Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #25

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

John 14:18 - 15:11

We slow down over John 14 and the opening of John 15, letting the Greek text sharpen what Jesus means by trust, love, and peace. We also face how translation choices around pronouns and gender can either widen the invitation or allow some people to incorrectly interpret them as being not included.
• The plural “you” in Greek and what it implies for communal and individual life in Christ
• Pisteuo as trust rather than mere belief and why that matters spiritually
• John 14:18-24 on keeping Christ’s word and the indwelling presence of God
• The intrinsic male/female inclusivity of masculine pronouns in biblical Greek regarding gender
• Parakletos as Advocate and Helper, and peace not given like the world gives
• Agape compared with other Greek words for love and what kind of love to which the Gospel points us
• John 15’s vine and branches image, abiding as remaining within, and pruning as purification
• Prayer as alignment with God’s will rather than “asking for favors”

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

To learn more about Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), please visit ohioyearlymeeting.org.

Those interested in exploring the distinctives of Conservative Friends waiting worship should consider checking out our many Zoom Online Worship opportunities during the week here. All are welcome!

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF08C The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 8 Part C: Depression, WW II, and Wider service

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We finish a reading from Chapter Eight of a history of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative), tracing how leadership changes and world events push us into a new Quaker era. We follow the Meeting for Sufferings through World War II conscription, conscientious objection, peace education, and the painful reforms that reshape our yearly meeting by 1949.
• Older ministers passing away and a new leadership class emerging
• Meeting for Sufferings minutes on faith, courage, and removing enmity
• Early peace discussion groups and a printed address to local meetings
• First formal cooperation with AFSC and other pacifist organizations
• Selective Service Act provisions and the rise of Civilian Public Service camps
• Financial burdens on COs and Ohio Yearly Meeting fundraising support
• Wartime social pressure and alternatives like peace stamps
• Visits, letters, and support for CPS workers, prisoners, and military members
• Postwar tensions handled with decency, forbearance, and love
• Boarding school expansion, modernization, and anxiety about change
• Reopening to wider Quaker connections, youth conferences, and representation
• 1949 organizational reforms including nominating committee changes and joint sessions

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #24

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

John 14:1–17

We walk line by line through John 14:1–17 and hear Jesus calling us to trust God with steady hearts. We focus on what the Greek says about trust, knowing by experience, prayer in Jesus’ name, and the Spirit as the one called alongside to help.

• John 14 as a promise of access to the Father through Christ
• “Believe” as trust and confidence rather than mere assent
• Many dwelling places and the meaning of preparing a place
• “I Am The Way Truth Life” and how Greek articles shape translation
• Ginosko versus oida and knowing as lived experience
• Philip’s request to see the Father and Jesus’ reply
• “Greater works” and asking in Jesus’ name as alignment not magic
• Warning against misuse of sign texts and ego driven power
• Paracletos as advocate helper comforter intercessor
• Ekklesia as a people called out and church as a body
• “I will not leave you orphans” as friendless and without aid

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF08B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 8 Part B: Depression, WW II, and Wider service

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We read a vivid slice of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative history where Quaker peace testimony becomes hands-on relief during the Great Depression and grows into wider service through the American Friends Service Committee. We also follow Carl Patterson’s outward ministry in Europe and the steady push by younger Friends to open the yearly meeting to new connections and shared leadership.

• AFSC relief work in Ohio Yearly Meeting territory during the 1930s
• Uneven support for the AFSC and the silence of official records
• Launching child feeding near Wheeling and scaling quickly
• Kentucky coalfield service bringing food, clothing, hope, and cooperation
• AFSC work camps shaped by nonviolence and Gandhi’s example
• Carl Patterson and Mifflin Hull traveling to Ireland and England
• Ending isolationism through renewed contact with other yearly meetings
• Younger Friends conferences and new roles for emerging leaders
• Discipline changes and gradual modernization across meetings

We will finish reading chapter 8 in the next podcast.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #23

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

John 13:12–38

We read John 13:12–38 in Greek and English, tracking how small translation choices shape big theological conclusions. We sit with Jesus’ humility in foot washing, the shock of betrayal, and the new commandment to love in ways the world can recognize.

• Word study linking whole, heal, wholesome, holy, holiness, sozo, soteria, savior, healer
• Foot washing as a pattern of humility rather than a mere ritual
• “Lifted his heel against me” and its Psalm background
• Why we translate “servant” as slave in this context
• Debate over “I am he” versus expanded “I Am Who I Am” readings
• “Receive” versus “accept” and what it implies about welcoming Christ
• Judas, the beloved disciple, and the social dynamics at the table
• Questions about bias toward the Twelve and differences among the Gospels
• “Love one another” as an inward bond and an outward witness
• Examples of costly love from Le Chambon and righteous Gentiles
• Peter’s impulsiveness, denial, and the meaning of psyche as life or soul

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF08A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 8 Part A: Depression, WW II, and Wider service

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We trace Ohio Friends from 1930 to 1950 as schools close, a boarding school survives, and peace work grows while war looms. Through debt, drought, and debate, we hold fast to a shared witness for unity and nonviolence.

• closures of primary Friends schools and shift to public education
• Olney’s crisis management, fundraising, and frugality
• leadership of Gilbert and Rachel Thomas and alumni energy
• opening enrollment beyond conservative meetings
• building the gymnasium through volunteer labor
• disagreements over plainness, recreation, and youth work
• Peace Committee organizing, outreach, and advocacy
• statements to governments and efforts against compulsory military training
• wider cooperation across the Quaker family amid shrinking Wilburite centers

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #22

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0400

We trace John 12:27–50 and into 13, where the crowd wrestles with the voice from heaven, Jesus names the judgment of the world, and the meaning of “light” moves from metaphor to a way of life. The basin and towel in John 13 reset leadership around humility, not status.

• The voice from heaven and the meaning of “lifted up”
• Crowd confusion about the Son of Man
• Walking in the light as conduct and trust
• Greek terms for light, darkness, and walk
• Day of visitation and the danger of hardened hearts
• Isaiah’s prophecy and free will
• Glory as approval versus God’s honor
• Salvation as healing and being made whole
• Prophetic speech as listening and obedience
• Foot-washing as the pattern of humble leadership
• Inward communion over outward ritual

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF07B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 7 Part B: A Wider Quakerism

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0500

We trace James Henderson’s 1920 ministry across eight countries and the ripple effects that reshaped Ohio Friends toward peace, global fellowship, and practical reforms. Young Friends push for voice and structure while meetings revise discipline, adjust customs, and face decline with care.

• Henderson’s tested call, funding, and interpreter support
• Meetings in Germany and the Balkans during relief work
• A moving witness among Bulgarian pastors
• Reports from returned COs and AFSC service
• Youth pressure for a formal peace committee
• Delegations to Washington and legislative advocacy
• Discipline revision and limits on disownment
• Shifts in gender participation and school customs
• Scheduling changes to broaden attendance
• School standardization amid shrinking numbers
• Pennsville’s laying down and community memory

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF07A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 7 Part A: A Wider Quakerism

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

We trace how Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative met World War I with organized peace witness, pastoral care for draftees, and a growing international outlook. Youth energy, AFSC partnerships, and courageous visits to power reframed what Quaker service could be.

• Prewar lobbying and prophetic ministry to national leaders
• Formation of a peace and service committee
• Guidance for young men facing the draft
• Camp visits, CO status, and varied refusals
• Documentation of abuse and push for reforms
• The Halfway Picnic and youth-led initiatives
• Evening meetings that widened outlook and cooperation
• Postwar renewal, intergenerational tensions, and unity in worship

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #21

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0500

John 12:20–36

We read John 12:20–36 as Greeks ask to see Jesus, and we follow the thread through language, glory, obedience, and the summons to walk in the light. A humble king, a troubled prayer, and a heavenly voice reframe power, time, and true life.

• Greeks approach through Philip and Andrew
• Donkey imagery and humility of the king
• Hora, kairos, and the meaning of “hour”
• Kurios, phoné, and translation choices
• Seed dying, psuché versus zōē aiōnios
• Strong call to follow and obey
• Heavenly voice, thunder, and discernment
• Light versus darkness and urgent belief
• Messiah expectations and suffering redeemer
• Quaker practice of convincement and repentance

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #20

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:00:00 -0500

John 12:1–19

We read John 12 with an eye for meaning, moving from Mary’s costly anointing to a king on a donkey and the tension between literal history and spiritual truth. We sit with hard questions about Judas, poverty, symbolism, and what counts as essential belief.

• Why John’s timeline differs from the synoptics
• Anointing at Bethany as humility, burial, and honor
• Judas, the common purse, and ethics of the poor
• Diakonos as service rather than slavery
• Litra as possible burial measure and its weight
• Plotting against Lazarus as reaction to living proof
• Triumphal entry and Zechariah’s humble king
• Early Friends, James Naylor, and costly witness
• Remembering after glory as theology of insight
• Discerning essentials: resurrection, birth, and belief
• Physical–spiritual continuum and modern lenses

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF06C The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 6 Part C, Ministry of the Golden Age

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Four vivid portraits of conservative Quaker ministry show how conviction, plainness, and silent worship shaped a people under pressure from modern life. We trace their outreach, leadership, and struggles with change as Ohio Friends carry inner continuity toward 1917.

• Elwood Conrad’s solemn preaching on salvation and conscience
• James Henderson’s home meetings, missions work, and presidential visits
• Cyrus Cooper’s rigorous plainness, opposition, and intuitive friendships
• Carl Patterson’s gentle leadership, clerking, and magnetic presence
• Quietism’s strengths and limits within a changing economy
• The hedge of plainness fading while inner bonds endure
• Education, eldering, and the cost of fear of change
• Readiness for war-time testing and reconstruction

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF06B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 6 Part B, Ministry of the Golden Age

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500

We trace the tension between strict preservation and bold outreach among Ohio Friends from 1874 to 1917. Asa Branson’s authority, Hannah Stratton’s journeys, and the Fowlers’ service reveal how discipline, humility, and risk shaped a quieter but wider ministry.

• Asa Branson’s plainspoken authority and resistance to sociability and standard time
• Deference to elders creating distance from youth and leadership roles tied to plain dress
• Reports of renewed ministry and young Friends entrusted with gifts
• Hannah Stratton’s humility, release to travel, and contested reception in Britain
• John and Esther Fowler’s service for children in Ohio and Cairo
• influence of an unprogrammed meeting in Japan on local Friends
• The move from preservation toward outreach without abandoning core testimonies

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF06A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 6 Part A, Ministry of the Golden Age

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:00:00 -0500

We trace the character of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s “Golden Age” ministry, where quietist discipline met public witness in prisons, schools and streets. Stories of Anne Branson, Elwood Dean and Daniel Mott reveal the cost of obedience, the power of silence and the risks of over-editing holiness.

• Quietism shaping tone, restraint and obedience
• Prophetic sensitivity alongside activist outreach
• Anne Branson’s severe integrity and tender counsel
• Elwood Dean’s musical preaching and human warmth
• Daniel Mott’s prayerful gentleness and nearness of eternity
• Decline of ministers after 1890 and likely causes
• A call to keep speech brief, weighty and alive

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #19

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0500

John 11:38–57

We study this part of John with clear attention to Greek terms that reshape belief as trust and signs as pointers beyond miracles. Lazarus’s raising, the council’s response, and the approach to Passover reveal how language, liberation, and wholehearted faith meet in practice.

• Belief as trust and confidence, not mere assent
• Christos as title Anointed, not a surname
• Names like Yeshua, Iakobos, Ioudas shifting across testaments
• Lazarus raised, unbind him as liberation motif
• Jesus deeply moved, nuance of Greek verbs
• signs pointing beyond miracles to God’s glory
• Council fear, Caiaphas’s unintended prophecy
• Children of God, adoption and unity
• Passover approaching, Jesus’s withdrawal to Ephraim

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #18

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0500

John 11:1-37

We read John 11 with attention to language, source questions, and the inward Light, moving from Lazarus’s death to Jesus’s tears and the claim “I am the resurrection and the life.” We contrast Martha’s presumption with Mary’s surrender, and explore how glory means God’s manifest presence, not spectacle.

• ethical framing against gambling and exploitation
• John 11 context, Bethany near Jerusalem
• name meanings and linguistic notes in Greek and Hebrew
• “glory” as manifested presence of God
• light “in” a person vs external light
• sleep vs death and Johannine misunderstanding motif
• “I am the resurrection and the life” and zoe vs bios
• Martha’s doctrine vs Mary’s inward posture
• Johannine community, late dating, and source theories
• Jesus’s emotions, “deeply moved,” “troubled,” and “Jesus wept”
• early heresies: Docetism and the full humanity of Christ
• Quaker emphasis on inward life, peace beyond understanding

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF05B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 5 Part B, The Flowering of Wilburite Culture

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

We trace how Ohio Wilburite Friends built a “guarded education,” from printed minutes and women’s records to a brick-by-brick boarding school culture that survived fire, standardized primary schools, and balanced conviction with modernization. A story of plain speech, strict standards, aid associations, and a networked push for quality.

• women’s minutes printed and epistles included alongside men’s
• boarding school built at Barnesville with local bricks and pride
• guarded culture of plain dress, thee and thou, strict discipline
• bans on baseball and careful curation of reading material
• high academics with limited salaries and leadership turnover
• aid associations and alumni organizing to raise funds and standards
• tuition increases and building upgrades amid cultural unease
• 1910 fire, rapid rebuilding, improved safety and infrastructure
• primary schools revived, subsidized, and gradually standardized
• custom readers published to align texts with Quaker testimonies
• education associations set courses, exams, and reporting norms
• cross-yearly meeting cooperation to supervise and improve schools

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #17

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

John 10:1-42

We read John 10 with attention to the gate, the Good Shepherd, and what it means to recognize a voice that leads to life. Greek insights on “amen amen,” voice and calling, and zoe versus bios deepen a conversation about obedience, abundance, and union with the Father.

• historical context of shepherding and danger in the fields
• the gate as a real threshold for discernment and salvation
• voice recognition versus noise and false guides
• good shepherd versus hired hand and motive under pressure
• free will, temptation, Gethsemane, and chosen obedience
• other sheep, one flock, universality without relativism
• feast of dedication and the claim “The Father and I are one”
• works as witness when belief feels hard
• eternal life as zoe, the life of the ages, now
• kingdom as divine state, not territory
• practical prayer: making space to listen and follow

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF05A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 5 Part A, The Flowering of Wilburite Culture

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0400

A turning point in 1874 becomes a season of rebuilding, wider correspondence, and confident witness among conservative Friends, culminating in shared fundamentals and a stronger print and school culture. We trace how harmony, service, and publishing shaped a subculture that held firm as modern pressures rose.

• relocation to Barnesville and renewed harmony
• conservative separations forming new yearly meetings
• circle of correspondence and tendered epistles
• Philadelphia ties in funds, visitors and publications
• tract associations, libraries and home reading
• Indian concerns and service at Tunesassa
• expanding memorials, journals and peace pamphlets
• 1911–1913 synopsis of conservative principles
• the Great War’s pressure on a rural subculture

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #16

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

John 9:1-41

We walk through John 9 and watch blame give way to purpose as a blind man sees, confronts power, and becomes a witness. Along the way we unpack signs vs miracles, the Sabbath dispute, Siloam as “sent,” and how spiritual sight grows from trust and humility.

• cultural belief in generational sin vs Jesus’ reframing toward God’s work
• “light of the world” as a thread through John 8–9
• healing with mud on the Sabbath and social controversy
• signs rather than miracles as Johannine theology
• fear of synagogue expulsion and late-first-century context
• Origen on spiritual truth and narrative arrangement
• the healed man’s rising testimony against entrenched authority
• movement from physical to spiritual blindness and the nature of belief
• practical picture of spiritual sight as humility, readiness, and obedience

We welcome feedback on this or any of our podcast episodes. We can be contacted through our website at Ohio Yearly Meeting.org

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF04B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 4 Part B, The Second Schism

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The scorching summer of 1854 became a crucible of division for Ohio Yearly Meeting as Thomas Gould's controversial presence catalyzed a long-brewing theological conflict between Wilburite and Gurneyite Quakers. What began as tension over recognizing a visiting minister culminated in the dramatic establishment of competing clerks and separate meetings that would divide Quaker communities for more than a century.

• Thomas Gould represented the "smaller body" of New England Yearly Meeting, seen by Gurneyites as insubordinate and by Wilburites as upholding traditional Quaker principles
• The yearly meeting of 1854 took place during extreme heat, drought, and cholera epidemics
• Benjamin Hoyle, the clerk, found himself caught between factions while trying to prevent separation
• The breaking point came Tuesday when Jabiz Coulson nominated Jonathan Benz as a competing clerk
• After Hoyle read a minute of adjournment, the Gurneyites remained behind while Wilburites had to wait outside
• The separation caused deep personal grief, as recorded in diaries of Friends like Aaron Frame
• The division reflected fundamental differences over Quaker identity, with Wilburites emphasizing plainness and tradition while Gurneyites viewed these as "small matters"
• Local meetings throughout Ohio were eventually forced to choose sides, creating painful divisions in communities and families

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #15

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400

John 8:21-59

We continue our study of John's Gospel, focusing on chapter 8 where Jesus reveals himself as "the light of the world" and offers profound insights about spiritual freedom and his divine nature.

• Examining the challenging declaration "I am the light of the world" and how it connects thematically to chapter 9
• Understanding Jesus' confrontation with religious leaders who misunderstood his spiritual origin
• Exploring the liberating concept that "you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free"
• Analyzing how sin enslaves and Christ liberates, connecting to the Greek concepts of redemption and salvation
• Contemplating Jesus' climactic claim "Before Abraham was, I AM" and its implications for understanding Christ's eternal nature
• Recognizing the importance of experiencing the inward, transformative power of Christ rather than focusing solely on historical accounts

Join us next time as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF04A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 4 Part, The Second Schism

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400

The painful second great schism of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative unfolds through a historical account of dividing tensions between Gurneyite and Wilburite Quakers from 1845-1874. This detailed historical narrative chronicles how theological differences surrounding Joseph John Gurney's theological interpretations of Quakerism fractured a once-united religious community.

• Conflict began in 1845 when Ohio received competing epistles from two separate New England yearly meetings
• Benjamin Hoyle, Ohio's clerk, openly favored the smaller Wilburite body, creating tensions
• Representatives repeatedly failed to agree on new clerks, effectively freezing leadership
• Traveling ministers increasingly identified as either Gurneyite or Wilburite, intensifying divisions
• Local problems like rejected certificates, withheld ministry minutes, and unrecognized ministers worsened tensions
• In 1853, the yearly meeting couldn't conduct business for four days due to objections over visiting Wilburites
• The formal separation occurred in 1854, though groups didn't officially disown each other until 1864
• Final division came in 1874 when courts granted the Gurneyite branch possession of the Mount Pleasant Boarding School

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #14

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0400

John 7:53 - 8:20

This Greek Bible study examines the powerful story of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus's transformative teaching about judgment, sin, and spiritual illumination.

• Exploration of John 7:53-8:20, including the authenticity questions surrounding this passage in early manuscripts
• Discussion of Jesus writing in the sand—one of the few references to his literacy in the Gospels
• Analysis of Jesus' challenge to the woman's accusers about their own sinfulness
• Context of how Jesus transforms understanding of sin from external rules to inward reflection
• Examination of the Greek word "hamartia" (sin) and its theological implications
• Jesus' declaration "I am the light of the world" and its connection to Quaker understanding of inner light
• References to 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 about God shining in our hearts
• Discussion of biblical support for Quaker beliefs and recommended resources for further study

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF03A The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 3 Part A Refining the Form: 1828-1845

Thu, 29 May 2025 01:00:00 -0400

Ohio Yearly Meeting takes another step in our journey through "The Eye of Faith," continuing William P. Taber Jr.'s history with Chapter 3, "Refining the Form: 1828-1845," which examines the theological tensions that nearly split our community.

Orthodox Friends consolidated their community after the 1828 Hicksite separation by refining Quaker practices and strengthening biblical foundations. This period of reform would ultimately lead to new tensions between traditional and progressive elements in Ohio Yearly Meeting.

• Two committees helped meetings navigate separation issues and coordinate with other Orthodox Yearly Meetings
• Increased emphasis on Bible reading in families with committees ensuring every Quaker household owned a Bible
• Friends established numerous schools under monthly meeting supervision to provide "guarded education" for youth
• Mount Pleasant boarding school opened in 1837 after 23 years of planning
• Growing tensions between those following Joseph John Gurney's evangelical approach and John Wilbur's traditional Quakerism
• National Road brought economic opportunities and outside influences challenging Quaker insularity
• Abolition movement created friction with traditional Quaker approaches to social reform
• Leaders like Joseph Edgerton warned against "modified Quakerism" and "lifeless ministry"
• Seeds were planted for the second Ohio separation that would occur in 1854

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #13

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:00 -0400

John 7:19 - 7:39

We explore the concept of righteous judgment from John 7:24 and examine what it means to judge with Christ's guidance rather than by appearances.

• Judging righteously requires consulting Christ within rather than relying on our own understanding
• The distinction between worldly judgment that condemns and righteous discernment guided by the Spirit
• When human laws contradict divine justice, Christians may need to stand against popular opinion
• The challenge of loving enemies while preventing ongoing harm
• Understanding the metaphor of "rivers of living water" as the Holy Spirit flowing through believers
• The hunger and thirst for righteousness that only God can truly satisfy
• The limitations of attempting to establish holiness through external laws alone
• How Nicodemus represents someone quietly following Jesus while remaining in established religious structures

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF03B The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 3 Part B Refining the Form: 1828-1845

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

This episode continues reading Chapter 3, "Refining the Form: 1828-1845," which examines the theological tensions that nearly split our community. Note that it was erroneously published before the start of chapter 3.

• Elisha Bates, once a respected Quaker minister from Mount Pleasant, repudiates traditional Quaker views on spiritual inspiration and even receives water baptism
• The Meeting for Sufferings responds with essays defending Quaker doctrines of "divine light, inwardly revealed" as the foundation of true religion
• Joseph John Gurney's visits to Ohio in 1837 further polarizes Friends into two distinct theological camps
• Differences emerge between "Gurneyite" Friends who emphasize the Bible as first rule of faith and "Wilburite" Friends who prioritize the inward Christ
• The Gurneyites welcome intellectual study, activism, and cooperation with other Christians, while Wilburites fear any change that weakens Quaker distinctiveness
• Joseph Edgerton's journal entries reveal deep concern about "a spirit which is weary of the plainness and simplicity of the truth"
• Tensions escalate when Ohio ministers visiting New England are denied returning minutes after associating with John Wilbur
• Ohio Yearly Meeting faces a decade of irreconcilable tensions over theological teachings and disciplinary procedures

"Art thou in the darkness, mind it not, for if thou dost, it will feed thee more. But stand still and act not, and wait in patience till light arises out of darkness and leads thee." - James Naylor, 1659

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #12

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400

John 6:40 - 7:18

We explore Jesus' challenging teaching about being "the bread of life" and what it means to eat his flesh and drink his blood, examining the Quaker understanding of spiritual nourishment beyond ritual.

• Distinction between the two meanings of "Jews" in John's Gospel—either ethnic Jews or specifically those opposed to Jesus
• Jesus' shocking language about eating his flesh and drinking his blood as a spiritual metaphor
• The Quaker understanding that inward spiritual feeding matters more than outward rituals
• Difference between physical symbols and the spiritual reality they represent
• The meaning of "It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless"
• How Jesus' teaching relates to communion/eucharist practices
• The significance of Jesus' brothers not believing in him initially
• The contrast between human language and spiritual realities
• The divine drawing that brings people to spiritual understanding

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me." Revelation 3:20

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #11

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400

John 5:29 to 6:40

We dive deep into John chapters 5-6 to explore Jesus' teachings about being the source of eternal life and spiritual nourishment.

• Jesus models complete submission to God's will as an example for believers
• The Greek word "dikaios" means righteous or just in God's eyes, not self-righteous
• Jesus invites people to come to him for life, not just study scriptures about him
• The story of feeding 5,000 demonstrates Jesus rejecting political kingship
• Jesus declares "I am the bread of life" to shift focus from physical to spiritual nourishment
• The Greek word for "see" in John 6:40 implies spiritual perception, not just physical sight
• Spiritual communion involves perceiving Christ within and dining with him spiritually
• Believers must "conquer" worldliness, cravings and addictions through repentance
• Jesus repeatedly promises to "raise up" believers on the last day
• Friends (Quakers) historically emphasized inward communion over outward rituals

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #10

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

John 4:46-5:29

We examine the multi-layered interpretations of Jesus's parables and teachings, focusing on how true spiritual understanding goes beyond literal meaning to transform hearts and lives.

• Three levels of biblical interpretation explored: literal, ethical, and spiritual-allegorical
• The parable of the sower reveals how God implants divine seed in all humanity, but receptivity determines its growth
• Royal official's healing story demonstrates faith as trust rather than mere belief
• Healing at Bethsaida challenges religious conventions while revealing Jesus's compassion
• Jesus's relationship with the Father shows divine unity working through him
• Spiritual resurrection occurs when the spiritually dead hear Christ's voice within
• Important distinction between the New Testament use of the word "Jews" as an ethnic group versus religious authorities opposing Jesus

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #9

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0400

John 4:14-45

Jesus teaches that our spiritual life requires inward baptism and transformation beyond outward forms of worship.

Understanding scripture requires seeking the spiritual sense behind the physical language
Jesus breaks social barriers by speaking with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well
The woman recognizes Jesus as a prophet when he reveals knowledge of her complicated past
True worship happens "in spirit and truth" rather than at specific physical locations
Jesus plainly declares "I am he" when the woman mentions the coming Messiah
The Samaritan woman becomes an evangelist, bringing her village to meet Jesus
Believers ultimately testify: "We have heard for ourselves and know this is truly the Savior"
Jesus teaches that his spiritual food is doing God's will
The fields are already "ripe for harvesting" as people come to believe

The hour is coming and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #8

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500

John 3:31-4:14

This episode emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the relationship between trust and belief within the context of faith. By examining John Chapter 3, the host explores key themes of spiritual truth, the meaning of living water, and how these insights apply to our daily lives as believers.

• Discussion on continual education and its role in faith
• Reading and examining the Gospel of John, Chapter 3
• The contrast between accepting and believing in Jesus
• Exploring the metaphor of living water and its significance
• Insights into the cultural context of the Samaritan woman at the well
• Examining the active nature of trust in one's faith
• Connections between historical narratives and contemporary faith practices
• Reflection on the implications of calling Jesus "Lord"

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #7

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0500

John 3:22-30

This episode examines the distinctions between spiritual and water baptism, emphasizing the significance of inward transformation and the active participation of individuals in worship. We delve into historical context, interpretations of baptism, and the roles of disciples and apostles within the Quaker faith.

