Eudora

Q1. (Exodus 2:11-15a) What do we learn about Moses

Q4. (Luke 13:18-20) According to these parables in this lesson, in what ways is the Kingdom small? I think because Jesus only knows a few who are obedient to His word. That straight gate... I believe it is the ones who keep the word of God as it is written, not as it is taught. In what ways does the Kingdom grow? By faith in our redeemer. In what ways is the Kingdom door narrow? Narrow because only a few seem to want to squeeze themselves into what He demands. I think of this door that is narrow as like a olive press. Those who are willing to be squeezed and molded into the person that He asks us to be and not the way that we are told by others that we should be. In what way is the Kingdom banquet, on the one hand, large and diverse, and on the other, selective? Jesus said He has two flocks. I am still not convinced that I get this but I think that He was sent to the two houses. One , whom were His own people, the tribe of Judah and the Gentiles and the rest of the tribes who accept Him and begin to follow His way and His teachings. There are simply those whom He Himself calls. I can

Q3. (Luke 13:28-30) The great "feast in the kingdom of God" has guests from all over the world. Who are they? The folks of those whom He has called, they have kept His commandments. Who will be the ones "thrown out" of the feast? Matthew discusses this as well as Luke. Matthew says that they shall be cast out into outer darkness. I don

Q2. (Luke 13:24-27) Why do you think Jesus characterizes the entrance to the Kingdom here as "narrow"? I think that for me, I know that the Bible teaches obedience to the law, which is in reality, how God wanted His children to be able to live in the same environment, all with the same regulations on how to live communally. I do not see any difference in how jesus teaches these same regulations or rules as some call them. many folks are taught and truly believe that we are no longer bound by the law, which in fact, they never were themselves. If one stops to think about it, why would God bring the folks out of eqypt and bondage in slavery to put them right back into it? The law is basically the way that God wants mankind to live and it is not really all so hard to do. One has to stay focused on the main goal, the end result. No, obedience to the law can not and never could save anyone. But once one is truly born again, I believe that they can, with the help of the Holy Spirit

Q1. (Luke 13:19-21) What is the point of the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven? To teach us that the little faith that we are all given as the measure, will over time and constant growth, grow into a larger product of our faith. How would this be encouraging to Jesus' disciples who had expected an instant Messianic Kingdom? Well, just like a seed that must be planted would take time to grow to it

Q4. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) How could praying the Lord's Prayer become a curse upon a person? Because we are asking the Lord to forgive us as we forgive others. If we do not forgive fully, then God will not forgive fully. If we forgive just a little, then God can

Q3. (Matthew 18:34-35) Why does Jesus frighten us with his statement: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you..."? I don

Q2. (Matthew 18:23-35) In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, what is the purpose of contrasting the huge debt with the small one? To show that a debt no matter how large or small can be forgiven. If we were to put ourselves in the parable, which debt would we owe? Forgiveness to all who are debited to us. Which debt might be owed us? Forgiveness in the same token. Why was the king insulted by the unmerciful servant's action? Because that servant did not learn the lesson of forgiveness.

Q1. (Matthew 18:21-22) Jesus says we must forgive 77 times or 490 times. Should we take these numbers literally or figuratively? Both. Jesus wants us to literally forgive and He gave us this figurative number to teach us this lesson. If figurative, what are they figurative of? To forgive over and over and over and over, etc What does this teach us about God's willingness to forgive us repeatedly for the same sin? That He will do the same if we repent and trespass against His law. That is what sin is... 1Jo 3:4

Q4. (John 3:16) Why is this verse so famous? Because it tells us just how much God loves us that He would send His son to die for us. What does it teach us about God? That He loves us. What does it teach us about salvation? That all we have to do is believe in His Son and we will not perish.. Since "entering eternal life" is a synonym for "entering the Kingdom of God," what does this verse teach us about our destiny? That we will gain our eternal life upon the entrance into the New Kingdom.

