kenny

As we go about our daily lives we sometimes come across people who seem to be set on attacking us in one way or another. sometimes their attacks get right down deep inside of us and no matter how we try there just seems no way forgive them. It is at times like this when we need to meditate on the example that Jesus set for us, and drawing on His endless love, look past the sin and focus our love on the person who often is just the messenger. If we can't look past the sin, we find ourselves being blinded to the truth and in our bitterness we often tend to blame God for our situation, and in doing so hinder our growth and maturity in Christ. We need to learn to love beyond what the flesh has to throw at us and in doing so forgiving as we have been forgiven. Always remember that where there is light, darkness cannot prevail.

I believe that love of the Lord leads to obedience and if you find yourself having to constantly remind yourself to live in obedience to His commands, then I would urge you to earnestly seek the greatest gift of all, that being love. Remember by this shall all men know that you are my disciples. That you "Love" one another as I have "Loved" you. It is this love that leads to obedience in Gods word, and it is through this "Love" that the Light of Jesus shines that all may come to know Him.

Jesus died in our stead He became separated from His father and in doing so paid the price for sin that all may know salvation.In that moment of absolute darkness and separation from the Father Christ our King absorbed the full wrath of God and by grace, salvation is freely available to all who seek it. When I think of the price that was paid for my pardon and knowing that in obeying His commandments will lead me away from sin, this is the road I choose to walk. Living without my Savior to me is not an option, I praise His name and thank Him, in His separation I became a joint heir with Him. Thak you Jesus all Glory be to You.

View PostPastor Ralph, on 30 September 2009 - 01:21 PM, said: Q3. (1 John 1:9) How would you define "confession"? Why is confessing our sins so important? What happens to us if we stop confessing our sins? What are the promises given to us if we do confess our sins? How is forgiveness of sins different from cleansing? Confession is when one acknowledges that he has sinned and regrets his actions. Knowing that God already sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of all mankind we can confess our sins and know that He will forgive them. If we stop confessing our sins we separate ourselves from God and will not experience growth in our walk with the Lord and ultimately we dishonor Him and start living a lie. Forgiveness of our sins is instant while cleansing is an ongoing process whereby through the grace of God we grow to become more like Him.

I believe that in our daily walk with our Lord and Savior we need to be constantly vigilant, and on our guard against Satan and his devious ways in which he tries to lead us astray. Always remember we are living in a world where a war is waging in a dimension not seen by us and we need to be on constant alert to this fact, without the light of God we walk into this realm in darkness and become easy prey to him who seeks to devour us like a hungry lion. When we fall into this state of lies and deception, we need to confess our sins and let the light of the lord lead us through times of persecution and trouble.Stay focused in the word of God Jhn 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

I believe that often as Christians when we get together in regular fellowship, we become familiar with one another and sometimes our gatherings become a form of escapism from the world and realities around us.We could find ourselves using this time to praise ourselves and even talk of the problems of others and fall prey to the evils of idle gossip. We must always remember to stay focused on the Lord and in doing so build one another up. We should use time of fellowship to give glory to God, and build one another up in His word at all times keeping our Savior as the focal point. Hbr 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Q3. (5:8-9) What instructions does Peter give us to guide us in spiritual warfare? Extra credit: How are these instructions similar or different than Paul's instructions in Ephesians 6:10-17? Peter tells us to be alert and self controlled or as I like to say

Q2. (5:8) What is it important to be aware of Satan's existence? What does this verse teach us about the devil? Why is this teaching important? Often we tend to go through life as Christians believing that Satan is defeated and being rendered incapacitated. Well while he might not have the same hold over the Spirit filled believer, he is still very much a force to be reckoned with. All around us you can see his handiwork and we as believers need to oppose his onslaughts in the name of Jesus. We need to stand strong and upright clothed in the armour of God because even though Satan was dealt a severe blow at the cross, he will still be the thorn in our sides till he is totally destroyed in the lake of fire.

Q1. (5:7) According to this verse what should you do with your fears? What reason is given why you should do this? In what manner should you do it. How will you apply this verse's instruction in your own life? The fears that people carry around with them often lead to psychological as well as physical problems and in some cases even death. Some times we go through life with the belief that the fears we have are our burden's to carry and manage, when in fact God sent His Son to die for us and take away all sin and fear. if we will just cast them upon Him who is able to carry them. When we pray we it is normally to ask for something,to be given, forgiveness; mercy; wisdom; guidance; fulfillment and often even worldly things. We often stop short of asking God to take upon himself our fears and problems, Jesus died that we may live lives of victory and glory not in fear and depredation.Amen.

