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Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the R09 Class Discussion GroupThis email discussion group is for all past and present participants in the U3A Course R09 "What the Bible is About - An Informed Discussion of the Bible".? Joining and participating in this optional discussion group provides a way to communicate with each other and handle out-of-class Q&As.?
U3A Brisbane recommended the concept of email discussion groups as a way to facilitate online discussion between class members while we are sequestered during the CCP Virus (a/k/a/ coronavirus, COVID-19).?The idea is that we have a dedicated email group where we can exchange ideas, artworks, photos, etc. with each other.?? Each person can contribute simply by sending an email to?[email protected]?just as you would send any other email.? Images and documents can be attached as well.??All participants see everyone's messages and can choose whether or not to reply. Thanks for joining this discussion group. ?
Blessings,
?
Ray |
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1 and 2 Thessalonians
#1thessalonians
G'day all,
I hope that this email finds you all well. Some of you were unable to participate in Session 1 (Term 2) last Thursday where we discussed the introduction to Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians and covered Chapters 1 and 2.? Some of the material presented may be useful in fully grasping Chapters 3-5 of 1 Thessalonians as well as 2 Thessalonians in forthcoming Zoom class sessions, so a 23-minute video was prepared to cover what you may have missed (excluding the section from the book of Acts). You can watch the video at? Any and all comments are most welcome.? Ta. Blessings, Ray P.S. Hope to see you for the discussion of 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3-5 this coming Thursday. You can use the same login information as last week: To join the Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81918820881?pwd=jKIZRdGdK_Rcvx-1tQR_iw3WRTF5Lw Meeting ID: 819 1882 0881 Password: 025694 Or phone in on +61 731 853 730 Australia (this is the Queensland number 3185-3730, use the Meeting ID and Password shown above) One tap mobile +61871501149,,81918820881#,,1#,025694# Australia +61280156011,,81918820881#,,1#,025694# Australia |
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New video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3 to 5 now available.
#1thessalonians
G'day all, I hope that this email finds you all well. Because so many in last Thursday 28 April's session (U3A Term 2 Session 1) indicated that the video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 1 and 2 from 21 April was appreciated, last Thursday's presentation has been condensed into a second video.? The 27-minute video covers 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3, 4 and 5.? -? You can still watch the 1 Thess. Chapters 1 and 2 video at? -? You can still watch the 1 Thess. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 video at?? Should I post a download link to these videos on the class website at?? If this course continues during our CCP-virus lockdown, more videos will probably be made if there is any demand for them. I deeply regret all the technical difficulties that I have been having with Zoom.? They are all to do with my unfamiliarity with a computer program that, like all suchlike for the past three decades or so, is billed as so "intuitively obvious" (code for "simple") that a child can use it without training.? Being an engineer and complex project manager who has applied many complicated technologies in the past, I am mindful that the only people who can fully master such concepts as hyperspaces and quantum physics seem to be little children and advanced mathematicians.? I also hope to find the right buttons or sliders to push and or slide on my audio recording software to get rid of the tinny sound (although maybe that's just me). Thank you for your patience thus far. Any and all comments are most welcome.? You can send emails by replying to this email (at [email protected]) that all groups members will see, or to me in private at ray.sarlin@....? Ta. Blessings, Ray P.S. Hope to see you for the discussion of 2 Thessalonians this coming Thursday 7 May 2020. You can use the same login information as last week: To join the Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81918820881?pwd=jKIZRdGdK_Rcvx-1tQR_iw3WRTF5Lw Meeting ID: 819 1882 0881 Password: 025694 Or phone in on +61 731 853 730 Australia (this is the Queensland number 3185-3730, use the Meeting ID and Password shown above) One tap mobile +61871501149,,81918820881#,,1#,025694# Australia +61280156011,,81918820881#,,1#,025694# Australia |
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Re: New video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3 to 5 now available.
