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Q2. In what way does Christ's resurrection somehow validate that we are saved and forgiven by God? ANSWER: Because of our union with Christ, we share in his justification; his resurrection-approved righteousness is reckoned as ours, imputed to us. Actually, Christ has been raised from the dead. Belief in the resurrection means I have forgiveness of sins. Christ’s payment for my sin on the cross was so complete, so satisfactory, that God affirmed His Son’s righteousness by raising Him from death. Forgiveness of our sin is the foundation of hope for any other blessing from God. Every person longs to be accepted and loved by God. We long to be set free from sin and the crushing fear of being cut off from God because of our sin. The good news is that the resurrection proves that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient, therefore God forgives those who are in Christ. If we didn't believe Christ had been actually raised from the dead, how might we have doubts about our salvation? ANSWER: If Christ had not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. Without the resurrection, which was the proof that God accepted Jesus' sacrifice, there would be no basis for the forgiveness of our transgressions. We would have no hope after death. Instead of being raised to eternal life in heaven, we'd all be doomed to eternal punishment and separation from God.

Q1. What kind of credibility would Jesus' ministry have had if He were not raised from the dead, especially when He predicted it ahead of time? ANSWER: If Jesus had not risen from the dead, there would be no power in Christianity. There would be no Holy Spirit building up his Church. The resurrection demonstrated the defeat of Satan. This also means that Satan has a new status. He is dethroned, disarmed and destroyed. Every time you see a healing, miracle, casting out of demons, it shows that the devil has been overthrown. The resurrection proves Jesus' credibility. Without the resurrection, Jesus would have had the same status as any philosopher, religious leader, or prophet. His resurrection proved that death is defeated. His resurrection testifies of the overthrow of the previous kingdom (the kingdom of darkness. In what way is the resurrection God's seal of approval on Him? ANSWER: The first theme is that Jesus' resurrection is God's vindication of Jesus' life, ministry, person, and divinity. His resurrection was God's Amen of approval to all that the Lord claimed to be, of every word He spoke, of every step He took, of every action He performed. Above all it was God's manifest approval and acceptance of the glorious work of atonement on the cross of Calvary as satisfying Him concerning the whole question of sin. "GOD raised Him from the dead" (Acts 13:30). Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father” (Romans 6:4). The seal of approval on Jesus God, the Father has placed His seal of approval on His only begotten Son (John 6:27b). A seal of ownership (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). Sealed with that Holy Spirit is given to the believer now as a first installment to assure him of his full inheritance as a son of God shall be his hereafter (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Q4. (2 Timothy 1:12) According to verse 12, what is the source of Paul's fearlessness? ANSWER: Paul was a man of extraordinary courage, but that the Holy Spirit gives each of us the courage we need to do our work. Paul credits the Holy Spirit for keeping him going in the face of such adversity (Acts 20:22; 21:4; 23:11). This is an encouragement to us today, because we also can depend on the Holy Spirit to give us the courage we may lack. Paul’s leadership encompasses far more than the four factors of: courage, suffering, respect, and concern for others. Yet these factors as presented in these chapters, (Acts 20-28), form one of the most stirring demonstrations of leadership in the Bible and remain as much of an example today as they did in Luke’s day. Some Character Traits of Paul, the Apostle Paul, the apostle of Christ: Persistent, Patient, Courageous, Humble, Uncompromising, Yielding, Ethical, and Forgiving What does he (Paul) trust God to guard for him? ANSWER: Paul trusted God to guard His faith and trust, (his life and apostolic ministry), until the day Paul meets God in heaven.

Q3. (2 Timothy 1:8-10) Paul is writing to encourage timid Timothy. How isPaul's focus on Christ and the gospel designed to encourage Timothy? ANSWER: We must always be living like Jesus and all we can. We must live in obedience to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance. Paul encouraged Timothy to focus on three spiritual priorities of the ministry, including nourishment from God's Word, training in godliness, and a mission-minded approach to ministry. In terms of receiving nourishment from God's Word, Paul mentions to Timothy that such a process is a life long event. Paul reminds Timothy that he must give an account of his preaching, not to Paul, or even to his congregation, but to the Lord Jesus. Paul was encouraging Timothy to continue following the good teachings of the gospel, as they would provide the nourishment he needed to sustain his strength in confronting the false teachers. Paul also urged Timothy to focus on training in godliness in order to serve as an example to the false teachers. How is this an antidote for shame? ANSWER: When one study the scriptures, hopefully we should learn and understand why and how the Apostle Paul was not ashamed. In his own words, Paul is not ashamed of the gospel “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” ( Romans 1:16). Paul is not ashamed of the gospel on the basis of deeper life-transformation. To Paul, the gospel is not merely a set of beliefs to defend, but an experienced world and life-transforming power. This experienced power amounts to well-grounded hope. The idea here is that Paul knows that his hope is not in vain because he, a former murderer of Christians, has received divine power to love as God loves. Why this power bring salvation is that (1) the supernatural power to love as God loves and (2) the power to defeat death through resurrection come from the same source, the Spirit of God, also known as the Spirit of Christ. Resurrection power cannot be divorced from divine heart-transformation (see Romans 8:9, 14).

