DrD

Q3. (Luke 17:24-32) What indications does Jesus give in this passage that he will suddenly come in his Kingdom without further warning? What are the implications of this for our attitude? For our lives? The events that took place during the days of Noah - the sudden destruction of Sodom - along with His instructions to His disciples to prepare themselves and remain prepared when destructions come was an attempt by Jesus to prepare them, and us, for His sudden arrival. . . Our attitude should be that we are living a life in readiness - we don't know the day or the hour when He will appear - but we know that He is coming back - the things for us to do is to get ready and stay ready. . .

Q2. (Luke 17:22-24) What do Jesus

Q1. (Luke 17:21) In what sense was the Kingdom of God present in the Person and ministry of Jesus? In what sense is the Kingdom of God present today? THe Kingdom was among them in the person of Jesus Christ, Himself - and as He taught, gathered disciples, and exercised the authority of God. . . Today, His presence is in us (the born again believers) - through the abiding of His Spirit. . .

Q4. (Matthew 11:12; Luke 16:16) Admittedly, this is a hard passage to interpret. However, if you take the

Q3. (Matthew 7:7-8) Why is continual asking, seeking, and knocking so essential to our looking forward to the Kingdom? Why do we give up so easily? How do we gain boldness and persistence in prayer? Continual asking, seeking, and knocking are essential to our looking forward to the Kingdom as it is indicative to our determination to please the Lord. What you want most, what you treasure most, what is most valuable to you - you do what it takes to secure it. Continual asking, seeking, and knocking indicates the value of our walk with God. . . The tendency to give in(asking, seeking, and knocking) is based on the idea that one may already have everything they want from God and that there is no need to progress in it. . .

Q1. (Matthew 6:24) Jesus seems to make it sound like you can't seek wealth and God simultaneously. Does he really mean this? Is this hyperbole? Figurative? Literal? Can wealthy people serve God in actual fact? yes, I am convinced that this statement is literal and Jesus truly means it. I say this based on the definition of the word "SEEK" - to search for, to try to reach or obtain. Based on this definition it would be "IMPOSSIBLE" for me, or for anyone else, to search fro gold in the state of California and the state of Alaska at the same time - either you are in California seeking, search, or trying to obtain the gold - or you are in Alaska doing the same - you cannot be in both places at the same time - so, as Jesus has proclaimed in Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. However, Jesus does tell us how we can have both in the 33rd verse But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. YES, I believe that the wealthy as well as the financially challenged, as well as those in between can and do serve God and are both sincere and effective in their service to Him. . . Again, as Jesus said "No one can serve two masters" - everyone has to choose whom they will serve and be faithful in that service. Prioritizing - that is putting God first, and keeping Him first in our lives allows Him to bless us with whatever our needs and desires may be. If we need or desire Jesus says that we should "ASK" - "SEEK" - "KNOCK" - and by so doing we will "RECEIVE" - "FIND" - "BE INVITED IN". . . JOSHUA CHAPTER 24 - 14Now therefore fear Jehovah, and serve him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve ye Jehovah. 15And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah. We can live for and serve God faithfully when we understand and accept that it is a choice that when made - has to be exercised everyday and in every situation. MATTHEW 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.

Q2. (Matthew 6:33) What does it mean in verse 33 to

Q4. What did Jesus intend the Parable of the Soils to teach us about the

Q3. (Matthew 13:23) Even good soil can have factors that hinder growth in various parts of the field, or make some areas grow taller and fuller wheat. What factors make a disciple especially good soil for the growth of the word or message of the Kingdom? What might be the reasons for 30-fold, 60-fold, and 100-fold growth? The factors that make good soil for growth are those who receive the Word of God and allow it to develop the godly qualities or character traits that are within them - it will also allow for the gifts and talents they posses to be perfected within them... Reasons that result in growth are as we develop and perfect our walk with God it has the tendency to not only produce but to produce greater.

Q2. (Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14) Which of the thorns that Jesus mentions do you think is the most dangerous: Riches, worries/cares, or pleasures? Why do you think so? All three are dangerous and ave the same consequence - however, I believe that the one that has the greatest danger is "RICHES" with "PLEASURES" running close behind them and in last place, among these three would be "WORRIES/CARES. I feel this way because riches and pleasure have the tendency to not only "COMPETE" with God but "REPLACE" Him in the lives of many. "WORRIES/CARE" may have the same results as "RICHER" and "PLEASURES" - however they "WORRIES/CARES" have a greater opportunity to turn us back to God than either "RICHES" or "PLEASURES".

Q1. (Matthew 13:20-21) Why, according to Jesus

Q4. Why is repentance so central to the Kingdom of God? Why is baptism important to converts to the King? Can Christ reign in an unrepentant heart? Repentance is central to the Kingdom of God because of what true repentance is and does. Repentance results in a change of heart, mind, and direction. When we repent of our sins we are turning from our old ways and turning to the ways of God - we are leaving or departing the ways of the world and entering into the ways of the Lord. It is impossible to say that you have surrendered and submitted to Jesus when all of your ways and actions are yet contrary to His. Baptism is important because it is a public announcement and demonstration that you have died to the world and its ways and have accepted and adopted the ways of God - that the old man (nature) has died and you are now a new creation in Christ Jesus. No, I don't believe that Christ can or does reign in an unrepentant heart.

