<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
		>
<channel>
	<title>Comments for Educating Christians</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/comments/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au</link>
	<description>A to Z of Resources for Discipleship</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 04:09:32 +0800</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6</generator>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
		<item>
		<title>Comment on Bible Study Fellowship International by Elaine</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bible-study-fellowship-international/comment-page-2/#comment-61978</link>
		<dc:creator>Elaine</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 04:09:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=8#comment-61978</guid>
		<description>As a school teacher, I understand the need for rules and structure in any learning environment.  I also know that for some people, rules are a &quot;turn off&quot; and some folks just have to find fault in everything.   No organization, school, church or Bible study group can ever be perfect for all people.  I can only attest to the joy and fulfillment in God&#039;s Word to which BSF has led me.  We have just completed our study of the acts of the Apostles and had our Share session tonight.  I thank God for BSF as I continue to grow in my walk with him through the nourishment provided by this organization.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As a school teacher, I understand the need for rules and structure in any learning environment.  I also know that for some people, rules are a &#8220;turn off&#8221; and some folks just have to find fault in everything.   No organization, school, church or Bible study group can ever be perfect for all people.  I can only attest to the joy and fulfillment in God&#8217;s Word to which BSF has led me.  We have just completed our study of the acts of the Apostles and had our Share session tonight.  I thank God for BSF as I continue to grow in my walk with him through the nourishment provided by this organization.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bethel Bible Series by Greg Muller</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bethel-bible-series/comment-page-1/#comment-61836</link>
		<dc:creator>Greg Muller</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 11:27:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=7#comment-61836</guid>
		<description>We used the Bethel Series in the 1980s when pastoring the Samford Church of Christ QLD. We did the Intensive Level first (very rigorous) with at least 10 hours of time needed per week. This was followed with the Congregational level and Youth Level (about 4 hours and 2 hours of time needed weekly). All Levels were great to give new Christians a workable overview of the Bible. Interestingly, many of the approximately 40 people have become church leaders. It was evangelically conservative but encouraged people to read through the Bible, remember it and then go on growing. I found that it did a great job of putting the Bible together in historical perspective and in a way that I could remember it, even more so than Bible College had done for me.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We used the Bethel Series in the 1980s when pastoring the Samford Church of Christ QLD. We did the Intensive Level first (very rigorous) with at least 10 hours of time needed per week. This was followed with the Congregational level and Youth Level (about 4 hours and 2 hours of time needed weekly). All Levels were great to give new Christians a workable overview of the Bible. Interestingly, many of the approximately 40 people have become church leaders. It was evangelically conservative but encouraged people to read through the Bible, remember it and then go on growing. I found that it did a great job of putting the Bible together in historical perspective and in a way that I could remember it, even more so than Bible College had done for me.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bethel Bible Series by Pastor Larry San Pedro</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bethel-bible-series/comment-page-1/#comment-61740</link>
		<dc:creator>Pastor Larry San Pedro</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 12:28:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=7#comment-61740</guid>
		<description>Dear Bethel Series Administrator,
I was 18 years old when i first got hold your book Bethel Series, it gave me great interest to study the Word of God since i was a already an active member of our Church back then. I remember i was asked to clean the stockroom of our church, and i saw your book, its colorful posters attracted me and the pastor gave it to me, and i studied it myself. Praise the Lord for the learnings He gave me through the book. I even had it with me after my seminary, i kept the book with me, and i became a pastor of a small church here in Manila, then have my own family, But the book was totally destroyed last 1997 when our house went under flood because of strong typhoon, along with my other precious book it was all destroyed. 
Now may i request for a copy of the book, even old ones. I am planning to use the Bethel Series for our Christian Workers Leadership Course. 
I hope and pray that you can help me about this.