Q2. (2 Timothy 1:7-8, 12) Can you give examples of how cowardice and shame may have kept you from identifying yourself as a Christian on occasion? ANSWER: A coward consciously shies away from unpleasant situations, doing whatever he can to save his own skin, enslaving himself to fear. Cowardice allows evil to triumph. Cowardice can be defined as “a trait wherein fear and excessive self-concern override doing or saying what is right, good, and of help to others or oneself in a time of need, it is the opposite of courage.” Cowardice is an anti-virtue. Bold living is extraordinarily difficult, painful and risky. However, to live cowardly is to choose self over others, comfort over Christ-likeness, and ease over sacrifice. To live a life of cowardice is to not follow the way of the Cross. Jesus consistently rebukes the way of cowardice: the way of choosing self over loving others, seeking ease at the expense of the down and out, or helping one’s own cause when it oppresses or neglects the poor and needy. Cowardice is so looked down on by Jesus, that in Revelation 21:8 He condemns the cowardly alongside the faithless and detestable. Be audacious as you confront sin and love the unloved. Jesus always risked his reputation to boldly love because he was sure of his reputation with his Father. Love boldly, confront gently, and stand firm in the faith. From testifying clearly about your faith? (Can you give examples of how cowardice and shame may have kept you … ) ANSWER: INSTEAD of being ashamed, Paul said, SHARE in suffering for the gospel BY THE POWER OF GOD! We accept suffering, knowing God gives us the POWER to suffer. The power of God, within us, overcomes our tendency to be ashamed and to shrink from suffering. His power will carry us through ANY suffering. The Power of God is an unshakable, reality inside us! We need to believe that! The two main messages to us in this passage: refuse to be ashamed about the message of Christ, choose to suffer for that message.The first command of this scripture is “DO NOT BE ASHAMED. Being ashamed comes from an over-desire to look respectable in the eyes of others. Instead of being concerned with the world’s opinion of us, we should be concerned that Christ would be ashamed of us. 2 Timothy 1:6-11 The second command is “SHARE IN SUFFERING”. At a very fundamental level the Christian life is ABOUT suffering. Jesus Christ suffered rejection, injustice, hardship, and ultimately execution by crucifixion at the hands of evil people. Paul said, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer”. Peter said “Christ suffered in his body, therefore arm yourselves with that same resolve.” We must recognize that we do not possess the ability to remain faithful under the best of circumstances in our own flesh. But neither do we pretend to have the ability to save ourselves in our flesh. We depend completely on God for all. He has granted the ability, the power, to save and sanctify us. He holds us fast. May we be unashamed and unafraid. May we be unashamed of Christ and the message about Christ, and willing to suffer with others in the body of Christ...for the gospel message. According to 2 Timothy 1 verse 12, what is the antidote for cowardice and shame? ANSWER: In 2 Timothy 1 we are instructed to have a “spirit of boldness”, holding fast to a faithful God. To stir up the gift of God which is in us: We should not be passive and just let it all happen; some of those gifts given to us by God are neglected. They need to be stirred up and put into actionthrough the laying on of His hands: God used the laying on of hands to communicate spiritual gifts to Timothy. This is not the only way God gives gifts, but it is a common way; and a way that we should never neglect. It is a good thing to have others pray for us and ask that God would give us gifts that might be used to bless and build up the family of God. We must remember that God has graciously given us His Holy Spirit, who makes us fearless in troubled times, works His power in our weakness, stirs in us genuine love for our neighbors and even our enemies, and gives us self-control to live as God’s holy people. How then do we combat the cowardice and shame we might recognize in ourselves? ANSWER: We are to be worshiping people. We are to make much of Jesus. We are not ashamed. Rather we confidently and boldly make much of Jesus in song to His praise and our joy. We can boldly proclaim the Word of God because He has been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. This disposition is not self-generated but is a supernatural endowment made possible by the grace of God. The perfect love of God has cast out the fear to which we were once enslaved. May the spirit of love empower us to live faithfully and courageously as ambassadors of Christ! We have been released from the spirit of fear by the Holy Spirit, who has placed us in the body of Christ.

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? ANSWER: If you’ve ever operated in a spiritual gift, and but allowed your practice of it to become cold and disused, then you should not be content to let our gifts lie dormant and unused. Instead, we should discover, use, and develop those gifts to build up Christ's body. Let them burn brightly in the service of our Lord. And do so more and more. When our hearts are in all the wrong places, it’s no wonder when our gifts, our time, our attention, our resources, our abilities, consistently land in the wrong places too (or never land at all). Those who use their gifts well reject what the world would teach them to do with their gifts. They carry and spend their gifts where God leads them through His word, prayer, and the fellowship of other believers. We should not be content to let our gifts lie dormant and unused. Instead, we should , use, and develop those gifts to build up Christ’s body. Let them burn brightly in the service of our Lord. And do so more and more. How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? ANSWER: If your gifts have wandered into a cul-de-sac and begun to wither, it’s not too late to revive them and put them to use. Lay aside the pride, selfishness, worldliness, and passivity that devour what God has given you. Liberate your gifts from the cul-de-sacs that suppress them. Identify something you do well by God’s grace, and ask Him to help you find a need to meet. What might be involved in reclaiming use of such a gift? ANSWER: Your spiritual gifts aren’t for you, they’re for the people around you. A spiritual gift is worth nothing unless it’s used in faithful service to a community. Spiritual gifts are supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit to the followers of Christ so that they can do the work of building up the body of Christ, that is, the church, and extend the Kingdom of God throughout the world.All the gifts are needed in the body of Christ. All the gifts are equally valid. No one should despise someone else’s gift as being less than his/her gift. Some gifts are more apparent than others, but each gift is important.

Q5. (Titus 3:5-8) If "regeneration" is necessary, what does that imply about our spiritual state before salvation? ANSWER: Regeneration is God’s making a person spiritually alive, as a result of faith in Jesus Christ. Spiritually, it means that God brings a person to new life (that they are "born again") from a previous state of separation from God and subjection to the decay of death (Ephesians 2:5). Sinful human flesh cannot stand in God’s presence. a man must be born again in order to see the kingdom of God. Regeneration is not optional, for “flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Physical birth fits us for earth; Spiritual rebirth fits us for heaven. Regeneration is part of what God does for us at the moment of salvation, along with sealing, adoption, reconciliation, etc … Prior to salvation we were not God’s children rather, we were children of wrath. Before salvation, we were degenerate; after salvation we are regenerated. The result of regeneration is peace with God, new life and eternal sonship. Regeneration begins the process of sanctification wherein we become the people God intends us to be. The only means of regeneration is by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. No amount of good works or keeping of the Law can regenerate the heart. We don’t need renovation or reformation or reorganization; we need rebirth. What is "new" after salvation? ANSWER: First, the Holy Spirit comes to live in your heart. He is the key to many more positive changes yet to come. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation? ANSWER: The role of the Holy Spirit in salvation is the Holy Spirit first exposes and convicts him of his sin. This sin-confronting ministry continues through the believer’s life, as the Spirit generates deeper conviction and sincere repentance, as believers grow into conformity unto the holy Christ. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification? ANSWER: Sanctification is the process of becoming like Jesus, a gift of the fullness of salvation. The Holy Spirit is essential to sanctification, and it is a continuous process of being made perfect in the love of God and removing the desire to sin. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit, as he binds us to the Christ who, at his resurrection, not only overwhelms the guilt of sin (for our forgiveness), but conquers the power of sin and death (for our holiness). Sanctification is secured by Jesus; it is given to us and worked in us by His Spirit. Scripture is essential to sanctification, and spending time in the Word of God is not to make us smarter sinners but to make us more like the Savior.

