Re: U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 9 are now posted; all notes for 2021 are up to date. Thanks for a good year!
Hi Ray,
?
Add me to your list please Ray.? Who knows, some of us MAY be
related.? Remember that I have 15.6% Scandinavian
in my DNA!!!!
Look forward to receiving it.
Blessings, Merlene
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Christine
Sent: Thursday, December 9, 2021 3:43 PM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 9 are
now posted; all notes for 2021 are up to date. Thanks for a good
year!
?
Ray, l'd also be interested in the info re Salme. Enough to stir my 25% of
Viking blood to some degree of battle frenzy!
?
Thanks
Christine (Eriksdotter ?) ?
On Thu, 9 Dec 2021, 3:17 pm Ian,
<imurray8@...> wrote:
Thanks Ray,
?
I am interested to receive the details re your fascinating family
history.
?
Blessings,
?
Ian
?
This is just a quick note to advise that all 2021 course notes for
R09-"That the Bible is about" are now up to date at ?
?
May you each have a pleasant and relaxing holiday season!? I
also wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022.
?
This group email will remain open during the holiday, and I am
always thrilled to receive your posts, questions, and comments.?
Researching Bible topics to answer questions and prepare course materials is
honestly the highlight at this stage of my life, along with continuing
detailed online family history research*.
?
Take care.
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
?
?
* My oldest ancestors
identified by DNA include one on my father's Finnish side and two on Mum's
Swedish side who died together in a battle in the early 8th century AD near
Salme, Saaremaa, Estonia. I have photos of their traditional Viking burials
in their respective Viking ships. Email for details if interested. 
?
|
Re: U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 9 are now posted; all notes for 2021 are up to date. Thanks for a good year!
?Ray, l'd also be interested in the info re Salme. Enough to stir my 25% of Viking blood to some degree of battle frenzy!
Thanks? Christine (Eriksdotter ?)
Thanks Ray,
?I am interested to receive the details re your fascinating family history.
Blessings,
?Ian
This is just a quick note to advise that all 2021 course notes for R09-"That the Bible is about" are now up to date at??
May you each have a pleasant and relaxing holiday season!? I also wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022.
This group email will remain open during the holiday, and I am always thrilled to receive your posts, questions, and comments.? Researching Bible topics to answer questions and prepare course materials is honestly the highlight at this stage of my life, along with continuing detailed online family history research*.
Take care.
Blessings,
Ray
* My oldest ancestors identified by DNA include one on my father's Finnish side and two on Mum's Swedish side who died together in a battle in the early 8th century AD near Salme, Saaremaa, Estonia. I have photos of their traditional Viking burials in their respective Viking ships. Email for details if interested.?
|
Back of DVD case (The Fabric of Time)
This should provide more information Christine
|
Re: U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 9 are now posted; all notes for 2021 are up to date. Thanks for a good year!
Thanks Ray,
?I am interested to receive the details re your fascinating family history.
Blessings,
?Ian
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
This is just a quick note to advise that all 2021 course notes for R09-"That the Bible is about" are now up to date at??
May you each have a pleasant and relaxing holiday season!? I also wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022.
This group email will remain open during the holiday, and I am always thrilled to receive your posts, questions, and comments.? Researching Bible topics to answer questions and prepare course materials is honestly the highlight at this stage of my life, along with continuing detailed online family history research*.
Take care.
Blessings,
Ray
* My oldest ancestors identified by DNA include one on my father's Finnish side and two on Mum's Swedish side who died together in a battle in the early 8th century AD near Salme, Saaremaa, Estonia. I have photos of their traditional Viking burials in their respective Viking ships. Email for details if interested.?
|
Re: Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 9 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Hi, primarily to Ian and Margaret,
I don't know how else to contact you re the DVD about the Turin Shroud that was referenced at class end today.
Over the years, l've lent it to a number of people, who have returned it with mixed responses!
It's a fascinating DVD and l'd love to think it's all accurate and true. I daresay, though, that Jesus meant His Word to be more significant for us than His physical earthly appearance. But, one can't help wondering.....
If you want to borrow it, l'd need your postal address, as l doubt we'd find it easy to meet.
My contact details are: 0492 911 699?
