Jumpers from OZ

A huge thanks to Monique's mum for knitting us jumpers and sending em over! We got choc as well. There is another package on the way from my parents as well, I think it could be more choc! yay!

Discovery Prophecy Seminars

We're having a really great time at ARISE! It's real busy at the moment. Outreach, Bible studies, classes, church programs and now... the Discovery Prophecy Seminar. Last night was the first night and there were lots of new people! The presentations were excellent and each of the students help out in different ways. For example: Greeters, ushers, prayer room, kids program, registration, music etc. Last night I helped out with the music. Sung the song Ancient Words while playing the piano along the band which comprised of a cello, guitar and saxophone. It's amazing to see people coming and all the Bible studies that are happening at the moment. Please keep all this in your prayers. Oh, by the way, we are getting recordings in mp3 of the seminars. Might be able to post some up in the future.

- Eric

Searching the Scriptures

We had some great thoughts from Ron Du Preez's class today regarding searching and understanding scripture. He drew from the Bible some amazing principles that I think you will really enjoy! Based on Luke 24:27

1. Christ-Dependent Interpretation (Start by going to Jesus) Don’t open your Bible until you pray. Ask Jesus, the supreme interpreter of the sacred scriptures, to Guide in your study of His word, then willingly follow.

2. Chrono-logical Interpretation (Starting with Moses) Start at the beginning, then examine the topic through time, observing all the factors over time; finally, draw conclusions.

3. Careful Interpretation (Expounded to them interpreted / hermeneutics / thoroughly) Examine the Biblical passage meticulously, considering the words in the full context, to determine the proper meaning.

4. Comprehensive Interpretation (All the Scriptures) Consider the evidence from the broader context of the Bible, compare scripture with scripture; then see coherent themes.

5. Canonical Interpretation (All the Scriptures) Seeing is not believing. Acknowledge and use the Old and New Testaments of the Bible as the fundamental (foundation) basis for belief and practice in life.

6. Contextual Interpretation (The things concerning) Analyze every issue by taking into account both the broader and the immediate contexts, to reach the best interpretation.

7. Christ-Centered Interpretation (Always focus on Jesus) Witness the way in which every Biblical teaching relates to, and focuses on Jesus Christ, Saviour and Lord of all humanity.

I hope these tips are a blessing to you. - Eric