Thank you and God bless you all! More power!</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Dear Bethel Series Administrator,<br />
I was 18 years old when i first got hold your book Bethel Series, it gave me great interest to study the Word of God since i was a already an active member of our Church back then. I remember i was asked to clean the stockroom of our church, and i saw your book, its colorful posters attracted me and the pastor gave it to me, and i studied it myself. Praise the Lord for the learnings He gave me through the book. I even had it with me after my seminary, i kept the book with me, and i became a pastor of a small church here in Manila, then have my own family, But the book was totally destroyed last 1997 when our house went under flood because of strong typhoon, along with my other precious book it was all destroyed.<br />
Now may i request for a copy of the book, even old ones. I am planning to use the Bethel Series for our Christian Workers Leadership Course.<br />
I hope and pray that you can help me about this.<br />
Thank you and God bless you all! More power!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Forty Days of Purpose by Samantha Forsyth</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/11/forty-days-of-purpose/comment-page-1/#comment-61659</link>
		<dc:creator>Samantha Forsyth</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 05:00:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=36#comment-61659</guid>
		<description>Another great book I studied this Lent as part of my devotions was &#039;Holy Adventure: 41 days of Audacious living&#039; by Bruce Epperly. I&#039;d love to see that book on this web site of resources.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Another great book I studied this Lent as part of my devotions was &#8216;Holy Adventure: 41 days of Audacious living&#8217; by Bruce Epperly. I&#8217;d love to see that book on this web site of resources.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Evangelism Explosion International by nicholas eye</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/08/evangelism-explosion-international/comment-page-1/#comment-61456</link>
		<dc:creator>nicholas eye</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:54:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=33#comment-61456</guid>
		<description>I do not have enough money at the moment to order the material for witnessing but i would to use it.  Pls pray the lord makes a way for this. He has called me to preach and i feel this will greatly help the ministry.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I do not have enough money at the moment to order the material for witnessing but i would to use it.  Pls pray the lord makes a way for this. He has called me to preach and i feel this will greatly help the ministry.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Christianity Explained by Tony Gibson</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/christianity-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-61446</link>
		<dc:creator>Tony Gibson</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:49:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=10#comment-61446</guid>
		<description>Hi, can I purchase 20 of - Cross Examination Student Book $3.50.
If so, how do I do that please.
Tony - 0404859626</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hi, can I purchase 20 of &#8211; Cross Examination Student Book $3.50.<br />
If so, how do I do that please.<br />
Tony &#8211; 0404859626</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bible Study Fellowship International by Larry Pray</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bible-study-fellowship-international/comment-page-2/#comment-61385</link>
		<dc:creator>Larry Pray</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:41:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=8#comment-61385</guid>
		<description>I am a pastor of the United Church of Christ.  Some years ago, some folks in our church became involved in BSF.  As they did, they drifted away from our church, and finally left.  Along the way, they were told they could not read books other than the Bible.  The lectures, and small-group Bible study was the be-all and end-all experience.  The BSF doorway to meaningful faith became a BSF exclusive.  I was sad, and somewhat appalled.  If we are to love God with all our heart, strength, soul and mind, should we eschew reading?  Such a system locked Jesus out of religious authorities so long ago.  

The fundamental perception that notes how little we study or take the Bible to heart is right on.  But to insist on controlled access strikes me as a step away from Truth itself.  Narrow truth always insists on its own way.  The love of Christ leads to something else, a realization that we are always learning.  

Or so it seems to me.  So, I&#039;d say, &quot;Good for you.&quot;  And then I&#039;d ask, &quot;Has your work widened and deepened your embrace of life?  Or does it insist on its own way?&quot;

Those of us of a progressive stance, need to be corrected.  Those who insist in judgment need to be reminded of the wideness of God&#039;s mercy.

Or so it seems to me.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am a pastor of the United Church of Christ.  Some years ago, some folks in our church became involved in BSF.  As they did, they drifted away from our church, and finally left.  Along the way, they were told they could not read books other than the Bible.  The lectures, and small-group Bible study was the be-all and end-all experience.  The BSF doorway to meaningful faith became a BSF exclusive.  I was sad, and somewhat appalled.  If we are to love God with all our heart, strength, soul and mind, should we eschew reading?  Such a system locked Jesus out of religious authorities so long ago.  </p>
<p>The fundamental perception that notes how little we study or take the Bible to heart is right on.  But to insist on controlled access strikes me as a step away from Truth itself.  Narrow truth always insists on its own way.  The love of Christ leads to something else, a realization that we are always learning.  </p>
