Debora

Q1. (19:7-9) These verses draw together two themes from Scripture -- (1) God's people as his betrothed Bride and (2) the feast of all God's people in heaven. When you meditate on these themes, how are you both admonished and encouraged? I am here on earth being prepared. I am filling my lamp with oil, that is reading the word to know who is my Lord and God and being continuely filled with the Holy Spirit who will guide me. I am to grow in intimate relationship with the One who is our bridegroom. In the beginning of the relationship it is like a friendship. I found it develops after I am no longer called a "slave" (one who belongs to the world, but "a friend" to Jesus). It makes me give more attention when the friend I have, Jesus, is a King and I am an heir and find out what He has done for me. As with any friend in the beginning it takes time to develop a relationship and I am still growing in mine. I likened it to a marriage for there are periods in my journey that is like a 'honeymoon phrase'. I pursue Him and then He pursues me and it is like a game of chase and seek. I look around the corner to see if He is looking at me and when He does it is like an explosion of love. He can out of the blue be looking at me and I acknowledge his presence and then there is an explosion of love. There is passion and it grows with time in the relationship like people relationships. The walk with Jesus starts with a passionate little fire and develops into a bonfire of passion. Like a marriage it takes work to develop that relationship and dept of intimacy with a spouse so does my relationship with my Lord God. In adoration, there are days when all I want to do is gaze at Him and He gazes back at me and not one word need be said, for in the silence what is speaking is love and the Lord God transmits that love and the heart and mind communicates as one without words. That is what happens when a married couple gets old together, they reach a point in their relationship where they both can sit in silence and know each other's thoughts and love becomes a silence language. It is known and felt without words. We are to be perfect as our bridgegroom is and as his church is. The church which is the bride whom is perfect. We have faults and work on repentance. In the church we are nourished and provided for with countless gifts by the Lord to help us along in as we prepare for that great unknown day, the marriage feast when we go to the Father's house, the fullfilment of the promise. God in the church, the church nourishes and provides us all done in love by love for love to be united in love with the Lamb who purchased us for God. We are bought by Him and bestowed by Him with outpourings of anointings and blessings to be made beautiful like He. He is completing his works in us. I think of Queen Esther's preparation time for the King and liken it to us preparing for our King Jesus. We are being adorned by our lover with His gifts, blessings, anointings, all to be made beautiful and like Him; everything working together till we become christlike or in the image of which God created us. Our time on earth could be likened to the engagement period? A time of drawing near to each other. A time to discover and find out about each other. A time to grow and become initimate deepening the relationship while preparing for a convenant marriage; to be the Lord God's forever, for eternity. How am I admonished : 1. I want to exam myself seriously and regularly to repent as to remain faithful to Him. 2. I want to be mindful of how I live daily and of my choices to remain faithful to Him. 3. I want to act, say and do, what is asked - to obey to remain faithful to Him. How am I encouraged: 1. The word reveals who I am in relationship to Him. I am told I am loved by God and Jesus and that I am precious and special to the Lord God. 2. We know what is marriage on earth and how much greater it will be, that is, consummation with God, as a bride, looking at marriage as an analogy. 3. When I am transformed and the bride in heaven, I will be perfect and Holy like Jesus and God and the church is.

Q4. (18:4) We Christians are instructed to be "in the world" but not "of the world" (John 17:15-19). One interpretation has been to be hermits, ascetics, to distance ourselves from the political process, and to adopt stringent dress and behavior codes. Another interpretation is to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16) in the world so that we might bring about cleansing and change through God's spirit. Where do you think the balance lies? How and when should we fulfill the command, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins...."? The balance lies in listening to what the Spirit says and knowing the word. We are to be sanctified by the word like John and live in the world but be not of the world. We are out of her and do not share in her sins if we are faithful and true and live our lives according to God's ways in daily life where knowledge of how to live comes by reading the word. If someone infringes on your values (truths, morals, standards of the word) then a line has to be drawn while living in the world. So, one must know the word to know where the balance lies. For example, do you stand up and speak out when you are forced to change your values, yes. Do you become silenced, no. To come out of her and fulfill the command, would be when you are forced in situation by authority you are under to do what you know is not right. Which may result in leaving a job, a church or family business so you do not defile yourself and remain faithful and true to your sanctification by the word; so you do not share in her sins. How easily can we be fooled if we are ignorant of the word. We are given a commission to go out into all nations and not become a hermit. We are His light to all peoples and we are to go and make a difference in the world, not to be of the world. We can be drawn into something that is sinful innocently without awareness if one does not know the truth or the word which puts ourselves into jeopardizing our own soul. We are each accountable and responsible for our selves and in the end to be judged. We are to be the salt. Salt is of the goodness of the earth which God created all what he did, he saw was very good. Pure salt made of sodium, Na+, in its elemental state is of crystal form in the earth. The bonding of many sodiums, Na+, is what makes salt which is held together by ionic bonding. A salt molecule is made by many sodiums joined together in a shape called, what is a lattice structure. Ionic bonding in lattice structure form is a very strong bonding of all types of bonding giving the salt molecule, strength. We are to be as he made things perfect, like salt and says we are the salt on earth among people then. To be salt is to be people of strength, united (like many sodiums are to make salt) and totally bonded to God (and each other only) and no other god. Salt has a characteristic as a substance to be used as a preservative. So we too then must support and stand up with each other and not hide away in a cave but, preserve the Christian identity in this world so the gospel, the Word, does not fade away into nothing or 'get trampled on'. We are to live fully in the midst of corruption and a world that is luxurious for we are commissioned by our Lord God. Jesus tells us, we are to love rather than be aloof to the people in the world. Pray for and love your enemies. We are to serve God and God says what we must do, and that is to do His will like His Son Jesus did, whom we now follow. And Jesus instructs us to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves as we are sent out into the world among the wolves. Many needy people need to hear about Jesus, many souls are lost; we are for them as God's servants to reach the others in the world. But we do not fear when we go out, nor hide away, for He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. Amen and Hallelujah!

had to delete this duplicate answer - entered twice by mistake

Q3. (15:3-4) We see singing and praise in heaven before the throne a number of times in Revelation (4:8, 11; 5:9-10, 12-13; 7:12; 11:17-18; 15:3-4; 19:1-3). What do you learn about appropriate worship from studying these songs? 1. The songs tell the story or reveal the plan and state the purpose of life. The songs of Revelation tell us: - what God and Jesus did for us - who they are - their roles - our roles - our destiny and outcome - that a 'song' has been sung throughout history (Moses to the Lamb) and is to this day and will be forever; His plan in motion. Angels singing unending choruses while the people throughout history chant the verses marching onwards like a duet between heaven and earth united, together from the time of creation till we reach 'home'. 2. We learn how to approach in worship Jesus and God by how they are portrayed in the songs of Revelation: God and Jesus are portrayed as: - Rev 4:8: Holy, Almighty, eternal (we are worshipping not a human but beings, powerful ones - God and Jesus) - Rev 4:11: Creator, worthy of glory, honor, power (we are created by the creator) - Rev 5:9-10: Authority and power is Jesus' (we are purchased by His blood for God; he gives us purpose and postion on earth to serve God) - Rev 5:12-13:Equal in worship is to God and Jesus (we forever worship and praise for all they have done) - Rev 7:12: to give praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, strength be God's forever (we have salvation, the foe is defeated) - Rev 11:17-18: He reigns over all nations and will judge all. He is rewarder and destroyer when the time comes (we give thanks to the Lord God for taking his great power and reigning - no more evil) - Rev15:3-4:Great and marvelous are your deeds - throughout history (we read and hear what is written in the Bible, revealed to us through the word) - Rev 19:1-3: He condemns the prostitute, Babylon, who corrupted the earth (we give Him praise) 3. We learn appropriate worship to God and Jesus is to: - approach with humbleness - approach with reverence - approach with thankfulness and gratitude - approach in dignity as heirs at the face of royalty; our Majesty Do you recognize any contemporary songs that seem similar to these? I can hum the tune and think of words in a song but I am not great at remembering the titles of songs. Eight songs comes to mind but not sure if the titles are correct either: Yahweh (Creator God) Worthy is the Lamb Your Majesty Above All Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart I Stand in Awe of You This is the Air I Breath My Jesus, My Savior

Q2. (14:10-11) Why is everlasting punishment so difficult for us Christians to accept? To give admittance to or approval to everlasting punishment is difficult because: 1. Christians may lose loved ones ... some family or friends ... to everlasting punishment 2. Christians may even be unsure of their own destiny; no blessed assurance 3. Christians may know the consequences of disobedience and know they are not perfect and faulty and the possibility they may face at their own end is everlasting punishment 4. Christians may try to get away with things they should not be doing but do anyway 5. Christians may have a false image of God; that He would not do such a thing 6. Christians may not have heard the truth and believe other teachings 7. Christians may not know the truth, nor accept it themselves and form their own theology 8. Christians may not accept it because it is harsh teaching. Jesus offended even his disciples with his teachings. God had a plan from the beginning that is being carried out and in forward motion. It is done and all that is written will be done. God and Jesus mean what they say. In what ways might eternal punishment be considered just punishment? God commands we do as He says and we are told what happens if we do not do as He commands. God is straight forward. God is serious. He created all things and made the rules for all to live by. We follow them or not. If we do and sow, we are blessed and reap rewards. If we do not we suffer everlasting punishment. God's kingdom is an eternal paradise where no evil will reign nor be allowed. If no evil is to reign or to be permitted in eternity then it is shut out or not allowed in. You either receive an invitation or not. The other eternal place is of everlasting punishment. Those who were not invited to God's kingdom. A place for those who were disobedient, who did not repent. Those who did evil in the sight of God. Those who disrupted God's creation, did not worship, revere or respect God their creator but destroyed what he created and receive in the end what they sowed; they reap destruction. They reap destruction, everlasting punishment for their wickedness which is what they sowed.