Enjoy your day! Christine
Our final session of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About for 2021?will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll complete the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Dec. 9, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 9 are now posted; all notes for 2021 are up to date. Thanks for a good year!
This is just a quick note to advise that all 2021 course notes for R09-"That the Bible is about" are now up to date at??
May you each have a pleasant and relaxing holiday season!? I also wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022.
This group email will remain open during the holiday, and I am always thrilled to receive your posts, questions, and comments.? Researching Bible topics to answer questions and prepare course materials is honestly the highlight at this stage of my life, along with continuing detailed online family history research*.
Take care.
Blessings,
Ray
ray.sarlin@...
* My oldest ancestors identified by DNA include one on my father's Finnish side and two on Mum's Swedish side who died together in a battle in the early 8th century AD near Salme, Saaremaa, Estonia. I have photos of their traditional Viking burials in their respective Viking ships. Email for details if interested.?
|
Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 9 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Our final session of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About for 2021?will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll complete the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@...
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Dec. 9, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84369631193?pwd=UEtxOUxjMG1PM1c2Q1RTVFJnR0hvdz09
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
Re: U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Session 6 are now posted
This is just a quick note to advise that the course notes for R09 are now up to date at??
Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Ray
ray.sarlin@...
|
Re: Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 7 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Thanks, Ray, for another compelling teaching session.
The mention of Lo debar tugged at my memory but l had to give in and look it up. It was the 'ghetto' town to which Mephibosheth's nurse took the crippled child to safety before David extended hospitality to him. David raised him up from nothing!
Have a great, albeit damp, week everyone
Christine
Session 7 of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll continue the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Nov 25, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 7 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Session 7 of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll continue the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@...
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Nov 25, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84369631193?pwd=UEtxOUxjMG1PM1c2Q1RTVFJnR0hvdz09
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 6 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
On Thursday, 11 November 2021, 10:23:51 am AEST, Ray via groups.io <ray.sarlin@...> wrote:
Session 6 of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll continue the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@...
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Nov 18, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84369631193?pwd=UEtxOUxjMG1PM1c2Q1RTVFJnR0hvdz09
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
Ray's Response to Merlene on Numbers in Scripture and Christmas
Hi Merlene,
Regarding your question about "newer" books than E.W. Bullinger, it's my understanding that his, first published in 1894, is still the standard.? It largely replaced an even earlier 1868 book by Malcolm White entitled "The Symbolic Numbers of Scripture" also available for free online.
An informative book that slightly preceded Bullinger included a series of seven 1887 lectures by F.W. Grant published under the title "The Numerical Structure of Scripture."? Reprints are available on Amazon.
These books drew heavily upon what some Jewish scholars see as the ultimate discourse on the subject, the?Baal HaTurim Chumash (Baal HaTurim's Torah commentary) of 700
years ago.? It explains gematria (number patterns), acrostics, formations
of letters, and Scriptural word patterns in detail.? For modern scholars, an English version translated by Rabbi Avie Gold is now available ($$$).
Bullinger is still the standard and can be found as the basis of most online webpages and articles, only some of which cite his work (possibly because it is long out of copyright protection).? There have been new books published, but few have stood the test of time.? A couple of these newer books (out of print but still available online) include: - "Your Days are Numbered: a Practical Guide to Numbers in Scripture" by Michael A., Price, Jr. (2003). ($)
- A two-volume "The Divine Code - A Prophetic Encyclopedia of Numbers" self-published in Melbourne in 2009 by Steve Ciccolainti of the online Discover Media (and Senior Pastor of the Discover Church in Glen Waverley, VIC).? Volume 1 covers numbers from 1 to 25, while Volume 2 picks up from 26 to 1,000. ($$)
A cursory look didn't reveal any reason to purchase either although interestingly Price cites both Bullinger and Grant. Ciccolainti's books are well-presented but seem to add some personal opinions and suppositions in places where Bullinger sticks with the facts.
The Christmas get-together is a wonderful idea.? Having floated the idea via these posts, let's see what transpires.
Thanks for your wonderful post.
Blessings,
Ray
On Sunday, 14 November 2021, 01:07:11 pm AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray and all,
?
