Irmela

Q1. (Acts 10:2, 22) What do we learn about Cornelius' character? Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself to Cornelius, rather than the average pagan? Is he more worthy of salvation? Cornelius was: devout, God-fearing, generous (gave alms to the poor) / not tight-fisted, prayed to God regularly, righteous, accepted (well-spoken of) by the Jews. In Luke 11:9 & 10 we read about asking, seeking, and knocking. This will not be in vain. Ask and it shall be given to you, Seek and you will find, Knock and it shall be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 & 8 records the same. Jesus promised that he who seeks Him will find Him. He honored what He said by then revealing Himself to Cornelius. None are worthy. It is all GRACE.

Q18. (Matthew 20:1-16) What does the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard teach us about God's generosity? About grace? What in our heart rises up to demand recognition and fairness when we feel we are overlooked and taken for granted? Being recognized and shown fairness to, by whom, is the question. Taken for granted by whom. If it is a human element, then it very likely does happen. Bitterness can rise up, jealousy and of course feeling of rejection, self esteem is touched, pain for being overlooked. Man is unfair. "Payment" for each one working in the vineyard, is because of grace and grace alone. We all deserve damnation because of our sins. It is grace and grace alone that we are given the opportunity to work in the vineyard, be it for the full day or just for part of the day. Lord help me to be faithful to do what You have called me to do in this season of my life. Lord, I pray too for Krissi's father. I pray for his eyes to be opened, also other loved ones known to us, may they see their need to turn to You, in Jesus Name. Thank You Lord. How much of this is a godly sense of fairness and how much is pride? I love that term outrageous grace . That sure explains what this parable portrays. That is my God!!!! He is generous in allowing and trusting us to work in His vineyard, in the first place. For us, we need to be faithful to make use of the opportunity we have been given, to do this work.

Q17. (Matthew 13:47-50) What is similar about the Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net? What belief are these two parables meant to counter? How does a belief in the ultimate triumph of righteousness encourage Christians? Both parables portray the good and the bad. There is the good seed sown and the bad seed that is sown. You have the good fish which are able to be used and then you have the "bad" fish (ones without scales), which are not "Kosher" for Jews. In both parables the separation comes at the end. With the good seed and the darnel seed, the plants look very similar in the beginning. The longer they grow or the closer to harvest, the difference is more noticeable. At harvest time (end time) the darnel is removed, bundled up and burned. With the dragnet, all the fish are gathered into it and brought to shore, then the good and the bad are separated. That which is usable and that which is not. There will be DISCRIMINATION according to MANIFESTATION. These days EVIL IS MORE NOTICEABLE than before, but so is GOOD MORE NOTICEABLE than before. The parables are meant to counter the belief that the judgement is immediate. Judgement comes at the end of the Age. Some believe that it does not come at all. The ultimate triumph of righteousness encourages one to carry on and not give up.

Q16. (Matthew 25:31-46) What are the "sheep" complimented for? For feeding Him when He was hungry; For giving water when He was thirsty; For showing hospitality, when He was a stranger; For clothing Him; For looking after Him when He was sick; For visiting Him in prison. Putting it all in a nutshell, they are complimented for helping Jesus, when He was in need. What are the "goats" condemned for? They are condemned for not helping Jesus when He was in need. Is this salvation by works? If no, why not? No, not at all. These acts of mercy would have been done, because they had been saved. How does Jesus identify Himself with "the least of these my brothers"? He reckons what is done for them is actually done for Him. This reminds one of the passage in Scripture, Col 3:23. Whatever you do, put in your very best effort, as something done for the Lord and not for men. Why did Jesus tell this parable to His disciples? They were coming to the time when Jesus would not be seen with them anymore. Many of the followers of Jesus would be persecuted and lose possessions etc., because of it. Many would become fugitives in foreign places. He was reminding them that everything they did for anyone, they were doing it for Him. What do modern-day disciples need to learn from it? Exactly what was for the disciples, is also for us modern-day disciples. Whatever we do or say, we should be doing for Him. How should this parable motivate missions to aid immigrants, the poor, and the homeless? It is amazing to know that it is for Him that we are doing whatever we do. There is a difference between aiding and aiding. It is like teaching someone to fish rather than supplying the fish all the time. It is very easy to have them just rely on hands-out and not being prepared to do anything for themselves. Unfortunately that is seen so often and then the Church is blamed for not giving. One needs to stay in tune to know what to do and when to do it. Also for whom to give aid and when to stand back.

