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How important are the economics of house-churches and bi-vocational ministry in the rapid spread of the first century church? Very important because it was easy to open up any house to conduct evangelization any time and anywhere. It was also for the fellowship and encouragement for the new Christians in the midst of the troublemakers and the pharises.A place of refuge. What are the advantages of a house-church model? It was easy to open up houses where not much preparation is needed. Less money is needed. It does not draw much attention to those against it.There is comfort during the meets.There is privacy. What are the weaknesses?Some may not give the importance of attendance.They may considered it less serious.Since it is less formal ,it may be taken lightly.

Q2. (Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12) Why does Paul earn his living by skilled labor rather than through offerings from the church? It only shows he depends on the Lord and he has good character and is able to earn with his bare hands, he does not depend on people. Why do you think Christians believe that "full-time Christian ministry" is better than bi-vocational ministry? It could be because they believe that they will be to commit fully and would be able to see fruits. But on the other hand part time or full time falls on our alignment with God. What lessons did Paul teach the believers by his example of working for his living? The lesson of self fulfillment, self gratification and at the same time total dependence on God.

Q1. (Acts 17:27-31; Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-15; Acts 4:12) How close is God to non-believers? Close enough because He send His only son to die for the world. Is he working in them?Yes. Since God shows forbearance for sins of non-believers, why do Christians act so judgmental?Because of self righteousness. How should we act?In humility and at the same time sharing the gospel as it is. Is faith in Jesus necessary for salvation?Yes, most definitely.

Q4. (Romans 3:25; 5:6-8; 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 3:18a) What is the Substitutionary Atonement?It simply means that someone took my place because of the sins I have committed,committing and will commit.That someone is Christ. How is this such good news?It is indeed such a good news because I do not have to die for my sins anymore.I need not feel guilty,ashamed or anything the enemy wants me to feel.It is such a good news because when I die and stand in front of a Holy God I do not have to give excuses for my sins,all I need to do is stand covered by the righteousness of Jesus,believing and trusting in Him and Him alone. How does it give us assurance in our struggles with sin?Yes,daily it is a struggle with sin,the sin of unbelieve,doubt and lately I am convicted by my Lord that even when I fear I am sinning against Him.Usually in times of trials and tribulations,the phathetic enemy never fails to disturbs our thoughts but the beautiful of assurance is that when we cry ou to Him, when we submit to Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24; Romans 1:16; Acts 17:2-3) Why might Paul be tempted to underemphasize a "crucified Messiah" when preaching to the Jews? He really wanted to make sure that they hear the real message that Jesus Himself has revealed to him. 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? I guess we do that because we are excited for the Lord and we forget that the person listening to me may not share the same mind set, I have experienced this even with my own family members and come away feeling like a fool, but I do take comfort in knowing that even being a fool for Jesus is so so worth it. Why is it so important that we are honest about the gospel? So that the listeners do not turn around and say all religion is the same. (As I come from a nation where there are so many so called religions and races and culture.) It is so important to tell them that Christ is not a religion and that He cannot be compared to anything.

Q2. (Acts 16:25; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Why do you think we are commanded to "Rejoice always"? Rejoicing in the Lord in all circumstances, we rejoice in the truth that God will never forsake us. Roman 8:28 and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What is our natural tendency when we're under stress? As humans we tend to focus on the circumstances and feel stress. We tend to forget when God is for us nothing can stand against us. It is His grace and mercy and the Holy Spirit that bring to mind that we need not be stressed, all we need to do is stay calm, for God is always in control of everything. What does rejoicing and thanking have to do with faith? It arise our faith in Christ and in turn makes our faith grow. Help my unbelief, forgive my doubts, thank you for faith, and You God are so kind and good to say even as small as a mustard seed is what is required. In what circumstance do you find difficulty praising God?When there seems to be fear and doubt and unbelief at times.

