Uncle Dave

Q2. (Acts 19:9-10) 1. How did "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia" hear God's word from one apostle, who taught daily in Ephesus and didn't travel around? As fast as Paul was making disciples for Christ, they were themselves busy preaching to everyone. 2. What do you think was going on that caused this kind of expansion? Personally, I would tend to attribute this to more than just the people going out and preaching what they were taught. I would have to think that much prayer was involved, that is, time on the knees. Another thing I can’t help but wonder is signs and wonders. It seems signs and wonders were more a part of the day as compared to current times. It is sad that it is being taught that signs and wonders ended based on 1 Corinthians 13:10. To one who knows better, signs should not be necessary but to the unknowing it helps. 3. Why is it vital to evangelize in our great cities? Because they are not learning about Jesus, plain and simple. Television preachers talk about how many they reach with the air waves but while there might be some good messages going out, the average person has something else in mind when they turn the set on. People need to know the blessing and consequences of knowing Jesus & Jesus know you as compared to the opposite.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 2:1; 3:3-6) 1. What seems to be the primary difference between Paul's ministry approach and that of Apollos? Education vs “gained knowledge”. I’m not sure if I’m saying this right but to make a comparison: think of an officer in the military who has just came out of the academy vs a non-commissioned officer who has been on the line for a number of years. Although what information is reaped from being educated about different scenarios is valuable, that which the non-com has gained is much more valuable in survival and winning because no 2 situations are going to be alike. In other words, he has a better field of view of what is really going on. In Paul & Apollo’s case, Paul was taught by the original author whereas Apollo has been taught by man, but he doesn’t know the whole story. 2. Why does this create competing allegiances at Corinth? I would compare it to the current political situation in the U.S. While all the politicians have a “politically correct” mannerism about them the POTUS doesn’t. 3. How does Paul address the issue? Paul made it clear that both were trying to achieve the same end, that in-fighting pushes against that idea and that they need to come together as one if they are to get anything done. 4. Can you think of any divisions over style within the Christian community in your region? I would think that there seems to be a push toward success being measured in dollars. That is sad and a subject I wouldn’t be qualified to discuss because I’m not the smartest cookie in the pan but is so wrong. 5. What should you do as a result of those divisions? I think the biggest thing I would do would be to put an end to these multi-million-dollar buildings (which they call God’s house) and make things much simpler. The poorest of the population needs to not be intimidated by the big dollar people and not feel like they’re not good enough to walk into a service because they might smell from lack of shower or clean clothes. I know, they all say “that’s not us, all are welcome here” while at the same time getting more comfortable by the day with the ways of the world.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) 1. How important was belief in a bodily resurrection to the gospel that Paul taught? Perhaps the most important aspect of the gospel is the promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of God, because without it, what would be the purpose of anyone following it? I mean, think about it, if I’m only going to be here for an undetermined amount of time, especially not knowing what that amount of time was, would I not live only for pleasures and comforts? If I didn’t have these things, wouldn’t it be my pursuit, to have, at any cost? Who would even be worried about who gets stepped on in the process? Does it ring any bells with what you see taking place in this unbelieving, lost world? Before I knew Christ, that was my ambition in life, not understanding why I couldn’t have what other people have. Now, although I still don’t have all the things I once desired, my thoughts go to the less fortunate and wonder why people have so much less than myself, even though I have less than many. These thoughts especially go out to those in countries where lack is experienced by most, yet they hold on to that faith that things will at-least be better after the resurrection. Perhaps another answer to the question might go something like, why, if we were not going to be physically resurrected, do we have to live this way now? I mean, if we go from being a physical being to a spirit being, why the metamorphosis? Of course, this would only apply to believers who already knew that in one way or another we would be resurrected. 2. Why is Christ's resurrection foundational to our faith? Christ’s resurrection is proof that we have the hope of living again. I sometimes wonder what the percentage of the people who believed this in the time of Paul was. I know that Paul wrote the people in Athens sneering at the idea, much like we see today. I have talked to many people who think that when the dirt is being shoveled over us, that’s it. People who are into science & physics, etc. might believe that with modern medicine and other discoveries that life eternal is a possibility, but, to us believers, it is faith in the fact that Jesus not only died for our sins, but also that God raised Him 3 days later. Without this talking point it would be hard to convince most that they should give up a life of sin. 3. What will happen when we die? According to the book of Revelation the souls of the dead are under the altar. In Ecclesiastes it states that the dead know nothing. Though something I’ve wondered about at times, I would really have to do a search to make it all come together. When God made man, he blew the breath of life in him and he became a living soul. Jesus said, “let the dead bury their dead”. Is the altar actually in Heaven, or in a temple in the city that comes down out of Heaven? Things to explore in the very near future because of the importance surrounding the subject because you never know what kind of question you might be asked. Some think Heaven is a walled city with 12 pearl gates when in truth it is a city which came down out of Heaven. The Bible also states that Heaven is where God’s throne is and that the earth is for man. Psalm 115:16 (KJV) The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. Regardless of how it all pans out, I am just happy to know that Christ offered me the chance to share in eternal life with Him. 4. When Christ comes? When Christ comes the resurrection of the body will take place, at the sound of the trumpet and all the dead in Christ will meet Christ in the air followed by those who are still alive. I notice that this takes place when the last trumpet is sounded.

