Gerbrand van Schalkwyk

Yes. I went from South Africa to Zambia, mostly from a reformed back ground to a Pentecost country. I learned a far more interesting way to serve God, yet kept the fear of the Lord from the reformed background. From Zambia I went to Congo, a serve yourself and corrupt nation in every level. I realised I am completely in an unacceptable situation and went back to Zambia after 2 months

What is the significance of the presence and position of the grave clothes in the tomb? As mentioned it pointed to Jesus not being removed by somebody or that He recovered from a coma. What is more, the face cloth is specifically mentioned as being separate. and that it was rolled up. This pointed the way rich people handled face cloths. When they ate, the servants would wait behind the master to serve his every need. If the master was called away and he threw his napkin down, he signalled the servant that he was finished - clean up. If he folded or rolled the napkin he signalled, wait for me, i am not done, i am coming back.again. Jesus, The Master told us the servants, wait for Me, I am not done, I Am coming back again. Why do you think it was difficult at this time for Peter to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? This miracle is outside normal thinking, i would have probably missed it as well. He knew Jesus died and was buried. Jesus Who did the miracles was not there to do the miracles anymore. Who was going to do the miracle? Yet we have to live not as in the world but as in the Kingdom of God. In the Kingdom All Things Are Possible

(John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:14-18) In what ways did Jesus fulfill Psalm 22:14-18? What does the Psalms passage tell us about how Jesus felt on the cross? This is a beautiful Ps to predict the death of Christ, followed by Ps 23 and 24 to show us why Jesus was willing to go through such a death. 14 I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. Vs 14 shows the pain Jesus went through. 15 My strength is dried up like broken pottery; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth, and you have brought me down to the dust of death. Jesus gave us His all on the cross. Also His strength. He is dehydrated and weak and humiliated 16 For dogs have surrounded me; a gang of those who practice of evil has encircled me. They gouged my hands and my feet. We are humans are responsible for this. 17 I can count all my bones. They look at me; they stare at me. He feels pain throughout His body 18 They divide my clothing among themselves; they cast lots for my clothing! This they Did. Many of the previous verses also point to Christ, as well as the following. A few earlier verses 6 But as for me, I am only a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by people. Points to the humiliation of Christ. The worm also points to the worms that were used to die cloth red, as for the tabernacle, pointing to the Blood shed by Jesus for us 7 Everyone who sees me mocks me; they gape at me with open mouths and shake their heads at me. As they did 8 They say, “Commit yourself to the LORD; perhaps the LORD will deliver him, perhaps he will cause him to escape, since he delights in him.” As they did

If the average person were to define the words “eternal life,” what would they say? They talk of an eternal conscious existence. Does Jesus define eternal life in terms of duration of time? Yes. He talks about eternal. In theory it is a time period. What is the key element of his definition? That there will be life. The Holy Spirit is Life. God the Father is Life and all of us received I've real life through Christ How are you doing at present in Jesus’ definition of eternal life. Growing all the time

What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? We received the Holy Spirit,.just as the 12did. This means that although we can't speak to Jesus as a person we can see, we have God within us. A far bigger benefit. Jesus is not telling us here and there what to do, His Spirit is guiding us from within!!!! We also now have the Power of God within us!!!! What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? We receive the Power of God within us. The same Power that was with Jesus!!!! That is why He said we can do greater things, we only need faith

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? It is a natural reaction to oppose something that is different from your beliefs or different from yourself. That is where racism comes from. The world doesn't understand the Kingdom and it is different, thus it will want to wipe it out. On the other hand, God forms Christians through hardships. Thus God allows us to go through difficult times to improve our character and strengthen our testimonies. He also gives us opportunity to witness to unbelievers What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? They don't understand it and it points out weaknesses in their lives Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? So that they know it is God's will What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? We will not experience God's Power, thus we will not grow and our testimony dies as well. What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? We act through a higher Authority Do they see us as weak or as strong? Can be both They will either see Christ and be saved, or they will think we are stupid and weak

Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? One part of the answer is that the world will hate us, just as there verses say, a more important part is that because it is good for us. Through persecutions and troubles we are sanctified. We are made holy, our character is made stronger and better so that we can lead more and more people to Christ. We are formed to become more like Christ and let His light shine, to be the salt of the earth. What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong?

Is it intolerant to believe that no one comes to God except through Jesus? No. God is sovereign and He is our Creator. He determined that Jesus is the way, and Jesus paid the price, thus we are double His. We can't instruct our Creator what we want Him to be and what He should instruct us to do. We must play the game according to His rules. How does Jesus' death and resurrection atone for the sins of the Old Testament saints? He took all sins on.Themselves. Why are some Christians uncomfortable with the statement that "No one comes to the Father but by me"? Rebellion and pride.

