Lisa Rupert

Q1. (Ephesians 4:11) If there were apostles today, why kind of function might they have? What needs do our congregations and regional groupings of churches have that an apostle might meet? How might we detect false apostles? (2 Corinthians 11:13; Revelation 2:2) Apostles today should carry out the very same functions of the original apostles. They should be teachers, administrators of the church, leaders, a true messenger of the word. Spreading his knowledge through the world. An apostle in today's church should be an example of God's love and should demonstrate this love with understanding. This apostle should show discipline as Jesus taught us, and should possess true leadership skills. Living a life as an example of the teacher Jesus. Someone who knows and possess the knowledge and wisdom of the word and demonstrates it by his acts. A false prophet is one whom is seeking self glory. You will know them by there fruits.

Q4. (Ephesians 4:7-10) Who gives spiritual gifts? Can our "natural" talents be related to our "spiritual" gifts? How? What is the difference between a natural God-given talent and a spiritual gift? The Lord gives us spiritual gifts. Our natural talents and spiritual gift are both related because they both come from God. I believe there is no difference between a natural God-given talent and a spiritual talent because they both come from God and All gifts from God are good.

Q3. (Ephesians 4:3) How much energy must we expend on Christian unity? What is "the bond of peace"? How do we strike at peace when we are intent on argument and dissension? We must make every effort to actively protect the unity of the Spirit. The bond of peace is the glue that bonds us together in unity. This bond humbles us and makes us gentle as Christ is.We can have peace in this unity if we are faithful in the truth studying the teachings and passing them on. We must also perserve the peace by demonstrating our love in this unity.

Q2. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"? Patience and humility are important to preserving unity because it develops a humble and a more gentle Christian. Not controlling, prideful, and arrogant, which are traits that are self serving allowing self-seeking power and glory for one who is not deserving of worship. Patience and humiltiy brings about a faithful unity. When we're arrogant we project an aura of perfection. We can be gentle as Christ and know that God is in control and if there is to be a change God will be the Changer for he is the only one who can change the hearts and minds of his creation, that is not our role. We are servants of Christ and as Christ has demonstrated we should also be servants to one another. Jesus loved people and he accepted them with his love and understanding a love that changed the people. Jesus didn't address the people with insults instead he embrassed them with love. This same love won him many hearts, the word of this love spread and many more hearts seeked the love and care that Jesus displayed.

Q1. (Ephesians 4:1) According to verse 1, what is the standard of our behavior? What is the "calling" to which God has called us? The standard of our behavior is to be Christ-Like in all we are and in all we do. We are the example, our lives should be a reflection of Jesus where his light shines through us. God has called us to be believers, disciples, followers of Christ. We must study his teachings, follow in his footsteps, live a true life of a Christian believer. Living in unity with our Christian brothers and sisters. To Love one another as he loves us and Live a Christ-Like Life.

Q4. (Ephesians 3:21) What might be different in your own congregation if bringing glory to God were considered the very most important function of the church? What would be different in your life if bringing God glory was your most important job, bar none? What would be different in my congregation would be that it would be less self centerness, less pettyness, a considerable increase in the amount of teaching and we would learn to be more God Centered. I believe we would improve on attendance, performance, which would make everyone in the church feel that they could contribute to the Praising and Glory of God. I try very hard to give all Glory to God in all I do but it can be rough at times remembering that it is for his Glory and not mines. I work on that everyday, trying to become less self centered and more Christ Centered. I know the day will come when I'll finally get it right.

Q3. (Ephesians 3:16, 19) What does it mean to be "filled with the Spirit" (verse 16)? Is this a one-time experience or a continual reality? What can we do to be filled with the Spirit? Is it different or the same as being "filled with all the fullness of God" (verse 19)? What it means to be "filled with the Spirit" to me is not having that void exist inside of me. A feeling of completeness, a oneness with Christ. Knowing that he is in full control of all situations. Being able to communicate with God. Feeling a desire to know more about him, and nourishing on his word. The more you nurture the void it becomes full and grows into a mature fullness. I believe that the complete fullness of God will come when you are totally nourished.

