Sue D

Question 5 -- If you were convinced that Jesus Christ would return in your lifetime, how would it affect your life? Would you do anything differently? Through the ages, people have thought Christ might return in their lifetime. World conditions have been Really Bad at times and Christians have thought 'it Must be close now' and Scripture says that only the Father knows exactly When He will return for the Church. But it really seems that we are in the End Times at This time. As the world and United States situations get worse, we need to be careful to not be Mad about the craziness we see. We need to be positive witnesses to others because we know Christ's return will be sooner rather than later. We need to be in the Word so we can give other's a reason for our positive attitude -- and we Should have a positive attitude. The present Health Care Reform is sparking Lots of outbursts and negativity. And we should be concerned and speak out as needed but in a Godly way. Since I'm 60 Now -- what am I doing day by day -- reading both Old and New Testaments again -- sharing this with others. Being a positive person can be challenging but it's important.

Question 1 -- What is the significance of 'God Himself will be with them and be their God' ? We are talking about the New Jerusalem here, the New Heaven with God living with us. The old has been done away with. It will be like the original Garden of Eden before sin came. The way it was intended to be. This can only happen with born again believers. What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus. That is why we will be in the New Jerusalem with God. Verse 4 - Why can this be only in Heaven? Because the former things have been done away with. No negatives in Heaven. Satans' influence had been on earth which brought on the suffering, pain, etc.

Rev 20:12-15 -- Question 4 -- What assurance do you have that your name is written in the Book of Life? I grew up in a very good Bible teaching church. So I knew - in my head at least - the Gospel. Our church had camps during the summer -- during the 1st year of camp -- Jr. girls camp -- our counselor had all of us share when and where we had gotten saved. One girl was admitted she wasn't and accepted Christ as her Savior that evening. There wasn't time for all of us, I knew I hadn't yet, but I was waiting to hear what a couple of other girls were going to say -- didn't think they were saved either. But when we got back home, our counselor asked if we'd been baptized -- so a bunch of us went forward to be baptized. The next summer I ended up staying home for my sisters wedding. Our pastor suggested that if anyone wasn't really sure of their salvation, to talk to God right where you were and make sure. So I did -- I knew I was a sinner and believed that Christ had died and rose again for my sins -- nothing I could do would get me to Heaven. I believed that Christ's death and resurrection was a gift of salvation that I needed to accept. I thanked Him for His gift of salvation. Immediately I had deep inner peace -- I also went forward to be rebaptized as some of the other young people did. Because salvation is to come 1st and then baptism. Scripture also says that the Holy Spirit seals our salvation until we get to Heaven. We can't loose it here on earth. There is a lot of 'easy believism' around these days. When a person's actions don't reflect the salvation that is claimed, maybe a person should be gently and lovingly asked about it. We need to be and show concern for others.

Why is this awesome scene of judgment so frightening? Why do people seem to resist the idea of a final judgment? Because even though Bible tells us that God sees our heart and knows our 'being', we Still think there is a 'part' of us that is secret -- the thought that Everyone is going to see the 'inside' of us can be frightening. We want to think that Somehow it won't Really happen. We resist the idea of a final judgment because our society doesn't hold anyone personally accountable for their actions. We blame someone else for our actions. Nothing is Really final -- there is Always tomorrow to fix a problem. Someday -- and probably sooner than later -- we won't be able to escape the reality of what God is telling us in His Word.

Question #4 -- We are instructed to be 'in the world' but not 'of the world'. Where is the balance? Are we to distance ourselves from society or be the 'salt and light'? God has a plan for our lives -- at time of our salvation we are given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit -- so obviously we are to be used in the local church. And we have been given the Great Commission -- to spread the Gospel to every nation starting locally and going forth as we are led. Bible gives us plenty of guidelines for Christian living. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and our neighbor as ourselves. As we try to live the Christian life, some people will distance themselves from Us simply because they don't like the Biblical ways of living. We are also known by the people we choose to associate with -- our reputation is very important if the unsaved are going to be willing to listen to us. Our day-by-day choices are very important. Be in God's Word and ask for guidance. Sue

