Lionwolf

Q2 (John 2:11-17) Apparently, Jesus was angry. Was his anger justified? Why? Is anger good or bad? What about anger gets us into trouble? Jesus anger in the temple was more than justified. Anger is not always a bad thing. Anger can lead to positive change. In this situation Jesus restored His Father's house to a place to worship and pray. Anger gets us into trouble when it leads us to do the wrong thing, to do unrighteous acts. This is true of most, if not all emotions.

Q1. (John 2:14-17) What was going on in the temple? Why was Jesus offended by it? What action did Jesus take? The temple was being used as a market. Anyone could bring in anything, set up a booth, and make money. Money changers were there changing money for a profit and the chief priest was getting a share. Jesus was offended as the temple was being used as a market and not as a place of prayer and worship as was intended. The temple was a place to honor God. Jesus made a whip and used it to throw the sellers and money changers out of the temple and overturned their tables.

Q4. (John 2:6-10) Why did Jesus perform this miracle behind-the-scenes? Who was he trying to protect? What does the quantity of the wine tell us about Jesus' glory? What does the quality of the wine tell us about Jesus' glory? Jesus did not wish to call attention to this act. A wedding is about the bride and groom whether it is today or 2000 years ago. Jesus, being humble as well as loving, did not wish to detract from the bride and groom. the quality and the quality tells us that nothing is beyond Jesus. It not only shows us about His humanity but also shows us His glory, His divinity.

Q3. (John 2:6-10) Why do you think alcoholics are quick to point out this miracle? Which is wrong: drinking wine or drunkenness? How can we avoid excesses and still enjoy God's good gifts? People that drink to excess and alcoholics use this miracle to justify and rationalize their alcoholism. Drunkenness is wrong as is anything taken to excess. In Ecclesiastes King Solomon indulged in excesses and found the excesses to be unfulfilling. Instead of relying on fleshly comforts we should rely on God's grace. With this attitude we can enjoy God's good gifts.

Q2. (John 2:3-5) Why do you think Mary pushes Jesus to solve the wedding host's problem? Are her words to Jesus appropriate? Would you categorize Jesus' reply as a rebuke? If so, why does he go ahead with the miracle? Mary was like a lot of women at family events. It seems the closer the relation/friendship the more concerned they are that everything goes well. Mary saw a problem and moved to solve it in order to help the host. Her words to Jesus were appropriate as like most mothers she goes to the ones familiar to her for help. She knew her son could solve the problem. Jesus was not rebuking His mother. He was simply reminding her of His mission. Jesus probably realized Mary was not listening and He simply honored her request. How many times have our mothers asked of us and we knew arguing or refusing was a moot point. It was just a better thing to honor her wishes.

Q1. (John 2:1-2) Why are we sometimes "too busy" to spend time with friends and relatives? What does Jesus' attendance at this wedding tell us about him? How can we apply that learning in our own personal lives? People get caught up in the day to day routines and find themselves spread too thin. Time becomes a precious commodity. Our lesson teaches that weddings were large celebrations among family and friends. Jesus had family and friends. This wedding introduces us to His human side. We should slow down and realize the importance of family and friends, and make time work for us.

Q3. (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27) Three times the angel assures Daniel that "the saints of the Most High" will ultimately receive the kingdom and possess it forever (Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27). In what circumstances is this truth most precious to God's people? Though there may have been partial fulfillments, when do you expect the ultimate fulfillment? This truth is most precious to us during times of persecution and suffering. There is no way to know when we will see ultimate fulfillment.

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) How do these verses describe "one like a son of man"? What makes us think he is a divine figure? What authority and glory does he receive? Why do you think Jesus called himself "the Son of Man"? These verses make clear "one like a son of man" as coming with the clouds of heaven, came to the Ancient of Days, was given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. He is divine because he came on the clouds of heaven. Jesus used the term Son of Man because it is an accurate term.

