Men's Thursday (Open) Noon Bible Study

Blog Posts for 2010

2011-02-04T22:59:00.000-05:00

Blog Archive Menu

▼ 2010 (40)
- ▼ December (4)
- ▼ October (1)
  - Helping Hands of Ownbey - US Troops connected with...
- ▼ August (13)
- ▼ July (2)
  - The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893) Or Christi...
  - For lunch 7/29/2010
- ▼ June (1)
  - Travelers Gift, Andy Andrews, Lincoln on Forgivene...
- ▼ May (4)
- ▼ April (3)
- ▼ March (2)
  - John Blackwelder helps Church get Bus to collect f...
  - Lesson Leader Rotation for 2010
- ▼ February
  - Here is a good article from James raising - and ...
- ▼ January (6)

Info on this Group is here, but for the present it is not being updated

2010-12-31T14:41:00.002-05:00

Sorry, this blog no longer is being updated - but there is information still here about the group. Let me know if you have a special request. don 12/23/2010 Thursday 2:30 p.m.

CANCELLED>>>>>Next few members or meeting visitors on this Men's Noon Thursday Noon Bible Study Blog who see this and tell me wins $50 for you, Your SS Class, or charity: (might be) removed day claimed

2010-12-30T07:50:00.002-05:00

Ends 12/31/2010
We have three winners but offer still open . . come on guys . .

$$$$$ EASY MONEY - Next few Bible Study members or meeting visitors on this Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study Blog who see this message and tell me wins $50 for you, Your SS Class, or charity: (might be) removed day claimed.

Tell me by adding a comment here, calling me, seeing me, or emailing me

Not required but it would help, if you would tell me what visitor number you are.
(to the right in blog - looks like this)

Poor Lesson 12/09/2010

2010-12-07T13:01:00.002-05:00

Poor
On 12/6/2010 5:15 PM, Dowen63230@aol.com wrote:

In addition to Jim's message, please be prepared to discuss:

What is "poor”: Several ways to look at it - can be poor in many ways and looked at in many ways.

Usually it is relative, i.e. as compared to some thing/one else. .
Definitions of poor on the Web:

i. hapless: deserving or inciting pity; "a hapless victim"; "miserable victims of war"; "the shabby room struck her as extraordinarily pathetic"- Galsworthy; "piteous appeals for help"; "pitiable homeless children"; "a pitiful fate"; "Oh, you poor thing"; "his poor distorted limbs"; "a wretched life"

ii. having little money or few possessions; "deplored the gap between rich and poor countries"; "the proverbial poor artist living in a garret"

iii. characterized by or indicating poverty; "the country had a poor economy"; "they lived in the poor section of town"

iv. lacking in specific resources, qualities or substances; "a poor land"; "the area was poor in timber and coal"; "food poor in nutritive value"

v. inadequate: not sufficient to meet a need; "an inadequate income"; "a poor salary"; "money is short"; "on short rations"; "food is in short supply"; "short on experience"

vi. poor people: people without possessions or wealth (considered as a group); "the urban poor need assistance"

vii. unsatisfactory; "a poor light for reading"; "poor morale"; "expectations were poor"

viii. Who are the poor, People in above listing. All sizes, ages, sex, race, nationality - even some folks rich in one way, but poor in another

I add

i. it is sometimes in the mind

ii. It is relative

1. But from a $ financial standpoint, is not having enough resources to live at a desirable lifestyle.

Is being poor a disease. In a way, yes, as being poor in money or sense or morality can lead to it passing on to descendants, just as Genes can be passed on. And of course, poor in spirit also!
Have you known someone poor???? Of course
Have you helped the poor ??? Of course
Have you ever realized when it was too late that you should have helped someone who was poor???Of course
Who or what should support the poor: all of us. .
When should the poor not be helped? We all need help, no matter what.
And other questions which I shall thrust unexpectedly upon you. So be prepared.

Whose fault is it if I am poor
Should we always help the poor or the beggar
Should the poor have to work if unable?
Does unemployment insurance lead to lack of incentive and ultimately to being poor
Is it the Government’s problem , or churches, or friends
Is it up to parent to help their poor children

Other:

Poor is an adjective related to a state of poverty, low quality or pity.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poor The Poor (formerly The Poor Boys) are an Australian hard rock band that formed in the mid-1980s in Darwin, Northern Territory. They released a debut album titled Who Cares on March 15, 1994 on the Sony label. Who cares debuted at #4 on the Australian albums chart. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Poor
with little or no possessions or money; to be pitied; of low quality; of inadequate amount; Deficient in a specified way; those people as a group who have little or no possessions or money. (see usage notes)
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/poor
And:

i. poorness - poverty: the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

ii. poorness - less than adequate; "the relative poorness of New England farmland"

iii. poorness - meagerness: the quality of being meager; "an exiguity of cloth that would only allow of miniature capes"-George Eliot

iv. poorness - the quality of being poorly made or maintained; "she was unrecognizable because of the poorness of the photography"

wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn Poorness - Poverty refers to the condition of not having the means to afford basic human needs such as clean water, nutrition, health care, education, clothing and shelter. This is also referred to as absolute poverty or destitution. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poorness

A Little Lunch Music

2010-12-01T22:28:00.002-05:00

Also see the "A Little Dinner Music" similar to this one (Click Here)

Helping Hands of Ownbey - US Troops connected with MPUMC

2010-10-08T14:08:00.005-04:00

Hi Ownbey Folks

On behalf of the Helping Hands Committee, Tom asked me to offer for your approval a request for $300.00 to help the Men's Thursday Noon Bible Group fund purchases of Care Packages for US Troops with a MPUMC connection. At present we have four such individuals. Recently the Bible Group took on as a project communicating with our Military connections from Mpumc. One large cost of each package is anticipated to be telephone credit cards. A picture of the request form is below. Tell me if you do not see it and I will figure out what is wrong.

We have about $1,400 in our Helping Hands account if my memory is working (Mary Katerine Vass please correct me Sunday if I am off too much). Remember you can contribute to the Fund to honor or as a memorial to individuals. Several members has used this honor/memorial technique this year, and we encourage you to remember the Helping Hand Fund in your giving decisions. - and in requests for use of the finds. One source of funds has been the $50 members won for simply visiting our Class Blog and emailing me you were there and that you wanted the money given to Helping Hands. The offer has been up again for a couple of months with no takers. Sure is easy money.

Jim Hatfield is the leader of the Bible Group which consists of about 14 members with 8 from Ownbey. We are always looking for new members, so join us please. We meet in Jubilee Hall usually and eat leftovers from Thursday nights for a couple of bucks, what a deal!

The members of the Helping Hand Committee are: (tell me if I missed any names)
Tom Stinson (Chair), Ellen Chason, Cal Chesson, Don Hammer, Don Redding, the President and the Treasurer (ex – officio)

Tom is out of town this weekend and he asked me to present this to you Sunday for approval. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns about this request. It has been approved by the Committee and needs your final approval.

thanks don

Faith - What is the definition

2010-08-30T22:35:00.003-04:00

What is the definition of faith?

The dictionary definition of faith is, “the theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.” For a Christian, this definition is not just words on a page it is a way of life. Faith is acceptance of what we cannot see but feel deep within our hearts. Faith is a belief that one-day we will stand before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Click here for the rest of the story

The Fear of God – The Real Meaning

2010-08-30T22:26:00.003-04:00

The Fear of God – The Real Meaning
In these “Fear of God” scriptures, the word “fear” is derived from Hebrew words such as yir’ah (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 2:11; 19:9; 34:11), yare’ (Psalm 33:8; 86:11; Jeremiah 5:22; Ecclesiastes 12:13) and pachad (Job 23:15), which actually mean “fear,” “terror,” or “dread.” Although many Christian teachers will downplay the “fear of God” and use replacement words such as “respect,” “reverence,” or “honor,” the Hebrew language is pretty clear. In addition, there are other Hebrew words that portray softer meanings, such as kabad (Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother…” Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the LORD with your wealth…”)

Click here for the rest of the story

Leighton Ford on a Christian Approach to Muslims

2010-08-28T19:38:00.003-04:00

Found this on our Ben Witherinton's Blog

Leighton Ford on a Christian Approach to Muslims

Saturday August 28, 2010

Leighton Ford is an old Charlotte friend of mine, and was formerly Billy Graham's right hand man in the Billy Graham Association. I find what he says in this post both sensible, sane, and well worth reflection. BW3

Jesus and the Mosque

On a shelf at home I have a copy of Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road, the story of the Syrian-born writer Mazhar Mallouhi. As a young man who grew up in a Muslim family he had a profound spiritual hunger, read widely, learned of Jesus in the Bible, and became a follower of Christ while remaining loyal to his Muslim culture.

His novels are read by millions in the Middle East. Through them he has sought to bridge misunderstandings between Muslims and Christians.

In the book is a photo of him in the famous Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo, sitting with a group of Muslims as they read the Gospels together. It is his custom to say, "I am a follower of Christ. Here is what Jesus said. Tell me honestly, do you think I am living as Jesus said I should?"

I thought of Mallouhi's question during the heated dispute over the location of a Muslim mosque and community center near Ground Zero in New York. Among the voices being raised - some harsh with anger, some deep with indignation about "rights"- I wonder if the missing voice is that of Jesus?

If I were a Muslim I might want to claim rights, but also want my leaders to consider whether another location would work and help to heal some deep hurts. But I am not a Muslim. Those issues are for the Muslim community to decide.

What I need to ask is: what does Jesus say to us who say we follow him?

Suppose we, like Mallouhi, sat down with some Muslims in the new community center, and read with them some of the words of Jesus, words like "Do good to those who hate you." That could apply to radical terrorists who want to blow us up. So how can it not apply to Muslim neighbors who are living among us?

Many years ago my late friend J. Christy Wilson was pastor of the first ever Christian church in Kabul, Afghanistan. Through the good offices of President Eisenhower permission was granted to build the church, attended by Christian expatriates.

The time came when the Afghan authorities revoked permission and announced they would knock the church down. When the bulldozers arrived what did the Christ followers there do? They served tea to the workers who were destroying their church building!

They were living out a central tenet of our Christian faith - that we are "saved by grace" -God's grace freely given in Jesus Christ - and they showed grace.

How can we do that? I hope the churches and the Christ followers in New York can figure it out. Perhaps delivering a cool drink to the workers who will build the center? After all Paul went so far as to write (and this was about enemies, not neighbors) "If they are thirsty, give them something to drink."

Does this mean we naively accept real evil? Not at all. I understand the rage that 9/11 stirred. Force is often needed to protect the innocent. But ultimately I have to follow Jesus and his follower Paul in the baffling reality of Paul's admonition to "Overcome evil with good."

What does the love of Christ compel me to do? Perhaps whether in New York or Charlotte to extend a little more grace - actually a whole lot more. Wouldn't that be the best witness we could make?

Leighton Ford

Comments (1)

posted by Ben Witherington @12:36pm Permalink Email This Share

Travelers Gift, Andy Andrews, Lincoln on Forgiveness (2)

2010-08-28T11:12:00.007-04:00

Hi guys,
(Please tell me if you do not want to receive such emails; I will understand as we all get too many. You can always go to the Blog for current info)
Good lesson Thursday, thanks Bob L for a good month.
We had a good laugh Thursday. Not sure you guys were laughing with me or what when I said the author of the great little book, the Travelers Gift, made a killing from it. In any event, here is part of his promotion:

Hailed by a New York Times writer as a "modern-day Will Rogers who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America."
Spoken at the request of four different U.S. Presidents
Every single minute a book by Andy Andrews is
sold somewhere in the world!
New York Times Bestselling Author of
The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift

What I said does not take away from my regard for the book. Some of you missed the handout I had when I discussed the book during Pot luck in June. Here is a link to what I said.
http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/2010/08/travelers-gift.html
As you may know, the author Andy Andrews, has imaginary talks with several famous historical persons. My favorite was Lincoln and I included in my notes what Lincoln might have said about forgiveness. I encourage you to read the book and I would be glad to share my copy
don
Distribution: Please tell me if you do not want to receive such emails; I will understand as we all get too many. You can always go to the Blog for current info. Click here for our Blog
(Tell me if I missed some, working on a new distribution list) John Blackwelder, Ted Bryan, Cal Chesson, Elliot Field, Ken Garfield, Will Granger (removed as he blocked receipt), Lucia for Mel Halpern, Mel Halpern, Don Hammer, Richard Harrison, Jim Hatfield, Bob Lumadue, Durward Owen, Bob Smith, John-Paul Smith, Bob Spiro, Tom and Judy Stinson, Tim Sullivan, Danny Watts.

