Commissioned
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Q2. Why do you think God’s glory is associated with judgment and consuming fire? What happens when people willfully disobey God and his laws? Why can’t God’s holiness coexist with sin?
God’s glory is associated with judgment and consuming fire because it comes to make holy the thing upon which it settles (consumes). When the presence of God is feld there is an immediate acknowledgement of judgement. Inherent in all human is the knowledge of right and wrong. If one is in a state of righteousness and the glory of God appears, they enter into a euphoric state and they enjoy His presence. On the other hand when a person is in a state of sin, darkness; the glory of God brings conviction to the heart of the individual and the sin is judged with the consuming fire of God.
When people willfully disobey God and his laws they remove themselves from under the pure light of God's holiness and enters into the dark world of Satan's sinful nature.
God’s holiness is pure light, sin is associated with darkness both cannot.
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Q1. Describe the difference between (1) reputation glory, (2) derived glory, and (3) inherent glory. Which glory is involved when you praise God? Which glory is within you?
(1) reputation glory - this is glory attributed to a person due to their reputation of great acheivements
(2) derived glory - this is glory one possess by spending time in the presence of God
(3) inherent glory - this is glory that is attributed to God for who He is. His characteristics is His inherent glory.
When I praise God, all three glory is involved.
Derived glory is within as I am in the presence of God perpetually.
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Q1. (2Peter 1:1) What does "received a faith as precious as ours" mean in this verse? How does our faith compare to St. Peter's faith? Is our faith equal to his? Why or why not? How do you explain the discrepancy?
There is no discrepancy. The faith that God gave to us is the same as He gave to the Apostle Peter. Peter compared our faith to be equivalent to his faith, if there is a difference it is in the exercising f the faith.
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On 4/24/2004 at 10:49 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (5:7) According to this verse what should you do with your fears? What reason is given why you should do this? In what manner should you do it. How will you apply this verse's instruction in your own life?
According to this verse we should cast our fears on our Savior. The Apostle told us that we should do this because our Savior cares for us and will bear our burdens. In humility and in an attitude of faith we present our anxiety to the Lord. This verse should be a reminder to us in our every day trials of life. When we are bombarded and feel all hope fading, then we should feel strong because our Savior will bear the burden that we cast upon him.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:14 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (5:5-6) What acts of humility are appropriate for church leaders? How can we discern a person's humility before putting him or her in a place of leadership in the church? What happens when we fail to do this?
Acts of humility that are appropriate for church leaders presents them as the under-shepherd who do not lord their position over the flock. We can discern a person's humility before putting him or her in a place of leadership in the church by observing them over a period of time in different settings and under various circumstances. When we fail to discern a leader's humility we may find them failing in the position.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:13 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (5:3) How can we best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers? From limiting a pastor's authority? What's the danger here? From testing a person before bestowing authority? How can this be difficult? How can we deal with this serious problem properly?
We can best keep elders and pastors from being power-mongers by Paying the enough to live on as they serve the congregation. The pastor will serve well if their need for taking care of him/herself and their family well. Adequate remuneration takes away the problem of having to find coverage for financial obligations, A pastor who administers the affairs of the church with a serving board of elders/deacons will share in he responsibility of the church. The authority for making decisions is not rested 100% with one person, Candidates for positions in the church should be interviewed thoroughly, asking those questions that will determine best quality.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:12 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (5:2) What's wrong with the common practice in churches of "twisting a person's arm" to get him or her to serve as a church leader. What damage does this do to the church? What kind of leader does it produce?
When a person does not feel that the will of God is for them to take a position they should not be forced to do so. Forcing a person to hold a position causes them to possible, miss the plan of God for their life. They continue to work in the position giving mediocre service.
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On 4/18/2004 at 0:12 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (5:1-2) What do you learn about the responsibilities of an elder from the definitions of "elder," "pastor," and "overseer"? What stood out to you as you considered these words?
The responsibilities of an elder from the definitions of "elder," "pastor," and "overseer" are to be a spiritual support for members of his/her congregation. Support may come in he form of a counselor, a teacher, friend, they are there when the Pastor is not available to be with a parishioner in times of birth and death. As I consider the definitions given I am amazed that I don't see this in Elders.