• Exploring the essence of vocal ministry in worship
• The metaphor of Spirit as wind and its implications
• Understanding the significance of spiritual baptism
• Historical context of baptism in Judaism and early Christianity
• The distinction between disciples and apostles
• The transformational role of the Holy Spirit in faith journeys

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #6

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0500

#6 Gospel of John 2:12-3:19

Henry begins this session by a discussion of the Greek word, “semeion” in the Gospel of John which in the King James Version of the Gospel of John is translated as “miracle”. However, the word, “semeion” means in Greek means a “sign, or an indication by which something is known”. Our word, semiotics comes from this Greek word.

John 2:12-25
There are frequent usages in John’s Gospel of personal details, such as John’s mention that Jesus’ mother, brothers and disciples travelled with Him to Capernahum.
In John’s Gospel, there is mention of the cleansing of the Temple at the beginning of His ministry, indicating that the Temple, (and our bodies) must be pure. Other gospels put this event at the end of His ministry. Henry believes that the placement of incidents in Jesus’ ministry at different times in each of the Gospels occur because the writer of that Gospel wanted to make a particular point at that point of that event in Jesus’ ministry. A discussion also ensues about destroying ”this temple”, and that He would raise it again in three days.

John 3:1-8
It is notable that Nicodemus, as a leader of the Jews, came to Jesus by night, perhaps because as a member of the Sanhedrin he wanted not to be seen by anyone as going to Jesus.
Nicodemus, by taking an outward, literal meaning to being “born again” misunderstands Jesus’ inward, spiritual meaning. This misunderstanding frequently happens in Jesus’ conversations with others that the inward (spiritual) is much more important than the outward (literal, physical).
Quakers frequently use the word, “regeneration” for the experience of being born again. Henry emphasizes that being spiritually born again is essential for us.

John 3:9-
Belief (Greek: pisteo) in John 3:16 is not just a token acceptance of Jesus, but a deep, inward, trusting, transformative, spiritual understanding of who Jesus is and can be in one’s life.

The advice in our introduction is from page 32 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #5

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

John 1:35-42

What if understanding ancient texts could transform your perspective on modern life? Join us in our enlightening exploration of John 1:35-42, as we unpack the layers behind the initial calling of Jesus' disciples. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of biblical narratives by highlighting the cultural and historical significance of phrases like "Here is the Lamb of God." We'll also dissect the meaning behind seemingly trivial details, such as the mention of "four o'clock in the afternoon," which reveals the Gospel's extraordinary attention to detail. Through this thoughtful examination, we contemplate how translations like "Rabbi" to "teacher" and "master" in the King James Version reflect the evolving linguistic and cultural landscapes over centuries.

Journey with us through the fascinating evolution of language, as we draw parallels between biblical translations and Shakespearean English. By clarifying the nuances of terms like "Christos" and "Messiah," we debunk common misconceptions about titles and surnames, shedding light on their historical resonance. Delve into the geographical and titular identities of Jesus, where His designation as "Son of God" and "Son of Man" offers profound insights into His unique identity. Our conversation extends to reflect upon how early faith communities viewed Jesus, and how such interpretations were shaped by the times in which they lived. This episode will encourage you to reconsider how language and history influence our grasp of biblical texts and Jesus's unparalleled journey.

The advice in our introduction is from page 32 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #4

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0500

#4 John 1:19-34
The Greek word for “gospel”, is “euangelion” (“good news”). “Euangelia” is Greek for “a good message”, and “angelos” is the word for “messenger”, which is also the source for our word, “angel”. A verse-by-verse commentary of John 1:18-34, points out significant issues and Greek meanings.
Verse 19
“Jews” had at least two meanings during the time of Jesus: 1. It could refer to one who was ethnically a Jew, and 2. “Jews” could also refer to the Jewish establishment who opposed Jesus. By A.D. 80, those who followed Jesus were completely excluded from ordinary Jewish worship.
Verse 20
The Hebrew word, “meshiach” (“anointed one”) became transliterated into English as “messiah”. In Greek, “meshiach” is translated as “christos”, which was then transliterated into English as “Christ”. In the time of Jesus, the Jews expected messiah would be a king.
In connection with the anointing of Jesus, the Greek word for “spirit” (“pneuma”), literally means “wind” or “breath”. There are two other Greek synonyms for “spirit”: 1. “hudor” (“water”) and 2. “eleion” (“olive oil”). However, the most common of these three in the Holy Scriptures is “pneuma”. What is common to all three of these (“pneuma”, “hudor” and “eleion”) is that all three indicate flow and movement, whether it is physical flow/movement, or the spiritual flow/movement of God.
Verse 26
In Greek, the word, “baptisma” (“baptize”) does not necessarily require physical water. It means “to immerse”, along with “to plunge”, or “to dip”. Thus, when translated, Matthew 28:19 should read, “. . . make students, immersing them/baptizing them in the Name. . . .” The Greek word, “onoma” does mean name, but it also means “the basic nature of something/the essence of something.” Thus, while Matthew 28:19 can mean to baptize in physical water, the greater, deeper meaning is “immersing them in the basic nature of God as Father, as Son, as Holy Spirit. . . being baptized in the death and resurrection of Jesus”; being immersed in the understanding and experience of dying and thriving with Christ.
Baptizing in water was a common Jewish ritual, one variant of which was John’s baptism: a baptism for repentance. There were Christians who continued this Jewish ritual . However, as early Friends pointed out, it should have died out as did the other Jewish rituals. John baptized with water, but Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit: being immersed into divine things, rather than just being immersed into water.
Verse 27
Untying the straps of someone’s sandals was a slave’s work. John is implying he is far less than Jesus.
Verse 32
The Greek word “pensteron” often translated, “dove” also can be translated, “pigeon”.
Verse 34
“Son of God”: He

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #3

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0500

John 1:6-18

Henry reads these verses providing commentary and translations from the Greek. The discussion gets particularly interesting with the translation challenges of verse 18 with its similarities and differences with verse 14. The analysis takes an unusual turn and ends up with a shooting panda.

The advice in our introduction is from page 32 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #2

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0400

John 1:1-5

Henry begins a verse-by-verse commentary on the Greek of the Gospel of John, pointing out significant Greek meanings as he moves from verse to verse.

Verse 1

The Greek word “pros” (often translated “with”, as in John 1:1-2) and is often translated as “. . . and the word was with God.” However, this Greek word “pros” means “to”, “by” (as in location), or “before” (as in the vicinity or presence of God”). As a result, it might be more correctly translated as, “In the beginning was this word, and the word was by (in the presence of) God, and God was the word.”

Verse 2

In the Greek of Jesus’ time, the use of the male noun classes usually included both male and female, unless the context of the noun demanded it be interpreted as referring only to males. Henry warns that it is important not to apply our popularly-held 21st century predilection of insisting that the male noun class always excludes women. For the Greeks, they were usually inclusive and included both men and women.

Verse 3

In the phrase, “In him was life . . . .” the Greek word for life is “zoe”, and (especially in John’s Gospel) is better understood as “eternal life”/”kingdom of God”/”kingdom of heaven”.

Verses 4-5

The phrase “. . . the light of men” is a very good example that in the Greek mind, “anthropon” (“men”) was clearly understood as inclusively including both men and women.

The Greek word “scotia” (translated “darkness”) in the phrase, “. . . the darkness has not understood it” would be more accurately translated as “ignorance”. In addition, the Greek word, “katalaben” often translated as “understood” would more correctly be translated as. ”overcome”/”fiercely grasped”/”taken it down” as a more accurate meaning. Thus giving a rendering of “ . . . ignorance has not overcome it [the light]/taken it [the light] down”.

The advice in our introduction is from page 32 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of The Gospel of John #1

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Henry launches this podcast series of the Gospel of John with a quick overview. What follows is a bulleted list of his introductory comments, then Henry’s comments on verses 1-5 of Chapter 1.

The Gospel of John was written in Koine Greek, the lingua franca of the time. Koine is a language descendent of Attic Greek, spoken about 300-400 years before.
Because Henry has extensive training as a speech pathologist and linguist, he often looks at the language of Holy Scripture from a linguistic point of view.
There is some possible disconnect between the last verses of Chapter 20, and Chapter 21 of John’s Gospel. The multiple, disjointed changes back and forth in pronoun from “I” to “we” in these two chapters seem to indicate either additions, or changes in the text. It is possible Chapter 21 was added some time later.
Henry goes on to discuss some of the issues concerning the authorship of the five works in the Holy Scriptures attributed to John: the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John and the Revelation of John. While these five are usually attributed to the same John, it should be noted that the Greek in the Book of Revelation is somewhat rougher in grammar and usage than the Greek of the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John.
The intended audience for the Gospel was largely Greek-speaking, and thus when Aramaic words are presented, there are translations for those to enable the Greek-speaking audience to understand what is being said.
There are frequent contrasts presented in the text: light/darkness; truth/deceit; the day of Jahweh/the day of Jesus to name a few.
There is a realized eschatology in the Gospel so that eternal life and the kingdom of God are not confined to the afterlife, but can be realized in the present, earthly life before physical death.
The Koine Greek language was written in capital letters, with no punctuation nor spaces between the words.

Verses 1-5

John 1:1 intentionally parallels Genesis 1:1 verse.

The Greek word “logos” is a rich, multi-meaning term with meanings such as these:

Any kind of verbal utterance: a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, a whole speech or talk. In modern Greek, “logos” has the same meanings.
Reason/wisdom coming from within. The English word, “logic” has its root in “logos”.
The noun form is “logos” and the verb and adjective form is “lego”.

The Bible is frequently called “the Word” by many Christians. However, the term, “word” is always and only used in the Holy Scriptures to refer to Christ. Early Friends were adamant about not referring to the words of the Holy Scriptures as “the Word”, but instead only referring to Christ as the Word.

The advice in our introduction is f

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 3 John #14

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Show notes #14: 3rd Epistle of John

Verses 1, 3, 4, 8
In these verses the Greek word, “alethea”, (which appears frequently in all of John’s writings) should instead be printed, “Truth” since it is not one truth out of many, but is instead synonymous with Christ Jesus. In addition, early Quakers also saw this word “alethea” as not just a truth, but as in John 14:6, a clear synonymous reference to Christ Jesus as the Truth.

Verses 9-10
It is somewhat difficult to ascertain from this epistle exactly what was happening in John’s congregation regarding the challenge Diotrophes was presenting. Regardless, John says that he will deal with the issue when he is physically present with them.

Henry goes on to discuss some of the issues concerning the authorship of the five works attributed to John: the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John and the Revelation of John. While these five are usually attributed to the same John, it should be noted that the Greek in the Book of Revelation is somewhat rougher in grammar and usage than the Greek of the Gospel of John and the Epistles of John.

Regarding the Book of Revelation, it is known that there was a Roman penal colony on the Island of Patmos, the place from which John indicates he has written the revelation he has been given. (Rev. 1:9)

Regarding the Gospel of John, Henry discusses some possible disconnect between the last verses of Chapter 20, and Chapter 21. It is possible Chapter 21 was added some time later. Henry plans to discuss these issues in his upcoming study of the Gospel of John.

Verses 11-14
Verse 11: Righteousness should always be the role of the Christian.

Verse 12: the use of the word, “Truth” (since it is synonymous to Christ Himself) should, once again, be capitalized.

Henry mentions that it is remarkable these short, pithy epistles have been saved and kept to illuminate us today.

Following the discussion of the two short Epistles of John there is a short discussion of the epistles of George Fox, 410 of which have been printed. Some of Fox’s epistles have not yet been published.

Finishing the podcast, Henry briefly revisits 1 John 5:21, “Dear friends, keep yourselves from idols.” It is Henry’s opinion that John was not so much telling them to avoid actual idols in the Roman panoply of pagan idols, as that John was encouraging the congregation to keep away from anything in their lives they might make an idol, and thus become more important than Christ. Henry wonders if, perhaps, those in 1 John who are reported having left the congregation may have created idols of their own imaginations instead of trying to really seek Truth/Christ.

The advice in our introduction is from page

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 13 Pages 30-31

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding true repentance and Christ as the Eternal Foundation, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends' (1913). True repentance involves a transformation of one’s whole way of thinking and conducting oneself leading to holiness and humility. We strive to be faithful to the teachings of the gospel as believed and taught by George Fox and early Friends. We consider our principles and beliefs to be those of Primitive Christianity Revived, that is, those of the earliest Christians.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 30-31 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 12 Pages 29-30

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our basic beliefs concerning the meaning and nature of true salvation, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). Our belief is that the Spirit of Christ is inwardly revealed as a light that first convicts us of our sinfulness and then leads us to an emancipation from sinning, if obeyed. A growth in obedience produces a growth in grace, righteousness and knowledge of Christ which leads to an ultimate state of spiritual maturity, traditionally called ‘perfection’.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 29-30 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 11 Pages 27-29

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our testimony regarding ‘plain speech’ and ‘plain dress’, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). In this session we explain the meaning and use of what is called ‘plain speech’. Likewise the wearing of ‘plain dress’.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 27-29 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 10 Pages 24-27

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our testimony regarding judicial oaths and our beliefs regarding the Bible, from 'A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). Friends object to the double standard set up by the taking of judicial oaths; if we speak, we must speak truthfully at all times. We accept the divine authority of the Holy Scriptures of Truth but do not accept labelling them as ‘The Word of God’. The Word of God is that living, eternal Spirit of Christ that inspired the writers of the Scriptures. The Spirit is the primary rule of faith and the Bible is secondary to but in agreement with it.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 24-27 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 09 Pages 23-24

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our testimony against war and for peace, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). As Quaker pacifists, our testimony is not only against war but also against the spirit of war. A follower of Christ is one whose profession and life conforms to the example of Christ. He commands us to love our enemies.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 23-24 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 08 Pages 22-23

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding observing the Lord’s Supper, from 'A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). Christ did not command His disciples to institute any new outward rite or ritual. Rather, the real communion between Christ and His church is only maintained by a real participation in His divine nature through faith and obedience.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 22-23 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 07 Pages 19-22

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding true baptism as being spiritual, as an ‘immersion’ into the Divine, not into physical water, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913).

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 19-22 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 06 Pages 15-19

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding ministry and ministers, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913). Ministry is a gift bestowed by God on whomever He chooses for a given time and place: it is not that the minister speaks but that God speaks through His minister, the intermediary. True Gospel ministry is not a profession nor is it subject to any intellectual standard.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 15-19 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #13 Chapter 5 Verse13 through 2 John Verse 13

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Henry begins this session by taking questions and comments regarding 1 John 5:1-12 commenting on several vital words/phrases included in those verses such as: “the way”, “the life”, “eternal life” and “truth”.

About seven minutes into the podcast, Henry goes on to begin his comments on 1 John 5:13-21, and then on to 2 John 1-13.

Verse 5:17

The King James Version (KJV) translation of “thanatos” in verse 5:17 “. . . sin unto death . . . .” is sometimes translated “mortal sin”. However, the Greek word “thanatos” seems to be more correctly translated as “a sin that leads to death.”

Verse 5:21

It was assumed that people in the Roman Empire would sacrifice to the idols, most especially to the Roman Emperor. In verse 21, the command to stay away from idols was a reminder that Christ is the only one worthy of our sacrifice.

Second John 1-13

Verse 1

There are several ways to interpret the recipient(s) of the Second Epistle of John. One is to see the recipients as the elected ones. Another is that John was writing to a specific house church, the latter being the interpretation toward which Henry leans.

Verse 2

The Greek word “alethea” (“truth”, “reality”) occurs frequently in this epistle (along with all the works of John in the Holy Scriptures). In its use here, it should be considered “Truth”, with a capital “T”.

Verses 4 s& 6

Greek: “peripatountas”: “walk”, “walking”/ “behave”, “behaving”. The walk/walking is to be done in love: walk/conduct yourself/act in this way, and was a core concept for early Friends.

Verse 7

Greek: “sarx”: “flesh”; There were those who claimed that Christ had not come in the flesh, but only in the Spirit. This is a reminder that Jesus truly dwelt among us in the flesh as fully man and fully God.

Verse 13

“The children of your elect sister . . . .” Henry sees this verse as more support that this letter was probably written from one house church to another.

The advice in our introduction is from page 30 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 05 Pages 14 - 15

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding true spiritual worship being a waiting upon the Lord, that is, a waiting for the Lord (for a manifestation of Him within us) and a waiting on the Lord (to learn His will), from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913).

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 14-15 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #12 Chapter 5 Verses 1 - 12

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The notes from this podcast provide an abbreviated (verse by verse) summation of selected, important Greek words:

Henry begins the session by quickly reviewing and commenting on a phrase from 1 John 5:1:

Verse 5:1

When, in this First Epistle of John, the author uses the phrase, “born of God”, the Greek means a spiritual birth from God. The word, “of God” in the Greek, means “out of God”.

Verses 5:6-12

The phrase in verse 6, “. . . water and blood” has various interpretations. Some see it as the water and blood that poured out of Jesus’ side at His crucifixion; others look to the baptism of Jesus in water when He was immersed in the Spirit. The word, “blood” in Hebrew often refers to the life in something. Today, the English words, “life blood”, would have a similar meaning. As the discussion continues, Henry seems to land on the best interpretation being the human birth experience including both the breaking of the water in the mother immediately before birth begins, and the blood that accompanies a person’s birth.

Verses 5:7-8

The group discusses at length the King James’ Version (KJV) of verses 7 and 8:

7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. [Italics added for clarity] 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

Henry indicates that the Textus Receptus Latin manuscript (from which the KJV was mostly translated), includes the above italicized words that comprise verse 7 in the KJV. But the words of verse seven appear in only eight manuscripts, most of which are far later than the hundreds and hundreds of the earliest known and most reliable manuscripts. The words of verse 7 are not found any of these earliest manuscripts: Syrian, Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Arabic, Slavonic, Old Latin in its early form (as used by Tertullian, Cyprian, Augustine), nor in the Vulgate (as used by Jerome).

Thus, it seems the words of verse seven (italicized above) may have originated from a marginal note added by a copyist to a manuscript at a later time. Then, later copyists mistakenly considered those words to be part of the original manuscript, and began to include them as though they had been in the original manuscript.

Verse 5:9

“Marturian” (the Greek word translated “witness” in the KJV), became our English word for “martyr”, since many Christians who were witnesses for Christ, ended up as martyrs as a because of their faith.

The advice in our introduction is from page 30 of the Ohio Year

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 04 Pages 12-14

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Our beliefs regarding the doctrine of the ‘Trinity’ (we are non-trinitarian), resurrection (as being spiritual) and true worship (being in the Spirit), from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913).

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 12-14 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #11 Chapter 4 Verse 16 - Chapter 5 Verse 5

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

The notes from this podcast follow not so much a narrative as a more abbreviated (verse by verse) summation of selected, important Greek words from 1 John 4:16-5:5. The comments follow:

Verses 4:16-21

The word for “love” (used throughout 1 John) is the Koine Greek word, “agape”, an unconditional love which carries a strong sense of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In this kind of love, one doesn’t wait for the other person to love, but instead, one should initiate the loving, open response.

The Greek word “teleios” translated as “perfect” in the King James Version (KJV) was correct for the English of that time, but has a very different meaning today, where it tends to be understood as completely without any error. However, as understood in the original Greek (and at the time of the writing of the KJV), it meant “full, spiritual development”/”mature”/“fully ripe” (thinking of fruit.

Verse 5:1-5

The Greek word “pisteuo” usually translated as “believe” has as its Greek meaning: “trust”/”put one’s trust in”/”have confidence in”.

The Greek word, “nikao” often translated “victory” means to “overcome”/”conquer”/”be victorious”.

The advice in our introduction is from page 30 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 03 Pages 9-12

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Our fundamental beliefs regarding God, Christ (as both fully divine and fully human) and our reconciliation with God through Christ, from ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’ (1913).

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 7-9 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #10 Chapter 4 Verses 7-16

Fri, 24 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

The podcast begins with a question about a commentator’s interpretation given in a particular commentary on the word, “schism”. The commentator seemed to believe that the individuals who left John’s congregation may have been pushed out, rather than having left by their own decision. Henry responds that there is really nothing in 1 John that seems to indicate they were pushed out.

Another question arises on the roots and perhaps deeper meanings of the Greek word for truth, “alithea”, prompting a brief word study of that word.

Verse 7
Henry begins the study of verse 7 with an examination of the frequent use in 1 John of the Greek word, “agape”, love. While the noun, “beloved” in the Greek is in the masculine form, it is inclusive, meaning unconditional, love to both men and women.

The word “gnosko” (knows) means to have a deep experience with something. To know God is to have personally experienced Him at a deep level.

In the Greek, these words, “ek tou”, mean “from”. In the early modern English (at the time of the writing of the KJV), the word, “of”, also meant, “from”. Thus, “everyone that loveth is born of God” was understood then and should be understood today as “is born from God”.

Verse 10
“ . . . and sent his Son to be the propitiation [Greek: hilasmos] for our sins. . . . ” The word propitiation in English is “atonement” and is perhaps easier understood as: “at oneness”. We can be made at one with God because of Christ’s sacrifice. A few other English words with the same root as atonement are: one, only, and alone. The New Testament makes it very clear that the atonement was not just for Christians (as some denominations wrongly believe), but for anyone in the world . . . “whosoever”. (John 3:15)

Verse 12
In the phrase, “No man hath seen God at any time”, the Greek word, “theaomai” (frequently translated only as “see”, or “seen”) has a much deeper meaning: it means “to perceive”, “to gaze upon intently”, or “to perceive something at a deeper level above and beyond that which is seen with the eye.” “He perceived much error within us” would be a synonymous meaning of the word, “theaomai.”

The word, “perfected” (Greek: “teleioo”, in the phrase, “. . . his love is perfected in us” has a very different meaning than what the word, “perfect” means today: with no error. In the Greek, (and in the KJV), the word, perfect, means, “fully developed”, “mature”, “complete”, almost in the same sense as a fruit that has become totally juicy and ripe. Thus, spiritually, it means “be spiritually, fully developed”, The maturity varies with the individual and his unique giftedness. The growth to full development comes from Him, not through things we have striven to attain.

Verse 13
To abide (Greek: meno) is

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 02 Pages 7-9

Sun, 19 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #09 Chapter 4 Verses 2-6

Fri, 17 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Show notes #09 1 John 4:2-6

This wide-ranging podcast opens with a quick review of session eight concerning 1 John 4:2. The podcast then continues with a reexamination of 1 John 4:2-6, which is an additional exploration of biblical translation and interpretation.

Interwoven through the rest of the podcast are points on the linguistic and grammatical structure of English in the King James Bible (KJV), contrasted with English today. For instance, the KJV use of a then grammatically correct expression “He is come”, would today be, “He has come.”

Regarding 1 John 4:2, one of the basic understandings of early Friends (different from most other Christians) relates to the phrase Jesus Christ has come “in the flesh”. Most Christians see that verse referring to Jesus’ being physically in the world, “in the flesh.” However, early Friends understood that phrase “in the flesh” to mean that Jesus had come in our flesh . . . in the believer’s flesh. He was, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

This session moves freely, between verses, as questions arise regarding individual verses. The notes below are largely presented in the order in which they come in the podcast:

Verse 4
“Nikaō” is translated “overcome, conquer”.

Early Friends emphasized the concept of Christ being in the follower of Jesus, underscored in: “Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world.”

Verse 6
“Alētheia”, (“truth”) is important in this verse, but should be “Truth” (with a capital “T”), a synonym for “messiah” / “Christ”.

Verse 1
“Pneuma” (Greek: breath/wind, i.e., “a moving current”, “movement”) can include these: “the spirit of satan”, “the spirit of the devil”, “the lying spirit”, or “the spirit of the world” (in the negative sense of “world/worldliness”.

Verse 2
“Spirit” is frequently capitalized in English when it is referring to God’s Spirit. Ancient Greek had only uppercase letters. Lower case letters were introduced only several centuries later.

Verse 6
“Planē” frequently translated “falsehood” in Greek has a basic meaning of “error”, “deceit', “delusion”, “lie" and “deception”.

“Martus” means witness, and subsequently also martyr. Our English word, “martyr” is borrowed from it. We cannot gloss over the total commitment of the early church (and also of early Quakers) to be witnesses for Christ, even to the point of a painful, physical death as a martyr.

The advice in our introduction is from page 30 of the Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

A Brief Synopsis, Session 01 Pages 1-6

Sun, 12 May 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Introduction to, and historical context of, ‘A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends’, 1913. This first session of thirteen covers the minutes of adoption that constitute the approval of this work by the then seven conservative (Wilburite) yearly meetings in North America, as well as explaining the terminology that appears within those minutes.

Recording of the Zoom session where Henry Jason and Conrad Lindes of Ohio Yearly
Meeting (Conservative) discuss pages 1-6 from ohioyearlymeeting.org/wp-
content/uploads/2021/10/OYMBriefSynopsis-for-web.pdf .

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #08 Chapter 3 Verse 11 - Chapter 4 Verses 1-6

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500

In this podcast on 1 John 3:11-4:6 , Henry does a great deal of looking at the Greek of this epistle, exploring both the original and variant meanings of the especially significant words. Many, but not all of those words are below.

Chapter 3

Verse 11

Henry has mentioned in previous sessions, the meaning of these related Greek words,

“angelia”: message
“euangelion”: gospel /good news
“epangelion”: promise
“angelos”: messenger

Verse 12
“Dikaios”: upright/righteous. Often in the gospels, when it is used, it has the meaning “upright in God’s eyes.”

Verse 13
If we are doing what God says to do, frequently we will be hated by the world.

Verse 14
There are two basic Greek words which are translated into English as “life”:

bios: Can mean livelihood/the way one earns money.
zoe: Life in the sense of being alive, especially spiritual and eternal life.

Verse 15
The Greek word, “adelphos” (brother) is inclusive and includes both men and women. When the Greek refers specifically to women, it uses the word, “adelphe”. It was very unusual in the Roman world to call someone a brother, when they were not related. As a result, it became notable in the Roman world that Christians were so connected to each other that they called each other, “brother.”

Verse 18
As has been mentioned before, the term “dear children” is an endearing term.

Verse 23
The Greek word, “pisteuo”, (often frequently translated into English as “believe”) means “to trust/put one’s trust in something”.

Chapter 4

Verse 1
The false prophets John mentions in this verse are likely those who “went out from us” (1 John 2:19) who, in all probability, were docetists (and likely the predecessors of the Gnostics). These people believed that Jesus was not both completely God and completely man, but instead, He was instead almost entirely God, but in a human covering that was a miniscule amount human.

Verses 2-6
One of the very different understandings of early Friends from most other believers relates to the phrase Jesus Christ has come “in the flesh” in 1 John 4;2. Most other believers see that verse referring to the historical Jesus as having come “in the flesh” into the world.

