charlenereeves
-
Posts
47 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by charlenereeves
-
-
Q3. (Revelation 5:9, 12) What made Jesus so worthy of opening the scroll and thus bringing history to its consummation? Why was this act so noteworthy and praiseworthy?
Jesus is the Son of God and came to earth to show us the way to everlasting joy-through the Lamb, who not only died to save us but was not crucifed for his blood flowed from another act of love for no man killed him, but he died of his choice because of love and descended into hell but was raised on the 3rd day to show he is the overcomer.
-
Q2. These chapters contain many insights into worship that have been adopted by the Christian Church. What do you learn about Christian worship from chapters 4 and 5? Don't miss the basics. Your list might include 20 elements and concepts of worship -- or more.
Jesus standing at the door knocking....
Heaven opening sounds like a mighty trumpet blast
The white thrown of God
Encircling rainbow of colors
24 Elders with gold crowns upon their head
Glorify Him
Sing Praises to our Conquerer
Bow before him in thanksgiving and praise
His name be glorified
Saw the Lamb
-
Q1. Many Christian hymns, songs, and choruses come from Revelation chapters 4 and 5. Which can you think of?
"Holy Holy Holy", We Are Forgiven & set free by "There is Power in the Blood", and esp. "Jesus Saves"
-
Q1. (2:1-4). To achieve unity in your congregation, why is humility necessary? Can you give an example of how lack of humility caused a division in your church? What are you doing to bring unity in your church?
Humility is allowing God to use me. In my old church lack of humility split the church. I try to live my life with humility by caring about each individual along with helping out even in the smallest jobs with my Pastors.
-
Q4. (1:23) What do Philippians 1:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 teach about the state of Christians immediately after death? How does this comfort you? How does this energize you?
These passages comfort me so much because I more than anything want to be in the very presence of my Lord but I can't be the one to choose the time and place for that is not my choice. I will spread more of Christ if I stay here so I feel comfort in knowing I am in his will.
-
Q4. Why are so many churches a "hotbed of apathy"? How can we combat spiritual apathy and an insipid witness in ourselves?
So many Christians are lukewarm and neither hot or cold. Lukewarmness is only hurting and creating apathy and many churches are filled with lukewarm Christians. I admit my apathy at individual times when I am being refined but to combat this I try to pray, read the Word more so that I can be stronger the next time.
-
Q3. (1:20-21) How can fear keep us from being a bold witness? Why does fear of people bind our tongues? How does "losing our life" for Christ's sake actually give us an abundant life? What fear is keeping you from clear witness?
I lived in fear so much in my past life and isolated myself from others. It is the same with being a bold witness when some are scared to speak out to others because of becoming an outcast. When we "lose our lives" for Christ we become so bold you come to the point of only caring about Christ and his view of you.
-
Q3. Why do you think the religious compromise required by participating in heathen religious practices in the trade guilds was so spiritually destructive? What compromises do twenty-first century Christians struggle with? Let's not settle for trite legalisms about drinking and smoking. What are the real compromises that dilute vital Christianity?
Because we put ourselves above others only thinking we can contol anything. Participation doesn't require only actions if we are present and don't say anything we are as guilty as the ones who compromise. The 21st Christians struggle with so much more than I struggled with for example homosexuality, wife swapping, and even "foursomes" or whatever they call it.
The real compromise is satan twisting people's lives to attack others.
-
Q2. (1:18b-19) Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? What is your basis for believing that?
I am convinced that even in the valley's God is in control of everything and everybody. If we are strong going through with God's help we can rejoice. The Bible says rejoice at all times and if Jesus said it then I believe it.
-
Q1. (1:12-14) From the standpoint of witness to others, you are much more credible when you are undergoing personal struggles, stress, and problems. Why is this so? Why was Paul's witness so powerful? What personal struggle are you going through that could enhance your testimony if you handled it right?
I don't have a testimony without first a test. I feel God has helped me through some rough spots just so I can meet another person at their need. Paul was a wonderful witness because he always included himself in every trial. My personal struggles is my health and talking too much about my own pain when I could be counting my blessings.
-
Q2. Why would loosening of sexual standards to conform to the prevailing morals of the culture be destructive of vital Christian faith and witness? How has your culture tended to take the edge off your own Christian moral convictions or forced you to be quiet about them?
I think the worldly standers are apalling. If it becomes a part of you then there would be no faith & witness and the same with each of us who are channel fipping when you see such as this even for a second it trigers a part of our purity with God and forces each of us to repent. As far as me, I was apart of the worldly culture to the fullest extent and when I found real happiness that Created this world just cause he loved us I will not be quietened for if I am asked I will give my story and show them the happiness that I have found.
-
Q1. How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry? How does the lack of love show up? How can a congregation regain this love?