Q4. (Titus 3:4-5) Why is it important to stress that our salvation has nothing to do with our righteous actions? ANSWER: Good works are the evidence, not the means of salvation. Salvation and eternal life (heaven) are not obtained through human effort (i. e. our good works, keeping the law, etc.), but is according to God's mercy and grace bestowed on those who “believe” (that is completely trust and depend) on Jesus Christ. Salvation is, “not by works of righteousness which we have done.” That is because, for a lost sinner, “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). Unless one has been born again and renewed (indwelled) by the Holy Ghost, there is nothing holy about them and everything they touch is, in God’s sight, contaminated by indwelling sin. Having been saved by grace, through faith; we are saved unto good works. We are to be careful to “maintain good works.” How can otherwise "good" works be corrupted by self-serving motives? ANSWER: Our selfishness hinders the hand of God. Selfishness stops your prayers from being answered. God can’t bless wrong motives. Your heart has to be right. God is looking at your MOTIVES. Your motives are serious to Him. If you are doing the right things for the right reasons that’s SERVICE. If you’re doing the right things for the wrong reasons that’s SELFISHNESS. We shouldn’t do anything out of selfishness, strife or pride. We should be walking in humility and looking to other’s interests. Selfishness and leadership don’t go together. Leaders are called to be SERVANTS. We serve others, we don’t have others serve us. Our motives should be to please God. Be sincere and let what you do be HEARTFELT. When He searches us He will reveal the motives our heart. He exposes the condition of our heart so He can help you correct it. We must ask God to align us with His purpose and will for our lives. How can pride and self-deceit keep us from salvation? ANSWER: Throughout the Bible, we are warned against pride. PRIDE, in particular, gives an individual the false illusion that he/she does not need God. Pride not only separates us from others, but most importantly it separates us from God. Those with pride do not seek or have room for Him (God). The problem with pride is that it is sneaky and very hard to see in the mirror. It sneaks in, and we don’t even realize it until it has already caused us to sin. The unfortunate truth is that if we allow pride to dominate our lives, we will suffer immensely. NOTE: … “PRIDE IS A KILLER!” Do not allow pride to enter into your heart and create a false sense of arrogance. Instead, repent of your pride, and ask God to give you a heart of humility and service towards others. When you feel tempted to act pridefully, do just the opposite, WALK HUMBLY walk.

Q3. (Titus 3:1-2) What should be a Christian's response to civil government, even government by those who do not share our values? ANSWER: He has ordained civil government for a purpose, to punish evildoers and to protect the liberty and security of its people, so that we may be able to “lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2). Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. From scripture, I have learned that: … 1. Christians can and should disobey a government that commands or compels them to do things that are contrary to the law of God. 2. Christians can vote or participate in any non-violent action that is within the laws of their government to effect a change in that government. 3. a Christian should not rebel against, disobey or plot against their rulers and governing bodies when what they require is not against God's law. If we revolt against our government, we revolt against God who ordained it and are subject to government punishment for such actions. Contrary to popular conservative Christian opinion, we are to pray to God: a. for all who are in authority, and that includes all those in public office, government officials and our rulers whatever party they call their own b. for all those in public office, that by God's grace we may lead a peaceful and conscience free life in obedience to God. c. that He will move them to administer their office with equity, faithfulness and righteousness. The good and faithful action is to pray for them and ask that they might receive wisdom. As the faithful prayer of old, “The Serenity Prayer,” may the Lord who is gracious above all, grant each of us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. How does an anti-government stance hurt the cause of Christ? ANSWER: Whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. When Jesus preached His gospel of the “kingdom,” He was saying that He would return one day to institute a one-world government and a one-party system, with Him as the supreme ruler. How does gossip or backbiting hurt the cause of Christ? ANSWER: Just as a cold north wind brings rain, so a tongue given to backbiting will bring angry looks from the victims of the gossip. Gossips hurt neighbors, divide friends, and damage reputations and relationships. Negative or malicious talk may feel good for a moment, while you may get something off your chest, but ultimately it DOES NO GOOD, and can actually do great harm, even separating close friends. Backbiting is contrary to love, it is a reconciling force. Jesus said the peacemakers will be blessed, not the backbiters. How does it hurt the unity of the church? ANSWER: It harms reputations. It takes only one rumor to harm a brother or sister, and it's tough to recover once the rumor's out. We only weaken the family of God through gossip. It destroys trust. It is gossip and backbiting that is destructive to a church. Here’s are some reasons why: It’s evil. It’s idolatrous. It’s self-centered. It’s divisive. It’s often deceptive. It harms reputations. It destroys trust. It’s a stumbling block for others. It’s addictive. It’s hardly good news. It indicates hypocrisy in the church. It risks God’s judgment. If you’re a gossip, stop talking. If you like to hear gossip, you’re also guilty. Stop listening. And, if gossips continue to talk and create turmoil, it’s only loving to confront them and call them to repentance. To do anything less is to give the enemy a foothold in your church.

Q3. How does the disciples' psychological state after the crucifixion provide excellent support for belief in the resurrection? ANSWER: They were in hiding, discouraged, and disheartened. They did not at first believe the women's report of Jesus' resurrection. Only after Jesus appeared to them in person did they believe. After the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the disciples were so afraid they secluded themselves behind closed doors. The disciples became transformed from cringing cowards to roaring lions of the faith who fearlessly preached Jesus' resurrection. The disciples had changed dramatically, because they had seen the Risen Lord. They saw him/he spoke to them/the tomb was empty/he ate with them/it was the fulfillment of prophecy etc.…

Q2. On the theft theory, what motive might the disciples have to take Jesus' body? ANSWER: If people believed God had taken Jesus’ body up to heaven, this would "prove" Jesus was a true holy man and vindicate his name. What motive might the Romans have (to take Jesus’ body)? ANSWER: A possible motive for such would be the usage of Jesus's body in necromancy; several rites of the time required "one untimely dead" or the body of a holy person. What motive might The Jews (have to take Jesus’ body)? ANSWER: Potential reasons include wishing to bury Jesus themselves; believing that Jesus would soon return and wanting His body in their possession; a "pious deceit" to restore Jesus's good name after being crucified as a criminal; or an outright plot to fake a resurrection. What motive might Joseph of Arimathea (have to take Jesus’ body)? ANSWER: Mark 15:43 notes his, Joseph of Arimathea, motive for this action as “waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.” Joseph wished to prevent the body from hanging on the cross overnight and to secure for it an honorable burial, thereby offending Jewish law, which allowed only a disgraceful burial to the executed. Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy Jewish man who buried the body of Jesus Christ after the Crucifixion.