Q3. (Matthew 3:11) What is the point of comparison between John

Q2. (Matthew 3:5-10; Luke 7:30) How would John

Q1. What happens when people adopt the Christian faith without repenting of their known sins? Why do people avoid repentance? What percentage of Christians today do you think are unrepentant, unprepared in heart? I believe that it is such that people have accepted many sinful acts / activities as acceptable because it is not renounced by the society they are accustomed to being in the company of. Many traditions and customs - even those opposed to the will and purpose of God for humanity - seem to have no affect - so many, when adopting a Christian faith yet participate in these activities and are unwilling to accept such as sin. . . The percentage of Christians today who are unrepentant and unprepared in heart is a difficult question to answer. I would love to think that there are none - of course, I know better that to believe such. Whatever the percentage is I pray that they get a mine to repent of all know sin - and all sinful acts when they become known.

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:21a) Why is it important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter? What happens if Timothy delays? Do you think Timothy dropped everything and came to Paul's side? Would you, if you were Timothy? I think that it is because his death / execution is nearing and that his desired to see Timothy again before this took place. There also seemed to be a need for some personal items that would bring Paul some comfort and possibly a need to get some personal business straightened out. Should Timothy delay the winter weather could set-in preventing his travels thereby loosing all opportunities to see Paul before his execution. YES, I think he did

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:9-12) Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? Why is it so difficult when they move away or die? Is it better to trust no one? Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a). It is difficult when trusted friends desert us because of many things

Q2. (2 Timothy 4:8) What does the "crown of righteousness" represent? To whom is it given? On what basis is it awarded? The Crown of righteousness is the righteousness bestowed on us or given to us as a result of Christ

Q1. (2 Timothy 4:6-7) What does it mean to have "fought the good fight" or "run the good race"? What does it take to "finish the race (course)" God has designed for you? What does it mean to "keep the faith"? To have held on, done our best, and to have successfully completed the ministry we were commissioned by Jesus. . . To finish the race / course God has designed for us we need to cast everything off that might hinder or impede our progress. We have to commit ourselves to the ministry God has committed to us and remain faithful as we progress in life. . .

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:5) Why does Paul command Timothy to "discharge all the duties of your ministry"? What is the work of an evangelist that Timothy is to do? What does the command in verse 5 mean to you personally? It takes us giving our best and all in service to gain and maintain the edge which is necessary to continue pulling people in the right direction. . . Those who compromise the gospel or teach erroneous seem to never give up

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular? First of all to remind Timothy that he is held accountable by God, the Father, and by Christ Jesus to faithfully carry out this charge to preach the Word of God. . . Secondly, to encourage him to give it his best effort at all times because, the people may not always be in a frame of mind to receive the Word of God and it will involve correction, rebuke, and encouraging to get the message out. . . . He is encouraged to be ready when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient so that there are no missed opportunities to preach and/or teach the Word of God. . . I feel the problem Paul is trying to overcome is the temptation to either compromise and not be as aggressive as it may be necessary because of the resistance of the people

Q2. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) In what ways does Scripture equip a Christian for ministry? In what different ways can the Scriptures function, according to verse 16? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=872 Scripture teaches, instructs, and trains us not only how to live as a Christian but also how to lead others to Christ as well. . .

Q1. (2 Timothy 3:16) What does inspiration of Scripture mean? What does the term "God-breathed" tell us about the source and authority of Scripture? Why is the doctrine of inspiration of Scripture important? The Word of God comes directly from God through or by way of the Holy Spirit. . . Scripture does not or is not originated by the prophets or apostles - but comes directly from God, is originated by God - and breathed by God into the writer - it is not man's word - it is the Word of God. . . The Doctrine of the Inspiration of Scripture proclaims the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the Scriptures rendering them to be accurate and without error. . .

Q4. (2 Timothy 3:10-12) How does a failure to accept the inevitability of persecution hinder our witness? Just what does it mean to "take up his cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and to "carry his cross" (Luke 14:27)? Is Jesus talking about persecution -- or something else? A failure to accept or expect that we will be persecuted hinders our witness because when persecution does come it causes us to either compromise our belief - or refuse to continue to witness. . . To take up the cross of Jesus and carry it daily is to accept that persecution will come - and to have the mind - the will and determination to continue on - to continue loving without becoming mean, ugly and vindictive. . . The Word of God says that it is with love and kindness that we have been drawn. . Jesus is talking about persecution - it may differ slightly considering the time or age, or even the area of which we live - however it is still persecution. . .

Q2. (2 Timothy 2:24-25) In your own words, explain the various characteristics that enable a Christian teacher to correct opponents. How does the lack of any of these hinder the task? We must first be knowledgeable of what we are teaching and also have the wisdom to convey it in such a manner that it is received. In so doing we must be considerate, not resentful, overbearing, or mean spirited. Most importantly, we must have a love for God - actually we should possess the Love of God - which will help us to be more tolerant. . . Lacking these characteristics hinder our tasks because many times those we are attempting to teach lack these very qualities. . .