Lisa Wolf

Q19. (Ephesians 2:8) From what have we been rescued by God’s grace? How has God personally rescued you from your situation before Christ? What did God’s favor have to do with your salvation? From what have we been rescued??? You offer a great quote here, "Yes, sinning is pretty ugly and involves a lot of human cooperation, but sinners are victims of Satan's lies and deceit just like we used to be. At the root of this is the fact that they are human beings caught in a whirlpool they can't escape from. They need rescuing." Whirlpool is a terrific analogy. Sin is a whirlpool. God showed his grace to me in revealing to me that Jesus was REAL. Once I could see that Jesus REALLY died on the cross for me...no turning back.

Q18. (Romans 3:24; John 1:29; Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53) In what sense is Jesus a sacrifice for our sins? Why is he punished for our sins instead of us? Why is he called the Lamb of God? God did an amazing thing in Jesus on the cross. He placed all of our sins on Jesus. Our sins. My sins. In the old testament, the Law set up sacrifice. The cultures around those who were called by God - Israel - sacrificed to false gods, so the people understood sacrifice to appease the gods--perhaps that is why God set up sacrifice of atonement. Or did these multi-cultural people hear a whisper of the need to sacrifice, a whisper from the time Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden? Thus, to fulfill the Law which demanded sacrifice, Jesus came and became sin for us. Romans 8:1-4, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit." Jesus is called the Lamb of God because a perfect lamb was required for sacrifice. Only Jesus is free of sin and perfect.

Q17. (Romans 3:24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:17-19) In what sense have we been redeemed from slavery? What slavery have we been freed from? What was the price of our manumission or freedom? In what sense are we free? In what sense are we still slaves? We who are in Christ stand in redemption from slavery to sin thankful for the blood of Jesus. Galatians 4:24 says, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." and Galatians 5:1 tells, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." The price of this freedom was Christ's blood, shed once for all. The price of our freedom was high. 1Peter 1:18-19 reminds us, " For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." We return to life of slavery every time we are, "tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." (James 1:14-15)

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”? Humans are made in the image of God. He made us for good. He made us for holiness. His command is eternal life. (John 12:50; 1John 3:23) Humans choose sin. Great job mentioning being around small children. With my own I remember thinking, "I did not teach them to do this rebellion!" They just figured it out on their own--these tiny cute creatures. So my answer is Both: "good" and "bent on sinning."

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 Jews of the day and particularly the Pharisees, assumed they were the righteous ones--keeping the Law far above the capabilities of all others. Jesus knew their hearts and disclosed them. Thus, Jesus used the rich and outwardly righteous man to make the point that it is impossible to follow God unless one gives ALL to God. ALL: acknowledge sin and repent. I agree with you, "salvation requires a miracle of grace. It can't be earned or deserved." Only by the Grace of God are we saved from eternal wrath.

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 on the cross could not move. He did not have any life time remaining. He could DO nothing to earn salvation, all he could do was recognize Jesus as a savior and humble himself before Him. This man only saw Jesus crucified, yet he knew He was Savior. He showed his faith in seeking Jesus and speaking with the other thief. The thief's situation on the cross, and his telling that he deserved his sentence did not exemplify someone who deserved favor. Yet, Jesus bestowed grace upon Him.

Q13. (Luke 15:11-31) What does the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about God? About repentance? About grace? WOW. What DOES the Parable of the Prodigal Son teach us about GOD??? A profound, deep, HUGE question with an overwhelming, enormous, infinite response. My husband and I were dating when he became a Youth Pastor. In a series of retreats, we visited this passage with 8 different groups of junior high, high school, or college aged youth. The final time I remember thinking, "Lord, I am so sick of this parable. Can we study a different one???" And the Lord answered me with opening my eyes to a refreshing new aspect of the parable, gently showing me, and teaching me that His Word was AMAZING. Deep. Dynamic. Bigger than the ocean. God's blessings are new every morning. New. Further, this parable demonstrates that repentance is a complete turn around and God's grace abounds. His grace is deeper, wider, bigger, more amazing than anything we can imagine.

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 king in Matthew 18 shows grace in forgiving the servant's entire, huge, debt. The forgiven servant does not extend the same grace to the man under his authority. Jesus is very clear in Matthew 18:35, "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” and His 'this is how' refers to the Master's anger and throwing the wicked servant into torture. Jesus is very clear that forgiveness from the heart is SO important. We are Jesus' disciples when we extend the grace He gave us from the cross to others. It is not easy. I praise God that He gave the Holy Spirit to help us accomplish that.

