Debora

Q1. (2:15-16) In what way is God's glory dependent upon us living submissive, obedient lives? How is God hurt when we get rebellious?

Q5. (2:12) How can the good deeds we commit by living openly as Christians increase God's praise. How does our "blending in" detract from God's praise? I believe it is all about living a victorious life daily. Good deeds will come naturally as God works in us as we come to repentance and transform. When we live in his ways we give Him the glory. For Jesus was example and so are we to be. If we are then many will see and give our Father praise when they desire to make change, convert, because of our influence in their lives. This gives the father glory. Our silent witness and walking testimony to the world. For He works through us and it is not our glory but His when there are victories upon victories. We overcome evil with good, and daily live is combatting the world and the people in it that are pagan. We are his representatives walking on this earth. Is our image of a Christian, the image of Him, that gives good witness to the Father and Jesus' name. What Increases God's praise (what is asked of us, to do as in the Bible - some examples): 1. When pagans do evil and the Christian repays with good (Romans 12:17 & 12:9-19) 2. When pagans slap the right cheek and the Christians turns to him the left cheek as well (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29). 3. When a pagan is in need and asks, you give, if a pagan takes something Christian do not demand it back (Luke 27-36). Blending in could mean we act like the pagan does and do as the pagans do. Our behaviors and attitudes are like theirs. When we do so there is no visible difference to the name we carry as "Christian people". We give false witness and testimony and give being a Christian a bad name or meaningless name. This brings dishonor to our Father. The pagan may not know what a Christian is, for they may not know the word of God. If we truly are Christian our actions and words coincide with what God asks of us, God's word. The pagan will know what is written for we are God's living word in our actions and speech. We become example giving all what we do Glory to God in a world that has been influenced by darkness and evil. We are his beacon of lights for others to guide and bring them along to safe shores again, in hopes they will return to the homeland which is promised to all. Giving glory to God is showing the way, the life and the truth to the world through Christ Jesus in us. When others return on a homeland quest and join us in the journey, convert, there is rejoicing in heaven and on earth by the people of God. Victories won daily for God's greater glory - spreading the Good News, helpers to Jesus in bringing them back home to the Father. Like a bride is to the bridegroom, a woman is to a man in a marriage, we as Christians are the helper at Jesus side (bride and bridegroom) in a convenant relationship, as in marriage, to be united and to bring about unity with others. Jesus united us back to the Father through his blood shed and Jesus in us works so others may have the same benefit as we which was intended for all. Not all respond we are there to make a difference in their lives to bring hope, the promise of God for us, mankind. Christians corporately give God the glory and praise when they meet for worship and praise for all He has done for us and will do, out of gratefulness and out of priesthood royal duty. This gives God praise, those being his give of themselves to serve their Father and willingly to do his will: 1. We go to church to be equipped. 2. We read, study and listen to the word being preached to be sanctified and transformed through repentance, the Holy Spirit and Jesus working in us.

Q4. (2:11) Read 1 Peter 2:11 carefully. The world tells us (1) to conform and (2) that sin won't hurt us. What does Peter tell us to combat these lies? How can this reminder help us? Peter urges us to abstain from sinful desires and that the world battles for our souls. We are strangers and aliens here in the world. The reminder reminds us who we are, a holy nation, a peoples of royal priesthood, God's people. That we are to be on guard and watchful of our soul. For the world is like bait on a line waiting to hook a fish or trap it and cook it in frying pan. Be wise, be alert and if you abide in Jesus, remain in Him until you reach the homeland where God dwells.

Q3. (2:9) What actions and attitudes should this idea of being part of God's own people inspire in us? My attitude is of heartfelt gratitude (thanksgiving): 1. For being chosen by God to be his child, a daughter who belongs to a holy nation and of royal priesthood. 2. For taking me out from darkness and giving me His light to live in. To be surrounded and clothed in His marvellous light. For giving me this gift in life. 3. For giving me himself which is treasured and all He does for me is cherished and all He does is not forgotten but stored as riches. For what He gives surpasses all of what the world can offer. All his benefits to not forget of being a daughter who is of a holy nation, is part of a royal priesthood, and of people who belongs to God. My action is to serve Him out of gratitude by: 1. giving worship & praise to God and Jesus; to declare his praises 2. obeying Him; to do and live as written in the Bible - God's ways and standards I look forward to the study of 1 Peter and to walk with all of you during this study. I am thankful to God for Pastor Ralph who has made this possible for us to be here learning together. God bless you all, Debora

Q2. (2:5) If your praise is primarily for God's benefit, not your own, how should you be offering praise? With my heart and mind focused on Him (foremost in giving praise and consistent with the additional following ways I can think of, while being focused on God and Jesus in doing any one way or combination of what follows): 1. With thanksgiving. 2. With joy and exuberantly. 3. With feet - standing/sitting; bowed head and bended knee; dancing. 4. With hands - outstretched arms/lifting hands; clapping hands; playing instruments. 5. With mouth - singing, shouting, speaking. 6. With tears and crys. 7. With the many different words that speak of his name; to call them out to him as praise telling him who he is to me (us) - Adonai, Yeshua, Almighty, Redeemer, My Rock, My Salvation ............ 8. In Spirit (worship flowing out of deepest part of myself) 9. In Truth (worship in sincerity and fashioned according to the pattern of God's word) 10. With gladness in my heart for all he has done for me. 11. With expectation to meet Him, the one who created me and to show Him my love for Him and gratitude. 12. With reverence.

