Janzie
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Posts posted by Janzie
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On 8/29/2021 at 3:04 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q19. (Malachi 3:1-4). Why is the suddenness of Christ’s coming to fearful? How were these verses fulfilled in Jesus’ day. How will they be fulfilled at his Second Coming?
1. a. It is fearful because we had better be ready, that is, being born again and walking in His will. Not participating in sin or the things of the flesh, because He could come at any time.
b. These verses were fulfilled in Jesus day, when John the Baptist came before Jesus, baptized the people with the baptism of repentance.
c. Jesus comes proclaiming, "The time is come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel. Jesus came the first time to give His life for all a ransom for those who would accept His dying for them, His resurrection and ascension. But in the second coming, He comes to judge all who didn't receive Him and are happy with their sinful lives.
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On 8/29/2021 at 3:03 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q18. (Colossians 1:15-20) Which of Christ’s qualities of preeminence and greatness is especially meaningful to you? What does it mean for Jesus to humble himself (Philippians 2:7-8). Why is the incarnation such a miracle?
1. a. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. His holiness and in His dying on the cross to bring us to God, giving us peace, shedding His blood and being obedient unto death.
b. Jesus left heaven, humbled Himself and became a man that he could identify with us, making it possible to bring us to God. He came not to be served but to serve and to give His live as a ransom for many.
c. The incarnation is a such a miracle because God planned it in the beginning (knowing that Adam and Eve would mess up), that man could be redeemed. The angel said to Mary, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And the God/man was born: Jesus - The one and only payment for our sins.
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On 8/29/2021 at 3:02 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q17. (Luke 2:15-20) According to verses 17, 18, and 20, what was the shepherds’ response to finding Christ? What was Mary’s reaction to the shepherds’ story?
1. a, The Angels response was to go see what the Angels had told them. They hurried, found the place, where Mary and Joseph was and the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. Then they told everyone what had happened to them and what the angel told them about the child.
b. Mary kept all these things in her heart and pondered them. The shepherds went back to their flocks, worshiping and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard.
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On 8/29/2021 at 3:02 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q16. (Luke 2:8-14) Why do you think the angels shocked the shepherds with their radiant glory? Why not something more low-key? What is the content of the good news? What allows the shepherds to authenticate this news?
1. a. The shepherds were shocked because it took them by surprise, it was quiet and totally dark, they were taking care of the sheep and it was brighter than anything they had ever seen before. it was ablaze.
b. It was not low key because it the greatest event that ever took place. The coming of the Messiah which the Jews had longed for, for centuries.
c. Behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which will be for all the people. Jesus the Christ, Savior, Lord, Anointed One, the Messiah, the God/man was born and came to save us and deliver us from sin and bring us to the Father by His precious blood. Not just for the Jews only but for all people.
d. The good news was authenticated by what the Angel told them, and what to look for: A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.
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On 8/29/2021 at 3:01 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q15. (Luke 2:1-7) Why is it important for us to know who governed the area at the time of Jesus’ birth? What difficulties did Mary and Joseph face? What do you think God allowed such difficulties? Why does he allow difficulties in our lives?
1. a. Because Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. For this registry Joseph and Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the birthplace of David. Jesus is born in history, He is both historical and verifiable.
b. They had to travel 4 days from Nazareth to Bethlehem and Mary was in her late pregnancy. There was no place for them to lodge, so they stayed in a stable where there were animals and Jesus was born and was laid in a manger.
c. Jesus commission is to preach good news to the poor, so He is born the poorest of the poor. Jesus did not come to be served but to be a servant. He emptied Himself and was made in human likeness. They were certainly humbled in all they had to go through.
d. He allows difficulties in our lives that we might learn to depend on Him.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:59 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q14. (Galatians 4:4-5) Why do you think God sent Jesus into this world when he did? What does it mean that he “redeemed” you? What does it mean that he “adopted” you? What is your inheritance?