Q1. (Daniel 7:1-2) What is the relationship of the Ancient of Days (God) to the various beastly nations that rage against each other and against him and his people? What happens to these beast-nations? Why is it sometimes so difficult to believe that God is in charge of the world we live in? God, the Ancient of Days, sits (or will sit from Daniel's perspective) in judgement of the various beastly nations. The beast nation with the one horn that has eyes no a mouth is ripped apart and thrown in the river of fire. The others are allowed to continue their existence for a time. It is sometimes hard to understand why God allows this world to continue. But evil and rebellion and rejection have always existed. God has not abandoned us. God's ways are not our ways. He moves according to His will.

Q6. (Daniel 5:22-24) In the New Testament, Jesus doesn't present God as legalistic, but as holy -- "hallowed be thy name." We are to be God-fearers. How do Christians commonly act irreverently in ways that would offend God? How have you changed your ways to conform to God's holiness? I believe we act irreverently more often than toward fellow Christians. We are children of God. We get caught up in legalistic arguments over scripture or our denomination. We seem to forget we belong to God and we should show respect to each other.

Q5. (Daniel 4:34-35) What does Nebuchadnezzar's confession tell us about God? Have you ever given a public testimony of what you have learned about God through your trials? What might your testimony sound like? Nebuchadnezzar's confession teaches us God is forever, He is eternal, He endures from generation to generation, He is not like us, He is sovereign, He is King of heaven, and He is answerable to none. I have never given public testimony. If public testimony were given it would be to acknowledge how Jesus is my savior. After wrestling with doubts God kept calling me to him. God kept whispering to me to reconsider, to have faith. Well, my faith is stronger than ever!

Q4. (Daniel 4:30; 5:18-21) How does pride show itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life? In what ways does it show up in your life? Pride is tricky. How can pride mask itself with humility? Pride shows itself in Nebuchadnezzar's life in his achievements, his terrible power, his absolute authority, and his hardened heart. Nebuchadnezzar has become self-absorbed. Pride has shown up in my life in my attitude of self righteousness. Pride makes one believe they are more important than others and forget God. Humility can disguise pride when it is used to make one look righteous. Pride is something to be tempered as God will humble us.

Q3. (Daniel 4:27) What must Nebuchadnezzar do to demonstrate that he renounces and repents of his sins? What must you do to demonstrate that you repent of your sins? For us, what does it mean to be kind to the poor? That was certainly within Nebuchadnezzar's ability to accomplish. Is it within your ability? In what way can God's decrees be conditional? Nebuchadnezzar must renounce his sins and start doing what is right. We must accept Jesus. We must help the poor and not forget them. As Nebuchadnezzar was given a prophetic dream Daniel advised him to repent of his sins. Daniel advised that God may relent if Nebuchadnezzar follows his advice. If Nebuchadnezzar has humbled himself before God the result might have been different.

Q2. (Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to "acknowledge that Heaven rules"? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? We understand and accept the God is supreme over the entire universe, by His will alone. Nebuchadnezzar's pride is his undoing. Pride leads him into rebellion against God. Pride leads Nebuchadnezzar to think he and he alone is responsible for the greatness of Babylon. Because of his pride Nebuchadnezzar cannot bow to anyone. Just like Nebuchadnezzar our pride makes it hard for us to relinquish control. Being proud and boastful puts blinders on us and doesn't let us see God's hand in our lives. Many times we want to take credit and overlook God. Paul called himself a wretched man because he could not overcome the law of sin. We must continually fight the battle to put God first.

Q5. (John 1:50-51) Which aspects of Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 does Jesus apply to his title as Son of Man? When will the Son of Man complete his ministry? Jesus used the description of the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven. The Son of Man will complete his ministry at some future time.

Q4. (John 1:45-50) How does Jesus deal with Nathanael's skepticism? What was the nature of the miracle? Upon coming to faith, what title does Nathanael bestow upon Jesus? Jesus stated that Nathanael was a good man without falsehood so He knew Nathanael. When Jesus stated He saw him under a fig tree something was communicated between them. Whatever it was impressed Nathanael so much that he recognized Jesus as the Son of God.

Q3. (John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter's conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences? Andrew plays a huge role! Andrew came to Peter and told him they had found the Messiah and then leads him to Jesus. Today there is no physical way to take someone to Jesus. To a lot of Christians church is where they go to commune with Jesus. It helps to set mood for prayer. To bring a person to church is, for some, the closest they can come to bringing someone to meeting Christ. Of course church is a place for a spiritual meeting.

