Lorraine Overstreet

Q4. Read Matthew 8:5-13; 21:33-44; 22:2-13; 24:14; and 28:19. What do they have in common? What relation does the visit of the wise men have to Matthew's theme of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles? How should we be applying this mandate in our own lives? a) These verses tell us we should share the gospel of Christ with the world. The gospel must be preached to, and will be embraced, by the Getiles. The wise men were not Jews, but God chose them to reveal the Birth of the Messiah to. 2) The Magi were Gentles and God chose them to be the first to see the Christ-child - Jesus. The Magi spread the word to all the Gentiles that they met. The Gospel is for all of us, not just Jews. c) We should spread the word of God, the savior, we should testify of all the good He has done in our lives and can do for others, if they would just accept God into their lives.

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring? a) The Magi recognized, even though Jesus was a small child, that they were in the presence of the King of the Jews, the King of kings. By custom, dignitaries from other countries would bring gifts as a sign of honor to a great King. The Magi gave the best of what they possessed. These gifts were fit for royality, which Jesus was. "Per John H Hopings" : Gold for Christ's royality, Frankincense for his diety, and Myrrh for Jesus humanity. c) Gifts that are appropriate for us to bring include: Our best!, No matter how seemingly insignificant, our prayers, our worship, and our heart full of love and gratitude to the Lord.

Q2. (Matthew 2:11a) What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus? What was the significance of this for them? How can we emulate this kind of worship? a) They prostrated themself before the Christ Child, humbled themselves. They know the prophecy had been fulfilled or the birth of the Messiah. The Magi had traveled far to worship the Christ-Child and came to see Him for themsleves, offering gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. The Messiah was born - these wealthy and learned men had no problems with kneeling and honoring the baby Christ-Child. By kneeling they showed honor and respect and humbled themselves before Jesus. c) We emulate this type of worship by prayer to Jesus Christ, depending totally on God and doing our best to live completely by His will. We should praise Him and thank Him for saving us from our sins. If we live a good honest Christian life, it can draw others to Him.

Q1. (Matthew 2:1-2; Numbers 24:17) What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw? Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? In what way was does prophecy prefigure this event? a) The significance of the star was it was a sign that the king of the Jews had been born. The Jewish people looked for a sign from God on the birth of Jesus the Messiah. The star also guided the Magi to where Jesus was born. The Magi were men of wisdom and learning. Upon seening the star they came to Jerusalem seeking a newborn king. They honored Jesus with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. These gifts would help when the Holy Family were in exile in Egypt. c) Ballam prophecyed the Star of Bethlehem. The star was to be the sign of the birth of the Messia. The star was linked with David, who often prophecied, and all the Jews were looking / expecting the sign of the birth of the king of Jews.

Q5. (Luke 2:17-20) Great joy, praise, curiosity, amazement, telling others, thoughtful meditation. Which of these responses to the Good News are present in your life? In what manner do they show themselves? If some are missing, why? What can you do to recover these responses? a) Praise, telling others of how the HE saved me in my car wreck, amazement and joy at His presence in my life. Hunger - I want to learn all I can, walk with the Lord, and do daily studies and reading. I always give Him credit for me even being alive today. He has helped me all my life, even if I did not know it at the time, but above all, curiosity, wanting to learn more and more of His way. c) I believe it would be talking to people about God, how He saves you and what to do to invite God into your life. d) Practice talking to strangers, I have never been an outgoing person in life, and praying for God to let me know what to say to people I do talk with about my Lord and savior.

Q4. (Luke 2:11) What are the three titles of Jesus given by the angels? What does each mean? What does this tell us about Jesus' true identity? a) The three titles given Jesus by the Gngel were Savior, Christ the Lord, and the Messiah. Savior a person who rescues others from evil, danger or destruction. He saves us from our sins if we ask. Christ the Lord the anointed one, the supreme authority, "Yahweh" Messiah the one anointed by God and empowered by God's spirit to deliver His people. c) Jesus is the Messiah, the savior Yahweh promised He would send. He is the Lord God manifested in the flesh to save us from our sins, an humble man who refused to use the title Messiah in public.

Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people? Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed? This has to be intentional. What point is God making? a) The message comes to the Humble shephards because they were considered the lowest of people and were not respected. Also since they traveled with the sheep, they could spread the word of Jesus the Saviors birth. Jesus would minister to both rich and poor, but he would never accept the honor his desciples attempted to give Him. Jesus is humble, sent to save us from our sins, sent as a servant of God and fulfilled prophecy of the birth of the Messiah. "For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as ransom for many. (Mark 10:46). c) God gave his son, to serve, not be served, to be humble in His life and to give his life to save us from our sins. I think the manger represented Jesus serving others in His life.

Q2. Why do you think the journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary? Is pleasure an indication that we are in God's will or not? Any examples from your life? Extra Credit: Argue for or against this proposition: "Being a consistent Christian causes more hardships than just going with the flow." a) First Mary had to be under emotional strain from her pregnacy. She had a four day ride- physical strain in the 9th month. Also it could have been winter when they made the trip to Bethlehem, which would add to physical discomfort, and she had no femal relatives or friends to help her with the birth of Jesus. It is a personal pleasure to serve the Lord, but there is also the fact that being a Christian often causes hardships. Satin tries to make us follow him with temptations and lies. Some Christians are persucated and ridiculed. Our rewards are not of earth, but when we join Christ in heaven. c) All I can say is when I really needed help, Christ was there. He provided/gave me what I needed. I had Him with me during my car wreck, (hit a tree at 65 mph). There is no way ANYONE can tell me He is not there for us ! If you "go with the flow" are you really following God? doing His will? I believe by being a christian you do not allow satan to distract you from God's teachings. Being a consistant Christian can cause us more hardships (but nothing we can not handle) but the rewards - OH so grand to be one with Christ.