Why is everlasting punishment so difficult for us Christians to accept? In what ways might eternal punishment be considered just punishment? Because sometimes we think in terms of so many 'good' people dying without Christ. They shouldn't have to suffer like the really horrible people. The fact is though that hell was originally only for Satan and his followers because of their rebellion against God. Bible also tells us that "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." At the moment of physical death, there are only two places to spend eternity -- either in Heaven with God or hell without God. Bible describes hell as a place where a person does Not want to spend Any time. Unfortunately there are Many folk who choose Not to believe Bible -- that life ends at death -- no eternal Anything. Christians have a hard time grasping that a loving, gracious heavenly Father would send anyone to everlasting punishment. The fact is that Christ doesn't send anyone there. A persons' non-acceptance of God's gift of salvation Does. In our society there are are degrees of sinfulness. The horrific crimes would deserve horrible punishment such as eternity in hell. But God sees disobedience as sin -- stealing a paperclip is just as much sin as a horrendous serial murder. And there are those who believe in degrees of punishment in hell. Sue D

Q.4 -- From this passage what do we learn about the kind of people who make up the 'great multitude' before the throne? vs. 14 states that 'these are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.' So -- obviously it will be possible to be 'saved' during that time. 11Thessalonians 2:11 -- And for this reason God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. This chapter talks about 'that day' coming. Those who are left here and see the wrath of God will be able to accept Christ as Savior -- but they will believe the lie first and then some will accept Christ. They are wanting to serve God day and night in His temple-- and He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. Because God's grace is amazing !!! Sue D.

Sue D. Q.2 What do we learn about the Church from what is revealed in the Fifth Seal ? This is talking about those who had been slain for the Word of God and for their testimony which they held. In other words, those martyred. People have been willing to give their lives rather than forsake Christ all over the world. Once Christ comes back for the Church/ bride of Christ -- there will be those who accept Christ during the Tribulation period. Accepting Christ during That time will bring intense persecution and probable death. The martyred saints would like to be with the rest of the saints, but are told to wait until All the martyred saints can be together.

Sue D Q 1 Who initiates this great storm of destruction represented by the Seven Seals? Against whom is it directed ? Is it just? Vs.1 says Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals because He'd been found to be the only one worthy to open the seals -- which were spoken of in chapter 5 "who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals"? An angel was asking all of this -- John was weeping because no one could be found worthy -- then an elder came to console him. It is directed to those who have rejected Christ as Savior. God has promised judgement to the sin in the world. People are the sinners / rejectors. God is gracious and merciful but He has told us that That will come to an end. Eventually there will be a new Jerusalem, but much has yet to happen.

Sue D. Q 3 -- Because Christ was slain -- we are redeemed by His blood to God -- He has made us kings and priests to God. We will reign with Him on the earth. He is worthy because He is Son of God who's death and resurrection broke power of Satan -- we can have eternal life in Heaven rather than with Satan and his followers in eternal hell. I also appreciate the input from Delivered who gets these questions and answers them about three weeks before I do.

Sue D You did a very good job summarizing the two chapters.

Sue D. Why are so many churches a 'hotbed of apathy'? Possibly because lots of churches don't teach Bible any more? The Holy Spirit convicts through His Word. Also we have it pretty easy in the United States -- no intimidation about our going to church or Bible studies as other countries do. Most every one has at least one Bible in the house -- life is easy. How to combat apathy in churches and ourselves? By getting back into Bible on our own and not just in church -- Be more willing to speak up for Biblical principles -- don't just wait for 'someone else' to be vocal. Realize that people are really going to eternal hell if they don't accept Christ as personal Savior. That there really Is going to be a judgement day.

Sue D. Q.2 -- Because 'the world' is observing the Christian person's life -- are we all that different from the rest of the world in our morals? Christians claim to believe the Bible -- are we Really willing to follow Biblical standards and be seen as 'different'? If we are the only Bible people are reading, what are they learning? These days the homosexual lifestyle is a Big thing -- are we willing to take the Biblical stand against it? Do we take a stand for Biblical morality without being nasty/ hateful sounding to those who don't? The Way we respond back to other 'perspective' can determine how willing the other person is to listening in the first place. There is a Lot of pressure 'out there' to hold back and be quiet about our moral convictions -- sometimes there is such a gradual shift in T.V. programs and attitude that we don't even think about 'doing anything about it'. Or we are waiting for Someone Else to say something first. Maybe our job security starts to depend on our ability to 'keep silent'. Maybe extended family members take a stand in the 'wrong' direction and we feel lots of family pressure to keep the peace and say nothing. But we need to take a Loving attitude and 'stand' on Biblical information. God made Adam and Eve and created their bodies in a certain way to have children and produce the next generation. And that God doesn't want those of the same sex to act like married couples -- it simply isn't natural. We get so accustomed to 'cute' sinfulness that we sometimes overlook it even as it 'grows' and after a while ' all of a sudden' we have full-blown Sin and wonder "How did That come to be".

