Irmela

Q2. (Acts 6:3, 8) What list of qualities do you see in Stephen when you combine the apostles' list of qualifications (verse 3) with the description of Stephen's character (verse 8)? Why is a ministry that combines the word with miracles so powerful? The apostles' list was : reputable men, full of the Spirit full of wisdom Verse 8 and 10 describe Stephen's character as being: full of grace full of power full of wisdom of the Spirit Then above this all, miracles followed what he was saying. The combination of speech and then actually seeing that what is spoken about is reality is so much more powerful than empty words. Living what one preaches makes things much more real. The saying to practice what you preach makes sense. It doesn't help you do not live what you preach. Not everyone reads words, but everyone reads what you live. I read the following the other day. The Gospel (good news) is written, a chapter a day By the deeds that you do, and the words that you say Men read what you say whether faithless or true Say, what is the Gospel (good news) according to you?

Q1. (Acts 6:1-2) What is the root problem in the Jerusalem church that shows up in food distribution? How could such a root problem slow growth and erode spiritual life? How do the apostles deal with it? Is there a root problem in your congregation that leaders need to deal with that threatens the health of the church? Why do leaders sometimes avoid dealing with church problems? The community of believers were of diverse languages. The people were from many different places, who had ended up in Jerusalem and had then heard the Word and accepted it and were now part of the group following Christ's teaching, who eventually were known as Christians. Many of the widows amongst this group were poor and were eventually supported by the contributions made by the community. The leaders first did the distribution and it then appeared that there was favouritism shown to the Hebrew widows and the Hellenists were left out. (could this almost reflect a kind of racism or misunderstanding) . . . . remember it was different languages and cultures involved. Such a root problem could easily be taken to be deliberate leaving out of a group, whereas it is very easy to just be an oversight. Jealousy could step in and cause division. I think it was very wise what they did. (Many years ago Moses also was advised to delegate some of his work to others) Additional leaders were chosen for this specific task, setting the Apostles free to continue with their task. Seven reputable men, full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom were chosen by the followers. They then sorted out that distribution of food etc was fairly carried out. It is very easy to get entangled and be regarded to show favouritism to a certain group, be it true or not. This is why it is wise for the leaders to pray together with those chosen or delegated to help in the different platforms, that a right decision be made, and not be the ones who do the actual making of the decisions. It also of course depends on what the problem is.

Q4. (Matthew 18:23-35) In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, where do you see justice? Where do you see grace? Where do you see greed? Where do you see unforgiveness? What lessons from this parable are disciples to incorporate into their lives? When accounts are sought to be settled, it is noted that the one man owed ten 1000 talents and the king ordered that he and his family and all his possessions be sold, so that payment could be made. That was justice. When the slave (who owed the ten 1000 talents) was released after judgement had been forecast, viz., that he and his family and all his possessions be sold, for some kind of payment to be made, and forgiven the debt, that was grace. When that same slave , who was forgiven so much, demanded payment from a fellow-slave, who owed him 100 denarii, (,1% of what he originally owed the king), and even tried to strangle or choke him, for owing him that amount, demanding it there and then. There we see greed. After that scenario, where the one who was forgiven much, tried to get the debt dissolved from his fellow-slave, he went so far as to throw him into prison, even when he begged for time and promised to pay it all back, that was unforgiveness. The lessons I see are: Be careful to accumulate debt. Do not borrow or loan money. Both can have disastrous results. Forgive as Christ forgives. There are consequences when not forgiving others. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Q3. (Luke 7:41-43, 47) According to Jesus' Parable of the Two Debtors, do you think the woman was saved prior to the dinner or during the dinner? How effusive is your love for Jesus? How should we as disciples express our gratitude for salvation? Reading the story and putting in lines that are not written, it seems like this woman had either heard Jesus (whether by word of mouth personally, or from someone else, does not really matter) and this had spurred her on to display her thankfulness publicly, in the way she could. She had faith in Him. She knew in her heart of hearts that He was the One Who could and would make a difference in her life. Verse 50, shows that Jesus acknowledges this fact : " . . . Your faith has saved you. Go in peace. " From the above we can make a deduction that when she put her faith into action, she was saved. It does not really matter if it was prior or during the dinner, what matters is that she was SAVED. I do love Him with all that I am. I have been forgiven much. He has proved to be the Saviour I can lean on, in extremely difficult circumstances. He has been there, just as He promised in His Word. I do get extremely excited over the smallest thing that happens in answer to prayer, or in answer to a request or desire, also when I see a change in someone who we have been praying for. Tears of thankfulness run freely. Thank You Thank You Jesus for Your great love. We should live for Him, and share with others, what He has done for us. Also what He is willing to do for them also. Forgiveness, Joy, Peace and ultimately Eternal Life.