Thank you for sending the link to Number in Scripture.? It is so
comprehensive.? Even up to page 14, the information in it is
staggering.? Great for studying on a wet day indoors!? but in many,
many days – or should I say ‘months’ it is so full of stuff.? Do any
newer books differ from what is written in E.W. Bullinger’s, or only
expand on his theories?
?
On another matter, a possible Christmas get-together.? Is is something
we could think about?? We haven’t been able to meet ‘face-to-face’ for
almost two years now and it would be nice to meet physically again if
possible.? I attend a couple of other U3A classes, all of which have
changed to Zoom since Covid-19.? Two of them are having an end-of-year
luncheon, to which I am very much looking forward.? What do you
think?
?
Kind regards,
Merlene??
From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 4:03 PM
To: [email protected] ; Wayne Weiler ; Patricia Van Den Camp ; Peter Wornham ; Cheryl Bellert ; Kerrie Ferguson
Subject: [b4uc] U3A Term 4-2021 Comments on E.W. Bullinger's "Number
in Scripture"
G'day
all,
Our
discussion today included how Biblical authors like Amos were aware of the
spiritual significance of numbers. The
basic idea is that God
designed and created the universe based on mathematical laws, and these laws and
principles continue to govern creation whether we are aware of them or not.
Numbers are used in the design of His Word, and the Scriptures exhibit a
numerical design that clearly announces the inspiration of the Creator.
Unsurprisingly, these are incorporated into the biblical
text in many ways, whether over, on, or underneath the surface.? For
example, some authors like the Apostle John structured his gospel and the book
of Revelation mathematically: many aspects are divisible by 7.?
You asked
how we might find the spiritual meanings of numbers. After
the requisite warnings about the rubbish on the internet, I recommended the
traditional Christian scholars' "proof text" on the subject: E.W. Bullinger's
classic work,
Number in Scripture.? A PDF copy
of the Fourth Edition dated 1921 is included at for your
information.
?
There are many newer books on this topic. If
you're interested, just drop me an email.
?
There's nothing magical or hocus-pocus about
the mathematical structure of the Bible or, for that matter, the Cosmos.?
Both are simply evidence of design and, consequently, evidence of The Designer.
They are silent witnesses to God (Romans 1:20).? The works of God
(creation) and the words of God (Scripture) were made by the same source of
inspiration and quite naturally harmonize.? Evidence of design is there for
those with "eyes to see and ears to hear" but is hidden from others.
?
Having some insight into the spiritual
significance of numbers may enrich your own Bible study and help explain this
passage or that.? If nothing else, it can provide the comforting assurance
that the Bible isn't just any book.
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
|
Re: E.W. Bullinger's "Number in Scripture"
Hi Ray and all,
?
Thank you for sending the link to Number in Scripture.? It is so
comprehensive.? Even up to page 14, the information in it is
staggering.? Great for studying on a wet day indoors!? but in many,
many days – or should I say ‘months’ it is so full of stuff.? Do any
newer books differ from what is written in E.W. Bullinger’s, or only
expand on his theories?
?
On another matter, a possible Christmas get-together.? Is is something
we could think about?? We haven’t been able to meet ‘face-to-face’ for
almost two years now and it would be nice to meet physically again if
possible.? I attend a couple of other U3A classes, all of which have
changed to Zoom since Covid-19.? Two of them are having an end-of-year
luncheon, to which I am very much looking forward.? What do you
think?
?
Kind regards,
Merlene??
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2021 4:03 PM
To: [email protected] ; Wayne Weiler ; Patricia Van Den Camp ; Peter Wornham ; Cheryl Bellert ; Kerrie Ferguson
Subject: [b4uc] U3A Term 4-2021 Comments on E.W. Bullinger's "Number
in Scripture"
?
G'day
all,
Our
discussion today included how Biblical authors like Amos were aware of the
spiritual significance of numbers. The
basic idea is that God
designed and created the universe based on mathematical laws, and these laws and
principles continue to govern creation whether we are aware of them or not.
Numbers are used in the design of His Word, and the Scriptures exhibit a
numerical design that clearly announces the inspiration of the Creator.