Links: Bible Gate - Bible Study (ours): Blog, Smugmug(Pictures), Lesson Schedule - MPUMC - Ownbey Blog - Upper Room

2010-08-26T12:28:00.001-04:00

All:

See below. Sorry for late notice.

jim h

----- Original Message -----

From: Vanessa

To: Jim

Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 2:35 PM

Subject: Room change for tomorrow

Hello Mr. Hatfield,

I hope all is well! I am writing to inform you that due to an early set up for a large event on Friday, Jubilee Hall will not be available for your lunch tomorrow—Thursday the 26^th. I’ve moved you into room 105. Hope that helps and I apologize for any inconvenience!

Thank you,

Vanessa

Bible Study Blog Instuctions #1 (Video - 30 seconds)

2010-08-24T16:12:00.002-04:00

If you want to learn how to use this blog better, feel free to watch these videos. Good Luck
Bible Blog Instructions #1 (Video 30 seconds)
Bible Study Blog Instuctions #1 (Video - 30 seconds)

Bible Blog Instructions #2

2010-08-24T09:34:00.000-04:00

Don't let all this writing scare you away, I know you can handle it.
You are now at our Bible Blog, way to go, This address is http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/
Even though you seem to be here, now Go to http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/ or click here and I will explain later in video
You are at the Blog Entry dated 8/25/2010 called Bible Blog Instructions #2.
If so inclined you might want to print out this page now. Sometimes hard to print a Blog entry.
Now follow the instructions here to go to our next video called Bible Blog Instructions #2 Video.
After you do and practice the Bible Blog Instructions #2 Video, please be prepared to tell me the current count on visitors, ignoring the zeroes. Last time you did this it was 473 or 476. Please tell me the real live count the time/day you do this
Watch this video and know about the following. Video will repeat the information at least once.

Daily Blog Post or Blog Entry
Links Menu (way down On Sidebar to right)
Labels Menu (way down On Sidebar to right)
Pages Menu ( Top consisting of "$50 Home . . . ."
Archives Menu (way down On Sidebar to right)
please be prepared to tell me the current count in the video on visitors(upper right sidebar), ignoring the zeroes. Last time you did this it was 473 or 476 . You eventually will be asked the real live count the time/day you do this

Here is how to go to the Video . . . .
Go to the following link by clicking on it
click here for Video called Bible Blog Instructions #2 Video
or go to: http://donredding.smugmug.com/Videos/Bible-Blog-Lessons/Bible-Blog-Instructions-2/13486029_3vrQ9#982301338_mN6uv-A-LB
"Remember, click on the link and go to a video. When you see the little black arrow in the middle of the picture, Keep clicking on the arrow for it to play. . . . They are real hard questions, ha ha, of course not."
That's it, you are almost a CBB (Certified Bible Blogger). Let me know what is not clear and we can discuss.
Practice by your self on the Blog - http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/ - have fun and see what you learned ..
Oh, tell me the count on visitors, at least the current one. Please email me.

Tolstoy

2010-08-19T16:17:00.000-04:00

Click here for Link to Tolstoy

Click for Tolstoy

September Sessions Alternatives

2010-08-19T13:56:00.004-04:00

As for leaders next month, I think we came up with some good alternatives. You do not need to feel like you have to do it (unless if you kinda want to that would be great).

To list (to help me remember): (In order of my preference)

Take a break. The more I think about it, the more I like it. I bet many of us go to a lot of extra effort to try not to miss and it could be refreshing to go away a while and then come back. I usually worry about momentum but I do not think that would be an issue. We have been doing this for 10 years or more.
Instead of September classes, have the group and wives/etc meet for dinner one night of September. If it works maybe could do on an irregular basis. I want to think on that and let it cook whether we even want to bring it up. Charlotte Cafe or fancier? would Shebra do a meal for us at church? Other low price alternatives?
Fly Mary Lou in !
Pot Luck
Ask several of our members who have not led to do it
Do your/some videos - Many in the class were for that at one time as some had missed and wanted to view
Get a minister to talk to us
Get an outside speaker
Ask if anyone wants double duty for month
Ask if any want double duty for a week
Alternative leaders - draw out of a hat
Tours

Take a tour of the Library and learn how to use it
Tour church, we never got Dulen (sp) to do it as we could not match with his of work time

Could we do some church project then

Maybe when we bring September up we begin talking about the Leader format for next year and see what people think. I believe the format this year has been good for us and especially for those that lead as they practiced more preparation and leadership of a wild group. Also maybe we need to discuss the ground rules so we are on the same boat. For example, I thought we tried to have our food and seated by 12, and I think you felt we should have the food eaten by 12. Also, I think it is common courtesy for a leader to arrange replacements when that leader plans to miss. Be good to mention reimbursing the Church for the Upper Rooms. If people are to miss should they tell any one before hand. If they are ill? If someone needs a ride what can we do. Should we recognize birthdays etc. Should we get a stationery card for communications from the group. I am rambling and that is overkill but I would like us all to agree at least on the 12 o'clock food timing. Also, should we stick to the 1 p.m. ending time.

2010-08-16T12:49:00.001-04:00

Hey Ya’ll,

It is that time of year again. I am going to take a week of vacation and maintenance is scheduled to clean the kitchen floor. This means that you may not enter the kitchen for ANY reason from Monday, Aug. 16 thru Friday, Aug. 20. Maintenance gets this one week to work on the floor so please honor their time and hard work by not entering the kitchen during this time. If you need anything from the kitchen for any reason, please get it before noon on Friday, Aug. 13. If you have a group that has any needs from the kitchen during that week, hopefully I have contacted you and you are aware that you will need to provide your meals, etc. If not, I apologize.

Thanks

Shebra

Help (Videos)

2010-08-15T16:21:00.002-04:00

One Hour Video of 2010.08.12 class.

2010-08-12T12:20:00.002-04:00

One Hour Video of 2010.08.12 class. Tell me if you want removed.

Takes 3 to 5 minutes or more to load. Be patient.

Click Here
or
http://donredding.com/bable/20100812.bible.production 1_mpeg4.mp4

2010.08.05 Visitors: Tim and John-Paul

2010-08-05T17:42:00.004-04:00

Click a picture for much larger view.

The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893) Or Christianity Not as a Mystical Teaching but as a New Concept of Life Count Leo Tolstoy (September 9 1828 – November 20 1910)

2010-07-30T18:04:00.008-04:00

(oops ended 12/31/2010) $$$$$ EASY MONEY - First visitor/member to Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study to see this and tell me wins $50 for you, Your SS Class, or charity: removed day claimed. (289)

(Tell me by adding a comment here, calling me, or emailing me)

Matthew 5:35-44 Matthew 5:35-44

Amplified Bible (AMP)³⁵Or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

³⁶And do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.

³⁷Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one.

³⁸You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.

³⁹But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too.

⁴⁰And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also.

⁴¹And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles].

⁴²Give to him who keeps on begging from you, and do not turn away from him who would borrow [at interest] from you.

⁴³You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy;

⁴⁴But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Footnotes:

Cross references:

King James Version (KJV) ³⁵Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

³⁶Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
³⁷But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

³⁸Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
³⁹But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
⁴⁰And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
⁴¹And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
⁴²Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

⁴³Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
⁴⁴But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

New Living Translation (NLT)³⁵ And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King.

³⁶ Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black.

³⁷ Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Teaching about Revenge

³⁸ “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

³⁹ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

⁴⁰ If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. ⁴¹ If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.

⁴² Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.

⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:43 Lev 19:18.

New International Version (NIV)

³⁵or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

³⁶And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.

³⁷Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

An Eye for an Eye

³⁸"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

³⁹But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

⁴⁰And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.

³⁷ All you need to say is simply 'Yes,' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Eye for Eye

³⁸ "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

⁴³ "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Footnotes:

Matthew 5:37 Or from evil
Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18

Updated by don 2020.07.30
Count Leo Tolstoy (September 9 1828 – November 20 1910)
The Kingdom of God is Within You (1893)
Or Christianity Not as a Mystical Teaching but as a New Concept of Life

“He (Tolstov) is considered one of the greatest novelists in any language in all human history, But Leo Tolstoy was also an influencial social reformer and peace advocate . .this (is a) powerful exploration of the preachings of Jesus from a pacifist perspective. . . introduced such imporatant 20^th century figures as Gandhi and Martin Luther King to the concept of nonviolent resistance .” from book back cover.

1. . . .It is shown by the words Jesus uttered at the same time (of the Beatitudes). He said: "Ye have heard, it was said of old, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you Resist not evil. But if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn him the other also; and if one will go to law with thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy cloak also."

2. PREFACE.
. . . .I could not help explaining why I do not believe, and consider as mistaken, the Church's doctrine, which is usually called Christianity. Among the many points in which this doctrine falls short of the doctrine of Christ I pointed out as the principal one the absence of any commandment of non-resistance to evil by force. The perversion of Christ's teaching by the teaching of the Church is more clearly apparent in this than in any other point of difference. . . . . . . book was suppressed by the Russian censorship; .. will speak of information I received on non-resistance to evil; the views of this question maintained by spiritual critics in the Christian religion and also by temporal ones . . who do not profess the Christian religion; and of the conclusions I have
L. TOLSTOI. YASNAÏA POLIANA, May 14/26, 1893.

3. readers of . . .William Lloyd Garrison, the famous champion of the emancipation of the negroes, found similar ideas in my (Tolstov’s) and sent Tolstoy a Declaration or Proclamation of "non- resistance" drawn up by his Garrison . around 1838

4. . . . . William Lloyd Garrison . . .

a. "DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS ADOPTED BY PEACE CONVENTION. "Boston, 1838.

· "We do not acknowledge allegiance to any human government. . . . The interests and rights of American citizens are not dearer to us than those of the whole human race. . .

· " dogma that all the governments of the world are approvingly ordained of God, and that the powers that be in the United States, in Russia, in Turkey, are in accordance with his will, is no less absurd than impious. . . .It cannot be affirmed that the powers that be in any nation are actuated by the spirit or guided by the example of Christ in the treatment of enemies; therefore they cannot be agreeable to the will of God,

· "We regard as unchristian and unlawful not only all wars, whether offensive or defensive, but all preparations for war;

· "Hence we deem it unlawful to bear arms, and we cannot hold any office which imposes on its incumbent the obligation to compel men to do right on pain of imprisonment or death.

· we cordially adopt the non-resistance principle,

5. the American Adin Ballou spent fifty years preaching this doctrine.

a. "Jesus Christ forbids me to resist evil doers, and to take from them an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, bloodshed for bloodshed, and life for life.

b. "My government demands from me quite the opposite,

c. "In the maintenance and use of these expensive appliances for murder, we can very suitably exercise to the full the virtues of forgiveness to those who injure us, love toward our enemies, blessings

d. "For this we have a succession of Christian priests to pray for us and beseech the blessing of Heaven on the holy work of slaughter.

e. In "How many Men are Necessary to Change a Crime into a Virtue?" he says:

· "One man may not kill. If he kills a fellow-creature, he is a murderer. If two, ten, a hundred men do so, they, too, are murderers. . . . .But a government . . .may kill as many men as it chooses, and that will not be murder, but a great and noble action . . ..

· But precisely how many people must there be to make it so?-- . . . .

· Why is it that one man, ten, a hundred, may not break the law of God, but a great number may?" . . . .