1. a. God does everything perfect. He sent His Son at the proper time, something He had planned since the beginning of time.
b. Being redeemed means He bought me from slavery to sin, to freedom and from darkness to light.
c. He adopted me, made me His child, His daughter. I received the full rights of being His child. Loved me enough to send His Son to die for me.
d. I am a co-heir with Christ. What Christ inherits, I inherit. Christ is my older brother. I am seated in heavenly places, in Christ.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:58 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q13. (Isaiah 11:6-10) Where is love most at home – in times of strife or in times of peace? What does our passage say about the emptiness of winning as our ultimate value? How can you bring peace from Jesus to your world? Who will it bless?
1. a. Love is most at home when their is peace in the family and God is the center of the home.
b. There is strife in the home when people are not in agreement but we need to give in at times in order to bring peace, praying about it, asking God to bring a solution. We don't have to win every argument, don't let it bring hatred. What does God want? He says, love one another as I have loved you. What do you have when you argue - unhappiness, stress, emptiness, high blood pressure and more.
c. You can bring peace from Jesus to your world, by telling others how much Christ loves them and that He died to bring them freedom and eternal life.
d. It will bless you for witnessing and those you tell with a new life in Christ.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:57 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q12. (Isaiah 11:3-5) Why do you think God has a special place in his heart for the poor and disadvantaged? Who are the unloved, overlooked, and looked-down-upon in your city? What are you doing to demonstrate Messiah’s love and justice to them?
God has a special place in His heart for the poor and disadvantaged because they have nothing and no one to care and provide for them. They need help and God is there for them and moving on the hearts of His people to have compassion and love for them, ministering to them and helping provide for their needs.
The ones who are looked down upon in our city are the homeless, the elderly, the poor, the widows, the lonely, and the needy.
I was involved with the homeless that would come to pizza in the park, during the summer on Saturdays, distributing food, a message encouraging salvation and pray for them. The elderly being blessed by our visiting and prayer. My neighbors that I would visit, and make cookies or a meal.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:57 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Why don’t we seek his counsel more often? Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves?
We resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives because we think we know better, but what we don't know is how wonderful God is and what He has done to redeem us and teach us of how great He is and all He has for us. Even more that we can think or conceive.
We need to seek His counsel more often as He is Counselor, all Wisdom, Understanding, all Knowledge. He is God - ruler and upholder of every living thing. We have got to get to know Him.
Surrender to His wise leadership is difficult for us because we don't take the time to do it. We need to spend more time with Him and less time on the things of this world.
We need to pray and ask the Lord to give us a soft heart, receptive to the things of God. When we spend more time on the things of this world our hearts become hard.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:56 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? What will he ultimately succeed in doing? What is the primary role of a priest? How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4).
Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God.
He will ultimately succeed in ruling o9ver all His enemies.
The primary roll of a priest is to make intercession for us and bring us to God.
Jesus functions as a priest who brings us to God in that He gave His life for us, shed His blood and paid the price for our sins, sickness, disease and delivered us so that we be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, cleansing us that He may bring us to God.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:55 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q9. (Psalm 2) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to “kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:12)?
Because they don't really understand who He is and what He has done for them. They are used to running their own life and want no interference, not knowing that He could give them a life of peace and contentment, forgiving all their sins.
People resist any kind of authority because they do what they want to do and they don't want anyone running their lives.
When we detect resistance in our own hearts, we need to repent and press into God, His Word and fellowship with Him, asking Him to change us.
We are to serve the Lord with fear, respecting, obeying and worshipping Him. Putting Him first in our lives and spending time with Him and His Word.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:54 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q8. (Matthew 1:18-25) What do these verses tell us about Joseph’s character? His faith? When he takes Mary home to be his wife, how does this affect his reputation in Nazareth as an upright Jew?
Joseph was a just man, he heard from God and became obedient and stepped out in faith, with a heart of compassion to marry Mary. So he humbled himself and took the blame as if he were the father, to avoid a public scandal.
This incident is unworthy of an upright Jew, therefore affecting his reputation in Nazareth,.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:53 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q7. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Why is a never-ending Kingdom such an anomaly in world history? Why is just and righteous government so rare? What justice will Jesus bring to you when he comes?
Because it has never happened before. Great civilizations come and go. World powers may last for a few decades, even a few hundred years, but then they fall before another ascendant power. Jesus' kingdom, however, will reign forever! "His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14)
Righteous government is so rare because many are still in sin, evil, corrupt, looking for power and not righteous.
