The Bible: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

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There is a distinction between Bible reading and Bible study. The former relates to reading as one would any document. The Bible year plan is an example of Bible reading. Our concern today relates to Bible Study. This is the ability to read, analyze systematize and draw conclusions from what one has read. There are approaches to Bible study that can be used in seeking to understand the text.
1.Studying book by book.
2.Autobiography: The life of an individual. This involves studying a Biblical character from the information presented in the entire Bible where possible.
3.Topical: Choosing a topic and looking at a particular book, or several books that speak to the subject. What does the Bible have to say on the subject of marriage, war, inspiration, etc?
4.Exegetical: This approach relates to looking at a chapter, verse, etc., and asks questions such as who is the author, which date was it written, where was the author at the time of writing, what circumstances prompted the composition of the document? What language was being used, and are the author’s thoughts correctly conveyed when translation took place? Are their particular words or phrases that have been lost or inadequately expressed during the translation process from one language to the other? What were the major issues that the individual or church was facing? What were the social, political and economic factors that influenced the writer and the recipient of the document? All of these and more are factors that must be taken into account when using this approach.
5.Systematic: Studying the scriptures by looking at a topic from the scriptures. This process uses the exegetical method and applies it across the entire Bible and looks to see how the Holy Spirit impressed different minds concerning the same truth.

Tools for Bible Study
Concordance: Used for looking up words in the Bible in their original language.
Bible Dictionary: Used to look up words or subjects in the Bible and how they were used across one or both testaments.
Bible Commentary: Used to explain various passages of scripture and entire books.
Bible Atlas: Used to lookup locations mentioned in the text and sometimes their modern equivalent.

Using the gospel of John as a sample we discover several things:
1.Authorship: The author names identifies himself as the disciples whom Jesus loved, who leaned on his breast. John 21:20-24. He says that he is the one who wrote the gospel which we identify as the gospel of John. Early church fathers identified the writer as John.
2.Date: Where possible look for internal evidence within the document itself or look at Church history. (AD 50-70)
3.Purpose: To show the Deity of Christ. John’s gospel has several parallels to the book of Genesis. This is reflected in the themes that he uses such as light, word, creation darkness, etc..
**For an extended version of this article send an email to seminars@sbcadventist.org.bs and type 'John' in the subject field.
--Pastor Lynden Williams, Bible Studies & Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator, South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.


SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE BIBLE CONFERENCE 2019
‘Islam and Christianity-Daniel 11’ on November 27-30, 2019 at the Centreville Seventh-day Adventist Church with Guest Presenter, Tim Roosenberg, Author of the book Islam & Christianity In Prophecy: a study of Daniel 11. All members are invited to attend! 



CONFERENCE CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT A GLANCE
DECEMBER
1: Public Christian Witness
1: Pathfinder Band Concert
7: Adventist Men Annual Concert
7: 2019 Curacao, IAD Bible Connection Finals
7: Stewardship Emphasis Day
7: Mission Transform 242: Local Church AY Distributes used shoes, clothing, bags, books
devotional in good condition to charities
8 - 9: Cayman Island Conference Session
7 - 12: Personal Evangelism and Leadership Council – PELC (Seminar at Oakwood University)
13 -15: Winter Youth Retreats Youth Day and Youth Banquets (Local Churches) PM - Adventurer and Pathfinder Congress
14: Health Emphasis Day
15: Local Church/AY Banquets
19: Conference Office Closes for Holidays


ATCU PUSH INITIATIVE
The prayer focus of The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) for the week, December 1– 7, 2019: Family Businesses.


JOB OPENING
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Through an international network, ADRA delivers relief and development assistance to individuals in more than 130 countries regardless of their ethnicity, political affiliation, or religious association. By partnering with communities, organizations, and governments, ADRA is able to improve the quality of life of millions through 9 impact areas. ADRA Bahamas is one of the newest country offices, and to meet the demands of our growing operations, we are looking for a committed Christian to fill the newly established role of Finance Manager. The position will be based in Nassau with approximately 20% of time given to traveling within the Bahamas and eventually to overseas once or twice a year. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Responsibilities to include, but not limited to: --Maintaining accounting records current and auditable.
-Produce monthly financial statements and other financial reports as needed, the distribution of the reports to the ADRA board, all relevant donors, the regional office, and project managers.
-Must be familiar with all contracts and budgets (both project and country office).
-Ensure compliance with all donor regulations relating to finance.
-Develop and implement internal control systems.
-Strategic budgeting, and cash flow planning.

