Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Richard has recently spent some time in the hospital for more than one reason.  Please keep Richard in your prayers...

Peace and Love,

Brian

The Following is a Pastoral Letter taken from the June 2011 Pilgrim's Progress...

Dear friends,

How is your "Bible I. Q."?  Have you ever wished it was higher?

Since last fall, a group of between sixteen and twenty people have attended an adult study – "To Know My Bible – 101".  The Class will wind down on June 12, but will reconvene in September.

If you are satisfied with your "Bible I. Q." this basic course isn't for you.  Try this little quiz to see if you qualify to attend a '101' course:

1. Which Gospel was the first to be written?
2. Who wrote the two biggest books in the New Testament?
3. Who was the first known martyr among early Christians?  (Acts 7:54-60)
4. Who became a follower of Jesus after his conversion on the road to Damascus? (Acts, chapter 9)
5. At which Jewish Festival were the followers of Jesus "filled with the Holy Spirit"? (Acts 2:1-4)

If you qualify, and if you desire to improve your "Bible I.Q.", prepare to attend the Class by reading the four Gospels and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles.

Ours is not a Bible reading ages, and the result is spiritual malnutrition.  That's a disease you can avoid IF you desire to learn more about the most wonderful, influential Book in the world.

With best wishes and fond regards,

Richard

PEARL OF VALUE

"For freedom, Christ has set us free."

2010.03.08 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

Last week I wrote that there are four highroads a Christian must travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the Road of Spiritual Awakening. Travel on that road transforms life, thoughts, attitudes, action.

The second road is the Jerusalem Road, a road of commitment. Jesus traveled it to death on a cross. Things that matter most are what we put our life into and what kind of life we put in. That's the test of commitment.

The third highroad on which we travel is the Jericho Road. (Luke 10:25-37). This is the road of service. Travel on this road requires patience and active promotion of justice in our neighborhood and around the world.

The fourth highroad is the Emmaus Road. (Luke 24:13-35). We need to know about Christ as we read our New Testament. Then, we need to walk with him in daily communion. Prayer and meditation sustains our fellowship with Christ and influences the whole of our life by the gift of grace.

This is the road which the Apostle Paul describes as being "spiritually minded which is life and peace."


Peace,
Richard

2010.03.01 Monday Morning!

Greetings and best wishes from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, in Vinita, Oklahoma.

On our Christian journey there are four highroads to travel. The first is the Damascus Road - the road of awakening. On it the Apostle Paul experienced a decisive spiritual transformation. As his life was steered in a new direction on that road, so must our life be.

On the Road to Damascus Paul's whole life - his thoughts, attitudes, actions - was changed forever. We need travel the Road of Awakening, keeping in mind spiritual exercise which will renew us daily.

The second high road is the Jerusalem Road of Commitment. Going to Jerusalem Jesus knew he was headed for death on a cross. Those who followed him were afraid. (Mark 10:32).

To follow Jesus means no reservation in dedication, commitment, whatever the cost.

Next week, we'll consider the other two highroads we must take as pilgrims, following our risen and ever present Master.

Cheers...as we travel together!

Richard

PS: Today is March 1. Happy St. David's Day to family and all my Welsh friends.