Good Morning to All!
Social Stuff!
Its been a good week for me and I hope it has been one for you also. First of all Jane and I went to the play "Mama Mia" at the Fox Theatre and had a very good time. We had seen the moving which I thought was OK but not great. I really did enjoy the play however and the music was excellent. On Friday my sister (Wyona) flew up from Texas to visit our mom (Opal) who is in the Delmar Gardens home located in Fenton, Mo. It was great having Wyona up and our mom is truly enjoying it. Last night Wyona, me and my brother Jeff, with our spouses went to dinner at Tuckers and had a great time. Laughed a great deal and it was good to be together. On Saturday some of our cousins came to visit Wyona with Mom and had a great time. Our cousin Steve plays the fiddle and another cousin-in-law, Richard plays the guitar and they played for mom in the lobby of Delmar Gardens. The music was great and mom was clamping her hands to the rhythm of the music. On Sunday, after church, we had another set of cousins come to visit Wyona and Mom and we were able to share some great stories. All-in-all, Wyona's visit as well as the visits by the cousins has really helped mom as well as all of us. It is truly great to have great family members to fellowship with.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Attendees: Bill Nichols, Cindie Jones, Denise Kelly, Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Genny Maas, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Amanda Vogt who continues to struggle with fatigue.
2. A friend of Denise's grand daughter (Madison) who is struggling with significant health issues at a very young age.
3. Doug Nichols (Bill's nephew) who continues to deal with Leukemia.
4. Genny's daughter (Karen) who is flying back from Australia.
5. Cyndie's friend Karen and their family who are struggling with various issues.
6. Andrew Jones friend Ryan who is completing his Eagle Scout training.
7. Josh Schlobohm who is doing better in college after a tough start.
8. Terry's sister's presence who has traveled up from Texas to visit their Mom (Opal Pursley) who is a resident at the Fenton Delmar Gardens.
9. Alan's friend Ernie who is now working as a chaplain after the loss of his daughter several weeks ago.
Materiel Discussed: Book of Acts, Chapters 24, 25, and 26
We started the class with the intent of watching Chapter 24 of Acts in the DVD we have been following but the story is so compelling that we kept the DVD running right thru Chapters 25 and 26. In these Chapters we read where Paul, being kept captive by the Roman Guards, is first taken to Governor Felix (located in Cesarea), where the Jewish case against Paul is presented by a Jewish lawyer named Tertullus. After Tertullus presents his case against him, Paul is given the opportunity to make his own defence. Paul's presentation is persuasive and Felix is not sure what he should do so he decides to do nothing and Paul stays in Roman custody for two (2) years.
Felix is eventually replaced by a new Governor named Festus. Upon Festus taking his new position the Jewish leaders immediately attempt to persuade Festus to return Paul to Jerusalem because the Jews want to kill Paul in the interim travel. Paul senses this plot and when Festus offers Paul the opportunity to return to Jerusalem to face his accusers Paul refuses and appeals his case to Caesar in Rome! Evidently, the Roman laws and fundamentals beliefs regarding Roman citizenship were strong and thus when Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed to Caesar the Roman Governor felt compelled to grant this appeal even with the Jewish pressure to return Paul to Jerusalem. However; Festus' problem his he can find nothing illegal about Paul's activities and thus he doesn't know what charges to bring against Paul that can be sent to Caesar. Festus therefore turns to the local Jewish leader - King Agrippa II, to hear Paul's argument and to help develop some sort of charge that could be used to send Paul to Caesar. King Aggippa II then hears Paul and Paul once again makes his case. During this defense Paul relies more heavily on his Jewish background and his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, and upon the completion of Paul's presentation King Aggrippa tells Festus Paul has done nothing to deserve death and in fact Paul could have been set free if Paul had not appealed to Caesar.
This completed Chapter 26 and the story of Paul's hearings in front of Felix, Festus and King Aggripa II and the scriptures do not tell us what charges Festus eventually develops, but because of Paul's appear Festus does indeed send Paul to Rome. Chapters 27 and 28 will cover Paul's journey to Rome, and will complete the Book of Acts.
One salient element in these three Chapters (24 - 26) is Paul argues his case with much confidence and clarity because Paul knows (from vs Chapter 23:v11) that the "Lord" wants and needs Paul to go to Rome; therefore, Paul's confidence in the Lord leads Paul to know that he will indeed go to Rome even though there may be other humans who want to prevent this trip. Paul does not appear to be the least bit concerned be cause he "Trusts God", and that would seem to be a main lesson in our study. Do we Trust God? That's the question we must all ask ourselves.
