The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

Say s"hello" to your other classmates and let them know a little about you.

Hello.

Who am I?
My name is Clay. To say the least, I'm a "senior citizen". In fact, it's time for me to start thinking about starting to withdraw my IRA/4O1K. I am a retired soldier and then retired again from the electronics industry at age 59.
I am a husband, a father, a grandfather and great grandfather. God has blessed my wife and I with a wonderful family. I am currently the director of the adult division of Sunday School in our church. I also served for four years as lay-pastor of a snowbird congregation during the winters in San Carlos, Mexico.

Where am I from?
Well, I was born in Tennessee but I've lived a nomadic life having lived in Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Japan, Italy, Viet Nam, Mexico and now Washington State.

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian?
Of course the reality of becoming a Christian is the theological process. However, I'll just share my personal testimony.
My memory of my salvation, which took place when I was 12 , is one of experience and emotion. But, in reality, it was when I understood and believed that when the evangelist was preaching about "all have sinned" and "the punishment of sin is death" it included me. I agonized over the meaning of all this for a few nights before became a believer. (I grew up in a community where anyone who didn't go to church was a "heathen". Of course I went to church but it never dawned on me that I was one of the "lost" ones that everybody was praying about.)

What is your favorite movie? Why?
I think that "The Longest Day"(The bravery exhibited and the folly of war) and "Evita" (The music and the drama of that era in Argentina) would be on the short list.

Coke or Pepsi?
Snapple.

What is the most interesting thing about you?
A better question might be what is the most uninteresting thing about me. Anyway, it may be that I speak and read the Japanese language.

Erasmus

Who am I? My name is Jeff Endecott, and as you can see from my screen name I am a pastor of a church in Farmville, NC. I moved here with my wife (Rita) and children (Lauren and Joshua) a little over a year ago. So now I am officially a "Tar Heel". I am also the District Superintendent for our church in the SE United States. More on my denomination and particular "Shibboleth"(s) below.
Where am I from? I grew up on a 600 acre corn, soybean, cattle farm in East Central Iowa, around Cedar Rapids. Didn't realize it at the time of course but that was the life.
If a Christian, how did you become a Christian? I was raised in the Church of God (7th Day). (NO that is not the Seventh Day Adventist church.) Our home was very religious but not very relational. God was not someone to know and love but someone to fear and obey. Very Old Testament. Grace was always followed by but. (e.g. Yes, you are saved by grace, but...)I accepted Christ at about 12 years old but when I was 30 I had a powerful personal encounter with the risen Lord. I wept for an hour. It was easily the most powerful event of my life. After that I quit my job moved 600 miles and started attending seminary. God supplied my every need and saw my family through some very difficult time. He Is Faithful.
What is your favorite movie? Comedy: Princess Bride Drama: Lord of the Rings Trilogy. DVD extended version especially.Why? Love JRR Tolkein. Awesome special effects, friendship, foes, good triumph over evil, what more could you want?
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Mt. Dew. Much to my wifes dismay.
What is the most interesting thing about you? I still belong to the Church of God (Seventh Day). Many of the leadership are legalistic. (I am undoubtedly, unashamedly hooked on salvation by grace through faith with no buts.) Most of the leadership are Arminian (I'm Calvinist). But I love my church and want to be used by God to help change the culture and direction of our denomination.

Who am I?
I am a Princess of the King of the Universe who was victorious in rescuing me from the enemy. That is my favorite part of my identity. Other than that, I think I am the youngest in the class. I am 18 years old and starting college August 22 at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. I have absolutely NO IDEA what I will major in or what I want to do. Every week it seems I have a new idea and new insperation for the answer to the all famous question: "What do you want to do when you grow up?" I don't really want to grow up though. I want to stay in college always learning for the rest of my life. But I know G-d will lead me where he wants me when the time is right. I am also an artist- sculpture, acrylic, oils, mixed media...I love it all!

