Debra Grant

Q2. (Exodus 34:6) What do we learn about Yahweh’s character in his self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? What does this have to do with grace? God will give us the desires of our heart. He will protect us as he did Moses not letting him see his complete body or glory because it was too much and could harm Moses. God is compassionate, merciful, and will give us things we don't deserve because he loves us. God is patient and slow to anger even when we don't understand or express our love for him.

Q1. (1 Peter 5:10) How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? From earning favor by being good? What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? In what way does grace characterize “the God of all grace”? 1. Grace is something we don't deserve and cannot earn. It is given and is a gift. 2. We cannot earn grace by being good it is a gift from God. 3. Grace is an unmerited favor from God. 4. God is loving, kind, and compassionate.

Q27. (Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 53:4-6) In what sense has Jesus saved his people from their sins? What does Isaiah 53:6 teach us about how Jesus saved us from our sins? In what way is Jesus like a sacrifice for sins? He died on the cross to save us from our sins and allow us to have peace and faith. Jesus took our sins on him on the cross so that we could be saved. That was because he loved us so much. The lamb of God shed his blood on the cross for us. His blood was spotless and powerful.

Q26. (Luke 2:39-52) Why do you think Luke feels it is important to tell a story from Jesus’ boyhood. What do we learn about Jesus from this? Why is taking time to grow and prepare so important? Why are we tempted to short-circuit it by our impatience? To allow us to see what he did as a child. Luke was letting us know that Jesus was a child just like we were and he was gifted with grace, also. We must be obedient,. We need to be spiritual and learn as we grow. We must realize that we can not obey the flesh by being impatient. Being impatient is not of God.

Q25. (Daniel 7:13-14) What does the Ancient of Days grant to the Son of Man? Why do you think Jesus used the title of “Son of Man,” even though most didn’t understand its importance? What does Jesus’ authority mean to you and to your life? Authority, glory, and power. He was human in the flesh. Jesus has authority over me and I should obey him to the fullest.

Q24. (Matthew 2:13-23) What can we learn from Joseph’s action? How much do we have to know about the outcome before we say ‘yes’ to God? How can a good God allow infants to be slaughtered in Bethlehem? Do you believe God honors them as martyrs for the Messiah? To obey and not ask questions. To trust God completely. We just need to know that God will provide and to trust him. We don't need to know which way or how the outcome will be. God knows what he is doing. Regardless of what he allows, it is some good that will come out of it. Yes

Q23. (Matthew 2:7-12) Does gift-giving on this occasion involve love or mere custom? How were the Magi’s gifts fitting for the Christ Child? What gifts can you offer Jesus that mean something? What gifts demonstrate your love? It was a mere custom. You bring a gift when you come before the king. They were gifts suitable for a king child. The gifts expressed respect for the baby and delight for the ones who bowed down before Jesus. I can offer Jesus what is inside of me to be truly obedient. When I am humble and willing to help others as much as possible. Not putting myself first, but remembering to seek the Lord which helps me to grow spiritually.

Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? Why not something more low-key? What is the content of the good news? What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news? The shepherds were not expecting a radiant light and to see angels. God wanted to get their attention and let them know the birth of Jesus was important. The messiah was born. The baby was wrapped in cloth and in a manager as described by the angel.

Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus’ birth? What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face? What do you think God allowed such difficulties? Why does he allow difficulties in our lives? It is because certain people did not like him. It helps to know that even though trouble was among Mary and Joseph, they were determined to endure and that things were not the best for them or Jesus. There was no room for them in the Inn, taxes had to be paid and they traveled a long way to paid them. Jesus was not born in a manager. We are to look at Jesus situation and let it encourage us. We grow stronger and learn to be happy in difficut situations.

Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when he did? What does it mean that he “redeemed” you? What does it mean that he “adopted” you? What is your inheritance? To set us free from the law. There were things we could not do ourselves when under the law. Jesus paid the price for us to receive salvation and be reconciled to God. We are God's spiritual sons and daughters. We are heirs with Christ Jesus. We receive the heir of what Jesus receives. We receive freedom to be saved.

Q12. (Isaiah 11:3-5) Why do you think God has a special place in his heart for the poor and disadvantaged? Who are the unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon in your city? What are you doing to demonstrate Messiah’s love and justice to them? He knows they need help and his concern to help is necessary. The less educated and the people that are not able to do as they should. I give support with food, clothes, and other things as needed.

Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Why don’t we seek his counsel more often? Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves? We are in the flesh and feel as if we know what to do. We want to do it our way. We are afraid that we will not like what God tells us to do. We have not surrendered as we should. Thinking that we can do things with the help of others that are in agreement with us. We don't have enough faith in God. We can completely surrender and give everything to God. Make no decisions with out him.

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? What will he ultimately succeed in doing? What is the primary role of a priest? How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4). Jesus is sitting at the right hand of his father in heaven, The Lord will make his enemies his footstool. He is the mediator between God and man. He bore our sins on the cross which allow us to have our sins forgiven and became a mediator between man and God.

Q9. (Psalm 2) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to “kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:12)? Some people want to please the flesh. Obeying God is a burden and possibly being a shame if they were to obey God. Having a mind that tells them they are right and not wanting to obey anyone. Pride is something that makes one believe they have it made and are right within themselves. We should remember that God will be there for us and he is our help. He will never leave us or lead us in the wrong direction. Pray!! I believe it means to have a relationship with him that is pure and obey as best as possible. Be close to him and let him know that you love him. He wants us to trust him above anyone else.