Q1. (14:3-5) In what ways do the 144,000 provide an ideal for all Christians to emulate? The 144,000 stand for all those who follow the Lord thus the Lord dwells in them. Being a follower of Christ, faithful and true, is to imitate Christ himself and become like Him in all ways. He was sent here to earth to show us the way, the truth and the life, how to be fully human, to live as the Father created us, perfect and holy as He. Those who do follow sincerely Christ, conform to the standards of life God gave to obey in how to live like His Son did. He gave visible example to us while on earth and those today who conform provide for all Christians example like Jesus was for others when he walked the earth. These (144,000) the followers of Christ imitate Christ and are model or example to those who do not know Christ for Christ is invisible but dwells in those who make Him visible in their beings. Verses 3-5 tells us about who the followers are (the 144,000): 1. they worship before God in the presence of others- given to sing a new song 2. they are the redeemed - they have the Spirit and it dwells in them 3. they are lives lived in purity (they do not defile themselves with others) 4. they follow the lamb and go where He says 5. they are blood bought and washed for God by Christ Jesus 6. they do not lie 7. they are the blameless

Q4. (13:1-18, optional) The two beasts belong to the period of the ascendancy of the Antichrist at the very end of the Last Days. Together with 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, summarize what have you learned about the Antichrist and the False Prophet? ....... have to leave ...will be back to finish........

Q3. Revelation 12:11 could be considered a theme verse for the book. What does it mean? Who is overcome? In what sense do we have victory if we die in the process? What does the "blood of the Lamb" have to do with this? How does loving our lives prevent spiritual victory today? (See Luke 14:25-27; Matthew 10:37-39.) It means that we must be like Him, like Christ, as faithful and true, to give testimony and witness as He. And the ones who do, are the "overcomers" applied to the past, present, future. If we die in the process of following our Lord Jesus Christ the victory is Christ Jesus' and we are victorious then in Christ Jesus. Jesus shedding his blood on the cross, that is willingly going to death for us by laying down his life, purchases us for God. His blood is the atonement for sin. We are washed by the blood of the lamb as His followers when we accept Him and by His blood we are saved;"they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" and him is Satan. By loving our lives we give partial commitment to Jesus in our life. We must give and surrender all areas of our lives to Jesus Christ so we may have spiritual victory. By loving our lives is like having one foot in the world and one foot in heaven. We cannot have a foot in both realms but must give total commitment, focus to God and His Kingdom and live of the world but not live in the world. To have spiritual victory we must die to self and let ourself decrease and Christ increase. As we live we must die, be dead and that is, so that we may know Him. It is so that we conform to His death by dying to self. We will be ready when he comes again as we learn to die to self. Or, we may give up our lives like martyrs in testimony or witness for Christ.

Q2. (12:1-17) The vision of the woman and the dragon are heavily symbolic, but comprehensible when you take care to understand. In your own words, what does this vision tell us about the cosmic battle in Jesus' day and in our own? What is perceived by the passage is the plan of God coming to be, reality. The great and wonderous sign was awaited for, and is Jesus. Out of the twelve tribes which became nations that were from the twelve sons of Jacob, whom he blessed, giving each prophecy, one would come forth from Judah, to rule all nations. Jesus was the one to rule all of God's people and the one was spoken of. The birth of the Church and its pregnancy stages is the period between Jacob's blessings to his twelve sons and onwards in history to the birth of Christ. The birth of Jesus would bring forward the birth of the Church, God's people. God's servants in history, doing as they did, as in the word was involved in the birth process of the church, God's plan. God's people throughout time was given to bring forth birth of the church in preserving the faith, keeping it with testimony and witness. God's son was coming, and came. Jesus established the Church on earth with the apostles who laid the foundation with Christ as the chief cornerstone. Those who put him to death on the cross and reject Him today are of the influence of the world, other spirits who control. The twelve stars of the crown is the foundation of the apostles. A crown of glory, for Jesus is the Church's ruler who was given authority over upon his death. The enemies are at his feet and at ours who are in Christ Jesus today. The moon, the darkness or demons has no power but put beneath the feet of Jesus. Jesus casts out from people while on earth, demons and darkness. Demons listen to, tremble and even worship Jesus knowing who He was while He was on earth. Jesus had the power greater, over Satan. Demons fled from the apostles in their work, that Jesus set them out to do, among the people on earth. The apostles followed Christ and likewise we who follow will also do as Jesus did because Jesus in us is greater than he in the world. Jesus encountered Satan who appears to Jesus in the 40 days with three attempts to take the claim Jesus had promise to by the Father. Satan could not devour the child or the church for Jesus' power was the word of the Father, 'it is written'. Jesus overcame in all battles. We seen Jesus going about places encountering his enemies, taking all sorts of abuses such as insults, rocks thrown, spit at and rejected. We see the evils of man putting the innocent one, Jesus Christ, to death on a cross. Jesus did not bend or give in to, either do as they did to him in their plots and ploys, bribes, nor by words nor in attitude of the like of the enemy's kind. He did not take revenge in all circumstances He but remained true and faithful to the ways of God's Kingdom. To what He preached, He was and kept His intergrity. The prophecy came to be that the one who will rule all the nations as Jacob said came. Jesus rules upon His death and is alive indeed! He was resurrected, snatched up to God to his Father's throne, now seated at the right hand of his Father, God. Given to Jesus is all power and strength and glory and honor and praise by heaven and earth. All authority is given to Jesus by the Father. We, the church on earth, God's people, purchased by Jesus by his blood shed for God, are being nourished and protected by them. Jesus' victory over Satan conquers death. The dragon is hurled and the dragons' angels, out of God's Kingdom. There is and has been a spiritual war being fought today on earth. Many people in the world today are gone astray by Satan who leads them. Jesus defeating the foe and overcoming death has brought salvation to us. He did it for us, he laid down his life. Today, the word of God is our defense. There is power in the word. Jesus used the word of the Father to overcome Satan's attempts. We use the word in battle today to overcome the enemy. We use the word not only in voice but likewise to Jesus in action, doing and obeying what the word says. The devil is among us today causing havoc in our Churches. But his time is short for Jesus is coming again and there will be no more war. It will be done, forever no more, will the battle be. We gather in churches to get a reprive from the world. God refreshes and strengthens as we come and worship him as one body of believers. We can fly with two wings of a great eagle to the throne of God's where he is our protector and we are taken care of by God, nourished. In today's time we hear a lot about the word of God in respects to giving importance to the word in our lives. How many more preachers and people have you noticed take to make the word of God, to placing importance of the word in services, in people's daily lives. We must know and read the word for ourselves, obey and do. The Gospel Age now, could well be. The 3 1/2 year period for we see evangelism like a wave in the world today. We hear of and see revival. There is a renewal of faith by the preaching of the word in the world. It is happening today and taking place the Gospel is being known in greater ways. Who knows when, we do not. Only the Father knows the hour and time. We cannot say. We who are God's people, who obey the word and take to God's commandments and hold the testimony of Jesus are in spiritual battle. Today there are more martyrs than in all of history. The martyrs are the ones who follow Christ, preach the word, give testimony and die- killed/slain/murdered by the enemies of Christ. For the dragon is enraged and is after the offspring, us. He is after those who accept Jesus and follow him. We are the offspring of the Church upon the birth of Jesus. The age of the birth of the Church established here on earth when Jesus came. Soon he will come again and in justice. The battle still exists today in our time, January 2004. I say this with conviction based on my experiences by what I see living daily and walking with the Lord our God. I been in many Churches of different denominations. From all these experiences I know the battle exists still today. Many times I questioned, noticed and wondered about the shadow I seen in every Church I have been in. God's Church is perfect but we as humans are not perfect is why. We are being changed through repentance and cause our own problems. Are we looking after our young and vulnerable. Satan is there in our churches trying to destroy in many ways. Christians, leaders and people, pit one against another and attack each other to cause problems. There is gossip and rumor which is a big destroyer. It is common to hear of divisions occuring in churches. Pastors on average staying 2 1/2 - 3 years then going elsewhere or leaving the ministry. Is it true also that the battle is the greatest in God's Churches and is it not a known that, Christians are the only ones to kill their wounded. Look at the stats and reports we hear. There is a battle that exists today. Do we work as a team as the Father and Son with the Father and Son looking out for each other. We as Christians are to be soldiers daily to defend and stand firm. It is even harder when your own sister or brother of the Church is doing the harm. For no one is perfect and blameless and righteous but the Lord and those few mentioned in the Bible who were of God's servants. Before I had ever read what was written in Revelation I had come to a conclusion years back that life is spiritual warfare. I found out that it is the spirit within us of either side that controls and dictates lives. Every day is a battle we as Christians face and will until that day I pray will come soon, and all this will be over and it will be done. Angels were created before humans and the battle has been. Angels even fall and will be judged too. In the garden of Eden the spirit of evil was present, in the serpent, to decieve Eve. God's plan is and has and in our age is being carried out for full restoration of His creation of what is, was, will be to come as in the beginning when there was no sin, but holiness and purity prevailed as He is and does. Jesus gives us example in how to live life and how to battle when we encounter things as He did in his life on earth as the testimony of God which is Jesus' testimony, the same as His Father's testimony as is ours to be. What comfort should we disciples draw from this passage? That Jesus is victorius. He has won; He has fulfilled the Father's plan. In moral harmony with and in Christ Jesus we can overcome the enemy. He died and rose thus dwells in us to combat for those who accept Him are victorius in Christ Jesus. We can overcome, defeat the foe who has no power over us. For we are given the authority and power over Satan and is for those who Christ's Spirit dwells within. There is also comfort given in God's provision of nourishment and refuge in the wings of his shelter, protection from Satan and false angels or demons. Jesus took his place and position and help us in spiritual battle we encounter daily in our lives. We are given scriptures as disciples for armors to put on for battle, spiritual armor: Ephesians 6:10-20 and Romans 13:11-14. God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit work together to equip and help us in battle. I received your email Pastor Ralph on the 2nd of January to take a one week break. I got ahead of the lessons and should be at the end of #4. God bless you Pastor Ralph and see you all in a week This is a great Bible study, thanks again!

