Good job, everyone,
I will send emails for your official grades, but since you all have completed the final assignment, I am sure you will all have enough points to receive an "S" for the course. Most of you (if not all) will have a total score of 100.
We will take tomorrow off, and "hit the books again" Wednesday.
I think there will be four of you next time!
Thanks for a great term.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Christian College?
We had meeting yesterday with about 40 church, civic, and community leaders to explore the possibility of starting a Christian college, leading to a university in the West Frankfort area. There is a good plan with several phases of starting a Bible school, then a degree-granting Bible college, then seeking accreditation from a CHEA approved agengy, followed by establishing a liberal arts college and then branching out into a university.
These are steps that are entirely possible. We will wait to see what happens. Please keep the effort in prayer.
These are steps that are entirely possible. We will wait to see what happens. Please keep the effort in prayer.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Get One of the Books
I want to urge you to go ahead and order one of the books right away. Even if one does not get here by the begining of the first week, you will be able to start the course; however, it will be essential to have it by the second week.
Send an email saying you are joining us, so that I will be able to get things set up for you.
Oh, yes, that email address is rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com.
Send an email saying you are joining us, so that I will be able to get things set up for you.
Oh, yes, that email address is rcarneysurvey@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Course 6 Week 8 Course Wrap Up
If you have completed you reading or listening by this week, you may comment on the course in general or even use social ocmments like you did the first week in order to get your nine posts for the week.
If you still have some chapters or lessons that you have not commented on yet, please proceed as usual.
The assignment for thie week will be the course Wrap Up. It is worth four points.
Please answer these four questons:
1. In one sentence (or a short paragraph), what was your book or course about as a whole?
2. What were some of the important words used in this course. (List a minimum of three and no more than seven. Give a dictionary difinition of the word that seems to most closely match how it was used in the course. If the author defined the word himself, you may give that (give a defintion for each word.) You can tell why it is important (note: if it was an unfamilar word to you, that is a sufficient reason for it being important. Other reasons would be because the words were emphasized or used in specialized ways.)
3. What were the major parts into which this book or course was divided?
4. What are some things from this study that you can apply to ministry or to life?
(Note: If you do these separately, each one could count for one of your required posts.)
I am looking forward to the discussion this week.
If you still have some chapters or lessons that you have not commented on yet, please proceed as usual.
The assignment for thie week will be the course Wrap Up. It is worth four points.
Please answer these four questons:
1. In one sentence (or a short paragraph), what was your book or course about as a whole?
2. What were some of the important words used in this course. (List a minimum of three and no more than seven. Give a dictionary difinition of the word that seems to most closely match how it was used in the course. If the author defined the word himself, you may give that (give a defintion for each word.) You can tell why it is important (note: if it was an unfamilar word to you, that is a sufficient reason for it being important. Other reasons would be because the words were emphasized or used in specialized ways.)
3. What were the major parts into which this book or course was divided?
4. What are some things from this study that you can apply to ministry or to life?
(Note: If you do these separately, each one could count for one of your required posts.)
I am looking forward to the discussion this week.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Spiral View of History and Its Relation to Eschatology
I have considered the differnt views of eschatology (end times) and consequently how they related to interpreting the book of Revelation with much interest over the course of my ministry.
It seems to me this is one of those in-house debates that sometimes is discussed very vigorously.
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, as well as throughout history, many good Christians have held to different views. Obviously they cannot all be correct. On the other hand, each of them seems to contribute some things of value.
It seems to be that the book of Revelation is unique in that you can have such differing interpretations and still end up with proper applications. The safest thing, in my estimation, is to make sure any applications you draw from Revelation are also suported from other places in Scripture.
Now, the spiral view of history.
The Hebrews looked at History as being linear. History, to them, had a definite beginning and progressed along a straight line to a definite end. We can see much of that thought in the Bible.
The Greeks had a cyclical view of History. They talked about how History repeats itself, and they tended to view things as happening in repeating cyclical patterns. The is not completely contrary to biblical thought either. Solomon admonished us that "there is nothing new under the sun." In our own observations of History, we often say, "History repeats itself."
The former president and founder of Luther Rice Seminary (an excellent distance education institution, by the way), Dr. Robert G. Witty, wrote a book called "Signs of the Second Coming." In it he desribed the "spiral view of History." This view acknowleges that History has a definite beginning and that it is marching on toward a definite end, but it also acknowleges the cyclical patterns that have been observed throughout History. It would be like a spring that attaches at one end (a beginning) but goes round and round until it comes to the other end (the end). I see some commendable things in that thought.