#1thessalonians
Hi Frank and Bev, Thanks for the feedback and information.? It is much appreciated. Like Peter, I have preached in various Baptist (and even Presbyterian) churches on occasion (now, unfortunately, all in the past).? I'm not ordained (goodness, I was an Army officer, engineer and project manager), but when coordinating the Australia-wide tour for Chuck Missler a decade or so ago now, looking to book church venues of 500 or more seats, I found that about 60% of Baptist churches in Australia were "between pastors".? While the Bible colleges were full, it seems that most of their students preferred worship or children's ministries to taking on the responsibility of being a pastor. I don't know if my messages were "thoughtful", but they were certainly weird.? I usually choose subjects from whatever I was studying at the time, and so my sermons tended to be fairly esoteric on topics like the book of Numbers and Lamentations and other little-explored areas of the Bible. I even did a few topical sermons like on heaven and hell (that was by request).? One that I recall fondly was a collection of OT and NT Bible verses that made the point that God doesn't love sinners (rather, He freely offers them His love which is something quite different).? The irony is that none of the words were mine - all were Bible quotations except for the title.? None-the-less, one of the deacons came up afterward to say that he strongly disagreed with me.  Thanks for helping Christine attend.? I have missed her in the regular class and her often searching emailed questions afterward. Happy to try to help clarify any misunderstandings or points that I didn't get across clearly.? I meant it when I said that Paul's books are nearly a complete systematic theology, and there are numerous lessons from his end-times studies in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.? Wait until we get into Zechariah next; on reflection, I may slip something less contentious in ahead of Zechariah.? It wouldn't do to have everyone put on sackcloth and ashes.?  Keep well and safe. Blessings, Ray
On Saturday, 2 May 2020, 06:06:00 pm AEST, Frank and Bev <frankmole@...> wrote:
Hi Ray,? ?Yep videos are great. Please do. Bev & I (and the others) really appreciate your efforts. Peter Lonsdsale? ( & Jan) are long time friends,? many overseas trips with them ( Israel etc). Tried to get him along last year, glad he can now make it and he is really enjoying the class. He had preached? on occasion at various Baptist Churches over the years and always a great thoughtful message. ?You will get thoughtful questions from him (Copied me on to the one about "works" & your reply as we both had difficulty with that & discussed it ) . Trust that is OK.? I am still studying Q & A. ?He worked for World Vision many yrs. Africa etc ? ?? Look forward to next? video/class.? Good to see Chris made it. She was given an I phone & I (&others) explained how to use it to join the class. Sorry forgot you can hear me when I shouted " its on now" Bev missing in action (putting washing on line)
Email sent using Optus Webmail |
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Re: New video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3 to 5 now available.
#1thessalonians
开云体育Happy Sunday,Firstly, a big thanks to Frank and Bev for your kind patience (including snailmailed instructions) in helping this IT retard set up the capacity to Zoom (but not like Flash Gordon, sadly). It still took me ten minutes to sign in, though. I’m now saving for an iPad in order to read the slides more easily.? Thanks to you,Ray, for another inspiring class and, yes, being able to rewatch your presentations is a real bonus. It made me happy, too, to catch brief glimpses of fellow R09ers. Interesting to learn of your Aus event management for Chuck? Missler’s 2009? speaking tour. I travelled from Toowoomba to attend it at Hillsong in Mt Gravatt, where l was ushered to a seat immediately behind the man himself! It was part of a Strategic Perspectives series?? Well, it’s 2 years now since he died, so l appreciated your homage to him by echoing one of his sayings in yesterday’s email, Ray.? I’ve not been part of a group email arrangement before. Economical communication. Could be fun Stay well, stay happy? Christine ? On 2 May 2020, at 10:46 pm, Ray via groups.io <ray.sarlin@...> wrote:
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Re: New video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3 to 5 now available.
