Jose Rivera

Laying down your life is symbolic of what Christ did for us. When I look at my contribution I stop the me first approach and think of others first. I think all the examples given so far (in this thread) of what this is have covered this special kind of love well. One point that I will stress involves small groups. One of the best things people in churches can do is commit to meeting together outside of the sanctuary. Small Group Ministry offers this and so much more, if you haven't experienced this look into it, you will not be disappointed. A large benefit is that it handles the needs of both large and small congregations. Many go to church on Sunday and then go home. They never get to know many in their own church. At times they never get to really know the folks who sit next to them on Sunday. In large churches many individuals disappear within the congregation. They never get to know anybody, at times it is like they are not there, invisible. Small Group Ministries allow folks to come together on a regular basis and not only interact, but grow. They learn about one another, offer support and become a family. It is a beautiful thing and God is at the center of it all. A prime example of this in action takes place in Acts 2:42-47. Read it and see how they grew and were rewarded by God. God bless.

Q4. (1 John 2:15-17) What kinds of sins are covered by the three examples of worldliness that John gives? Why are these sometimes so difficult for us to discern in ourselves? Why is worldliness so harmful to our future? Matthew 5:28 discusses adultery in the heart. It applies here and all three sins mentioned are within each of us. The hardest thing to work on and keep in the forefront of our mind is the fact that we separate ourselves from God when we do these things. God's points in 1 John 2:15-17 examines all, the sins of the flesh, the mind and the heart. When we value things within the world more than our relationship with God we are not placing Him first. He further states that the world is passing away. It is not forever, it is a moment of our life, yet we at times draw closer to it and what it provides than the one who provides forever. I deal with this daily and I know you do also. One thing that helps me remember what is important is Psalm 33:13-15. Read this every day and you will remember that all that you do is important and seen by God.

Confession is first an acknowledgment by me of an act or thought that is wrong. I realize it and I act on it by confessing it to the Lord. My action is based on seeking to restore my closeness to God. It is also based on knowing that He is quick to forgive, He delights in me, He wants me to grow and learn and above all reach out to others pointing to Him. Anything that I do that separates me from God must be addressed and acknowledged. Psalm 32 speaks to the joy of confession. Regarding confession it says: "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night your heavy hand was upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer." Psalm 32:3-4. That is the result of a sin that is not forgiven. God's word is plain. "Blessed is he whose transgressions is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2. Always remember that God wants nothing to separate you from Him. Also know that He always knows of your difficulties, He only asks that you seek Him, He will forgive and He will release you from the bondage of unconfessed sin. I thank God for that always.

Q2. (1 John 1:5-7) What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? How does this involve self-deception? What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? How do we get back into the light if we sin? I am reminded of Matthew 7:21-23. I feel the supreme problem is that we are not one with God. We choose to sin and it causes separation. If not addressed it can lead to disownment. We can not glory ourselves by satisfying our own needs, lusts, desires, etc. We must constantly search our ways with scripture as the level. If not we cannot say we walk in light, the fact is we walk in darkness. In that is the greatest lie and we only fool ourselves. When we choose to walk in the light we acknowledge Him and strive to be as He is. This is what being a Christian is all about. If we find that our actions fall short we must confess them and ask forgiveness. He will forgive, He is merciful and wants no one to perish. Yet, we should not commit the same sin again. Having learned and gaining forgiveness our future actions should be free of repetition. I say "should" because of the human element and our weakness to the flesh. Daily time with God in study, prayer, and self examination will allow the Holy Spirit to feed us as we have need. Fellowship with other believer's will also add strength due to the fact that we may see ourselves in their actions. What we have learned can assist them and also us. In this there is also great accountability as we share and pray for one another.

Hello Everyone, I am Jose Rivera. I live in Carrollton Texas and I am excited about beginning this study with each of you. I have particpated in Pastor Ralph's studies before and they have really been great. If you every want to speak about anything I have said, do not hesitate to email me. I am always open to discussion regarding God's Word.