Q1. What do you think motivates liberal Christian scholars to explain away the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ? ANSWER: Since liberal theologians retained the presupposition against the possibility of miracles a historical resurrection was a priori simply out of the question for them. The things that motivates liberal Christian scholars to explain away the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, is that the crucified body of Jesus was never miraculously raised to a new and glorious life. They maintain that the true sense of “resurrection” is something more “spiritual” than that which Catholics have traditionally accepted. People do not believe in the resurrected Jesus because they weigh the evidence and arrived at a logical conclusion. Why would they claim that it is unhistorical more than some other event in the first century? ANSWER: With liberal Christian scholars, in addition to their intellectual pride, the primary hurdle to overcome is philosophical. To them, Jesus' resurrection can't be examined with the normal tools of historical inquiry because it is: Unrepeatable. It is a one-of-a-kind event that can't be studied Incomparable. We have no analogies to which to compare it. Lacks credible evidence. This isn't actually true, but these scholars often explain away or neglect the strong evidence that we do have.

Q2. (Titus 2:14) According to verse 14, what are the two purposes of Christ's redemption? ANSWER: First, He sacrificed Himself in order to redeem or set the Christian free from the slavery to sin and Satan and secondly, He gave Himself on the cross in order to purify from sin and Satan a special people for Himself who are dedicated to performing excellent works.The fulfillment of the first purpose, result enables the second purpose,result to be accomplished. In other words, Christ’s sacrifice made it possible for the Christian to be dedicated to performing excellent works in that His sacrifice purified them from sin and Satan so that they would have the capacity to be dedicated to performing good works. Why do we need to be purified so that we can do truly "good" works? ANSWER: The ultimate goal of the purification process is the restoration of the relationship between God and his people and the mutual relationship between people.

Q1. (Titus 2:12-13) If we were convinced that Christ would soon return, what effect would that have on the way we conduct ourselves? ANSWER: What a way to live, every single day, waiting for the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13-14 teaches us to be zealous for good works; and the connection between grace and godliness. God has saved us through Jesus, to be a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Your good works gives glory to your Father in heaven. If Christ were to come back today, we pray that He would find us zealous for good works, as we’re waiting for His appearing. Why is this hope "blessed"? ANSWER: This hope is “blessed” because as Christians we are to be, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (self- controlled), righteously, and take God seriously (godly) in the present age, looking for the blessed hope (living in active expectation of the return of Jesus) and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. We are to expect and prepare for our blessed hope. That hope is not heaven or glory, but Jesus Himself, face to face, closer than ever. It important for Christians to consider: He came the first time to save the soul of man; He will come a second time to resurrect the body. He came the first time to save the individual; He will come a second time to save society. He came the first time to a crucifixion; He will come a second time to a coronation. He came the first time to a tree; He will come a second time to a throne. He came the first time in humility; He will come a second time in glory. He came the first time and was judged by men; He will come a second time to judge all men. He came the first time and stood before Pilate; He will come a second time and Pilate will stand before Him. In summation, our hope is to be Christian believers who wants to live godly and upright lives. As Believers we are looking forward to a "blessed hope." This hope is the appearance of the glory of Christ. In what way will Christ's return exhibit His glory? ANSWER: Christ's coming will be seen all over the earth in glory, the last trumpet will sound, the dead in Christ will rise from their graves, Christ will judge the world, and reign forever with his saints, you and me.

Q5. What is the difference but between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension? ANSWER: The resurrection and ascension of Jesus prove to Christians that He is the Son of God. His sacrifice. overcame sin and offers humans hope of eternal life. God deals with Christians “in” the person of Christ. What happens to Christ, affects us. That’s because salvation is found “in Christ.” Salvation is about JESUS, before it is about us. The resurrection is about JESUS, before it is about our salvation. Jesus resurrection is necessary for our salvation. Christ is raised, the first-fruits of others who will be raised. Jesus’ resurrection shows Christians the power of God but also teaches them not to be afraid of dying. The resurrection refers to Jesus coming back to life after being crucified. The ascension is Him rising up to Heaven after He returned to earth. The Ascension represents the glorification and exaltation of Jesus following his death and Resurrection, as well as His return to God the Father. The Ascension brings Jesus to the height of glory. The Ascension completes what Christ’s resurrection had begun. It’s the Ascension that takes Jesus to the place the Bible calls “the right hand of the Father.” Jesus, ascension is not His abandoning of the church. Though He is bodily present elsewhere, the Ascension is the way that Christ in power comes to dwell in His church. Because it’s once ascended that He can pour out the Holy Spirit upon His people. To summarize, the resurrection refers to Jesus being bodily raised from the dead, while the ascension refers to the movement of Christ's exalted body from earth to heaven. In the resurrection Jesus conquered death; in the ascension He was exalted to the right hand of the Father. Because of the ascension of Jesus, we can live in resurrection power for the rest of eternity. How do the two, (Jesus' resurrection and His ascension), fit together? ANSWER: Romans 8:11 says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us now. Because of the ascension of Jesus, we can live in resurrection power for the rest of eternity. Because Jesus has passed from death to life, He makes our salvation and eternal life possible. The key message of the death resurrection and ascension of Jesus: Because He was raised from the dead, having paid for our sins in His sinless body, the Father has exalted Him to sit with Him on His throne, where He has the power and the authority to "pour out" the Holy Spirit on the elect, giving them the ability to have a relationship with God and to have eternal life through a similar resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is nothing to be taken lightly. We would do well to consider it deeply since it is so vital to God's purpose and to the eternal future of God's elect. After the Resurrection, our bodies will have these criteria assigned four gifts in particular to the glorified bodies of the righteous: impassibility, subtlety, agility, and clarity. In what sense is the ascension the completion of the resurrection? ANSWER: It is plain from Scripture that Jesus’ ascension was a literal, bodily return to heaven. He rose from the ground gradually and visibly, observed by many intent onlookers. As the disciples strained to catch a last glimpse of Jesus, a cloud hid Him from their view, and two angels appeared and promised Christ’s return "in just the same way that you have watched Him go" (Acts 1:11). the ascension of Jesus Christ is meaningful for several reasons: It signaled the end of His earthly ministry. God the Father had lovingly sent His Son into the world at Bethlehem, and now the Son was returning to the Father. The period of human limitation was at an end. It signified success in His earthly work. All that He had come to do, He had accomplished. It marked the return of His heavenly glory. Jesus’ glory had been veiled during His sojourn on earth, with one brief exception at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). It symbolized His exaltation by the Father (Ephesians 1:20-23). The One with whom the Father is well pleased (Matthew 17:5) was received up in honor and given a name above all names (Philippians 2:9). It allowed Him to prepare a place for us (John 14:2). It indicated the beginning of His new work as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and Mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15). It set the pattern for His return. When Jesus comes to set up the Kingdom, He will return just as He left-literally, bodily, and visibly in the clouds (Acts 1:11; Daniels 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30; Revelation 1:7) Currently, the Lord Jesus is in heaven. The Scriptures frequently picture Him at the right hand of the Father; a position of honor and authority. Christ is the Head of the Church, the giver of spiritual gifts, and the One who fills all in all.

