Trusting God

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Are humans actually capable of controlling their sexual urges? Yes, humans are capable of controlling their sexual urges. We have to learn how to discipline ourselves from those things that causes us to sin or harm us spiritually, mentally, or physically. When we depend and have faith in God, it is He who can give us the power to control sexual urges. If so, why are so many people seemingly out of control? People are seemingly out of control, because they are seeking to please self by fulfilling their passions. They are not seeking to please God or others. They are fulfilling their passions to find satisfaction. Why is it important to control ourselves sexually within marriage? It is important to control ourselves sexually within marriage, because we are one flesh. We do not want anything to separate us, like sexual sin. It will always be between us, even though, we reconcile. Believers are married to Christ. When we sin, it separates and breaks our union with Christ. It does not take away our salvation, but it breaks our union with God and grieve the Holy Spirit of God. What happens when sexuality does not have any boundaries? We are seeing the results today of sexuality that does not have any boundaries. People are doing what is right in their own eyes. We are experiencing the events of Sodom and Gomorrah, and can understand God’s wrath on them. God does not condone sin. What happens to marriages, to children, to our spirits, to our bodies? When we incapable of controlling our sexually within the marriage union, it will affect our marriages, children, bodies, and our spirits. We are no longer clean or holy, but become unclean and unholy before God. The cost is high when we fall to the **** of sexual sins. Sexual immorality causes divorce, broken homes, broken relationships, and separation from God. All are affected. Below are a few examples of the consequences of sexual sins and their results: David, Bathsheba, and Uriah – 2 Samuel 11 Sodom & Gomorrah (Jude 6-7, Genesis 18:16-33, Genesis 19:1-29, Ezekiel 16:48-50) Abraham, Sarah, & Hagar (Genesis 16:1-16, Genesis 21:8-21) Rueben and his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22; Genesis 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 5:1)

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) What does it mean to be "sanctified"? Sanctified mean to be holy, set apart, or dedicate oneself fully for God. In what sense are we "holy" now? Believers are “holy” now, because of their position and relationship to Christ, and we are commanded to be holy by God because “He is holy.” "You are to be holy (qādôsh) to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own." (Leviticus 20:26) In what sense are we in the process of becoming "holy"? We are in the process of becoming “holy” experientially. We are being changed day-by-day into Christ’s likeness as we focus on Christ, and we should strive for holiness by clinging to the things of God, and releasing the things and ways of the world. Romans 12:1-2 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? Holiness has everything to do with our sexuality, because God has a place and a purpose for sexuality only to the marriage union. Believers are to avoid, and abstain from sexual immorality, because it is sin. Sin separates us from God, and He has commanded us not to be controlled by sexual immorality. "3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate **** like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit." (I Thessalonians 4:3-8)

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) What is the difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God? The difference between conducting our lives by rules and conducting our lies trying to please our God is in what do we believe in or trust more? If we are trying to please man we will live by rules. If we are living or conducting our lives to please God we will live our lives according to His will, His way, and His Word. Which is stronger? Rule-keeping or love? Rule-keeping is easier, because I can pat myself on my back and say I have done this, this, and this. But, when I strive to live my life in the love of God, it is His power that enables me to do what is right and holy. In other words, I will not break the rules of man, and live my life to please God, because I am allowing Him to lead, guide, and direct my whole life, body, soul, and mind. On whose authority does Paul bring these commands? Paul brings these commands on the authority of God.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11; Romans 1:11) What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? The value of having special speakers visiting our congregation should be an encouragement to us, because it gives us an update of how God is ministering to them and how He is furthering the gospel to the world. What can they impart that your regular pastor can't? Through special speakers we can get an eye witness account of how God is working in their lives, and on their mission field better than regular pastor who can only impart what is related to them. Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult -- and important? The ministry of itinerant preaching is difficult, because they relies on the support of other people and churches. Their preaching is necessary, because they are ministering to people, communities, and the world. Areas that we are unable to go, yet all believers are serving together furthering the Gospel of Christ to all of the world. Acts 1:8 – “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? Persecution discourages Christians from active, open service, because they are thinking that people are against them and they start questioning God. Some Christians do not understand that people are not persecuting them, but they are actually persecuting Christ. Christians have to understand that the Bible tells us that Christ has said that, “all in Christ will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).” This verse does not say might; it says “will.” I Peter 2:21 tells us that we should follow in Jesus’ steps, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” Just as Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness, we will also be tempted and persecuted for the cause of Christ. In what ways does it mature them? When we understand what following Christ means we will began to grow in Christ. God’s Word, Christ’s earthly ministry, and faithful saints who have passed on are an illustration for us on how to live a Christ like life. Romans 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? If persecution discourages a person and causes them to turn from their faith then they need to examine the reason they are serving Christ. They may be serving Him for the wrong reasons, and their faith may not have been real. We have to constantly example ourselves to see why we are serving Christ, and understand the reasons why we are having trials or feel like we are going through the fire. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt us? God allows Satan, or the tempter, to tempt us because he wants to refine us. Why hasn't he done away with Satan already? God has not done away with Satan, because his time is coming. In the meantime, he is trying to destroy and stop as many people, and “yes” believers as he can from following Christ. Just as he convinced 1/3 of the angels in Heaven to follow him, he is trying to followers for himself. In the meantime, believers have to faithfully follow God’s Word, and serve Him with their whole heart, soul, and mind and not be ignorant of Satan’s devices. 2 Corinthians 2:11 – “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? Timothy’s role to be a strengthener and encourager was important, because the Thessalonians were new believers. Paul did not want them to become discouraged while they were being persecuted, or afflicted for their faith. He wanted the church to stay intact. Paul also wanted to remind them through Timothy that they would face trials because of their faith in Christ. In what ways was this a sensitive role? This was a very sensitive role, because if this situation was not handled right these new believers would become dishearten and lose faith. The Thessalonians needed someone to encourage and strengthen to be faithful followers of Christ. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? For Timothy to be sent on this assignment was an encouragement to him that Paul trusted him in the ministry. This would have given Timothy the courage to stand confidently in the place of Paul for Christ, the gospel, and to help further the ministry there at Thessalonica. How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? It is imperative that we learn to delegate ministry to help in the overall enterprise of the Kingdom. We have been commissioned by Christ to go out and make disciples for Him. We need to remember that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, co-laborers (1 Corinthians 3:9 and 2 Corinthians 6:1) together and we cannot do the work alone. We have to learn to delegate to others, especially the young people who is serving God faithfully for the work of God to continue. Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” I Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? Timothy’s role to be a strengthener and encourager was important, because the Thessalonians were new believers. Paul did not want them to become discouraged while they were being persecuted, or afflicted for their faith. He wanted the church to stay intact. Paul also wanted to remind them through Timothy that they would face trials because of their faith in Christ. In what ways was this a sensitive role? This was a very sensitive role, because if this situation was not handled right these new believers would become dishearten and lose faith. The Thessalonians needed someone to encourage and strengthen to be faithful followers of Christ. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? For Timothy to be sent on this assignment was an encouragement to him that Paul trusted him in the ministry. This would have given Timothy the courage to stand confidently in the place of Paul for Christ, the gospel, and to help further the ministry there at Thessalonica. How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? It is imperative that we learn to delegate ministry to help in the overall enterprise of the Kingdom. We have been commissioned by Christ to go out and make disciples for Him. We need to remember that we are brothers and sisters in Christ, co-laborers (1 Corinthians 3:9 and 2 Corinthians 6:1) together and we cannot do the work alone. We have to learn to delegate to others, especially the young people who is serving God faithfully for the work of God to continue. Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” I Corinthians 3:9 – “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) How can we justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God's free gift of salvation and our love for him? We can justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God’s free gift of salvation and our love for him, because our rewards is based on work done for Christ, not our salvation which is based on the grace of God. We cannot lose our salvation because it is the anchor of our faith in Jesus Christ. Works we can lose, because what are our motives for doing them? Are we serving or working out of pure love for God? Or, are we serving to be seen by man? Only a person who is serving God out of pure love will receive rewards for their labor done here on earth. What does Christ reward? Believers will be rewarded by Christ at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the works done on earth. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 – “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” I Corinthians 3:8-15 – “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” What doesn't he reward? Christ will not reward those works whose foundation is not Jesus Christ. Is a person working out of pride? To be seen by man? Or, are they working for their salvation? If a person is not working for God out of a pure heart and love for Christ they will not receive a crown, or be rewarded by Christ. Matthew 6:1-6 – “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:16-21 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? Showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure, because I am serving Him, and wants to have fruit that comes from my labor, like Paul. It is my desire to have evidence of my love for Christ to be seen by Him as the indication of my faith. John 15:15-17 - “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.” Matthew 7:15-20 - “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” How does it motivate us? Like Paul, I want Christ to acknowledge what I have done for Him in this body. This is what motivates me to know that I will receive my crown by Christ, yet feeling unworthy for the crown I will throw it back at His feet to express my love for Him.