His Kingdom will be just and righteous, never endings and bring eternal life for those who follow after Him.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:52 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q6. (Isaiah 9:6) Paraphrase in your own words the amazing titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. How should knowledge of his titles affect our relationship to him?
Wonderful Counselor - Meaning in every problem or decision need to be made in my life, He is there to give me counsel in every need. I just need to come to Him.
Mighty God - He is the all powerful God, all knowing, all seeing, all wisdom. He is Mighty not just in my life but all over the world He has created. He is my Hero, the one who has delivered me, healed me, set me free, my Rescuer, a Mighty God. He fights all my battles, wins all my victories.
Everlasting Father - He is a Father to the homeless, the sick, the needy and He is a Shepard to all His people, protecting them, providing for them, & caring for them.
Prince of Peace - There is no other peace like His peace. He brings peace in the midst of a storm, comfort, rest. When things are a mess, you know He knows what is going on and all we need to do is to Trust Him.
Knowing His titles shou8ld draw us to Him, looking to Him, trusting in Him and believing His Word and knowing He has already won the Victory.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:51 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q5. (Isaiah 9:1-2) Why do people choose to live in darkness when light is available? (John 3:19). Why do people seem to resist the Light of Jesus? Why do you sometimes hesitate to step into Jesus’ full light? How did Light transform the reputation of Galilee? How has light transformed your reputation in your circle of friends?
People chose to live in darkness because they are afraid they have to give up something. But little do they know that Christ wants to enrich their lives.
People resist the light of Jesus because they want to live life they want to, doing whatever they want to.
I hesitate sometimes because I am afraid of what is coming or I won't be able to do it. Instead I need to let God work through me, trusting Him.
The light transformed the reputation of Galilee because the Word says: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Isaiah 9:1-2)Light transformed me and my old friends did not want to stick around me any more and therefore, I found new friends in Christ.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:50 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 4 (Genesis 22:16-18; Galatians 3:16, 29) To whom are blessings promised through Abraham's descendant? In what way does Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac prefigure the Father’s sacrifice of Jesus?
"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)
Isaac willfully submitted to his father, just as Jesus voluntarily submitted to His Father. Isaac was the only son of Abraham and Sarah, just as Jesus was God's only begotten Son. -
On 4/21/2023 at 11:47 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q43. (John 15:1-3) How does skillful pruning increase the fruitfulness of a grapevine? How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin?
I did have roses and had to prune them to stay healthy. I would first cut off the dead branches, so the life of the vine would go into the other ones. Then I would look at the branches that would be producing new nodes and cut above the node so they would produce new flowers and healthy ones.
We are pruned and cleansed by the Word of God. It keeps us from sin and sinning and keeps our mind on God and the things of God. I find that staying away from God's Word puts you into the carnal realm and being pulled into the things of this world.
As we get into the Word, the Lord can speak to us, we can acknowledge our sin and repent bringing cleansing and freedom from sin.
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On 8/29/2021 at 2:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 3 (Genesis 49:10) What does the image of a lion tell us about Judah’s descendant? How does Jesus qualify for the promise of the ruling scepter? Why is obedience so hard for us? Why is it so important for us?
It tells us that Judah's descendant will be strong, powerful, overcoming and triumphant.
Jesus qualifies for the promise of the ruling scepter as he is the Holy Son of God being obedient unto death that He might save many. He was the Deliverer of Mankind, King of King and Lord of Lords.
Obedience is so hard for us, as we have our human nature and we have the ability to chose and unless Jesus is totally Lord over our lives we can chose disobedience, it is a struggle.
It is so important for us, because that is how we grow in God. When we obey, we are blessed. When we disobey we cannot grow in God. Disobedience gets us no where.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:46 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q42. (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:11-12) Why is hypocrisy easy to detect in others, but difficult to detect in ourselves? Why is hypocrisy so deadly to spiritual growth? To witness? To obedience? To being a disciple? What is the antidote for hypocrisy?
Hypocrisy is easier to see someone's faults and weaknesses rather than our own. Sometimes we fall into hypocrisy without even knowing it. Always putting our best foot forward than really confessing our faults and shortcomings, and being transparent with others.
