Nicolaas A.P. Mostert

Q9. (1 Kings 2:12; Matthew 25:14-30) What "natural" talent(s) do you have? Work with my hands (practical). What are you good at in the natural world? Do gardening and wood work. How are you using these talents for God and his Kingdom? GOD's took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. We have only one precious earth so we have to look after it. Doing wood work, to create out of common something beautiful. Show people that GOD can use "common" to change someone in "something beautiful". Have you identified any "spiritual" gifts? How are you using those? Healing and teaching. Have you found that your "natural" talents are related to your "spiritual" gifts? Yes. If so, describe how they relate to each other. In the natural my talent brings out the best out off the once in a terrible condition, now a fairy tale garden. Same with the broken furniture restore it to original use. In the spiritual to bring the best out of people and restore them to their full potential.

Q8. How have the writings attributed to Solomon affected your understanding, perspective, and way of life? That GODLY wisdom open up the door to success. No matter what the profession maybe, it is applicable. In case of Solomon who interact with people on daily bases, who has to make important decisions has to know how to use his words. In what ways? Most of the writings are based on daily happenings that make it worth to apply or if not attend to it. Which proverbs have you committed to memory? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5--6) Which of these is most dear to you? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5--6)

Q7. (1 Kings 3:16-28) Why does the Scripture emphasize justice for the poor and disadvantaged, the alien and the orphan? This is people who most of the time cannot defend themselves because of cannot afford it or lack of knowledge. The is the people JESUS instructed us to look after. Why are courts often inclined to favor the wealthy? They can afford the best lawyers and the wealthy language. Why do societies throughout the ages tend to perpetuate discrimination against outsiders? They are not of the same culture, not the same nation, not the same country some times not of the same language. In what ways should social justice be a value for followers of Yahweh and of Jesus in our day? GOD is LOVE and therefore love us first, JESUS said as I love you so you must love your neighbor.

Q6. (1 Kings 3:5-15) What does Solomon's answer to God's question tell us about Solomon's heart at this time? Solomon wants to please GOD. Solomon wants to serve God's people as best he can in the best possible way that pleases GOD. As David the father of Solomon has said to him "only do what is right in GOD's eyes" Solomon has that longing just to fulfil his fathers words. Do you serve Jesus for what he can do for you or for what you can do for him? JESUS already done everything for me, I have received it as a gift and now I am HIS to do what HE wants me to do. Why is singleness of heart so important to true discipleship? There will be only one thing to on your heart and mind, to serve GOD with everything that is with in us.

Q5. (1 Kings 3:1-4) In what way does Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter enhance his status in the Ancient Near East? Marrying the daughter of Pharaoh must have been viewed as a diplomatic coup that creates peace with Egypt, Israel's large and sometimes powerful neighbor to the south. Though marriage alliances might be viewed as politically expedient. How does this marriage compromise him as a follower of Yahweh? Marrying a spouse who is not a believer is specifically prohibited in Scripture. How does his worship on the high places -- and failure to destroy them -- damage the purity of Yahweh worship for centuries to follow? The assessment that Solomon didn't destroy the high places may seem formulaic and excusable, since they were widely used even for Yahweh worship in his time. However, in this disobedience is found the seed of his later apostasy, when he builds pagan shrines on the high places east of Jerusalem for his wives to worship false gods. If Solomon had rid the land of the high places as the Law commands, his successors would have likely followed suit. His disobedience sets the pattern for centuries. In what areas do our compromises as parents and pastors impact our own discipleship and the faith of our families and congregations? The way we act as Christians, if it is not in line with what the WORD of GOD instructed us to do. To much people pleasurers instead of GOD pleasures.

Q4. (1 Kings 2:13-46) Why doesn't Solomon act more quickly against David's enemies and his own? David asks Solomon to settle some wrongs that David couldn't settle himself in his own lifetime due to various vows and promises. These people are dangerous to Solomon's authority just as they were to David's. What does this indicate about Solomon? That Solomon was wise. Do you think God is pleased with Solomon's dealing with enemies in these ways? Yes, because it is in a more peaceful way. In an absolute monarchy, what are the balance points between protection of the throne (the state), justice, and mercy? The balance points are to maintain a trustworthy character towards the citizens and specially towards GOD that has place him in that kingship position.

Q3. (1 Kings 2:2-3) David charges Solomon to observe God's commandments. Why are we tempted to break God's commandments as a means to an end, such as lying to win political points or job advancement? We are living in a world of the seen and unseen or the natural and supernatural, the flesh and the spirit. Because men wants to see, feel and touch it is easy for men to please the seen, natural and the flesh. What does obedience have to do with prosperity? Obedience is the first act to the key that unlocks what GOD has install for us. If it is health, yes. If it is to prosper GOD's way, yes.