Q1. (Revelation 11:3-12 ) Interpreters disagree upon the identity of the Two Witnesses, but they are certainly strong and brave. What positive characteristics do you see in their actions that we should emulate in our day? What is their reward? 1. power; God given to devour enemies 2. boldness; speak the word of God 3. solid; stand firm on the foundation of Christ 4. strength; protected by God 5. witness; give testimony 6. faithfulness 7. trust and hope Their reward is God breathed life in them, resurrected life. Their reward is an invitation to "Come up here". There are taken up to heaven like Jesus in a cloud, while their enemies watched. They bypass judgement and go straight to the white robe status as overcomers, like martyrs do.

Q5. (Rev 10:1-9) What is bitter about what you've read in Revelation 6 through 10? If bitter is to mean what is distressing to the mind then, are the afflictions that will be cast upon people. The suffering that will come upon many. Grief wells up and a sense of loss like a pre-mourning when I read, because, it was read with flowing tears knowing what will happen to people who will reject God. I think of my family and people I know and myself. Tears fall as I read in Luke where Jesus looks over Jerusalem and weeps. What more can anyone do, nothing? It is done, or will be. After the tears I was just filled with extreme sadness. We can witness and tell others but not all will make it. It will be horrifying days. What is sweet? No more evil and wickedness! New Jerusalem will be sweet, so is the promise of its coming through the Word. We will live life as intended for us to be. We will be transformed into holiness and perfection, into the image God created us in. There will be no more pain, hurts, suffering, tears in our lives. We will know and live daily life with God and Jesus in fullness and for all time forever, eternity. We shall live in harmony and unity as it was intended for us to live. There will be peace and all fruits will abound in abundance. Why do we tend to reject what is hard for us to understand? 1. Selfishness, not wanting to give up time it will take in order to understand. 2. Fear of the unknown. 3. Loss of control. 4. Scared to ask questions. 5. We do not listen or want to listen. 6. Other things may take priority over other needs; misaligned priorities. 7. Pain or hurts may be in the way, not being able to focus or concentrate on other things. 8. Handicaps may be in the way: learning - mental; physical - hearing/speaking.

Q4. (Revelation 7:9-18). From this passage what do we learn about the kind of people who make up the "great multitude" before the throne? All who have washed themselves in the blood of the Lamb make up the "great multitude". Let's not debate whether they are the 144,000 or not. But what is their origin? Those who followed the Lamb and believed in Jesus' testimony, is the origin of the "great multitude". What does their spirit within them cause them to do? Their spirit causes them to worship and praise Him in spirit and truth. What does the first verse of the song "Amazing Grace" have to do with 7:14? Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. These, the great multitude are the purchased, washed in the blood of the lamb, the 'saved'. Their eyes were opened and they had 'seen' with spiritual eyes who the Lord God is. God was revealed to them. They have received the promise of salvation written and spoken of, taught by Jesus and the Word. They praise Him, the lamb that was slain. The sound of praise is 'sweetness' and to the soul. Sweet in the mouth and to the ears are the words and, the bitterness in the stomach gone. No more pain, suffering, tears. Through the acceptance of Jesus' testimony, these, they were washed and redeemed from their 'wretchedness', sinful nature, now white robed, and by God's grace through Jesus by His death. Freely given to them are the springs of eternal living waters, the gift of everlasting life is theirs. All, the great multitude, who were 'lost' to the world are now 'found' when they believed and are returned home, purchased back by Christ's blood, for God.

Q3. (Revelation 7:1-4) There's disagreement about exactly who the 144,000 represent. Let's not debate that, but look deeper. From 7:1-4 what do we learn about God? 1. We learn that God uses position points, and helpers to get things done in His plan ...four angels standing at the four corners of the earth.... God has a stratedgy in his plan. 2. We learn that God is in control of the elements of nature and gives helpers power ...holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing.... 3. We learn God gives out authority and power to Jesus ...angel coming up from the east... (morning star), ...having the seal of the living God... is Jesus; Jesus in authority gives commands to the helpers and knows who He has purchased by His blood, who are God's servants ...Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God . 4. We learn that God has an allotment, those that will be spared ...144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5. We learn that God provides, protection and assurance, for those that are His. Read Ezekiel 9, then answer: What is this seal supposed to do for the 144,000? (Please wait to consider 14:1-5 until we get there, okay?) The seal is to: - the seal protects those, that are God's servants, from His wrath that is upon the world to those that are not His servants - the seal grafts us onto the "one olive tree" which is the Church or God's people; the seal is to make us Church - the seal unites God's people with His Kingdom servants of the Spirit realm - the seal of God makes us stand firm in Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:21, He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - the seal is to set a process in motion when received; the seal makes us the temple of our living God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the effects of them dwelling in us causes psychological changes, repentance; we are being transformed and conformed into His image - the seal is to open our eyes, ears and reveal our God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit to our senses; the seal gives an awareness and assurance and allows things known to us, the truth, the Word in what it says of our salvation; a seal of blessed assurance - the seal is to allow us access to the threshold, gate, door to the heavenly realm and entrance to the place of the New Jerusalem; we are sealed in Christ Jesus where Jesus is the door to the throne of God and the Holy Spirit is the guide that takes us there; the Kingdom of God within us - the seal is to serve as an identity - the seal is a mark of distinction of whom are of God's Kingdom - the seal is to distinguish to God's helpers, angels, who is and who is not spared.

Q2. (Revelation 6:9-11) What do we learn about the Church from what is revealed in the Fifth Seal? 1. We learn that the altar in the Church serves as centre of worhip (souls in Rev 6:9 gather under the altar; and a place of protection, of refuge). 2. That prayers rise and are heard from the altar by the Sovereign Lord (voices in Rev 6:10 call out from the altar). 3. That ceremonies are performed at the altar (souls in Rev 6:11 are given white robes). 4. That the Church is the gathering place for God's people alive in Christ, a place of waiting and longing for the day of fulfilment. The Church is a place where the Spirit realm exists with connection to the throne. Where are these "souls" at the time of this scene? The 'souls' are in the spirit realm centred around the throne of God represented by the altar and united and within God's kingdom. The 'souls' are safely kept in care of Jesus in His Church until the New Jerusalem is established on earth. The 'souls' are gathered and positioned near to God, at the altar in the Churches. The altar is central in a place of worship and in the physical building of the Churches. And if we as people are Church and Christ dwells in us then the Kingdom of God is in us and we are the temple of God then being an altar too. Are the souls resting within their own body, waiting or, in the Spirit realm already risen body and soul like the elders in Revelations 4 and 5 who are the Apostles and Patriachs. Can the 'souls' be likened to the ones who are the elders dressed in white with crowns of gold upon their heads who are thought of to be, the Patriachs and Apostles, and are around the throne of God. Then these souls would be in the same place as those souls are. Patriachs, Apostles, Marytrs are all in white robes, then all these souls must be all around the throne of God. Jesus died and He is Spirit, the bodies of these souls have died, alive but only described as with voices that cryed out from under the altar where John did not see bodies but souls. Nevertheless these souls are in Spirit with Christ, united with Him. The souls that were slain could be a number of the mentioned 144,000 that are sealed, chosen. But wait for some fellow servants and brothers are yet to join them. Like Jesus was slain and is with God, then those slain are all sacrificed to God at the altar by Jesus to God. Animals in the OT were sacrified at the altar by priests. Jesus speaks on behalf of these souls to the Father. Pastors and people in Church are at the altar or, come to the altar, for and with prayers for God and Jesus. The prayers of the people that gather in Churches are offered with the Pastor who speaks from the altar. The altar is also where people commit their lives to Christ. The 'souls' are the ones whose lives are committed to Christ. Jesus who walks admist the Churches are under his rule as King, under His headship. The 'souls' slain are God's servants, purchased by the blood of the lamb. What does their proximity to the altar signify? 1. The souls proximity to the altar means their lives are commited to Christ. 2. That the souls worship God and Jesus. That they wait and are stationed in the Church in a central place of the Church. 3. Their proximity to the altar represents their closeness to God and Jesus, their relationship. 4. Their testimony maintains their souls as witnesses of faith and their proximity places them in a position of honor, at the altar as martyrs. Why were they killed? Why do they ask for vengeance? Is that a Christian prayer? The 'souls' were slain by man for the testimony of the Word, martyrs. The souls that are at the altar ask for vengeance. They lay claim to the promise written in the Word and ask for justice, they are waiting for retribution: "How long Soveriegn Lord, holy and true until you judge the inhibitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" . For vengeance is of the Lord's and not ours; Isaiah 34:8, "For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion's cause" . What does the white robe represent? The white robes represent purity; faithful and true servants. They are washed in the blood of the lamb; a robe of righteousness and salvation. Could they be likened to riders on the white horses of His army; white robes are those who are conquerors. They are overcomers dressed in white, they are worthy for the robes of white are given to them by the Lamb, Revelation 3:5, "He who overcomes will like them be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowldege his name before my Father and his angels". They are the ones who have heard and obeyed the word, have listened to the Spirit. They sacrificed their lives ;made honorable to wear white robes. These 'souls' future are secure dressed in white and are bound for eternity with God and Jesus. They will be residents of the New Jerusalem. Looks like these souls have a booking made or reservation in God's Kingdom, His mansion. They are in the book of life and will live in His house all the days of their life and dwell in the house of the Lord forever and in His Kingdom yet to come, fully on earth. They 'died' not just physically but when alive physically to all things while on earth. These souls made their lives to be like Jesus and lived sacrificial lives to God, obedient like Jesus. Jesus who is the sacrificial lamb for all people was slain. These souls were slain for the testimony they gave as did Jesus. And the testimony that the souls gave is the testimony of God. They are the souls waiting, faithful and true and did what the Father's asks and wants of His people. His will be done, is their testimony maintained. What do we learn from their instruction to "wait a little longer? 1. We learn "it will be done" from the instruction of God and Jesus, who say "wait a little longer", to the souls who cry out. 2. We learn, it is to have patience. 3. We learn that these souls are heard by God and Jesus in what they ask for. For there is reply made to the souls that cryed out. We learn that it is not for us to know, but, that the prayer(s) will be answered for they say, "wait". 4. We learn that there are more souls to be gathered for God's Kingdom before "it is done". In the reply we learn that there are other fellow servants and brothers to be counted among them and with them. 5. We learn that all will happen as written, for God and Jesus are faithful and true to their promises. 6. Also we learn that what is said is truth. For God and Jesus have made known to us, through the Word and Spirit, as well giving us, His servant(s) to testify. God gives servants past, present and future such as like John; the written word as evidence, yesterday or past. People today give testimony and witness; present. And Jesus and the Holy Spirit gives testimony and witness of tomorrow, the future. Prophecies have and do and did come to pass. All that is written is truth. 7. We learn from 'wait a little longer' that greater things are in store.

