Commissioned

Q3. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-24; 21:12-14) What would have happened if Paul hadn't been sure of his instructions from the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem? If Paul was not sure of his instructions from the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem he may never had obeyed and many souls that wer won by His preaching of the gospel would not have heard his witness of Christ. Would you have tried to dissuade him? As the others did out of love and care for him, I may have done the same, They were not yet matured in the things of God. It's comforting to receive encouraging words. What level of maturity does it take to receive a direction that might lead us into hardship and danger? Our maturity in Christ would have to be where we fully trust that God is speaking to you and that you;re fully persuaded that He is directing your path. What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? When we chose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path we're manifesting distrust and not trust in God to take care of us.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:9a; Acts 18:9-10; 23:11; 27:24) How do you think it feels to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? I think the Apostle Paul felt closest to God having Him speak to him in times when he needed to hear from Him. What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? From the way God speaks to Paul we learn that since God is no respecter of persons, what He did for Paul He surely will do for me and you.

Q1. (1 Kings 17-19) Why do you think the author contrasts the “still small voice” to the wind, earthquake, and fire? I think the author contrasts the “still small voice” to the wind, earthquake, and fire to show the Omnipotent God could have chosen to use any of these spectacular background for His voice but He chose to use a still small voice. How does God’s voice comfort and renew Elijah? God's voice comfort and renewed Elijah because of the gentleness that God displayed. He was not harsh nor angry, but loving and kind; a God who is approachable. Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? It is easy to miss God when His voice is gentle and quiet because in our culture loudness is usually the sign of authority.

With the picture of God and the Lamb high and lifted up, and the train of his robe filling the temple (Isaiah 6:1), what significance does it have for us to “see his face”? To see His face will all be worth it all. Then we would have truly be in a place of holiness and truly have conquered and overcome. Our journey, coming to an end, would have been for His glory. What kind of intimacy and access does that imply? To be in the divine presence of God, seeing His face, would imply that all that God has told us concerning our future would have just begun to be realized. How can you begin to “sit at his feet” and “behold the glory of the Lord” now? (Luke 10:39; 2 Corinthians 3:18). To what degree are you currently doing this? Just to imagine sitting at His feet and beholding His glory is indescrible but to the degree that I spend time in the presence of the Lord now will prepare me for the time I will actually be seated before His throne, at His feet.

Day 23 Meditation (Revelation 22:1-2). What is the significance of the source of this healing stream? The source of this healing stream is significant because is our Heavenly Father and the Lamb. It flows from the giver of life. In what ways can “living waters” flow through you to bring healing to others? "Living waters" flowing from me can bring healing to others because I am merely a conduit of God to give life and healing to man.

Day 22 Meditation (Revelation 21:23-25). Why are we sometimes afraid of being fully exposed by God’s searching light? We are sometimes afraid of being fully exposed by God's searching light because we know that nothing is hid from God. All activities and even the very thoughts of man are exposed to God. In what sense do you think John is telling us that the New Jerusalem’s light is the Lamb? John is telling us that the New Jerusalem's light is the Lamb and there will be no need for the light of sun or moon because with the Lamb, who is light, there will be no need for any other light. In what ways do you need the Lamb to bring his light to some of your dark places? I need the Lamb's light continuously shining on my dark places so that I can be aware of sin and iniquities. Sometimes we need to be reminded of or be aware of actions that are not pleasing to God.

Day 21 Meditation (Revelation 21:22). How did the Tabernacle in the Wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem create barriers between the people and a holy God? The Tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem create barriers between the people and a holy God by requiring certain conditions before one was allowed to present themself to God. On the cross, the sacrifical Lamb did away with all of that. We can now go boldly before our Holy God. How can our traditional forms of Christian worship keep us from full intimacy with God? Our traditional forms of Christian worship keep us from full intimacy with God by the requirements of denominations and church rules. In what sense do we understand that the “temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb”? We understand that the "temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb" because there will be nothing between us and God. There is no temple any longer -- no need for separations of holiness -- for he has made us all holy before him.