However, early Friends understood that phrase (of 1 John 4:2) “in the flesh” to mean something very different: Jesus had come in our flesh . . . in the believer’s flesh, as Colossians 1:27 also says it, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Finally, there is a brief reading and discussion of 1 John 4:3-6 as Henry looks ahead to session

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #07 Chapter 2 Verse 28 - Chapter 3 Verses 1-10

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:00 -0500

In this podcast, Henry devotes most of his attention to 2:28-3:3, with the last several minutes devoted to some linguistic issues found in 1 John 3:4-10.

1 John 2

Verse 28

The Greek word “ean” which is typically mis-translated as “when” in verse 28 is more correctly translated, “if ever”. The change to “if ever” enhances the other often mis-translated word (Greek: “parousia”), usually translated “coming”, should, instead be translated “presence”. Thus, the more correct interpretation of this verse would be: If ever He is being present to us [manifesting Himself in us], we should not shrink back at that presence, but live in it. There is a sweetness in His presence of which we need not be ashamed.

1 John 3

Verse 2

The above word, “parousia” in this verse has a similar meaning as the word “coming” in verse 28. The Greek word, “phanerothe” (from phanerao) does not really mean “appeared.” Rather, a better translation of the word is “to make apparent/made obvious/manifested”. Thus, when paired with the Greek word, “ean”, the meaning becomes: if ever Christ makes Himself apparent in the follower of Jesus. The implication is not that we are waiting for a second physical coming of Christ, but rather, we are waiting for an inner realization that He is already within one, making Himself apparent.

Verse 3

Regarding the Greek word, “hagnos” instead of being translated “pure”, it has a more accurate meaning: of “holy” . . . being inwardly holy.

Verse 4

“Lawlessness”: For a Jew, the Law was everything. To talk about lawlessness was to disregard the Law of Moses.

“Cardia”: “heart”. However, in the Greek, the word, “cardia” would today be understood as “conscience” in modern-day English. In the early 17th century, the words “consciousness” and “conscience” began to be separated, developing very different meanings.

Verse 7

“Dikaios”: means “righteous”, or “upright”.

Verse 9

“Sperma”: means “seed” or “semen”. Our English word, “sperm” is derived directly from the Greek.

The quote in our introduction is from the Sixth Chapter of George Fox's Journal.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #06 Chapter 2 Verses 26-28

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Before going on to this passage in 1 John:26-28, Henry goes back to the previous session, #5 (1 John 2:25) to further discuss the Greek word “epangelia” which is Greek for “promise”. It is related to the Greek words “angelia”: message; “angelos”: messenger/angel; “euangelion”: good news/gospel.

Next follows about a twenty-minute discussion from verse 25 of the concept of eternal life.

Verses 27, 28

“chrisma”: anointing. This Greek word means to rub/apply something onto a person. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit because He had a special mission, i.e., that of messiah.

“But you have been anointed by the Holy One . . . .” You too have Christ within you, so you too have His anointing within you. Early Quakers understood the truth that John was teaching: You have Christ within you and His anointing abides/remains/stays/continues within you. One doesn’t need anyone to teach you, the Inward Light of Christ is within you to teach and transform you, if you will let it.

“Christos” is the Greek word meaning anointed, (the) Anointed One, (the) messiah in English. English “messiah" derives from the Greek “messias” which was borrowed from the Hebrew: māšīah.

Verse 28

Henry suggests what would be perhaps a more accurate translation of verse 28:

“And now, dear children, remain in Him that if ever He is manifested/shows/appears Himself, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him and at His presence (Gk: Parousia).

This word “parousia” is frequently mistranslated as “coming”, when it is much more accurately translated as “presence”. Thus, “presence” lends a much different sense to the sentence, (understood by early Christians, and again by the earliest Quakers) that the “parousia” of Christ is a spiritual presence in the present with the believer, not a coming at some time in the future. Live in His presence and light, and do not shrink from his presence in your life. There is a sweetness in His presence of which we need not be ashamed.

At the first intimation of His presence in our lives, He will bring illumination to the things in our lives that need to be changed. However, as we abide in His continuing presence, the initial judgement (if we follow it and let Him work in our lives, and listen to and obey it), will increasingly become more of a comfort to the follower of Jesus as he proceeds on the path to God the Father.

The quote in our introduction is from Chapter One of George Fox's Journal.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #05 Chapter 2 Verses 18-27

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Before going on to this passage in 1 John:18-27, Henry goes back to the previous session to further discuss the Greek word “kosmos”. In addition to the many meanings discussed in session #4, another one of the primary meanings of this word is one with a negative connotation: worldliness; a worldly way of acting, and that we should not be conformed to the world. Other meanings of kosmos : water, to adorn or beautify, orderliness, the sum total of everything in the world or universe, the sum total of all the creatures of the world, the earth/world, humanity in general, the system of human existence and its many aspects, the sum total collected aspect of an entity.

Verse 18:

“antichristos”: antichrist. The word has two meanings:

Opposed to/opposite of Christ (the messiah, the anointed one); the antichrist is one who is opposed to the true Christ.
In place of/instead of Christ. It can also be understood as someone or something that is looked upon as the true Christ, but instead is a false Christ.

Verse 19:

There had been a split in the churches with which John was associated. Those who left didn’t really belong among those who stayed. Perhaps those who left were docetists who heretically said that Jesus just seemed to be human, but He was not: The said that He was God with a human covering that only made him look like a human. But there are other places in Holy Scripture that show Jesus was both completely human, and completely God. Likely the docetists were the forerunners of the later gnostics.

Verse 20:

“chrisma”: anointing. This Greek word means to rub/put something into a person. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit because He had a special mission: messiah. “But you have been anointed by the Holy One . . . .” You too have Christ within you, so you too have His anointing within you. Early Quakers understood the truth that Paul was teaching: You have Christ within you and His anointing within you.

Verse 21 :

“alethea”: truth. This is not just truth, but Truth with a capital T: the Spirit of Truth/the way to God/eternal Life/Christ in you. In the writings of early Friends Quakerism itself was quite often simply referred to as: Truth. At the beginning of the Quaker movement, to be called a Quaker by someone was a slur.

Verse 24:

“Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.” The earlies Christians focused on “God is one.” There was no dividing of God into separate beings (as trinitarianism would later do.) The word, “trinity” would not be found in Christian authors until decades after John’s writing. It would finally be introduced and codified more than two centuries later in the early 4th Century in the Nicene

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #04 Chapter 2 Verses 12-17

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

The notes from this podcast follow not so much a narrative as a more abbreviated (verse by verse) summation of selected, important comments from the podcast. The comments follow:

Verse 12:

“little children” in Greek is the plural form of the word “teknion". When addressing adults or a congregation, it is an endearing term of affection, and does not literally mean children who are young in age but rather the “spiritual children” of the writer.

Verse 13:

“. . . fathers . . . .” Greek: “pateres” (< patēr) is the grammatically masculine form translated “fathers”, but is inclusive, including fathers and mothers. An additional element of this word is that he is writing to those whose faith has become mature in Christ.

“. . . have known . . . “ Greek: “egnōkate” (< ginōskō). The meaning of “know” is extremely significant because it means they (the men and women in the congregation) are not just acquainted with Jesus, but He is deeply known and experienced at the deepest spiritual level within them. Thus, they are mature in Christ.

“. . . young men . . . .” Greek: “neaniskoi” (< neaniskos). Again, this grammatically masculine term in Greek is inclusive and speaks to both male and female young persons. An additional element in this word is that he is writing to those who even though they are young in their faith, they have remained true to God and have overcome the evil one, satan.

Verse 14:

“I write to you . . . .” is mistranslated twice in verse 14 because in the Greek it is clearly past tense: “I have written to you . . . .”

“. . . and the word of God lives in you . . . .” The usage of “word” is not referring to the Holy Scriptures living in them, but to “. . . the real Word of God, Christ Jesus, who is in you . . . .”

Verses 15-17

“ . . . world . . . .” in Greek is “kosmos” which has various meanings. The neutral meaning is the one (from which we get our English word, “cosmos”) which means the world/universe and everything in it. In some verses in John it has the sense of worldliness, a materialistic focus on the material and social world and ways of acting, rather than on God and his Christ.

Verse 16

“. . . [desire of the] flesh . . . .” Greek: “sarkos” (

The quote in our introduction is from Chapter IX of George Fox's Journa

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #03 Chapter 1 Verses 1-11

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

#03 1 John 2:1-11

When in 1 John 2:1, John refers to the recipients as “dear children”, the Greek word he uses for them is teknion, which here means one's “spiritual child.” In the context in which he is writing (to adults, not to literal children) there is no direct corollary in English. Thus, perhaps a close meaning in this context might be “dear students”, “dear followers.”

In 2:1, John mentions that if one does sin, one has an advocate with the Father. The Greek word for advocate is “paraklētos” and literally means anyone who comes to one’s aid or help, a helper. Thus, it means someone who is called to be alongside one to plead with the Father on our behalf. The “paraklētos” is defined in 2:1 as Jesus, the righteous one who is the complete, final atoning sacrifice for our sins and is called to help us and plead our case before the Father.

To walk as Christ walked (2:6) is to conduct oneself, or to behave in the same way as Christ walked/behaved/conducted Himself.

It is again mentioned that it is important to remember the Holy Scriptures themselves, are never referred to as "the Word" within the Holy Scriptures. Only Christ Jesus is referred to as the Word in the Holy Scriptures. Early Friends referred to the Bible as the “Writings”, as the Scriptures, Holy Scriptures, or Scriptures of Truth. The practice of calling the Holy Scriptures “the Word of God” began in the Middle Ages, and greatly increased during the Reformation.

Verse 2:7 uses the Greek word entolē, “commandment” which also means an order; something one is told to do.

In both Greek and older English, the term “brother” (Gk: adelphos) is inclusive, meaning both male and female. Whereas, the feminine form for sister in Greek (adelphē) is exclusive and always (and only) refers to a female.

The quote in our introduction is from George Fox's work titled SOME PRINCIPLES OF THE Elect People of God Who in Scorn are called QUAKERS, For all People throughout all Christendome to Read over, and thereby their own States to Consider. The reference is from Chapter X, Concerning Scriptures.

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Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #02 Chapter 1 Verses 5-10

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0500

#02 1 John 1:5-10

In 1John 1:5-10, Henry makes specific mention of foundational vocabulary.
These words are also foundational concepts in Quaker understanding. While
some nuances are explored in the podcast, there are too many to mention here.
Below are a few of the words/concepts that are discussed:

“Message” (v. 5) “angelion” in Greek.
“Light” (v. 5) is “phōs” in Greek which is the same root as in the English words photo, and photograph. God is Light, God is the spiritual illuminator, spiritual illumination.
“Fellowship” (v. 6) in Greek is “koinōnia” - a sharing in something.
“Walk” (v. 6) in Greek “peripateō” - to walk; also to behave, to conduct yourself.
“Son” (v. 7): in Greek is “huios”.
“Truth” (v. 8): in Greek is alētheia which also means “reality”.

The quote in our introduction is from George Fox’s sermon on Firbank Fell in 1652 as reported in Chapter six of his Journal.

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We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #01 Chapter 1 Verses 1-4

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

The epistles in the Holy Scriptures are often letters from an author to someone
else. However, In the case of the epistle 1 John, it is more of an essay, a
treatise, a sermon or message that was sent out to early Christian believers. The
name, “John” was common in the years of the early church, and it is possible that
these three epistles (1 John, 2 John and 3 John) were not necessarily written by
the apostle John, but by another prominent figure in the early church, John the
elder, whose name was also John. However, it is clear that all three epistles
(First, Second, and Third John) are all related in terms of how they perceive
Christ and the language that is used in them, which is very similar to the
language in which the Gospel according to John was written. The epistles
appear to have been written in the 90’s A.D., at about the same time as the final
version of the Gospel of John.

For the first 1,400 years or so, the Holy Scriptures were not broken down into
chapters and verses. When one examines 1 John, it is possible, however, to
identify the main themes as they appear in the order in the epistle.

One of those divisions is Walking in the Light

Living as God’s children
The Source of love and faith
Conclusion
Supplements to the epistle (a kind of post script)
1. A prayer for sinners
2. Summary of the letter.

After his introduction to the epistle, Henry then goes on, with a focus on the
original Greek, to examine the first four verses of Chapter 1 of First John. In
those verses, John emphasizes the complete divinity of Jesus as the “Word”,
(who in all ways was divine). John also proclaims the complete humanity of
Jesus (who in all ways was completely human). This was an effort by John to
combat the heretical attacks of those making Jesus mostly God, with only a
superficial, outward covering of humanity, instead of recognizing the complete
divinity and complete humanity of Jesus.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #28 Mark 15:33-16:20

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500

The sour wine given to Jesus on the cross (15:36) may have been meant as a sedative to ease pain. As in our not too distant past, people could be given liquor to ease their pain.
In 15:38, the curtain to the Holy of Holies in the temple being torn in two
could symbolize there now was full access to God through the sacrifice of Jesus
of Himself.
15:39 is mistranslated. Both since there is no definite article (“the”) in the original
Greek, and also since the centurion was almost certainly a Roman pagan who
believed in many gods, the Greek should instead be translated, “Truly, this man
is a son of a god.”
Regarding Mark 15:40-41, women in patriarchal Judaism held a very low
position. It was very unusual that Jesus, as a rabbi, included women as a
significant part of his group of apostles and disciples.
The color white worn by the young man (16:5) was a symbol of victory.
There has been much discussion over the centuries concerning the ending of
Mark 16:9-20. Those last 11 verses are not found in the oldest and most reliable
manuscripts, making it appear that perhaps the last page of Mark’s Gospel was
lost before it could be copied by others. The reason to think the last page may
have been lost is because the last Greek word in 16:8 is the conjunction “for”
(γάρ/”gar”). The problem is that in Greek, γάρ is a conjunction and appears never
to be found as the last word in a sentence. Some of the more reliable earliest
manuscripts just end at verse 8. So, some copyists felt a need to complete this
Gospel’s missing ending.
In addition, in the first century it was increasingly becoming the practice among
Greeks to no longer write in scrolls, but to write on individual pages bound into
“codices”, the forerunners of our books today. Thus, the grammatical abruptness
of this ending in the Greek manuscripts seems to indicate that perhaps the last
page of Mark’s Gospel was lost before it had a chance to be copied by other
people. There are several other variations of endings to Mark, and they are
discussed in the podcast.

Greek Words

Kanōn - a straight reed, used as a standard of measurement (English: the canon,
canonical)
15:39 centurion: “Truly this man was a son of a god.”
Leukos adj. – white (symbolizing “victory”). Here, victory over death.
Scroll – a roll of paper or parchment with writing on it.
Codex (plural: codices) – the earliest form of books, first used in the first century,
A.D.
In 16:7 Peter is mentioned separately from the other disciples. (Recall that he
had renounced Jesus).
In 16:8 Ephobounto gar. – “For they were afraid.”
Phobeō (v.)– be afraid; have awesome respect
Gar (conju

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #27 Mark 14:53-15:32

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 11:00:00 -0500

At the time of Jesus, Palestine was a province of Rome, which held complete
control over the area. Rome reserved the authority to put someone to death, so
for a local government to put someone to death required Roman approval.
The meeting of the Sanhedrin at night to try Jesus (14:53 and following) was
highly irregular, and not a typical time for gathering.
The term “Son of Man” (14:62) is drawn from Daniel and is literally, “Son of
Adam”.

To tear one’s clothing (14:63) was the proper Jewish response when someone
spoke blasphemy.

The main reason the Jewish leaders were able to get Jesus crucified was
because His alleged claim to be king of the Jews (in challenge to the Roman
Emperor) made Him an insurrectionist and rebel, and thus worthy of crucifixion
under Roman law.

For Roman crucifixion, since the vertical piece of the cross was usually already
installed at the place of crucifixion, the one to be crucified only carried the
horizontal cross piece of the cross to the place of crucifixion, not both the
horizontal and vertical pieces.

In crucifixion, the nails were not driven through the palm (where there is almost
no structure to hold the body to the cross), but the nails were driven through the
bones of the wrist. The Greek word for hand (cheir) included any part of the arm,
from the hand to the upper arm. Thus, one had to know the context of the usage
in order to understand what specific part of the upper limb a Greek writer meant.
Because the Romans wanted to completely shame and humiliate those who
were being crucified, the crucified were stripped of all clothing and left to hang
completely naked from the cross.

The Greek word “lēistēs” often translated as “robber” in the Holy Scriptures could
also mean insurrectionist or rebel. It is much more likely that Jesus was crucified
between two insurrectionists, and He Himself also crucified insurrectionists.

Greek Words

Christos: anointed (The Hebrew word (mashiach) meant “anointed”, messiah.)
Cheir: any part of the arm from the upper arm including the hand, thus hand or
arm.
Lēistēs: bandit or insurrectionist

To listen to any or all of our Mark Bible study, use this link: https://ohioyearlymeeting.org/filterable-podcasts-list/ and click on Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

EOF02 The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 2 The First Separation, 1821 - 1828

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:00:00 -0500

This episode is a reading of Chapter 2, The First Separation, 1821 – 1828. It covers the Ohio experience of the tragic Orthodox – Hicksite split in American Quakerism. It reports on some awkward moments of Quaker history. Learning about this era for the first time can be startling. Many of the actors did not behave in a way that one expects of either Quakers or Christians. The scenes described were not unique to Ohio Friends, as the great Orthodox-Hicksite split ravaged the entire Society of Friends in America. We can take this as a lesson of how easy it is to stray from the Light of Christ and that we should always keep our eye single unto Him.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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EOF01 The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Chapter 1 The Early History, 1774 -1821

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

This episode is a reading of Chapter 1, The early History, 1775 to 1821. It covers the first Quaker immigrants into the Ohio territory and how they were able to establish a community of Friends there. It explains how indulged, preparative, monthly, quarterly Meetings were formed under the care of Baltimore Yearly Meeting and how eventually Ohio Yearly Meeting was established. It also describes how The Discipline was an integral part of this culture. Finally, it discusses the role of Ohio traveling ministers who played an important role in the Spiritual life of this yearly meeting as well as with Friends in the wider world.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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EOF00 The Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. Forward and Introduction.

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:00:00 -0500

This episode marks the start of a reading of Eye of Faith, A History of Ohio Yearly Meeting Conservative. by William P. Taber Jr. Bill Taber grew up in Ohio Yearly Meeting, attended Earlham School of Religion, and authored several books. Thus, he was in a good position to write a book on the yearly meeting’s history. In a review of one of Taber’s books, Michael Birkel wrote …

“Bill Taber was a much loved teacher, nurturer, and guide in the inward life. His ministries took various outward expressions, as a teacher in Friends schools, as a released minister among Conservative Friends in Ohio Yearly Meeting, and as a member of the faculty at the Quaker study center Pendle Hill. When Bill retired from Pendle Hill, he returned to Barnesville, where he established a center for retreats and carried on his ministries among Friends. Bill Taber opened the treasures of Quaker spirituality to a multitude of seekers through his speaking, his leadership of retreats and workshops, and his writing. “

The episode covers the Author’s forward and introduction.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #032 Advice to New Friends (part 4 of 4)

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Chapter 20, Session #32 (Part 4 of 4 parts)

On advice, counsel and exhortation to those who have newly turned from darkness within, to the Light of Christ within themselves. Part 4 of Chapter 20 begins with a review and further discussion of where we left off in Part 3.

In your holy “form” of meeting together, have your mind in that love, life, virtue and power of the Lord, in order to enjoy more and more of his presence. Though you have received an anointing from the Holy One, this will not lead you to abandon assembling with the Lord’s people to where they lie down in the green pasture of life where there is no spirit of dead “formality”. Your form of godliness will be accompanied with power, you who have received the ingrafted Word.

The spirit of dead formality can assume a form of sound words and plainness, etc., and, under this disguise, effect much evil and deceive many. This evil spirit of deceit, hypocrisy and formality has done more mischief against the Truth than all open opposition and persecution could ever do. This is the way and work of the spirit of deceit. If he cannot prevail by direct opposition and persecution, he will use the words and profession of truth, and appear and work under that form. Thus, he causes many to conclude that Friends are just like others, and their way is just like other ways. We see evil among them even under the very form of godliness. This has caused many to take up a latitudinarian and relativistic spirit and say that all men are liars, and that all religion is a cheat. Those who once knew the way of the Lord and then gave way to the spirit of deceit, hypocrisy and formality are more abominable in the sight of the Lord than pagans or profane unbelievers. False brethren are most dangerous, and hypocrites are most odious in the sight of God and all good men.

So, my dear Friends, this one thing I would have you establish as a foundation in your mind and fully understand that the spirit of satan working under the form of godliness is that which has been, is, and will in the form of godliness, be the greatest destroyer and opposer of the power of God. With dead formality and under the form of godliness, the destroying form of apostasy entered into early Christianity, and soon obscured the light of the glorious gospel. And the old adversary effected the apostasy by turning into a professor of Christianity which he could not bring to pass with bloody persecutions and open opposition. So, watch against him in his appearance not only in others but in yourself.
References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was from

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #031 Advice to New Friends (part 3 of 4)

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Chapter 20, Session #31 (Part 3 of 4 parts) pertaining to advice, counsel and exhortation to those who have newly turned from darkness within, to the Light of Christ within themselves. Part 3 of Chapter 20 begins with a review and further discussion of the previous paragraphs discussed in Part 2, and it goes on to discuss the next several paragraphs.

Watch against the dead spirit of “formality”. See that your “form” of godliness is accompanied with Light, power, and virtue, since there can be a form without power. The spirit of forms captivated some in past ages and led them to reject the power. For if a spirit of forms/formality prevails even though a form of godliness is retained such as in a form of sound words, plainness and decency in clothing, excess in food and drink laid aside; respecting men’s social status; Truth and Light within professed in words, etc., yet, if your heart has gone astray; if you do not feel Life leading you, if you do not take up the daily inward cross to your own will, thoughts, emotions, and cravings, and mortify them, then you may be a mere “formalist” and your observing forms may become abominable in the sight of the Lord now, as it was among his once special people, the Jews, when He sent His prophet Isaiah to cry out against them, though they kept and observed a multitude of observances which were the very form of worship that He once commanded. But the spirit of dead formality corrupted them. The reason was not because these things were necessarily evil in themselves, but because the call of the Lord was not answered. When He spoke, they did not hear, but did evil. Yet at the same time they were performing the outward part of worship, and sat as His people and loved to hear the words of the Lord through the mouth of His prophet, but not to do them.

Do not let this evil come near you in your holy form of godliness. Keep in the form of sound words, in the fear of God, in the inward cross to self (to ego), the sound words which you were moved to speak against the arrogant spirit of this world. Honor all men in the Lord. Be courteous and kindly affectionate to all, this being the spirit of the Lord and being the true nature of Christianity.

Keep the holy form of plainness in apparel. Avoid excess in food and drink. Do not let the holy Spirit that led you there, depart from you. So, feel that power working in you to remove the root and ground from which wickedness arose, and to mortify that spirit that delighted in these things.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was from

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #030 Advice to New Friends (part 2 of 4)

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Chapter 20, Session #30 (Part 2 of 4 parts) pertaining to advice, counsel and exhortation to those who have newly turned from darkness within, to the Light of Christ within themselves. Part 2 of Chapter 20 begins with a review and further discussion of the last paragraphs discussed in Part 1, going on to discuss several more paragraphs.

The evil spirit’s way of deceiving is more secretive when deceiving under the form of Truth, and more likely to influence the simple minded in this way. Therefore, a diligent watch must be kept even more so than when he appears as himself. (Shewen states that he has not only known him to get into the temple of God and sit there, but to be worshipped as God). Now, he was never worshipped there as devil, Satan, or the like, except when, under disguise, clothing himself as an angel of light, a message of illumination, one who desired the good of mankind. In this way, he comes to be obeyed and worshipped, not as he actually is, but rather as he appears to be. This temple mentioned is the heart and mind of unregenerated man. The Light and Spirit of God is that which can and does reveal him. However, this is a work done by degrees, so wait with patience for the appearance of the Lord to reveal him. Be made willing to yield up all your heart, mind, and strength to Him and to serve, love, fear, and obey Him. So, wait on Him until Truth and righteousness sit on the throne in your heart, mind, will and consciousness in place of unrighteousness.

So, in attaining this, hold fast to that which you have. Continue in the walk to where the crown of Life is. Take heed of your own thoughts, imaginings, and that will that does not do the righteousness of God. Your own mental house of thoughts will prove your greatest enemy, if you do not take up the inward cross of Christ that crucifies them and is able to bring every thought and imagining into obedience to Christ. To bring this to pass, abide in patience, bearing the inward cross of Christ which is the power of God. Keep your eye fixed on that. And so, you will overcome and sit down with Christ on His throne and know your enemies made your footstool.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was paraphrased from the 32nd Chapter of George Fox's work titled SOME PRINCIPLES OF THE Elect People of God Who in Scorn are called QUAKERS

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #029 Advice to New Friends (part 1 of 4)

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Chapter 20, Session #29 (Part 1 of 4) pertaining to advice, counsel and exhortation to those who have newly turned from darkness within, to the Light of Christ within themselves.

To hear and obey the Word in your mouth and in your heart, you must understand and focus on the goal of that precious appearance of the Light of Christ within, that you should focus your mind on it until the Daystar arises within, the star of the Messiah that will lead you to where the Babe of glory lies.

When the Light within leads you this far, do not think that you have attained the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, i.e., that you now possess and enjoy it. But wait and walk in this same Light within, which will reveal to you that Spirit of Christ that seeks its life to be within you beyond its birth.

Whatever makes something manifest is light. You must trust and continue walking in this Light that you may become a child of it, that you may know its work within yourself from the first day to the seventh day, the sabbath of rest. Have patience. The goal of one’s faith is not immediately attained but wait and see it to be nearer and nearer every day.

To travel on in safety you must walk in the Light and daily learn from the grace of God within, to overcome various temptations within.

Know this: you will meet with many trials and temptations on the way, to turn away from the way, or to sit down short of the goal, and to take up a rest on the way in your earlier experience and revelations and power over devils. If an evil spirit cannot prevail in one way, it may try in another way to deceive you as it did Eve.

The Light within will show you the true nature of these subtle “baits” of satan, whether he appears as a subtle serpent or as an angel of light in the form of godliness, and even confess Christ and talk of the Light within. In vain are his varied appearances, if you are full of Light.

You are safe as you walk in the way, i.e., the Light within, the spirit and grace of God within, which teaches you to reject worldly cravings. Which also teaches you to live righteously and godly in this world. But take great heed and watch against the enemy of your happiness, in all his appearances, especially when he appears under the form of Truth itself with the actual words of Truth in his mouth. For I have seen him there, and he has deceived many in this way in this age, even since we Friends became a people. He has done this by drawing the mind away from being focused on God, and to go after and desire something else which he has made appear lovely to behold. Through this deception he has persuaded many that they would better their condition and increase their glory. So, many have again been subjected to vanity as mankind was in the beginning, by believing the lies of the

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #028 Perfection (part 2 of 2)

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 16:00:00 -0400

This podcast is the second of two parts covering Chapter 19 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning the doctrine of perfection.

