Jose Rivera

I have always been discriminatory towards other men who did not appreciate what they had. I am referring to family, wives, children and all the extended members. As a young man I lived in a separated family, by that I meant that I did not know anyone outside of my immediate family. This was due to relocations for jobs and just distance and I am ashamed to say my parents own prejudices and dislikes. As a man I have seen many men who do not regard their family as important. They tend to concentrate on their own selfish desires, wants and lusts. For me, I have always been turned off by that. I have always turned men with those types of characteristics and beliefs away and let them know why. I have never been able to keep secrets from people. If I did not like you in the past, you knew it. God has helped me in that regard, I have managed to look at folks who commit this type of behavior and not automatically hate them or dislike them. I have learned to pray for them as lost individuals who are controlled not by the Spirit. I do not think I aim towards making good impressions anymore. I have learned that the only person that needs to be satisfied with me is God. If I keep His satisfaction in focus, all He sends in my path like me too. Whether they are impressed with me or not is not a concern of mine. My concern is how I treated them, how Jesus would have treated them. He is who I seek to be like and He is who I dialog with in regards to others. I read in a study once that we should look at others through the eyes of Jesus. When you do this it puts all in a different framing. I have often proved this line of thinking in many discussions with other men and woman. Most men believe that woman cannot abide by what men say and think. I have heard men say they are the boss and the wives immediately say,

Q2. (1:22) Why are we so easily fooled into thinking that listening to Bible teaching means that we are living out righteous lives? What is the nature of the self-deception? Listening to bible teachings is certainly part of growing and learning our roles as children of God. The question one should be given at the end of any study is, "What will you do now." I believe each of us has a purpose in God's plan and together we form the body. As parts of a body, each of us has a purpose and we must perform it. I like many had many reasons for not doing the things God commanded me by God in his word and from many teachings. Some may argue that this was a growth period and I was not ready to act. To them I say, read the account of His apostles and you will see that they performed what was needed and they received power to do to those things from Him as needed. I also believe our self deception is part of satan's lies. He is the one who casts doubt within us, he is the one who causes us to think we are not ready or capable. This deception can also be based on what we do normally, our past experiences, our present lives. Yet, one thing is certain, He who is in us will provide all that is necessary as it is needed. That gives me more than hope, that shows me that He lives in me. I can say in that He has never failed to provide what I have needed, nor will He ever. If we but beleive this then all is possible through Him. Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

(1:18) In what sense are we given spiritual birth by the "word of truth"? What does spiritual life have to do with the Word? From the word of truth, we have a foundation for the regeneration of our minds, heart and body by the Holy Spirit. In this regeneration our faith builds, and this growth is a continual process until we go to join Him or until He returns. John 1:13 states: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This birth is spiritual and has noting to do with our former carnal birth. It is the beginning of a new life in which the soul is being made conscious of the vital capacities, perceptions, and emotions of a child of God, before unknown. Herein lies our spiritual birth. I believe we have light for this journey from His word. The word (Jesus) gives all of us an example of what it means to be a disciple. Within the Word we have an account of Christ life, His mission, His obedience to the Father and the completion of all He was asked to do. Our spiritual life grows from these revelations and we learn what true sonship means. We also learn what we are to do now that we are His children. This new life is Spirit driven and controlled; all we must do is obey. Therein lies the battle.

How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? Trials are often times caused by doublemindedness. Doublemindedness is literally, "double souled." One soul directed towards God, the other to something else. (Jamieson, Faussete, Brown's Commentary) James 1:6 discusses this and uses the term waverer, meaning a person who is unstable in all their ways. When we have a double mind it is a mind that is not focused on God and what God wants. We give in to this alternate mind-set and we pay for our transgressions. Whenever we choose away from God we suffer for that choice. Trials are what we go through when we head in a direction that is opposite from where God wants us to go. It is in trials that we are brought back to God for relief. How do trials help us grow in faith? When we face a trial we must remember that He who is within us is greater than all outside of us. He will deliver us, provide a way out, or sustain us through it as necessary. When we see how God answers our prayers or through His divine intervention makes the impossible possible, we know that He is and will always be the one who delivers and provides for us always. When this happens to you or even someone around you, your faith grows. It is a pity that we only grow when we see. God also said in John 20:29: Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. Amen.