Q5. What does it tell us about the status of the Lamb that he is worshipped alongside "him who sits on the throne"? (5:13-14) In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Later in John 1:14 it says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Now in Gen 1:1 it says, " In the beginning God created the the heavens and the earth. What can I say about these verses? First, I can say that God is from the beginning and always will be. Second, I can say that The Word was with our Father in the beginning. Third I can say that the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Now, in Rev. 5:12 it says, "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev 5:13 says, "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. These verses tell me that Jesus is back where he started, no longer seperated from the Father, seated along side of Him. What a wonderful revelation. What a gift we have received. I am humbled by this fact and I know all of us feel the same way. Our challenge is to make others aware of these same facts so that they too may experience what we have. I challenge you to share what you have learned with those He sends before you. I challenge you to get to know them when possible, share what is possible and let them see Him in all you do. He will do the rest, in His time. He who is seated next to the Father, over all will do the rest. What a wonderful revelation. He is the beginning and the end. He is the creator and the builder. He is the provider of all blessings, He is God. Amen.

Welcome to the study Haar, it is great to have you here. Jose

Q1. When repeated often, doesn't the Lord's Supper run the risk of becoming mundane and lose its meaning? Why did Jesus command its repetition? I agree with the statements already made. I think our Lord knows of our weaknesses, needs to satisfy the body and resist the temptations brought about through this world. For this reason I believe He commanded us to "do this," in remembrance of Him. Without reminders I fear some would forget who they are, I did in my early walk. Even today I sometimes see myself in what I call a short fall. Short because it does not last and fall because it draws me away from God. While these short falls happen less and less they still happen. I am sure you can relate to becoming angry while driving and thinking or saying something that is not loving regarding another driver. Perhaps while waiting you become angry because you have more pressing matters to attend to or you are fighting the clock. Your thoughts begin..."how long must I wait in this...." All of us have short falls, God knew this and He left us His word to meditate on and I believe he gave us the Lord's Supper to serve as a reminder to many of His life, death and what it all meant. Even those who do not study the bible have been exposed to the Lord's Supper. For many it has served as a seed that drew them to Him. So, can it become mundane? Only if a person allows it to become so in their mind by failing to value it for what it represents. As noted in my response the purposes are many, I have only listed a few. All that our Lord tells us to do can only be limited by our thoughts and inactions. The results or true measure of what our obedience brings is only intangible to our minds and life cycle. However, He knows and sees all. Amen.

Q5. Why should the words, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28) fill us with sorrow? Why should they fill us with joy? The statement refers to Jesus

Q4. Why is it so important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper? In what sense are the Lord's Supper and unforgiveness incompatible? We are commanded to forgive. What stands out to me is that Jesus himself forgave those who were killing Him. That is something that is uncomprehensible then and still today. The murder of the innocent carries heavy penalties and many have paid. Some have escaped punishment but they too will receive punishment. Jesus was without sin, His heart was love, His mind was focused on the Father's business...everyday of His life. If I am to partake of the Lord's Supper in remembrance of him, I cannot allow anything to be between us. I must forgive those who have offended and hurt me. If I cannot forgive them, how can I seek to identify with Him, His sacrifice and resurrection? I must not have anything that would seperate me or dishonor a remembrance of Him. This is one of our greatest challenges. I pray for myself and others who face this challenge.

Q4. Which part of the meaning of the Lord's Supper is most valuable for you at this point in your spiritual journey when you partake of and meditate on the Lord's Supper? I have to say that the connection to Christ

Q3. Which action words used to describe the elements of the Lord's Supper, teach us that we are to be thinking of Jesus' sacrifice of atonement, when we partake of the Lord's Supper? I agree with all the comments above this one. The words given, broken for, poured out, and forgiveness all speak to Jesus' sacrifice of atonement. They show the reality of His actions and the pain He endured for us. Whenever I have hear these words, they always bring about a strong identity and experience. I cannot feel what He endured but I have a knowledge of understanding from their meaning. In that sense, the Lord's Supper is a real experience of Jesus' sacrifice. God Bless. Jose

Symbolism is defined as, "the symbolic meaning or meanings of a thing or event." (Wordsmyth Dictionary) Jesus told us to, "Do this in remembrance of me." When I come to the time when I can participate in the Lord's Supper I am reminded of all He did. I am also reminded of all He endured. His body broken, His blood spilled, His death and ressurrection. That remembrance keeps me focused on the now, who I am through Him and what He made possible. If we focus on what this symbolic act represents and not the symbols themselves I believe we act as Jesus purposed.