The true Christian has traveled through the work of the new creation. He witnesses his transformation, regeneration, true self-denial and resignation. He can speak of perfection in truth and righteousness. Let all who speak of perfection with their tongues see that they are in that faith. This state the apostle Paul was in when he said “when I am weak then I am strong… “. Such words are riddles to the carnal mind but revealed to those who are weaned from this world. Therefore, anyone who wishes to become “perfect” must become as new born babes, divorced from all self-will, thoughts, imaginings and the like.

In Eden, Adam was to tend the garden in the will, wisdom and power of God, with no covering other than God’s spirit. His happiness stood in this, and likewise the true Christian’s happiness now. But when Adam let his own will and desire come forth, and he desired to know and be wise for himself, this let temptation in. He disobeyed God under a hope of bettering his state, believing the serpent who said, “You shall be as gods, you shall not die”. Death then entered in. He lost the inward and spiritual life and image of God. Now he was aware of his nakedness and shame and attempted to cover himself. This is true among all the children of men who remain in the transgressing state of the first Adam.

The state of “perfection” that the children of the second Adam (Christ) are in is a true self-denial and resignation (i.e., submission) to the will of God. He is a “perfect” man in Christ, being now in a state of innocence, harmlessness, and uprightness. He has given up his own mind, will, thoughts, and desires for the will of God. His mind is now the mind of Christ, is stayed upon Him where there is perfect peace. In this state of true resignation and unity with the Father’s will, stand the true Christian’s safety and “perfection”. And as he lives and remains in this state of perfection, he is clothed with the spirit of glory and humility. Among these true Christians there is no strife over who shall be the greatest. Though they are elders and have crowns on their heads, they throw them down at the feet of Him who sits upon the throne, and they give glory to Him forevermore (Rev 4:10-11).

References:

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #027 Perfection (part 1 of 2)

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

This podcast is the first of two parts covering Chapter 19 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning the doctrine of perfection.

Today, it is common to misunderstand the meaning of the words “perfect” and “perfection” as they were used in Shewen’s time. These words most often meant “fully developed” (complete) and “full development”, specifically with reference to the Spirit.
In the Holy Scriptures there are many citations to the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God and pressing forward to its attainment, and full growth to the measure of becoming a “perfect” man in Christ Jesus (i.e. spiritually fully developed).

The Holy Scriptures contain exhortations for holiness and perfection. They also give testimonies of those who obeyed and obtained holiness and perfection. The true Christian understands that these are attainable today, can be obeyed, and the heavenly treasure truly enjoyed even while physically here.

This is a sound doctrine that the Christian in name only does not understand. He says there is no “perfection” here. There is no growing up to the stature of the fullness of Christ. This is the language of the nominal Christian. He pretends to honor Scriptures and holy men. However, the true Christian has passed through the work of regeneration and has experienced the work of the Spirit of God in his own heart until he is fully saved through grace and has gained victory over what has made him sinful and defiled. He comes to know the true Sabbath of rest. He no longer speaks or does his own will or works. Yet, his own will, thoughts and desires must be watched and subjected to the will of God, as Christ left an example when He prayed to His Father “Not my will, but thine”. In this heavenly self-denial (ego renouncing) and true resignation (submission to God) stand the perfection and safety of the true Christian, all done through the power and spiritual appearance of the second Adam, Christ in him.

The true Christian has come to cease from his own thoughts, words, and works, his own way and will, and his own wisdom and knowledge. He has come to this state through the work of regeneration, true self-denial and resignation, i.e., to that state that Paul was in when he said “I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me…”. This is the “perfection” the true Christian arrives at, to know that Christ lives in him where sin and death once reigned. This is a “perfect” state and has been, is, and can be obtained, according to the Holy Scriptures and the testimony of the true Christian.

References:

The

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #026 Miracles (part 2 of 2)

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This podcast is the second of a two part episode covering Chapter 18 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning Outward and Inward Miracles.

To be cleansed of sin and know it stopped, and the heart and mind cleansed of all that would defile it are greater miracles than outward physical miracles.

These inward miracles are of absolute necessity, to be known as performed by Christ, in every true Christian now as before. Otherwise, there is no resurrection to eternal life or entrance into the way of salvation.

Shewen remembers when he was a Christian in name only, of hearing of God wooing and beseeching all mankind, through His universal love and Light, to be reconciled to Him and to be converted and healed out of the degeneration mankind has run into through sin. However, mankind slights this great love and resists and looks down on this Light and Holy Spirit which would work all these things in him and for him.

The work of the new creation is greater than the work of the old. The nominal Christian will say this, but he is not an experiencer of this new creation in his own heart. When he hears of the things that a true Christian proclaims, he slights them and will not believe them, such as the mighty works which God has done in him, how He has raised him from death to life, from sinning to righteousness and how he now sits in heavenly places with Christ. As the Jews of old judged and condemned Christ and His mighty works, so the nominal Christian today judges and condemns Christ and His works in His spiritual appearance in the hearts of men in which he has wrought inward miracles. There are many who are living monuments of these inward miracles.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was from vocal ministry given by Thomas Wetherald at Rose Street Meeting, New York City, Sixth Month 1st, 1826. The text of this ministry has been reprinted by Quaker Heritage Press.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #025 Miracles (part 1 of 2)

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:00:00 -0400

This podcast is the first of a two part episode covering Chapter 18 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning Outward and Inward Miracles.

All miracles noted in the Old Testament were done through the power of God and were in themselves signs. We do not read of very many in scripture being converted by these outward miracles.

When Christ Jesus came, who performed various visible miracles before the hard hearted, not many were converted. Not many became his disciples or followers. And by the chief priests and leaders he was judged to be a deceiver and had a devil. Every true Christian is a witness of the power that is received by believing in Christ. He knows greater works and miracles performed through the power and the spiritual appearance of Christ within than all the outward miracles that Christ performed in the days of his flesh. The titular or nominal Christian knows nothing of this. In order to persuade him of this, the true Christian says that he himself was once dead in sins, yet he did not feel their weight or burden. His eyes were so blind, he could not see the exceeding sinfulness of sin. His ear so deaf, he could not hear the voice of God, though God often called him out of his sinfulness. His feet so lame, he could not walk one step in the way of God. He saw no eye to pity him or hand to save him. He was persuaded that nothing could cure or heal him of sinning (which belief is one of the strongest links in the chains of darkness). As does all mankind, the true Christian once lay in this state of slavery and bondage to sin and Satan, from which nothing less than the power of God through Christ Jesus is able to effectually liberate, save and deliver.

The true Christian’s testimony is that God’s faithful promises are fulfilled. “The hour is come wherein the dead hear the voice of God.” Ezekiel spoke of the dry bones in the valley coming to life. People once dead in sins likewise have been brought to life again through the power of God. They receive the breath of life and obtain the fulfillment of the promised land. Dead in sins, degenerated and estranged from the life of God, they are like these dry bones and have become witnesses to the same power to restore them to life. To witness this, effected through the Spirit and Power of the Lord, is more than to see a dead body outwardly raised to life. These things performed through the power of God in the inward man are greater miracles than any outward physical miracle.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Decla

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #024 Grace

Tue, 16 May 2023 16:00:00 -0400

This podcast covers Chapter 17 and is devoted to The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning grace and the possibility of falling away from it.

Grace has appeared to all men, but all men do not accept it. Those who do not, do not know its power to save. All that do accept it are taught to reject ungodliness and worldly cravings and to live righteously and godly in this world. It taught the true Christian in former ages and teaches him now. Those that are under it enjoy the substance of those heavenly things which the prophets prophesied of.

The true Christian grows in grace and witnesses a being saved by it and made righteous by it, having the experience of its sufficiency when trials and temptations attend him. Self, sin, and satan are shut out and the grace of God is elevated above all. Grace now reigns for eternal life where sin once reigned for death. This is really felt, known and witnessed in the true Christian by its work and operation in him. The true Christian knows what the righteousness of the law fulfills in him. He does not act according to the flesh, but rather acts now according to the Spirit and its movements.

There is a possibility still of falling away from this state of grace. The Christian may again become a child of wrath and turn away from the grace of God. He may use the liberty he has received as an occasion for the flesh. He may err again. A heart of disobedience may get in. He may grieve the Holy Spirit and make a shipwreck of his faith.

The titular Christian’s opinion of no falling from grace is contrary to the bent of the whole Scriptures. Punishment for transgressing the law of the Spirit of life is greater than for those under the law of Moses. This is God’s just recompense of reward for his disobedience, rebellion and apostacy.

The titular Christian’s profession of living under grace is vain before he actually knows the law of the Spirit as a schoolmaster to bring him to Christ, before he knows grace to reign for righteousness, before he ceases from sinning. He that commits sin is a slave to sin and sin has dominion over him, let the nominal Christian profess what he will.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is paraphrased from Robert Barclay's Apology , the fifth and sixth propositions.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #023 Revelation (part 2 of 2)

Mon, 08 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This podcast is devoted to the second half of Chapter 16 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning the gospel of salvation.

The nominal Christian can profess and hear this gospel, yet never hear the voice of the Son of God and never enjoy the privileges of the gospel prophesied of by the prophets. The titular Christian who disdains the Light and dwells in darkness has grown to be such a friend of the devil that he will not endure any other gospel than one of living under bondage and service to the devil for his lifetime. This is the message of the ministers of darkness who preach another gospel.

The nominal Christians say there is no complete victory over sin, no overcoming of the devil, no withstanding him in all his temptations, no achieving holiness in the fear of God, and no ceasing from committing sin. There are many believers of this false gospel, i.e. miserable messengers and ministers, who discourage and persuade people that they can never overcome evil spirits.

It is the prayer of Shewen that all men become enlightened by the Light of Christ and reject this unsound doctrine, this unsound gospel of so many false ministers.

References:

· The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.

· The quote in our introduction is paraphrased from William Penn's No Cross, No Crown, Chapter XXI, Paragraph (XXVI)

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #022 Revelation (part 1 of 2)

Thu, 04 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

This podcast is devoted to the first half of Chapter 16 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning the gospel of salvation.

The true Christian believes the gospel of life and salvation. The true Christian also obeys this gospel. And life and immortality are brought to light through it. The light of this gospel shines in his heart. He has shown a true repentance, he has turned to the light of this gospel which is the power of God for salvation. This gospel has been and is preached in every creature under heaven. Through knowledge of this gospel, the true Christian has received life, liberty and salvation, thereby obtaining those precious promises made of old by the prophet Isaiah (25:6-9).

The sabbath of rest is now entered into. The true Christian can say gospel times are glorious times, Christ reigning and ruling in his heart, giving victory over death, hell and the grave. All those saints who accept the gospel of peace and salvation arrive at the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The nominal Christian says he believes in this gospel and obeys it. But does he? Is the secret of this gospel revealed in him, in his heart? Has he shown a true repentance or turned to the light? Does he know it as the power of God for salvation? Is he saved by it? Does he know life and immortality brought to light? Does he display a holy life and conduct? No. He rejects the light and denies revelation, saying that there is no revelation these days or any possibility of living a holy life, or enjoying the glorious promises made of old, while on this side of the grave. He does not believe as the true Christian does that the sabbath or rest in which one shall not speak one’s own words or think one’s own thoughts, or bear any burden, can be entered into or dwelt in on this side of the grave. The nominal Christian has no faith in any of these things. Therefore, his faith is imaginary and indeed that which may be called another gospel which is not of God but of man.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is paraphrased from George Fox's work SOME PRINCIPLES OF THE Elect People of God Who in Scorn are called QUAKERS, specifically Chapter XV An Exhortation to whole Christendom, to mind the Grace of God, the Light.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Guiding not by Rules or Forms, but by the Light: A reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline #05 Marriage, Peace and other topics

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0400

This is the final reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s Book of Discipline. It begins with the section on marriage and concludes with the section on wills.

1) 00:42 MARRIAGE
- a) 03:34 Marriage Procedure
- b) 10:50 Marriage Outside the Care of the Meeting
- c) 11:16 Additional Counsel
2) 12:34 MEMBERS IN NEED
3) 13:09 FUNERALS AND BURIAL GROUNDS
4) 14:55 MEMORIALS
5) 15:41 MEETING HOUSES AND GROUNDS: TRUSTEESHIP
6) 18:17 FIDUCIARY TRUSTEES
7) 19:46 CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
8) 20:21 EDUCATION
9) 22:31 OATHS
10) 24:28 PEACE AND WAR
11) 27:37 RACIAL EQUALITY
12) 27:53 RECREATION
13) 28:27 SIMPLICITY
14) 33:21 TEMPERANCE
15) 31:21 WILLS

We are particularly interested in questions or conversations about this book. Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or the email listed below.

The Book of Discipline as well as our draft Spanish version is available on our website's Discipline and Recent Minutes page.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #021 Revelation

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0400

This session is devoted to Chapter 15 in the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning Revelation.

Many Christians say there is no revelation these days. Revelation has ceased. There is no spiritual vision to be known now. However, the testimony of the true Christian is: where there is no spiritual vision, that is a perishing state. “None knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” There has never been any other way to come to the true knowledge of God except through revelation. The outward veil in the outward temple in Jerusalem was a symbol of the veil that is spread over the hearts of men. The rending of that veil was a symbol of revelation and spiritual sight, i.e, the taking away of that which stood between man and the true sight and knowledge of God. No man has ever come to the knowledge of God through any other means. Traditional and historical knowledge are all worth nothing. Likewise, there is no complete knowledge concerning the devil except through revelation.

The devil can appear like an angel, a messenger of light, and sit in the temple as God and be worshipped as God. Many are deceived with him there, since they see no further than his outward appearance. In this way, as an angel of light, he deceives many in the form of religion who could not otherwise be deceived. This is the “mystery of iniquity” which cannot be discerned until revelation is known.

All the divisions among the Christian denominations arise out of lack of acquaintance with revelation. There are as many minds concerning Christ Jesus now as there were in the days of His flesh. However, one must be watchful, after having heavenly revelations that the veil not spread over one again. As with Peter, self-confidence, zeal, and emotions, with a knowledge of Christ according to the flesh can take men so far; heavenly visions and revelations can be seen and partaken of before a thorough conversion. Until one grows up to the stature and fullness of Christ, there is much danger. So, let no one feel exalted because of revelations and visions. Let no one rest in zeal and feelings or lay up manna for tomorrow. Rather, wait upon Him from whom all heavenly blessings and graces spring, so that a growing up in Him will be witnessed. This is the converted state.

Heights can separate as well as depths. In hearing and obeying the beloved Son, there is peace, blessings and safety. But in hearing and obeying the devil, there is tribulation, anguish, sorrow and great danger. All who wait and watch in the true Light, enjoy the one, and escape the other. The Light that shines in the heart is the safe dwelling place of its children.

References:

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Guiding not by Rules or Forms, but by the Light: A reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline #04 Ministry and Oversight

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This is a continuation of a reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s Book of Discipline. It covers Ministry and Oversight.

1) 00:17 MINISTRY AND OVERSIGHT
- a) 00:20 Overseers
  - i) 00:52 Appointment and Renewal of Overseers
  - ii) 02:01 Duties of Overseers
  - iii) 04:09 Meetings of the Overseers
  - iv) 05:01 Special Counsel for the Consideration of Overseers
- b) 05:55 Elders and Eldership
  - i) 05:58 Function and Qualifications of Elders
  - ii) 07:01 Appointment and Renewal of Elders
- c) 08:50 The Ministry of the Gospel
  - i) 11:17 Acknowledged Ministers
  - ii) 11:21 Recognition and Recording of Ministers
  - iii) 12:22 Procedures for Travel on Religious Concerns
- d) 15:18 The Meeting for Ministry and Oversight
  - i) 17:32 Queries for the Meetings for Ministry and Oversight
  - ii) 21:02 Advices for the Meetings for Ministry and Oversight

We are particularly interested in questions or conversations about this book. Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or the email listed below.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #020 The Movement of the Holy Spirit and the Old Serpent.

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This session is devoted to Chapter 14 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning the movements in the hearts of men of the spirit of God and the spirit of the serpent.

The true Christian is empowered with a heavenly spirit of discerning. He perceives the power of sin and how the old serpent in the Garden of Eden has grown so powerful in the hearts of men in whom he rules, that he no sooner commands and they obey. His motions toward evil have grown so powerful that among nominal Christians he is perceived too powerful to overcome and conquer while on this side of the grave. These titular Christians have become such slaves that they have let in that apostate faith which says they can never resist or disobey the devil’s commands till the death of their natural bodies.

The nominal Christian acknowledges that the impulses of the devil are powerful. However, he does not believe that the spirit of God is so near and present with him with sufficient power, to be able to preserve him from obeying the impulses and temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil. He professes it to be an illusion that the spirit of God is moving in him to do good works. He concludes that the workings of the Holy Spirit are not known in these days. It is as if God has left the world to be wholly guided by the motions of the devil. This is the faith of devils, not the faith of the true Christian. He is a witness of the movement of the spirit of God towards every good word and action. Holy men in former ages spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit and as they were led and guided by that spirit. This is testified repeatedly in the holy scriptures and has accompanied the righteous in all ages and guided them into the way of peace. Those who obey the Holy Spirit bring forth its fruits. Those who obey the spirit of the serpent bring forth its fruits. One moves to gentleness and humility, the other to the delusion of self-exaltedness, hardness and high-mindedness.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from Lewes Benson’s article "That of God in Every Man" -- What Did George Fox Mean by It? That article was published in Quaker Religious Thought volume 12 number 2 in the spring of 1970.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #019 Chapter 13, A Holy Life

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This session is devoted to Chapter 13 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning a holy life.

The duty of a true Christian is to live a holy life and to keep God’s holy will and commandments. He must reject the works of the devil and the vanities of the world. He loves the “law of God written in his heart.” Being in this state, it is his food and drink to do the will of his heavenly father.

As the true Christian grows in a holy life, like his elder brother, Christ Jesus, he always does that which pleases God. He follows Christ wherever he goes. He has become “without spot or wrinkle”, and he is liberated from the pomps and vanities of the world.

A nominal Christian likewise professes the same duty, but he does not come to witness within, this state of holiness. He does not experience the promise of the law written now in his heart and the fear and awe which keeps his heart clean. He is a stranger to sitting in heavenly places with Christ, observing the glory of God. He has come into such a persuasion and belief that it is not possible to do the will of God while he is alive, but must always be sinning – “Always confessing, always sinning, and never forsaking.” So he reaps the wages of sin which is death. He misses out on the mercy and forgiveness of God which one who forsakes the devil and all his works partakes of.

So, one of the last lessons the devil teaches his children is to persuade them and make them believe that they cannot cease from sin, that they cannot forsake him and all his works, or keep God’s holy will and commandments, as long as they live. Only the mighty arm and power of God is able to release these poor captives of the devil, to liberate them out of this misery so that they may come to the knowledge of God’s Truth and be saved.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from a William Penn Lecture called Holy Obedience. It was given in 1949 by Thomas R. Kelley.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Guiding not by Rules or Forms, but by the Light: A reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline #03 Guidance and Council

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0400

This is a continuation of a reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s Book of Discipline. It covers Guidance and Council.

1) 00:15 GUIDANCE AND COUNSEL
- a) 01:14 The General Queries and Advices
  - i) 02:03 Queries
  - ii) 06:58 Advices

We are particularly interested in questions or conversations about this book. Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or the email listed below.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Guiding not by Rules or Forms, but by the Light: A reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline #02 Routine Adminstration

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This is a continuation of a reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s Book of Discipline. It covers routine administration.

1) 00:11 ROUTINE ADMINISTRATION
- a) 01:36 The Monthly Meeting
- b) 03:40 The Quarterly Meeting
- c) 04:39 Procedures For Business Meetings
- d) 08:39 Representation
- e) 09:16 The Yearly Meeting
  - i) 09:49 Yearly Meeting Procedure
  - ii) 12:59 The Administrative Queries
  - iii) 15:21 The Representative Meeting

We are particularly interested in questions or conversations about this book. Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or the email listed below.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #018 Chapter 12, Temptation

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Session #018 is devoted to Chapter 12: The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Concerning Temptation.

God does not tempt any man. The light, grace and manifestation of the Holy Spirit is from God. This gift of God does not tempt any man, but enables the righteous to endure temptation. All who do not know this gift are not able to endure temptation, but rather are led away by their cravings and thus fall into temptation because of lack of faith in the gift and power of God (which is as near them as the temptation), if they would only pay attention to that gift and power of God and obey it.

The ground of all temptations is within, the cravings that lead one away are within. However, the light that reveals them, and the grace, and the spirit which puts them to death must also be known to be within, where the temptations are. The temptations cannot prevail until the light and grace and spirit are ignored.

It is not a sin to be tempted. Rather, entering into the temptation is sin. Christ Jesus was boldly tempted, but did not give in to sin. This is the glory of Jesus, the second Adam, that though he was tempted to fall, he did not give in to the lies of the evil one. The serpent engendered in the first Adam the hope of enjoying a better state than that in which God had placed him. In a similar way, temptation prevails over all men who are not born again by the promised Seed. That Seed breaks the head of the serpent and liberates the true Christian from under the serpent’s power, to instead allow him to grow up in the second Adam who could not be prevailed upon with the serpent’s lies.

The second Adam, Christ Jesus, is the founding pioneer of the true Christian’s salvation, Christ having left himself as an example to follow. The true Christian must still abide in the light of Christ against further temptations and allurements. The evil one does not need to deceive further those who are already dwelling in his darkness, but it is against the children of light that he uses all his cunning and schemes to attempt to deceive and corrupt those who have come to a dwelling place in Paradise. The serpent deceived Adam and Eve in Paradise and will likewise deceive men again, if he is not resisted in the power of the second Adam, Christ Jesus.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from I Corinthians 10:13

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Guiding not by Rules or Forms, but by the Light: A reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting's Book of Discipline #01

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s Book of Discipline begins with the cover page and concludes with Maintaining Contacts. The following shows the time stamp for each section.

02:34 Historical Note
05:46 Introduction.
12:23 The Meeting for Worship
15:53 Business Meetings
17:23 New Meetings
18:28 Membership
- 19:05 Birthright or Associate Membership
- 19:40 Forms of Adult Membership
  - 20:20 Waiting Membership
  - 21:06 Affiliate Membership
  - 23:32 Full and Active Membership
- 24:34 Application for Membership
- 25:56 Recording of Membership
- 27:01 Certificates
  - 27:19 Sojourning Certificates
  - 28:01 Removal (transfer) Certificates
  - 28:39 Statement of Membership
  - 28:55 Termination of Membership
- 31:15 Maintaining Contacts

We are particularly interested in questions or conversations about this book. Don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or the email listed below.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #017 Chapter 11 (second half) election and reprobation

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Session #017 is devoted to the second half of Chapter 11, The True Christian’s Faith and Experience and continues the discussion on the doctrine of election and reprobation.

At the time of the early Quakers, John Calvin’s teachings were very influential (and still today). Calvin taught that before each person was born, God had already predestined who would be condemned to damnation, and who would be saved. Quaker writers vehemently disagreed with this teaching. We find this response from Robert Barclay in Propositions V and VI as noted in Dean Freiday’s 1967 modern translation, Barclay’s Apology in Modern English:

“We [Friends]. have rejected the horrible and blasphemous doctrine of predestination whereby God is supposed to have consigned the greater part of mankind to eternal damnation without any consideration of whether they have been disobedient or sinned. This is supposed to have been done so that his justice may lay hold of them, yet it is claimed that he has withheld all grace from them by which they could obtain salvation.”

Through the power of God, through the washing of regeneration (or new birth) the reprobate is transplanted out of the old and into the new seed, out of the reprobate state into the chosen and elected state. They can enjoy God’s salvation and partake of His lovingkindness. For God has not predestined any part of mankind to everlasting condemnation, or that just so many people will be saved and all the rest damned [as Calvin asserted]. This doctrine is accursed and contrary to the gospel of peace and reconciliation.

All these blind guides who minister this kind of doctrine would come to an end if people were not as ignorant and as blind as they themselves are. If there were such a fixed decree from all eternity, then it is altogether vain for people to hire such ministers when they can never bring one more soul to salvation who is not already decreed to be saved. These ministers preach a doctrine of devils in the world, the effect of which is to lead some to dissolute despair or others to an imaginary security.

This doctrine makes void Christ’s coming as a light into the world, or his sending apostles and ministers out to persuade people to be reconciled to God. In vain is all the preaching of the grace of God which brings salvation, in vain the manifestation of the spirit that is given to everyone to profit with. In vain are the testimonies of God’s universal love to all mankind.

God’s love extends to all, and his arm is stretched out to all. His scepter of salvation is held forth to all. His desire is that all come to the knowledge of His truth and be saved. This is the testimony of God and of righteous men born of the incorruptible seed. This is the word of truth to al

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #016 Chapter 11 (first half) election and reprobation

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0500

Session 016 is devoted to the first half of Chapter 11 in The True Christian’s Faith and Experience concerning the Quaker doctrine of election and reprobation.

There are two seeds in every human being: “the seed of the woman” i.e. of God (Genesis 3:15), and “the seed of the serpent” i.e. of Satan. In the powerful parable of the sower of the seed, God has sown His good seed in everyone. That seed is the Word of God.

The first is incorruptible, and that seed is Christ. The election or choice of God is in this seed. God’s election is certain with all who are born of this seed. His covenant is with it forever. The elect are those who can never be deceived. The true Christian is born of this incorruptible seed. The true Christian grows up in this seed, developing fully into a measure of the full stature of Christ. This maturity is the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The true Christian has the witness of God in himself.

Reprobation is in the second seed, the seed of the serpent. All who are born of it are born of flesh and blood and of the will of man, not of the will of God. All who are children of reprobation have abandoned every good deed and work. They are disobedient children in whom the serpent rules who holds them captive. They do the devil’s will and are slaves to sin.

However, the true Christian testifies that God has appointed a means of deliverance, salvation, and redemption. There is a real possibility of being born of the first seed. Children of disobedience and wrath can turn and become children of God. The seed of the kingdom of God may replace the seed of the serpent in the heart of man.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from Robert Barclay’s 5th and 6th propositions as translated by Dean Freiday in his 1967 version of Robert Barclay’s Apology

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQCAppendix3 Modern Quakerism, A Fragmented Society

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0500

This podcast episode is the last in the series of readings from the book Traditional Quaker Christianity. It includes Appendix #3, which is titled Modern Quakerism, A Fragmented Society. The topics covered are: The Orthodox-Hicksite Separations, Orthodox Schisms, and The Current Situation Among Friends.