Q3. (Acts 18:7) 1. How important are the economics of house-churches and bi-vocational ministry in the rapid spread of the first century church? One only needs to remember that the church was just beginning to grow, and it was also taking off in places where it was never even heard of. The idol worshipers had their temples, and the Jews had their synagogues, but the church, something unheard of to most of the world had not yet begun to construct places of worship. Meeting at one’s house allowed for much more one on one connecting which would bring family members into the church and also friends. The good thing about meeting in a house and this is something I see as a major problem in the church today, when people meet in a house it is 100% more casual which means those who were there were already more comfortable with the setting. The formalities one sees in a meeting place today are intimidating to many who might show up if it were more laid back. It makes me sad to see how much of a vanity fair goes on these days, especially in bigger places with everybody showing up in nice vehicles, expensive clothes, and attitudes where they pass people up who Jesus considered to be the “least of these”, would rather roll their windows than say a simple hello when homeless people walk back and forth begging on median strips. I’m not saying they should give them all their money, even though they are already blessed with much more than enough, but the opportunity to share the word of God to the poor doesn’t happen for who knows how many lines taken from the book of excuses. Jesus was pretty clear about His wanting the gospel shared with the poor and helping them also. The hypocrisy of a $1,000,000.00(in some cases, much much more), fancy building and people pouring money into it rather than acting like Jesus would have wanted intimidates people who have only a pair of old worn flip flops and unbathed for days because there is no place to shower and might smell the expensive place up. The point is, and most of the people sitting in them seats are guilty of this. I might be out of line with what I’m saying, but if things were done on more of a personal level and people were to actually discover that the church is not a building, but the people, whether they meet in a big building, a home, a meadow out in the middle of the woods, I think there would be a re-birth of the church like we have never seen. I personally think that the church as a whole needs to really change and get back to the personal intimacy Jesus demonstrated and the apostles also followed suit. It is sad when you see a preacher whose heart goes out to the people, but the people’s hearts go out to how lavish a place can be made, and millions spent on electronic devices and monitors rather than reaching out. I apologize if I have offended anybody with my words, but I have always been one who has to say what is on my mind. I wasn’t trying to blame anyone in particular and I know many who shine like light houses. I am probably the furthest from what I should be but in my spirit I’m content to the max because I start my day with a heart to heart with God early in the morning long before the birds start singing. I only wish that the changes taking place in my life were happening at a faster pace but then again it is like I said, I’m content and God is in control and doing things in His timing. 2. What are the advantages of a house-church model? What are the weaknesses? The advantages of a house-church, the way I see it are many. The close, intimate interactions are something I see as very important. What I mean is, if someone has a question about something, they don’t understand they should be able to ask it while they are thinking about it. Today I see some groups who meet in houses and they call it “Bible Study”, which I’m all for. If a question is asked and nobody really knows the answer and as a group an answer can’t be discovered, it is said so and it becomes something many can search for in the coming days. This moves people to be much more involved in their Bibles. This doesn’t happen at a large gathering because it would be considered “disrespectful” to question something that was said and the search for answers within most people soon disappears. I remember one time a preacher at a large congregation was talking about something and the things he said would be pretty good if he had been writing a fiction story, but he not only told the story wrong, he missed the point of it all. A friend stopped by afterwards and commented how he really liked the “sermon”, how interesting it was. When I took him to the verses in question he read it and I thought his eyes were going to roll across the floor they popped out of his head so far and said “that’s not what he was talking about” but the verses matched the ones the preacher gave before the sermon. When my friend questioned the preacher, he was given a run around. The way I see it, if I don’t know the answer to something you’re going to receive an “I don’t know”, and depending on the subject the fact that I will try to find out. My reason for so many words here is to show why I feel the small, home-based, everybody knows everybody and all about them is the best way to go. Disadvantages? One thing I have noticed is the fact that it is the small group who goes out to their neighbors to tell people about an eternal life without suffering or pain is possible and the road, as narrow as it is, has already been paved by none other than a man from Galilee. Many people are looking to be part of something good but don’t want anything to do with “organized religion”. Too many groups, each with their own doctrine about what the Bible says turns many off. Doctrine is nice if it is what the Bible says and not just the part that a certain denomination lives by, but the most important thing is people finding out about Jesus and receiving forgiveness from Him and changing their way of life by a renewing of the mind. Another disadvantage I see among large, organized groups is the importance of membership (on paper, or in a database). When the original church was scattered, due to persecution, they simply grabbed what they could and ran. The day Satan gets his way and initiates a persecution on the church today, it will be pretty easy to track everyone down, thanks to things like credit card entries, addresses, etc. In a small group people are known by name and rather than using the mail to make sure everyone is informed about something it is only a matter of visiting or calling. I admit, that in this day, and even for quite a while now, phone numbers would be fairly easy to use in tracking down Christians on the lam. There are many more and I could go on but its late and I think I’ve made clear the way I see things. Like I said, I didn’t write all this to offend anyone and I hope I didn’t and would like everybody to know how much it means to me to read all the posts here. Very enlightening and I learn so much from them and thank all.