(Acts 16:1-3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy, even though his principles don't require him to? It only shows how Paul puts on the cloak of humility in serving the two groups of Jews. One group who are the trouble makers waiting to find fault in Paul and the other group the good Jews who are waiting and want to hear the Gospel. For Paul, his concern is more for the second group. Paul could have easily given it to the trouble making Jews by debating the Jerusalem Council’s letter but Paul does not want to waste time on that, he rather use the time to bring more to the Gospel. Why does Paul "become all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)? When one is free in Christ, we can become anything to anybody. We are no more defined by what we feel. Because of the freedom Paul has found in Christ, he is able to relate to anyone. Even to the point of becoming a slave as long as he does not distract those who seek the core message of the Gospel. In what ways does the path of serving Jesus require humility rather than demanding our rights? Almost, all the time, in every way, either it’s in our family or in church, the worship team/leader, we are challenged to put on the cloak of humility. Often enough we believe and know we are right but if we believe we are free in Christ, we should be able to serve others without the fear of humility. But it is really difficult at times to follow as Paul did, but I pray that I learn more and more to die to self that I may be free in Christ.Amen.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:13-15; Galatians 6:16) In what sense are believers in the Messiah the "New Israel"? The believers in Messiah Jews and Gentiles are all made new as one new People. The people who were not God’s are made His by His grace, the unbelieving Jews who reject Jesus are broken off and the ones who believe are grafted into the roots of Christ, thus forming a New Israel. Who makes believing Gentiles one with believing Jews? Paul in his preaching and teaching of what Jesus has revealed to him. The Council of Jerusalem that understand the major shift of how they see the people of God as one and at the same time not obligating them to certain laws. The prophets of the Old Testament also have written of the salvation of the Gentiles. All done by the leading of the Holy Spirit according God’s plan and purpose. Who makes believing Protestants one with believing Catholics. Christ unites all Christians.

Q3. (Acts 13:48; Romans 10:13-15) How does an understanding of God's pure grace fit together with the idea of predestination? That is a mystery of God. As God is all knowing and powerful, it is only right to think He already knows who will answer His call and who will not. At the same time we know and experience His undeserving and unearned grace. It is between these two entities that we trust Him through in Jesus Christ who has paid and worked out Salvation for us. How might a belief in predestination make us lazy with regard to evangelism? When we try on our own strength and get disappointed, even angry at God. We tell God how much we are trying to do work for His and that He is not coming along side us. When there is disillusion in our minds and lies. And when we allow it to happen, that may lead one to a lazy place and we righteously tend to think, God is making a mistake. Also the thought that God knows everything can make us lazy, since He knows He might as well do it Himself. Does God "need" us to bring salvation to the world? Yes and No. Yes, because that is what we are called to do so as disciples of Christ. No, when it comes to doing things our way and according to our will. Bringing salvation to the world goes beyond our needs and desire to satisfy God’s needs. It is about our willingness to trust to stay with the Lord in all this. It is to dwell in Him, being focused in Him and at the same time enjoying the excitement of Him and not the excitement that come because of him.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:8-9) What is a simple definition of "grace"?It is what God gives us, not because of what we have done or deserve but because of who He is and when He chooses to grant it according to His choice. Why aren't legalism and "works" to please God compatible with grace? Because no amount of law following or performance on our part is going to make God love us more or any less. We need to understand God’s grace is given to us. We do not deserve it or we cannot earn it. One thing God expects from us is obedience not even sacrifice. It is based on God’s own will. What part does our faith have to do with our salvation? The faith that we put in the finished work of Christ on the cross for us ensures our salvation.

Q1. (Acts 15:1, 5) What is the essential demand of the Judaizers? That the new believers must be circumcised and become fully Jew before they can be saved as Christians. How does that contradict the idea of salvation by grace? The truth of Salvation by grace is lost when the Jewish Christians go back to the old ways of thinking and still keep the old understanding and worst still enforcing them on the new believers that only by keeping the law can one attain salvation. It contradicts what Christ had done on the cross. Jesus sacrifice has forever changed the old ways of righteousness through the law. What is the danger of excessive legalism in our Christian congregations? Excessive legalism in our Christian congregation will lead the sheep astray, it reduces repentance to a state of mere confession and belittles what Christ has done on the cross. It does not teach and preach the word of God as it should be. It adds, subtracts and manipulates the Word of to suit man made laws.