This next weekend Jane and I will be visiting our Grand kids in Madison so we will not be in class next Sunday. Bill Nichols has graciously agreed to play the DVD and lead the class and I would encourage all to attend and listen about Paul's journey to Rome. As usual it is not easy and Paul once again displays his confidence in the Lord which leads to leadership of the ships crew.
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
February 15, 2010
Good Morning!
Social Stuff:
Well its Monday morning and we received about 4" of snow here at the Pursley home. I have been out and shoveled the driveway plus rode my stationary bike 6 miles so I am feeling pretty good right now. For Valentines Day Jane and I went to the movies and saw "Sherlock Holmes" and we both enjoyed it very much. We would recommend it to you. After the movie we went to TGIFridays and we always like the food and environment there. We enjoyed Sunday's church services with the focus on the Boy Scouts as well as both the Pastor's message and the choir music. We are quite lucky to have Bob Meinz as our music director and Suzanne as our pastor.
I completed my mother's taxes as well as Jane and my taxes this past week which didn't go to badly, after I worked my way thru all my computer problems. Boy am I dumb about this computer stuff, and that assessment of my talent is being generous!
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Members Present: Bill Nichols, Allan and Teresa Schlobohm, Cindie Jones, Denise Kelly, Pastor Suzanne Lyons, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Denise's grandson - Dean - who is having some difficulty adapting to his new school environment.
2. Bill's nephew Doug who is undergoing his second round of chemotherapy.
3. Jane's cousin Pat who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is in the early stages of treatment.
4. Cyndie's mom Esther who will be having some blood work done this week.
5. Cyndie's friend Ester Smith who is experiencing some general health issues.
6. Terry's sister, Wyona, who will be traveling to St. Louis this next week.
7. Terry's mom, Opal, who is a resident at Delmar Gardens in Fenton, Mo. and who continues to experience mental fading.
8. Jane's friend Jen Buck who is trying to get started going to church but is reluctant to do so.
Material studied was Chapter 23 of the Book of Acts.
In Chapter 23 we continue to find Paul having to encounter a large contingent of Jewish leaders (Sadducee's) who were upset with Paul's teaching about the "the resurrection of the dead". They were so upset with Paul that they wanted to kill him. The other faction of the Jewish leadership was the Pharisees and they were in general agreement with Paul's "resurrection" philosophy and thus there was much turmoil in the Jewish leadership. This "turmoil" was so strong that the Roman Governor and military had to expend considerable efforts to protect Paul, and even had to move Paul from Jerusalem to the town of Caesarea for Paul's protection.
We had a very good discussion about this Chapter and we noted three (3) items of interest.
1. Throughout this episode the new Christian leaders (apostles and disciples) are significant by their absence. Whether these Christian leaders were afraid of their own safety or not is a matter of speculation, but the scriptures do not make any mention of them during this period.
2. The Jewish leadership is under great pressure as a result of Paul's preaching. This whole concept of Jesus being the "Messiah" and/or the "Son of God" is not something the Jewish leadership are able to "push to the back burner"; which is what they have most probably been able to do with other radical religious philosophies that have come and gone, but not this one. This "Christianity" will not go away and the more the Jewish leaders argue the stronger the Christians become as evidenced by the fact that certain members of the Jewish community have come to the conclusion they must kill Paul in order to stop his message from affecting the entire community.
3. The Roman Government isn't much concerned about Paul's theology but they are concerned about his Roman Citizenship! We see here a small glimpse into the Roman society which obviously highly values a Roman Citizen. Paul is basically a "nobody" as far as Rome is concerned but the fact that Paul is a Roman Citizen gives Paul certain fundamental rights which the Roman Government is willing to spend considerable resources to protect.
In addition we find in verse 11 a very meaningful message. Verse 11 reads "That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good news in Rome as well." We see Jesus telling Paul that Paul must preach in Rome. From history we remember, Paul's preaching will highly influence Rome's leadership so that in the 4th century Christianity will become officially recognized and supported by the Roman Government. From Rome, Christianity will therefore spread to Spain and to England and from both those countries to the United States, and eventually to us here in Salem Church. I therefore suggest that Verse 11 of Chapter 23 in the Book of Acts is the "Christ led plan" for Christianity to be spread throughout the World including to those of us in Salem In Ballwin United Methodist Church. I think that sort of "stuff" is pretty "neat" not to mention very important as we continue to search for our spiritual "foundation". We worship here because Jesus wanted us to worship here!
Next week we will continue our study by reading Chapter 24 and beyond of the Book of Acts as the "Holy Spirit" so directs.
