jon burke

Q2. (Romans 8:17-22) In what ways was suffering Jesus' lot in life? Why do we suffer? Why does all creation seem to be suffering? What will signal the end of that downward cycle of suffering, decay, and death? Is there anything good to look forward to in this present life? Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together. Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us. Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. Rom 8:20 For the creation was not willingly subjected to vanity, but because of Him who subjected it on hope Rom 8:21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rom 8:22 And we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. Jesus was persecuted, humiliated, verbally abused and eventually crucified for us on the cross. We suffer because of our sinful nature. Creation is suffering due to Adams sin and mans continuance to live in sin, we have to put the old sinful man and nature to death. The return of Jesus Christ will signal the end of this, our surrendering to Him and Him alone will bring an end to it all. We can look forward to eternal life in Christ and to be delivered from sin/corruption.

Q1. In Romans 8:14-21, 28, how many times is the idea of being sons and daughters of God alluded to? What are the promises made to these sons and daughters? What do we learn about our future and our role in the future of all creation? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=821 Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father! Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. Rom 8:17 And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together. Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed in us. Rom 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God. Rom 8:20 For the creation was not willingly subjected to vanity, but because of Him who subjected it on hope Rom 8:21 that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. The idea of being sons and daughters is used many time is various forms, heirs, sons, children etc. Promises being, no spirit of fear, we can call God Father, we become children of God, we become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. We will be delivered from the bondage of corruption (sin). We will have a glorious future as heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

Q5. (Romans 8:13-14) What does it mean to "mortify" or "put to death" the deeds of the body by the Spirit? What would it look like to watch a person do this? What does it mean to be "led" by the Spirit? What does this look like in actual practice? How do "putting to death" and being "led" by the Spirit fit together? How much of this is the Spirit and how much is us? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=819 Rom 8:13-14 MKJV For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die. But if you through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. (14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Putting to death means getting rid of, killing, denying the old sinful nature of the body. I don't think it would be too bad to watch as they would have to pray, seek repentance and forgiveness. To be led by the Spirit would mean to have the Holy Spirit in you and gently pointing one in the right direction, letting the Holy Spirit be your guide and counsellor. It would be some one living a righteous life and living according to Gods will. We have to put to death the old sinful nature before God can operate in our lives. We would be able to discern between right and wrong. This would depend on how open we are to God and the Holy Spirit.

Q1. (Psalm 69:12-18) How could David dare to ask anything from God after the shameful things he had done with Bathsheba and Uriah? How does God's grace and mercy function in the face of our sins? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=667 Psa 69:12-18 Those who sit at the gate gossip about me, and drunkards make up songs about me. (13) May my prayer come to you at an acceptable time, O LORD. O God, out of the greatness of your mercy, answer me with the truth of your salvation. (14) Rescue me from the mud. Do not let me sink into it. I want to be rescued from those who hate me and from the deep water. (15) Do not let floodwaters sweep me away. Do not let the ocean swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. (16) Answer me, O LORD, because your mercy is good. Out of your unlimited compassion, turn to me. (17) I am in trouble, so do not hide your face from me. Answer me quickly! (18) Come close, and defend my soul. Set me free because of my enemies. David could go to God and ask for forgivness due to the love and grace of God. Just as we can as well, God wipes our slate clean when we mess up. If we truly repent and try not to repeat the same sin over and over, God will forgive us, God does not harbour grudges against us. He is a loving God and knows that we are weak.

Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.

Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=665 Psa 98:1-9 Sing a new song to the LORD; he has done wonderful things! By his own power and holy strength he has won the victory. (2) The LORD announced his victory; he made his saving power known to the nations. (3) He kept his promise to the people of Israel with loyalty and constant love for them. All people everywhere have seen the victory of our God. (4) Sing for joy to the LORD, all the earth; praise him with songs and shouts of joy! (5) Sing praises to the LORD! Play music on the harps! (6) Blow trumpets and horns, and shout for joy to the LORD, our king. (7) Roar, sea, and every creature in you; sing, earth, and all who live on you! (8) Clap your hands, you rivers; you hills, sing together with joy before the LORD, (9) because he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness. He has done many wonderful things, He won the victory, by His grace and mercy we are saved, He loves us. I think it is exuberant in this Psalm because of the great victory that God has, also the victory that God has and always will be victorious, He will never be defeated by satan or any other God. I love praise in my life, I constantly find myself praising God, either in thoughts, words, singing or prayers. I love it because I know that my God loves to hear me praise His Holy and Wonderful name.

Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=665 Psa 98:1-9 Sing a new song to the LORD; he has done wonderful things! By his own power and holy strength he has won the victory. (2) The LORD announced his victory; he made his saving power known to the nations. (3) He kept his promise to the people of Israel with loyalty and constant love for them. All people everywhere have seen the victory of our God. (4) Sing for joy to the LORD, all the earth; praise him with songs and shouts of joy! (5) Sing praises to the LORD! Play music on the harps! (6) Blow trumpets and horns, and shout for joy to the LORD, our king. (7) Roar, sea, and every creature in you; sing, earth, and all who live on you! (8) Clap your hands, you rivers; you hills, sing together with joy before the LORD, (9) because he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness. He has done many wonderful things, He won the victory, by His grace and mercy we are saved, He loves us. I think it is exuberant in this Psalm because of the great victory that God has, also the victory that God has and always will be victorious, He will never be defeated by satan or any other God. I love praise in my life, I constantly find myself praising God, either in thoughts, words, singing or prayers. I love it because I know that my God loves to hear me praise His Holy and Wonderful name.

Q2. (Psalm 95) In Psalm 95 we are commanded to worship the Lord. What are the reasons why we should worship contained in this psalm? Why do you think the warning in verses 8-11 is included in this psalm? How does this fit with the earlier elements of the psalm? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=664 Psa 95:1-11 Come, let us praise the LORD! Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us! (2) Let us come before him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. (3) For the LORD is a mighty God, a mighty king over all the gods. (4) He rules over the whole earth, from the deepest caves to the highest hills. (5) He rules over the sea, which he made; the land also, which he himself formed. (6) Come, let us bow down and worship him; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! (7) He is our God; we are the people he cares for, the flock for which he provides. Listen today to what he says: (8) "Don't be stubborn, as your ancestors were at Meribah, as they were that day in the desert at Massah. (9) There they put me to the test and tried me, although they had seen what I did for them. (10) For forty years I was disgusted with those people. I said, 'How disloyal they are! They refuse to obey my commands.' (11) I was angry and made a solemn promise: 'You will never enter the land where I would have given you rest.' " The reasons for worship are as follows. God protected us (vs 1) He is a mighty God, a king over all other Gods (vs 3) He rules over the entire earth (vs 4-5) He cares for, provides for and loves us (vs 7) I think it was included just to let us know that as much as God cares for us, He can also be angered by us and our continual sin. It is a direct contrast to the earlier parts of the Psalm. The first part tells us how great God is and how we should worship Him and bow down to Him. The second part is a warning from God, telling us not to be stubborn (vs 8)

Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=663 Psa 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his Temple! Praise his strength in heaven! (2) Praise him for the mighty things he has done. Praise his supreme greatness. (3) Praise him with trumpets. Praise him with harps and lyres. (4) Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with harps and flutes. (5) Praise him with cymbals. Praise him with loud cymbals. (6) Praise the LORD, all living creatures! Praise the LORD! This teaches us to praise God with musical instruments and at all times, Praise God joyfully. It says in His temple but we are also God's temple so we should be full of praise for Him. He should be praised with musical instruments and with a joyous sound. We must all praise Him. It makes me want to put on some good praise and worship music and just praise and honour God.

Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=663 Psa 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his Temple! Praise his strength in heaven! (2) Praise him for the mighty things he has done. Praise his supreme greatness. (3) Praise him with trumpets. Praise him with harps and lyres. (4) Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with harps and flutes. (5) Praise him with cymbals. Praise him with loud cymbals. (6) Praise the LORD, all living creatures! Praise the LORD! This teaches us to praise God with musical instruments and at all times, Praise God joyfully. It says in His temple but we are also God's temple so we should be full of praise for Him. He should be praised with musical instruments and with a joyous sound. We must all praise Him. It makes me want to put on some good praise and worship music and just praise and honour God.

Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=663 Psa 150:1-6 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his Temple! Praise his strength in heaven! (2) Praise him for the mighty things he has done. Praise his supreme greatness. (3) Praise him with trumpets. Praise him with harps and lyres. (4) Praise him with drums and dancing. Praise him with harps and flutes. (5) Praise him with cymbals. Praise him with loud cymbals. (6) Praise the LORD, all living creatures! Praise the LORD! This teaches us to praise God with musical instruments and at all times, Praise God joyfully. It says in His temple but we are also God's temple so we should be full of praise for Him. He should be praised with musical instruments and with a joyous sound. We must all praise Him. It makes me want to put on some good praise and worship music and just praise and honour God.

Q4. (Romans 8:12) Do we have to sin? Are we compelled to sin? Is it possible to live for two hours of wakefulness without sinning? Four hours? One day? Two days? Where do we Christians get such a defeatist attitude towards sin? From Scripture? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=818 Rom 8:12 So then, my friends, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. No we don't have to sin and no we are not compelled to sin, it is just our weak human nature (flesh) that lets us down. No I don't think so, we even sin in our sleep, lustful dreams etc. We have a choice. The defeatist attitude comes from Satan, the father of all liars and the biggest deciever. He wants nothing more than to see us fall.

