Lisa Wolf

Q6. (Matthew 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24) Who do the excuse-makers represent? What are the potential results of excusing ourselves from carrying out God’s will as we know it? The excuse makers represent all who refuse the message of the Gospel. By excusing ourselves from carrying out God's Will, in addition from disappointing our Beloved Lord, we give place to evil.

Q5. (Luke 13:6-9) What caused Israel’s barrenness in Jesus’ time? What keeps the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) from growing and maturing in our lives? What can we disciples learn from the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree? Israel was barren because they had lost their intimate connection with God--the Source and Giver of all things. The same keeps the fruit of the Holy Spirit from growing and maturing in our lives: we must stay connected to the Source. Jesus reminds of this in John 15, 'I am the vine, you are the branches...apart from Me, you can do nothing.' From this Barren Fig Tree, we learn that bearing fruit in our lives is key. Staying connected to the Source will allow that to occur.

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? Justice is done when the unmerciful servant receives an unmerciful sentence. Grace is obvious when the King forgives the ENORMOUS debt. We see greed and unforgiveness with the actions of the unmerciful servant. This Parable shows us disciples the many facets of Forgiveness. We see forgiveness from so many angles: God forgiving us an enormous debt through Jesus, and in turn, showing us how to become His sons through extending grace, mercy, and forgiveness to all while leaving the Justice to Him who is Almighty and All-knowing.

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? It seems to me that the woman came in seeking Jesus--that she knew He would be there. I think her love and trust in His forgiveness already begun prior to entering what appeared to be a 'hostile' room. My love for Jesus is not as effusive as His love for me. Lord, help me love you MORE. Expressing gratitude for salvation hopefully shows in my life every minute. What an incredible gift!!! the CROSS and RESURRECTION! NEW 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? Great questions! All 3 Parables share the REJOICING over the lost being found. (Luke 15:7 & 10) All 3 tells us of our Father's vigilant search--He wills ALL mankind to come to know him. (2Peter 3:9) All 3 Parables give us a picture of God's boundless love for us! These Parables teach us that God operates in steadfast love, that He values people, that He values diligence in seeking Him, and that while He loves the lost, He treasures the found as well. The older son persevered in maintaining the father's property, but he did not understand the value the father held for each person. Disciples should learn that while member care and discipleship in a church is extremely important, outreach to those not saved is critical as well. Emulating the heart and actions of the shepherd, the woman, and the father in these Parables will equip us for ministry as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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? The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin teach disciples that God's heart is filled with grace, mercy, longing, and esteemed value for each and every person. In contrast to the murmuring of the Pharisees, it teaches us that God rejoices with each of us--each lost one being found. In our community, Jesus values each one. How will they know unless someone preaches (in life witness and words) and they hear the message? In Matthew 9:6, Jesus tells us that the sick need a physician. Romans 10:17 reminds us of that faith comes of hearing the word about Christ.

Q38. (1 Peter 5:5-6) Why is prideful living incompatible with showing grace? Why do you think God opposes the proud? What does humility have to do with repentance to enable us to receive God’s grace? How does pride prevent us from receiving grace? I truly never thought of pride being an impediment to receiving grace, but reflecting on that, I agree, it is. Grace is undeserved favor—a free gift. The prideful are sure they deserve everything, nothing is their fault. God opposes the proud because something in that pride is an idol. (Numbers 20:3&4) Jesus called Himself humble. I choose to be like Him. (Matthew 11: 28-30)

Q37. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9; 8:9; Luke 6:37-38) Is it possible to be grace-filled and stingy at the same time? Why is this so? What is the relationship between forgiving and giving generously? Grace-filled and stingy: when we accept God’s Grace but don’t extend it to others we are grace-filled and stingy simultaneously. God initiates grace to us in Jesus. Jesus forgives us through His death—God gave Jesus so generously to us. He demonstrates how to forgive and give generously. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can both forgive and give generously.

Q36. (Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:8-9, 15; Ephesians 4:29-32) What would be the characteristics of a conversation with an unbeliever that might be termed “full of grace”? What guidelines should rule our ways of speaking? How can we avoid the bad examples set for us by leaders of our culture and our world? A conversation with an unbeliever termed full of Grace should include responding to them as we believe Jesus would. We’re instructed to offer both grace and salt. And we’re commanded to love our neighbors as well as our enemies—so response should edify, build up, offer blessing, and point to hope.

Q35. (Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:12-21) What is the difference between ethical behavior and grace? What is so radical about Jesus’ teaching about loving one’s enemies? What illustrations does he use of this outrageous grace? Ethical behavior is 'good' behavior; it changes according to the ethics of the person involved. Grace is undeserved favor. Jesus' teaching about loving one's enemies is radical because that is unheard of. An enemy is flabbergasted if they are shown care. The outrageous illustrations of outrageous grace Jesus gives are giving food or water to an enemy, giving to an enemy without expecting anything in return, [I find giving to a non-Believer is what really freaks them out], doing GOOD to those who hate you and BLESSing them...and Romans 12:21, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." [Easier read than done.]