Q2. (Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12) 1. Why does Paul earn his living by skilled labor rather than through offerings from the church? Paul was showing by example how people should live, that they should work for a wage and be willing to help those in need. To show that people should not covet money. The love of money is the basis for much of the evil in this world. 2. Why do you think Christians believe that “full-time Christian ministry” is better than bi-vocational ministry? After much though on this question, I think people are conditioned to think that this is just the way it is supposed to be done. Some see it as an easy way of life, and I have seen some preachers who sure fill this bill, but when it comes to dedicated Christians pastoring a group, their days appear to be quite full of things which need to be done. My first real experience with a Christian pastor involved a young man who was performing in a bi-vocational manner. His days were filled working at a hardware store which gave him a chance to talk to many people (and that he did), he held services three times/week and somehow still had time to visit people in need, helping out in any way possible. The fact that he was working a full-time job did not seem to bother him because his whole life was about retrieving the lost for Jesus and he turned his every awake moment into opportunities. A few years older now, he is still a very busy person. I never really thought about it much as the congregation at that time was very small and the pastor had a wife and 3 little ones to take care of. There was another young pastor in the same town who would hold services at 3 different places. This was in the Appalachians and much open land and not having great income from running the church he had to maintain his own vehicle and sometimes he had to stop and make repairs which meant some dirt or grease on his clothes but he came through to the people so strong that nobody saw it. The first of these two pastors eventually grew his congregation up to a size where he worked full time ministry, but he too showed by example how giving was more blessed that receiving even when he had very little. The other pastor was exactly the same way. Perhaps I was just blessed to have known them and learned from their examples. Even when either of them was doing full time ministry, they were just as busy as when they were working secular jobs (probably even busier). Pastoring is a busy job and personally I don’t understand how, so much is accomplished. 3. What lessons did Paul teach the believers by his example of working for his living? Other than what I stated in question one, Paul’s lifestyle taught that it is honorable to work hard and be thankful for what you have (and can keep), rather than stealing for a living and that which you take quickly blows away with the wind. A good work ethic and also being quick to help others based on the fact that we reap what we sow, hard work keeps a person out of trouble and giving always comes back to you when you need it most, and that just might be at the time of your life when you are too old to effectively be as productive as you were when younger.

Q1. (Acts 17:27-31; Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-15; Acts 4:12) 1. How close is God to non-believers? This question could get tricky because there is a difference between non-believers and those who simply don’t know. In both cases, there are people who rank as some of the nicest one could know and those who go to the other extreme. There are also those in the middle. It seems to me one would have to have knowledge of something before they believed it or not. Getting at the heart of the question, I think God close to non-believers because it is His will that none would perish. I thank Him much for the patience He has with people (like me), even though it does seem like there is a limit as to how far one can push against the system God has put in place. 2. Is he working in them? I believe He is, but it is ultimately up to the person to make the decision. Although this is a quote, I see it as a nice way of putting things: “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice”. Some people flat out deny Christ, but this went out to those who think they can keep putting it off until they experience or get what it is they want from the world which they are have a hard time letting go of. 3. Since God shows forbearance for sins of non-believers, why do Christians act so judgmental? Perhaps because either they have not taken time to read “The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” (Romans 12:14-21), or don’t believe what it says, or just plain never heard of it. As a whole, there is no excuse for judgmentalism even though it is often seen in believers. There is no place for gossipers in Christianity and anyone who call him/herself a Christian and is involved in it needs to repent of it. I don’t mean to sound like the almighty holy one, because I too am guilty of many things I need to repent of. It is bad for our witness when we partake of such things. 4. How should we act? We need to look upon Christ as the example of what we want to be and act accordingly. Some real wake-up call questions here 5. Is faith in Jesus necessary for salvation? As sure as we are all here, it is. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ.

