aliya721
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Posts posted by aliya721
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On 9/24/2016 at 7:22 PM, JanMary said:
Q3: (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:5, Matthew 1:5) Why is a prostitute honored by being mentioned three times in the New Testament? How does God look on prostitution? On Prostitutes? How did Jesus treat prostitutes? What does this teach us about God's attitude toward sinners and sin?
Why is a prostitute honored by being mentioned three times in the New Testament?
Rahab was so honored because she chose to believe God, and at the risk of her life! She was most likely a Baal worshipper with no knowledge of the One true God, except for what "she had heard" about Him. Remarkable!
How does God look on prostitution? On Prostitutes?
We put degrees on sin...usually the ones we aren't guilty of, we judge as worse than ours. God looks on each individual with love, and sees either one who has come to believe in His Son and is therefore covered in His righteousness or as one who doesn't yet know Him and is unrighteous and needing to be redeemed. "Whatever is not from faith, is sin". Rom 14:23. A prostitute is just another sinner needing to be saved by His Grace. No better nor worse than the next sinner.
How did Jesus treat prostitutes? What does this teach us about sinners and sin?
Jesus primarily hung out with sinners because this was His purpose on earth: to save and redeem that which was lost in the fall in Eden. When the Triune God said in Genesis 1:26 "Let us make mankind in our image" the result was that every human being has a "stamp of God" in them, whether they believe in Him or not and deserve to be treated with dignity and kindness. Jesus modeled this in how he treated tax collectors, (hated by all), adulterous women, lepers and other outcasts, such as the shunned woman with the issue of blood, the "sons of thunder", James and John (Mark 3:17), who also needed to be redeemed, the Samaritan woman, who had multiple husbands and was now living with a man not her husband. Jesus spoke the truth in love to each individual regarding their condition, without shaming or humiliating them and while welcoming them into His "circle" of love. Each of us is born in a fallen condition, regardless of how we live out that condition, and need the same exact measure of grace to be saved as the next person.
My attitude should be the same....I'm a sinner saved by grace alone, and so grateful to be His daughter, that I am to look at others as He does, and to be eager to share His love with whomever...regardless of their "sin condition".
I agree with this 100%. Rahab was redeemed and this was orchestrated by God because He knew that she believed in spite of who the world knew her as! He takes the lowest of the low and makes them His own. We are all sinners and have fallen short. God in His infinite mercy is calling us all to redemption.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Joshua 2:2-11) What indicates that Rahab believes in Israel’s God Yahweh? What does she believe about Yahweh? How deep is Rahab's faith? How deep a faith does someone need to have in order to be saved from the destruction of a city? From eternal punishment?
Rahab was willing to risk it all. She had heard and she believed in Yahweh. She knew that He was with those men and she made them promise to deliver her and her household. She didn't care if she defied the king. She was going with the spies.
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On 9/30/2016 at 1:36 AM, lighthouse2014 said:
Q1. (Joshua 2:1) What were the spies sent to learn? Why do you think they sought to lodge in a prostitute’s house? Do you think God sent them there?
I think the spies were sent there to learn how things operate in the land so that they could easily take it. I think it is interesting that they sought refuge in the likely candidate's house. This tells me that this was definitely orchestrated by God. She would be the one to house men yet she was also the one who had a fear and reverence for God that ended up saving her family. In our eyes, the unlikely candidates are actually the ones God is pursuing.
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When I meditate on the Word of God, I am actively choosing to fill my mind with the Word and think on it, apply it, and reflect on it. It is unlike Eastern meditation which has you focus on you and clearing your mind. I want to be in tune with God so that He is who I see and who my eyes are on. When we spend time reading and meditating on the Word, it will renew us as He will speak through His word revealing matters to us.
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On 9/18/2016 at 11:24 PM, JanMary said:
Faith is believing in what God says, regardless of what the circumstances tell us is reality and then acting on His word.
Amen! I chose this Bible study but I actually think it chose me. I have been going through cluster headaches for the past 23 years. My life verse is Joshua 1:9 and I have that posted right in front of me where I can see it.
- What kinds of things might Joshua be tempted to fear if he were to allow himself to dwell on his anxieties? I feared the headaches coming at night, waking me out of bed, making me vomit, and there not being any recourse or way to escape. I also discovered I actually have an entire list of fears and anxieties and the devil uses each of them against me in many ways. Joshua could have been fearful of his age, the fact that he was now responsible for a nation. Or the fact that he didn't want to screw up.