Day 20 Meditation (Revelation 21:14). The 12 Apostles of the Lamb became the foundation of the New Jerusalem. How has your life, your example, and your testimony been built into the foundations of the lives of your family and community? Jesus commissioned the Apostles to go into the entire world and preach the gospel. By my testimony and sharing the Word of God, I too am building a foundation for my family and the community. In what sense do you see yourself as an Ambassador of the Lamb? I see myself as an ambassador of the Lamb sent with a mission to spread the good news of the gospel to a world that is in need of a Savior.

Day 19 Meditation (Revelation 21:9-10). Why do you think the New Jerusalem is compared to a Bride adorned for her wedding. I think the New Jerusalem is compared to a Bride adorned for her wedding because as a Bride goes through a period of preparation for her wedding day, and is pure awaiting her marriage, so is the New Jerusalem, now in preparation of purity and full of righteousness also for the marriage of the Son and His Bride. What is the significance of the Bride descending down to earth? The significance of the Bride descending to earth is that she is coming from a place of holiness, untainted by the filth of this world. What might be God’s plan for this New Earth that has been cleansed by fire and recreated? This New Earth, cleansed by fire and recreated might be a sanctuary, a placewhere the saints gather and fellowship.

Day 18 Meditation (Revelation 20:12). What do the records contain that are opened before the throne of God on Judgment Day? The Books that are opened before the throne of God on Judgment Day contain all our deeds done in this life. How do they differ from the Lamb’s Book of Life? The differ from the Lamb's Book of Life in that they contain all of the activities of those whose names are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life, those who ill be citizens of the New Jerusalem. How is it “fair” that we escape judgment by having our names written there, even though we have committed many sins? It is fair that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life even though we have committed sins because our Omniscient Heavenly Father, as the Alpha and Omega, knew that at the end of time those who would repent of sins and accept Jesus Christ as Savior. Who paid the price to make it “fair” and just? Jesus Christ, the sacrifical Lamb made it "fair" and just for us to have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life when He died on the cross. He died in our place so that we would have eternal life.

Day 17 Meditation (Revelation 19:6-9). If now we are “betrothed” to the Lamb (to use this analogy), why is the “marriage” delayed until the End of Time? The "marriage" is delayed until the End of Time as it will signal the final defeat of Satan, as the Bridegroom comes for the Bride. What does the state of being married imply that betrothal does not? The state of being married implies a final union of the bride and the groom. Betrothal is a period following the promise to make a bride a wife, and it is a time of preparation for the grand event. In what sense will that be realized in the New Jerusalem? It will be realized in the New Jerusalem as the Bridegroom presents His Bride to the Father at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Day 16 Meditation (Revelation 17:14). What has to change in our thinking in order for us to see the Lamb as a victorious Warrior? To see the Lamb as a victorious Warrior, our thinking will have to be on the side of righteousness. In what ways are you called upon to serve the Lamb in skirmishes with evil in your life and community? In this present world I am called to wage the good war against the schemes of the Devil as I am enabled by the Holy Spirit of God. Victory is ours because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Are you aggressive like the Conquering Lamb, or do you shy away from conflict with the enemy? As I am empowered by the Holy Spirit I can face the battle against the enemy to bring glory to God.

Day 15 Meditation (Revelation 15:2-4). In what way is the Song of the Lamb like the Song of Moses that was sung after crossing the Red Sea? The Song of the Lamb is like the Song of Moses, sung after crossing the Red Sea were both celebrating the mighty acts of a Sovereign God. Why do you think the sound of voices accompanied by instruments is pleasing to God? I think the sound of voices accompanied by instruments is pleasing to God because they, with exuberance, sang praises to God for His victorious acts over the defeated enemies. God is pleased when His children worship Him with praises and in thanksgiving. What will it take for all nations to come to the Lamb in our own day? All nations will come to the Lamb, in our own day, following the evangelization of the whole world when the Gospel is proclaimed in all nations.