In the meantime and as always - Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry Pursley
Koinonia Sunday School Class
PS - I should once again state that the above blog comments are mine and mine alone. They have not been reviewed, approved or in any way sanctioned by, my wife, Salem Church, our Pastor, the United Methodist Church or any other intelligent entity. They are just my "musings" and I hope you find them interesting and helpful.
T
Social Stuff:
Well its Monday morning and we received about 4" of snow here at the Pursley home. I have been out and shoveled the driveway plus rode my stationary bike 6 miles so I am feeling pretty good right now. For Valentines Day Jane and I went to the movies and saw "Sherlock Holmes" and we both enjoyed it very much. We would recommend it to you. After the movie we went to TGIFridays and we always like the food and environment there. We enjoyed Sunday's church services with the focus on the Boy Scouts as well as both the Pastor's message and the choir music. We are quite lucky to have Bob Meinz as our music director and Suzanne as our pastor.
I completed my mother's taxes as well as Jane and my taxes this past week which didn't go to badly, after I worked my way thru all my computer problems. Boy am I dumb about this computer stuff, and that assessment of my talent is being generous!
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Members Present: Bill Nichols, Allan and Teresa Schlobohm, Cindie Jones, Denise Kelly, Pastor Suzanne Lyons, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Denise's grandson - Dean - who is having some difficulty adapting to his new school environment.
2. Bill's nephew Doug who is undergoing his second round of chemotherapy.
3. Jane's cousin Pat who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is in the early stages of treatment.
4. Cyndie's mom Esther who will be having some blood work done this week.
5. Cyndie's friend Ester Smith who is experiencing some general health issues.
6. Terry's sister, Wyona, who will be traveling to St. Louis this next week.
7. Terry's mom, Opal, who is a resident at Delmar Gardens in Fenton, Mo. and who continues to experience mental fading.
8. Jane's friend Jen Buck who is trying to get started going to church but is reluctant to do so.
Material studied was Chapter 23 of the Book of Acts.
In Chapter 23 we continue to find Paul having to encounter a large contingent of Jewish leaders (Sadducee's) who were upset with Paul's teaching about the "the resurrection of the dead". They were so upset with Paul that they wanted to kill him. The other faction of the Jewish leadership was the Pharisees and they were in general agreement with Paul's "resurrection" philosophy and thus there was much turmoil in the Jewish leadership. This "turmoil" was so strong that the Roman Governor and military had to expend considerable efforts to protect Paul, and even had to move Paul from Jerusalem to the town of Caesarea for Paul's protection.
We had a very good discussion about this Chapter and we noted three (3) items of interest.
1. Throughout this episode the new Christian leaders (apostles and disciples) are significant by their absence. Whether these Christian leaders were afraid of their own safety or not is a matter of speculation, but the scriptures do not make any mention of them during this period.
2. The Jewish leadership is under great pressure as a result of Paul's preaching. This whole concept of Jesus being the "Messiah" and/or the "Son of God" is not something the Jewish leadership are able to "push to the back burner"; which is what they have most probably been able to do with other radical religious philosophies that have come and gone, but not this one. This "Christianity" will not go away and the more the Jewish leaders argue the stronger the Christians become as evidenced by the fact that certain members of the Jewish community have come to the conclusion they must kill Paul in order to stop his message from affecting the entire community.
3. The Roman Government isn't much concerned about Paul's theology but they are concerned about his Roman Citizenship! We see here a small glimpse into the Roman society which obviously highly values a Roman Citizen. Paul is basically a "nobody" as far as Rome is concerned but the fact that Paul is a Roman Citizen gives Paul certain fundamental rights which the Roman Government is willing to spend considerable resources to protect.
In addition we find in verse 11 a very meaningful message. Verse 11 reads "That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good news in Rome as well." We see Jesus telling Paul that Paul must preach in Rome. From history we remember, Paul's preaching will highly influence Rome's leadership so that in the 4th century Christianity will become officially recognized and supported by the Roman Government. From Rome, Christianity will therefore spread to Spain and to England and from both those countries to the United States, and eventually to us here in Salem Church. I therefore suggest that Verse 11 of Chapter 23 in the Book of Acts is the "Christ led plan" for Christianity to be spread throughout the World including to those of us in Salem In Ballwin United Methodist Church. I think that sort of "stuff" is pretty "neat" not to mention very important as we continue to search for our spiritual "foundation". We worship here because Jesus wanted us to worship here!
Next week we will continue our study by reading Chapter 24 and beyond of the Book of Acts as the "Holy Spirit" so directs.
