Debra M.

Which of the thorns that Jesus mentions do you think is the most dangerous: Riches, worries/cares, or pleasures? Probably 'worries/cares'. Why do you think so? The rich can have something happen where they can know that their riches have no true power. And those that seek pleasures can come to know that pleasure is not always the way to be content and live with oneself. But, worries/cares are like habitual stinking thinking and many feel they MUST worry. I do not see 'worry' as the opposite of 'trust'. Instead, worry is the absence of trust. When we practice trusting Him, we will see that we no longer worry.

Why, according to Jesus' teaching here, do some people fall away so quickly? They fall away because they do not receive the message into their hearts. They only receive the message into their minds. There is no commitment involved. What is their problem? When things are going well, they have no trouble believing what Jesus is saying is truth. But, when things begin to go awry, they begin to doubt and fear that what Jesus has said is not the truth, and the root is uprooted and discarded. Their focus is on the problem and not the solution. We have all been in this place. But, with God's help and our determination to believe and build faith and get past the trials and tribulations, knowing we have the victory thanks to Jesus .. We come to know that God's Word is true, no matter what is happening at the moment.

Q4. Why is repentance so central to the Kingdom of God? Because where there is no repentance, there can be no remission of sins. In other words, we must be consciously aware of our sins and confess them before God before He is able to deal with our sins. We are forgiven spiritually when we are saved. However, we must also be forgiven naturally, before we can grow with God. This requires that we repent of sin. Why is baptism important to converts to the King? How can we claim that we belong to His kingdom if we have not met the requirements. Jesus says that those who DO His word are His. Can Christ reign in an unrepentant heart? No. Because the unrepentant heart lives by the desires of the flesh. We must walk in the spirit, so that we are not able to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Q3. (Matthew 3:11) What is the point of comparison between John's action and the Messiah's action? If the water were to come on us instead of us coming into the water, we would run the risk of drowning. The Holy Spirit comes on us we do not come into the Holy Spirit. John's baptism is a momentary submersion, while Jesus's baptism is a deluge that lasts indefinitely. What is the point of difference? The point of difference is that John's baptism is up to us, but Jesus' baptism is up to God. Do you really long to be overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit? Yes. But, I also know that with such desire comes drastic change and responsibility with the gift, and I want to be as ready as I can possibly be. What might prevent this in your life? Being immature in my Christian faith. What might encourage it? Being totally submitted to God and His agenda. Not allowing myself the luxury of living my life my way.

How would John

What happens when people adopt the Christian faith without repenting of their known sins? Their adoption of the faith would be in vain. Where there is no repentance there is no remission of sin, and where there is no remission there is no separation from sin. (Luke 24:47) Jesus not only removes our sin, He separates us from our sin. When separated from our sin, the Father can then and only then see us as righteous, holy, pure and acceptable. Sin and holiness is like water and oil, they will not mix, and we must be to the Father, of one or the other .. Sinful or Holy. Why do people avoid repentance? It is painful and humiliating and shameful to acknowledge that we are flawed and therefore worthless. "The Christian has a great advantage over other men, not by being less fallen than they nor less doomed to live in a fallen world, but by knowing that he IS a fallen man in a fallen world." C.S. Lewis What percentage of Christians today do you think are unrepentant, unprepared in heart? It must be quite a large percentage. A paraphrase of what Jesus said, "Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many will go this way". "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there will be who will find this way." (Matt. 7:13&14)

What character flaws does Diotrephes exhibit? Pride, jealousy, animosity and hostility. Can a person be a strong pastoral leader without developing these traits? Yes. Good strong leadership is essential in the success of the body of Christ. If you have tendencies in yourself towards pride and a controlling spirit, how can you fight against them? Prayer and keeping in the Word of God and asking God to help us recognize when we are falling into a "Diotrephes" behavior mode.

What are the reasons given in these verses for supporting Christian workers in their ministry? We become fellowhelpers to spreading the truth of the gospel. What reward comes with becoming a "co-worker," by assisting Christian workers? The reward that comes with spreading the gospel. How effective can Christian workers be without those who support them? They could not travel nor teach nor spread the gospel into remote areas.