Q1. (Revelation 6) Who initiates this great storm of destruction represented by the Seven Seals? I believe God initiates it, sets it going by handing over the scroll and Jesus excutes it. God on the throne seen by John is holding the scroll and a messenger, an angel calls outs, "who is worthy?". Jesus is seen standing at the throne and the scroll is given to him by God. I believe God determines and initiates when it will start by the handing of the scroll to Jesus and by Jesus opening the seals sets the great storm of destruction in motion. The Son obeys the Father and does the Father's will. For the words of the scroll are written and told of in the Bible, words of God for the future, God's plan and His choice when. Jesus says in Matthew 24:36, "no one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father". Against whom is it directed? All in heaven and those on earth, all of God's creation does it apply to: 1. Those who have not accepted God's Son, Jesus; John 3:16. 2. Those who have not washed their robes. 3. Those who did not, will not and, do not repent, from all time of creation. 4. Those who are dogs, those who practise magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practises falsehood. 5. Those who are not the elect, chosen or sealed (marked by God). Is it just? Yes, it is just. God is God and we are not. God is in control, He is the creator. He had set the universal laws from the beginning of time. The Last Days is a standard of correctness, to wipe everything clean again and right. What had been destroyed by Satan or mankind of His creation is being restored by the great storm of destruction. God sent his Son to earth so we may have everlasting life. Jesus was given to us and His birth is the gift to us. The gift from the Father to us is His Son. A gift so we may believe; conform. Jesus one with the Father are one; are Love and Justice. I think of Noah and the people in those days and what happened then. God wiped out and started the world afresh. The Last Days is like a cleansing preparation for the New Jerusalem, paradise, heaven on earth, God's Kingdom. I think of scripture in the Bible which referred to Lucifer's fall in heaven. I think of Adam and Eve; the fall of man. I think back to the book of Genesis, in the writtings of Noah. God cleansed the earth with water and in the Last Days all of creation with fire. Fire is used to take out contamination and a good sterilizer in the science work field. What is lawful is just; is rightful. And what is rightful is determined by the law maker. What is known in the Word is that all what was created is good. As in Genesis, God saw that all he made, it was very good. What God sees is what is not good. And as to the law what is written, that what is not good, but is chaff, is thrown out, cast into the fire. What is good is kept and remains good in God's eyes. The wheat is collected, His harvest. God is pure and Holy so are we to be too. The new Jerusalem is perfectiveness, heaven on earth. God gave Jesus authority and the power to Judge. He gave to His Son the administration of who is just. Jesus will come again in justice the second time around. When He came to earth as man, it was with (agape) love, with the Father's love, to show us the way. In the Word, God speaks about disobedience, rebellion and the consequences that will follow. The OT Bible contains the law. Jesus, the beginning of NT, did not come to abolish the law but fulfill it. The blessings of obedience. Those that are God's, heaven and earth, have the law written into their heart and mind. God's law applies for heaven and earth, all of God's Kingdom. God allows for those going through the Last Days to repent up until "it is done". God gives and gave and gives again chances to change, and as always from beginning to end in the Bible. Forever it will be, He is merciful and just, looking from the books of Genesis to Revelation. There are many accounts of His mercy and forgiveness. God is the same as yesterday, today and tomorrow and never changes. He was, He is and He will always be just and faithful. All His ways are just, Deutronomy 32:4, "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he". Yes, it is just.

Q5. (Revelation 5:13) What is the significance of the same quality of worship being offered to both God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son? The same quality of worship offered to both, God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, shows the importance they both have equally in our life. For both have done great things for us. All that is promised, that is for us, could not be without God and Jesus doing it as a team. The Father and the Son together, complete all things for us and have first priority and equal influence, equal importance in our lives. The Father needed the Son to do his work. The Son would not be without the Father. The Father needed the Son and the Son needed the Father. We need the Father and the Son in our life. They are united as 'one' and the same. There is potential for fullness for life for us. God created us, gave life. We messed things up and lost our life. Jesus purchased back our life. We give equal worship to God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son of the Father for without either, we would not be. What does this tell us about their relationship to each other? 1. They are dependent upon each other. 2. They trust in each other. 3. They are loyal to each other. 4. They are unified, in union, of the same mind and heart; two becoming one who are central to each other in life. 5. They count on each other; to accomplish things. 6. They are equally important to each other; to do things. 7. They have a bond spoken as Father and Son; that there is love for each other. Their relationship to us? 1. We belong to them; it is a love relationship. 2. We are important to them; they fought for us back. 3. We are their people, heirs. People of God's Kingdom created for Him. 4. We are dependent on them and need them. 5. They are central to our every day lives; first priority. 6. They are our providers, sustain us; they are our all. 7. We count on them and trust on them. 8. A relationship of allegiance, loyalty; of faithfulness. 9. We are their people, their offspring for the Kingdom. 10. They are our benefactors and would not be without them. 11. They are our first priority relationship in life. 12. They are Father and Son, Brother- family; Ruler and King - Royalty, Majesty to us. We are child - offspring, brother, sister, mother; heirs- prince, princess, Queen; servants in the Kingdom.

Q4. (Revelation 5:10) How can our destiny as believers include reigning? Jesus' death gave rise to our destiny to reign, given as a promise in Revelation 5:10, "you have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth" . As believers, Jesus and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. The Kingdom of God reigns in us and corporately we are united by the Spirit where Jesus reigns as King and Ruler over us, the church. As believers we are being transformed in our lives to be like Christ as we follow in his footsteps, to obey and do. Jesus perfects us as he teaches us and the Spirit guides us. We are to do the will of the Father in all things, acting accordingly. We too will reign if we are faithful as Jesus, endure and perseve as He did to the end. Jesus' promise, written, is for those who overcome He will give power to reign and our destiny as believers will be fulfilled: 1. Revelation 2:26-27, "to him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations - He will rule them with an iron scepter, he will dash them to pieces like pottery - just as I have received authority from my Father." 2. Revelation 3:21, "to him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne." In what sense could we reign? 1. Following the commandments given by Jesus, 2.To be good stewards of what God has given, Genesis 1:26, " then God said, let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground". 3. To fully obey God, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, "... the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on the earth". 4. To share with others our blessings: Dueteronomy 28:12-13 "... you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none" & Deuteronomy 28:1-14, blessings for obedience promised:" the Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands". 5. Serve God; servanthood in the home and the world: a. leadership in home and workplaces and in the world b. support ministry to those who lead in Christ; other Christians In what sense do we serve as priests? 1. By obeying God 2. By worshipping God 3. By worshipping Jesus 4. In supplication and prayers; for all the saints In what sense are we a kingdom? 1. As a corporate body of believers we are a kingdom; - in church when we gather - in our homes, family lives - in worship we are united with heaven while on earth 2. We are unified: one faith, one Father, one baptism 3. Jesus is King of God's kingdom and reigns over the Church and, we the people, are the Church