In the meantime and as always - Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry Pursley
Koinonia Sunday School Class
PS - I should once again state that the above blog comments are mine and mine alone. They have not been reviewed, approved or in any way sanctioned by, my wife, Salem Church, our Pastor, the United Methodist Church or any other intelligent entity. They are just my "musings" and I hope you find them interesting and helpful.
T
Monday, February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
Good Morning All!
Its been a couple of weeks since I wrote because Jane and I were in Las Vegas last week attending a Vemma Nutritional convention. We took some extra days and visited the Grand Canyon and the Las Vegas strip. We enjoyed all aspects of the vacation. We went to the Grand Canyon on Monday (2/25/10) and saw the beautiful sites. Like most people, we were impressed by the size and colors of the Canyon. I was considering how long it took God to cut the canyon and then I was even more impressed by how long it must have taken to lay down all the various layers of earth you see in the Canyon walls before the river even began to cut the Canyon. I then realized that all this beautiful creation wound have gone unappreciated if God hadn't created humans with the ability to observe and appreciate the Creation. Truly a magnificent display was before our eyes!
Vegas itself was great also. The crowds are way down and thus its pretty easy to get around and see the sites, but be prepared to walk. Goodness we walked a lot, but it was good weather so it was enjoyable. We saw two shows - "The Lion King", as well as the magicians "Penn & Teller". Both were very good and we really enjoyed the Lion King's music and set creativity. Both shows were worth the money we spent to see them. I did play "Blackjack" at various casinos and when all was send and done I came out ahead by $83. I enjoy the games and the people but a person sure can lose a lot in a short amount of time if you are disciplined. Also, I use to hear the food and hotel rooms were relatively inexpensive because the Casinos wanted to lure people to the "Gaming" experience, but we did not find find this to be true during our trip. Seemed to me like everything cost at least 10% more than back home so I didn't find it to be a particularly inexpensive trip.
The Vemma convention was excellent as usual. Vemma is a great product, and company with great people. If you are interested in enhancing your health I'd suggest going to http://www.terryp.vemma.com.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Material Studied: Book of Acts - Chapters 21 and 22.
Attendees: Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Ginny Maas, Cindie Jones, Bill Nichols, Betty Caswell, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Bill's nephew (Doug) who is home recovering from Chemotherapy for Leukemia treatment.
2. Suzanne's health as she is feeling bad today with stomach issues.
3. A joy for Cindy's children - Alison and Meridith - who are both doing well and enjoying their lives.
4. Cindie's friend Maria Jones who is in the process of having to make employment decisions, and
5, Another Joy for the existence of Duff Hall that has allowed the Boy Scouts to use the facility for their programs and growth. It truly has been a benefit to the Boy Scout troops who use the facility.
Class:
Today we watched the DVD Chapters 21 and 22 from the Book of Acts and we find some very interesting actions taking place. First - Paul has completed his Third ministry journey and is returning to Jerusalem but he is cautioned by "Believers" against returning because of the public outcry against Paul. The Believers are very concerned about Paul's safety. Paul; however, is committed to going as it is God's will and so he returns and is created warmly by the Christian "Elders" but Jewish concerns persist about Paul's teaching that circumcision is not required. This Jewish criticism continues to grow and becomes so strong that Paul is dragged from the Temple and nearly beaten to death. In fact he would have been killed if Roman soldiers had not been present to stop Paul's beating.
While Paul is being led away by the Roman soldiers, Paul asks to speak to the crown once again and the Romain's allow him this opportunity. Paul then gives a long narrative of just how he was transitioned by God from a person famous for persecuting the Christians to becoming a leading spokesperson for the Christians. The crowd is listening very intently but when Paul states he is to take God's message to the Gentiles, the crowd again becomes very volatile to the extent the Roman guards bring Paul inside for not only his own protection but also to flog Paul so he would confess what he had down to arouse the ire of the crowd. As Paul was being stripped for the flogging when Paul states he is a Roman Citizen and challenges the soldiers as to their authority for flogging a Roman Citizen without a trial. This point was evidently a significant defense because the Roman guards stopped the flogging preparations and the Roman commander order a special hearing with the Jewish leaders and Paul in an attempt to ascertain the fundamental issues. Next week in our study of Chapter 23 we will see how this hearing proceeds and its results.
We continue to see thru these accounts of Paul's ministry that Paul remains a singularly strong missionary for God's word. Paul continues to recount the facts of his conversion and the message God gave to Paul to preach. Paul does not waiver, because he KNOWS who God/Jesus is and he KNOWS the message he is to give to the people. He understands his message may not be popular with many people; nonetheless, it is the message of God and he does not waiver in his responsibility to share it with all who will listen.