Q15. (Luke 16:19-31). What was the Rich Man's sin that landed him in hell? Since it isn't stated explicitly, what must it be? In hell, what is the Rich Man's attitude towards Lazarus? What is the main point of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus? What are you and your church doing to aid the very poor in your area? In the world? It seems to have been "loving his wealth" which enabled his wealthy extravagant style of living. His wealthy lifestyle was not hidden from the society where he lived. He lived in the sight of men instead of in the sight of God. He lived for the now (temporal) and did not consider the eternal. Surely the fact that Lazarus was laid at his gate, would have meant that he had noticed Lazarus. Seemingly he was not affected by this fact as he did not have him removed from there, neither did he show mercy on him there. So he seems to have been oblivious of the needs of others. In the notes it is reflected that the rich man still seemed to look at Lazarus as a servant/slave, who can be ordered around. Firstly to still his thirst and so lessen his torment and secondly to be sent to his brothers to tell them about this place of torment, so they would not end up there. There is existence beyond death. Dying is just the end of the earthly and conscious opportunities and activities. Personality and consciousness continue Conditions beyond death result from what is lived on earth. If here on earth you lived close to the Lord and for Him, that is the "treasure" you will have there. If here on earth it was earthly riches (they all fall away, they cannot be taken with you) that drew you, you will have nothing stored up there. "If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded by one who is raised from the dead." eg. of this is when Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was raised from the dead, they tried to kill him. When Jesus rose from the dead, they denied it and then tried to kill His followers.

Q4. (Acts 9:32-43) How did God use healing and raising from the dead in order to begin a mighty regional revival? If you recognize that you have a spiritual gift of healing, are you willing to be obedient and let God use you in ministry? Both Aeneas and Tabitha were well known "figures" in their respective communities. Aeneas who was crippled, was accepted as such. He had been like this for 8 yrs already. He was a familiar figure as a cripple in Lydda. Before Peter came to this area, Philip had already come through this area and much seed had already been sown. Many believed. Now when healing of a popular figure takes place, those words spoken by Philip are brought to remembrance again and a flame of revival is fired up and many turned to the Lord. Through Lydda is a main road leading through the Plain of Sharon. So many travelers would also have heard about this crippled man who was healed and so news of this happening easily traveled throughout the area. News of an unusual happening (healing of a paralyzed person) is quickly spread far and wide. Tabitha , had used the talent God had given her, among the "different" in society. The poor and the widows. She was rewarded by being accepted and loved by them. Joppa, also was a town with a main road leading through it. A happening, such as someone being raised from the dead, would quickly spread by travelers, far and wide. This is exactly what happened. Again this caused many to turn to the Lord.

Q3. (Acts 9:28-29) We are not to be quarrelsome we know (2 Timothy 2:24-26), but what is the role of debate and argument in evangelism? What is the value of studying the Scriptures and the arguments for the divinity of Jesus for leading people to Christ? Have you prepared yourself in this way? Debates and so called arguments enable you to explain what you believe and why. It can point out to the one who is hesitant, why you believe something. In Jesus' day they also learnt by answering questions. Invariably by the answers given one can see/hear what the person believes.

Q2. (Acts 9:9-19) God seemed to initiate Saul's conversion. How did God use Ananias in ministry to Saul? How important is listening and obedience in ministry -- even when we don't understand? Are you prepared if God were to call you to minister to a high-profile person in his Kingdom? Ananias was used as an instrument to get Saul out of his temporary physical blindness and possibly overwhelming almost confusion, as to what had happened to him. Ananias basically confirmed and accepted Saul into the Christian family. Saul was called to bear the Name of Jesus before Gentiles, kings and the Children of Israel. He was also shown what great things he would suffer for Christ's sake. Ananias put his hands on Saul , who then was filled with the the Holy Spirit. Also he acknowledged him as Brother. Then something like scales fell off his eyes. Saul was then baptized (we are not told that Ananias had anything to do with it, but he sure initiated the continuation on the Spiritual Road , which had started when he saw the bright light.) To listen is fulfilling only part of an assignment. Listening and obeying go hand-in-hand. May God grant me ears to hear and willingness to obey at all times.

