PASTOR D

Q3. (1 Corinthians 11:28, 31) Introspection by a neurotic person can foster guilt and self-loathing. Where is the balance? How can we conduct self-examination and self-judgment so that it has a healthy rather than an unhealthy result in us? We should not be neurotic people - so the examination of self should reveal the faults, failures, and errors with the intent that we become aware of them and do what it takes to become better. . . By comparing our behavior in this self-examination to the will, purpose and plan that God's Word details for us - we can accept the fact that God loves us and His purpose is to make us better. . .

Q2. (1 Corinthians 11:29-32) Why has God brought judgment to the offending parties at Corinth? Isn't sickness and death rather harsh? How does God's discipline actually work for our good in the light of Hebrews 12:5-7? God has judged the offending parties at Corinth as a means of correction and discipline. . . NO, we make choices many times aware of the consequences - we know the consequences of the offense . . . We need also understand that as Christians the death of the natural body is not the same as the death of the spirit or the eternal separation from God / damnation - but instead brings us into the very presence of God. . . God's discipline as administered according to Hebrews 12: 5 - 7, is a form of correction and helps us to develop a discipline in our lives that glorifies God. . .

Q1. (11:29) Why does "not discerning the body" at the Lord's Supper constitute such a grave sin? Aren't there worse things a church could have done? Regardless of our social standing, intellectual level, sex, age, or race - as born-again believers we are all members of the Body of Christ - or basically make-up the Body of Christ - so an offence to one is an offence to the Body as a whole - is an offence to Christ Himself. . . NO, sin is sin - "all unrighteousness is sin". . .

Q4. (Revelation 22:4) When you meditate on

Q3. In what sense does the Lord's Supper point to the past? How does it point to the present? How does it point to the future? PAST

Q2. (Luke 22:16) In what sense does the Lord's Supper find its "fulfillment" in the Great Banquet at the end of the age? What should this do to our thoughts at the Lord's Table? The Lord

Q1. Why are so many of Jesus' teachings oriented toward the future? Jesus' teachings are oriented toward the future to let us know that the hope we have of being in His presence will be realized - that there is a bright and glorious future for us - a future filled with joy in His presence. . . 1 Corinthians 15:19 (KJV) 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. What kinds of associations come to mind as you think of the Great Banquet? I'm most mindful of a Marriage Feast - where the people are gathered and there is great joy - and the purpose is for a long, happy, and prosperous future. . .

Q4. How does "eating the Bread of Life" (to use Jesus' metaphor in John 6) nourish our faith? How does partaking of the Lord's Supper build and nourish our faith? What does the main point of the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:25-69) have in common with "Do this in remembrance of me," in Jesus' Words of Institution (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)? Eating the

Q2. (John 6:51b) What is Jesus referring to when he says, "This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world"? What similarities do you see with Jesus' teaching at the Last Supper in Luke 22:19b? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=486 When Jesus says,

Q3. (John 6:53-71) If to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood is a strong expression for "to believe," why does Jesus emphasize this so strongly? What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of "disciples" that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? There was a strong emphasis placed on the eating of Jesus

Q1. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling and actually making a meal of it?

Q1. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling and actually making a meal of it?

All Christians (born-again believers) are members of the Body of Christ no matter what denominational banners sits in front of the buildings we assemble. . . WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST JESUS". . . Romans 12:3-5 (KJV) 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (KJV) 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 (KJV) 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? There is no excuse for our failure or refusal to love one another. . .John 13:35 (KJV) 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 15:9-14 (KJV) 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. We have not the right or the authority to be a judge over any one and have been commanded by Jesus not to judge anyone. . .Matthew 7:1-4 (KJV) 1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Romans 14:4 (KJV) 4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:13 (KJV) 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

There are some who feel that they are "super-anointed" - some who are of the impression that they are the only ones that are, or can be "abundantly blesses" - and then there are those who take themselves to be "extremely intelligent or wise": these also have that "take-over" spirit . However, we must be stern enough to rein them in, laboring to harness their gift(s) and talent(s) for effectiveness within the ministry without destroying them. . . There are those within the congregation that shouldn't partake of the Lord Supper because of their bickering and other actions - but thank God they haven't contaminated the entire congregation. . . For those that should partake all you can really do is warn them of the consequences and trust that they will make the right choice. . .

The teaching of Christ are basic - if and when we break fellowship with the brethren it results in broken fellowship in the Body of Christ. . . As members of the Body of Christ we should do all that it takes to remain unified. . . We must settle all disputes - forgive our offenders - and make amends when we have offended before partaking of the Lord's Supper. . . We must also repent and forsake all sinful activity in our lives. . .

The "Cup of Blessing" teaches us that the focus during the "Lord's Supper" should be on Christ, in remembrance of what He has done for us - this is an opportunity for us to bless God by giving thanks to Him. . . God is to be thanked when the "Cup of Blessing" is lifted heavenward.

It is a time of bonding and committing to a stronger and intimate relationship. . . Not always - some are in relation to business - some are unplanned - however, there are those meals that are intended to strengthen relationships and do have a very rich meaning. . . Coming into the revelation that it can and should strengthen my relationship with Christ and make it more intimate has made my participation in the "Lord's Supper" more meaningful. . .

The significance of the 12 apostles drinking the Cup of the Covenant is that they were accepting the articles that are contained in the New Covenant. . . The apostles that ate with Jesus would correspond with Moses, the priest and the elders that ate and drank in the presence of God. . . The significance of us drinking the Cup of Covenant is that we remember what Jesus did for us and we are renewing our commitment to this Covenant. . .

The Old Covenant was external (written codes and regulations) - the New Covenant is internal - it is in our spirit by the presence of the Spirit of God. . . (1) forgiveness of sins; (2) salvation; (3) eternal life in His presence; and (4) the presence and power of His Spirit to enable us to keep our part of the Covenant. . . Our responsibilities; (1) faith in God; (2) belief that Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. . .

THrough burnt offerings and sacrifices - the shed blood of animals. . . They agreed to the covenant - (1) to serve God exclusively, an(2) to obey His commands. . . The blood of bulls was sprinkled and bread was eaten. . .

That the Blood of Jesus was poured out for the forgiveness of our sins. . . 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There

So that they would better understand the reason for His death. It refers to the pain / agony that sin produces and that we (humans) are not able to atone for our sins. . . Sin has to be atoned for otherwise we would have to suffer its penalty - thus we needed a sacrifice. . . Jesus "WILLINGLY" gave up His life to atone for our sins and bring us back into a right relationship with God Father - God Son - God Spirit. . .

To indicate that He was martyred for the sake of all of humanity. . . Jesus speaking of His death to His disciples prior to His Crucifixion on the Cross seemed to have little effect on them - it appears that they missed the meaning of it - however, after this act took place they realized the significance of it - that His death atoned for humanity's sins. . .

As opposed to exacting the punishment for our sins - which is death (separation from God) Romans 6:23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. . .. God allowed and accepted an animal as a sacrifice for sin. This could not be just any animal - it had to be an animal that had value - an animal that was specified by God - to be accepted as a sacrifice for sin. . .

To me it means everything because I realize that there is - or was, nor ever will be anything that I of myself could do - nor anyone else do for me - that could persuade Jesus to do this. I realize that such a gift - which was His life - can be based only on one thing "LOVE" - His love for me... This is an encouragement for me to do as He has done for me - "GIVE" my life to Him. . . My value / worth increases as a result of my relationship with Him - and is really more than I can imagine. This is predicated on me remaining in Him and Him remaining in me. .. This inspires me to do all that He asks and expects me to do and remain in obedient service to Him. . .