Q8. (Matthew 1:18-25) What do these verses tell us about Joseph’s character? His faith? When he takes Mary home to be his wife, how does this affect his reputation in Nazareth as an upright Jew? He was a man of integrity and compassionate. He obeyed God and was willing to accept ridicule from the people. He had great faith in God and was willing to obey. There was gossip about Mary being pregnant, but he didn't care. Joseph was looked upon as being a sinful person, but regardless of the gossip, he was determined to obey God.

Why is a never-ending Kingdom an anomaly in world history? Why is a just and righteous government so rare? What justice will Jesus bring to you when he comes? Jesus' kingdom is never ending and it will give eternal life to those that faithfully serve him in truth. It is rare because people try to fix things to suit rules that compromises. It is rare that one is pushing for justice. Eternal life and true justice.

Q6. (Isaiah 9:6) Paraphrase in your own words the amazing titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. How should knowledge of his titles affect our relationship to him? Wonderful Counselor is available to give suggestions, instructions, and advice that will help in troubled times./ Mighty God is the only one that is above all humans and will give support to all as needed. He is no respective of anyone. Everlasting Father is always within his true believers and will never leave them. Prince of Peace continually gives peace and display how to receive it with joy. We must trust that he will be with us and protection us. We must understand and believe he doesn't want us to be worried about anything, rest in him.

Q5. (Isaiah 9:1-2) Why do people choose to live in darkness when light is available? (John 3:19). Why do people seem to resist the Light of Jesus? Why do you sometimes hesitate to step into Jesus’ full light? How did Light transform the reputation of Galilee? How has light transformed your reputation in your circle of friends? Afraid that their darkness will be exposed by light. Their hearts are evil and the are not willing to obey God. They feed the flesh and believe it is easier to continue in their sins. Some believe it impossible to obey God and it's to hard. People have the fear of being ridiculed and looking simple. They feel as if life is easier when not obeying anyone. It brought light threw healings and teaching the word of God to transform the life of the people. With me being an true example and refusing to sin when they knew I could. People see that God is blessing me when I was down.

Day 4 (Genesis 22:16-18; Galatians 3:16, 29) To whom are blessings promised through Abraham's descendant? In what way does Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac prefigure the Father’s sacrifice of Jesus? To all who put their trust in him, Jesus Christ. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son, and God did sacrifice his only son for us to receive salvation.

Day 3 (Genesis 49:10) What does the image of a lion tell us about Judah’s descendant? How does Jesus qualify for the promise of the ruling scepter? Why is obedience so hard for us? Why is it so important for us? Judah's descendants was strong, overcoming, and powerful. Jesus was obedient to God, mentioned as the coming saver, and he died for the world to be saved. We are in the flesh and the flesh was to rule us. We must give God reverence and obey so that we will be able to have eternal life. We obey with the love of God helping others.

Day 2 (Luke 1:39-45) Why did the angel put Elizabeth and Mary together? How is Elizabeth a comfort to Mary? How is Mary an encouragement to Elizabeth? To whom has God sent you to give and receive comfort? They could comfort one another. Elizabeth was encouraging Mary. Elizabeth was touched by the Holy Spirt to prophesy to Mary. Mary was younger and pregnant also. Mary was confirmation to Elizabeth because her baby leaped when she greeted her. They both knew their pregnancy was of God. A sister in Christ is whom I helped when she was going through somethings, and she helped me spiritually.

She would be the mother of the son of God. Her reputation would be false, such as, lied on, talked about as if she committed fornication. She was willing to obey God and not worry about what she didn't understand. We should obey God even when we don't understand.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17) How does Paul view his call to preach? How much choice is involved for him? How much honor? How should this understanding affect our understanding of God gifting and calling us for ministry? What is the opposite of faithfulness when it comes to using God's gifts? 1. Paul is saying if he preach the gospel, the glory is not for him. It‘s something he must do. If he don’t preach the gospel, damnation will be for him. 2. The choice is his, but he has been converted to do the will of God. He actually do not have a choice if he is to obey God faithfully. 3. His honor is being blessed to do God’s will. He must fulfill God’s will. 4. We have an opportunity to use the gift God has given us to his glory. 5. Unfaithfulness

Q3. (Acts 13:1-3) Why are the church leaders in Antioch seeking God through corporate prayer and fasting? How does God respond to their seeking? Why do you think we don't do more of this sort of thing today? What was the importance of this to the church at large? To the chosen missionaries? 1. Fasting can help to humble one's self before the Lord which can also help us to hear from him. It brings about being guided by the Lord. 2.. God spoke to them letting his will be known to carry the gospel to the gentiles. 3. We rely on ourselves and not the Holy Ghost. 4 and 5 It’s important that the Church seek God's perfect will and plan through fasting and praying.

Q2. (Galatians 2:11-16) Why does Paul call out Peter publicly in Antioch? What is the reason for Peter's hypocrisy? What is the central issue on which Paul feels they must not compromise? Why is it so important? 1. When the Jewish Christians from Jerusalem were not around, Peter and Barnabas eat with the Gentiles, but when the Jewish Christians came, they separate themselves. 2. Peter did not want to be condemned by the Jewish Christians who still believed that gentile believers needed to be circumcised. 3. Paul wanted the sound doctrine to be established among believers. The law is important and it cannot save us.