pastor neal

Q2. (19:15-16) Why did Lot and his family hesitate? Have you ever hesitated when you should have been fleeing a danger? What is the lesson for us? Lot's hesitation, I believe, was grounded in the facts that A) He had become so complacent with his life in and around Sodom that he accepted the goings-on as normal. Although he welcomed the strangers into his home, treating them with kindness I believe that he questioned the authenticity and honesty when they told him to pack-it-up; causing the cautious Lot to dig his sandals into the sand. C) Lot did not want to leave all of his assets behind...for he had become accustomed to this lifestyle. I have always had an excellent relationship with our Lord so when He tells me to make tracks I don't ask questions! The Lesson represented here is that is that we should always be prepared to respond when the Lord tells us to. God has his reasons and they must not be questioned.

Q1. (19:4-11) How can Christians keep balance on the issue of homosexuality in our day? Is it really possible to be loving and compassionate toward practicing homosexuals at the same time as you condemn the sin? Should the church be silent about homosexuality? If not, what should we be saying? Where should we be saying it? (Be gentle and loving as you discuss this subject -- please!) Keeping the balance on the issue of homosexuality is quite easily accomplished. We Christians must remember the Bibles position on homosexuality and as such practice our beliefs. However, this does not mean that we cannot have love and compassion for the individual. Never should the church be quiet about homosexuality. This important topic is of great magnitude of sin and should be presented frequently in sermon and/or Bible studies; conveying God's feelings on the subject of homosexuality. However, and most importantly, this reference should never be done in such a way that it alienates individuals creating an ambiance of unwelcome guest to anyone interested in seeking the way of the Lord.

Q4. (Romans 5:9-11) What does "reconciliation" mean? Why is reconciliation with God necessary? We understand our having been saved by Jesus' death (5:10a, past tense). In what sense are we being saved (5:10b, present tense) by his life? What is Jesus doing for us in the present? Reconciliation: To remove hostility between 2 or more individuals while bringing forth peace and harmony. So that we may have free access and peace with God. We have been justified by the by the blood of Christ. He now intercedes for us and is preparing preparing a place for us in his father's mansion.

Q2. (Romans 5:2-5) According to this passage <i>why</i> should we rejoice in our sufferings and tribulations? One by one, what is the importance to our lives of: perseverance, tried character, and hope? Tribulation produces perseverance which produces character, creating hope which does not disappoint. Perseverance:Teaches us to endure and learn patience. Character:This is the traits that make up our person. Hope:Teaches us who we are and why we are here.

Q1. (Romans 5:1-2) According to verses 1-2, faith is a key to salvation. For Abraham (4:3), what was the relationship between faith and justification? For us (5:1-2), what is the relationship between faith and justification? In your own words, just what does it mean to be justified? The relationship between faith and justification comes when Abraham allows God to do for him instead of trying to do for himself. With unwavering faith he trusts in the Lord. This is the faith by which he will be justified, meaning that he is at peace with God; deemed righteous and pardoned of all sins.

Q4. On what ground does Abraham so boldly address God? Do you think God desires us to do the same? Why or why not? Why do you think Abraham's intercession pleased God? What will it take for us to please him in our prayers? Abraham boldly addresses God to please consider refraining from destroying Sodom if He can find at least ten righteous individuals. I believe that God expects us to have some degree of confidence...NOT ARROGANCE...when we come to Him in prayer. I believe that God was pleased by Abraham's' compassion and his desire to save Sodom if at least ten-righteous individuals can be found. Humility, faith, love, compassion, perseverance.

Q3. (18:19) In your own words, describe what a lifestyle of "keeping the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just" looks like in the twenty-first century. In what ways is this difficult? In what ways is this easy? What are the special challenges The twenty-first Century has brought forth new challenges. It is so tempting to take the path which is wide and avoid all the frustrations and anxiety of daily living...that is unless you have the Lord in your life. The word and teachings of the Lord can be found in the Bible which acts as both a history book (the Old Testament) and an application book of doing what is right and just. Applying these teachings will lead the devoted Christian across all bridges, through dark woods and over treacherous mountains safely.