Q1. (2.5) Christians often look at their relation to God as consumers, delighting in what God does for them. What is the mindset of a priest towards God? What can I do for you God (for all he has done for me) is my mindset as priest being always grateful for every blessing he sends along the way in doing for Him. How can I serve you God is the mindset I have. We are considered the royal priesthood when we accept Christ Jesus into our lives. Just as Jesus is the Living Stone, my acceptance of him being chosen by God and precious to Him, I become a 'living stone' being built to be a spiritual house. As a spiritual house I do what we do as church when people gather, and be a priest, in the environments I live in - home & workplace and within my heart and mind I serve Him. I have a purpose as royal priesthood to worship and obey God: 1. to worship Him; in the environments I am in i.e. in the home daily, in my car, at work 2. to praise Him with song in all places I am 2. to be sanctified; by reading the word daily; to become holy 3. to offer spiritual sacrifices (prayers) acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (being we come in his name we can offer to God the sacrifice through Jesus Christ) 4. to obey Him - to be faithful and true to Him; doing as the word says in all things and live life according to God's ways or standards not the world What actions does this mindset inspire in you? Inward Actions: 1. to draw closer to God 2. to long for Him 3. to perseve and endure 4. to be faithful 5. to wait for Him 6. to overcome and be victorious in Christ Jesus 6. to have focus on God in all I do in daily life 7. to give myself full availability to Him 24/7 in service Outward Actions: 1. to forgive others as He forgives me 2. Cloth & shelter others; give of time to projects - donate items and time 3. Feed others; physically and spiritually 4. heal others; visit the sick; lay hands 5. show mercy to others 6. pray for others 7. share Jesus and the Good News to others

Q4. (1:18-19) Have you ever felt you were of no worth or of no value? Yes, before I knew that God existed or Jesus entered my life. There is no meaning or purpose to existence without knowing God. I never encountered such pure love as from God. In my opinion it is love that gives a person their worth and value. God's presence in my life gives me purpose to my life and reason for my existence and for living thus giving me great worth and great value. What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? One Peter says our worth and value is greater than the most precious metals, gold and silver which man esteems and gives great monetary value to in this world and, by which countries barter and use these precious metals as measures of universal standards in the economic marketplace. But God says our value and worth is much more precious than what is highly valued in this world. God puts mankind as highest value above all things he created. God says that our value and worth is so great he sent his Son, Jesus, and had His Son sacrifice His life on a cross and shed His blood so Jesus' precious blood would cover us, cleanse us, purify us and purchase us, to unite us back to the Father, our Creator. That is how great is our value and worth is, done out of love for us, his creation - mankind. What does it say about God's love for you? God love is so great for me (us) that he sent His Son and sacrificed his Son who willingly died for me (us) as the Father asked Him to, on a cross so that we may live forever and have life and be united back to God. In his love for me, He gave me His Son's precious blood to cover me. He sent to me (us) what is most precious to Him, His Son and offered him as a sacrifice so my (our) sin would be forgiven so I (we) may be united to God who is holy and pure and like his Son spotless without blemish I will become. His love as Father and Creator is so great that He gave His Son to me, so I (we) may experience His love for me. A gift of love is what God gave me, Jesus, so I (we) may have the Father's love with me (us) on earth until I (we) reach home and for all that are willing to accept His Son the gift is for all. God's love and His Son's blood have the highest worth and value that outweighs anything this world has to offer. It is His Son's precious blood he gave for me to cover me, so that my sins are forgiven and I may be united back to Him, my Father as once man was, before the fall. That is the great love the Father and His Son has for me. Jesus' love is so great for me (us) and which is like the Father's love for me (us), the same love, that he willingly sacrificed his life on earth being an innocent victim of man. He lay down his life for me at the Father's request, doing the Father's will. Both the Father and the Son have shown their great love for me willing to do what they both did to win me back from the enemy. Their love for me is geniune and protective and they are willing to go to battle for me, to daily fight for my soul. God's love is genuine and protecting till the end, until I am in His Kingdom eternally. It says, God's love is genuine. He created me and will never abandon me and has not abandoned man throughout all the centuries but provided and protected throughout history. It says, God's love is, goodness and pureness. For it is not an empty life but abundant life he intends and intended and wants for all to have. What he intended in the beginning will be when his plan comes into fulfillment for me (us), paradise again and forever. It says His love is unchanging and forever will be. God is faithful, true, unchanging and eternal so is His love then. If he is love and we are to be in his image, then we will become love. I was loved even in my sinfulness thus His love is unconditional and as was from the beginning for all, and is to the end for eternity and will be when He comes again. I think of a mother bear and her cubs. If her cubs are endangered by an enemy that is lurking and prowling nearby, by instinct she will do what she can to eliminate what is endangering her little ones. I think of God, our Father, Abba, his love is so great for his children that in his plan of fulfillment of our salvation, he will eliminate all predators forever, that is the enemy in the final judgment. God's love for us is shown in his protective nature for us, for His children today, yesterday and for tomorrow. His love provides us with battle gear, armor and his shield of faith up until the last days and for eternity. It says that God's love is paternal, genuine, pure, protective and eternal. What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? I am precious and have rare value in this world. I am worth more than anything this world has to offer, I am priceless. I am purchased and owned by the Father, God. I have an inheritance that entitles me to riches beyond this world. These riches are not of what earth has but of greater and endless value. These riches are non-comparable to the most precious esteemed treasures man has placed in this world. I am rich beyond worldy measure. My Jesus, is King and I am an heir. Monetary value has no meaning in the Kingdom of God and not a measure of riches. So, I live to give all I have in monetary value and keep what I need to live upon while my time here for God's greater glory for others. Money has no value, it is people that has the greatest value in this world. My long-term value is priceless. My financial assets are uncontainable and beyond worldy measure when we believe. What are your true long-term investments? Why? My true long-term investment is placing all have and all I own into the Kingdom of God. Like Paul my goal is to run the race to the finish for the prize. All, in hope and desire to be with my Father whom loves me and I, who loves him, and we shall be for eternity. It is what God, Jesus asks, sell all you have and come follow me.

