Janzie
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Posts posted by Janzie
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:34 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q16. (Romans 3:22-23; Romans 5:12-14; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9) Is humankind basically “good” because of the image of God in us? Or basically evil because of deceitful hearts and our corrupt nature (“flesh”) that is “bent to sinning”?
The Bible says that - All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) There is none righteous, no not one - (Romans 3:10) But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. I Corinthians 2:14 Adam's transgression: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned Romans 5:12 Christ- the Last Adam: But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
When someone tells us about Jesus and that he loved us enough to die in our place and take our sins on the cross and forgive us, and we believe and receive Christ as our Savior and Lord, we are born again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 After Christ was resurrected and went to the Father, He sent us His Holy Spirit to live in us. (1Corinthians 6:19) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Yes, we can chose to sin, but the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to make the right choice and not sin, to choose right. -
On 10/6/2022 at 7:33 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q15. (Luke 18:18-27) How does the story of the rich young ruler show the impossibility of salvation without a miracle of God? Why does Jesus use a rich and outwardly righteous man to make this point? Where does grace show through?
The word says where your treasure is, there your heart is also. He was rich, young, and worldly did not want to give up everything. He needed to trust and believe in God. His love for money and things did not allow him to give up his goods and money to receive Eternal life. Yes, he needs a miracle to change his heart.
Probably the richer you are the harder it is to give up all because they are used to a rich lifestyle. Those who have less and suffered some are more willing to give and believe God.
We can't save ourselves no matter what we do, but God comes to us in our need and reveals Himself to us. Pouring His wonderful Grace on us and we respond to His love.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:32 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q14. (Luke 23:39-43) How does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate salvation by faith? How does it show the triumph of grace over sin to those who don’t deserve it?
The thief knew he was guilty and Jesus was innocent. He believed Jesus was the Messiah. He knew he was getting what he deserved. The thief was repentant and said to Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom and Jesus by His grace forgave him and said to him, today you will be with me in paradise.
Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. This sinner deserved death, but God's grace triumphed.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:31 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q13. (Luke 15:11-31) What does the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about God? About repentance? About grace?
It teaches us how much God loves us and how patient He is in waiting for us to come to our senses.
How willing He is to receive us with open arms as we repent and comeback to Him and even celebrates our return.
His love for us motivates His grace!
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:29 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q12. (Matthew 18:21-35) In what way does the king show grace in this parable. How does the forgiven servant withhold grace? Can we call ourselves Jesus’ disciples if we withhold grace according to Matthew 18:35 and Matthew 6:12-15?
The servant owed so much to his master and his master had mercy on him and forgave him his debt and let him go free.
The forgiven servant withholds grace because he sees his fellow servant that owed him 100 denarii and would not forgive him but had him thrown into jail, even though he begged forgiveness.
No, we need to forgive others just as God forgives us. If we don't forgive others, God will not forgive us.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:29 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q11. (Luke 10:25-37) Why do you think Jesus sets up the hero of the parable as a Samaritan? How does the Samaritan show undeserved favor? In your community, who are the “neighbors” that are resented? In what ways can you and/or your Christian community show God’s grace to them?
Maybe He wanted to draw out who would have mercy on him - A Samaritan. The story goes -A certain man fell among thieves was beaten and left for dead. The priest and the Levite, did not have compassion on him and crossed to the other side. The Samaritan saw the injured man and had compassion on him, bound up his wounds, set him on his own beast and brought him to an Inn and cared for him and left giving the Innkeeper some money to let him stay till he gets well and if he needs more I will pay you when I get back.
He showed undeserved favor by caring and having compassion and mercy to the stranger. He was showing love and compassion to an enemy (the Samaritans and Jews hated each other). God's Word say to love your enemies.
Russian Jews elderly. Just in checking on them and know that they have a friend who cares for them. Cooking a meal, caring for them and letting them know they can count on you.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:28 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q10. (John 3:16) How does John 3:16 display “favor that is neither earned or deserved” without using the word ‘grace’? What is the relationship between grace and giving? What motivates the gift in this verse? How does this relate to grace?
Because He loved us so much, His Creation, made in His image, seen our predicament, by sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, to die in our place, to save us from an eternal hell. So in His wisdom made a way by us hearing the Gospel and believing and trusting in Him, not ourselves. He gave His life for us, even though we didn't deserve it.