Q4. (Romans 3:25; 5:6-8; 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 3:18a) 1. What is the Substitutionary Atonement? For openers, the penalty for sin is death. Atonement is payment for a crime. The fact that we were sinners before we knew Christ and asked Him forgiveness for our sins, we were under the weight of that death penalty. Substitutionary atonement is when someone willingly pays that debt, rather than the actual guilty person paying. When Jesus was executed on Calvary, he did so a sinless person, but He also took on the penalty for all of mankind’s sin for all who would accept this. 2. How is this such good news? Or put in other words, how could this not be good news. Mankind in general was facing a death penalty because of the sinful nature by which he lives. To make eternal life so easy to access, I find it hard to imagine any better news. Own up to your crimes, ask forgiveness, and repent (give up that past life) & follow Christ and you’re good to go. 3. How does it give us assurance in our struggles with sin? It gives me assurance because it seems like I’m always screwing up in one way or another. I don’t know if that makes me any different than anyone else or not, but it seems once you (at-least in my case) repent, you don’t notice the ways of others so much as my own. There are many things I’ve had to come to terms with because it has taken me a long time to realize I can never be perfect in this world.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24; Romans 1:16; Acts 17:2-3) I. Why might Paul be tempted to underemphasize a "crucified Messiah" when preaching to the Jews? The Jews were expecting someone who would liberate them from the tyranny and oppression of foreign leaders. I wonder what went through Pilate’s mind when he decided he wanted no part of what was happening. Even though it was all as much a part of God’s ultimate plan as it was having Judas sell Jesus out, it still had to bother him and plague his mind for a long time—maybe till the day he died. But, to preach living a life of servitude appealed to few, if any. But the fact that many are called and few are chosen (Matthew 24:14), Paul knew that he had to preach the truth in its entirety and live as a servant of God most high himself as an example. Something I sometimes think about is how God, Himself is the ultimate example of humility and servitude. I mean like; · Who is it we ask when we need something and who is it provides for all, Jews, Gentiles, and even the pagans? · Maybe God doesn’t set the table for us but who really sets it for Him and, isn’t the fact that He gives us food to put on the table enough? I mean, think about it, He provides for the whole world. II. Why are we sometimes tempted to tell others how great it is to follow Christ while not telling them the other aspects of the gospel? The fact that we are called to serve, even unto death if necessary, would tend to drive many away. Things like eternal life when death is a 1 to 1 odds, you’re going to die is comforting to many, but the fact it could ultimately carry a (seemingly) big price would turn many away. I think that initially, sharing Christ’s love, the wages of sin, a fresh start in life is plenty but there is also the fact that anyone you share with who accepts the “offer” must be nurtured and that means telling the whole truth (or at the least making sure they are exposed to it). Of course, to anyone who accepts Christ, repents, and begins anew, it should be made sure of that the person has a copy of the Bible so they can begin to study the word for themselves. Buying someone a Bible, even at the risk they could eventually turn away is a small price (should not even consider the cost) to pay for a life you have begun the investment of salvation in. “Investment” might be the wrong word to use and probably is, but you never know when the time spent with that person could go on to affect many more. III. Why is it so important that we are honest about the gospel? The importance of being completely honest with the gospel can not be over stressed. It is hard enough that there is a good chance the person you are sharing with had a questionable experience. One thing I find very important is when some asks you something and you don’t know the answer, say so. Don’t think that because you’re the one sharing you have to know everything. Another thing, don’t say something is going to be a certain way when you don’t know. A preacher I have much respect for, who is very knowledgeable in the Word used to always tell people “don’t take my word for it--check it out for yourself, if I’m wrong I want to know.” There are so many who go on teaching what they were taught, even if it is contradictory to the Word and have a way of twisting verses to mean something else.

My apologies, I double submitted. Hopefully this will be removed.

Q2. (Acts 16:25; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Why do you think we are commanded to "Rejoice always"? What is our natural tendency when we're under stress? What does rejoicing and thanking have to do with faith? In what circumstance do you find difficulty praising God? Our natural tendency when stress comes to the scene often turns into a “fight or flight” decision. It is normal for many to try to take matters into their own hands and fix the problem under our own power. In a secular situation, we have the “worldly winners” who seem to be able to handle anything that comes along but having been around and talked to many like this, it quickly becomes apparent that they have no real peace and always have a million things (which in the end will add up to nothing) on their minds. There is also those who simply try to avoid trouble when it shows its face and attempt, among a number of ways to escape. Alcohol & drugs have claimed many a victim among those who simply don’t know how to handle loss and are not among the ranks of the fighters (when it comes to dealing with things beyond their control). Either way, without Christ there can be no peace of mind under stress because they either refuse to accept the fact that worldly gain is empty and wear themselves down fighting against the current to save what they have. If you lose everything you have (possessions, etc.), but have Christ you have the promise of eternal life in a world where pain ceases to exist, and every tear is removed. When I think about rejoicing, I think of gladness, amplified feelings of happiness and joy. Being thankful is just what the word says. Connecting these words with faith? Most have no idea how one can rejoice when things get so bad there appears to be no way out of the “pit” they might have fallen into (pit could mean any number of problems), but when one has Christ, he/she knows that no matter how bad things get, the belief in the promise He has given us in the end will carry us. That is something to be glad about. When I look at people who refuse the joy of the promise Christ gives us it brings a sad feeling upon me. I used to be one of them people and can’t explain why I was more interested in having things on my mind I didn’t even know how to deal with, thinking I knew when it was time for fight of flight but no real victory in the end. I feel like I walked around with a blind fold on and couldn’t see the peace true Christians felt. That was my loss. This last question forces me to be honest with myself and admit some truths about myself. When things aren’t exactly going the way I think they should be going I tend to let my self-serving nature take over and I find myself not praising God. I am noticing this takes place more often that I would care to admit. I appreciate the question more than you will ever know though.

