Taz

Q1. (John 1:29) How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice?. How was the comprehensiveness of "sin of the world" so radical a concept? In Exodus 12:1-13 we read of the very first "Passover." When GOD, in His infinite mercy gave instructions to Moses and Aaron to put the blood of a lamb, one "without blemish" on the doorposts and the lintels of the houses where it would be eaten. GOD's instructions were for the protection of the Israelites. "For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I Am the LORD. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. AND WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU; AND THE PLAGUE SHALL NOT BE ON YOU TO DESTROY YOU WHEN I STRIKE THE LAND OF EGYPT." (Exodus 12:12-13) That is GOD's amazing grace! Later GOD would give instructions on the daily offerings that were to be made, one lamb in the morning and one in the evening, continually. The significance of the offerings is that as long as the flesh and blood of those lambs was being offered, GOD would continue to dwell among the children of Israel and the burnt offerings were for the sins committed each day. These offerings were a "type" of the intercession which Christ Jesus lives always to make for those who love Him. ("Who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life" - Hebrews 7:16) And it is for us a lesson that everyday we should humbly offer up to Him not only praise and worship, but total submission to Him. As Matthew Henry said, "Our daily devotions must be looked upon as the most needful of our daily works and the most pleasant of our daily comforts. Whatever business we have, this must never be omitted, either morning or evening; prayer-time must be kept up as duly as meat-time." For as long as those offerings were being made daily, GOD's provision for the children of Israel continued. In about 539 BC, Daniel prophesied (Daniel 8:11-13) that one day a man would exalt himself "as high as the Price of the host," would take from the temple the daily sacrifices and great suffering would come up the children of Israel. Jewish history tells us in about 175 BC, that the man, Antiochus, who is sometimes referred to as the OT antichrist, the "little horn" (Daniel 8:9) all but destroyed the temple in Jerusalem: "In the Jews’s Holy Temple, he placed a statue of Zeus — the god he believed was manifest in his own royal being — and sacrificed swine on the altar. He stripped the Temple of its sacred vessels, including the seven-branched golden menorah, and stole the silver and gold coin." (http://www.myjewishlearning.com) John the Baptist was firstborn son of Zacharias a priest and Elizabeth who was in the lineage of Aaron, and he was as well taught in the Jewish faith as any man could have been. He knew of the first Passover and he knew the significance of the blood of the lamb. John recognized Jesus as LORD, even as Elizabeth his own mother, heard the sound of Mary's voice, he "leaped" in her womb! (Luke 1:39-45) Elizabeth, who was filled with the Holy Spirit was given a glimpse of the most Wonderful gift and she too recognized Him. She said, "But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my LORD should come to me?" As a mother I remember how rambunctious, especially in the last few weeks, an unborn baby can be. But I have never heard any woman say that her babe "leaped" in her womb! For generations the Israelites had been dealing with their sin by making all sorts of offerings. But never was the sin totally erased, it was just covered from day to day, year to year. Even the annual "Day of Atonement" (Yom Kippur) had to be repeated continually. But Christ Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of GOD, perfect, spotless, without blemish, without sin. (Hebrews 10:3-5) And He offered Himself willingly for the sins of the entire cosmos, the world. (Hebrews 7:23-25) John, like most people of that time, may not have fully understood the concept of "the world" but as the Creator of all things Christ Jesus certainly knew!

Q5. (Revelation 11:15; Psalm 24:7) When people think of spending an eternity in heaven, who do they most look forward to being with? Relatives? Jesus? What does it mean that he will reign forever and ever? In what way is he the King of Glory in your life? A great old Baptist preacher, R. G. Lee once said, "Heaven is the most marvelous place the wisdom of GOD could conceive and that the power of GOD could prepare." I can't speak for others about what they might be looking forward to seeing in heaven, but for myself, even though I will look for those whom I loved while they were on the earth, my heart is turned toward the One Who gave His life for me. There is truly no definition of "eternity," not one that can be fully comprehended by the human intellect. Our Almighty GOD does not occupy a place in "time" as know it. For Him there no "shadow of turning." (James 1:17) nor can we confine GOD in our understanding of time. Because we are physical beings, existing in physical space, GOD Who is a Spirit (John 4:24) resides outside of time. He created "time" to be measured (Genesis 1) but for Him the marking of the days, the years and the seasons is irrelevant. It will be for each of us as a believer in Christ Jesus, whether the rescue from the earth comes by way of death or at the "twinkling of an eye" (1 Corinthians 15:52) heaven will be the destination! In his book "The Weight of Glory," C. S. Lewis wrote: "We know not what we shall be (1 John 3) but we may be sure we shall be more, not less, than we were on earth. Our natural experiences (sensory, emotional, imaginative) are only like the drawing, like penciled lines on flat paper. If they vanish in the risen life, they will vanish only as pencil lines vanish from the real landscape, not as a candle flame that is put out but as a candle flame which becomes invisible because someone has pulled up the blind, thrown open the shutters, and let in the blaze of the risen sun." I suspect that he was right! As we stand now on earth, alive and breathing, we can see and think only of those things that are within our physical realm and ability to understand. So while we may miss some of those whom have gone on before us (I know I do!) when that moment comes, He will outshine everyone and our eyes will be locked on Him, and I doubt that we will be standing! For just as the twenty-four elders "who sat before GOD on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped GOD" we will be doing the same, giving thanks for "the One Who is, Who was and Who is to come." Revelation 11:16 To understand that His reign as LORD of His kingdom will be "for ever and ever" is limited by our understanding of time and space. We exist in 4 dimensions: length, width, height and time. GOD was most gracious to us to give us those four dimensions, for if we had been created on a single dimension, we would have existed as single pearl on a knotted string, unable to move in any direction. In His wisdom He gave us so much more. The riches of His wisdom and knowledge - Romans 11:33; the riches of His glory - Romans 9:23 & Ephesians 1:18; the riches of His grace - Ephesians 1:7 & 2:7 and the "unsearchable riches of Christ" - Ephesians 3:8. His glory is supreme and in my life, all effort is towards boasting of His wisdom, strength and mercy as it is displayed in my life which I pray each day stands as a witness to His grace. If any good has ever come or will ever come from my life, it is only because of Him in my life. I think that might be the only "boasting" that is not sin! As the Prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 9:23-24, "Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I AM the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight" says the LORD."

Q4. (Malachi 3:2-3; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15). How does Jesus purify and refine his church? How does he purify and refine us? On the Day that fire will test your deeds, will you have anything that remains, besides your salvation? Some years ago I watched a man melt chunks of lead in order to pour the molten metal into a mold to make ballasts for model sailboats. As he added small chunks of lead to the pot, he would ladle from the surface bits of material, the dross, the impurities that would have effected the quality of the ballast significantly. There was always a large quantity of such material. In our lives we have dross as well. And our LORD has been given full authority to decide what needs to be scraped away and what does not. (John 5:22) As each believer is a part of His church and His bride, as we are purified so is His church. Just as He appeared to James and John (Mark 9) when He was "transfigured", as His clothing became so radiantly white "such as no launderer on earth can whiten them," His church, His bride will be equally without blemish or spot! When we are born-again, we are "justified," by Him, that is, we are placed into the position of holiness, we are "set free from sin" (Romans 6) yet we will still sin. If that were not true, the Apostle Paul would not have explained what must be done in order to walk with Him. In Colossians 3, he says, "your life is hidden with Christ in GOD" then he tells us we are to "put to death" in our minds and bodies those things that bring GOD's wrath, things like fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, idolatry, anger wrath, malice blasphemy, filthy language and lying. And as we endeavor to do that we are to renew ourselves "according to the image of Him who created Him." It is by and through His Word that we do this! (Hebrews 4:12) And it is by and through His Word that we all can build on the foundation of "gold, silver and precious stones" rather than "wood, hay and stubble." When we received His Word as the ultimate truth, and we propagate that truth, depending on His Holy Spirit to guide us, those things we build will stand the test. Everything we do should be held up in the light of His Word. But if we substitute other things for the foundation; fantasies, words of men, traditions, the value of what we have built will be shown by the refiner's fire. In Isaiah 2:17 the prophet said, "The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The LORD alone will be exalted in that day." Many things that we do and say throughout our lives are frivolous and often hurtful. The fact that we have all been guilty of such things doesn't make it any less sinful. When we depart from His Word (Philippians 4:8-9) and instead of thinking and saying those things that are "of good report," those things that are "praiseworthy," and when we forget that everything we do should be for His glory, we are on a very slippery slope! 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 ; Colossians 3:16-17 In John 14, Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." And just before He was crucified, our Savior prayed the most wonderful of prayers to our Heavenly Father. John records His words for us in John 17 Of all the prayers that have ever been prayed, it is vital to understand that His prayers were heard and answered in our lives just as Christ Jesus prayed for us, as He said, "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word" (vs 20) and He finished His prayer with these words, "And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them." No one can be certain that everything they have done will remain on the Day of The LORD. But not knowing should not keep us from trying. Not with our own strength but His, for He said that He has given us all things that pertain to life and to godliness. 2 Peter 1:2-3 And always remembering that as the Apostle Paul said to the believers in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2) we too have "received the Word of GOD," welcoming it not just as "the words of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of GOD" which works in us (Hebrews 4:12) who believe in Him.