6. And here is a version of Ballou's catechism composed for his flock:
CATECHISM OF NON-RESISTANCE.

1. Q. Whence is the word "non-resistance" derived? A. From the command, "Resist not evil." (M. v. 39.)

2. Q. What does this word express?
A. It expresses a lofty Christian virtue enjoined on us by Christ.

3. Q. Ought "non-resistance" to be taken in its widest sense- we should not offer any resistance of any kind to evil?
A. No; it ought to be taken in the exact sense of our Saviour's teaching--that is, not repaying evil for evil. We ought to oppose evil by every righteous means in our power, but not by evil.

4. Q. What is there to show that Christ enjoined non-resistance in that sense?
A. by the words he uttered at the same time. He said: "Ye have heard, it was said of old, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you Resist not evil. But if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn him the other also; and if one will go to law with thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy cloak also."

5. Q. Of whom was he speaking in the words, "Ye have heard it was said of old"? A. Of the patriarchs and the prophets, contained in the Old Testament, Hebrews call the Law and the Prophets.

6. Q. What utterances did Christ refer to in the words, "It was said of old"?
A. The utterances of Noah, Moses, and the other prophets, in which they admit the right of doing bodily harm to those who inflict harm, so as to punish and prevent evil deeds.

8. Q. Then the ancients allowed the resistance of injury by injury? A. Yes. But Jesus forbids it. . .

9. Q. May he kill or maim him in self-defense?A. No.

10. Q. May he go with a complaint to the judge that he who has wronged him may be punished?A.No. . .

11. Q. Can he fight in conflict with foreign enemies or disturbers of the peace? A. Certainly not. . . . .

12. Q. Can he voluntarily vote or furnish soldiers for the government?
A. He can do nothing of that kind if he wishes to be faithful to Christ's law.

13. Q. Can he voluntarily give money to aid a government resting on military force, capital punishment, and violence in general?A. No, unless the money is destined for some special object, right in itself, and good both in aim and means.

14. Q. Can he pay taxes to such a government? A. No; he ought not voluntarily , but he ought not to resist the collecting of taxes.

15. Q. Can a Christian give a vote at elections, or take part in government or law business? A.No;

16. Q. Wherein lies the chief significance of the doctrine of non-resistance? . .. . .
A.True non-resistance is the only real resistance to evil.

17. Q. . . ., can it always put into practice?A. . . A virtue cannot be practiced in all circumstances without self-sacrifice, privation, suffering, and in extreme cases loss of life itself. But he who esteems life more than fulfilling the will of God is already dead to the only true life. Trying to save his life he loses it. . . .

18. Q. But so long as only a few act thus, what will happen to them?
A. (long answer ending with) . . Peace, then, to all who seek peace, and may overruling love be the imperishable heritage of every soul who obeys willingly Christ's word, "Resist not evil." ADIN BALLOU.

Count Leo Tolstoy
The Kingdom of God is Within You
Or Christianity Not as a Mystical Teacxhing but as a New Concept of Life

1. It is shown by the words Jesus uttered at the same time (of the Beatitudes). He said: "Ye have heard, it was said of old, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you Resist not evil. But if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn him the other also; and if one will go to law with thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy cloak also."

2. …..PREFACE.

i. In the year 1884 I wrote a book under the title "What I Believe," in which I did in fact make a sincere statement of my beliefs.

ii. In affirming my belief in Christ's teaching, I could not help explaining why I do not believe, and consider as mistaken, the Church's doctrine, which is usually called Christianity. Among the many points in which this doctrine falls short of the doctrine of Christ I pointed out as the principal one the absence of any commandment of non-resistance to evil by force. The perversion of Christ's teaching by the teaching of the Church is more clearly apparent in this than in any other point of difference. . . . . . .

iii. As I had anticipated, my book was suppressed by the Russian censorship; but partly owing to my literary reputation, partly because the book had excited people's curiosity, it circulated in manuscript and in lithographed copies in Russia and through translations abroad, and it evolved, on one side, from those who shared my convictions, a series of essays with a great deal of information on the subject, on the other side a series of criticisms on the principles laid down in my book.

iv. A great deal was made clear to me by both hostile and sympathetic criticism, and also by the historical events of late years; and I was led to fresh results and conclusions, which I wish now to expound.

v. First I will speak of the information I received on the history of the question of non-resistance to evil; then of the views of this question maintained by spiritual critics, that is, by professed believers in the Christian religion, and also by temporal ones, that is, those who do not profess the Christian religion; and lastly I will speak of the conclusions to which I have been brought by all this in the light of the historical events of late years.

vi. L. TOLSTOI. YASNAÏA POLIANA, May 14/26, 1893.

3. The son of William Lloyd Garrison, the famous champion of the emancipation of the negroes, wrote to me that he had read my book, in which he found ideas similar to those expressed by his father in the year 1838, and that, thinking it would be interesting to me to know this, he sent me a declaration or proclamation of "non- resistance" drawn up by his father nearly fifty years ago.

4. . . . . William Lloyd Garrison took part in a 1838 discussion on the means of suppressing war in the Society for the Establishment of Peace among Men and concluded “the establishment of universal peace can only be founded on the open profession of the doctrine of non-resistance to evil by violence (Matt. v. 39), in its full significance, . . . composed and laid before the society a declaration, which was signed at the time--in 1838--by many members.

a. "DECLARATION OF SENTIMENTS ADOPTED BY PEACE CONVENTION. "Boston, 1838. "We the undersigned, . . . . to carry forward the work of peaceful universal reformation.

i. "We do not acknowledge allegiance to any human government. We recognize but one King and Lawgiver, one Judge and Ruler of mankind. Our country is the world, our countrymen are all mankind. We love the land of our nativity only as we love all other lands. The interests and rights of American citizens are not dearer to us than those of the whole human race. Hence we can allow no appeal to patriotism to revenge any national insult or injury...

ii. "The dogma that all the governments of the world are approvingly ordained of God, and that the powers that be in the United States, in Russia, in Turkey, are in accordance with his will, is no less absurd than impious. It makes the impartial Author of our existence unequal and tyrannical. It cannot be affirmed that the powers that be in any nation are actuated by the spirit or guided by the example of Christ in the treatment of enemies; therefore they cannot be agreeable to the will of God, and therefore their overthrow by a spiritual regeneration of their subjects is inevitable.

iii. "We regard as unchristian and unlawful not only all wars, whether offensive or defensive, but all preparations for war; every naval ship, every arsenal, every fortification, we regard as unchristian and unlawful; the existence of any kind of standing army, all military chieftains, all monuments commemorative of victory over a fallen foe, all trophies won in battle, all celebrations in honor of military exploits, all appropriations for defense by arms; we regard as unchristian and unlawful every edict of government requiring of its subjects military service.

iv. "Hence we deem it unlawful to bear arms, and we cannot hold any office which imposes on its incumbent the obligation to compel men to do right on pain of imprisonment or death.

v. "Hence as a measure of sound policy--of safety to property, life, and liberty--of public quietude and private enjoyment--as well as on the ground of allegiance to Him who is King of kings and Lord of lords, we cordially adopt the non-resistance principle, being confident that it provides for all possible consequences, is armed with omnipotent power, and must ultimately triumph over every assailing force.

5. the American Adin Ballou spending fifty years in preaching this doctrine.

a. "Jesus Christ forbids me to resist evil doers, and to take from them an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, bloodshed for bloodshed, and life for life.

b. "My government demands from me quite the opposite, and bases a system of self-defense on gallows, musket, and sword, to be used against its foreign and domestic foes. And the land is filled accordingly with gibbets, prisons, arsenals, ships of war, and soldiers.

d. "For this we have a succession of Christian priests to pray for us and beseech the blessing of Heaven on the holy work of slaughter.

e. In another pamphlet, entitled "How many Men are Necessary to Change a Crime into a Virtue?" he says:

i. "One man may not kill. If he kills a fellow-creature, he is a murderer. If two, ten, a hundred men do so, they, too, are murderers.

ii. But a government or a nation may kill as many men as it chooses, and that will not be murder, but a great and noble action. Only gather the people together on a large scale, and a battle of ten thousand men becomes an innocent action.

iii. But precisely how many people must there be to make it so?--that is the question. One man cannot plunder and pillage, but a whole nation can. But precisely how many are needed to make it permissible?

iv. Why is it that one man, ten, a hundred, may not break the law of God, but a great number may?"

f. And here is a version of Ballou's catechism composed for his flock:

i. CATECHISM OF NON-RESISTANCE.

1. Q. Whence is the word "non-resistance" derived?
A. From the command, "Resist not evil." (M. v. 39.)

2. Q. What does this word express?
A. It expresses a lofty Christian virtue enjoined on us by Christ.

3. Q. Ought the word "non-resistance" to be taken in its widest sense--that is to say, as intending that we should not offer any resistance of any kind to evil?
A. No; it ought to be taken in the exact sense of our Saviour's teaching--that is, not repaying evil for evil. We ought to oppose evil by every righteous means in our power, but not by evil.

4. Q. What is there to show that Christ enjoined non-resistance in that sense?
A. It is shown by the words he uttered at the same time. He said: "Ye have heard, it was said of old, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you Resist not evil. But if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn him the other also; and if one will go to law with thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy cloak also."

5. Q. Of whom was he speaking in the words, "Ye have heard it was said of old"?
A. Of the patriarchs and the prophets, contained in the Old Testament, which the Hebrews ordinarily call the Law and the Prophets.

7. Q. Quote such utterances.
A. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed."--GEN. ix. 6.
A."He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death...And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." --Ex. xxi. 12 and 23-25.
A."He that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbor, as he hath done, so shall it be done unto him: breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth."--LEV. xxiv. 17, 19, 20.
A."Then the judges shall make diligent inquisition; and behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother, then shall ye do unto him as he had thought to have done unto his brother...And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."--DEUT. xix. 18, 21.
A.Noah, Moses, and the Prophets taught that he who kills, maims, or injures his neighbors does evil. To resist such evil, and to prevent it, the evil doer must be punished with death, or maiming, or some physical injury. Wrong must be opposed by wrong, murder by murder, injury by injury, evil by evil. Thus taught Noah, Moses, and the Prophets. But Christ rejects all this. "I say unto you," is written in the Gospel, "resist not evil," do not oppose injury with injury, but rather bear repeated injury from the evil doer. What was permitted is forbidden. When we understand what kind of resistance they taught, we know exactly what resistance Christ forbade.

8. Q. Then the ancients allowed the resistance of injury by injury?
A. Yes. But Jesus forbids it. The Christian has in no case the right to put to death his neighbor who has done him evil, or to do him injury in return.

9. Q. May he kill or maim him in self-defense?
A. No.

10. Q. May he go with a complaint to the judge that he who has wronged him may be punished?
A.No. What he does through others, he is in reality doing himself.

11. Q. Can he fight in conflict with foreign enemies or disturbers of the peace?
A. Certainly not. He cannot take any part in war or in preparations for war. He cannot make use of a deadly weapon. He cannot oppose injury to injury, whether he is alone or with others, either in person or through other people.

12. Q. Can he voluntarily vote or furnish soldiers for the government?
A. He can do nothing of that kind if he wishes to be faithful to Christ's law.

13. Q. Can he voluntarily give money to aid a government resting on military force, capital punishment, and violence in general?
A. No, unless the money is destined for some special object, right in itself, and good both in aim and means.

14. Q. Can he pay taxes to such a government?
A. No; he ought not voluntarily to pay taxes, but he ought not to resist the collecting of taxes. A tax is levied by the government, and is exacted independently of the will of the subject. It is impossible to resist it without having recourse to violence of some kind. Since the Christian cannot employ violence, he is obliged to offer his property at once to the loss by violence inflicted on it by the authorities.

15. Q. Can a Christian give a vote at elections, or take part in government or law business?
A.No; participation in election, government, or law business is participation in government by force.