We can all agree that Historical things have happened. We had the Old Testament era of History. Then Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, and actually died, giving his life as a ransom for all. After that, he rose again. This really is the focal point of History. We have the New Testament Church which has spanned over twenty centuries, and that brings us up to today.
If you apply a spiral view of History, you can see how it often appears to have multiple prophetic fulfillments. Some of these things seem to be foreshadowing of future events.
An example would be the type of "tribulation" the first century saints had. However, at multiple times in History, the saints have gone through persecution and "tribulation." Even today, there are many martyrs for Christ who do not make our national news stories. "tribulations such as the world has never known." Yet, there may be a future time even wors than all the others, "Tribulation such as the World has never known or 'The Time of Jacob's Trouble.'" So, our post-millenialist friends can show how Revelation seemed to relate to the first century. Our pre-millenial friends can point to what may yet be a future fulfillment of some of these aspects of Scripture. Our amillenial friends give us much good application as to how Scripture applies to our everyday living.
Concerning the "antichrist," the Bible tells us that spirit of antichrist is already come. In my spiral view of history, I see how this spirit manifests itself and grows throughout History, and that it may yet culminate in the embodiment of one individual.
Concerning the kingdom, it does indeed to me seem to have two aspects. One was described by Jesus to His listeners in that first century. He said, "the kingdom of God is within you." In a sense, we are all living out the principles of kingdom living, and Christ rules and reigns in our hearts. Yet, there may be a future fulfillment of this when Christ actually literally rules over this earth (and yes that may be for a thousand years).
Concerning the "rapture." Some people think that there is no such thing as a rapture apart from Christ's second coming. (This is the amillenial and post-trib premillenial position.) Others think that Christ will come and not actually set foot on the earth, and that the events described in I Thessalonians chapter 4 take place at that time. Some think the "tribulation" has a yet future fulfillment, and the "rapture" will take place at the beginning of that seven-year period. Others view the seven-year period as being divided into two parts, the first half being the "tribulation" and the second half being "The Great Tribulation." Some of those think the "rapture" or the events in I Thessalonians 4 will take place at that time. They are described as "mid-trib" pre-millenialists. Still other who believe the tribulation refers to this future time think that the rapture and the second coming take place almost simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period. They think the events of I Thessalonians 4 will be followed immediately by Christ setting foot on the earth as he comes in "power and great glory." In that sense our post-trib premillenialists and our a-millenialists agree, although they disagree on other points. At any rate, one thing is sure. I Thessalonians will take place somewhere in History. When it happens, all of us will be together. Someone may look at someone else and say, "See I was right, and you were wrong." The other person is likely to say, "O.K., but I really don't care!"
I think we should consider all of these approaches, and as we watch History unfold, we may see how they shape up.
The main thing for all of us is to be ready to face Christ, whether it be at the Second Coming or it be when we go through the valley of the shadow of death! We need to acknowledge Him as our King now!
It seems to me this is one of those in-house debates that sometimes is discussed very vigorously.
In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, as well as throughout history, many good Christians have held to different views. Obviously they cannot all be correct. On the other hand, each of them seems to contribute some things of value.
It seems to be that the book of Revelation is unique in that you can have such differing interpretations and still end up with proper applications. The safest thing, in my estimation, is to make sure any applications you draw from Revelation are also suported from other places in Scripture.
Now, the spiral view of history.
The Hebrews looked at History as being linear. History, to them, had a definite beginning and progressed along a straight line to a definite end. We can see much of that thought in the Bible.
The Greeks had a cyclical view of History. They talked about how History repeats itself, and they tended to view things as happening in repeating cyclical patterns. The is not completely contrary to biblical thought either. Solomon admonished us that "there is nothing new under the sun." In our own observations of History, we often say, "History repeats itself."
The former president and founder of Luther Rice Seminary (an excellent distance education institution, by the way), Dr. Robert G. Witty, wrote a book called "Signs of the Second Coming." In it he desribed the "spiral view of History." This view acknowleges that History has a definite beginning and that it is marching on toward a definite end, but it also acknowleges the cyclical patterns that have been observed throughout History. It would be like a spring that attaches at one end (a beginning) but goes round and round until it comes to the other end (the end). I see some commendable things in that thought.
