Power just came back on after the earthquake. 💡 2018-02-16
Felt the quake and an aftershock here. Sounds like some building damage closer to the epicentre, but thankfully no… https://t.co/BN3EgLb7nH2018-02-16
So, we love my parents, and we certainly want to emulate them, most of the time.
But, perhaps this is not the way to do it.
As usual, we haven’t reached their high standards, but – well, when my Dad completely lost his voice (while preparing to preach on Sunday), I decided that some voice problems, and a cough, would be the closest I could get. And yes, I’m preaching on Sunday as well. Hopefully!
So I’m sure the Cottrill men would appreciate your prayers! Actually, I think I’m starting to finally get over this sickness I’ve had for almost two weeks. But the bug is attacking my voice as its last stand.
And since my Mom has been struggling greatly with back pain, Shari decided to join the club, and sadly has been suffering a lot. She’s actually planning to go to a conference tonight, I’m not sure how she’s going to do it, but I’m sure that both the Cottrill women would appreciate your prayers as they try to serve in spite of the back pain.
(In case you somehow actually think we decided to copy my parents on purpose, I’m adding this addendum to clarify things for the most literalistic readers. The point is, the health hasn’t been great lately, and we would appreciate your prayers as we try to serve through this weekend!)
When we travel in Canada, we usually offer several seminars to churches, schools, small groups, etc. – you can see the current list here.
The “Where did the Bible Come From?” seminar may be a little harder to picture than most, so I want to share a bit of an outline of some of the things we cover. This was originally put together in Spanish as 8 studies, but last time we were in Canada I translated and “Canadianized” it, and condensed it into “part 1” and “part 2”, which could be a Friday evening/Saturday morning, or a morning/afternoon.
So here is a bit of an overview, with some of the things we do and cover in the seminar. If you’re in Alberta or Saskatchewan, and are interested, we can talk!
Where did the Bible Come From?
Day 1 (or morning)
The Four Witnesses
What is “evidence”? (Laura Secord and the Bible)
The surprising new religion of the first century
The Resurrection
Video:Can you respond to Deepak Chopra?
The claims of the Da Vinci Code
Group Activity: Compare a Gospel with a “Lost Gospel”
The Hebrew Scriptures
Wait – do we have too many books? Or too few? (Canon part 1)
Who wrote the “Books of Moses”?
The Dead Sea Scrolls and the copying of the OT
Day 2 (or afternoon)
Examining ancient Javier manuscripts
Copy, Copy, Copy Can we possibly know what was originally written?
Group Activity:Examine the ancient texts of Javier the Louse (and experience for yourself the brilliant way that God preserved His Word)
Common copying errors
Which books? (Canon part 2)
Answering the Da Vinci Code
Field Trip: The Bible Translation Museum
Part of the Bible Translation Museum
Today’s Bibles
Today’s Bible Versions (and where they came from)
The Bible: Key Words to know
Group Activity:Can you respond to these actual comments from Canadians about the Bible?
The Bible Origins Contest
(hand out prizes)
Final Review
So – where did the Bible come from?
9 Key Points to Remember
Key Passages
Final words from Ignatius of Antioch and the Apostle John
This seminar is for teens to seniors, suitable for a minimum of 5 people. Some set up time, tables and chairs, and the ability to show PowerPoint/video are needed.
As you can see, I mean to make this very practical, to help you in your own study of Scripture, and to help you answer what you see in the media, hear from a friend, or learn in high school/university.
Again, if you’re interested, contact us and we’ll see what we can do!
From our coworker Rod Fry, pictures showing how our community centre has been able to help earthquake victims in Oaxaca: https://buff.ly/2DyK8xY2018-01-15
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes. ~Psalm 119:124~ 2018-01-15
Hannah just got a unicycle upgrade. Which means Nathanael is going to try her old unicycle. Woah. [image] 2018-01-16
Keep praying for Dr. Elliott: Two years on, thousands in Burkina Faso call for release of ‘doctor of the poor’ https://t.co/Wu62Y9aoxh2018-01-20
I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies! ~Psalm 119:125~ 🤔 2018-01-22
Mr. Prime Minister: I am happy to be ” #outofline ” when it comes to protecting unborn babies. “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security” ~ Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 2018-01-23
ðŸŒ§ï¸ It’s raining, it’s pouring (and our house is leaking in all new places)! ðŸŒ§ï¸ 2018-01-24
Apparently, your salad is better with Coca-Cola. [image] 2018-01-25
It is time for the LORD (Yahweh) to act, for your law has been broken. ~Psalm 119:126~ 2018-01-29
Brrrrrr… chilly day! We have a couple of these nice snakes to help keep the cold from coming in under the doors. ðŸŒ¬ï¸ But as you can see, the side of the door isn’t exactly sealed either. [image] 2018-01-30
He decided to respond to every so-called Bible “contradiction” that he found on the net. Here’s the result (on sale today): https://buff.ly/2Eqm2pq2018-01-31
I’m thankful to be back after a very quick trip to Canada to pick up some needed medication and to visit my parents. In spite of some strange adventures with credit and debit cards, I did what I needed to do and zipped back on a red-eye flight, getting home first thing yesterday morning.
So now it’s back to home issues and upcoming ministry elsewhere. I’m getting ready for an upcoming Bible study, which will focus on practical reflections on following the Lord. I’ll be teaching on the Church (that is to say, “the Church” is the topic!) on Sunday, and we’ll enjoy having Pastor Ismael visit and preach.
Now that we’re done our study of the Gospel of Mark on Sundays, I’m diving back into the book of Genesis for our new preaching series, and I’m amazed all over again at what God has to teach us in this foundational book. Ismael will start the series this Sunday with the first two (revolutionary) verses of the Bible.
While I was in Canada, I picked up an old copy of Genesis in Space and Time by Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer, which is great so far.
Shari continues to work on planning and materials for our children’s studies and Sunday school. It’s a huge job to get everything organized and to get people involved.
Lots to do! But I just wanted to check in and let you know what’s happening.
As is custom, it’s time to look back over the most popular posts at Finding direction for the last 90 days. So here they are, in chronological order. The two in bold text are the most popular overall.
So I’m sure the Cottrill men would appreciate your prayers! Actually, I think I’m starting to finally get over this sickness I’ve had for almost two weeks. But the bug is attacking my voice as its last stand.