Q2. (18:16-19) How can fathers and husbands strike the right balance -- of being godly, caring leaders without being dictators? How can mothers and wives strike the right balance -- of being submissive and at the same time being open about their needs and desires? (I know of no Christian cookie-cutter answer to this. It must be contientiously worked out within the crucible of marriage.) Being a father and husband is an awesome responsibility...one which needs to have a proper balance of love, discipline, concern and compassion. It is so easy to become a dictator of a family. This is why a family must be God centered. With God as our leader we are taught to be fair, responsive, caring and just. Mothers and wives, although many need to work today for various reasons, can still fulfill their roles as wives and mothers; however, because of the workloads of todays fast-paced world I believe that she should also fulfill the role of facilitator assigning children, if any, to various roles and chores. She should openly approach her husband with her needs and desires since the cornerstone of a good marriage is communication.

Q4. In your own words, how would you explain why circumcision is now obsolete for Christians and that baptism is now sign of the covenant The Old Covenant used the circumcision as their way of keeping the Covenant between God and the people. However, circumcision, a flesh sign, did nothing for the purifying the heart. This is a physical "circumcision.' It is possible to be circumcised spiritually through the New testament baptism. Through baptism our hearts our purified as we identify with Christ his crucification, burial and resurrection.

Q3. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Why is this a necessity for all true believers, both Jew and Christian? How can we keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion? Have you ever struggled with this? To have the heart circumcised is actually have the heart cleansed so that you may live with the Lord with all of your heart and soul (instead of being a "stiff neck"). We keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion by having our hearts circumcised, and keeping our love and faith in the Lord.

.Q2. (17:11) What does circumcision signify for Abraham, his household, and his descendents? It signifies they are covenant people. Why is some kind of definite act on Abraham's part important to confirming the covenant? Sealed by the circumcision, it confirmed that Abraham and his family were serious in their devotion to God. and the covenant.. What does Abraham's obedience the very same day signify? Abraham

Q1. (17:1-2) When God tells Abraham, "Walk before me and be blameless," is he requiring moral perfection? What kind of blamelessness does he require of Abraham? Does he expect more (or less) of Christians under the new covenant No...God is not expecting Abraham to live a life of moral perfection since we all sin. He does, however, wants Abraham to live; honoring the covenant whole-heartedly, honestly with great love while testifying the New Covenant to others since he expects more of Christians under the New Covenant.

Q4. What lesson is God teaching you out of Hagar's experience? Which situation that God is calling you to is most difficult for you to submit to? God teaches us many lessons throughout our lives. In this particular situation God is reminding us that He is always watching over and protecting us and that He is aware of our situations and that we must have faith in His working. It is important also to understand that we should do His will, not our own regardless of how dis-pleasurable, frustrating or even painful it may currently be for God has His master plan for us all.

[quote name='Pastor Ralph' date='10 September 2004 - 01:44 AM' timestamp='1094795090' post='8962'] Q3. (16:13-14) What is the significance of Hagar's name for God -- El Roi, the God Who Sees? What does it mean to a person who is discouraged and losing hope? What does it mean to you personally? The significance of Hagar's name for God is that during her time of extreme tribulation God presented Himself to her, encouraging her to return to Sarah. This meeting reinforced the love and concern that the Lord has for our situation...Hagar was moved greatly by this experience. It is interesting to remember here that during this event that Hagar is the only individual in the Bible to actually name God. When a person is discouraged and losing hope knowing that the Lord cares for and loves us gives us the strength and courage to continue on; facing trials and tribulations with a new-found energy.

Q2. (16:7-9) Why does the angel ask Hagar something that the angel already knows? ("Where have you come from, and where are you going?") Why does she send her back to Sarah? Have you ever reacted and got yourself out of the place God wanted you? The Angel, God, was trying to establish the reason that Hagar was going against His will by leaving her position with Sarah. He sends Hagar back to Sarah because He wants her to have the opportunity to grow faithfully before she and Ishmael are allowed to move forward.

