Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

Dear friends and brothers;

I would like to ask for at least a temporary support for our new Paltalk online Bible study group "An Open Mind" that is currently being held Sunday evenings at 9:00-pm EDST Sunday evenings. It has been started not as competition to the fine "101" group, but as an extension of it, to allow a greater number to participate. And after our first such meeting last Sunday night (3/18), several new ones were there and most had no microphones, and most were shy about commenting. Since I know that most of you are not so shy, I could use your support in answering questions and helping them to build their confidence.

Our study next week starts with a reading of Matthew 3 and possibly 4.

Jim Wheeler

Jim,

Unfortunately I have another meeting I attend on Sunday night so I'm not able to participate in yours.  

Hopefully as folks get more accustomed to an open study format the participation may pick up.

A friend of mine has been going through Matthew and has posted some questions on each chapter.   I like his questions because they are pretty open ended and arranged in a way that generates conversation and allows plenty of room for personal reflection and variety in viewpoints.

For example here are his questions for Chapter 3

This chapter starts with the role of John, the Baptizer.  What is his role as it pertains to the Kingdom and to Jesus?
The central theme of this chapter seems to center on the act of baptism.  What was the purpose of John's baptism?
John points out when the Pharisees and Sadducess came to the river to be baptized, that it is not the act of baptism that makes a change in a person, but what does?
Why would Jesus want to go through the process of baptism?
What meaning does baptism hold for us today?

(You can read more through chapter 20 here.)

Perhaps asking these type of questions can spark more dialogue?    

Every group is different.  We've been doing the Discussions 101 study for a couple of years now and the group pretty much runs on autopilot (fueled by Spirit).   However a new group might need some gentle prodding.  Give it time.

Hello Jim ...:giverose:

I had no idea that there was another group :grouphug: for studies  :dontknow:

I will try and make time for it .... Sundays is my day off for Scripture study and Spiritual things and the Family knows it so it should not be a problem.

What is the name of the room at Paltalk and do you need a password to get in ?

Please PM me the information asap ... :thumbsup:

with love always, LC :heartbeat:

It is "An Open Mind," and presently needs no password to get in. It starts at 9:00-pm and runs to 10:00 EDST, because most attendees are presently on the US west coast. I'll look forward to seeing you there (I can use the help).

Hi Jim,

I really enjoyed the Paltalk discussion last night albeit I had to depart early and missed your prayer.  I heard, from a friend, that it was wonderful and very heartfelt!

Will the discussions continue on Sunday evenings at 6 pm PST?  

Again, thank you!  :hibye:

Katslab

Hi Kats, of course, as long as anyone is interested in attending. I sent you a private e-mail on this.

Thankyou Jim .. :friends:

I hope to be there .. 5 pm Alaska time ;)
LC :heartbeat:

Hi Jim,:hibye:
What time would that be in Europe?
Sister Grateful:giverose:

Hi there sis Grateful ..:giverose:

If the room is open in Jims area Sunday at 9 pm EDST .... it would be 5 hours ahead if one lived in Germany and so it would be 2 am Monday morning.

I hope this helps .... love LC :heartbeat:

Hi Aurora :hibye:
Yes, that helps a lot! I'm afraid it would make it very difficult to join you, as you can see, it would be much too late in Europe! Perhaps if I ever suffer from insomnia(sp?) I could perhaps make it! But that doesn't happen very often.:sleepy:Thanks, once again.:drinking:
Christian love to you,
Sister Grateful.:giverose:

I would be very interested in being able to participate in An open mind. If I can help in any fashion please let me know. I have been on paltalk quite sometime and know most all the regular trouble makers and common tactics of those who either oppose or are zealous about what they believe and are JWs and dont know it yet! Please PM me any time in paltalk. My paltalk name is Spockular. Spiritually as for myself I am good standing with my local Congregation, raised around the Truth, and have been baptised 17 years. I am 33 with 2 kids, little boys. I hope to see you guys. Let me know if I can help with any either Technical or Paltalk issues. I wont be around too much as I have my Special day assmebly so perhaps I may see you next week or hopefully sooner.

With "intense love" Your Brother and friend.

Hello, I am also interested in the "open mind" Bible study on Paltalk. Please also PM me concerning the details on how I can also enter the Pal Talk Bible study. Thanks~ Anchor :clap::D

Dear friends and brothers;

This is to let you know that our Bible study time has been moved up one hour, to 8:00-PM Eastern (US) time, Sundays.

We are currently reading and discussing the book of Matthew.

Jim Wheeler