Q4. (5:5-6) What acts of humility are appropriate for church leaders? How can we discern a person's humility before putting him or her in a place of leadership in the church? What happens when we fail to do this? I believe there are certain traits which true spirit filled Christians display, those of love, humility,sadness for those who persecute the church as well as radiating the fragrance of our Lord, which makes both believers and non believers alike sense Gods presence. All this being said, we live in a world of charlatans and deception, one can never be to careful. We often tend to shy away from turning people down or rebuking them on a scriptural basis, for fear of reprisal or simply for not wanting to be judgmental of others. I would have to classify this as sitting on the fence, God empowers us as part of His body, to be discerning as well as to take responsibility for the well being of the church in accordance with His will. If we don't do this, we will bring His church into disrepute and could be responsible for leading the flock astray.

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly? First up I believe if the pastor was appointed in accordance with scriptural norms, the above scenarios hopefully would not exist. More often than not problems of authority go beyond the financial realms and are more prevalent in basic running of the assembly

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly? First up I believe if the pastor was appointed in accordance with scriptural norms, the above scenarios hopefully would not exist. More often than not problems of authority go beyond the financial realms and are more prevalent in basic running of the assembly

Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly? First up I believe if the pastor was appointed in accordance with scriptural norms, the above scenarios hopefully would not exist. More often than not problems of authority go beyond the financial realms and are more prevalent in basic running of the assembly

Q2. (5:2) What's wrong with the common practice in churches of "twisting a person's arm" to get him or her to serve as a church leader. What damage does this do to the church? What kind of leader does it produce? I believe the problem to be two fold in this instance, firstly it can cause great damage to the one being pushed or cajoled into a situation of responsibilities that they might not yet be ready to fulfil. It can emotionally affect the person and in cases cause great spiritual damage sometimes beyond repair. Secondly there is the integrity of the church and the leadership, that can be brought into disrepute and ultimately lead to division within the church. For those interested in my testimony Check out my blog @ http://kzed-kensblog.blogspot.com/

Q1. (5:1-2) What do you learn about the responsibilities of an elder from the definitions of "elder," "pastor," and "overseer"? What stood out to you as you considered these words? The definition of the three words in question here all have the same meaning, and as such would have the same job description, this being one placed in charge of a small gathering or even a large assembly of people. Included in the job, they would take overall responsibility for the flocks spiritual as well as many physical needs. I believe that such responsibility should never be taken lightly, and those who do, should understand the implications attached, have grave consequences. This is a task best left to those who have been called into the task, are spiritually mature and are qualified to provide both spiritual guidance and physical support as needed by those placed under their charge. I recently started a blog which I hope that will help some to better understand the spiritual dimension of our daily walk with the Lord. It is brief testomny of my life and how God works in our lives today. http://kzed-kensblog.blogspot.com/

Q4. Why is a willingness to die, if need be, essential to healthy Christianity during persecution. What happens when we aren't willing to die, when we are afraid to "take up our cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus? What does this have to do with "committing ourselves to a faithful Creator"? Firstly let me say that in order to attain salvation, we need to be

Q3. (4:14) If we are never persecuted, what does that say about how people view us? In what way should persecution make us happy? I believe that if when we find ourselves in this situation we should seriously look at the way we are portraying ourselves to the general public, are we in fact proclaiming the gospel? Are we perhaps surrounding ourselves completely with others who believe what we do (Christians) so as to avoid persecution? The statement above may seem somewhat strange but I believe that there are times when we as Christians get so caught up in our own little worlds, all nice and snug, we end up preaching and discussing the gospel among ourselves forgetting the world out there. If all the insults have dried up, stop and re-evaluate your walk with the Lord.

Q2. (4:13) When you meditate on the idea of partaking of or being a sharer in Christ's sufferings, what perspective does it give you on whatever persecution you may experience? It give me a feeling of immense closeness to the Lord when I meditate on the idea of sharing in His suffering,even if it be to a small degree. I feel a complete union with my savior, knowing that in doing His will and sometimes having to go through persecution, and can endure it with His help, those present will see His light shine through me and His name is glorified. We all want to share in Christ's inheritance so the least we can do is to share in His sufferings and glorify the name of the one and only living God.

Q1. (4:12) What's the danger of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ? Have you ever been distracted by persecution from what you should have been doing? Have you ever observed this in other Christians? I think one of the biggest dangers of avoiding persecution and suffering for Christ is that you will find yourself rejecting Him in this moment, this puts your faith in jeopardy, and Gods name is more often than not bought into disrepute.Often Satan will lead Christians astray by using persecution to distract them from completing their tasks for Gods glory, and those looking on will become judgmental and doubt the sincerity or morals of the person. This leads to what started out as perhaps a honest testimony for the Lord being looked at us no more than a mockery.

