Sgt_Z_Squad

1a.) Laughter of celebration and thanksgiving and praise. I think their laughter before the promise being fulfilled in Isaac was a laugh of skepticism. 1b.) I don't know if you could say anything about God's sense of humor. I do believe that he loves to please us, as if we are a toddler standing before a Christmas tree with the anticipated excitement of opening the presents. The LORD speaks through Isaiah: "and his understanding no one can fathom.." (Isaiah 40:28c)

4.) Good answers above can't add to them.

3a.) Like all of us, we sometimes reminisce of times past and wish for the 'good ole' days' I think Lot's wife's heart probably betrayed her before God. She did not want to change her ways that she had become accustomed to in the city. The ways that were leading to this judgement by the Almighty. 3b.) Her old sinful ways; her reluctance to give up all. 3c.) Yes. And I thank God for His patience with me. 3d.) Have you completely given up your old life for the new life through Christ Jesus? I guess that is what we are doing in the process of sanctification.

2a.) I think this is a normal human reaction. When we are comfortable with our surroundings, our house, we don't want to leave the security. I look at the miracle healings of Jesus. Each person had to take a step in faith before there was healing. Sometimes literally. Lot needed to do this even though they were dragged for a bit, no doubt kicking and screaming. 2b.) In my job, that sometimes is not an option, but I try to carefully evaluate. As far as sin, the story of Joseph comes to mind when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him. He fled from the temptation. That is what we are to do. 2c.) God has given us two legs. They can walk away from or run away from situations of temptation. Use them.

1.) Dear friends, this behavior is not natural. In a wonderful book by Dr. Jeffrey Satinover called "Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth"; he addresses this subject and how the radical lobby hijacked the American Psychiatric Association and had this behavior removed from its list of treatable behaviors. In fact, there has been movements to keep those who wish to be healed of this compulsive / addictive behavior from getting help from psychiatry with threats of malpractice to those doctors who reach out. Despite overwhelming medical and scientific evidence of its harmful effects to those caught in its grip. Why does God list this as an abomination? Well read what Dr. Satinover reveals: "..the gay male life span, even apart from AIDS and with a long term partner, is significantly shorter that that of married men in general by more than three decades. AIDS further shortens the life span of homosexual men by more than seven per cent" (Page 69) Dr. Satinover reflects: "Thus the compulsions are neither simple choices nor true illnesses. They are a category unto themselves that includes elements of both choice and disease. They are a process, a way or path by which life--a free, moral life--is progressively, not all at once, undone. It is this erosion of moral capacity that makes these preeminently spiritual conditions. For if there were no morality to consider, what difference would it make what a man did?" (Page 176) Just like anyone of us that is dealing or has dealt with a sin that seems to rear its head from time to time until we eventually gain victory through the power of the Holy Spirit, and Lord Jesus Christ; so do those dealing with the complexity of this behavior. We need to reach out with the message of freedom from the bondage of this behavior through Lord Jesus Christ. Paul delivers sobering words to those who do not repent and wonderful words to those in Corinth who have been delivered: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Great news for all of us!! Let others know it waits for them too! **Dr. Satinover addresses this issue from the psychiatric, medical and spiritual points in this well written book that the radical lobby would like to see fade into oblivion. A must read if you wish to help those who need help.

4.) Jose and Pressthrough had soime great insight on these question. I can't add much, just Scripture: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:9-10) Also, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22) And: "And I will do what ever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (John 14:13) 'Nuff said!

3a.) Having a Biblical worldview of the issues of today. The sanctity of life. The honoring and protection of the sanctity of marriage. A lifestyle that is reflective of Christ; that glorifies God. Maintaining that their is such a thing as absolute truth, which is from the One True Living God. That there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ. 3b.) The very points I have mentioned above are contrary to a secular worldview. Hence, you have a tendency to irritate people when you intelligently confront them with the fact that their secular view is not correct. And of course that is not politically correct in these days. However, for the lost to be saved, there must be recognition of these unpopular truths.

2.) Marriage is a complimentary relationship between a man and a woman. There is a give and take from both. Sacrifices from both. Dare I say "agape" type love? The need for the foundation of the relationship to be built on the foundation of Christ Jesus - with God honoring being first place. Then all else falls into place.

1a.) I guess one of my memory verses from my Bible study in Romans comes to mind. "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." (Romans 1:20) We can not fit God into a box. He is bigger, larger, beyond what our finite mind can comprehend. 1b.) "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'". (Revelations 21: 3-4) When that happens there will be no more needs for miracles. Come Lord Jesus! Come quickly! 1c.) Yes, I have seen answered prayer, and I continue to see the transformed hearts and minds of those around me (including myself) who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! Hallelujah! 1d.) Believe! Look for those every day, little blessings in your life. Look at your own body and its complex design and engineering. Look at your children and the joy that they bring to you. Look to your spouse and the miracle of two people coming together to be one. Look to Jesus and what he has done for everyone who believes. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." {Hebrews 1:1)

4.) A loaded question with some interesting answers. Some made reference to immersion and sprinkling.. I think we start falling into the very problem that Jesus criticized the teachers of his time on when we start worrying about which method. What happens to the poor believer in the desert? God is looking for our heart not ritual. Baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Lord Jesus. It is an outward sign, not to God but to those around you that you have claimed Lord Jesus as your King, Redeemer, and Savior. You were baptized with the Holy Spirit when you received Christ as your Savior. I have to agree with Kim E. that Jesus tells us: "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:27b, 28)

3.) The answers from all of you covered my thoughts and are great! I can't add any more to them. Thanks!!