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? I think Jesus sets up a Samaritan as the hero since the racial tension ran so deep and so old. 700 years is a long time for two communities to be at odds. In my current community, I think it is the homeless people that build camps wherever they choose--using anywhere as a toilet, that are resented. It is a frustrating problem because some refuse to work and choose to live that way. Our son is a pastor and his church came up with one idea: they fill large ziploc bags with personal items, water bottle, snacks, a pair of clean socks, a Bible verse, and call them 'blessing bags.' People put several in their car to distribute as opportunity arises - and they start a conversation about Jesus. One particular homeless man came to their church, accepted Christ, joined a lifegroup, and the group helped him get over drug addiction, get a job and an apartment. He and his out of state family were overjoyed. A challenge to me.

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? John 3:16 so often quoted to encapsulate the true good news of Christ, uses the words loved and gave to denote the 'grace' God bestows upon us freely. Grace can be given or received--it is not stagnating. As we walk with Jesus, we notice His grace filled ways in our lives which in turn enables us, by example, to extend grace to others. God's gift of His Son to the world exemplifies grace from God Himself and is motivated solely by His character.

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? Bonhoeffer noted the attitudes of justifying sin, bestowing our own version of grace upon ourselves, forgiveness with no repentance, baptism with no church discipline, communion with no confession of Christ--all these things cheapen the grace God bestows on us--the grace that cost the life of His Son. Costly grace means that it cost Jesus His life. We deserve the death sentence, He took it in our place. We cannot work for it, it is done. But, that grace costs our surrender to Jesus.

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? Jeremiah 17:4-14 canvases this topic. God's Word contrasts those who trust in themselves and those who trust in Lord's Faithfulness. Yes, we are made in the image of God. His stamp is upon us. We have good from Him. Unfortunately we also have bad inherited from man's rebellion in the garden. Since both are simultaneously within our human nature, our hearts are deceitful. We can justify anything--and make even the worst evil choice seem like a good idea.

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? Verse one of Ephesians tells us we were dead in our sins. What smell imagery that calls to mind! Dead. Gross. Living in our sins: putrid, decaying, stench. Motivated by our own cravings, desires, and thoughts. Talk about self-centered and selfish. Wow. I think that the motivations are unconscious when we do not know another way. Until we have heard of the Kingdom of God, until we have heard of God's love in Jesus, until we know there is a choice, I think that all our motivations are unconscious--we simply follow the culture.

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? Verse 6 makes the condition of humankind clear - different Bible versions use powerless, weak, ungodly and in verse 8, sinners to describe us when Christ died for us. What is remarkable about Christ's death is that he died FOR us, on OUR BEHALF, while we were a rebellious, ugly, wretched mess. Verse 8 gives the clued to the motivation for the sacrifice: Because of God's love. He chose to demonstrate His love for us in sacrifice.

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”? Opposite of peace with God is rebellion against Him. If we are in a state of grace, we have faith, we believe, in the Lord Jesus that He in fact died for our sins--in our place--taking what we deserved upon Himself. A state of grace means we understand the undeserved favor He bestows on us and we can boast in the Hope of the Glory of God.

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? When children are young their thinking is very concrete. Once a Kindergarten student of mine refused to walk on the blacktop on the playground. In questioning, I discovered that she believed the devil to be under there because it was black. This literal thinking reminds of the Hosea story. Often in the Old Testament God showed His people very concrete examples of what in the New Testament He does through the Spirit. Hosea and Gomer literally show us the loving God going back to the rebellious wife. This illustration demonstrates God incredible love for us. He revealed Himself to Moses as abounding in Love; through this story of Hosea and Gomer He proves that. Further, He demonstrates giving undeserved grace.

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 SO MUCH about God's character in His self-revelation to Moses on Mt. Sinai, WOW! First, that God sheltered Moses even as He revealed Himself. God know us and how much we can handle. His greatness is so vast it far outruns all limits of my human brain! God told His name: "The Lord, the Lord," His character, "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." His justice He revealed in saying that He, "does not leave the guilty unpunished." He also revealed some about our human nature in that if we sin, our children watch that and copy that. This revelation of God Himself shows us that grace originates with Him. He is SO different from our natural selves. Words like ABOUNDING in LOVE and MAINTAINING LOVE to thousands--let alone slow to anger and forgiving. Wow. GRACE.

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? Praise God!!! He forgives ALL our sins. Psalm 103:1-3a, " Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins," Rebellion enters into our life in so many ways. First it is there from the start! (Genesis 3) Then if we have unrepented sin, or we entertain thoughts that are opposed to our HOLY Lord, or if He asks us to do something and we do not want to do it. Why doesn’t God forgive those who refuse to repent and surrender to him? This reminds me of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:12 -- we are forgiven as we forgive. Rebellion in our hearts limits God because He gave us free will. We choose.