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples' lives? The role of the Word of God in molding disciples’ lives is that it: • “clean” (John 15:3), • "Sanctify”(John 17:17), • “set free from sin” (Romans 6:17-18), • "Faith” (Romans 10:17), • "bearing fruit and growing." (Colossians 1:5b-6a), • "with power,” (1 Thessalonians 1:5), • “with deep conviction," (1 Thessalonians 1:5) • “living and active,” (Hebrews 4:12) • “Sharper”, (Hebrews 4:12) • “it judges," (Hebrews 4:12) • "give us birth," (James 1:18), and • "born again." (1 Peter 1:23) Does it have a power of its own? Yes, the Word of God does have power of its own for it is the power of God’s word that can change, disciple, and is the agent of growth in a Christian’s life. How does that seem to operate? The Word of God operates through the power of the Holy Spirit who lead, guide, directs, and convicts all believers. What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? The implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word is that through the power of God His Word is alive and active in a believer’s life when they live lives that are in accord with God and His Word.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are "fatherly" roles so important to making disciples? “Fatherly” roles are important to making disciples; because we will strive to help others to be the very best they can be for the Lord. They do this by Exhorting, Encouraging or comforting, and Urging or pleading. The purpose of these behaviors is to mold men and women into followers of Jesus Christ, and to teach them to live Christ like lives by reflecting God’s values. How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? Women can effectively adopt these traits when they are persevering to be like Christ, and to live holy lives before God and man. All of God’s children or disciples should have these traits in their lives.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are "motherly" nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? “Motherly” nurturing qualities are important to growing disciples, because Gentleness, Caring, and Sharing one's life are qualities of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Gentleness is a “fruit of the Spirit,” caring is what God has shown to His children, and sharing one’s life is what Jesus has done for all who have and will accept them into their heart as their personal Savior. How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? Male disciplers can effectively adopt these traits when they are following the example of Christ, and are living in obedient to God’s Word. All of God’s children or disciples should have these traits in their lives.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Personally, I think all of the character flaws listed in our lessons are problems in the church today. Some have strayed far away from the teachings of God’s Word and Jesus’ example for their own self-worth to be puffed up. 1. Misguided belief, 2. Impure motives, 3. Trickery, intentional deceit. 4. Men-pleasers, 5. Flattery, 6. Greed, and 7. Reputation or fame. Why do you say that? This is what has been taught in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” This should not surprise us, because God has told us in His Word how our world will look in the last days. It is sad and heartbreaking to see, and we should strive to tell everyone about the love and power of God. This should motivate us to live godly, and to trust God to see us through all persecutions and oppositions that we may face standing up for the truth. How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? If I seek God’s approval and be obedient to His Will and His Way I can prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking me. I have to discipline myself to have healthy motives, and act out of pure love for all, and not be found self-seeking before God and the world.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple -- and for a discipler? Personal courage is an important character trait for a disciple and disciple, because the personality or morality of a person is weigh when trusting or judging a person. People have to know that a person is being opposed for their Christian faith, not because of anything they have done or said wrong. How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? Lack of courage prevents evangelism, because someone will not proclaim or tell others about Jesus or the gospel because of fear. We are to “stand strong in the Lord and the power of His might” by putting on the whole armor of God that “we may be able to stand in the evil day.” Ephesians 6:10-17 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand .14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? When a congregation does not have courage they will not grow in the things of the Lord, and fear and doubt will hinder them from being healthy as a Christian. God has not given us the “spirit of fear.” 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? God has called me to speak and preached the gospel with my mouth and my life to my friends, family, and church.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Verse 10 teach five foundational truths which are at the core of the gospel and the Christian faith. 1. Jesus Christ is God's Son. 2. Jesus Christ will return. 3. Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. 4. Jesus Christ is our Savior. 5. God's wrath is coming upon sin. Which of these elements are most important? Which are less important? These principles are foundational to the Christian faith. Which means they are the base or basis of all Christians’ faith? All are equally important. Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? God’s wrath is coming upon sin is underemphasized by the church today. People cannot comprehend that a good God can allow evil, sin, suffering, or that He will punish anyone.