Why do people blame God for evil? I think that most people attempt to transfer what is not easily explanable to something/someone else. We tend to view the unexplainable and say, "why." One thing I have found interesting is, whenever people see or hear about some catastrophic event, (i.e., the recent Tsunami) they all speak to God unconsciously, even atheists do this. Most people turn to God immediately when faced with something unexplainable, bad, evil or henoius. If they would but read their bible they would know they are in error. (KJV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17. Does God tempt us with evil? I beleive God allows trials so we can learn from them and draw closer to Him. If you doubt this train of thought I urge you to read Job. Does he tempt sinful people with evil? I believe God himself was tempted with evil and He overcame evil, for all of us. I do not believe he tempts us with evil. Many verses back that thought up. Why does he allow people to sin? I believe we choose to sin, because sin satisfies us in many instances. The funny part to me is when we suffer due to our sin, somehow we expect sympathy then. That amazes me. I share this not from a sarcastic view, but one from experience. Why does he allow evil to exist at all? I believe evil exists because of Satan and us. We choose evil, we know what we choose is bad, yet we do it. The unexplainable is exactly that. Yet, I know deep in my heart that those unexplainable things allow God to be glorified. They afford us a time to do good, a time to unit, a tiime to rise above our own selfish ambitions. I realize this may not be a viewpoint that many may identify with, yet I ask you to think about it. If you wish to speak with me, please feel free to email me. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Joh 16:12 Jose

What value have trials had in your life? Before I turned to God, I used to be like most people and wonder why something happened to me. Now trials are faced differently by me. When I am being tested I try and focus on the one who can sustain me and deliver me from the trial. My favorite example is Job. He faced much and in the end he was rewarded. One thing I have learned through much, God has seen me through all. He continues to care for me and all my family. In that He has always been faithful. Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials, or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? In the past Satan controlled me and my temper was bad. Like many men, I just had a fire in me that wouldn't subside, always burning and looking for new sources of fuel. I guess you could say Satan was in charge back then. Now I focus on God and ask for His help everyday in all I do. I now look to His word for assistance, study it daily and also help others find the truth revealed in it. I now know that many of the trials I have faced were in preparation for my role in God's plan. Today he uses me to help others and one day I will be with Him. In that I have great joy. I wish the same joy for each one of you. God bless.

Hello everyone, My name is Jose and I live in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have participated in a few of Pastor Ralph's bible studies and found them to be interesting. One of the key things I like about these studies is the fact that we can all read and learn from one anothers experiences. That is really neat. I look forward to our time together. Take care and God bless.

Q4. How does Abraham's near sacrifice of his beloved, only son Isaac help you understand better Jesus' crucifixion? I can only imagine what Abraham felt. I cannot as a man say that my faith is as strong as Abraham

Q4. (21:33) How does the realization that God is El-Olam, the Eternal God, effect you? How does it alter the way you live your life? How does the realization that God is El-Olam, the Eternal God, effect you? It gives me a great sense of security. Though God had made himself known to Abraham as his God in particular, and in covenant with him, yet Abraham forgets not to give glory to Him as the Lord of all: The everlasting God, who was, before all worlds, and will be, when time and days shall be no more. Consider the following: Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. 1Ti 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Rev 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. Knowing that God was, is and will always be, gives me security because I know He will keep His word and promises to me. In reading the bible I have seen how His promises have come true to all. Also, He is capable of all and from Him all has come. I know of nothing else in my life that equals that. Therefore, what else can I have true security in, what else can I place my heart in, what else gives as He does. How does it alter the way you live your life? Now I have an unfailing, never ending light to guide me. Before, I stumbled in the darkness, under my own power searching for answers but never finding any of value. All the answers I received were of little value. Granted, I learned many truths in this life, I was well educated, yet none of that gave me joy inside. None of that learning gave me a promise of a life fulfilled, a life with a future beyond this existence. None of that learning gave me a sense that what I had accomplished was truly valuable above this life as it is known to me and all others. Look at Solomon, he was a very successful man, well educated, wealthy, learned and full of accomplishments, yet in the latter part of his life he chose to walk differently. In so doing, his son Rehoboam, followed his example, rather than his cousels and became a foolish and evil ruler. I ask you, what value did Solomon's achievements and learning have if his own son could not grasp and learn from them? In looking at God