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On 4/9/2004 at 2:18 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. Why is a willingness to die, if need be, essential to healthy Christianity during persecution. What happens when we aren't willing to die, when we are afraid to "take up our cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus? What does this have to do with "commiting ourselves to a faithful Creator"?
A willingness to die, if need be, is essential to healthy Christianity during persecution because it is a witness to Christ and we are divorced from the world. When we aren't willing to die, when we are afraid to "take up our cross daily" (Luke 9:23) and follow Jesus, we are not in the will of God, we have not fully put our trust in God. To face persecution on this level means that we have fully committed ourselves to Him, to a faithful Creator"?
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On 4/9/2004 at 2:18 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (4:14) If we are never persecuted, what does that say about how people view us? In what way should persecution make us happy?
If we are never persecuted, it says that that they do not see Christ in us. They see us as one of them. We are blessed, happy when we are persecuted as the prophets of old were, and they see Christ is you.
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On 4/9/2004 at 2:17 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (4:13) When you meditate on the idea of partaking of or being a sharer in Christ's sufferings, what perspective does it give you on whatever persecution you may experience?
I understand that if they did it to Our Savior they will do the same to me. "Then he said to the disciples, "Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me." (Luke 10:16)
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On 4/9/2004 at 2:16 AM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q1. (4:12) What's the danger of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ? Have you ever been distracted by persecution from what you should have been doing? Have you ever observed this in other Christians?
The danger of trying to avoid persecution and suffering for Christ is that we deny Him. We no longer identify with the Lamb who gave His life for us. Distracted by persecution from what I should have been doing came in the form of denial of presenting truth to families (mothers, fathers and children) on Christian living. Other Christians have been denied the opportunity of teaching the good news to the lost.
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On 3/27/2004 at 10:44 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q4. (4:10-11) If people are always promoting themselves and pointing to how God is using them, what does that say about them? Their sense of self-worth? Their maturity? Their realism? Their humility? What spiritual gifts has God given you, and how are you using them to his glory?
People who are always promoting themselves and pointing to how God is using them are pointing people to themselves and not to the God who gives the gifts, They are self-serving, immature in their faith and spiritual journey, filled with pride and they see themselves are possessing power that truly comes from God. God has given to me the gift of teaching and I truly do so by His pow and with the grace He gives to glorify Him.
"So that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (4:11b)
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On 3/27/2004 at 10:43 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q3. (4:5-7) Why don't non-Christians like the idea of giving an account of their actions? Why don't we Christians like it? What should the realization that we must give an account of our actions inspire in us? With what attitude should we live as a result?
Non-Christians do not like the idea of giving an account of their actions because even though they may know that they are wrong, they want to feel that they are in charge of their actions without having to answer for it. We Christians don't like it because of he guilt it brings. The realization that we must give an account of our actions should inspire in us a desire to live holy lives. We should live with the attitude that we are not of this world, only passing through.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Rom. 12:2
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On 3/27/2004 at 10:42 PM, Pastor Ralph said:
Q2. (4:3-4) Why do non-Christians try to get you to sin with them. Why are we tempted to do so? How can we resist this temptation?
Non Christians try to get you to sin with them because they fail to want to know that you are in agreement with what they are doing, with their lifestyle. Sometimes Christians are tempted to do so when they want to be seen as one of the crowd, not wanting to appear different. We can resist this temptation by living in the Spirit.
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited,
provoking and envying one another." (Gal. 5:24-26)
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Q1. (4:1-2) When the scripture says "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ had, how should this attitude help keep you from sin? What attitude are we talking about?
When the scripture says "arm yourselves with the same attitude" as Christ had it tells us that we are to live this life with the desires of the flesh but rather we should live fr the will of God. The attitude will keep us from sin when we are buried in Christ through His Holy Word. Our attitude should be holiness.
"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God." (4:1-2)
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Q4. (3:20-21) Various Christian traditions have different practices of baptism -- the mode (sprinkling, pouring, immersion) and the age (infant vs. an age when a person can profess his or her own faith). Let's not argue about that in this forum. Let me ask you the crucial question for you -- Have you pledged your faith in Jesus Christ and promised to serve him as his disciple? How does this pledge relate to your own baptism? (Remember, no criticism of another's understanding of baptism in the forum. No fighting. No setting people straight -- seriously!)