Hello everyone, My name is Jose and I am glad to meet you. I am a Photographer in Dallas Texas, recently relocated here since Katrina. I have done a few studies through Joyful Heart and I can clearly say that you will enjoy and be blessed through them. I am looking forward to studying with you and learning from His word together. Don't hesitate to send me an email using the forum if you ever want to chat. God bless.

What is the significance of serving Jesus as a "slave" as opposed to serving him as a preference? What does it say about the quality of our service? Of our commitment? What is wrong with leaders who serve out of preference? Phi 2:22:But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. The Greek word used in Phi 2:22 meaning served is Douleuō. It means to be a slave, literally of figuratively, involuntary or voluntary. It comes from the Greek word Doulos, adding to the preceding definition,

You have gone through struggles and obstacles to your faith. If you were to look at your sufferings as a "drink offering" poured out before God, how does that honor God? I think the pouring out of my struggles before God shows two things. The first is that my struggles are placed at His feet, not because He does not know of them but because I know He is the one who can deliver me from them. Secondly, I think that my focus on Him in my life would show God who I count on for help, who I seek assistance, wisdom, and ultimately deliverance from. God is to be our constant point of reference for all. In all things we are to acknowledge Him, and He will direct our paths. (My Paraphrase of Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.") When we do this He is honored because we surrender all to Him, we acknowledge His power and presence over all, and we acknowledge His sovereignty. In my book that says it all. How does that bring value to your struggles? I think doing the above shows acknowledgement not so much of the struggle but the victory. Therein lies the value. Struggles make us strong; helps us to develop as Christians. This is noted in Jam 1:3-4, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Here is value, value expressed through victory, victory possible only through Christ. Each of us can go to Him, place all at His feet and ask for His will to be done in each area. It is then that we wait and look for the answer, never doubting that it will come, that all will be resolved. Here again is the value, not in the struggle, in the victory.

In what sense are we Christians to "hold fast" the Word of Life? Fast is defined in Webster's dictionary as, firmly fixed, adhering firmly, not easily freed, stable, and firmly loyal. I think there is much stated in that definition relating to God's Word of Life. James 1:18 states, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. I am also reminded in Rev 3:16, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." (KJV) God does not like lukewarm people. I think that is another factor expressed in holding fast to the Word of Life. We cannot waiver in our decision to follow Him and be His disciples. He demands loyalty and commitment from us, we can give no less. In what sense are we to "hold forth" this Word of Life? Forth is defined in Webster's dictionary as, "out into notice or view." Yesterday, I had an opportunity to speak to a group of people who I did not know about God. Before I met with them we all prayed that they would receive God's word, that it would change their lives. I put God's word in front of me and held it out for all to see. He did the rest. When we show others His word, they are affected. Sometimes not as anticipated, but never-the-less they are affected. One may have to be affected many times before change occurs, yet all I have to do is hold forth the Word of Life, God will do everything else. It is mentioned in the great commission in Matthew 28: 19-20, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) How does this relate to the purpose of the church? I think Acts 2:42-47 answers this question best, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers. Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and had everything in common. So they sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky? We are part of God

We know we're supposed to humble ourselves like Jesus did. But how can we know whether or not God will exalt us? Mat 23:12 states: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (KJV) This is clear and to the point, there is no doubt after reading Matthew

Was Jesus really a human being or only pretending to be one? Pretending is defined in Webster's dictionary as: "to give a false appearance of being, possessing, or performing, to make believe." I do not think Jesus was pretending to be a man, I do not think He was trying to perform like one; I do not think He was making believe He was one. I think He chose to be as one, I think He put aside His glory, His power, His position, to be as we are and be born of a woman. He chose to take on a human form, yet that does not erase who He was then and is today. To be a sacrifice for our sins required Him to be like us in all ways. He could not stop being who He was when He lived with the Father. What He could do was become us in all ways. In His earthly body He was like us, yet everything He endured was allowed. We had no control over Him. Remember when He spoke to Pilate, He told Pilate you have no power over me, other than that which was given to you from above. (Paraphrased) This tells me that He was still one with the Father, one in all ways. Was He in human form, I believe so, when He was with us prior to the resurrection. What do these verses teach? I think it shows us that if we are to be His disciples we must adopt His ways. We must do the things that He commands us to do within the bible which is our guide. I think we must study, learn and allow our minds to be renewed through His word, to learn His ways, to love one another, to be one in unity and peace. A great example of this is found in Acts 2:42-47, it speaks of the church and how individuals existed and where blessed by God. What difference does it really make whether or not Jesus was human? If God had not taken human form He could not have experienced pain, hunger, temptation, or any other feeling or emotion. If he only acted out because He could not experience anything then it would have been false. In God there is no variation, no deception, nothing negative. He had to take on human form for us to see the significance of His actions, understand the pain suffered and be able to comprehend the sacrifice made. This is a very difficult subject and one that is written about in many books. In my studies I have come to realize that the bible is the best teacher of itself. The Holy Spirit guides me and helps me to understand it. All I have to do is apply myself. I urge each of you to do the same if you haven