Educational Qualification:
Graduate or postgraduate qualifications in Accounting, Economics, or Business Management

Required Experience:
At least 4 years in Accounting or Finance in the local Government, private companies, or NGOs, preferably in 

management positions.
Interested candidates meeting the above requirements need  to  express  their  interest exclusively via email to: adrabahamas@gmail.com. no later than November 22, 2019.
Telephone calls will not be accepted. Further instructions on the application process will be conveyed by reply email.


BAHAMAS ACADEMY
Bahamas Academy presents ‘A Star Is Born’ on Tuesday December 10, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at #73 Marshall Road. Tickets are available at the school for adults and children. Please come and join us.
– Mrs. Juliette Sands, Principal


COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT UPCOMING TRAINING
There will be training on the Digital Mixer Board for local church media teams and persons interested in serving in this area on January 19 & 26, 2020 with Mr. Dwayne Roberts, Professional Audio Engineer. Please sign up now with your local Communication leader.
–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Communication Director


CHILDREN & ADOLESCENT MINISTRIES DEPARTMENT
Thank You
The CHAM Department would like to say a special thank you to our Pastors, churches, local CHAM leaders, assistants, sponsors, volunteers, parents and children for the contributions made to make the Children’s Weekend a wonderful blessing. May God Continue to Bless You!
–Mrs. Lavern Sturrup, Children & Adolescent Ministries Director


HEALTH MINISTRIES
Adventist Health Professionals and Health Ministries Year-end Social
The Year-end social for the Adventist Health Professionals Association (AHPA) and the Health Ministries of our Conference is scheduled for December 1, 2019 at Poseidon’s Table, Royal Towers, Atlantis Paradise Island at 12:45 p.m. All are invited. RSVP with Mrs. Rosemary Cooper, AHPA President at 455-2373 or  Nathelyn LaCroix at 826-8486.

8 Weeks to Wellness 2020
8 Weeks To Wellness 2020 under the theme 'I Choose To Live Healthy' is scheduled to begin on February 3, 2020 at the New Providence Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Come and learn how to manage and prevent illness physically, mentally and spiritually. God can do more with healthy people.

8 Weeks to Wellness Training
All persons interested in volunteering as a coach or any other area for 8 Weeks to Wellness 2020 are invited to a meeting on December 10, 2019 at 5:30p.m at the South Bahamas Conference headquarters. —Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director.

Health Behaviour Change Seminar 
The Adventist Health Professionals Association will be conducting a seminar under the Theme 'Health Behaviour Change’.  All medical and non-medical personnel are invited.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be awarded.  AHPA financial members are free, all others will be required to give a small donation.  For registration and more information, kindly contact Dr. Monique Mitchell at 601-1392 or Mrs.  Rosemary Cooper at 455-2373.

Psychological First Aid Certification
The Pan American Health Organization is offering a free virtual course in Psychological First Aid (PFA) in disaster management in the Caribbean. The Psychological First Aid (PFA) course is a ten-hour self-paced training. It aims to equip lay persons with the tools to appropriately provide the initial response to individuals experiencing psychological distress secondary to crisis situations. Click on this link to register: https://caribbean.campusvirtualsp.org/  For further information, Whatsapp  Nathelyn LaCroix at 826-8486 or email Lifestylecounsellor64@gmail.com 
--Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director

Simple Remedies and Preventative Medicine Seminar - Uchee Pines 2020 
All persons interested in attending a Simple Remedies and Preventative Medicine Seminar on March 22-26, 2020 at Uchee Pines in Seale, Alabama can register at the following link:
https://www.ucheepines.org/seminars/simple-remedies-preventive-medicine/ For further information, please contact Nathelyn LaCroix at 323-0610 or Whatsapp 826-8486.
 --Mrs. Nathelyn Lacroix, Health Ministries Director


WOMEN’S MINISTRIES  
Fourth Quarter (October - December)
“WE” (Women Empowerment) – Q4 Forecast:
December 2019
1 - Hillview Women’s Ministries Royal Fall Tea Party
7 - Zone 4 Community Outreach – Mt. Thompson, Exuma

Warfare Wednesdays
The Women’s Ministries Department extends an invitation all women in the South Bahamas Conference to take a minute to ‘pause and pray’ with us at 12 noon each Wednesday. This collective effort not only enrich our prayer lives, but the results of these unified prayers are unmeasurable.  You may contact your local leader for more information on this wonderful initiative.