Note that Appendix #2 is a glossary to Quaker Terminology which does not lend itself to reading aloud. For this reason it has not been included in this series.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #015 Chapter 10, The universal love of God.

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Session #015 is devoted to chapter 10 on The True Christian’s Faith and Experience towards the universal love of God towards all mankind.

The true Christian believes that God’s grace which brings salvation has and does appear to all mankind. God gives a manifestation of his spirit to everyone. He likewise has given mankind his unique Son, the true light that enlightens everyone who comes into the world. This light is saving to all who love it and walk in it.

God does not will the death of the sinner, rather his call is that all turn to him and truly, transformatively repent in order to partake in his universal love. Upon a true repentance, having a trusting faith in the power of God’s transformative grace and spirit leads to eternal life.

There is the possibility of learning God’s will, and obeying him, and walking in his light. So man’s eternal destruction is by himself, in not using the means God has given him to save himself. God does not decree any man’s destruction. By being captivated by other things, and in rebellion going after “forbidden fruit”, man becomes blind and deaf to the help God is offering him and so causes his own destruction.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from Robert Barclay's Apology, Proposition 5 and 6, Section 24.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQCAppendix1 Eldering and Oversight Readings

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

This podcast contains Appendix #1 of the book Traditional Quaker Christianity, which is titled Eldering and Oversight Readings.

The first reading is A Plea for Strong Eldership from Seth Hinshaw's blog piece from 3/28/2010 in Chronicler's Minutiae at chronicler-3.blogspot.com.

The second reading is Insights into the Practice of Eldering in Ohio Yearly Meeting, taken from the minutes of an Ohio Yearly Meeting Ministry and Oversight meeting 8-9-2011.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC07H&I "John Woolman" and Plainness" and "Our Lambs War Today"

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

This podcast contains sections H & I of chapter 7 in the book Traditional Quaker Christianity . That is: An Example of Faithful living - John Woolman and Our Lamb s War Today.

Readings for Section H: John Woolman: David Sox, John Woolman, Quintessential Quaker (2000); Bill Samuel, Review of David Sox (quakerinfo.com); John Wollman, Journal and Major Essays (Phillips Moulton, ed.).

The words from our introduction were from Margret Fell in her letter to the King in 1660. They were arranged and sung by Paulette Meyer.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #014 Chapter 09, Second half

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Session #014 is devoted to the last half of chapter 9 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning the Lord’s Supper. The first half (covered in episode #13) dealt with the true Christian’s faith and experience of the true spiritual baptism ordained by Christ.

What does it mean to eat the Lord’s flesh and drink his blood and partake at his supper? Friends have understood there to have been a historical confusion between two different things. One is having a physical meal in commemoration of Christ, (a physical meal but also a representation and a symbol of something greater); the other is the actual partaking of something which is much more profound and spiritually necessary, that is, feeding on the true spiritual food, the bread that comes down from heaven. Because of this confusion, some Christians believe the bread and wine change (transubstantiate) into the body and blood of Christ. Others believe those foods are symbols. But they themselves are still hungry for the true living bread that comes down from heaven and feeds the soul. They put off the coming of Christ (the Bread of Life) to the future, and are ignorant of the true manner of Christ’s coming.

The true Christian witnesses eternal life abiding in himself. The Christian in name only, proclaims a physical bread and supper but he is a stranger to the true bread that comes down from heaven. He prides himself in his worldly academic knowledge and rejects the revelation that is necessary for obtaining true spiritual knowledge. He still hungers for the true spiritual food.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from Matthew 1:1-4, New International Version.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC07F&G "Simplicity and Plainness" and "integrity"

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

This podcast contains sections F & G of chapter 7 in the book Traditional Quaker Christianity .

Section F: Simplicity and Plainness. Readings: Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:5; 1 Timothy 2:9; Thomas Hamm, The Quakers in America, p 101-108; RULES OF DISCIPLINE OF THE YEARLY MEETING HELD IN PHILADELPHIA (1806) Plainness; NORTH CAROLINA YEARLY MEETING (CONSERVATIVE) DISCIPLINE (1983) Simplicity.

Section G: Integrity. Readings: Robert Barclay, Apology for the true Christian Divinity, Prop 15 - 2; RULES OF DISCIPLINE OF THE YEARLY MEETING HELD IN PHILADELPHIA (1806) Gaming and Diversions, Plainness.

The words from our introduction were from Margret Fell in her letter to the King in 1660. They were arranged and sung by Paulette Meyer.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #013 Chapter 09, First half

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0500

Session #013 is devoted to the first half of chapter 9 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning Baptism.

After passing through the work of regeneration, mortification, self-denial, sanctification and justification, the true Christian is baptized, i.e., immersed into Christ. This is an immersion into the Holy Spirit and inward and spiritual fire that truly clean the inward man. This is the true baptism and washing, not the outward baptism with water which only can symbolize the true baptism which was taught by Christ, baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. Outward water cannot do that.

This spiritual baptism prepares him to sit worthily at the table of the Lord and to experience all the spiritual benefits that await him.

The true Christian now has the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. He acts and does what Christ says. This baptism brings all who have undergone it into a unity, into a oneness of being in one body. This is the state of the true Christian.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from Mark 1:6-8, New International Version.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #012 Chapter 08 Justification

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 02:00:00 -0500

The process of justification follows God’s work of sanctification. In justification the true Christian is found righteous or upright in the eyes of God. He is justified. He is pardoned/vindicated/exonerated. By the free gift of God the true Christian’s ego is no longer at work and his self righteousness is destroyed. His righteousness now exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites. No one can lay any charge against this elect whom God has justified.

References

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is from John Wilhelm Rountree’s 1905 Essays and Addresses, page 361. John Wilhelm Rountree was an early 20th century English Friend best known in Quaker circles for helping to establish the Woodbridge study center.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #011 Chapter 07 Sanctification

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Subsequent to the process of a true repenting, the true Christian now becomes engaged in the washing and cleansing from sin and sinning, i.e., sanctification/becoming holy. He is now dwelling in a sanctifying power which preserves him from sinning further. His compelling realization that he is a temple of the Holy Spirit keeps him from sinning. He has come to the one everlasting offering, Christ Jesus. He experiences that he and the Lord are one spirit, though there is a possibility of his sinning again. He is now a member of that church which is without spot or wrinkle.

The quote that introduces this episode was paraphrased from William Penn's work, A Key.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #010 Chapter 06

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0500

The true Christian witnesses a daily mortification (putting to death) to that nature and mind which have had a life in sin (or sinning) until it be killed. He remains in spiritual warfare until a victory is obtained. He makes self (or ego) have no privileged honor, burying it in a death on the cross.

The quote in our introduction is paraphrased from the 56th Epistle of George Fox.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #24 Sacrifice

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Understanding the nuances of a language becomes essential when translating the Bible from the original Greek into another language.

What do we mean by sacrifice? What gets in the way is a modern, North American lack of understanding of the meaning of true sacrifice as portrayed in the Holy Scriptures. The concept of making our lives a living sacrifice is very difficult for most Americans to truly comprehend because of our strong sense of individualism and self-reliance. Many denominations (outside of Friends) speak of the imputed righteousness of Christ, which they understand to be His salvific death on the cross. However, those same denominations tend to focus very little on our need to participate in our own deaths to self and to become living sacrifices for Him. We follow Christ’s example by becoming living sacrifices, by no longer being conformed to worldly practices, but by a transforming of our mindset, our whole way of thinking, in conformity to His leadings.

What roles do one’s family, tribe, and culture have on an individual as that person ages? Is self (the ego) more important than God? Is God more important than self? Is it possible to reject and sacrifice one’s self for God? Is tribe more important than self? What does the New Testament have to say about self and making oneself a living sacrifice for God? What kind of exemplar did Jesus display?

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #009 Chapter 05

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Session #009 is devoted to the reading and discussion of Chapter 5 on the true Christian’s faith and experience of true repentance.

The true Christian believes he must obey and live according to the teachings of Christ and his apostles. The first and foremost teaching is repentance which is not a simple regret for sin, but rather a complete transformation of one’s mindset with a focus on the power of God, and away from dead actions. This is the first step towards true Christianity, this turning from the power of sin to the power of God and righteousness (what is right in God’s eyes). This is the nature and effect of a true transformative repentance.

The call of God to repent is a more inward call, an unmediated call, rather than an outward call through some outward means. The true Christian’s mind and heart is turned from being captivated with worldly desires and cravings. He now begins to feel their sinfulness. He recognizes that his turning away from sinning is effected by God and His grace, i.e. the divine assistance of God in his every step. He is now a witness of the living voice of God within him. He obeys this inward voice of the Son of God.

Having heard, obeyed and turned away from his previous ways, he becomes a cause for wonder to his former companions, as he now aligns all his actions in line with righteousness. Now great trials begin. Evil spirits are more actively at work. But he is able to resist them, as he presses forward to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus where His wisdom, knowledge and glory are hidden.

The titular Christian, the Christian in name only, says he believes in the same teachings on repentance. But his mind is not turned from the power of evil spirits. He has not been made alive by the hearing of the voice of the Son of God. His mind is not turned to the appearance of Christ within him to make an end to sinning, replacing sin with everlasting righteousness. He is not enabled to travel on in the way of holiness to the heavenly Jerusalem.

This nominal Christian deceives himself with daily sinning and an imaginary repentance. He moves from one form of egotistical self-sinning and self-righteousness to another, and from one form of invented worship to another. The nature of and ground of sin remain unshaken by the inward voice and power of the Son of God which would lead to true repentance, if obeyed. Without hearing and obeying this voice, the strength of sin remains unabated and repentance is talked about in vain.

References

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction is the 27th advice from the

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #008 Chapter 03 and Chapter 04

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:00:00 -0500

Session #008 is devoted both to chapter 3 on the true Christian’s faith and experience concerning the Holy Spirit, and to chapter 4, on the Holy Scriptures.

The true Christian believes in the Holy Spirit and obeys it. He witnesses being led by the Holy Spirit in the way of holiness, and is made holy and is purified from the cravings of the flesh. He is taught by the Spirit. The law of the Spirit is in him. The Spirit dwells in him. He displays the fruits of the Spirit.

However, for the titular, nominal Christian, it seems a strange teaching that fleshly and bodily cravings could be put to death by the Spirit, and that everything should be done in the Spirit. He is a stranger to the law of the Spirit of Eternal Life and is ignorant of the indwelling of that Spirit. He cannot see the glory of God when it appears in the inward temple of his body. He does not display the fruits of the Spirit in his conduct but only talks of them.

The true Christian honors the Holy Scriptures in their places, trusting and accepting their testimony, and is a witness of their testimony. He demonstrates this by trusting, accepting and obeying him, i.e., Christ Jesus, of whom they testify, through whom he receives power to conduct his life in accordance with them. He trusts that they were spoken and written through the movement and inspiration of the Spirit of God in their authors. He waits upon God to receive the spirit of which they testify, in order to understand them, to be comforted by them and to be made wise by them. He knows that academic learning is not able to give the true knowledge of the mind of the Spirit in them. Worldly wisdom cannot do this.

The titular Christian, the Christian in name only, does not obey the exhortations in Holy Scriptures. He pays lip service to what they say. He repeats their words, but in his actions he rejects them.

He calls them the “Word of God” though in actuality the Holy Scriptures themselves speak only of Christ as being the “Word of God”. Nominal Christians do not understand this inward speaking word or voice of God, so they are ignorant of the meaning of the words of God in the Holy Scriptures. Regrettably he takes the history, description and declaration of the true Word of God, the Spirit of Christ, to be that actual Word of God, the living Spirit of Christ.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was from The letters of Isaac Pennington. Several different versions of this book have been published. Our quote is from the

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #007 Chapter 02 pp. 30-34

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Podcast #007 covers the whole of Shewen’s Chapter Two which is devoted to belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter Two may be found on pages 30-34 of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared. This, and other documents can be found in our library on the ohioyearlymeeting.org website.

The true Christian demonstrates his faith by his obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. In faithfulness, a True Christian is healed of sinning as he learns from the true nature of Christ Jesus.

The true Christian experiences the benefits that the first Christians experienced. He is a child of God and a coheir with Christ, as he humbly lives into the mind of Christ, he experiences Christ working within himself.

The Lord Jesus Christ is as near as Satan is in the true Christian, but the Lord Jesus Christ will preserve the true Christian from falling into evil. The true Christian renounces his “self” (his ego) and takes up the inward cross of Christ against all worldly temptations. He has overcome wicked spirits and follows the Lord’s orders. He has received power to become a son of God.

On the other hand, the titular Christian (the Christian in name only) says that he believes in the same Lord Jesus Christ, but he has no experience of Christ in the above manner and does not think it possible to cease from sinning on this side of the grave. He is content with a corrupted traditional faith which has been handed down to him. He does not expect to have the same transformation in himself that he reads of in people mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, he expects to sin all his life, he does not know Christ to be greater than Satan, and he is a captive of the devil’s will.

The nominal Christian is a stranger to that power which is able to resist evil spirits. So, he never comes to sit down in the Kingdom of God, triumphing over sin, death, hell and the grave. For him, professing a belief in Christ Jesus and having the name of “Christian” without possessing Christ and the nature of Christ is of no worth.

References:

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared.
The quote in our introduction was from William Penn’s book Primitive Christi

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #006 Chapter 01 pp. 22-29

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Podcast #6 covers the whole of Shewen’s Chapter One of The True Christian’s Faith and Experience Briefly Declared which is devoted to the topic of God, the infinite, incomprehensible. Chapter One may be found on pages 25-29 of the above link on the ohioyearlymeeting.org site.

Very different experiences of God are noted in the Holy Scriptures. At one end of the spectrum he is terrifying, scary. On the other end, loving and comforting.

Here and in coming sections, Shewen distinguishes between the beliefs, experience and conduct of the true Christian vis-a-vis the titular, the Christian in name only. The point is made between professing to be a Christian and actually being a true one. The true Christian in some degree has actually experienced God to be within himself.

However, the titular Christian, the Christian in name only, says he believes in the same God but his God is one that he has heard of or read about. He is not actually a witness of God in himself. He has neither experienced or even noticed God to be in himself. What he knows of God is what he has been told of him.

He is content with what has been passed on to him about God in words. He still pays homage to the many worldly gods out there. As Shewen succinctly puts it, “Every beloved lust (= worldly craving) obeyed, is a god.” His conceit about himself is great.

Shewen notes that a first work or action of God is to convict one of sinning.

The nominal Christian overlooks the day of small things. He overlooks or slights the little “seed” of God planted in him, the little leaven, the little silver within the dross.

The experiencing of God within oneself is what really matters.

References:
The quote in our introduction is from page 71 of George Fox’s Journal, Marcus and Hopper version.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #26 Mark Chapter 14:22-52

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0500

The podcast begins with a quick review of some of the difficulties in understanding caused by the changes in the meanings from 1600s English to today’s English. There are some mistranslations in our Bibles of those 1600s words (especially of the 1600s words “slave” and “servant”) into today’s English.

Henry compares the description of the “last supper” in Mark 14 with 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26. The phrase, “until he comes” was usually seen by early Friends not as a physical return of Jesus, but as a spiritual second coming of Christ to the individual (at any time in one’s life), bringing His full presence and deep communion with Him. This can happen when we embrace the full realization that He is Christ in us, not requiring an outward ceremonial time of communion. He then becomes the Bread of Life on Whom we can spiritually feed at any time as we fully, without reservation, spiritually open the door and allow Him to come in and eat with us. (Rev 3:20) It is a spiritual partaking of the body and blood of Christ, the Living Spirit. (Later Friends did begin to embrace the concept of a physical return (second coming) of Christ.)

Essential to remember is that the inward (spiritual) meaning behind words is most important. It is easy to do something outwardly, or to read the words of Holy Scripture and let them have no true, spiritual meaning to the individual. The inward, spiritual meaning behind the words is the most important. (2 Cor. 3:4-6)

We must remember that the resurrection of Christ from the dead was always seen by Friends as an actual physical rising.

The word “hour” in Greek can mean a specific hour, or it can also mean a given time or a certain period of time. In Mark 14;41, “. . . the hour has come . . ” means “the period of time in my life has come.”

It is possible the young man mentioned in Mark 14:51-52 is the Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark.

Greek Words

Kyrios: owner, master
Adonai (Hebrew): my master
Doulos: slave
Diakonos: servant, someone who ministers for someone else
Abba (Aramaic): Dad, or daddy
Sarx: can mean both physical flesh and also animal nature
Pistis: Is often translated faith, or belief. But perhaps a better translation can often be trust, or confidence
Matheteis: student or disciple.
Rabbi (Hebrew and Aramaic): teacher
Lestais: bandit or insurrectionist

Resources

1 Cor 11: 23-26
Rev 3:20
2 Cor 3:4-6

References

The quote from William Penn i

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #005; Preface #03 pp. 23-24

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

This is a study of William Sewen's The True Christian's Faith and Experience Briefly Declared, the last part of the third preface, pages 23-24.

In the third and last preface, Shewen continues his warning to those who are Christians in name only. He states that if you are not united with that Spirit of God in you to some degree, you are open to all sorts of worldly, non-spiritual influences. He further warns you to be on guard about slighting that same Light and Spirit of God in you that Quakers emphasize in their preaching.

Rather, you must cease from those worldly Christian teachers who slight and reject that power and Spirit of God within, who instead declare to people that the outward Holy Scripture is a more certain word and law to follow.

Moreover, Shewen points out the source of those very biblical words came from the eternal Word of God, the Christ that was in those biblical writers. Until you know a measure of that spirit within you, you cannot truly understand or obey the words found in the Holy Scriptures.

Shewen declares that you must turn away from such worldly Christian teachers, and instead learn from the grace and light of God, the anointing within you that teaches you to reject ungodliness, worldliness – in order to live and act in the light of Christ that is in you.

The quote from William Penn in our introduction is paraphrased from his book No Cross, No Crown, page 324 1842 HARVEY & DARTON version.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #23 Early Friends’ Beliefs of Jesus

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Using the Journal of George Fox, Volume II, 1891 edition (as it is excerpted in “A Brief Synopsis”) and the Holy Scriptures, the podcast discusses early Friends’ beliefs of Jesus.

[Quoting George Fox from his Journal] “We [Friends] desire also to affirm our belief in the virtue of His atoning sacrifice on Calvary for the sins of all mankind, as through the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts we are led to repent of and forsake our sins. So it is clear that the eternal, invisible and incomprehensible God was not, nor cannot be crucified. But Christ, the Son of God suffered according to the flesh, not in His godhead. So Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, and that Christ, by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Jesus, while on earth, was both fully human and fully divine.

The name, Jesus Christ” is not like a first and last name. Rather, it is much more like a title: Jesus (from the Hebrew, “Joshua” which means deliverer) and then Christ, which from the Greek means messiah, or holy, anointed one.

“Lord” in the Greek (kurios) means owner/master. Thus, Jesus is our Lord, or Owner.

Philippians 2:5-11, is meant to be a parallel to the fall of Adam and Eve (in Genesis 3), where the man, Adam (and Eve) sought to become equal with God, and be totally in control. (In the Hebrew, the word for “Adam” means “man”.) Instead, Jesus, as a man on earth, had no desire to grasp His right to be equal to God. Instead, Jesus humbled Himself by emptying Himself of His ego, renouncing Himself, taking on the form of a slave, to become a man. The ultimate of this humility was Jesus’ death on a cross. This humility meant that God raised Jesus so that Jesus became Lord (kurios)/Owner. These understandings of Jesus were found repeatedly in the writings or early Friends writings.

When one puts them all together, it becomes: Lord Jesus, the Christ . . . our owner (Lord), who is our deliverer (Jesus), and the only holy, anointed one (Christ).

References:

“A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends”
Philippians 2:5-11
The William Penn quote in our introduction was paraphrased from his 1668 letter to the minister Jonathan Clapham. References and the original quote can be found on the

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #004; Preface #02-03 pp. 16-23

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:00:00 -0500

This is a study of William Sewen's The True Christian's Faith and Experience Briefly Declared, the first part of the second preface and first part of the third preface, pages 16-23.

The last portion of the second Preface continues with further excerpts from Holy Scripture which are foundational to his distinction between a true and nominal Christian. Shewen also admits how at one time he had been a “titular Christian”, i.e., “a nominal Christian”, a Christian in name only. He misunderstood what he had been reading in Scripture. However, through the power and guidance of the inward Spirit of Christ, he had come to understand and witness what they truly say. As the Apostle Paul says, “the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life (2 Cor. 3:6).

In the third preface, Shewen specifically addresses “titular Christians”, i.e., Christians in name only, who may have come across this book. He cautions and warns them to transform their ways of thinking and acting and begin to seek and follow that inward spirit of Christ which is the divine Light that can enlighten them.

The quote from George Fox in our introduction came from the first Chapter of His Journal, printed in 1831 by Marcus and Hopper.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #25 Mark Chapter 14 Verse 12 - 16

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0400

In the beginning of Mark, Jesus chooses His disciples. This was unusual. Usually in ancient Israel a student would choose one’s teacher. Jesus underscores this variance in John 16:15, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”

An extended discussion ensues over Jesus’ disciples calling Him “master” or “lord” (Greek: kyrios), The far deeper Greek meaning of “kyrios” is of one who is an absolute owner/master of someone or something. (“Kyrios” can also have a much simpler polite meaning as simply “mister”, or “sir”.)

In today’s American society, there are a growing number of people who reject any use of the word “master” because of its close tie to American slavery. However, in the New Testament, calling Jesus one’s “Master/Lord” (and being a “slave” to Him) mean something very different. The popular objection to these words is given in ignorance of New Testament concepts. In no way is the biblical idea of Jesus being our Master (and we His slaves) forced servitude. We are voluntary slaves to Love . . . He is the God of Love. When we make ourselves slaves of Jesus, it is based on love for Him, and is completely voluntary on our part. We have freewill to leave the Master/slave relationship with Jesus at any time.

Part of the problem grows out of our tendency to apply contemporary understandings of English to the King James Version (KJV) English of 400 years ago. In the KJV, the Greek word “servos” was translated correctly as “servant,” and had the very clear meaning of “slave” (and is closely related to “serf”, “servile”, “servitude” and (forced) military service.) However today, the word “servant” has a clearly voluntary understanding.

Another extended discussion occurs on the true meaning of a word: Such meaning can be found not in the word itself, but only in the meaning behind the word. Thus, one must read the Holy Scriptures in the Spirit in which they were written. An excerpt from Isaac Pennington’s “Letter XVI is read in this context.

Resources

Didaskalos (Greek): teacher
Rabbi (Aramaic): teacher
Matheton (Greek): student or pupil
Discipulus (Latin) student
Kyrios: Master/owner/lord
Servant: (1600s English): slave, servant
Master (1600s English): teacher
Servos (Greek): slave
Metanoia (Greek): complete, utter change of heart, mind, soul and spirit
Deny (1600s English): reject or renounce; Contemporary English: refuse to admit

References:

Isaac Pennington. “Letter XVI”
The quote in our introduction was from George Fox’s journal. It can be found on

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #003; Preface #02 pp. 12-16

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

This is a study of William Sewen's The True Christian's Faith and Experience Briefly Declared, the first part of the presentation on the second Preface Pages 12-16

Early Quakers sought the guidance of the holy Spirit of Christ for all aspects of their lives. This inward guide was essential in reading and interpreting Holy Scripture. Shewen’s work (as is true with so many faithful Friends’ writings) is profuse with scriptural references throughout.

This second preface provides a number of foundational scriptural citations that will undergird his position in this book. Shewen finds the eighth chapter of Romans (especially verses 6-11) one of noteworthy importance.

The quote that begins this episode is from William Penn's introduction to George Fox's Journal.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #22 Primitive Christianity Revived Part 2

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This podcast focuses on the 1698 publication, “Gospel Truths” (by William Penn and three other early Friends) which is found as an appendix to this edition of William Penn’s Primitive Christianity Revived.

Section 5

“Christ is the great Light of the world that lighteth every man that cometh into the world . . . and by His light and grace He inwardly appears to man and teaches such as will be taught by Him, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts they should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.”

Many translators translate John 1:9 wrongly, saying that God only illuminates Christians. Correctly translated it should read that God is the true light that enlightens every person who comes into the world.

Section 6

The light of Christ within will show us our sins, reprove us of them and lead us out of them. “They that turn not at the reproofs thereof and will not repent and live and walk according to it, shall die in their sins.”

Section 7

“Will-worship” (Greek: ethelothrēskia (Col 2:23)): . . . that is to say “do what you want religious practices”.

Section 8

True worship is inward (within) and must be done “. . . in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Free gospel ministry: Those whom He calls to minister must do so without charging for it. Ministry is to be performed by one who is truly repentant, humble and exhibits holiness.

Section 9

Friends are called to “deny [reject] all the vain [empty] customs and fashions of the world.”

Section 10

There is only one true Baptism: being immersed spiritually into the basic nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

The “Lord's Supper”: Following true repentance, Jesus knocks at the door of one’s heart, asking to come in and spiritually dine with Him. (Rev 3:19-20).

True “Baptism” and the “Lord’s Supper” were understood by Quakers solely as spiritual experiences. Physical expressions of these were unneeded.

Section 11

“Government is an ordinance of God . . . we ought in all things to submit” - unless the Lord commands us otherwise.

References
The quote from George Fox’s Journal in our introduction can be found on page 90 of the Marcus Gould version published in 1831.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #002; Preface #01 pp. 08-12

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

This is a study of William Sewen's The True Christian's Faith and Experience Briefly Declared, the second part of the presentation on the first Preface Pages 8-12

There is a source of guidance for a Christian: the Guide which is the Spirit of Christ within, the Light within. William Shewen again refers to himself as to having been a Christian in name only, but in discovering and following this Guide within, he became a true Christian.

This Light can be known to be the true Light because it always moves against any appearance of evil. Those who conduct themselves according to this Light will be led to true righteousness and be freed from sinning. Shewen emphasizes the significance of two biblical citations, i.e., Romans 10:8 and 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 which focus on the importance of looking inward to discover the Spirit of God that is the objective of the true Christian.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #24 Mark Chapter 13 Verse 28 - Chapter 14 Verse 11

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0400

Mark 13:28-31 includes the parable of the fig tree. To the ancient Israelites, the fig tree could also be understood as a symbol for the nation of Israel. In ancient Hebrew, the expression “heaven and earth will pass away” was understood to mean that everything in the entire Universe would be gone. However, the plural form, “heavens” refers to the place Heaven. Often, early Friends saw the events in the book of Revelation as events to be interpreted as of spiritual importance to the individual. However, the eschatological events in the Gospels were usually seen as events to happen in actual history.