Q4. What do we know from the Gospels about the properties of Jesus' resurrection body? ‘ ANSWER: It is clear that the New Testament intends us to see Jesus' resurrection body not as something completely different than His physical body. It is clearly one that has continuity with the old, but it includes new powers and abilities. According to Biblical Scriptures, the resurrected bodies possess several properties: immortality; entirety, implying the restitution of the limbs, the distinction of the sexes and the perfection of the senses; the excellent physique and physical beauty (natural prerogative). Make note that at the resurrection, the transformation of the body we have now into the body we will have, will be instantaneous. All believers will receive this gift at the same time. There’s continuity, but also changes with this new resurrection body. Here are four changes with the resurrection body. of them. Imperishable … (1 Corinthians 15:42) Glorious … (1 Corinthians 15:43) Powerful … (1 Corinthians 15:43) Godly … (1 Corinthians 15:44) here’s what you have to look forward to in the new heaven and the new earth: A body that is adapted to life forever and will never decline, a body that is glorious and powerful, B. a body that is fully responsive to the Holy Spirit. how to live in the light of your resurrection body: Recognize that you are wholly owned by Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Be done with everything that defiles your body or your soul. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Offer your whole self to God. (Romans 12:1) Never give in to discouragement! (1 Corinthians 15:58) Because you are pressing toward the resurrection…Keep giving yourself to everything that God is calling you to do. Don’t hold back in any way! Do it with joy, and do it knowing that if even a cup of cold water will not go without its reward, you can be sure that a life of faith laid down in service for Jesus Christ will be a life that cannot be lived in vain. What was He (Jesus) capable of in this new body? ANSWER: Jesus’ resurrected body was capable of entering locked rooms at will (John 20:19). Our earthly body limits us in ways (and/or dimensions) that our spiritual body will not.

Q3. (Luke 24:12; John 20:6-8) What about the grave clothes brought Peter and John to faith? ANSWER: When Peter and John entered the sepulcher, they did not see the body of Jesus; but they did see the grave clothes. It was not the empty tomb that convinced the apostles. The position of the grave clothes in the tomb attracted the apostles' attention and caused Peter and John to believe. These grave garments were arranged in a unique way, (a certain order), was very important. It was the linen strips (clothes) that caused John to believe. The grave clothes were in exactly the position the body had occupied. Scripture clearly tells us that when John “saw the arrangement of the grave clothes, he believed, beyond all doubt, that Jesus was risen.”The idea that Jesus would miraculously pass through the cloths makes better sense of the fact that John comes to faith, not after seeing that the tomb was empty, but after seeing the grave-clothes inside the empty tomb. Something about what he saw inside was remarkable. The position of the grave clothes in the tomb attracted the apostles' attention and caused Peter and John to believe: What was so peculiar about them? ANSWER: The burial cloth of Jesus is called the “Shroud of Turin. The "napkin" (KJV) or "burial cloth" (NIV) that had been on Jesus' head was folded separately. The presence of the grave clothes neatly folded on the shelf were mute testimony that Jesus' body had slipped free of the grave clothes without disturbing them whatsoever. The grave clothes didn't need to be unwrapped to let Jesus out, He passed from the grave clothes while they were still rolled up around his body. It has been rumored that folding the napkin at the table is a Jewish custom that means the person folding the napkin intends to return. We don’t need a “folded napkin” story to tell us that Jesus is returning or a “folded towel” story to tell us that “it is finished.” We have Jesus’ word that His atoning sacrifice was sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins and that it was finished on the cross. We also know that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and promises of His first coming and will also fulfill those of His second coming. Jesus will return again!!

Q2. What similarities do you find in the resurrection accounts? ANSWER:The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in human history, and the foundation of the Christian faith. The four Gospel accounts in the Bible, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, provide unique perspectives on this pivotal event. Despite the differences, all four Gospels agree on the essential facts of the Resurrection, that Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried, and that He rose from the dead on the third day. Points of AgreementIn comparison of the accounts of the resurrection, there are five main points of agreement. They include: Jesus was dead and buried. The disciples were not prepared for Jesus' death. They were overcome with confusion. The tomb was found on Easter morning to be empty. But this in itself didn't inspire faith. Mary thought the body was stolen. The disciples encountered a number of experiences which they took to be appearances of Jesus risen from the dead. The disciples proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus in Jerusalem, near where he had been buried. Based on the agreements between the accounts, what seems to have happened? ANSWER: At first glance, there appear to be clear differences between each of the four gospel accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, when the individual stories from each gospel are dissected, we will see that the apparent differences come down to simply a different viewpoint of the same event. A difference in writing style, perhaps, and the individual author's perspective of the circumstances surrounding the Resurrection rather than an actual difference in the events that happened. The accounts, after all, are not that different when we look closer at what is meant by the written content. All four gospels agree on the focal points of what happened and the time when these events occurred. Each gospel account is also written by a different author, which means there is going to be a difference in writing style as well as interpretation of the events that happened. no two people are going to interpret something in the exact same way. The four gospels agree on all the fundamental events of the Resurrection, starting from the very beginning. The verbiage may vary slightly; however, the order of events and how they happened is exactly the same. Jesus died and was buried. Several women left for the tomb very early in the morning (including Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James). They found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty of Jesus' body. An angel spoke to them. The women fled from the tomb. The disciples were not prepared for His death and were confused about His Resurrection, what it meant, and the words Mary spoke to them. There are far more similarities between the four accounts than first appear on the surface, and for this, we can be truly grateful. It is because of these similarities that we can find and know the truth of what happened to Jesus Christ during that time. Each of the four Resurrection narratives goes its own way in details, but there are three elements that all the Resurrection narratives have in common: the discovery of the empty tomb takes place on a Sunday morning; Mary Magdalene is present at the tomb; and the tomb is found to be empty.