#1thessalonians
Hi Christine, Many thanks for your kind comments. Yes, the tour was the 2009 Strategic Perspectives Tour with Walid Shoebat.? One correction, I wasn't the Event Director.? I had attended Chuck's tour in Canberra in 2007 and when I learned of the 2009 event, I contacted the Event Directors United Christian Broadcasters (UCB Direct) and offered to help.? They needed some assistance with finding venues, so I traveled around finding, assessing, and arranging prospective venues. I also helped arrange KI (Chuck's online school, etc.) volunteers for various venues as ticket collectors, greeters, ushers, hospitality and staff for UCB and KI booths, and supervised floor activities in Canberra and Taupo in New Zealand.? As I saw it, my "job" was seeing what needed to be done and doing it, calling on my US Army experience in high-level protocol.? My, now THAT's a long time ago - a whole lifetime, it seems - and included "organizing and managing" events as diverse as a cocktail party for 25,000 in Bangkok and a breakfast for 18,000 in Hawaii.? That's a real blast from the past. Thanks, Christine, for helping me dredge up those deeply-buried memories. Blessings, Ray
On Sunday, 3 May 2020, 10:59:56 am AEST, Christine <cjmcfadyen46@...> wrote:
Happy Sunday, Firstly, a big thanks to Frank and Bev for your kind patience (including snailmailed instructions) in helping this IT retard set up the capacity to Zoom (but not like Flash Gordon, sadly). It still took me ten minutes to sign in, though. I’m now saving for an iPad in order to read the slides more easily.? Thanks to you,Ray, for another inspiring class and, yes, being able to rewatch your presentations is a real bonus. It made me happy, too, to catch brief glimpses of fellow R09ers. Interesting to learn of your Aus event management for Chuck? Missler’s 2009? speaking tour. I travelled from Toowoomba to attend it at Hillsong in Mt Gravatt, where l was ushered to a seat immediately behind the man himself! It was part of a Strategic Perspectives series?? Well, it’s 2 years now since he died, so l appreciated your homage to him by echoing one of his sayings in yesterday’s email, Ray.? I’ve not been part of a group email arrangement before. Economical communication. Could be fun Stay well, stay happy? Christine ? On 2 May 2020, at 10:46 pm, Ray via groups.io <ray.sarlin@...> wrote:
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Re: New video on 1 Thessalonians Chapters 3 to 5 now available.
#1thessalonians
开云体育Well,Ray, if that’s not events management, what is??? I visited Brisbane for the 2007 session too (which is when I sat in the 2nd row). That was not long after my introduction to Missler’s teachings. A major perspective shift for me.?Thanks for your encouraging comment. Missing so many of my U3A classes has been a big disappointment over the past year.? Roll on Thursday On 3 May 2020, at 12:04 pm, Ray via groups.io <ray.sarlin@...> wrote:
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Class Videos
开云体育Hi Ray and all fellow Students,
?
Re your Two Videos:? In answer to your question “should I post a link
..... website etc.” my answer would be a definite YES.?
?
In appreciation of the time and care taken to make these videos I believe
they deserve a place where they can be viewed from time to time along with the
rest of the material on your website, and not lost after the conclusion of this
Term or year at U3A.
?
I didn’t detect a “tinny sound” from your recording.? Next time I will
use my BOSE headphones which are more sensitive to sound.? However, I did
have to turn the Volume almost up to Full.? Once again I used the computer
inbuilt speakers and didn’t listen through headphones or earbuds.
?
Thanks to Ray and everyone for your participation in the Group.?
Funny, I hardly got to know any of you during physical classes, but through this
Group faces are becoming real people!!? Nice getting to know you.
?
Cheers,
Merlene
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U3A R09 Term 2, Session 3 Notes for Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians
#2thessalonians
G'day all, Our three-part presentation of Paul's two epistles to the Thessalonians is now complete.? These two epistles are extremely important statements on Eschatology - the study of the End Times - yet they are little studied, preached, read, discussed, or understood.? You can now see why. Session 3 slides are now posted on our class website. The Session 3 video is available at? The theme building on our study of the book of Revelation will continue next week with a?study of the book of Jude.? There will be a few surprises in that study.?? The following week, we'll begin a study of the book of Zechariah, another eschatological tour de force.? The book is often called the Apocalypse of the Old Testament.? It is also the most Messianic book in the Old Testament.? Zechariah covers God’s future plans for His people through eight night visions, four messages, and two burdens. Hold onto your seat: the first "burden" is a prophecy of Christ's First Advent, where Jesus came to earth as the Suffering Servant.? The second "burden" involves the Second Coming of Christ, where He will arrive as the Conquering King.? Imagine that, these are just two of Zechariah's prophecies, written around 520 B.C. Your questions and comments will be much appreciated. Blessings, Ray |
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U3A R09 (Non-religious Bible Study) Term 2, Session 4 on the neglected book of Jude, sometimes called “the acts of the apostates.”
#jude
G'day all,
Our scheduled Zoom meeting this coming Thursday will focus on the book of Jude, one of the most fascinating books in the Bible.? Although it's very short at only 25 verses, it dips into some rarely discussed parts of the Old Testament and even the book of Enoch, which we'll cover to add context. Speaking of context, Jude adds context to our recent study of the book of Revelation.? The study of Jude is also an entry into some of the biggest controversies in the New Testament, including the concept of Perpetual Virginity and the seeming overlap of Peter's Second Letter with Jude. ?
But wait, there's more!? But I don't want to give everything away.? :-)
The meeting log-in details are shown below.? I hope that you can make it. Blessings, Ray ?
Topic: U3A Term 2, 2020: R09 What the Bible is about - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible
Time: May 14, 2020 11:00 AM Brisbane
? ? ? ? Every week on Thu, 7 occurrence(s)
? ? ? ? May 14, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? May 21, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? May 28, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 4, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 11, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 18, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 25, 2020 11:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUkduGgrDsiEtWMdTyT0gSzjetQEgY273Ku/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGppzoiEtaVuBGGRpwcHYj4WfzzpmJHj7dqsRvRGhQDZTDsPOdWA5d4KYqH
?
Join Zoom Meeting
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?
Meeting ID: 819 1882 0881
Password: 025694
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+61871501149,,81918820881#,,1#,025694# Australia
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?
Dial by your location
? ? ? ? +61 8 7150 1149 Australia
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Meeting ID: 819 1882 0881
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdRoumyo4v |
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Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians
#2thessalonians
开云体育Hi Ray (and to all Members of the Group),
?
Thank you for Video 3 – the sound effects at both beginning and end are
very dramatic – well done !!
?
A couple of things to think about from this Letter, one not so important as
the other two.
?
1.? I didn’t appreciate the fact that the Anti-Christ will not be
revealed until AFTER the rapture.? I always assumed that he would appear
before the rapture, but your explanation makes it very clear he comes
after.
?
2. Re the “Restrainer” – your reference that He has been with mankind for
over 2,000 years has important implications -
a.? That He wasn’t with, or dwelling within, mankind prior to the
coming of Christ.
b.? That He came to be “with” mankind after the Day of Pentecost and
remains within Believers until He (Restrainer) leaves with those Believers who
have accepted Christ, and by default, the Restrainer, also into their
hearts.
c. That those that remain on earth after the Rapture have
No Holy Spirit protection or intervention over their lives –
they are now entirely under the control of Satan, the AntiChrist and all its
forces.? Pretty awful situation that would be!? Unimaginable behaviour
– mankind at its very worse with inconceivable corruption!? The world can
be cruel nowadays with the “Restrainer” – don’t think about the
alternative!
?
3. Back to the Video, at about 25.35 minutes – Paul giving 3 Practical
Admonitions to the Thessalonians -
??? a. Pray and be Patient
??? b. Work if you want to Eat
??? c. Be Doers, not Hearers
Why is no reference made to “and be filled with the Holy Spirit” Paul is
absolutely silent on this aspect of the practical way for the new Christians to
live, but surely as new Christians they would have been filled with the Holy
Spirit – or were they?
?
Let’s take this thought further – as to why he omitted to include being
filled with the Spirit.?
Does that mean that the Spirit that appeared on the Day of Pentecost, with
all its supernatural manifestations, did not then apply in the Thessalonians’
time, and also today!? Obviously some religions still believe in
supernatural spiritual manifestations such as healing, prophecies, speaking in
tongues, etc. but the majority of Christians don’t appear to do so, or else
there would be a lot more evidence of it in our times.
?
So, why did Paul not encourage the new believers in Thessalonica to be
filled with the Holy Spirit??
?
Blessings to all,
Merlene
?
? From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 9:40 PM
Subject: [b4uc] U3A R09 Term 2, Session 3 Notes for Paul's Second
Letter to the Thessalonians ?
G'day all,
?
Our three-part presentation of Paul's two epistles
to the Thessalonians is now complete.? These two epistles are extremely
important statements on Eschatology - the study of the End Times - yet they are
little studied, preached, read, discussed, or understood.? You can now see
why.
?
Session 3 slides are now posted on our class website.
?
The Session 3 video is available at
?
The theme building
on our study of the book of Revelation will continue next week with
a study of the book of Jude.? There will be a few surprises
in that study.?
?
The following week, we'll begin a study of the book
of Zechariah, another eschatological tour de force.? The book is often
called the Apocalypse of the Old Testament.? It is also the most Messianic
book in the Old Testament.? Zechariah covers God’s future plans for His
people through eight night visions, four messages, and two burdens.
?
Hold onto your seat: the first "burden" is a
prophecy of Christ's First Advent, where Jesus came to earth as the Suffering
Servant.? The second "burden" involves the Second Coming of Christ, where
He will arrive as the Conquering King.? Imagine that, these are just two of
Zechariah's prophecies, written around 520 B.C.
?
Your questions and comments will be much
appreciated. ?
Blessings,
?
Ray
? |
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Re: Paul's Second Letter to the Thessalonians
#2thessalonians
Hi, Merlene and the group, You asked, “Why no reference to ‘be filled with the Holy Spirit’?”
The answer here is initially definitional.? What do you mean by “filled with the Holy Spirit?”? The answer will almost inevitably take us into the murky depth of theology, where, for example, Pentecostals may differ with Anglicans.? That said, let’s move on. Merlene, my immediate thought on reading your email was that the three practical admonitions are all actions under the control of the recipient, while the “infilling of the Holy Spirit” is not.? It’s something that transpires by the Grace of God within believers, like regeneration or being born-again. ?Paul saw baptism “in the spirit” as the act by which God made a believer a member of the Body of Christ.? Some religions refer to this as being “sealed” in the spirit, and it’s akin to justification, a once-off event. But this isn’t the only context in which the New Testament uses the expression “filled in the spirit.”? Luke in Acts 2:4 notes that at Pentecost the believers in the Upper Room were “all filled with the Holy Spirit?….” They then began to speak in foreign languages that they didn’t know and went outside and evangelized to the multitudes from around the world in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost.? Then Peter gave his finest sermon, starting with an expression that meant in effect, “they are not filled with wine, but with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:15) The irony of this was not lost on Paul in Ephesians 5:18 when he commands, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”? This, Merlene, seems to be the closest biblical text to what you seem to be asking.? Is the filling in Paul’s command to the Ephesians different from the one-off act of sealing a justified believer by the filling of the Holy Spirit? The Greek verbs used in our two proof verses, interestingly enough, differ: ·?????? Acts 2:4 - π?μπλημι, pimplemi, means to fill as in to fulfil or accomplish. In other words, done and dusted. ·?????? Ephesians 5:18 - πληρ?ω, pleroo, to fill to the full; to make replete; to complete; to consummate; to render perfect. Per Strong, it literally means to cram (as a fishing net full of fish).? In the Aorist tense, it expresses ongoing action as when it is translated “supply” in Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” So this is the crux of your question, why Paul did not command the Thessalonians to continue to fill (pleroo) their spiritual tanks with the Spirit. Neither Luke nor Paul meant re-baptism or regeneration or born-again in the Spirit. That would be completely inconsistent with everything else in Scripture about justification (salvation). So what did Paul mean in Ephesians 5:18 (other than a clever wordplay on what Peter said in Acts 2:15)?? Is he simply giving a wowser’s (non-drinker’s) response that instead of losing control under the influence it is better to remain in control with the guidance of the Spirit?? In other words, anything that alcohol can bring you, God can give you immeasurably more. Possibly, although Paul wasn’t a wowser, he was for moderation.? It would fit his verb choice. But there may be a call to experience to the full (and continue to experience to the full) what God can do through believers by His Spirit.? Your second question asked whether the same Spirit that appeared at Pentecost (and to Centurian Cornelius and his family) appeared to the Thessalonians (or to believers today). In the 1st century and now, some people saw cloven tongues of fire and rushing winds, and others filled with the Spirit didn’t. ?Believers have always had different ideas about the fullness of the Holy Spirit.? Here’s how I would answer this second question: 1.?????? I would prefer to substitute “indwell” in place of “appear”.? In that case the answer is that the Bible says, “Yes!” 2.?????? Keep in mind that those in the Upper Room (and many others) were already believers who had accepted Jesus and lived for and by Him and were justified and living sanctified lives.? Even so, when the Holy Spirit arrived, they were changed (super-charged). 3.?????? With non-believers like Cornelius, the inrush of the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost was a divine sign to the Jews that Gentiles were acceptable to God. 4.?????? The appearance of all signs and wonders in these two events each had a clear purpose. Per the Bible, people have different gifts, which are for the Glory of God and the edification of the Body of Christ. The Bible doesn’t require that everyone who accepts Christ handles snakes, for example, but some religions have made that their practice. 5.?????? Believers in Thessalonica received the Holy Spirit just as others did then and believers do today. Back to the primary issue: Scripture gives two testaments to the fruit of an individual’s fullness of the Spirit: 1.?????? To be witnesses (Acts 1:8) 2.?????? To fulfil their family and social roles and responsibilities (Ephesians 5:18-6:9) Jesus expressed HOW to be filled to the full in John 7:37-38 when He said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” ?This saying predicted the coming of the Holy Spirit.? So what are the requirements to be filled to the full with the Spirit?
So, Merlene, why no reference to “be filled with the Holy Spirit”? Paul wrote: ??? a. Pray and be Patient – Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 above ??? b. Work if you want to Eat - Items 2 and 6 above. ??? c. Be Doers, not Hearers – Items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 above. May I suggest that Paul covered the topic pretty comprehensively with the practical guidance that he gave, which, it seems to me, would keep their spiritual tanks topped up. Having said that, it’s now apparent why forests have been chopped down (virtual forests these days) to accommodate learned tomes on the nature of the supernatural fullness in the Spirit, whether a one-time event (justification) or an ongoing requirement (sanctification). ?That’s one reason we have religions. Thanks for the question, Merlene, it was highly appropriate for a Sunday. I value anything that immerses me in Scripture. Blessings, Ray On Sunday, 10 May 2020, 03:52:04 pm AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote: Hi Ray (and to all Members of the Group),
?
Thank you for Video 3 – the sound effects at both beginning and end are
very dramatic – well done !!
?
A couple of things to think about from this Letter, one not so important as
the other two.
?
1.? I didn’t appreciate the fact that the Anti-Christ will not be
revealed until AFTER the rapture.? I always assumed that he would appear
before the rapture, but your explanation makes it very clear he comes
after.
?
2. Re the “Restrainer” – your reference that He has been with mankind for
over 2,000 years has important implications -
a.? That He wasn’t with, or dwelling within, mankind prior to the
coming of Christ.
b.? That He came to be “with” mankind after the Day of Pentecost and
remains within Believers until He (Restrainer) leaves with those Believers who
have accepted Christ, and by default, the Restrainer, also into their
hearts.
c. That those that remain on earth after the Rapture have
No Holy Spirit protection or intervention over their lives –
they are now entirely under the control of Satan, the AntiChrist and all its
forces.? Pretty awful situation that would be!? Unimaginable behaviour
– mankind at its very worse with inconceivable corruption!? The world can
be cruel nowadays with the “Restrainer” – don’t think about the
alternative!
?
3. Back to the Video, at about 25.35 minutes – Paul giving 3 Practical
Admonitions to the Thessalonians -
??? a. Pray and be Patient
??? b. Work if you want to Eat
??? c. Be Doers, not Hearers
Why is no reference made to “and be filled with the Holy Spirit” Paul is
absolutely silent on this aspect of the practical way for the new Christians to
live, but surely as new Christians they would have been filled with the Holy
Spirit – or were they?
?
Let’s take this thought further – as to why he omitted to include being
filled with the Spirit.?
Does that mean that the Spirit that appeared on the Day of Pentecost, with
all its supernatural manifestations, did not then apply in the Thessalonians’
time, and also today!? Obviously some religions still believe in
supernatural spiritual manifestations such as healing, prophecies, speaking in
tongues, etc. but the majority of Christians don’t appear to do so, or else
there would be a lot more evidence of it in our times.
?
So, why did Paul not encourage the new believers in Thessalonica to be
filled with the Holy Spirit??
?
Blessings to all,
Merlene
?
?
From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 9:40 PM
Subject: [b4uc] U3A R09 Term 2, Session 3 Notes for Paul's Second
Letter to the Thessalonians ? G'day all,
?
Our three-part presentation of Paul's two epistles
to the Thessalonians is now complete.? These two epistles are extremely
important statements on Eschatology - the study of the End Times - yet they are
little studied, preached, read, discussed, or understood.? You can now see
why.