- What does it mean to "be strong and very courageous"? Be strong in the power of God. If we had to be strong in our own might, we would fail each time. It is his strength that we need. Being very courageous is important. It means trusting Him wherever he tells He will lead us and to do it believing in faith that He is right there guiding us. The image I had in my mind the entire time I was pacing the floor with my headaches this morning was of Jesus in the boat telling Peter to come. And He told me to come, hurting, crying, suffering, He told me to come, and then He walked with me through my pain, empathizing with me all the way.
- What is the distinction between weakness and strength in Joshua's situation?
- What is the relationship between fear and faith? Fear is the opposite of faith.
- Can you be courageous and still be fearful?
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:38 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Joshua 1:5b) Why is God’s promise to be always with Joshua so important to him? Why is this promise so important to you in your present situation? If God is with you, what limitations do you have?
It's important to Joshua because it is a guiding light, a beacon, a firm understanding that the Maker will never leave him. What reassurance when you are tasked with such a responsibility! This is so for me, especially now. Joshua 1:9 is my life verse and hangs over my desk but this is basically the start. I am suffering with cluster headaches and the pain is unbearable. To know that the God of heaven sees me, walks with me and will never leave me is encouraging and something I can rely on. I trust Him. Everyone will fail but God will not. Even knowing this, I know that I can do nothing without Him. I need His strength. I am so weak and I am just me. He is God, all knowing, all everything and I must stand firm on this.
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On 6/10/2016 at 3:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Joshua 1:3) In what way is God’s promise to Joshua, “I will give you every place where you set your foot,” a conditional promise? What’s wrong with a faith that consists primarily of the philosophy: “If God wants me to have it he will give it to me”? What areas that God has promised you that you must press forward to receive?
This is a conditional promise as it takes action from you. You actually have to take a step of faith and move. You cannot be passive to claim God's blessings. In the same breath, what He has for you is for you, but don't think that God is serving us by waiting to give these things to us when we are not showing faith to go get it. In my life personally, God has positioned me to be able to step into a role where I can impact many schools in the way that I have asked. However, I cannot be passive. I must trust Him to lead me there and guide me in the way I should go so that He can be glorified.
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On 4/24/2004 at 10:55 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (5:10-11) Which promises in verses 10 and 11 are most meaningful to you at this point in your life? Why?
Each one is beneficial and meaningful to me. The suffering that Peter talks about may not be in terms of health, but specifically today, I am going through one of my cluster headache spells. This is 23 years of having this, 23 years of not getting closer to understanding what they are or how to stop them, but as I opened the Word, the 2 verses stuck out for me. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (5:10-11) I believe that I will be healed and that this suffering is for a short time. My trust and faith is in Him alone.
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On 4/24/2004 at 10:54 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (5:8-9) What instructions does Peter give us to guide us in spiritual warfare? Extra credit: How are these instructions similar or different than Paul's instructions in Ephesians 6:10-17?
Peter tells us to be
- self controlled-something I am working on. I am not disciplined in many ways although I appear to be. I am not horrible but I am a work in progress. I basically need to set my mind and keep it set.
- alert-know the tactics of the devil. Know the Word because he uses this very cunningly to manipulate things.
- resistant-we must be consistent with our resistance. It is hard but God is with us so be determined to resist
- firm and endure suffering- we need to stand strong knowing that when we suffer we suffer for the right reasons, our faith
In Ephesians 6:10-17, Paul talks about putting on the full armor of God so that we can stand completely against the devil's schemes. It is similar to Peter is saying. When we stand firm, we are standing with the belt of truth and the other "armor" representing our faith, salvation, and God's Word.
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On 4/24/2004 at 10:54 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (5:8) What is it important to be aware of Satan's existence? What does this verse teach us about the devil? Why is this teaching important?
We need to stay alert because he can steal our present right from under us. He can fill us worry, doubt, fears that we need not have. We have to be completely aware of his tactics and how clever he is. He knows the word inside out and will use this very deliberately to get us to fall. If we don't stay alert, we will succumb.
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On 4/24/2004 at 10:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (5:7) According to this verse what should you do with your fears? What reason is given why you should do this? In what manner should you do it. How will you apply this verse's instruction in your own life?