Unsurprisingly, these are incorporated into the biblical
text in many ways, whether over, on, or underneath the surface.? For
example, some authors like the Apostle John structured his gospel and the book
of Revelation mathematically: many aspects are divisible by 7.?
You asked
how we might find the spiritual meanings of numbers. After
the requisite warnings about the rubbish on the internet, I recommended the
traditional Christian scholars' "proof text" on the subject: E.W. Bullinger's
classic work,
Number in Scripture.? A PDF copy
of the Fourth Edition dated 1921 is included at for your
information.
?
There are many newer books on this topic. If
you're interested, just drop me an email.
?
There's nothing magical or hocus-pocus about
the mathematical structure of the Bible or, for that matter, the Cosmos.?
Both are simply evidence of design and, consequently, evidence of The Designer.
They are silent witnesses to God (Romans 1:20).? The works of God
(creation) and the words of God (Scripture) were made by the same source of
inspiration and quite naturally harmonize.? Evidence of design is there for
those with "eyes to see and ears to hear" but is hidden from others.
?
Having some insight into the spiritual
significance of numbers may enrich your own Bible study and help explain this
passage or that.? If nothing else, it can provide the comforting assurance
that the Bible isn't just any book.
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
|
U3A Term 4-2021 - Possible Christmas Gift Idea (New Book)
G'day all,
Over years of Bible teaching, I have
shared scientific and archaeological discoveries to prove the truth of the Bible, going against
the common modern myth that faith and science are intrinsically opposed.? Alas, our modern culture elevates atheistic scientism to god-like status and views faith in God as a threat.
Occasionally a book cuts through.
Geisler and Turek’s 2004 “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” is one of
several that have done so. But despite those “voices crying in
the wilderness,” the atheists continued their “long march” to capture virtually
every major Western institution including organized religion. The Judeo-Christian
concept of liberal democracy is under threat: for example. the USA in 2021 has rapidly
morphed from a flawed but law-based republic into a totalitarian state where political opponents are imprisoned
indefinitely without trial.? The COVID-19
epidemic has been used worldwide to enrich the wealthy and crush the
middle-class.
But with the bad comes the good news
that the globalist elites have pushed too far too fast.? People are starting to realize, per Shakespeare,
“that something is rotten.” Resistance grows worldwide against unconstitutional
lockdowns and vaccine mandates, and people are taking to the streets throughout the world.
Into this milieu comes the timely release last month of Eric
Metaxas’ new book “Is Atheism Dead?” In the 55 years since Time Magazine headlined
“Is God dead,” scientific advances have proven that not God but atheism, the malign
corrupting force now devouring liberalism, is dead.? Metaxas provides five streams of evidence that atheism is no longer an optional
belief for anyone wishing to be intellectually honest. - The Big Bang
- The "fine-tuning" in the universe
- The scientific debunking of the theory of abiogenesis (life emerging from non-life)
- Recent archaeological discoveries in the Middle East
- Advances in the theoretical and practical knowledge of what atheism is, along with the histories of both atheistic philosophers and atheist states.
So,
what’s the next step?
First
off, be informed. There is a logical and rational basis for one’s faith (or
even agnosticism), but not for the atheism that confronts us and those we love
in numerous forms every day.
Second,
share your faith with those you love.? Be
as ready to listen to the beliefs of others as you are to share your own
beliefs with them.? Reading together and
discussing parts of this book provide some useful tools.
Third,
where you experience the adverse effects of atheism, prayerfully resist.? Speak out.?
Protest.? Passively resist. Operate
within the law but refuse to comply with unjust laws. Cast informed votes.
Fourth.? Pray that it doesn’t get so far that a fourth
step is needed.
I
recommend that you consider buying and sharing this book with those you love
this Christmas.? It can help those
questioning their faith as well as help buttress those who already strongly
believe.? It contains messages that school
children and university students desperately need to hear.? Reading it together can help bond young
couples in the midst of the many challenges they face.
Koorong
has copies for $34.99 at this link ().
If the price is too daunting, please
send me an email and I’ll forward an eVoucher that you can exchange for the
book either in person or online with Koorong.? No obligation; it
will be my pleasure.
Happy to discuss.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin Tutor R09
|
U3A Term 4-2021 Class Notes for Sessions 4 and 5 are now posted
This is just a quick note to advise that the course notes for R09 are now up to date at??
Have a great weekend!
Blessings,
Ray
ray.sarlin@...
|
U3A Term 4-2021 Comments on E.W. Bullinger's "Number in Scripture"
G'day all,
Our discussion today included how Biblical authors like Amos were aware of the spiritual significance of numbers. The basic idea is that?God designed and created the universe based on mathematical laws, and these laws and principles continue to govern creation whether we are aware of them or not. Numbers are used in the design of His Word, and the Scriptures exhibit a numerical design that clearly announces the inspiration of the Creator.?Unsurprisingly, these are?incorporated into the biblical text in many ways, whether over, on, or underneath the surface.? For example, some authors like the Apostle John structured his gospel and the book of Revelation mathematically: many aspects are divisible by 7.??
You asked how we might find the spiritual meanings of numbers.? After the requisite warnings about the rubbish on the internet, I recommended the traditional Christian scholars' "proof text" on the subject:?E.W. Bullinger's classic work,?Number in Scripture.? A PDF copy of the Fourth Edition dated 1921 is included at??for your information.
There are many newer books on this topic. If you're interested, just drop me an email.
There's nothing magical or hocus-pocus about the mathematical structure of the Bible or, for that matter, the Cosmos.? Both are simply evidence of design and, consequently, evidence of The Designer. They are silent witnesses to God (Romans 1:20).? The works of God (creation) and the words of God (Scripture) were made by the same source of inspiration and quite naturally harmonize.? Evidence of design is there for those with "eyes to see and ears to hear" but is hidden from others.
Having some insight into the spiritual significance of numbers may enrich your own Bible study and help explain this passage or that.? If nothing else, it can provide the comforting assurance that the Bible isn't just any book.
Blessings,
Ray
|
Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 4 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Session 5 of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll continue the examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As per usual, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.? I will post the Session 4 notes from last week soon.
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@...
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Nov 11, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84369631193?pwd=UEtxOUxjMG1PM1c2Q1RTVFJnR0hvdz09
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
Friendly Reminder: U3A Term 4-2021 Session 4 Zoom Course R09 (What the Bible is About) will start at 10:45 AM today.
Session 4 of U3A's?R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today.?We'll begin our examination of the book of Amos.
Zoom login instructions are summarized below.??
I will be online from about 10:30.
As always, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at??shortly after each session finishes.
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@...
Topic: U3A Term 4-2021: R09 What the Bible is About
Time: Nov 4, 2021, 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane
To join the Join Zoom Meeting, please use the following web address, Meeting ID, and password.
- https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84369631193?pwd=UEtxOUxjMG1PM1c2Q1RTVFJnR0hvdz09
- Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193
- Passcode: 111002
Alternatively, you may choose to log in by phone by calling 07 3185 3730 and entering the above Meeting ID and Passcode.
|
U3A R09 Question and Answer on Luke 14:26
G’day all,
I received the following question by email: ?
Trust you are feeling better
today. My query on Luke 14:26 relates to
the word ‘hate’ in relation to father, mother etc. ‘Hate’ seems to me to be a very
strong and forceful word. Do any other translations from
the original use any different word or words please?
Hi ___,
Luke
14:26 (NKJV) reads:? "If anyone comes to Me and does not
hate his father and mother, wife and children,
brothers and sisters, yes, and
his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
Yes,
some versions twist the translation to read like the New Century Version (NCV)
and Good News (GNT) do: "If anyone comes to me but loves his
father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters -- or even life -- more
than me, he cannot be my follower." These include the God's Word Translation (GWT) which states "who are not
ready to abandon..."; New Living (NLT) which explains, "you must hate
everyone else by comparison"; and The Message, "Anyone who comes to
me but refuses to let go of ...."
The Orthodox Jewish Bible has an interesting take.? It
leaves the word "hate" in the text but adds a parenthetical
explanation that reads "[hyperbolically, in comparison to Moshiach (Messiah)]".
