Mike Dickinson

Q5. In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? Were animal sacrifices actually adequate to atone for human sin?

Q4. What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? Which are no longer necessary? Why? Time and again God called the people of Israel to offer a lamb or a goat as a sacrifice for their sins. When I look at the history of the Israelites through the eyes of the Old Testament writings I am reminded so much of my own walk with God since first I met Him some 40 years ago. The cycle has been very similar. Deep in sin and brought low; repentance followed by restoration. The basics involved bringing a sacrifice for the High Priest to slaughter and pour out the blood upon the altar for God. Today we can thank and praise our heavenly father God that the ultimate sacrifice has been paid for in full through the giving of His son

Q3. Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? Many people tend to find the very thought of blood being spilt as repulsive, even nauseating. Giving it some thought, I dare say one of the reasons might be because of the associations it has with cruelty, violence and pain. Doesn

Q2. Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? As a Fundamentalist Christian I believe we are called to imitate our Savior Jesus. There are numerous examples in the Old Testament of God exercising His awesome power and His anger against His people

Q1. How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? (John 1:29). I feel we trust, perhaps a little too much, that John

Q6. How does Gideon influence Israel during his life? (8:28-35) Gideon was an example of trusting not in the eyes of the world but in the power of God. He began with an awareness of his own futility and feebleness and his complete dependence on his God. However, as can often be the case with success in whatever the battle, he took some credit that rightfully belonged to God, and God alone. At a time as a Christian when I fell from grace and failed God, I still consider just what damaging influence I may well have caused other, younger Christians through my bad example. Gideon, though a mighty warrior and undoubtedly highly respected by his people, must have left some doubt in people

Q5. Why is spiritual unfaithfulness looked at as prostitution or adultery? (8:24-27) As Christians we are called as a bride to Christ. Paul writes

Q4. What is a snare? In what way does Gideon's ephod ensnare his family and the people of Israel? (8:24-27) The dictionary describes a

Q3. What is an ephod? (8:24-27) What might the gold ephod have looked like? There were two kinds of

Q2. What does Gideon ask for his reward? (8:24-27) Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin? Gideon asks for just a single earring from each of the Ishmaelites, however, I suspect he already had in mind what he would do with them. I believe Gideon was wrong to accept a reward. To do so, whichever way you want to look at it, was to accept some credit for the victory over the Midianites. On a personal note, I find receiving praise of any kind, quite hard to accept. Basically, because I can literally feel myself puffing up with pride. So, when I do anything successfully for the Lord I am quick to give all the glory to Him. Gideon fell to the temptation of receiving some of the glory himself for what was in essence, God

5 Q1. Why does Gideon refuse to be king over Israel? (8:22-23) Because by that time there had never been a King over Israel and the only sovereign was God. For him to accept sovereignty over Israel would be to usurp God

#4 Q5. Why does Gideon slay Zebah and Zalmunna? As Zeba and Zalmunna had admitted to killing Gideon

#4 Q4. Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army? (8:4-9) As with the ways of the world they weren

#4 Q3. Why must Gideon vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor? God

Sorry already answered this one

Q6. What does the rolling barley loaf mean in the Midianite's dream? At a guess I

#4 Q2. What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Basically to mop up the Midianite stragglers. Why are they so angry? One of the main reasons for the Ephraimites to be angry may well have been because they envisaged themselves as a more favored tribe with a greater status in the hierarchy of the tribes of Israel. Gideon

#4 Q1. Why does Gideon divided into three companies? This was a general battle plan for the armies of the time and indeed continues to this day. With a right and left flank and undoubtedly Gideon leading the central attack. It would also give the impression that the army was greater than it really was. What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? (7:16-20) In Numbers 10:8-9 we read of how God gave commands to Moses for the people concerning the use of Trumpets. In particular, when going into battle in defence of their own land, they were commanded to blow their trumpets to ensure that God would rescue them from their enemies. This was commanded by God as a

#3 Q6. What does the rolling barley loaf mean in the Midianite's dream? At a guess I

#3 Q5. What significance, if any, do you see in selecting the "lappers" from the "kneelers"? Well now, this one had me puzzled and to be honest, for the first time in this study, I looked at Pastor Ralph

#3 Q4. Why do we demand that God's directions make sense to us before we'll follow them? When we become a Christian it can take some time for us to shake off our worldly preconceptions.

#3 Q3. Why did God feel Gideon's army was too large? God knew all too well that with the original size of the army the Israelites would claim the victory in their own rights, thereby negating His presence and power. Why was shrinking the army's size to a tiny band essential in restoring Israel's faith and allegiance? Gideon began with 32,000 men and ended up with just 3 hundred. When we have a healthy bank balance we rarely need to depend on God for His provision and can often take Him forgranted. God

#3 Q2. When, if ever, should we ask God to confirm his direction with a sign? I

#3 Q1. Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? Remember what I posted previously about Gideon

5. What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites. God tells Gideon that if he goes down to the Midianite camp with his servant he will be encouraged if he listens to what is said there (Judges 7:9-11). We perhaps take it forgranted as we read through this account that in Gideon