Drand03
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Posts posted by Drand03
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Q1. (Matthew 18:21-22) Jesus says we must forgive 77 times or 490 times. Should we take these numbers literally or figuratively? If figurative, what are they figurative of? What does this teach us about God
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Q1. (Matthew 18:21-22) Jesus says we must forgive 77 times or 490 times. Should we take these numbers literally or figuratively? If figurative, what are they figurative of? What does this teach us about God
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Q4. What did Jesus intend the Parable of the Soils to teach us about the "message of the kingdom"? Why are these truths so important for keeping disciples from becoming disillusioned?
Jesus wanted to emphasize that the seed (Word of God) is good and will grow when sown faithfully. He also wanted to let the disciples know that not all would receive the seed with the same enthusiasm. As a farmer deals with different soils and conditions, so the disciple will face different attitudes and receptiveness. Both farmer and disciple will cultivate and nourish where the conditions are the best and God will provide the harvest for His Kingdom.
Was the problem in the sowing end or the "receiving" end? If the seed is sown faithfully, is that a guarantee that all will be fruitful?
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Q4. What did Jesus intend the Parable of the Soils to teach us about the
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Shade, sun, moisture, nutrients and protection all are important factors to consider for maximum growth in good soil agriculturally speaking. I don't think it is much different spiritually speaking. Spiritual armor for protectiion, fellowship with other believers for teaching and accountability, time in prayer and the Word for nutrition and faith all contribute to maximum growth spiritually. These factors and the level of consistent and diligent application will determine whether a harvest is 30,60 or 100 fold.
I think this is well said. Staying in close fellowship with the Savior, Jesus Christ, through is word and prayer is vital! Continual obedience leads to growth, intimacy, and fruifulness in God!!!
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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?
I think worries/cares are the most dangerous....these are the ones that I think we sometimes put before God. These are the ones we sometimes think we have no control over or decide to handle on own. Unawaringly, we sometimes fall as prey to them. Seeking riches are pleaseures are more deliberate choices which we open-eyed get ourselves into, just by refusing to die to self. Worries/cares sometimes involve our concern for others more than ourselves, but the danger comes, when we make those things, situations, or people our idols or gods. How to please people is a snare to many believers! We become more concerned about pleasing peole and less concerned about pleasing God, a great danger, example: Aaron and the molten calf in the wilderness!
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Q1. (Matthew 13:20-21) Why, according to Jesus
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Q1. (Matthew 6:24) Jesus seems to make it sound like you can
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Q3. (Matthew 3:11) What is the point of comparison between John
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How would John's baptism have offended a Jew's national pride? To be pabtized like a gentile also they didn't sin. They considered themselfs righteous.
Who welcomed John's baptism? All of the people in the area
Who resisted it? The Pharisees and experts in the law
Why? They believed they were righteous not sinners.
The word of God says a man is "right in his own eyes." Amazing how human nature sometimes cannot allow us to see the truth about ourselves!
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Q2. (Matthew 3:5-10; Luke 7:30) How would John
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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?
People who adopt the Christian faith without repenting never die to the old man in order to receive or walk in the new man. They fail to bring glory to God but rather do things that glorify themselves. Thus, they fail to bear fruit that is pleasing unto God. People avoid repentance because repentance requires denial, dying, and humility. It's not easy to face the fact that we are on the wrong path, kills our pride....this is humbling. I believe that we have at least 90%! Most Christians today are so conformed to the world that many can't see that they are in need of repentance. Because they have been conformed rather than transformed, they remain unprepared or "unfit" to be the servant the Lord needs.
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Q1. (Colossians 4:2) What guidelines does Paul give us to form our praying habits? If you put these into practice fully, how would they affect your prayer life? What problems would they help correct?
To be persistent, alert, and thankful. Putting this into practice will help us to grow or mature in faith. Could help us in remaining focused, overcoming distractions.
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Reconcile means that a hostile enemy status has been exchanged for the peace and harmony of friendship. We were previously alienated from God by our attitude of enmity toward Him. Our mindset was belligerent rebellion. We lived evil lives doing evil things that violated His purity and holiness. We had no desire for Him or means to gain His favor. We were helplessly doomed to eternal separation from Him.
You are so correct in that we had no desire for Him. We were SO wordly! Look at who chose whom in John 15:16.
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Q2. (Colossians 1:20-22) By what means did Jesus accomplish this reconciliation? What does
Q2. The Unmerciful Servant
in 7. Forgiveness in the Kingdom (Matthew 18:21-35; 6:9-15)
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