3. (1:17) Why are people in our culture so upset when they sense they are being judged by someone else? I can think of three reasons: 1. There is no universal law that governs the world. 2. God's law is not universal in the world. 3. Man's tendency to justify his own actions as right and good. People come from different cultures and traditions. Groups of people tend to have their own uniqueness, characteristics, traditions... laws. The world is becoming more and more a blend of nations in one country where a country alone is not typical of one group of ethnic peoples. Thus, when we are judged by another, there will be a bias. People take offence to one and another with judgments. Whereas, we are treated all equally by the Father who judges each man's work impartially. Sometimes there is no bias but disobedience and what will exist is two opposing laws; man's and God's (written on the heart and mind). For example, Christian workplaces and businesses, sometimes use the world's standards instead of God's to determine justice in a workplace, i.e. labor laws. Christian people upsetting other Christians. Non-christians and Christians in the world are subjected to many biases, standards that differ between states, provinces and countries, i.e. the court systems for example. It is upsetting to be judged by another for the world has many expectations and standards as do individuals thus, unfairly are we judged and when we are there is tendency to become offended. God's standards are the univeral standards by which all will be judged by, in the end and there will be no bias. How do you reconcile final judgment with God's love for the world? To accept such unpleasantness that is final judgment, and reconcile it to God's love, is by looking at the destruction brought about by evil or wickedness harming what is good and pure, God's creation. By looking at what great love God has for us, the works of his hands. A protective nature acts to eliminate or put to rest what is poisoning or destroying what is good as an act of justice. It is not that none of this was unavailable, the information that there will be a final judgment. There have been warning and consequences lay out throughout history to make man aware of the fact and have knowledge. It is like a parent saying to a their child, these are the rules you must follow and obey and if not here is what will follow and the consequences are given. God taks the form as Father, being called 'Abba' by Jesus which meands "daddy". I think of a mother bear protecting her cubs. By instinct she would do anything if there is a fearsome prowler lurking about to pounce and destroy her babies. Abba is our protector from harm and provider of security. It is the love of the Father for us, His children, that the final judgment exists and part of His plan. Why must final judgment be at the core of the Good News of Jesus Christ? There is a penalty or consequences. God is the owner, creator of the universe. He has all the power and control. There must be accountability to a form of law and order and a submissiveness to the Creator in respect and reverence as well, consequences to disobedience. God is in control and we are not. God is God and we are not. The good news is about the Kingdom of God and without final judgment there is no purpose and meaning to life. What happens to the Gospel when final judgment is left out or ignored? Life would turn over to the discretion of man. The flesh is weak and if man had no reason not to do things he should not, why would he not do them. There would be no meaning nor purpose for man. Mankind will eventually take control of their own lives rather than having God be in control. I believe it would eventually become a world of lost people if there was no final judgment because of the nature of man who is a sinner and who would tend to follow the flesh, than the Spirit. For the flesh is weak. What God has created is good indeed. This world is a tempting place to reside in. It is a temporary residence however, like a filling station and not a permanent residence. Without final judgment man will get lax and complacent causing jeopardy to their own souls. God knows us, He created us. He knows what is best for us and for his Kingdom and everything He does is out of love, for God is love.