Q1. (Acts 16:1-3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy, even though his principles don't require him to? Why does Paul "become all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)? In what ways does the path of serving Jesus require humility rather than demanding our rights? Paul circumcised Timothy because, even though he was not required to do so, it would have prevented many problems when entering a synagogue since, although Timothy was both Jewish and Gentile mix, the Jews would have been offended by him not being circumcised. It was part of Paul’s strategy to visit the synagogues first when he went into a new place and being current with Jewish law more or less would have “kept the peace”, so to speak. By becoming everything to everybody, Paul was taking the time to show that he was interested in what everybody was involved in, sort of a “talking point” for making common ground to show that he cared about the people. That can be hard to do, and more so for some than others because of the way it removes “me” from the subject and places the importance on the person you are trying to reach. It is so much easier to reach a fisherman if you learn fishing than it is to try and change his/her way of life. Serving Jesus means one must be willing to do things you may never have dreamed of. God knows where you are needed the most and even though you may not know it, He knows your qualifications better than you do. It is a humbling experience turning every aspect of your life over to someone and trusting they will lead you in the right direction, even if it means you might get killed in the process. That is something else people need to remember, that we all will die some day and that to die is to gain, whereas to continue living if it means denying Christ is loss.

This will make the first time for me to quote a post at this site, but I was so taken by what you said about the why of the elderly woman being baptized the way she was spoke to me so loudly that I couldn’t resist. Had the woman not been baptized, she was still introduced to, Jesus, who looks into the heart of a person when judgement day comes, and that is one of the important things that took place. Her receiving Christ was the other important thing Baptism in itself appears to be a ritual which took place under the law to represent spiritual purity. For example, people immersed themselves in water before they could worship, sacrifice, etc. John (the Baptist) was the offspring of a high priest, born into a strict Jewish society and like he said, was baptizing with water (part of the shadow of things to come [the law], but under the new covenant spiritual purity is a state of heart. While I think baptism is a beautiful practice, not being under the law, is over stressed. Thank you for the post. It was very touching.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:13-15; Galatians 6:16) In what sense are believers in the Messiah the "New Israel"? Who makes believing Gentiles one with believing Jews? Who makes believing Protestants one with believing Catholics? Romans 11:17 …and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root[b] of the olive tree,. Once not part of God’s people, many were gathered up and grafted into the vine. God look upon as equally now. I believe it was also a fulfilling of Daniel’s 70-week prophecy which was actually a 490-year period which began when Artaxeres issued the decree to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. 70 weeks were given to the Jews to repent, which in prophecy it would equal 490 years—1 day equaling a year. When you count it out on a calendar, Jesus was baptized at the beginning of the last week and halfway through the week He was crucified. At that time the Jews were still God’s chosen people, and although Jesus reached out to Gentiles as well as Jews, He would tell His disciples to go out and preach to the Jews. It wasn’t till sometime later, when Peter had the vision that led to the Gospel going out to the Gentiles, and also Saul/Paul, when he was blinded going to Damascus was told how much he must suffer taking the gospel out to the Gentiles. Although I have no proof, I’m thinking it might have been at the end of that week (3 ½ year period) the word went out to the Gentiles. After all, it was 70 weeks given to the Jews. It was the time when the “new” members could be “grafted” into that vine. It was definitely a new day for the Gentiles. This “oneness” between Jews and Gentiles is a result of what one man did for all of mankind on Calvary. That man was Jesus Christ. It is the love of Jesus who joins his flock together, that is all the believers. We might be from different places, have different colors of skin, but it is the faith held in what Jesus did for us that holds the believers together. Although I consider myself to be non-denominational because it seems each one has “their” own doctrine and they’re all different and put together resembles a wrench in the transmission gears. Jesus’s flock, although I’m sure consists of more involved with denominations it must be remembered to base one’s life in love. Without it, you/me are nothing.

