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Q11. (Luke 10:25-37) Why do you think Jesus sets up the hero of the parable as a Samaritan? Jesus sets up the hero of parable as a Samaritan to show grace and love for your enemy. How does the Samaritan show undeserved favor? In your community, who are the “neighbors” that are resented? In what ways can you and/or your Christian community show God’s grace to them? The Samaritan showed undeserved favor by stopping to help wounded traveler (Jew) and went out of his way to pay ahead the expected costs for his care. Resented neighbors in my community are people that do not do the upkeep of the outside their homes and young folks that play loud music. We can show Go's grace to them by approaching them with respect to discuss the situation.

Q10. (John 3:16) How does John 3:16 display “favor that is neither earned or deserved” without using the word ‘grace’? "Favor that is neither earned or deserved" is God gave what was most precious to him, out of love for his lost creation -- favor that is neither earned nor deserved. What is the relationship between grace and giving? The relationship between grace and giving is they both are freely and graciously given. What motivates the gift in this verse? How does this relate to grace? Motivation is love.

Q9. According to Bonhoeffer, what attitudes cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians? The attitudes that cheapen the understanding of grace in Christians are cheap grace means the justification of sin without the justification of the sinner.... Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession.... Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.... Does “costly grace” mean we have to work for it? What is costly about grace? Yes, we must seek over and over again. Grace is costly because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ, it is costly because it condemns sin and it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son.

Q8. (Jeremiah 17:9) Is there good in humankind? Yes, there is good in mankind. Are humans basically good or basically bad? Or both? Humans are both according to scriptures. We are a mixture of good and evil. Human nature contains some good, since we are made in God's image, but we are deeply flawed at the core, with deceitful hearts What are some of the ways a “deceitful heart” shows up in our lives and motivations? If the heart is the innermost person, how does a “deceitful heart” corrupt us in a pervasive way? Deceitful heart shows up in our lives and motivations when we say things that are unpleasing to God, when we are selfish and when we have evil thoughts

Q7. (Ephesians 2:1-3) What do these verses teach us about humankind’s fallen nature? These verses teaches us that without Christ we are spiritually dead. What motivates our actions before we come to Christ? Which of these motivations might be conscious? Which might be unconscious? We are motivated by the things of the world. Conscious motivations may be following desires and thoughts. We are definitely aware of our actions. Unconscious motivations may be influence of others and being victimized by Satan without even knowing it.

Q6. (Romans 5:6-8) What do verses 6-8 say about humankind’s situation? Humankind situation was that our condition was terrible. We were powerless, ungodly and sinners. What is so remarkable about Christ’s death for us? What motivates that sacrifice? What is remarkable about Christ's death for us is that he did it while we were still sinning. He demonstrated his love for us by dying on our behalf.

Q5. (Romans 5:1-2) What does it mean to be in a state of grace? State of grace mean to be in condition or stand for something. We are in a state of grace thru faith. According to the text, what is the role of faith in this? What is the opposite of “peace with God”? The role of faith is peace with God thru our Lord, Jesus Christ. Opposite of "peace with God" is not having favor with God. We are at odds with him.

Q4. (Hosea 1-3) Why does Yahweh tell his prophet to marry a girl of ill repute? Yahweh tell his prophet to marry a girl of ill repute because this is an illustration of how Israel unfaithfulness to God. What does the story of Hosea and Gomer teach us? How does the story illustrate God’s relationship with Israel? What does it teach about grace? The story of Hosea and Gomer teaches us that even tho we are unfaithful to God, he still loves us. God grace and mercy allows us a 2nd chance. All we have to do is repent.

Q2. (Exodus 34:6) What do we learn about Yahweh’s character in his self-revelation to Moses on Mount Sinai? What does this have to do with grace? We learn that God is a God of all Grace. He is compassionate, gracious, patient, loving and faithful surrounded with love.

Q1. (1 Peter 5:10) How does grace (Greek charis) differ from earning wages? Grace differs from earning wages because it is something that is given freely. You cannot earn grace. From earning favor by being good? Being good does not earn us grace for we do not deserve it. It is because of God's love for us that it is given. What is a helpful working definition of Biblical grace? In what way does grace characterize “the God of all grace”? Working definition of grace: God's favor that is neither earned nor deserved. Grace characterizes "God of all Grace" as his love for us.

What was Elijah’s primary mission? Elijah's primary mission was too show the people that Yahweh is alive and that he loves them in spite of their sins. He also showed the people that their God has power to defeat their enemies and heal their hurts. How successful was he at this mission? How can we measure success in ministry? Elijah succeeded on partly. We can do our part in ministry, but there is always more work to be done. Just stay faithful! What are the dangers of self-assessment? When can an accurate assessment be made? Self-assessment can be dangerous because we have the tendency to give credit to ourselves and not the Lord or we can condemn ourselves for not doing what the Lord has told us.

Elijah is James’ example of an ordinary man who did extraordinary things through believing prayer. Do you believe God can use you in extraordinary ways? Why? or Why not? What keeps us from being used effectively? Yes, God can use any of use anyway he chooses. God has shown time and time again as long as you have the faith, trust and believe in me, I can use you to do the impossible. He often takes the lowest and make great! Oh thee of little faith is what keeps God from using us effectively.

In what ways did Elijah’s ministry and calling have similarities with John the Baptist’s ministry and calling? Elijah's burden and legacy was to turn a nation's heart back to God. John the Baptist preached the same thing. Was John the Baptist actually Elijah reincarnated? No, John the Baptist isn't Elijah reincarnated. He comes with Elijah's mission and boldness, using "spirit" in the sense of "spiritual state, state of mind, disposition.