16. Q. Wherein lies the chief significance of the doctrine of non-resistance?
A.In the fact that it alone allows of the possibility of eradicating evil from one's own heart, and also from one's neighbor's. This doctrine forbids doing that whereby evil has endured for ages and multiplied in the world. He who attacks another and injures him, kindles in the other a feeling of hatred, the root of every evil. To injure another because he has injured us, even with the aim of overcoming evil, is doubling the harm for him and for oneself; it is begetting, or at least setting free and inciting, that evil spirit which we should wish to drive out. Satan can never be driven out by Satan. Error can never be corrected by error, and evil cannot be vanquished by evil.
A.True non-resistance is the only real resistance to evil. It is crushing the serpent's head. It destroys and in the end extirpates the evil feeling.

17. Q. But if that is the true meaning of the rule of non- resistance, can it always put into practice?
A.It can be put into practice like every virtue enjoined by the law of God. A virtue cannot be practiced in all circumstances without self-sacrifice, privation, suffering, and in extreme cases loss of life itself. But he who esteems life more than fulfilling the will of God is already dead to the only true life. Trying to save his life he loses it. Besides, generally speaking, where non-resistance costs the sacrifice of a single life or of some material welfare, resistance costs a thousand such sacrifices. Non-resistance is Salvation; Resistance is Ruin. It is incomparably less dangerous to act justly than unjustly, to submit to injuries than to resist them with violence, less dangerous even in one's relations to the present life. If all men refused to resist evil by evil our world would be happy.

18. Q. But so long as only a few act thus, what will happen to them?
A.If only one man acted thus, and all the rest agreed to crucify him, would it not be nobler for him to die in the glory of non-resisting love, praying for his enemies, than to live to wear the crown of Caesar stained with the blood of the slain? However, one man, or a thousand men, firmly resolved not to oppose evil by evil are far more free from danger by violence than those who resort to violence, whether among civilized or savage neighbors. The robber, the murderer, and the cheat will leave them in peace, sooner than those who oppose them with arms, and those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword, but those who seek after peace, and behave kindly and harmlessly, forgiving and forgetting injuries, for the most part enjoy peace, or, if they die, they die blessed. In this way, if all kept the ordinance of non-resistance, there would obviously be no evil nor crime. If the majority acted thus they would establish the rule of love and good will even over evil doers, never opposing evil with evil, and never resorting to force. If there were a moderately large minority of such men, they would exercise such a salutary moral influence on society that every cruel punishment would be abolished, and violence and feud would be replaced by peace and love. Even if there were only a small minority of them, they would rarely experience anything worse than the world's contempt, and meantime the world, though unconscious of it, and not grateful for it, would be continually becoming wiser and better for their unseen action on it. And if in the worst case some members of the minority were persecuted to death, in dying for the truth they would have left behind them their doctrine, sanctified by the blood of their martyrdom. Peace, then, to all who seek peace, and may overruling love be the imperishable heritage of every soul who obeys willingly Christ's word, "Resist not evil." Adin Ballou

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	hard chapter
Date:	Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:24:48 -0400

Hi Guys in Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study Group

We mentioned today the paper I did on Matthew 5:35-44 and a couple of you asked for a copy.

In this scripture, Jesus directs us not to resist an evil person plus other difficult directives. This is a hard chapter for me. It is one of the reasons I feel uncomfortable saying I am a Christian, though I am trying to be a "good" man which involves doing what Jesus said. My claiming to be a Christian makes me feel like I am saying I am doing what Jesus taught and that is not the case so often, as this scripture proves.

Below is a link to the work I did. The first page is Matthew 5:35-44 shown in five different versions of the Bible. I do not see any version which gives us an out from doing what it says.

Following the Scripture page is an outline I meant to follow in June when I shared the paper with the group. Remember in June we did not have a leader and each of us brought subjects to discuss. The outline of my notes for speaking are pages 2 and 3. Pages 4, 5, 6, and 7 are an expansion of the outline.

Several comments:

Back in May I saw a movie about Tolstoy's life and started reading some of his works.
In searching his books, I found the following book he had written: The Kingdom of God is Within You or Christianity Not as a Mystical Teaching but as a New Concept of Life.
Basically the whole book is about Matthew 5:35-44 and how he felt we should apply it.
He mentions several other authors and leaders opposed to violence including William Lloyd Garrison "champion of the emancipation of the Negroes" and supporter of "non-resistance." Abraham Lincoln was well aware of Garrison, as I learned from reading Team of Rivals
Another such leader was Adin Ballou who spent 50 years preaching this doctrine.
I include some of what Tolstoy says about these two men in his book.
Tolstoy "introduced such important 20th century figures as Gandhi and Marten Luther King to the concept of nonviolent resistance," according to the book cover.

As I said I had this available as a subject to discuss in June, but I lost my nerve. I know it is controversial and I was not ready to defend either side. So I let the opportunity pass. If you get something out of the work I did , I am glad. If not, that is ok too. I am still reading the book.

A copy of my paper is at our

Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study Blog

and is the second entry and is dated 7/30/2010 and begins "The Kingdom of God . . . "
http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

don
7/30/2010 6:30 p.m.

For lunch 7/29/2010

2010-07-28T16:52:00.001-04:00

For 7/29/2010: We have hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, cole slaw, etc. for them. Baked beans, salad, Breakfast stuff of course.See you around 11:30 or so, Thanks for eating leftovers, Shebra

Travelers Gift, Andy Andrews, Lincoln on Forgiveness (1)

2010-06-02T12:24:00.011-04:00

---------

TRAVELER’S GIFT, a book by Andy Andrews
Who (might have) said this?

1.    The buck stops here: Adversity is preparation for greatness, (accept fault)
2.    I will seek wisdom: I will choose my friends with care, (how select friends)
3.    I am a person of action: I can make a decision and I can make it now, (do it)
4.    I have a decided heart: My destiny is assured, (don’t give in)
5.    Today I will choose to be happy; I am the possessor of a grateful heart, (smile)
6.    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit: I will forgive myself, (forgive)
7.    I will persist without exception: I will find way where there is no way. (exhaustion precurser to victory).

Answer
    A.    King Solomon
    B.    Harry Truman
    C.    Anne Frank
    D.    Abraham Lincoln
    E.    Colonel Joshua Chamberlain
    F.    Christopher Columbus
    G.    And the angel Gabriel

THE TRAVELER’S GIFT
(commentss from the internet Grady Harp, February 08, modifed by Dsr 6/2/2010)

1.    Author Andy Andrews absolutely practices what he preaches.
a.    His little ‘novel’ self-help book has become widely popular since its introduction to the mass market in 2002. And there is a reason why.
b.    Aside from the personal biographical data that the author lived as a street person for a period in his life before he took charge and made changes in his philosophy that led to his rather startling success as a comedian, an advisor, an inspirational speaker, and an author, Andrews knows how to capture the attention of his audience, lead them through his concepts of the Seven Decisions the Determine Personal Success in the guise of a novel, and follows up his service to mankind with variations of his original platform.
c.    Not only is Andy Andrews an inspirational writer, but he is also a successful marketer!

2.    (From another review, here is a little negative about it.) It has several points in common with many other books in the self-help genre. On the plus side, if you study and follow the principles, you will probably benefit. On the downside, it is not especially original and it's not a book you would read for its literary qualities. This book also has a certain spiritual and political slant that will appeal to many readers but will alienate others.
3.    The original book THE TRAVELER’S GIFT is well known . .   (to some folks . .)
a.    After David Ponder’s 'time travel' learning experience he wakes up and sees his world change because of the decisions he has made.
b.    The author Andrews wisely does not make his issues a hard sell. He simply tells a story, one that may be a little on the fantasy side, and allows the reader to absorb and relate to the transformation that takes place.
c.    It is very much to his credit that he does not preach in this book: Andrews shares in a warm and familiar friend manner and that makes a big difference!
d.    Andy Andrews believes in these decisions and after reading his book, it is difficult not to buy into his smilingly warm philosophy.
e.    Very succinctly, David Ponder is at the end of his rope financially, emotionally, and physically when he happens to have an auto accident, an event which triggers a time travel where he meets and gathers advice from several historical figures. Each of whom delivers him a message of how to enhance life.
1.    King Solomon,
2.    Harry Truman,
3.    Anne Frank,
4.    Abraham Lincoln,
5.    Colonel Joshua Chamberlain,
6.    Christopher Columbus,
7.    And the angel Gabriel,
f.    The seven decisions are
1)    The buck stops here: Adversity is preparation for greatness, (accept fault)
2)    I will seek wisdom: I will choose my friends with care, (how select friends)
3)    I am a person of action: I can make a decision and I can make it now, (do it)
4)    I have a decided heart: My destiny is assured, (don’t give in)
5)    Today I will choose to be happy; I am the possessor of a grateful heart, (smile)
6)    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit: I will forgive myself, (forgive)
7)    I will persist without exception: I will find way where there is no way. (exhaustion precurser to victory).

Abraham Lincoln . . what he night have said.
6) I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit: I will forgive myself

In the make believe world in THE TRAVELER’S GIFT, David asked Abraham Lincoln, What will you do (after the war) if . . . when you win? . . What will be your first priority?”

Abraham Lincoln (according to script in THE TRAVELER’S GIFT) answered, “That is rather an easy question to answer. . . . . . The first morning after all hostilities cease, I will greet the day with a forgiving spirit.” David then questions how he can do this, etc.

And later Lincoln says, again from the make believe script, “I cannot recall a single book, including the Holy Bible that says in order for you to forgive someone, he or she has to ask for it. . . Where is the rule written that before I forgive people, they have to deserve it? Where is it written that to be forgiven by me, you must have wronged me no more than three times? Or seven? Or Seventeen?”

I want to read for you what the author says in his make believe world that Lincoln wrote for David. But first I want you to hear from a book by Doris Kearns Goodwin titled Team of Rivals, the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. It quotes Lincoln in March 1932 as he ran for one of his first offices, “Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed.” Do you think he stuck with this during his life?

Reading from THE TRAVELER'S GIFT page 138-140 follows on next page: Make believe of what Lincoln said;
·    For too long, every ounce of forgiveness I owned was locked away, hidden from view, waiting for me to bestow its precious presence upon some worthy person. Alas, I found most people to be singularly unworthy of my valuable forgiveness, and since they never asked for any, I kept it all for myself. Now, the forgiveness that I hoarded has spouted inside my heart like a crippled seed yielding bitter fruit.
·    No more! At this moment, my life has taken on new hope and assurance. Of all the world’s population, I am one of the few possessors of the secret to dissipating anger and resentment. I now understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away. By the simple act of granting forgiveness, I release the demons of the past about which I can do nothing, and I create in myself a new heart, a new beginning.
·    I will greet each day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness.
·    Many are the times when I have seethed in anger at word or deed thrown into my life by an unthinking or uncaring person. I have wasted valuable hours imagining revenge or confrontation. Now I see the truth revealed about this psychological rock inside my shoe. The rage I nurture is often one-sided, for my offender seldom gives thought to his offense!
·    I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up my bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellowman.
·    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.
·    Knowing that slavery in any form is wrong, I also know that the person who lives a life according to the opinion of others is a slave.
·    I am not a slave. I have chosen my counsel. I know the difference between right and wrong. I know what is best for the future of my family, and neither misguided opinion nor unjust criticism will alter my course. Those who are critical of my goals and dreams simply do not understand the higher purpose to which I have been called. I forgive their lack of vision, and I forge ahead. I now know that criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity.
·    I will greet each day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.
·    For many years, my greatest enemy has been myself. Every mistake, every miscalculation, every stumble I made has been replayed again and again in my mind. Every broken promise, every day wasted, every goal not reached has compounded the disgust I feel for the lack of achievement in my life. My dismay has developed a paralyzing grip. When I disappoint myself, I respond with inaction and become more disappointed.
·    I realize today that it is impossible to fight an enemy living in my head. By forgiving myself, I erase the doubts, fears, and frustration that have kept my past in the present. From this day forward, my history will cease to control my destiny. I have forgiven myself. My life has just begun.
·    I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly. I will forgive my self.
·    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.