Q3. (Hebrews 1:2; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 3:22) In what sense is Jesus "Heir of All Things"? What does it imply that we are co-heirs with him? In what sense do we possess all things? Deuteronomy 6:4 reads, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD (Jehovah) our GOD (Elohiym), the LORD is one!" And in Ephesians 4 the Apostle Paul said, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one LORD, one faith, one baptism; one GOD and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Hebrews 1 tells us that not only is Christ Jesus "Heir of all things" (vs 2), He is the "brightness of His glory and the express image of His person" as He upholds "all things by the word of His power" (vs 3) but He is "the first born into the world" (vs 6). Throughout all of Scripture, even in Psalm 89 we can read of the rights of the "first born." I believe one of the most difficult biblical truths to understand is one that, until we arrive in heaven, we will not fully comprehend. That truth is that Christ Jesus is not only GOD but as the Son of GOD He was manifest in human form, and He still resides in His own, those who believe on Him, as the Holy Spirit of GOD. As children of GOD, that is, those who believe on Christ Jesus as Savior and LORD, we have an inheritance from GOD through Christ as 'joint heirs" (Romans 8:17) As GOD the Father's "first born," Christ Jesus is His heir. And by "the Spirit of adoption" we can call out to GOD the Father, "Abba Father" which is to say we are His children and of Him, He and His Name is most sacred. And calling on Him in that way is a privilege given to those who are "led by the Spirit of GOD" and those who are "joint heirs with Christ." Many people have been beneficiaries of a will made by a family member or even a close friend. But none of us can be the "testator" (the person making the will) and a beneficiary at the same time. Yet Christ Jesus did just that. As Creator of all things (Ephesians 3:9 ; Colossians 1:16 ; Revelation 4:11) He is not only the Most High (Luke 1:35) , Who by His own power would bring to earth the One born called "the Son of GOD" but He is the "Son of GOD," GOD Himself manifest in the flesh. (1 Timothy 3:16) For us mere mortals to fully comprehend the enormity of that truth is not possible. For it is by faith, not by understanding that we are led by the Spirit of GOD, receiving from Him a witness in our own human spirit that we are "the children of GOD." And as His children, we are "heirs of GOD and joint heirs with Christ" which speaks more of a relationship between His children and Himself than it does of tangible things. It is my conviction that as a heir and joint heir with Christ Jesus, all that He has is mine. But since in reality as He walked on the earth owning nothing, I don't believe that the inheritance is as much material things as it is spiritual things. Generally speaking, even the poorest among believers have more stuff than they truly need yet we are all live in spiritual poverty. What we possess in Him is the abundance that we all should be seeking. It comes not from what we do or how we act, and isn't evidenced but what we own or how much we have, but comes as a result of our relationship with Him. Paul said it best in Philippians 4:11-13, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."

Q2. (Revelation 1:17-18; Hebrews 12:2) What do the titles First and Last, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End teach us about Jesus' nature? How does knowing that Jesus is the Author and Perfecter of our faith help build our trust in him? It is counterintuitive to believe that anything or anyone could be the first and the last, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end! I mean how could that be possible. If a person is first in line, how can they be last in line at the same time? How could anyone be "the beginning" and "the end", not just AT the beginning and AT the end, but TO BE the beginning and the end at the same time? Basically, it is against the laws of physics that anyone or anything can be in two places at the same time. But GOD is not ordered by the laws of physics, in fact, He created the laws of physics! Even in Hebrew where the words "I (the LORD) Am the First and I Am the Last" are used (Isaiah 41:4 & 44:6), first and last are contrary to each other. Or are they? If someone or something is the "first", it is the oldest, with none coming before; and in contrast if that same someone or something is the "last" it is the newest, the most recent, with none coming after! That is He, our Savior and LORD. He was and is the "Firstborn" (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15-18; Revelation 1:5) In Genesis we can read the first reference to "time" when it says, "In the beginning" (Genesis 1:1) Then in vs 5 it says, "GOD called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day." Our GOD is Eternal, He has no beginning and no end. When Christ Jesus says of Himself that He is the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, He is NOT saying that GOD in the Three Persons of the Godhead had a beginning and will have an end. NO! What He is saying is, that in Him, as the Second Person of the Godhead, eternity is not just part of Him, it is Him. His nature is Eternal, He is Eternity itself! He not only created everything we can see, but everything that is not seen, those invisible things, "whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16) "You are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11) As He is not only eternal, but IS Eternity, we can be assured that as His Word says that "every good and perfect gift is from GOD" (James 1:17) and as it is by His Word that we know that "faith" is a gift, as it says in Ephesians 2:8-10, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which GOD prepared beforehand that we should walk in them", we can trust that He will bring us to the place of perfection that is His will for us. It is interesting to note that the word used in Hebrews 12:2 as "finisher" (perfecter) is a Greek word (teleiotes) that is found only once in the NT. As He is not only the Creator of ALL things, He is the Creator of our faith which brings us to Him, and BY Him as it says in Philippians 1:6, that it is He who "has begun a good work" in us, and "will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" As we have heard the Word of Truth, that is His gospel, we are trusting IN Him and we are "sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14) That "purchased possession" is us! And finally, in Psalm 127 we can read, "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." We are not responsible for the building of our spiritual house nor are we responsible to guard it. Christ is our Founder, He is our Builder, He is our Protector (John 10:28-29), the One Who maintains and increases us by His Spirit, not by our efforts. We are to walk "in good works" but not depending on those good works to achieve anything except to bring glory to Him. In fact, we are to do ALL THINGS for His glory! 1 Corinthians 10:31

Q1. (Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 17:1-2) In what ways did Jesus show the Father's glory in his ministry? Why do you think Jesus allowed Peter, James, and John to see his Transfiguration? How do you think Jesus will appear in heaven? GOD's glory was so overwhelming (Exodus 24:17) that when Moses asked to see it, (Exodus 33:18-23) he was told, "no man shall see Me and live" Notice what GOD said? When asked by Moses to see His glory, GOD said, "no man shall see Me and live" .....so in essence it seems to me that GOD and His glory are the same. GOD can't be separated from His glory! GOD's glory was once manifest in the pillar of fire and the cloud as the children of Israel escaped the Egyptians. Exodus 13:21-22 But when Jesus Christ came, GOD's glory had a new resting place, "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9) That means this Man, as He is described in Isaiah 53:2, with no particular "comely" (pleasurable or attractive) appearance, without any beauty that would cause those who met Him to want to know Him, holds all of GOD's glory on earth, the receptacle, the "Temple" of GOD's Presence, His Majesty, in an earthen vessel, the Son of GOD, the Son of Man. As the One in Whom was manifest GOD's glory (John 1:14 & 2:11) on earth, Jesus did as He as the Father commanded. (John 12:49-50) He said in John 14:31, "But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do." While it is true that our LORD was often moved by "compassion" to heal those who were suffering, were weary and hungry, even those who were "ignorant and going astray", Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Hebrews 5:2, His miracles were also to cause many to believe in Who He was and in GOD Who had sent Him. (John 5:24; John 10:38; John 14:10) GOD's glory was also manifest visibly on Jesus as He prayed on a high mountain a short time before He would tell them how He was about to be betrayed into "the hands of men, and they will kill Him and the third day He will be raised up." Matthew 17:22-23 There on the mountain, Christ was Transfigured. And the minds of Peter, James and John were filled with the memory of that day. In John 1:14, he would later write: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." James said of Christ Jesus that He was "the LORD of glory" and Peter said, "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our LORD Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from GOD the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain." That those three men witnessed such a magnificent display of GOD's glory was for them an eternal blessing which would be shared with the other disciples and as the event was recorded in the gospels, we have it as one of the proofs that Jesus Christ was Who He said He was! While the New Age teachings suggest that it is a good thing to visualize Jesus, I believe it to be an occult practice and very dangerous! In my childhood I was given a small framed "picture" of some artist's rendering of what Jesus looked like. It was a common image and can still be found today. But it was not Him, nor do I believe that it looked like Him! It took me many years to get that false image out of my thoughts and mind. I prefer to believe what the Apostle John wrote of what he himself was shown in heaven. In Revelation 1:10-19, he wrote: "I was in the Spirit on the LORD's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, "I Am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last," and, "what you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, To Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." "Then I turned to see the voice that spoke to me. And having turned I saw seven golden lamp-stands, and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and His countenance was like the sun shining in it's strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I Am the First and the Last. I Am He Who lives, and was dead, and Behold! I Am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this." In those verses is the only picture of Christ Jesus that I want to think about. I look to day when I can fall at His feet in worship of the One Who gave His life for me.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 11:2) What does it take for us to be presented to Christ as a pure virgin bride? How faithful are we to Christ? To what degree do we partake with the adulterous and sinful generation that Jesus decried? What does the marriage relationship say about love, communication, and intimacy with Christ? A certain amount of faithfulness can be found in most everyone, both Christian and not. But the kind of faithfulness that is pleasing to GOD comes only from His Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) And it is by His Spirit that any Christian remains faithful, for as it says in 1 Peter 1:3-5, it is according to His ABUNDANT mercy that He has "begotten us again" (we are born-again) and we are "kept by the power of GOD through faith." In 2 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul is confronted with possibility that the believers in Corinth could be corrupted from their faith in Christ by some who are preaching "another Jesus", a "different gospel." As it was through Paul's ministry to the Corinthians they became Christians, he tells them that he is jealous for them, not carnal jealousy but with godly jealously; zeal perhaps, even to be anxious for their safety. He wanted, more than anything to present them to Christ, faithful and without spot. But he knew there was deception in their midst. Throughout the ages, the same threat has been against those who believe in Christ Jesus. But as we walk with Him, remembering His faithfulness toward us. That He forgives us, 1 John 1:9; He protects us, 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; calls us to fellowship with Him, 1 Corinthians 1:9, and as He is "the same yesterday, today and forever", we are not to "be carried about with various and strange doctrines" for our hearts have been "established by grace", Hebrews 13:8-9. In Deuteronomy 4, we can read: "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren" For there to be a bride that is pure, chaste and undefiled, the believers in Christ who will be that Bride, must keep their eyes on their Redeemer. (Galatians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Revelation 5:8-10) "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of GOD; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" and as the Apostle Paul prayed for himself, we should pray for ourselves, "that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel" Ephesians 6:12-20 In John 17, Jesus prays for those who had been given to Him by GOD the Father. "And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them." (vs 10) And in vs 14-16, Jesus continues: "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." Then He said two things that are of vital importance to every Christian, He said, "Sanctify them by Your Truth " (which is Christ Jesus). And then He said, "Your Word in Truth." (John 1:1-5 & John 14:6) "Sanctify: to purify internally by the reformation of the soul. Separated and consecrated to GOD for His purpose and His pleasure. Cleansed of guilt and made new." Romans 8 tells us that it is His plan to conform us to the image of His Son and in Romans 12 we are encouraged by these words: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD." To not be conformed does require effort on our part. The world and all of it's enticements are like the mythological sirens that were said to call sailing ships to their doom, the world has a very sweet voice, a sound that can penetrate into the most devoted Christian. And truthfully, as it says in Matthew 26:33 when Peter said, "I will never be made to stumble" yet the LORD had said, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me" (vs 31) The word "stumble" (offended - KJV) comes from the Greek 'skandalizo' - sound familiar? It is the root from which the modern word "scandalize" comes, which means to "shock or offend by doing something immoral or illegal." Biblically, it meant to "entice to sin" or "to cause to fall away" even to "cause a person to begin to distrust and desert the one whom he ought to trust and obey." And in the context of both Matthew 26:31 & 33, I would say that is precisely what both Jesus and Peter meant. Jesus warned that all of His disciples would be enticed to fall away in distrust of Him, and Peter, who said LORD, "I will never be made to stumble" - 'I will never be enticed away from trusting in You' (paraphrase mine) would soon learn how easy it is for the enemy to entice even the most devoted away from the truth. Even as the world is always in the enemies hands, the weapon of choice used against Christians since Jesus Christ walked in Galilee, we are still called to be "separate" (to set apart for a purpose) as the Apostle Paul said of himself that he was "separated to the gospel of GOD" (Romans 1:1) and in 2 Corinthians 6:17 he told the believers in Corinth to "come out from among them and be separate, says the LORD" But being separate doesn't mean that we turn our backs on those who are lost. The commission given to all who follow Christ Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) is "make disciples of all the nations" In our daily lives, wherever life leads us, we are to separate ourselves from the world while at the same time, sharing the truth of His gospel with all who will listen. As He is in us and with us by His Spirit, He empowers us to do this. GOD said (Genesis 2:24) that when a man and a woman are joined, they "shall become one flesh" and if there is any doubt as to what GOD meant, that truth is repeated in the NT (Matthew 19:5 & 6; Mark 10:8; 1 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 5:31) When a man and a woman first meet they may know very little about each other. But as their relationship grows, an intimacy develops between them. Modern languages seem to give the word "intimate" a sexual connotation, yet in truth, it only suggests a deep understanding and knowledge of another's heart and mind. We are to have the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) which means our relationship with Him should be the most intimate of any of our relationships. We may have experienced a deep and abiding love in marriage, but it pales in comparison to the relationship we should have with Him. And just as an intimate relationship between husbands and wives requires effort and submission of each to the other, our intimacy with our LORD Jesus requires our effort, not to gain the right to have that relationship as that is justification gained by faith alone in Christ alone, but as Paul said, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12) What the apostle meant was not that we had to work for or work to keep our salvation, but that we must pursue our own obedience just as Paul speaks of himself in Philippians 3:13-14 as "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead" as he pressed "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of GOD to Christ Jesus." We are to live each day totally devoted to following Him, being obedient to His Word, reverencing Him as He moves us into maturity and sanctification.