Q3. (Revelation 5:9, 12) What made Jesus so worthy of opening the scroll and thus bringing history to its consummation? Why was this act so noteworthy and praiseworthy? The scroll being "representative of God's eternal plan concerning all creatures in all ages and unto all eternity" is in operation. Jesus sent to earth and did what he did, brought God's plan into existence for the ultimate end for all creatures in all ages to be. A prophecy fulfilled. It is reality that God's Kingdom exists for Jesus walks among the lampstands and is King of the Universe. He is known to us in the Word and in Spirit who is the faithful witness. It was through the act of Jesus on earth in God's perfect will, his mission completed through His death and God's plan through His Son put all of history in motion and position liken unto a marriage; to its consummation. I think of God's plan and the promise of eternal life. His desire is revealed which is for us to be with Him forever. His mercy and forgiveness towards us, for us who have failed God have welcome and those who wait, welcomed back home. The Creator's love for all of creation is revealed. Our true image in which He created us when he made Adam and Eve before the fall and all of creation will be restored. Giving back to us what we have lost from the beginning by an act of disobedience. I think of the battle God and Jesus fought throughout history and fights on our behalves up till and still today. Our creator, God our Father, He never abandoned us and unconditionally loves us, waits, waited for us. The plan brought mankind liken to prodigal sons have heavenly doors that are open and have homecoming upon realization and awakening. There is a marriage given for us with Jesus by God. Marriage, a designed plan in the beginning for man and woman and God, as a three cord union is the plan of consummation for mankind, one-flesh and three cord union. Perfect are God's Churches, the Bride of Christ. We are the brides to be (mankind) and the Bridegroom is Jesus. God's blessings for a one-flesh three cord union in the new Jerusalem, a state of perfection the restoration of all creation. All living in the image of God. I think of the title "the reverse of the curse and break of the fall" my Pastor used in one of his seminar booklets entitled "Heaven and the Home". He taught on marriage between a man and woman and for those who work out their marriage to live in God's ways, comes to mind in thinking of the New Jerusalem to come. Jesus reunited us to the Father making open the door of heaven. We prepare, wait for the New Jerusalem on earth to come. Jesus' act is noteworthy and praiseworthy!!! What was orginally God's design for humans to live in a paradise created by Him is to be restored unto us through His Son. When the second coming, comes, the New Jerusalem, there will be consummation. We will live as intended for us in his perfect creation, in His image. Jesus' act gives truth to the words of John 3:16, for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. All is true what is written, and all promises we can claim in faith. Jesus is the faithful witness and comes to us in Spirit to bring us to perfection. Jesus was worthy to open the scroll for doing on earth the perfect will of the Father. What made him worthy was his obedience to carry out the mission living life on earth as to the ways of God's kingdom in His actions, words, deeds. Jesus examplified the image of God and gave us the blueprints of life, to follow in His ways, the Kingdom ways. He was the perfect sacrifice and His blood was shed willingly for the atonement of sin. Jesus said to the Father, not my will but yours be done. He sacrificed his life for all of mankind, for all who were, who are and who will come. Willing to go to death for the sake of mankind. The scroll, its seals opened, for Jesus was worthy to open them. He carried out what the Father asked. The Father gave Jesus power to excute the plan contained in the scroll. God and Jesus are one, eternal. Jesus' love for us is the same love of the Father for us, unconditional at the cost of great suffering. Jesus purchased us with his blood shed, enduring, persevering and being faithful to God's ways in the hands of men, his enemies. We are in the hands of men, enemies and so has all of history been in the hands of enemies, yesterday, today and tomorrow until he comes again. In the Last Days the plan of fullness comes into completion. Jesus excutes the plan. It is finished, it is done His blood covers us and we are redeemed. Jesus is worthy by the sacrifice of his life for us, obedient to the end. No more animal sacrifices but a human sacrifice, once and for all. The Father praises Him for Jesus is worthy. We praise the Father and the Son. We praise Jesus for his worthiness, for being victorious, conquering and defeating the foe. Jesus did not fall trap to the enemy's plans but remained blameless to the end of his time in the hands of men's ploys. Jesus' encounters with the enemy reveals to us how to overcome. Do as I did unto others, Jesus says, follow me. He says in Revelation, be faithful, perseve and endure. We are the redeemed. The life we live is not the life as orginally intended by God as described in the beginning design for mankind. There are seeds of appreciation being sown by what is revealed by the Word and what is revealed while in relationship with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Gratitute and seeds of appreciation for God's Kingdom grows in my life. The time will come when we will enter God's Kingdom in fullness. Jesus came so we can come into our fullness to be like him. We know life as mankind knows life as to what was (history), and is (our lives today), but there is to come a life that was orginally intended by the creator for us. The time before the pre-fall as in Genesis revealed. Things are being fulfilled throughout history and coming to completion. As I wait and see all that has been done by God, gratitude wells up greater in my being. I am so thankful God. For in the present moment of our time we can get glimpses of the Kingdom while caught up in the Spirit through worship and in daily life. Confirmation is given to the soul of the Word and the Words of God spoken that came to be throughout time. To just think of what we see and experience in times with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit in worship or daily living, as wonderful, how much more wonderful it will be is uncomprehensible when the plan of the Last Days is fully excuted. To live life as it was intended to be, in His image as He created us orginally being with Him daily, forever. I think how Adam and Eve daily walked in the garden with God it says in Genesis before the fall of mankind. There will be a day as promised when we no longer get glimpses of the Kingdom of God here on earth but will live in God's Kingdom for eternity and here on earth in the New Jerusalem. All because of Jesus in what he did for us is praiseworthy and noteworthy by the Father and us.

Q2. These chapters contain many insights into worship that have been adopted by the Christian Church. What do you learn about Christian worship from chapters 4 and 5? Don't miss the basics. Your list might include 20 elements and concepts of worship -- or more. God is continuously and forever worshipped by creation; heaven and earth. We are created with purpose to worship and praise, God and Jesus. Worship is eternal. Chapter 4: verse 1 : 1. A door is opened to the Throne of Heaven in worship. 2. Humans are invited to come and see, John was. What is invisible to us is seen or revealed by God to all of God's servants. 3. Worship is an invitation by God, Jesus. His voice calls to us to come to the throne. In worship we are taken up into the Spirit realm. verse 2 : 4. In worship we are in Spirit before God, who is on the throne, in His presence. It is by Spirit we worship. verse 3 : 5. In worship there is "awe". John gives description to what we sense a splendor radiance of pureness likened to jewels, a richness. verse 4 : 6. In worship, we give worship only to God and Jesus not other heavenly beings present in the heavenly realm. 7. In worship, God is surrounded by those who he permits. Chosen to be are Elders that surround God who are seated on thrones around God and God's throne. 8. God is central in worship surrounded by others in the spirit realm of continuous, constant worship. 9. We do not worship other heavenly beings in God's Kingdom. verse 5 : 10. In worship we sense the powerfulness of God. Images of powerful earth forces are used lightening, rumblings and peals of thunder that come from His throne. 11. In worship, we worship in Spirit. The Holy Spirit is before the throne as in seven lamps blazing which are the seven spirits of God. Seven Spirits as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not worshipped nor worships but positioned before His throne. It is by the Holy Spirit in us that takes us to the throne in His presence, before God. 12. The Holy Spirit is not worshipped but leads us into worship and takes us up into worship to the throne by/in Spirit before God. verse 6 : 13. In worship, God sees us in Spirit. God sees us through a sea of crystal glass, all of creation he sees. Like looking through a window to see inside a building. Before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. We are transparent before Him, exposed as naked before Him. He sees our being. 14. God is not only central in worship but seats in the centre of all creation. Like Jesus who walks amidst the churches. God is admist of all creation. 15. In worship there is other than humans that worship God. There are elders and living winged creatures. Both of different appearances and in position to the throne of God. God's creation is positioned in worship. verse 7-8: 16. In worship there is praise given to God by the expression of speaking. 17. In worship God has winged creatures in the center surrounding his throne, covered with eyes, watching everywhere, and day and night in constant praise to God. God positions those he choses in places of position for worship of Him. 18. In worship, we are seen by others in the heavenly realm, the four living creatures with six wings covered with eyes all around and under their wings. 19. God wants to be worshipped. It is what God demands for us to worhsip Him. 20. We are to worship God at all times as a duty being part of His Kingdom. verse 9 21. Worship is constant, never stops - worship is eternal as God is. 22. Worship is giving glory to God. 23. Worship is giving honor to God. 24. Worship is giving thanks to God. verse 10-11: 25. In worship there is more than one form. 26. In worship there is speaking praises, sitting, listening and falling down before God. The living creatures praise God in speaking who He is, then the elders fall down before Him and worship Him, laying their crowns before the throne. 27. In worship we bring to God our whole self and deeds done. We cast our crowns before Him, our deeds done in His name. We bring all who we are and have done before Him. 28. In worship we cast our crowns before God. 29. In worship we praise Him acknowledging Him as our creator giving Him all the glory and honor and power for what is done through us. 30. In worship we surrender ourselves to Him, lowering ourselves, humbling ourselves in His presence in acknowledgment of who He is. 31. We are lead into worship by others who lead us into worship. The Living creatures as they praise leads the elders into worshipping and praising Him. Chapter 5: verse 1-5 : 32. In worship we are in the present moment with Him. 33. In worship we acknowledge that the future is in God's hands, He holds in his right hand His plans for us. 34. Another form in worship is shouting. 35. In worship there is/are mighty angel(s) looking for and shouting out to who is worthy. Jesus is only worthy. We acknowledge God's Son as the worthy one. 36. In worship we shout out to the worthy one in praise, God's Son, Jesus who triumphed. 37. In worship we bring our sorrows, burdens, cares to the worthy one and not weep. 38. In worship is a time of gladness and rejoicing for Jesus triumphed and we are conquerors of our sorrows, burdens, cares in his name. 39. Worship is a time of joy in the Lord who is our strength. Verse 6 40. In worship Jesus is central like the Father God who is at the center of all worship. 41. In worship another form we take is standing. 42. In worship the Holy Spirit dwells with Jesus. Verse 7-8: 43. In worship, the Lamb that was slain, Jesus, is worshipped by those who worship the Father in the Kingdom of God. 44. In worship to Jesus we use instruments. The elders held harps. 45. In worship we pray. The elders hold golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. Our prayers are presented to Jesus. 46. In worship we sing. 47. In worship we worship Jesus. verse 11-12: 48. In worship there are many angels, more than ten thousands times ten of thousands, worshipping and encircling the throne, living creatures and the elders, singing in loud voices. 49. In worship we praise Jesus for his worthiness; for what he has done for us. 50. In worship we give thanks to Jesus. 51. In worship we give Jesus, honor, glory and praise. verse 13-14: 52. In worship: on earth, under the earth, on the sea and all that is in it, we are in the Kingdom of God gathered together with all other beings in heaven. 53. All of creation worships God and Jesus, every creature for ever and ever. 54. In worship we praise God and Jesus; we worship only God and Jesus. 55. In worship we speak or sing scripture. 56. In worship we use God's word. 57. In worship we confirm scripture, sung or spoken with amen.