In what sense is Jesus the Way to God? Jesus died for our sins, as ling as we are full of sin we are still dead - in darkness. Because of Jesus our sins are forgiven and we receive mercy. Because of Jesus we know the way to the Kingdom of God and eternal life. The only way to God the Father is through Christ because He paid the price. receive the Holy Spirit, also known as the Spirit of Christ, Who gives us life, because we went into His grave to be born again. What does it mean to “follow Jesus”? Follow His teaching and examples. Following His commandments Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In what sense is Jesus in himself God’s Truth? John 1 tells us clearly Jesus is the Word of God. God's Word is true. Therefore Jesus is true All Jesus' teachings are from God the Father, God is fully righteous, therefore all His teaching is true as well. All Jesus' actions are in obedience to God the Father, thus His actions are true as well. What are the implications of this for us and our world? We know the way to eternal life. We know where to receive truth. We know how to be saved from ourselves. In what sense is Jesus God’s Life? The Holy Spirit is life and is the Spirit of Christ. How does this affect us and those we speak to about him? We have to speak as we are guided by the Holy Spirit. We must live in obedience, not from our own ideas but on obedience to God

Jesus seems to speak to Peter in symbolic language here. In what sense does a "full bath" represent baptism? A full bath clean the whole body. Baptism represent our 1st sin being forgiven. All our dirty sins are washed away. It is the same as with Aaron.and his sons whose 1st cleaning included their whole bodies. If this is so, then what kind of needed cleansing does "footwashing" symbolize? Removal of new dust. Again the same as Aaron and his sons (Ex30). They had to wash their hands and feet after the initial cleaning. We sin with our hands and trespass with our feet. We just have to remove new dirt -sin

In what way can judging people get in the way of saving them? In Math 7 the 1st 4 verses say don't.judge others before.the 5 th.verse say how to correct others. This is a good.indication of how.we.are to.do.judgements. We can't allow somebody to.wallow in sin, but we have to be careful on how.we correct How did Jesus deal with this in his own ministry? The lady who.was caught in adultery was a very good.example. After Jesus didn't condemned her hHe told her go and.sin no more What will it take for us to lose our stiffness and judgmental demeanor so that we might be able to be Jesus' agents of salvation? Humbleness. Patience. Obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit

When we are quiet about our relationship to God out of fear that people will criticize us, what does this say about our priorities? Often it points to us not being out of the world.completely, although sometimes it is better to be quiet. Jesus said don't.fed.pearls to.swine and wipe the dust from your feet. Jesus often walked.away instead.of meeting confrontation. But in general it shows.that what people think is more important to us than what God sees in us. About whether we are true disciples? It depends on the situation but in most.cases more.sanctification is needed. When Peter denied knowing Jesus in the High Priest's courtyard, what was the effect in his life? He cried bitterly, and later is.seems he lost.faith.when he.went.back to fishing

When we are quiet about our relationship to God out of fear that people will criticize us, what does this say about our priorities? Often it points to us not being out of the world.completely, although sometimes it is better to be quiet. Jesus said don't.fed.pearls to.swine and wipe the dust from your feet. Jesus often walked.away instead.of meeting confrontation. But in general it shows.that what people think is more important to us than what God sees in us. About whether we are true disciples? It depends on the situation but in most.cases more.sanctification is needed. When Peter denied knowing Jesus in the High Priest's courtyard, what was the effect in his life? He cried bitterly, and later is.seems he lost.faith.when he.went.back to fishing

In what way does declaring truth to resistant people harden them further? Most of the time people don't want to be taught and definitely not corrected. By declaring the truth they feel they have to prove you wrong. Thus they look for reasons to not accept the truth How can a person (or a Pharisee) see a miracle and become even more determined to resist Jesus? It is clear that false prophets can also do miracles. Thus it Ian easy to find fault. How do you understand this paradox? We are chosen. It is God's will whether He helps us u.understand or not.

What does Jesus mean when he talks about being "lifted up." As per the teaching it can mean 3 things . To be lifted on the cross, to be raised from the grave and to accent to heaven. I think it also points to Jesus being glorified and raised to 2nd in command for the whole universe. Do you think Jesus means being "lifted up" literally or figuratively or both? Both as discussed Above.

In what way is verse 25 the essence of what it means to be a disciple? I have to let go ofbmy desires, of my will, of my control and trust Him to lead me completely. When He leads me in to the valley of death i have to trust Him because where He is, is life -even in the valley of death. As a disciple have to die to myself n order to really love. In this verse, what does it mean to "love" your life? Love your own desires and will What does it mean to "hate" your life? Tovfeel ashamed of whole are without Christ. To hate my sinful desires, will, scheming, trickery, hatefulness and so on How did Jesus live this out in the Garden of Gethsemane? He laid down His life so that all may have eternal life