?
Session 3 slides are now posted on our class website.
?
The Session 3 video is available at
?
The theme building
on our study of the book of Revelation will continue next week with
a study of the book of Jude.? There will be a few surprises
in that study.?
?
The following week, we'll begin a study of the book
of Zechariah, another eschatological tour de force.? The book is often
called the Apocalypse of the Old Testament.? It is also the most Messianic
book in the Old Testament.? Zechariah covers God’s future plans for His
people through eight night visions, four messages, and two burdens.
?
Hold onto your seat: the first "burden" is a
prophecy of Christ's First Advent, where Jesus came to earth as the Suffering
Servant.? The second "burden" involves the Second Coming of Christ, where
He will arrive as the Conquering King.? Imagine that, these are just two of
Zechariah's prophecies, written around 520 B.C.
?
Your questions and comments will be much
appreciated. ?
Blessings,
?
Ray
? |
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U3A R09 (Non-religious Bible Study) Term 2, Session 4, The Book of Jude
#jude
G'day,
Belated Mother's Day greetings to you all (y'all for those in Texas).? The slides for last Thursday's Term 2, Session 4 on Jude are posted on the website and the Jude video is available at??This video is 47 minutes long. Should anyone be interested, the videos are also available as stand-alone mpeg4 electronic files. Hopefully, everyone can now appreciate what a gem Jude's epistle is, and why it has been called "the canon in a grain of sand".? Alas, for the same reasons, it is often referred to as the most neglected book in the Bible, and that's saying something! Next week we'll look at another tiny book that's often in the shadows, Peter's Second Epistle.? Because it has some concepts in common with Jude's letter, they are often studied together and a scholarly controversy (tempest in a teacup) exists over who borrowed from whom.? But what's important about this letter (and Peter's longer First Epistle that covers similar ground) is its focus on defending the Faith.? Some argue that Peter's are the very first texts on apologetics.? This unlearned fisherman not only commands each believer to be prepared to give an effectively reasoned argument for our hope in Christ but like Jude he provides extensive practical guidance.? ?I hope that you'll be able to join us at 11 AM next Thursday. Your feedback, comments, questions, suggestions, and complaints are all earnestly appreciated. Blessings, Ray |
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Re: U3A R09 (Non-religious Bible Study) Term 2, Session 4, The Book of Jude
#jude
开云体育Good morning Ray,
?
Thank you for forwarding last Thursday’s slides on The Book of Jude.
?
I will take up your offer to also have them as “stand-alone mpeg4” files
please.? That format is preferable to fit into my personal “electronic
filing cabinet” for ready access on diversified subjects in the Bible.?
Thanks.
?
Look forward to next Thursday’s Session to see what further issues could
challenge our long-held beliefs!? I’m still researching the concept of
Perpetual Virginity from last week!??? As you said
Next week will shine the
spotlight on Peter - will the real Peter please stand up!
?
You showed a
different side of Judas last week – it will be interesting to learn about a
“different” side of Peter this week!
?
Blessings,
Merlene?
? From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2020 4:06 PM
Subject: [b4uc] U3A R09 (Non-religious Bible Study) Term 2, Session
4, The Book of Jude #jude ?
G'day, Belated Mother's Day greetings to you all (y'all for those in Texas).? The slides for last Thursday's Term 2, Session 4 on Jude are posted on the website and the Jude video is available at This video is 47 minutes long. Should anyone be interested, the videos are also available as stand-alone mpeg4 electronic files. Hopefully, everyone can now appreciate what a gem Jude's epistle is, and why it has been called "the canon in a grain of sand".? Alas, for the same reasons, it is often referred to as the most neglected book in the Bible, and that's saying something! Next week we'll look at another tiny book that's often in the shadows, Peter's Second Epistle.? Because it has some concepts in common with Jude's letter, they are often studied together and a scholarly controversy (tempest in a teacup) exists over who borrowed from whom.? But what's important about this letter (and Peter's longer First Epistle that covers similar ground) is its focus on defending the Faith.? Some argue that Peter's are the very first texts on apologetics.? This unlearned fisherman not only commands each believer to be prepared to give an effectively reasoned argument for our hope in Christ but like Jude he provides extensive practical guidance.?? I hope that you'll be able to join us at 11 AM next Thursday. Your feedback, comments, questions, suggestions, and complaints are all earnestly appreciated. Blessings, Ray |
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Re: U3A R09 (Non-religious Bible Study) Term 2, Session 4, The Book of Jude
#jude
Hi Merlene and everyone, Thanks for your email, Merlene.? A Drop-box site will be set up to carry the video mpeg-4s for anyone to download.? It may wait a few days, but it's on my bucket list.? Thanks for asking. The slides can already be downloaded from the website b4uc.xyz. Uh, these sessions aren't meant to "challenge long-held beliefs", merely to encourage people to read the Bible and try to listen to what it actually is saying.? Rather than show a different side of Jude, for example, the idea is to add background and context to help understand Jude's powerful message in this little "canon in a grain of sand." Now, unlike Jude, Peter is a very complex character.??