Reading from THE TRAVELER'S GIFT page 138-140 : Make believe of what Lincoln said;

§    For too long, every ounce of forgiveness I owned was locked away, hidden from view, waiting for me to bestow its precious presence upon some worthy person. Alas, I found most people to be singularly unworthy of my valuable forgiveness, and since they never asked for any, I kept it all for myself. Now, the forgiveness that I hoarded has spouted inside my heart like a crippled seed yielding bitter fruit.
§    No more! At this moment, my life has taken on new hope and assurance. Of all the world’s population, I am one of the few possessors of the secret to dissipating anger and resentment. I now understand that forgiveness has value only when it is given away. By the simple act of granting forgiveness, I release the demons of the past about which I can do nothing, and I create in myself a new heart, a new beginning.
§    I will greet each day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness.
§    Many are the times when I have seethed in anger at word or deed thrown into my life by an unthinking or uncaring person. I have wasted valuable hours imagining revenge or confrontation. Now I see the truth revealed about this psychological rock inside my shoe. The rage I nurture is often one-sided, for my offender seldom gives thought to his offense!
§    I will now and forevermore silently offer my forgiveness even to those who do not see that they need it. By the act of forgiving, I am no longer consumed by unproductive thoughts. I give up my bitterness. I am content in my soul and effective again with my fellowman.
§    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly.
§    Knowing that slavery in any form is wrong, I also know that the person who lives a life according to the opinion of others is a slave. I am not a slave. I have chosen my counsel. I know the difference between right and wrong. I know what is best for the future of my family, and neither misguided opinion nor unjust criticism will alter my course.
§    Those who are critical of my goals and dreams simply do not understand the higher purpose to which I have been called. I forgive their lack of vision, and I forge ahead. I now know that criticism is part of the price paid for leaping past mediocrity.
§    I will greet each day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.
§    For many years, my greatest enemy has been myself. Every mistake, every miscalculation, every stumble I made has been replayed again and again in my mind. Every broken promise, every day wasted, every goal not reached has compounded the disgust I feel for the lack of achievement in my life. My dismay has developed a paralyzing grip. When I disappoint myself, I respond with inaction and become more disappointed.
§    I realize today that it is impossible to fight an enemy living in my head. By forgiving myself, I erase the doubts, fears, and frustration that have kept my past in the present. From this day forward, my history will cease to control my destiny. I have forgiven myself. My life has just begun.
§    I will forgive even those who do not ask for forgiveness. I will forgive those who criticize me unjustly. I will forgive my self.
§    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.

In reading what Abraham Lincoln might have said, I am struck by the point he made that to give forgiveness, it does not have to be asked for. Also, I am wondering if it is not as important to forgive in a way that the person believes is sincere and heals both some. The old "no problem" does not do it for me. Even the "that's ok" seem insufficient for something of real concern. What do you think?

To often we are taught that the one seeking forgiveness must promise not to do again, tell how he might be better, etc or the one forgiving might not need to forgive. Even Jesus hinted at being conditional in advising as we seek forgiveness "as we forgive others. ." dsr

-------

1.    The buck stops here: Adversity is preparation for greatness, (accept fault)
2.    I will seek wisdom: I will choose my friends with care, (how select friends)
3.    I am a person of action: I can make a decision and I can make it now, (do it)
4.    I have a decided heart: My destiny is assured, (don’t give in)
5.    Today I will choose to be happy; I am the possessor of a grateful heart, (smile)
6.    I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit: I will forgive myself, (forgive)
7.    I will persist without exception: I will find way where there is no way. (exhaustion precurser to victory).

Answer
    A.    King Solomon
    B.    Harry Truman
    C.    Anne Frank
    D.    Abraham Lincoln
    E.    Colonel Joshua Chamberlain
    F.    Christopher Columbus
    G.    And the angel Gabriel
from the internet Grady Harp, February 08, modifed by Dsr 6/2/2010

Shields of the Apostles

2010-05-22T09:06:00.006-04:00

Click to go to the Smugmug Gallery for bigger pictures.
Remember Jim taught us that Disciple means follower or learner
and Apostle means missionary or messenger of the Word.

2010-05-22T08:10:00.000-04:00

Reminders:
We need volunteers for the month of June, 2010, to lead the group
John Blackwelder is our leader for May, 2010
Lunch leftovers will stop for a while with the end of Wonderful Wednesdays at May 2010 month end - bring your brown bag.
Attendance has been as follows:
11 05/20/2010
10 05/13/2010
10 05/06/2010
07 04/29/2010
06 04/22/2010
11 04/15/2010
09 04/08/2010
09 04/01/2010
12 03/25/2010
10 03/18/2010

2010-05-21T19:03:00.000-04:00

Another $50 offer, click here or picture

2010-05-21T08:32:00.011-04:00

http://www.donredding.com/today.htm
The above link takes you to our Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study Schedule. Find a date and
click on something on the line and it will take you to the selected lesson. There is a
username and password involved .

Usually I update the assignment for the current week on a daily basis after I receive the mailing from the Upper Room - which has the scripture printed, in contrast to the booklet. The Men's Devotional reading and the full set of Upper Room articles for the week are there usually Thursday Morning. On Friday morning the set for the next week begins with the one (Friday) Upper Room article and the Men's Devotional reading. As the week goes by, the articles for each day are added. I cannot add them all early because they are not available until 3 a.m of the particular day.

Why do I do this: I like to be able to print out anytime and already have all the scriptures looked up. Also I can get to it from any computer or my laptop . . .
don

2010-04-22T19:21:00.002-04:00

Here are Upper Room Article Writer Guidelines
-
Click to see them

2010-04-22T17:49:00.003-04:00

We are learning Bible Study member RAdm. Robert H Spiro, Jr. USNR (Ret) has been a contributing writer for various publications. Here are a couple. Click on the U.S.S. Morris below and it will take you to the articles in PDF.

Room 108 with microwave and food . .

2010-04-19T16:52:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,There will be a caterer (chaos) in the kitchen so we will bring the food downstairs to you in room 108. Food and Microwave will be there. Thanks Shebra (somewhat modified byDon)
--------
Subject: 4/22/2010 Thursday Men's Bible Study Meeting
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:52:32 -0400
From: Jim
All:
We've been booted from Jubilee Hall this week and so we'll have to meet
in Rm 103. That's Rm 103.....
As far as I know we'll still get to eat if we behave and use the back stairs/elevator.
jim hatfield
------

2010-03-03T21:25:00.006-05:00

John Blackwelder helps Church get Bus to collect for Haiti

Lesson Leader Rotation for 2010

2010-03-03T21:12:00.010-05:00

Lesson Leader Rotation for 2010

;

2010-02-17T09:09:00.005-05:00

Men's Thursday February 18, 2010 Noon Bible Study Group

Announcements and Health and Happiness and Silliness
Purpose of class
1. Fun and learn something
2. Recently some one asked me about where they could find "Bible Study" in this Chruch. He was aware we used the Upper Room and that was not what he was looking for. How would you have answered him?
3. Look a little harder today at the scriptures
Any one have a preference where to start?
Men's Devotional Bible
1. Page 1150
2. Half mechanical and half Mysterious
3. Grace of God
4. Scripture -Read Attachment A
5. Comment from Group on Scripture
6. Relate Scripture to article onn page 1150
Friday 2/12/10 page 54 (PAGE 53)
1. Scripture
  1. Which one of
    you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
  2. Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me . . . . And I lay down my life for the sheep.
2. The article says
  1. Sometimes we stray from the true path and find ourselves in a place we don't want to be. But even before we call out, our Lord begins to search for us to bring us back to the fold. Indeed, as the parable says, there is great joy in heaven when one who is lost returns to God's house. (Luke 15:7)
3. Comment
Saturday 2/13/10 page 55 (PAGE 54)
1. Scripture

Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."-Isaiah 30:19-21 (NRSV)

Article
1. What is the main point?

When I have become confused about the circumstances of my life or tired because my direction is not clear, scripture is my powerful guide. I am able to recall from memory or read verses that have sustained me in the past. I can reflect on the words of Christ who has been my faithful companion in times of storm and calm.

I know I will find safety in returning to this map. Its guidance orients me and provides assurance and comfort. This never changes.

Sunday 2/14/10 page 56 (PAGE 55)
1. Exodus 17:8-13 (NRSV)

Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek,while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary; so they tooka stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaronand Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and theother on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.

Article

ANA came forward to sing a solo. She is a new church member, participating for the first time as a soloist in our worship service. As she began singing a familiar hymn, a look of fear crossed her face. Her voice came out shaky and weak. She was singing without instrumental backup, so she struggled alone. Suddenly, someone in the congregation began quietly humming the melody. Soon others joined in. Before long, a four-part harmony of humming accompanied Ana as she sang. Help came from all over the sanctuary. Ana took courage and finished the hymn with a beautiful, strong voice.Our congregation's impromptu musical support for Ana reminds me of the story of Aaron and Hur, who figured out how to support Moses. When he became weary in his important task,their helping hands made all the difference. All of us may get tired as we serve God. We may be overwhelmed with fear and feel ready to give up. Someone'shelping hand can make all the difference.

Comment

Monday 2/15/10 page 57 (PAGE 56)
1. Scripture

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Article

Since the death of my son I now live every day as if it were my last. I tell my loved ones often that I love and appreciate them. Most important, I praise the Lord that we are all offered safety eternally in God's loving care.

Tuesday 2/16/10 page 58 (PAGE 57)
1. Scripture : -1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NRSV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.-1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NRSV)

Article: He went on to say that he had never before received a thank-you letter from someone he had located. He was sending me a "thank you" for the thank-you card that I had sent in appreciation for their hardwork in getting my magazines to the correct address.Each of us has a different set of gifts that we can use to serve others. It is easy to forget the value of saying "thank you" to people who have used their gifts and skills to help us. We even forget to say thank you to God.

Wednesday 2/17/10 page 59 (PAGE 58)
Luke 11:2-4

2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3Give us day by day our daily bread. 4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Article:

Thursday 2/18/10 page 60 (PAGE 59)
Scripture: Isaiah 49:15-16e

15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. 16Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
Article:

13. Closing Prayer

2010-02-11T15:31:00.004-05:00

Men’s Thursday Thursday Noon Bible Study Group

Week Ending February 11, 2010

Announcements and info on missing in action members
Today we cover page 1147 in our Bible and in Upper Room from Friday 2/5 (page 47) through Thursday 2/11 (page 53)
Would one of you do the closing prayer (around 12:50 pm)
Do you have a place to start?
Please read the attached handout from James Howell dated 2/9/2010

It follows up on our last session about forgiveness
Is there anything in this church that might need the advice in the last chapter?

Let’s look at page 1147 in the Men’s Devotional Bible

Tell us about grief and how to handle it
Has your interpretation of the following changed as you have “grown up?”

i. The scripture says in John 16 :23 . . “whatsover ye ask the Father in my name, He will give to you.”

Please read the article on Communion (on page 49 for February 7 Sunday) to the group.

What is the purpose of Communion?
Any comment on the Scripture (from I John):

i. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

What is Grace (not covered in article)

“Bob Lumadue will summarize the Mary Lou centerfold (page 40 and 41). Here are some questions to keep in mind”

3. What is the hardest spiritual question anyone has ever asked you? How did you answer it then? How would you answer it if you were asked now?
4. How do you plan for fallow time? What refreshes you spiritually, and how often do you make time for this? Where do you need to cooperate more fully with God?
5. How are you different today than you were 10 years ago? What changes do you see only in looking back? What does this say to you about your spiritual life?