Why is "continuing" or "abiding" in the faith so important? It is so important because John 15:4-5 says “Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” I believe whether as a new believer or a matured believer of Jesus, we need to stay connected to Him throughout our journey. What does Jesus' Parable of the Sower teach about "continuing"?The Parable talks about the news of the Kingdom as seeds being sowed into the believer and the difficulties faced for it to bear fruit. If the heart is like the road, the seed just gets plucked off from its surface. If the heart of the believer is like the gravel with no soil of character and when difficulties comes it wears off. The heart that has much weeds in it such weeds of wanting and getting so much that leads to performance using own strength leads to frustration and burn out. But the seed that is cast on the good earth is the heart that continues in faith, stays connected and abides even through hardship and tribulations will surely bear fruit. It transforms one into a matured believer of Christ. Romans 5; 3-5 “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” Why do new believers need basic instruction and discipling before the task of evangelism is complete? So that they not only become a believer in the outer man but in the inner man as well. It is needed to make them strong in the Lord and to teach them to stay and fight the good fight of faith .It is needed to make them understand that it is not easy to attain the Kingdom of God.

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? When presenting the gospel to the pagans Paul talks about the Creator the living God who created everything in contrast to worthless idols. He preaches repentance, the forgiveness of God and the goodness of God. He reasons with them as to why they make man and idols gods, because these idols cannot talk back. He would have asked them, do these idols know your heart as the one true God does? Do they talk back to you as God does? He asked them to compare the non-living idols to the one true living God. The God who created the heaven, earth and the sea and everything that is in it. He lets them know that everything that they have done so far, He allowed them and He had not forced them but now He waits to give them His testimony and calling them to repentance. But when preaching in the synagogues Paul talks about the Old Testament and the Hebrew history. He talks about their ancestors rescue from Egypt. He talks about Jesus who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God. He also preaches of John the Baptist, the rejection, crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ, forgiveness and grace and to beware of rejecting Christ, scoffing and unbelief. What common ground does Paul build on with pagan audiences? When presenting the gospel to the pagans Paul looks for common grounds such as elements in the culture that they can relate to. He makes them understand the monotheism and invisible God. He talks about a one true living God who not an idol created by man. God wants them to repent from idol worship. He brings their attention to the many objects of worship they and the many altars to the unknown god they have .He introduces them to a God who forgives and a God who is good. How will you need to contextualize the gospel in your particular area to build on common ground?By getting to know the people first, understanding and also adapting to their culture of the particular area. I come a from multi -racial nation with diverse cultures, traditions and beliefs. My husband and I have always connected with our neighbours and friends at work. God has always been with us as He leads us to the people in small and big ways, we solely rely on Him. To have a relationship with them through friendship and then affirming the work of Jesus and telling about God’s power that brings Salvation.

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)? It is important to recognize and to know that it is the Sovereignty of God that allows for the supernatural of miracles, signs and wonders. It’s His enabling it’s His granting that these things happen. We can humbly ask the Lord, desire for it but we on our own in evangelizing to people can never ever perform signs and wonders. Praising Him in all things with or without miracles is what God expects from His people.(Deut.10:21) He is the One you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. Everyday is a miracle. It is all by His grace and mercy. With God nothing is impossible. At the same time there are God’s power encounters where our God can just “whamp” those who persecute others and bring them to their knees just like Saul. Are miracles enough to produce saving faith on their own? Definitely not. (John 20:29) “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”Faith that comes by miracles alone is not sufficient, that is why there are so many people who just forget what God has done for them, for starters, Him dying on the cross to every little and great things that He is doing for them. Their immaturity in their faith causes them to miss out on what God is doing daily in their lives. But for some as they mature, they allow themselves to become transformed by all the perfect storms in their lives because they have been seeking Him. (Matt.7:7) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” If not, what else is needed? Believe and unshakable faith. The acceleration in ones faith, Believing that God can do it and so can you with Him by your side. Just like Peter’s faith in the Lord to walk on water and believing that you can till the end. Not looking around and wonder if you would fall. Have you seen signs and wonders with evangelism? If not, why do you think that is? Most definitely yes.