Where am I from?
I spent my early childhood in Stone Mountain, GA then moved to Lawrenceville. And now I am moving to Atlanta which I am totally siked about!!!!

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian?
I grew up going to church off and on and always knew that there was "a guy name Jesus" but when I really came to a full understanding of who He is and what all it really meant, was when I was 12 at a church camp. I started for the first couple years growing and learning, then it just kind of stopped. I am also am a thinker, which has really just caused confusion in my past. But the church I was attending didn't really help me or show me how to dig deeper when I was looking for that. So I began to stray away. To make a long story short, G-d has taken care of me and blessed me tramendously and lead me to a messianic church called Beth Ha'Mashiach. At this church there have been people that will really think and have guided me. I have learned and am learning how to guide my thinking and the gears in my head that never stop turning.

What is your favorite movie? Why?
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. If you haven't seen it, go rent it. It is absolutely AMAZING. The the way the storyline was approached in writting the script, lighting, photography, directing, acting, everything is just incredulous!!! Also the concept it invloves makes you think about memories and if you could erase the bad ones, it may not be as good as it would seem.

Coke or Pepsi?
It depends on my mood. right now Pepsi. My family is all from Chicago (and there is a lot of them) and all they drink is Pepsi, so it reminds me of up North, but sometimes I do have my cravings for coke, being raised in the south.

What is the most interesting thing about you?
I think I've covered my interesting charachteristics...but...ummmm.....I guess my enthusiasm for school next year and how G-d will work through me to reach my roomates and peers. I am really excited to see what He will do!!!

_________________
Renée

-sorry I first posted it as a new topic. I'm just leaning how this forum thing works. I might be young, but that does not mean i understand technology. haha.

David,

Had no idea that you were so close! I grew up in a small town just north of Kinston in Greene County where my parents still live. My aunt grew up in Duplin County, so I'm very familiar with the territory, though not where you live now.

Good luck with the course!

Who am I?

My name is Glenn Jago and I am pastoring a great church in the suburbs of Philadelphia PA. I am married to Tammy and we will shortly be celebrating 23 years of marriage. She is the greatest asset and support as a pastors wife. We have three children, Elysha (21) in nursing school, Ethan (19) who spent a year in Germany as an exchange student and who just joined the U.S. Airforce (great to know we have several Airforce on board), and Alexandra (13) who will help Tammy and me avoid the empty nest syndrome.

Where am I from?
I am from the suburbs of Philly in a town known as Lansdale. Since graduating from Seminary in 1985 i have lived in South Florida, Macon Georgia, back to Lansdale PA, then back to Macon, to Ocean City Maryland, then to Pensacola FL. In 2001 the Lord led us to Church of the Open Door in Fort Washington PA where i trust I can stop moving and start putting down a few roots.

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian?
I placed faith and trust in Jesus Christ as a child around 5 years of age. At the time of being able to read (which came a little later) I started an enjoyable reading the Bible and memorizing the Bible through the Bible Memory Association (BMA)

What is your favorite movie? Why?
My favorite movie is the time travel type and the best is Back to the Future part 1, 2, and 3. I always envision what it would be like to travel in time back to great historical moments etc., so that would be my favorite.

Coke or Pepsi?
If there is nothing else to drink I will drink either. But, I love a good cup of coffee (Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Wawa (a local thing).

What is the most interesting thing about you?


I sensed the call of God early in my life, ninth grade to be a preacher. Though after some rough times in the ministry I questioned that call, the Lord has been ever faithful. I enjoy playing trumpet in our church orchestra, love lifting weights and also spending time chilling out at Borders with a good book. Our family loves taking vacations to Florida but now our favorite is going on a Cruise. One of these days when I become like Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll (had to throw that name in there) or David Jeremiah, I will have my own Cruise and invite all you guys to come on board.