Q1. (16:1-6) Why does Sarah take her anger out on Abraham? Why does she take her anger out on Hagar? Is she trying to get rid of Hagar or the baby? In what sense is Hagar's pride Abraham's fault? In what sense is Hagar's affliction Abraham's fault? What situation in your family does this reminds you of? Sarah took her anger out on Abraham as she holds him personally responsible for Hagar's attitude and actions once she conceives his child. Sarah's' anger toward Hagar, I believe, is two-fold. First she is angry because she was unable to conceive of her own child, and secondly she feels that Hagar is standing tall and proud since her pregnancy which is condescending and insulting to her. Sarah, it appears, wants to get Hagar as far away as possible but out of her jealously her impetuousness is putting the unborn child at risk. Sarah must be aware of the danger to the child as Hagar could not make it alone in the wilderness unless she can hook-up with a caravan going back to Egypt. Abraham has some what of a crush on Hagar and I believe that it is this attraction that enables Hagar to walk tall and proud. Because Abraham will not stand-up and take control of the discord between Sarah and Hagar he is allowing Sarah to place Hagar in a dangerous situation.

Q4 (15:17-18a) Why did God go through the covenant ritual with Abraham, with the divided carcasses? Why does God bind himself to a solemn promise? How does Abraham respond to God's promises (15:6)? What promises has God made to us that affect our futures? What significance does blood sacrifice have in those promises? God went through the covenant ritual with Abraham, passing between the divided animal carcasses, "binding Himself solemnly to his promise (1)" of fulfilling that which He had made with Abraham. (1) Quote from Disciple Lessons from the Faith of Abraham, 2004 by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. Abraham responds to God's promises by believing in the Lord...maintain faith. The promise that God has made to us which affects our future is the gift if eternal life. The blood sacrifice: Hebrews 9:22 (ASV) 22 And according to the law, I may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.

This verse, in my opinion, has many amazing aspects starting with God's promise to Abraham that he will have an heir of his seed. Amazing is the vivion of the stars and grains of sand which represesent his offspring and will always be available to reassure him. However, I would declare that the most amazing content of this verse is that the Lord had credited Abraham's faith as righteousness. The significance of of this to our New Testsament is that through our faith in Jesus Christ God credits us as righteous.

God, as my shield, personally, assures me that he is always offering protection from the daily "warfare" that I must endure. Of course, this is metaphorically, for we are not at at a physical weaponry combat, but one of temptation and evil workings of Satan and his Dominion; with out my shield I am certain that Satan would pierce my soul from within and without. God's great reward with Abraham is His covenant. On the personal level the greatest reward that I have been given is His only son WHO had washed away my sins with His life's blood. Jesus was made aware of our trials and temptations so He knew what we were to endure. What a great gift to have someone experience the same trials and tribulations to know how we must struggle and in return create for us a room in His Father's place. As SUZERAIN (giver of gifts) God has rewarded me Handsomely. He has given me many opportunities to grow, abundance of beauty to enjoy, and immense love to share. As a SOVEREIGN. God has offered extended protection to my growing family and In keeping us safe through our daily days, and those of trials and tribulations.

Abraham refused to take the spoils of war from the king of Sodom for accepting any recompense would put the king of Sodom in postion to announce that he had helped Abraham to become rich. By refusing the "gifts" from Sodom he not only stayed faithful to his morals, he also strengthened his dedication, devotion and loyalty to the one true God; leading by example that he could not be seduced into accepting "gifts" from evil sources. We should learn a very valuable lesson from Abraham. We need to do what is right, according to the teachings of our Lord regardless of what may be dangling in front of our faces. Abraham shows how important it is to align ourselves with only God oriented individuals so that we will never compramise our beliefs, morals, ethics or our devotion to God.