Q2. (1 Kings 1; 2 Chronicles 22:7) What indications do we have that Solomon has been chosen by God to build the temple? he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah that means the beloved of YAHWEH. How does God protect his choice in spite of political intrigues? Nathan the prophet hears of the gathering of Adonijah to be come king without his father David's knowledge. So Nathan the prophet sees that God's plan being frustrated and starts to takes action. Then Nathan advises Bathsheba to remind David of his public promise that Solomon would succeed him on the throne. She does so. Why do you think Nathan the prophet is the first to move to protect Solomon? (Hint: see 2 Samuel 7:11-16) Nathan was the prophet who convey to David what GOD has said about the building of the temple and who will be David's throne successor. Therefor Nathan feels obligated towards it.

Q1. (2 Samuel 7:11-16) What are the main provisions of the Davidic Covenant? That GOD will raise up David's offspring to succeed him who will come from David's own body, and GOD will establish his kingdom. He (Solomon) is the one who will build a house for GOD's Name, and GOD will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. What does it say about the temple? David is not the one to build a house (temple) for GOD to dwell in. About David's descendants? God promises that one of David's natural sons will build the temple. About discipline? GOD will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, GOD will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. About mercy? GOD's love will never be taken away from him. About the throne? David's throne will be established forever.

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:21a) Why is it important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter? From Paul side he needs the cloak to wear in the prison, also his scrolls Paul's books, probably both of papyrus and the more expensive parchments. From Timothy side Paul advice Timothy to come before winter because the wear became more difficult in winter for travelers. Because of storms, the Mediterranean was closed to shipping between November and March and ships would winter over in safe harbors. What happens if Timothy delays? Timothy could be in danger because of the winter weather and Timothy could lose the opportunity forever to assist Paul in the last days before his execution in approximately 65 AD. Do you think Timothy dropped everything and came to Paul's side? I think yes, because of relationship that was build between them, "father-son" relation. Would you, if you were Timothy? Yes, because of the what Paul has deposit into Timothy's life.

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:9-12) Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? Because the brotherhood tie is broken. The trust that was build up over the years is is gone. Not that you put your trust in man but their was a close relationship build up. Why is it so difficult when they move away or die? It feels as if there is a empty vacuum left. Before moving or dying the person was close you can actually embrace the person but now in the case of death no more touch and in the case of moving there is a distance. Is it better to trust no one? Yes, and that is what the WORD also say, not to put your trust in mere man. Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a). The LORD stood with Paul.

Q2. (2 Timothy 4:8) What does the "crown of righteousness" represent? It is the reward kept aside to be given us on that day, that consists of righteousness, purchased at great cost by the blood of Jesus. To whom is it given? To all who have longed for HIS appearing. On what basis is it awarded? Only to those who belong to our LORD JESUS CHRIST, purchased at great cost by the blood of Jesus.

Q1. (2 Timothy 4:6-7) What does it mean to have "fought the good fight" or "run the good race"? Paul is now busy handing over the baton to Timothy. He is looking back over his years of spreading the Gospel and what he has gone through to obtain where is presently. So Paul compare his time of spreading the Gospel with a race of an athlete, and it was a good perfect race. What does it take to "finish the race(course)" God has designed for you? It takes perseverance and eyes fix on JESUS "the winning line". What does it mean to "keep the faith"? To holding on to your faith so as not to give it up or lose it.

Q7. (Luke 23:46) What does Jesus mean when he says, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"? In the Six Word where JESUS called HIS FATHER, GOD a feeling of separation, but now in the Seven WORD FATHER again. Meaning that JESUS knew HIS time has come and the last thing was to breathe out HIS last breath and therefor entrusted HIS FATHER to received it and surrender HIS every last into HIS FATHER's hands. Why does this saying comfort us so much? Our FATHER GOD is always there for us no matter when or where, GOD is there HIS presence always surrounds us. We can open our mouth and HE listen and react.

Q6. (John 19:30) What had Jesus "finished"? Jesus was sent by FATHER GOD for a specific purpose and this was accomplished by the words "it is finished". What can we learn for our own lives from this Sixth Word: "It is finished"? GOD has put us on earth with a purpose, that we have to purpose driven focus on. We have to be obedience in our task to fulfil GOD's purpose in our lives even if we have to suffer..

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:5) Why does Paul command Timothy to "discharge all the duties of your ministry"? To do introspect and to determine the purpose of ministry so that he (Timothy)can service with diligence in ministry. What is the work of an evangelist that Timothy is to do? To preach and teach sound doctrine so that people can convicted by HOLY SPIRIT and receive CHRIST. What does the command in verse 5 mean to you personally? To do thing at the right time at the right place ordered by GOD.