Q1. (Acts 9:4-5) Why is persecuting the Church the same as persecuting Jesus Himself? What is the bond between Jesus and His Church? Why must we show reverence toward Christ's Church and not disparage it? Jesus is the Head of the Church. When the Real Church is being persecuted, it is the same as persecuting Jesus Himself. In our body, if the foot is hurt, the whole body is hurting. If there is an ingrown hair nodule, the whole body hurts. Not just that place where the hair is growing the wrong direction. So too, when the Real True Church is hurting, the whole body, of which Christ is part, viz., the Head, is hurting. So Christ and the Church are ONE.

Q4. (Acts 8:26-29). Notice how Philip learns what to do -- from an angel (verse 26) and from the Spirit (verse 29). Can God speak to us today by his Spirit, or was this just for the first century? It was definitely not only for the first century, but also for us. As in that time , He spoke in dreams and visions or a clear audible voice, He does so today. As mentioned also by promptings or nudgings, He sure uses some form to speak to us.

Q3. (Acts 8:9-25) What is at the root of Simon Magus's sin? Why is using money to buy spiritual influence, power, and salvation so deeply offensive to God? How is it opposite to God's way? Where do you see this sin in the modern church? Peter speaks of bitterness being in his heart. We meet Simon declaring himself to be great. That would support the idea of there being pride in his heart. He desired to pay for power. So he seems to have enjoyed the idea of being seen, of being looked up to. Possibly being held in high esteem for the magic arts he could perform. God gives freely. It is offensive and even blasphemous to even think of buying spiritual influence, power, and salvation. Christ paid with His life for the salvation of mankind. He laid down His glory and was prepared to humble Himself and become a man, in fact start off life completely as a human being and eventually being crucified as a criminal, He Who knew no sin. Many unfortunately do see that when someone has money he seems to be able to buy spiritual favour or buy healing etc. Many times to attend a meeting or seminar or something out of the ordinary offered by someone in the church, one has to pay an exorbitant fee to attend.

Q2. (Acts 8:4-17) What convinced the Samaritans to believe in Jesus? In your opinion, why didn't the Holy Spirit fall on them at the time of their baptism? Why did Peter and John have to come first? The Samaritans heard and saw. Unclean spirits came out of people, the paralyzed and crippled were healed. The miracles came together with proclaiming the Messiah. God works in the way that He knows is best for each and every occasion. He knows the situation involved and He knows exactly what is needed at the given time. In this situation they were the ones that God used, to see what had been done to people who were not considered as part of the "pure Jews". They were part of confirming the spread of the Good News to the Samaritans. (In Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and the utter ends of the world). God used them, by laying on of hands, to impart the Holy Spirit on those who believed and had been baptized.

Q1. (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19) What enables us to give thanks in all circumstances? What was the short-term effect of Saul's persecution? What was the longer-term effect? The fact that we know without a shadow of a doubt that we are not alone, nevermind the circumstances, and that God is in control. This enables us maybe with tears still glistening on our cheeks or with a pain that seems unending , to still say "Thank You Lord, I am not alone." It is not a thank you for the circumstance but a thanks in the circumstance. The short term effect was that the people were scattered in all directions. The long-term effect was that those that were in different places shared the Good News there. In this way the Gospel was being spread abroad.

Q14. (Matthew 7:3-5) What is humorous about the Parable of the Speck and the Beam? How can we get to a place where we can see with clear spiritual eyes? Why does Paul insist that "spiritual" members correct sinning Christians with gentleness? What does judgmentalism have to do with hypocrisy? The speck is something very tiny, in fact it is something that is not easily seen. It is something insignificant. The beam in turn is enormous and cannot even fit into an eye. One would be totally blinded with a beam in the eye. It sure is extravagant exaggeration. We need to get rid of our glaring sins first before we can even hope to help the next one with any type of sin, be it something insignificant but irritating or glaringly open and seen by all. Confession and sorting out our lives with fellow humans and our Maker is of utmost importance. If we do not deal gently with a sinning Christian, then it easily comes across as being judgmental with condemnation. If and when we are judgmental then very often the same sin is also found in our life and then we are actually hypocrites, by pointing it out for all and sundry to see.