Q3. (19:26) After nearly being delivered, why did Lot's wife stop and gaze rather than escaping? What was in her heart? Have you ever struggled with this in your heart? What lesson does Jesus draw from Lot's wife in Luke 17:31-33? Why did Lot's wife stop and gaze rather than escaping? I think Lot's wife sought to look at "what was" one last time. She was leaving all she knew, all she had and all she was accustomed to. That is change my friends. As a retired military man I know of this feeling. When you are uprooted and you must go at times your soul asks why? You stop and consider what you have and are being told to leave. It is not easy but there is no room for disobedience. Disobedience presents a resistance to the command. In Lot's wife case, this presented a large problem. Consider the following: Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. Lot's wife was instantaneously struck dead and petrified, and remained as a visible monument of divine displeasure. Consider the following: Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Luke 17:32 Remember Lot's wife. Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. These verses say a lot. Lot's wife disobeyed and looked on what she had verses what she was given. We cannot do this and find favor. What was in her heart? I think nothing more than love for what was. I think a strong sense of the loss of something valued. I cannot say how her thoughts affected her emotionally; what I do know is the actions that they brought out were not favorable and she was punished. Have you ever struggled with this in your heart? Yes, many times before. My punishment was not as severe as Lot's wife received, yet it certainly brought about change in me. I now look to God for all and seek to obey Him daily. I accomplish that minute by minute, it is difficult but possible through Him. What lesson does Jesus draw from Lot's wife in Luke 17:31-33? I think verse 33 sums it up precisely. Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I said earlier that Lot's wife looked at

Q3. (18:19) In your own words, describe what a lifestyle of "keeping the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just" looks like in the twenty-first century. Keeping the way of the Lord and doing what is right is a sign of a transformed mind and heart. You are free to choose how you react to all situations in this world. Therefore, when you are presented with something that goes against God's word you must make a decision. That decision may cause you to be fired, lose a relationship, or lose business opportunities, etc. The main factor is do you choose to lose your relationship with God. At times people put more emphasis on what they will lose, or how they will look, or how they will be interpreted by others instead of facing what God will think. God knows us, He protects us, but we are also challenged. When we are, it is time to specify who we stand for, with and through. If we do not, can we say we are Christians? Can we claim allegiance to Christ. Take a look at Billy Graham, he presents a lifestyle that shows what keeping the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just in the twenty-first century looks like. At one time many like him claimed much, but over time they fell. Billy Graham still stands. I believe he is close to God and that is why he still stands. In what ways is this difficult? In what ways is this easy? What are the special challenges? I believe the greatest difficulties are presented to us via our faith. When we are presented with difficulties they tend to shake our faith and hope in God to care for us. When my wife contracted cancer my first thought was why, my second thought was, how could God allow this, she is a good woman with a great heart for Him. I was mad, at God. When my daughter came down with cancer six months after my wife's ordeal was over I really got mad. I shook my fist at God. Neither of those two responses show a man who was living in a way that kept God first in his heart. Yet, that was the reality of my heart then. In the last year and a half I have lost much. I have lost jobs, titles, savings and even for a short period, personal worth. Yet God never abandoned me, He never stopped loving me and He never stopped caring for me. He even made sure we had what we needed. Today, I can say that my relationship with God is closer than it has ever been before. I can say that I feel secure; I can say that He is my rock which allows me to stand in the midst of all. I look to Him for everything and He continues to speak to me daily. Even right now as He guides me in this communication. Yes, I believe God influences me in all I do now because I am closer to Him and He is first in my life. So, I guess when people look at me they do not see anything special on the outside beyond a smile a firm handshake. But, when they start to speak to me they come to realize that there is something different about me. Even when we eat lunch together and I thank God for His provision and ask Him to bless the food, they know something is different. It is really unique, it is a time when I can share a little seed and like a farmer watch the seed grow in God's garden.

