Jesus Follower
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Posts posted by Jesus Follower
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On 12/17/2004 at 12:30 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (James 1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed?
I haven't let Satan destroy me, rather God has kept me in faith. God has reduced my confidence in man-made systems and myself. I am less fearful and more thankful of Jesus' complete and powerful work on the cross and in me.
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God has reminded me of His sovereignty.
Also, the security of His perfect work on the cross.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:44 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q5. (Hebrews 13:16, 20-21) What are the actual requests being made of God in this great benediction? What "pleases" God according to verses 16 and 20? Why should we "make it our aim to please him" (2 Corinthians 5:9, NRSV)?
Do God's will. That God would work in us what is pleasing to Him.
For us to do His will.
He made us, and bought is w/a price.
He is worthy of our praise and our lives.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:43 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hebrews 13:15-16) Though the sacrifice for atonement have been completed in Christ, what kinds of sacrifices or offerings are Christians called upon to make? What effect do these offerings have on God?
Praise to Jesus and good deeds of giving sharing. They please Him.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Hebrews 13:8) What is the significance of this verse for the original readers? For you? For understanding just who Jesus is? For believing in the power of God for today?
Jesus offered the same power for abundant & eternal life and power to save for the Hebrews as for their leaders.
For me He still has the power to save me and cause me to live a fruitful life for Him.
He is Lord, Saviour, compassionate priest and guide.
He is active in my life, providing, saving, healing teaching me from His word and by the power of His Holy Spirit.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Hebrews 13:5-6) How can we recognize greed in ourselves? What will be the signs? What is the antidote for greed in our lives? What would be the earmarks of a greed-free life? If not money, what should be the basis of our security for the future? What promises do you find in verses 5 and 6?
Reliance on money more than God. Always wanting more even when needs provided.
Generosity is the antidote for greed.
Generous to giving to the Lord's work. Trusting in God as our provider.
God's promises, that He will never leave us or forsake us. His Word!
He is our helper and He will never leave us or forsake us.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:41 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Hebrews 13:1-3) How do hospitality to strangers and visiting prisoners relate to brotherly love (philadelphia)? Where are you strong in brotherly love? Where are you weak?
They show evidence of Christ's work in us. Kindness to strangers @ work. Kindness to people I don't know well @
Church.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:39 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q5. (Hebrews 12:25-29) Is a fear of God healthy? If so, how? When does fear of God become unhealthy? How does the fear of God fit with 1 John 4:18?
Yes. Fearing the consequences of rebellion toward God is wise. Eternal damnation is terrifying and rightly so.
Unhealthy fear would prevent us from approaching God's throne with confidence. Would cause separation from God instead of causing us to draw close to God.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:38 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hebrews 12:14-17) Is the writer of Hebrews teaching salvation by being holy? Why or why not? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21. Can habitual sin deprive us of heaven? If so, how?
No.
Holiness will result because the heart changes. Behavior changes after that.
Habitual sin can accompany being held out of heaven, if the person does not have saving faith.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:38 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Hebrews 12:5-7) I've sometimes heard, "God never punishes anyone." Is that true according to these verses? If so, how does punishment fit into the larger overall concept of discipline and child-rearing? What is the purpose of God's discipline?
No. These verses deal with hardship relating to persecution, trouble because we serve, love, and obey God. Punishment is because we disobey, God Does punish disobedience, but that is not what these verses are dealing with.
Punishment teaches sin has horrible consequences. Often, the punishment is much less severe than the
actual consequences of sin.
To make us more like Christ, and to bring peace, righteousness, into our lives, training us for heaven.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:37 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Hebrews 12:5-11) How does it help when you to look at your struggles and hardships as the Father's discipline and training? What are the benefits of such discipline to the Christian?
Offers a light at the end of the tunnel. Our hardship has a reason, and ends up benefiting us. It also will have an end.
Peaceable fruit of righteousness, share on God's holiness, prepare us for heaven.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:36 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Hebrews 12:3-4) Spiritual warfare can be lost by weariness. Why is spiritual warfare so wearying? Why must we continue to resist, on and on? Have you ever been overcome by Satan because of weariness?
It is exhausting emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Often, it persists for long periods of time.
To receive our reward.
Yes, grown tied before, when little to no evidence of fruit. And those serving with me working to counteract how I was trying to serve God.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:26 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q5. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Who are the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1? What analogy to the life of faith is offered in 12:1? In what way is Jesus the "author" or "pioneer" of our faith? How did he live by faith? In what way is he the "finisher" or "perfecter" of our faith?
Saints who have gone before, successfully living out their faith in spite of suffering.
A race set before a great crowd.
He had perfect faith, suffered perfectly, and successfully. He made salvation possible. His obedience and suffering makes it possible for us to live and suffer in a way that honors God. And to be received into heaven.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:26 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hebrews 11:8-31) What was the powerful motivating factor behind the actions taken by the people mentioned in these verses? What was this faith based on? At the Red Sea, how did the Israelites' faith differ from that of the Egyptian army? Did Rahab have real faith or was she a shrewd opportunist -- or is there a difference?