We can all agree that Historical things have happened. We had the Old Testament era of History. Then Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, and actually died, giving his life as a ransom for all. After that, he rose again. This really is the focal point of History. We have the New Testament Church which has spanned over twenty centuries, and that brings us up to today.
If you apply a spiral view of History, you can see how it often appears to have multiple prophetic fulfillments. Some of these things seem to be foreshadowing of future events.
An example would be the type of "tribulation" the first century saints had. However, at multiple times in History, the saints have gone through persecution and "tribulation." Even today, there are many martyrs for Christ who do not make our national news stories. "tribulations such as the world has never known." Yet, there may be a future time even wors than all the others, "Tribulation such as the World has never known or 'The Time of Jacob's Trouble.'" So, our post-millenialist friends can show how Revelation seemed to relate to the first century. Our pre-millenial friends can point to what may yet be a future fulfillment of some of these aspects of Scripture. Our amillenial friends give us much good application as to how Scripture applies to our everyday living.
Concerning the "antichrist," the Bible tells us that spirit of antichrist is already come. In my spiral view of history, I see how this spirit manifests itself and grows throughout History, and that it may yet culminate in the embodiment of one individual.
Concerning the kingdom, it does indeed to me seem to have two aspects. One was described by Jesus to His listeners in that first century. He said, "the kingdom of God is within you." In a sense, we are all living out the principles of kingdom living, and Christ rules and reigns in our hearts. Yet, there may be a future fulfillment of this when Christ actually literally rules over this earth (and yes that may be for a thousand years).
Concerning the "rapture." Some people think that there is no such thing as a rapture apart from Christ's second coming. (This is the amillenial and post-trib premillenial position.) Others think that Christ will come and not actually set foot on the earth, and that the events described in I Thessalonians chapter 4 take place at that time. Some think the "tribulation" has a yet future fulfillment, and the "rapture" will take place at the beginning of that seven-year period. Others view the seven-year period as being divided into two parts, the first half being the "tribulation" and the second half being "The Great Tribulation." Some of those think the "rapture" or the events in I Thessalonians 4 will take place at that time. They are described as "mid-trib" pre-millenialists. Still other who believe the tribulation refers to this future time think that the rapture and the second coming take place almost simultaneously at the end of the tribulation period. They think the events of I Thessalonians 4 will be followed immediately by Christ setting foot on the earth as he comes in "power and great glory." In that sense our post-trib premillenialists and our a-millenialists agree, although they disagree on other points. At any rate, one thing is sure. I Thessalonians will take place somewhere in History. When it happens, all of us will be together. Someone may look at someone else and say, "See I was right, and you were wrong." The other person is likely to say, "O.K., but I really don't care!"
I think we should consider all of these approaches, and as we watch History unfold, we may see how they shape up.
The main thing for all of us is to be ready to face Christ, whether it be at the Second Coming or it be when we go through the valley of the shadow of death! We need to acknowledge Him as our King now!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Course 6 End of Week 7
Midnight tonight, will be the end of week 7. Some of you will have finished your reading this week. Next week, your posts will be related to the others who are finishing their topics and a course wrap up.
I have enjoyed this term. I hope that it has been good for the rest of you.
I have enjoyed this term. I hope that it has been good for the rest of you.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Winding Down
Next week will be our course wrap up!
Tyler and Sean have almost finished their materials for this course, so we plan to turn in their materials for this course on Tuesday, and get the new ones for the next course then. We will still have a discussion forum next week. Roger, you are probably close to finishing your book too. Like I said earlier, if you would like to join us next time, you could use some of your Bible Institute material that you have already been working on, or you could choose one of the books listed on this blog.
Tyler and Sean have almost finished their materials for this course, so we plan to turn in their materials for this course on Tuesday, and get the new ones for the next course then. We will still have a discussion forum next week. Roger, you are probably close to finishing your book too. Like I said earlier, if you would like to join us next time, you could use some of your Bible Institute material that you have already been working on, or you could choose one of the books listed on this blog.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Keep up the Good Work
Keep up the good work, gentlemen.
I realize this week's assignment could be a little intimidating. Let me give you an alternative. You also may agree with your author as he disagrees with someone else. If so, you could show how he points out that the other person is uninformed, underinformed, misinformed, or illogical in some way.