Day 14 Meditation (Revelation 14:4-5). If you take this verse symbolically, in what sense are the 144,000 described as virgins? As virgins because they have not defiled themselves with women.. Truth-tellers? The blood-washed servants of God speaks the truth. They do not tell lies. Blameless? Their testimony of right-living; having been redeemed, living undefiled, and speaking truth characterize them as blameless. Redeemed? The have accepted Christ and have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb. In your life, what would it mean if you were to “follow the Lamb wherever he goes”? To follow the Lamb wherever He goes means to have an ear opened to His leading. Where He leads me I will follow. What might have to change if you made this pledge? Total submission and walking with my Savior in humility.

Day 13 Meditation (Revelation 14:1). What is the significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion? The significance of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, for me, it says that wherever the Lamb stands I will be with Him, as a blood washed, in the presence of God. Who are these 144,000 people with him? The 144,000 people with the Lamb are those who have been purchased by the blood of the Lamb, the saints of God. What is the significance of the Lamb’s and the Father’s names written on their foreheads? The significance of the Lamb's and the Father's names written of the foreheads is the seal that distinguishes God's children. The seal will show God's ownership and those with the seal will be protected from any plagues, disease or harm.

Day 12 Meditation (Revelation 13:7-8). What is the significance that a person’s name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life? There is great significance that a person's name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life. The Book of Revelation describes the great separation between those whose names are written in the Book of Life and those who aren't. In the last days, authority would be given to the Antichrist to persecute the population on the earth, this includes the Believers who will be among them. Everyone will be instructed to worship the Antichrist, those whose names are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life will not worship it and will be persecuted. But the Antichrist's authority doesn't extend to the souls of the believers or martyrs. They are protected and will reign with Christ. Amen! When is that name written, according to Revelation 13:7-8? The names were written in the Lamb's Book of Life, according to Revelation 13:7-8, before the foundation of the world. John wrote these words to encourage the persecuted church. How do these words reassure you? Even as John wrote these words to encourage the persecuted church, the church must be well grounded in the Word of God and cultivate and maintain a strong relationship with God so that in the times of persecution they will stand.

Day 11 Meditation (Revelation 12:11). How does the blood of the Lamb enable us to conquer Satan? The blood of the Lamb enables us to conquer Satan, Jesus shed His blood for our sins and on the cross He sealed it by saying, "It is finished." What was finished was the shed blood of the ultimate sacrificial lamb for the sins of the whole world. Jesus conquered Satan and passed on to us the opportunity for, the gift of eternal life. We are saved by trusting that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior we are saved by His shed blood. We too, conquer Satan. How does the word of our testimony show victory over Satan? The word of our testimony show victory over Satan as we are witnesses of the goodness of God. It was God's design for our salvation. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, bringing us salvation and eternal life. We conquer Satan by our testimony. Why is it necessary to “take up our cross daily” in order to conquer? It is necessary to "take upour cross daily" in order to conquer because it gives us overcoming power. When we "take up our cross" we are strengthen and embolden in the face of temptation and come out victorious.

Day 10 Meditation (Revelation 7:15-17). In what way does the Lamb seek to guide you as a Shepherd? The Lamb seeks to guide us as a Shepherd in protecting, providing and sheltering us from harm and danger. What will this require of you? This requires me to submit to His sovereignty. To rest in the knowledge that He will and has my best interest at heart. His best for me is greater than I can ever imagine. What do the “springs of living water” represent in your life? The "springs of living water" represents a place of spiritual refreshing, a place of spiritual strengthening, a place that addresses any and all spiritual need. It is like the hospital's intravenouse fluid drips that delivers formulas that are specifically blended to address the specific health need of the patient. Have you exhausted these springs yet – or even really found them? Yes, I've had ocassion to seek out and found, springs of living water. No, I have not exhausted these springs and I do not believe that God would remove "springs of living water" so that I am left without. What tears do you need wiped away from your eyes? Two of the times that I need to wipe away tears from my eyes are tears of grieving, and tears of contrition when I am before God in prayer.