The section in Mark 13:32-37 tended to be usually interpreted by Friends as the need for each individual to be spiritually ready for one’s physical death. However, Mark 13:32 could also be sometimes interpreted among Friends in the personal sense: No one knows the time when the Lord will suddenly make Himself spiritually known to an individual or a group (such as in corporate worship).

The Greek term basileia often had a sense of almost being a kingdom-nation, or a Nation-State. The Shakers (who in 1747 grew out of Quakers) from their outset adopted almost wholesale the Quaker eschatological language and views as applying to the spiritual coming of Christ to an individual. Early Friends were not afraid to allow for the possibility of the complete presence of God to be known by an individual on this side of heaven.

Mark 14: 1-11 explores the woman who anointed Jesus with very expensive perfume in the home of Simon the Leper. The word “leprosy” was used to designate the then incurable disease that we now know today is only mildly contagious. However, “leprosy” could also be used for any skin disease. The word “Judas” is the same name as “Judah”. The name Judas Iscariot in the New Testament means a man named Judas from the town of Cariot.

Greek (Hebrew, & English) Terms

(Largely in order of podcast appearance)
Anthrōpos – man, human being
Hebrew: ’adam - man, mankind
Son of Man = Son of Mankind = Son of Adam
Ouranos – sky, heaven (> English: Uranus)
Apokalupsis – revelation
Parousia – presence, [coming, advent]
pareimi v. - be present
Apousia – absence
apeimi v. – be absent
Zōē – life
Aiōnios adj. – eternal
Aiōn – an age, a period (English: eon < aiōn)
Zōē Aiōnios – eternal life [= Life of the Ages], Everlasting Life
Bios – life, livelihood
Kingdom of God = Kingdom of Heaven = Eternal Life = Life
Basileia – kingdom, domain, state
Basilikos adj. - royal
Eschatology – end times theology
Eschatos adj. – last, final
Realized Eschatology – The inward understanding of “end times” in the Gospel according to John
Ginōskō v. – know, experience
Gnōsis – kno

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

The True Christian’s Faith and Experience #001; Preface #01 pp. 01-08

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Starting with this episode we begin a new series.

How closely do our lives mirror the life of Christ? Are we true Christians, or are our lives pale, hypocritical imitations of Christ Jesus, so that we are Christians in name only? William Shewen (1631?-1695), a first generation Friend, in his 1675 work, The True Christian’s Faith and Experience called out and challenged all who called themselves “Christian” to examine their lives to discover whether they (we) are truly living and acting in the light of Christ Jesus. If we find ourselves lacking here and are Christians in name only, we must abandon this hypocrisy which so subtly clouds our lives. This work was written during a time when most if not all Quakers experienced severe persecution at the hands of people who called themselves “Christian”.

In his first preface, Shewen mentions some of his spiritual journey as a former “Christian” in name only who did and said all the “right” things as expected of him. His heart, spirit, and life were not that of a true Christian. Shewen encourages all to abandon the deception where light is called darkness and darkness is called light, and to instead seek and follow the genuine light of Christ to become true Christians.

Shewen's book and other works are available in Educational Media library of Ohio Yearly Meeting's website. The Quote in our introduction can be found on page 77 of the version published there.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #21 Primitive Christianity Revived Part 1

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Fundamentals #21

This podcast focuses on the 1698 publication “Gospel Truths” (by William Penn and three other Friends) which is found as an appendix to the edition of William Penn’s Primitive Christianity Revived . The first four (of thirteen) sections are read with commentary..

Section 1
The “Scriptures of Truth”: an early Quaker name for the bible.
God is a “rewarder of all who fear [have reverential awe of] Him”, and
eternal rewards of happiness for all who obey and follow Him. Those who
do not fear Him, shall be “turned into hell”.
Section 2
“Trinity”
1 John 5:7 - In the original King James Version “the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost” are mentioned here. However, since then, modern
biblical scholarship has discovered that the earliest and most reliable Greek
manuscripts do not contain this verse. It is an addition from many centuries
later.
The concept of “Trinity” was not declared to be a "doctrine" or
“dogma” until the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.).
Friends are not trinitarian (since the Scriptures do not use the term),
but do believe in the oneness of God as divine Father, divine Word (Logos)
and divine Holy Spirit.
Section 3
Jesus, was the Word (the Logos) of God, both fully divine and fully
human.
“The only begotten of the Father” (i.e., Gk: monogenēs - one of a
kind, unique).
Jesus’ sacrifice as a human being on the cross was an act of
complete obedience to God the Father.
Salvation is a much broader concept, with a different perspective than
commonly understood by some today. It involves being
saved/rescued/healed from the propensity or inclination toward sinning.
Romans 12:1,2.
Section 4
Justification
The true meaning of justification has become very clouded and made
complex by the accretions over the centuries, and it is understood very
differently today than in the early church.

One is only made righteous (Greek dikaios: upright) in the sight of
God, through the work of the Light of Christ in us. If we walk in the Light as
He is the Light, His precious blood cleanses us from all sin (and the guilt of
sin). We must receive and obey the holy illumination of Christ. . . with a
“sincere repentance [transformation] and amendment of life”. We can be
made truly righteous/upright, and walk according to the Holy Spirit in this
life. Jesus is our examplar.
The word “Christ" is actually a title given to Jesus: Jesus, the Christ,
meaning Jesus, the Anointed one. (Greek: Christos: the anointed one, i.e.
the one anointed with the Holy Spirit). Jesus, the Messiah.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #23 Mark Chapter 13 Verse 01 - Verse 31

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0400

Bible #23 Mark 13:1-31]

What might be the most cataclysmic event be for you to experience? How would it change you? How would you prepare yourself? What actions would you take?

In Mark, Chapter 13, Jesus predicts the Jewish Wars with Rome and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. along with the potential fate and temptations for Christians at that time. Would we follow Jesus’ command to: fear not/be alert/have faith in Him/be faithful to Him if we were in the midst of a disastrous end to our age? Teaching such as this was almost always Jesus’ response to how we should respond to world-shaking apocalyptic events.

In addition, early Friends (Quakers) interpreted Jesus’ words on events as also having a direct personal, spiritual application: Regardless of how desperate a personal, spiritual situation seems to be, the application is the same: fear not/be alert/have faith in Him/be faithful to Him. Henry Jason explores Mark 13:1-31 through the lens of the original Greek language of the Gospel and the beliefs of early Friends (Quakers).

Are you ready to apply this teaching of Jesus in all your personal and world events?

The words to our music are from George Fox’s 19th Epistle in 1652 (page 14 in The Epistles of George Fox ) .

"Keep within. And when they shall say, ’lo here,’ or ’lo there is Christ,’ go not forth; for Christ is within you. And those who try to draw your minds away from the teaching inside you are opposed to Christ. For the measure is within, and the light of God is within, and the pearl is within you, though hidden."

The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #20 Truth and Simplicity

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Fundamentals #20

Friends’ attitudes concerning Truth, Deceit, pride, plainness in language, dress, and related topics are addressed.

Early Friends concern for “Truth" was central. We would capitalize the word “Truth” when they used it, i.e., the Truth that was the divine entity and living Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth.

John 14:6-7 was very important for Friends: It pointed to Christ Jesus, the living embodiment of that Spirit of Truth. In Greek, the word for "truth" also meant “reality”. In early Quakerism, “Truth” was frequently a synonym for the living embodiment of Christ. They called themselves children of, members of, or followers of Truth.

Regarding Genesis 3:1-7, in the Middle East, the serpent symbolized earthly wisdom. In Genesis 3:1-7 the serpent presents the first instance of deceit with mankind, Adam and Eve. As we have that same proclivity to sin, at some point as we grow up, we each are deceived by Satan and the world he rules.

The phrase “long, dark night of the apostasy” was used by early Friends to describe the many false teachings, misunderstandings and doctrines that crept into Christianity over the centuries. “Orthodox” in Greek means having correct opinions and beliefs.

The sin of pride in Adam and Eve was in wanting to become like gods, by choosing the earthly wisdom of Satan.

One aspect of "plain speech" grew out of early Friends’ concern for truth: The names of the days of the week and months in English are largely drawn from the names of pagan gods and goddesses: In strict adherence to truthfulness, Friends rejected the implied worship of gods and goddesses, and numbered rather than named the days and months.

A second issue of “plainness" was the use of certain pronouns: In older English, the singular pronouns “thou”, “thee” and “thy” were used when speaking to one person (modern: you your). The originally plural pronouns “ye” and “you” were used only for addressing two or more people. But by the mid-1600s, in many parts of England, the plural pronouns “ye”, “you” and “your” were expected when speaking to one person having a higher social rank than oneself (royalty, nobility, a government official, etc.). Friends saw this as status-recognizing, socially egotistical and prideful. Using the singular forms “thou”, “thee” and “thy” with those of higher social status caused much difficulty for early Friends.

Early Friends chose not to be slaves to clothing fashions. Thus, Friends' dress did not change with the fashion of the times. Their dress was a non-frilly, simple, utilitarian version of the clothing of their day. Today, some Conservative Friends do wear traditional plain dress. Among other Conservative Friends, one will not often see frills or loud colors.

Friends refusal to take

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #19 Communion

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400

The rites and ceremonies of other denominations usually use bread and wine (or grape juice). However, communion to Friends is an inward, spiritual experience of God and His Messiah that does not require any outward rites or ceremonies. Reading from A Brief Synopsis, we find, “It is discovered that since Friends’ worship desires to be an inward, spiritual experience, in like manner, so is the Friends’ concept of communion. Thus, in His eating of the Passover with His disciples the day before His crucifixion, Friends believe Christ was not instituting a [new] rite or ordinance, but was observing with them a final act in the Mosaic Law” . . . “which was fulfilled and abrogated by our Savior’s most acceptable sacrifice of Himself on Calvary for the salvation of mankind.”

The requirements of the Mosaic Law were but types and shadows of the things to come (i.e., prototypes and foreshadowings). Communion is in Spirit and in Truth. Since the reality and substance of a true spiritual communion with Him are now possible, without rite or ceremony, how can we be satisfied with the outward elements, by reverting to an outward rite or ceremony? In Rev 3:18-22 the dining which the Lord promises to do is clearly a spiritual, not an outward dining. He comes to us through a spiritual door, and not a physical, outward (ceremonial or rite-caused) element.

The Christian life is a life in the Spirit. Thus, it must be nourished by spiritual food, not an by outward physical rite, ceremony or element.

There is a discussion on “transubstantiation” (as Catholics understand eucharist) and “consubstantiation” (as some Eastern Orthodox, and some Episcopal and Lutheran Churches) and their errors as explained by Robert Barclay in his Apology for the True Christian Divinity [= A Defense of the Truly Christian Theology].

Barclay saw the “this” (in “Do this in remembrance of me”) as meaning that any meal we eat in commemoration of Jesus should be done remembering His sacrifice for us.

The Gospel according to John does not give an account of the Passover meal, but John repeatedly focuses on the need to spiritually feed upon the Spirit of Christ.

Resources: Robert Barclay An Apology for the True Christian Divinity (Proposition 13)
Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends Heb 10:1
John 14:20,21
Rev 3:20
II Pet 1:3,4
Rev 318-22
Mat 26:20, 26-30
I Cor 11:23-26
I Pet 1:10,11
I Cor 10:1-10

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #22 Mark Chapter 12 Verse 28 - Chapter 12 Verse 44

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Mark 12:28-34

A statement frequently recited (and foundational to Jewish teaching) is “Hear, O Israel, the Lord, our God, is one”, and is frequently called the “Shema” because the first words in Hebrew in that statement are “Shema Yisrael Adonai . . . . “. It is notable that the Jews’ worship was monotheistic (worshipping only one God), and was an immense departure from all the other polytheistic religions (in ancient Israel and the surrounding area) that had many gods.

For the Jews of Jesus’ time, one’s neighbor was always understood to refer only to another Jew. Jesus greatly expanded the concept of “neighbor” to include anyone who lived next to one, including the greatly hated Samaritans, or even complete pagans.

The Greek word “agapa/agape“ was an inclusive, unconditional love, in the spirit of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would want to have them do unto you. Similarly, do not do unto to others the things that you would not want them to do unto you. A discussion ensues on the meaning of the several kinds of love, including a little on how early Friends interpreted love for one’s neighbor.

Referring to the statement “. . . the Lord is one.” Henry moves on to assert that the Quaker concept of God was pre-trinitarian. Conversely, early Friends were not unitarian in belief either. (Since the word, “trinity” never occurs in the Scriptures of Truth, Quakers were careful not to use the word “trinity" or "trinitarian” in referring to God.)

Henry goes on to let the group know that 1 John 5:7-8 was translated in the King James Version (KJV) (“There are three that testify in Heaven: Father, the word and the Holy Spirit” which many have interpreted as implying a trinitarian formula. However, in recent years, all of the copies of the Holy Scriptures that have been found (and that date many hundreds of years earlier than those used for the original KJV) do not have those words.

Mark 12:35-40

The scribes of Jesus’ day could be seen as being similar to lawyers today.

The word “prophet” literally means a spokesman for God. God speaks through a prophet. Only sometimes did prophetic speaking include predicting the future.

Early Friends saw, and especially focused on, Jesus as our Guide.

Mark 12:41-44

The widow was sacrificing greatly to give even the tiny amount she had.

Greek:
Plesion: neighbor
Shema (Hebrew): Hear
Agapa/agape: unconditional, self-giving love
Eros: sexual love
Philia: love for a friend
Sterge: love for one’s family
Kyrios: lord
Propheteis: prophet
Discipulos (Latin): students
Didaskale: teacher
Rabbi: master, teacher

Contemporary

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #21 Mark Chapter 11 Verse 27 - Chapter 12 Verse 01-27

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Ohio Yearly Meeting Sessions
Contact Sharon Helms to register at philandsharon04.01@sbcglobal.net. Click here for agenda.

Mark 11:27-33
The Jews already had a rite of baptism, but what was different about John’s baptism was that John’s was a baptism of repentance, indicating a necessary complete transformation of the person. A discussion ensues pertaining to an attempt of the Jewish leaders to entrap Jesus.

Mark 12:1-12
The Greek word, “parabolē” (which literally means “comparison”) is explained, and the meaning of the parable of the Tenants of the Vineyard is discussed.

Mark 12:13-17
The implication of Jesus’s words, to an observant Jew, is clear. The reverential respect that belongs to God is much greater than what Caesar should get. However, by his actual words, Jesus circumvents the trap his opponents were devising for him.

The Pharisees might have been considered more “patriotic” (regarding Judaism) than the Herodians, since the Herodians, were already in the employ of the Romans., they were already much more in collaboration with the Romans.

Today, in the U.S., many perceive a mistaken equivalent importance between God and country. At the time of Jesus, in the Roman Empire there was no distinction between the army and the police. They were one and the same.

The Greek word “Ekklēsia” originally referred to the group of free men in Athens who were called upon to make important decisions regarding the city. In the New Testament, it means those who are called out of worldly thinking and worldly ways to follow Jesus. In other words, the “church".

There is a brief excursion into Acts chapter 4 to underscore our “called out” status as Christians. When is it appropriate to listen to men, or to God?

Mark 12:18-27
The Sadducees (a political party within Judaism at the time of Jesus) were largely composed of the chief priest and the priests in the temple. They believed that there was no resurrection. They posed a highly contrived question to Jesus:

Israel was a theocracy, with the law of Moses forming both the civil and religious law of the nation. But it had secondary status to the Roman law of the Roman Empire that had conquered Israel, the law of the conquerors.

Leading out of the concept of the resurrection, there is a discussion on the kind of bodies we will receive in Heaven after we die. This results in a brief exploration of I Corinthians 15:5ff which speaks of our Heavenly bodies as being spiritual rather than physical .

Greek
Parabolē : comparison (translated “parable”), illustration
Doul

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Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #18 Prophetic Ministry

Fri, 20 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Using quotes from the Holy Scriptures and “A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends”, Henry explores the Friends’ understanding of prophetic ministry.

In “A Brief Synopsis . . . “, “the ministry of the gospel is a gift of God, freely bestowed by Him to whomsoever He may call. . . .” The minister must be wholly dependent on the immediate inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As Paul said, “The gospel that was preached of [by] me was not after [created by] man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it but [only] by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11-12).” True ministry is not a “marketable commodity” (paid pastors), undergirded in the Holy Scriptures by Paul’s tent-making career to support himself while ministering for the Lord; along with Paul’s statement, “Freely have you been given, freely give.” (Mat 10:8)

Thus, “the minister, if truly anointed, becomes simply the instrument or medium through which the Gospel message flows.” The anointing must be from God in order for him/her to be actuated by God to speak as an instrument of the Lord Jesus Christ. If Christ’s anointing is not there, she/he must not speak. Christ must be the One speaking through our human souls. Red flags should go up when, in ministry, a person relies on words like “I think”, “I believe”, “I hope”, “I want”, “I remember”, “I saw”. There may be times when those words are appropriate. However, frequent usage of those phrases, or frequent political messages should raise a warning flag for the listener.

Ministry in worship is not limited to recorded ministers, but is open to anyone God may choose: the babe in Christ with a few simple words, or the seasoned minister, old in years. Essential to speaking is the anointing of the Lord, Who is glorious in holiness. Critical for the minister is desire for holiness in the Lord.

Friends do not adhere to an outward apostolic succession of title from one person to the next to minister (as is required by the Catholic, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Churches). Rather, Friends seek a God-actuated succession: does he/she have the inflowing of the Holy Spirit actuating him/her to speak, accompanied by the holiness of God?

Early Friends developed a number of catechisms which employed a theological question, followed by answers drawn from the Holy Scriptures. Finally, the Apostle Paul invented a new Greek word (Col 2:23), “ethelothrēskia”: human-created worship that no source in the leading, direction, or inspiration of God.

Scriptures & Resources:
Gal 1:11,12
Acts 8:20,21
Acts 20:34,35
Mat 10:8
1 Pet. 4:11
Rom 8:9, 14
II Cor 3:6
Mat 12:46-50
Mark 3:31-35

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

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Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #17 Waiting Worship

Fri, 13 May 2022 11:00:00 -0400

This podcast focuses on some individual reflections on waiting worship as practiced by Conservative Friends. We are reminded that the best source on waiting worship is Barclay’s Apology.

The English word “worship” is a combination of two words: “worth” and “ship”: giving back something to God in understanding of what He is worth. True worship recognizes Who He is, and gives respect and awe back to Him for it. It is not what Paul calls in the King James Version 17th century rendition “will worship” (Col 2:23), i.e., “Do what you want religious practice and worship". Friends' worship is drawn from John 4 where Jesus says that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth. In waiting worship, two traditional Quaker meanings are mentioned: 1.) We wait for the Lord, wait to feel His presence and 2.) We wait on the Lord, as a servant or waiter waits upon some one, to listen to him and do what he asks us to do;

As Quakers we believe we must experience a total true repentance of who we were, resulting in a complete transformation of the way we think and act, becoming a living sacrifice for the Lord. (Rom 12:1,2) A quotation from Francis Howgill underscores the total change early Quakers experienced and practiced, along with an understanding of the biblical Greek words for slave (δοῦλος (doulos)) and servant (διάκονος (diakonos)): we are to exemplify those attributes as believers in Jesus.

There is a brief discussion of two contemplative Catholic Quietists: Miguel de Molinos, and Madame Guyon. Molinos A Guide to True Peace presents many similarities to Quaker worship.

An (uncited) quote from John Wilbur’s letters is read describing the complete change of heart, mind and spirit of those who follow Christ. Quakers are a religion of the Spirit, like the first generations of Christianity.

Four sentences (from Letter XVI) of the early Quaker Isaac Penington on the essentiality of depending on the [Holy] Spirit to interpret the words of the Holy Scripture are read.

The roles of minister and elders among Conservative Friends, and how ministry and teaching are accomplished are briefly mentioned.

Resources

An Apology for the True Christian Divinity by Robert Barclay. See Worship in the index.

Francis Howgill quotation

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

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Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #16 A Brief Synopsis ... (continued)

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Henry continues his examination of the document “A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends”. This document was created in 1912 and was adopted by the seven then-existing Conservative Yearly Meetings of Friends: Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, New England, Canada, Kansas, Western. It was printed in 1913, and was created in order to communicate in the rapidly-changing world of the early 1900s and to demonstrate that the beliefs of Conservative Friends were very close to those of the original, Friends of the 17th century.

Henry begins with the concept of baptism. Friends had a much different concept of baptism than that which was prevalent among most religious groups in the mid-1600s: Friends believed an individual must be baptized into, and changed from the inside out by the basic nature of God. What was vital for a true baptism was not the commonly used water, but, rather, that God be allowed to begin His work of complete and total transformation of the heart, consciousness, mind and spirit in the individual.

Next, he discusses the concept of types and shadows. These were understood to be a prototype or a draft. As a result, early Friends often looked at the experiences recorded in the Old Testament as things which should be looked at internally . . . within oneself. For example, they understood the battles of Revelation to be spiritual battles within the believer, rather than predictions of future events.

The Eucharist was understood differently by Friends. This is highlighted by Jesus in John 4:23-24 when he says that the true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth. Thus, they looked for a direct connection with God and did not rely on an outward ceremony (with physical bread and wine). They observed that outward ceremonies had little impact on creating an inward, eternal, spiritual change.

The peace testimony was a result of Friends’ mindset of being radically changed from within. Thus, the Friends commitment of loving our enemies and those who would spitefully use us was a return to the pacifism of the first several centuries of Christianity.

Friends did not take oaths. To take an oath implies that one does not always tell the truth. However, to affirm that one was telling the truth meant that in the past and now I will continue to tell the truth. Many Friends suffered greatly for not taking a required oath, to the point of many losing all their earthly possessions.

The Bible was understood by Friends as the “Scriptures of Truth”. Thus, Friends did not call the Holy Scriptures, “the word”, since “word” in the New Testament is used to describe Jesus, and not the written wo

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #20 Mark Chapter 10 Verse 40- Chapter 11 Verse 01-26

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Mark 10:40-45

When Jesus refers to the Gentile rulers and the way they liked to lord it over the people, He was likely referring to the insensitivity and brutality of the Romans. Our responsibility as followers of Jesus is not to act like the Romans.

Mark 10:46-52
The Aramaic prefix, "Bar-", meant “son of”. Thus, Bartimeus meant “son of Timeus.” In like manner, the Hebrew, use of Ben- also means, “son of”. Thus, Benjamin literally means, “Son of Jamin.”
In the Holy Scriptures, in some English translations, the term “master” can often mean “teacher”. The English term “master” comes from the Latin term, "magister” which also means “teacher.”

Erratum: An incorrect assertion that "Son of David" was a way of saying "Fellow Jew" has been removed from the current version of this episode.

Mark 11:1-11
It appears arrangements had already been made for Jesus to borrow the donkey on which He would later ride. Horses were used by the Roman army and nobility, whereas donkeys tended to be owned mostly by the poorer, lower classes of people.

In Mark 10: 9, 10 the implication is that Jesus was bringing a religious kingdom, and not a political kingdom.

Mark 11:12-14
Because the fig tree did not have any buds, it would likely have been fruitless that year. Figs can be a symbol for Israel. Thus, the lack of fig buds was a symbol of Israel’s unfruitfulness.

Mark 11:15-19
The chief priests got a “cut” of the money exchanged in the Temple.

An interesting feature of Mark 11:15-19 is that it occurs toward the very end of Jesus’ ministry. But, in John (2:12-25) a very similar occurrence happens, but it is in the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It is likely placed early in John to show the need of having a clean temple. However, it appears later in Mark to likely show that Jesus’ turning over the tables of the money changers was seen by the priests and scribes as His performing a revolutionary and seditious act . . . thus, the “last straw”.

The term used in Holy Scripture to describe the two men crucified on either side of Jesus is often poorly translated as robbers, bandits or thieves, when it would be better translated as “insurrectionists.” Ordinarily, robbers were not executed by crucifixion However, crucifixion was often used for those accused of insurrection against the Romans.

Mark 11:20-25
Referring back to the now withered fig tree of Mark 11:12-14 shows how Jesus is letting the people know that if they have confidence in God, they can trust Him to work . . . if their desire is in alignment with God’s will. The withered fig tree is a symbol of Israel's lack of confidence in God to do His will. Therefore, they had abandoned Him as trustworthy and thus had

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Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #19 Mark Chapter 10 Verse 22-45

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Henry begins with a very quick comment about Mark 10 and the rich young ruler, and then moves on to Mark 10:22-27. Henry notes that for the Jews of this time, having wealth was seen as an indication of God’s favor. The content of 1 Tim. 6:17 is also examined as a verse containing information that also deals with riches and the kingdom of God.

The discussion then moves on to verses 28-31 with the information added by Henry that the concept of other believers in Jesus being treated like biological brothers and sisters was revolutionary for that time.

Mark 10:32-34
The concept of Jesus being in the tomb for three days does not mathematically work out for English speakers. However, for the Jews, if time covered any part of a day (month or year) before and after a date, it was included. Thus, any part of Friday, then all of Saturday, then early Sunday morning for the Jews was considered a three-day period, even though it was not our English “requirement” of 72 hours.

Mark 10:35-45
There is an extended discussion of what do the Scriptures mean when they say that Jesus’ life was considered sinless, and also what does it mean when Jesus was both a man and divine?

Host's notes:
1 Tim. 6:17

Acts 1:5-7

GREEK:

Teknon (v. 24): child or student

Matheteis: Student/Disciple

Kamilos: rope

Kamelos: camel

Ethambounto: amazed

Rise [again]: “again” does not exist in Greek

Anthropos: man

Adam (Hebrew) : man

Baptize/baptized: Baptizma, baptizomai

Credits:
The words to our music are from George Fox’s 19th Epistle in 1652 (page 14 in The Epistles of George Fox ) . The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #15 A Brief Synopsis ...

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:00:00 -0400

The focus of this podcast is a brief examination of the approximately first half of the document: “A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends”. The document was created in 1912 and also shows the minutes of adoption from the seven then-existing Conservative Yearly Meetings Friends: Ohio, North Carolina, Iowa, New England, Canada, Kansas, Western. It was printed in 1913, and was created in order to communicate in the rapidly-changing world of the early 1900s (especially with the rapid acceptance of “Higher Criticism”) how the beliefs of Conservative Friends were very close to those of the original, early Friends of the mid and latter 17th century.

As a side note, Henry notes that Joel Bean, had been a member of the Gurneyite Iowa Yearly meeting, and while he did not call himself a Conservative Friend, appears to have presented himself as one, and was one of the founders in College Park Meeting in San Jose, California and which is credited as later becoming the beginning of Pacific Yearly Meeting.
The document covers Conservative Friends' beliefs: God, God as a Spirit, Jesus Christ as His only begotten Son (in Greek, “unique”), atonement through Christ and remission of sins through Him, Christ through His death destroyed death, Christ manifested as a man, baptism (repentance and regeneration), life after earthly life, divine worship, ministry of the gospel (an unpaid ministry), the lack of need of seminary training to be a true minister of the gospel, and finally (in this session) the Spirit alone can open the mysteries contained in the Holy Scriptures.