What "common ground" does the gospel of Jesus have with Judaism? It is preached in the synagogue first on the common ground of the Hebrew history and the Old Testement. How does Paul's approach in the synagogues reflect building on this common ground? Paul’s ministry strategy is getting to the Jews first and the Gentiles. He uses a lengthy and typical approach done in the synagogue, where the key Jews, devout, the uncircumcised and the God-fearing Gentiles attend. He addresses the men of Israel and all those who fear God, taking them back to the roots of where they came from and how God rescued them from Egypt. What is the essence of the gospel? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)The essence of the gospel is that salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Messiah Jesus -- justification by faith -- that Paul learned so powerfully at his conversion.

How does Paul view his call to preach? He takes it very seriously.It is of great importantce to him and a necessity.He is compelled to preach the gospel because he is fulfilling a sacred trust entrusted to him by God. How much choice is involved for him?He has no choice but to fulfill it. How much honor?It is such a great honor given to him by the grace of God. How should this understanding affect our understanding of God gifting and calling us for ministry? The various spiritual gifts that God has given to all who believe have to be fully utilized. It should not be taken for granted. The spiritual gifts that God gives actually enhance our ministry. We do not look at another’s gift or calling because each has his or her special and unique gifting and calling. It is all important to god’s plan for each. It takes is a desirable heart that hungers and thirsts for the Lord and His Kingdom. What is the opposite of faithfulness when it comes to using God's gifts?God’s spiritual gifts should be used for the Kingdom of God. If it used for personal gains, casually or neglected than it is unfaithfulness to God. Those who neglect are considered evil and unfaithful in God’s eyes.

Why are the church leaders in Antioch seeking God through corporate prayer and fasting? Joel 1; 14 says, consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the Lord. How does God respond to their seeking? God responds through the Holy Spirit. He gives word of knowledge, word of prophecy and anything He chooses to. Why do you think we don't do more of this sort of thing today? From what I learn and see today there is a great need, an urgency to seek God through prayer and fasting corporately. There are those who are doing it but at the same time there is the body of Christ still asleep. All the while Good is looking and waiting.2 chronicles 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land.” What was the importance of this to the church at large? To the chosen missionaries?It is important to continuously seek God at a personal level and then at a corporate level. Every step we take depends on our relationship and intimacy with our Father in heaven. When we put move with our feet on the feet of our Father, He is the one doing it not us. In this way we will be able to accomplish the great commission given to us by Jesus. It’s not about us it’s all about Him and His Kingdom

Why does Paul call out Peter publicly in Antioch? Paul finds Peter not doing the right thing when it comes to eating with the Gentiles. When the Jerusalem believers are around, Peter does not eat with them but when they are not he eats with them. This made other Jews follow him even Barnabas. What is the reason for Peter's hypocrisy? The reason for Peter’s hypocrisy began when he was reprimanded by the Jews and the leaders in Jerusalem for sitting down eating with the Gentiles in Antioch. It was okay for them to do business with the Gentiles but not eat with them. Peter did not want to offend anyone or cause any problem after that even though there was some sort of acceptance after Peter related what God showed him in a vision in Joppa. He was pleasing men instead of Christ. What is the central issue on which Paul feels they must not compromise? They must not compromise the truth of the gospel. Peter was listening and responding to man- made laws and rules instead putting faith in Christ Jesus. Why is it so important? A distorted gospel will never save the world .It is highly important not to let what Jesus did go to waste.

Why do ambitious Christians struggle so much when they don't seem to be doing anything important? Perhaps they do not rest in the Lord and stay in the peace of the Lord and wait for the Lord to speak. Why is patience with God's plan so important to growth? Even though we may know God’s plan for us, we must know and acknowledge that he wants to transform us from within first, just as Paul was just left blind completely for three days, but He prayed and God shows him Ananias.In the same way we need to allow and trust the Lord first. Why is a period of spiritual formation so important to future leadership? To listening for God's voice? Because the process of waiting and learning and going through the valleys and the mountains are just as important as the end product of the leadership as many of us desire so much.