Who am i?
My name is lin coleson and I am a father of 2 girls and a husband to a wonderful wife of 19 years. I work as a network engineer for a software company and have worked with computers/networks for 15 years.

Where am I from?
I am originally form Texas but have traveled quite a bit in the military so everywhere is pretty much home. Although I currently live in Indiana. I have found the poeple enjoyable and my kids love it.

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian?
On my wedding day my mother in law made a simple statement to me. "If you want to have a successful marriage you need to have God" That statement stayed with me for months. Finally I agreed with her and went to a little church in Sumter SC. and got saved. And believe it or not I am still praying and laughing with the same bride as then...

What is your favorite movie? Why?
Outlaw Josie Wales. He was bad to the bone...

Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Pepsi.

What is the most interesting thing about you?
I have a daily habit I call the three 7's. For my wife and each of my daughters I give them 7 hugs, 7 kisses, and 7 I love you's a day. My 15 year old daughter stills hugs me in public and kisses me on the cheek.

Hello All, I'm looking forward to getting to know you in class!
Who am I? Don't be deceived by my username My real name is Ed Kratz. I have been married for eleven years to my lovely wife and best friend Sue, we have two boys ages 6 and 2, and I have a 22 year old from a previous marriage. I spent a lot of time running from God after I was initially saved, but I give all thanks and praise to Him for chasing me down and bringing me back to Him. I turned away from God because I didn't really know or understand Him, that is why now I am so intent on learning all I can about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and sharing what I learn with others. I love the slogan on the Theology website. Faith seeking understanding. My feet are now firmly planted on the rock, and I want an ever deepening understanding of Him.
Where am I from? I live in Marlton, NJ (about 15 miles from Philadelphia)
If a Christian, how did you become a Christian? I became a Christian at a weekend business convention through hearing someones testimony. I never really was discipled or taught how or why to read scripture, and that helped with my running away from my faith, though the Holy Spirit will never let us rest until we return (that's my experience, not scripture, but very real in my life).
What is your favorite movie? Why? I really like a lot of movies, but the one that is running through my head is The Apostle, I just love the way God used a broken and sinful man to shed light, hope, and truth on a town and group of people. I also felt the ending was great, we are forgiven our sins, but we will still have consequences.
Coke or Pepsi? I've always felt conservatives drink Coke, and Liberals drink Pepsi, but I drink diet either these days, whichever is on sale.
What is the most interesting thing about you? I started working in restaurants when I was nine, and by 14 was running a kitchen at night that served almost 200 dinners a shift. I hope that's not the most interesting, but nothing else comes to mind, so I'm afraid it just might be.

Hello, Sorry for the late introduction. My name is Bruce C. Scott, SR. I am 47 years old and have been married to one of God's princesses since Moses sailed the flooded earth. Her name is Onteaka. We have three sons.
Bruce Jr., Matthew, and Mark. They are all adults. I drive for a living, hauling chemicals mostly east of the mississippi river. I am also presently been an church elder for the past 10 years.

Where am I from: Like most of the men, I served in the military and seen the armpits of the world. But I originally hail from Cleveland, Ohio, and base myself out of West Memphis, Arkansas. I am a loyal fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY!

How did I become a Christian? At the age of 14. I read the bible tract "This is your life." the tract scared me to Christ that day! Well it wasn't until my late 30's I got serious about walk. Oh how I miss those days of holding Jesus hand.

Favorite Movie: Young Frankenstien. Seen it 6 times and laugh harder each time.

Coke or Pepsi: It's about the sugar baby.

The most interesting thing about me is I'm a truthseeker and have a good ear to listen to all points of view.