Q1. What differences do you find between the various resurrection accounts? ANSWER: The difference between the 4 gospels are: Each gospel presents Christ, and the life and freedom He brings, to a specific audience: Matthew announces Jesus as the promised Messiah, Mark proclaims the power of Christ in an action-packed account, Luke shares longer stories and parables, and John breaks the mold to create a piece of poetry on the nature of Jesus. Each author felt a responsibility to provide readers with another vantage point from which to ponder the impact and importance of God with us. And each authentic account adds to the good news echoing around us, and is amplified by many voices. No matter how many objections unbelievers raise, Christians can be confident there are no contradictions in the Word of God. How do you account for differences in eyewitness testimony? ANSWER: The root cause for the differences is likely due to the fact that none of the writers were eyewitnesses to the resurrection. They were Greek authors writing about stories they heard passed onto them in the longest game of “telephone” ever played. And whoever told these stories about Jesus did so after the resurrection sightings—whether spiritual visions or physical encounters—and were not written down until at least four decades had passed since Jesus was crucified. That is a lot of time between actual events taking place and the recording of them! Moreover the resurrection details differ because the storytellers intended to tell their own versions of what happened. How might these differences add to the credibility of the witnesses? Answer: Differences can add to credibility. Because the credibility of eyewitness accounts lies mainly on whether we can establish that those accounts were, in fact, written by eyewitnesses.

Q4. (Titus 2:11-12) How does a wrong understanding of God's grace seem to give us a license to be sloppy in our behavior? ANSWER: Many professing Christians wrongly think that God’s grace means that He gives out free passes that allow us to sin, with no consequences for disobedience. If you emphasize the need to obey God’s commandments or do good works, they call you a legalist. If you warn them that their sloppy view of sin will result in God’s discipline, they don’t want to hear it. Their mantra is, “I’m not into your rules kind of religion. I’m under grace, not law.” For them, grace means permission for sloppy living. In what ways should God's grace motivate us to good behavior? ANSWER: Scripture shows a surprising and counter-intuitive truth: Grace motivates: … Grace gives us the power to overcome sin. It gives us the power to say no to sin and no to the enemy. Grace Is Compelling - God’s grace is overflowing and abundant. It is also powerful: grace motivates changed lives. The love of Christ compels us!” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The law threatens and demands, but does not motivate. This is not to discount the value of the law. The law of God is “perfect, true, and righteous. The law cannot generate what it commands. Law does not deliver what it mandates—but grace does. Grace Is Practical - The shocking and life-giving truth that grace motivates is not just for the pulpit and counseling sessions. It has massive implications for leadership in all realms. Grace is practical. What actually motivates people are “intrinsic motivators,” inward desires that drive our behavior. Those who lead by grace set the tone for entire teams and organizations. Grace expressed as love, acceptance, and understanding increases performance in the workplace.Grace In Real Life - For pastors and ministry leaders, the principle that grace motivates ought to permeate our lives, work, and leadership. This means when you want to see better performance from your staff, don’t threaten demotions or probation; instead, provide security, offer freedom for self-direction, and help them see the larger significance of their work. Don’t give them threats, but talk about Jesus’ obedience on their behalf and dazzle them with grace. You will be amazed at the fruit the Holy Spirit produces when you focus on grace, rather than threats and incentives. Grace motivates. Main Theme and Purpose of Titus The book of Titus is one of the pastoral epistles in the New Testament. Paul wanted to send encouragement to his friend, and in Titus 1:5 Paul states “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.” He is reminding Titus of the duty he was charged with. Paul also writes this letter to send a warning to Titus. He reminds him in Titus 1:12 of what reputation the people of Crete have. The purpose of this letter is to not only encourage but instruct Titus in his ministry. Lastly, Paul wants Titus to visit him in Nicopolis. What We Can Learn from Titus Today - Paul’s words can teach us two very important lessons. The first LESSON is how those who are in leadership positions within the church should behave. We learn how to choose our leaders and what God is charging them to accomplish. Paul emphasizes sound doctrine because of the false teaching that was happening. The same false teachings are heard around the world today and as leaders in the church, we are to commit to spreading the truth. The second lesson we learn has to do with our salvation. Paul is teaching us that the gift of salvation should not end with us. It should be shared with the world around us as it was meant to give us a beautiful life. In Titus 3:14 Paul says, “Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs so that they will not be unfruitful.” Our good works will show our love and devotion to Christ. It will help us to show what the gift of salvation has done for us, and what it can do for others. Our world today is full of needs. There are the homeless, the unborn, the widows, and so many more. People that need the love of Christ in their hearts will only receive it as we work to help them. We are not to be judgmental, but compassionate. Christ commands us to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel. The words of Paul remind us that we are to remember what Christ did for us. We were freed so that we may aid in the freeing of all mankind. We are not to sit still and keep the message of Jesus Christ to ourselves. Working to help others in need and sharing the gift of salvation is as important today as it was when Paul wrote these words.