How can God's glory be revealed even in death? Because Jesus died and rose again, He tried His Power over all. We read heavens streets are paved with gold, it is a metaphor to show us the degree of increase we will have in heaven. Jesus now sits at rhetorically right Hand of God and rule over that Kingdom as well, we are now part of His Kingdom. Because Jesus died there are now believers all over the world, His seed truly produced many seeds!!! How does the seed illustrate this? A single seed grows into a plant- it transforms- and produces many more seeds How does Jesus' death illustrate this? Jesus died and changed for the better, and because He died we all received the Holy Spirit and we are all changed to product new seed. How does us dying to our old life illustrate this? we become new beings that again produce new seeds

What about the people’s praise show they believed Jesus to be the Messiah? The use of palm branches and the shouting of Hosanna On this occasion, why doesn’t Jesus shun such an open declaration that he is the Messiah, as he has in the past? He knew it was the appropriate time. He was as always obedient to the Father. He now had to fulfill His purpose

Q6. (John 11:54) Why did Jesus withdraw to Ephraim? He did the will of the Father. It was His Fathers will for Him to be away from the Jewish leaders Does this show fear? No. Anybody who understand eternal liar never fears!!! What does this teach us about strategic retreat? As long as we are within the will of the Father we are safe. Sometimes it is the will of God that we move away from a prob

Q4. (John 10:27-30) In the world of shepherds, who would try to "snatch" a sheep? Wolf, lions or other predators. Thieves. Who would try to "snatch" a Christian if he could? The "roaring lion who prowl", the father of lies, Satan. What promise of absolute security are we given? We are protected and will receive eternal live How does that assure you? What a great prospect. Praising Christ eternity

Q3. (John 10:11-15) How does a "good shepherd" differ from what a hired shepherd would do in time of danger? A Good Shepherd truly protects, a hired hand doesn't care. In time of danger the Good Shepherd will stand and protect, the hired hand would run and protect his own life In what way did Jesus the Good Shepherd "lay down his life for the sheep"? He died for all of us, and then rose again. HALELUJAH

Q2. (John 10:10) What would an "abundant life" look like if you were a sheep with a really good shepherd? You would have more than enough food, water, shelter, protection and care in all situations. You would be cared for when you are sick and you would be prevented from injuring yourself. Just as the Good Shepherd is doing for us. In what ways is the Christian life to be an "abundant" life? We would be blessed with Kingdom blessing, love, life, joy, happiness, salvation, sanctification, grace, mercy, guidance, teaching, health, and much much more. How does this abundance relate to persecutions and hardships that come to us as Christians. Sanctification often goes with pain. Being prune is good for us, it builds character, faith, and our understanding of Who God is and who we are in Christ. Can the life of a unbeliever be more "abundant," free, and fun? No. It might seem like, but they are burdened as slaves of sin. They are never truly free and never not slaves of Satan. It takes a walk with Christ to experience true freedom

Q1. (John 10:3-4) What does it mean that Jesus' sheep "know his voice"? As children of God and followers of Christ we must recognize to call of the Spirit of Christ, His guidance, His teaching and therefore His Voice. How can you discern his voice from your own thoughts and the expectations of others? This can be very tricky. often we can deceive ourselves because we want our desires to line up with God's will. I have gone of on a wrong track because i thought my will was the same as God's. And its easy yo say "see, i am helping the poor and working hard" But if you didn't get an instruction by God to do it, you are doing stuff to sooth yourself or to try to gain credit with God with your own works and not by being obedient. Be sure and seek His will 1st before you act

More verses to show God made Pharaoh's heart hard when Pharoah pride didn't do it Ex10:27 Ex 9:12 + 11:10 It is clear that Pharaoh sin and pride sometimes make his heart hard, but other times God did it. Often i wonder how people can continue in sin if God is so obviously there. People like Hitler must have known they were wrong, yet because of Hitler the Jews now have a country again. I can only wonder how much of those was in God's planning. He is afterall still always in control

Q4. (John 9:39-41) Were the Pharisees responsible for their hard hearts and spiritual blindness?Yes. They all had the evidence get they decided not to see. According to 2 Corinthians 4:4, what causes spiritual blindness? The obvious answer is Satan. The godof this world is Satan. Yet our way of living is a way to worship different gods of the world. Taking offence, pride, worshipping sport/ music / movie "idols" or any other man achievement points toward Baal. Astherah is worshipped through ****, free sex, infidelity, women dressing prerogativly and.so much.more Dagon is worshipped in how easily we overeat Mammon we worship in our love for.money / material stuff and for power. Bacchus through social events, social networks, any form of addictions or any form of social behavior that we put infant of God. most of the gods of the world -idols- of Biblical times are still very much being worshipped or even more so. Was Pharaoh responsible for his hardness of heart? (see Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34; 10:3; 13:15; 1 Samuel 6:6). Sometimes Sometimes it was Pharaoh who was prudence and who harden his heart as shown in the verses above. Other times it was God Who harden his heart because God wanted to show the would His Power through what happened to Egypt and Israel. See Ex 10:20