of the occurrences where the definite article is used are in Job and Zechariah (both of these books focus on an identifiable opponent, and in these two books that opponent is easily identified). Verse 6 speaks of a day when God's children presented themselves before Him and this tells of a time for gathering together for a specific purpose - such as when Israel gathered at the appointments of the Festivals. Or, when in this age, believers gather to memorialise the Lord's supper (coined "communion"). Job's adversary may have been a disaffected believer. He proposes that Job's reverence for God is conditional on Job's favoured status. God's advice to the adversary is that Job's uprightness is not related to the blessings Job receives. To prove the point God, for a time, gives the opponent power to test this. The Satan has no independent power (see Job 42verses11). From verses 13-21 we read of a succession of disasters which the adversary requested God to bring upon Job and his family.The chapter finishes by telling us that Job failed not. Job admits that it is Yahweh's right to treat us as He sees fit. Again, when the believers assemble together the adversary is there. Job's opponent is again confronted by God; but the adversary says that all mankind are essentially selfish. Yes, but says Job's foe, smite his health and Job will forsake his uprightness. This affliction of Job's health was permitted, and Job was smitten with leprosy (a loathsome, itching, superinfection of boils). Job receives no let up from the pain that this induced. Job's wife could endure no more and calls for her husband to curse God and die. Job rebukes her folly. From verses 11-13 we are told that when the news of their friend's suffering reached Job's 3 friends they came and sat in silence with him for seven days.
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Sunday Nov 30, 2025
Esther 9verses1-19 give details of the destruction brought by the Jews upon their enemies. At the Royal citadel in Shushan, on the 13th day of the month Adar, when the original decree requiring their destruction had come into effect 500 are slain. The fear of Mordecai fell upon all the subjects of Ahasuerus. Those killed were mainly nobles and included the 10 sons of Haman, who were ignominiously hung on Haman's gallows, where Haman's body already hung. But no spoil was taken by the Jews. Ahasuerus granted Esther that the slaying may continue in the remaining provinces. The following day a further 300 were slain in Shushan and 75,000 in the provinces. Still the Jews did not take any spoil from their enemies.After this was completed the Jews feasted and rejoiced on the 14th and 15th days. Gifts and food were given to celebrate the deliverance granted to them by their God. Verses 20-31 record the inaugural feast of Purim (signifying the casting of lots) on Adar 14-15 to be celebrated in all generations of the Jews. To this day this joyous festival is celebrated. Esther 10 concludes as chapter 9 began. Mordecai was great and second only to king Ahasuerus. Typically, we see God the Father reigning over all with Christ His Son as the second in command in the time beyond the Millenniumverses see1 Corinthians 15verses24-28.PROVIDENCE occurs in the life of every believer. Sometimes it will be evident. Often we may suspect God's hand was behind what has happened. Whether, or not, we see God at work in our life, rest assured He is. Recommended reading Robert Roberts, "Ways of Providence".
Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
The Life Of Christ # 112 The son of man cometh at an hour by John Martin
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Thursday Nov 27, 2025
Esther 3 introduces us to the villains of the book - those who are against Yahweh and His people. But as Isaiah 54verses17 tells us, they are doomed to failure. Haman, the son of Hammedatha (the Agagite), the richest noble of the realm wins king Ahasuerus' favour. Haman should never have existed if Saul had fulfilled God's commission to destroy the Amalekites. Agag is a kindred word to the "Gog" of Ezekiel 38. That latter day enemy will also attempt to exterminate the Jews. Could it be the Russian leader? Whoever it is he will be destroyed and buried in the valley of Jehoshaphat, and on the mountains of Israel. How quickly do the archetypal foes meet each other and the result is instant hatred and loathing. The Jew, Mordecai, is warned by the king's servants that in not bowing down to Haman he is in great danger. In verse 7 we are told that Haman seeks a sign from casting lots ("pur"), which he does from the first to the twelfth month, as to when would be the right time to destroy every Jew. From verses 8-11 Haman asks of king Darius (Ahasuerus) the right to destroy a race, which he describes as pests, whose existence (Haman said) was to the detriment of the king's realm (this is not this dissimilar to Hitler's argument in his book, "My Struggle"). If, says Haman, Darius allows this to be done 10,000 talents will be paid into the king's treasury facilitating this to happen. Permission is given and the postmen are sent to all corners of the realm announcing the date of the destruction of the Jews. Chapter 4 tells how God, through Mordecai, is able to thwart this plan. Firstly, Mordecai shows humility before he invokes help from the Almighty. Esther 4verses4 speaks of Mordecai’s remorse and from verse 5 Esther seeks to know the reason for his being clothed in sackcloth. On finding out, and having been told by Mordecai that this perhaps is the reason she has become Queen is providential. Esther agrees to be part of a counter plan to defeat Haman. Esther would do whatever it required, even if it is to cost her life.Amos 8 begins with the vision of the basket of summer fruit, revealing that God's judgments cannot be averted. Great destruction would be seen everywhere, even in the Temple, which they mistakenly believed was their defence. Verses 4-6 explain why their Sovereign is going to discipline them. The entire population is covetous in the extreme and sees religion as an impediment to their greed. Yahweh swears in His righteousness to avenge such evil deeds practiced by the rulers of Israel. Verses 8-10 tell us that what they hypocritically delighted in is to be totally overturned. Verses 11-12 speak of the famine that is to come when those seeking counsel from God would not find it. At that time their idolatry and calf worship will cease.
In the final segment of our Bible readings, we are introduced a picture of ourself - Onesimus, a profligate runaway slave, who in Rome is liberated from his wasteful state to become a brother in Christ. Theo key words in this letter are related to BOWELS. Paul is demonstrating his love for God, His Son, His Word, His truth, and for Philemon and his family and the ecclesia, as well as for Onesimus. The Apostle is demonstrating to Philemon that, we must not only know and live the truth, but we must also love it, and God and His Son and His Word, His truth, His ecclesia, His familyverses we must be emotionally involved and committed. K Paul sends Onesimus back to his master, as a fellow believer in Christ carrying this letter and the epistle to the Colossians. Onesimus is formerly described as being "unprofitable", which is our condition before we believed the gospel and received forgiveness. But now he has learnt to abound in his grateful realisation of his elevated status see Ephesians 2verses1-12. The Apostle Paul had taught Philemon the truth of the gospel. He speaks of Philemon's debt to God in the forgiveness which he has been given. Therefore, Philemon ought to show the same forgiveness to his fellow believer - even though Onesimus was his slave. The Apostle Paul is confident that Philemon will comply with the Apostle's request. Final greetings are conveyed through Epaphras, who carries the letter to Philemon.
Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
After the anger of Ahasuerus has abated, as chapter 2 tells, he consults with his young peers as to the process that is to be pursued in finding a new Queen to replace Vashti. Throughout his entire realm beautiful virgins are sought and the one who pleases the king is to be chosen. Verses 5-11 introduce us to both Mordecai and the maiden Esther, her Hebrew name is Hadassah (Persian word "Esther" = 'star'; Hebrew name "Hadassah" = 'myrtle'), When the newly created state of Israel was formed in 1948 their first ambulance service was called "Hadassah". Mordecai had been taken into captivity in BC 605 when Jeconiah was Judah's king. Esther is Mordecai's uncle's daughter. Esther pleases the head eunuch, Hegai, who is also in charge of the king's harem. Therefore, Esther is advanced by Hegai to be brought before king Ahasuerus as soon as possible. But at this point in time no one knew that Esther was Jewish. Verses 13-24 describe the care and process that is required for those to be brought before the king.Verses 15-18 tell of Esther's turn to enter the king's presence. She immediately finds Darius' favour and he gives a feast honouring her. Verses 19-23 inform us that Mordecai overheard a plot to kill king Ahasuerus. This plot comes from two of his chamberlains - Bigthan and Teresh. The greatest lesson of the book of Esther is of Yahweh's providential preservation of His people. Hence nothing in the entire book happens by accident. It all occurs because God's providential hand is directing everything.