Next week we will study Chapter 23 and until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry Pursley
Koinonia Sunday School Class
Its been a couple of weeks since I wrote because Jane and I were in Las Vegas last week attending a Vemma Nutritional convention. We took some extra days and visited the Grand Canyon and the Las Vegas strip. We enjoyed all aspects of the vacation. We went to the Grand Canyon on Monday (2/25/10) and saw the beautiful sites. Like most people, we were impressed by the size and colors of the Canyon. I was considering how long it took God to cut the canyon and then I was even more impressed by how long it must have taken to lay down all the various layers of earth you see in the Canyon walls before the river even began to cut the Canyon. I then realized that all this beautiful creation wound have gone unappreciated if God hadn't created humans with the ability to observe and appreciate the Creation. Truly a magnificent display was before our eyes!
Vegas itself was great also. The crowds are way down and thus its pretty easy to get around and see the sites, but be prepared to walk. Goodness we walked a lot, but it was good weather so it was enjoyable. We saw two shows - "The Lion King", as well as the magicians "Penn & Teller". Both were very good and we really enjoyed the Lion King's music and set creativity. Both shows were worth the money we spent to see them. I did play "Blackjack" at various casinos and when all was send and done I came out ahead by $83. I enjoy the games and the people but a person sure can lose a lot in a short amount of time if you are disciplined. Also, I use to hear the food and hotel rooms were relatively inexpensive because the Casinos wanted to lure people to the "Gaming" experience, but we did not find find this to be true during our trip. Seemed to me like everything cost at least 10% more than back home so I didn't find it to be a particularly inexpensive trip.
The Vemma convention was excellent as usual. Vemma is a great product, and company with great people. If you are interested in enhancing your health I'd suggest going to http://www.terryp.vemma.com.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Material Studied: Book of Acts - Chapters 21 and 22.
Attendees: Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Ginny Maas, Cindie Jones, Bill Nichols, Betty Caswell, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Bill's nephew (Doug) who is home recovering from Chemotherapy for Leukemia treatment.
2. Suzanne's health as she is feeling bad today with stomach issues.
3. A joy for Cindy's children - Alison and Meridith - who are both doing well and enjoying their lives.
4. Cindie's friend Maria Jones who is in the process of having to make employment decisions, and
5, Another Joy for the existence of Duff Hall that has allowed the Boy Scouts to use the facility for their programs and growth. It truly has been a benefit to the Boy Scout troops who use the facility.
Class:
Today we watched the DVD Chapters 21 and 22 from the Book of Acts and we find some very interesting actions taking place. First - Paul has completed his Third ministry journey and is returning to Jerusalem but he is cautioned by "Believers" against returning because of the public outcry against Paul. The Believers are very concerned about Paul's safety. Paul; however, is committed to going as it is God's will and so he returns and is created warmly by the Christian "Elders" but Jewish concerns persist about Paul's teaching that circumcision is not required. This Jewish criticism continues to grow and becomes so strong that Paul is dragged from the Temple and nearly beaten to death. In fact he would have been killed if Roman soldiers had not been present to stop Paul's beating.
While Paul is being led away by the Roman soldiers, Paul asks to speak to the crown once again and the Romain's allow him this opportunity. Paul then gives a long narrative of just how he was transitioned by God from a person famous for persecuting the Christians to becoming a leading spokesperson for the Christians. The crowd is listening very intently but when Paul states he is to take God's message to the Gentiles, the crowd again becomes very volatile to the extent the Roman guards bring Paul inside for not only his own protection but also to flog Paul so he would confess what he had down to arouse the ire of the crowd. As Paul was being stripped for the flogging when Paul states he is a Roman Citizen and challenges the soldiers as to their authority for flogging a Roman Citizen without a trial. This point was evidently a significant defense because the Roman guards stopped the flogging preparations and the Roman commander order a special hearing with the Jewish leaders and Paul in an attempt to ascertain the fundamental issues. Next week in our study of Chapter 23 we will see how this hearing proceeds and its results.
We continue to see thru these accounts of Paul's ministry that Paul remains a singularly strong missionary for God's word. Paul continues to recount the facts of his conversion and the message God gave to Paul to preach. Paul does not waiver, because he KNOWS who God/Jesus is and he KNOWS the message he is to give to the people. He understands his message may not be popular with many people; nonetheless, it is the message of God and he does not waiver in his responsibility to share it with all who will listen.
Next week we will study Chapter 23 and until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry Pursley
Koinonia Sunday School Class
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)