[Q1. Present Kingdom]

Jesus - the Kingdom of God - walked among them; preaching, teaching and healing. Today He lives in us through the Holy Spirit and we walk among the people - hopefully living out the Kingdom for all to see.

[Q4. Forecefully Pressing into the Kingdom]

In Philippians we are told to - "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Salvation comes as a gift but we have to repent (turn the other direction) of our sins. We often have to force ourselves to give up a lot of bad habits and even accept the fact that we will often lose friends and family as we press ourselves onward toward the Kingdom. Giving our all for eternal life in God's Kingdom can be very difficult. He demands we give our all.

[Q3. Asking, Seeking, Knocking]

God and His word should be first and foremost on our minds and hearts. Daily we must concentrate on Him and live for Him, trusting that He is bringing about the change He desires for us. We are to work to support our families current needs. His promise is that He will provide all we need, when we have followed His commands.

[Q1. Seeking Wealth vs. God]

Literally speaking you are not to seek after wealth for yourselves. Since all we have comes from God, we are to use it to promote God's Kingdom. We are to be charitable and give generously to those who are in need. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." 1 Corin. 4:2. Yes, wealthy people can serve God, as long as they do not worship and serve their wealth.

[Q4. Soils and the Kingdom]

He taught us that not all seed we plant will bear fruit. But we are not supposed to let that discourage us, but we are to continue planting because there will be those whose hearts truly accept and grasp the message and those will go on to be sowers also.

[Q3. Maximum Growth in Good Soil]

Doing God's will. Hear the Word, understand the Word and do the Word's instruction. Our salvation has to be worked out. Proof that it is can only be seen in the fruits of our labor. How much we give to what God calls us to do will determine the amount of growth.

[Q2. Thorny riches, worries, and pleasures]

They are linked. 1 Timothy 6:10a says, For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

People want money for different (and yet the same) reasons. They think more money will bring them freedom from worries & anxiety. They think money will ring them the ability to buy "pleasures", ie. expensive and more stuff. I do not think having money is dangerous if it is used to bring glory to God. But when it is used for selfish purposes only, it will drag us away from God.

[Q1. Falling Away]

Some people think they want salvation but when they realize the have to "work" it out they fall away. They want the free gift, but don't want to study, learn and grow. They can easily be turned aside in times of stress or trial.

[Q4. Repentance and Christ's Reign]

Repentance is turning away from - after admitting our sin and asking for forgiveness. To admit our sin is the first step to salvation and salvation is the only way to heaven. Baptism shows the world you have believed in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and accepted this as payment for your sin. Baptism does not save - it is an outward show of what you have believed. Christ cannot reign in an unrepentant heart. His mercies are made new each day for those of us who are His and we need to repent daily for our sins.

[Q3. Water and Spirit Baptisms]

John baptized with water which was ceremonial. It had no power and the repentance did not bring a person to salvation. Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit - a baptism of blessing, and with fire - which is judgement. I pray always to be overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit. I so want to be light and salt for Jesus. My lack of complete obedience holds it back - God's Word continues to encourage.

[Q2. Offensive Baptism]

1. It would have put them on the level with gentiles, whom they felt superior to.

2. All regular people who could admit they were sinners and be baptized.

3. Pharisees and experts in the law.

4. Because they had not been baptized by John - they thought they were already the righteous.

[Q1. Faith without Repentance]

One cannot be a Christian without repenting. And repentance in an ongoing, daily thing. No matter how hard I try, I continue to repeat some sins. But the sadness in my soul turns me right back to God. Too many so called Christians think asking for forgiveness is all it takes, but I know I have to constantly work at it.