Amos 7 tells of successive judgments brought on Israel (called Jacob in this chapter as he was the forefather of the nation) by Yahweh in response to the nation's waywardness. The first disaster is preparing the plague locusts devouring the developing crop. The second catastrophe is the sending of a great fire on the land - the fire is a symbol of judgment and frequently by warfare. The third disaster was the builder's plumb line to measure the nation's straightness and when applied the nation is found to be in need of correction. After each proposed judgment there follows the prophet's intercession for the nation with the refrain, "by whom shall Jacob rise, for he is small". Then we are told of God's response which indicates the decreed judgment cannot be averted. King Jeroboam 2nd's false priest, Amaziah, from Bethel (the house of God - (ironically so-called) tells Amos to stop saying things that the king does not want to hear. Amos' response is that he became a prophet involuntarily because of the Almighty's call to him as a part of the ministry of the prophets. Prior to that Amos earned his living by gathering and selling wild figs (sycamore tree fruit). Amos denounces Amaziah and prophesies a telling and spine- chilling prophecy against the false priest and his family.
Titus was a convert of Paul. Paul calls him "my true child in our common faith", as he likewise calls Timothy. Some suggest, with good reason that Titus may have been the brother of Luke the beloved physician. Titus' full name was perhaps Titus Justus. Paul leaves Titus in Crete to establish and solidify the Cretian ecclesias; of which one historian says that there may have been a hundred, or more. The three chapters contain outstanding information about individual lives in the service of Christ. The letter appears to have be written after Paul's release from 2 years house arrest at the end of Acts 28. After this conditions for Christians become far worse, as Nero blamed them for the great fire in Rome. 2 Timothy outlines some of the consequences of this with Paul being arrested at Ephesus and accused of being the ringleader of the Christians and therefore the prime instigator of the fire. The Apostle seems to have undertaken a fifth missionary journey. In the course of this journey, he and Titus have visited Crete to establish ecclesias, perhaps more than a hundred. This journey left the task of organising those ecclesias and the Apostle Paul leaves Titus on the island to do this. So, the book starts with the qualifications required to be an elder of the believers. These elders were to be faithful and experienced brothers. Verse 9 tells us that some of the elders were also overseers - elders refers to the body of men appointed to direct the ecclesia; whereas overseer speaks of a specific function that some of these elders had. Verses 10-11 of chapter 1 tell of the insubordination of many of the Cretians. Their gluttony, idleness and falseness are legendary in the Roman world. Paul ironically speaks of the Cretian paradox spoken by their poet Epiminedes, who claims all Cretians are liars, and yet in this he was a Cretian telling the truth. Paul asks Titus to firmly rebuke those who practise these behaviours. Such are unacceptable among any follower of Christ. The first chapter concludes by telling us that the pure in mind don't have their words and actions tainted by double standards - likewise those who are double minded corrupt all. Chapter 2 commences with instructions to the young men, such as Titus (v1); older men (v2); older sisters (Vv3-5) - this includes what they are teaching to the younger women both by word and, even more importantly, by example (cp 1 Corinthians 11verses1). In verses 6-8 he tells the young men that they are to be shining examples of followers of Christ. Slaves, who comprised two thirds of the Roman world, are told (V11-12) that by honesty and diligence they prove that they are believers and, by such behaviour, they enhance the reputation of true Christians. There is an emphasis in the letter on "soundness" (literally, not only being healthy, but more so that which promotes and imparts health). How meaningful is this given that the name Titus signifies "nurse". The book reminds us of little things, many of which are important. Don't forget the little things, which demonstrate tender care for fellow saints. We could do no better than to fix our minds and meditate on our sober responsibility to live expectantly of our Master's return as the book of Titus 2verses11-14 urges us. Read aloud, pause and ponder. Chapter 3 tells of the incredible power of the Word of God to purify our lives; and to ultimately save us when our Lord Jesus Christ comes to bring the kingdom of our Sovereign to the earth. All believers are reminded of the need for submission to God appointed order and authority. We show love and tolerance to all in recognising that this is what our God has done for us. The fifth of the faithful sayings occurs in chapter 3verses8, "Those who have believed God must be careful to be forward (Greek word indicates a proud store holder, who proudly stands in front of his/her quality produce) in good works". Pause and ponder.