Q2. (3:18-19) What kinds of things prevent us from comprehending the far reaches of Christ's love? What happens in the way we live when we do comprehend, know, and experience this love? What would be different about your life if you could grasp this? Selfishness, control, power, ****, fleshly desires, etc. prevent us from comprehending how much Christ really loves us. The willingness to COMPLETELY (without reservations) surrender to God's will. Believing that his will is not the same will as man's will upon this earth. When we finally (completely) surrender to Christ something inside changes. Your worldly desires seem to diminish. You begin to thirst more, to nourish more on the Word and less on the World. If I could finally become more Christ like in the way I live my life I know I would be better to serve as my father wants me to. I would love unconditionally without judging. I wouldn't desire the things of this world that will not benefit me. I would be able to understand how easy it is for God to love me and for me to share this love with the rest of the world. I would not fear the things that are going on in this world because I would know in my heart that God is in control and it is all to benefit his will not the will of man. Because it is God's Will that will prevail in the end.

Q1. (Ephesians 3:16-17) Do the concepts of (a) strengthened by the Spirit in the inner person, and ( Christ dwelling in our hearts say the same thing, or are they separate and distinct ideas? What do you think? Our inner being (spirit) is (spiritually) dead until we accept Christ. This brings the inner dwelling of Jesus into our hearts and awakens, guides, and strengthens the inner spirit making it alive to God. Without this process we are dead to God. So I believe the two are the same because they both work in conjunction to do the will of God.

Q4. What does Ephesians 3:12 teach us about the manner of approaching God? What happens if we try to pray without these qualities? We are to approach God through Faith with Freedom and Confidence. The same way we would approach a family member or a friend we should approach God with that same type of confidence and we should feel free to do it. Any where any place any situation. We should believe in our hearts that because of faith he hears us and will answer our prayers. Without this type of faith our prayers remain unheard this is because we are not true believers, we didn't approach him with the faith and belief that we know he hears us and answers us. We go to him with doubt in our hearts and this lack of faith hinders the process.

Q3. (Ephesians 3:7-9) Why is Paul so careful to be humble about his call and apostleship? How can his example help us remain as humble servants? Paul knew who he was before he met Jesus, he was one of the worst types of sinners. He persecuted the church, he was an enemy of the church, he hunted Christians for slaughter, he believed he was "less than the least of them". But God gave him Grace and he knew that he didn't deserve it, but he knew it was an honor to receive such a gift. He always remembers who he was, but he swallowed his pride and continued on the works of the Lord. Not by his effort, he was made a servant by the gift of God's grace and he felt blessed to have such an honor, but he knew he would have to work hard to prove himself to the people because of who he was before he was saved. He could no longer be arrogant instead he became a humble servant and witness of Christ. We should all remember who we were before we were saved, this helps us to remember those who are just like we were who suffered through that same faith we were suffering, the less than the least, and humble ourselves to the will of God's people and to God's service as true Christians.

Q2. (Ephesians 3:6) Just what is the "mystery" that Paul is talking about? Why was it important to the Gentile Christians in Paul's day? The mystery is that both the Gentiles and Jews are equal heirs to the kingdom. We are both God's chosen people. The Gentile and the Jews are both sharing together, co-heirs, and are of one body to the promises of Christ. This is important to the Christians in Paul's day because they have always been treated like the outsiders looking in. Now both the Gentiles and Jews are aware they both are equal heirs, who are both going to inherit together as equal heirs, the promises of Christ Jesus. But it is important not to be conceited, not to boast, not to judge the believing or the non-believing Jews because they will all be saved.