Q3. (Colossians 3:2-4) To what degree is Christ the center, the focus of your life? If you had to prove to another person that Christ is the center of your life, what evidence would you muster? What evidence would contradict this? What kind of repentance is necessary to reprioritize your life? While Christ Jesus came in the "likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7) we are stuck for the time being, not just in the likeness of men, but AS men (and women). And as men and women, we are subject to our carnal minds that often rule us. Though we may love the LORD and desire to serve Him, which is only natural for a born-again believer, our flesh rebels and sometimes wins! Just as the Apostle Paul said about his own struggle with sin as he said, "For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." (Romans 7) we have the same struggle. It is our nature as carnal beings. Like so many others who set apart the first fruits of their day for the LORD, in prayer, bible reading and study, how could that ever be enough? But if Paul struggled, knowing as he said, sin dwells in us, how can we not have the same struggle? Paul asked, "who will deliver me from this body of death?" then he tells us Who our Deliverer is!! "I thank GOD, through Jesus Christ our LORD!" Christ Jesus stands between us and the wrath that we deserve. When we examine Jesus in light of His Word, we can see His relationship with GOD the Father as He walked in the likeness of a man. Jesus said that He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28) In Colossians 3:1, the apostle uses the word "IF", "If then" (when?- the moment you were born again!) "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of GOD." Then the imperative, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." That is not a request or a suggestion. He is saying that "if" (there's that word if again!!) if, we have been raised with Christ, that is, if we are truly born-again we must do as His Word commands, and that is, we seek those things that are with and in Christ, those things not on earth but in heaven. We set our minds on those things. Then Paul continued saying, we are to "put to death" (mortify) those things in our lives that will bring GOD's wrath, "fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desires and covetousness, which is idolatry." (Colossians 3:5-9) How can we, how can I, do this? Paul tells us in Romans 8:1, "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are IN Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." He tells us that we are "debtors" but not to the flesh, but to His Holy Spirit Who dwells in us, enabling us to put to death, to mortify the deeds of the flesh. (Romans 8:12-13) If we are truly born-again, walking according to the Spirit, subduing our flesh, allowing Him to rule and reign in us, He will, by His Spirit, help us in our weaknesses, (vs 26) allowing us to obey His command to put to death those things which are an abomination to GOD, enabling us to "put on" (clothe; sink into; adorn with) "the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him Who created him" (Colossians 3:10) ...we will have "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering" (vs 12) ..... letting "the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the Name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to GOD the Father through Him." (vs 16-17) And those things that we have "put on" will reflect Christ Jesus in everything we say and do! Those are the testimonies that can be seen by others. For our assurance, "the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of GOD." (Romans 8:16) And as Paul also says in Romans 8:29 , it is GOD's will that we be conformed to "the image of His Son." How else could there be proof to others that our lives are centered on Christ Jesus? We are to display those things we have "put on" (Colossians 3:12-17), and in a way, display the absence of those things that we have "put off". (Colossians 3:8) A long time ago, I had a "change of mind" about Who Jesus Christ is, what He had done, for whom and why! In other words, I repented, which is a change of mind, and I turned from rebellion against Him to submission to Him. On my knees I laid my life at His feet, I put my eternity into His hands. Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14 both say that it is through His blood that I have been delivered from the power of darkness, conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of GOD, and have received redemption and forgiveness for my sins (past, present & future). Knowing this, though my motives are not always pure (Proverbs 16:2-3), though the words of my mouth (Psalm 19:14) and the meditations of my heart (my mind) are not always acceptable to Him, I try to be diligent, beginning each day in an effort to keep my focus on Him, by and through His Word, strengthened and empowered by His Spirit Who dwells in me. In that sense I am, as Paul did, forgetting the things of my past, even yesterday, but reaching for those things that are in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) And I do tremble because I desire above all things to be an obedient servant to Almighty GOD, which is only my "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1-2) In that trembling, in that reverence, there is joy (Psalm 2:11), even though I know that as long as I am captive here on earth, my efforts will be meager and often I will fail. But I will never stop trying.

Q2. (John 6:51; 15:1-5) What do Jesus' teachings on the Living Bread and the True Vine teach us about drawing from his life? What happens to our vital Life when we rely on ourselves, and stop relying on him? Why is it so hard for us humans to learn the lesson of dependence and trust? From the first day that Adam and Eve were driven from Eden, mankind has endeavored to be self sufficient. Genesis 3 The former residents of Eden were told that from that day forward, life was going to be hard, filled with sorrow, pain and suffering. They had to work for every bite of food, every bit of comfort, and at the end of their days, the grave waited, from dust to dust. And until the first living person died, they didn't even know what that meant! You can be sure they taught their sons to be self reliant. And in that self reliance came pride, jealousy and murder! When Cain and Seth had children, that the self reliance was passed on and continued through all generations. Genesis 4 I come from a long line of self reliant Scots. No dependency mentality in my family. Even as a little girl, my parents encouraged me to be independent. And that mentality has been, and still is, the hardest thing for me to "bring into captivity to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5 Even when we are born again we struggle with self achievement, self awareness, self satisfaction, just plain old SELF. And the world is always encouraging self esteem. But if we are concerned with self, we are not relying on Him the way He wants us to. In John 6:27-28, Jesus told those who had followed Him not to "labor for food which perished, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because GOD the Father has set His seal on Him. Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of GOD?" The first thing I noticed about their question was that it was all about "self." They had just heard Him say that He, the Son of Man, the One on Whom GOD Himself had set His seal, could give them "food which endures to everlasting life." And instead of falling on their faces and asking Him for that food, they asked instead what they themselves had to do in order to do what He was doing, what GOD could do. As the "bread of life" (John 6:48-51) Jesus was offering eternal life, but all they could think about was a bit of personal glory. It reminds me of the verses in Mark 10 where James and John asked Jesus to do for them what they asked, which was that they each be given a seat next to Him in His glory. How presumptuous was that? And in Luke 9 we can read of the argument between His disciples over who would be the greatest. Again, such presumption. As Christ Himself tells us that He is 'the true vine" (John 15) and every branch must bear fruit, we can see what He expects from us. But it can't be accomplished unless we "abide" in Him, that is remaining in Him, regardless of what is going on around us. There are at least seven verses in the Book of Proverbs that speak to us of the dangers of pride. But in my thinking the greatest verse is Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." And the moment we cease to depend on Him for every thing in our lives, we have begun to walk in pride which will lead only to destruction, to a fall. There is nothing more tragic than a Christian who believes that their path, the footsteps they lay out for themselves will accomplish something for GOD, or for their own success for that matter. In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul says (vs 3-4), "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." As Paul continues, he explains true humility as it is exemplified by our LORD Jesus Christ, Who, without hesitation, gave up the right to use His deity on earth, making Himself "of no reputation", that is, seen only as a man, "being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (vs 8) Though it is the most difficult thing to do, because we are by nature rebellious and disobedient, if by and through His Word, we will direct our minds, seeking and striving to do as the apostle says to do, that is, "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (vs 5) allowing His humility to rule us in the place of our own interests and plans, "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5), GOD's good will, His benevolence which is His pleasure, will be accomplished in us! (Philippians 2:13) What greater satisfaction can a Christian have than to know that GOD's work in us has brought Him pleasure and delight!