Q2. (Luke 15:11-32 What does this parable have in common with the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? What does the parable tell us about our Father's way of operating and his values? In what ways does the older son hold his father's values? In what ways does he lack them? What should disciples learn from this parable to equip them for ministry? The common thread through the three parables is that something or someone is lost, it is found , and then there is a celebration. (be glad and rejoice) The sheep and the coin are looked for and the prodigal son chooses to come back , as it had been his choice to leave in the first place. The Father waits for the lost one to recognize his state, then he welcomes him back when he returns. Our Father does not just accept the fact that someone sins and wanders away. He searches for him until he is found , alternately waits for him to come to his senses , to return and then he eagerly welcomes him back into the fold, restores him and celebrates, not alone, but with all around him. The older son works with what he has on the estate . He does not squander the things he has but builds up the estate. On the surface it looks like he is the dutiful, obedient son, but at the end one can see that there was an under currency of something that should not have been there, almost like an ulterior motive. There was a reason for his working as he did (for show maybe, to be seen as the righteous son, as the duty bound son). It was out of a sense of duty, not at all, because of love towards the Father. His living is right in a way, but lacks mercy and grace towards others. The Father in turn was full of compassion, mercy and grace for the one who had erred and had now returned. The Father is gracious and the son is stingy and jealous. Self-righteous in a way also. Through this we learn that we cannot make the decisions for the one we share the Gospel with. Each and every person has to make the decision for him/herself. They cannot be bullied into a decision or coerced to make a positive decision. *The Father did not hold onto the rebellious son. He let him go. He gave him his freedom to choose. *To come back, the son had to repent. * He waited for the son to be convicted of his wrong action. *We are morally bankrupt. We can only rely on the Father's love. *Only because of the Father's abundant mercy we are given back the privileges of son-ship. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to do the work through us , not to be pushy, but to pray, wait and then when the step is made , to be part of the welcoming back and celebrating.

Q1. (Luke 15:1-10) What do the Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin teach disciples about God's heart? In what way do these parables represent a contrast to the murmuring of the Pharisees? How should a disciple implement Jesus' value of seeking the lost in his or her own community? He has a heart for the lost. God is full of grace, extending favour and mercy to the undeserving. The Pharisees shunned the outcasts of society, who were part of the lost, and murmured about the fact that Jesus did not. In fact He mixed with them, and ate with them and they were part of the motley crowd that followed and listened to Him. We should not shun them , but reach out to them and show them love and care. The Pharisees, oddly enough, were part of the lost. They just did not recognize it as yet. They too would have been welcomed, had they repented of their pride. It is not deed that will get us into heaven. It is grace and grace alone.

Q5. (Acts 5:17-42) Why do you think Luke includes this long section about the apostles' imprisonment, trial before the Sanhedrin, and flogging? In your culture, what does it take to keep Christians from sharing their faith openly? Do you share your faith openly? We see earlier they were given boldness and declared the msg to all and sundry in Jerusalem. Many came to believe and were added to their number. Now they are still bold and they still declare the msg to all who will hear and suddenly they are imprisoned. It is encouraging to hear a miracle taking place of such a nature, that they are set free. God has not stopped performing miracles. God is still with them in these adverse circumstances. It is an encouragement to future witnesses of Christ, that this is what can happen, and that God is still in control. Then even with the trial , still they are bold, accept the flogging and praise God that they are considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. All this is encouragement for future generations to share our Faith openly.

Q4. (Acts 5:1-11) What is the central sin Ananias and Sapphira are guilty of? Why is lying to Peter the same as "lying to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3), "lying to God" (verse 4)? How can acting toward the church as a mere human institution put us under God's judgment? What does it mean to "test the Spirit of the Lord" in verse 9? Why was that wrong? I guess the central sin was pride. The desire to be looked up to. They lied about the amount that they were giving. Pretended it was the full amount, meanwhile they had kept some money back. There was no need to give it but they had decided between themselves to do so. This money was given to the leaders for distribution in their community as others had also done. The difference was that they had made as if it was the full amount that they gave. This was a lie to the Holy Spirit, a lie to God, because it was ultimately to God that this money was being given to. This was testing the Holy Spirit as it was ultimately to Him as the group was under His guidance. Thinking that He would do nothing about it . This incident reminds me of the one in Numbers 15:32-36, where the person was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath Day and then was brought before the community and God commanded that he be stoned. He had deliberately disobeyed. The church is seen as being under God's leadership. So whatever is said or done to harm or grieve this institution is ultimately done to God and thus putting us under God's judgement.

