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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

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

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 (Is Atheism Dead? by Eric Metaxas | Koorong). 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

G'day all, This is just a quick note to advise that the course notes for R09 are now up to date at https://www.b4uc.xyz Have a great weekend! Blessings, Ray ray.sarlin@... _._,_._,_

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 Number in Scripture (markfoster.net) 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

G'day all, 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 https://www.b4uc.xyz 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. _._,_._,_ _

G’day all, I received the following question by email: Hello Ray, 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? Regards ___ 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

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: 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

G'day all, 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@...

G'day all, Session 3 of U3A's R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today. We have a prospect of completing our study of the Gospel of John today. 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 https://www.b4uc.xyz 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: Oct 14, 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. _._,_._,_

G'day all, Session 2 of U3A's R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today. After we complete our review of Chapters 1-16 of the Gospel of John that we covered last term, we will examine what many bible commentators consider the "Holy of Holies" of the New Testament, John Chapter 17. It is also considered by many to be the "real" Lord's Prayer. 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 https://www.b4uc.xyz 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: Oct 14, 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. _._,_._,_

Hi Ray, Sorry I was late for your Session this morning due to an early appointment. Thank you for an inspiring wrap up of John to Chapter 13. Much to ponder. Blessings, Merlene

G'day all, This term's Session 1 of U3A's R09 What the Bible is About will commence at 10:45 AM today. The Zoom login instructions are summarized below. I will be online from about 10:30 for discussion or to address any questions. As always, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at https://www.b4uc.xyz 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: Oct 7, 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.

G'day all, You are cordially invited to participate in U3A's R09 What the Bible is About during the final term of 2021. We still have 6 chapters left in the Gospel of John, which the Apostle John wrote for mature believers. Many believers consider the Gospel of John to be a special book and real treasure that can speak directly to their needs in dark times like today. Session 1 will include a one-time review of John Chapters 1-16 that we covered last term. In the unlikely event that we finish the review early, we will address Chapter 17, often referred to as the "Holy of Holies" of the New Testament. This wonderful prayer by Jesus closes the Upper Room Discourse and precedes His agony in Gethsemane, His betrayal by Judas, and His arrest and trials. In it, Jesus prays that He may be glorified, that the eleven apostles may be protected and sanctified, and for all believers of all time. Zoom log-in details are included below. Sessions will last from 10:45 AM until 12:00 Noon. Please disregard the 10:30 start time on the email sent through U3A. It is incorrect as Zoom only allows written schedules to read in half-hour increments. As always, course notes for Term 4 will be posted at https://www.b4uc.xyz shortly after each session finishes. Any questions, comments, complaints, and/or recommendations will be gratefully received. 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: Oct 7, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon, Brisbane Every week on Thu, 10 occurrence(s) Oct 7, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Oct 14, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Oct 21, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Oct 28, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Nov 4, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Nov 11, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Nov 18, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Nov 25, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Dec 2, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Dec 9, 2021 10:45 AM to Noon Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAuceCurTorE9cfI6szBtdSEG99RBmATKQL/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGsrT0jHNeUsRCERpwIA4_oXe7ztn5cj_pemjazEDpxdgfFE8Uba4BdHfnk 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 can access the Zoom class by one-tap mobile: +61731853730,,84369631193#,,,,*111002# Australia +61861193900,,84369631193#,,,,*111002# Australia You can also direct dial the course in Australia from the following numbers: +61 7 3185 3730 Australia (Queensland) +61 8 6119 3900 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia +61 3 7018 2005 Australia Meeting ID: 843 6963 1193 Passcode: 111002 _._,_._,

G'day all, The course notes for John Chapter 12 are now posted at https://www.b4uc.xyz As next week is the final scheduled week this term, we will continue with the Gospel of John via Zoom in Term 4. Please enroll at the U3A Brisbane website. Thanks. Prior to the start of today's session, I noticed my computer's memory on C-Drive filling up again so I went through the steps that the "pros" from Singapore went through last week and squeezed out a few gigabytes of memory. As I was about to sign on to Zoom for the session, I noticed something interesting: I had inadvertently stumbled across the "Holy Grail" of wasted computer memory and in just a few minutes opened up over 60 GB of memory, thus solving my problem. What's more, I both know which specific folders to check periodically in the future to prevent the problem from recurring, but I also have some additional ideas of other computer files to check for similar problems. Now I really feel a bit better. See you next week. As always, your questions, comments, complaints, and/or recommendations for next term will be gratefully received. You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 3, 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 _._,_._,

G'day all, This is a reminder that our session begins in about one hour at 10:45 am. Our study of John's Gospel continues. Here are the enrollment details. I will be online from about 10:30. Topic: U3A R09 What the Bible is About Time: Aug. 26, 2021, 10:45 PM to Noon Brisbane To join the Zoom Meeting:- Go online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82391500970?pwd=ZSs3ZHVtSEQxRFpwRnZDWWYwOFZYUT09 Meeting ID: 823 9150 0970 Passcode: 696693 Or dial in by your location: +61 2 8015 6011 Australia +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 7 3185 3730 Australia +61 8 6119 3900 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia Meeting ID: 823 9150 0970 Passcode: 696693 You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 3, 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 for this term. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin

Hi Linda, Thanks for your notice. Wish you all the best. Enjoy your stay on acreage. I should have a good idea tomorrow whether we'll finish John by the end of this term or not. If we need an extra session or two and it isn't convenient for y'all to add a session or two to this term, we might just hold any additional sessions over to Term 4. Blessings, Ray

G'day all, The course notes for John Chapters 9-11 are now posted at https://www.b4uc.xyz Thanks for your indulgence with my rough start for today's course. Since our class finished, I have spent about four hours online with Technical Support in Singapore going through my computer. There were no viruses or anything like that, but there was one pesky Microsoft computer hibernation program that has a tendency to keep expanding to fill the space available. The problem I was experiencing was that it had pretty much filled my C-drive so Zoom didn't have enough space to let me in as a tutor. It's all better now and I have turned off the application that used that program and took up over 16 GB of memory (and growing). So hopefully the problem is now settled and I won't need to buy yet another computer. That's a relief. Term 4 enrolment will start soon for our continuing Zoom class. Hopefully, we'll finish John before then. It may require a session or two during the break. How would you feel about that? As always, your questions, comments, complaints, and/or recommendations for next term will be gratefully received. You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 3, 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 _._,_._,

G'day all, This is a reminder that our session begins in about one hour at 10:45 am. Our study of John's Gospel continues. Here are the enrollment details. I will be online from about 10:30. Topic: U3A R09 What the Bible is About Time: Sept. 2, 2021, 10:45 PM to Noon Brisbane To join the Zoom Meeting:- Go online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82391500970?pwd=ZSs3ZHVtSEQxRFpwRnZDWWYwOFZYUT09 Meeting ID: 823 9150 0970 Passcode: 696693 Or dial in by your location: +61 2 8015 6011 Australia +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 7 3185 3730 Australia +61 8 6119 3900 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia Meeting ID: 823 9150 0970 Passcode: 696693 You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 3, 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 for this term. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin _._,_._,

On Friday, 27 August 2021, 06:13:52 pm AEST, ianmurray <imurray8@...> wrote: Hello Ray, Prodigal son Ever since hearing about the parable of the prodigal son as a child I have felt sorry for the good son although I can understand the message that this parable is sending. Wealthy man and agent I find the message in this parable very difficult to determine. The wealthy man admires the cunning of his dishonest agent but is still badly treated by him and losing money. What is your understanding of the message that this parable is sending? Blessings, Ian ---------------------------- Hi Ian, The parables in Luke 15 and 16 should be taken as a single message about how God loves lost sinners and his love restores us to a right relationship with God. Heaven is filled with lost sinners who have come home. God waits patiently, with loving compassion to restore our full relationship when we return to him with humble hearts. He freely offers us everything in the Kingdom of God without dwelling on our past waywardness. The prodigal son (or really, the prodigal father with two lost sons) follows the parables of the Lost Sheep (more rejoicing in heaven over a single sinner saved than 99 citizens who never put a foot wrong) and the Lost Coin (God's angels celebrate every time even just one sinner repents). Jesus used these three parables to demonstrate what it means to be lost, how heaven celebrates with joy when the lost are found, and how the loving Father longs to save people. Because the younger son was as good as dead, his return was a time for rejoicing but the jealous elder son who still held the remaining 2/3 of the father’s estate begrudged losing even one fatted calf, Bitterness and resentment kept the older son from forgiving his younger brother. He was lost in his own sins which blinded him to the treasure that he had and had freely enjoyed through his constant relationship with their father. This brings us to the Parable of the Unjust Steward, which is based on the admonition in Deuteronomy 8:11-18 that everything comes from God and we should be thankful for all that we have and use it as He directs. Jesus wasn’t teaching us to be dishonest, but rather that we should shrewdly use our present worldly wealth and opportunities for future spiritual benefit. People can see worldly wealth in three ways: The thief says, “What’s yours is mine—I’ll take it.” The selfish person says, “What’s mine is mine—I’ll keep it.” The believer says, “What’s mine is a gift from God —I’ll use it to His benefit.” So how can wealth be used to serve God? Do everything for the glory of God. Maintain a single-minded focus on God. We can’t serve two masters, and worldly wealth is particularly meaningless from a heavenly perspective (can't take it with us). Wealth should be your servant, not your master. Jesus said to use wealth, not store it up. Use available resources to win people into the kingdom. There is nothing secular before the throne of God, so we shouldn’t act as if it’s any different on earth. It’s not helpful to split the material (e.g., money) from the spiritual (e.g., religion) and pretend that they are mutually exclusive. The rich man (God) appreciated that money itself was inherently worthless and had value only in what it could get done, and the unjust steward actually got a lot done (numerous accounts closed, numerous debtors freed of debt, numerous smiles, and plenty of good will). The story of the rich man and Lazarus flows naturally from these four parables. After physical death, it's too late to repent. Don't put off until tomorrow, etc. Fleetwood Mac was halfway correct when they sang, "Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone," but they certainly missed the mark theologically on "[tomorrow] it'll be better than today." Blessings, Ray P.S. You have received this email because you have enrolled for this course through U3A Brisbane for Term 3, 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 for this term.