Q1. (John 1:9; 8:12) In what sense is Jesus the True Light? In what sense is he the Light of the World? In what sense are you the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)? Why do you think people resist Jesus' light, his truth, his view of the Father, our world, and eternal life? How does the world's so-called "light" differ from Jesus' light? What can obstruct Jesus' light in this world? What can obstruct our light? Often, the word "light" is used as a metaphor for the power of understanding in moral or spiritual truths. Many years ago I observed something about light that everyone has seen but perhaps what they saw didn't impact them as it did me, I guess you could say that the light went on in my head! If you are sitting in a very dark room, if the light is on in the adjoining room, and the door is opened between the two, the light comes into the darkened room, but the darkness does not escape into the lighted room! It seemed such a simple thing, something obvious and known, but I had never paid attention to it before, And GOD's truth, His Word, His wisdom, knowledge and understanding is like that lighted room. When it encounters darkness, it penetrates it, just as it did when the door of a darkened room is opened. The observation that I made at that moment has clarified many things for me over the years, especially spiritual things. Jesus is the Light of the world. When John the Baptist said that he had been sent to be a witness to the Light, he was speaking both literally and metaphorically. Jesus is the Creator of all things (Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 4:11) including the light that we receive from the sun which is the center of our solar system that He created, "upholding all things by the word of His power." (Hebrews 1:3) But as He said in John 8:12, "I Am the Light of the world", He too was speaking both literally and metaphorically. Jesus knew without a doubt that He was the Creator and sustainer of all things, both seen and unseen, of the light that shines from the sun, and the light that is the only source of true spiritual knowledge and understanding. It is His light that brings comfort, peace and salvation. Just as our own moon makes no light of it's own, but reflects the light of the sun, the same is for the world we live in. There is no light on earth save the light that comes from GOD through those who have put their faith and trust in GOD in Christ Jesus. And as long as there are believers on this earth there will be His light. But the moment He comes to take His bride from the earth, the light will be gone. The sun will still shine for a while, but the light of His Word will be gone, not extinguished, just translated. As it is, the world is growing darker by the minute, and I can't imagine how dark it will be when all of GOD's people are gone! [There are caves that allow visitors to experience total darkness. The kind of paralyzing darkness that would keep a person standing totally still for fear of falling. Not a glimmer of light, not the slightest outline of any form. Though I speak metaphorically of course, this is the kind of darkness that I think is coming.] If we consider how remarkable our solar system is, the orbits of each planet and the moon around our sun, it is like a diagram of each Christian's life as it not only revolves around Him, but is sustained by Him, just as the earth and the other planets are sustained by the sun. Just before Jesus said that we (His disciples) were to let our "light shining before men", He said we were to be "salt" (Matthew 5:13-14) And just as necessary as the light is to the world, so is salt. Unless our lives are totally focused and dependent on Him, we can no more reflect His light than we can distribute His salt. A Christian without salt and light is an oxymoron. The human flesh and will cannot produce salt and light, it comes only by His grace as a Christian keeps their life focused on Him. And in all ways we are to be His witness, as we live by and through Him, walking as children of light "in goodness, righteousness and truth" (Ephesians 5:8); making sure our speech is always seasoned with His salt, His grace (Colossians 4:6); making sure that our lives reflect Him in every thing we say and do. As we continue to grow in Christ, using our talents and love of our Savior to witness to those we meet, we will find that many will resist the knowledge of Him. For some it is because of their own feelings of "self" for they believe they are intrinsically good, and they can't accept the idea that they need a Savior. There are others who have fallen under the false teachings of the world's system, and then there are some who though they believe in GOD and in Christ Jesus too, they love the world and all of it's pleasures and will not bend their knee to Him. I can say for certain that I have heard people say, "I know I am going to hell but...." They are willing to face an eternity in hell rather than submit their life to Him. Let us all determine to be as He said, "a city that is set on a hill" not hidden, being a light in this ever darkening world!

Q4. (Luke 4:23) How does Jesus as the Great Physician resonate with our broken world? What does it mean to you that Jesus is your Great Physician and Healer? [resonate: to continue to produce a loud, clear, deep sound for a long time; to continue to produce a loud, clear, deep sound for a long time; to produce something that is personally meaningful or important to someone. Also a sound or vibration produced in one object that is caused by the sound or vibration produced in another.] In a world overwhelmed and cursed by sin, we, as believers in Christ Jesus have His revealed will in His Word to guide us through life. (Genesis 3:17 & Romans 5:12) When something is alive, it moves, there are 'vibrations', there is a vitality, energy, even power. And this is true of His Word more than anything else on this planet. To 'resonate' or have 'resonance' is to not only produce a loud, clear, deep sound for a long time, but to cause other's to produce the same sound. His Word, when rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15) produces that vitality, that energy and power that effects everyone. To some it draws (John 6:44-45) and others it is that "stone of stumbling" that was mentioned in a previous lesson (Isaiah 8:14) The world as a whole is in a rejecting mode more and more every day. But no matter what the rest of the world is doing or which way it is choosing to go, we are called to be "ambassadors" for Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote (2 Corinthians 5:20), "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though GOD were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to GOD." And in Ephesians 6, Paul continues with that idea of being an ambassador when he said that not only did he gird himself with the whole armor of GOD (vs 10), praying always in the Spirit for all his fellow believers, the saints, but praying for himself (vs 19-20) "that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." In Mark 2 & Luke 5 Jesus equates sin with sickness and Himself as a physician. But the healing that He was most concerned with was the spiritual kind. That some were healed of diseases and physical problems sometimes was the result of His compassion. (Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:41; Luke 10:33) But in truth, these events were to show Christ's authority on earth as the Messiah, for the most part to the Jews. The truth is, He did not heal everyone who needed it. For instance, in John 5 we can read about the pool of Bethesda where "a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had." Keeping in mind that Jesus never did anything arbitrarily and He wasn't there at the pool by accident, we see that He spoke to only one man, "a certain man" the Scripture says, a man who had been infirm for thirty eight years. A particular man, not just one of the many who were there because we must know that Jesus never does anything without a reason. What was so special about this man? Since Jesus knows the thoughts of every man, He knew how the man would respond. Jesus didn't tell someone to pick the man up and put him into the pool, nor did He do it Himself, He just said, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." And he "took up his bed and walked" Later, when the man was in temple, Jesus spoke to him saying, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." While the rest of the Scriptures don't give any detail, we do know that the man told other Jews that Jesus had made him well, and it is quite possible that there were some who believed that Jesus was the Messiah because of what they heard about Him as it had been foretold of. Isaiah 53 There are some who believe that it is a lack of faith and belief that keeps a person from being healed. These notions are based on misused and misquoted Scripture, used out of context, and sadly when healing doesn't come, in essence, it becomes some sort of measuring stick for faith. And certainly, to one who believes sincerely that their own faith is strong, it can cause that person to begin to doubt GOD!!! But an objective and careful study of His Word makes it obvious that such a convictions about healing are in error. I have walked in fairly good health all my life. I have experienced accidents and incidents that seem to me should have resulted in serious injury, yet they did not. Injuries that I have experienced, healed quickly with little or no after effects. Yet through all of that for me, I have buried my parents, both dying of disease, and two husbands, both who died earlier than what I considered to be "a good old age" (Genesis 15:15: 25:8; Judges 8:32; 1 Chronicles 29:28) But too, I have seen people healed. So I know He still heals but it is always at His time, as He chooses, according to His will. Our greatest concern today, must be the same as it is for Him, it is sin. While in my heart I look for His appearing with love and hope, praying "even so, come LORD Jesus", I tremble knowing that when He comes, so many will be lost forever. And that knowledge should be the impetus that moves us always to be His witness.

Q3. (John 14:6; 10:7, 9) In light of all the world's religions, how can Jesus be the Way to God, the exclusive door or gateway? Why does this offend the world? Since it is true, how can we most winsomely declare this truth to our generation? Even before Aristarchus of Samos (310-230 BC) first declared the sun to be the center of the our solar system (heliocentrism) and for that matter, that the earth was a sphere not flat, Pythagoras (Greek philosopher/mathematician, 570-495 BC) said that the earth was a "globe." He wrote: “Should one in boldness say, Lo, I am God! Besides the One--Eternal--Infinite, Then let him from the throne he has usurped Put forth his power and form another globe, Such as we dwell in, saying, This is mine. Nor only so, but in this new domain For ever let him dwell. if this he can, Then verily he is a god proclaimed.” While there were other astronomers and mathematicians (Eratosthenes - 276-194 BC) who supported these concepts, until that time, and even for centuries after, "geocentrism", a flat earth being held up by various entities was considered "truth." But the bible tells us from as early as 2100 BC (Job 26:7), that not only was the world hanging in space without the need of anything to hold it up but that it was round not flat.(Isaiah 40:22 - about 711 BC) What does all of that have to do with Jesus being the only way to GOD? The truth of the earth's orbit and shape as revealed to humanity, is the same as with the religions of the world. A. W. Tozer (1897 - 1963) once said, "There are two religions, Christianity and all the others." When Jesus said, "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6), He spoke the truth, because He is Truth, and because He Himself said, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father Who sent Me gave me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak" (John 12:49-50) Some like me may have always believed in GOD. I know I did from my earliest recollections. But while I had belief (even demons believe and even worship Him - Mark 5:6-7 & James 2:19) my belief was not evidenced by saving faith. So the fact is, some who even believe in Jesus don't have believing, saving faith in Him. Without naming names, some other religions acknowledge Jesus in one way or another, but only Christianity holds Him as Deity, as 'the Son of GOD', Savior, Redeemer, Kings of Kings, LORD or Lords, Messiah, the Second Person of the Godhead. "He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15), "the head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18) He IS Who He is! John 1:1-5, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. He was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life that was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." To the believers in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote: "but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks (Gentiles) foolishness." 1 Corinthians 1:23 That hasn't changed in 2000 years. GOD's chosen people, the Jews still "stumble" over Christ crucified. And to all the rest of the world's people, He is "foolishness" (absurdity!) Most all of us, at one time or another have heard someone say, "why do I need a 'savior', I've never done anything wrong. Besides, I don't believe in GOD!" But only a fool denies GOD. (Psalm 14:1) Abraham Lincoln once said, "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up into the heavens and say there is no God." ("The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows His handiwork" Psalm 19:1) This world grows darker by the minute. The evidence of debauchery and filth used to be something that those who wanted it, had to look for. Books, movies and television had barriers (rating systems) that for the most part, protected those of us who found offensive the garbage being passed off as entertainment. But now, it is so universal, that even to turn on your computer, generally slaps one in the face with something licentious. We can't seem to get away from it. The entertainment moguls seem to think that the entire world want to see more nudity, more sex, more, more, more. In 2 Timothy 3:12 it says, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." That word 'persecution' (dioko) means to be harassed, troubled and molested. I dumped cable and satellite TV because I felt as though I was being molested! Knowing all of that, we must keep our focus on Him, remembering what He said to us through His servants that brought to us His Word, that we might know how to deal with the issues of today. Always remembering His gospel is "Light." 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 should be indelibly imprinted in our minds and as His Holy Spirit works His will in and through us, He will teach us all things and bring to our remembrance all that He has said. John 14:26 Some may be called to preach, some to teach, but Jesus Himself commanded that we all be a witness (Acts 1:8) Someone once wrote that if we knew that another person had a disease that we had the cure for, wouldn't we give them the cure? Of course! All people have a fatal disease (a spiritual disease), it is SIN! And without the "cure", that is, Jesus Christ, they will die IN their disease. (John 8:23-25) Being a witness is not a matter of persuasion, arm twisting or coercion. A witness is one who tells another what he has experienced, seen or heard. It is being able to sensibly and clearly answer those who inquire of us about the hope that is in us. 1 Peter 3:15 "with meekness and fear"

