C Riv
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Posts posted by C Riv
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Q4. Read Matthew 8:5-13; 21:33-44; 22:2-13; 24:14; and 28:19. What do they have in common? What relation does the visit of the wise men have to Matthew's theme of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles? How should we be applying this mandate in our own lives?
They all have recieved the Word of God, and all that He promised, but they refused to listen and receive from Him. The word of Christ would be told thru out all the world and open to all, that salvation was, is for all nations. Although the Magi were not Jews they still believed in God and what He had promised thru out the Old Testament, they saw Christ as their Saviour also. In what ever we can do, whether it is actually going and being a missionary, or giving to the missionary cause, giving Gods Word to those who do not have it, what ever we can do in Christ, we are here to do His work, He left us as ambassadors for Him.Thanks be to God.
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Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?
That is what people did back then for their Kings,so it would only be correct to give gifts to Jesus, their new King. When you give with your heart you give the best you have, whether it is time, or what ever is valuable at that time.It is your heart that God desires so let us give that to Him.
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Q2. (Matthew 2:11a) What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus? What was the significance of this for them? How can we emulate this kind of worship?
I see that they were open to God, they believed in His Words and when they came upon The Child they did not hesitate to bow down and worship Him. I believe that this was important to them for they got to see all the prophesies come to be.All they had read and saw in the stars, God had made it known to them. Not all saw this star or knew of its significance.Not only bow down to Him, but give to Him our time, meditate on Him and allow Him to be part of our day, all day. To be still and allow the H.S. come upon us allowing Him to guide us.Our lives are about Him not ourselves.
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Q1. (Matthew 2:1-2; Numbers 24:17) What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw? Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? In what way was does prophecy prefigure this event?
The Magi saw the same star that Balaam saw, who was a pagan prophet. Balaam saw the brillance and beauty of the Star and told of the Hebrew Messiah who was to come because God gave him this vision.The Magi saw this same Star.Somehow he knew as did the Magi that this Star represented the Christ.Being astrologers they noticed this Star and knew it had importance. They were probably believers of God and knew the scriptures, knowing what Balaam had prophesied about.Knowing this they were excited to go and see for themselves this marvel, this miricalalous happening.Balaam was given a vision from God of The Almighty who was to come, who would rule, who would come out of the line of Jacob,and be a scepter and be victorious over all His foes.
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Q4. (3 John 9-10) What character flaws does Diotrephes exhibit? Can a person be a strong pastoral leader without developing these traits? If you have tendencies in yourself towards pride and a controlling spirit, how can you fight against them?
He wants to be first.He wants to be recognised with importance. He has a loose tongue that is not under control. In these he is showing he has no love, instead he is show casing his apostolic authority.Yes a person can be a strong pastoral leader without developing those traits. We have to cotinually submit to God, repent, and stay in Christ as He will stay in us. In this He will guide and teach us. We cannot do this alone. God needs to be with us all our day, not just a part of it. In all we do, lets`take it to the Lord.In doing this we will not have pride or a controlling spirit. Let the H.S. lead us and let us listen to Him.
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Q3. (3 John 5-8) What are the reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry? What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers? How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them?
They did their work faithfully not only for their brethren but for strangers also. They went forward not accepting or taking anything from those who did not believe in Christ. Not only did the receivers of their time need to support the Christian workers,but we also need to support them.My reward is being able to do Gods work, the joy, excitement it brings just to share His Word.To know that Christ is there with me is a reward just for being a co worker.In other words CHRIST is the reward! Without support Christian workers have a hard time being effective.Christ is the head of the church and we are the church, so the more we support each other the more we can grow, in Christ and outward as Christ showed us on the cross with His arms stretched out. Thank you Jesus.
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Q2. (2 John 10-11) Why does the Apostle John tell his readers to refuse hospitality to the false teachers? What would refusing hospitality mean for a congregation (as opposed to an individual)? What is the border between tolerance and stupidity, when it comes to false teachers? Do the divisions of denominationalism find justification in this verse? Why or why not?
If we greet them and show them hospitality then we are sharing in their evil deeds.An individual refusing to show those teachers hospitality is standing alone as a congregation are many taking that stand showing what the community is standing for. I myself do not see any border. If I was to show tolerance to false teachers that means that I have given into them, allowing them a foothold and that would show my stupidity as I knew better then to give them a foothold.
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Q1. (2 John 9) What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's teachings to "deeper truths"? What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's guidance for our lives? What does it mean to "abide" or "continue" in Christ and his teachings? Why is this so important?
To run ahead of Christ in teachings and guidance is taking upon ourself that we think we know what we are talking about and that we know our way. We then have opened ourselves up for a quick fall and could easily be guided else where in our thoughts actions and works. It is important to continue in Christ so that we do not become full of ourselves and relient to our self and not to Christ. We must wait upon the Lord and show patience, rely on Him and not ourselves and He will guide and teach us.