We should give them to God and not dwell on them, not ruminate over it. Trust that the Lord will do what is necessary. Pray and propel! We should do this knowing that He cares for us in all things just like He cares for the flowers and the animals ensuring that their needs are met.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:14 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (5:5-6) What acts of humility are appropriate for church leaders? How can we discern a person's humility before putting him or her in a place of leadership in the church? What happens when we fail to do this?
True servant leadership is something that will be visible in a leader's walk before given this authority and afterwards. It will be genuine and very obvious. When we fail to do this, we can hurt the body and miss a huge opportunity to minister to others.
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On 4/24/2004 at 0:20 PM, Betty said:
(5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers?
By reminding them that everyone in the church is just as important in God's eyes as they are, and they have no authority to set themselves up as being powerful. They should be leaders by example and keep all business before the church, not doing anything under-handed that could cause conflict. In our church, we have a monthly business meeting where the members vote on any major issues involving church affairs; therefore, all the members who attend the meeting are informed of activities by the Pastor and Deacons, and the church has an opportunity to vote on the matter.
We should be in constant prayer for our Pastor and Deacons (or Elders) because it's no easy task to be a serving, committed leader.
From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here?
If a Pastor is fully committed to humbly serve the people in his church, it should not be necessary to limit his authority. However, a Pastor should not count the church as "his" and think that the people are there to serve him. God said, "I will build my church." The danger in limiting a Pastor's authority could lead to discontent and distrust between himself and the members.
From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult?
It would be difficult to test a person in church concerning how they would handle authority; but they need a clear explanation of what is expected of them and how the church will have the right to challenge them if they disagree with something the leader is doing. The most important thing to do is pray for the leader to commit his or her life to serving God and the people in the best way he or she can, with God's help.
How can we deal with this serious problem properly?
Don't just look the other way or sweep it under the rug; and by all means, don't leave your church. When a problem comes up like this, it must be addressed. Possibly, the other leaders in the church could have a meeting with the person, pray with him or her and let them know that there is indeed a problem with the way they are handling things. They need to be reminded that they are there to serve God and His people and must answer to the people, but ultimately answer to God. Most of all, we must, as so many others have said, "PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!"
Great points. Yes, the pastor first needs to lead like Jesus. There must be a servant heart that is apparent to all. It is not the pastor's church. The congregation is the church, not the walls. Without checks and balances as far as what is necessary and anything specific to church governance, everyone fails and God is not glorified.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:12 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (5:2) What's wrong with the common practice in churches of "twisting a person's arm" to get him or her to serve as a church leader. What damage does this do to the church? What kind of leader does it produce?
The person may not wish to serve for the right reasons. The wrong reasons would be for perks, status, or privileges and this dilutes the church's power. Service should be natural. If you aren't interested in doing it, you should pray for God to give you that servant heart.
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On 4/19/2004 at 7:45 PM, AngelOnLine said:
Q1. (5:1-2) What do you learn about the responsibilities of an elder from the definitions of "elder," "pastor," and "overseer"?
I believe that they all have basically the same responsibilities, They should be the Leaders or Shepherds and eager and willing to serve. The leaders of the Church should assume the responsibility of taking care of the needs of their members both spiritually and physically.
The leaders should be like Jesus, taking care of His flock. But the members should also be looking out for those in need.
This was an interesting section since it would appear that all of the titles are essentially the same, to have a responsibility for the members of the flock. Sometimes churches today may have a myriad of levels and titles which in some instances may just be for the title itself versus the responsibility. I can't really say emphatically that this is the case, but when you look at the disparity between the pastor ad his crew compared to the flock, something is very wrong.
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On 4/10/2004 at 7:15 PM, kas said:
Because if we don't willingly die for Christ, we're being selfish not selfless. Selfishness is not the message of His gospel. When we don't take up our cross daily, I believe we're rejecting obedience to God's will. We won't grow and we'll continually be on milk and possibly lose our salvation if we resist Him long enough. If we commit ourselves, that means we are willing to live in obedience to His will. Although the flesh is weak and the spirit is willing we must overcome the flesh and die to it. It's hard. I know I give in to the flesh. I'm not as obedient as I would like to think I am. I pray daily for strength to die to sin.