Q3. (Acts 4:32) Why is "having everything in common" at the root of true Christian fellowship? Of koinonia? What does this have to do with the mark of disciples who are known for deep love for one another (John 13:34-35)? To what degree does the church fall short of this? What are we going to do about it? True Christian fellowship is being united to one another by common beliefs, purposes and goals. Our focus should be on Christ and not on things of the world. But we so happen to still be in the world. Wisdom is needed as to distribute food and goods to the community who we are apparently in fellowship with.

Q2. (Acts 4:31)What does it mean, "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit"? Weren't they already filled with the Spirit? Yes, they had been filled but it was a continuation. They requested daily empowerment. We need to be equipped daily for what we face on that day.

Q1. (Acts 4:23-31) Why do the believers pray for boldness? Why do they need boldness in this circumstance? What does this tell us about their faith? Their character? The believers knew that the task was not an easy one and they relied on the Lord to help them. They never asked to be taken out of the situation but asked for boldness in the situation that had arisen. Their faith was strong in the Lord. They were fully aware that without Him they could do nothing. They stood together in the situation they were in. They were humble and not proud. They did not take things into their own hands but rather prayed and asked God to take over , they asked God for boldness because in themselves they were not bold.

Q4. (Acts 4:19-20) We are told to submit to the civil authorities God has placed over us (Romans 13:1). How are we to balance submission to God with submission to parents and government? How can we be faithful to God and still be humble? We have two-fold citizenship. In heaven and here on earth. First responsibility is to our Lord in heaven. Allegiance of the Christian is to God, and his relationship to the government on earth is submission. Should the government expect something of us which is against what God has shown us to live and be like , then we are certainly without a doubt to submit to God. eg., Abortion is cruel; it is first degree murder of an innocent human being. Some governments allows this and in cases even make it a law that only a certain amount of children are allowed in the family, if an added child is expected, it is to be killed. I guess only once we are in the situation can we also honestly say how we would react to certain rules and regulations. like eg., in the war where people were not given up but hidden in houses to escape from certain death. Their whereabouts were hidden from government officials as good as possible and an escape route sought to get them to freedom. It was going against regulations, but surly God saw what was going on.

Q3. (Acts 4:12) What are the implications of believing that Jesus Christ is the exclusive way to God? How does this conviction energize evangelism? Why does our culture resist this belief so adamantly? In Matth 1:21 we read that the angel said to Joseph that Mary was going to have a son and " . . . thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." He is the only or the exclusive way to God. No measure of right living , of giving alms, of working, of learning etc., can put you on the way to God or assure your salvation, only through Jesus Christ are we assured of salvation. Many are not aware of this and it is us that do know it that should be making the others aware of this. This energizes evangelism. Many refuse to believe it. They are sure that it is enough to live a good life.

Q2. (Acts 3:19-20) Why is repentance necessary to experience personal "times of refreshing," peace, and renewal? According to Acts 3:19-20, when does the ultimate "time of refreshing" come? In the Amplified Version the answer is found and explained in the passage itself. So repent (change your inner self - your old way of thinking, regret past sins) and return (to God - seek His purpose for your life) so that your sins may be wiped away (blotted out, completely erased) so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day). If any of you truly tried this out, even as a child having maybe taken something Mother had said not to. What refreshing one experiences when having owned up to be the guilty party. It is like a load taken off one's shoulder. A relief truly restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day. The ultimate time of refreshing comes when Jesus returns.

Q1. (Acts 3:6, 16; 4:10) What kind power do we possess in the name of Jesus? Why do many believers conclude their prayers, "in Jesus' name, Amen"? (John 14:14) How does praying in Jesus' name relate to praying in God's will? Can we misuse praying in Jesus' name? If so, how? The name of Jesus shows its power only where a man joins Jesus in faith and obedience, and does the will of God. Use of the name of Jesus for independent ends is a misuse and condemns to failure. Asking in His Name is asking as His representative. If and when we pray and ask for something or declare something "in Jesus Name", if meant sincerely, we are as though His Hand extended and His voice etc. It is Jesus using us to voice that request and us having faith that He will indeed allow our request to be answered. It is like acting in His Name. Him performing through us.

Q5. (Acts 2:42-47) What characteristics of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 are necessary for healthy congregations in our day? In which of these characteristics is your congregation most healthy? Most unhealthy? Characteristics that should stand out in a healthy congregation : Welcoming the message Growth (people being saved), not by "sheep snatching" Teaching and training to be people of the Word Fellowship with people of like faith (others that also love Jesus as their Lord and Saviour) Breaking of Bread together (share the Lord's Supper). Reverence the value of it. Prayer (together) Eph 5:18b-20 admonishes us to speak to one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for all things, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Care for the needy

Q4. (Acts 2:38-40) What about repentance and baptism is vital for forgiveness? To whom is the Holy Spirit promised? What will save us from our corrupt cultures today? Repentance would bring remorse and then changing direction completely. A willingness to do so, to turn around or transform. Baptism acknowledges the need for cleansing from sin. It is an outward act of faith looking to a spiritual cleansing. A spiritual atonement brought about by Christ. The Holy Spirit is promised to Jews and Gentiles alike. All whom the Lord our God will call to Himself. (Acts 2:39) To be saved from the corrupt culture will involve: Repentance of sins Becoming part of a new culture (the true Church) Living a life glorifying our Heavenly Father.

Q3. (Acts 2:14-36) What part(s) of Peter’s message on the Day of Pentecost was so convicting to those who heard it? The apostles assertion that Jesus was raised from the dead is powerful enough for 3000 to believe it and be saved. The Jewish leaders explanation that the body was stolen , was a feeble excuse. Roman guards/soldiers, asleep on duty would have been put to death. That had not happened. The explanation that God had raised Him, from the dead, Whom they had had a part in to have crucified, was enough to result in faith in Him. The very One Whom the nation had been waiting for, for so long, the Messiah, was the One that to their shame they had had a part to have crucified.

Q2. (Acts 2:11-13) Why are these messages in tongues so convincing to the crowds? What is the content of the messages the believers are speaking out in these various languages? In what kind of Bible books do we see this kind of content? They are very convincing to the crowd, especially to the devout. They heard the declarations of the wonders of God, in the tongues of the lands all around the Mediterranean Sea. The content is found in the Old Testament and in the Psalms especially you find this prophetic expression of praise.

Q1. (Acts 2:1-4) When the Holy Spirit falls on the Day of Pentecost, what is the significance of the sound of wind? What is the significance of the flames? What is the significance of the spontaneous speaking of the praises of God in other languages? How does this filling conform to Old Testament patterns? The whole phenomenon was not hidden. It was not secretive. When a wind blows it is heard. It is not something silent. It was not a wind , only sounded like a mighty wind. A normal wind is heard whistling in the tree-tops, but a mighty wind, possibly like the sound of a tornado, that would be like the sound of a nearby freight-train rushing by. Tongues, like fire spreading out. It could not be contained in one place. It spread. Again it is the visual that is given not that it was actual fire. (fire is for judgement) So the senses of sight and hearing are used. At the time of Pentecost , Jews were present in Jerusalem from far-flung places. They spoke the language or dialect of the places they came from, eg., Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Arabian etc. Most possibly spoke Hebrew as well. When the praises were heard, they were recognized as being in their native tongue. It was amazing because it was not learned scholars speaking these praises, but humble followers of the One, Jesus, Whom the Pharisees had ordered to be crucified. At the tower of Babel the different languages had split up the people, now the Holy Spirit was using the different language phenomenon to draw them together. It was the super natural that was drawing men to Christ. The ones who experienced this phenomenon were of the group that believed in Jesus as the Messiah. They were ready and waiting for this filling, as Jesus had promised them. This speaking was spontaneous, as was the filling referred to in the Old Testament.

Q3. (Acts 1:14) While we know that individual prayer is powerful (James 5:16b), Jesus indicates that group prayer is even more powerful (Matthew 18:19). How would you describe what was happening with this "Fellowship of the 120"? Have you ever been part of a group praying like this? Do you value prayer enough to gather with others to pray? How much of your church's "prayer meeting" is spent in actual prayer? I personally think that the fact that they were together in one accord, in unity, this was a way of finding comfort and encouragement, and enabled them to be motivated to put into practice what they had learnt. They were drawing strength from the fact that they were not alone in this. They stood together and prayed together, agreeing together, waiting together. I know that Christ is aware of what we will pray before a word is uttered but I do feel that it is important to open ones heart and mind to Him also. To voice our joy, sadness, request etc., makes it more real.