Q2. (1:15-16) In your own words, how would you define "holiness"? Holiness would be living to the standards of God which he has set. The Word contains the standards for daily living. Then to be holy is to be 'washed' by the word, sanctified. The word when read is absorbed, eaten, chewed and digested will nourish a person. We then become like Him, to become like Christ Jesus. The word sanctifies, sustains and guides you into living pure lives making a person "pure" over time, coming to perfection. We are being perfected by Christ to be holy through the Word and his Spirit. In what sense are you (by definition) holy now? My sins are forgiven which removes the barrier between me and God. I am becoming more holy by being discipled. Growing by the word, sanctification. In what sense must you be obedient in order to become holy? When we are obedient God says, we will be blessed by Him. To obey Him and do as he asks keeps the relationship going thus the transformation process ongoing. What is your biggest struggle with holiness? Having the ability to readily forgive others at the drop of a dime. Like God forgives me instantly, I should to others thus: 1. I need to have a heart just like Jesus'. 2. I need my mind to be transformed unto Jesus'. 3. I need my will to be conformed to Jesus'.

Q1. (1:13) What about Christ's coming should it get our undivided attention? Why should it inspire hope? Most definitely for God's plan for us will be fulfilled upon Christ's second coming which would inspire hope. It is a time for venegance and justification for those whose lives were taken for the faith as martyrs. For those enduring and perserving persecution and strife and famine there is something greater in store. It is a time for which our goal will be attained like Paul who set his sights on the finish to earn the prize, that is our salvation. The enemy, satan, will be cast into hell and gone for eternity. There will be no more pain, suffering, mourning and tears and when we come into eternity with God in heaven. Why should it inspire self-control and soberness? The other eternity offered is not favorable if it is to be tormented day and night in the burning fires of hell. Therefore, this in itself creates soberness and self-control, and the greatest influence is Christ himself and God's love that compels us. We must work out daily our salvation. We must be alert and catious of the enemy who prowls to destroy us, Christians. We must discipline ourselves in our daily life, giving priority to God as first in our lives; worship and obey Him, be faithful and true to Jesus. For we do not know the hour or the day and Jesus will come like a thief in the night it says, thus we must be on our toes and ready. What happens in our lives when we don't really expect Christ to come soon? We get lazy and comfortable and slip back into the world. A spirit of apathy or compromise may set in.

Q5. (1:8-9) According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, what is the basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious"? The basis or foundation of Christian joy is Jesus Christ himself. It is the faith we have that encounters Christ and we respond with joy when the two meet. How does this joy interplay with human emotions? Joy gives us strength. With joy there is assurance, confident, boldness that Christ is here to carry on. Joy blows away or dispels any darkness, doubts or shadows within. With joy there is light and down to every cell or fibre in your body is ignited giving a gladness to the heart, you rejoice. Is it essentially emotional? No. There is a wellness attachment to joy. Joy is a healing attribute. It is a bringing forth of wellness and wholeness for the body for the whole being is ignited or engaged with the "Joy" of our Lord Jesus. The source of the joy is from Him. It is a fruit of the Spirit. How does it differ from what is generally regarded as the pursuit of "happiness"? Extra Credit: How can you tell the genuine article of joy from the counterfeit? Pursuit of happiness is "satisfaction guaranteed" which only comes from God not worldy material riches stored up. And when you find God, who brings happiness into your lives you are filled with "joy"! For God gives you the Spirit and the spirit within you upon recieving produces joy; abundant and from a never ending spring as the source who is Christ Jesus. We receive the joy of our Lord. This joy does not end when it is from Christ, whereby worldly joy does end and comes in spurts. Worldly joy can be for example a celebration where there is a temporary spurt of joy caused by the energy of the excitement or akin to of the people being celebrated, an emotion. Counterfeit joy is wordly joy and like a balloon. When it pops the joy is gone. Here for a while and gone tomorrow and does not return until another balloon is blown up where the balloon represents i.e. listening to a motivational speaker - you are pepped up for a while then come down/fizzle out; birthday party celebrations - while the party is on there is excitement and laughter, gaiety and merriment but the joy lasts as long as the celebration is in motion. True joy is like living waters and the source that flows is contineous and is tapped into. It is the Spirit of Christ that is the source of joy not from us nor our emotions or events - celebrations. True joy is like a fountain and recognizable by the countenance it brings and seen in a person when it arise, it is bubbly and it is unfading and true joy is consistent and does not run out.

Q4. (1:6-7) Can you remember any instances in which God used difficult circumstances to refine and purify your faith? Many and continually: lose of a mother in twenties; lose of a spouse in forties; termination from jobs and without cause - wrongful dismissal from schooling program and workplace; bankrupcy; non fault car accidents - three years in a row consectively; ruined reputation in communities due to slander and falsehood; accident injuries. I learned to let things go like water off a duck and to rejoice and carry/move on. What did God accomplish in your life? A deeper relationship with Him. Faith increased. Learned to trust Him only. New awareness of Him each time going thru an instance or circumstance. God accomplished being Father in my life and Him being in control of my life, not I. How, exactly, does genuine, tested faith bring glory to Jesus? We bring him honor with our obedience to being faithful and true, in our words and actions, no matter what life dishes out or brings to us in going through an instance or circumstance. There is less of me and more of Him when there is genuine, tested faith which brings glory to Jesus.