Page 50 2/8 Monday: What about POWER?
Page 51 2/9 Tuesday , Do you know someone that Grumbles and what advice on this do you have?
Page 52 2/10 Wednesday

Look at page 52 article, any comment, then go to
Page 74, quickly glance over questions

i. Any you want to address?

ii. Let’s at least do #1

1. What ways of sharing the faith do you find offensive .+ . ?

Page 53, 2/11 Friday – On the old 1 to 10 scale-how do you grade this?
Printed 2/11/2010 9:59:45 AM

2010-02-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

Pixk a card

Ace of Diamonds -ReView Blogad out loud to the Group the Friday January 29 article "Forgiveness Brings Peace," page 37
Two of Diamonds -Read out loud to the Group (from online Upper Room):“Forgiveness
Forgiving does not mean forgetting that you have been wronged or pretending you have not been hurt. It does not mean that you must like a person who has caused you pain. Forgiving does mean releasing the pain to God. ….and making peace with your past so that you can move forward toward the future.”
Three of . . etc . . Read out loud to the Group the Scripture for Friday January 29 Colossians 3:12-17
Read out loud to the Group the Scripture for Friday January 29 Colossians 3:12-17 in another version
Read out loud to the Group the article on page 5 in the Upper Room
Read out loud to the Group Page 1144 in Men's Devotional Bible
Please comment on or summarize for the Group the article from the Upper Room for Saturday January 30, 2010, “In His Care,” page 38.
Please comment on or summarize for the Group the article from the Upper Room for Sunday January 31, 2010, “Delighting in God.”
Please read the following to the group. Read:

“Bob Lumadue will summarize the Mary Lou centerfold. Here are some questions to keep in mind”

3. What is the hardest spiritual question anyone has ever asked you? How did you answer it then? How would you answer it if you were asked now?

4. How do you plan for fallow time? What refreshes you spiritually, and how often do you make time for this? Where do you need to cooperate more fully with God?

5. How are you different today than you were 10 years ago? What changes do you see only in looking back? What does this say to you about your spiritual life?

Would you do the closing prayer (around 12:50 pm)

If you will tell Don you will handle THE PRAYER.
If you prefer not to do it, return the card and draw another. Thanks

Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
Lucky you, no assignment, just enter discussions as you can. Thanks
2/4/2010 9:27:08 AM

2010-02-04T14:38:00.001-05:00

Here is a good article from James raising - and addressing - interesting questions. Check out the links he gives:

eGrowthInFaith – Scripture

Last year we provided an 11 month email curriculum called Year Through the Bible; it’s still online if you missed it. Sometimes we feel like the recommendation that you read the Bible is like a reminder to watch your weight, or clean the bathroom, do your math homework… evoking a little twinge of guilt, maybe a little sporadic sampling happens, but the Bible never becomes a buoyant, vitalizing presence in real life.

Partly it’s just a big, long book, and you probably need a Bible dictionary or commentary – or to be in a group with a plan. Okay, get some help, join a group! Archived on our web site are email series I’ve done over several years on manageable sections of the Bible, like The Lord’s Prayer, or the short and wonderful book of Philippians, some of my favorite Bible verses, the books of the Bible, information on how the Bible was written or whether it is historically accurate, and much more.

We also have flawed expectations of what we might find. We want the time invested to be productive – but Bible reading is like prayer: wasting time with God, maybe like sitting on the porch with your grandfather or granddaughter and simply telling stories, sharing thoughts.

The Bible isn’t a Ouija board or a compilation of the answers to every question. The Bible invites questions, and asks more questions back to us as we read! Reading the Bible, over time, is like getting a pair of corrective lenses that help you see yourself, others, and the world the way God sees them. We don’t use the Bible like ammunition to fight our battles; we receive its stories, poems, and saying as windows into the heart of God.

Growth in faith won’t happen without some kind of regular Bible reading – and not merely reading quickly, the way we might a detective novel, but reading slowly, reflectively, retracing our eyes over the words, probing between the lines, asking a question or two, talking with a friend, or family member, or the pastor about the meaning and significance. The very effort to read, and understand, is pleasing to God, and simply trying to read expands our faith. And we discover the richness of the Word, which is never exhausted, and even repeated exploration of a single passage unveils more and deeper meanings.

James

james@mpumc.org

The complete eGrowthInFaith series is archived here, and you can find other resources on our web site.

2010-01-28T18:15:00.004-05:00

First, I want to thank everyone that has volunteered to lead our discussions
for a month. I think this may well take us to the "next level" in our journey
in that it will allow each of us to bring our own personal touch to the proceedings
and I'm really looking forward to that.
So far, we have all months covered except three....... Outstanding response! I fully expect the other three will be filled soon.
Here's where we are:
February -- Don Redding
March -- Richard Harrison
April -- Danny Watts
May -- John Blackwelder
June -- Will Granger
July -- Elliot Field
August -- TBD
September -- TBD
October -- Cal Chesson
November -- Tom Stinson
December -- Durward Owen
Thanks again for the response and, if you'd like to volunteer for any of our
"open" months, please do not hesitate to do so..... even if you've already signed up for one month. Just send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the list. :o)
God Bless,
Jim Hatfield

2010-01-28T13:51:00.005-05:00

John Blackwelder asked all of the Group to support the Passport dinner. $20 a ticket. Call John for tickets or buy as below.

Passport' Benefits Haiti
The 'Passport to the World' dinner at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6, in Jubilee Hall will raise money for Haiti relief for the Bayonnais region. View Details

The 'Passport' dinner will feature international food, music, live and silent auction and missions displays. All proceeds will support the congregation's continuing work in the Bayonnais region, which is bracing for a severe impact from the earthquake. Tickets at $20 are available in the Goodness Gracious! gift shop in the lobby of the Parish Life Building or from John Blacwelder and other World Outreach Committee members at church. To donate auction items: Janie Reynolds at 704-651-6851 or jreynolds12@carolina.rr.com. For more on the dinner or the work of the church in Haiti: Minister of Missions Kevin Wright at 704-295-4816 or kevin@mpumc.org.

BBQ fundraiser for Haiti this Saturday

2010-01-27T19:36:00.001-05:00

Pray for our sister congregation at South Tryon Community Church, and plan to support their barbecue fundraiser for Haiti this Saturday, beginning at noon at the church, 2516 S. Tryon Street. Barbecue plates for $7 will include barbecue, baked beans, slaw and a slice of cake.

Meeting 2010.01.21

2010-01-21T22:50:00.001-05:00

Big group today and good discussions. We welcome two new members recently - Ed Eumer and Will Grantham. Jim is asking folks to signup for a month in 2010 as our leader, Jim has done a great job for a long time and we need to pitch in. Issue about our being listed in the church calendar. Learned our 1993 Men's Devotional Bible is now a CLASSIC and available again.

2010-01-14T20:56:00.008-05:00

Subject: Thursday - Jan 14th Mens Bible
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:22:29 -0500
From: Jim
To: All:

We've been booted again...... Jubilee Hall is not available so we will
be in room 103. Best to arrive early, get food, and be back in our
room B4 noon. Look forward to seeing all of you there.

jim hatfield
-------------------------------------------------
Subject: Thursday Men's Bible Study
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:09:55 -0500
From: Jim All:

Sorry I forgot to include a couple of links to our website wherein Don Redding has posted our schedule for 2010 and all our addresses.

Here they are.
Click here for our page on the official MPUMC site (includes our 2010 sked)

Below is the link to our addresses. Pls look them over and let Don or me know of any changes that need to be made.
Click here for our addresses

Look forward to seeing all of you Thursday.

jim hatfield

2010-01-07T18:59:00.001-05:00

Subject: Thursday - Jan 7th
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 10:12:15 -0500
From: Jim

Guys:
Hope everyone is having a great New Year.
Our lesson this week, (in the Men's Bible). pg 1134 "Savior of the World"
and we would do the current Upper Room week (Jan 1 'til Jan 7).
Also, we need to tend to some admin business.....
A replacement for me as moderator.
Decide whether / how to use the "Truth Project" again.
Look forward to seeing you all there.

All:
Just found out from Shebra that we won't be in Jubilee Hall today
as James is conducting something. (can you imagine that?)
We'll be in Rm 103
Hope to see you there.
jim h

Fun days at Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study on November 19 and December 3 2009

2009-12-07T19:20:00.010-05:00

Please let Don know if we need to correct or remove any material .

Click on name for the articles/videos of each: Bob, Cal, Danny, Don, Durward, John, Ken, Ralph, Tom

What a fun day we had at our Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study on November 19. Could you believe we ended up singing what we could remember of some oldie (Gospel) hymns and telling stories to maybe bringing tears to some of our eyes.

In talking with several of you, I find I am not the only one now to have a better appreciation for the authors of the articles in the Upper Room. I found it hard to share my thoughts clearly in such a brief writing and to have meaning and related scripture, prayer, and thoughts for the day. I imagine many of my previous low scores I gave when we were grading articles would be higher if done now. The exercise made me more appreciative of the writers plus it was good to hear thoughts from our group not previously expressed. Thanks to Jim Hatfield for leading us into this worthwhile exercise.

I worried no one would show up (the first day) - on the contrary we had a big group (Bob Lumadue, Bob Spiro. Ken ,Tom, John, Ralph, Don R, Elliott, and Richard - did I leave any out?). We thought we would have only Chicken and Dumplings but Shebra surprised us with that and more - chicken breast, turkey, those great green beans from Wednesday night, that great dressing and gravy - wow what a feast. On December 3 we covered the articles of Cal, Durward, John, and Don.

Not only did a good group show up but we came prepared. First Richard read the article by Danny Watts. Danny was not present but he had sent in his homework. We decided to read and discuss his first because he was "not here to defend himself." What a moving article of the importance of ministering to our youth, in his case through the Explorer Scouts as he wrote. The discussion moved to relating good memories in the group of their scouting days. We learned then praised Tom for having earned the "Eagle Scout Award," the highest award in scouting. Several of us were envious (a sin, I guess) as we related we reached only the Life Award, the second highest award behind Eagle. We did not count merit badges, but maybe next time. Ken told a story on Danny when he and his scouts used borrowed medal canoes on a rocky river. Danny and the boys spent days in the Scout Hut pounding out the dents. Ken pointed out they were learning to be responsible. I guess wood does not dent Many other Scouting stories came forward emphasizing how the basics of Scouting stay with young men as they grow into adulthood. Thank you Danny, and had you been here there was nothing you would have had to defend as your article was an inspiration.

Some of Danny's scripture had to do with the importance of training up youth. It connected with Ken Buker's article on the child in him as Ken related some of the lessons he learned as a child, especially from old hymns learned way back then. Remembering them years later gives support during times when complicated ethical and theological issues must be addressed - we can just go back to that child like faith that says Jesus loves me . . for the Bible tells me so . . Then - would you believe this - a question was asked of Ken if he knew the words to some hymns he mentioned and could he hum or sing a line or two. Ken did. About that time Bob Lumadue joined in and then Richard Harrison and before long everyone was trying to sing , and I was so moved. What an experience as we remembered words from long ago. Ken said he learned the hymns when his Presbyterian preacher father would take him to the Baptist Church on Sunday night where they sang over and over all the oldies. . Thanks Ken for the good advice and the good memories.

As Ken was finishing, Bob Lumadue was so excited he literally jumped out of his seat and started spreading copies of his article to everyone. He apologized for jumping in but he felt his article fit right in with Ken's main point and he could not wait. Bob told of his love for the hymn "Eye of the Sparrow" and what it had meant to him - some experiences with family and some with others. He warned us he might not make it through reading his work without choking up - but he did and we are all better for it. Then , somehow, we remembered some of the lines and the group was humming and singing again - this time with a little more confidence. Then other members of the group told of times when this hymn had been meaningful to them. Bob said daughter Liz sang it often and was somewhat her "trademark," (my phrase, I forget what Bob used) and now Bob and I want to have her sing it for the our Ownbey Sunday School Class - she has given us superb and special in class performances on occasion. Good work Bob.

Tom Stinson shared with us a super and timely subject - Thanksgiving - as he tied his article in with the season. He related how he felt God was helping him when he decided to move to Charlotte at 70 years of age to be near his daughter. He said the medical facilities in Charlotte were a blessing because he has received such good care through two open heart surgeries and sugeries of wife Judy. Had he stayed in Alabama such treatment would have been harder to get and further away, and he was thankful for how the move helped with that. As he said, we all have much to be thankful for and Tom helped put it in perspective. Thanks Tom for sharing and making all of us more aware of how thankful we should be.