So, you may disagree with some statement that is made, or you may show how the author disagees with others, or you may agree with the author, but you might also see that he could possibly be open to criticism. Then you could say, "if someone wants to disagree with this author's statement, he will have to . . . ."
Roger's book has some interesting forwards or introductions to the various printings of the book. The professor who wrote the forwards challenged others to show where Bro. Shank's analysis was wrong. Then upon the third (or some later) printing, he said that no one had come forward refuting (from a reasonable basis) the arguments in the book, and that he suspected that no one would be able to do so. It was very interesting because I think the professor still may have disagreed with the idea that Bro. Shank was putting forth (maybe not--maybe he changed his postion because of the arguments in the book), but he looked at things objectively and indicated that Bro. Shank had dealt with the issue in a very scholarly and biblical way.
I realize this week's assignment could be a little intimidating. Let me give you an alternative. You also may agree with your author as he disagrees with someone else. If so, you could show how he points out that the other person is uninformed, underinformed, misinformed, or illogical in some way.
So, you may disagree with some statement that is made, or you may show how the author disagees with others, or you may agree with the author, but you might also see that he could possibly be open to criticism. Then you could say, "if someone wants to disagree with this author's statement, he will have to . . . ."
Roger's book has some interesting forwards or introductions to the various printings of the book. The professor who wrote the forwards challenged others to show where Bro. Shank's analysis was wrong. Then upon the third (or some later) printing, he said that no one had come forward refuting (from a reasonable basis) the arguments in the book, and that he suspected that no one would be able to do so. It was very interesting because I think the professor still may have disagreed with the idea that Bro. Shank was putting forth (maybe not--maybe he changed his postion because of the arguments in the book), but he looked at things objectively and indicated that Bro. Shank had dealt with the issue in a very scholarly and biblical way.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Course 6 Beginning of Week 7
This week, we are going to focus on when it is proper to disagree with an author. I guess it is a free country and you can agree or disagree with anyone for any reason you like, but generally it is best to be able to give legitimate reasons for disagreeing with an author.
If you want to disagree with an author or lecturer, you should be able to show his deficiencies in one of four areas:
First, you might show where the author is uninformed. He may be missing some crucial information, and if he (or she) had it, he might change his mind and agree with you.
Second, you might show where the author is misinformed. The information he is using to make his conclusions may be inaccurate.
Third, you might show where the author is underinformed. He may have part of the information you have, but he may not have all the information he needs to make a proper conclusion.
Fourth, you might show where the author is illogical. His steps in reasoning may not seem to follow each other.
This week, pick out one assertion an author or lecturer makes in one of your books or lessons. If you disagree with his statement, tell why by pointing out one of the four things mentioned above. If you don't wish to disagree with any of the statements you come across this week. Pick out one, and tell us in which way (using one or more of the four items listed above) you think someone might want to try to disagree with one of those statements. (You don't have to think the critic will be successful in tearing down your author's statement, just try to hazard a guess as to what approach someone might take in order to disagree with your author.)
If you want to disagree with an author or lecturer, you should be able to show his deficiencies in one of four areas:
First, you might show where the author is uninformed. He may be missing some crucial information, and if he (or she) had it, he might change his mind and agree with you.
Second, you might show where the author is misinformed. The information he is using to make his conclusions may be inaccurate.
Third, you might show where the author is underinformed. He may have part of the information you have, but he may not have all the information he needs to make a proper conclusion.
Fourth, you might show where the author is illogical. His steps in reasoning may not seem to follow each other.
This week, pick out one assertion an author or lecturer makes in one of your books or lessons. If you disagree with his statement, tell why by pointing out one of the four things mentioned above. If you don't wish to disagree with any of the statements you come across this week. Pick out one, and tell us in which way (using one or more of the four items listed above) you think someone might want to try to disagree with one of those statements. (You don't have to think the critic will be successful in tearing down your author's statement, just try to hazard a guess as to what approach someone might take in order to disagree with your author.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
End of Course 6 Week 6
We have just completed the end of week 6 for our online journey.
We are three-fourths of the way through. It has been a good ride. Bro. Roger, thank you for joining us this term. If you would like to join us again, maybe you could pick back up in the other course of study that you were working on and use it as a basis for discussion.