Q3. (1:5) According to 1 Peter 1:5, what is God's part in securing your salvation? What is your part? God's part is to protect us. Our part is to be faithful and true to God. God provides us armor. His shield, the shield of faith quenches all the flaming arrows of the evil one. It is through faith we are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that will be revealed in the last time, last days; Jesus' second coming.

Q2. (1:2)Why do forgiveness (sprinkling) and obedience come together as a package? Why is it deceptive to think you can have one without the other? We cannot obey unless we are forgiven. Without forgiveness we are controlled by Satan and not Jesus. If would be deceptive to think you can have either forgiveness or obedience for how can one obey Jesus if one is controlled by the enemy, not well. The enemy would prevent the person from being victorious. For one cannot alone be victorious on their own without Christ. Our obedience would lie with the enemy not with Christ. Extra credit: If true faith requires obedience, how can we say that we are saved by grace rather than works? (Ephesians 2:8-10) The word tells us that we must believe in God's Son who died for us for the atonement of our sin and be forgiven; washed clean. We obey what is written and in faith believe what is written. The word is the truth. When we believe by faith God's word and accept Christ Jesus we are forgiven, saved (John 3:16). It is by God's kindness he bestows on us, his grace expressed through Christ Jesus when we accept him into our lives as our Savior and Lord. Jesus now rules over us and not the enemy. When his grace falls we are a "new man", "new creature", a "new creation", reborn, given spiritual birth and with that re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works. The Spirit within produces good fruits to do the works of Christ Jesus. We become like him over time. What Jesus starts in us will come into completion with faith. So, it is grace not works that transform us into his image, holy, perfect by obedience. For when we obey we are blessed, provided for and matured. With faith we believe in God who is unseen. So we are obedient to God who is Spirit. We are new creatures when we are reborn, saved and created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Those who are faithful and true who obey are blessed and given the gift of salvation by God as a promise we lay claim to by faith.

Q1. (1:1) How would you describe the behavior of a Christian who identifies more with his present homeland than his heavenly one? 1. Maybe individuals who are "lukewarm Christians" identify with their present homeland more than the heavenly one. There first love is not God or Jesus. One behavior could be attend Sunday and leave the Church and God in the building until the next Sunday comes. God is not daily in their lives. 2. Some may be Christians who get caught up in the "busyiness of life" schedules. They do not give God first priority in their lives. Their mind is given to their day's activities all day long with no thought to God at all. God is in their lives but usually at the end of the day, before bed when they are completely tired out, giving God leftovers of themselves and giving to God very little appreciation for their life and relationship with Him. 3. Or, others may not have full commitment but give themselves partially to God. The world draws their attention and the Christian is divided, giving some things of the world priority, where God does not have complete control of their lives. Self is in control or God is control meaning the person serve two masters; satan - the world, and God. Have you ever caught yourself doing this? Yes, as hard as I may try to be 24 hours a day focused on the heavenly homeland the reality is we are planted first in this world. The world does rob you of time, minutes and hours in a day and of your identification for moments as well because we are in the world but, we are not of it. We work, shop, bank ... have activities and within these daily activities troubles and worries pop up to deal with. Which we learn to let go, give to God and carry on and not get hung up on life in this world. We need to move with God. God never sleeps and is always on the move day and night. We need to be with him thus not let our selves get caught up in worldly things but keeping moving on like God, Jesus does. As time goes on in my walk, I catch myself less and less being caught up in my present homeland. I am learning to let go, give and carry on without missing a step or beat in time. I heard someone say we have to become like a duck where water runs off the feathers. I find putting my sights forward on him daily and making a conscience effort to see him in all people, things and situations helps. Giving him as they come worries, and problems makes life living in the homeland vs the world. Making God and Jesus the primary focus throughout the day and in all situations and circumstances as they occur, helps to identify more with the heavenly homeland than to be in the present homeland or stuck in it. What has to happen to get our spiritual priorities straight? 1. We must first have the Spirit of God in our life to guide us. 2. We must put God as first priority in our lives and let him be in control of our whole life, all areas. 3. A person has to make the decision to discipline themselves in their daily life after priorities are set - to give God first priority in all areas of daily life, 24 hours: - be willing to work at it, act upon it and practise it until it becomes a habit in life - to be faithful to disciplining self in being faithful to God A person has to put into practise, discipline measures to always give God first priority. God first in everything that is done in our lives. First thing when you wake up for example, talk to God and give him the first hour of the day and throughout the day. All day till night when you meet Him in prayer again. May he be in your thoughts continuously. Like in the days of Adam and Eve before the fall, God conversed with them in the garden throughout the day. In relationship wise, God has to have to be given as first priority then spouse, then children, then church, then work and throughout the day in all things is He first. We have to develop a habit and it takes discipline to accomplish goals. One goal is to read daily the word and prayer, to sanctify yourself. Another goal to have is to have the mind focused on heavenly homeland throughout the day, for a 24 (hours) seven (days a week) as a living plan. We must make a decision to set priorities straight. Draw up and make a plan to reach the goal. Then follow it, practise it and carry it out being faithful all the while to reaching the goal, total union with God for eternity.