God Bless

Thank you for accepted me in the ITT, I'll try to do my best, because my job is very demanding.
Who I am? Gerardo Cajero, an Orthopedic Surgeon and I'm leading a small Christian group who meet in my home every Saturday. Where am I from? From Toluca, México, is a small town near Mexico City. I've been living here for about 40 years. How did I become a Christian? I accepted Jesus like my Lord and Savior 20 years ago, and since then my life has been quite different, The Lord gave me a beautiful wife, who walk with me with Christ, an only son who is been raising in The Lord's ways, and a job that I liked. What is your favorite Movie and why? Martin Luther (the old version in black and white) because show me about the value of mind in spread the Gospel. Coke o Pepsi? I rather Diet Dr Pepper but here in México you can get only the regular one. What is the most interesting thing about me? My wife says that my love for Jesus, but I don't believe that I love Jesus enough. Anyway, I want to know more about HIM through Theology.

Gerardo

[Who am I ?
My name is Bill Turri. I'm 27 years old, I've been married to my wife Alyson for just over one year, and I think some of you guys were too quick to claim the "most beautiful girl in the world" title I work as an electrical engineer, and my hobbies include photography, hiking, skiing, cycling, and now theology!

Where am I from?
I have lived in Dayton, OH since 1987. Before that I lived in southern Florida, and before that, Texas (while my dad was still in the Army).

How did I become a Christian?
I can't look back and point to one instant in time when I became a Christian. I claim no powerful conversion experience, but rather a very long and progressive understanding of Christ and my relationship to Him. I was raised in a Christian home, but my parents sort of "gave up" on attending church when I was very young. Once I got to college, I figured I'd go "lone-ranger" style with just me, Jesus, and the Bible. It quickly became just me and Jesus. Then, just me! It's been in the last 2 years that I have come to discover just how unfounded my beliefs were in the past. I think I finally realized that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" actually included me, and I was baptized on April 10 of this year by a minister who has also become a very good friend of mine.

Favorite movies...
Braveheart is my all-time favorite, by far. It's a portrait of a person who comes to know himself and is forced to decide what's worth fighting for, and what's worth dying for. Recently, I think my favorite movie may have been The Village, because of its excellent (in my opinion) portrayal of human sin.

Coke or Pepsi ?
Funny...used to be Pepsi, but now it's Coke. Actually, now it's Coke Zero. The times, they are a-changin'!

Something I find interesting about myself
That my greatest strength can also my greatest weakness. I analyze everything (and I do mean, EVERYTHING) in detailed, logical categories. I'm rarely caught off-guard or unprepared, but I also can't make a quick decision to save my life! I've been reading "Love Your God With All Your Mind" and I'm happy to see that others think the church needs to return to a more intellectual stance, but I sometimes fear that I may lose the forest in the trees.

Well, that's me in a nutshell! I look forward to discussions with this group...with so many ages, backgrounds, and experiences, it should make for some great perspectives!

This is Richard that I moved here

Hey everyone! I'm Richard, and have been saved since college in 1994. I've grown up in the church (Methodist 19 years, then Southern Baptist) so I know all the Bible stories...at least, I thought I did. Since going through the Theology Program, however, I realize that "knowing Bible stories" does not qualify me as having a solid intellectual faith. So far, the course has been humbling, challenging, and extremely rewarding.

The comment that has rung true the loudest was when Michael and Rhome warned me that I will have to let go of everything that I hold dear. Some of my ideas and beliefs will be destroyed as false and unbiblical, while others may be built up stronger than ever. This attitude has helped me approach the material much more openly, and has taught me to think critically about what I hear.

My goals in this class are:
1) Develop an approach to Scripture and matters of faith that is biblical and intellectual
2) Be able to defend the faith rationally
3) Be able to spot fallacies and other "folk" theologies
4) Develop a network of friends that I can call on when I have a question, even beyond the class

Lastly....
- my favorite movie is "The Princess Bride." I love goofball comedy!
- Pepsi, without question
- I live in Roxboro, NC
- I'm 31 and have been married for six incredible years to Joy
- Our two cocker spaniels are our kids

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to get this posted...