Q1. (Ephesians 3:2-5) Why is God's revelation to "his holy apostles and prophets" our authority for faith and practice? What is the danger of minimizing or straying from that revelation? What is the danger of superceding that revelation? What is the danger of denying that God reveals himself to us and to his church today? Without this revelation given to the holy apostles and prophets we would be lost. Existing without instruction or directions. These are the guidelines of obedience that we are to live by. We could be in grave danger by not valuing the WORD, this would send us drifting into an abyss, lost without true guidance and instruction. Man alone can not conceive of what the creator expects of him because of sin, the Word is the way, the truth, and the light that guides us into that heavenly realm of understanding and obeying our fathers will. Without this instruction we are mere images of sin and not images of our creator.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:22) What is the significance that your congregation was made to be "a dwelling place for God in the Spirit"? What hinders that from being fully experienced? What can you do to help that become more fully experienced and appreciated? "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Mt.16:18) Congregations where two or more are gathered in his name is his rock. Sin is what hinders that from being fully experienced into what Jesus intends for Christians to form his congregation. Misunderstanding, not teaching properly, trying to fit the Word into man's world for an understanding that fits the way this world is and benefits men and not God. These hinderances can be found in our churches today. In order to become more fully experienced and appreciate the teachings of Jesus we must study, explore learn, teach and develop a relationship as one with Christ individually but yet with each other member of the congregation with a full understanding of his teachings.

Q3. (Ephesians 2:17) What does it mean to have "access to the Father"? In what way does the Holy Spirit facilitate this access? In what way does Jesus enable this access? What it means to have access to the Father means there is hope because of Jesus we are no longer bounded by sin. Ours sins have been forgiven and washed clean because of the sacrafice made by Jesus. God now has peace between him and the sinner. The Holy Spirit is our guide he directs us and keeps us on the righteous path. Jesus is the Way, The Truth, and The Light, he is the Savior who has made all of this possible.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:14-15) In what sense did Jesus as Messiah "fulfill" the Mosaic Law? What is the significance of that for Jewish people? For us Gentiles? JESUS fulfilled the Mosaic law through Sacrifice. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Light. Without him one has no means to the Father but through Christ. The significance of this for the Jewish people is that they have to go through Christ and know that Christ has fulfilled the law as promised. That the Law has not been abolished but that it has been fulfilled. They must know that the Gentiles are also heirs to the Kingdom. That both are true heirs one is not above the other because Christ is the Ultimate Sacrifice. He is the only way without him one is lost.

Q1. (Ephesians 2:11-12) Why does being out of touch with what it means to be "lost" impede our willingness to witness? In your own words, what is the spiritual condition of a friend or co-worker who doesn't know Christ? I remember the feeling of being lost and how difficult it was for me to have a complete understanding of Christ. I remember the feeling of hopelessness, doubt, unhappiness, emptiness, a void, consummed with anger and a feeling of despair. Belong to nothing, being no where. Just an empty space of nothingness. The hurt, the suffering, the hunger and the thirst, not understanding why my life was so unfulfilling. So when I see a co worker or a family member or a friend in this pit of despair I remember how hard it was for me to lift myself out of it and become a believer, a true believer.I had to change my heart, I started studying the Word and I was filled with the light.

Q4. What exactly is faith? Can we take credit for having it? Can we be condemned for lacking it? Define "faith" in terms a 10-year-old could understand. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. No we can not take credit for having faith, it was a gift given to us from God. Yes, we can be condemned for lacking it because it is a gift given with knowledge, who refuses a gift. I would explain to a 10 year old child that faith is a gift given from God that brings us closer to his heart, it keeps us obedient and pure.

Q3. According to Ephesians 2:10, what were we created to do? Why? (Matthew 5:16) What is the difference between these works and the works Paul discredits in verse 9? WE WERE CREATED TO CARRY GOOD WORKS THROUGH FAITH. THE FOOTSTEPS THAT CHRIST HAS LAID DOWN FOR US TO FOLLOW IN. IT IS OUR PREDISTAINED PATH, OUR BLUEPRINT, ETC.... WE ARE ALSO CREATED FOR PRAISING HIM. THE DIFFERENCE IS THAT YOU CAN'T EARN GOOD WORKS YOU CAN BECOME GOOD WORKS IN ALL THAT YOU ARE AS AN EXAMPLE OF CHRIST.