Day 9 Meditation (Revelation 7:13-14). Why do you think this image is so jarring – being made white by washing in blood? I think this image is so jarring - being made white by washing in blood because in the natural we know that blood by itself, on a material will cause a stain. This image of blood cleansing and making white is not a norm it can only be supernatural. What are we supposed to see in this? In this we are supposed to see the omnipotence of the blood of Jesus that was shed for the cleasing of our sin stained soul. Only the power of the blood of Jesus can remove the stain of sin and make us righteous. Why do you think this imagery is embarrassing to some? The imagery is embarrassing to some who may associate the sheding of blood as nothing but barbaric and cannot see it resulting in anything good.

Day 8 Meditation (Revelation 7:9-12). Why do you think worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation? Worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation because it is the crown jewel of the saints, the culmination of our journey before we enter into eternity. It is worship in gratitude. What are the implications of this band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority peoples in our own cities and countries? The implications of the band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority people in our own cities and countries show us that in Heaven, before the throne of God, we are all equal. With God all are equal in status, there is no minority. How dare we no longer act? How must we act towards these who are different, but very much the same as we? It would be good practice to begin what we will be living for all eternity, accepting each other as God accepts us all.

Day 8 Meditation (Revelation 7:9-12). Why do you think worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation? Worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation because it is the crown jewel of the saints, the culmination of our journey before we enter into eternity. It is worship in gratitude. What are the implications of this band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority peoples in our own cities and countries? The implications of the band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority people in our own cities and countries show us that in Heaven, before the throne of God, we are all equal. With God all are equal in status, there is no minority. How dare we no longer act? How must we act towards these who are different, but very much the same as we? It would be good practice to begin what we will be living for all eternity, accepting each other as God accepts us all.

Day 8 Meditation (Revelation 7:9-12). Why do you think worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation? Worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation because it is the crown jewel of the saints, the culmination of our journey before we enter into eternity. It is worship in gratitude. What are the implications of this band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority peoples in our own cities and countries? The implications of the band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority people in our own cities and countries show us that in Heaven, before the throne of God, we are all equal. With God all are equal in status, there is no minority. How dare we no longer act? How must we act towards these who are different, but very much the same as we? It would be good practice to begin what we will be living for all eternity, accepting each other as God accepts us all.

Day 7 Meditation (Revelation 6:15-17; 14:9-11). What is the purpose of the punishment meted out by the Lamb? Retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence? The purpose of the punishment meted out by the Lamb is an extension of His attribute as a just God. He can do no less than to punish for sin. At the final judgment a just God cannot mete out an opportunity for retribution, rehabilitation or determent; no, it will be time for justice. Why is having a Lamb (Jesus) exacting justice more troubling to us than the idea of Almighty God acting justly? At judgment the Lamb will exact justice because it will be time for the consequences of disobedience (sin). The Almighty God will, at judgment, show Himself to be just, as the full measure of the penalty of sin is meted out to those who disregarded conscience, instruction, teaching and preaching to do things the way they wanted. How important to a rounded understanding of Christ is the Messiah of judgment? In understanding Christ and the Messiah of Judgment, it is important for us to appreciate the love that the Father and the Lamb have for man is so strong and it is not the will of God that any should perish at judgement. All man have been given the opportunity to accept Jesus as the Son of God and repent of their sins. The Apostle Peter reminds us, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." (2 Peter 3:9, NLT). The Christ who gave His life, so that we can have eternal life will be the Messiah of Judgment.

Day 6 Meditation (Revelation 5:11-14). Why don’t you allow God to stretch you today by offering loud shouts of praise, praise that enumerates the Lamb’s attributes and worthiness. And as you speak these things, meditate on what you are saying. Have you done this yet today? Have done so and will take time out for the next few minutes to worship while asking to be stretched.