Faith.
God's word.
Israelites had faith in God's Word. Egyptian army trusted in their own strength.
She absolutely had faith and she took her opportunity to make a choice to be included in God's family. We are wise (shrewd ) when we accept God's gift of salvation and avoid eternal judgement.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:25 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Hebrews 11:23-28) How did Moses' faith affect his willingness to suffer? What kind of vision did faith create for Moses? What kind of vision does faith create for us?
He was willing to suffer in this life because the eternal rewards of being in God's family forever in heaven, far outweigh suffering on this life
To live in obedience in this life, looking to our reward, even if we must suffer in order to obey.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:24 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Hebrews 11:13b) In practical terms, what would be the characteristics of a believer who lived his life as an "alien" and "stranger" here on earth? What is the balance between "in" the world but not "of" it? (John 15:19; 17:13-16; 1 John 4:4-6).
Holding possessions, positions loved ones w/an open hand. Looking to God for provision, protection, and for making all things right that are lacking in this life.
Faithful to serve, love those God puts in our path here, but looking for contentment based on our home in heaven, not this one.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:23 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (Hebrews 11:8-19) Abraham was on a faith-quest, looking for a city (verse 10) and a country (verses 14-16). How does his faith-journey encourage yours? In Scriptural typology, what is the final "city" which we shall see? (12:22) What is the final country of which we are citizens? (12:28)
Reminds me this country/city/world is not my home. Especially comforting in this season of my country's existence.
New Jerusalem, where Jesus is preparing me a home.
Heaven!
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:21 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hebrews 11:11). Which part of faith is related to (1) the depth of Abraham's confidence in God? Which part of faith is related to (2) the real existence and power of such a God? How would you describe a faith that lacks either element? Based on verse 11 (not on verses 1-2), formulate in your own words a definition of faith.
Obedience.
Salvation.
Ineffective. Faith results in our salvation and in evidence (works) that our salvation is real.
Saving faith involves our faith in the character, existence, and power of God. Resulting in salvation and evidence of God's supernatural work in and through us.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:21 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. Every religion has its own kind of faith. What is the content of the Judeo-Christian type of faith that sets it apart from any other? What is the basis of Noah's faith (11:7)? What is the basis of our faith? How does faith grow (see Romans 10:17)
Our faith is a gift of God. Also, when we place our faith in Jesus, God saves us on the basis of Jesus' righteousness, not our own, when we place our faith in Him.
He believed the Word of God. And obeyed by building the ark.
Same. Our faith grows by hearing God's word and obeying thru the power of the Holy Spirit.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:20 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Hebrews 11:6) The first element of faith is belief in God's existence. Why is the second element just as essential to true faith? What does it mean to "seek" God? What difference does it make whether or not you believe God will reward seekers?
It shows we believe in God's goodness,grace, and favor. That He is faithful and will save us in response to our faith.
Pursue closeness with God with sustained diligence.
Even demons believe in God. They shudder, because they don't seek Him and will be punished eternally. No reward for them.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:19 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. Using Hebrews 11:1-3 as your source, how would you put in your own words what faith is and does?
Assurance of God's creation, his provision of salvation through Jesus, closeness to God in this life.
Faith allows me see the reality of these things, and to participate in them. Life with Jesus now and with Him in heaven forever.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:17 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hebrews 10:35-36) Why is perseverance in faith hard sometimes? Why is perseverance so important? How is Christian fellowship important in perseverance? (3:12-14) What can we do to encourage other Christians in this sometimes difficult journey?
Temptation, discouragement, opposition from the world, Satan, others, and our flesh. It glorifies God, establishes His Lordship over the world, Satan, our sin. Shows how He is able to strengthen us to the end. We need encouragement and correction we only receive in fellowship. We also need to obey God and love others by sharing our gifts with the body of Christ.
Pray for them and walk alongside them in their difficulties.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:16 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Hebrews 10:26-31). (In your discussion, please resist the temptation to slam another Christian who might understand the security of the believer differently from you!) What kind of sin is expressed by the phrase, "deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26)? Is this talking about sins related to the weakness of our flesh or apostasy? What elements in 10:29 contribute to your understanding that this is indeed flagrant apostasy, not garden-variety sin?
Deliberate, ongoing and persistent.
Apostasy.
Trampling on Jesus, regarding as insignificant His sacrifice, insulting the Holy Spirit.
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On 4/18/2007 at 5:15 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. According to Hebrews 3:13 and 10:24-25, what should be a prime motive for meeting together with other Christians? What is our usual motivation? Why do Christians so often get out of the habit of attending church or a small group? How can we help these individuals?
To spur one another on to love and good deeds.
To see what we can get out of church. "Me first " motivation.
Temptation to put other things before church. Hard heartedness. Hearts cold toward one another.
Prayer, love and obedience to the Father.
Q2. Blaming God
in 1. Experiencing Joy in Trials (James 1:1-18)
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It is easier than taking responsibility for our sins. No. No. He gives us free will. Our sin and His forgiveness show us His grace and His power to change us. He gets all the glory for destroying death and sin and purchasing us for Himself.