One motivates the other - Love gives!
Love motivates the gift.
Because of God's love for us, He continues to give us grace/favor in our relationship with Him.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:27 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q9. According to Bonhoeffer, what attitudes cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians? Does “costly grace” mean we have to work for it? What is costly about grace?
The attitude that they don't have to repent - that they can be justified of sin without repentance.
No, "Grace" is not about merit, deservedness, or obligation, but about an unexplained love, generosity, and giving on the part of the giver. Grace is "favor that is neither earned nor deserved.
What is costly about grace is that Christ gave His life for it, for us.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:26 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q8. (Jeremiah 17:9) Is there good in humankind? Are humans basically good or basically bad? Or both? What are some of the ways a “deceitful heart” shows up in our lives and motivations? If the heart is the innermost person, how does a “deceitful heart” corrupt us in a pervasive way?
Any kind of good that comes out of me like goodness, kindness, love is all because of Christ in me. He even gives me the Love to love Him with!
Both - good -Because we were made in God's image and bad - because - The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
A deceitful heart shows up as sin - out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander, cheating, stealing, hateing someone, lying, etc
Many people don't even know they have a deceitful heart and sometimes they are even surprised that they do the things they do and why they did it.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:25 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q7. (Ephesians 2:1-3) What do these verses teach us about humankind’s fallen nature? What motivates our actions before we come to Christ? Which of these motivations might be conscious? Which might be unconscious?
They teach me that before Christ came into my heart I was a child of wrath, leading my own life and doing what I pleased. I tried to be good but it did not work out. I did not have Christ in my life.
I motivated my own actions and do what I pleased or deceived by the devil.
The conscious were motivated by myself.
The unconscious were when the devil deceived and tricked me without knowing it and realized it later.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:24 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q6. (Romans 5:6-8) What do verses 6-8 say about humankind’s situation? What is so remarkable about Christ’s death for us? What motivates that sacrifice?
In our human state we were utterly helpless.
We wouldn't even die for a friend even, but Christ loved us so much that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
His great love for us in wanting to save us.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:23 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q5. (Romans 5:1-2) What does it mean to be in a state of grace? According to the text, what is the role of faith in this? What is the opposite of “peace with God”?
I am in the state of grace because of what Christ has done in saving me and shedding His blood for me. Many years ago I knew of Jesus but did not have a personal relationship with Him. I was not in a church where they teach, new birth, relationship, justification. I had a need and a friend told me that I could have a relationship with Christ and that He saves, delivers and heals. In my need I cried out to Him in faith and He welcomed me with open arms and revealed Himself to me. I have been justified by faith, and have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. He began a work in me and will complete it by His wonderful grace and also to help me when I mess up. When Christ came in my heart I received peace with God and also the peace of God. I was an undeserving sinner saved by grace. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 The opposite of peace with God is no peace.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:22 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (Hosea 1-3) Why does Yahweh tell his prophet to marry a girl of ill repute? What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach us? How does the story illustrate God’s relationship with Israel? What does it teach about grace?
It is a powerful revelation of God's Grace, because the land was guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord. Gomer prostituted herself to other men as Israel went a whoring after other gods.
Of God's grace, mercy, love, compassion and forgiveness.
God's relationship with Israel - Example: The Lord said to me, 'Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress, Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the [sacred] raisin cakes.'" (Hosea 3:1)
God's Grace: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22--23) -
On 10/6/2022 at 7:20 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Exodus 34:7) What sins will Yahweh forgive those who repent? How might the sin of rebellion find its way into a believer’s life? Why doesn’t God forgive those who refuse to repent and surrender to him?
God forgives all sin when we sincerely repent.
Rebellion creeps in little by little. That is why we need to stay close to the Lord and His word.
”Those who refuse to repent, those who reject or ignore his offer of pardon .He does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation. Because the children usually follow in the footsteps of the parents.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:19 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (Exodus 34:6) What do we learn about Yahweh’s character in his self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? What does this have to do with grace?
We learn in what God said to Moses - And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. I had wondered why He said twice, the Lord, the Lord?
Because God Himself is Grace. Everyone one of His attributes point to grace - compassion, grace, patience, love faithfulness, forgiveness - nothing we deserve.