Q3. (Acts 13:48; Romans 10:13-15) How does an understanding of God's pure grace fit together with the idea of predestination? How might a belief in predestination make us lazy with regard to evangelism? Does God "need" us to bring salvation to the world? To put it in the simplest terms I can come up with, God extends his gracious gift of salvation to all who will accept it, but concerning predestination, there exists a unique calling for all who answer the call of salvation. To think of predestination in terms of only certain people being called, knowing that no one comes to Christ except through the Father and visa-versa one could easily be caught up in the thought that since God is the one who does it all, no sense to get in the way, let God do His own work. God does not “need” us in the sense of the word to reach people. After all, He approached Abraham, an idol worshipper without man’s help. One thing is for sure though, at-least I believe that if you do not want to approach someone over the subject of salvation, He will just send someone else. That, of course is no excuse to be lazy. Consequences could be eternal, even if you make it into God’s kingdom. Could possibly be missing out on something better, or even just in this life.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:8-9) What is a simple definition of "grace"? Why aren't legalism and "works" to please God compatible with grace? What part does our faith have to do with our salvation? A simple definition of grace, without copy & pasting from a dictionary might look something like “an undeserved gift from one who was not indebted to the target party.” Legalism and works to please God and grace don’t mix because of the nature of the word “grace”. Also, they would take the freedom away which God so freely gives us. Faith is believing that God granted us grace. The day we think otherwise we are either getting legalistic or dependent upon ourselves for our salvation. A salvation that would be left behind when we die. Either that, or it might mean that we have pushed God and what He has for us off to the side. Either way you look at it, faith is believing.

Q1. (Acts 15:1,5) What is the essential demand of the Judaizers? How does that contradict the idea of salvation by grace? What is the danger of excessive legalism in our Christian congregations? Essentially, the Jews wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised, they were telling that that to be saved they must first become a “complete Jew”. This in itself goes against the idea of salvation by grace because they were, in essence telling them that salvation had to be earned through human effort. The danger of excessive legalism is that it pushes away rather than attracts. A gift is not something that is owed to anyone but rather it is something one gives out of love. It is true a gift could be given away as a way of fulfilling a personal agenda, but it really isn’t a gift. It also isn’t a gift if you have to go out and work for something, it is the worker’s due.

Q4. (Acts 13:43b) Why is "continuing" or "abiding" in the faith so important? What does Jesus' Parable of the Sower teach about "continuing" (Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21)? Why do new believers need basic instruction and discipling before the task of evangelism is complete? (Acts 14:21b-22) We are to continue abiding in the faith because there is one out there who will attempt to con you out of it with promises of this and that but when it comes to Jesus saying either “enter”, or “I never knew you”, it needs to be remembered that those who he says “I never knew you” to, they will be thrown into the furnace and miss out on eternal life. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus talks about those who don’t continue. A person who does not continue in the faith, is headed back to his/her old way of life which ends up in death. If one only tells someone about Jesus and leaves them without at-least a good resource for guidance and fine tuning, the time spent telling them about Jesus stands a good chance of being wasted. If a person is receptive to the word and is willing to pursue it would be like owning a gold mine with no way to get the gold out. I didn’t mean for that to sound so worldly, giving wealth in this life (which has ruined many) of a big importance, but mainly the concept. The Word of God is worth more that any gold mine, or even all the gold in the world but just like when Philip met the eunuch on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza who was reading from the Bible but had no idea because he had nobody to teach him what it meant. So it is with everybody. Sure, beginning to study on your own as much as you can is great but there are some things of primary importance that need explained. But, be careful not to give a misleading answer, it is at this time one might believe anything you tell them and take it as an absolute. If you don’t know, say so. Don’t let pride prevent you from being honest. Many have been exposed to preaching where they hear what someone learned from man, based on a personal agenda. The only reward you should look forward to is knowing one has been saved from eternal destruction and after being properly discipled, will be able to help gather more into the flock.

Q3. How do Paul's gospel presentations to pagans in Lystra (Acts 14:16-17;) and Athens (Acts 17:16-34) differ from his typical message in the synagogues? What common ground does Paul build on with pagan audiences? How will you need to contextualize the gospel in your particular area to build on common ground? Signs and wonders played a big part of presenting the gospel to pagan cultures Paul’s messages given to the synagogues were based much on prophecy which had come true and brought Paul to where he was, but knowing it would be futile to use a scripture based theme for non-believers, and people who had never been exposed to the word and would never be able to make any sense of it, a different approach was required. In Lystra, a miracle was performed where a man who had been born crippled was given the ability to walk. The people thought the gods had come down amongst them. They were even going to sacrifice to them but were stopped and had it explained to them that it was God from Heaven who had performed the miracles and not the idyllic things they had been worshipping, that in the past God was patient with them, but the 70 weeks of Daniel’s prophecy being completed the connection between the gentiles and God was being made. In Athens, where the temple to the unknown god was, Paul used this as a vantage point. It seems that some philosophers encountered him when talking about Christ, because they had never heard of him. Paul informed them that he looked upon them as superstitious as they even worshipped and “unknown god”, while it was god, whose throne is in heaven, not living in a temple made of human hands that made everything. When Paul talked about the resurrection some mocked him but there were others who desired to talk to him again regarding the matter. California, where I’m currently living appears to have pagan gods and temples everywhere. I stopped by a homeless man to talk to him about Jesus and his reply was simply “He’s not here.” He would not talk to me. Perhaps he had heard too many times the way over used ice breakers used by many of the “street evangelist” who need to be a bit more educated about getting people converted to following Christ rather that just trying to build the population of “their” church. This is a hard question all in all and one must completely trust the Holy Spirit for the words. I have found that gaining someone’s trust helps and when they find out what I believe, and why, many become inquisitive. In another country it could be a completely different situation. The best things to do is be praying always and trusting God to bring you in contact with those you, or perhaps someone you never even knew, prayed for. Is it risky? It can be. But, it is what it is, and us being us, we need to do what we do without giving thought to how the situation can end up. It didn’t always end under ideal conditions for Paul, other apostles, or OT prophets.