Q3. (John 3:5-7) What does it mean to be "born of water and the Spirit"? Well I have to ad mit that this question caused me to dig deeper than I have been in a very long time. I answered on the last question what was the best translation "born again," "born anew," or "born from above and I had chosen born from above, thinking that I was born in the spirit which I have claimed now for the last five years. After my study, I have come to a new conclusion that because Yahushua spoke about being born of water and of the Spirit before one can see the kingdom, I have a whole different thought. What do you think "water" refers to? I think the water refers to the washing of the body through the word and the work of the Holy Spirit while we live here on this earth. Every 'man' is born of water in the womb, but Yahushua obviously knows this and so does Nicodemus, so I don't see why Yahushua would point this out. Too me , it would be redundant. All man is born of water, so I dont think Jesus meant the physical birth of human kind, although I used to think this. Why have you come to this conclusion? Notice that Yahusha says that which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. I dont believe that we will be born of the spirit until we leave these earthy bodies, where the Holy Spirit is residing in the present, performing the work of transformation. I dont think the transformation will be complete until just before the earth is re-birthed as we read in: Re 21:1 ¶ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. I think that is when we will be spirit filled bodies because the human bodies are flesh and blood and flesh and blood can not enter heaven, where ever that may be. The reason we must be born again is because Adam was created in God's image. God's image as we find out is 'Spirit' that moved upon the face of the waters, as is written in verse two of Genesis, chapter one. Adam was formed of the dust of the ground and then God breathed into his nostrils the 'breath of life' and man became a living 'soul'. God and Adam had a relationship of mirror reflection, because Adam (man) was made in God's image. God saw in Adam, His own reflection. Adam in return, saw in God, his own reflection. Once, Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, Adam could no longer see his reflection in God and apparently hid from God's view as well, because God called out to Adam, "Where art thou?" Adam became a reflection of sin because of disobedience. Disobedience, separates mankind from it's creator. To be placed back into God's image, we must become born into His image by being born all over again, by the Spirit. This places us back into alignment with where He first created us to be. This is a choice that we each have to make. We are not born into His Spirit, until we make that conscience choice to be born again. Many religions, cause humanity to misunderstand being born again as a Christian. Some religions, make humanity think that because their parents were a member of the church, were baptized in the church, makes them think that they too, are a Christian, because they were born into that church. For instance, a mother who is baptized by her own parents priest, as a child, goes to the same church as her parents, grows up in that church, hearing the word from the pulpit and living her life the best she can under those circumstances, then raises her own children in that church. Did being baptized make her born again? She, the same as her parents did, has her own children baptized by the priest, and begins to raise her own children in that same church. Has she or her own children become a Christian? The answer is no. Being baptized does not make anyone a Christian any more than a chunk of dough being dunked in oil, makes them a doughnut. In order to be a doughnut, you have to have been created from a doughnut recipe. Going to church all of our life does not make us a Christian anymore than going to McDonalds makes us a cheeseburger. God has made a way for us to come back into our predestined reflective state and that is, we each must make our own decision, based on truth. God is Spirit. We must worship Him (our creator) in Spirit and in truth. How, then, would you paraphrase "born of water and the Spirit" to best bring out the meaning? Unless a person submits to this original creationthe 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new lifeit's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within, is formed by something you can't see and touchthe Spiritand becomes a living spirit. I think what is happening is that we are receiving the breath of life all over again, and now our breath comes from the Holy Spirit. We are daily being cleansed through the washing of the word. Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ‘IT’ being the church, the body of Christ.

Q2. (John 3:3-5) What does "entering the Kingdom" have to do with being "born anew"? Well we are human bodies and since flesh and blood can not enter heaven, we have to have a different body that can survive in the environment where we will live. Which do you think is the best translation here: "born again," "born anew," or "born from above"? Born from above. Defend your reasoning. Actually I refer to myself as

Q1. (John 3:3, 5) What does Jesus teach here about the nature of the Kingdom of God? We can not let our religious up-bringing obscure our thoughts about the kingdom. The kingdom is nothing like humanity thinks. It can not be; because flesh and blood can not enter. We need to be of a spiritual nature to see it, much less live in it. The natural state which we live in now is flesh and blood and these bodies must die, just as Yahushua did, before we can be resurrected and receive our eternal spiritual bodies. Do you think Nicodemus understands him? This was something new to his ears. No matter how much Scripture he had put to memory, this was still something new. Nicodemus had questions. He wanted to know how this could be. There must be a change from nature to grace, before there can be a change from grace to glory and Nicodemus needed to know that this was how he would be able to then see the kingdom. To then understand the invaluable blessings, Nicodemus needed this information, to be able to understand the first and most important miracle of all. The re-birth of a human man. Why or why not? I dont think he understood right then because he was accustom to the sacrificial way of preparing himself for the entrance to the Holy of Holies. I am not sure he was even aware that there was only One way because He had not yet met The One whom he would have to go through, until this very night. I think he did come to the understanding knowledge because he eventually helps Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus' burial. I dont believe that he would have done this and been of assistance if a change had not come over him. I think this night, the truth had been revealed to Nicodemus.

Q4. How do you think Jesus will hold you personally accountable on Judgment Day for using your "talents"? When we keep His commandments and do well, we are blessed and have the right to the tree of Life. Yahushua said,

Q3. When we are successful, to whom does the fruit of our labors belong? Yahshua and His Kingdom to come. In what sense are we independent entrepreneurs? We are given what we are given to work with and to build up those who have not. In what sense are we stewards of the gifts and "talents" given us? Well these that are given are only ours for what we can do with them. How does the attitude of a self-made person differ from the attitude of a steward? Not sure how this one works because to know that one has been given a talent to work with, one must know the Giver and the person who believes that they are self made, are still living unto thy self.

Q2. (Matthew 25:15, 21, 23) What are the factors that make up a person's "ability to carry out something"? I like the answers that you have posed pastor Ralph. 1. Raw talent 2. Drive 3. Faithfulness 4. Moral character 5. Willingness to focus time to the task What percentage of this is raw talent, in your opinion? 0, zip, natta. Why are some who succeed not necessarily the most talented? Because of the gifted areas that they have been positioned in for the time being. Yahwey uses every single human being. We all have a purpose. What factors are keeping you from carrying out what God has entrusted you to do? Not really sure. I haven

Q1. (Matthew 25:14-30) What do you think the "talents" represent? I think that this teaching is about money, no doubt but I also believe that when we are here on earth, in any capacity, we have to use the gifts that He in trust's to us, for the glorification of His Majesty, the raising up of the kingdom and to help those in need. None of these would come to us, had it not been for the Spirit which He gives to us and the fruits there of and then, the gift

Q4. What does Jesus teach us about the value and worth of the Kingdom? As near as I can tell, this innocent took place shortly after the Feast of Dedication. A camel is a beast of burden, much used in eastern countries. It is about the size of the largest ox, with one or two bunches on his back, with long neck and legs, no horns, and with feet adapted to the hot and dry sand. They are capable of carrying heavy burdens and I think this is the point that Yahushua was trying to teach. Great wealth can be such a burden because it can become a heavy load that is hard to put down. But before we can enter the Kingdom of God, we must un-load all that bears such heavy weight upon us and take upon His yoke that is easy because he bears the weight for us. Wealth is an obstruction to our faith, not the result of it. No matter how hard one might try, no one can work his or her way in, and no matter how rich, no one can buy their way in either. Only Yahweh has provided the way in and that is through His Son, Yahushua. Why are we tempted to value it so little? Because we do not see the inheritance, we only know that there beyond the blue, lies what is ours to be grasped. We have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. What helps us to appreciate its true value? Our faith and the communion of our relationship with Yahushua. How might your testimony help a seeking friend to value the Kingdom more? Well our testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Those who keep the commandments of Yahwey, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ are the remnant of His seed, His Son Yahushua. It is by His blood and by the word of our testimony that we will overcome all that lies before us.