Donation Request, Used, But In Good Condition Devotionals 
Kindly donate to your local Women’s Ministries Leader for distribution during our community outreach projects this year.
--Mrs. Jacqueline Gibson, Women’s Ministries Director


MEN’S MINISTRIES ADVENTIST MEN CHORALE CONCERT CANCELLATION
Due to unforeseen circumstances the annual concert for the South Bahamas Conference’s Adventist Men Chorale scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2019 has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Thank you and we look forward to your continued support in the New Year.
–Elder Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator


SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE MUSIC MINISTRIES
Rehearsals for the newly organized SBC Youth Choir, for persons ages 15 – 30 years, continues at the Agape Church, Wulff Road, this Sunday and every Sunday at 6:00 p.m.  You are invited to be a part of this dynamic Youth Choir.
--Mrs. Annette Dorsett, Music Ministries Coordinator


SOUTH BAHAMAS CONFERENCE RETIREES’ ASSOCIATION (SOBCRA) NOTICE
A general meeting of the South Bahamas Conference Retirees’ Association will be held   on Thursday, 12th   December   2019 at 11:00a.m. at the Philadelphia Church, Fellowship Hall.  All members are encouraged to attend this very important meeting as new Officers will be elected to hold office for the next ensuing period.
 -- Sis. Esther Vincent, Secretary/Treasurer


PRAYER MINISTRIES CONFERENCE-WIDE SERVICES
Please note, the Conference-wide Prayer meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2019 at the New Providence Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Time: 6:00a.m. All are invited.
--Pastor Leonardo Rahming, Prayer Coordinator


YOUTH DEPARTMENT TIDBITS
Pathfinder Investiture Dates: 
November 30- Hillview & Good News Pathfinder Clubs
December 7 - New Englerston & Ephesus Pathfinder Clubs
December 14 - Philadelphia, Mangrove Cay
Johnson Park & Francophone Pathfinder Clubs

Winter Youth Retreat Dates:
December 6-8 - Good News Youth Retreat
December 14 - New Providence Youth Retreat

Adventist Youth Awards
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2019  
Venue: Breezes Hotel & Resort  
Time: 5:30 p.m    Tickets: $60.00  
Meals: All you can eat buffet!  
TICKETS DEADLINE: Monday, December 2, 2019.
Option A: Tickets can be purchased at the ABNC    
Option B: Pathfinder/AY Leader or Youth Department office    
Option C: Churches can pay to reserve tables.

Meeting Notice 
Adventurer & Pathfinder Directors End of Year Meeting will be held on Monday, December 9, 2019 6: 00p.m at the Conference Office. AY Leaders End of Year Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6: 00p.m at the Conference Office.
--Pastor Jamal Franklyn, Youth Director


GOOD NEWS CHURCH YOUTH RETREAT 'SWIPE RIGHT'
ALL Youth are invited to join us at the Bahamas Youth Camp from December 6-8, 2019. COST $30. (For Ages 14-30 years). There will be: Interactive sessions, spiritual and uplifting programs, avenues to develop a closer walk with Jesus, social activities and prizes & surprises. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS NOVEMBER 15, 2019. CALL/WHATSAPP FOR MORE INFORMATION - 359-0833 / 813-4554.


FINALE CHORALE
There will be Finale Chorale rehearsal on Tuesday 3, December 2019.  All members are requested to be present.
– Mr. Nelson Bain Conductor


ADVENTIST BURIAL SOCIETY
The Seventh-day Adventist Burial society will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday December 2nd, 2019 at 6:30 p.m at the Grant’s Town Church Annex.  Members are encouraged to become financial and persons wishing to join the society are invited to attend.
---Elder R. Henry Moncur


LIVING FAITH CHURCH
The Living Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church Children's Choir invites you to join with them in grateful hearts at their Christmas Concert, "Rejoice, Give Thanks and Sing" on Sunday, 15th December 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Church on Old Trail Road. Tickets are available from the Choir Leaders, Sis. Kim Knowles and Sis. Laura Glinton at a minimal cost.
– Mrs. Vesta M. Williams, Church Clerk

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                              By Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.
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                   http://southbahamasconference.org   

                                    CALL 341-4021
                         SUN SETS NEXT SABBATH
                      December 7, 2019 AT 5:20p.m.