Q2. "Saved" has become Christian jargon. How can you "translate" this word into modern speech so people can understand what it really means and why they need it? I am drowning in the ocean (sin), sharks (satan) are circling around me. Miraculously the coast guard (Jesus) shows up on the scene and rescues (saves) me.

Q1. Why is it so hard for us to understand grace? What commonly held life principle does it demolish? Translate the word "grace" into language a 10-year-old child would understand. So many of us don't understand "GRACE" because of the way it was taught to us. Some believe that once you're saved you can go about doing whatever you want and nothing will take that salvation away from you. They don't realize that they are spirtually dead inside they are just performing the few requirements they believe are needed to get into heaven. They believe as long as they show up to church, pay their tithes, give to charity and treat their families decent they have a space. They continue to sin and ask for forgiveness and all is well. This is the lesson that satan teaches us that God doesn't care because we have a free pass. What they are lacking is the belief that what is inside of you must be alive to Christ you can't be spirtually dead to him. You must be aware of what God wants and what he expects of his children. It is not a free pass into a world of sin. You must give up the sinful nature to the best of your abilities as Jesus says repent and sin no more. I would explain grace to a 10 year old by telling them that their parents love them so much no matter what they do that they give them a free house to live in, free electricity, free water, free food, free clothing,free love, etc. but in return one must be a participant in that family because everyone in the household has to make it run smoothly and nourish that household with love. We all have a responsibility in the household even though there are free provisions for the children they must be active participants in that household for example good behavior, because those free be's will not be taken from you for bad behavior but their will be consequences to face for that type of behavior. For example the household won't run with peace when that type of behavior is demonstrated.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"? What does this say about God's grace? What does this say about our spiritual authority? How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness? Being seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms" means that Christ has won and we are with him now and forever because his kingdom shall reign forever here in heaven and on earth. Through God's grace we have found grace. Because of his mercy he has given us grace, so we are no longer excluded but included as heirs in his kingdom. We have the authority to get rid of demons because we are alive in Christ.

Q3. (Ephesians 1:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ? GOD shows his motivation in demonstrating how much he loves us and his character demonstrates this love through "Mercy" and "Grace". He loves us so much that he gave his son to SAVE us from sin. Even though he knows who we really are, he still finds ways to love us. Because of Christ we can now share our lives with God he can now look upon us, he has found a place for us in his kingdom and he has given us eternal life. He is truly an AWESOME GOD.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:1-3) Few people would knowingly follow Satan. How can people unwittingly follow Satan? In what sense are we responsible for unwitting rebellion against God? How can God, in all fairness, blame us? People unknowningily follow satan because it is in our nature to sin. But to knowingly follow God is the challenge that is put before us. Not being taught the correct way is an important key to unwitting rebellion against God, there are so many who believe (I was once one of them) that all we have to do is show up to church on Sunday, commit a little, pay our tithes and do whatever we want after that. We don't pay attention to the scripture because the pastor is always using it to chastise us. So we don't hear what he is saying or we believe that he is talking about someone else because we are blameless and believe that our sins don't count or that I have time to get it right. The right way should be taught, with love and understanding, and one should not believe that because I show up on Wednesdays for bible study and on Sunday for church that I am exempt from following Christ because we are born of a sinful nature and without the correct instructions we could be lead astray from what God expects from us.

Q1. (Ephesians 2:1-3) In what sense are our non-believing friends, neighbors, and relatives "dead"? What's the difference between us and them? If we really believed that they were "dead" and subject to God's "wrath," what would we do? The difference between non-believing and believing is that we have chosen to believe. We have excepted the way of God and we have willing made that choice. The non-believing chose not to believe in God they chose to believe in worldliness. If they were really "Dead" then there would be nothing for us to do, but they still have time to make a change so we must keep telling them about God and leading their ways toward him in all that we do we must become examples of Christ, not forcing, but reminding them of how great it is in God's world where there will be eternal life and that they have nothing to gain from this world but eternal damnation. We must continue to be examples of Christ and follow his teachings, he didn't force anything on the non-believers, even his own people condemned him, but he continued to serve God and teach those who wanted to know everything they needed to know, so must we.