Q4. (Titus 2:11-12) How does a wrong understanding of God's grace seem to give us a license to be sloppy in our behavior? ANSWER: Many professing Christians wrongly think that God’s grace means that He gives out free passes that allow us to sin, with no consequences for disobedience. If you emphasize the need to obey God’s commandments or do good works, they call you a legalist. If you warn them that their sloppy view of sin will result in God’s discipline, they don’t want to hear it. Their mantra is, “I’m not into your rules kind of religion. I’m under grace, not law.” For them, grace means permission for sloppy living. In what ways should God's grace motivate us to good behavior? ANSWER: Scripture shows a surprising and counter-intuitive truth: Grace motivates: … Grace gives us the power to overcome sin. It gives us the power to say no to sin and no to the enemy. Grace Is Compelling - God’s grace is overflowing and abundant. It is also powerful: grace motivates changed lives. The love of Christ compels us!” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The law threatens and demands, but does not motivate. This is not to discount the value of the law. The law of God is “perfect, true, and righteous. The law cannot generate what it commands. Law does not deliver what it mandates—but grace does. Grace Is Practical - The shocking and life-giving truth that grace motivates is not just for the pulpit and counseling sessions. It has massive implications for leadership in all realms. Grace is practical. What actually motivates people are “intrinsic motivators,” inward desires that drive our behavior. Those who lead by grace set the tone for entire teams and organizations. Grace expressed as love, acceptance, and understanding increases performance in the workplace.Grace In Real Life - For pastors and ministry leaders, the principle that grace motivates ought to permeate our lives, work, and leadership. This means when you want to see better performance from your staff, don’t threaten demotions or probation; instead, provide security, offer freedom for self-direction, and help them see the larger significance of their work. Don’t give them threats, but talk about Jesus’ obedience on their behalf and dazzle them with grace. You will be amazed at the fruit the Holy Spirit produces when you focus on grace, rather than threats and incentives. Grace motivates. Main Theme and Purpose of Titus The book of Titus is one of the pastoral epistles in the New Testament. Paul wanted to send encouragement to his friend, and in Titus 1:5 Paul states “The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town.” He is reminding Titus of the duty he was charged with. Paul also writes this letter to send a warning to Titus. He reminds him in Titus 1:12 of what reputation the people of Crete have. The purpose of this letter is to not only encourage but instruct Titus in his ministry. Lastly, Paul wants Titus to visit him in Nicopolis. What We Can Learn from Titus Today - Paul’s words can teach us two very important lessons. The first LESSON is how those who are in leadership positions within the church should behave. We learn how to choose our leaders and what God is charging them to accomplish. Paul emphasizes sound doctrine because of the false teaching that was happening. The same false teachings are heard around the world today and as leaders in the church, we are to commit to spreading the truth. The second lesson we learn has to do with our salvation. Paul is teaching us that the gift of salvation should not end with us. It should be shared with the world around us as it was meant to give us a beautiful life. In Titus 3:14 Paul says, “Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs so that they will not be unfruitful.” Our good works will show our love and devotion to Christ. It will help us to show what the gift of salvation has done for us, and what it can do for others. Our world today is full of needs. There are the homeless, the unborn, the widows, and so many more. People that need the love of Christ in their hearts will only receive it as we work to help them. We are not to be judgmental, but compassionate. Christ commands us to go to the ends of the earth to share the gospel. The words of Paul remind us that we are to remember what Christ did for us. We were freed so that we may aid in the freeing of all mankind. We are not to sit still and keep the message of Jesus Christ to ourselves. Working to help others in need and sharing the gift of salvation is as important today as it was when Paul wrote these words.

Q3. (Titus 2:2-8) What are the weaknesses are younger wives and husbands need to be careful of? ANSWER: It probably seems strange that women needed to be taught to love their husbands. This implies that the practical applications of love don’t necessarily happen naturally. They need to be learned. This was probably especially true in the ancient world where most marriages were arranged and therefore were at least initially less romantic. They were often arranged based on social or economic status—moving up in the world and having an heir. Husbands having concubines (official mistresses) was normal, especially when wealthy. Marriages were commonly functional, and love was not involved. However, these young women needed to learn what God expected from a marriage, including loving their husbands. Paul’s command implied that wives were to develop companionship with their husbands. They were to learn how to listen to him, care for him, and sacrificially serve him. They were to forgive their husband’s failures and not hold grudges against him. Young mothers need wisdom in how to love their children correctly. Mothers must love their children by imparting wisdom to them through both teaching and discipline, including forms of corporal discipline. the most important way young mothers can love their children is by teaching them Scripture and helping them come to a saving relationship with Christ. Proverbs 29:15 says, With the young men, Paul only gives one characteristic for them to develop and that is “self-control.” it is the chief characteristic for healthy young men, probably because they often fail in this area. They must practice self-control in their passions. It is important because young men have a tendency towards addictive practices. These may be excessively drinking alcohol, playing video games, binging television shows, watching or playing sports, playing on social media, or ever being overly career-driven. These endeavors may not be bad in themselves but when they take up so much of one’s time and passions, they can be destructive idols. Young men have a tendency towards uncontrolled ****. Lustful thoughts, consuming sexual media, having multiple dating partners, or even being unfaithful in marriage are all things young men have to be especially careful of. How about employees? ANSWER: Some common employee weaknesses are: 1. Disobedience … Christian workers should demonstrate their faith by obedience to their leadership. To not obey would dishonor God. When the Christian employees’ work ethic doesn’t live up to their testimony, it pushes people away from Christ. (Christians should obey their superiors in everything but not if it means disobeying God by doing something immoral or unethical. They are to be lights in the workplace in their motivations, words, and actions.). 2. A workaholic or a perfectionist (This should never be a Christian’s highest objectives. But to do that which is pleasing and acceptable to our Lord). 3. Wasting their employer’s time by playing on social media or with video games during work hour (one must aim to be a people of absolute honesty and integrity). 4. Dishonest/Pilfering (one must have absolute integrity in their stewardship; not bending the rules). 5. Argumentative (Christian workers should not be disagreeable or confrontational). 6. Complaining, cursing, and back-biting. (Should be edifying in speech when corresponding with leadership and co-workers. Also we are to be thankful, wise, and courteous with our words). As an employee, it is important to understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. This allows you to do what you do best through your strengths and get better at your weaknesses. In the workplace other should be able differentiate whether the believer is patient or impatient, kind or uncaring, selfless or selfish, honest or dishonest, clean or vulgar in his or her talk. They have the opportunity to see how well the Christian lives up to the faith he professes and the principles of the Scripture he claims to hold dear. Inviting unsaved friends to church certainly has a place in witnessing for Christ, but it will be useless and even counterproductive if one’s attitude, reliability, and honesty on the job are questionable. What positive qualities should substitute for these sins? ANSWER: The positive side of weakness is: Knowing your weakness is protection. Knowing your weakness opens your heart to receive help. Knowing your weakness helps you honor the strength of others. Some weaknesses enhance strengths. Leaders who don't acknowledge their weaknesses flounder in the end. Weaknesses tell you what you shouldn't do. The way we conduct ourselves in the workplace has a lot to do with how effective we are in attracting people to faith in Christ and to the reputation of our church. Why is Titus’s example so important in teaching good Christian behavior and morality? ANSWER: Doctrinal truth leads to godly living. The message of Titus is that sound aching leads to godliness. As authentic apostolic doctrine is received and loved, all kinds of people will learn to live in ways that are pleasing to God; from those currently enmeshed in false teaching to those who are elders and overseers of the church. How does our behavior impact Christ’s reputation? ANSWER: In reference to reputations, Gods says, we are to choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. Following Jesus is an ongoing, disciplined practice of becoming a person of no reputation and, thus, of becoming more like Christ in this unique way. We are not the caretakers of our own reputation. We are called to be obedient disciples of Jesus Christ. That may bring us a good reputation, a bad reputation, or no reputation at all. That’s up to God. If we obediently follow Him, lead as faithful and obedient stewards, love our neighbors, speak the truth in love, and proclaim the coming kingdom of God, then our reputation should be of little consequence to us. We are not to lead in a way that ensures the safekeeping of our own reputation, or are to. be willing to give it up completely in order to follow Jesus regardless of the cost. The first thing we have to do is to turn our reputation back over to God, then place it in His hands with the confidence that if we obey Him, He will be the caretaker of our reputation.