Q2. In evangelizing people, how does God use power encounters (in Paphos, Crete, Acts 13:6-12) and signs and wonders (Acts 14:3 in Iconium)? Are miracles enough to produce saving faith on their own? If not, what else is needed? Have you seen signs and wonders with evangelism? If not, why do you think that is? In Paphos, an encounter which took place when the sorcerer, false prophet, and Jew named Barjesus who wanted to meet with Paul and Barnabus to hear the word of God was but a sorcerer named Elymas was blinded for attempting to prevent the meeting. When Barjesus, who was deputy of the country saw what happened he believed in the Word of God. Concerning Iconium, the Bible just says that God granted signs and miracle to be done by their hands. While signs and miracles might be used to get someone’s attention to the power in the word of God, one must also believe that Jesus did what he did and was resurrected from the dead for the forgiveness of sins. We must believe in something before we can have faith in it. I’m not sure if it would come under the title of evangelism or not, but I have seen thing take place in the midst of a service which led to one accepting Jesus.

Q1. (Acts 13:14-41) What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Faith is the first thing that comes to mind. You can go back to the book of Genesis and see that Abraham was justified through his faith in God and the gospel of Jesus talks much of faith in the fact that we are saved by what Christ did for us. In neither, the Abraham example of faith of the faith in what Christ did, it is not by anything we could have done to make this possible. Neither circumcision or good deeds alone can win God’s favor. I may be off track a bit with this answer, considering the context of the question, in which case I would go with all the messianic prophecies from the O.T. to the fulfillment of current times. Paul simply connects the dots for the people in the construction of this common ground, speaking in a way that all could relate to. I will stick with faith as being the essence of the gospel, that is, faith in the fact that Jesus died in our places and will freely forgive all who ask to be forgiven of sins.

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? I think Paul was looking at this as having found his place in life. He heard directly from Jesus and having been incapacitated (blinded), he realized that he had been swimming against the current (kicking the goads?) and that his zealousness for trying to live out the law and please the Pharisees went against everything he had been doing. He was well versed in the OT and he finally realized that certain prophecies had come to pass, that he was living many centuries behind the times. He didn’t really look at it so much as choice as it was something that came naturally to him. It was the fact that he was on the wrong track all this time. He wasn’t really looking for honor or glory because he knew that those things went only to Christ. He also realizes that looking for it in this life will void it come resurrection time. This should have the effect on all of us to do what we are called to do. He mentions that not everybody is called to preach, or teach, etc., but there is something each person can do to fulfill his/her part. I’m sure the list of gifts goes well beyond what Paul mentions. For most, it involves something they never would have dreamed of doing before their conversion to Christ and even afterwards it might seem somewhat uncomfortable but remember that it takes many parts to make a motor run but only one bad part to make it quit. Being the star of the show is not what it is all about. Think of it like this, when you watch a movie you only see the actors but for every actor, there are countless others involved, each with their own function and failure of that one person to do their job at the very least causes unnecessary delays. The opposite of faithfulness when it comes to using God’s gifts is rejection of what we are called to do.

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? “Matthew18:20 For here two or three gathers in my name, there I am, with them.” I would think it could be said with 100% certainty that this concept was taught, from the oldest to the newest members of the church. When these people prayed in this fashion, with total sincerity, prayer was quite often met with positive results. Said results were many being saved, healed, and prophecies. The reason we don’t see this so much today? I would have to call it not believing that what the Bible says is true. Man has reasoned so much of the word out of existence it isn’t even funny. It is looked upon as outdated or something okay for older people needing something to do and insecure people. If you so much as say something from the Bible, you can bet it will be met with something like “my God would never do that or allow these things to happen”, using God’s name in vain in every sentence. “Church” people tell me these things ended with the early apostles and try to back it up with what Paul said about all things must end. I Corinthians 13:10 is that verse and only Jesus has ever been perfect and when He comes these gifts will pass. There is a saying I often use (and it would be good if I were to practice what I preach) and it goes “If you want to do what Jesus did, you must do what Jesus did.” While those words don’t always make sense at first, if you say it enough times the concept begins to sink in. Although I have never spoke in tongues, I have heard them. Although I’m not a teacher, I’ve seen some really good ones, I’m not a healer but I’ve seen people healed. Why is there so much pride that it gets in the way of truth? People are afraid of what the world will think. Well, be a friend of the world and you can consider yourself an enemy of God. This was very important to the Church, because connecting with God is what it’s basically all about in the beginning of the journey, but God expects us to get much closer to Him and not just be looked upon as another icon made by human hands and called on only when needed and being expected to listen to a person’s problems without being able to get a word in edge-wise or repeating man made poetry over and over like a broken record. This was also important to the missionaries because they depended on God completely to tell them what to do, when to do it, where to do it, what to say to who, and the list goes on. We are to pray unceasingly. Praying doesn’t mean you are supposed to do all the talking. Its like a kid in school who is always talking to the person at the desk behind him and never learns anything because he/she doesn’t know when to shut up and listen.