Q4. On what ground does Abraham so boldly address God? Do you think God desires us to do the same? Why or why not? Why do you think Abraham's intercession pleased God? What will it take for us to please him in our prayers? God had a relationship established with Abraham based on Abraham's faith and obedience to God. A covenant of peace was in place. God chose to appear to Abraham and visited with him. During this visit Sarah is both blessed by finding out she will bear a child and then dealt with for her lying and doubt. Additionally, God chooses to reveal to Abraham his plan for Sodom. Remember, Gen 18:18 says, "Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" That verse shows me two important things. The first is that God considers all He does and never does anything that may contradict what He has done or agreed to in the past. Second, He considers those He loves and has covenants within all His actions. Think about that, if you are in God's favor you are in the forefront of His mind in all. His love for you gives Him great concern and He considers you in all His actions. Awesome! Abraham, felt this relationship and He interceded for Sodom. He spoke to the Lord boldly but with reverence. He asked the Lord for consideration and the Lord gave Abraham His request. That tells me the level of love God has for His people. Think about that for a minute. What level of love is that? Is it similar to a parent-child love, a marital love or something much higher, not understood by us in our minds? Remember, we are speaking of an all sovereign God, and a chosen people saved through His grace. That love is not easily understood. For this reason I think that God does expect us to speak to Him in this manner. Boldly, in confidence, as a child asks their parent.

Q2. (18:16-19) How can fathers and husbands strike the right balance -- of being godly, caring leaders without being dictators? How can mothers and wives strike the right balance -- of being submissive and at the same time being open about their needs and desires? (I know of no Christian cookie-cutter answer to this. It must be conscientiously worked out within the crucible of marriage.) I agree with Peggy Sue's comment. Love must be at the root of all we do, all we act on. All that Christ did He did out of love and obedience to the Father. Within the garden He asked if there was any way that this cup could pass, yet he also said, "not my will...but yours." That is an example of the love He had for the Father and the Father

Q1. (18:14) How can we tell if we really believe in God's present willingness to do miracles in our day? Is there any indication in Scripture that God will stop doing miracles? Is there any indication that God continues to do miracles? How can we regain an active faith in the God of miracles? To question God's present willingness to do miracles really asks if we believe that He still cares about us. I do not beleive that God has stopped caring about us because He has taken no final action against us. Look within the bible and you will find many examples of how and what God did when He stopped caring about someone due to their wickedness/unbeleif/obedience...His actions were final. When you look at the Holy Trinity you see God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. People pray to God, and they ask in for things in Christ's name. Many prayers have been answered. In my life both my wife and daughter had cancer. Both have been completely healed and there s no present evidence that cancer was ever in their bodies. My daughter was told that she might not have children after her bought with cancer and chemo-therapy. Guess what, she met the love of her life, got married, and made me a grandfather. My grandchild soon celebrates his second birthday next month. My wifes bought with cancer concerned a tumor that had wrapped itself around one of her tubes. It was choking the tube and caused a pain in her side. When they opened her up and removed the tumor there was no further sign of cancer within her body. Just that one tumor, the size of a softball. My daughter's tumor attached itself to her lymph gland. They removed it and ported her for chemo-therapy for six months. Not only did she lose her hair, she lost her short term memory too. She never stopped going to school though. They told her to sit out a year, she said no. Her grade point average fell a little but she graduated and went on to High School. I have told many people that I beleive in miracles because I live with the evidence of them in my life. God continues to bless His people and He continues to love us and provide for us daily. I do not know of any scripture that states God will stop doing miracles. I know there is scripture that states what happens to those who do not believe or fail to do what He asks repeatedly. Your last question asks: How can we regain an active faith in the God of miracles? I believe each person must first acknowledge and believe in God. They must then confess their sins and seek God's forgiveness with a sincere heart. Once that is done I believe that they must seek God daily in their personal lives. Study God's word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them, in everything. These actions will produce an active faith in the God of miracles. That position is one I maintain, it is not easy but I ask the Lord's help daily. In that way, He stays in the forefront of my mind. He remains active and influences me in all.