Q2. (1 Peter 2:4-8) In what way are these rock images of Christ attractive to our world? In what way do they repel people? Why? In what ways do you see Jesus as a Rock, Stone, and Foundation in your own life? In Isaiah 8, the prophet spoke of the Messiah as a "sanctuary" but at the same time a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense", and in Isaiah 28, again the Messiah is likened to a stone, as the prophet writes: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation." The Jews of that time, with their traditions of the temples and synagogues would have understood the simile of enduring strength to a stone. So when Peter, quoting from Isaiah said, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame" those to whom he wrote, they understood it was Christ Jesus, the "chief cornerstone"; that it was He Who was elect and precious. Today, only to those who have put their faith in Christ Jesus, believing Him to be chosen by GOD and precious, find Him to be "attractive." For unbelievers, as Peter said, "to those who are disobedient" as the chief priests and Pharisees were as they rejected Him, even though He was and is the "chief cornerstone" of our faith. He is a "stone of stumbling" to those who would attempt to attain righteousness by works (the Law). (Hebrews 9:31-33) The world is trying to blot out His Name and His glory by proclaiming their own righteousness. Down through the centuries, just as the Scriptures foretell us, there will be those who are offended by Him, by His Word, but there will also be those who believe in Him, receiving Him as Savior and LORD. As I compare the condition of my former life to my life now as a born-again believer, saved by His grace and mercy, I know that as Peter said of those who believed that He is the precious cornerstone. He said they were a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people", and I know that I have been called out of a dreadful darkness into His marvelous light (vs 9) His gospel gave me life, dignity, value and most importantly, purpose. Without Him I would have been just a wanderer, going from one extreme to another.

Q1. (Colossians 1:18) How should the assertion that Jesus is the "head of the body, the church" affect the way we conceive of the church? Is he talking about the universal Church or a local congregation, or both? If we believe that Jesus is the head of the church, how should that affect the way we conduct our life and ministry as the church? In what ways does the visible church represent the "head"? How well do we, as the body, follow his leadership? Rather than reading just vs 18 in Colossians 1, let's back up and begin reading at vs 15 - 20. "He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over all creation (the KJV says, 'firstborn of every creature). For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." So I count 8 times the word "all" is used, 7 if you are using a KJV. Nevertheless, that is a lot of "ALL" And when He says ALL, He means ALL, not just some, a portion of, or a leftover, but ALL. The Greek word 'pas' clearly means, all things, each & every, any, everything, individually & collectively. So it easy to understand what is meant by Christ Jesus being "the head of the body, the church" as it is He Who "is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence." He is, just as those Scriptures tell us, the image of GOD, the firstborn over all creation; for Him and through Him all things were created; He was and is "before" all things; in Him all things consist (are composed of; all parts united); He has supreme preeminence (to be the first in rank or influence); He is the firstborn from the dead in Whom all of GOD's glory resides as He has been "appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His Person, and upholding all things by the word of His power" Hebrews 1 Christ Jesus is the head of both the local church as individual groups of believers and He is the head of "the church." There again we find the word "the" where an "a" could just as easily been used. But He is not the head of "a" church, as in one of a number, He is the head of THE Church, which is His body. Every believer is part of that Body. Romans 12:1-5 & 1 Corinthians 12:27 and it is "IN Him we live, and move, and have our being" as "His offspring." Acts 17:28 and as Christ Jesus lives in all believers, those who are born-again, by faith in Him Galatians 2:20 and IN us He is our hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 As a single part of His Body, His spiritual body on earth, we wait for His appearing. We must live out each day knowing that every believer is a part of Him as well. The entire body works together, just as our own body does. Our brain keeps all the functions in order; our muscles and bones give us movement, but all still controlled by the "head", the brain. Christ is the "Head" of the church, which is His body, which is here to fulfill His will on earth. We are to care for, nurture and hold in high regard all the other "members" of the body and we are always to be "ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" 1 Peter 3:15 There are many churches that go by many names. But not all are part of His church, His body, His Bride. For He is coming back for a Bride that is spotless, a glorious church, holy without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 And not every church can be described that way. The warnings that Scripture has given about the error and the deceptions of the last days are happening all around us. False teaching and false shepherds are leading many into heresy. Many church groups call themselves "Christians" but are not born-again believers. They follow after idols and believe not the Word of GOD. As each of us is a member of His body, we are to welcome His Word as Truth which will "work" in us. The Apostle Paul urged Christians in Corinth to "imitate" him as he himself imitated Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 And to do that we must put His Word first in our lives, remembering the Bereans as they "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." Acts 17:10 15 Too often today, we hear or read what someone else has to say about GOD's Word but never check to see if what we have heard or read is true!

Q4. (John 10:11-14) What are the characteristics of the "Good Shepherd"? How do these contrast with the "hired hand"? God calls us to shepherd others as pastors, small group leaders, teachers, mentors, etc. How can we demonstrate that we are "good shepherds" rather than "hired hands"? As we read John 10, we understand that Jesus was speaking to the Jews and Pharisees who were against Him in every way possible. They believed themselves to be the head of the Jewish church and considered Jesus to be the imposter. Jesus, on the other hand, knew them to be false shepherds who would run away if danger threatened the sheep, and He used a parable to illustrate the difference between an "owner" and just a "hireling," one who is paid to keep the sheep. The first thing to notice is what He didn't say (vs 7), that He was "a" door, as in one of a number of doors. Contrary to the worlds thinking and the common consensus of many who today, say otherwise, there is only ONE WAY to GOD. In John 14:6, He also said, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Again, He used "THE" instead of "a"....for there is only ONE WAY, and it is He. There is only ONE "Good Shepherd", and it is He. In the six short verses of Psalm 23 is the description of the Good Shepherd. There is no want in the care of the Good Shepherd. Instead we are lead to still waters, a place of tranquility, of rest and green pastures, not driven...but lead by the One Who loves us the most. Reading Ezekiel 34 speaks of those who do not care for the flock in contrast to shepherds who do. (vs 16) GOD is very protective of His flock, saying "I Am your GOD." (vs 31) I once thought of my parents as "over protective" because until I was about thirteen, I was not allowed to go to the community pool or the beach unless one of them was with me. Even though there was a "lifeguard" on duty, they would not leave me in the care of a stranger. It wasn't until I had a child of my own that I understood. A paid caregiver would do their best, but a parent, would give their all. Jesus gave His ALL. In 1 Corinthians 12, as the Apostle Paul writes about spiritual gifts, he tells us that the gifts of the Spirit are given for the "profit of all." And as Peter wrote too of spiritual gifts, he said (1 Peter 4) "But the ends of all things is at hand" and if we truly believe that time is of the essence, we will pay heed to what else Peter said, "be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of GOD. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of GOD. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which GOD supplies, that in all things GOD may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." Though not all are called to be pastors or ministry leaders in a church, we are all to make sure our hearts and minds are stayed on Him. In our prayers we are to seek His guidance, and His help as we meet those each day who need to hear His gospel. As we have been given the privilege to "come boldly" to His throne (Hebrews 4:16) let us pray for boldness as we open our mouths to declare His gospel as the days grow darker. (Ephesians 6) The gifts that each believer is given are given by His design. (1 Corinthians 12:11) Individual talents too are gifts from GOD. While some may profit from their talents, and there is nothing wrong with that, many (read Exodus 31) over the centuries like Bezalel have used their talents to glorify GOD. Spiritual gifts however, are specifically for "the equipping of the saints for the works of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" Regardless of what we believe our own spiritual gift may be, we are to serve GOD faithfully, in whatever area He has placed us. Corrie ten Boom once said of her captivity in the dark and horrid Nazi prison, that each day she had to think on 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 and commit herself to "bloom where she was planted." It is in that commitment that we usually bump heads with the LORD over our will as opposed to His will.... As we walk in His command to "love" we will seek out those who are in need, whether in tangible things or in need of prayer and encouragement. In Psalm 37 we read: "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." So often that verse is quoted out of context to defend a particular teaching that suggests that GOD is like a vending machine! But in truth, if we pay heed to all the words of the verse, not just those that support our subjective opinion, especially the word "also" in the previous verse (vs 3) that tells us that we are to "trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land", that is we are to conform ourselves to Him, not expecting it to be the other way around! Dwelling in the land is living each day dependent on Him to lead and supply. That word "delight" actually means to be 'soft and pliable' and a heart that is not born-again is stony and it can't be soft and pliable without Christ. (Ezekiel 11:19-21) In order to develop and exercise the spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit has given, whether to be a pastor or simply one who shares the gospel as often as the opportunity comes, we must be willing and obedient to His will in our lives. And as He is in residence within our hearts, we will find that our desires more and more reflect His will rather than our own.

Q3. (Mark 10:43-45) How does Jesus serve (like Boaz) as a Kinsman-Redeemer to us? What does the idea of needing a ransom imply about our condition? What was the redemption-price that the Father paid for us? Christ gave Himself for us, paying for all of our sins. He did this to "purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." Titus 2:14 The price that was paid for us is immeasurable, His blood, the blood of the Lamb. 1 Peter 1:18-19 Hebrews 2:17 tells us that Jesus Christ was "made like His brethren" (our kin), in other words, as flesh and blood He suffered and was tempted as we are, yet He lived apart from any sin so that when the hour came, He would be an undefiled, sinless "propitiation", the "Lamb" without blemish or spot, the single atoning sacrifice for our sins. (Hebrews 4:15-16 ; Hebrews 10:11-14 & 1 John 2:2) Just as Boaz, Jesus not only had the power and authority to redeem us but He did it willingly, even knowing what torture and manner of death He faced. John 10:17-18 GOD is Holy and we, as we were BEFORE Christ, were not! Even the "nicest" person, if not born-again opposes GOD. Even the nicest person is being held captive by the devil, the enemy. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 We too were being held captive by our sins. Romans 3:23-24 & Romans 6:23 are very important verses that when taken into the heart can begin to break on free from bondage! Romans 5:8-11 says, "But GOD demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in GOD through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation."