Why does Elisha ask for a double portion (or full first-born’s inheritance) of Elijah’s spirit? Is he greedy for power? Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit because he was asking for the portion that the fist-born was entitled to under the Jewish laws of inheritance. I do not think he was being greedy for power. Is it right to long for a greater presence and power of the Holy Spirit? How should we seek this? Yes, it is right to long for greater present and power of the Holy Spirit. Greater presence of his Holy Spirit will help us to be more like God and to help minister to others. Seek this spirit by fasting and praying.

Why do you think Elijah discourages Elisha from following him at the end? There were several speculations. 1)Maybe Elijah wants to be alone in these final days. 2) It may be a test of how determined Elisha will be to remain Elijah's faithful disciple. What is Elisha’s response? Elisha's response was "as surelyas the Lord lives and as you live he would not leave him". Elisha realized that the Lord had called him to remain with Elijah. What kinds of discouragements have you faced that made you wonder if you should keep on following the Lord? I have had discouragements but none to the limit that would make me to stop following then Lord. In always knew that in my struggles he would make a way somehow and if he didn't it was for my best interest.

Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God? Yahweh is offended that Ahaziah considers Him so impotent that he consults to a pagan god two days' journey distant. What are modern-day applications of this sin? Modern-day applications are when we put anything before God. Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God’s wisdom? Why? Yes, I have made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom. I think it was because I felt that I could do it on my own. In some cases, I just did not think to consult God.

What is the danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves too closely with political leaders? The danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves with political leaders is that when you seek the favor of a great man, you know you cannot speak a word from God against him and still keep his favor. So you allow certain things to be said or done and you know are wrong and do not comment on them. What do the Christian leaders hope to gain from the association? What do the political leaders hope to gain? Both leaders hope to gain whomever/whatever will align with their agenda. What is the effect on the church and Christ’s work if these political leaders are ungodly men? How can Christians work for good through politics without being corrupted by a quest for power? We see it today! Division! We need to humble ourselves. Everything that is said needs to be weighed carefully and we are to discern what is said and hold onto the good.

Why do you think Jehoshaphat goes into battle alongside Ahab, even after he hears Micaiah’s prophecy? Jehoshaphat made a promise and he was loyal to that promise. What kind of weaknesses in Jehoshaphat’s character does this decision suggest? Jehoshaphat's weakness came from surrounding himself with wicked people. Even though he knew Ahab was setting him up to be killed, he went along with with it.

What kinds of pressures is Micaiah experiencing as he prophesies before Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat? Micaiah is under a lot of pressure. He will have to decide whether he will give the king what he wanted to hear or give the message that the Lord has given him. What is his danger from men? What is his danger from Yahweh? The danger from men is that they might kill him. Danger from Yahweh is not to fall under pressure. Continue to trust God. Why are the true prophets of the Old Testament so honored by Jesus? (Matthew 5:12; 23:31-32, 37; Luke 11:50-51; 13:34). True prophets are honored by Jesus because they told the truth even if it meant death.

Why does Jehoshaphat want to consult an actual prophet of Yahweh before going into battle? Jehoshaphat heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord. What does this tell us about his discernment of Ahab’s prophets? Of his desire to be obedient to God? Jehoshaphat does not trust the 400 men that was brought by Ahab. He viewed them as "yes" men. Jehoshaphat wants a second opinion from a certified prophet of Yahweh.

How does Ahab’s humbling himself affect God’s response? Ahab's humbling himself cause God to change his mind. God decided that he would not bring this disaster in his day, but he would bring it on his house in the days of his son. Do you think Ahab truly repented? No, Ahab did not truly repent. For the moment he was serious but it was only temporally. How does God relenting in his judgment trouble some people’s view of predestination? It can be difficult to view predestination if God chooses to change his mind about judgement. I look at it as, if God does changes his mind, that that was predestined too!

What is the modern-day equivalent of idolatry? Modern-day equivalent of idolatry is sexual immorality, impurity, ****, evil desires and greed. In what ways is greed similar to worshiping a false god? How does greed keep us from being true disciples of Jesus? Greed is idolatry. You cannot serve God and Mammon both. One will go lacking.

How responsible are kings, politicians, leaders, and parents for leading those under them into sin? Can you think of any examples? Kings, politicians, leaders and parents are responsible for leading those under them into sin because others watch them. If they are sinning, they feel it is okay for them to sin too because they respect our position. When parents provoke their children, it could lead them to repel and sin. How serious is this? Is it appropriate for leaders to be held to a higher moral standard than others? It is very serious. Leaders will be help accountable if they are responsible for others to sin due to their actions. It is appropriate for leaders to be held in a higher moral standard than others because they hold positions of power and respect.

What is the danger of giving ourselves over to sin? The danger of giving ourselves over to sin means we have sold ourselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. How does that make us a slave to sin? We have chosen to do evil and unless we repent and God delivers us we are a slave to sin. What kind of opening does that give the devil? We are now under the control of the devil.

Why does Ahab want Naboth’s vineyard? Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard to plant a royal garden and for the pleasure of the king and queen. Is there anything wrong with his proposal to Naboth? Yes, Naboth saw it as a betrayal of his family that had farmed this very land from time immemorial. He also sees this as a betrayal of his God who had allotted this land to his clan under Joshua centuries before. Why does Naboth refuse his offer? Naboth stated to Abab that the Lord forbid that he should give him the inheritance of his fathers.