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? There were to many false preachers and teachers who spread false doctrine, that put people under that falsehood. So Paul has to straighten the wrong believes and used and give this words to sharpen and strengthen Timothy's faith. Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? When someone confronts Timothy iro Scripture he has to back-up his answer with relevant Scripture for the WORD of GOD. In short Timothy must be ready at all times. What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? To illuminate false doctrine, that why Paul says to Timothy to preach sound doctrine through correcting, rebuking and exhorting those under his preaching or teachings. How do these verses speak to you in particular? That there is only one way of doing things and it is the right way, in this case to teach and preach GOD's BREATH.

Q2. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In what ways does Scripture equip a Christian for ministry? To be fully prepared for any demands that will be faced in the course of ministry. In what different ways can the Scriptures function, according to verse 16? Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Q1. (2 Timothy 3:16) What does inspiration of Scripture mean? That the scriptures where Paul reminds Timothy about what he has heard from Paul, to keep the pattern of sound teaching with faith in CHRIST JESUS. Paul also reminds Timothy of his sincere faith, which first lived in Timothy's grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice and, Paul said that he is persuaded, that that faith now lives in Timothy also. Paul used this verses of event to inspire Timothy through his mission. What does the term "God-breathed" tell us about the source and authority of Scripture? Through the HOLY SPIRIT GOD spoke and reveals the specific men what to wrote and told HIS people. With this in mind GOD is the origin of Scripture and therefor has the authority over HIS WORD (Scriptures). Why is the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture important? To inspire specific young Believers in CHRIST JSESUS, to boost the faith so that they can see what other have gone through.

Q5. (John 19:28) What do you learn from Jesus' Fifth Word: "I thirst"? It was the six hour on the cross, JESUS pushed through HIS fleshly condition full of pain. No cursing, no blaming, no anger. Only to fulfil HIS FATHER's will. What does this tell us about Jesus? At this time JESUS was thirst. Thirst like any other human and the willingness to fulfill each prophecy about HIM. JESUS died in the flesh for us and for our sins. What does this tell us about his experience on the cross? JESUS knew the the WORD about the prophecy on HIM, therefor JESUS referred to it again and again. Jesus' action to ask for a drink is deliberately prompted by his knowledge of Scripture and determination to fulfill it.

Q4. (Mark 15:34) What does Jesus' Fourth Word from the cross teach us about faith? Even if the FATHER's voice was silence, JESUS knew (HIS faith) that GOD (FATHER) will listen to JESUS (SON) when crying not shouting to GOD. JESUS's faith in GOD was overwhelming in such a state. About commitment? JESUS show till the very last minute that HE is committed to fulfil the FATHER's will. About love? Love scarifies all things. As GOD loves JESUS (HIS only begotten) HE scarifies JESUS because HE also loves us. What effect should this understanding have on our lives? To unconditionally love one other.

Q4. (Mark 15:34) What does Jesus' Fourth Word from the cross teach us about faith? Even if the FATHER's voice was silence, JESUS knew (HIS faith) that GOD (FATHER) will listen to JESUS (SON) when crying not shouting to GOD. JESUS's faith in GOD was that About commitment? JESUS show till the very last minute that HE is committed to fulfil the FATHER's will. About love? Love scarifies all things. As GOD loves JESUS (HIS only begotten) HE scarifies JESUS because HE also loves us. What effect should this understanding have on our lives? To unconditionally love one other.

Q1. (2 Timothy 3:16) What does inspiration of Scripture mean? When you see how the things mentioned in Scripture unfold in your life, when it has fulfil it's purpose. Someone like Paul that is an example to Timothy, Paul has lived that to it fulness. What does the term "God-breathed" tell us about the source and authority of Scripture? That the Scripture is GOD's personal WORDS out of HIS mouth. This means the GOD's WORD is alive and active, it can create things. Why is the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture important? This is taken directly out of GOD's WORD, no adding or subtract the pure WORD of GOD. GOD only upholds HIS WORD where people teach and preach HIS WORD accordingly HIS WORD the inspiration of Scripture.

Q3. (John 19:26-27) Why does Jesus make St. John responsible for his mother Mary? John was the only male disciple at the cross, and was part of JESUS's inner circle, the disciple whom JESUS loved. JESUS was fully persuade that John was the right choice to care for HIS mother. What does this tell us about Jesus? Although HE was in that state of mind, JESUS still managed responsibly HIS obligations. How should we apply this in our own lives? We have to take care of our families, especially our parents who has gave their everything for us. Sometime live has curves and they were the once who has straighten it.

Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? The thief has used the correct words that JESUS has normally used during HIS sermons to the crowd. This words was like music in JESUS's ears. So much so that JESUS immediately answer with a promise, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.' What did the thief receive that day? The thief has received eternal life. JESUS saved him from condemnation to saving grace through faith. JESUS's WORDS, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.' was the key to him to be saved. What do you think this meant to Jesus? I think this was the joyfulness moment in JESUS's last hour, to lead a criminal into HIS FATHER's KINGDOM.