Q2. How are we disciples to assist in Jesus' mission to seek and to save the lost? What is the love-balance between seeking to save our friends and having to back off because they feel we are trying to pressure them? There is a man I have spoken to a few times at a local flea mkt. He makes beautifully lettered Christian signs with bible verses. I had asked him if he would like to have on his table a supply of Christian tracts and booklets and he said he would. So yesterday I took him a selection of small booklets including some copies of John's gospel. As we talked, he told me that he would love to learn to witness to strangers but always finds himself at a loss. I told him that to anyone who would say that same thing.....I would say, PRACTICE!! One on one evangelism is not the easiest thing to do and it does require practice. As I told him, you don't have to be a "theologian" but you do have to be dedicated; having a degree in ministry isn't necessary, but being diligent is! I told him to think like a boy scout and be prepared. In Luke 19:10 Jesus said that He, the Son of Man had come to "seek and to save that which is lost." But today, we really don't have to go very far to "seek" out those who are lost. They are all around us! For the man at the flea mkt., he has in essence, a store-front church. There will be those who stop who are already born-again. There will be those who are as yet undecided, and there will be those who are mockers and doubters. Those who are born-again are safe! But all the others are lost and indeed on their way to hell. And if they have stopped, it is because there is something stirring within them. I think sometimes about the pool of Bethesda (John 5), where "at a certain time" the waters were "stirred" or "troubled" as the KJV says, and as I think about that pool of roiling water, I think of how troubled and agitated are the hearts of those who are lost. While they walk in a false sense of security or calmness, there is within them a troubled soul in need of their Redeemer. Years ago when I realized that I had a "talent" (some call it an annoyance!) to talk to strangers at the drop of a hat, I asked the LORD to use it for His glory. Now, I talk to everyone I meet. I find something to spark a conversation, sometimes just out of the air I begin talking to them. And within a few words, their eternal destination generally becomes apparent. If they are born-again we praise the LORD for a few minutes together and I go on my way. But if I find that they are lost, I offer to give them a roadmap. I carry 2 bibles with me. One is my own witnessing bible. In it I have seven verses from Romans 3:23 to Revelation 3:20 marked. The second bible is brand new with the same verses marked. Just a like a road map, they lead the reader into GOD's Word where salvation awaits. It is by and through His Word, and His Word alone that a person can be "led" to Christ. It is His Word that is "quick", that is, it is ALIVE, it is POWERFUL, sharper than a two-edged sword! And faith comes "by hearing" and as the person reads aloud the verses in the "map" they are led to Him and as their faith is established, when they reach the last verse, if His Spirit is at work in the heart of that person, then just as it was for Zacchaeus, salvation comes! We are to sow the seed of His Word everywhere we go, and water the seeds sown by others before us, always trusting that GOD Himself will give the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:5-8 I have known many people, some family and some who had always been dear friends, with whom I have become a estranged. They chose to cling to their unbelief and though my witness to them was in love, humble and kind, they now are distant. My love for them has never ceased, even as I will meet the LORD face to face. But just as He said to His disciples, of whom we are, those closest to us will be offended by what we say and how we act and live. Matthew 13:53-58 ; Mark 6:1-6 ; John 4:44 When the offense comes, and it will and does, we are to "shake the dust from our feet" and go on. Matthew 10:14 ; Mark 6:11 ; Luke 9:5 Those we hold dear, we place in His hands! As we are responsible to GOD for our obedience, we are to open our mouths "boldly" always remembering that we are His ambassadors. Ephesians 6:19-20 Remembering too, what the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "be diligent to present yourself approved of GOD, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." & "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:15 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17 So with those who are closest to us, yet the farthest away, we must live our lives before GOD, keeping our focus on Him. Knowing that though it may appear that we were not successful in sowing the seeds of salvation into those we love the most, He, Who is the One who loves them more than we do is the LORD of the harvest. To be like that boy scout, we study His Word, prayerfully, seeking the guidance of His Holy Spirit as we live out our Christian faith each day, asking Him to give us opportunities to share His gospel, considering it a privilege to be a worker for Christ. Always praying that other workers will come to those we love and not be turned away!

Q1. (Luke 19:10; Matthew 11:19) Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the Friend of Sinners? How should it affect your relationships with people who are deep in sin? Once, long ago, I very nearly drowned in Tampa Bay. Swimming there with my husband, I was caught in an undertow, as was he, and we were being drawn out away from shore and away from each other. Fortunately, we both remembered what we had been taught and escaped a terrible death. As as I think back to that day, the words to a wonderful old hymn of testimony comes to mind.... "I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, from the waters lifted me, now safe am I" (Smith/Rowe) As small child, while I believed in GOD and believed that Jesus was the Son of GOD, I didn't understand how that was nor did I have any understanding of the Holy Spirit. I would hear grownups say thing like, "be good now, Jesus is watching" or "GOD wants you to be a good little girl", the trouble was, being good was no fun!! And I wanted to have fun. So I kept my belief in GOD and in Jesus in a compartment within me. As I grew up, my life was my own, I did what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. But I never ceased believing in GOD, in Jesus, still keeping them in that compartment. I knew kids who were Christians and I did not want to be like them. Having to give up playing on Sunday to go to church....how boring!! But somewhere along there just as I was about to become a teenager, I was introduced to Jonah and the "great fish." (Jonah 1:17) I was intrigued by the story but it began to haunt me, not like ghostly haunt, but I began to think of my own life as a life like Jonah's.....spent running from GOD. Years later I would read C. S. Lewis' words about his own resistance to Christ as he said, feeling "the steady, unrelenting approach of Him whom I so earnestly desired NOT to meet" and I understood exactly what he had felt! A most reluctant Christian, but fully aware of "that LOVE which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, with darting eyes in every direction for a chance of escape!" (Lewis) That was me!! When He drew me, drew my heart into Him, there was no resistance left in me even as I was shown by the Holy Spirit the darkness and sin that was in me. In less time than it took to take a breath I saw myself as He saw me, and I knew that unless I received Him totally, I was dead. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote: "And I thank Christ Jesus our LORD Who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our LORD was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to GOD Who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 1:12-17) I was one of those who walked in insolence and by my behavior I blasphemed GOD as my Creator. And not out of ignorance or unbelief, but out of pride and I knew that pride was like an anchor, keeping me stuck in a whirlpool of sin. Someone once said, "Pride leads to every other vice; It is the complete anti-GOD state of mind." Yet His grace was "exceedingly abundant" and I know that His longsuffering toward me kept me alive! I could actually feel His grace, almost like a warm soothing bath. His grace was indeed "sufficient" for me. (2 Corinthians 12:9) And it continues to this day. "Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by His love out of the angry waves. He's the Master of the sea, billows His will obey; He your Savior wants to be, be saved today!" (Smith/Rowe) Over the years I have become acquainted with who I am IN Christ. Wanting above all to serve Him, I began to seek His wisdom and felt a definite pull of my heart towards the lost. As I am certain that His return is eminent, I am just as certain that each person I meet has a "destination", that is, either heaven or hell. Knowing that, it is all the more of a burden on my heart that His gospel be shared with everyone I meet, as His Spirit gives the opportunity. There is no time to waste!

Q4. (Philippians 2:7-8) How are we to follow Jesus' example as the Servant? Why is humility difficult? Why is obedience hard? Where are you struggling right now to be humble and obedient? In Isaiah 40 & 41, the condition of the earth is described. As it is the same today with all of the sin and debauchery, idolatry and disobedience, it is interesting to see, that Isaiah foretold (40:3-5) the coming of "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" in the person of John the Baptist, and he concluded his book (66:22) with words that are spoken by the Apostle John in Revelation 21:1, of the "new heavens and the new earth" In Isaiah, there are four chapters that are called the "Servant Songs" In Isaiah 42:1-9 the first words are a command: "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold" Here is the conquering King Who will come as a meager Servant. In 49:1-13 Isaiah said of the Servant, that He was "called from the womb"; that He would be GOD's salvation "to the ends of the earth", the Redeemer, His Holy One. In 50:4-11 the prophet speaks of His crucifixion, "I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting." And finally there is 52:13-53:12 which is referred to as Isaiah's "Suffering Servant" song and again the first words are, "Behold, My Servant" But even before Isaiah spoke the words of GOD in about 711 BC, foretelling the coming Messiah, Psalm 22 was prophetic in that the first words (979 BC - David?) would be repeated by Christ Jesus on the cross, "My GOD, My GOD, why have You forsaken Me?" And it describes a suffering that is far beyond anything that David ever endured. For instance: "they pierced My hands and My feet" (Luke 24:39); "they divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots" (John 19:24) As His servants, we are called to be of the same mind, the Mind that is in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5) and His mind was focused on pleasing GOD and doing His will (Matthew 3:17; John 4:34 & 6:38). Like His life, our lives are to glorify GOD (John 13:31-32 & 17:4 And as He was the "Amen, the Faithful and True Witness" we too must endeavor to walk by and in His Spirit so that our lives reflect Him, give witness to His Truth. (Revelation 3:14) Servitude can be forced as it was for the Israelites when they were taken captive into Assyria and Babylon or it can be by submission out of love. As the Apostle Paul says in Colossians 3, "if" we are raised with Christ then we are to seek those things that are above where He is sitting at GOD's right hand, setting our minds on the things in heaven, not the earthly things (vs 1-2) Our lives should be "hidden" with Christ in GOD (vs 3), as we are being diligent to "put to death" those things in our lives that are contrary to Him (vs 5) After we have "put on" (adorned with as if clothed with a garment) the "new man who is renewed in the knowledge according to the image of Him Who created him" (vs 10), have "put on" humility along with tender mercies, kindness, meekness and longsuffering, and if then we have "above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (vs 14), we can let His peace rule us and let His Word dwell in us (vs 15-16). Just as Christ made Himself to be a "bondservant", we too should, with sincerity, humility and heartily as to the LORD (vs 23-24) take on the form of a bondservant. (Philippians 2:6-7) While it is His nature to be "lowly" (Matthew 21:5), to have the heart of a servant (Luke 22:27 & John 13:5, it is NOT our nature to be the same. For ours in human while His is Divine. Our's is flesh but His is Spirit. For us it will always be a struggle to rein in our flesh, to walk in humility and obedience since neither of these traits come naturally or easily. As it is with many people, I struggle every day to set aside my desire to be independent, and replace it with total submission and dependence on the LORD. I have found that the older I get the more important it is for me to succeed. I am thankful that one day, when we are truly at rest, residing in our "incorruptible" body in heaven, the struggle will be no more! (1 Corinthians 15:52-53)