When Jesus suffered, the Godhead part of Him did not die, but the human part did die.

It would really be more appropriate if instead of thinking of and speaking Jesus Christ as one name, He should really be seen as Jesus, the Christ.

The discussion moves to the development of the Nicene Creed and Friends’ approach to it. Early Friends were much less interested in arguing over theology and arguing over the meaning of words than they were that their lives, hearts and spirits needed to be changed from within. They wanted to get beyond the literalist wording of things.

There is a discussion of the “sing-song” form of spoken ministry that could be often heard among Conservative Friends ministers in the 19th Century and early 20th Century.

Documents:

A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends

Word Reference:

Cristos: “the anointed one”. In Hebrew, Mesiach, “the anointed One”
Worship “in truth” can also be tr

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

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Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #14 The Peace Testimony (continued)

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Henry initiates this podcast (which is a continuation of the previous podcast (#13) on the Friends’ peace testimony) by telling the attenders about “Quaker cannon”: In the 1600s & 1700s, piracy was a common practice. One deterrent that Quaker sea captains often used was to have devices that looked like real cannon (but were fake) mounted on their decks in an effort to deter pirates from taking advantage of the Quaker-piloted ships on the open seas.

Quakers are part of the well-known “peace churches”, including Quakers, Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren. However, it is clear from reading early Christian writers of the first 200 years after Christ, that all of Christianity was a “peace church”. Robert Barclay lists the locations of about 25 places that mention the pacifism of the early Christians. There was a major shift in Christianity away from pacifism after the Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in 312 B,C. and Constantine made Christianity the official church of the Roman Empire. There are many books available on early Christian pacifism which can be found by Googling “early Christian pacifism”. Sadly, most Christians today are completely unaware of the uniformly pacifist stance of early Christianity. Henry then goes on to read both from the Holy Scriptures and Robert Barclay to help underscore the consistent pacifist witness followed by early Friends…

Barclay describes the sufferings of the pacifist Quakers.
Ephesians 6:12 (and verses following)
II Corinthians 10:4 (and verses following)
James 4:
Galatians 5:24-26
John 18:36 (and verses following)
Matthew 26:62 (and verses following)
Romans 12:17-21
Mark 8:34 (and verses following)
Revelation 22

Discussion then ensues over the previous readings and personal experiences of the participants.

Credits:
The words to our music are from Margaret Fell’s Letter to the King on Persecution in 1660. The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier. Paulette’s work can be found at Paulette meier.com

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #18 Mark Chapter 10 Verse 01-22

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 11:00:00 -0400

Session 18 Mark 10:1-22

Henry begins Session 18 by going back to Session 17 for a brief discussion of the meaning and use of salt in Mark 9:49, 50.

Mark 10:1-12: Divorce

Divorce was a major problem among the Jews in the time of Jesus. It was very easy: All a man had to do was to write a few sentences that said that he was divorcing her to be a valid divorce. Roman law also gave women the right to a divorce in a very similar manner. The topic in both Luke and Matthew is handled very similarly, except that Matthew also adds that divorce could also be considered in the case of marital sexual infidelity by one or both parties. A discussion ensues among the participants on divorce and its effects today.

Mark 10:13-16 Jesus and Little Children

The Greek literally says that the Kingdom of Heaven is these [innocent] children. Henry draws on his previous experience as a speech therapist in schools working with children, and the innocence he (and another teacher in the group) observed young children tended to display.

Mark 10:17-22

The problem of loving money and making it a god in our lives is no less a problem today than it was in the time of Jesus. We need to place Christ above all things in our lives.

Host's notes:

Sklērokardia - hardness of heart, obstinacy, stubbornness

Aganekteō v. - be indignant against what is assumed to be wrong, be indignant, be angry

Nous – mindset, way of thinking; mind; understanding

Mamonas – wealth, property; Mammon – The Syrian god of wealth, of money

Ploutos – abundance of many earthly goods, wealth; Ploutos, Latin: Plutus was the Greek god of wealth

Paidion – a young child, an infant

The words to our music are from George Fox’s 19th Epistle in 1652 (page 14 in The Epistles of George Fox ) . The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #17 Mark Chapter 09: Verse 42 - 49

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0400

Henry begins the session by going back to Mark 9:35, to help the class understand a Jewish custom that would not be easily understood today: the act of Jesus sitting down to talk to His disciples. When a teacher in Jewish culture sat down to say something, those of the Jewish culture would have understood that their teacher had something very important to say, and that they should listen even more closely.

Next is a further examination of Mark 9:37 (when Jesus takes a child in His arms) and the use and meanings in the Scriptures of Truth of the Greek New Testament word “dechetai” which is often translated in English, “welcome”. In this discussion, Henry also mentions that children were largely invisible in Jewish culture, and Jesus’ act of taking the child in His arms would have been most unusual for a teacher to extend that kind of recognition of, and fondness to, a child.

The discussion then moves on to considering Mark 9:42-49. In that discussion are discussed whether Jesus’ had a literal or hyperbolic view of our responsibility when we struggle with sin, and our responsibility of how we should deal with sin in each of our lives when we discover it. The session finishes with an examination of the Biblical concept of Hell, and how the Holy Scriptures both in Mark 9:47-49 (and a few other related verses in other parts of the Scriptures of Truth) help give us more understanding about the Biblical teaching of Hell.

Host's notes:

Dechetai: receive, take, welcome, accept, bear with

Eis: child, slave

Pisteuō v. – trust, put one’s trust in, have confidence in, have trust in; believe, have faith

Pistis – trust, confidence; belief, faith

Scandalon: an obstacle; that which causes stumbling, trouble or sin

Scandalezo: cause someone to sin, to anger or to shock

Gehenna: “The Valley of Gehennom”. Originally where babies had been sacrificed. Later, in and around New Testament times, it was a dump with a smoldering fire.

Hades: the abode of the dead.

Zoe: life

Zoe ionias: eternal life

Basileia tou theo: kingdom of God

Kingdom of Heaven literally: Kingdom of the Heavens (Greek: “Basileia tou Uranus”

Mikros adj. – little

Pur – fire

a.) a destructive fire
b.) a purifying fire separating the pure from the dross

The words to our music are from George Fox’s 19th Epistle in 1652 (page 14 in The Epistles of George Fox ) . The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #13 The Peace Testimony

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 17:00:00 -0500

Henry’s broad focus for this session is the peace testimony of Friends (Quakers) and early Christians. The peace testimony was generally held during the first two to three centuries by early Christians. He begins by reading an excerpt on the Friends peace testimony from a document called, “A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends” adopted by 1913 by all seven of the Conservative yearly meetings in existence at that time.

Next, Henry moves on to the “Peace Declaration of 1660” created by Friends to give to the English king, King Charles II. The “Peace Declaration of 1660” was written to make clear that Friends were not in any way connected to the rebellion and violence advocated and practiced by the Fifth Monarchy Men.

Later, Henry moves to multiple biblical passages which support the Friends peace testimony: Isaiah 11:6-9 (from which the Friends’ derived the concept of the peaceable kingdom), Matthew 5:43-48, and Romans 12:19-21. Next he refers to Matthew 5:5. Henry finishes the biblical examples with a reading of James 4:1-3.

Moving from biblical references, Henry then reads and comments on some very early Christian writers, drawing examples from the book, The Early Christians by Eberhard . Henry mentions Hippolotus’ writing in “The Apostolic Tradition”. These extra-biblical excerpts from the Christian community were all written when being a Christian was illegal, and punishable by death.

When it comes to Quaker writings and their adherence to the peace testimony he quotes William Penn and Robert Barclay, in his Catechism.

Finally, Henry goes on to show how Barclay, in other places restates this theme of the peace testimony that Quakers are called not to return evil for evil, but be initiators of the Peaceable Kingdom.

Documents:

A Brief Synopsis of the Principles and Testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends
“Statements Opposing War”, A pamphlet reprinted in 1993, probably available at Stillwater Friends Meeting in Barnesville, Ohio. It provides a number of testimonies from various Friends in Ohio Yearly Meeting covering much of the 20th century.
The Apostolic Tradition, by Hippolytus of Rome
A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras of Athens
First Apology, by

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #12 Listen and Wait

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 18:00:00 -0500

Henry begins with a quick reminder from his previous podcast (Session 11) that there are several different versions of the Lord’s Prayer.

Henry then focuses on a section at the end of the 1683 book Meditations and Experiences by an early Friend, William Shewen (1631-1695). The section is entitled “A Few Words Added to the Sensible Reader”. For his text, Henry uses an 1826 reprint (copied from an 1769 edition of the original 1683 work). As he reads, he occasionally tries to modernize somewhat the more than 300 year-old English to help better illuminate the meaning of 1683 English.

He uses the text to help develop the essentiality of the process of learning to genuinely listen and wait for the Lord’s voice. This listening and waiting (discernment) only comes as the result of true repentance one’s (a total transformation of one’s heart and mindset) so we can more truly apprehend who God truly is. When one, because of true repentance, finds and tastes that state of relationship through the Spirit of Christ, it bears the fruit in the individual of living in “perfect peace”.

Note: Because of some issues in the original recording, the conclusion of the session feels a little abrupt when it ends.

References:

William Shewen: Meditations and Experiences (The section from which Henry reads is “A Few Words Added to the Sensible Reader” and can be found at pp. 121-127 in this pdf): http://www.innerlightbooks.com/books/files/Meditations_Experiences.pdf

Barclay’s Apology Propositions 1 & 15

Isaac Pennington

1 John 1:1,2

Ecclesiastes 1:2

The words to our music are from George Fox’s 10th Epistle in 1652 (page 7 in The Epistles of George Fox ) . The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #16 Mark Chapter 09: Verse 30-41

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Henry begins with a quick discussion of the very important concepts from the beginning of Quakerism of how the world can be viewed through seemingly opposite but in reality, connected poles: the Inward vis-à-vis Outward domains, dimensions or aspects of reality, i.e.: interior vis-à-vis exterior; internal vis-à-vis external; spiritual vis-à-vis material; mental vis-à-vis physical; spiritual vis-à-vis physical; spiritual vis-à-vis literal; inward mind vis-à-vis outward mind, etc., etc.

Verses 30-32: Henry looks at the concepts of “Son of Man”, “Son of God” and the Jewish practice never to speak nor write the full name of God in order not to take God’s name in vain.

Regarding “after three days he will rise”: It was a Jewish cultural concept that if any portion of a day occurred, it was considered as a whole day. However, in English, when we read “after three days he will rise”, we expect 72 hours of three full days. Jesus died about 3 p.m. on Friday, and rose on early Sunday morning, less than 72 hours. We, in English require three full days, but the Jewish culture did not. Thus, for Jewish the Jewish mind this was not the contradiction that we experience in English.

Another Greek word discussed from verses 30-32 is “disciples” and its meaning as students, along with the corollary word “rabbi” (teacher).

Verses 33-37: Capernaum was the place where Jesus lived during much of his ministry. Jesus’ anti-cultural move to embrace the child is discussed. The word “diakonos” (servant, slave,) and “doulos” (servant) are discussed.

Verses 38-41: The word “name” in verse 39 is a Jewish way of saying “God”.

Note: because of technical difficulties with the original recording, the session appears to end abruptly.

Host's notes:

Inward ~ Outward Dimensions

Ho Huios tou Anthrōpou – The Son of Man
Anthrōpos – man.
Hebrew ’adam = man, mankind, Adam

Theos - God
Ouranos – sky, heaven
Ouranoi pl. = heavens, skies, heaven. [> English: Uranus] Used as a circumlocution for “God”
Hē Basileia tōn Ouranōn – The Kingdom of Heaven = Kingdom of God – Hē Basileia tou Theou

God – G-d = reverential Jewish spelling of “God” in English

Anistēmi v.- rise, raise up, erect, restore
Greek prefix: an-/ana- - up, again
Anōthen – from above, again, from the beginning

Mathētēs – student, pupil, disciple
Hebrew: Rabbi – teacher
Latin: discipulus - student, pupil; > English: disciple
Diakonos – servant
Doulos – slave

The words to our music are from George Fox’s 19th Epistle in 1652 (page 14 in The Epistles of George Fox ) . The music w

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #15 Mark Chapter 09 Verse 09 - 29

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:00:00 -0500

Henry starts the discussion with a reminder that footnotes in a Bible translation can be from any commentator and are not usually derived from the original translators of the Bible.

In verse 13, the “Elijah” Jesus mentions is referring to John the Baptist.
In carrying over the discussion from Mark 9:1-8, Henry continues to focus on the significance in Friends’ theology that Friends have always focused on the inner work of Christ in the Christian and the essentiality of a complete and comprehensive inner change Greek, “metanoia” ) when one begins to walk with Jesus as Lord. An inward change must also be accompanied by an outward change in the believer’s actions, words and deeds. Thus, because the work must be from the inside out, just receiving an outward act, or changing only the outward is not enough. The expectation of God is that we bring every aspect of our lives . . . inner and outer into unity with Him. Thus, the charge of Jesus in Matthew 15:8, “This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” showed how Jesus continually pointed us to the requirement of the constant, moment by moment inner work of Christ in our hearts.

Notes by the host
Metamorphōsis – Latin: transfiguratio: transfiguration - a change of form, of shape

Metamorphoō v. – be changed, be transformed

Skēnē - tent, hut, dwelling; German: Quelle = Source “Q”- one of the supposed sources used by the authors of the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke

Metanoia – Meta-no-ia – a transformation in one’s mindset (Greek root: -no- = mind set, frame of mind)

Pisteuō v. – trust, put one’s trust in, have confidence in, have trust in; believe, have faith

Pistis – trust, confidence; belief, faith

Egeirō v. – lift up, rise up, wake up, get up; raise up

Anistēmi v. – stand up, restore, erect; raise up, resurrect

The words to the music are from Isaac Penington in 1861. The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

Interested in discovering first hand some of the distinctives of Christ-centered, Conservative Friends, waiting, Quaker worship? Consider some of Ohio Yearly Meeting's online meetings for worship (linked here). We warmly invite everyone to attend our meetings for worship to get to know us (and our worship) better!

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #14 Chapter 09 Verse 01 - 08

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Henry introduces Mark 9:1-8 by reviewing the importance to early Friends of Mark 8:34 that if one wishes to become a true follower of Christ, the Messiah, one “must deny himself (i.e., renounce one's ego) and take up one's (inward) cross and (then come) follow Christ.” Early Friends believed that a continual inward crucifixion/execution/putting to death of all thoughts, words, desires and deeds not in conformity with God’s will must happen in the believer in order for one to be in alignment with God’s will.

Mark 9:1, according to early Friends the first coming of Christ in oneself (the first appearance of Christ) is the awareness within the individual of his/her sinfulness before God. The Light of Christ shows this state to the individual. The second phase of this is a complete transformation of one’s mindset, one’s way of thinking (Greek: “metanoia”) in the believer, resulting in a total humble submission to God through a complete crucifixion/putting to death of “self" (ego) for Him. This transformation (“metanoia”) is the focus of the believer’s energies, with God’s help.

In discussing scripture, Henry says that Robert Barclay wrote that the same Spirit of God who spoke to and through the various writers of the New Testament was and has continued to be active among humans . . . so much so that it is conceivable for us too today to speak with the same depth of authority as the writers of the New Testament, if and when we are in complete conformity with God’s will. It is essential for us to continue to submit ourselves in obedience to the Holy Spirit. The words given to us in meeting for worship must be from Him and not from our human selves. Do we always hear perfectly? No. But we need to continually be sensitive to His leading and to be willing to share only what He is speaking to us.

Mark 9:2-8. The Greek word for the Latin/English “transfiguration" is “metamorphōsis”, a complete change in the form and shape of Jesus. “This is my beloved Son” is a special denotation given in reference to Jesus. A “son” is greater than a “prophet”. v. Hebrews 1:2. The "only begotten" [Son] is a translation of the Greek word “monogenēs” which means “unique" or "one of a kind".

Notes by the host
Metanoia = meta-no-ia = a transformation of one’s
mindset, repentance
Greek roots: -gno- = mindset, mind;
meta- = change
Metanoeō v. – repent

William Penn ~ metanoia:

Convincement = state of being convicted, state of being found guilty. Convinced = convicted
Conversion - turning to God
Amendment of life

Metamorphōsis = meta-morph-ōsis;
Greek root: morph = shape, form; Latin: transfiguratio
Metamorpheō v. to change form

In biblical language “clouds” indicate an theophany

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #11 Quakers and the Bible part 2

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:00:00 -0500

Henry starts out by rereading two quotes introduced at the last session. In response to a question, he discusses how different languages express time. He goes on to explain the challenges posed by Biblical commentaries. Responding to another question He recommends the Quaker Bible Index from Earlham School of Religion.

Religious terminology and symbology of the Bible is discussed. Examples of doves, heavens opening, numbers and colors are presented as symbols. Various English translations over the years are considered. Important mistranslations are reviewed. These are...

Christ was revealed in (not to) Paul (Galatians 1:16)
The kingdom of God is within (not among) you (Luke 17:20).

Finally, Henry goes through The Lord’s Prayer, line by line, often translating directly from the Greek and amplifying important words and verses.

References:

Origen quote from The Faith of the Early Fathers, Volume I, page 202, Section 480.
Isaac Pennington Letter XVI — How the Scriptures must be Read to Avoid Your Own Opinions.

The words to our music were paraphrased from Memoirs of the Life of Isaac Penington: by Joseph Gurney Bevan. The music was composed and sung by Paulette Meier.

Interested in discovering first hand some of the distinctives of Christ-centered, Conservative Friends, waiting, Quaker worship? Consider some of Ohio Yearly Meeting's online meetings for worship (linked here). We warmly invite everyone to attend our meetings for worship to get to know us (and our worship) better!

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #10 Quakers and the Bible part 1

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Henry dives into the traditional relationship between Quakers and the Bible. He begins by reading three quotes. These are from Isaac Pennington (1616–1679), Origen Adamantius, a/k/a Origen of Alexandria (c. 184 – c. 253) and Robert Barclay (1648 – 1690). He then goes on to point out the difficulty in translations due to the differences in languages. An explanation is given for the different translations of the Old Testament. A description of conical is offered.

Quakers say that Christ (not the bible or tradition) is the primary source of authority. Christ is the Word, not the Bible. Christ in you, the hope of glory.

References:

Origen quote from The Faith of the Early Fathers, Volume I, page 202, Section 480.
Isaac Pennington Letter XVI — How the Scriptures must be Read to Avoid Your Own Opinions.
A CATECHISM AND Confession of Faith by Robert Barclay.
Apology for the True Christian Divinity Proposition 3: Concerning the Scriptures by Robert Barclay.

The music in our podcast was provided by Paulette Meier. The words in the music are by the Quaker poet. John Greenleaf Whittier, “The surest dependence must be upon the Light of Christ within.” They are from his "To the Friends Review" (1870). "

Interested in discovering first hand some of the distinctives of Christ-centered, Conservative Friends, waiting, Quaker worship? Consider some of Ohio Yearly Meeting's online meetings for worship (linked here). We warmly invite everyone to attend our meetings for worship to get to know us (and our worship) better!

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #9: A Concise Account of the Religious Society of Friends

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 13:00:00 -0500

Henry starts out with a general review of the previous 8 sessions. He then reads from Robert Barclay’s fifteenth proposition in his Apology for the True Christian Divinity . But for most of this session Henry reads and comments on a tract called. A Concise Account of the Religious Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers.

To find out more about Ohio Yearly Meeting, visit our website at ohioyearlymeeting.org.

The music in our podcast was provided by Paulette Meier. The words in the music are from Robert Barclay's Apology for the True Christian Divinity, PROPOSITIONS V. & VI, Page 148.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Announcing the Ohio Yearly Meeting Podcast Forum

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500

In this short episode, we announce our Facebook group in support of this podcast.

To join:

In Facebook, search for Ohio Yearly Meeting Podcast Forum, or
Use this link https://www.facebook.com/groups/980508459485393 or
Use the QR code in the image for this episode.

Other ways to engage can be found at our website: ohioyearlymeeting.org

Hope to see thee in the forum.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC07D&E "Misunderstandings of the Peace Testimony" and "Original Peace Witness": Chapter 7 Sections D & E of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 11:00:00 -0500

This podcast contains sections D & E of chapter 7 in the book Traditional Quaker Christianity

Section D: The Peace Testimony: Common Misunderstandings. Readings from this section include Terry H.S. Wallace, “Stand and Live in that Which Takes away the Occasion for wars: A critical Examination of the Quaker Peace Testimony: Present and Past”; Martin Luther King, “Pilgrimage to Nonviolence,” Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story – Birth of Successful Non-Violent Resistance, p 77-95.

Section 7.E. Friends’ Original Peace Witness. Readings from this section include “The [Peace] Declaration of 1660” The Journal of George Fox (Nickalls edition), p 398-404.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC07A-C "Peace and the Lamb's War" Chapter 7 Sections A, B & C of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

This podcast episode starts out with a reading of Ohio Yearly Meeting’s sixth query.

It contains the first three sections of chapter 7 in the book Traditional Quaker Christianity

Section A: Our lives as Our Testimony. Readings from this section include Mathew 5-7, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4:17-31; Colossians 3; the Book of James; 1 John 3:11-24.

Section B: The Lamb’s War: Readings from this section include The Lamb’s War, a presentation to the General Gathering of Conservative Friends 6/17/2006 at Barnesville Ohio (http://www.michiganquakers.org/lamb.oym.htm); Selections from the Writings of James Nayler, third edition, Brian Drayton, editor.

Section C: The Lamb’s War and Peace: Readings from this section include Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 11:1-9; Ephesians 6:10-17.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC06G "Eldering and Oversight" Chapter 6 Section G of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:00:00 -0500

Chapter five focused on the gift of Ministry. This section covers the gifts of Eldership and Oversight. It also compares the relationship between all three gifts.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #8: Living a True Faith - Belief alone is not enough

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0500

Henry starts with a quick review of several topics: fear of the Lord, Inward/Outward, the Kingdom of God. and true Repentance. He then reads the 15th proposition from Robert Barclay's Apology for the True Christian Divinity. This was followed by an excerpt from a work by William Temple. Finally there follows by a reading of the tract A Concise Account of the Religious Society of Friends by Thomas Evans. This tract is the focus of this and subsequent sessions. Henry then returns to a discussion from last week on the fruits of the Spirit. In response to a question, He explains the difference between a subjective wrong and an objective wrong. A participant tells the story of a mother and her children as an example of the danger of acting in one's own power. There is a potential cost for a true faith. The discussion focuses on those in history who have willingly paid that cost. The vastness of time and space highlights our insignificance and reminds us of eternal life. A Life that can and should begin before death. Henry explains the connection between the word savior, and the word heal. He then points out the fallacy in thinking that assenting to a belief or beliefs alone can bring salvation. The word “redeem" is explained. Henry proceeds to the meaning of the word “Christ" as the “Anointed one" and that this anointing is initially in everyone as a seed. The session finishes with a reading from 1John 2:27 which supports the truth of this Inward Anointing.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #7 To Become Holy

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500

Henry starts out with a quick summary of the first six sessions. This includes: the fear of the Lord, the inward Kingdom of God, true repentance, and taking up the Inward Cross. This is followed by a reading from Robert Barclay's Apology for the True Christian Divinity, the Fifteenth Proposition which distinguishes certain aspects of Friends’ beliefs from those of other denominations.

Henry then explains plans for the next session(s) which will focus on a tract published by the Tract Association of Friends. The tract is an excerpt from a work of Thomas Evans. A Concise Account of the Religious Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. Henry reads from this tract and then discusses it. It leads to an explanation of various words such as: holy, fear of God, belief, and doctrine.

The understanding of early Christians and early Friends was that one’s belief had to be carried out in the daily walk with God. It is not enough to simply agree to a belief or doctrine. One must exhibit the fruits of the Spirit and become “holy”. One can overcome the human tendency to fall short of God’s glory — with God’s help. This help is available in the form of the eternal Spirit, the Spirit of the Messiah, the seed of God which is within everyone. This required holiness was an expectation in early Christianity, but has been lost over the centuries before being rediscovered by Quakers.

Henry was asked about the meaning of “grace" in the context of becoming holy. Another question concerned the spirit’s agency: is it a gift, or does it only come with conscious acknowledgment? His answer involved the Christ, the Word, the enlightener as the Light that enlightens everyone that comes into the world. It is initially a seed with potentiality for growth in every human being.

A discussion ensued concerning the "day of visitation". Another question arose about the “long dark night of the Apostacy”. Finally, someone asks about the translations used by early Friends.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #13 Chapter 08 Verse 34 - 38, Chapter 09 Verse 1

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 10:00:00 -0400

This session returns to and focuses on Mark 8:34 to Mark 8:38. The meanings of the words follow, deny, self and awe are examined. Some historical context concerning physical crucifixions are presented, followed by a discussion of “taking up the inward cross”. There is also discussion on the creation of Adam, the garden of Eden and on sin. An important point is made, however, that Friends have not accepted the later dogma of "original sin". Finally, another discussion ensues regarding Jesus as the Second Adam as well as the Son of God.

The following words were covered in this episode...

Akoloutheō v. – follow someone who is taking the lead

Heauton – self, (ego)

Autos – self, (ego)

Phobos – fear, reverential awe/respect = Hebrew: yirah

Stauros – cross (a form of execution)

Cheir – upper limb, hand, arm

Phroneō v. – think

Hubris – insolence, arrogance, egotism, pride

Pneuma – spirit

Psuchē - spirit, soul, life, the life animating spirit

Huios tou Anthrōpou - Son of [the] Man, Son of Mankind, Son of Adam

Anthrōpos – man, mankind; Hebrew: ’adam = man, mankind; (Hebrew: ’adamah = (red) earth)

Taking up the (inward) Cross of Christ

Regeneration = Second Birth, being born again (a spiritual birth)

Metanoia – repentance, a transformation in mindset, a paradigmatic shift in one's way of thinking

Hebrew: Ruach - breath, spirit

Huios tou Theou – Son of God

Huios – son

Prophētēs, = pro-phē-tēs = for+speak+er – prophet, a spokesman for God

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #12 Chapter 08 Verse 22 - 38

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Click here for OYM discussion group opportunities.

This session includes readings and discussions on the following sections from Mark:

· Mark 8:22-26 The healing of a blind man

· Mark 8:27-30 “Who do you say that I am”

· Mark 8:31-33 Jesus Predicts His Death

· Mark 8:34-38 Jesus’s call to deny ourselves.

Translations and meanings of the following words are considered…

· Christos – anointed, Messiah, Christ

· Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit.