Hello, my name is Debbie or Debora (De-bor-a) another version of a different language of the name Deborah. I am from Canada. I am in my forties and have one child, a daughter who is 25. She is working, completed university and lives at home. I just completed the study on the Book of Revelation which by the way is excellent. This is my second forum and do look forward to this study on 1 Peter. See you in forum!!

question already done, see above

Q3. (Revelation 21:9-27) John's vision of the Holy City is obviously strongly symbolic. But the Holy City pictures "the bride, the wife of the Lamb" (21:9-10; 21:21-2). What does John's vision of the Holy City tell us about the way that Jesus looks at his Church? John's vision of the Holy City is one of splendor and beauty. It is also full of richness and purity. The Holy City is shown as solid and unchanging in the image given. The temple is everywhere like God is and it is His glory that shines eternally and the temple is not a building or in someone but all are "one" and the temple is like God everywhere. John's vision portrays a "oneness". We will become one. That is the way Jesus looks at his Church as one where He is the head and walks among them. The Church is perfect as the spouse is, himself, where the Church is likened to the bride. Jesus sees the Church as the Holy City, full of splendor, beauty, richness, purity, solid, unchanging-faithful, glorious, shining and (all churches) one with Him.

Q4. Three times in these two chapters, John stresses that those who continue to practice sin will not enter. Read Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:14-15; and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What things in these passages point to salvation by the grace of God rather than mere salvation by right living? 1. Those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. 2. Blessings, rights, transportation through the gates of heaven for those who are washed by the blood; those who wash their robes. 3. Sanctification, justification, and walking in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (Holy Spirit). In what way is holy living important to salvation? Why is holy living important to God? God wants us to be holy for God is holy. So it is important to God that we become holy. And by his grace in us we change. We work out our salvation and repent to become like the image he wants us, holy and pure. For God is pure and all in His Kingdom will be. For we are to become like Him. So we practise now and prepare and he sees our willingness and helps us along the way. We are asked to be faithful and true to obey the word and do what is asked, his will. That means to live lives of pureness. To live like Jesus did as example. For this will be how we are to be in the kingdom, like Jesus. What is asked, we do practise so when we enter the gates with thanksgiving and praise it will be walking into a life of holy living forever. So, we are becoming and how else do we become but, by noting changes to be made and ask for his help to make the necessary changes. His grace in us helps us to do all things and to live life in pureness, holiness, not by our will but by His will.

Q2. Read Revelation 21:6; 22:17; and Isaiah 55:1-3. What does the "water of life" represent here and in 22:1? The water of life represents eternal springs of (clear as crystal waters - 'pure' water) to drink from. Which is the free gift of salvation by God's grace. Eternal life = life everlasting and spiritual water gives life to the soul. The spiritual water is grace, purity and holiness flows from the throne of God and Jesus to flow upon us like a river of water so we become filled with His grace, being made pure and holy so as to live with them forever, the fulfillment of the promise. In what sense is it a "free gift" (22:17). God's grace washes over us and not because we deserve it, but He chooses to bestow it freely as favor thus a "free gift". A free gift that God through his promises gives to those who ask. In what ways should "the Spirit and the Bride" (22:17) extend that invitation in your community? God and Jesus and the church, the Spirit and the Bride invite all people to come and drink from the water of life as it is written in the Bible. To come is to accept Jesus into lives for the Father tells us in the Bible that it is through his Son that we receive eternal life and we must come to Him first, His Son. John 3:16. The Lamb will be our shepherd and will lead us to springs of living water, Revelation 7:17. Altar calls is one way to extend the invitation. To invite the people to come to the altar to give themselves and their lives unto Jesus. People are invited to ask Jesus at the altar, representing the throne of God, and prayers rise from the altar to be heard with the prayers of all around in the church rising with those at the altar who ask. Evangelism is another way the Spirit and the Bride extend the invitation: 1. evangelism by action, doing ie building housing projects and medical relief (ex. El Salvador); the action speak louder than words and makes people come back to thank and ask and join them - they come by that mean 2. evangelism by standing on a soapbox in other parts of the world works better to invite the people (ex. some parts of Africa), those who preach the good news or salvation message on street corners or towns villages. People bend their knee to accept the Lord God into their lives. 3. evangelism by training disciples another part of the world has caused a great amount of souls to be saved (ex. China); where church is underground and missionaries disciple student training in serious dililgent study courses. The disciples go out into their families and workplaces to save and disciple others. This method of evangelism works better than the other two above and for good reason so people would not be harmed by those who oppose and control. The Spirit and the Bride move in many ways to invite and it is through people who are the church. So whether it is in the physical building or, where the people gather is church, people outside the Church are being invited to come and take a drink of the eternal springs.

