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Hi Ray, Another enlightening session today. Although you experienced a little computer glitch, it didn’t detract from the message. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend next Thursday’s Bible class. Early tomorrow morning I leave for 2 precious weeks catching up with family in Adelaide, whom I haven’t seen for over 2 & half years!! Blessings, Merlene

Good morning all, Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting of the U3A course R09 What the Bible is About - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible. This session will conclude Paul's defense of the preeminence of Christ against the Gnostics' empty philosophies, religious legalism, and man-made disciplines. Time permitting we may also briefly look at the reality of angels per the Bible. The course will run from 10:45 AM-12:00 Noon Brisbane time. Details to join the Zoom Meeting are as follow: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271042854?pwd=QVFUVkNJSDZKc2RqWFZYak9ZRUNXQT09 Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 If you prefer to dial-in by telephone in Queensland, use this number 07 3185 3730 Australia Hope you can attend. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin U3A R09 Tutor

Hello again, Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting of the U3A course R09 What the Bible is About - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible. This session will probe a bit deeper into Paul's important letter to the Colossians about the preeminence of Christ, his "full-length portrait of Christ." In our last several sessions, Paul has declared Christ's preeminence, and this week he will begin to defend it against the Gnostics' empty philosophies, religious legalism, and man-made disciplines. The course will run from 10:45 AM-12:00 Noon Brisbane time. Details to join the Zoom Meeting are as follow: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271042854?pwd=QVFUVkNJSDZKc2RqWFZYak9ZRUNXQT09 Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 Hope you can attend. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin U3A R09 Tutor

Hello again, Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting of the U3A course R09 What the Bible is About - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible. This session will continue with Paul's important letter to the Colossians, a letter surprisingly relevant to today. The course will run from 10:45 AM-12:00 Noon Brisbane time. Details to join the Zoom Meeting are as follow: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271042854?pwd=QVFUVkNJSDZKc2RqWFZYak9ZRUNXQT09 Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 Hope you can attend. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin U3A R09 Tutor

Hi, Most of you will have received the following email from U3A President Deslyn Taylor: "In view of the ongoing flood recovery situation throughout Brisbane, we have decided that all venues should remain closed for the remainder of this week. There are still suburbs under water, many closed and damaged roads, and very limited public transport throughout Brisbane, Logan and surrounding areas. We will aim to restart classes on Monday 7th March. Hopefully, Brisbane will have returned to at least some degree of normality by then. We hope that none of our members have been badly affected by the weather event and subsequent flooding." In light of this, our 3 March session on "What the Bible is About" will be postponed for a week to 10 March. Thank you for your emails. As an aside, we are grateful that our family has emerged safely thus far through the flood, although floodwaters came within a few feet of my son's inner-city home while inundating their next-door neighbor just down the hill on the same block and my 6-year old granddaughter fell and damaged her knee. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone whom this weather disaster has affected or will affect. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin Tutor

Hi Ray and All, Thanks for letting us know you and your family are OK through these floodings, except for your granddaughter’s knee. I hope the rest of our class is also safe and not too badly affected. I had rain egress into my laundry, but by putting thick thirsty towels on the windowsill it stopped it from running further down the wall into my laundry cupboard. Never had that before, but its OK now rain has stopped. On another more pressing issue, there are NO LIFTS running in my building since last Saturday, and STILL NOT working. Effectively that means that I am totally isolated in my unit as it is twelve floors to reach the car, ten to ground level. I’ve had to cancel physio appointments and believe I have sufficient food to last almost another week if the lifts are still out of order. But that is nothing compared to what others around my area are suffering – losses of complete power and internet, and some with major flood damage. I give thanks to God that He is protecting and watching over me in these trying times. Take care, and see you next Thursday, the 10th. Blessings, Merlene

Hi, Our first session for Term 1 of 2022 begins at 10:45 today. I hope to see you there. Details to join the Zoom Meeting are as follow: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271042854?pwd=QVFUVkNJSDZKc2RqWFZYak9ZRUNXQT09 Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin Tutor