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Q4. (Luke 2:11) What are the three titles of Jesus given by the angels? What does each mean? What does this tell us about Jesus' true identity?
The three titles are: Saviour, Christ and Lord. Saviour means He can save our lives, eternal lives that is why He came, to reach us for He loves us all. Christ means Anointed referring to Jesus` royal messianic position. Lord is ruler in this case He rules at the Fathers right side. Jesus is deity, God eternal.
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Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making?
I think the message came to the sheperds for they were God fearing and were looking after Gods creatures.They were not caught up in all the worldly happenings and pleasures.Jesus was born in a manger for there were no rooms at the inn. God sent His only Son to us in human form, He already was lowering Himself to our sense of being, He was coming to us, He humbled Himself and that is what Jesus did thru out His life. He was not only teaching us to be humble but He showed us how.Why would you not want to follow Him, He asks you to do nothing that He has not done.
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The times were very different back then. The travel alone, on foot or donkey no protection of the weather and sleeping provisions, probably on the ground, let us not forget about the snakes and scorpions and deadly spiders that they would be open to compared to us today with cars trains planes. It was 90 miles, they say at least a 3 day trip. A pregnant lady traveling 30 miles a day, WOW!I have not even mentioned the problems that might a rise for a lady, a pregnant lady at that. If you are a Christian you can have pleasure, for it is real pleasure, and it comes from God.The pleasure a non Christian has comes from the world and does not last, and they are never satified. Examples in my life is my family and Christ working in them, because I share with God, meaning I take all to Him.He gives His time,allows me pleasures,such as trips games get togethers happenings like that. If being a consistent Christian was easy I would think there would be many more. To follow Christ is not always easy but it is rewarding. I think that when you get on board with Christ the hardships go away, it is when you battle Him that you have hardships. For people to recognize that you truly walk with Christ is rewarding, you are not aiming for that it just happens over time. God picks you up and delivers you thru those hardships.Q2. Why do you think the journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary? Is pleasure an indication that we are in God's will or not? Any examples from your life? Extra Credit: Argue for or against this proposition: "Being a consistent Christian causes more hardships than just going with the flow."
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Q1. (Luke 2:1-2) Why does Luke name the rulers in 2:1-2? What point is he making?
Naming the rulers and stating the decree that the world that was known then should be registered would be prove for us in years to come that Jesus was born, and He was registered under the lineage of David.
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Q4. (1 John 5:21) Why does John exhort his "children" to "keep yourselves from idols"? What idols distract us from the true God? What idols compete with God for attention in your life?
You can only have one God, and He is a jealous God. He tells us over and over again that we can not worship Him and something else. Anything that we put ahead of God, value as more important and it all comes from the world, are idols. There was a time when there were many things that I gave more time to then God,not that I did not know Him but I certainly did not walk with Him like I do now .Bless God for He never gave up on me and He slowly changed me and now because of Him He is my life. I am in a position now to give to Him equal or more time then I would something else. This is good. Thank you Jesus.
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Q3. (1 John 5:14-15) What are the two conditions to answered prayer in 1 John? (See also 3:22) How do we determine God's will so that we can pray boldly, confidently? How often will our prayers be answered when our main motive is to achieve our will?
The two conditions are that we keep His commandments and do His will. When I pray I pray from my heart and what comes from my heart is what the Lord would want me to pray about,or for whom ever. The Holy Spirit will reveal to me wheather it is of Gods will or my own selve wants. Without including God in my motives they do not come about, and if they do it is with a price, usually hardship,annoyance difficulty. So take it all to the Lord and ask Him to show you and He will.
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Q2. (1 John 5:11-12) What is the difference between saying "this life is in the Christian Church" and "this life is in his Son"? What should we be doing differently so that we teach a faith relationship rather than a religion? What is the difference between "faith" and "faith in Jesus"?
Well "this life is in His Son" is speaking of eternal life, and saying "this life is in the Christian church" sounds like we are saying we the Christian church can give eternal life. We should be teaching that it is a faith relationship with Christ, not coming to a church do to all our rituals that seem all holy. Yes church is important for our growth as followers of Christ in fellowship and worship.Many people say they have faith in something or some body,that is usually something they have seen or someone they know in person. Faith in Jesus is believing in someone who you have never seen, who has deity, who is all power. Faith in Jesus is a way of life, your walk on this earth, in this world.Thanks be to our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Q1. (1 John 5:4-5) How does a defeatist mentality differ from a belief that in Christ we have overcome the world? What part does faith have in this overcoming? What part does unbelief have in a defeatist mentality?
