rosegarden
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Posts posted by rosegarden
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:14 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (John 4:16; 1 Corinthians 1:24) How does Jesus’ truth contrast with your culture’s dearly held “truths”? How does Jesus’ wisdom differ from the worldly wisdom that your culture teaches you? What would help you hold on to Jesus’ truth and wisdom more effectively?
a. Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) Let God be true and every man a liar. (Romans 3:4) There is no other Truth but God! The World today is just opinions and lies. So much deception, so many lies. And the world passes away, and the **** thereof: but he that does the will of God abides for ever. (1 John 2:17)
b. "The foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25) Mans wisdom is foolishness. It is filled with opinions, what they were taught, what they think and lies. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
c. Staying in God's Word, meditating on it and letting it become part of me. Watch what I listen to on TV, hear, see or speak. Shutting down the lies of the enemy. Speaking the truth of what God says about who I am in Him.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:13 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (Revelation 3:14) Why is Jesus called the “true and faithful witness”? What did he witness to? How was he faithful in his witness? As a disciple, to what degree are you a “true and faithful witness” to the Word that your Rabbi has taught and has done in your life? What would it look like if you improved as a witness?
a. Jesus is called the true and faithful witness because He is Truth and He was Faithful in doing only what He saw the Father do and speak.
b. He witnessed to the Truth and spoke what the Father spoke.
c. Jesus' witness to the Father cost him his life. In bearing the Father's words, Jesus is faithful, that is dependable and trustworthy to communicate the Father's words accurately. After all, he is the Word (John 1:1). He is also true, the genuine article, the Son of God himself. And he is the ultimate witness.
d & e. I am learning and growing and need to be a better hearer of the Word and proclaim it to the lost and not be distracted with other things. This lesson has me getting to know Jesus better and to be rooted and grounded in Him and knowing who lives in me and that He has given me the gift of His Holy Spirit to witness.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:12 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (John 1:1-3, 14) In what sense is Jesus the Word of God? Why do you think he is called this? Why does John call him the Word of Life (1 John 1:1)? What does this say to us about the importance of hearing, meditating on, and internalizing Jesus’ words?
a. Jesus was in the beginning with God. He is part of the Godhead. The Word was with God when He created the heavens and the earth.
b. All things were made by Him and without him was not any thing made that was made, and all through the spoken Word of God.
c. Jesus was the manifestation of the Father. He spoke what He heard the Father speak. The Words He spoke were Spirit and Life.
d. We need to wait on the Lord and have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. We need to meditate on the Word of God internalizing it until it becomes life to us.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:11 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. What is your relationship to Jesus as your Rabbi? How often do you come to him to teach you? How do you receive his teaching? How teachable do you think you are?
a. My relationship to Jesus as Rabbi is listening for the voice of His Spirit residing in me, to lead and guide me in the ways of righteousness and to depend on Him.
b. Every day by His Holy Spirit, to hear His still small voice.
c. I receive His teachings by His Holy Spirit in prayer, in reading and studying His Word, in church services, in listening to good Bible based speakers, in life experiences, in nature, etc.
d. I am open to what the Lord wants to teach me. I want to know Him more, His Word, His life and what He wants to do through me.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:10 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. How did Jesus’ disciples use his name when they healed and cast out demons? Do we have this kind of authority, or was it only for the apostles themselves? In what way does speaking or acting in Jesus’ name demonstrate the concept of power of attorney? Why are we sometimes afraid to speak or act in Jesus’ name? How might hearing his voice about a particular matter alleviate that fear?
a. The disciples used Jesus name with power and authority to cast out demons, and cure diseases.
b. We also have this authority. Adam gave this authority away to the devil when he sinned in the beginning. When Christ died at Calvary He got this authority back and gave it to us believers. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Mark 16:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in Your name." Luke 10:17
c. A person's name can represent the person himself, his presence, or existence. Sometimes a person's name and existence are nearly one and the same thing. We have Christ in us, as He sent His Holy Spirit to live in us. We are acting on behalf of Jesus when we use His name.
d. We are afraid to speak or act in Jesus' name because don't know who we are in Christ and that His Spirit lives in us, or sometimes we waver in unbelief, or that nothing will happen.
e. When we get a word about a particular matter and we know it is God speaking to us by His Holy Spirit, that is when we have faith to believe that He will do it. We can have peace about it, rest in that peace and act on it and there will be no reason to fear or have unbelief.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:10 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. What does it mean when you pray “in Jesus’ name”? Do you use the phrase “in Jesus’ name” as you pray? Why or why not? How does praying “in Jesus’ name” limit what we will pray for?
a. To pray in Jesus name is to pray with power and authority. It is acknowledging what He accomplished on the cross at Calvary - salvation, healing and deliverance. When we are praying according to His will (His Word is His Will), praying in His name and believing we receive what we asked for. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Cor. 1:20)
b. Yes, because praying in His name gets the promise of all He has done and accomplished. It won't happen in any other name.
c. Praying in Jesus name limits what we will pray for because it is all according to His will, which is His Word and is for good and not for evil purposes.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:08 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. In what ways does taking Jesus’ name on ourselves, or identifying ourselves with him, open us to shame and persecution? Have you seen examples of this in your own experience? What actions might show that a Christian is ashamed of Jesus? What actions might show that a Christian is unashamed of Jesus?
a. Because following Christ opens you up to all kinds of criticism. We live different - no cussing, drinking, fighting, drugs, carousing, etc. We are delivered or being delivered. We are new creatures in Christ and the Holy Spirit keeps us from sin and sinning and this condemns them. Jesus is that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
b. Yes, when I came to Christ my life changed and even my family was all upset with me. Before, I knew about Jesus, but it was just a form and not a reality of knowing who he was and what He really did for me. But I was hungry to know more about Jesus so I kept on keeping on getting to know the Word and being changed by it.
c. Our Church was not a church that promoted street witnessing and I always thought that a person had to have the gift of an Evangelist in order to witness. When I first got saved I could not stop telling others of what Jesus had done for me. I must say the fire went out after a few years. Now, in getting to know Jesus through Bible Study and studying the Word is helping me to be who He has called me to be and do what He has called me to do.
d. I notice one thing, that in witnessing, people don't object to your talking about God (but with them it could be any god), but for some reason they are offended when you speak the name of Jesus, and that is where all the power is and they need to know that. His Name is above every name. They need to know that Jesus loved them enough to die for them and to give them freedom in this life and everlasting life with Him and we need to share our faith with them.
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On 12/10/2015 at 2:07 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
To help you internalize and apply what you’re learning from this study, I’ve included several Discussion Questions in each lesson. These are designed to help you think about and ponder the most important points. Don’t skip these. It’s best to write them out. You can post your answers – and read what others have written – by going to the online forum by clicking on the URL below each question. (Before you can post your answer the first time, you’ll need to register. You can find instructions at
http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/instructions.htm
Q1. How is the meaning of Jesus’ name linked to his mission? What is his mission? How did he fulfill this mission? How did he fulfill his mission in your life?
a. Jesus name alone means "Yahweh Saves." - He came to Save.
b. His mission and purpose was to save, deliver, give victory over sin and help mankind to be overcomers.
c. His mission was fulfilled: HIs ministry of 3 years of healing those who were oppressed of the devil, teaching of the kingdom of God, being beaten for our healing and shedding of His blood for our sin, buried, risen from the dead and ascending to heaven and the Father and sending His Holy Spirit to be with all those who believe on Him and have faith in Him and what he accomplished for us.
d. He fulfilled his mission in my life by drawing me, letting me know He is real, loving me and moving on my heart to cry out to Him . In that crying out I surrendered my life to Him. I became a new creature in Christ and have never been the same. Learning of Jesus I want to know more because In Him is a wealth of treasure and I am here to search it out.
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On 5/15/2020 at 1:00 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 24 Meditation (Revelation 22:3-5). With the picture of God and the Lamb high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1), what significance does it have for us to “see his face”? What kind of intimacy and access does that imply? How can you begin to “sit at his feet” and “behold the glory of the Lord” now? (Luke 10:39; 2 Corinthians 3:18). To what degree are you currently doing this?
a. Whenever I am worshiping in church and the words come to me from Isaiah 6:1 of the Lamb high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filling the temple, I sense His presence and His Glory filling the place where I am. Seeing His face I have to know I am in heaven and in the Spirit because the Bible states that no human can see Him and live. I will also know that I have been washed in His Blood, sanctified and made clean and that my name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that I am in His presence for all eternity.
b. There will be no separation. We are one with Him, in the Spirit, not in the flesh. No evil or anything unclean will ever enter. It will be like the Love in the Garden of Eden before sin. Fellowship with Him - Face to Face. Knowing He has always loved us and wanted us to be with Him forever!
c. You can sit at His feet and learn of Him as did Mary. Just sitting in His presence and knowing His Holy Spirit is in you, you can have fellowship with Him. He is not a superficial God, He is not mad at you, He is waiting for you to come to Him, He wants to hear your cry. Be thankful in all things, knowing that he created this earth and everything in it for your pleasure. Discuss your day with Him. He loves you and like the Prodigal Son is waiting with open arms.
d. Knowing how much I am blessed in His presence and how much greater He makes my day as I put Him first. I need to give Him more time and make a date with Him as I do with friends, it is much more beneficial.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:58 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 23 Meditation (Revelation 22:1-2). What is the significance of the source of this healing stream? In what ways can “living waters” flow through you to bring healing to others?
a. The significance is that the water of life, bright as crystal, flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. It is living water!
b. Having the Spirit of God within us we can bring this living water to others: waters of salvation, healing and deliverance. As the woman at the well: Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”
John 4:13-15
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:57 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 22 Meditation (Revelation 21:23-25). Why are we sometimes afraid of being fully exposed by God’s searching light? In what sense do you think John is telling us that the New Jerusalem’s light is the Lamb? In what ways do you need the Lamb to bring his light to some of your dark places?
a. That is why we have the Holy Spirit. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit. Then we will not be afraid of being fully exposed. When we mess up we immediately repent. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Romans 6: 12-14 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Jesus said, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12)
b. Jesus, the Lamb of God is the light in the New Jerusalem. In Him is no darkness at all. Wherever He is, there is Light. "In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:4-5) Yes, darkness is totally gone. All is light in the Lord and because we are blood bought and redeemed we are now children of the light. In the New Jerusalem, all is light!
c. The Lamb brings light to some of my dark places by His Holy Spirit enlightening me to what is wrong and what I need to ask Him to change in me.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:55 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 21 Meditation (Revelation 21:22). How did the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem create barriers between the people and a holy God? How can our traditional forms of Christian worship keep us from full intimacy with God? In what sense do we understand that the “temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb”?
a. The barriers were The Courtyard and the Veil to the Holy Place( they could only be entered in by the priests), and The Holy of Holies (where only the High Priest could enter in) and that only once a year. The people could not enter in. The sacrifices offered covered sins but did not take them away and had to be done yearly, over and over again. But the sacrifice of Christ on the cross is designed to remove the barriers between God and man. "Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Mark 15:37-38) Surely, the meaning of this is that Jesus opens the way to the very presence of God. Access to God is our gift and privilege, even now.
b. Churches sometimes get into a rut with forms and programs. Doing the same things over and over again do not bring Life. We cannot have intimacy with God through man's ideas. We need to let the Holy Spirt have His way. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who is Life. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and reveals Christ to us and through the Holy Spirit we can have intimacy with God.
c. In the Old Testament, there were physical temples, in the New Testament, we are the Temple of the Holy Ghost and in the New Jerusalem, there is no temple any longer for the temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb, and there is no need for separations of holiness, for he has made us all holy before him and we will forever be with Him.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:54 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 20 Meditation (Revelation 21:14). The 12 Apostles of the Lamb became the foundation of the New Jerusalem. How has your life, your example, and your testimony been built into the foundations of the lives of your family and community? In what sense do you see yourself as an Ambassador of the Lamb?
a. My life was marred by a bad marriage. After being married 22 yrs and in a sad state, someone told me about Jesus and that he actually came to save me. I started attending church where they preached the Word. I started with the Living Bible and the words leaped off the pages and I just wanted to read more and more of the Word. It became life to me. Took my children to church and they gave their hearts to the Lord. My husband did but somehow turned around and began seeing another woman from work. We got a divorce, he remarried and children scattered and confused. At the time, our church was not heavy in witnessing. It was by being an example. I became an example by how the Holy Spirit was working in me, working in the Church, being kind, never saying anything bad about my husband to my children, giving my testimony and witnessing to all that would listen, reading the Word, finding more about Jesus, faith, grace, memorizing the Word, giving to others, getting real truth by listening to the Holy Spirit, loving my neighbors, being content in the Lord.
b. I see myself as being an Ambassador of the Lamb by getting to know Jesus, knowing who I am in Him and all he has supplied me with, knowing how much he loves me and how much He loves others and wants them to come into a relationship with Him, and being so filled with Him that it just bubbles out of me to others.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:53 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 19 Meditation (Revelation 21:9-10). Why do you think the New Jerusalem is compared to a Bride adorned for her wedding. What is the significance of the Bride descending down to earth? What might be God’s plan for this New Earth that has been cleansed by fire and recreated?
a. The New Jerusalem is - new, holy, pure, precious, transparent where there is no sin or evil is compared to a Bride adorned for her wedding. A Bride wears white, a virgin, cleansed of sin - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Cor. 5:17) O Lord, we have passed through your fire; like precious metal made pure, you’ve proved us, perfected us, and made us holy.(Ps. 66:10)
b. We being the Bride of Christ descending down to earth, a new earth, pure and holy wherein righteousness abounds. Everything New.
c. The Lord our Husband has provided in the new earth beauty, beyond anything we could ever think or imagine (beyond the Garden of Paradise). I love flowers and garden and it would such joy to see all the different flowers God has created from every different country and people from every nation and culture and everyone truly loving one another. Who can comprehend that! Everyone loving the Lord and all people loving each other! No bugs and disease destroying flowers and trees. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. To be loved by God and Jesus throughout eternity. (Rev. 21:4) Whatever God has planned, it has got to be the Greatest!
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:51 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 18 Meditation (Revelation 20:12). What do the records contain that are opened before the throne of God on Judgment Day? How do they differ from the Lamb’s Book of Life? How is it “fair” that we escape judgment by having our names written there, even though we have committed many sins? Who paid the price to make it “fair” and just?
a. The Book of the deeds of the people, and the people whose names are written in the Book of Life.
b. The Book of the deeds of people whether they were good or bad - vs - The Lambs Book of Life wherein are inscribed the names of the blood-bought citizens of the New Jerusalem.
c. Book of Life citizens escape judgment because God in His mercy sent His Son Jesus to die on a cross for us and for the sin of the whole world and as we accept the Grace of God by faith, we receive that mercy. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians. 2:8-9) also Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." (John 5:24)d. Jesus, Son of God, taking on the sin of the world, died on a cross, buried, resurrected and ascended into heaven paid the price to make it "fair" and just.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:50 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 17 Meditation (Revelation 19:6-9). If now we are “betrothed” to the Lamb (to use this analogy), why is the “marriage” delayed until the End of Time? What does the state of being married imply that betrothal does not? In what sense will that be realized in the New Jerusalem?
a. The marriage Is delayed until the End of Time, as I believe we are now being prepared. We are being changed and made ready. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18) Christ has already won the victory, but He is merciful and not willing that anyone should perish and has an appointed time. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. (I Cor.15:24-25)
b. The state of being married is a commitment for life, it involves the signing of legal documents, betrothal does not. Betrothal is a promise or an engagement and can easily be broken.
c. It will be realized that we shall forever be with the Lord for all eternity. The New Jerusalem, the place where God dwells, a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness, peace and joy abound and no evil , no more death, mourning or pain. Hallelujah!
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 16 Meditation (Revelation 17:14). What has to change in our thinking in order for us to see the Lamb as a victorious Warrior? In what ways are you called upon to serve the Lamb in skirmishes with evil in your life and community? Are you aggressive like the Conquering Lamb, or do you shy away from conflict with the enemy?
a. We see the Lamb, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. He already won the battle with His death for us, He was buried, rose from the dead and Ascended unto His Father. The Bible says the just shall live by faith and we fight the good fight of faith knowing that the Bible is Truth, says in (Rev. 17:14 )"They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." Believing is Seeing!
b. We are to "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:11-13) Jesus said, " In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
c. I am not an aggressive person, but I am learning. God has equipped us with His promises (Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world, I am more than a conqueror, Christ lives in me, and much more). Putting on the Armor of God on and using it.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:47 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 15 Meditation (Revelation 15:2-4). In what way is the Song of the Lamb like the Song of Moses that was sung after crossing the Red Sea? Why do you think the sound of voices accompanied by instruments is pleasing to God? What will it take for all nations to come to the Lamb in our own day?
a. They are both songs of Victory. The song of Moses sung by the people after they crossed the Red Sea rejoicing in Yahweh's victory over Pharaoh's army.
The Song of the Lamb gives praise to God who has brought victory over Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet, and their armies.b. The singing of songs and the playing of instruments bring joy and praise and thanksgiving for the Victory won by God and the Lamb and it brings glory and honor and praise to God, to His deeds, His Ways and to His Name.
c. The Evangelization of the whole world that Jesus spoke of. "This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:46 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 14 Meditation (Revelation 14:4-5). If you take this verse symbolically, in what sense are the 144,000 described as virgins? Truth-tellers? Blameless? Redeemed? In your life, what would it mean if you were to “follow the Lamb wherever he goes”? What might have to change if you made this pledge?
a. As virgins kept themselves physically, morally and spiritually pure.
b. Truth-tellers - Did not lie, spoke only the truth.
c. Blameless - Spotless, having their robes washed in the atoning Blood of the Lamb.
d. Redeemed - Ransomed from the earth and mankind, from the world, the flesh and the devil, and now free in Christ Jesus. We were bought with a price, not with silver or gold, but with the precious Blood of the Lamb of God, the Lamb without spot or blemish.
e. Listening intently I would get a clearer understanding of what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
f. Spending more time with the Lord and waiting on Him before making decisions. Reaching out more to others and not fearing being rejected.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:44 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 13 Meditation (Revelation 14:1). What is the significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion? Who are these 144,000 people with him? What is the significance of the Lamb’s and the Father’s names written on their foreheads?
a. The Lamb of God has won the victory, and is in Zion, the dwelling place of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.
b. It is a figurative number representing the whole people of God the redeemed of the earth.
c. The significance of the Lamb and Father's names written on foreheads is that we are sealed and owned by God, we are His redeemed children.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:43 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 12 Meditation (Revelation 13:7-8). What is the significance that a person’s name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life? When is that name written, according to Revelation 13:7-8? John wrote these words to encourage the persecuted church. How do these words reassure you?
a. It means that in accepting Jesus sacrifice in payment for my sin, I now get to spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.
b. My name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life before the foundation of the world. Amazing!
c. The saints aren't immune from persecution and death, and in that limited sense, the Antichrist "conquers" Christians. Our enemies can kill the body, but not the soul (Matthew 10:28). But the Antichrist's authority doesn't extend to the souls of the believers or martyrs. They are protected.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:41 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 11 Meditation (Revelation 12:11). How does the blood of the Lamb enable us to conquer Satan? How does the word of our testimony show victory over Satan? Why is it necessary to “take up our cross daily” in order to conquer?
a. Because of Christ's Victory on the cross when he shed His blood for us, died, was buried and rose again and won the victory, Satan was already conquered and being God's children we are in Christ, covered by the blood and now walk in His Victory.
b. How we win the victory over Satan by the word of our testimony: We now to say what God Word says about us: I am more than a Conquerer in Christ, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, Greater is He than is in me than he that is in the world, I am the Righteousness of God in Christ, in Him I live and move and have my being. This should be my testimony and to speak it out loud. As we are saying these things we win the victory! Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov. 18:21 We are to say what God says, not what the enemy whispers in our ears. He has also given us weapons to use: We have the armor of God: His Salvation, His Righteousness, His Faith, His Sword of the Spirit, His Truth and His Gospel.
c. Taking up our cross daily is to not let our flesh control us. I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the **** of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24 In denying myself, I can say before doing something: Lord, is this your will, or is it mine?
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:40 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 10 Meditation (Revelation 7:15-17). In what way does the Lamb seek to guide you as a Shepherd? What will this require of you? What do the “springs of living water” represent in your life? Have you exhausted these springs yet – or even really found them? What tears do you need wiped away from your eyes?
a. When I surrendered my life to Jesus he gave me His Holy Spirit to live inside me to lead me and guide me, He cares for me, Provides for me, feeds me with His Word, ministers to me, picks me up when I am down, lets me know when I about to do something wrong, puts a song in my heart when I need it, brings other sheep for me to fellowship with, keeps me, heals my wounds and hurts, loves me.
b. Trusting Him, Listening for Him, believing His Word and Receiving His Promises.
c. The Springs of Living Water represent His Holy Spirit bubbling up from me, giving Words of life to me and to others around me.
d. No, as long as I live his Word says, He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
e. I need the tears and sadness of what has happened in our Nation this week to be wiped away. In my scripture reading this morning, this one stuck out to me: Psalm 119:136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.
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On 5/15/2020 at 12:39 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Day 9 Meditation (Revelation 7:13-14). Why do you think this image is so jarring – being made white by washing in blood? What are we supposed to see in this? Why do you think this imagery is embarrassing to some?
a. Because it is the opposite of what we think. How can this be? We think of washing blood, not being made white by washing with blood. But we are thinking in the natural.
b. In the Spiritual we see Jesus pure, holy blood washing over us, cleansing us. It is all Spiritual, and it really happens, a changed life, a supernatural miracle.
c. Because they are looking in the natural. In the natural we see bloodshed for evil purposes. Jesus' Holy Blood was shed for us for a good purpose to cleanse and make us ready to be in His presence and for heaven.
Q1. One Like a Son of Man
in 3. Jesus the Son of Man
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a. Resembles a man.
b. We know He posses divine elements because he comes on the clouds of heaven, denoting his heavenly origin and He approaches the Ancient of Days, God the Father.
c. He has been given authority, glory, and sovereign power.
d. We know it because Jesus said it Himself in Matthew 26:63-64 Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”