Three photos and a video. Friendly City Food Market at the Isithatha Theatre at No. 12 9th Avenue.

Introduction

The Sarah Goldblatt Study Method

Sarah Goldblatt’s method was to use the course’s set works by writing out questions about each page and leaving space for me to write the answer in Afrikaans. She would then go through my answers and teach me Afrikaans at the same time. This way I not only learned Afrikaans but also got to know the contents of the set works very well.

She was fierce! The first and last time I asked her the meaning of an Afrikaans word, she just pointed to the dictionary! She insisted that she was teaching me to teach myself Afrikaans.

This book of questions is based on Sarah Goldblatt’s method of asking questions.  I am confident that as you search for answers in the text and use a good Study Bible, the Holy Spirit will lead you and your group to the truth and especially to seeing Christ in the Scriptures.

John Bartels

South Africa

Winter 2023

The 23^rd Psalm

Please have your Bible open at the 23^rd Psalm

Do you know of a more greatly loved poem?

V:1

• Who wrote the 23^rd Psalm?
• Who is my shepherd?
• What is the significance of “my”?
• Is the Lord everyone’s shepherd?
• Who is entitled to say “the Lord is my Shepherd”?
• What shall I lack?

V:2

• Where does the Lord make me lie down?
• What is the significance of the word “lie”?
• What is the significance of “pasture”?
• And “green”?
• How does he “lead me”?
• What is the significance of “lead”?
• Does a shepherd lead or does a shepherd come behind sheep?
• What is the significance of “quiet waters”?
• What will I not lack because the Lord is my Shepherd?

V:3

• What does he “restore”?
• What is the significance of the word “restores”
• Where does he guide me?
• How does he guide me?
• For whom does he guide me?

V:4

• What is the significance of the word “Even”?
• Where am I walking?
• Why not running?
• Is the word “valley” of any significance?
• Is there any significance about being in the “shadow”?
• What will you not “fear”?
• What could possibly cause you to “fear”?
• Why do you not “fear”?
• Who is with you?
• Is the Lord nearby or far away as you walk through the valley?
• Whose rod and staff comfort me?
• Do the rod and staff protect me?
• Could that rod and staff sometimes correct me?
• Do we ever need correction?
• What would happen if we were never corrected?
• What happens to a child who is never corrected?

V:5

• Who prepares the table?
• Where is the table prepared?
• What kind of blessings are laid out on the table?
• In whose presence is the table prepared?
• Why do shepherds anoint the heads of their sheep?
• Who are “my enemies”?
• Who anoints my head?
• With what is my head anointed?
• What overflows and to what extent?
• What is the significance of “overflows”?
• When is a believer anointed?

V:6

• What is the secret of a happy eternity?
• What is the consequence of this blessing?
• Why will “goodness” and “love” follow me?
• For how long will they follow me?
• What is the final consequence?
• For how long will this final consequence last?
• Where will I dwell?

To God be the Glory

Title: Escaping the Echo Chamber: Embracing Knowledge Diversity

Introduction: In an era dominated by social media and personalized algorithms, the concept of an “echo chamber” has gained prominence. An echo chamber refers to an environment where individuals are exposed only to information, perspectives, and opinions that align with their existing beliefs. While it may initially provide comfort and affirmation, residing within an echo chamber ultimately hampers personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and the development of a well-rounded worldview.

The Pitfalls of the Echo Chamber: Echo chambers breed intellectual stagnation. When we surround ourselves with like-minded individuals and consume information that reaffirms our existing views, we inadvertently create a bubble that shields us from alternative perspectives. This self-reinforcing cycle limits our understanding of complex issues, narrows our critical thinking abilities, and stifles the potential for personal growth and learning.

Additionally, echo chambers exacerbate polarization within society. By fostering an environment where differing opinions are suppressed or dismissed, individuals become less likely to engage in civil discourse and empathetic understanding. This exacerbation of ideological divisions ultimately hinders social progress, as it becomes increasingly challenging to find common ground and work towards shared solutions.

Breaking Free from the Echo Chamber: Escaping the confines of an echo chamber requires intentional effort and a commitment to intellectual growth. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Seek diverse perspectives: Actively seek out information, opinions, and viewpoints that challenge your existing beliefs. Engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and ideologies to gain a broader understanding of complex issues. This exposure to diverse perspectives will help you develop a more nuanced and well-rounded worldview.
2. Practice critical thinking: Cultivate the habit of questioning information and evaluating sources critically. Develop your ability to discern between reliable information and biased narratives. By applying critical thinking skills, you can better navigate through the overwhelming amount of information available and make more informed judgments.
3. Embrace respectful dialogue: Engage in respectful discussions and debates with individuals who hold differing opinions. Instead of dismissing or attacking opposing views, seek to understand their underlying rationale. By fostering open dialogue, you not only expand your own perspectives but also contribute to a healthier and more inclusive public discourse.
4. Step outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to explore unfamiliar topics and venture into areas of knowledge that lie beyond your immediate interests. By broadening your intellectual horizons, you develop a more adaptable and agile mindset, which is crucial in an ever-evolving world.

Conclusion: While echo chambers offer comfort and reassurance, they hinder personal growth and the development of a well-informed perspective. By consciously seeking diverse viewpoints, practicing critical thinking, engaging in respectful dialogue, and stepping outside our comfort zones, we can break free from the echo chamber’s confines. Embracing knowledge diversity allows us to become more enlightened individuals, fostering greater understanding, empathy, and progress in our society.

AI generated

“I am the way and the truth and the life”. – Jesus

(Link to blog: Click here please). Then scroll down and click on the right arrow.

On Sunday the 7th of May 2023 the Reverend Hazel Goodfellow preached at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church in Port Elizabeth. The sermon was based on John 14: 1-14 with particular emphasis on v 6 where Jesus taught “I am the way and the truth and the life”. I can confidently say that all of us who heard the reading and sermon were blessed. So, I asked the Rev. Hazel if I could put her sermon on my blog and she graciously agreed. I shall read the passage from the Gospel and I shall also read the sermon notes verbatim that the Rev. Hazel kindly gave me.  Omitted are some interesting ex tempore additions.

I trust that all who listen to this blog will be blessed and encouraged. Thank you Rev. Hazel. To God b the glory.

(Link to blog: Click here please). Then scroll down and click on the right arrow.

What do these two words mean? How do we use them? Why is it important to know what they mean in discussions? Are there two meanings to the word “believe”? Why is it important to understand the differences? The two related podcasts below discuss these questions.

Part 1: Knowing and believing in relation to life after death, Link

Part 2: A second meaning of the word “believe”. Link

Thank you