Why does the Apostle John tell his readers to refuse hospitality to the false teachers? Because they are a danger to the church. It is inviting in evil. What would refusing hospitality mean for a congregation (as opposed to an individual)? Not allowing the false ones to speak or teach before the congregation. Possibly pointing out the doctrine as being false and misleading. What is the border between tolerance and stupidity, when it comes to false teachers? Allowing false teachers to teach and preach and become influential is stupidity. Tolerance may allow the false teachers to listen, but they will have no say. Do the divisions of denominationalism find justification in this verse? To a degree. Why or why not? They do because they can differ in doctrine. However, most denominations have a foundational truth. Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior and the only way to eternal life with God.

What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's teachings to "deeper truths"? False doctrine. Worthless religion. Greater and greater deception that becomes harder and harder to overcome. What is the danger of "running ahead" of Christ's guidance for our lives? Allowing the enemy a form of control over our living for Christ. Being outside of the Will of God. What does it mean to "abide" or "continue" in Christ and his teachings? To stay within the confines of the truth, the Word of God, the Holy Bible. Why is this so important? Because we will get into a place where we cannot discern truth.

Why does John exhort his "children" to "keep yourselves from idols"? So that the Christian does not allow anything to come between them and their relationship with God. So that God is the exalted One in their lives. What idols distract us from the true God? Wow, that's quite a question. Idols that distract are abundant on this earth. Off the top, I think of Money, Astrology, Fortune Telling, etc. What idols compete with God for attention in your life? Probably tv. I love a good show or movie or such.

What are the two conditions to answered prayer in 1 John? When we pray according to His Will and that we have the confidence that our prayers are heard by God. How do we determine God's will so that we can pray boldly, confidently? We get to know His Word on a personal basis. God's Word is His Will. How often will our prayers be answered when our main motive is to achieve our will? The Bible does not state that we can pray according to our wills.

How does a defeatist mentality differ from a belief that in Christ we have overcome the world? A defeatist mentality leads to self-pity and self-centeredness. A defeatist mentality leads to defeat in most every area of our life. A defeatist mentality is a 'victim' mentality and leaves one to feel helpless and hopeless. An 'overcoming' mentality leads to an idea of victory. An 'overcoming' mentality gives one an unfailing hope. An 'overcoming' mentality leads to a closer personal and intimate relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. What part does faith have in this overcoming? Faith is the knowing that we have inside of us, that we are more than conquerors and faith believes the love of God in our lives. This belief of His love towards us, can have diverse benefits. What part does unbelief have in a defeatist mentality? Unbelief leads to hopelessness and hopelessness leads to defeat.

What do they have in common? Salvation, which requires belief and faith, is an invitation for anyone to receive, respect and/or offer it as a gift of grace. What relation does the visit of the wise men have to Matthew's theme of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles? Salvation comes to us through the Jews, but is not exclusively for the Jews only. How should we be applying this mandate in our own lives? By loving others as we are commanded to do. By not judging others as we are commanded not to do. By spreading the gospel, even when we might think there is no reason.

Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? Because they understood the child was a King. When visiting a King, one would bring gifts to show honor and submission. How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? The extravagant gifts were an outward example of their belief and their faith in the King of Kings, in this Christ-child. What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring? Our gifts should be expressed in doing our very best for God. We can do this 'best' in praise and worship. And we can also do this 'best' towards others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus? That the Magi were men of faith and knew this child to be the Messiah that was prophecied during their own lifetime. What was the significance of this for them? The Magi understood their own need for a Savior and found this need fulfilled in this child. How can we emulate this kind of worship? By loving God with all our heart, mind and strength.

What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw? It was a guide for the Magi (and possibly others) that they might be led to find Jesus so that they might worship him. Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? The Bible calls this star, HIS star. This was no ordinary star and the Magi knew this and it caused them to seek out Jesus, the Messiah. In what way was does prophecy prefigure this event? The Magi were well trained in astronomy and understood the significance of this star.

Great joy, praise, curiosity, amazement, telling others, thoughtful meditation. Which of these responses to the Good News are present in your life? Most of them. In what manner do they show themselves? The joy is a decisive measure for me. I decide to look at what is good in my life and give little attention to what is not good. I refuse to give into self pity or a victim mentality. Praise is what I do to let Jesus know that I understand it is all about Him and Him only. I am amazed when I meditate on God and His grace and His ways. He does truly amaze me. Telling others, I fall short of and would like to be more bold and more secure in sharing my faith with those not saved. Meditation is when I ask God, 'why?' and seek and expect an answer. If some are missing, why? Sharing my faith with the non saved is missing. I think it is because I sometimes can sense how people view me when I speak of Jesus. I used to be an usaved person and I know how I thought about those that tried to sell me on salvation. I do not like to be thought of as 'oh no, here comes that lady that preaches at ya!'. But, I realize this is exactly how the enemy wants me to think and I need to get past my fears and my past failed attempts. What can you do to recover these responses? Find a creative way to bring Jesus into the conversation and not come off as just another brainwashed Christian.