It shows that when you depend upon yourself that your mental capacity is limited. You can not accept things you can not see or control. A believer in Christ who submits to Him is given the strength they need to have the faith. Faith is a big part in this overcoming. Faith shows our submission and obedience to God. This shows that we are from God, and who ever is from God overcomes the world. Without God you cannot overcome the world. When one does not belief in something thier mental capacity is limited, making for a quick defeat, or one gives up too easily for they can`t comprehend beyond thier mental capacity.
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Q5. (1:24-25) What does Joseph accepting Mary as his wife say about his character? What is the significance for prophetic fulfillment of Jesus as a Son of David that Joseph "named" the child "Jesus"?
It says that he was trusting and obedient to God also loving and caring for Mary.With Joseph accepting Mary as his wife Joseph accepted the Child within, thus fulfilling prophesies that the Saviour would be from the line of David.Joseph and Mary both were told seperately that the Childs name was to be Jesus meaning THE LORD SHALL SAVE. also known as IMMANUEL meaning GOD WITH US.
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Q4. (Matthew 1:23) How did the prophetic concept of the virgin conception and the name "Immanuel" find their fullness in the birth of Jesus to Mary?
Isaiah told of this happening and as we realize God has a plan.He unfolds to us bit by bit at His time. God told him that He would send His Son and He would be called Immanuel.The prophecy was completly fulfilled in the coming of Gods only Son to the earth.
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Q3. (Matthew 1:21) What is the significance of the name Jesus? Why do you think the angel gave the name to both Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph independently?
The greek name Lesous is the same as Yeshua in Hebrew meaning The Lord Shall Save which means Jesus. This is what Jesus did while He walked the earthand still does. He gave the name to them indepentently so they would know that the name came from God and not from themselves.
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Q2. (Matthew 1:19) What were Mary's options being pregnant and carrying a baby not her husband's? What kind of character did Joseph exhibit by deciding to divorce Mary quietly and leniently?
Mary did not need any options because she accepted the Lords proposal thus she put her faith and trust in Him, not worrying about the outcome trusting in Him that all would be taken care of. Joseph showed love.
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Q1. What would Jesus have learned as the son of a carpenter? What experiences would this have exposed him to?
He would have learned humility, patience,and with that comes dedication and how to use the tools for the trade, learning on how to listen and watch. He would have learned to appreciate all the different woods and enjoy what He could build. He would have experienced the cleaning up, the chopping or cutting down the trees,the caring for the tools, listening to the customers for details for what they would like.
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Q5. (Luke 1:42-43) In what sense are the titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" appropriate for Mary? Why are we sometimes hesitant to exalt her as "blessed among women"?
God chose this lady to be the Mother of His Son for He saw that Mary walked upright in this world. She was a virgin hense she would have been clean of any sexual sin. Could there have been any better name given than "BLESSED VIRGIN MARY" and "MOTHER OF GOD" ? God gave Mary His precious Son to give birth to and to mother, she is The Mother Of God. We might be hesitant to lift Mary up or to exalt her in fear of putting her at the same level as Christ, or close to the same level as God.She was a blessed woman, but God is to worshiped.
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Q4. (Luke 1:38) What is the essence of Mary's positive response to the angel? What can we learn from her response for our own lives? In what sense was Mary's response an "informed consent"? When we respond to God, what do we consent to?
Mary showed humility to the Lord and was ready and willing to accept what ever the Lord willed. We can learn to trust in the Lord no matter what the circumstances might be. To believe in Him, put all our faith in Him. In trusting in the Lord Mary concented willingly. I would think that back in those days it was even harder for a women to be pregnant and not be married, and try saying that God did this, but Mary did not worry about that she didn`t even hesitate for she trusted God. When we respond to God we are putting our trust in Him allowing Him to do what ever His will would be. To have His way with us.
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Q3. (Luke 1:35) What does the virgin conception teach us about Jesus' nature? How central is the doctrine of the virgin conception to the Christian message?
The virgins conception teaches us that the H.S. came upon her and the Power of the Highest over shadowed her. Her child would be Holy and be the Son of God. No man had anything to do with this conception therefore it was all holy. This birth was foretold, that God would send His own Son and be born of a virgin and He would walk the earth and teach of His Fathers word, that He would live a PERFECT life and would die a death for our sins, for He had none,and on the third day He would be raised from the dead unblemished. A conception by man would be just that. The child would be without deity, maybe a prophet, but certainly not a saviour as we have in Christ. Thanks be to God.
Q1. Selling the Birthright
in 1. Jacob the Deceiver (Genesis 25:19-34; 27:1-41)
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In selling his birthright it shows that he put no real value on it, that was a blessing from God and he gave it away.In that transaction it represents stepping aside or down from all that was his to have because he was the first son. Esau`s lived for today not giving any thought to tomorrow, he did not see the value in his birthright, at least not at that time, and if he did he cared not. Now Jacob must have known thru the Nuzi texts that the birthright could be sold thus making it legal and binding. It shows that he was crafty yet smart. He definently knew the values of the rights to the birthright of the first born.