The significance of Abraham giving Melchizedek a tenth of his "spoils" was not only in submission to the King, but for his blessing to Abraham and the Lord. The 10% also was used in thanking the Lord for His guidance and intervention to a successful "ambush" in which they rescued Lot and the others. Tithing today does in fact represent the same worship as in the days of Abraham. Through our tithing we are outwardly thanking the Lord for all of His blessings and grace. Tithing God first demonstrates that he is first in our lives and that it is His love, blessings and grace that give us faith and courage so we must not forget to show our thanks.

Q1. (13:2) Does Abraham's material wealth reflect God's blessing on him? Does material wealth always reflect God's blessing? Does physical poverty always reflect God's curse? Absolutely! Abraham's' wealth reflects God's blessings. Each and every time that Abraham received new animals, coins or awaken in good health and spirits this was God's blessings. It should, however, come as no surprise since God did promise to bless Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3) Genesis 12:2-3 (ASV) 2 and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make they name great; and be thou a blessing; 3 and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Does material blessings alway as reflect God's will? No, not always. Some people respond to Satan and his devious plots and instead of accepting the gifts from our gracious Lord, these self-indulgent individuals have ulterior motives which are motive by greed, or social status. With this being said, there is a small population who need to buy merchandise in an attempt to fill voids in their lives. These individuals are ill and I believe that their motives are neither of greed nor an effort to build an extensive portfolio of wealth. Does physical poverty always reflect God's cures? No! God decides the situation which is best for each of his sheep. Some will be rich in materials while others will strive from week to week but if we stop and meditate on both positions we will find that we each have our own riches bestowed upon us by God. From experience I can say that we have never had extra cash and have always had an abundance of medical bills...however, I have been blessed with a caring wife, with whom I will celebrate our 32 second anniversary in June. Compare this to an individual we kn ow who was born into money, he is generous to a fault but he is never happy, each thing he buys he tires of quickly and moves on...here you have two-families, both God-fearing, one which thank God for all that they have, and the other who forgets from whom the gifts come.

Q5. (12:2-3) What relationship does God's promise to Abraham in 12:2-3 have to do with the incident of Sarah's abduction in 20:10-20? The relationship established between God and Abraham was a promise to protect him from those who would curse him and that all of the families of the Earth shall be blessed. This promise would also prove invaluable since God had not punished Abraham for his deceiving the Kings by portraying Sarah as his sister. Had it not been for this promise to be valuable to to the families of the Earth things may have worked out differently. Genesis 12:3 (ASV) 3 and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 20:10-18 (ASV) 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? 11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place. And they will slay me for my wife's sake. 12 And moreover she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife: 13 and it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me. At every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother. 14 And Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and men-servants and women-servants, and gave them unto Abraham, and restored him Sarah his wife. 15 And Abimelech said, Behold, my land is before thee. Dwell where it pleaseth thee. 16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it is for thee a covering of the eyes to all that are with thee. And in respect of all thou art righted. 17 And Abraham prayed unto God. And God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maid-servants. And they bare children. 18 For Jehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

Ethically, I believe that Abraham and Sarah walk a very thin line. Neither one felt compeled to disclose their true relationship out of fear for Abraham's life. They had a loop-hole which they used when they found it convienient and used it several times. Although there is no supporting evidence that their actions were motivated by a lack of faith, nor is there testimony for their not seeking God's help, a thorough understanding and study of Abraham demonstrates his devotion and faith to the Lord, hence, it is not a generous leap to believe that he actually had sought the assistance of the Lord through prayer. This lesson does not constitute a parable with a distinct lesson, however, I believe that it demonstrates the outcome and ramifications involved with deceitful practices.

Adultery is a sin against God. A crime which is punishable by death! Can God forgive a person who has committed Adultery? As one of the ten-commandments which is punishable by death it appears that forgiveness is not an option. However, in Revelations, Jesus does offer forgiveness for adultery. Revelation 2:22 [/color]"In deed I will cast her into a sickbed, and who those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds." (NKJV)