What are the three titles of Jesus given by the angels? Savior, Christ and Lord What does each mean? Savior - Saver, Sustainer, Deliverer, Preserver Christ - Anointed One, Messiah, High Priest Lord - Master, Owner, Ruler, Chief, (Lord is a significant title that speaks of His future resurrection) What does this tell us about Jesus' true identity? That He is God in the flesh.

Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? These may not have been just ordinary shepherds. There is a place called the 'Midgal Edar' and it is a tower of the flock. This is a tower that houses the lambs that are without blemish and raised especially for sacrificial purposes. These shepherds may be those that tended to the future-sacrificial lambs and they were aware of the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? The Bible says there was no room in the inns. However, it may be that Jesus was born in a special place that housed and cared for sacrificial lambs. Micah 4:8 supports this fact. This has to be intentional. What point is God making? That Jesus is the true sacrificial lamb. (note .. This watch tower from ancient times was used by the shepherds for protection from their enemies and wild beasts. It was the place ewes were brought to give birth to the lambs. In this sheltered building/cave the priests would bring in the ewes which were about to lamb for protection. These special lambs came from a unique flock which were designated for sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem.) This is from bibletruth.org/BirthplaceofJesus.html

Why do you think the journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary? The journey was 100 miles and probably took a couple of weeks (at least 8 days). Even today, travelling for such a long length of time will put a strain on the human psyche. Add to that the rough terrain (a comfortable ride is out of the question), the fact that she in her last trimester of pregnancy, and the climate and elements of weather. The thing she did have going in her favor was that she was still very young. Is pleasure an indication that we are in God's will or not? Not at all. Pleasure is a feeling and feeling is not what God's will is about. God's will is His Word, not what we are feeling. Any examples from your life? For years after I received salvation, I did not FEEL saved. Though, I knew enough to get in the Word of God and believe what He says as opposed to what I felt, there was no true pleasure for me in my salvation. The pleasure of my salvation was with God, according to His Word. Remembering this, helped me eventually to get past this feeling of 'not saved' and to find pleasure in my salvation. Extra Credit: Argue for or against this proposition: "Being a consistent Christian causes more hardships than just going with the flow." What comes to mind is Galatians 6:9 .. We can't allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive [everlasting life] at the proper time, if we don't give up. Well doing is a consistent lifestyle.

Why does Luke name the rulers in 2:1-2? Most likely that historical accounts in other books besides the Bible, will support the evidence of the birth of Jesus. What point is he making? That Jesus was born on this earth and His birth was to be taken in a literal and historical sense. We cannot deny the birth of Jesus. We are left only the choice in discounting Him as the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord of all the earth.

What does Joseph accepting Mary as his wife say about his character? That he is as obedient to God as Mary. That he loved Mary. What is the significance for prophetic fulfillment of Jesus as a Son of David that Joseph "named" the child "Jesus"? When Joseph named the child Jesus, he was proclaiming a legal right to be an earthly father to Jesus. This would, on the father's side, bring Jesus into the lineage of King David.

How did the prophetic concept of the virgin conception and the name "Immanuel" find their fullness in the birth of Jesus to Mary? The virgin conception, as well as the name 'Immanuel' (meaning God with us) would assure Mary that Jesus is fully God. This would in turn, support all prophecies leading up to the birth of Jesus, which further persuades Mary of Jesus being the Messiah.

What is the significance of the name Jesus? The value of the name of Jesus only comes because of the name 'YHWH', which means 'God is' or 'God exists'. Jesus' name means 'YHWH' is salvation'. The name Jesus is only found in the NT and it is a continuation of the revealed name of God 'YHWH' that is found throughout the OT. Jesus is not a new name and was not a new name to Joseph or Mary. Why do you think the angel gave the name to both Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph independently? Perhaps to avoid any later confusion or doubt or hesitance on the naming of the child, Jesus. For a husband and wife to receive independent, yet exact, revelation is to leave no room for doubts or confusion. This could be true for Joseph and Mary as well.