Q4. (1 Chronicles 22-29) Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? How did David’s example in giving motivate others to give? a) David had always wanted to build the temple for the Lord, but since the Lord doesn't want David building the temple (the Lord told David he had to much blood on his hands) he does what he could in aid of his son to build the temple. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit David cooperated by providing materials and prepares the architectural drawings/plans to construct the Temple Complex. David also conducts fundraising among the Tribe Leaders, officers, military commanders and members of his own court to donate to the Temple consctuction. c. David's and the Tribal leaders generous giving encourages the people of Israel in giving freely to the construction of the temple.

Q3. (2 Samuel 24:14-25) Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? How should this principle guide our own giving to God? a) David chooses the punishment three days of plague on the people because he believes strongly in the mercy of his God. David insists on paying Araunah. He stated "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing". c) We should give the Lord enough that it DOES cost us something, not give Him just a pittance in tithes. God loves a cheerful giver, with a willing heart, for all God has given us in our lives.

Q2. (2 Samuel 23:1-7) How does David describe himself in verse 1. In what sense was David a prophet? What is the main message of verses 3-7? How can this psalm guide government officials and elected leaders in our day? a) David describes himself as: the inspired utterance of David, son of Jesse, the uttrance of the man exaulted by the most High. The man appointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel's songs. When David consulted with the Lord, the Lord would instruct David either through dreams or directly to /with David. David would then share what he had learned from the Lord with his people. The Holy Spirit who came upon him at his anointing changed the course of David's life. c) The leader who rules righteously and fears God, will be like the light of the morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning. Like the brightness after the rain that brings forth the grass. This Psalms shows David's wonder at God's grace to him and his descendents. David also contrasts the righteous with evil men and unrighteous rulers, who like thorns are to be cast aside and burned. d) This Psalm sets a standard for good leadership. Government oficials and elected officials should treat all people fairly. If they worshiped and feared God, they would know what everday people went through struggling to live. The officials would also have a strong moral code to the people they represent. They would be humbled by the spirit of the Lord and not be in office "for themselves". The world would be a better place if the leaders just feared and worshiped the Lord and followed his will.

Q1. (Luke 2:1-2) Why does Luke name the rulers in 2:1-2? What point is he making? a) Luke names the rulers to prove Jesus had historical context. He is neither a myth or a legend. This sets a time frame of Jesus' birth and validates the fact of His birth on earth. Luke kept records for his wirtings of Jesus, the rulers can be verified through the history. Luck can actually preserve the birth of Jesus and prove He is an actual historical person who did live on earth.

Q1. (2 Samuel 22 = Psalm 18) What do you find the most inspiring in the language of this psalm? What encourages you the most? Write down all the various titles and metaphors used of God in this psalm a) The faith of David in his praising of the Lord. Him telling just what the Lord is to him. David shows to us the ability to relateto God's great power After reading this Psalm you have a vivid imagery of God'spoweras well as grace, love for His people and salvation for us. David's strong faith in God encourages us all to turn to the Lord, to see and accept God's love and guidance for us in our life. God is more than worthy of David's Psalms. c) The Lord is my Rock My God is my rock My shield and horn of my salvation my fortress and my deliverer my stronghold, my refuge, My protector My powerful weapon My place of shelter my savior the most high, my lamp, O Lord shield of victory Christ Jesus Living God The eternal King The Living One Son of God Son of man

Q4. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us about David’s character and faith? What does it reveal about Joab’s character? What kind of faith do you see in Joab? What does this passage teach us about the importance of friends? Is Joab really David’s friend? a) David was a forgiving, merciful, and humble man. He would display mercy towards offenders when they could have been put to death. He was faithful to God always. I see Jaob as one who did what was best for him most of the time, but he was faithful to David, helping him in the commanding of the warriors. Jaob also at times did not follow David's orders, instead, doing what "he" felt was right. So I do not see Jaob as truly a man of God, doing God's will. c) Jaob's faith is not strong in the Lord. He thinks more about what he wants and does, not what God wants from him. d) True friends will stand by you in good and badtimes. They will give aid as they can and not ask for anything in return. True friends are loyal and trustworthy and Invaluable. e) I think Jaob is David's friend, just not a completely true friend. He often goes against David's orders. But all he does is for David and his ability to lead and rule Israel. Joab values and will do anything to keep his position as commander, even murder.

Q3. (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? Why does Joab kill him against David’s orders? How does David’s loud mourning threaten his kingdom? What does this say about his followers’ loyalty? What does it say about David’s faith? About his weaknesses? a) Absalom is David's son, whom he loves, and he did not want harm to come to Absalom during battle. Jaob killed Absalom. It came down to Absalom's character - he would do whatever was necessary to get his way. He sought to kill the Lod's anointed on (David his father) - Joab also knew that Absalome would cause controversy in the kingdom. c) With David's loud mourning - he could be heard all over the camp - David was humiliating his warriors, who put their lives on the line for David. Joab told David "you have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you" Joab told David to go and encourage your men, if you do not, not a man will be left with you by nigtfall. d) This shows his followers were loyal to the point of putting their lives on the line for David, especially Joab, who was loyal enough to rebuke David with the truth and saved David's kingdom. e) David's faith is still strong, His followers remembered all he had done in the past because of his Faith. d) David's one main weakness was his family, friends, and followers. David could not seem to correct / discipline them when they need correction.