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? Paul called Peter out in Antioch because Peter was being a hypocrite. Even though Peter was the first to know about the Gentiles being called by God and even defended this, he was acting different when Jewish Christians came from Judah to Antioch. Instead of continuing fellowship with them and eating at the same table, they set themselves apart out of fear of what the group of circumcised Jews might say, as they were believing that to be saved, one must be circumcised. The issue which must not be compromised is the fact that salvation is based on faith in Jesus and not obedience to the law. The reason for the importance of this is, if people are taught that obedience to the law, while it is a good thing, rather than faith in Christ, nobody would be saved and they would have failed in their mission. The events taking place when the Jews who believed circumcision was important for salvation appeared on the scene began to cause a division among Christ’s followers and Jesus Himself stated that a house divided against itself will not stand; Matthew 12:25 … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Q1. (Acts 9:30; Galatians 1:15-17) Why do ambitious Christians struggle so much when they don't seem to be doing anything important? Why is patience with God's plan so important to growth? Why is a period of spiritual formation so important to future leadership? To listening for God's voice? I think everybody struggles with this one. It can be hard for some to understand why one person stands on the stage while another is merely an attendant in the parking lot. How often does a lineman get the MVP award compared to the quarterback? A person who struggles with this would never be either because he doesn’t understand that it’s not about who is grabbing the glory, but the teamwork involved in getting the job done. Jesus set the example and made this all clear when He came and served. Most don’t realize that when it comes to serving, there is so little we can do compared to the one who gives us life and provides us with everything we need to live it. We need to put this pride aside and work with the fact that God has individual assignments for each of us with every-one being as important as the next to accomplish His purpose. Patience is important for growth because of the training involved. You can not be saved one day, sleep with the Bible under your pillow that night and wake up with an understanding of everything in it. Imagine if a special-forces team (military) decided they would let a person with no experience participate in an operation just because the person was in a hurry to become a member of the group without all of the training. Casualties would most likely be at a very unacceptable level because of one person’s impatience. Let’s go back to the person who put the Bible under his pillow the first time he ever touched one. While it is admirable a person would instantly want to grow, it is unlikely he would be sent out solo on a mission trip in the morning. Maybe another way of putting it would be the way a child wants to drive a car at the age of 12 and having watched his parents do, thinks he/she knows every last thing one would need to know to safely drive down I-101 on a busy day. A period of spiritual formation is important because as mentioned in previous paragraphs, one needs time to learn the job before it can be successfully accomplished. An amusing example of this would be the child who wants to make breakfast in bed for their parents and knows vaguely that you can put jelly on a piece of bread but has never done this. By the time breakfast makes it to the bedroom, the kitchen looks like a typhoon ripped through it and the little one is covered head to toe with jelly. We need to learn to listen to God’s voice. There is no better way to get instruction from God than to listen to Him explain the details to you, which He will if you are willing to devote 90% of your prayer time to listening to what God has to say and eliminate suggesting or advising things to Him.

Q4. (Philippians 3:9; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4) Abraham had been a moon-worshipper. According to Genesis 15:6, how does he come into right relationship with the God who created all? How can a person today become righteous by faith? What is involved in really "trusting" Christ? Abraham came into a proper relationship with God when he demonstrated his faith in Him by obeying when God told him to go to the land He said He would show him. A person can become righteous by faith, provided his faith is in the fact that Jesus died for our sins and gave us an “admit one” to the Promised Land. Belief in one’s heart that all these things took place for us and it also requires a vocal confession. If you do not confess the name of Jesus to others, Jesus will not confess your name to the Father who lives in Heaven. The thing about trusting Christ is, we need to love Him, keeping in mind that God judges by looking into the heart of man and not just by what people do. …but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 Although He looks at the heart of man to see whether we are for real or not, we are also expected to do His will “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven”. Matt. 7:21 You can find God’s will by searching His words in the Bible and also through prayer and letting God personally tell you would He would have you do. Doing God’s will in itself should come from the heart and not looked upon as a burden.