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Q5 Born in Christ, we are empowered by God's Spirit living and working to form us in the image of Christ. Thus with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will learn to walk and follow the teachings of Christ. Daily renewing our minds and hearts to really want to be good in the sight of God. As the Spirit leads and prompts us, we will be strengthen so be ready to pick ourselves us each time we sin and with God's forgiving love, we can reconcile ourselves to Him and to one another. Sin is an earmark of the devil. The devil is forever ready to tempt us against God and by using the Antichrist to detour our minds and hearts with their false teachings.

Q4 When John used the word 'seed' he probably meant a special bread of genetic character, a species of divine nature, an imperishable generation of God's children, specially handled by the Holy Spirit. John told us that God's Spirit who is within us is working to cleanse our character from sin. Being born of God and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we as imitators of Christ should strive to live righteous life avoiding areas that can lead us to sin. If we have the Holy Spirit who is so powerful and divine to direct and guide us then we can be convinced that as God's children we want to lead life pleasing to our Father. Relying on the Holy Spirit for strength, guidance and help, we can overcome any obstacles; problems or trials that can lead us to sin.

Q3 As we are born of the flesh, we tend to follow the things and style of the world and once off focus, we always deny our wrong doing, we start to point fingers and our attitude is more of the "I." So the phrase 'holy than thou' abides in us and nobody can tell or direct our actions. When we are above everything we are worshiping ourselves as God and tend to do things our own way not realising that this is against God's commandments and rejecting His Lordship over our life.

Q2 If we are to anticipate of Christ's Second Coming, we need to be vigilant, to be ready and stand alert at all times for we do not know when the hour or time of His coming. We need to be careful with our lives, to purify ourselves from sin that seeks to contaminate us. If we profess we are God's children, we need to live life pleasing to Him. We are called to be holy as Jesus is holy. Thus, we need daily to purify ourselves from any sins that can turn us against God. If we repent of sins, God's grace is working in us.

Q1 As Christians, we are baptized of water and the spirit, so we have received the Spirit of son-ship which we can call God 'Abba Father.' As children of God, we know that God is righteous and those who does what is right has been born of Him. God gave His Spirit to us and His Spirit dwells in our heart to bring us new life and we can rightly claimed ourselves as sons and daughters of God, for the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are His children. This new birth helps us to live a righteous life, to walk in the footstep of Jesus and helps us not follow the flesh of the world.

Q5 Our body is made up of many different parts. Each part is design to function according to its purpose. The body of Christ in the church is also made up of many parts performing its different functions according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each individual is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corin 12:7) To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. (Eph. 4:7) In this, God has raised up teachers in the church so that knowledge of Christ's teachings can be taught to the people who hunger for it and also to pass on to the younger generation. The role of the Holy Spirit is to help us discern whether we are taught the true teachings of the church and also from God. The Holy Spirit will also prompt us to act accordingly to the will of God. The anointing is the empowering from God in the form of the Holy Spirit. It is like one being clothed in the right attire ready for action in the right occasion. Whereas the spiritual gift of teaching is only given to those whom the Holy Spirit feels suited for it. Not everyone has the same Spiritual gifts even though from the same Spirit. Spiritual gift of teaching is more like a lecturer imparting the knowledge onto the students as a guide and steps to live and grow to be a better Christian.

Q4 To abide/remain/continue in Jesus simply means to be faithful to Him as well as to follow in all His teachings. Just like a couple during their marital vows to promise to be faithful to one another till death do they part. A true Christian must first of all acknowledged that God is the Father and Jesus is the Son and that Jesus is from God the incarnate. They must adhere to the teachings they had originally received and not to desert it for 'progressive' gospel. A Christian must also grow in his/her faith with God. He/she needs to stay focus on Jesus and to seek Him in daily prayers and not to take faith for granted. When one who is not abiding in Jesus, he/she will have no peace, happiness and a sense of belonging. He/she is a liar, always suspicious of people, angry, irritated, resentful and have negative thoughts.

