Andre Lap

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples? Temptation will be ever present since sin has been condemned in our fleshly bodies. Our growth comes through having or putting on “the mind of Christ” and allowing the Holy Spirit to give us power when the flesh is weak.

List some of the traditions that are taken for granted in your church, but are not directly mentioned in the Bible. Which seem to aid Christian mission? Which seem to impede the work of Christ? One obvious tradition is that church should always be conducted on Sundays, and that the Sabbath is on the same day. This does not aid Christian mission because it’s not biblically correct. As we understand in the lesson, Jesus corrected the Pharisees that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath”. In western civilization today, Saturday’s are given to everything but resting with Sunday’s set aside for church(worship). IMO what can aid the work of Christ regarding the Sabbath is to better understand that we need physical and mental rest for our souls, we’re not built to operate 24x7. Allow Christ to become more and more of our Lord in every part of our lives, he knows better than we do.

Isn't John the Baptist's humble statement, "the thongs of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie," a bit overstated? Are we unworthy to serve Christ? If so, why? If not, why not? No, it's not overstated, it really speaks to the enormity of Jesus as Messiah and God head in the Trinity. None of us are worthy, because of our sin which separated us from God. However, we become worthy to serve Christ when we accept Him and The Holy Spirit (down payment). When we accept Christ as Lord, we become joint-heirs with Him and official sons of the Most High God. (Romans 8:16-17)

Daniel had a consistent prayer life that included praise, worship, repentance(mercy), and petitions. I've learned over the years to start with and incorporate worship first, then petitioning to God. Also, Daniel had a PLACE on WHERE he worshipped, and that is also important as well.