Chris Colaco

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:2) "What does "called to be holy" or "called to be saints" mean? What is a saint according to the Bible? Why is it so comfortable for us to say, "I'm no saint"? What is expected of a person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God? What kind of behavior does the world expect of those who claim to be followers of Christ? Being a saint does not have to do with our behaviour, - being good - as with our status. And how did we attain our status? When we accepted Jesus as Lord, when we were baptised which itself is an answer to a call. By the mercy gained for us by the shedding of every drop of His blood we are saints. Now that we are saints and heirs, in joyful acknowledgment from our inmost being we become Christ. This is a result not a cause.

Q1. (Isaiah 53) From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? In what sense is this a universal sacrifice of salvation? Is 52:15 so he will sprinkle many nations.. This passage specifically speaks of the Nations... As far as "my people" repeatedly mentioned by Isaiah..this refers to all those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord in other words every Christian ..the new Israel. But as mentioned He did not die for Christians alone but also for the "many nations". How do these members of the Nations claim the saving Power? By accepting Jesus too.

Q1. (Isaiah 53) From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? In what sense is this a universal sacrifice of salvation? Is 52:15 so he will sprinkle many nations.. This passage specifically speaks of the Nations... As far as "my people" repeatedly mentioned by Isaiah..this refers to all those who acknowledge Jesus as Lord in other words every Christian ..the new Israel. But as mentioned He did not die for Christians alone but also for the "many nations". How do these members of the Nations claim the saving Power? By accepting Jesus too.

a. Because of fear..they will consume our scarce resources. Because of the unknown..suspicion ..fear..we cant trust them. Because of competition..they may be better than us.. b. By remembering that they are children of the same God. Jesus took a risk when He loved us to death. We too need to take the risk of loving. c. By their fruits you will know them. In India, my country, we are surrounded with people of many faiths. By our love for one another and for them we can witness to Jesus.

Q1. (Isaiah 1:2-20) In what way is Judah confused about its identity, according to verses 2-4? If they were aware that they were sons of God they would not have rebelled, been corrupt, neglected the poor and weak..., practiced evil. What are the consequences when Christians today suffer from such identity confusion? We too have forgotten God. Often He is our last priority after many "good" things" such as having the best, in material possessions or education or food and drink. We chase after power and prestige. We have no faith in God who can do all things, who made us and sustains us and most of all who LOVES us. What injustices does God accuse his people of in verses 15-17? There is blood on their hands..They ignore the weak ones of society: Orphans Oppressed Widows In verses 18-20 God argues that their behavior is “unreasonable.” Why is it unreasonable? What does God offer as an alternative? Here God is giving them an alternative: Change your ways and you will see your circumstances change. Because they are blind and deaf to this offer of God they are described as being unreasonable.