Q3. (Mark 10:22) Why is poverty and self-sacrifice an inadequate religion? Because it leaves you empty and never satisfied, always wanting more and never having enough. Trusting in riches is a dangerous condition because like everything here on earth, it will pass away. Why does Jesus ask the man to follow him? Because he genuinely loved the man and was calling him into service. In what senses was this a great privilege that the man was offered? What an honor to be called out and separated from the world and all of it

Q2. (Mark 10:21) Why do you think Jesus requires the rich young ruler to divest himself of his fortune? Because he cares more about the wealth that he has obtained and that he can and has already seen, than what he could obtain that he can

Q1. (Matthew 13:44-46) What do the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price have in common? What is the main point of these parables? Both are treasures that are found, but worth more than what is first revealed. Both parables refer to finding something of value that is a once in a life time find and giving all that one has to purchase it and both are of an incomparable worth. We may stumble upon His truth or we might search for it and find it. Either way, it can be found and held on to. How ever salvation is acquired, the point is that it can be and that it can only be through Jesus Christ, the story teller, the One who paved the way. How should it affect our values? If we rightly estimate the value of our soul, we will make salvation our highest treasure and do every thing we can to give up what ever is in our way that might prevent us from obtaining it. Our lives? I dont know how it should affect my life, I only know how it does affect my life. This is the greatest gift possible and my life is securely in His hands. Jesus views earth from the vantage point of heaven and interprets the present by projecting Himself into the future and then looking back, as He shares these parables. We might do the same as we walk through this life. Keep looking upward and moving forward advancing towards the Kingdom of God. Once in awhile, look around at all that He has blessed us with (material things) and realize that one day it will all be gone as if it never even existed. Because one day, it will not exist. But we know that His love and His word, endures forever. Philippians 1:21 ¶ For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Only one life twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last. ¶ It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. Proverbs 25:2

Q4. (Luke 17:33-36) What does our passage teach about the separation and judgment that will occur when the Kingdom comes? The separation as I understand it is way different than what is taught here by pastor Ralph. What I believe is that in the day of Lot, who was taken out and who was judged? It certainly wasn’t Lot and his family. His wife who did not heed the warning was turned into a pillar of salt. The folks that died were the people who were living carelessly as if there were nothing to fear. The same happened in the day’s of Noah. Who was taken out were the people who did not believe Noah? It was the people that did not get on the boat. In a Psalm of David and honestly throughout the whole book, we see God taking out the evil, rather than taking out the good. Just for one instance, the scripture in Psalms 91 that makes me think differently is verse 7: A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. And just like in the days of the Exodus, all the people in Goshen were safe while the plagues hit those in Egypt. If we are to live on the earth for a thousand years, why would we leave and then come back? The Bible doesn’t teach a third coming of Jesus, so this all makes me think differently. There is another short passage that makes me think this way as well and it is this: Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: What this tells me is that everything that we wittness in the beginning (the time of Lot and the time of Noah) will be just like that in the end. like God spoke through this prophet, things are not done yet and what happened in the beginning, He has declared will be like this in the end. The end will be like the beginning. As I see time marching on, we as a peoples are getting farther and farther away from His laws and even denying that they are important. We live like there is no tomorrow and the truth is, there is an eternity awaiting those who keep His commandments. Re 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Re 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. How should this affect our lives? Well either way, we need to live as if today is our last day and be sharing the gospel right up to the end and live our lives accordingly to what we believe. Our testimony? Should be the lives that we live and the words that come from our mouth, to be the words that we are living, from the pages of scripture. Our love for our neighbors? This is something I am guilty of right here. I think we should all be praying for the opportunity to reach out to our neighbors with the gospel and the opportunity to lead them to Christ Jesus. I don’t do this all the time, but I have done this in the past. I forget that this should be an on going stretch of my faith.

Q3. (Luke 17:24-32) What indications does Jesus give in this passage that he will suddenly come in his Kingdom without further warning? Jesus said that like the days of Noah and like the days of Noah and like the days of Lot

Q2. (Luke 17:22-24) What do Jesus' words about lightning teach us about the nature of the coming of his Kingdom? ] The word lightning is astrape, pronounced as-trap-ay' meaning lightning; by analogy, glare:--lightning, bright shining. I don

Q1. (Luke 17:21) In what sense was the Kingdom of God present in the Person and ministry of Jesus? In what sense is the Kingdom of God present today? The purest Living Water was flowing in and out of their lives on a daily basis, much as He does today in our lives, in the form of the Holy Spirit. In their day, He was walking amongst them in the flesh. In our day, He lives inside of us, inside of the house of flesh, our Sukkah. Christ in us, the hope of glory. When you and I have the kingdom of Christ established in our heart, it is because Christ is formed in us. We have Christ