Sue D What is the significance of the axalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach about Jesus? That Christ is the head of the church -- where two or three are gathered together in His name -- He is there amongst us. He will never leave us or forsake us -- Christ is the mediator between God and man. He wants believers to be growing /maturing so that the 'church' will thereby be a growing/maturing body reaching out to the surrounding community.

Sue D --You ask "What do you (reader) think?" -- So I am responding -- Because Jesus is the Son of God / part of the trinity/ He is the only entity that could die and be resurrected back to life. In the Gospels, after Christ's resurrection, some of the people thought he was a ghost or 'something' -- He told them to touch him -- to feel the wounds in His hands and feet and he ate food. He walked amongst the people for a while before His assension back to Heaven. Christ's death was physical so we could have spiritual life through Him. A person is born spiritually dead and without the Holy Spirit bringing spiritual life / salvation / that person will continue to be spiritually dead and will spend eternity in hell which is intended only for Satan and his followers. But a person who becomes a 'believer' will 'die' / the body will cease to be alive / and that soul will go to Heaven. A person's 'soul' part of us, never dies. The physical body will probably die/ one man was 'taken' into Heaven without dying / Elijah. Christ brought Lazarus back from death after four days, but he later died a regular death again. The only other time a person won't die is when the rapture takes place. Christ will return for His church / believers. The body will be changed from corruptable to incorruptable, but it won't die as we think of death. So -- thanks for listening to my reply.

jamdixon -- Hi from another Dixon. I'm Sue from Texas.

Hi Darleen -- Your last name - Nelson - interests me. I'm a combination of Nelson/ Eisenhauer. The Nelson's I came from were in northern Wisconsin - I also know some from Minn. There are also some from the East Coast. Just wondering where your Nelson part of the family came from. Sue D.

The vision of Christ among the Lampstands is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked on earth -- Why? What emotions would it evoke in the reader. Christ's description included "out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword" -- to me it is a reminder that Christ is the head of the Church -- not people -- God has given us guidelines for those who would serve Him behind the pulpit -- but it is not a pastor's church it is Christ's church. The reference to the sharp two-edged sword would be how piercing God's Word is. It is meant to pierce the heart and soul. And Jesus Christ being the light of the world. Someday we will all see Christ in all His Awesomeness and Power. Just as we will all bow before God and acknowledge Him as Sovereign God eventually. A balanced faith is very important. So many people want to see Him only as the Teacher - Carpenter's son who is a loving Savior. They don't want to see Him as a righteous judge. There is a lot of 'easy-believism' these days. Christ is a loving Savior -- gracious -- patient to all, but He is definitely not a grandfather-type with specticals and a cane. He is almighty God with power and great glory. There will be consequences for those who don't accept Him as Savior -- it will be eternal hell. So -- let's share our faith with others. For God so loved the world (us) that He gave His only Son (Christ) to die in our place for our sin. We accept His gift of salvation -- live for Him --follow His guidelines for living -- and be a light that shines for Him. Sue D.

Hi -- I'm Sue -- this is the second on-line study I've been in. Just finished the Philipians study. I'm from south-central Texas -- a town named Granger. Have been a house-wife and mother for a few years. My 'children' are in their mid-twenties and early thirties and have seven grandchildren between them all. During the school year I've been in a Precepts class which has been going through Revelation. It is indeed an interesting book -- a reader is promised a blessing for reading it. I'm looking forward to learning more this summer and interacting with ya'll. While reading the other introductions I saw a 'Susan' listed -- so "Hi Susan"

Sue D. How does making our requests known to God help build a relationship and trust? Any relationship with another person is built with sharing back and forth. Even as a believer I find it easier to talk with a 'visible' person -- even though people have let me down a few times. And people are hesitant to open up very much with other people -- vulnerability. Since we trusted Christ for our salvation why can't we trust Him to take care of our daily needs? Sometimes we get ourselves into messes because we suspect He isn't going to be anymore reliable than our human friends so why bother to ask God for help. We decide to muddle through the situation and Maybe ask God for help when nothing has worked. Maybe because we can't See God we give Him credit for being Partly here, but not completely. So how do we come to trust God ? Maybe simply Ask Him for help -- He already knows us -- He wants us to take time to talk to Him every day and read His Word so we can get to know Him better. So -- by sharing with God -- we are making an effort in His direction -- effort on our part brings results from Him. What is God's part in the promise of peace? He promises us His peace when we draw close to Him. Sometimes when we attempt to 'draw near' to a person, they don't respond with warmth. God says that He will be there for us / with us.