Doing something like this, I feel helps us to stay on track and it does motivate us to get some of the things done that we know need to be done.
We are three-fourths of the way through. It has been a good ride. Bro. Roger, thank you for joining us this term. If you would like to join us again, maybe you could pick back up in the other course of study that you were working on and use it as a basis for discussion.
Doing something like this, I feel helps us to stay on track and it does motivate us to get some of the things done that we know need to be done.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Finishing a Race
When I was in grade school, I had a friend who ran the high hurdles. During one of his races, he tripped over one of the hurdles and fell. His knee ground into the cinders that were used to make the track. (Yes, that was before asphalt or other kinds of tracks that are common now.) He just gritted his teeth, made an awful face, and got up and finished the race. The track was only three hurdles wide and there were over ten contestants, so they ran three at a time, and the places for the event were determined solely by time.
Though my friend obviously came in last during his heat, when the ribbons were given out at the end of the meet, he received a fifth-place ribbon.
At the end of the season, I was at his house, and I saw that he had his ribbons pinned to the wall. There were a few red (second-place) ribbons and a lot of blue (first-place) ribbons; but right in the middle of the group was the green (fifth-place) ribbon. He told me that he was most proud of the green one because he didn't give up on that race.
Can't we see a lot of biblical principles that encourage us to be consistent and persistent?
Though my friend obviously came in last during his heat, when the ribbons were given out at the end of the meet, he received a fifth-place ribbon.
At the end of the season, I was at his house, and I saw that he had his ribbons pinned to the wall. There were a few red (second-place) ribbons and a lot of blue (first-place) ribbons; but right in the middle of the group was the green (fifth-place) ribbon. He told me that he was most proud of the green one because he didn't give up on that race.
Can't we see a lot of biblical principles that encourage us to be consistent and persistent?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Running the Race of Life--Response Postings
Along with your regular comments about what you are reading, let's delve a little more deeply into how life is like a race. Also, as you are reading in your material, do you see other ways that life is reflected in athletics? If so, include those ideas in with your other comments.
Remember your assignment this week for one of your chapters or lessons. Give us the major parts of the author's communications.
Identify your report in one of your posts.
Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. patiently
2. persistently
3. diligently
Notice those all answer the question (whether stated or implied), "How?"
A keyword that these parts all related to might be "ways."
You don't have to include the question or keyword, but if you identify one, you may.
Not all chapters or lessons will be built around a key word however.
Another Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. Realize it is important to train your dog.
2. There are many tools you can get to help you train your dog.
3. You will be glad you did this.
4. Friends will brag on your dog.
(This example is not built around the answer to a single question, nor does a keyword come to mind that relates to all of them, but this might be how the author organized his material.)
Notice that both of the examples are pretty short. Your report can be short like that too.
Remember your assignment this week for one of your chapters or lessons. Give us the major parts of the author's communications.
Identify your report in one of your posts.
Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. patiently
2. persistently
3. diligently
Notice those all answer the question (whether stated or implied), "How?"
A keyword that these parts all related to might be "ways."
You don't have to include the question or keyword, but if you identify one, you may.
Not all chapters or lessons will be built around a key word however.
Another Example:
Major Idea--Train your dog
Major parts:
1. Realize it is important to train your dog.
2. There are many tools you can get to help you train your dog.
3. You will be glad you did this.
4. Friends will brag on your dog.
(This example is not built around the answer to a single question, nor does a keyword come to mind that relates to all of them, but this might be how the author organized his material.)
Notice that both of the examples are pretty short. Your report can be short like that too.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Welcome to Week 6
Welcome to Week 6 of Course 6.
Your varied topics have found some correlation as we have progressed through this course.
Your assignment for this week is similar to last week's but slightly more involved.
When you are evaluating any type of reading or anything that you hear, you need to be able to understand important words as they are used by the author, and you need to be able to understand what the chapter or lesson is about as a whole. The assignments for the last two weeks have been related to these two important concepts.
The third thing to do when you are evaluating or comprehending something written or heard is to be able to identify the major parts of a communication. So, your assignment for this week is to be aware of the important words (but you will not have to produce a report about them--although you may use such a report to produce some of your posts if you wish), and to try to be able to boil down what the communication is about into a single sentence (but you will not have to produce that sentence unless you failed to do so last week), and finally to identify the major parts of the chapter or lesson.