Q4. In your own words, how would you explain why circumcision is now obsolete for Christians and that baptism is now sign of the covenant? Baptism signifies a death of the old body and the birth of the new in Christ. As he died, was buried and rose, so do we in and through Baptism. Before Christ, people had a circumcision that signified an identity with God as his chosen people. Therefore, Baptism links us to Christ and is a sign of our new life in Him. It also signifies a work of the spirit. Colossian 2:11 states: Col 2:11: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Here is where the Spirit removes those sins that keep us apart from Christ and are against His word. Here is where self-denial comes into play. We become less and He becomes more. As we walk in our new life God's word illuminates our hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit guides us and we draw closer to Christ and reflect more of Him instead of ourselves. When we walk, others see Christ in us and our drawn to that reflection. He is the center; He receives the glory for His work in us as we share what sustains us with those attracted to us by His reflection in our lives. It is a beautiful experience. Baptism is a new beginning, a sign of obedience and a death of what is old and a birth of what is new in and through Christ. I must admit, when I was first baptized, I had no idea of its full significance and what it truly signifies. But God's word and study helped me there. My daily walk also provides the full understanding of its purpose through experiences.

Q3. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Why is this a necessity for all true believers, both Jew and Christian? How can we keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion? Have you ever struggled with this? Colossians 2:11 discusses this point well. It says: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ I can share with you that this circumcision takes time and it is a work that is accomplished in you by God. I say this because I know that God has spoken to me through the Holy Spirit, His word, prayer, circumstances, and the church. From each one of these points God has removed worry, doubt, fear, lack of trust, and many other impurities in my heart. He has taken all of them away and asked me to follow Him. Therein lied the biggest problem, it was a crisis of unbelief at first. It was really my own lack of commitment that gave it birth. Many have labeled that condition, some call it a lie, others call it a Sunday Christian, some called it a non-Christian. I was one of many who wanted God...my way. You know, I will do this but not that. I will believe this but not that. God is this but not that. I am sure you understand. When God circumcised my heart He took all those things out. He reduced me to what He wanted, not what I wanted. He gave me what I needed while He was working on me too. I never lacked for anything, yet He took all that was not from Him away. I lost my job, went through my savings, became dependent on my wife's salary and just felt useless. Yet, He always provided for us and He has now restored me. I continue to thrive and much like a new growth continue to grow. I look for Him in all I do and I can point to Him for all I have. You see, not only did I lose material things for a period; I almost lost my wife and daughter to cancer. But you know what, He healed them and they are both cancer free going on 5 years. My daughter even got married and had a baby; something the doctors told her might not be possible because of the chemo-therapy. So you ask what it means to have your heart circumcised. Well, I believe it is the total removal of all that keeps you from being dependent on Him. It is the removal of all things that prevent you from looking to Him for all. It is a shedding of all man derived things. It is a cleansing of all things in your life. It is a rebirth of all things and there intended purpose. It is a beginning with God at the Helm, guiding you. It is a total obedience to Him and what His word reveals. That is what it means to me. My prayer for all people is that they find out what God means to them. I pray that they experience His power and love and move closer to Him. Keep looking up.

Hello, I am living in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am looking forward to learning from this study and participating with all of you. Together we will learn from the study and each others comments.

Q5. What has this study on 2 Peter and Jude meant to you? How has it enriched your life? How could it be improved? I can never stop appreciating how God's word continues to inspire me. This study of 2 Peter and Jude remind me to continue in my Christian growth, aided through the study of God's word, Christ's example and the Holy Spirit

Hello everyone, I am Jose and I live in Louisiana. I am looking forward to this bible study and I know we will be blessed from it. Praise God.