Q3. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) What is the purpose of the Lord's Supper? Why should we partake often? Why is it so easy to forget what Jesus has done for us on the cross? On the night before Jesus Christ would be forced to carry the cross up Golgatha to the place where He would be crucified, He sat with His disciples in a room that was provided by an unknown benefactor. While the exact details vary between Matthew 26, Mark 14 & Luke 22, the Lord's Supper and Christ's words that the bread is "My body" & the cup, which is "My blood" are all recorded. The significance of the timing of the "LORD's Supper" is that Passover is the most sacred observance in the Jewish faith. And the observance of Passover demonstrates GOD's love and symbolizes our Savior; it is a foreshadow of what Christ's work on the cross would do. Hebrews 10:10-14 Exodus 12:2 tells us to accept the Passover Lamb gave a new beginning. Vs 5 is Christ as the Lamb, "Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year." Vs 7, 12 & 22 explains how and why the blood of the lamb would be applied to the doorposts and lintels of the homes. Vs 14 tells of GOD's instruction that the Passover be kept as a "memorial", a feast to the LORD throughout all generations, as an "everlasting ordinance." Vs 46 shows us that the Lamb's bones would not be broken. (John 19:33) Vs 50-51 is evidence that obedience brings salvation! "Thus all the children of Israel did; as the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so the did. And it came to pass, on tht very same day, that the LORD brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt according to their armies." The Passover Lamb from which the blood was taken to put onto the doorposts and lintels as a sign (Exodus 12:13), is as Jesus spoke of His blood as the "new covenant." And just as GOD told the Israelites that they should keep the feast to LORD, the Passover, as a memorial for all generations, we too should keep the ordinance of His Last Supper as a spiritual marker of our faith in Christ. "Down at the cross where my Savior died, Down where for cleansing from sin I cried, There to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His Name!" (Elisha Hoffman) In 1 Corinthians 11:24-26 , the Apostle Paul too, wrote about the Lord's Supper. He spoke of the bread which is Christ's "body" and the cup what is Christ's "blood" and for us to do this often, breaking the bread and drinking the cup in remembrance of His sacrifice, and each time we do, we "proclaim the LORD's death till He comes." The bread and the "fruit of the vine" are symbols of His life, His crucifixion and His resurrection. How it might be an easy thing to do, that is, to forget, is beyond me!! How can one who is truly born-again forget what Christ Jesus did on the cross? I am reminded countless times each day, knowing that the punishment and death that I deserved was paid by Him on the cross. How can I forget that? The Apostle Paul tells of a man who is as one who looks into a mirror seeing his image, then who walks away only to forget what he looked like! That man is a "hearer" of the Word, not a "doer." Paul then says, "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty (which is Christ, His gospel) and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.". (Psalm 1:1-3) One who is truly born-again is not simply a "hearer" but a "doer." For there is something that must be done after His Word is heard, and that is to BELIEVE! So it seems to me that if one did "forget" what Jesus Christ did on the cross, then that person is as the one who forgot what he looked like after looking in the mirror! We looked into GOD's Word, His gospel, and it showed us all of our blemishes. Then by faith we accepted His grace and mercy, took the pardon for our sin that He offered and applied His blood to our lives then to be set apart, that is "justified" for Him. Acts 13:38-39; Romans 3:23-25 Then daily, as we walk in that justification, He works by His Spirit to sanctify us. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-16 In Acts 26, the Apostle Paul related to King Agrippa the words that Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus. Paul said, "And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads."...."I Am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are "sanctified" by faith in Me." If we are being obedient, setting our focus on Him, seeking Him early, remembering His words to the sleeping disciples in Gethsemane, then we are keeping fresh the memory of what He has done for us (Psalm 126). Knowing how easy it was for Peter, who had walked with Him, talked, shared meals, witnessed miracles and seen Him face to face, to deny Him, then we must know too, that as Christ Jesus told Peter though the enemy wanted to sift him as wheat, He had prayed that his faith should not fail (Luke 22:31-32). For us, we have Christ Jesus as our Mediator, even as the accuser rants and raves before GOD's throne "day and night" (Revelation 12:10), our Savior intercedes for us.

Q2. (John 1:29) Why is Jesus referred to as the Lamb of God? To what degree does he take away our sins? How does he come to represent you -- as your sacrifice for sin? In Matthew 26:28, Jesus said, "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Zacharias, at the birth of his son John, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, "Blessed is the LORD GOD of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people,........and you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the LORD to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our GOD, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us"......."So the child (John the Baptist) grew and became strong in spirit and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel." (Luke 1:67-80) The redemption of His people has always been GOD's plan. From the moment Adam and Eve were driven from the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), even as He cursed the serpent (vs 14-15), telling it that He would use the Seed of the woman (note that He did not say 'man and woman'), that is Christ, to bruise it's head, to crush it, to exact His justice upon it, by His mercy and grace He was providing a covering for them, which was the first blood sacrifice (Genesis 3:21). Until the New Covenant with Christ Jesus as the Perfect Sacrifice (Leviticus 22:21), because there is a penalty for sin, that is death, there were countless sacrificial lambs laid on altars as temporary "fixes" for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-39), because "not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood." Hebrews 9:18 We see the first glimpse of "Himself" as the Lamb in a place called 'Moriah' (chosen by Jehovah) (Genesis 22) In Isaiah 52 beginning in vs 13 and continuing through all of Isaiah 53, the prophet testifies to us of the coming Messiah, the Perfect Lamb, the "lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:17-21 And in Hebrews 9:22, "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission (of sins)." (Leviticus 17:11) When I finally agreed with GOD that I was a sinner in need of the Salvation only He could provide, He Who is faithful and just, forgave me of my sins and cleansed me from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) My position IN Him is guaranteed by His blood, that very Precious blood that He carried into the Holy of Holies My walk with Him is clumsy and I know that each day I grieve His Holy Spirit by the things I say and do. But I cast it all at His feet as I walk, keeping my mind set on Him, endeavoring to walk in humility with a repentant heart, not to assure my "continuing" salvation, for that is eternal, but to keep my relationship with Him sweet. I was my dad's daughter, and nothing I could have ever done would have caused him to disown me. But there were times after some particular "antic", I would have to go to him to apologize so that our "relationship" was restored. And the same holds true with our relationship with Him. When we sin, when we do something stupid, thoughtless or unkind, we need to immediately turn to Him with true repentance, seeing what we have done or said, not tinted with the worlds view, but as He sees it, as sin, all the while confident that He is ever before the Father as our Mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5 "But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to GOD, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?" Hebrews 9:11-14

Q1. What does Jesus' holiness and righteousness demand of our lives as his disciples? In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, what was the primary characteristic of the sheep vs. the goats? From the moment we are born-again, we are 'righteous' in GOD's sight, not righteousness of our making, but clothed in the righteousness of Christ, the only One Whose righteousness is not as "filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6) Attempting to stand before our most Holy GOD in our own righteousness would be a fatal mistake. For as it says in Romans 3, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD." We can't be justified in His sight by our own good deeds, but we can be "justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." I love that word "justified" as it means that I have been "declared" righteousness by the Work of His grace, not because I earned it or deserved it. I once heard an old preacher say of being "justified" that by the blood of Christ, the penalty for my sins, past, present and future was paid and I can stand before GOD "just as if I never sinned".... And as He is residing in us and us in Him, His grace begins to develop the spiritual fruit that He wants to see in us. This fruit is not something we can produce on our own. John 15:1-8 In Galatians 5 we can read what the spiritual fruit we are to produce are, we can also read the list of those things that are the "works of the flesh" and the Apostle Paul said clearly these things are "evident", they are apparent, easily seen in those who continue to walk NOT in the Spirit. Then in Ephesians 5, the apostle tells us to "be imitators of GOD" and in doing so, we are not to be partakers in those things that are unbecoming, and not fitting for the saints of GOD (hagios - those who have been prepared for GOD). This means that while we can't produce His fruit of righteousness by our own effort, we can, as we are strengthened by His Spirit, set aside those things that are an abomination to GOD, those things which inevitably bring GOD's wrath.(vs 6) Hebrews 12:1 I suspect that Paul had seen an abundance of the "works of the flesh" in himself while he was yet just "Saul" before his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. Many of those things mentioned in Galatians 5 were a part of Saul: the hatred, contentions, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, murder....and all the while he believed that he was a righteous man of GOD. I have found in witnessing for Christ, the hardest individual to talk to about the redemption found only in Christ, is the one who believes himself to be "righteous." That person has spent their lifetime creating in and of themselves an image of "being a good person." In the illusion that he is acceptable to GOD in his self produced "righteousness" this person will resist the gospel because it is not like what he thinks of himself, having seared his own conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) As Christ speaks of the sheep and the goats, it's interesting to see how He uses a parables (parabole') beginning in Matthew 13, then on through the rest of the gospels it is recorded that Jesus used them frequently. ("a parable is a fictitious story told to illustrate a heavenly truth!") The same Q that we should ask today, was asked by the disciples, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" (vs 10) The importance of His answer was obvious. He said , "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." Speaking in parables allowed those whose hearts were open to Him to understand the truth, but to those whose hearts were cold, the truth was hidden. Mark 4 tells us that "without a parable He did not speak to them" (the multitudes and His disciples) but afterwards He explained "all things" to His disciples. (vs 34) Keeping in mind that the story of the sheep and the goats is a 'parable', it's important that a few verses not be taken out of context so we can understand what Christ was talking about as He spoke of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:32-33) We must consider that Matthew 24 and Matthew 25 are all one teaching as Jesus is sitting with His disciples on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:3), and what is known as the 'Olivet Discourse' follows, a teaching about the 'end times' that would come in regards to Israel, not the church (parallel passages in Mark 13; Luke 21 and additional reading Daniel 9; Revelation 6) His disciples ask Him three questions: When will these things be?; What will be the sign of Your coming?; What will be the sign of the end of the age? While the answer to their first Q isn't recorded in Matthew 24 (it is in Luke 21:20-24), the answers to the second two are. And His answers were straightforward, that there would be mounting deceptions, wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes but these things were only the beginning of "sorrows." He explained the difference between the "Great Tribulation" and all the trials and tribulations that they (we too) must endure before the "end of the age." (vs 15 - 28) He explained how, immediately after the "Great Tribulation" all the people of the earth will see the sun and the moon darkened, see stars fall from heaven, they will see a sign of the Son of Man appear in heaven and all the people will "mourn" (kopto - to beat one's breast in anguish) when they see Christ Jesus, "the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13 - 14) coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:29-30) If they have survived, those whose rejection of Christ kept them from being taken (the Rapture) from the earth with the rest of the believers before the "Great Tribulation" will now face the One they rejected! Then as we read into Matthew 25, we read two parables: one of the wise and the foolish virgins and one of the man giving money to his servants. Both are illustrations of those who were not ready for His return, the coming of the Son of Man, Christ's Second Coming (not the Rapture) which will immediately follow the Great Tribulation. In the Scripture that precedes the parable of the sheep and the goats, He begins again, talking of the coming of the Son of Man Who will sit on the throne of His glory and will judge the nations, gathering them up before Him (vs 32) "and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left." The period of time Jesus is referring to is at the end of the Great Tribulation, as He Himself has returned as He said He would, to "judge the living and the dead" (2 Timothy 4; 1 Peter 4) which is an event that does not happen until after the Great Tribulation. In the parable, we are looking at those who have believed on the LORD Jesus Christ as opposed to those who have not. But considering the complete content of Matthew 24 and Matthew 25 in regards to the Great Tribulation and the coming of the Son of Man, Christ's Second Coming, the mention of sheep and goats is a comparison between those who somehow managed to accept Christ during the tribulation and those who continue in their rejection of Him to the end. The final outcome for the goats, for those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Messiah, Savior and LORD is sure and is the same today as it will always be.... "And these will go away into everlasting punishment"

