light

Hi My name is Helen Aveyard and I will be 49 on the 1st of February and I live in Australia. I live in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra, in the suburb of Kambah. I have lived here for 28 years. I have 2 children. Natalie who will be 31 this February and Daniel who will be 28 also in February. I was married before I became a follower of Jesus Christ. I am now married to a wonderful christian man, his name is Guy and he was born in Leeds. We have been married for 13 years today, Australia Day, 26 of January. Guy also was married before and he has a 1 son named Nathan. He is 20 years old. He lives with his mother in Queensland. We go to Erindale Christan Centre, where Guy plays the percussion in our church worship band. I am involved in the ushers ministry. I also help when I'm not working, in Young at Heart, an outreach ministry for the over 50's. It is very successful. Guy is involved in under 10's boy soccer. I work as a relief worker at a Child Day Care Centre. I have never done a bible study on line before. This is all new to me. I am slowly finding my way around. I have read some of the answers to this study and I am enjoying them very much. I am looking forward to the rest of the study.

Q5. According to 1Peter1:8-9, what is the basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious"? How does this joy interplay with human emotions? Is it essentially emotional? How does it differ from what is generally regarded as the pursuit of "happiness"? Extra Credit: How can you tell the genuine article of joy from the counterfeit? Having not seen Him, yet I love Him and believe in Him. This produces the inexpressible and glorious joy that never goes away, knowing what He has done for me and everyone who would believe in Him. Righteousness, peace and joy(in the Holy Spirit) are some of the fruits of the Kingdom of God. Our human emotions fail us. They go up and down, they change with our circumstances. (as does our happiness). But the joy that God gives is steadfast, unshakable and immovable, His joy in us through Jesus (His joy made complete in us) will withstand any problems. It is His joy that becomes my strength no matter what I face. Paul and Silas had God's joy in them in prison. At their lowest point they decided not to look at the circumstances that they were in, but they made the decision to rejoice and sing praises to God which activated their joy, which produced in them freedom of soul. It have them liberty. It also witnessed to the guards. They were saved, and Jesus was glorified. If they had looked at their circumstances in the prison and let their emotions take over they would have despaired and perished. Theirs was real joy. Counterfeit joy would keep you bound in depression, despair, spiralling downward rathar than upward. Having your hope set on Him, being able to endure trials and troubles, whatever life may throw at you, this is HIS JOY that produces the strength and endurance that we all need to keep going until we see Him face to face. His joy in us witnesses to our friends that don't know Him yet!! Thankyou Jesus for the joy that was set before you that you endured the cross for our sakes. You are our best and only example to follow. Thankyou

Q4. Can you remember any instances in which God used difficult circumstances to refine and purify your faith? What did God accomplish in your life? How, exactly, does genuine, tested faith bring glory to Jesus? Last year God said to me to expect the unexpected. In september my father was murdered. (A few weeks before this happened I had thoughts that something was going to happen. I believe God was preparing me for this tragedy). He was right there when I needed Him. As soon as I heard what had happened I cried out to God for He is my strength. I was at work at the time. Through the loss of my father I have a greater dependency and trust upon Him. I know Him more as my Abba Father. I know He has used this situation in my life to give honour and glory and praise to Him, for without Him I would fall to pieces. I was told by a work friend that my faith in God has helped her to rely on Him more. Jesus was exalted. He is my continuing strength.

Q3. What is God's part in securing your slavation? What is your part? God's part is that I am shielded by His power. In Him I live and move and have my being. He is all-powerful and He is my shield and my strength. My part is to believe (have faith) in His power. What He says He will do, He will do. He will complete the work that He has started in me.

Q2. Why do forgiveness(sprinkling) and obedience come together as a package? ........ Because if I am not forgiven for my sins(disobedience, rebellion) not listening and not following then, I cannot walk in obedience (listening and following). No acceptance of salvation. Because love for God is to obey His commandments. Because it is God's gift to me, (he gives me something I don't deserve (grace and mercy), that a cannot boast of what I have done. I cannot earn my salvation. God first moved toward me through His Son Jesus and gave me faith to believe then I respond and do the things that He has prepared for me.

Q.1 The christian that identifies with his present homeland than his heavenly one, has not yet fully understood what God has purchased for him. He has not come to the realization that God has given him everything he needs for living in this world but not being a part of it. He needs to know the love that God has for him. He loves more the things that he sees rather than the things that are unseen. Yes I have fallen but God has saved me by His grace and helped me to rely on Him. Focus on God and His kingdom. Know beyond a doubt that he has being chosen, selected by God. Know I am just passing through. Trust in God and follow hard after Him. My allegience is to the King. Don't let the affairs of this world weigh me down. Know that God is in control. Repent and turn again to Him.