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”? When we earn wages, we provided a service or skill and the wage is due us...grace is unearned; grace is given, bestowed, gifted to an individual for no service rendered. Grace characterizes "the God of all grace," because He gives constantly--undeserved gift bestowed on us.

Q9. (3:21) How can God receive more glory in your local congregation? How can you help this happen? We recently moved some hours north of our previous home to the north of our state. Our former church was loud in praise and worship and devoted to prayer. Our new church is a quiet one, focused strongly on the Word of God both from the pastors and in all life-groups among the congregation. In the former church, while they pray big prayers and prayer is a focus, they could worship God more in much intentional discipling of the people--the sheep--through deep study of the Word. They really want to see God move in POWER. The current church could give God more glory through understanding that God's power is limitless, that He is capable of anything and everything! He can do far more than we ask or imagine! However, if they continue to study His Word so deeply, they will find Him who is our Eternal, Unstoppable, Amazing, King. I can encourage this through prayer and conversation.

Q8. (3:20) How should verse 3:20 of the doxology energize your prayers? What happens when we limit God by our own ability to comprehend? How can we get past this failing? Limiting God is never a good thing!!! His POWER is incredible. Amazing. MORE than we can ask OR IMAGINE. How can that be in a box? How can we doubt? If we take Paul's words at face value in Ephesians 3:20, we KNOW God can do ANYTHING. Prayers are energized when we anchor on this eternal hope.

Q7. (3:19) Have you ever prayed for a fellow believer that he or she might be "filled with all the fullness of God"? What would you be praying for with that kind of prayer? How does this prayer relate to Ephesians 5:27 and Colossians 1:28? Sitting here thinking, I do not recall a time I prayed these specific words, "filled with all the fullness of God" for myself or for another. I have prayed the Ephesians prayer as a prayer, but not these specific words in solo. When I pray this Ephesians prayer, I focus largely on the eyes of the heart being enlightened and on the inner strength and increasing awareness. I do pray for the Spirit of the Living God to be present in corporate worship. "FILLED with the fullness of God!" Taken in isolation, that is overwhelming. The Ephesians 5:27 exhortation to husbands to present their wives to God as Christ will present the church, " and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." is a very strong reminder of God's plan for us to be filled with God's fullness. In Colossians, "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ." Maturity in Christ connotes the same fullness of God. In both verses we are reminded that this incredibleness is through Christ. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit provides the power and that He moves us to pray for others while simultaneously praying for us!! (Romans 8:26 & 27)

Q6. (3:17-19) Why does Paul pray that the believers grasp the fullest extent of Christ's love for them? How does comprehending this love change a person's spiritual life? Is there any end to Christ's love for a person? God's love is so vast, it is impossible for the human mind to understand. Can we think of any person who is outside the love of God? No, because God wills ALL PEOPLE would come to Him. ALL. 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." (2Peter3:9)When we comprehend even a bit of His great love, it changes us. We realize that God will out-love each of us every time. Jesus exhorts us, "Love one another as I have loved you, (John 13:34). A tall order. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit. Further, Jesus tells us, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you," (Luke 6:27). Another tall order. I am doubly grateful for the Holy Spirit.

Q5 (3:16-17) Why does Paul pray for strengthening of the inner man? How would we pray this prayer today? Why does he pray that Christ dwell in the believers' hearts? Isn't this already an established fact? He prays for strengthening of the inner man because there are so many distractions in our world. The rocky soil and the weeds really happen in our lives of faith. (Mark 4) I loved your inclusion of the definition of dwell in the lesson, meaning permanent and not as a sojourner. That is how we pray for those we have ministered to. We rejoice when we hear they are walking stronger with the Lord and pray and pray when we hear it is not so. Yes, Christ is IN each heart, but does that heart turn more to Him or get waylaid? Jesus gave us an example of praying for others in His prayer in John 17. I am compelled to pray for others, and the Spirit leads even in that.

Q4. (1:18) Why is a revelation of "his incomparably great power for us who believe" essential to a vital faith? How do you develop this faith in yourself? How do you pray for it for others? Jesus told us at the end of His life that He needed to go because the Father would send His Spirit. WOW! What a gift to us!!! That power! Wow!! John 16:7, "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you." Paul reminded us about power, too, in Romans 1: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes" Once the Spirit lives in us, he guides us into all truth (John 16:13). Truth is that the Spirit of GOD is BIG, really BIG, really powerful, and as we walk with Him, he reveals His power. For others again, I pray that the eyes of their heart may be enlightened, and I share stories from my own life as the Spirit prompts me to share them to build another's faith.