The problem with all of these is that the actual Greek word used
is?μισ?ω (miséō), which means "to hate, pursue
with hatred, detest," although it can also mean "to love
less."? Matthew Henry explains that people must be able to quit that
which was dead to become a true follower who is weaned from and dead to
creature-comforts. A disciple will not be sincere, constant and persevering
unless he or she loves Christ more than anything else in the world and is
willing to part with loved "people or things" either as a sacrifice
(e.g., like a martyr) or a temptation.? Per Matthew Henry, the idea is not
to hate the persons of our loved ones, but rather to lose our comfort and
satisfaction in them in preference for love for Christ.?
One must leave everything behind to follow Him.
Wiersbe's Commentary points out that Luke 14:26 was spoken to large
crowds, most of whom were interested in miracles, not spiritual things. Jesus
therefore?deliberately?preached a sermon that thinned the
ranks.? A disciple of Christ must love Him supremely, even more than we
love our own flesh and blood.? Wiersbe also makes the point that hate
doesn't suggest positive antagonism, but rather "to love less" (see Gen
29:30-31; Mal 1:2-3; Mt 10:37)?and "death to self". "Our
love for Christ must be so strong that all other love is like hatred in
comparison."??
Now look at the very next verse, Luke 14:27,?"And
whoever does not bear his cross, and follow me, cannot be my
disciple."??
Jesus then adds three parables to demonstrate why costly demands
are made on His followers: the man building a tower; the king fighting a war;
and salt losing its flavour.? The builder and the king symbolise Christ;
neither will be successful unless their followers are totally devoted to the
task.?
Taken in context, Jesus was shaking the people in the crowd
up!? The word "hate" was deliberately selected because it is
"strong and forceful" and forced people to stop and think!?
Those not wholly committed to Him fell by the wayside, just as He
intended.? His words were "fit for purpose" and watering them
down to make them more palatable to casual readers is diametrically opposed to
His intention and purpose.
Thanks for the email.
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09 Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the mailing list.
Blessings,
Ray
|
Re: U3A Term 4-2021 ANSWER TO MERLENE
Hi Merlene,
One of the 33 OT and 17 NT titles of the Prince That Shall Come (Antichrist) is the "worthless (or idol) shepherd" of Zechariah 11:17, which also gives some striking physical details:
"Woe?to the worthless shepherd,
A sword?shall be?against his arm
And against his right eye;
His arm shall completely wither,
And his right eye shall be totally blinded.”
The Bible also includes a number of traits: - Intelligent:?Revelation 13:18; Daniel 7:8.
- Charismatic Speaker:?Daniel 7:8 Revelation 13:5.
- Crafty Politician:?Daniel 9:27; Revelation 17:12, 13, 17.
- Distinct Physical Appearance:?Daniel 7:20, Zechariah 11:17.
- Military Genius:?Revelation 4; 17:14; 19:19.
- Economic Genius:?Daniel 11:38.
- Blasphemer:?Revelation 13:6.
- Utterly Lawless:?2 Thessalonians 2:8.
- Selfish, Ambitious Egomaniac:?Daniel 11:36, 37; 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
- Greedy Materialist:?Daniel 11:38.
- Controlling:??Daniel 7:25.
- Proud and Self-exalting Above God and Everything:?Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians. 2:4.
So is anyone like this alive today?? Surely, some of the aspects like the physical injuries could be incurred after he or she assumes the world leader role, so they're not necessarily disqualifying.? Other traits are purely subjective, so one's media machine could create propaganda to supply those public perceptions.? For example, many a historical leader called a "military genius" couldn't lead a pack of Cub Scouts in real life.? And Mr. Clinton earned "economic" credentials solely because he faced a hostile House and Senate that didn't allow him the profligate and wasteful spending that he and his party are best known for.
My point is that there are probably many suitable candidates alive today to become the biblical "world leader."? My personal sense is that Satan ALWAYS has candidates ready to drop into the role should needs arise.? The question perhaps should be how will we know them?
As a pre-millennial, I interpret the Bible to say that the world won't know the Antichrist until he or she implements the seven-year covenant of peace and security that ushers in the Tribulation.? The Rapture will occur some unknown amount of time prior to that event.? Hence, if my hermeneutic is correct, the Antichrist will not be revealed while we are living on earth.