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? Imitation is very important formation, structure, or development of a new Christian’s spiritual life. Leaders have to make sure that they are following and imitating Christ for those following them to have godly characters. What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Godly pastors, preachers, teachers, evangelists, parents, and mentors roles encourage those that are following them. It is very important that they are living Christ like lives before others. Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? The character of the mentor or leader is important to the health of the church, because when they are not striving to live holy lives before God and man it destroys their testimony in the church and community. How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? People can grow in Christ without being a part of a Christian community, but they will be limited in their view of the Christian family. We have been commanded in God’s Word to “not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together.” Also, with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit they are one and unified. When we choose not to be part of a Christian community we are separating ourselves from those who are like-minded. No man is an island, and when we choose not to join the Christian community are we really obeying the Word of God? The Word of God tells us to esteem others better than ourselves. Are we “humbling” ourselves under the God’s mighty Hand? Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” I Peter 5:7 – “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” Philippians 2:2-4 – “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? My character, actions, and words are very important to my family and spiritual children, because they will emulate the things I do. Plus, I do not want to hinder someone from coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, with a negative testimony, nor grieve the Holy Spirit of God who lives within me.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit's working so necessary to effective ministry? The Holy Spirit’s working is necessary for effective ministry, because it is His power that brings about conversions, miracles, revivals, and so forth that magnifies God’s Hand in the lives of others. What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? Determination and will-power is good, but when it is the main power behind the ministry and not Holy Spirit’s power the ministry will fail. It is not about what we can do, it is all about God. We can do nothing without Him. Great evangelism must be undergirded by prayer, listening for God’s voice, and following in obedience to His voice and His Word. It takes faith and trust to follow God’s guidance and the leading of the Holy Spirit. What is the role of miracles in Paul's evangelism? The role of miracles in Paul’s evangelism is confirmation that he has been sent by God. As we read in I Corinthians 2:2-5, Paul’s trusted in the wisdom of God, the Bible, and the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct him. This was confirmed by the miracles Paul witnessed while ministering to the Thessalonians. I Corinthians 2:2-5 – “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? If we saw miracles in evangelism today it should motivate us to be more dependent on the wisdom and power of God than the wisdom of man. What is hindering this? What is hindering us from seeing miracles in evangelism today is faith and obedience to God and His Word. We are still trying to please man and only say and do what man or the world wants to hear.

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? The reason for the strong opposition to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica according to Acts 17:5 was that the Jews were jealous of Paul. They were jealous of him, because he kept attracting large crowds. Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is a violent reaction against him, because he was telling the crowds about the good news of Christ. He believed what he was proclaiming about Christ, and wanted everyone to follow him. Paul was suffering for the cause of Christ and the fact that Christ also suffered only strengthen Paul’s desire for others to follow Christ. Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? No!!! A violent reaction to our ministry does not mean we should stop. It only means that we should continue to follow God’s Word and Christ’s example to proclaim the Gospel to others for “all in Christ will suffer persecution”. Matthew 28:18-20 - “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” 1 Peter 2:21-25 – “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

I am looking forward to this study in First and Second Thessalonians. In the past, I have enjoyed studying and sharing thoughts from God's Word with others in the Jesus Walk community.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Why is character change directly related to time deliberately spent in God's presence? Character change is directly related to time deliberately spent in God’s presence, because the more time we spend with God the more we want to become like Christ, and it will enable God to change us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. What is the theological word for the process of maturing in Christ? The theological word for the process of maturing in Christ is “transformation.” Have you noticed a change in the "degree of glory" you're experiencing now compared to a few years ago? Why or why not? Yes, I am noticing a change in the “degree of glory” I am experiencing now compared to a few years ago, because I am seeing and experiencing God’s glory in a more fuller way. Today, I am not afraid to speak out for the cause of Christ nor am I scared to stand alone when confronted with the truth of God’s Word.