Abraham had been a moon-worshiper. According to Genesis 15:6, how does he come into right relationship with the God who created all? In the eyes of God if He declares you are righteous then you are righteous. Even though Abraham was a moon -worshiper, he obeyed God’s call and put his faith in action. All the while he could have been one under the righteousness of the law and worshiping idols but when God spoke he believed enough through his faith and that put him at the right standing with Yahweh. As it says in Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. How can a person today become righteous by faith? (1)By receiving the free gift of Salvation through Christ that God has given us. (2)Understanding the righteousness that comes through faith in what Jesus has done for us. (3)By walking in the spirit and not be under the yoke of obedience of law. (4)Knowing that there is one person who is righteous (Jesus Christ) who came for the unrighteous (the world). What is involved in really "trusting" Christ? It involves (1) believing against logic and common sense what Jesus did for us. (2)Trusting in Him and relying on Him. (3) Confidently walking with him at all times. (4) Having faith in the One who is faithful. Corinthian 1:9 God is faithful through whom we were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Q3. (Philippians 3:7-8) How do legalism and the resulting spiritual pride prevent us from trusting in Christ by faith, and knowing him? Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. As long as we want to please man rather than God, we get complacent where we are, thinking we are doing the right thing, and caught up in the man-made system; laws, traditions and even doctrines will lead us to spiritual pride. We become performance based rather than having a relationship with God and doing things from a place of rest. How has your pride in yourself kept you from drawing closer to Jesus? I believe the (1) pride of self righteousness, (2) thinking that we are entitled to this or that, (3) not trusting in the provision of the Lord for everything in His time, (4) wanting to work out things for ourselves , (5) not relying on Him and (6) thinking we always deserve better distances us from God. He knows what is best for us. So, we need to allow the Lord to prune and refine us. Not my will but Yours be done, Lord.

Q2.Why do you think God sends Ananias to Paul rather than revealing directly?God sends Ananias to Paul rather than revealing directly probably so that Ananias could lay hands on Saul and pray for his healing and then baptize him later. It could also be possible that God wanted to accomplish the work he has for Ananias, the word of God says: Job21:22 Can anyone teach God knowledge, in that he judges those on high? We know that the knowledge of our god is perfect and He knows everything. Why does Ananias argue with God? Ananias argues with God for the very reason the word of God says Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. We want to tell God, as if he does not know because we fail to trust him completely and when God calls us to do something for someone we dislike or not our cup of tea we tend to use our human thinking and worst still our own self righteousness to make god see things our way. Why does it take courage to obey?It is not sacrifice that God is seeking from us. Obedience is the most important thing God is looking from us. The enemy puts doubt in us and discourages us but with the help of the Holy Spirit we can still take courage to obey Him. One of my favorite scriptures is 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. As much as it’s my favorite scripture, I forget to practice and walk in it at times. I also forget how to walk in it but I know the love and mercy of my heavenly father keeps me and teaches me to do so. What does Ananias do and say?Even though he protested at first Ananias obeyed God and went to the house of Judas in a street called Straight, looked for Saul and said to him that Jesus has sent him to pray for the healing of his eyes. Have you ever had God guide you to talk with someone and minister to him or her? Have you followed through?Yes, I believe He has called me numerous times. In my human mind, they were tiny assignments, and I cannot remember all the people He has guided me towards. What I do remember is asking the Lord “Really, Lord is that what You want me to do, talk to this person, pray for them but….”Reflecting back, I am thankful I followed through, allowed my Father in heaven to guide me and obeyed Him. Right now, if I may humbly boast we (my husband and I) have people we walk with, pray with and minister to in our own unique and simple way each time God puts them in our way.

Persecuting Christ’s people constitutes persecuting Christ Himself because the word of God says that Christ lives in us. 2 Corinthian 13:5 states: when Paul asks the question “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” So, if a follower of Christ is persecuted, it literally means the Christ in us is the one being persecuted, as we are one with Christ, Jesus will feel our pain too. Jesus already warned us ahead saying: John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. God has pushed me to follow Christ in the painful experience of going through my daughter’s health issues for almost coming up to 10 years now. A rod of humility on the road of humility completed with trust in Him for everything has set my path straight, focusing on him forever, Amen. It was harder on me as I kept kicking against the goads but because God’s free grace, mercy and patience for me let me to be born again, to know who I am and whose I am. It was hard on me that I had a lot of fear but by experiencing his love in the valleys and mountains I have overcome.