Who am I? My name is John Puhalski. I have seven children. Three from a previous marriage, two stepchildren and two with my present wife. Unfortunately we are separated now as a result of my re-commitment to Christ but I am hoping that things will work out in time. I am an electronics technician and some of my hobbies are guitar, photography, computers (linux in particular) and bible study. I had been looking for some kind of Bible Education I could get with a busy schedule and TTP seems to be just what I was looking for.

Where am I from? I was born in New York City but we moved to NJ when I was four. I grew up in a town there called Sayreville. I recently spent two and a half years in VT and have now been in Upstate NY (Hyde Park) since 2001.

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian? Early 1980, I was 23 yrs old. A friend of mine got saved and had been witnessing to me for a couple years. I joined a solid Bible teaching church and did great for 6 years until an unwanted, by me anyway, divorce left me bitter and angry. I spent too many years not walking consistently with the Lord but drifting in and out of church. Finally in 2002 circumstances led me to a church in NY and I recommitted my life to Christ. I lost many years and am determined to follow the Lord with all my heart and mind.

What is your favorite movie? Casablanca. Why? I always liked Humphrey Bogart. He chose the greater cause rather than helping himself.

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

What is the most interesting thing about me? I think it's my love for children. They are so trusting and capable of learning much at an early age. I always try and answer their questions as best I can.

I attempted to do the Introduction to Theology Program about a half a year ago but my circumstances made it difficult. I only got to lesson 6. I am looking forward to starting today.

john

Well, I just spent the last hour and a half figuring out how to get through all this technological stuff, writing my introduction (using John's as a guide), and had gotten as far as the Coke or Pepsi question when I accidently hit "control-N" and "lost" everything! Please don't ask me why. I have no idea. I don't even know what that command might do. So if you get a partial introduction from me, please read only so far as the Coke or Pepsi question. The balance is John's posting.

I'll pick up with that question, and then return to the beginning and do a very brief introduction in the hopes that I might be able to recover what I spent so much time putting together.

Coke or Pepsi? Without question, Pepsi!

What is the most interesting thing about me? Gosh, I don't have any idea. I'll need to ask around and get back to ya'll on this one!

and now back to the beginning . . . .

Who am I? Mark Warnick. Obviously, I'm technologically-challenged!

Where am I from? Warrensburg, Missouri.

If a Christian, how did you become a Christian? Born and raised in a Christian home, attended Sunday school regularly as a youth, confirmed when I was 13, accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and became a member of the church in 1968, was quite active in our church's senior high youth ministry and was ordained a Deacon in 1972.

What is your favorite movie? Braveheart, The Patriot and We Were Soldiers are all good. Why? I like action movies where the good guy wins.--guess that happens when you grow up watching the old Westerns with your grandfather.

Coke or Pepsi? Without question, Pepsi!

What is the most interesting thing about me? Gosh, I don't have any idea. I'll need to ask around and get back to ya'll on this one!

Mark

Does anyone have any idea where I might look in cyberspace for my "lost" introduction? I really had provided ya'll with a bit more information about myself (quite a bit as a matter of fact) and I'm too tired right now to try to recreate everything. I have a 6:00 breakfast tomorrow morning and need to jump off to get some sleep. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, and God bless all of you!

Hi Mark,
Hard to say where your introduction might be. I lost two replies to other posts already because my computer locked up or something and they were just gone. I know that feeling of frustration when you take your time trying to word everything just right and then lose it. When I did mine this time I copied and pasted someone else's into Word, took my time and did the work (saving it of course) and then just pasted into here when I was ready.

In the menu bar under File it says that Ctrl+N will give you a new window. I just tried it and it opened a new web window, but the one I'm working on stayed. Perhaps it was still running in the backround, then if you closed it you would lose your work. If your computer happens to be still running (I usually leave mine on) from the time you wrote it, and that web page is still open, it may still be there.

Personally I think the problem came as soon as you answered the Coke or Pepsi question.

Nice to meet you. Hope you find the lost introduction.

john