Ralph Webb shared with us some words of wisdom he found recently which offer good insight for all of us. A man had lived a long life and had successes and some failures. He realized he was on his death bed. In the hospital he and a long time friend were sharing thoughts. He was asked what he had learned from life. He hesitated a few moments as he considered his response and then said there were three things including
1> Better to tell the truth than lie
2> Better to know than be ignorant
3> Better to be free than a slave
Our group also added to the three another
4> Better to love and be loved that not
Thanks Ralph, we need to live with this in mind

John Blackwelder reported he heard our member Claude Davis was in the hospital intensive care. He lost his 50ish son in law recently. We had no more details on Claude.

Ken volunteered to do the closing prayer with suggestions from the group. He prayed for Claude Davis, Tom's grandson who is now 10 days in Afghanistan, a niece and nephew of Bob Lumadue, Bob Spiro . . grandson, for our group here and not present. Thanks again Ken.

What a fun day as I said in the opening above but also a meaningful one if I read the group correctly. Thanks to you as all really did your part. As I said I was worried about the session and you fellows made it a joy at least for me - thank you. Richard Harrison, who pointed out he is probably younger than the others, said and later wrote the following

The scripture that mentions"where 2 are gathered" must really be true . . . because I certainly felt that the Holy Spirit was with us today! We went through a wonderful bible study that truly MOVED me. I learn something at every session, but today was special because of the testimonies given by several members who spoke of God's enduring faithfulness through ALL KINDS of situations. I am probably the youngest member of the bible study, and I noticed a common thread contained in each and every story; these men have known God a lot of years,and the lessons that have carried them are the very simple ones (Jesus loves me, His eye is on the sparrow, be thankful and praise him,etc...). They learned these lessons from an early age (also the hymns!) and those same simple Christian principles of love and faith are even more important to them today. I pray that I will keep and live the faith in the same manner and with the same love they have shown me. I will certainly love them. I will never forget this day! God Bless!

On December 03 Cal, Durward, John, and Don did their articles. Durward told of one of the miracles in his life when he cold turkey stopped smoking, but the class had fun addressing not the miracle of it or that miracles "still happen," but how they stopped smoking. This discussion led me to believe there are thousands of folks around that have beaten that desire and would like to talk about it; I think we should encourage them when we can for it is a big deal. John shared heartfelt feelings about what the taking and teaching of Bible classes such as Disciple meant to him and in his journey to find peace. I appreciate his words and he is a good example of what we all need to try yo do. Cal spoke of working long hours to help pay for college driving a truck and early one morning he almost ran into a train, causing him to forever wonder why he was saved. Perhaps there is a reason, he reasoned. Don talked football and tried to illustrate with the fifth down how hard it is to do the right thing at times, especially when the cost is high in prestige or other ways.

Thanks again for making this a couple of fun and meaningful sessions. I am glad you came!

Articles and videos are at http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/
and at links connected to the names above
Amen

2009-12-03T21:34:00.004-05:00

Cal Chesson - Our Second Chance

Durward Owen - Miracles

2009-12-02T19:30:00.006-05:00

Two visiting Yankee Catholic friends, following an all night bar hopping, were seated at back of church. My son was joining the Methodist church. I went back to be sure they were safe enough to remain for the service. Al Brown asked, “what are you giving him?”.! responded, “nothing, we Protestants do not have that practice”.

Following the service I reached into my coat pocket to pull out my cigarettes, a lifetime practice, having smoked several packets a day, for as long as I can remember. Many efforts to stop had not worked. In a flash the comment by Al became a blinding experience, and I turned to David, gave him the almost full packet and said, “as a gift today I will never smoke a cigarette again as long as I live.

I have never smoked a cigarette since that day. I believe that was a miracle, and that miracles still come from God. We just do not recognize them.

JOHN CHAPTER 4, VERSE 48: “Unless you see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe”

John Blackwelder - THE PRICE HAS BEEN PAID

2009-12-02T19:15:00.010-05:00

THE PRICE HAS BEEN PAID

Read Psalm 50-12-14

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed on his name, he gave the right to become children of GOD

John 1-12-14

I have always considered myself religious, a Christian. For years, however, I struggled with past sins, bad choices and lack of works or perhaps commitment. I worried about life and death, family and problems. My religion exceeded my faith

My correct religion was challenged by a Bible Study closely dissecting the New Covenant, I knew my way to the Church but not true WAY. I was tempted to believe there were many ways and joined the world in correct and popular accepted belief. The study gave me LIGHT to find the WAY .

A Bible study opened the Bible to me for the first time since my youth.I looked in the mirror and challenged myself, my faith was lacking. I had been influenced by Satin;s old trick of making us think we carried the weight of our past and future sins. This message was sometimes projected from some pulpits,indirectly questioning the Blood of Christ, shed for us.Correct religion as presented by the worldly authorities questioning the sufficiency of Jesus Christ blood and attempts to relegate him to prophet, as Satin wishes and not the Son of GOD. Satin's defeat at the Resurrection.of CHRIST and the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT to members of his family sealed his fate.

I am at peace, his blood is sufficient for all my sins. I have accepted his invitation to follow him and be his bother, sharing a Heavenly FATHER who has given me new birth in the SPIRIT who resides in my earthly body.Get behind me Satin, you do not worry me and I recognize you for who you are

Thought for the Day

Accept the fact we are sinner, dead, but by the Grace of GOD and the blood of JESUS, live in him. His Kingdom has come

John N. Blackwelder, Sr

Ralph Webb BETTER TO . . .

2009-12-02T15:29:00.001-05:00

Ralph shared with us a story he heard recently which offers good insight for all of us. A man had lived a long life and had successes and some failures. He realized he was on his death bed and in the hospital he and a friend were sharing thoughts. He was asked what he had learned from life. He hesitared a few moments as he considered his response and then said there were three things including
1> Better to tell the truth than lie
2> Better to know than be ignorant
3> Better to be free than a slave

Our group also added to the three another
4> Better to love and be loved that not

Thanks Ralph for some wisdom for long living.

2009-12-01T21:01:00.001-05:00

Danny Watts - EXPLORING

Read Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 22:6 (English Standard Version)

6(A) Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Cross references:

1. Proverbs 22:6 : Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6 – 8 NIV

In early 1974 a co-Youth Sunday school teacher asked if I would be an advisor in a to be formed Explorer Post. He was the Exploring executive in our county charged with establishing Posts county wide. Exploring is the co-educational division of the Boy Scouts of America. Thus began a 22-year commitment of my working with young boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 21 as a volunteer. Our post engaged in high adventure activities such as back packing, camping, rock climbing and rappelling, white-water canoing and kayaking, snow skiing, both down hill and cross county, etc. We endeavored to go out once a month rain or shine. Two primary lessons given them were ‘leave it better than you found it’ and ‘you are responsible for your own acts’. It is gratifying to hear occasionally from some of these Explorers or their parents about how much they learned from these experiences. What a blessing it is, thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, it is very hard to know and do the right thing as a teenager. Please help young people think before they do something they will regret the rest of their lives.

Thought for the day: We are responsible for our own acts.

Danny Watts

Prayer Focus: Young People

2009-12-01T15:12:00.001-05:00

Don Redding - Our Fifth Downs

Suggested Bible Reading

2 Timothy 4:6-8 (New International Version)

⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day . . .. . . .

Today's Scripture:

Galatians 5:7: You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Exodus 20:15¹⁵Thou shalt not steal.

Carl Snavely. coach of Charlie Justice and four of the best North Carolina football teams, once forfeited a game after reviewing the game movies. His Cornell team won against Dartmouth on a fifth down. The decision cost Snavely and his Cornell team an undefeated season and a #1 ranking. The year was 1940. He coached UNC 1946 -1951. A writeup of the game is at Fifth Down - or may be found by googling "fifth down Carl Snavely". Also, you can find other fifth down situations not handled as courageously.

I long admired Snavely for his character and that decision. I often get fifth downs and wonder if I handle them as well as he. My fifth downs come in the form of mistakes in judgment, people I mistreat, sins through commission and omission, lack of a good word of encouragement to others, unkind words, little empathy, and a million other ways you guys can suggest. The important thing is to forfeit/correct those plays and keep hustling for 100 yards.

Often I am blessed with many first downs. I create too many fifth downs, and I hope I have character enough to do the right thing with them no matter the costs.

Prayer
Father, Thank you for all our first down opportunities. Forgive us for taking unfair advantage of the rules and circumstances. Teach us courage in the small and easy decisions - as well as in large ones which cost us our individual national championships.

Thought for the Day:
How do we handle our fifth downs, especially if they cost us dearly.
Prayer Focus:
People without many first down opportunities.

donRedding
11/16/09

Ken Buker - Oh ye of" LITTLE" Faith

2009-11-20T18:15:00.003-05:00

Matthew 18:2-6 (English Standard Version)

²And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them ³and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

⁵ "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, ⁶but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Linda retyped this for us

O YE OF "LITTLE" FAITH
Matthew 18-2-6: (English Standard Version) 2. And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3. and said "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6. but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
"And a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6

The older I get, the more I look back. When I attended my dad's 90th birthday, my mom told me to be careful what I said to the group about dad -- There's a little boy in him too, you know! (My dad, a minister who never retired.)
Looking back on my childhood, I remember these songs - Jesus Loves Me -- Brighten the Corner Where You Are -- What a Friend We Have in Jesus -- In My Heart There Rings a Melody -- Into My Heart -- Faith of Our Fathers -- Onward Christian Soldiers.
So many more hymns come to mind and I loved them all - still do. When in the mountains or at the seashore, the songs just rattle around in my head at times. And when complicated ethical and theological questions are debated, we can just go back to that childlike faith that says Jesus loves me, this I know - for the Bible tells me so!
And in a couple of years - when I turn 90 - please, someone, remind me - There's a little boy in me somewhere. Let it show.
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for Amazing Grace. Amen

KEN BUKER

Click on yellow pad for larger picture

Bob Lumadue EYE ON THE SPARROW Video

2009-11-20T18:13:00.004-05:00

Bob Lumadue EYE ON THE SPARROW

2009-11-20T18:11:00.004-05:00

EYE ON THE SPARROW

Matthew 6:26
26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Matthew 10:26-31
26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

About 70 years ago, in a small Methodist church in El Reno, Oklahoma, I first heard my mother sing “His Eye is on the Sparrow”. Even at that young age of seven, for some reason it had a significant effect on me. I did not fully understand the message, and certainly not the scripture behind it, but it touched me nevertheless. That is just the beginning of the story, which is somewhat self-serving, but I will tell it anyway.

This song is still in the Cokesbury Hymnal, thankfully, and I wish it were in the large Methodist hymnal. A lot of the old “down home” hymns have not survived the “improvements” that have taken place in the big hymnal over the years —but that is another story

Well, about 40 years ago, I was privileged to hear a cousin of my wife sing the same number in a small church in upper South Carolina, at a family gathering. Needless to say, it brought back memories.

About 15 years ago, at one of the first Hymn Sings at our church, a young tenor named Keith Hudspeth sang what has now become “my song” in his beautiful tenor voice. I cried like a baby.

Now, flash forward to about 10 years ago, and with no connection known to her, our daughter sang one of her first solos at St Andrews Methodist, and it was “His Eye is on the Sparrow’! Her voice bears an uncanny similarity to my mother’s voice — and that was a real experience, for me and for my wife Anne. Whatever talent our daughter has for singing, she got probably equally from my mother and from Arnie’s father, passed down to Anne and then to Liz. Certainly not from me!

Through the years of course, I have familiarized myself with the scriptures which were the inspiration for the song, mainly Matthew 6: 26, and 10:26-31. It becomes more and more apparent to me that God does have his eye on us, just as he has his eye on the smallest sparrow, and of course all living things.

I feel truly blessed to have the series of experiences I mentioned, and thank you for letting me share them.

My prayer would be that each of us continues to remember that “His Eye is on the Sparrow — and I Know He Watches Me”. Amen and Amen.

