Mike Dickinson

Hi everyone, so nice to be back! hope like me you're blessed, refreshed and raring to go! I missed you all Well let's get to it Q1. (Ephesians 1:19) Why does Paul pray that God would open the Ephesians' eyes to discern "his incomparably great power"? Paul is concerned that all the churches he planted would grow in their love for God and for one another. Hence, the greater their understanding of God, just as it is for us, the greater will be their love for Him and for one another, the Church, the body of Christ here on earth. Living the Christian walk is no easy task, especially if we try to go it alone. When we try to live the life that should be

4. What place do praise and thanksgiving have in Simeon's and Anna's lives? The amazing facts about Simeon and Anna

3. What did Simeon's and Anna's righteousness, devotion, and praise have to do with their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice? Surely, it is through Simeon and Anna

2. If Simeon and Anna had never seen the Messiah, in what ways might their lives have been important? Clearly these two people were fully committed and completely faithful to God. Though many years had passed, they remained true to God and His promises made to them. If there is one way I believe we can actually spur God on to accomplish His will, it is through dedicated Prayer and Fasting. So much so, I

5. What does it tell us about the status of the Lamb that he is worshipped alongside "him who sits on the throne"? (5:13-14) Paul answers this question much better than I ever could! I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Eph 1:18-23) Jesus is co-equal with God and as scripture tells us, ALL power and authority is His. No one, unless they were absolutely pure, Holy and righteous could sit next to God. Only Jesus has ever accomplished this through the outpouring of His life for the World's sin. Now then, having a seat alongside God puts Jesus in the best place possible to intercede on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25) Oh that bit about Jesus being co-equal with God. Can you imagine yourself sat down in the presence of your boss or the Queen of England! Only those with the right to do so, and only then on invitation may they do so. The really neat thing about this is as follows: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb 4:14-16 I've just realised as well that this is the last study until after Easter. Soooooo, I pray that you all enjoy a wonderful time as we celebrate our Lord Jesus' victory over death and His atoning sacrifice on our behalf. This study will, I am sure, help me to see this celebration through clearer eyes and understanding. Thankyou everyone that emailed me with encouraging words. I look forward to sharing with you all in May on the next study. The really neat thing is, though we may all be thousands of miles apart, we are all part of the same body of Christ and as we worship in our own homes and fellowships this Easter, we can be conscious that we are worshipping Jesus our Saviour as one in the spirit. Love you all and pray God's blessings on you.

4. What's the significance of Christians "reigning on the earth"? Of being "priests"? Do you think we are to "reign" now or later (or both)? The first thing I think we need to grasp is the fact that we are

3. What has the Lamb done to "triumph" (5:5) and so become worthy to take the scroll and open its seals? (Hint: See the "for" or "because" clause in 5:9 for the answer.) Jesus the lamb triumphed and was worthy to open the scrolls because, He was Slain and with His blood He was able to purchase the lives of men. Jesus made it possible that people from all over the world might be saved and go on to be Priests reigning on earth with Jesus.

#5 Q2. Decode (identify) each of the following symbols that relate to the Lamb (5:6): The lamb itself represents ....This is Jesus, as John the Baptist seen Him. Standing after being slain indicates ...The crucified Jesus risen from the dead Horns represent ....The seven horns represents complete power and authority Eyes represents ....Jesus

#5 1. Why is the Lamb called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah" and "the Root of David"? What do these titles signify about him? In Genesis 49:1-9 we read of Jacob prophesying to his sons what the future will hold for them and their descendants. To his son Judah he tells him

Q6. In what way does each celebration of the Lord's Supper anticipate a future Passover meal? (Matthew 26:29; Luke 13:28-29; 14:15; 22:30; Revelation 19:9; 1 Corinthians 11:26) Each time we partake of the Lord

Q5. Why should the words, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28) fill us with sorrow? There have been times when, I have pondered on Jesus

Q4. Why is it so important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper? Taking part in our Lord

Q3. What is the significance to us of drinking Jesus' blood and eating his flesh (John 6:53-56). Let's not argue whether this is meant literally or figuratively. As followers of Jesus, we symbolically take part in the precious sacrifice He paid for our sin when we

Q2. Compare the annual Jewish Passover celebration meal in Jesus' day with the Christian's celebration of the Lord's Supper. Where are the similarities? Where are the differences? Similarities between the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of the Lord

#4 Q1. In what way did the lambs on the first Passover protect the families of God's people? (Exodus 12) The blood of the lambs was painted on the lintel and doorposts of the people

Q4. Extra Credit: In what sense have we been set free or released from slavery to sin? Paul puts it this way

Q3. According to the slave-ransom analogy, who is the slave? What is he enslaved by? Who offers the ransom? If Satan is involved in the enslaving process, why isn't the ransom paid to him? Why isn't the slave-ransom analogy spelled out completely in the New Testament? The slave is whoever is mastered by that which they submit to. Many slaves at the time of writing were undoubtedly so because of their being in debt to a money lender. Nowadays the scenario may have changed but the principles remain the same. People become slaves to television, sex, drugs, alcohol, even their work. Sadly, there are a host of unseen shackles that people are enslaved to. Whatever, or whoever we submit to is our Master. There may be times when we choose to

#3 Q2. How should we disciples apply the principles: "You are not your own, you were bought with a price"? How should this affect our living? The words of the hymn

#3 Q1. In the New Testament world, what class of humans were freed by payment of a redemption price or a ransom? Why do you think that Jesus, Peter, and Paul used this analogy in this week's theme verses. What about the Christian life does it help explain? Peter

#2 Q5. Which single New Testament passage best sums up for you the lessons of Isaiah 53? Why did you chose this passage? Such is the word of God I find it quite difficult to determine a favourite passage to parallel with Isaiah

#2 Q4. The Servant also bears the punishment deserved by sinners. In what sense, if any, did Jesus bear the punishment due you when he died on the cross? When God substituted our lives and our certain death for our sin, with that of His precious son Jesus, He was providing a

#3. Isaiah 53 teaches what theologians call "the substitutionary atonement." In what sense does the Servant act as a substitute to bear our sins? Put it in your own words. I actually find it quite hard to put this into words without quantifying it from scripture. Here goes . . . Every action we take in life carries consequences. And yet it

#2 Q2. Which New Testament parallels to Isaiah 53 convince you that Jesus himself saw his own mission and destiny spelled out in Isaiah 53? If you aren't convinced, what stands in your way? It may help us if we bear in mind the fact that Matthew

#2 Q1. From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? In what sense is this a universal sacrifice of salvation? In what sense is Jesus' sacrifice wasted on some people? This passage clearly speaks about Jesus

Q6. What do you think God intended animal sacrifice teach us about sin? About holiness? About God's nature? The animal sacrifice instituted by God taught mankind the three most important things they needed to know about life. 1. Sin separates us from God and carries a penalty. 2. Our God is a Holy God and cannot abide sin. 3. Though Our God abhors sin He will always love the sinner and has made a way possible for us all to restore our relationship with Him. 1. Jesus said "But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:3) Peter preached "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" (Acts 3:19) 2. Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins" (Josh 24:19) 3. "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:2-4) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16-17) I praise and thank our Holy God that He would save a wretch like me.