Q6. Since Yahweh seems to be formed from "I AM" as God's own name, what is the significance of Jesus' "I am" statements? Which of these "I am" statements means the most to you personally? Jesus referred to Himself as "I Am" in many verses. The significance of His testimony was that He knew Who He was and why He was on earth! In Mark 14, when asked by the high priest, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus replied, "I Am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." In John 6:35-51, Jesus answered those who were seeking signs, "I Am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." Jesus repeated this testimony of Himself several times. Jesus said "I Am the Light of the world" in John 8:12 and in vs 58 He said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." In John 10:7-10 Jesus says, "I am the door" and "I am the good shepherd" In John 11, Jesus testifies that He is "the resurrection"; in John 13 "Master (Teacher) and LORD". In John 14:6, Jesus said, "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."; in John 15:1, Jesus said, "I Am the true Vine"; in Acts 9, to Saul (Paul) on the Damascus road He said, "I AM Jesus"; In Revelation 1 He said "I Am the Alpha and the Omega"; "I Am the First and the Last"; "I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I Am alive forevermore"; In Revelation 2 He said, "I am He who searches the minds and hearts"; In Revelation 22:16 He said, "I Am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." And my favorite verse is vs 20 as He says, "Surely, I Am coming quickly." Each time I read through the last of John's revelation, I thrill at the knowledge that His coming will be quickly, it will be sudden and without delay! I've always loved surprise parties! I often think of 2 Timothy 4 frequently and pray that I am longing for His return as I should be, waiting expectantly for His appearing. And whether He comes before I die or not, makes no difference. His return will be right on time!

Q5. (Luke 9:59-62; 6:46) Is Jesus our Lord if we don't obey him immediately? Is he our Lord if we don't follow his teachings? What areas of your life do you need to surrender to his Lordship? First of all, His 'Lordship' isn't dependent on anyone's obedience! He is LORD of all. In Acts 10 the Apostle Paul uses the word "all" over a dozen times, and in each instance it means exactly what it says: each, every, any, ALL, the whole, everyone, all things (the same all things as in Romans 8:28), everything, and even collectively, some of all types.' Whether a person is born-again or not, Jesus Christ is still LORD of all. Not being recognized or praised as the LORD of a person's life, doesn't make Him any less LORD of all. C. S. Lewis once said, “A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.” And no one can diminish His Lordship by refusing to acknowledge it! In Matthew 21 we can read the parable that Jesus told of the man with two sons. Keeping in mind that a 'parable' is an illustration of a biblical truth that is portrayed figuratively, we can see what He thought about those who "say" they will obey but don't as opposed to those who at first resist obeying, but in the end, they submit. For the most part, Jesus was speaking to the chief priests and the elders who were questioning His authority as He had just ridden into Jerusalem on a colt (Zechariah 9:9); had been welcomed by "multitudes" crying, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the LORD! Hosanna to the Highest!" (Psalms 118:26) After driving the money changers out of the temple, He healed those who were brought to Him, the lame and the blind; He cursed a fig tree for having leaves but no fruit (was that Israel? Could it be me?) then is confronted by the priests and elders demanding to know "by what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" (Matthew 21:23) He agreed to answer but first they would need to answer a question....(vs 24-27) but they couldn't answer! Then He begins the parable, and since His previous words were to the priests and the elders, it is obvious that He was still speaking to them, and in reference to them! Two sons are told to go work in the vineyard. One says he will but doesn't, the other refuses but in a while, regretted his resistance, and went to work. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I am fairly certain that I could be compared to the second son. I suspect most people feel the same. I didn't want to become a Christian! I remember a boy in about 3rd grade who carried his bible to school every day. Even in the 50's, he was ridiculed and bullied because he called himself a Christian. I did not want to be like him. I think my entrance into His kingdom was made kicking and screaming..... Like the second son, I kept saying NO, refusing to bend my knee, but somewhere in my heart something had snagged me, and unlike the fish that I catch and then release, He did not release me! The Righteous Brother's hit song, "You're My Soul and Inspiration" is lovely, and I remember slow dancing with a boy at a cotillion, but now the LORD is IN my soul and is my Inspiration each day that I live! No one can say for certain what may happen in the lives of those who initially reject Jesus Christ. While some may eventually recant as I did, some will not. But it is obvious that Jesus was diagramming with the symbolism of the fig tree and the parable that all of the "religion" of Israel was just an outward show. There was no fruit, no repentance, no true obedience. Our surrender, my surrender is an everyday work that must be done. When I chose to submit, to surrender to Him, I gave Him my life, for whatever purpose He chooses. Each day I wake and make again the commitment to continue submitting and continue in surrender. I am thankful for His Word as it works in me to do His good pleasure; thankful for the spiritual blessings which are in Christ; thankful that He called me by adoption into His family; thankful that I have been accepted into the beloved of GOD; thankful that I have been redeemed, that my sins are forgiven; that He has given me wisdom, both human and divine; He has given me 'prudence' (defined as knowledge and a holy love of the will of GOD), through which He has shown us the mystery of His will. Ephesians 1:3-9 It is not human nature to be submissive, certainly isn't mine. And that means we must humble ourselves, I must humble myself so that His will rules and reigns in my life. That might be easy for some, but it has never been for me. I struggle with it every day. I was always the one who wanted to be the captain of her own ship! But now I don't call Him my 'co-pilot', NO, I call Him my Pilot, my Co-Pilot and my Navigator!

Q4. Why is the title "Lord Jesus" such an exalted one. What does it tell us about Jesus' divinity? In the NT, according to Strong's Concordance, the word "Lord", is used 711 x's in 657 verses. But as I read through those verses, I found at least 5 different Greek words translated as "Lord/lord." 'kyrios' can be translated Lord - capital L; lord - lower case l; it can be used as master, sir or Sir. It can mean "he to whom a person or things belong" as in master or lord; It can mean authority, as in the Roman emperor; and it is a title of honor give with great respect and reverence by servants to their master; but best of all it is a title given to GOD the Messiah. (Romans 6:11) From 'kyrios' comes 'kyrieuo' which is most frequently used in the sense of having dominion such as in Romans 6:9, 7:1 and 2 Corinthians 1:24. In Mark 10:51, it is the Greek word 'rhabbouni' that is translated "Lord" (KJV). Though he was a beggar on the outskirts of Jericho, Bartimaeus had been paying attention and even though blind, he recognized Christ as the Messiah, calling out to Him, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." When Jesus asked him what He could do for him, he didn't ask for wealth or fame, he said, "Rabboni (NKJV), that I may receive my sight." And Jesus told him "Go your way; your faith has made you well." (vs 52) In Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; 2 Peter 2:1 and Revelation 6:10, 'despotas' is translated "Lord." In Jude 1:4 as well, but in that verse the word "Lord" is used twice and translated from two different Greek words, "deny the only (despotas) Lord GOD" and "our (kyrios) Lord Jesus Christ." What comes to mind in the use of "despotas" is the word "despot" which in modern vernacular is defined as 'a ruler who has total power, often using the power in cruel ways'. (Merriam-Webster) But that was not the meaning in Jude. On the contrary, in his warning to the "sanctified by GOD the Father" he told of "ungodly men" who had crept into their midst and were turning the grace of our GOD into lewdness (offensive, obscene & vulgar) and speaking of the Lord as a "despotas" he spoke of Him as the One Who had absolute authority on the earth, (Revelation 6:10) Who could punish those who harmed His redeemed, those He had bought and paid for! In James 2:1 it is two Greek words: "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord (kyrios - Lord & Master) Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory (doxa), with partiality." To speak of the divinity of Jesus Christ is to know that He is more than just a Rabbi, Avenger or Owner of all those He bought and paid for! In John 12:27-36, Jesus tells those around Him of His impending death and heard Him say, "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name." And a voice from heaven replied: "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Some heard only thunder, other heard an angel speak! John, quoting the OT, he tells us that although Jesus had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him which is the fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied. (Isaiah 53:1) "Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord (Yehovah) been revealed?" And again he quotes Isaiah 6:10, speaking of the glory of the Lord, the glory and the splendor that surrounds Yehovah God that is blinding (Acts 22:11); able to inspire fear (Luke 2:9); but also hope (Titus 2:13), the supernatural power and glory that was seen as a pillar of fire and of cloud (Exodus 14:24) that is IN Christ Jesus the LORD. Colossians 2:8-10 The entire bible speaks to us of His divinity!