Q1. (21:3-5) What is the significance of the fact that in heaven "God himself will be with them"? 1. That in heaven God is waiting and we long for eternal union. While on earth the Spirit of God is with us. 2. That in heaven we will know the fullness of God. While on earth we receive 'glimpses' or 'portions' of Him. 3. That in heaven we will be in the presence of the God continually like Adam and Eve were before the fall. 4. That in heaven there will be no Satan, Devil or Beast to bother or annoy us no longer and never again! Why can the promises in 21:4 only be fulfilled in heaven? The enemy will be totally defeated and never to prowl or pounce again on a person's life. Hallelujah! All things will be made new and all things will be holy, perfect and good in the new heaven and earth. There will be then no need for death, mourning, tears, crying or pain that is associated with the old heaven and earth. The foe or enemy will be gone forever who had brought about and was the source of cause, for such things as death, mourning, tears, crying or pain. Which of these do you especially look forward to? A redeemed community, truly in unity, with no causes of sorrow to ever occur in anyone's life ever again.

Q5.(Revelation 22:20) If you were convinced that Jesus Christ would return in your lifetime, how would it affect your life? What would you do differently than you do now? My life has changed since I have accepted Christ Jesus and know what a difference He has made in my life today. I am slowly changing. Now if Jesus Christ were to returned that would mean the fulfillment of God's plan and I would be transformed in a twinkle of his eye to be like Him, completely transformed!! It would be like walking into another realm and still be alive, a realm we do not see but will live in for eternity. I think of our salvation as walking on a journey towards the Kingdom and when we physically die or Christ returns we walk onwards and death is not effective; it is nullified, void. We walk straight on home to Abba Father. Amen. I would not do anything different but, to keep learning through the Word, to keep growing in faith and to keep doing what God wants of me. I will continue to change, walk in faith and be faithful and true. I will say more often, "Come, Lord Jesus". I long for you Jesus and I wait for you Jesus is what I continue to say and rejoice when he does appear... like I do now when I get a sense of His presence. I will worship God and obey God, do as He asks. You never know He just may appear in my lifetime. For it says, we do not know the time nor the hour when He will come, so it is best to be always ready. I am reminded of the scripture on the wise virgins. That is to have the oil in my lamp and ready when the bridegroom comes. I do know after doing this study, I will call on Him more now and take all much more seriously than I had in my walk before. I see God is serious and so must we be in our commitment to Him. The outcome for the other side is not favorable at all. I am grateful to God and more so for my life in Christ, knowing what is revealed in Revelation as I have not seen the book of Revelation as what I have now going through it. God bless you all and thank you Pastor Ralph, God's blessings be upon you too!

Q4. (20:12-15) Here is a serious question for each of us -- not one we should respond to with pat answers. What assurance do you have that your name is written in the Book of Life? My assurance is His word, that is, what is written in the Holy Bible. The assurance I have is that Jesus died for me a sinner and that my sin is forgiven. I am forgiven through His grace. Bought by His blood shed and purchased by the Lamb for God thus in the Book of Life. God gives further command to obey (the Word) Him and worship Him. So it is a combination of the promise of the word but one must do what is written and to worship Him. Whatever facts that are written in the Bible is all truth. I believe in the word of God and I claim his promises in faith and receive what He wants to give us all. My assurance is His word, that is, "what is written". I believe God sent His Son (John 3:16) to save us and I claim this scripture in faith by belief in Him. I am purchased by the blood of the lamb for God thus my name is written in the Book of Life by the author and finisher of my faith, who is my Lord Christ Jesus. Jesus writes my name in the "Book of Life". I know Him and He knows me. I have a relationship as well and when He speaks the Spirit in me confirms what He says to be truth. He is our Shepherd and He knows His sheep and we know His voice. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, God's Son. God promised me as written in the Bible, springs of eternal waters through His Son which is salvation; eternal life. I am most grateful and thank Him and will thank Him always. My assurance is the Word of God, the Holy Bible. The scriptures themselve testify about Jesus Christ and Jesus' testimony is the 'spirit of prophecy' and the spirit of prophecy is the Spirit of God. So, God and Jesus have the same testimony as is our testimony is to be if we are followers of Christ so is then the same destiny then as theirs and we too are written into the book of life by the author and finisher of our faith, our Lord God. My assurance in the word, and the word is the fulfillment of His plan for us then what God promises for us, He is faithful and true to His word as is His Son in what He will do for us, as is the promise of eternal life which is a fact. For Jesus does not lie as nor does the Word contain a lie.