Q2. (Acts 1:8) What kinds of power does Jesus offer us in the Holy Spirit? In what ways does Acts 1:8 function as an outline or blueprint of the Book of Acts? Where do you and I fit in to fulfilling Acts 1:8? He offers us power to witness wherever we are. The places named viz., Jerusalem (this was where they were at the time , so it can be defined as being at home or in our communities), Judea and Samaria (these were the neighbouring districts, still in the land of Israel, so this can be taken as being in the neighbourhoods of our surroundings, not too distant places but further afield than at home) , the ends of the earth, (this speaks for itself, as being far-flung areas, literally any place on earth). So put plainly we are offered POWER to WITNESS and not be afraid to do so, wherever we find ourselves to be. Basically to tell all about Christ, boldly, whether it means to be martyrs for our witness or to be accepted for our witness. The book of Acts starts telling us or sharing with us how the Followers of Christ, witnessed in Jerusalem first, how this quickly spread and those having receive d and accepted the Word then spread the Good News further afield as they returned home and then when the persecution spread, the followers were dispersed to all sorts of places and became witnesses where they then settled. We then have the written accounts of Peter, Paul, Silas and Barnabas and others reaching far-flung areas. Not all accounts were recorded in the Bible. The book of Acts is not yet completed, because still today, the Good News is shared. We too continue with this wherever we are living. We too need to be witnesses.

Q1. (Acts 1:4-8) Why aren't Jesus' disciples to leave Jerusalem and return to their homes? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a filling? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a coming upon? In what ways does the Spirit's coming represent a baptism? The Apostles and other followers of Jesus could easily have gotten disillusioned and gone back to their original duties and this time it would have been to "emptiness", because Jesus had called them from there to follow Him, as He was going from place to place. So before they returned to their tasks , be it housewives, fishermen, craftsmen, preachers and teachers of the Word, etc, Jesus had more for them. Together they could face rejection and persecution easier and become stronger before they would be dispersed, as they later were. But first they had to WAIT together, in one place and receive the promise, the COMFORTER, the ONE Who would remind them, bring to remembrance, whatever they needed at a given time. The One Who would strengthen them, make them bold and enable them to stand in whatever circumstance they found themselves in. To be filled gives the picture that there previously was a space, and it is now filled. Take the group that had been walking with Jesus and been around Him, they were now at a place where that part of their lives was empty. It needed to be filled, not with disillusionment or disappointment or uncertainty, . . . but with POWER and with certainty that they could continue in the WAY Jesus had directed them. To come upon them gives a picture of something that is not distant. It is right there upon them. Not far away, but right there. The certainty that they are not alone, the Spirit is with them at all time. He is taking the guiding role, the decision making role, etc. The baptism was similar to a ritual cleansing, the tatters or remembrance of the old, symbolically cleansed or washed off and rising refreshed and new. The baptism in the Spirit was like putting off the old ideas and being refreshed and clothed with new.

Q4. (1 Chronicles 22-29) Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? How did David's example in giving motivate others to give? God saw the desire of David's heart and He allowed David to do the preparation. It was not a project that David undertook at whim, but it was something that David cooperated with the Holy Spirit in constructing. David was a singer loooooong before he was a king. He never stopped singing praises to God, lifting His Name high. The temple would not only be for the sacrificing but also worship in song. David composed many of the songs to be used in worship in the temple. The Levites who had their work cut out for them in the Wilderness wonderings, would now be used as singers, 'musicians', in the Temple and fulfill other work designed for them once the Temple was built. There were the priests, the singers, porters, guards, treasurers, officers etc. David organized as the Holy Spirit led how it was all to function. The Temple would be seen and henceforth it would be known and seen that Yahweh was the God that Israel served. Here the people would gather together as a Nation to worship Him Who had brought them out of slavery and given them the land. David played a leading role in giving handsomely towards the building project. In this was he set an example which others then followed, they too then gave willingly.

Q3. (2 Samuel 24:14-25) Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? How should this principle guide our own giving to God? "'14 Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.' "I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." (24:24a) Our own giving should also mean something and not cost us nothing. It is not really from us otherwise.