In your own words, what does it mean that Christ didn't cling to his equality with God? I believe this verse shows us that Christ's actions were not about Himself but about the Father's will. He was with God, equal to God, living in perfection, peace, and love. He voluntarily left that existance which always was, even before all that is known today, and assumed a human body and human nature. Without ceasing to be God, He became a human being, a man called Jesus. I do not believe He gave up His diety to become human, I think He set it aside for a period of time. Remember, He always stated He was about His Father's business. Another point to remember is that He told Pilate, " "You would have no authority over Me at all," Jesus answered him, "if it hadn't been given you from above. This is why the one who handed Me over to you has the greater sin." (HCSB) In submission to the Father's will, Christ limited His power. He was subject to place, time, and many other human experienced limitations. In this form He showed us what perfection and love is. The fact that He let go willingly of His equality and existance with God to do all this models perfect love and obedience to the Father. How specifically does this passage teach that Jesus is divine? Webster

To achieve unity in your congregation, why is humility necessary? Humility is defined in Webster

Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? Through discernment they would have the ability to see what is not evident to the average mind. Discernment would also allow them to grow in and through greater knowledge of Christ. This would allow them to grow and be ready to be used by God. They would be unified in purpose and love. What will be the result of discernment in their lives? It would allow them to be able to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, vital and trivial. Maintaining Christian morals is only possible through an understanding of what they are. More importantly, understanding allows you to explain the right and wrong of morals to others. This outreach is what we must do as Christians

Q5. Now that you're finished with James: Practical Christianity, what did you get out of this study? One of the first books I ever read in the bible was James. Of course back then (1995) I was stunned to read and learn about the power of the tongue. Although I knew how a persons words could affect people I never worried about it, I was very young back then. Since then I have grown much and I find all of the areas mentioned in James really challenging. On an individual level each one teaches you how and what should be in relation to itself and you. The emphasis is mostly on you. The greatest thing is of course learning what God expects. The hardest thing is of course our follow through. Yet, if we continue to stay focused on him, He will guide and provide what is needed. Of course I have found that there are still trials, but, that is how the book starts out, we profit from trials and if smart we also learn from them and can share our experiences with others. I guess I get a lot of practical knowledge that can guide me in my relationships with others. Of all the subjects mentioned a few that have special meaning to me are: pride, judgment, boasting, patience, and lastly dealing with erring individuals. That last one is something that reminds me of the importance of what is important to God. He wants all to be saved. To do this all must acknowledge, confess, and believe. We acknowledge our sins, confess them and believe that he died for our sins. In so doing we have forgiveness and salvation. Sometimes people forget that and do things that are governed by the flesh and not the Spirit. When that happens we are to take action. I must admit that is the hardest one to me, people are really difficult at times. I was no different when I was lost and backsliding. I am sure many of you can relate to that. How would you evaluate the study? I think the study was great. I really enjoyed reading all the responses from each of you. Although I did not supply many, I was reminded of many things by the expressed emotions in your responses. I pray for each of you in your daily walk and I also feel as though I know many of you now through your responses. I am looking forward to sharing with many of you when the new study on Philippians

Q3. (2:18-19) What is the difference between the "belief" of a demon and the "belief" of a practicing Christian? The "belief" of a non-practicing Christian? The belief of a demon is speculative and knowledge based. Their belief is intellectual, they know God exists and they have knowledge of His power over them. They know they are apart from Him, have no kinship to Him and they are bound to and serve Satan. They know that they are powerless over Him. Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:24, 3:11 and Luke 4:41 support these statements. The belief of a practicing Christian goes beyond speculation, it includes demonstration. The Christian