PATCH

What does it tell us about Saul's faith that he pursues David even when he has sought the sanctuary of the prophet Samuel? Saul had no faith. He was so bent on destroying David that even when the Spirit of God came upon him, he still rebelled against God. He was not afraid to go against God because his anger and hatred for David possessed him. Why do people prophesy when the Holy Spirit comes upon them? The Holy Spirit takes over and speak through these people. It is a mysterious activity where people come under the control of the Holy Spirit. What is the relationship between this incident and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? On both occasions, when the Holy Spirit came upon the people, they prophecied.

Which of the following is David’s chief motive for marrying Michal, in your opinion? Argue for the motivation that makes the most sense to you: (1) pride in his military prowess, (2) obedience to Saul’s desires, (3) love or desire for Michal, or (4) enjoyment in killing Philistines. I think David's chief motive for marrying Michael is pride in his military prowess, and the fact that he will be son-in-law to the King. David knew that he was no match for Michal. He could even be considered unworth since his family had no status, titles or money. Thus, he was pleased that the dowry was not financial, but something which was achievable through his own hands. We can even say that David went overboard to prove his military prowess by doubling the number of foreskins presented to Saul. David could also have enjoyed killing the Philistines. He may have wanted them to continue to pay for the mockery the Israelites have suffered when Goliath was alive.

Why does Saul send David into battle? What is the result? To what does the narrator attribute David’s success? Saul was jealous of David. David's charisma and military prowess made him a poular man. Saul was not only jealous but felt threatened. He sent David away from him and out of his court because he could stand the sight of his confident young man who had people singing praises about him, and he was hoping that by sending David to battle, David will be killed. However, Saul's evil plan was thwarted. David worshipped Yahweh. David had success upon success because God was with him.

Why do we so often forget that "the battle is the Lord's"? What does that phrase actually mean? How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles ("God is on my side"), rather than engaging in His battles ("I am on God's side")? The battle is the Lord's means we surrender the entire issue into God's hands and wait for him to deliver us. We do not try to help him in any way by using our carnal wisdom or by manipulating the situation. For many of us, we think that God is not aware or not interested or not capable in assisting us when we are in the midst of our crisis. Thus, we try to resolve our problems with our own abilities and resources. We must be so aware that God is present in everything that takes place in our lives. Thus we must humbly acknowledge that apart from Him, we are nothing. We do not try to take matters into our own hands and when things do not work out then we frantically seek Him out. Of course, God being faithful, will still answer us in our frantic moments. To believe that the battle is the Lord's, we must do all that needs to be done In the natural, place our faith in him and give Him the glory for everything that takes place.

What does David's explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David's faith? David was a young lad with no army or combat skills and experience. Yet, he has battled a lion and a bear. David attributed his success to Yahweh. He never once boasted about his own abilities. His faith in God was so strong - he was confident that God who helped him kill the lion and the bear will also help him again with Goliath. How lethal is David as a warrior? David was only a young shepherd boy then. As far as we know he never did anything else apart from maybe running some errands for his father. However when one of his sheep was carried away by a lion or a bear, he did not cower or run away. Instead this young lad went after these massive and dangerous creatures, struck them and rescue the sheep. David could easily have been torn apart by the lion and the bear which were definitely bigger and stronger than he was. Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? King Saul was an accomplished warrior. Surely he understood the strength of the lion and the bear, and if David could strike them, he knew this young lad was a force to be reckon with. King Saul even wondered how many of his own seasoned soldiers would actually run after and strike a lion or a bear. King Saul was also convinced that David was not boasting since he spoke with such a strong conviction about his faith in God's help. King Saul's faith must have been brought up a couple ot notches too after hearing David's testimony of God's help. Does Saul have faith? If so, what is the source of it? Yes, King Saul, despite his weakness, knew of Yahweh and his greatness and he had faith. He saw this faith being manifested in his young David, who being a mere shepherd boy, possess skills to play the harp so beautifully and the way he firmly testified of God's protection over his flock and his own life.

Why is David so upset about Goliath's taunt? In David's eyes, even though Goliath may be a 9-foot giant, he was worthless (uncircumcised). He was angry that such an unworthy person was defying God by oppressing his people. Why is Eliab, David's brother, so upset with David? Eliab was embarrassed that David, being young and untested in battle, was talking big and challenging a giant who had already put so much fear in the Israelites. He had no confidence in David and I think as the elder brother, he was ashamed that his youngest brother would be the cause of the Israelites defeat. What does this teach us about David's faith? David did not see Goliath as a giant. Rather, he saw Goliath as a unworthy and filthy lowlife. David knew that he was not fighting Goliath on his own strength. His fath was on Yahweh who had trained David's arm to war. He knew that because he put his trust in Yahweh, he simply cannot fail. What does it teach us about Eliab's character? Eliab was more interested in appearances and saving face. His youngest brother was just a shepherd boy and had no business in this war against Goliath. When David spoke out of faith, Eliab who did not have any faith, accused of being conceited. Eliab was actually the one who was conceited.

From Saul's perspective, why is David summoned to court? King Saul was plaqued by fearful spells (maybe in modern times, this is known as depression). His servants recommended music to calm him down. One of the servants highly recommended David who could play the harp well. From God's perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul's court? David looked after sheep and thus did not posess knowledge on royal etiquette, leadership and governing. His service in Saul's court was to provide him with the education and exposure he needed to rule the country in future. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? Disobedience, pride, arrogance, self-will and stubborness tend to prevent us from learning from God. Many of us feel we are capable of doing things ourselves and thus do not require to seek the counsel fo God. Sometimes we think that God's ways are ridiculous because they runs contrary to our human understanding. What might make us more teachable? Sadly, when we come to a point of desperation and hopelessness. Its all about discipleship. As we grow as Christian, trusting and obedience gets easier once we have taken the first step.

What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? It was to show that David was God's chosen one to lead the people of Israel. He was set apart to do the Lord's work. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? It was to empower him with the necessary wisdom, skills and abilities to lead the country. Even though David had his faults, he was nevertheless a man who had a close relationship with God and the fact that yhe Holy spirit who was His guide and counsellor. How does this explain his success? David knew he was doing the Lord's work. He depended solely on God. He obeyed God all the time (almost), and even when he sinned, he begged God not to take His spirit from him. He understood that apart from God, he could do nothing, let alone succeed. How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? Most of us have our agenda and thus we make our own plans to fulfill our ambitions. However unless we reply on the Holy Spirit for guidance, we may not succeed. Whilst there have been cases of people succeeding even when they do things their way, they may not have peace or satisfaction.

How does this story teach us the importance of listening carefully to God's voice? It is important to listen carefully to God's voice so that we 1) do not miss God's calling by not doing what we are supposed to do; 2) do not misinterpret what God has asked us to do and hence doing to wrong things or doing them the wrong way; 3) do not cave in to our own desires What is our instinctive way of discerning? We tend to discern based on 1) past experiences - we rely on our past experiences to help us make decisions; 2) we judge a book by its cover - we tend to think that people who appear to be holy, educated, perfect in their behaviour are the ones worthy to be called in the Kingdom of God; 3) human intellect - God's ways are higher than our ways but at all times, we tend to make decisions based on our human wisdom How is God teaching us to discern? He instructs, directs and guides us one step at a time. This way, we do not run ahead of ourselves and make a mess out of everything. How do we learn to listen to the Spirit? We learn to listen to the Spirit by 1) reading God's word 2) obeying His commandments 3) knowing his character, his promises, etc 4) praying and spending time with Him If we do not know God we will never be able to know when and if He is speaking to us. We can confirm it is His Spirit speaking to us through His word. God will never ask us to do anything which is contrary to His character and His word.

What is rebellion? Rebellion is doing things our way even when we have been given instructions or orders to do things a certain way. It is an act of disobedience. In this context, it is going against God's ways. In what way is rebellion as bad as witchcraft or occult practices? Witchcraft and occult practices are acts and beliefs against God. The god of witchcraft and occult practises is Lucifer who rebelled against God. What does rebellion have to do with arrogance? The reason for rebellion is we think we know better than God. We want to do things our way because it suits us. We think our ways are better than God's ways so that is arrogance. Isaiah 55:9 - God's ways are higher than our ways. What can we do when we find rebellion against God in our hearts? We have acknowledge our rebellion, repent and ask God to help us. We have to pray for a teachable spirit, a clean heart, a heart of flesh. What happens if we do nothing? Our hearts will harden. We get more and more comfortable in our rebellion as it becomes second nature to us, and we will no longer trust God or rely on Him. We will do things according to our own understanding and agenda and completely eradicate God from our lives.

Q3. In what sense are Jesus and the Father one? In what way was Jesus distinct from the Father? Is Jesus God in the sense that the Father is God? Jesus and the Father are one because together with the Holy Spirit, they are the Trinity (Triune God). The trinity is referred to as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Therefore Jesus is distinct from the Father because He is the son. When Jesus was on earth, he was human and he referred to God the Father as His Father, and did the will of His Father on earth. Yet he says that He is in the Father and the Father is in him - they are one.

Q2) How was the intimate way that Jesus taught his disciples about God as "Abba" and "Father" different from the Jews' understanding of God as Father? How does God as Abba influence your relationship with him? I believe the Jews' understanding of God as Father is one who is a formidable character - He provides, He protects but you can't get close to him. He is the authority and His word is law. Jesus' teachings about God and Father is all about relationship. God, the father, according to Jesus, not only provides and protects, but he longs to have intimate communion and communication with us. We can go to Him at any time about anything. He will never shut the door on us. No doubt He will discipline us if we do wrong but the correction, like everything else he does for us, is done for our own good. God as Abba has strengthened my faith.

What does the concept of "father" teach us about God, especially the formal way in which the word is used in the Old Testament? According to the quote from Otfried Hofius above, which two aspects of a father underlie our understanding of Father in the Old Testament? How should they affect our behavior? The Old Testament concept of "Father" teaches us that God is our creator. At the same time, He is our Saviour, Redeemer, Provider ad Keeper. His love for us is everlasting and he will never disown us. Thus we are to revere him, love and worship Him. According to the quote from Otfried Hofius, a father rules over the household, having absolute authority over his family. This means the entire family has to accord to him the utmost respect. He also has the duty of supporting his entire family by providing for him, looking after them and protecting them. If we have an earthly father who performed these 2 roles well, we will see God the Father as someone who is dependable, loving and caring. I had a father who was completely undependable - always lying, womanizing etc and when I first became a christian, it was very difficult for me to believe that God loves me and would provide for me. It took me many many years to separate the image of my earthy father from God the father.

Q4. Meditate on the concept of God as a Spring of Living Water or a Fountain of Living Water for you. What does this say about God? About your thirst? About your future? Living water is fresh. The bible says God's mercies are new every morning. We do not need to cling on to yesterday's mercies for today or for the future. God has more than enough for us today as He had yesterday and He will continue to deliver us in the future. As long as we thirst, we can approach the spring of living waters, drink from it and be satisfied. We will be like plants - we will grow healthily and bear fruit. Our needs for the future will be met at the right time because the springs are ever flowing. .

Q3. Why do we sometimes resist calling on God to be our Helper? Why do we try to do it ourself first? What is required of us if God is to be a Helper and Shepherd to us? Sadly for many of us, our relationship with God is superficial. Therefore we "forget" that God is available to help. We do not know enough of the Word to believe that He is all-sufficient. We tend to want solve our own problems first because we have been trained to solve problems with the resources we already have. It is only when we have used up all our resources and have no where else to turn to that we turn to God. Also by trying to solve our own problems, we hope to manipulate the outcome and at our own timeline, and not in God's ways and in His timing. We have to go to Him for help, and forsake the counsel of man. We have to trust that God is in control and only He knows what is best for us even though the path that He makes us take can sometimes be very painful. We also have to learn to be patient and wait. In an instant society many of us find it difficult to wait - we all want God to answer us immediately.

Q2. (Psalm 23) Can you remember any times when God has cared for you as a Shepherd - in times of blessing and in times of trouble? What are you facing right now where you realize your need to rely on God as your Shepherd? I was born into a Buddhist/Taoist family. Christianity was frowned upon as it is considered a western religion. Even as a child and an unbeliever, I would always pray God help me whenever I am in trouble and God always helped me. Of course, at that time, I didnt realise that the God I was calling upon was Yahweh. On my first visit to church and I went to with great skepticism, God met me there !!!! Over the years, I have relied more and more on God. My husband and I take every issue facing us, to God for help and comfort. Right now, I am relying on God on various family issues like a new job for my husband, my children's education and their walk with God.

Q1. (Genesis 22:1-14) Do you think Abraham was really expecting God to provide a sacrifice, or that was just what he told Isaac? What support do you have for your position? Did you ever receive a last-minute provision from God? In what circumstances can we expect God to supply our needs? Any conditions? Abraham was always obedient toward God. He believed God and God's promise to him that his descendents would be so many it would be impossible to count. Even though he brought Isaac up to be sacrified, he knew God will provide the sacrifice since he confidently told the servants that he and Isaac would be coming back. Yes I have received many last-minute provision from God. God is a good, faithful, compassionate and merciful God and he always supply our needs. However we have to understand that we reap what we sow and we have to take responsibility for any wrongly actions/decisions that are not pleasing to God. If our walk is pleasing to Him, we will reap the blessings and be like trees planted beside streams of living water.