The report you need this week is tell what the major parts of the chapter or the lesson were.
An example might be a sermon that has three or four points. The points would be the major parts. A chapter may have some headings within the chapter. They would probably identify major parts of the chapter. Sometimes they would be centered. Sometimes they might appear on the left side of the page in bold print, or they might be underlined or appear in italics.
Sometimes an introduction will have a key organizational word in it. Here is an example: "We will look at three ways . . . . " (to do something or accomplish something). Then each of the ways would represent a major part of the chapter. Here is another: "There are four important reasons why this is true." Then each of the reasons would represent a major part of the chapter or speech.
This week's assignment, then is to identify the major parts of a chapter or lesson that you are studying.
Your varied topics have found some correlation as we have progressed through this course.
Your assignment for this week is similar to last week's but slightly more involved.
When you are evaluating any type of reading or anything that you hear, you need to be able to understand important words as they are used by the author, and you need to be able to understand what the chapter or lesson is about as a whole. The assignments for the last two weeks have been related to these two important concepts.
The third thing to do when you are evaluating or comprehending something written or heard is to be able to identify the major parts of a communication. So, your assignment for this week is to be aware of the important words (but you will not have to produce a report about them--although you may use such a report to produce some of your posts if you wish), and to try to be able to boil down what the communication is about into a single sentence (but you will not have to produce that sentence unless you failed to do so last week), and finally to identify the major parts of the chapter or lesson.
The report you need this week is tell what the major parts of the chapter or the lesson were.
An example might be a sermon that has three or four points. The points would be the major parts. A chapter may have some headings within the chapter. They would probably identify major parts of the chapter. Sometimes they would be centered. Sometimes they might appear on the left side of the page in bold print, or they might be underlined or appear in italics.
Sometimes an introduction will have a key organizational word in it. Here is an example: "We will look at three ways . . . . " (to do something or accomplish something). Then each of the ways would represent a major part of the chapter. Here is another: "There are four important reasons why this is true." Then each of the reasons would represent a major part of the chapter or speech.
This week's assignment, then is to identify the major parts of a chapter or lesson that you are studying.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Course 6 Week 6 Tyler's Topics
Tyler, you can place your initial topics and answers to questions here.
Course 6 Week 6 Roger's Topics
Roger, you can place your intial posts and answers to questions here.
More Than a Conqueror--Luke
It was a great privilege to be in church yesterday and to see Luke McDonald make a decision for Christ. He has been attending for several weeks now. He said he had wanted to come forward for a couple of weeks, but something always held him back a little bit. Yesterday, he broke through and received Christ as Savior. We had many gatered around the altar confirming their personal commitments and praying for others.
That was great victory. We pray now that he will become more than a conqueror!
Remember to give us your one-sentence summaries of one of your chapters or lessons if you haven't already done so.
I will put up the posting areas for next week so you will be ready to go in the morning.
That was great victory. We pray now that he will become more than a conqueror!
Remember to give us your one-sentence summaries of one of your chapters or lessons if you haven't already done so.
I will put up the posting areas for next week so you will be ready to go in the morning.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Victories: Response Postings
As you discuss each other's books and lessons this week, along with your regular discussions, continue to interact on the areas of victory the Lord has allowed you have in your lives. Also, if new insights come to mind, keep delving into the thought of being more than a conqueror. Remember the assignment to boil one of your chapters or lessons to a one sentence summary of what the lesson or chapter is about as a whole.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
More Than a Conqueror!
Roger and Tyler talked about the two natures being like two housepets, and that the one you feed the most becomes the bigger of the two.
Sean mentioned and interesting concept: What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? Interesting thought!
I guess you can conquer some things in your life, but what do you do after that? When you get those victories, do you go on to new conquests? Do you use the role of a victor to do something else for God, or do you just sit back and enjoy that victory?
Sean, I would be interested in what some of you came up with in your Sunday School class, or wherever that was discussed. What do some of the rest of you think?
Sean mentioned and interesting concept: What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? Interesting thought!
I guess you can conquer some things in your life, but what do you do after that? When you get those victories, do you go on to new conquests? Do you use the role of a victor to do something else for God, or do you just sit back and enjoy that victory?