Q3 Jesus loved His apostles and disciples very much and before His death, He prayed to His Heavenly Father to send His Holy Spirit onto them. He knows that we, being of the flesh, are weak and might be led astray. That's why the Holy Spirit has come to live in us to help, guide, teach and prompt us so that we are reminded of the truth which Jesus himself has taught us. The Holy Spirit as the 'Comforter';

Q2 The 'anointing' that John talked about is God empowering His people in the form of the Holy Spirit, who can lead and guide them that no lie can come from the truth. When one is anointed with the Holy Spirit, you can see the presence of power in that person. St Paul's second letter to Timothy said: 'For God does not give us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. (2 Tim. 1: 7) When a person is baptized as a Christian, he/she is baptized in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, that person has received a spirit of adoption as son/daughter by which we can cry out to God, "Abba Father". The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God and heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:15-17).

Q1 The Antichrist that John expects to come is the adversary of the Messiah. The Antichrist are those who are in the illusion and in their own world instead of following in the light of Christ. They are liars and continue to walk in darkness but still thinking they are in the light. They have been influenced by the spirit of the Antichrist. The false prophets who spread false and dangerous doctrine in the church. The heretical teachings, the denial that Jesus is the Christ and not acknowledging Jesus Christ as of the flesh and the incarnation of God. The Antichrist of our day are those who preached but do not practice in their own teachings. They preached the importance of confessing their sins but never did it themselves and thinking so highly of own self. Asking to have fellowship with God and men but do their own thing which is not in line with God's commandments.

Q4 The three kinds of sins are:- a) '**** of the flesh' - This can lead to wrongful desires of **** and not respecting the rights of others especially of the opposite sex. '**** of the eyes' - Eyes can lead us to vice if not properly utilized. The mind can form all sorts of ideas which can lead man to downfall. Everything we see, we want to possess for self and even to outdo others in achieving them. At time to the extent of causing hurt to others. c)'Pride of life' - This can lead to deceit of self. One becomes so arrogant that nothing is sufficient but to continue on gaining more. Once in this position, one will find no true friends in society. All he meets will be only those on head value because of his status. He will be lonely, no true friends, no peace of mind and sleep will sometimes be difficult that he has to resort to drugs. To sum up for all these is 'greed'. It is not difficult for man to discern, it is rather to make that decision to desire to discern and on how we want to live life. We should ask ourselves what we really want in life; worldly way or God's way. What the world offers is temporary and whatever you accumulate on earth will not be taken with us when we die. Now with the present and latest situations all over the world,particularly the global weather in the North and South Poles, anything can happen and this will affect our achievement in life.

Q3 The 'World' in verses 15-16 according to St. John's teaching are the cravings of sinful man, the **** of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does. This means that once a man is influenced by the world and all it's riches, he's attention is swayed away from God. He will find pleasures in material things and craved for more accumulation. Trying to outdo one another to be greater and better. He will consumed all worldly wealth to his ability that he hardly have time for his self, family, friends and most of all God. Eventually depriving himself of peace and love of God and neighbor.

Q2 As the beloved Apostle of Christ, St. John has truly immersed himself in the likeness of Jesus and being of age his primary concern if for the people of God. That's why he approached the believers in a fatherly and loving manner. As humans, we have three categories/stages of life. a) Little Children - This is the time of learning. At this stage, they must be taught in the right way so as not to be deceived or lead to disasters. Once injured at such a tender age, the imprint will be lived forever and the scars will always be there for the rest of their lives. St. John has classified this group as the new Christians. Once baptized their sins are forgiven and the Fatherly love is out-poured unto them so that they will know where their true relation if from. Young Men - This is the most challenging time in their lives. The formation in their spiritual life is important as they go out into the world they need to discern the good from the evil and meet the challenges of the circular world. With proper guidance, they will be great potential leaders of the church as well as of the world. Constantly experiencing the strength and the presence of God in their lives. Putting on the armor of God they will and can geared up for any battles that come along life's journey. c) Fathers - As seniors and adults, they need to be good examples and mentor to the younger generations. To be their teacher, guide and motivators and thus to impart all the knowledge and wisdom learnt. Since this group has lived their lives and gone through a lot of trials and experiences, it is their duty to God to build the younger people up so that they can be bold enough to step forward when the calling is there to lead the church to greater heights.

