I love your bible study, I'm a fairly new christian, and growing stonger every day. It is great how God works. At our church we are studying about elders and deacons,and how they are to help teach the young christians, and how sometimes we have to watch out for some of them,because they can lead us astray,and sometimes they are lead by the wrong spirit. So I find it fastenating that most of what you are teaching coinsides with what we are learning,and sometimes our bible studys are exactly on the same scriptures ,and even on the same verses.

BIG congratulations, Paul, on 4 years of inspiration, hard work, obedience and peseverance. Many many thanks for your ministry. To coin an old beer commercial "it reaches the parts that others don't reach"

This is a comment on 1 Peter, having discussed the purpose of that letter with the writer Paul Ashby. I returned to re-read the whole Epistle with that in mind.Having felt at something of a loss as to where the Lord would have me go next and what He would have me do next in whatever ministry or service He has in store. I was greatly encouraged by the many exhortations of Peter to his readers, who appear to be in many different places and circumstances. One exhortation is common to us all in our various situation - we have all been given a gift from His grace - we are to use them: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others..faithfully administering God's grace in all its forms.. If anyone serves, he should do it in the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." Since one of my gifts is administartion I was very affirmed that all you have to do is see what the gifts God has already manifested to you and use them for Him - there is no great mystery or wonderful revelation necessary - God does not want us to be in the dark - look at how He has been using and equipping you and keep on doing the same - until HE reveals something different or brings out another gift -this should be an encouragement to those who have been exercising gifts and wonder if there is more or if they should stop, or change what they are ministering in - I guess God just wants us to keep on, and will show us when it is time to cahnge - by revealing a new gift. As long as we are doing things in His strengt then He will be praised and glorified. I took this as a message to "keep on keeping on" which has put my mind at rest, as to what activities and ministries to be involved in.

In the service yesterday evening the subjects were Enoch and Noah. I was very encouraged that our minister empasised the importance of persaonal prayer and Bible study in our daily walk with God.

Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24

I still find P%26BS a lifeline for my faith, keeping me pointed towards God, convicting and encouraging. Paul, thank you again for your work and commitment to this.

Three pictures that have a powerful resonance for me are "The Ancient of Days" by William Blake (www.penwith.co.uk/artofeurope/blake.htm), "Christ of St John of the Cross" by Salvador Dali (www.virtualdali.com/51ChristOfStJohn.html) and most recently "Agnus Dei" by Zurbaran (www.topofart.com/.../4840/Agnus_Dei.php)
The Blake pointing to the power of God looking down on humanity, directing life from above our reach, I suppose He's orchestrating His plan as it were.
The Dali that impressed me was actually a copy of part of it painted by a fellow pupil at school which omitted the coastal scene at the bottom. I probably spent hours considering it: the darkness, isolation, suffering and the aspect is almost like the Father looking down on Jesus dying.
The Zurbaran showing a wooly lamb bound ready for sacrifice. It has disturbed friends of mine but it points me to Isaiah 53 and the wonder of Almighty God putting Himself "at the mercy" of those He wants to save.

God bless