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Moses glowed by spending time with God on Mt. Sinai, in his tent of meeting, and in the Tabernacle. How can we get a similar glow of the Spirit in our lives? We can have a similar glow of the Spirit in our lives like Moses when we spend time in God’s Word daily, when we meditate on the Word of God, and when we apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives by living it. In what way is meditating on Scripture beholding God? Mediating on Scripture is beholding God, because we are reflecting on God, pondering Him, and turning what we have learned over and over in our minds. Is the low plane of Christianity in our day related to the time we spend in communion with the Lord? Yes, the low plane of Christianity in our day is related to the time we spend in communion with the Lord. What we are seeing is that people are not spending time in God’s Word for learning nor for their very existence. They are not looking at God as reality or that He actually exists. What is God leading you to do to increase your glow? God is leading me to have a greater desire to learn and know Him personally, intimately, and to spend time allowing Him to change me into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, to increase my glow.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:16-17) Why is the Holy Spirit essential to help people see truth clearly and be able to grasp it? The Holy Spirit is essential to helping people see truth clearly and to be able to grasp it, because he is the bringer of spiritual light, revelation, and freedom from the Law. What enables people to come to Christ at all? It is the Holy Spirit that enables people to come to Christ at all. The life of the risen Christ is imparted to believers and maintained within them the moment they accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. What kind of freedom does the Spirit give us when we become Christians? The kind of freedom the Spirit gives us when we become Christians is freedom from the letter of the law. This comes when a person begins to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." (Galatians 5:18)

Q1. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11) Why did Moses'face glow? Moses face glowed because he had spoken to God face to face. Why did he cover it when he was out with the people? Moses had to cover his face when he was out with the people, because his face was so radiant that the people were scared to come near him. Why didn't more people's face glow in Moses'time? More people’s face did not glow in Moses’ time, because they did not seek God the same way Moses had. Moses prayed and asked God to “Show me your glory.” What's the difference between the spread of God's glory in Moses'time when compared to our own time? The difference between the spread of God’s glory in Moses’ time when compared to our own time is that the law didn't bring life to God's people as the Spirit does. The New Covenant began when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and the Holy Spirit was given to us from Jesus to help us to understand the Gospel. In Paul's analogy, the glory of the law fades or passes away, while the Spirit of God continues with us to this day.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:6a) Why is a Christian's spiritual health so closely related to his or her involvement in ministry? A Christian’s spiritual health is closely related to his or her involvement in ministry, because every believer has been given a gift to use for the ministry and the work of the church. When a Christian uses his or her gifts it will not only make any local church effective, but will help them to grow spiritually and healthier in their Christian life. What are the consequences of dropping out of church --for the believer? The consequences of dropping out of church or church hopping for the believer is that they are not exercising their spiritual gifts in ministry, and may not be giving of their finances to support Christ's mission in their church and community. It is important for Christians to be under the Word and fellowship with other believers because it is a command from the Lord. Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (KJV) For Christ's Kingdom? The consequences of dropping out of the church for Christ’s Kingdom, is that when a person is not an effective witness, and of a life following Christ’s example doing the will of the Father’s.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6) What is the balance between the need for training in ministry (either in the local church or in schools) and personal submission to the Spirit of God? The balance between the need for training in ministry and personal submission to the Spirit of God is important for a Christian to be effective in their ministry if they are: Led by the Spirit of God and is listening to the Spirit’s voice, Know the Scriptures, Know the Scriptures and can interpret them soundly and wisely, Have spiritual gifts for ministry and exercise them with care and wisdom, Are of tested moral character and live a holy life, Have a healthy and growing devotional life, Act properly in terms of money, sex, and power (areas that have derailed many promising ministries), and Continue in accountability to their elders and peers in the larger Church, so that they don't get off track doctrinally, morally, or spiritually. Are you able to "listen to the Spirit's voice" in your own life? Yes, I am listening to the Spirit’s voice for my life. Why would this ability be so important in being a competent minister? To have the ability to listen to the Spirit’s voice is important to be a competent minister, because it is God who makes a minister competent through the Spirit.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3) In what sense are we "living letters"? We are “living letters,” when we see the fruit of the gospel in our lives, and when we live authentic lives before God and the world. When people know that we are Christians they should see Christ living in us and through us each and every day by what we say, do, and how we live. In what way can people "read us"? People can “read us” by watching how we live our lives, by seeing whether or not our walk for God match our talk. Why is it so important to be authentic, not phony, in our lives? It is important to be authentic, and not phony in our lives, because we live in a world of hypocrites and phony people. God want us not to be selfish, but humbly live a life that is worthy of the gospel before Him, and before the world. What happens when people "read" something in you that they admire and mention it to you? When people “read” something in me that they admire and mention it to me they are being drawn to God by my life. How might you respond appropriately? My response to people who admire what I do is to use that as an opportunity to praise, magnify, and glorify God.