Not willing to take up our cross means that we are giving in to fear and this is the exact opposite of trusting and putting our faith in Him. It is easier to say no to something that could hurt us but bring reward spiritually than it is to go all in. Fighting for the underpriviliged and marginalized. Advocating for homeless and orphans. When we do this, we are fighting for those who don't have a voice but if we do it too long people may look at us strangely or discriminate or not see our heart and stop the good works. But push forward because God sees.
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If I never experience persecution, I could never grow closer to God as everything can appear that its always easy for me. People could perceive that I get the easy breaks or that I wouldn't understand suffering for Jesus' sake. I am also probably not digging in and seeking Him. I am more of a superficial Christian, one who doesn't take the risks that Jesus did.
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On 4/12/2004 at 9:58 AM, Helen Spaulding said:
Q2. (4:13) When you meditate on the idea of partaking of or being a sharer in Christ's sufferings, what perspective does it give you on whatever persecution you may experience?
First of all, like anyone else, I would rather not suffer! But, Christ bore much more suffering that I ever could--and for me!! How can I dare shrink back from whatever suffering He knows will help to "grow" me in Him?
So, I lean on Him, knowing He will be with me, supporting and loving me with His wonderful love! He says He will not put on us more than we can bear. Well, I know He knows how weak I am! Thank You, Lord, I don't have to carry it alone! He has promised to make the yoke "easy", and the burden "light"! With that promise, I can accept whatever suffering comes that He can use to further His kingdom.
What I am suffering pales in comparison to what Christ suffered on the cross. The simple fact that my own suffering allows me to grow in Him is indeed a privilege. I don't feel worthy of this yet I know that it is necessary for my growth spiritually. I just pray that I do not fail.
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On 4/12/2004 at 8:06 PM, AngelOnLine said:
Q1. (4:12) What's the danger of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ?
If we try to avoid persecution is means that we have stopped being witnesses for Him and have started listening to Satan. Satan is always trying to tell us to take the easy road.
Have you ever been distracted by persecution from what you should have been doing?
When my focus is no longer on Jesus, then I am definitely distracted. It has happened several times, but thankfully I was able to get my focus back where it belongs.
Have you ever observed this in other Christians?
Yes I have seen this in other Christians . The temptations of the world are to great for them to avoid, and they give in to their sinful nature.
Yes, avoiding persecution or "taking the easy way out" is indeed easy and is exactly what our flesh wants. If we give in, we aren't letting Him be strong when we are weak. We cannot be a witness to others. I have been distracted but God is in His kindness lifted my eyes and helped me see where I should be. Repentance is constantly happening as I am along this journey and staying mindful of where I want to spend eternity.
I have seen this unfortunately and it has touched all peoples, pastors, great people doing great things for God. It is sad and I will pray for them.
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On 4/21/2004 at 3:07 PM, Berachah said:
When people promote themselves, it says one of two things: they are either very proud and high minded, or they have problems with their self worth and need the constant support of others. Both of these are scripturally wrong and need to be dealt with. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that this is a very prevelant sin in the church. Yes even among ministers and leadership. This problem tends to push others down or out of the way and breeds competition among God's people. I think it behooves every christian to examine themselves and see if they are doing this or not. If so, go to the Cross and nail it there and let the humble spirit of Christ pervade our lives.
Many may not agree with me, but when ask what my gift is I can only answer that it is what the Holy Spirit wants me to have at any given moment. I believe that all the gifts are in the Holy Ghost and if I am submissive to Him he will manifest that gift thru me when and where it is most needed. There are natural talents that each of us have and we should use them for the work of the Kingdom. But the gifts of God are supernatural and they will enable me to do many things for the Master if He so desires.
Very straightforward and to the pint. As I read and pondered on this question, I know that I am guilty. I have asked God to forgive me and to keep me humble in all things. I am experiencing this as of late at my job where I feel the need to perform at higher levels because my boss is comparing myself and another coworker. It is rather stressful and an environment that has become awkward. While my first thought is not to exalt myself, there are certain things I have to do because of my position. I have to take this to God in prayer completely because it is definitely not the easiest to speak about and I don't want to come across as negative or prideful ;(
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On 3/31/2004 at 9:45 AM, lightbuilder said:
Most likely for the same reason Christians struggle with "accountability" (see below)
Typically it is the emotions that arise from reason and imagination that motivate our behavior. We "feel" the embarrassment and the "unpleasant sensation" of humiliation and all of the other emotions associated with imagining ourselves confessing our deepest darkest sins and fears to the very people we have represented ourselves to as "fine and dandy" and "blessed of the Lord" Sunday after Sunday.