· Chriō v.– anoint

· Anthrōpos - man, human being = Hebrew: ’Adam - man, mankind

· Anēr – man (male), husband

· Anistēmi v. – rise up

· Epitimaō v. – rebuke

· Aparneomai v. - renounce, reject

· Heauton – self = ego

· Stauros – cross

· Take up the inward cross.

· Psuchē - spirit, soul, life

· Pneuma – spirit

· To Hagion Pneuma – The Holy Spirit

Particular attention is paid to the true meaning of “deny” and the implications of “denying ourselves”.

The following link provides information about Ohio Yearly Meeting online discussion groups.

https://ohioyearlymeeting.org/online-teaching-and-discussion/

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC06E&F "The Advices and Queries" and "Spirit Led Teachers" Chapter 6 Sections E and F of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:00:00 -0400

This episode includes both sections The Advices and Queries and Spirit Led Teachers.

The Advices and Queries section provides historical context by Carole Edgerton Treadway (from The Journal of the north Carolina Yearly Meeting, #2 Winter 2003) and also readings of Advices and Queries from the Ohio Yearly Meeting Book of Discipline.

Spirit-Led Teachers presents a reading from Robert Barclay, Apology for the True Christian Divinity, Proposition 3 V-VI.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC06D "Clerking: An Aid for Decision-Making" Chapter 6 Sections D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0400

This section is a reading from Susan S. Smith's "Clerking in the Spirit of Christ" Sound, Sound Abroad You Faithful Servants! A call to True Quaker Ministry (a New Foundation Fellowship publication).

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC06B&C "The Church Visible and Invisible" and "The Place of the Individual in the Body of Christ". Chapter 6 Sections C and D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0400

This episode includes both sections The Church Visible and Invisible and The Place of the Individual in the Body of Christ.

The Church Visible and Invisible includes readings from Robert Barclay, Apology for the True Christian Divinity Prop X.

The Place of the Individual in the Body of Christ includes a reading from William Penn, True Spiritual Liberty.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #6 Worldly Spirits and Influences

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Information on Ohio Yearly Meeting’s 2021 session can be found at ohioyearlymeeting.org/events/.

Henry starts out with a review of true Repentance and a reading from Robert Barclay’s Apology for the True Christian Divinity. He discusses the measures necessary for entering into the Kingdom of God. He also describes the three remaining Conservative Friends’ Yearly Meetings today, asking what it means to be a Quaker or Christian. This leads into the worldly influences on Conservative Quakerism today. He compares the different bases of belief of Catholics, Protestants and Quakers. In response to a question from a participant, there ensues a discussion on the Bible, on the real "Word of God", and the Spirit of Christ. Recommended books to read are Traditional Quaker Christianity by Ohio Yearly Meeting and The True Christian's Faith and Experience by William Shewen.

Other book recommendations can be found at ohioyearlymeeting.org/readings/.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #5 The Cross of Christ

Tue, 25 May 2021 16:00:00 -0400

Please note that the Conservative Friends Gathering will be held June 11-13. Contact either Nanquakernh@gmail.com or philandsharon04.01@sbcglobal.net for a full agenda including Zoom link information. Also see: https://ohioyearlymeeting.org/programs/wider-fellowship-of-conservative-friends/

This fifth session starts out with a review of the previous four sessions. While examining the last session, Henry reads the preface to George Fox’s Journal on repentance. This becomes a segue to the need to take up the Inward Cross of Christ. Henry discusses the “ego”, it’s origins, meanings and that the traditional Christian term is the “self”. A reading from Genesis reviews the story of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. A reference is made to a nineteenth century Quaker publication “A Guide to True Peace” to help explain the main issue of pride and hubris. The opposite of arrogant pride or hubris is humility. Henry discusses the origins of the word “humble”. A reading from the second chapter of Philippians highlights how Christ was totally humble. A discussion with participants reminds us of the role humans have (and should have) in the hierarchy of creation. [I have forgotten what may have been said there]. In the exploration of “self”, the negative and positive aspects of self are listed. A comment of Jesus in Matthew 10:38 shows the importance of taking up the Inward Cross in order to be united with Christ. An clarification of “denying one’s self” as meaning "renouncing one’s ego" is presented. Also discussed in taking up the Inward Cross of Christ is the necessity to crucify or execute those motions within us that keep us from God. Participants became involved in an exploration of how we need God to help us attain this goal. Also delved into are some of the temptations of “the World”.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC06A "Christ's People" Chapter 6 Section A of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:00:00 -0400

This episode presents Robert Barclay definition of a true Christian.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC05E&F "The Traveling Ministry and Visiting Families" and "Examples ... from Quaker History" Chapter 5 Sections E and F of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:00:00 -0500

This episode includes both sections The Traveling Ministry and Visiting Families and Examples of the Nature of Ministry from Quaker History

The Traveling Ministry and Visiting Families covers...

The beginning of traveling Ministry and visitation
Testing a prompting to travel
Traveling companions
Examples of Traveling Ministers

Examples of the Nature of Ministry from Quaker History contains two examples from Thomas B. Gould's The Inspired Ministry

James Scribbens
Isaac Lawton and a servant boy

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC05C&D "Speaking during Worship" and "Advice to Ministers" Chapter 5 Sections C and D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0500

This episode includes both sections Speaking during Worship and Advice to Ministers.

Speaking during Worship covers...

Pursue Love, desire to prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1)
Watch and Wait (Charles Marshall's epistle)

Advice to Minister contains a reading from Samuel Bownas's To the Meetings of the Ministers at Kendal in Westmoreland.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC05A&B "The Call to Ministry" and "Woman Ministers". Chapter 5 Sections A and B of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 16:00:00 -0500

This episode includes both The Call To Ministry and Woman Ministers.

The Call to Ministry covers...

Who Ministers
How Ministers are made
Spiritual challenges of Ministers

Woman Ministers explores Quakers' commitment to and justifications for women in the ministry. Margaret Fell's arguments are examined.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #4 Repentance

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 14:00:00 -0500

Henry starts out by reviewing the last session. As part of that review, Proposition 15 from Barclay’s Apology is read. The conclusion of the Apology is also read. These readings are translated into modern English and commented on.

The focus of this episode is repentance. Henry explains that repentance is not so much an exercise in remorse or regret as it is a change or transformation of one’s mind, mindset, and whole being. In Mark and Mathew (4:12-17) Jesus starts his ministry with this call for repentance (These sections are read and reviewed). In support of Henry’s definition of true repentance references in Paul’s letters to the Philippians (2:5) and Romans 12:2 are explored. George Fox sent out Ministers who called for repentance. Repentance was a foundation of their message. In his introduction to George Fox’s Journal, William Penn breaks repentance into three parts: convincement, conversion, and amendment of life. Penn’s understanding came from Acts Chapter 26:20. In Acts, the three parts are: repent, turn to God, and do good deeds. Henry then explores what “Convincement” meant in the 1600s compared to what it means today. Other references to the Book of Acts are made. These are chapter 2 verse 37 – 38 and chapter 3 verse 17 – 19. The opinions of Tertullian on the translation of Repentance are mentioned. In conclusion, Henry gives a preview of the next session by talking about what must happen after repentance.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC04 Waiting Worship. Chapter four of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 18:00:00 -0500

This chapter discusses our Silent Unprogrammed Meetings for Worship.

It begins by discussing Christ In our midst and then quotes from several Friends writings .

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #3 Inward/Outward

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:00:00 -0500

In this session, Henry focuses on the “Inward” vis-a-vis “Outward" aspects of all reality. He starts out quoting Philippians chapter 2, verse 5. This verse calls us to think as Jesus did. He then goes on to read an episode from Luke, chapter 17:20-21. This is the incident where Jesus explains where the Kingdom of God is to be found. Many current English translations of this story will use words like “among you” etc., rather than the correct translation “within”. Henry then expounds on the Greek word for “kingdom”, and then explains the origins and reasons for the term “Kingdom of Heaven” for “Kingdom of God". He also points out that the words “Life” and “Eternal Life” are really equivalent to the “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God".

A participant asks about the early Friends' understanding of the Inner Light. Henry Confirms that we should go deeper than “This little light of mine”. The Light is initially experienced as a divine, spiritual agent requiring a transformation in us. He proceeds to explain how in the English of the 17th century, the word “convincement” meant “conviction”, "being convicted", “being found guilty".

A moving reading from Francis Howgill’s writings is given. Henry then discusses chapter 6, verse 15 from the Gospel according to John. This section describes the occasion when the crowds tried to make Jesus into an outward king, not understanding him to be an inward spirtual king. He then proceeds to explain the importance of taking up "the inward cross of Christ". He asks, “What is a cross?” and then makes it clear that this inward cross is used to crucify anything in ourselves which is not of God. We are shown references for the need to take up this inward cross in Matthew, chapter 10, verse 38; Luke, chapter 14, verse 27, and Matthew, chapter 16, verse 24.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #11 Chapter 07 Verse 24 – Chapter 08 Verse 21

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:00:00 -0500

In a review of the previous episode, Henry discusses the quote from Isaiah 7:6. He then proceeds with the story of the healing of a Gentile woman’s daughter and explains where the event occurred in relation to Palestine. The meaning of the word unclean is considered. The difference between a demon and an unclean spirit is discussed. Our contemporary views of healing in comparison to those of biblical times are considered as are the apparent racial overtones in the story. The healing of the deaf mute is read, and Henry explains the challenges of those who are deaf from birth. The translation of the phrase “be open” is explored and what implications that has for the intended audience of the Gospel of Mark. The name for the Greek version of the Bible, the Septuagint, is considered. Discussions ensued over the relationship between the Septuagint, the original Hebrew, and the King James Versions of scripture. The second miracle of the loaves and fishes is read. A review of the relevance of numbers in the parables is discussed. The story where the pharisees ask for a miracle is read as is the event where Jesus chides the disciples for not understanding. Henry explains other meanings of the word “yeast” and how it does not put the pharisees in a particularly good light.

The following is a glossary of some of the words examined in this session…

Akathartos – unclean, without relationship to God.

Septuagint < Latin septuaginta = 70 = The translation of the Old Testament into Greek by a legendary 70 Jewish scholars.

Zumē – yeast, mold

To join Sunday Meeting for Worship at 10:30 AM EST over Zoom, use
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85953850682?pwd=clI2Q3BCbHdZYThrTjNDc054ekdMdz09

Meeting ID: 859 5385 0682
Passcode: 258456

Those interested in the Conservative Friend Question and Answer session can email oymcalendar@hotmail.com. Connection information for all other OYM Zoom meetings can be obtained on the Crossroad Friends Meetings website at http://www.michiganquakers.org/schedulehtm/zoom_meetings_for_worship.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #10 Chapter 06 Verse 05 – Chapter 07 Verse 23

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus' going off to pray in silence is a foreshadow of our silent worship. Henry points out the frequent use of the word “euthus” - “immediately” in the Gospel of Mark. When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, were their hearts hardened or were their minds closed? Why did either happen? What does Jesus mean when he says, “take heart”? Healing could occur simply with the faith of touching Jesus’s cloak. When this happened, Jesus might tell the one cured, “your faith has healed you” (as in Mark 5:34). But in reading the Gospels, “trust” may be more powerful and useful word than “faith”. “Believe in he name of Jesus” might more accurately be translated as “Put your trust in the essence, the basic nature of Jesus”. In the seventh chapter of Mark, the Pharisees challenged Jesus when his disciples did not follow the letter of the law. Henry explains who the Pharisees were and why were they so concerned with the law. Then he discusses Jesus’ response to the Pharisees by explaining that they held to human tradition and not to the true commandment of God. Henry comments on how this issue is reflected by the Quaker concern for the inward as opposed to the outward. You can memorize and recite scripture, but this is just an outward expression. It does not mean that your heart is right with God. (Several examples are mentioned where that obsession of the Pharisees continues today.) The word “heart" is better translated into contemporary English by "conscience and/or consciousness”. (In many languages “conscience" and “consciousness” are the same word). Henry finishes up by exploring the meanings of the words: parable, disciple, rabbi and discipline.

The following is a glossary of some of the words examined in this session:

Euthus - immediately

Thalassa – sea, lake

Tharseite! v.- be cheerful!

Logos n.

Hē pistis sou sesōsen se. "Your faith has saved you." and/or "Your trust has healed you."

Pisteuō v. – believe, have trust, put trust in, trust

Pistis n. - faith, belief, confidence, trust

Believe in the name of Jesus - put your confidence in the basic nature of Jesus

Kardia – heart; conscience and consciousness

Latin: scio v. – know

Latin: Conscientia - conscience and consciousness

Suneidēsis - conscience and consciousness

Parabolē – comparison

Mathētēs - student, pupil

Manthanō, v. – learn

Mathēmatikos, adj.

Latin: discipulus – student, pupil > English: disciple

Hebrew: rabbi - teacher

Latin: disciplina – a teaching, instruction, system, discipline

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03J Knowing Christ in Us. Chapter 3 Section J of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500

This section presents two topics from George Fox's Journal

The Day Star.
Temples of God.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03I "Be Still and Cool...". Chapter 3 Section I of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

This section presents George Fox's letter to Lady Claypole.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03H "What Canst Thou Say?" Chapter 3 Section H of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500

This episode recounts Margret Fell's experience and convincement.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03G Discerning Leadings. Chapter 3 Section G of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500

This section discusses how to know when a leading is true. It covers some Quaker history and presents four tests for discerning a true leading.

Moral Purity
Patience
Consistency with others
Consistency with the Bible

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03F Spiritual Communion. Chapter 3 Section F of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500

This section covers the following topics...

The experience of Christ Jesus, for Quakers, is direct, immediate, and intimate. Such an experience can happen among worshippers assembled together for worship and through the individual experience of Christ's presence in daily life.
Communion in meeting for worship.
Ceremonial communion.
Love feasts

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03E Spiritual Baptism. Chapter 3 Section E of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500

This section covers the following topics...

What is baptism?
Baptism and the Cross.
Baptism and true conversion.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03D "I Heard a Voice...". Chapter 3 Section D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0500

This section covers the famous quote from George Fox that is central to Quakerism.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03C The Unchangeable Teacher, Prophet, Shephard. Chapter 3 Section C of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

This episode uses readings from George Fox's Journal to cover two topics...

Brittle and changeable.
Roles of Christ.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03B Inward States, Dryness, and the Daily Cross. Chapter 3 Section B of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 13:00:00 -0500

This episode uses readings from George Fox's Journal to cover three topics...

They, They, They, I,I,I
Dryness
Daily Cross

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC03A The Spiritual Search. Chapter 3 Section A of Traditional Quaker Christianity.

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

This episode covers Unworthiness, Weariness and Doubt with a reading from Robert Barkley's Apology for the True Christian Divinity (Freiday).

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #2 Fear of God

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In this second episode of the Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends, Henry begins with a review of plans for this and subsequent episodes: Topics will be presented and explained and then discussions will ensue. In this episode, two topics are covered.

The “Fear” of the Lord
Inward vis-a-vis Outward aspects of reality

Henry also comments on problems with translations.

Multiple points are made in subsequent discussions. In these discussions he points out that you can (as the disciples did) find Christ within you.

Notes on the two topics are as follows...

Fear of the Lord
Hebrew: yirah = fear
Greek: Phobos – fear; reverential awe, gobsmacking awe
Kurios - Lord = owner, master
The Roman emperor was called Kurios. God the father was Kurios, Lord.

Quaker

Pistis
Pistis – faith; belief, trust,
Pisteuō v. - have confidence in, trust, put one’s trust in;
believe
“pis-‘ in these words is a form of the Greek root “pith-” meaning: persuade, obey

Inward - Outward
In Early Modern English (EME) these words usually had a
stationary meaning, where something is located (versus Modern English where they
usually indicate movement or direction)

Inward vis-a-vis Outward Aspects of Reality:

Inner ~ outer
Interior ~ exterior

Inside ~ outside
Mental ~ physical
Mind ~ body
then also: Inward mind ~ outward mind

Within ~ without (= Mod. Eng. meaning: outside)
Spirit ~ matter
Spiritual ~ nonspiritual, physical, material

Greek: pneuma = Hebrew Ruach:
Spirit (abstract) ~ wind/breath (physical)

For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2Cor 3:6

Greek gramma = alphabet letter; anything written

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends #1 Introduction and Goals

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

This is the first episode of a series entitled “Fundamental Beliefs of Conservative Friends: What We are Conserving”. The program will be devoted to presenting various traditional Quaker teachings, principles and understandings. The series is geared primarily for Conservative Friends but is open to all others who have an interest or are curious about our beliefs. One spiritual topic (and possibly more) will be presented by Henry Jason in each session. This will then be followed by a discussion and time for questions and answers.

In this episode Henry introduces himself and describes the goals of the series. He lists the books that are the source materials and explains why these books (rather than some other Quaker Classics) are used. He briefly presents some of the topics and words that will be the subject of discussion in later episodes. These are…

Repentance
Redemption
Regeneration
Ego/Self
Mortification
Spiritual Baptism
Fear of the Lord
Inward/Outward Aspects of Reality
The Lord’s Prayer.

Also, included will be concepts, beliefs and doctrines that Friends have traditionally rejected. Examples:

The Trinity
Original sin
Water Baptism

Henry gives a brief examination of the schisms in Quakerism. This short review concludes with a quote from Edward hicks.

A discussion ensues with Henry and some participants regarding the environment of early Christianity.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #09 Chapter 06 Verse 14 – Verse 44

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0500

This podcast episode begins with the story of John the Baptist’s beheading. It expands into a discussion of baptism as originally practiced by the Jews and how John’s baptizing was different. Early Quakers felt that outward water baptism as a ritual should be laid aside. The true baptism is inward. Henry examines the Greek words for “prophet”, “miracle” and “raise”.

The session continues with the story of the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. A participant points out the parallel between the feeding of the multitudes and the Last Supper. Henry compares the quiet prayer of Jesus to Quaker waiting worship. He then describes where Jesus had his “headquarters”. He also explains the value of a denarius so that we can understand the possible cost of feeding the multitude. The danger of taking all scripture literally is explored. There is more to focus on than the fact of the miracles.

The following is a glossary of the words examined in this session…

BAPTISM, BAPTIZE:

Baptisma n. - immersion, baptism

Baptizō v. – immerse, wash, baptize

Prophētēs n. - prophet - one who speaks on behalf of another (i.e. for God)

Dunamis n. - power

Dunamai v. - can, be able

RESURRECTION, RESURRECT:

Egeirō v. - wake up, get up, lift up, rise up, raise

Egersis n. - a waking up, resurrection

Anistēmi v. - restore, stand something up, raise up.

Anastasis n. - resurrection, a rising up

Basileus n. - king

Basileia n. - kingdom, domain, dominion

Dēnarios n. - Latin denarius n. - denarius

Anēr n. - man (a male, husband), pl. andres

Anthrōpos n. - man, human being

The number “40" as a symbol of a significant transition from before to after

Sēmeion n. - sign

Miraculum (Latin) n. - miracle

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC02D The Psalms and Other Scripture Passages. Chapter 2 Section D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

The Psalms and Other Scripture Passages.

This section discusses how reading and internalizing scripture can be an asset to our spiritual lives. It presents a number of scripture passages that Friends have found useful.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC02C Ways of Exploring the Bible. Chapter 2 Section C of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 11:00:00 -0500

Ways of Exploring the Bible.

This section discusses a number of ways to examine and profit from Scriptures. This includes individual, family and group approaches.

In this podcast episode we also remind Friends about Quaker Questions, a Zoom meeting where questions about Conservative Friends can be answered. They will occur every third and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Email ohiocalendar@hotmail.com for Zoom link.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC02B Are the Scriptures Essential to Salvation? Chapter 2 Section B of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Are the Scriptures Essential to Salvation?

This section includes quotes from George Fox's Journal and from Terry Wallace's article Scripture and Salvation.

In this podcast episode we also introduce Quaker Questions, a Zoom meeting where questions about Conservative Friends can be answered. They will occur every third and fifth Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Email ohiocalendar@hotmail.com for Zoom link.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study #08 of Mark Chapter 06 Verse 01 – Verse 16

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400

This session starts out with a participant reflecting on the statue titled “If only I touch him”. Henry then talks about how Isaac Penington and William Penn use the phrase “The Word”. He describes how it can convey different things to different people at different times. There is a rereading the section where Jesus returns to his home town. Why wasn’t Jesus accepted there as the Messiah? There is a review of the wandering in the wilderness and forty days being an indication of a significant transition. The session continues in chapter six with a reading of verses seven to thirteen where Jesus sends out the disciples. Henry explains how the word “repent” has been subject to a bad translation. The original word and its meaning are examined. This leads to a look at how the first Quakers saw “repentance” (or transformation of one’s whole mindset) as a three-step process. What did these early Friends mean when they used the word “convince”? The group then participates in a significant discussion on how convincement can play out in one’s relationship with God and how humility develops from this.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC02A Making Use of Scripture. Chapter 2 Section A of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Chapter 2 Section A: Making Use of Scripture

This section covers:

Scripture is illuminated by the true Word of God.
Parallel tracks: religious history and personal spiritual growth.
The Quaker faith is biblically based.
The Scriptures offer historical and personal relevance today.
The Bible's spiritual value.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #07 Chapter 05 Verse 01 – Chapter 06 Verse 06

Sat, 17 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

In this session, Henry reviews a number of stories about Jesus. He starts with the story of the possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes and uncovers a bit of humor: he points out a jibe at the Romans and explains why demons ending up in an outrageous number of pigs might be funny. The next story is about the woman suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years. The discussion covers the implications of this woman being unclean and the meaning of faith. More stories are considered including the healing of the young girl and Jesus returning to his home. Henry points out that Jesus was more than just a carpenter. The session concludes with observations about Jesus not being appreciated in his home town.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC1D Righteousness, Holiness, and the Power of God. Chapter 1 Section D of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 16:00:00 -0400

Chapter 1 Section D: Righteousness, Holiness, and the Power of God

This section covers:

The Ethic of Obligation.
Self-denying and deeply engaged.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC1C Atonement and Reconciliation with our Creator. Chapter 1 Section C of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -0400

Chapter 1 Section C: Atonement and Reconciliation with our Creator

This reading covers: Salvation through Obedience

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC1B God's Old and New Covenants. Chapter 1 Section B of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Chapter 1 Section B: Gods Old and New Covenants with Humanity

This reading covers:

Outward gatherings and godly individuals.
The Old Covenant.
The New Covenant.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC1A Jesus Christ is the Word of God. Chapter 1 Section A of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Chapter 1 Section A: Jesus Christ is the Word of God

This reading covers:

What the Bible says about the Word of God.
Jesus is the One who gives us a right understanding of the Scriptures.
George Foxes experience of Who the Word Is.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC0 Introduction: Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

This reading covers the introduction to the book Traditional Quaker Christianity.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

TQC0 A forward to the readings of Traditional Quaker Christianity

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

This is forward to the readings of Traditional Quaker Christianity. It provides a brief encouragement to listen to the podcast readings and describes what to expect.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #06 Chapter 04 Verse 21 – Verse 41

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Henry begins this session with a review of the parable of the Sower and the meaning of “The Word”. He then goes on with the parable of the Lamp and explores the puzzle of “more will be given” and “more will be taken away”. The next parable studied is the seed growing into a plant. This opens into Christian growth and what it means to become "perfect". The final parable of this session is of the Mustard Seed. Henry then discusses the best translations of the New Testament and their historical implications. In this context, translating the word “servant” or “slave” is considered. The session concludes with the miracle of the calming of the storm and the multiple meanings of the word “faith”.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #05 Chapter 04 Verse 01 – Verse 20

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 21:00:00 -0400

In this session, Henry focuses on the parable of the Sower. This broadens into other topics like: is the Bible the “Word of God”, taking the Bible literally (especially the New Testament) and how the early Friends approached Scripture. The meaning of the word “seed” and “scripture” are examined. Finally, a better translation of “temptation” and “evil” as found in the Lord’s Prayer.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #04 Chapter 02 Verse 18 – Chapter 03 Verse 35.

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0400

Henry starts off by reviewing a question from last week regarding the similarities between the words “anger” and “compassion” in Aramaic. He then returns to the Gospel of Mark where he examines why Jesus’ followers did not fast and who is called to fast today. The group looks into: new wine in old wine skins, what is the new wine, what is lawful on the Sabbath and what is the Sabbath for? Henry explains who the Pharisees were and then discusses the naming of the Apostles. An interesting topic develops with the question: what is special about Phillip’s name? This leads into an examination of the composition of surnames including one's father’s name and/or the place of origin. Henry reviews the meaning of the word "parable" and then considers what it means to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. The group discusses why it is not enough to be against war. Like prophecy and exorcisms, it must be coming from the right place. We must think like Jesus thought. Henry concludes talking about the Seed Within and offering a commentary that the first generation of Quakers “got it right”.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #03 Chapter 01 Verse 21 – Chapter 02 Verse 17

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0400

This episode explores Jesus in the synagogue, the meaning of "unclean" and the word "holy". There is a discussion of what it meant to be a leper in Jesus’ time. Henry considers the similarities of the words anger and compassion in Aramaic. Other topics include: The Son of Man, Jesus forgiving sins and healing, Jesus associating with sinners and tax collectors, the word "disciple", the value of the King James Bible and being self-righteous.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #02 Chapter 01 Verse 09 - Verse 20.

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0400

In this session, Henry continues with his examination of the Gospel of Mark. He walks through Jesus’ baptism, his experience in the desert and his calling of James and John. As he does so, he addresses several questions: Why was Jesus baptized? What happened and why? What does it mean for the heavens to be torn apart? What is the true symbolism of a dove? What did God reveal to Jesus? What kind of king is Jesus? Through these examinations, Henry dives into the meaning of many words and how they are sometimes mistranslated. Included in this are the words: impure, forty, desert, angel, parable, belief, disciple and repentance. He also reviews the importance of the term “The Kingdom of God”. Is it within or among you?

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

Conservative Friends Bible Study of Mark #01 Chapter 01 Verse 01 - Verse 08

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0400

In this, the first Conservative Friends Bible Session, our teacher Henry Jason introduces himself and starts an examination of the Gospel of Mark. Henry’s informative style goes into the meaning of key words, what they meant in the culture of Jesus’ world and their implications for us today. Included in the words he examines in this episode are: Gospel, Jesus, Christ, Prophet, Son of God, Lord, Baptism, Repentance and Spirit.

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.

An Introduction to Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 20:00:00 -0400

In this episode we briefly describe Ohio Yearly Meeting and why one might want to listen to our podcasts

A complete list of our podcasts, organized into topics, is available on our website.

We also have several Zoom study groups. Check out the Online Study and Discussion Groups on our website.

Advices read in these podcasts can be found on page 29 in our Book Of Discipline.

We welcome feedback on this and any of our other podcast episodes. Contact us through our website.