<p>Or so it seems to me.  So, I&#8217;d say, &#8220;Good for you.&#8221;  And then I&#8217;d ask, &#8220;Has your work widened and deepened your embrace of life?  Or does it insist on its own way?&#8221;</p>
<p>Those of us of a progressive stance, need to be corrected.  Those who insist in judgment need to be reminded of the wideness of God&#8217;s mercy.</p>
<p>Or so it seems to me.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bible Study Fellowship International by Kristine</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bible-study-fellowship-international/comment-page-2/#comment-61224</link>
		<dc:creator>Kristine</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 15:16:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=8#comment-61224</guid>
		<description>For the love of God folks, BSF members are studying the BIBLE! They are reading GOD&#039;s words! How can that be bad?? All these petty remarks...&quot;yea but anyone is invited, even sinners&quot;,(God still wants you to study his word). &quot;Yea but leaders can&#039;t have been divorced&quot; (God still wants you to read the Bible). &quot;Yea but women lead discussions and it says in the Bible they shouldn&#039;t teach&quot; (God. Still wants you to study th Bible). Bottom line people who study the Bible are not going to hell just because a women taught it, or because it was led by a BSF group. The person who dives into God&#039;s word will be blessed by God..period.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For the love of God folks, BSF members are studying the BIBLE! They are reading GOD&#8217;s words! How can that be bad?? All these petty remarks&#8230;&#8221;yea but anyone is invited, even sinners&#8221;,(God still wants you to study his word). &#8220;Yea but leaders can&#8217;t have been divorced&#8221; (God still wants you to read the Bible). &#8220;Yea but women lead discussions and it says in the Bible they shouldn&#8217;t teach&#8221; (God. Still wants you to study th Bible). Bottom line people who study the Bible are not going to hell just because a women taught it, or because it was led by a BSF group. The person who dives into God&#8217;s word will be blessed by God..period.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bible Study Fellowship International by Jeff</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bible-study-fellowship-international/comment-page-2/#comment-57748</link>
		<dc:creator>Jeff</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 02:55:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=8#comment-57748</guid>
		<description>Bsf now for 3 years;  John, Isaiah, and now Acts. Have been very surprised by some of the things I&#039;ve read in these columns, so many complaints! This negativity has not been my, nor my wife&#039;s experience. Yes, the beginning music is from a hymn book, no guitars or drums (I prefer the upbeat tempos personally), but it is okay. Discussion group is usually lively and is a mix of newer and older Christians of multiple denominations, but men taking a stand for the truth of God&#039;s word. By the way, all of my discussion group leaders have always been more accessible (phone, text, and email) than I am! And they call me once weekly to touch base and see if they can help. Lecture and the notes clarify and dispel any lingering issues from a biblical standpoint. I&#039;m not sure of the divorce prohibition on women/ men group leaders, but a Godly friend has a &quot;great&quot; leader who has been divorced. In all, it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me, Christian for 35 years. I&#039;m studying scripture regularly and am growing closer to God.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Bsf now for 3 years;  John, Isaiah, and now Acts. Have been very surprised by some of the things I&#8217;ve read in these columns, so many complaints! This negativity has not been my, nor my wife&#8217;s experience. Yes, the beginning music is from a hymn book, no guitars or drums (I prefer the upbeat tempos personally), but it is okay. Discussion group is usually lively and is a mix of newer and older Christians of multiple denominations, but men taking a stand for the truth of God&#8217;s word. By the way, all of my discussion group leaders have always been more accessible (phone, text, and email) than I am! And they call me once weekly to touch base and see if they can help. Lecture and the notes clarify and dispel any lingering issues from a biblical standpoint. I&#8217;m not sure of the divorce prohibition on women/ men group leaders, but a Godly friend has a &#8220;great&#8221; leader who has been divorced. In all, it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me, Christian for 35 years. I&#8217;m studying scripture regularly and am growing closer to God.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Comment on Bible Study Fellowship International by Margaret L. Goldston</title>
		<link>http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/2005/06/bible-study-fellowship-international/comment-page-2/#comment-56774</link>
		<dc:creator>Margaret L. Goldston</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 03:25:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.educatingchristians.unitingchurch.org.au/?p=8#comment-56774</guid>
		<description>I attended BSF many years ago. I didn&#039;t like the rules, so I didn&#039;t go back. From what I&#039;m reading, maybe we all just need to see it for what it is. You are being taught the Bible. That&#039;s it. Possibly they need to drop the word Fellowship as part of the title. That would alleviate any expectations for fellowship going in to it. If you long for fellowship, you might need to find it elsewhere.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I attended BSF many years ago. I didn&#8217;t like the rules, so I didn&#8217;t go back. From what I&#8217;m reading, maybe we all just need to see it for what it is. You are being taught the Bible. That&#8217;s it. Possibly they need to drop the word Fellowship as part of the title. That would alleviate any expectations for fellowship going in to it. If you long for fellowship, you might need to find it elsewhere.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
</channel>
</rss>