Hypocrisy is so deadly to spiritual growth because it is hard to hear from God and when you are a hypocrit. It hinders our growth and does not give us the passion to witness and bring others to Christ and it clouds the gospel of God's love, that it will prevent many from being saved.
It hinders our witness, obedience and being a real disciple.
The antidote for hypocrisy is being open and transparent to others, even apologizing for our slip ups in not giving glory to God in everything we do.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:45 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q41. (Luke 14:7-11) Why do people push themselves forward? According to verse 11, what will happen to them? Why is humility so important a lesson for Jesus' disciples? What is the danger to us, if we don't learn and internalize this lesson?
People push themselves forward, because they think that they are more important than others, that they deserve it, are selfish and prideful.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Humility is so important because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
Don't humiliate yourself, take the lowest place, Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. If we dont learn and internalize this lesson we will be humbled because God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:44 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q40. (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). According to Mark 10:13-16, what characteristic of children is necessary for salvation? What characteristic were the disciples showing in rebuking the parents? When arguing about who was greatest? Why is humility essential to repentance? To learning? To obedience? Why did Jesus give his disciples the saying of becoming like little children?
Children's characteristic necessary for salvation is their innocence, openness, trust, receptivity and humility.
The disciples were upset and angry thinking the children were bothering Jesus and they thought that they were unworthy, and unimportant, but Jesus welcomed them.
The characteristic the disciples showed when arguing who was the greatest was their pride, thinking they were better and more deserving than the other disciple, but it is the one who is humble that is deserving and really God's pick.
Humility is essential in repentance because we must come to Jesus with lack of pretension, In innocence, in faith believing that he died for us and gives us the grace, grace to change, to obey, and to be teachable.
Because becoming like little children is how they should be, in humility believing God to save them. Coming to Jesus has nothing to do with your worthiness and everything to do with his willingness to forgive, cleanse, and transform you.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:43 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q39. (Luke 18:9-14) Why do you think the Pharisee is so convinced of his righteousness? What do you think are his actual sins? What is so remarkable about the tax collector's prayer? Why is it easier to promote ourselves in front of others rather than humble ourselves? Why did Jesus tell this parable for his disciples?
"The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself4: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men -- robbers, evildoers, adulterers -- or even like this tax collector. He thought he was better than sinners. He had a high example of himself. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'" (Luke 18:11-12) He was confident of his own righteousness.
His actual sin was pride and self-righteousness.
He knew he was a sinner. The tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" (Luke 18:13)
It is easier to promote ourselves in front of others rather than humble ourselves because we want recognition for what we have done - pride - and we want others to like us and see our better side and how happy we are - and not our weaknesses and problems. Like social media.🙂
He wanted them to know they were saved by grace, God's atonement and mercy and not their righteous deeds. That they were not to be prideful but humble and they are not better than others because we were all sinners and needed a Savior.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:43 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q38. (Matthew 13:44-46). If you were to objectively assess your life, career, family, values, and possessions, is there anything more important, anything of greater value to you than your relationship with Jesus? How would you objectively prove to a friend that Jesus is first in your life?
There is nothing more important in my life than Jesus. He gave me life when I was dead in trespasses and sin. He has changed my life completely and I praise Him;
I would give them my testimony of how Jesus came into my life and how He changed me and continues to change me.
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On 4/21/2023 at 11:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q37. (Luke 9:23-24, etc.) What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What does this have to do with “losing your life for me.” What are the consequences in one's Christian walk if a disciple wants to take this step of commitment? How does this contrast with trying to save one's life?
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (Luke 9:23-24
If a disciple wants to take this step of commitment he must count the cost.
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." (Luke 9:23-24)when a disciple has accepted death, then no man can control him with fear; he belongs fully to Jesus, come what may.
Q1. Davidic Covenant
in 1. Solomon’s Path to Kingship (1 Kings 1-2)
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Temple. Everlasting Dynasty, Temple Builder; God said that one of David's natural sons would build the temple; God said, I will raise up a dynasty of kings! His son would build a house—a temple—for my name and I will secure his royal throne forever; After David's death, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong; He will be my son, If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, but my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul. Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”