Q2. (John 1:38-39) Why doesn't Jesus tell his inquirers where he is staying? Why was it important for disciples to "be with" Jesus? What does "being with" Jesus mean today? Jesus could have told them but Jesus knew their interest and inviting them to come and see would help their interest blossom into something more. As stated in our lesson learning means spending time with Jesus, walking with Him, talking with Him, listening to Him. That is being with Jesus. Being with Jesus today means spending time with Him, understanding Him, learning about Him, simply hanging out with Him. After all, Jesus is real and He hears us and He talks to us.

Q1. (John 1:35-37) Upon whose recommendation did Andrew and another person start following Jesus? What did this recommendation cost the recommender in this case? John the Baptist recommended to the two men they should follow Jesus. John knew Jesus was the Messiah and these two men would be better off following Him. Not sure the recommendation cost John anything other the having two less followers. John's mission was completed.

Q1. (Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? Daniel was afraid to tell Nebuchadnezzar the interpretation of the dream. Knowing Daniel's character it seems he was afraid for the king and not so much for himself. Daniel has worked for the king since he was a teenager and apparently has developed a relationship with him. of course it is always hard to tell people we care about hard things. These usually invoke strong emotions and pain. We do not enjoy seeing people we love hurt, even if it is for their own good. Not sure there is anything we can to stop the hard things from happening as they are generally out of our control. We just have to make sure they know we are there to love them, to support them, to help them, and most of all God is there for them.

Q5. (John 1:33) How does John the Baptist's baptism differ from the baptism that Jesus brings? Baptism is a word that means "immerse, plunge under water." What does a "baptism of the Holy Spirit" imply about this event? John the Baptist baptized with water. His mission was to announce the Messiah. The baptizing with water was symbolic both to show a new life for the people and symbolic for Christ to show his arrival. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit which is an infusion, a very real indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is not symbolic. To accept Jesus into one's life, to place one's faith in our savior is to receive the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist is stating very clearly the Jesus is the Messiah and is speaking with God's authority!

Q4. (John 1:29) What does the title "Lamb of God" tell us about Jesus' ministry? According to 1:29, whose sins did he come to take away? In what ways did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 53? The lamb was the animal God damanded as a sin sacrifice. Jesus was the sacrifice for the sins of the world to atone for mankind. Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

Q3. (John 1:19-27) How does John the Baptist show humility? How can a person see himself as the fulfillment of a passage from Isaiah and still be humble about it? How does John see himself in relation to the coming Messiah? How can a person be such a strong revivalist preacher and still remain humble? Can humility and powerful, confident speech co-exist? John shows humility very clearly. His message is about the preparation for the coming Messiah. John states very clearly his ministry is for Christ and John is not worthy to serve. John is humble much the same as Daniel because he places God and God's will first and never loses sight of his mission. Being humble but but having a powerful, confident voice in your mission for God is not contradictory. The faith of John in God's plan makes his humility evident and his confidence contagious.

Q7. (Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions' den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God's mercy to you? Daniel told the king that God had judged him and God found him innocent in his sight. God sent his angel to shut the lion's mouth. Daniel had not even been scratched. If Daniel had been spiteful toward the accusers or been or had focused on the injustice done to him the king might have been angered or might have been less inclined to be sympathetic to Daniel. But Daniel came out and he was praising God. This apparently made a big impression on the king. There have been times in my life when I became estranged from God and have become someone totally removed from God's grace. Fortunately God kept whispering in my ear never giving up on me. By his mercy he has led me back.

Q6. (Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel's prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? Daniel's prayer practices show just how devoted he is to God. He humbles himself before God when he prays. Daniel's prayers place God will above all else. He knew the consequences if he prayed but placed his love of God and God's will above his own desires. While I pray daily this story of Daniel shows how short I fall in prayer. All the ways Daniel prays would greatly benefit myself. Time to spend more of my day praying to our Father. Amazing eye opener to be incorporated into my life!