[Q4. Never Give Up]

I know full well what it is to give up...I did. I had been in church for a few years even bringing my family to finally join me. But my faith was weak, my spiritual foundation was weak. Eventually I fell away from God. But God is faithful! When I faced insurmountable odds...everything was stripped from me! He saved me! 

Today....I turn to Him in everything that I do. Even for what I'm going to eat. And when the struggles of life come, I rejoice and simply ask Him "show me Lord what I should do" and He does. Weather it's moving forward, staying still, or letting go. He guides my way.

I think the characteristics of a disciple with robust faith is some one like Paul...it is always on my mind as an example...he was in prison facing persecution, death!, and he said...Phillipians 3:8 I consider it all loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ. For his sake I consider them all garbage that I may gain Christ. Paul continued to 'rejoice' in the Lord at every point of persecution and impossible odds because of what He knew about Christ. He he considered death better!, because then he'd be with Christ, but went on to say, "bit if Christ chooses for me to go on living I will do so sharing the gospel. 

 

On 9/10/2017 at 11:57 AM, JanMary said:

1. I was really thinking about this question because I'm one who is easily discouraged! Then I remembered that Perseverance is a fruit of the Spirit...and that it is only cultivated through long, painful trials and testing. Since it takes years to become  woven into a believers life, the "in between" years are vulnerable to discouragement and "a fainting spirit and "weakening knees" that Isaiah speaks about.

I think some of us are more easily discouraged than others based on how we were nurtured (or not, as in my case) in childhood. If children are encouraged and reassured when facing a daunting situation they have more resilience than those who are left on their own to struggle through life. Children who grow up in a Christian home with love and support seem more likely to thrive when challenged in life. I came late to faith, but my Heavenly Father is a wonderful cheerleader, champion and advocate for me! We're facing daunting situations on several fronts right now. Just last night my "knees were weakening" and my spirit was sinking in discouragement (in spite of the hundreds of times He has faithfully delivered us and provided for us!!!). I asked "What would you say to me tonight Papa?" Before I finished the sentence I heard "I am perfecting that which concerns you"  Immediately I was reassured, courage returned, and peace prevailed.

2. I can only imagine what the characteristics are for this question, because though having much faith in many situations, I'm lacking "robust faith" in impossible situations,  but I'm so thankful for the One who holds me up and walks with me in my weaknesses and Who has promised to see me safely Home one day. Jesus is a "weakness magnet"....coming in like a flood to support us with His strength and power. How I thank you Jesus for your faithful love and care and that when I am weak, you are ALWAYS strong and ALWAYS available to uphold me, ALWAYS loving me unconditionally! (I just saw In my minds eye, a picture of a mother cat carrying her kitten in her mouth. That's how I feel sometimes...that He carries me by the scruff of my neck to a safe place. 

[Q3. Redesigning Worship]

1. Dilution of true worship and pure teachings which eventually lead to people falling away. 

2. Dilution of worship of Almighty God...Jehova, Jesus as Lord. I've been to churches where they worship a "higher power"

3. If the preaching isn't bible based it's false teaching. Even such we are called by God to examine the scriptures. There are many corporate churches where it seems to me, like people rely on what the preacher says more than what God's word says.

4. If we seek God's guidance, lean on Him for wisdom and understanding He will point us in the right direction even for our modern times. 

[Q2. Restoring Worship]

Before I read this question I had just read Ezra chapter 9...I tell you Ezras reaction to the sin of intermarriage with the pagans really ministered to me!! It moved me to worship, pray, and confess!! It made me realize that my confessions were not as deeply meaningful. I related Ezras reaction...his guilt to my own sin. I saw how devestated he was that the people of israel had sinned against God! The scriptures that really stood out were...ch9:3 so when I heard this thing I tore my garment and my robe and plucked out some of the hair of my head and beard,  and sat down astonished

End of v4... and I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. 

V5 at the evening sacrifice I arose from my fasting and having torn my garments and my robe I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God and said 'O my God,  I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to you,  my God for our inquiries have risen higher than our heads and our guilt has grown up to the heavens. 

Ezra goes on to tell the history of God's mercy on them even though they were not worthy of it. It is a great chapter that opened my eyes to my own guilt, shame, and motives of confession. It made me ask myself...did you confess because you were truly ashamed and guilty for sinning against God or did you confess because it was something you knew was wrong in the sight of God. Although both perspectives are good reason to confess....sincerity of heart is true worship....simply confessing out of requirement leaves true worship empty.

[Q1. Motivation to Return]

Why did only some men return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? 

No attachment to ancestry...God. some may have rather stayed where they built a life and not go out to the unknown to start over.  

what are the likely characteristics of those who stayed behind in Babylon?

complacency, lack of faith, fearful, indifference.

Why do only some answer Jesus call to follow HIM on this journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission?

The parable of the shower Matthew 13:1-23...a man scatters seed on four different kinds of ground...1. The hard ground "by the wayside" where no seed grows at all. 2. The stony ground which has enough soil to sprout but no depth so it doesnt take root and withers. 3. The thorny ground where seeds grow but soon get choked out by the thorny bush. 4. The good soil...the seed sprouts, takes root, and produces fruit.

What are the characteristics of true discipleship?

Obedience and surrender to Christ's calling.  A "reporting for duty" attitude.  Prayerful and spiritfilled.