Q2. (Titus 2:2-3) What seem to be the predominant sins of the older men and women in the churches of Crete? ANSWER: The predominant sins of the older men and women in the churches of Crete is older men in the congregation should be taught how to behave. Also the older men can drink too much bringing disrespect on themselves and, by extension on the whole Christian community of which they are a part. Likewise, the older women were to be taught reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. What specific behaviors does Paul urge in place of these sins? ANSWER: The specific behaviors Paul urges in place of those sins are the older men were to be taught temperance, respectable, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. (Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.) The older women were to be taught reverent in behavior, not "slanderers“, temperate, and teachers of what is good. The older women can and should be examples to and instructors of the younger women in the church. (Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home…)

Q1. (Titus 1:9) Why do pastors and elders hesitate to correct false doctrine today? ANSWER: He should also be a man who "holds fast the faithful Word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." Pastors and Elders have a responsibility to protect the church. In leadership, challenges abound. But with the Word as our guide and the Holy Spirit as our companion, pastors and elders can navigate the treacherous waters of false teachings, always pointing the way to the unchanging truth of Christ. The health of the church requires that its leadership know how to identify false teaching and are prepared to silence it. What is the result of laxity? ANSWER: According to the Bible, laxity is a tendency of being too easy-going, or not strict enough. The act of laxity is a behavior that shows little care, attention, or control: God's commands regarding idolatry. Laxity is the first stage of lawlessness. The more lax one becomes, the more double-minded he or she becomes. A double minded person loses their grip. What is the result of gentle but firm discipline with regard to doctrine? ANSWER: The basic meaning of the term doctrine is “teaching.” Christian doctrine, accordingly, is the attempt to state in intellectually responsible terms the message of the gospel and the content of the faith it elicits. The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. Discipline must be gentle but firm in order to be effective. If discipline is only gentle, then it’s too permissive. If discipline is only firm, it turns into punishment. Paul shows Timothy how to carry out the gentle art of correction. It applies especially to church leaders, but it also applies to every Christian, because we all have relationships that require at times, if we truly love others, for us to offer biblical correction. So although it is never a pleasant task, it is a part of biblical love. As the Lord’s servants, in love we must wisely correct those in sin and serious doctrinal error. You cannot truly love someone and let him head toward a spiritual cliff without warning him. Paul shows that we should not be argumentative or quarrelsome, but he also says that we should correct those who are in opposition to the Lord. He gives us four guidelines: Correction must be done wisely. Correction must be done in love. a. CORRECTION MUST NOT BE QUARRELSOME. b. CORRECTION MUST BE KIND TO ALL. c. CORRECTION MUST BE PATIENT WHEN WRONGED. d. CORRECTION MUST BE DONE WITH GENTLENESS Correction must be based on God’s Word. Correction must be done in the awareness of spiritual warfare. Probably every one of us who is walking with Christ would not be where we’re at today if other brothers and sisters had not corrected us in love. We all need this ministry from time to time, because we all are prone to get off the path. If you are a cleansed vessel, fleeing from sin and pursuing godliness, then you are called to practice this gentle art of correction towards those who are flirting with or already have drifted into serious doctrinal error or sin. I want to give you some gentle, but firm correction by saying, “DO IT!” Gently correct those you know that are in sin or error. Do it wisely. Do it in love. Do it in accordance with God’s Word. Do it prayerfully, being aware of spiritual warfare. But do it! Do it because you love God more than anything and you love your brother or sister as you love yourself

Q4. Why did Jesus' enemies heed His prediction of being raised on the third day even more than His disciples? ANSWER: There are three convincing proofs of the resurrection that the enemies of Christ unwittingly provide. First, the disciples weren’t expecting Jesus to be literally raised. And rather than planning such a bold move to take the body, they were hiding in fear that the authorities would be coming after them next. Secondly, it wasn’t possible for the disciples to steal the body with all the security that had been in place to prevent this from happening. Thirdly, the lie being told by the guards assumes the impossible, that the guards knew that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they were all asleep. Did His (Jesus) enemies expect Him to rise? ANSWER: The Jewish leaders were also acutely aware that Jesus had predicted He would be raised on the third day, so they took extra precautions to guard against that possibility. They didn’t believe He would rise from the dead, but they were afraid His disciples might take the body to keep the movement going. So, they asked Pilate to command that the grave be made secure until the third day because they didn’t want nothing to happen that might give anyone the impression that Jesus had fulfilled prophecy by rising from the dead. They didn’t want anyone moving or stealing the body of Christ and then spreading the rumor that he had risen from the dead. Did His (Jesus) followers expect Him to rise? ANSWER: The disciples were described as lacking comprehension because they were not able to prevent Jesus being arrested and crucified. Every one of Jesus’ disciples was an unbeliever of His resurrection at one time or another. None of them were expectantly waiting for His return from the dead. Indeed, none of them thought that He would come back to life. Believe today, trust Him, it’s true. Find out what the early followers found; Jesus is alive! It will change your life forever. Here are four (4) reasons why the disciples doubted the reports of Jesus resurrection. They Were Too Familiar with His Humanity. They Were Too Focused on the Natural. They Didn’t Understand His Mission. They Were Controlled by Fear.