Hi Marian, Thanks for the question. This will just be a quick answer for now, but always feel free to ask whatever questions you have. Hebrew poetry can add tremendous emotional impact and power to the text, and most of the Bible (Old and New Testament) uses one or more of its literary techniques. The poetic words change attitudes, call to action, or simply provide rest or comfort. The words of Jesus are themselves strongly poetic and full of wordplay, which is natural since He is usually quoting Old Testament scriptures. But we tend to miss much of the poetry for several main reasons: unlike Western poetry with rhythm and rhyme, Hebrew poetry is more about concepts and ideas. Although originally written in Greek, the New Testament authors (other than Luke) were all Jews and structured their thoughts along the lines of Hebrew poetry. "Parallelism" is perhaps the foremost central recurring pattern in Hebrew poetry; it refers to the correspondence of words and ideas between two adjoining lines (a line is called a colon). The two lines (cola) express a single large idea in various ways: Line 2 balances Line 1 by expressing the same thought as Line 1 in a different way (synonymous parallelism), Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? Line 2 balances Line 1 with an opposing or contrasting thought (antithetic parallelism). Line 2 (and possibly Lines 3 and 4 and...) develops or extends the thought of Line 1 (synthetic parallelism). The chiasm is also called "concentric parallelism" because the balancing thoughts (cola) are not necessarily next to each other but rather occur in a distinct menorah pattern. In addition, single complete thoughts can be conveyed in groups of lines (say 2 or 3 short lines) separated from the next thought by a space. Hebrew poetry also draws on the repetition of sounds (called "alliteration" if consonants and "assonance" if vowels). Of course, this doesn't translate well into English but it can still be occasionally seen where names or Aramaic words are not translated into English. Wordplay and puns are also common, as witness Paul's wordplay on the meaning of the name "Onesimus" = useful. Since every Hebrew name is a Hebrew word with an associated meaning, this is very common. All Hebrew words are drawn from a two or three-letter root word. This can also make for interesting wordplay. Meter and rhythm can also be used, where the author writes successive lines with the same number of syllables. Doing this for a bit and then shoveling in a line with one fewer syllable (unbalanced meter) can create a sense of emptiness or expectation in the reader. In an extreme form, changing the numbers of syllables per line can create a recognisable pattern like the clip-clop of a horse. So yes there are some additional poetic devices used throughout the Bible, many of which the English translators miss. I hate to say it, but many of the "modern" Greek New Testament versions since 1881 also miss the nuances of the innate poetry of Scripture; so "modern" English translations from those sources are especially handicapped. Marian, I hope this brief explanation isn't too academic. On occasion (e.g., introducing Psalms and Proverbs) our lessons have covered Hebrew poetry. I also try to call out good examples where I can. Blessings, Ray

Hi, Ray Sarlin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting of the U3A course R09 What the Bible is About - An Informed Appreciation of the Bible. This term we’ll start with an overview of the Lycus River Valley in Southern Phrygia (now Anatolia, Turkey), the setting for three New Testament books: Colossians, Philemon, and the Letter to the Angel of the Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). We’ll then examine each document in context, and perhaps find some surprising insights relevant to today. The course will start on Thursday, Feb 10, 2022, 10:45 AM-12:00 Noon Brisbane time. It will be held on Thursday each week for 8 weeks, in parallel with the U3A face-to-face Term 1 classes. Every week on Thu, 8 occurrence(s) Feb 10, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Feb 17, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Feb 24, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Mar 3, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Mar 10, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Mar 17, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Mar 24, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Mar 31, 2022 10:45 AM to 12:00 Noon Details to join the Zoom Meeting are as follow: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271042854?pwd=QVFUVkNJSDZKc2RqWFZYak9ZRUNXQT09 Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 I look forward to meeting with each of you soon. Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin U3A R09 Tutor If you use an iCalendar, you can download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Please note that due to a Zoom restriction, it will list the erroneous start time of 10:30 AM which you should change to 10:45 AM. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAvcOioqjkiH9DKnzQCpUnhl5acVDQa7m9O/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGsrDwrGtCXuByDRpwIAI_Cd_TwiHpHgvp5txH_MgNDVw3-OrdDMYRbIdmH You can also join the meetings using one-tap mobile: +61731853730,,84271042854#,,,,*793751# Australia You can also dial in by phone: +61 7 3185 3730 Australia Meeting ID: 842 7104 2854 Passcode: 793751 If not in Brisbane, you can find a local dial-in number online at https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcGWVleOXe

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you and your loved ones have a blessed and safe holiday season! Love and blessings, Ray Thank you for an interesting and fruitful 2021. Our U3A course "What the Bible is about" covered a broad spectrum of the Bible this year, including the books of Lamentations and 1 and 2 Timothy in Term 1; Romans and Micah in Term 2; the Gospel of John Chapters 1 to 16 in Term 3; and John Chapters 17 to 21 and the book of Amos in Term 4. Since the course began in 2017, we have completed a verse-by-verse study of 52 of the Bible's 66 books, over three-quarters of the Scriptures. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man [and woman] of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Most books were covered once, but the books of Ruth, Esther, and Revelation have been covered twice and a personal favorite, the book of Jude, has been covered three times - the third time by studying it with 2 Peter and the apocryphal 1 Enoch. We have covered the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John as well as the Book of Acts. From the Torah, we've touched Genesis, Exodus, and Numbers to some degree. But I'm not in a rush to complete the Bible. To me, it's all of interest. Left to my own devices, I'll just keep plodding along, but this course is for you, its consumers. While many have been enrolled for years, only a few go back to the beginning. What books would YOU like to study in 2022? Please let me know. In the meantime, enjoy your holiday season! I hope to see you again next year. Thanks, Ray Ray Sarlin, U3A Tutor, R09 P.S. If you don't wish to receive future U3A Course R09 emails, please advise me at ray.sarlin@ymail. Thank you.

G'day all, Since I have received quite a few requests for the Viking history report that I mentioned in my last post, I am taking the liberty of sending it to the discussion group. WARNING: The attached article contains photographs of Viking skeletons unearthed recently during archaeological excavations near Saalme, Saaremaa, Estonia. One of the seven skeletons in the smaller Viking ship is a direct Y-DNA match with my Finland-born father (and thus with me). Two of the 33 skeletons in the large (posh) Viking ship match the Mitochondrial DNA of my Swedish-Norwegian maternal grandmother (and thus my Mom and me), including one of the nobles and one of the warriors. Research suggests that the two Viking ships were part of a fleet that sailed from Scandinavia and raided Estonia. All of these men were apparently killed during a single large battle, which resulted in the survivors arranging the Viking burials before withdrawing home. It was suggested that those in the smaller boat including my paternal ancestor were servants of those in the larger craft. The find was particularly significant in that it seems that the Viking Age began decades earlier than previously believed. Formerly, the first known Viking raid was on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne off the northwest coast of England in 793 AD. Prior to this, the earliest person (again, a Viking) that I have directly traced my lineage back to lived around 985 AD. Not that anyone's interested, but my maternal grandmother (mentioned above) married into the direct line of a titled family of British Separationists who fled England to America arriving to help start Salem, Massachusetts in 1626, a few years after the Mayflower landed. They were fleeing religious persecution. Many in the family perished during the harsh first winter. The survivors later intermarried with the other founding families in the fledgling British Colonial America. I grew up neither knowing nor caring about my family history, and I regret that that's the situation to date with my descendants. Fortunately, I coordinate research with a first cousin in Seattle and a niece in Arizona. One question that my research has answered is why I love the Bible so much. I come from a long line of Puritans who valued their Spiritual well-being over everything else. I suspect that some of it must be genetic and hold out hope for my kids and grandkids. Have a great holiday season! Blessings, Ray Ray Sarlin ray.sarlin@... _._,_._,_

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

G'day all, 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 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: 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.

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, 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 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 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. _._,_._,_

On Thursday, 11 November 2021, 10:23:51 am AEST, Ray via groups.io <ray.sarlin@...> wrote: G'day all, 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 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 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. _._,_._,_