Logically, we should be inspired to pursue accountability in the present, knowing that it will inevitably be thrust upon us. However we tend to be motivated in the moment by that which is most pressing, and the difficulty imagined in facing ones peers with an intimate confession is often far more "real" to us in the moment than the knowledge that we will be held accountable before God when the number of our days is fullfilled.
It's been said that maturing spiritually is supplanting lies with the truth. We all must be willing to continually challenge our "vain" (profitless) imagination in obedience to The Word: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" (2Cr 10:5).
Phl 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
E.g. Christ humbled himself and became the servant of ALL, being empowered by the knowledge of the Glory that awaited him in heaven.
Conclusion: Our attitude (the direction we lean in our minds) must be tempered by a constant awareness and continual remembering of the glory of our calling, Eternal Life with Christ, so that we may be filled with His perfect love (...perfect love casteth out fear: 1Jo.4:18) and "supplant" the lie that confronting our fears and imaginings in the moment is to much for us to bear.
2Cr 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory;
Well written and I couldn't agree more! Humans don't like to be held accountable for anything. It embarrasses us and makes us feel like we dropped the ball, when at times, we have and need to be called on it. It makes PRIDE rise up in us when we should be exhibiting HUMILITY. To combat this, we need to be mindful and alert, confessing our sins one to another.
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On 3/27/2004 at 10:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (4:3-4) Why do non-Christians try to get you to sin with them. Why are we tempted to do so? How can we resist this temptation?
I think part of it has to do with them wanting to test us but another part is that this is just natural behavior for them. We then become tempted because we want to please them even though we know it is wrong. WE can resist this by making our stance sure. We can be firm at all times so that they respect you. I experienced this for 4 years at a job. Each sales meeting everyone would drink until they were drunk and do really stupid things. I would always order a Shirley Temple (sprite and grenadine). They would laugh and try to do lots of things to get me to change. I held my ground and in Year 5, it finally stopped.
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On 11/1/2004 at 11:50 AM, mollymadhat said:
Q1. (4:1-2) When the scripture says "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ had, how should this attitude help keep you from sin? What attitude are we talking about?
This attitude of Christs' was self-sacrificing. He did not give in to selfish desires. 1 Peter 4:3 lists some of what these are. We humans are so prone to them in one form or another. Overeating is one of them.(I struggle with this one) and many others. I found it very interesting in verse 1 "because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. v.3. As a RESULT he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." So by not giving in to sin, we are made stronger to resist sin. The attitude is self sacrifice. Give in to God's will and live your life with freedom!!!
Yes, He sacrificed Himself for us. Just a few words but the weight of it all is unfathomable. His attitude was one of love pure and simple, humility, and obedience. If I arm myself with this attitude, sin should flee. I would be obeying the word, remaining humble, and showing love. If I lined up any sin against those three and still proceeded then I am not arming myself. Take overeating which I also am guilty of from time to time, If I choose to engage in this behavior, how is this showing love for self? What am I sacrificing? How am I being obedient? Applying this for any sin, should help shine the spotlight and move me further and further away from it.
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On 3/20/2004 at 2:08 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (3:20-21) Various Christian traditions have different practices of baptism -- the mode (sprinkling, pouring, immersion) and the age (infant vs. an age when a person can profess his or her own faith). Let's not argue about that in this forum. Let me ask you the crucial question for you -- Have you pledged your faith in Jesus Christ and promised to serve him as his disciple? How does this pledge relate to your own baptism? (Remember, no criticism of another's understanding of baptism in the forum. No fighting. No setting people straight -- seriously!)
I have pledged my faith in Jesus. I have been baptized 3 times (baby, adult and then again for reasons I will not share which could cause contention). I do not believe baptism is necessary to be saved. If this was the case, then was the other guy on the cross given a pass? Would people who have not yet been baptized pass away, do they just go to hell? I am thankful for my baptism as it is a constant reminder of His death and burial and His love for me.
Q4. Deceit
in 2. Rahab Hides the Spies (Joshua 2)
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God doesn't honor her for lying to the king's men. He honors her for assisting the spies in doing His work. Each action was on the side of the coin. She simply decided she would do what was right in the Lord's eyes, despite what it looked like to us.