Q4. (4:10-11) If people are always promoting themselves and pointing to how God is using them, what does that say about them? Their sense of self-worth? Their maturity? Their realism? Their humility? What spiritual gifts has God given you, and how are you using them to his glory? I think there are two case scenarios when looking at this subject. Firstly when a new christian starts to exercise his gifts and talents he may find himself or herself constantly trying to affirm their works for the Lord by telling others. In many of these cases I believe it is simply a sign of immaturity and a means of fitting in and feeling important.At this stage in their walk with Christ they may think it the normal thing to do. On the other hand their are those who we might classify as "mature Christians". who for for their own promotion,be that self worth or even in some cases financial gain. These people tend to publicly want to display all that they are doing.I think they lack real maturity and need to go back to the word of God and pray that they may experience revival in their hearts. For many years I asked God to reveal to me what my gifts were, always thinking of them in terms of the supernatural, like the gift of healing, talking in tongues, prophesy or some gift that would set me apart.Well let me tell all of you that are here or might ever get to this point, Stop! you may miss all the amazing gifts that God intended for you to use to glorify His name. My gifts are many, the most important to me is the ability to love others, to the point of loving even those who persecute or ridicule you.I am always greatly blessed when using the gift to teach others all the abilities that the Lord bestowed upon me namely, all aspects of building, electrical, plumbing, carpentry,as well as sharing Gods word whenever the opportunity arises,and let me say it does every day.So if anyone feels they have not yet discovered their gifts,stop! think of what you do everyday and prayer that the Spirit will guide you how to use your God given talents to glorify His name. Amen.

3. (4:5-7) Why don't non-Christians like the idea of giving an account of their actions? Why don't we Christians like it? What should the realization that we must give an account of our actions inspire in us? With what attitude should we live as a result? It's normally only when giving an account of ones actions that the truth comes to the fore.Especially for Christians because they are more likely to have more convictions as to the will of God. Anyone who understands that sin has consequences and for those outside of Christ's body these are severe.People will try to justify their actions to look good to others instead of accepting responsibility and asking for forgiveness. As Christians we must strive to follow Christs lead and oppose the flesh, knowing that He paid the price for us that we might share in His inheritance and come into the presence of the Father as holy saints.As mentioned in the exposition to some we may be the only bible and word of god that they may see or hear, so cloth yourself in Christ and let His light shine forth in this dimly lit world, that others too might see the way. Amen.

Q2. (4:3-4) Why do non-Christians try to get you to sin with them. Why are we tempted to do so? How can we resist this temptation? I believe the reason to be that in trying to get you to sin or even just agree to accept their own sin, gives them a sense of us approving of their sin,in other words almost as if we were looking on the sin as being the norm. I think that some times we try to justify sin when tempted by the flesh, and talk ourselves into thinking that some sins are not as bad as others.We also are tempted by sin so s to be accepted by our peers and not to be ridiculed. By constant study of Gods word we are brought into an ever closer relationship with Him and if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus our Savior and King we wil find that saying no to sin becomes easier day by day.

Q1. (4:1-2) When the scripture says "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ had, how should this attitude help keep you from sin? What attitude are we talking about? Jesus was given to us to fulfill Gods plan, that of salvation for mankind. He came to earth to live as man, to be persecuted , to suffer and die for us that we might be purged of our sins and have an everlasting relationship with the fether when accepting Him as Lord and savior.Christ live His life on earth blameless and in total submission to His Father. This very attitude is what we must pursue, we must clothe ourselves in Gods will, and follow in the example that Jesus set for us. Walking in His footsteps will bring us closer to God, the further we walk the closer we get.

Q4. (3:20-21) Various Christian traditions have different practices of baptism -- the mode (sprinkling, pouring, immersion) and the age (infant vs. an age when a person can profess his or her own faith). Let's not argue about that in this forum. Let me ask you the crucial question for you -- Have you pledged your faith in Jesus Christ and promised to serve him as his disciple? How does this pledge relate to your own baptism? (Remember, no criticism of another's understanding of baptism in the forum. No fighting. No setting people straight -- seriously!) The question above is long and sometimes is surrounded by controversy, so as not to get drawn in let me give a short but meaningful reply. It was not until the day I was baptized, and for years God hounded me to do His will in this regard, to the point of me loosing sleep,and finally the message got through and all I can say is that my God reigns in my life and from that day forth the very contents of heaven were poured out upon me. Thank you Lord for all the blessings and Your constant presence that am blessed with daily, Praise be to Jesus Lord and savior of my life. Amen.

Q3. (3:18a) Meditate for a few minutes on this verse: "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." Now personalize it to imagine (1) your sins, (2) your unrighteousness, and (3) your reconciliation with God. Each of these ideas is awesome! Which of these three aspects of the verse has God impressed most strongly on you today? Select one of the three and share it. Just the thought that the God who made everything I can see and touch as well as all that cannot be seen,sent his only Son Jesus our Lord to die and suffer for me and to afford me the opportunity to come into the fathers presence blows my mind.Through the blood of Him who is righteous He who conquered death for all mankind and opened the gates of heaven that we might enter and become co-heirs to the kingdom and become sons and daughters of a living God.It is this amazing feeling that I can have today, that of being reconciled to God my Father, being able to approach His throne through the sacrifice of my savior and King, "Jesus"Amen. Father thank you that when all else in life falls apart and fails,when everything seems to be upside down and the very thought of life seems to be unbearable,we can come to you as our Father for comfort and consolation.Praise You Lord in Jesus name Amen.