Q34. (1 Corinthians 15:10) How does your openness to God’s grace define your persona, who you actually are? How does your willingness to dispense God’s grace to others mold you into who God has designed you to be? His Grace moves in me to act. While I am definitely not a puppet, I do know the flow of that incredible Holy Spirit Power. My persona does not always move to the prompting of the Spirit, but I find that as I spend more time in God's Word both studying and learning, His grace flows more through me into the lives of others I am in contact with and into my self to enable me to become what God wants me to become.

Q33. Why are God’s gifts of grace an immensely greater blessing to those who attend church and are a functioning part of a congregation? How can isolating yourself from the Christian community involve selfishness and fear? How can it impoverish you? 1 John 1:7 caught my attention a long time ago. In addition to all the Scriptures noting that the gifts are given by the Spirit as God wills them to be given for the body of Christ, this passage in 1 John emphasizes fellowship. We HAVE to BE WITH others. Fellowship among Believers is crucial, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." When we isolate, we become impoverished completely.

Q32. (1 Peter 4:10) We are stewards of God’s grace. What are the responsibilities of a steward or trustee? In what way do we act as trustees of what belongs to God? In what way are spiritual gifts or the message of the gospel part of this trust we have been given? My favorite quote in this portion, Grace and gifts of grace are not to be hoarded. Each of us has a different gift to contribute to the Body of Christ. God gives the gift, the Spirit works within us to bestow the gift on others, and all of us grow together in Jesus. Our part: be faithful in action--let God work in us.

Q31. (Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-6) Why is there such a close relationship between “grace” (charis) and “gifts” (charisma)? What is the chief characteristic of a generous person? In what ways do spiritual gifts channel God’s grace? Grace and gifts are both unearned favor given by God. The chief characteristic of a generous person is giving freely. Spiritual gifts originate with God; God works within us to demonstrate the gifts He gives us through our lives; God is both the author and the perfecter. As we share our gifts in service to others, the body of Christ is built up, and everyone is blessed by the Spirit of God until we reach unity and become mature.

Q30. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Why does God’s power flourish best when we feel weak? If God’s grace is “sufficient,” what is it sufficient to do or accomplish in or through us? What are the practical limits of the sufficiency of grace? God's power flourishes best when we feel weak, when we are weak, because HE is all powerful. In Genesis 18:14 God reminded Abraham, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" and in Jeremiah 32:27 God says, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" God is able to do far more than we think or imagine. [Ephesians 3:20] When that power of the resurrected Christ [Ephesians 1:19-20] is unleashed within us--anything can happen! And since we are at a point of failure and inability, we will know it is not by ourselves ONLY by God's power that it happened.

Q29. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why do we often feel so weak in times of sickness or affliction? Why are we tempted to stop ministering to others when we are struggling? These are interesting questions. I had not thought about being tempted to stop ministering when we struggle. It is certainly our struggle that connects us with others. It is certainly Christ's victory and overcoming that lets people see Jesus in our lives and want to know him better. And in times of sickness and affliction we ARE weak. Those are the times we need to be SURE we are calling out to Jesus for His saving...for His Grace and Mercy.

Q28. (Hebrews 4:16) Why is approaching God’s holy throne in prayer intimidating to some people? Why do we sometimes fear judgment and condemnation when we approach God. In what ways is God’s throne the place where he dispenses “mercy and grace”? In what ways is your home a place where grace is given out? When we think 'throne' in our culture we think of all the stories of ruthless kings who sat on a 'throne'. If we've read Esther, we know the king had to extend the scepter to someone coming to the throne unsummoned; thus, our view of God on a throne is not the real view of HIM on HIS THRONE. Hebrews tells us it is His throne of GRACE--a place where we find grace and mercy. Our home is merciful, and grace filled. All are welcome. Mistakes happen. We pray. We forgive. We pray more. We move on. Of course, we need to continue to grow in this area!!!

Q27. (John 10:27-30; Jude 24-25; Romans 8:38-39; 2 Timothy 4:18; Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Peter 5:10-11) Why do you think there are so many assurances of faith in the New Testament? What is your favorite promise of God’s role in keeping you in Christ to the end? How does your favorite promise give you powerful assurance of salvation? My favorite verses in this list are Romans 8:38-39. NOTHING. NOTHING. NOTHING...can keep us from the love of God in Jesus. NOTHING. Pretty powerful list!!! I also like the verses in 2 Timothy because they tell of him being deserted, but GOD was faithful in standing with him. We are assured of faith for the future and faith for strength and His presence NOW. What a gracious GOD we serve!!!