2a.) A visible sign and reminder of the covenant God had made with him. 2b.) Again, I believe that it was as a physical (painful ) reminder for Abram and his family; because men are quick to forget their commitments. Look at the litigious society we have now. 2c.) His entering in or agreement with the covenant. Like your signature on a contract.

1a.) No. 1b.) I think Hebrews 11: 11 answers this: "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered himself faithful who had made the promise." By faith. 1c.) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) The same.

4a.) What ever we do in life, God uses it in His plan for good. No matter, how insignificant you feel; you are special in God's eyes. Created in His image to have fellowship and a relationship with Him. 4b.) I am going to have to lean toward total surrender and submission. Being a former Marine and currently a cop for almost twenty five years; I am use to having the control...difficult; but with God all things are possible. Semper Fi!

3a.) Our Creator is all knowing, all seeing, he knows the closets of our heart, and Hagar realized that she was also known by the Creator. For a slave who is nothing more than property, it showed her that she was valued by the Creator. 3b.) I am brought to a promise: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) 3c.) Jesus tells me to: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

2a.) To give her a chance to reflect, now that her emotions have cooled down and her reasoning may be more logical. 2b.) That is where the LORD wanted Hagar. 2c.) Yes.

1a.) Sarai probably realized that Abram was not the fertility problem in their relationship. She was. Regardless of tradition, there had to be alot of hurt in Sarai because of Abrams impregnating of Hagar. Sarai's insecurity, maybe the concern that she maybe deserted by Abram because of her infertiity. Social ostracism that barreness implicated. 1b.) Both. Each are a reminder of her curse (in her eyes) of barreness. 1c.) Thinking that Sarai's plan to build the family through Hagar was God's plan. 1d.) His failure to exercise his leadership role in the famiy unit. 1e.) Really don't have one and if I did...it would be none of your business.

4a.) Everyone has stated the answer, but what I think is wonderful is how a holy and righteous God, humbled (I say this with reverence..) himself and made a promise to sinful man because of the faithfulness shown by Abram to God. 4b.) Because God wants us to know how much He loves us and is willing to show us this through this human act. 4c.) Abram believed!! 4d.) Our Needs (Psalm 37:3); Unlimited Blessings (Mark 9:23); Answers to Prayer (Mark 11:24); Removal of Obstacles (Luke 17:6); Divine Sonship (John 1:12); Eternal Life ( John 3:14); Spiritual Fullness (John 6:35); Spiritual Light (John 12:46); Power for Service (John 14:12); Salvation (Romans 1:16) 4e.) Protection (Exodus 12:13); Atoning (Exodus 30:10); Liberating (Zecariah 9:11); Securing Pardon (Hebrews 9:7); Cleansing (Hebrews 9:22)

3a.) Yes. 3b.) I am drawn to Malachi 3:3: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness," Many have written that God's time is not our time. I agree, but I would like to take it one step further. God is not bound by time. He is eternal. We are finite. The concept of time was created by God for us.

2a.) I am presently in a study of Romans. And I am drawn to one of the memory verses that addresses this. "For in the Gospel a righteousness from God has been revealed. A righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous shall live by faith'." Romans 1:17 God's promise to Abram is God's promise to us. 2b.) His unquestioning faith in the sovereign God. The Lord God Almighty. 2c.) The Apostle Paul writes: "Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:4-5

1a.) My eternal destiny is secure through my God. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 1b.) Why me? How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God. 1 John 3:1 1c.) God is not my co-pilot, he is The Pilot.

4a.) I am led to the following proverb: "A tyrannical ruler lacks judgement, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life." (Proverbs 28:16) 4b.) Again, from Proverbs: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." (Proverbs 3:7) 4c.) Three is a charm, it is written: "The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life." (Proverbs 16:17)

3a.) Abram is remembering that El Elyon is his provider and refuge. That all things are from God. 3b.) Yes. 3a.) As an act of worship, praise and thanksgiving for all that the LORD has blessed us with. We are never found wanting. Tithing has provided the right perspective for me and my wife. The money is a tool to provide for us and to use in the LORD's work.

2a.) Family members looked out for each other and Abram was loyal to this custom. 2b.) He utilized his gifts as given with the tactics used. 2c.) He shows integrity and a lack of selfishness. Maybe he knows that if it is all about "ME"; he would not get anyone on board. Hm-m-m-m, maybe a lesson there for us . 2d.) Perseverance, courage, integrity, honesty, faithfulness.

1a.) That is one of the ways, God's blessings are reflected in his life. 1b.) No. 1a.) No.