Most of us tend to think of God as our protector i.e we call on Him when we are in trouble or danger and He comes running. He does NOT come running because He has never left us in the first place. He does not even sleep or slumber because he constantly watching over us. Everything that happens in our lives is important to Him. As our keeper, He hones and prunes us and He directs our paths. Even when we stray, he directs us back to where we ought to be. He knows when we are sad and troubled and He comforts us and sends us His peace. He also commands angels to help us. Every aspect of our lives is taken care of by Him.

In what ways is God a Rock in the above verses. He is the place where we seek refuge and protection, our hiding place. He cannot be moved - nothing shakes him. We are assured of his faithfulness. He provides us with shade - he give us a place to rest. In Him we are able to renew our strength. What functions does a rock perform in Palestine? I imagine Palestine to be a rugged place, without much shade and greenery. The terrain must be quite uneven. Rocks make it easier for people to move about - they are firm unlike sand and pebbles. They provide shelter against the sun and winds. People can sit on them to rest. They are even large enough for people to hide in.

In what ways is God 1) a shield? God Himself and the blood of Jesus is our cover. He is the armor that protects us from the onslaught of the enemy, God shields us from the fiery darts of the enemy. No matter our great the onslaught of the enemy is, his protect 2) is he our glory? Our worth is in God. It is not in our wealth, our abilities, our careers, or any other earthly achievements. If we do not have God in our lives, we can be very rich, successful, talented yet all these will amount to nothing. 3) is he "the lifter up of my head"? He strengthens us when we are weary. We can proceed with continued confidence when we are tired and about to give up because he lifts up our heads. The bible says those who put their trust in Him will never be put to shame. We do not have to put our heads down in hopelessness and shame because by He is our hope - He will help us. What does this teach us about God? He is a loving Father and a faithful God. He gave his one and only son to die for us and save us from being punished from our sins. He does not sleep nor slumber which means his eye is on all of us at all times. For those of us who are parents, we are not able to watch our children 24/7. Fiercely protective some of us, we are still not in a position to protect our children from harmful elements. About ourselves? We are fully dependant on Him, and we should be grateful for His love for us.

The protected one is required to acknowledge that God is his sole protector, stay in the fortress of God's protection and trust God unequivocally even when help does not seem imminent. He has to believe that God's help will come, according to His time and His will. The metaphors used are 1) Shelter; 2) Shadow; 3) Refuge; 4) Fortress; 5) Cover - under His wings; 6) Shield; 7) Rampart

A Lord is someone who has complete authority over another person. When we confess that Jesus is Lord, we are confessing that He has complete control over our lives. However, he is not only Lord over those who has accepted him as their God, He is much much more than that. He is Lord over all. One day soon every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth and declare his lordship. It is one thing to believe in the heart that Jesus is Lord. When we confess with our mouth, we are not merely uttering the words but we are actually saying I have now decided to follow Jesus and will fully obey his commandmants.

What are the personal implications of Yahweh being your King and of Jesus being the Messiah sent from God? What are the advantages of being the subject of Yahweh as King? What does it mean for you to submit to the King on an everyday basis? The personal implications means I have to align my daily living according to his Word. I have to submit to His will for my life. I have been a Christian for more than 20 years. It was not easy at the begninning. It is easier now as I learnt, over the years, to surrender to Him. I cant actually say I am 100 percent obedient. I am stilll learning everyday. There are days I succeed and there are days of struggle. Though all this I can conclude that God is merciful and faithful, inspite of all my failings. And because of his faithfulness, I learn to cast more of my cares upon him and I worry less. I feel closer to God. How does a person reject Yahweh from being King over him or her? 1) By not spending time with God through prayer and reading His Word 2) By completely disregarding his commandmants 3) By taking matters into his own hands and seeking the counsel and approval of man 4) By turning God's grace into a license for living sinfully 5) By blaming God when things go wrong in their lives

In the Old Testament, tribute, tithes and offerings are due to Kings. The tithe was then used to support the king's administration. Similary the tithe was also given to God to support those doing his work - ministers, priests and Levites. Therefore anyone who considered God as his King is expected to honor God sovereignty by tithing. I expect to be stoned when I answer the second part of the question. Ps Ralph points in his article are all valid. Yes, we are to tithe to give to the Lord's work. However, how much of what we tithe do actually go to the Lord's work. My husband and I tithed until we got into debt because after paying the 10% we did not have enough. I have more to say on this issue but I am afraid I might overstep the boundaries governing this forum.

Most High means nothing else can be higher (more supreme) than God. He is the ultimate. Not only is He the creator but He is also the ruler and master. It means everything to me to know that I am a child of the Most High God and I can go to Him at anytime for anything. It is very comforting and overwhelming at the same time. In my prayer and worship time, I acknowledge that there is no other God but Him. He alone is worthy of all our praise and worship.