Q3. (20:11-12) Why is this awesome scene of judgment so frightening? It is frightening because it is, day of judgement! Each person that has ever lived and all of God's creatures, Angels too, will be judged. Each knows what they have done and probably each will be able to see themself more clearly than ever before in the full presence of the Almighty. Each person that has ever lived will go on to a place of either, eternal happiness or eternal torment. No other options in God's plan. Are we all not doubting Thomas now and again? I am, but I notice as time goes on I do doubt less and less which gives me hope that one day I shall never doubt again. I grow stronger each day and stand firmer on the word as time goes on. It makes me when I read and understand what is God's plan to make greater efforts to do as He asks; to obey what is written. It becomes frightening for I know that as hard as I try to do His will, I cannot do it perfectly and not always do I do it, as I should do it, as I would want it to be done or, how He wants it to be done. Why do people seem to resist the idea of a final judgment? The other day on the internet in a Christian Chat room we were in a debate room discussing what happens to a person after death. Many views were presented and the discussion continued. About fifteen minutes later a person who I noted did not participate in the debate but sat in the room typed a line to me. "Do you really believe what you are saying?" This person was the one who actually started the debate and the person believed that when a person dies that is the end of the story, there is nothing afterward. So even those who hear from many at one time in an environment of faith will still not believe. They may come from a different set of doctrines taught and Jesus warns us of false Teachers, Apostles and the reason why they resist the idea of a final judgment. I think of my days in a nursing home as well, as a Care Partner. I would sit and visit people who are elderly in a nursing home or in their homes. There were two types of people that I noted in my observation as a Care Partner. There were those who were dying and had faith. There were those who were dying and had no faith, no belief in God. The ones with faith died peacefully. Some in their sleep would pass on and their face was blissful or serene. Their pain was not as visible in daily communications of means such as in sounds, words and actions. The person without faith who was dying however their pain was more greatly known and they were generally the miserable ones and the challenge. The ones without faith when you talk to them they are frightened of death and greatly more so than those with faith. It is the fear of the unknown that grips them. They will kick and scream until their last day. What we as humans do not know or understand can instill fear in us. Those who have a personal relationship with Christ have encountered Him and know in their Spirit and soul that there is something more to expect in life after death. Their soul and spirit are more at peace. It is a visible difference when you compare the two sets of people in the same state of life, that is upon their physical death. It is the fear of the unknown that will resist or deny "a final judgment". Some go to their death bitter and angry at God because of how their lives are filled with pain and suffering. So, a person may resist the idea of a final judgment because they do not believe there is a final judgement, they do not believe in God or are angry at Him. I think of five stages there are when a person has to deal with a major crisis in their life such as a disease, death of a loved one, loss of marriage or financial losses. There are stages a person goes through: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Psychologically where one is at could play a factor in whether a person will resist or deny the idea of a final judgment. They may have justified their lives based on their life experiences of what was handed down to them over time with a naturally given viewpoint of anger, bargaining or depression. These five stages can go back and forth between each stage for long periods of time in a person's life to even many years where they can be trapped. Some never receive medical help. So mental health may be a factor to people resisting the idea of a final judgment. Most Chrisitians we can hope are aware of a final judgment and have heard or read about it in Church or through their Bible. Interesting enough are those who share their theory of the Chronologies of the Millennium and Christ's return. For all, each view, have in their presentation a theology containing a "final judgment". So, then it is unbelievers who will resist the idea of a final judgement if Christians are supposedly taught otherwise. As well,those who have never heard about God or His Word and have never attended Church would not have heard of "a final judgment". Those who are ignorant of the word and who do not take to read the word themselves, to study the word would resist the idea of a final judgment especially if they were mislead from the pulpit or not given the truth from their church they attended. Or, they themselves created their own picture or a half formed theology. Could be some cannot face up to reality, or the truth. Or, could it be they are guilty and trapped and try to fool themselves by their thinking. They might not be able to reach out for help and deny or resist the idea of a "final judgment".

Q2. (19:16) What are the implications of Christ's title: "King of Kings and Lord of lords" for your life? For the everyday world that surrounds you? His title says who He is and tells me who I am in relation. Those who have relationship with Jesus, who is king, know that they are heirs. Knowing the ruler as friend before King helps for then we know Him in nature and we are blessed to have such a King and Lord as He with attitude and attributes as His are. He does not change and is the truth and what is written and experienced will be forever. It is good to be on God's side in life than on the enemy's side in life. In the everyday world it is havoc and chaotic. Almost opposite to what is said in the Bible is the world in how it operates as a whole. To have Christ in my life makes life bearable and beautiful and He gives me hope. To have Him at all times to walk with is a blessing indeed compared to being in the world and not knowing Him. I have been on both ends for I did not come to the realization of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit alive and present in this world until I was in my latter mid thirties. I am in my forties now. I thank God for all He has done for me and will do for us. The promise of salvation is of great significance in Christ's title: "King of kings and Lord of lords" for my life. For He is faithful and true and has testified to John and what was said is truth, so salvation is ours to claim and each day we can call out in our needs to Him because of His title we can call on God too through Jesus. How wonderful is the name given to Him as "King of kings and Lord of lords".