Bordem, lack of participation, no enthuism for hearing and replying to God's Word, backbiting, complaining show's a lack of love for others and God. Jesus is the first love of a church when everyone participates in Bible Studies, worshiping, singing, and loving each other with the love of Christ. To regain it takes determination, a really deep desire to repent to God and others and start over particaption not only in church but your must bring the Bible back into your daily life and family. I have been in a dead church and now having a loving caring church.
-
Q3. In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them?
Islam, China, Iraq are some of of the countries Revelation can comfort and encourage them by showing them who the winner, Jesus Christ, will conquer all there enemies and they can have peace.
-
Q4. (1:9-11) Why does Paul ask God to give the Philippian Christians discernment? What will be the result of discernment in their lives? How does selfishness cloud discernment? How is the good the enemy of the best in our lives?
Discernment for the Christians at Philippian would be learning how to serve God better through better choices. This discernment would if continuing to follow God would result in drawing closer and making good decisions and loving their Lord. Selfishness clouds discernment by haulting the connection with God.
-
Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippian believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us?
Paul loves the Philippian's believers and feels secure in saying that God will pour out his blessing on them if they continue to endure until the Lord come's back. If we continue to love God until the 2nd coming and serve him well he will do the same for us
-
Q5. What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? (1:12-20) What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach us about Jesus?
I see Jesus being exalted because he is God and victor over death and defeat of mere human strength and control. He encourages the church-the lampstands-to be strong and continue his work. I think Jesus defeated Satan many years ago and this teaches us to remain standing (faithful) doing what he has called us to do.
-
Q4. The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith?
If I didn't understand my relationship with Jesus it would involk fear and terror, but with experience of Jesus love and Grace I can see Jesus as justifier and angry something like the time in the Temple-none of the sellers were there to worship God only self. I think this will be the same Jesus when at the end of the world Jesus will show his love for the saved while at the same time giving the unsaved a chance for repentence or eternal hell which they make that decision through free will.
-
Q2. (1:6) When we become financial "partners" with a Christian missionary, minister, ministry, or church, what do we receive out of the partnership? What other kinds of support might we offer beyond financial?
Time, encouragement, food, love, compassion.
-
Q2. What does this tell us about the Father? The Father is the speaker here in 1:8 and in 21:6. But Jesus is the speaker in 1:17 and 22:12-13. What is the significance of this for our understanding of who Jesus is?
I believe that the Trinity explains that God is the Father, God (Jesus) is the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To me I think God is Jesus and Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit is a part of the same body and yet 3 ways God is always with us-past, present, and future.
-
Q1. (1:1) What is the basic idea of "slave"? What is the root idea of "saint"? In what way are these words saying the same thing about a Christian's relationship to God? (Note: to answer this question correctly you'll need to refer to the notes on the precise word meanings.)
The basic ideas from slaves come from our Black slaves that were told what to do, how to do, and punished if it didn't meet their masters approval. In some ways we are slaves of God not in the fact of punishment or color, but with his love and grace and our acceptance we love to do our best for Jesus because of his Grace. Grace is powerful and can move mountains of pain if we let him. As for me the road is easier than my past road alone and abandoned by all (or at least I thought)
-
Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose? How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Why are we afraid to be clear witnesses in a culture where we aren't persecuted?
Revelation calls us be an example of Jesus who was the faithful witness being true to his word he came, died, and was raised from dead. He is there in the beginning and has been there ever since and before we were created. He came to earth because of his love for us and is the only one who always will for death couldn't hold him praise God. His example has lead me in my latter life to be his living testimony for I have been through the refiners fire and know that even in all circumstances, persected or nonpersecuated I will be his witness. Many are fearful of being different for fears of isolation, ridicule, and many other earthly things. We are not citizens of this earth only of Heaven so I know for me I must forget about the earthly things and follow Christ's witness. Testemony is important to encourage others in the church who are being persecuted. Charlene
Q5. Criticism and Praise
in #2. Letters to the Seven Churches (Revelation 2-3)
Posted
This lesson is about the 7 churches which are in a circle and represent all the churches in the world.
They all include Potrayal of Jesus, Praise, critizism, Exhortation (1) Correction & Encouragment, (2) Pentaly and reward, promises to overcomers, And all end with He who has ears to hear let him hear and eyes to see.
(1) Ephesis
To the angel from the one who holds the 7 stars and lampstands in his hands. The overcomer will eat the tree of life. Encourages and commends the overcomers who recognized the false witness. They have forsaken their first love. Repent
(2) Thytaria Love & faith, tolerate the prophetiss, they were into idolitry repent or suffer, yet encourages the few overcomers.
(3) Syrmia No critizims
(4) Pergerman Celebrated pagan worship and emperor worship. Repent and suffer.
(5) Sardis alive but dead comprimised pagan worship
(6) Philidelphia weak & faithful knocking but will not let in, special protection 1 of 2 churches without critisms
(7) Laodecia Neither hot nor cold I will spit you out of my wretched, poor, pitfull, blind, & weak. Buy the gold for the refiners fire