We teach complete obedience to Christ
RANDAL & VICKI MATHENY | SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS (SP) BRAZIL | YEAR 42
Last month we celebrated 47 years together.
Dateline: 6 Sept. 2026 ─ Has the restoration of the biblical model been accomplished completely? Even the most faithful writers among us often mention that it is ongoing, that there is more to do to conform ourselves to God’s plan.
Not everyone agrees how to proceed, of course. But our concern is to be ever more faithful to the sacred pattern given us in the Holy Bible.
Many in the brotherhood now are going the opposite direction. They deny a pattern exists, or they offer a denominational view of salvation and the church. The authority and position of man are preeminent. We, however, want John’s position: “He (Christ) must increase, but I must decrease” John 3.30. Or as the NET Bible translates it: “He must become more important while I become less important.”
Lately, a new theme song has emerged for us: “More About Jesus.” The first verse goes like this: “More about Jesus would I know, / more of His grace to others show; / more of His saving fullness see, / more of His love who died for me.”
The second verse in English really speaks to me as we seek to be faithful to our charge: “More about Jesus let me learn, / more of His holy will discern. / Spirit of God, my Teacher be, / showing the things of Christ to me.”
The Portuguese version that came down to us from the marvelous hymnal published by our people in 1976 had only two verses. (And translations of lyrics always differ, of course.) I added a third. Here’s the literal, unrhymed translation: “More about Jesus I will tell, / his cross I will proclaim, / his inner pardon, / his superior power.”
Our desire is to help people obey the Lord completely, 2Cor 10.6, to not disregard the least commandment nor to teach others to do so, Mat 5.19. For purification of our souls comes from obedience to the truth, 1Pet 1.22. If we don’t have the truth, we have nothing.
In other news
¶ Vicki and I went with Pedro and Karol to Guarulhos Aug. 22. I drove us all in our car. Pedro was one of four speakers for a couples’ seminar at the Pimentas congregation. (See photo below.) He did a fine job. It was a good time for us to be together with them as well.
¶ Vicki and I head to the USA on Tuesday, the 8th, to be with family. We’ll remain for a month.
¶ Our house will start a renovation project during our travel. The roof has begun leaking profusely, because the wood framing has sagged. It will have to be replaced. We’ll take advantage and open up the front, move the garage over, and give us more space.
¶ Another issue of EDIFICAÇÃO magazine was published a few days ago. Issue no. 79 (new series) highlights the theme of light. Son Joel had a fine article in this one. We're already working on no. 80, with the theme, “How God identifies himself.”
¶ Yours Truly had a birthday last month. Vicki said to put up this photo of a birthday moment after our Wed. night study together.
Please pray
- My sister Rita had successful surgery Aug. 25 on her shoulder. She has begun physical therapy.
- Vicki finished up another round of physical therapy. When we return in October, she’ll do a last round of it. She’s doing very well.
- Cida of the Northside congregation underwent a delicate surgery. She’s still recovering at home. Pray she recovers completely.
- I may have taken on a task too big for me: writing a book on the message of the New Testament.