Q26. (1 Peter 1:4-5) How does our faith function alongside God’s protection to keep us to the end? How does this show God’s grace? 1 Peter really makes it clear that BOTH our faith and God's protection keep us to the end. "To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of ... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice," What an intertwining of God's grace and mercy providing for us and empowering us to continue in faith. He did not need to do any of this, yet God's grace more than provides for us. Our cooperation in the sanctification process and our obedience pours out God's abundant grace and peace and LIVING HOPE. WOW.

Q25. (John 16:8; 6:44; 6:65) Why is it impossible for people to come to Christ without God’s action to convict, draw, and enable them to come? How does God’s preparation illustrate his grace? God truly does all the work enabling us to come to Christ--to see Christ...all the heavy lifting! He begins with creation (Romans 1) allowing us to see His incredibleness! and He continues with that grace throughout our lives; grace that draws us to Him. All of that preparation shows grace billowing around us like clouds. Titus 2 points us that His grace not only offers salvation but teaches us as well. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age," Titus 2:11-12

Q24. (Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 1:4-6) How does predestination function with God’s grace? What is gracious about predestination? Why is his grace “glorious”? God's grace is glorious because He loves us SO MUCH. Incredible ALL He has done for us. While we were sinners!!!! Christ died for us. Predestination functioning with God's grace: He calls. He is generous. He saves. He does it all. Wow. Predestination is so gracious in that we give the decision to follow Jesus, God does the rest. Salvation accomplished; sanctification started. And what glorious grace in Ephesians 1:6, "to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."

Q23. (Romans 8:28-30; 1 Peter 1:1-2) I realize that this is a mystery, but how do you see God’s foreknowledge working alongside his ability to predestine? If all this is by grace, how might faith and/or good works fit into this predestination? And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8 To God’s elect, exiles scattered... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1 Peter 1 The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in each Christian is bringing about God's ultimate plan. Scripture tells us that God wills all men to come to know Him. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) When we decide to place our faith in God, He is free to work in us to have divine appointments with others who will or do share the same faith. Once during college the Spirit prompted me, 'Go tell that person standing there about Jesus' I froze. I stood there. I did not move. And while frozen there, another person I knew to be a Christian, walked up and started talking with the person. God showed me in that incident that He is working with me or in spite of me. His will is sovereign. Foreknowledge and predestination. Was that person to decide for Christ that day?

Q22. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:12-13; James 2:17) How does the Spirit work in us after we are saved to form Christ in us? In what ways is this a process of “working out” our salvation? Why should you expect a person’s life to change when they put their faith in Jesus? What is happening if there is no discernable change? The Spirit works in us after we are saved. How? Good question. I know in my own life I can say God's strength and power are at work within me to sanctify and make me more like Jesus. When I look back, I am floored that I still look so little like Him. On the other hand, I am grateful to look like Him at all. Repentance involves a COMPLETE change of direction. If a person accepts Christ and does not change in any way, I will be wondering if they actually repented. However, as noted in my own life--change is a slow process and hopefully change is bubbling up within the person to overflow outwardly soon.

Q21. (Acts 18:27; Matthew 16:16-17; John 6:44) How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives to prepare us for salvation? In what sense is the Spirit’s revelation important to faith? In what ways have you seen the Father “draw” people to Christ? What is the role of “free will” in salvation? I agree with you and with Billy Graham: decision. It is a decision of our will to follow Jesus. God calls us, the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and our hearts, but it is each person's decision. Over and over again through the Bible when people cry out to God - He SAVES. Psalm 107 presents a clear view of hindsight noticing how God called His people. I have seen the Father draw people to Christ through illness, rugged circumstances, kindness, and gentleness. Asking a room full of Christians How they came to Christ yields a variety of ways and stories. Our Wonderful Father is creative!

Q20. (Ephesians 2:8-9) How does the idea of earning salvation by being good enough for God distort the essential gospel? With that scenario, what is the need for the cross? How does it affect a sense of self-righteousness? Of pride? Of looking down on others rather than loving them? Why is this kind of works-righteousness so ingrained in people? How does an understanding of salvation by grace change this picture? The essential gospel is that salvation is God's gift -- free to us--He did all of the work. The cross is pivotal to our salvation. The cross and the resurrection give us forgiveness and new life. Colossians 2:14 states, "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross." Further Colossians reminds us in 3:1, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God," and Romans 5:1 reminds us, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God." How does all of this affect a sense of self-righteousness? Truly, if you understand what a sinner you are and you know you need Christ's salvation - the cross and resurrection, God's grace and mercy, --how can we EVER consider ourselves better than anyone else. Works-righteousness is ingrained in humans. We would rather rebel against God and figure things out our own way than to admit our shortcomings and our need for a Savior.