I have pledged my faith in Jesus Christ and promised to serve Him as His disciple. As a public declaration of being buried with Christ I was baptized by immersion in water. Thank you Lord!
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Q3. (3:18a) Meditate for a few minutes on this verse: "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." Now personalize it to imagine (1) your sins, (2) your unrighteousness, and (3) your reconciliation with God. Each of these ideas is awesome! Which of these three aspects of the verse has God impressed most strongly on you today? Select one of the three and share it.
God has impressed most strongly upon me as I read this verse, the phrase "once for all." So often we come to Christ in repentance again and again recalling all past sins, instead of coming to Christ with a repentant heart, believing that Jesus is the Son of God died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. As we come to Christ we should come thanking Him for dying in our stead for the forgiveness of sins ONCE. PRAISE GOD!
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Q2. (3:15-16) Why is it so hard for us to be a witness when we're persecuted? Why is it easy in tough places to be the wrong kind of witness? Which one of Peter's four instructions do you find most needed in your particular situation?
It is so hard for us to be a witness when we're persecuted because so often we focus on the pain we're experiencing and not the strength God is giving us to forbear. It is easy in tough places to be the wrong kind of witness when we are not mindful of the fact that we have the Spirit within to empower and to guide us in all things. Of Peter's four instructions I find most needed in my particular situation, to "Focus on Christ rather than your fears". I agree with Dr. Wilson that this is vital. Just this morning I was also reminded that fear propels illness. But on the other hand the good fear, the fear of the Lord will bring the focus on Christ and drive away all fears.
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Q1. (3:8-9) Which of the qualities Peter mentions in 3:8-9 are most evident in your congregation? Which are most needed? What can you and your friends do to change the relational climate at your Church so it is more Christ-like?
The quality most evident in my church is being affectionate as brothers and sisters. The most needed is humility, which is, sadly, missing from many congregations. As brothers and sisters we must encourage each other to do these things that honors Christ and harmonize the fellowship.
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Q5. (3:7) How can treating one's wife wrongly hinder a husband's prayers? How can treating a husband wrongly hinder a wife's prayers?
For both the husband and the wife, their prayers are hindered because God is listening to prayers offered from a pure and loving heart.
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Q4. (3:7) Why should a husband relate to his wife with knowledge and wisdom? In what way does this demonstrate love? In what way does this demonstrate self-interest? Why do men sometimes try to dominate their wives? Why do wives sometimes try to dominate their husbands? What harm does this do? How is domination of another person contrary to God's nature?
A husband should relate to his wife with knowledge and wisdom so that nothing hinders his prayers, his communion with God. This demonstrates love because it give honor not only to the wife but also to God. This demonstrates self-interest because the husband should see his wife as one with him. Men and women sometimes try to dominate each other because of erroneous teachings and poor social upbringing that is a part of the old adam and not yet crucified. In any relationship this will be harmful because it shows a disrespect and is contrary to God's nature because He tells us to submit to each other.
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Q3. (3:4-6) How does a person cultivate inner beauty? How does one gain character? Why is true character so important and precious to God? How can character help a Christian woman win and hang onto her husband?
A person cultivate inner beauty having a pure heart. Character is gain from a pure heart, out of which flow the very thoughts of a man. True character is important and precious to God because it come out of faith in God; without which we cannot see His face. Character help a Christian woman win and hang onto her husband when she is doing what is upright and lives in good relations with her husband.
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Q2. (3:3) Why should women try to look their best? How can trying to look their best divert women from what is more important? What is the balance?
Women should try to look their best because they are showing appreciation for God's gift to them; showing forth God's glory. Trying to look their best can divert women from what is more important when they forsake the things of God to labor on outer beauty. A women should give due diligence to show forth the glory of God in all she does.
Q3. Spiritual Hunger
in 1. The Glorious Kingdom in the Sinai Desert
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Moses hunger to see God’s glory because He wanted concrete confirmation of His presence. He hungered for a deeper relationship with God.
Paul pressed on to gain the reward of the faithful.
In myself the spiritual hunger that I see is wanting to experience more of God's divine supernatural power in my life, the lives of my family members, friends and acquaintances.
This hunger is increased the more I seek God for favor and grace.
I can satisfy this hunger as I rest in God's amazing love.