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On 10/6/2022 at 7:19 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (1 Peter 5:10) How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? From earning favor by being good? What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? In what way does grace characterize “the God of all grace”?
Grace is a free gift of God. None of us deserve it. You don't have to work for it. Wages you get from a job, because you did the work required of you.
You don't get God's favor by being good. It is only by God's grace.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:17. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
The God of all grace - He not only gave himself for us, but continues to give Himself for us in giving us of His Spirit, of His working His character in us, in making intercession for us, we are always on His mind and He that began a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:03 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q24. (James 4:11-12) In what way does criticizing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why do you think it is so tempting to criticize others?
When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12)
It is so tempting to criticize others because it causes us to not look at our own faults but on the faults of others, making us prideful. Until we have walked in someone else's shoes and been what they have been through, we have no right to judge. Criticizing someone conflicts strongly with the law of love. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:03 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q23. (James 4:6-10) Verses 7-10 contain 10 different commands. Why are these actions so vital? In what way do they go against our nature? Which of these commands is most difficult for you?
They are all so vital because in doing them the Lord delivers us out of our predicament and we draw closer to the Lord and we grow in Him.
They go against our flesh because flesh wants its own way We are to put to death the deeds of the flesh by the Holy Spirit living within us.
Resisting the devil because I am not sure it is always the devil. Sometimes I think it is me and then afterward I know it is the devil.
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:02 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q22. (James 4:4) Why does James refer to church members as “adulteresses”? What does the adultery consist of? Who is the aggrieved husband? What is wrong with friendship with the world?
James refers to church members as adulteresses in the feminine form deliberately, however, because he is referring to believers as married to God. The church is the bride of Christ.
Adultery consists of flirting with the world. When we are married to one husband, but flirt with another lover, we are adulterous.
Christ is the aggrieved husband.
When we are friends with the world, our allegiance is not toward God but to the world Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:02 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q21. (James 4:1-3) Is God against pleasure? What wrong in living to increase one’s pleasure?
No, God is not against pleasure. Rev. 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
If you are living to increase your pleasure in evil desires, passion and ****, and are not seeking to love others and caring for their needs but our own selfish and lustful desires, God is not pleased.
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:01 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q20. (James 3:17-18) With what tool do peacemakers sow peace? Why does this produce a ripening crop of righteousness? In whom does this crop grow?
Peacemakers sow peace with Love and produce a harvest of righteousness. Love needs to displace selfishness in our hearts.
When our heart is changed by love, our tongue changes and we can produce a crop of righteousness. We are no longer filled with selfishness, we are filled with selflessness. We may have slip ups but we can ask the Lord to help us. A scripture I say is " Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
The crop of righteousness grows in peacemakers.
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:00 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q19. (James 3:13-16) In what ways are “bitter envy” and “selfish ambition” (3:14) direct opposites of “humility” (3:13)? How does denial of “bitter envy” and “selfish ambition” prevent healing? How does boasting about these prevent healing?
Bitter envy is jealously of someone else and what they have, selfish ambition is your wanting and ******* to have something no matter who you hurt or have to step on to get it and that is where you find disorder and every evil practice." All this is not humility. Humility is putting someone else ahead of you and caring for their needs and concerns.
Denial of bitter envy and selfish ambition prevents healing because you are not truthful and honest and your heart is not right. Our words betray our hearts. If we confess it to the Lord and ask Him to heal our hearts of this, we can be healed.
Boasting about these prevents healing because we are prideful.
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3 minutes ago, Janzie said:
And a changed heart comes with you surrendering your life to Christ and walking in His truth and letting Him change you by His Holy Spirit.
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On 12/17/2004 at 3:00 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q18. (James 3:7-8) Read Matthew 12:34 and 15:18. In light of these verses, why is the tongue untamable? What has to happen before it can be tamed?
No man can tame it. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:6-8) Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.'" (Matthew 15:17-18)
There has to be a changed heart.
Q17. Redeemed
in 4. Balancing Grace and Law
Posted
We have been redeemed from slavery because Jesus died on the cross, sheding His blood and paid the penalty for our sin that we might go free.
We have been freed from the bondages and slavery of sin.
The price of our freedom was the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
Because we now have the Holy Spirit living within us, we are now free to choose to live by the spirit unto God. So, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11
We can still be slaves unto sin if we choose to: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:22