Sue D Why is recognizing and affirming your citizenship and allegience vital to discipleship? How does it keep us from the temptations outlined in Vs. 18 & 19? When we say the Pledge of Allegence in church on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Veteran's Day, we are remembering those who have given their lives in service to their country. We salute the American flag in respect for our country. We are expected to obey the laws of the land or face consequences of disobedience. What are the dangers of a church combining and confusing the concepts of temporal patriotism with a Christian's true citizenship? Actually -- I started answering this last question along with the first question. Probably because the Christian has dual citizenship. While we are anticipating our home in Heaven, we are very much here on earth until then. In church -- at least the Baptist churches I've been in, we have both Christian flag and American flags. We pledge allegience to both flag's on patriotic holidays. And it seems like we do the same for opening day of VBS or for the closing program. Bible tells us we are to obey the laws of the land as long as they do not contradict Scripture. We are to be respectful to our elected leaders whether we agree with them or not. We are to vote our conscience. We are told to respect the office even if we don't like who got elected into that office. We are to obey Scripture whether we agree or not. I've heard of people who are so Heavenly minded they are no earthly good. There needs to be a balance. We are here on earth to spread Gospel to the unsaved. So while we are at our jobs we are to act like Christ is right there next to us -- so that the unsaved can see Christ through us. Many times we will be made fun of or ridiculed for our- non usage of bad language or our not listening to the 'stories' or being the only one who is not smoking a cigarette during break times. And we are also supposed to give our full attention to our jobs. Our neighbors need to see us going to church and not arguing, swearing -- or acting in an unGodly way in between those religious activities. Some folk see church people as being hyprocrites because Other than being in church, we don't act any differently than They do. The danger that some pastors find themselves in is using the pulpit to influence their congregations on who to vote for. A pastor can encourage his congregation To vote and then to vote according to our own conscience.

What does it mean to 'know' Christ? Does this mean to have faith? Or to have a personal relationship? To 'know' Christ would mean having a personal relationship -- the placing our 'faith' in Christ that His death, burial and resurrection actually happened -- the Bible tells me so -- that Nothing I can do personally is able to get me to Heaven because I was born a sinner -- God can't allow our unrighteousness to be in Heaven. So He sent His son, Jesus Christ , to die in my place -- the gift of salvation. The gift that rescues us from eternity in hell. We acknowledge our need -- repent -- turn to God through Jesus Christ -- accept His gift of eternal life. And that His death, burial and resurrection are sufficient -- nothing more is needed for eternal life -- We receive the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation -- that is what seals our souls until we reach Heaven. Means that Satan can't steal us back -- can't loose salvation. It also changes us inwardly -- we will have desire to learn more / please God. We will continue to 'grow' spiritually as we read His Word and pray. Is it possible to have a personal relationship with Christ without faith? I don't think so -- faith is the ability to trust what we can't see. It's like the faith we place in the person who made the chair we sit in -- unless we watch it being put together -- we practice 'faith' by simply sitting in the chair with confidence -- we assume the maker of it used the right nails or whatever so that it will be stable to sit on and not fall apart under our weight. We need to have faith in God's Word -- that Christ is God's Son in the first place. Is it possible to have faith without a personal relationship? Yes -- lots of people have a 'head' knowledge of who God is -- who Christ is -- believe what the Bible says -- but simply haven't accepted Christ as their own Personal savior. They put their 'faith' in church membership or their parent's Godly relationship or baptism or whatever. Where are you on your quest to know Christ? Read my Bible on my own in addition to learning with others at Bible study groups -- am being more involved in the church I go to. Sue D.

Sue D -- What potential leader in your church needs someone to come alongside them? One of the responses I've read -- everyone in a church is a potential leader -- Yes -- totally agree. However I'm also concerned that there are churches that seem to ignore the Biblical qualifications for pastors / deacons. Being the husband of one wife is one of the first listed. That would signify a Man in the role of pastor / deacons. Many churches have women pastors -- why is this? Why are women who are obviously good speakers, not being encouraged to be women's Bible study teachers. Beth Moore is a great example of a gifted Bible teacher with Only women. Bible says that women are not to be put in a position to usurp authority over a man/men. We are in a 'cultural' time when women are told 'go for it' -- women today are encouraged to get into the same occupations that men are in. There are Very talented women in high places in the business world -- in All occupations. But when it comes to church positions, the Bible gives us clear directions -- so as we have opportunity to mentor a young person -- let's make sure we give Biblical mentoring.