[Q9. Break with Evil]

Repentance is not a prayer it is an action. It is turning from sin. Staying from sin. Staying from every appearance of evil. We would not wade in the edge of a crocodile pond. Why would we dabble at the edge of evil?

[Q8. Repentance]

Faithful prayer. Sincere prayer. He had a heart to show the people God was real and able to keep His promises. He could even do the impossible. That is how he addressed the Lord in this prayer. Please let them see.

Pastors today need to spend more time in prayer and in presence of God. Teaching people to do the word, not just read and wait for God to move. The people need to know it is their responsibility to act on Gods word. Most people do not even read the word for themselves.

[Q3. Common Sense]

Our common sense has to be nurtured just like anything else. It will be shaped by culture and family, even learning opportunities. Our common Sense is not true until it is based on the Word. Our going after truth and knowing the only truth is the Word of God.

[Q2. Ravens]

That God is faithful. We can trust Him for every bite. He cares about every little thing. Elijah was patient in knowing each day the raven would come. He may have questioned at first but he knew if god did or if God didn't supply he was going to be faithful. I believe sometimes we have to say, "God I love you if you do or if you don't, I will serve and trust you."

[Q6. Syncretism]

People that think they are ok because they are good.  Not basing preparedness on what God has done, not their works

[Q3. Holy and Blameless]

On 8/24/2006 at 8:48 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q3. (Ephesians 1:4) What does it mean to be "holy"? In what sense can you stand "blameless" before God?

He owns me, created me for himself. He made me a steward of HIS earth and all that is there in. 

The only sense I can stand blameless before him is because He made me. He ordered my steps, and he gave us Jesus to save us, the Holy Spirit to guide us, teach us and comfort us. It is by what Jesus did on my behalf that I am blameless.

[Q2. Predestination]

On 8/24/2006 at 8:48 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q2. (Ephesians 1:4-5) What is scary about predestination? What is comforting? Why does Paul bring up predestination? Why do you think he praising God for it in the "hearing" of the Ephesians?

Predestined to me seems so defined. definate. It makes me wonder if I have met my true purpose. If so I do not feel that I have been called to much. 

My pastor told a story of a young man that repeated that he wanted to reach more people, do more for God, he was afraid no one noticed. He was killed in a car accident and my pastor was doing the funeral. It was packed and many comments or testimonies rang out about that young man. The pastor said at one time he laughed out loud and caught himself. He knew the young man had been so busy doing that he was not recognizing. 

I tried to take comfort in that. I know I love the Lord greatly. I only hope I have done what I have been called to do.

The comfort in predestined is that he cares enough to have a plan, a purpose for each of us. Just like in the beginning all things were made and man made last.  He made sure everything they would ever need was provided even before they existed.

[Q1. In Christ]

On 8/24/2006 at 8:47 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q1. (Ephesians 1:3) What does it mean to you to be "in Christ" -- incorporated into Christ? What are the implications of this for your life?

To renew my mind with his word. To take his word at face value and obey it. 

I have came to a place that feels barren. I was saved small. studied his word all of my life. I have had great faith. I now at 9 find myself questioning things I have walked for myself. It is like he is wanting me to start over.