Q13. (Matthew 21:28-31) Which son represents the tax collectors and prostitutes? Why do you think so? Why is it harder to actually obey, rather than just mouth the words? How is the lesson of this parable similar to the lesson of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders? (Matthew 7:24-27) Why is actual obedience essential to true discipleship? The son who first said he would not go and later changed his mind. Jesus' ministry followed on from John's ministry. The tax collectors, harlots and other religious outcasts had at first rejected anything to do with God . They were not part of the followers of God at all. They also were in the crowds listening to John. Many of them repented and then did become followers of God. First in listening to and following what John preached. Then being baptized and later becoming followers and disciples of Jesus. A habit is hard to break. It is easier to just listen and not do, but listening without actions helps nothing. It is like sitting at table ready for a meal. Just seeing the food will not get it eaten and still anyone's hunger . (Action) Picking it up and actually eating it is necessary to still the hunger. Just so hearing words and not putting them into actions helps nothing. The son who said he would work in the vineyard but did not is like one rejecting Jesus' teaching. The builder who did not build on the right foundation is in a similar plight. He heard but did not obey what he heard. He did his own thing. The son who did go and work in the vineyard also heard the message and after humming and haaing actually put into practice what he heard is like the builder who did build on a solid foundation. Who are we as disciples following? Surely obedience to the Master is essential. The one we are obedient to is the one we are disciples of.

Q12. (Matthew 7:13-14) Why is "seeking" necessary to "find" the narrow gate? Why do you think Jesus concludes this brief parable with the phrase, "and only a few find it"? How is this parable designed to strengthen disciples to be willing to go against the flow, to be different from others in the culture? Seeking takes effort. Often when looking for something special, it takes long to eventually find just the right thing. In desperation, sometimes a substitute or inferior thing is eventually taken or done because of not finding what one is looking for. To "find" the narrow gate, we need to seek, for it certainly is worth finding. The end result is the narrow way, due to everything that needs to be put aside in the start of the pilgrimage. All the things which would hamper our journey. These cannot come along on that journey. We need to choose to follow that way. That is why it is a narrow gate. The end of it is a very wide scope, viz., life, and LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS. So it's like a funnel. It starts off narrow and ends off encompassing life eternal. The wide gate is easier to see and is easier to follow in the beginning, because there is no restriction as to what comes along on that path. But here the end is so narrow that it is DEATH. Again like a funnel looking at it from the broad side , going ever narrower and darker or more ominous, because the end result is destruction and death. Only few pursue the looking process. Some just follow the masses. Looking for a gate to enter . . . Oh, here is one. Many are going in here. Let's follow this way. Surely it must be right. Instead of pursuing the search and then finding the entrance not well trodden, for not many seek long enough or not many are willing to lay aside the pleasures of this world. The end result makes it worth to enter the narrow gate and follow that path .

Q11. (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49) Why does Jesus focus the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders on "putting into practice" rather than in "believing"? How can you help young Christians move from believing to true discipleship? The believing principle was already there. The hearing even more of His words came next. Now came the part following on from that : Putting what you have heard into practice. This parable followed on from where Jesus reminded them that they were calling Him, 'Master or Lord', they were acknowledging His authority. So now He is pointing out to them that on strength of that authority, put My words into practice. FOUNDATION is very important in life. If you build on His words you build on a rock foundation. If you build on human effort or human goodness, the weakness of this will soon become apparent. It is like building on sand. That was why He was focusing on putting the teaching into practice. Believing is one step, putting into practice what you believe follows on from that. That promotes growth and true discipleship. Disciples "do". Without practicing what you believe, how can good fruit come from it. Fruit will come . What kind will it be?