Sean, I would be interested in what some of you came up with in your Sunday School class, or wherever that was discussed. What do some of the rest of you think?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Events and Assignments
Sunday night, after church, we went to my mother's house for popcorn (a long-standing tradition with our family.) Our youngest daughter, Rita Beth, and her husband, Tommy, came over too. Rita Beth was expecting, and her due date was March 9. She said she was having contractions, and we started timing them to see how far apart they were. They were five minutes apart at that time. They went home. A little after ten, they called and said the doctor told them to go to the hospital. We got down there, ourselves, around 11 p.m. At about 3 a.m., the doctor decided to break the water. Then things began to speed up. At 5:47 a.m., Jameson Thomas Dryden made his entrance to the outside world. He was 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces, and 20 inches long. Baby and Mom and Dad are all doing well. Rhonda has gone to spend the week with them.
Assignments:
This week, take one of your chapters or lessons, and boil it down to a one-sentence statement as to what the chapter or lesson was about as a whole.
Last week. Roger, you completed your assignment--Good job.
Sean and Tyler, you still need to complete last week's assignment (unless I missed seeing your final reports). I think you both mentioned at least one word, you could deal with. Finish the report for that one by giving the word, the initial homemade definition, the final homemade definition (could be the same as the initial defintion), and the dictionary definition of the word. For the other two words, you can either go back to last week's reading or you can pick two words from this week and do the exercise.
Events: Birth--Excitement, Starting the "down-hill portion of the course.
Assignments: One-Sentence statement summarizing chapter or lesson.
Finish "word-detective" assignments.
You all are doing a great job of interacting with each other. Think of what it would be like if we had ten participants!
Tyler, again, congratulations on your job. If you come across Ken Nicholas, say "hi" to him for Roger and me. Also, Marylin Avery from our church works somewhere there too.
Have a great day, everyone.
Assignments:
This week, take one of your chapters or lessons, and boil it down to a one-sentence statement as to what the chapter or lesson was about as a whole.
Last week. Roger, you completed your assignment--Good job.
Sean and Tyler, you still need to complete last week's assignment (unless I missed seeing your final reports). I think you both mentioned at least one word, you could deal with. Finish the report for that one by giving the word, the initial homemade definition, the final homemade definition (could be the same as the initial defintion), and the dictionary definition of the word. For the other two words, you can either go back to last week's reading or you can pick two words from this week and do the exercise.
Events: Birth--Excitement, Starting the "down-hill portion of the course.
Assignments: One-Sentence statement summarizing chapter or lesson.
Finish "word-detective" assignments.
You all are doing a great job of interacting with each other. Think of what it would be like if we had ten participants!
Tyler, again, congratulations on your job. If you come across Ken Nicholas, say "hi" to him for Roger and me. Also, Marylin Avery from our church works somewhere there too.
Have a great day, everyone.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Course 6 Week 5 Tyler's Topics
Tyler, please place your initial posts and answers to questions here.
Course 6 Week 5 Roger's Posts
Roger, please place your initial comments and answers to questions here.
End of Week 4
Course 6 Week 4 ends at midnight tonight. Be sure to post the assignment about the important words.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What It Is All About!
We had a family of eight, Randy and Dianna Simmons and their six children, join the church this morning. They have been coming for more than a year, but they made it official this morning. Hallelujah!
As preachers (and in Roger's case as a church leader and lay preacher), what we are all about is seeing people come to Christ, grow in their knowledge and commitments, and begin to discover their own personal ministries. Bro. Randy Simmons is a preacher, himself, and it is great to have him and his family as part of the church.
I also am glad they chose to join even though I am resigning as pastor. I am excited that they "came in on my watch!"
God has great things in store for the church. Rhonda and I need your prayers. We have direction. We will need the Lord to help us some with financial provision, but I am confident that He will.
Tyler, congratulations on your job.
We have today and tomorrow, and then we will be half-way through the course.
As preachers (and in Roger's case as a church leader and lay preacher), what we are all about is seeing people come to Christ, grow in their knowledge and commitments, and begin to discover their own personal ministries. Bro. Randy Simmons is a preacher, himself, and it is great to have him and his family as part of the church.
I also am glad they chose to join even though I am resigning as pastor. I am excited that they "came in on my watch!"
God has great things in store for the church. Rhonda and I need your prayers. We have direction. We will need the Lord to help us some with financial provision, but I am confident that He will.
Tyler, congratulations on your job.
We have today and tomorrow, and then we will be half-way through the course.
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