Q1 Hate and unforgiveness are the two greatest obstacles in our Christians life. It is like our life without directions, going aimlessly in the world having no one to help and guide us. Doing things as we like thinking only of self righteousness and we are never in the wrong. As we are of the flesh we tend to sin and we will not be able to receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father for all the sins we have committed. Just like having no one to turn to in times of trouble. Forgiveness is of the utmost priority in our Christian life. Sometimes it is easier said than done but as Christians this is our call from God. We need the strength, the love and the grace of God to overcome it and to let go of all hate, bitterness and anger. If we are weak in these areas, we need to focus on Jesus, the source of hope and think of the abundance mercy God had for us. To be real followers of Christ, we have to do as He does. As at the cross He said: 'forgive them Father for they know not what they are doing.'

Q5 If we know that Jesus love us and died for our sins, we need to put our faith and trust in Him totally and also to keep His commandments faithfully so that we can be sure we are in Him as He is in us. Love touches on concern and care for those in need whereas legalism touches on rules and rituals. If we are to be serous about obedience and make love our center, we need to be like Christ and fully follow the two greatest commandments given to us; 'love of God and love of neighbour.' We need to let love flow to every corner of our being thus having that love overflow from us and reaching out to others to experience it.

Q4 There is hope cause Jesus Christ the Righteous One will speaks to the Father in our defense. We have the person of Jesus who sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him. When we know we have someone to intercede or speaks on our behalf, we feel secure, we know we are not alone and help is there reaching out to us. There is love and concern that's why Jesus is there as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Out of His love for us, Jesus has paid a price by dying on the cross in atonement for the sins of the whole world.

'Confession' is agreeing with God's truth about our sins to concede that something is factual or true, grant healing on our souls as we do when we are physically sick, we seek out a doctor or a specialist. Confessing our sins is so important and vital as it heals our souls so that we can stop hiding from ourselves. When we stop confessing our sins, our love for God dries up and we lose the vitality of the Spirit. Just like when we are wounded or sick and did not seek medical help or attend to the wound. It will start to get worsen and rot and eventually the sore will be to great to handle and trouble will be even greater. Based on God's faithfulness and justice, He promised us that our sins will be forgiven and He will purify us from all unrighteousness. Forgiveness touches on the guilt of sin and salvation whereas cleansing touches on contamination of sin and sanctification.

Q2 When a Christian walks in darkness and continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong, then he or she is doomed to death, for the wages of sin is death. When one decides to continue on doing his own ways without caring for the feelings of others, he is living in a world of deceit and of loneliness and thus always in darkness. When we decided to repent and turn to God for strength and walk in His light then we not only have fellowship with others but also receive Jesus saving help. Jesus will cleanse us from our sins, whiter than snow. We need to be honest with ourselves and admit our wrong and confess our sins to God and resolve not to sin again. With God's strength and guidance we will learn to hate sin and live life pleasing to Him.

Our fellowship with fellow Christians so often just on a surface level is because we are not accustomed to one another and the trust is not built. Some may not be open to share and may feel uncomfortable at the start. As humans we have a lot of fears and doubts. Whether there is sincerity, will I trust you not to relate my sharing outside the group? There are so many questions running in our little mind. Because we are of the flesh, our focus is more of self than of God. If we learn and become more like Christ, the nature in us will be transformed thus allowing God's spirit to work and lead us. The sharing on the 'word of God' builds us up. It guides us to be a better Christians and be able to walk and live life in the way of Christ. As we immersed ourselves in Christ each day our hearts will be sincere even though we met with obstacles. We need to be patient with one another and forgive. These we need from the strength of God in order to build small communities with our fellow Christians.