Merlene, thanks for the question that you tucked into the end of your email.? Hope it's answered.
Blessings,
Ray??
On Thursday, 28 October 2021, 11:21:58 am AEST, Merlene <merlene@...> wrote:
Hi Ray,
?
Sorry to know you are unwell.? My prayers for a quick recovery with
less discomfort as possible.? It is good you are seeing your GP.?
Prayers that he will prescribe the most effective medication and suggestions for
that recovery.
?
Thank you for sending your response to Christine’s question re Red Horse to
the whole group.? I totally agree with your comments.
?
I was particularly interested in the latter parts of your email –
commencing with the paragraph “Man-o-man” .... I wonder how many more of us have
been thinking along exactly the same lines – I have for several months
now.? Especially as we are hearing of serious food shortages in the UK of
all places!? Who would have thought that only a couple of years ago!!?
The analogy you have made is insightful.? Our whole world has changed so
quickly the past 5 years, and for the worse.? It behoves all of us to cling
to our faith with steadfastness, not to lose hope with all that’s happening
around us, but trying to keep our eyes on the great future we have been promised
as Believers.
?
It could well be that the “world leader” you mention is already alive
today??
?
Rest, and get well soon.
Blessings,
Merlene
?
From: Ray via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2021 10:25 AM
Subject: Re: [b4uc] U3A Term 4-2021 APOLOGIES: NO R09 ZOOM CLASS
TODAY 28 Oct.
?
Hi Christine,
Thanks for your wishes and
prayers.
The Red Horse definitely does
NOT represent Christ.? Note the wording, "And when he had opened the second seal,
I heard the second beast say, Come and
see. And there went out another horse that was red: and [power] was given to him that sat
thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should
kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." (Rev.
6:3-4)
The Four Horsemen are symbolic warnings of the
death and destruction to occur in the End Times, specifically the seven years of
Tribulation.? They are both progressive (they appear in a specific order)
and universal (all can be present at the same time in various places around the
world).? The symbolic four horses are:
- White
Horse - political, conquest.? This represents the Covenant of Peace
and Security whereby the Antichrist (Pseudo-Christ) ushers in the Tribulation
through political control.? For three and a half years he “was
given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation“ (Rev
13:5,7)
- Red Horse - war.? "Take peace from the
earth."
- Black Horse - famine. "But hurt not the powerful
wealthy."
- Pale (Sickly Green) Horse - Pestilence (death).
"Death of 1/4 of the people by war (Red Horse), hunger (Black Horse), disease
(Green Horse)."
The
"Horse" that most people get wrong is the White Horse because Jesus is
pictured returning on a (different) white horse in Revelation
19:11.? Our politically correct and effete theologians try to define the
White Horseman of the Apocalypse as "conquest" or "false religion", thus
ignoring that that conquest can come by many means, all of which are
political in nature.
So
the message of the Four Horsemen is that POLITICS leads to WAR leading to FAMINE
leading to PESTILENCE AND DEATH.
Man-o-man,
does this sum up the Coronavirus, which was politically unleashed to unseat Mr.
Trump and took peace from the earth (peacefully for the most part) through
Draconian controls.? We now face the collapse of the worldwide supply
chains soon to lead to massive shortages in food, etc. (but not hurting the
powerful wealthy), which will bring disease (pestilence) and death to countless
millions.?
What's
missing is a world leader who ushers in a 7-year covenant of peace and security.
Bottom line: it sounds like you may have
misunderstood your study group leader because, if not, he or she could not
possibly be more wrong!
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
?
On Thu, 28 Oct 2021, 9:04
am Ray via , <ray.sarlin@...> wrote:
?
Please accept my apology that U3A's R09 What the Bible is
About will not be held today 28 October.? I have a touch of
laryngitis from a severe head and chest cold (allergy?) over the past few days
and nights.? Hope to see a GP later today.
?
I look forward to being with you next week to start our study of
Amos.
?
You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course
through U3A Brisbane for Term 4, 2021, OR you are a member of the R09
Discussion Group.? Please contact Ray at ray.sarlin@... if you wish to be removed from the
mailing list.
?
Blessings,
?
Ray
?
Ray Sarlin
ray.sarlin@...
|
Merlene