Q3. (Romans 8:9) Is it possible to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit residing in us? What is the difference (if any) between the indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit? How do we remain "full" of the Spirit? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=817

Q2. (Romans 8:5-6) Exactly what does it mean to set your mind on the things of the Spirit? How do you do this? How can you recognize when the things you're setting your mind on relate to your sinful nature? How much of this is deliberate? How much is habit? What part does the Holy Spirit have it this? Or is this primarily right living by force of will? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=816 Rom 8:5-6 Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. (6) To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace. To set our minds on the things of the Spirit is to get rid of unGodly thoughts, things of the flesh. To be pure in thought, word and deed. We can do this through prayer, reading God's Word, hanging around other christians, to basically die to ones self. The old must die and the new must arise and be in control. The things you set your mind on (sinful) will manifest in your life, thoughts, deeds and actions. I don't think much of it is deliberate I think most of it is habit. The Holy Spirit will always be there, that little voice you hear or that uncomfortable feeling you get when you know something is not quiet right or what it should be. No this is Godly living, letting the Holy Spirit guide and lead you.

Q1. (Romans 8:3-4) Why can't obedience to the law save us? What is the weak link? What then does it take to save us? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=815

Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms (www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-exercises.htm). These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=662 Jon Psalm 3 Father I thank you for showing me through your Word The right and the wrong The good and the bad I thank you that I choose good over evil Right over wrong Father thank you for taking my sins away For washing me clean, with the Blood of Jesus For making me righteous I thank you that I choose your way instead of the worldly way Father thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ Who knew no sin Who died for me, a sinner Thank You Father I love you I adore you I honour you I worship you Amen I always find it such an honour to praise God through the writing of these Psalms. This is all very new to me but I love it. I never know what is going to come out or what the end result is going to be. They may not be literature classics but they are from my heart, to God.

Q5. (Romans 7:14-25) Christians disagree about who is the "I" in Romans 7. Is Paul referring to himself or others? What is your opinion? (We won't all agree here, but we'll learn what the issues are by taking and arguing for a position -- lovingly). http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=814

Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you? Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult? What kinds of commitments does unity require of us? How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other? Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=661

Q2. (Psalm 15) The Wisdom Psalms are meant to instruct us. How would you use this psalm in your family to instruct your children? What topics of right living does it cover? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=660 Psa 15:1-5 MKJV A Psalm of David. Jehovah, who shall dwell in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? (2) He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; (3) he does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; (4) in whose eyes the reprobate is despised, but he honors those who fear Jehovah; he has sworn to his hurt, and does not change it; (5) he has not put out his money at interest, nor has he taken a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall not be moved forever. I would teach my children to be honest, upright, to be careful what they say. To honour God, to love Him and to fear Him as well. To live by God

Q4. (Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 15:18-20; Romans 7:24) What is the doctrine of "total depravity"? Put it in your own words. Does it mean that none of God's original goodness shows through? Then what does it mean? Why does modern man tend to believe that man is basically good? How does this differ from what the Bible teaches? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=813 Total Depravity is when man lives according to his ways and standards and not God's. God's goodness is always there, mans sinful nature just clouds the view, sometimes blackening it out all together. Man tends to think that they are above God, that his (mans) way is better than the standards God put in place. Just look at same sex marriages, adultery, abortion, homosexuality, divorce, corruption and so many others. None of these are in God's will, yet they are all acceptable to man and society. The Bible teaches us that man is rotten to the core and that the only way for man is through Jesus Christ and to abide by God's Laws and rules, it is actually very straight forward and simple.

Q3. (Romans 7:12; 8:3) What does the law do well? What does it do poorly? Why is the law (knowing right and wrong) powerless to save us? What is the problem here? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=812

Q2. (Romans 7:7-8) The law reveals sin for what it is. Why wouldn't we be better off just not knowing that we should not covet, for example? Why does the flesh respond to being told "Do not covet" by coveting all the more? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=811 It is in our rebellious nature (the flesh) that when we are told that we can

Q1. (Romans 7:5) Paul uses the word "flesh" (or NIV "sinful nature") many times in chapters 7 and 8. In your own words, what does Paul mean by "flesh" in these verses? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=810 Paul is referring to our rebellious nature, which is opposite to what God wants for us. Even though we know it is wrong to do it, our sinful nature allows us to be tempted and to fall into sin. We always want more or better, wether it be another woman, a car, a better home, money. God has provided us with all of these, yet our sinful rebellious nature wants more. Do not let the flesh become weak otherwise we will succumb to its evil desires.

Q1. (Romans 7:5) Paul uses the word "flesh" (or NIV "sinful nature") many times in chapters 7 and 8. In your own words, what does Paul mean by "flesh" in these verses? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=810 Paul is referring to our rebellious nature, which is opposite to what God wants for us. Even though we know it is wrong to do it, our sinful nature allows us to be tempted and to fall into sin. We always want more or better, wether it be another woman, a car, a better home, money. God has provided us with all of these, yet our sinful rebellious nature wants more. Do not let the flesh become weak otherwise we will succumb to its evil desires.

Q1. (Psalm 1). This short psalm seems to reaffirm what we already know: the righteous will succeed and the wicked will perish. Why do we need to be reminded of this? From an emotional standpoint, what lines in this psalm stand out to you. Why do you think you like them? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=659 I think we need to be reminded of this at all times for the following reasons: