Highohfaith

Q4. (Galatians 6:15) What characterizes this “new creation” that Paul talks about? What does the “old creation” look like in contrast? What does the old creation lack that the new creation possesses? How does Jesus’ saying, “You must be born again” (John 3:3-8) relate to this concept of the new creation? What characterizes this “new creation” that Paul talks about? The veil is torn and Father and Son become one again and establish peace and unity in our lives as a new creation through the Holy Spirit . We seek righteousness, we desire the fruit of the Spirit. As we are sanctified by the Spirit our lives take on a new meaning, we seek to edify and emulate Jesus. We want to be good, righteous people.We seek redemption and repent of our sins. We seek to glorify our Lord and Creator. In contrast our "old creation" is dead. The death of Jesus has conquered the sins of the flesh and has taken our sins with him to the grave.. We can now be free. Not free to do as we please but free to enjoy the fruit of The Holy Spirit. We have been set free from condemnation by the blood of Jesus on the cross. We are now reconciled with God. How does Jesus’ saying, “You must be born again” (John 3:3-8) relate to this concept of the new creation? When we are born of our mothers wombs we are new creations. We are completely helpless and dependent on our mothers. When we become a new creation in Christ we are completely helpless and must rely on our Father to care for us. We are like newborn babes, we must rely on our Father to grow and thrive through His Spirit. Our Father makes provision for all our needs. We are helpless without Him we will wither and die,or be eaten alive by animals (certain death-destruction) just as an abandoned baby would if abandoned in the wilderness by it's mother.. We are babies in Christ, as we mature as Christians we become brothers and sisters in Christ, and as heir to the God's Kingdom our "old self" is dead. We are new creatures walking in the Spirit of Christ.

Q5. (Matthew 5:27-30) The spirit of our age is very accepting and approving of lus+ According to Jesus' words, how seriously are we to take lus+? How does agape love help us combat lus+? The spirit of our age is very accepting and approving of lus+ According to Jesus' words, how seriously are we to take lus+? Very seriously !!! In Jesus' exact words: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28) We are to look at ALL others with pure agape love, and YES Jesus means people of the opposite sex as well! We are all brothers and sisters and should treat each other as family. We ARE family. Agape love is pure, it is a deep respectful love and concern for others and it does not include lus+.. Agape love is the way God loves us and we must exemplify it. We can never let lus+ get a grip on our hearts, It is fire, if it starts we must stomp it out quickly before it spreads! Lus+ in our heart is the same as the flesh. And it is as destructive as fire-fire and brimstone! Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13

Q3. (Galatians 6:9-10) Why do we tend to become weary living out our faith? What promise does Paul give us in 6:9 to forestall this weariness? Why should our “doing good” begin with our spiritual family, not with the non-Christians? Why do we tend to become weary living out our faith? We get weary because we become impatient. We don't want to wait to see the fruit of our labor. When we don't feel "rewarded" right away, we tend to become weary. We think that we labor in vein, but Paul reminds us none of our good work are in vein and we will reap what we sow at the proper time chosen by God. We must never get tired of doing good. God is a faithful God and keeps all His promises. Why should our “doing good” begin with our spiritual family, not with the non-Christians? Our spiritual family is our first responsibility, to build up,edify one another. We are all connected, we are the body of Christ, we are the children of God, the brothers and sisters of Christ and one another, we must always support and do good to each others. We must emanate God's love for His family. As God's heirs, we must exemplify the goodness given to us, from our Father God, through His Holy Spirit. We are to be good examples for the non-believer. So that we may draw them into the family of God and make them believers through our example of goodness, kindness and love for one another.

Q2. (Galatians 6:7-8) What does it mean to “sow to the flesh”? What does this look like? What synonyms does Paul use for “sow to the Spirit” in Galatians? (Hint: see 5:16, 18, 25). What does sowing to the Spirit look like in a congregation? What are the results in a congregation of sowing to the flesh? What does it mean to “sow to the flesh”? The person who sows in the flesh cannot walk with the Spirit. The two are in opposition to each other. A person sowing in the flesh desires fleshy, worldly things as their first priority. Paul warns about such things as sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, hate, jealousy, debauchery,as well as other sins of the flesh. You can't have both.You either choose to plant your seed and grow the fruit of Holy Spirit, which is righteousness, or plant your seed and watch it wither and die, be destroyed through sin. What synonyms does Paul use for “sow to the Spirit” in Galatians? Walk by the Spirit. Led by the Spirit. Live by the Spirit. Keep in step with The Spirit. What does sowing to the Spirit look like in a congregation? It is a congregation whose main priority is teaching the righteous word of God. It is a congregation who not only teaches the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, but also seek to emulate the fruit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.The greatest of these is love. It will be a very loving, kind, and caring congregation of God's children. What are the results in a congregation of sowing to the flesh? There will be no results, They will simply cease to be; self destruct! They will reap what they sow. Without the chief cornerstone, they will fall into destruction. Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Q1. (Galatians 6:1-5) What does Paul mean, “caught in a sin”? What would restoration of a such brother or sister look like in his or her life? Who should restore this person? In what spirit should it be done? What is the result of trying to restore a person without humility? What does Paul mean, “caught in a sin”? "Caught" in sin means the sin is reveled or discovered, caught suggest a person is running away from sin, or trapped by it. Sin in not a normal Christian state of mind or heart, it is not normal behavior to the Spirit - led Christian. Normal Christian behavior is being led by the Spirit not by the devil. Even if we do slip up at times. God forgives, but we must always seek to walk in righteousness through His Spirit. What would restoration of a such brother or sister look like in his or her life? That person must acknowledge his sin, take full responsibility for it, 'own it", repent, focus on the will of God, seeking righteousness through the direction and fruit of The Holy Spirit.. Who should restore this person? It is our responsibility as Christians to carry our brothers and sisters. If one slips, or needs help in any way, we are to gently, and without condemnation or judgement give love,understanding and direction to this person. What is the result of trying to restore a person without humility? Simply put unless we continually, on a daily basis examine our own heart, our own faults and character and recognize our own frailties and vulnerability to sin, we cannot be effective disciples. Matthew 7:3-5 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Q4. (Matthew 5:28) Sex is very closely tied to our core sense of person. This means that as we are healed in our view towards sex, it goes a long way toward making us whole inside. How would you counsel a brother who shared with you that he had trouble with pornogr*phy? How can you protect yourself against temptation over the Internet? At the beach or poolside? With your TV? Sex is very closely tied to our core sense of person. This means that as we are healed in our view towards sex, it goes a long way toward making us whole inside. How would you counsel a brother who shared with you that he had trouble with pornogr*phy? The first counsel I would share is that he/she must arm himself with prayer, petition God's help for this problem. Arm himself with the full armor of God, he/she is in strong spiritual warfare with the devil! And must use every weapon, resource provided for him/her from God to fight and conquer this addiction. Nothing is impossible through God. Take responsibility for this sin (accountability) stop excusing it, or making excuses for it. i.e. I can't help myself, OR my father always had p*rnography when I was a kid, so I was raised believing it was okay. OR, it is acceptable to society ( worldly value- NOT A GODLY value) so, it must be okay for me to watch. OR, I was just curious, etc. etc. I could go on and on with the excuses people make. The point is, acknowledge your sin, repent from it, and remember God loves you, and if you slip, ask for forgiveness,repent, and move past it. Get rid of all p*rnography from your home or computer, buy a program that blocks it. Purge yourself! Figure out your triggers and stay away from them, triggers are for shooting, destroying. So, know your trigger (s). Dictionary.com defines trigger as : 3.)anything, as an act or event, that serves as a stimulus and initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions. Seek counsel, a Christian confidant, one whom will pray for you on your behalf and one whom you can turn to for Godly advice in times of temptation. Have a very firm conviction to stop doing what you are doing and rely on God's power to do the rest, turn to your accountability friend,and trust in God and you will conquer this addiction. How can you protect yourself against temptation over the Internet? At the beach or poolside? With your TV? By turning away from it, turning a blind eye. See something tempting, turn your head. If you can't go to the beach or pool without this temptation to l*st, don't go to the beach or pool. With me if I'm watching something on TV, I first check the ratings.I will not watch anything with an "R" rating. That being said, these too are misleading. What is acceptable to TV production and regulation of ratings is not always, and usually not, in line with God's teaching. So, if I'm watching something, as soon as something comes on which I feel God would deem unacceptable, I turn it off, not withstanding violence as well. I don't always get it "right", it is a real challenge. I'm working on being much more aware and taking more responsibly for what I'm viewing on TV. Another thing to really watch out for are "racy" commercials. I don't think commercials are regulated at all, there is one in particular that comes to mind from a very well know woman's evening 'attire' and 'underwear' co. that I deem totally p*rnographic and have written the company about it and refuse to watch any shows that the company sponsors. The best films are old films. But, be very aware that even those have insidious, underlying sexual content which one must be aware of. One in particular that comes to mind is Suddenly,Last Summer,(1959) with Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift, which has a totally, insidious ( I didn't even realize what it was about till rehashing it later) plot racked with a homosexuality and a violet theme. TURN IT OFF is my rule of thumb. Nothing on, read, and to really be safe, read God's word. It's engaging, and lovely, and yes, even entertaining. Again, another Dictionary.com definition: ( I'm including because some of you may misunderstand what I mean by entertaining) 4.) to hold in the mind; harbor; cherish. Rule of thumb, TURN AWAY, AND TURN TO GOD!

Q3. (Matthew 5:28) What is wrong with pornogr*phy? What is wrong with going to prostitutes? Who are the victims of this "victimless" activity? To put it simply, yet very tragically EVERYTHING! **** and going to prostitutes is a sin in God's eyes. I have a niece, by marriage, who took an overdose (we don't know if she did it intentionally or by accident) and died on her kitchen floor at age 23. She left millions to her family. No one knew how she got the money until it was discovered she was involved in a very highly organized crime pornogr*phy ring. She lived in Hollywood, her entire family ( including me) thought she was making money modeling as a sophisticated runway model. How devastating to the entire family and what a loss of life for such a beautiful young girl. I also have a nephew by marriage who is in jail serving a 10 year sentence for molesting his own children. No doubt pornogr*phy also facilitated this crime. There are millions of families tragically touched each year by pornogr*phy and prostitution.

Q2. God purposely created us with a good and natural sexual desire. How do we distinguish between that God-given sexual desire and forbidden lus+? God created natural sexual desire so as one man and one woman would be betrothed, become as one ( never to separate - one union), and produce Godly children. The only distinguishment is when one desires sex with his wife/husband in a natural, non perverted way and for the purpose of procreation then it is not a sin in God's eyes.

Q1. (Matthew 5:27-30; Exodus 20:17) What is the point of similarity between adultery and lus+? What is the difference? How does lus+ break the Tenth Commandment? What is the point of similarity between adultery and lus+? What is the difference? The similarity is they both start in the heart. it is a heart issue. In God's eyes, there is no difference between the two. How does lus+ break the Tenth Commandment? Covet is a *******, or desire, that comes from the heart, so whether it is carried out physically or desire in the heart it is the same to God. God considers ******* and adultery a sin.

Q3. (Galatians 5:22-23) How does the Holy Spirit produce this fruit in our lives? What theological term would you use to identify this process? How can it be that a person who has been a “Christian” for years displays few or none of these fruits? Are they saved, but just immature? What does James 2:17-19 say about this? Is that too harsh? How does the Holy Spirit produce this fruit in our lives? There's only one way the Holy Spirit can produce this fruit in us, and that is if we give our will to God. We must accept the Holy Spirit's leading, and be willing to give up our own will. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God. God breaths life into us ! When we are baptized and become Christian the Holy Spirit indwells in us. He takes up residency. As we grow into more and more mature Christians, the Holy Spirits gifts begin to flow through us and from us, and begin to form a whole new creation. When we open ourselves up to The Holy Spirit and begin to let Him work in us, it is an amazing transformation. For this transformation to transpire we must grow and continue to grow and learn as God's Children. Romans 12:2 says Do not conform to the patterns of this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is; His pure, pleasing and perfect will. You see, our mind must be transformed continually by the Holy Spirit. The more personal our relationship to Jesus , the more greater our love and understanding, our loyalty and faith, and obedience, the more we grow, being transformed through the wisdom of the Word.The more The Holy Spirit stirs in us. We can only be transformed by letting go and letting GOD! What theological term would you use to identify this process? The process is sanctification. Discernment is a very integral part of sanctification.The Holy Spirit is sovereign. Discernment is about finding out if it's the Holy Spirit and not someone else or our own will leading us. We must discern and follow God's will, not ours! A good Christian counselor once told me sometimes, oftentimes, God speaks to us but we don't hear. Sometimes we need to be silent and meditate on God's word and listen to the quiet, gentle Whisper to know His will for us. Indwelt - when we accept Jesus as our savior the Holy Spirit lives in us, He takes up residence. He is supernatural, divine guidance, divine revelation,the gentle whisper of God, the breath of God,and The Spirit of God. How can it be that a person who has been a “Christian” for years displays few or none of these fruits? A person can a Christian for many years, believing in God but never really getting to know Him. Some, as myself were baptized as infants. I grew up knowing there was a God, but I also grew up not KNOWING GOD !! I was led by the Spirit to baptism by full water baptism as an adult. At my baptismal I felt the Spirit ascend on me ( much like Jesus must have felt when He was baptized by John). When I came up from the water for the 3rd time being blessed by the holy Spirit, I felt the most amazing, most supernatural, awesome, beautiful, peaceful feeling I'd ever experienced, It was truly phenomenal! Unexplainable, supernatural. The Spirit lives in me! How awesome is that? Inexplicable joy! Now, that being said, I didn't realize ( as an very immature Christian) at that very instance, I had just been born (not reborn) BORN! I was helpless, and just as a child must learn to listen and understand what a parent is teaching him/her. I also was in need of a tutor!The HOLY SPIRIT!! I didn't realize then that being blessed by the gift of the Spirit is an ongoing, learning process which continues through life. Are they saved, but just immature? Yes, they are saved by justification, but have not yet taken part in the sanctification process. They have stagnated their minds and walled up their heart to the workings of the Holy Spirit. No, I would say James 2:17-19 - faith without deeds is dead is not to harsh at all. It is truth. When we are baptized, and enter into a personal relationship with God, our deeds come from the discernment of the Spirits will. We are NOT REBORN, we are born. We must grow as Children of God, our will is not ours, it belongs to The Spirit and we must relinquish it all! When we grow, learn and keep thirsting, God's wisdom becomes our good deeds. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. John 3:4 (NIV)"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" John 3:5 (NIV)Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Q1. (Matthew 5:17-20) Can you see any tendencies in the church today to effectively "abolish" the Old Testament from our Christian faith? What does a "Christian" legalism look like in a church? What does it look like in a church where there are no moral standards and no obedience expected of Christians? Can you see any tendencies in the church today to effectively "abolish" the Old Testament from our Christian faith? I don't know if I would say there is a tendency to abolish the Old Testament as there is a tendency to omit it. The concentration seems to be more on the New Testament in many churches today. Especially in what I deem "people seeking or people pleasing" churches, or "mega churches" who water down the gospel and make following Jesus some kind of self improvement program for the successful. This type of church doesn't include a lot of Old Testament teaching.. I believe they are afraid of scarring people away! When taken out of context to the New Testament the Old Testament can seem quite frightening. They must positively be taught together as a whole. They are a whole - GOD is one person both in the New and Old Testament.He is one Triune God. You cannot get to know Him in a personal way if you don't read His word from both Testimonials! God is all in all from the beginning to the end! Christian legalism is wrought with all type of religious rituals. Legalism in today's churches is following certain religious rituals which concentrate more on the ritual itself than having a personal relationship with God Since church is the embodiment of Christ, with Christ as the head and the church as the body of Christ, without Christlike standards and morals it cannot be called a church and in my opinion it isn't a church. * And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1 22-23 (KJV) *And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:18 (NIV) * Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

Q2. (Galatians 5:22) The fruit of patience should be understood as forbearance, that is, putting up with people around us without exploding. Why is this patient forbearance such an important personal character element? Why is it so important for peace in the family and in the Christian community? Patience is something I personally struggle with everyday. I ask the Holy Spirit everyday to help me with my struggle. I came from a family which were very impatient with each other and the world around them. That's not an excuse, and I don't mean it as one, simply providing a little background. It wasn't till years after leaving my childhood family home that I realized there was a different way of dealing with people and problems besides exploding and yelling. My family did a lot of yelling at each other, I thought all families were like that. Having the mental capacity to realize yelling and arguing isn't the correct way to deal, didn't helped much with my emotional response, anger, and impatience! But praying and asking the Holy Spirit to intervene on my behalf and stop the raging has helped a lot. Oh, I still have an occasional outburst, But I'm getting better everyday, and The Holy Spirit is showing me control I never thought possible for me. Knowing that angry outburst grieves and upsets God helps me keep my cool. I love God and I don't want to grieve Him with my behavior. Patience is an important character quality because without it the world around us can seem very cruel and even chaotic, I can testify to that from my own childhood experiences. Having patience gives one the time to think through a situation, find another resolve beside exploding and saying or doing things which may hurt others. When we let our emotions take over, we're not giving our will to God, we need to give it ALL to God to sort out, and wait patiently. The answer to both is discord breeds discord, And, of course anger and discord are not Christlike character traits, neither in one's own family or in our church familes. As Christians we MUST use the ability, the gift the Holy Spirit has given us, it's already there, we need to learn how to tap into it and use it. We've already been blessed with it!

Q1. (Galatians 5:22a) Love is the first and primary fruit of the Holy Spirit, but joy and peace are inseparable from love. Why can’t joy and peace exist apart from love – love for God and love for our neighbors? When I first became a Christian, ( a practicing Christian-began a personal walk with Jesus)I remember reading: We love Him, because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19. And not 'getting it at all'!! I thought to myself, This is not unconditional love, this is reciprocal love. Such as if one child gives another a piece of candy he EXPECTS to get paid the same courtesy from the other child. He wants a piece of candy, or something in return. Seems all my life this is the kind of love I'd experienced.Then something 'clicked' one day. I was in the store in line and in front of me was a woman of about 40 yrs old, with the mentality of a small child, more like a 4-5 year old. She was so sweet and innocence. What God showd me through her, was spell bounding, amazing!! It truly toughed at my heart strings! I was witnessing a grown adult, acting like a totally innocent babe.The words that she said to her dad over and over again, resound in my heart to this day. She was saying in a loud, proud, childlike voice, "daddy, I love you". daddy, I love you so much. daddy, I love you, I love you daddy ( over and over again, just to make sure he knew how much she loved him) and she would wrap her large adult arms around her daddy's waist and put her head on his shoulder.and snuggle up to him (he was a small man and she actually towered over him). It was a truly amazing sight. Her being an adult physically, and yet still being a child at heart with the innocence of a child. Her outward expression of love,her declaration of love for her father, brought one thing to my mind and only one thing, I had tunnel vision. I thought that's IT!!! It was, to coin a well known phrase, a real "God moment"! That's what God means when He said we must all come to Him as little children. A little child's love is pure, untainted yet by the terrible realities of the world around them, it's enthusiastic, it's immeasurable, it's focused, it's joyful, it's honest, pure,unconditional love! It was then, that I understood what 1 John 4:18 was saying. He was saying i.e. we love Him because His love exemplifies unconditional love. We love Him because He shows us HOW to love!! How amazing is that??? He shows us how to love Him, our neighbors ( forgiveness, especially through his torturous death, taking with him a confessed "criminal" to His paradise, and forgiving his enemies and the the world's sins), and how to love ourselves. Everything is HIS. He created everything, and on that basis alone, that He is our Father, loving Him is easy. He is our Creator and the Creator of the universe. Everything He does is for us, His children. Even if we don't understand it, we know everything is for our best interest. This place, earth is but a mere, minuscule fragment of what His plan is for us. In a blink of an eye this is gone, but His love is never gone, it's eternal! His love is eternally faithful and though there are many things in our lives and the world around us which we don't understand now we will, in our next life with Him. Not BECAUSE He loved us FIRST, but because He showed us what LOVE is! Once you feel and know the Fathers love, it is impossible to separate it from joy and peace, because the three are inseparable. God is love, joy, and peace. In the worst of circumstance,( and I haven't had an easy life by any means in 'worldly' terms, but by far my blessings outnumber anything imaginable) I can look to God , close my eyes in the midst of turmoil, the worst of circumstances, and picture and meditate on His love, and the cross and His word and I can feel an inner peace wash over me. It is like no other kind of peace or joy found on this earth. It is phenomenal, supernatural, It is sovereign grace. It is a peace and a joy that can only come from loving our supreme Father.

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? Both Verses13-16 and verses 10-12 talk about being persecuted for the sake of Christ, to bring glory to his name. How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? If we hide our light how can we bring glory to God? Liken it to walking into a completely dark room e.g. say for a surprise party, but only the quest in the room know what's happening in the room. The recipient of all the good wishes does not know a thing. But WHAM, turn on the LIGHT and all is seen. He knows something wonderful is happening and it is for him to enjoy and partake in the festivities. If our light doesn't shine brightly for Christ the recipients of His Glory will never receive it, we must put the light on for others to see, enjoy, and partake in God's glory. If we as Christians do not represent the Lord with openness, SHINING His light through us in word and deed. Becoming a living example of His Love and His ever enduring character, we lose our effectiveness for the cause. Fulfilling the great commission. We lose our effectiveness as disciples of Christ. Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Christ suffered for us, to give us a purified, eternal life. He gave us a way to reconcile with God by forgiving our sins. As we grow more and more Christlike in character, the world around us is apt to ridicule, persecute, and torture us, just as they did Jesus. Part of Christ' character was that He was a faithful son, He was strong, and followed God's plan no matter what the cost to Him. The world around us does not understand this kind of strength, and dedication, faithfulness. The world is more wrapped up with worldly power and strength in a more physical or materialistic way. Not the strength of faith known to us only by power the world cannot relate to, the power of God. As true Christians we must be willing to do the same thing as Jesus, suffer for our convictions, adhere to our convictions. Answer the call of our Creator. Follow God's plan no matter what the cost to us. Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Yes, it most definitely was, to fulfill God's plan. God came to earth in the form of His son for only one reason. That reason was to save His children from their sin. It is HIS plan, the plan of our Creator, so there is no need to question if, or why it was necessary. It simply is what it is: God's will fulfilled. Is Ours? Romans 12-2 says: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Yes, I believe our suffering is a test and a way to bring us closer to God and His will. Some may run from God during hard times, and blame Him, saying" if God is so good why is this happening to me?". But never run from God always run TO HIM. His intent is never to hurt or destroy us, we are His children. In the process of bringing glory to Him, we may stumble and fall, be hurt, ridiculed, persecuted, but we need to realize it's all a work in process till the day of completion. God has a plan, we don't know, nor should we question what it is, we simply follow. That's what faith is. Blind faith, Faith unseen. The world and all the earthy pleasures are very alluring. We must continually work with the Holy Spirit ( not against Him)letting Him continually refresh our mind with the word and wisdom of God.The verse say 'but be transformed' it doesn't say transform yourselves. We cannot transform ourselves on our own, we need The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will glorify God and make clear His plan for us to follow. His pure, and perfect will.

Q4. (5:21) Why do some Christians resist accepting Paul’s warning in 5:21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? What statement might these Christians desire to substitute for Paul’s warning if they could reword the Scripture? The spirit and flesh have different appetites.Paul is not denying that there is victory but is pointing out that we cannot win victory in our own strength.The solution is not to pit our will against the flesh but to surrender our will to the Holy Spirit In Galatians 5-21. They might want to substitute the phase "do not yield to the desires of the flesh". The desires of the flesh can seem very alluring and insidious and take over before one realizes that they are being besieged by evil doing. In 1 Corinthians 6-11. I think some of us would substitute "will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven"-as opposed to "will NOT inherit the Kingdom of Heaven". They do not want to recognize sin within themselves. So they don't want to think of any repercussions because of their sin.

Q3. (Matthew 5:14-15) In the parable of "the light of the world," Jesus notes the stupidity of lights being hidden under bowls. Concerning what danger in the life of a Christian disciple does Jesus warn us in this parable? As Christians we must always let our FAITH be SEEN and HEARD (witnessing to others) .Never hide our faith and love for Jesus, He is our Savior,our Sovereign Creator. Shout out for joy and let the world know this! Teach others about the love of God, spread the word. Jesus' great commission ( his legacy to the world- his last wish here on earth) was to go forth and preach His mission of love. Carry on His good works SO DO NOT HIDE THEM, nor BE ASHAMED to show your love for our Creator! Sing your praises with joy! If we hide our faith and don't proclaim it we are defeating Jesus' mission here on earth. And we will be smothering the Light out of our own life as well. Jesus is the LIGHT of the world, don't let that light be extinguished!

Q3. (Galatians 5:19-21) If you were to divide the works of the flesh into several groups, what would those groups be? There are sins that are more obviously "fleshy" acts and I think many people are more prone to recognize them. Of course that would be sexual immorality,lewdness,sexual deviancy drunkenness, partying excessively, fits of rage, murder. Then I believe there are other sins which people find harder to recognize, especially in themselves. Because they are sins of the heart such as *******, jealousy and envy, anger and hatred(inwardly hating or resenting someone, even ourselves, not being able to forgive leads hatred and even self destruction). Selfishness (centered on self),idol worship, deviation from ones faith to worship another 'god'. The reason I think people have more of a problem recognizing this type of sin is it is an inward expression of sin and one must search ones soul and recognize (be able to discern) what are the sins of the heart. However, if we keep focused on the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we can overcome sins of the heart. It is difficult, because they oftentimes form one's personality and character and it's hard to change. Some say it is impossible.But those are the people who are not sure of their faith, poor in spirit, and need God's guidance the most. We must realize with God nothing is impossible and we must keep listening to the promptings of the Holy spirit in our hearts. 1. sins of the heart 2. sins of the body 3. sin directed at God

Q1. (Galatians 5:13-15)Have you ever seen Christians act as if they were lawless? How do Spirit-led Christians fulfill the spirit of the law? What does backbiting and rudeness in a congregation say about the spiritual climate of that congregation (5:15)? Have you ever seen Christians act as if they were lawless? Yes, I have seen Christians who believed that they can knowingly sin. Not seek forgiveness and repent and believe they are covered by the grace of God. They USE God as an excuse to live their own will, believing His love covers everything even deliberate, unrepentant sin. How do Spirit-led Christians fulfill the spirit of the law? Those who have been baptized, crucified, died, rose again and live by, and through the Holy Spirit fulfill the LAW of Christ,by loving one another. Christ does not make void the law, Oh, NO, He does not give us a pass to SIN! He graciously gives us a way through the cross ( his own painful death), to be forgiven when we break the law (sin). As Christians we must seek to live a Holy, righteous, Christ-filled life . We (myself included) must realize we are born to sin and vulnerable to the desires of the flesh and worldly values and look to Jesus for forgiveness guidance and repentance, and sanctification. What does backbiting and rudeness in a congregation say about the spiritual climate of that congregation (5:15)? It shows that their priorities are not in the right place. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, when we back bite and envy and do other unrighteous acts to one another we are rejecting Christ. We are deluding ourselves into believing we are Christians but the true Christian must always walk in love with one another, for this is Gods command, love your neighbor as yourself. Treat those around you the same way in which you want to be treated. This is not God's 'suggestion" this is His command!

Q2. (Galatians 5:16-18) We are told that it’s impossible for a Christian to live a sinless life. What do these verses teach about that? In what way does yielding to the Spirit suppress the power of the old nature (the flesh)? If Spirit-led living is possible, why do people claim that it’s impossible not to sin? We are told that it’s impossible for a Christian to live a sinless life. What do these verses teach about that? We must live by The Holy Spirit, walking with The Spirit means not giving into our sinful nature, but instead seeking righteousness and purification to do what is right before God. That does not mean we will never sin again. The Holy Spirit and human nature (flesh) are sparring constantly with each other. It is spiritual warfare. Our sinful human nature tells us to desire earthly things while the Spirit constantly leads us to God, he spars for our attention, keeping us in 'line' with Godly values.He protects us from our own fleshy desires. It is important to pray daily and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your way and protect you with the full amour of God. We must be on constant guard and filled with the Holy Spirit to resist evil. In what way does yielding to the Spirit suppress the power of the old nature (the flesh)? If Spirit-led living is possible, why do people claim that it’s impossible not to sin? The Spirit is our guide, we MUST follow his direction. E.G. If we were on an African safari out in the middle of the jungle, and our guide who know the lay of the land, told us to follow him we would follow without question. If we didn't we would risk taking the wrong path and being eaten by lions or other prey. Now, I'm not suggesting that taking the wrong path in a jungle is the same as taking the wrong path in life. As the jungle most certainly wouldn't have as much of a hold on our desire to leave the guide as sin does. But it is an analogy in which I'm trying to express the very importance of following the guide, Our guide, the Holy Spirit, or risk falling under the spell of sin and certain spiritual death..Our only guide through life is the Holy Spirit, nothing else should EVER come before us and say "Hey, look here, come here and partake" in any activity which is sinful!! We have a choice to answer the call of sin or stay on the path of righteousness and walk with The Holy Spirit. It is a constant struggle, warfare, between sin and righteousness. Adam saw to that! We must FOLLOW the direction of The Holy Spirit living in and through us always,if we don't our sinful nature will destroy us.

Q2. (Matthew 5:13) What might be the symptoms of a Christian who has lost his "saltiness"? Is it possible for a believer to detect such symptoms in himself or herself? What do secular people notice about a "de-saltified" Christian? What do other Christians notice about you? Is it possible to "resaltify" your life? What might be the symptoms of a Christian who has lost his "saltiness"? The persons priorities would be very mixed up. They might start out by harmlessly 'dabbling' in worldly or unwholesome thinking and doing. They may sin and make excuses for it, they may buy into the power and materialistic values of the world, by placing them in a position far above anything else. Letting worldly values poison their faith!. They lose sight of their once predominant Christian values. Is it possible for a believer to detect such symptoms in himself or herself? Most definitely YES! Not only is it possible ,but I believe it to be an absolutely essential part of Christian living. We must guard against the additives, the 'poison' of the world which can render our faith ineffective, and useless in God's eyes.As Christians we must be on constant guard, standing guard, clothed in the full amour of God to protect our faith from evil doers. We MUST be able to recognize SIN ( the loss of our saltiness) and be able to walk in repentance thus adding the ZEST back into our faith! What do other Christians notice about you? I really can't say what other Christians notice about me, because I have never ask them. I have been told that many times, the things that I try to give them Godly advice about , things in which I feel I have learned from the word. That I have helped them to get a better perspective on a certain situation. I would like to think that I am looked upon as walking a righteous life and doing a righteous work for the Lord.That being said, of course being of human nature,I know I have 'issues' which might not seem to others as being Godly. I ask God everyday, sometimes several times a day to let His will be done and not mine. I want to set a Godly examples for others. But, in all honesty I really don't KNOW the answer to that that question. I only hope and pray I am a good example. Is it possible to "resaltify" your life? OF COURSE, most definitely!! By reading the word and keeping your eye directly on the cross! Many time I have felt I lost my 'saltiness' my 'zest' only to realize that it was a quiet time in which possibly God was perfecting me and drawing me back to His word. I know whenever i lose my zeal, God lets me know in one way or another. Oftentimes God speaks to us but we must be able to hear (discern) his words of wisdom.

Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Faithful Christians preserve the world and hold back the wrath of God. By seeking righteousness, and living in a Godly manner they're examples for God's children, their brothers and sisters .They can have a great impact on the world. By exemplifying their righteousness through Christ they preserve God's promise from generation to generation. Only those who preserve the Word can have a true impact as disciples of Christ,. If the Word stagnates within us, it is no good to anyone else. In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? By living life with a healthy dose of daily seasoning from the word of God. Not blandly settling(accepting) the flavor of earthly values, but seeking to bring zest , season with salt ( God's Word). The Word to non-believers may seem more digestible when 'seasoned' with ZEST for Christ! By living a Christian life with added flavor( a personal relationship with Christ) received only through the Holy Spirit, we can make the world a more 'digestible' place. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. And in turn they will bless others with their fullness and zest for God.

Q6. (Matthew 5:10-11) Why should we rejoice when we are persecuted? What keeps this from being some kind of sick masochism, or finding pleasure in pain? Why is the blessing "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" appropriate for the persecuted? I look at suffering as a way to grow in Christ. I don't take masochistic joy in it, I don't like it, and find it hard to rejoice in suffering. Human nature popping it's ugly head says we must always receive all of the goodness of Christ but not partake in the sadness and suffering. But in God's eyes we can not partake in one without experiencing the other. He who partakes in the suffering of Jesus, realizing that there is nothing upon this earth that could possibly compare to His sacrifice or suffering, and realizing it is all done for us. Our gift, given to us out of God's Grace. Those people persecuted with Christ,suffering with Christ at the foot of the cross, may enjoy the reward of being heirs to the kingdom of God.

Q5. (Matthew 5:8) Why can people with a pure heart see, know, and discern God? Why can't "chronic" sinners see God? How do we obtain the pure or clean heart that Jesus describes? Why can people with a pure heart see, know, and discern God? Only as Christians do we accept our own sinful nature.Sin was brought into the world by Adam and all mankind partook in the first bite of the forbidden fruit. Making all of mankind sinful. And YES, that includes YOU and ME !! If we deny we are sinful we cannot partake in the glory of the cross because we do not understand the meaning of Jesus' suffering, nor can we understand ( if we persist that we are sinless) the suffering caused by our sin. Ff we cannot partake in the suffering we cannot partake in the glory of God. You cannot have one without the other, and be able to discern, know, God. Why can't "chronic" sinners see God? They are separated from God.Because they refuse to acknowledge and repent from their sins. How do we obtain the pure or clean heart that Jesus describes? Only though a strong desire to walk righteously , glorify the essence of Jesus' spirit (The Holy Spirit), His character of obedience to the Father, may we even begin to know righteousness.. Blessed are those who seek righteousness for they will be filled.

Q5. (Galatians 5:11) What is "the offense of the cross" that offended the Jews? How does the cross offend people in our day? Have you noticed Christians softening their proclamation of the cross? Does this help them communicate more clearly to our age or does it compromise the true message? What is "the offense of the cross" that offended the Jews? The Jews fear being 'trapped' by the cross. If Christ' death and resurrection is the only way salvation, then for hundreds of generations, as God's chosen people, they have toiled under the law in vein. By acknowledging salvation through Christ they must abandon the law and if not, profoundly face certain spiritual death. How does the cross offend people in our day? In our day I believe it is much the same sort of peril. One must put their salvation into the hands of the Sovereign Christ, They must accept the cross as the ONLY way to salvation, or deny it and be destroyed. Have you noticed Christians softening their proclamation of the cross? I don't know if I would call it 'softening their proclamation'. I never thought of it in that those terms but YES, I would say so. I have communed with many Christian who don't know the true meaning of the cross. I have noticed that some churches do not concentrate Biblical truths of obedience, grace,and salvation. They are afraid to talk about SIN and repentance and obedience for fear of scaring off their paying 'audience. They are seeking to give the people more of what people WANT to hear, than what they need to hear. They are steering away from the teachings of God and right into the trappings of the world. Christ is head of the church, and His people, His flock, the members (the body of Christ), all working in unity for one purpose, the Glory of God. I am at the point where I have left 'organized' religion and prefer to fellowship with other Christians whom I know from different places, some online, some more personally, and 'home' church directly from the Bible. Also Bible studies such as those given by Dr. Ralph which are solidly Bible based studies. I spent to many Sunday's in my last church listening to statistics (among other 'less important" things) than the word of God. When you leave church THIRSTING for the word of God, it is time to leave that church and find an alternative place of worship. Life 'application' sermons are fine, if the main priority of the teaching is kept in place,and they are based solely on God's word..On any given Sunday we may be likely to hear no more than 5-8 actual verses (usually taken out of context and usually not expounded upon) from the Bible. I may be way off base here, but to me,I would rather delve into the word myself and ask for the my guidance to come from the Holy Spirit, and not from the thoughts of a Pastor whom I think is missing the whole point altogether, and from a church, with whom I feel is more invested in making itself bigger and richer than winning souls.

Q4. (Galatians 5:5-6) Circumcision had been the primary "mark of identity" for a believer in God. In what way has the Spirit become the new "mark of identity" for the believer? What is the evidence of the Spirit's presence in a believer's life according to verse 6? Circumcision had been the primary "mark of identity" for a believer in God. It is only one part of the Mosaic law that set apart non believer and believer. The Jew, and the Gentile. In what way has the Spirit become the new "mark of identity"for the believer? Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5;17) and create a new covenant between God and His people, a covenant fulfilled based on the heart and not the flesh. Rendering the Old Testament covenant (the law) obsolete. Circumcised nor uncircumcised were neither important nor relevant.The law held no relevance to salvation. What was important was the promise found in the grace of God given to us through Jesus Christ,The Holy Spirit living in our hearts, indwelling us, the promise fulfilled of redemption and salvation and acceptance into the Kingdom of Heaven only through our love and faith in Christ Jesus.. What is the evidence of the Spirit's presence in a believer's life according to verse 6? LOVE expressing itself through the presence of indwelling of the Holy Spirit.