Q1. Many Christian hymns, songs, and choruses come from Revelation chapters 4 and 5. Which can you think of? The first three come to mind, the others I had to look up for I could not remember the titles and a couple I never heard of are listed. I found there are many hymns that come from the book of Revelation other than from chapters 4 and 5 which I did think of too but not applicable to this list. There are many more that can be listed from Revelation 4 and 5 as well. I noticed under search for internet topics you find many, many more traditional and contemporary Revelation inspired hymns, songs, spiritual songs. 1. Holy, Holy, Holy 2. Worthy is the Lamb 3. All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name 4. You Are Worthy 5. Kings and Priests to Our God 6. Alleluia, Alleluia, Give Thanks 7. You Alone Are Holy 9. The Lord Our God 10. Out of Every Tribe and Tongue and People and Nation When I see the word chorus, if it pertains to doxology, I think of: 1. Amen 2. Great Amen 3. Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Q5.Summarize the lessons of this chapter. What are the churches criticized and praised for? The churches are criticized for: abandoning earlier love for Jesus; for slander; for false teachings; sexual immorality, adultery; food sacrifices to idols; deeds not complete; lies and lukewarmness. Change what you are doing, repent. The churches are praised for: patient endurance, having sound doctrines, being true to His name; for not renouncing the faith; for keeping their clothes white and for keeping the word. Do what you are doing, keep going. The churches are criticized for disobedience. Jesus acts as judge or overseer keeping church in line or check. He sees which church is off the mark under His Kingship, and tells the church how they are not lining up to God's ways. Jesus also praises those who are obeying and following God's ways. How should these observations shape the twenty-first century Church? Firstly in regards to answering the question how, I see that the mark of perfection is to be kept. Psalm 19:7 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul" and James 1:25 says, "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." What comes to mind is that Jesus is perfect and God asks us to be perfect. Matthew 5:48 says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Jesus is helping people reach perfection. The churches are perfect it is the people that are not. I think of the number seven which I learn is a number for perfection. The revelation is given to seven churches, His perfect churches. Even though there are many more churches in the 21st century than yesterday in the 1st century, all His churches He walks admist are perfect. They will be perfect and will prevail for Christ as is the Father is, are eternal. Secondly in regards to answering the question of how, the observations first I made are: When He addresses the churches it is at two levels, speaking corporately (to leadership) and/or pointing out some people under the leadership. 1. I notice that not one church is perfect and is with criticism but receive praise as well. 2. There is one church that receives criticism and no praise but is given counsel. 3. Jesus is like the conscience of the Church making note of rights and wrongs. 5. Jesus' praises are made corporately and/or individually. 6. A body, a church can be under Christ but the church as a whole or people in it has flaws. 7. A body, a church can be under Christ falsely as a church and under Satan's headship but some believers within are under Christ. 8. A whole body, can be indifference to, under Christ having only outward appearances. How should these observations shape the 21st century church. My observations draws conclusion that the 1st century churches are the same as today's churches in the 21st century. People make up the church and it is people who are imperfect. I think then the admonition is the bottom line to be adhered to and applied to shape the 21st century churches which is, we have to listen to what the Spirit says to us in the 21st century. Each has to hear what is being said and keep to obey what is asked under His headship. God and Jesus are perfect and eternal and so are the churches under Christ and will be. The encouragement is that we will prevail no matter what, as we have throughout the centuries. We take encouragement that Christ is with us to oversee, guide and direct. We can count on Him to realign us in our journey, to keep us on track. God says remain in the Church until He comes again. What comes to mind is be faithful, perseve and endure which are comforting words spoken then, applicable today. In my opinion, the admonition given to all churches in Revelation, is the bottom line to be adhered to and applied to as how to shape the 21st century church; "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The Church must continue to listen to what the Spirit says; to obey and to act as is or, to do what the Spirit speaks.

Q4.Why are so many churches a 'hotbed of apathy'? I live in Canada and, Canada is said to have a 'Spirit of Apathy'. A spirit of apathy is to be impassive or indifferent. I think then a Spirit of Apathy is to lack God in our lives having no sign or feeling or emtion or value. For a while now Government here must not consider the word or closes its eyes to God's laws when making some important decisions regarding bills passed for the well being of all living in its country. We are in big trouble especially with the bill on rights for gays to marry. I relate Canada and its state to what Jesus says for the church in Laodicea. We are a country, materialistically wealthy but poor in spirit and grown lukewarm over the decades. At one time in the beginning days we were dependent on God as known in the Confederation of Canada agreement seen in the history of Canada. God as well placed in its Anthem song. We profess now with our lips but not with our inwards in this country on a whole that God is with us. This country has become rich as a nation and materialistically but worldly rich. All basic needs for physical survival of the citizens living here are met. We live where there are many conveniences for living life; there is plenty of food, land, job opportunities, modern in housing development such tap water, electricty..... It is no wonder people fall into a state of apathy, complacency or self-satisfaction, unaware of spiritual danagers. God is being taken more and more out of the picture in this society in many areas of life. Over the decades as the nation continued to prosper people living here I believe will continue to lose sight of God. Mostly, for we have become silenced in many ways. The definition of tolerance has shifted from its true meaning. God holds less and less value in people's lives and we are wretched people as a nation being given over and controlled by the enemy. This nation in the beginning trusted and counted on God and today it seems they have forgotten God who helped them and is helping them. So I would think churches in nations where it is similiar to Canada in what provisions governments supplies for its people would have to combat spiritual apathy and insipid witness in ourselves for the effects of abundance affects Christians too. I think of some countries where there is starvation, wars, lack of housing, poor water supplies.... there people count on God for basic needs to live. Here people have basic needs met and only when they are in trouble or sick call on God. And even then all modern supplies are met for the sick and agencies to help those in trouble. People living in poor countries are dependent on God making us pitiful in the sight of the Lord. Funny how that is turned around. Jesus sees those who are afflicted and poor and he calls them rich. I truly believe Christians who come from poor nations are fervent, hot people. People do not give thanks daily for what blessings we have received in our abundance and who is our true benefactor, God. There are a handful of poor nations compared to an abundant of wealthy nations by comparison in this world. So apathy I can see can become a prevailing spirit to combat. You hear of revival through evangelism in nations. A wave is happening. No wonder there is so much news of wonderful things happening in those countries where people are being persecuted and poorer countries which lack living provisions the people are hot and God is moving there. They are the ones who cry out and God hears the cries. People in wealthier nations do not cry out. Who cry out in need for God. They have so much need. Richer nations peoples has less needs or need for God in their lives. Needs are met. Why are so many churches a hotbed of apathy? I think people and the church have fallen into comfort. The conviences of life are met physically. The attention shifts may go to concerns to build a bigger and better more beautiful houses of the Lord. Some need to get bigger churches for people are coming and they out grow it. That is good news but some spend time on beautification of the house, outward appearances and less on inward work of the spiritual development. People get wrapped up on project after project and programs, events, spending and devoting their time in the house of the God but less time to God in their lives. We need a priority check on ourselves as to time management in giving to God each day. To spend time alone each day with Him. Busy life schedules and influences of the world rob Christian people and leaders' time outside of church. The media comes to mind that plays a big part. We see advertisments every day. Every day there is some sort of a sale going on bombarding our minds with useless things. They are on billboards, on the radio, on the television, in the mail. The world trys to grab our attention and draw us into other activities and purchases of which there is an abundance. Advertising of cruises, exotic vacation travel packages, luxury merchandising ...and many other things in the promotion of materialistic items and adult toys. People's time is goes to worldly enjoyments and entertainments and busy life schedules putting in less time or none to God on a daily basis. We see more and more Sunday people where church is one day a week and when you leave church you leave God at the church door. Churches seems to be in competition like a marketplace like the world is, in selling itself too among people with their programs, events ... and things to do. Maybe it is the priority of what churches place as first on the list, then second. I have heard the term used, some church make it a priority to be seeker friendly. God should be pleased first then the people. Not the people then God. People after while come to accept what is presented as to what is church. That is the view portrayed and not what God designed it to be. Could be mixed up priorities that is causing apathy among Christians. Maybe why we give less and less witness is because what is going on in the world goes on in our churches. We have it cozy and like it as it is there is nothing to stimulate or challenge us. I heard once a teacher from a Bible Study, several years ago, make a remark to me as I passed him down the hall, welcome to the "club". That comment comes to mind. Yes, because some churches are like that. I am ashamed to say I have been to many churches and know I have to plant. But I am trying to find 'that" church that is according to the Bible. In the study maybe I should just realize and have all churches like each one of us is imperfect. And Jesus did say to the people in one of the churches, I see how you have endured and perseved for my name's sake. Sometimes it frightens me for I do not want to be mislead in by whom is leading me. I have taken to know the Bible so I am not ignorant of what God says. This study is so good for me and it came in good time in my life. So, maybe my history of being in many churches helps me now to see what is going on and now look just at my church. It is common stuff what happens in all churches and most importantly I discover is we know what God demands and Jesus asks us to do. It makes me think of that Church can easily become a club for people. So, I think what we put in people's minds or the impression we give of church to the people that gathers is important. What they are raised in may be the only church they will ever attend and depending on the leader all can easily fall into a trap. So it is a two way responsibility, leaders and people. Leaders to know and people to not be ignorant. For what is instilled into their minds and hearts can be the cause of apathy and insipidness of witness. A wrong picture of church may be engraved into their hearts and minds. The ship may have been off course from the beginning or go off course in periods of time. The vision of God and God's goal for His people according to scripture not man's vision and goals comes to mind. Maybe that can be a combat weapon that is to reinforce God's vision and goals, to make it fully known; the purpose of the church for God's people. The Word may not have priorty or the fullness of the word not being revealed could bring about apathy. If only the nice stuff of the Bible is preached people will fall asleep. If warnings are not heard there is ignorance of the word and nothing challenges them in their walk to shape up in their spiritual lives. Churches falling into trends such as prosperity or certain movements may sweep them off their feet for a while. There is competition among leaders among churches I have noticed as well to the numbers, size of church, wealth achieved. Maybe there is a lack of teamwork among churches to be of same mind in the focus of God's ideals. We tend to compare ourselves against another's success, consuming chunks of focus onto projects to enter the competition with less and less time spent with God. Another thing I noticed is control leaders have in the church. Leadership control of the Holy Spirit and gifts to pass onwards to equip the people. I believe people need more relational building experiences with God for example taste and see that God is good. For I know from my experience it is God, after being touched by His presence and becoming fully aware of God real and alive in this world, changed my life to being hot for God, a fervent daily Christian. It was His presence, the Word that made me want to know Him more and more. I read a book a friend gave for me to read and found it so true. It was about pursuing God and I related to it. It talked about relationship. It is relationship that many lack in life with God that cause apathy I think too. Throughout the Bible it speaks about relationship. God and people, Jesus and people, Holy Spirit and people, all interacting in ordinary daily lives. It is those who had relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that were the 'hot" ones in doing for God, witnessing. I believe too what is lacking is people in churches are not taking responsibility to know the word themselves. How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves? To have revival within our churches a renewing of people's faith by the teaching and preaching of the fullness of the word. Reveal it all. Like in Revelation, the letter to the churches is good example for leaders to talk to their church. Let leaders discern and see what the Spirit is saying to them. Let the leaders talk directly to the people and state how it is, and what we have to do. Give what is needed as Jesus did criticisms, exhortations, correction and praise like a letter to the churches then to us today. Rejuvenate the people by having a downpour of the Holy Spirit in people's lives to renew and refresh them. Leaders, let the people in your churches experience, taste God's love, so they want to pursue God. Tell the people their purpose and God's vision for His people, His reason for church. Let them know their commission as Jesus asks us so to give challenge and stimulate the people. Work together on individual and corporate goal to draw nearer to God emphasizing on Praise and Worship and the Word in Church and daily lives. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. God says in the word, worship me and obey me, do as I ask. Develop people in the churches to be people of prayer, make the Church a House of Prayer. Develop the habit in people to worship, pray and read the Bible daily. The church I am currently is the closest I have found in all my days of seeking as to a church that is as is written to be. I know my pastor works very hard that we are operating as church as written and that is a blessing. I do know his mission is to keep Jesus as our first love always. He says we meet the needs of Jesus first then the people and I agree. I believe what our pastor has placed in the church will combat apathy. It also makes for good witnesses. What I have seen in my years being in many churches is that people are trying and think their way is good and right. It brings me to tears for we all want the same goal or destination, to be with the Father, eternal life. But not all will make it as I learn to know the word more and more. God is serious and His Son will judge. We have to take responsibility each for our own self I realize. What brings me hope is that Jesus sees the hearts and minds of God's people others may not but God does. It is not a whole church of people that will suffer consequence because it is astray or on a wrong path. This is encouraging for we are asked by God to be in the church until He comes again. I am somewhat relieved for this worried me beforehand seeing what is and what is going on. For what do I know of the whole Bible and what it says, not all of it but keep myself to learning. Who do I trust, only God it comes down to and His Son and the Holy Spirit.

Q3. Why do you think the religious compromise required by participating in heathen religious practices in the trade guilds was so spiritually destructive? 1. Religious compromise waters down truth and dishonors the Lord God. 2. It puts a person's soul into jeopardy and breaches the relationship with God. 3. If we start as a committed Christian in business adding heathen practises makes us a convenient Christian leading to compromising in other areas of daily life. 4. The bottom line in heathen businesses/guild practises is money. When greed sets in there is control and power coming into play. Who is in control and in power, self is. God is left out of the picture in that part of the person's life. Are we not to give all areas of our life to the Lord as He is King and Ruler in all areas of our life, in all areas of daily living and in the church. He abides in us and we are to have the mind of Christ. Transactions in business or personal conduct where one's actions gives into practises other than Lord's ways is being double-minded that of the world's and the Lord's. Mixing heathen and Christian practises for the sake of conviences such as economic gain, wealth or social benefits is being double-minded, disobedient and self is in control and God is not. We open a doorway for temptation and sin to enter which leads to the Christian character to become tarnished by and dilutes vital Christianity. One convience if allowed leads to another and slowly we slip away, back into the world and its ways of living. We are to keep the Word pertaining to operations in daily living otherwise it brings dishonor to the Lord God, to vital Chrisitianity. We have responsibility of our actions and will be judged at the end. I think of a handshake which at one time represented in the business as an honorable agreement between two people. A handshake in a deal was honored, like a seal to a matter, as good as gold. A person does not encounter man's honor by his word when it is given today as much which was a norm of yesterday. Competitiveness, control, power, greed all for money, drives the world market. The marketplace is played and governed by the world's rules. Large corporations have great power and control. There is high competition. People give in and bend to worldly values, with a make it or break it attitude for survival. Christian businesspeople do they comprise Christian values to play along with the world's rules. If you are a business owner and someone comes along with a better price for something which you offerred to another, do you break agreement with the first person and sell it to the other who will give you more money? Or is there integrity and honor in your relationship(s). We see Christian businesses advertised in directories, do others use these directories to advertise falsely or are they Christian businesses, run with intergrity. Do Christian businesses use their name as a label and play by the world's rules. If so, this dilutes vital Christianity, the integrity of Christians when the world views you playing their game by their rules. Do we give in to the world and invite other practises or do we put complete trust in God. If you shake hands with Jesus in agreement to a commitment with the King of the Universe, who offers you for purchase which costs you nothing, eternal life, and God says stipulates you must do it my way though, do you forget about tomorrow and the commitment you made with Jesus. Do we compromise for the sake of convience and lose character as a Christian and faithfulness to the Lord God. We are to do according to the heart and mind of Christ in all areas of life and not compromise our values and standards in business dealings otherwise there are consequences, penalties to be paid. What compromises do twenty-first century Christians struggle with? Let's not settle for trite legalisms about drinking and smoking. What are the real compromises that dilute vital Christianity? 1. Lack of commitment to the God and Jesus 2. Loss of intregity; giving outward appearance 3. Double-mindedness; mixing standards 4. Loss of credibility; conduction of business relationships First that comes to mind is in the area of relationships that we make compromises. Do we honor an agreement made between another and keep the relationship or, if for greater profit drop one business relationship and take another's offer for economic gain. In our business can our handshake and our word be honored and standards kept. What is your motivation, is the intention to serve others or, is the bottom line money, power and control. Do we love people and use things or do we use people and love things. Secondly comes to mind is our value system. What kind of stewards are we in our households, places of business. Do we put a high value on material possessions as the objective and set it as our goal to have more than we need putting ourselves in great debts to acquire it. Bigger houses, building.... Do we live beyond our means where all under our authority, in our homes, our children, our workplaces suffer in their basic needs for daily living such educational funds ... or fair wages.... Is our money managed well living responsesably paying debts, bills on time. Do we work honestly for what we have or do we cheat others to acquire our wealth. Thirdly the standards we portray can dilute vital Christianity. Do we portray mixed standards, living as the world does and professing to be Christian. Does what we do match with who we are. Is there integrity. Do we have work/business and moral ethics that are Christian in our Christian business practises. I think of a Christian organization I was employed in. There was a case of injustice done to an employee. The person was terminated from the workplace. Biblical work ethics were not the established norm to follow up on nor the written standards for labor law in this Christian business, workplace. Rather this business used the world's code of business labor laws to deal with a case of termination without cause. It was contradictory for the employee who is a believer as to what the Bible says regarding relationship dealings. The person was given no right to be heard, nor allowed any channels of reconcilation. It was the word of one, the Boss, over the word of the employee in the situation where the Boss was a controller and sought personal power. Because the Boss in the eyes of the establishment brought in profitable assets for the business, the organization favored the Boss's opinion. When the case was taken to higher levels in the organization there was no regard for this employee for the practise of worldly labor laws were applicable. The Boss was a ladder climber and anyone in their way was knocked down. The Christian business can lose its face value when employees experience such occurrences within an organization and eventually lose their face value in the world around it. Compromising standards and values of Christian practises by keeping an dishonest employee of no integrity for the sake of profit gain eventually will be destructive. The person who is ungodly in his ways will rear its ugly head in the external marketplace as a representative diluting the Christian business's face. When a workplace holds a label to being a Christian business and does not live up to Christian standards it dilutes vital Chrisitanity. We are given responsibility for the name we carry and in this world, do we make a difference or do we dilute who we are?

Q.2. Why would loosening of sexual standards to conform to the prevailing morals of the culture be destructive of vital Christian faith and witness? Our testimony and witness as Christians becomes meaningless words to those who hear that do not know God nor what the Bible says. It is harmful to souls who partake of sexual immorality to the believer and non-believer. Christians who accept the norms of the world lose their integrity. Christians who partake of false teachings become unfaithful to the God they serve. The Word is not to be added to or taken from it. An act made by groups or government to permit such sexual standards leads others into living sinful lifestyles. Terrible consequences results when there is unfaithfulness or disobedience to the standards set for living by the Lord God. A relationship with the Lord God whether a person is single or married their priorities are with the mindfulness of the Lord God's standards. Sexual immorality is destructive to people influenced by what the world tolerates and accepts as norms are souls are being taken by the enemy. Over time through the watering down of sexual morals instills a new mindset of, it is okay. Society begins to tolerate sexual immorality and the act of it becomes a norm. People without relationship to God or knowledge of the Bible are being mislead in thinking it is okay. Generational lifestyles of sexual immorality create a norm of acceptable life practise and behavior. It is destructive behavior for when you are committed to the Lord God as His people, you are His and He is yours, like a marriage relationship. He is the faithful one bestowing consistent faithfulness throughout all generations. We are to be faithful to Him in our commitment. In the act of sexual immorality the charge is unfaithfulness to the Lord God and the relationship is hindered or severed. I think of the book of Genesis where it writes what God created, male and female and that the man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. A one-flesh union that he blessed as a three-fold cord union. Sex is a good action in the eyes of God, he created it to be and a gift for man and woman. But God laid down the rules of sexual standards in the beginning when man and woman were first created. He also gave to Moses commandments for people reinforcing what he designed for sexual standards by the 7th Commandment you must not commit adultery. God wants you to love your husband or wife all the days of your life. A moral enforced as a command. Throughout the Bible and in various books such as Exodus, Leviticus, Matthew, Acts, Corinthians Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Thessalonians, Hebrews and Revelation speak of sexual morality, standards for Christian living. In the book of Leviticus, chapter 18 lists acts of unlawful sexual relations. The sexual standards are strict and consequences follow if not followed by God's people. Sexual immorality is detestable to the Lord and anyone who does these things listed "must be cut off from their people" which defiles a person who is involved. Sexual immorality is sinful acts of the flesh and consequences follow. Loosening sexual standards is disobedience to the Lord God who has set the laws for Christian living. God does not tolerate any act of sinfulness but is merciful and forgiving to those who acknowledge their sin before Him. How has your culture tended to take the edge off your own Christian moral convictions or forced you to be quiet about them? I choose to live accordingly to God's word. For the sake of my own soul, the destination I choose to reach as my goal in life, I do not invite nor entertain corruption into my daily living. I choose to be faithful in my relationship with God. I have no trouble speaking out about the wrongfulness of sexual immorality neither. Our culture through toleration of sexual immorality places it as acceptable behavior in today' society. The new norm has silenced Christian moral convictions. We are forced to be quiet about them and if we speak they become meaningless words to the ears that hear. We have become a minority mindset in a world of growing immorality. What is good to report is that about twelve years ago, which is at the time my daughter was in Junior High School was an emergance of guest speakers going about local schools to do talks. Guest speakers spoke about living chaste lifestyles until the day you marry. Speakers giving talks on chastity is a good attempt to revive sexual morals. And, schools are a good target because youths are being sexually active at early ages. I truly believe though it has to start with teaching our children in the home as the first place to being informed about God's word and educate our own children in the area of sexual morality.

Q.1. How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? The first letter to the churches reveals to me that one way to lose the first love for Jesus and His church is to follow other ways than of God's ways. We are to follow the ways of the Kingdom set out by God for the church ruled by His Son. Our first love is to be God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit which is first priority. - when our focus is not on God in what we do as church as a body of believers in worship and praise and in services offered of ministry but operate in the spirit of man meeting our own personal needs first or our agendas then we lose our first love - Jesus' needs have to be met first in the church to keep our first love; to focus first on loving Him to keep the relationship by worshipping Him and His word as primary and man's needs secondary such as ministry, programs etc Jesus pointing out the ways of the Nicolaitans to John as to wrongful practises is made know that He hates this. Therefore there are strict rules to follow and to be obeyed and that man does not make them or change them or add to them, that the church has already been established. Man's agenda is not wanted by Jesus. Jesus asks us to repent from ways or teachings of false Apostles or wicked men. Jesus hates practises that are not of the teachings of God's Kingdom. When the needs of man is first our love is going elsewhere. Jesus loves the church. Jesus loves us. We should love the church, each other. If we give loyalty and allegiance to leaders or men who lead by their own spirit then we are loosing our first love that is Jesus. Jesus shows his love for individuals and the church in His addressing the people through John's letter. He sees individuals within churches who endure in hardships and that have persevered. Then we are to watch out for and be beaware of false Apostles and teachings which are not biblical. We must be able to identify these people that are not under Jesus' headship and not fall into trap by ignorance. Thus we need to know God's word, be taught God's word and to learn God's word. We are then each given responsibility, each as followers or leaders to know and do as it is written. I think another way to lose our first love for Jesus would be to close our ears and disregard what authority figures or messengers say that are under the headship of Jesus, true Apostles. Those who Jesus appoints in the church who are under Him such as are angels (guardian angels, pastors, prevailing spirit). Revelation shows then there is a heirachy system. God first who appointed Jesus as King and Judge. Jesus walks admist the churches being central to all churches and is Ruler. Jesus appoints angels as guardians over the church. In the Kingdom it is God who is in control and second in command, Jesus, where Jesus charges angels to guard in each church. It says we should hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. So we have to learn to listen for ourselves with open ears to what the Spirit is saying to us and through others as well. We should discern when listening to who is speaking whether a false Apostle or true Apostle by the Word and the Spirit. What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and in ministry? What comes to mind is we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind. Also that what Jesus tells us to do and what He did for others is written. So signs of genuine love for Jesus would be to worship Him as a body with all our heart, with all our soul and with all our mind and to do as He commands, as it is written. A sign of genuine love is when we as a body are of one mind and heart under the head of Christ Jesus. When there is a God felt presence in the church, to me that is one sign of genuine love for Jesus. The service or gathering to be church is a powerful experience of God, an anointing through worship and the teaching of the word. We are blessed in His presence. When the focus of the church gathering is on God and Jesus in a church gathering, the service when we worship together, praise together, sing together, when the Word is taught from the Bible is done for God's greater glory and in His will, then it is a genuine love for Jesus. Jesus loves His church, God's people and in gathering we should do everything out of geniune love for the church and meet the needs of Jesus first and not the needs of the people that come to the church. We give back to him first in grateful thanks, Him first for all that He has done. He is our first love. Without him we would not be as we are. Another sign is when there is a recipication of love flowing and being transmitted to God and from God to us (me) and from us (me) to each other in the congregation, this is also when there is a genuine love for Jesus present. When there is unity. Unity in the body of believers is a genuine sign of love for Jesus. We are under the one headship which is of our Lord God, unity. Jesus unites by His love and we by His love unite with each other in His love for Him and each other. The same love flows of our first love, Him to us, we to Him and then we to all others in need to meet the needs of man. It is His love that is the root of all gifts. Love is the foundation from which all things flow. Jesus' needs must be meet first and we must not love our first love. Another sign is through the observance of fellowship in the church. Does the good fruits show up among the people. Is there love for one another as Jesus loved each of us and through ministry work as Jesus did ministry work on people he encountered. Is there Baptism, healing, breaking bread, setting people free ... is genuine love for Jesus through ministry and meeting the needs of the people, secondly. Jesus first then ministry, man's needs. Jesus loved us and came to us to do these things for us and are we also doing in the church the same ministries as He did for others. Do we try to become more like Him through discipling. Are we his disciples or disciples of man? Are we following the right path or wrong path is there light-bearing responsiblilities being carried out in the church is a genuine love for Jesus. Genuine love for Jesus is when I see others in church and myself growing in spiritually, maturituring in the Spirit. As a body of believers growing corporately is too, genuine love for Jesus. As is building the Kingdom. Good fruits of the spirit manifesting and showing up to church, being faithful, is a sign of genuine love for Jesus. Willingness to do it God's ways not our ways and to repent when necessary. How does a lack of love show up? 1. No repentance. When we go back to old ways of living to the old man life and not take up the walk of new life. When we follow wrong practises or false teachings. Or, when we quarrel, when there is division, when offences are taken and we do not forgive 2. Bad fruits are more evident than good fruits. When evil prevails in a body. When personal and corporate growth ceases or is on standstill for long durations due to offences or sin. When there is unforgiveness or unwillingness to forgive each other and let go of situations. 3. When people do not listen to authority. When people do not hear the word being taught when correction is being served by the Pastor to the body of believers whereby repentance is required. When the body of believers does not change. 4. When there is no two way flow of God's love nor unity and paradise is not being restored but divisions are occuring. When we do not give off light or bear light to others. There is love for God but not for each other in a body. People receive God's love but do not give it out. When fellowship is unobtainable and not being perfected. When there is no outreach to give people ministry needed. When the second commandment of Jesus starts to cease between others. How can a congregation regain this love? 1. Repent 2. Ask for forgiveness 3. Listen to what the Spirit is saying; discern who is speaking 4. Endure and perseve when hardships occur, be an overcomer 5. Be faithful to Jesus, be loyal and keep allegiance to Jesus 6. Come back to Jesus and follow the ways of His teachings if gone astray 7. Hate what Jesus hates; false Apostles and wicked men 8. Recognize what is false teachings by taking responsibility to learn God's Word 8. Know God's word and live according to His word; do God's Word 9. Love each other as Jesus loved; love your brethern 10. Obey the Word; worship God