Q10. (Matthew 5:23-26) Why did Jesus tell the Parable of the Guilty Defendant? How do people we have wronged and to whom we have not kept our promises get in the way of us worshipping God properly? In what ways is it hypocritical not to address these matters to the best of our ability? Jesus showed the importance of not having something that comes between you and someone else. Be it owing someone money or goods or an apology. The judgement rendered to the guilty party is not always foreseeable. Of course if it is something where you have sinned against your fellowman, and you know you can rectify it by an apology or return of something, then you should do this and have the relationship sorted out. I am reminded of the little chorus we used to sing: Owe no man anything, accept to love one another . . . . The deed keeps on popping up in our minds, alternately the person keeps on coming between the worshipper andthe Lord, if we still have a conscience. Otherwise it gets covered up and the perpetrator gets hardened. A real relationship with the Lord is then not possible. This of course makes worshipping God, a thing of impossibility. The wall of pretense will eventually crumble. It is hypocritical not to address the matter, because we cannot expect to come to God if we have something against our fellowman.

Q9. (Mark 7:14-23; Matthew 15:10-11, 15-20) What does Jesus teach about the heart of man? What does Jeremiah 17:9 tell us about the heart of man? Why do we try to look good on the outside, but resist letting Jesus change us on the inside? Why is repentance necessary for an outwardly "moral" person in order to be saved? What is in the heart makes a man unholy. (That is why we say "let Jesus come into your heart and make that clean). What is in the heart proceeds out of the mouth. Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustfulness, envy, pride, foolishness, theft, false witness and slander. The heart is deceitful above all things and incurable, is what Jeremiah 17:9 tells us. The outside is that which is visible. This is what is seen by everyone. Invariably the person who "looks" nice is the one who is the popular one, or the accepted one. So man in general strives to portray himself as nice, in this way he has favour with mankind. The inside is what needs to change. In general we are careful of change, almost scared of loosing control. We should give over that control to Jesus. Then repentance will take place where necessary and a change of heart will occur. Repentance is necessary so that "put on" moral behaviour is no longer a farce but the natural way of life of that person. It is no longer a pretense but reality. I like the picture that NICOLAAS A.P. MOSTERT portrays with his wording : It is a way of cleaning inside out and this causes the outward to be lit up. Yes, the person is all the more likeable when the inside has been taken care of (has been repented of), and fresh and new thoughts fill his heart which can overflow and touch his fellowman.

Q8. (Matthew 21:33-46) Who do the servants sent to collect the landowner's share of the crop represent? What happened to Israel who rejected God's servants and Son who were sent to them? This is a parable about resisting those whom God sends to us to help us. Have you ever seen a church reject a pastor or leader that God sends to help them? It's a sad thing. Why is supporting our pastors and leaders important to God's plan for the church? (Hebrews 13:7, 17). In the Beatitudes, how does Jesus encourage those who are rejected and persecuted? (Matthew 5:10-12)? The servants represent the prophets that had been raised up and sent to the nation of Israel over the many years. Eventually in 70AD, Jerusalem was utterly destroyed by the Romans - the end of the Jewish nation. The temple was destroyed, the city was burned, the walls pulled down. Utter destruction. Possibly > a million people killed during the siege of the city. A further 97 000 were enslaved. Many later died as gladiators in the Roman arenas. The real leaders are the ones who speak the Word of God, regardless of the outcome. They are not there to tickle the ears of the congregation. They are the ones who are responsible for our 'spiritual welfare'. A workman is worthy of his labour, that is why we should support them. We should pray for them also. Jesus encourages them by telling them that the way they are being dealt with, is on par with the prophets. The result is a great reward in heaven. CHALLENGE!!!!! Does the fruit the Father is looking for in His vineyard reflect in us????? JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Q6. (Matthew 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24) Who do the excuse-makers represent? What are the potential results of excusing ourselves from carrying out God's will as we know it? The excuse makers represent the ones that were originally invited. In this instance it is the elite class of the Jewish establishment, viz., the Pharisees and the Sadducees and other in the religious leadership who rejected first John the Baptists call and then Jesus Himself. Finally they topped it all off with the ultimate insult of having Jesus executed as a common criminal. The results could be loosing out on the Gift He is offering us, Eternal Life.

Q7. (Matthew 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24) In Jesus' Parables of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew) and the Great Banquet (Luke), who are the people represented by those recruited from the streets and lanes of the city? Who are the people represented by those recruited from the highways and hedges? Who do the servant-recruiters represent? How diligent are you and your church in recruiting those who are of a lower class than others in your congregation? What keeps you from this Kingdom task? How might your church fulfill it? The ones represented by the recruits from the streets and the lanes of the city, are the outcast of the Jewish nation. (Not the religious elite, but the ones they looked down upon, viz., the poor of society, the oppressed, the ones that did not keep the law as they wanted it kept (with all the trappings), the tax-collectors, the lepers and the lame, the prostitutes, gamblers, etc. The people represented by those recruited from the highways and hedges, are the ones further afield. The Gentiles. The ones not included in the Jewish nation. ( As Jesus said the disciples would be His witness in Jerusalem, through all Judah and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.) The servant-recruiters first represented His Apostles and disciples. Now we too, who are followers of Jesus, are included to call the lost. To invite them to accept the call. There should be no class differentiation. As with Jesus, there was no class differentiation. All were welcome. He invited all.

Q5. (Luke 13:6-9) What caused Israel's barrenness in Jesus' time? What keeps the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) from growing and maturing in our lives? What can we disciples learn from the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree? Unbelief was a big factor which caused Israel's barrenness, also pride and bitterness towards their oppressors. Hypocrisy among the leaders and discontent and disobedience to God, was also rife. If the flesh with its own passions and desires has not been 'crucified' then we can forget about the fruit of the Holy Spirit from manifesting in our lives. We learn from this parable that the Proprietor's rights are revealed: The place where the fig tree was growing belonged to him, the soil where it was growing in belonged to him and in fact the fig tree belonged to him. He had a right to expect fruit from the fig tree. That was the reason he planted it there in the first place, for fruit. He also had the right to remove the fig tree should it not produce fruit. It was taking up space where another tree could be planted, which would produce the sought for fruit. We also learn that there was an Intercessor/ a gardener. He pleaded for grace for a period, and agreed if that would not bring about desired results, that the tree would be removed. He would 'disturb' the tree by digging around it. Apart from that he too would fertilize the soil, thus giving it another chance to bring forth fruit. Just as for the fig tree, there is a time limit also for us to bring forth fruit. Without fruit we too will be 'pulled out'/destroyed and space given to someone else who will bring forth the desired fruit. We too have an Intercessor, Who works us, Who endeavors to make us bear fruit. I can just cry out to Him to prune the areas in my life that do not bear fruit. Also I thank Him for His mercy and grace which He has shown thus far.

Q4. (Acts 7:52) In what senses is Jesus "the Righteous One"? How should his righteousness challenge our sinfulness? In 1 John 2:1-2, why is the Righteous One our Advocate before the Father? How does Jesus deal with the great gap caused by our unrighteousness? Jesus was upright, innocent, holy, unblemished. There was no sin in Him. Jesus is the Messiah, the Righteous One, spoken of in Jeremiah 23 :5&6, as the Righteous Branch to be raised up for David. I want to be and live like Jesus. I want Jesus to be seen in my life. I want to live righteously, as He did. An unblemished Sacrifice was required to pay for my sins. Jesus was this Sacrifice. Now when I come before the Judge and am reflected as guilty, oh so very guilty, Jesus as my Advocate, stands in my stead and claims that the price for that sin of the guilty one, viz me., has been paid. He has given Himself for me. The slate, as it were, of my life, has been washed clean. Jesus has covered that gap, by taking our unrighteousness upon Him, when He paid that ultimate price.

Q3. (Acts 7:51) Stephen accuses the Jewish leaders of stubbornness, hard-heartedness, and resistance to God. Have you ever noticed these tendencies in your own heart? What must you do if you see such things in yourself? Unfortunately I do have to confess that these tendencies do appear from time to time in my heart. When I become aware of them, I need to , as the prodigal son did, acknowledge that it is so and repent of this behaviour and then humbly ask God's forgiveness and help to lead me back into His path for me.