Peter seems to exhibit extreme characteristics as well.? I'm not a shrink, but I might speculate that under great duress our friend Peter "the rock" might become Simon "the reed" and might even, shock horror, betray Christ three times.? Just sayin'. Don't worry, though.? None of this will be mentioned in next Thursday's session, which will focus on what the Bible has to say, particularly in his second letter, aided a little by archaeology and secular history to add background and context! I hope to see the whole gang there! Blessings, Ray?
On Monday, 18 May 2020, 10:48:16 am AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Good morning Ray,
?
Thank you for forwarding last Thursday’s slides on The Book of Jude.
?
I will take up your offer to also have them as “stand-alone mpeg4” files
please.? That format is preferable to fit into my personal “electronic
filing cabinet” for ready access on diversified subjects in the Bible.?
Thanks.
?
Look forward to next Thursday’s Session to see what further issues could
challenge our long-held beliefs!? I’m still researching the concept of
Perpetual Virginity from last week!??? As you said
Next week will shine the
spotlight on Peter - will the real Peter please stand up!
?
You showed a
different side of Judas last week – it will be interesting to learn about a
“different” side of Peter this week!
?
Blessings,
Merlene?
|
|
U3A R09: We begin the study of the book of Zechariah
#zechariah
G'day everyone,
Tomorrow, Thursday 28 May 2020, will be a special time, for we will start a multi-session study of the absolutely amazing Old Testament book of Zechariah.? This book of prophecy is incredible, and it has been called both the Apocalypse of the Old Testament AND the most Messianic book in the Old Testament.? Both are true, and Jesus appears throughout this book in many guises and under many conditions. If you're not already an aficionado of Zechariah, this study may make you one.? Some called the book of Jude the "canon in a grain of sand."? Zechariah, although the longest of the Minor Prophets at 12 chapters and 211 verses, is still a smallish book: however, it not only covers an interesting time in Israel's history but also the entire sweep of the New Testament - five hundred years before it occurs.? And, yes, Jesus is written of on every page! It is bittersweet that Zechariah's namesake, the great apologist Ravi Zacharias (the Greek version of the Hebrew Zechariah) passed away last week on May 19.? He was joined by one of my favourite Bible teachers, David Pawson, on Ascension Day May 21.? You have been the beneficiaries of them both, because I rely heavily upon their work as I prepare these lessons.? Each left a huge legacy. Session joining instructions are below.? We start at 11 AM. If you haven't already allowed Zoom to update your software, tomorrow will be the last time that your old software will work.? Zoom assumes all of us that if you log in fifteen minutes early or so, your application can be upgraded to Zoom 5 for free before the session starts.? Next week's session, June 4, will require Zoom 5. Please join me in wishing Linda a complete and speedy recovery from her hospitalisation.? She will be greatly missed at tomorrow's session.? I had been contemplating whether or not to keep doing the videos, but when I heard about Linda from Christine I immediately started on Zechariah I.? They are a lot of work (primarily making the audio track) but I must admit that I enjoy doing them. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow if you can make it. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. ?
Topic: U3A Term 2, 2020: R09 What the Bible is about - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible
Time: May 28, 2020 11:00 AM Brisbane
? ? ? ? Every week on Thu, 5 occurrence(s)
? ? ? ? May 28, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 4, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 11, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 18, 2020 11:00 AM
? ? ? ? Jun 25, 2020 11:00 AM
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Ray
Merlene