Tom Stinson THANKSGIVING

2009-11-20T17:19:00.010-05:00

(Linda typed this for us . . )
THANKSGIVING
Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 100: 1-5 (NIV) "1. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3.Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name. 5. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Today's Scripture: Psalm 75:1 "Oh, God, we give thanks to you. We proclaim how great you are and tell of the wonderful things you have done."
This is the season of Thanksgiving. I have much to be thankful for - my family, friends, my church, and the fact that I live in a free country.
My lovely wife of 60 years and I moved to Charlotte in 1998 to be near our daughter and her family. It was quite an adjustment; however, we soon realized that with God's help, we had made the right decision.
I have had two open-heart surgeries and my wife has had cornea transplants, all of which would have been a 60-mile trip to a Birmingham hospital.
God has richly Blessed me and I am truly thankful.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to express our thanksgiving to you and all mankind.
Thought for the Day: Count our many Blessings.
Prayer Focus: Live your life in a Spirit of Thanksgiving.

TOM STINSON

2009-11-16T14:22:00.003-05:00

Jim asked me to lead the group Thursday , November 19, and so I have been thinking about it.

On Thursday remember we are scheduled to present our "Upper Room" type articles to each other.
Since we have not discussed procedures, I thought I would make up some and let you tell me if they need changing. Here we go.

1> Look ate the Upper Room and check its format.
2>The Upper Room articles have several sections:
Title of your Write Up
Suggested Bible Reading
Todays' Scripture
(The Write up)
Prayer
Thought for the Day
Prayer Focus
3>We probably need to have read before the session, otherwise we will be there all day making copies, reading for first time, and finding scripture references, all while we are trying to eat.
4> To save time we would lose in copying, I suggest we print/copy before the meeting as follows . . .
5> I suggest we email copies to each other and we each can print out the ones we receive.
4>Also print a couple of copies of yours to bring in case we need extra, the emailing does not work. or/and for those without email. I might usa mail mine to Ken who has no email
5>If you want to use the copier at the church, there is one in the library beside Ownbey Class Room 110. Try to do well before class as it might be backed up as the microwave is sometimes heating our food.
6> Even if you are not going to be present, go ahead and email your work to all. When this project came up no one objected to the idea.
7> Let me know if you want to change these suggestions.
8> I will send you my copy after I give you a chance first to voice any changes to these suggested procedures (and after I add the prayer which I forgot until I made the list under #2).
9>I also will put mine on our Blog Site and later I will ask you if I may add yours.These suggestions are on our Blog now at http://noonbiblestudy.blogspot.com/

See you Thursday

donRedding

2009-11-06T16:14:00.001-05:00

2009-09-29T14:43:00.002-04:00

All:

A reminder that we'll meet in Rm 105 this week for another Truth Project

video. So we can start promptly at noon, be sure to arrive early enough to get some

of Shebra's good grub and be back to 105 by 12:00. Look forward to seeing you all there.

jim hatfield

Our Study Process

2009-05-11T21:28:00.003-04:00

NOTE 2007 Change in FORMAT:

Guys: (5/14/2007)
Men's Bible Study - New Study Process

After discussion, we've decided to change the process which we use in
Thursday's Bible studies. It seemed that, in the old way, we talked
about Scripture but gradually got away from actually studying in the
Scripture. We began to emphasize the Upper Room stories (giving grades 1 - 10),
and rarely discussed the Scriptural references.

In the new way, we'll read/discuss the Scripture references in the
applicable Upper Room stories and discontinue the grading of the stories.
(We didn't feel it right to "grade" the Scripture, so the entire grading process has been eliminated).

That said, now all you need do is come prepared to discuss the Upper
Room Scripture references for the week..... maybe taking/bringing some
notes on each referenced Scripture passage and being prepared to
discuss any that enlightened, impacted, puzzled, intrigued, amused, angered,
lifted, depressed, or concerned you. Your call.

(We also use the Men's Bible according to the schedule as well.dsr 5/12/09)

We've tried this for a couple of weeks and it seems to work out OK.
Discussions have been lively.

Look forward to seeing you Thursday.

Any questions, just ask.

Jim Hatfield
(5/14/2007)

Bible Scholars and others, win $$ for you or your favorite charity

2009-02-14T01:56:00.010-05:00

Bible Scholars and others

So what if you do not know all you want to about the Bible, if you learn just the books in order you can win $ for you or your favorite charity - contact don, get together, and recite the names successfully in order by memory two times in a row. Offer ends soon. Click here to see winners from the Ownbey class for a similar offer at http://www.donredding.com/aaaa/index.html

$50 Bible books in order
Extra $25 for including the (18 Books of the) Apocrypha!
and $25 more for 10 Commadements
Books of Bible at http://www.mpumc.org/ownbey/books_of_bible
and
http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/66books.html
Apcorypha list at www.mb-soft.com/believe/txs/apocryph.htm
or
Poems with Bible Books' Names
get Bible Business Cards from the Ownbey Class

Win $50

2009-02-14T01:18:00.001-05:00

02/05/09 Thu "Truth Project"

2009-02-05T19:50:00.005-05:00

We did the first volume of the TRUTH PROJECT and will do the remaining 10 volumes the first of each month (we did #2 or 3 last month). Link to Truth Project Web page

Lesson 1 - Veritology: What is Truth?

The Truth Project begins by defining truth as "that which corresponds to reality." This absolute and eternal truth, at the heart of Jesus' mission on earth, continues to be the focal point of the Cosmic Battle in our own time.

Lesson 2 - Philosophy and Ethics: Says Who?

Truth is not simply an academic concept. The way we think about truth has a direct bearing upon the way we live our lives. What's more, our understanding of right and wrong is directly dependent on our worldview: is the universe God's creation or a closed cosmic cube?

Lesson 3 - Anthropology: Who is Man?

The Bible tells us that man was created in God's image but fell from innocence through sin. Modern psychology, on the other hand, asserts that man is inherently good and behaves badly only under the influence of social or institutional pressure. This lesson explores the implications of both views.

Lesson 4 - Theology: Who is God?

Eternal life, according to Jesus, is knowing God in an intimate, personal, and relational way. Such knowledge, which is possible only because of divine revelation, transforms us from the inside out as we begin to see ourselves in the light of His majesty and holiness.

Lesson 5 - Science: What is True?

Science, the "systematic study of the natural world," brings to light innumerable evidences of Intelligent Design. But Darwinian theory transforms science from the honest investigation of nature into a vehicle for propagating a godless philosophy. (Part One)

A careful examination of molecular biology and the fossil record demonstrates that evolution is not a "proven fact." Meanwhile, history shows that ideas, including Darwinism as a social philosophy, have definite consequences – consequences that can turn ugly when God is left out of the picture. (Part Two) Back to top

Lesson 6 - History: Whose Story?

Does the past have an objective actuality and significance? Or does it, as postmodernist philosophy asserts, exist primarily inside our heads? This tour considers the meaning of history as God’s story and shows us why remembering is so important.

Lesson 7 - Sociology: The Divine Imprint

The order we observe in the natural realm is even more apparent in the social systems God has established: family, church, community, state, labor, and the union between God and man. Life is a series of relationships that flow out of and reflect the Trinitarian nature of the Creator. Back to top

Lesson 8 - Unio Mystica: Am I Alone?

Is it possible for the infinite, eternal Creator to dwell within the heart of an individual? The implications of this great mystery, which represents the very core of the Christian faith, are explored at length in this examination of the most intimate of the social spheres. Back to top

Lesson 9 - The State: Whose Law?

Of all the social spheres, the state, to which God grants the power of the sword for the punishment of evil and the preservation of the good, has the greatest potential to go awry if it oversteps its authority. The civil magistrate must always remember his place under the sovereignty of God – otherwise, havoc will ensue.

Lesson 10 - The American Experiment: Stepping Stones

America is unique in the history of the world. On these shores a people holding to a biblical worldview have had an opportunity to set up a system of government designed to keep the state within its divinely ordained boundaries. Tour #10 follows the history of this experiment and explores what happens to freedom when God is forgotten.

Lesson 11 - Labor: Created to Create

Contrary to a great deal of contemporary popular opinion, work is not a "curse." God Himself is active and creative, and He calls man to share in the joy of His activity and creativity. Labor, economics, media, and the creative arts all have a role to play in magnifying the glory of the Creator.

Lesson 12 - Community and Involvement: God Cares, do I?

The ethical law and the meaning of the Christian life are summed up in the commandment to love God and one's neighbor. This command is the source of the believer's motivation for self-sacrificial service to the needy and their personal involvement in our culture. Link to Truth Project Web page

2006.11.09 Bibles on Display MPUMC

2009-01-23T19:45:00.003-05:00

This was a great display of old Bibles in November of 2006

SELECTING A BIBLE? CLICK HERE FOR DISCUSSION BY BEN III

2009-01-11T23:56:00.009-05:00

2009 Readings (Click here for bigger print)

2007-05-12T09:01:00.001-04:00

5/5/2007 Changes in Format - stopped grading

2007-05-05T21:30:00.001-04:00

Schedule - Thursday Noon Men's Bible Group

(12:00-1:00, Thursdays) Bring your own food or buy pot luck overflow from Wednesaday night, $2, no reservations needed. Contact Jim Hatfield for information.

We use the Upper Room and concentrate on the scriptures listed for Friday lessons through Thursday each Thursday meeting. In early May, 2007, we made a change from grading the readings to emphasizing the scriptures . In the new way, we read/discuss the Scripture references in the applicable Upper Room stories and discontinue the grading of the stories. (We didn't feel it right to "grade" the Scripture, so the entire grading process has been eliminated). That said, now all you need do is come prepared to discuss the Upper Room Scripture references for the week..... maybe taking/bringing some notes on each referenced Scripture passage and being prepared to discuss any that enlightened, impacted, puzzled, intrigued, amused, angered, lifted, depressed, or concerned you. Your call.

We also use the same way the Men's Devotional Bible (NIV) by Zondervan. About $20.

Reading Schedule is at http://donredding.com/1501.htm. The below pictured Book is at Amazon, click here.

9/1/2005 with changes in parenthesis of 6/8/06

2006-06-08T21:26:00.000-04:00

Subject::Thursday Noon Bible Study Group (Original email of 9/1/2005 with changes in parenthesis of 6/8/06)

Hi

Bible Hour Study Group

(changes of 6/8/06 in parenthesis)

Any reference to "1501" is from our meeting place in the old parsonage located at 1501 Queens Road which was replaced in 2003 by the new Parish Life Building.

* We use the Men's Devotional Bible found at http://www.amazon.com for about $20.
* Thanks to Jim Hatfield for extending our schedule through (2006) . It is at http://donredding.com/1501.htm
* We met at the YMCA from December, 2002, until 06/13/03 when we moved back to the church (in Jubilee Hall.).
* We now meet (2005) in Jubilee Hall. Lunch is ($2), no reservations required.
* Time is 12:00-1:00 p.m.... on Thursdays Please share this with anyone you feel would like to join us.
* At a meeting early in 2004 the group elected as our leader Jim Hatfield. His email is jhatfield@carolina.rr.com
Guys:

Here's my take on what we agreed to today:
We will continue to use the Men's Devotional Bible as per the published schedule and will rate as outlined below.
In addition, each member will read a week's worth - Friday through the next Thursday - of "Upper Room" devotions and report to the group on any lesson that particularly "spoke" to them. The lessons may be "graded" 1 - 10 with 1=Ho Hum, not much good, 10 =Wow, I need to read that over and over. (Change from 1- 5 scale in June 2006.)
and we'll summarize the "scores" for the entire group. A week will be defined as Friday to Thursday. Example - We are to meet on Thursday, Sep 8th.The Upper Room Devotions studied would be: Fri Sep 2 thru Thur Sep 8.

I will prepare and bring a grid template to summarize the scores.....

(modified by don 10/29/05 and 6/8/06 ) As to meals: We get pot luck from the Hot Wednesday meal the night before for ($2). Shebra said that the extra food is shared with So. Tryon and us. At any rate, we would still be at the mercy of Wednesday night leftovers and, presumably, some weeks there would be very little or none..... Looks like we need to be very flexible until the ladies group decides to meet and eat again so we can get back to regular Thursday vittles. (Ladies' group disbanded in 2005). Sound about right?
Jim h
9/1/2005
*