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Q4. (Hebrews 13:15-16) Though the sacrifice for atonement have been completed in Christ, what kinds of sacrifices or offerings are Christians called upon to make? We are to offer up to God the sacrifice of our 'lives" and of our "praise." As we offer up to God our lives, we should be offering it up without blemish, holy, one that is acceptable to Him, for He gave to us His Son, by which we may have life everlasting. How do we do this? First by trusting in Christ Jesus as our Lord and savior, then we can offer up to God hearts full of "praise," of "thankfulness" with joy, not only do we now have life everlasting, but we now have the ability of having fellowship with God Almighty; We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us overcome evil with good, so our lives will be one without blemish, for the fruits of our hearts should be seen in our lives, a life of PRAISE, of THANKFULNESS to God, for giving to us our Savior. We are human beings and are not perfect, but God sees our hearts and our intentions, this is what He sees even through our mistakes. What effect do these offerings have on God? God's desire is to have fellowship with His creation, it pleases Him when we try to live lives pleasing to Him. Why do we desire to do this? Because we love the Son, we are thankfull for what He did for us; so as we offer up our PRAISE, we are saying, "thank you Jesus for saving my soul," I will now offer up to God my life, saying "Thank you God for the Son." a life seen full of PRAISE. How it pleases God to see our lives changed, thanks for Calvary.

Q3. (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. What is the significance of this verse for the original readers? The original readers were Jewish believers who were becoming weak in their faith that Jesus the Messiah alone was all that was needed to be saved. The Jewish people held a special place in God's heart, God gave them laws and regulations to live by and now with this new covenant, some of them were becoming weak in their faith. They had to be reminded that Jesus is the same yesterday as He is today, He is the Messiah, the Savior, there are no more sacrifice's to be made except of yourself to God. It is God's mercy given to mankind to believe. It is important they do not trample on the Son of God underfoot, by counting the blood of the covenant as a common thing and therefore insulting the Spirit of grace. The Lord will judge His people. God's mercy is seen in Christ Jesus, who is the same yesterday as He is today, our Savior, the Messiah, the King of King, our Bridegroom, Jesus is the Christ! For you? For understanding just who Jesus is? Heb 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Jesus is the Christ, He is the Son of God, He is sitting at the right hand of God, He is interceding on our behalf, and we are to make ourselves ready for His appearing again as - King of Kings! For believing in the power of God for today? God is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. His promises are true, He is sitting on the throne very pleased with the believer who has come to put their trust in the grace and mercy given through the cross, who are living a life of thankfullness to the Son for what He did for us, and thankfull to God for loving us so much that He gave His only Son to die, giving us life eternal and power to live a life of appreciation for all He has done, and not trampling on the Son of God underfoot.

Q2. (Hebrews 13:5-6) How can we recognize greed in ourselves? What will be the signs? We can recognize greed in ourselves when we start putting the things of this world before spending time with God and family. There is nothing wrong with having good goals to work for, but when they take first place in our lives and become the most important goal, that is a red flag of greed waving before us. Greed comes in many disguises that can fool us into thinking we are doing this for the family, when in reality it is the greed for the things that money can buy, the pleasures of this world that are taking root in our lives. What is the antidote for greed in our lives? The antidote is found in the first commandment of the New Covenant, love God first. As we strive to do so, there will be no room for the pleasures of this world to take root, for our foundation is on God and doing what pleases Him, for His goals for us are for our own good. Study God's Word, for they are a light for us to walk in. What would be the earmarks of a greed-free life? If not money, what should be the basis of our security for the future? What a wonderful basis for our security than the Word of God telling us, "He will never leave us", the ones who are not allowing greed to control our lives, but who are trusting in Him; For He is our helper, I will not fear man, nor what they can do to me, I will keep on trusting in The Almighty, for He told me "He will be there for me!"

Q1. (Hebrews 13:1-3) How do hospitality to strangers and visiting prisoners relate to brotherly love (philadelphia)? Brotherly love is the key word to hospitality to strangers. There are people in the church I see, but they are strangers to me. Being a stranger I have no idea of how I can be a friend, is there a need in their life, are they lonely, etc.? By offering a time of fellowship to a brethren, we get to know them, as we share together the good things of God. In the scriptures, christians were being put in prison just for preaching God's word, and they were killed and tortured. I being a christian could also find myself in the same situation as I go about speaking the name of Jesus. I am talking about today! In America we are not to have prayer in our schools, we are not to pray in the name of Jesus, we are called bigot if we speak against the sin of homosenuality. It breaks my heart to think of what the world has done to the Jewish people, the people God calls "the Apple of His eye." Hospitality is most important indeed, we must open our hearts to others and not hatred. Where are you strong in brotherly love? Where are you weak? I like to entertain and when I do, I try to do my very best to make people feel special! I go out of my way. I did find that with some people they felt intimidated by the special foods, or presentation, and yet with others, it was a time of great fellowship together, they left with a feeling of being a very special person indeed. There was a time when a visiting minister came to our church and was in need of a place to stay. We were going to be gone during that time, but we offered our home to this stranger,and we purchased special foods he liked, so he would feel at home. There were other times we opened our home to strangers and of course family members. God has blessed us with a nice home, but we look at our home as His. Because we have been hospitable, God afterwards has always blessed us with joy, and happiness, of a good time spent together.

Q5. (Hebrews 12:25-29) Is a fear of God healthy? If so, how? Fear of God is very healthy, for a healthy "fear" of God is respect of who He is, knowing He is God Almighty, God Most High!! God can do whatever He wants to do, but He is motivated by love. Sin seperates us from having a relationship with Him, we must understand the reason to "fear" God is, that we will not sin, for He desires that we have fellowship with Him. When does fear of God become unhealthy? The Hebrew people were afraid of God as they witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. Moses told the people to stop being afraid, God was not going to hurt them. Yet they were very afraid. (Exo 20:20-21) "Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin." But when Moses went near the thick cloud where God was, the people stayed a long way off. God doesn't want us to stay a long way off, He tell us to, "offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to Him." Offering means - to draw near. We are not to "fear" God and stay a distance away, He wants us to "fear" Him by drawing near, for it is He who loved us so much He sent His only son that we may have life with Him for ever. A healthy "fear" indeed. How does the fear of God fit with 1 John 4:18? We know that love is God's motivation for us to "fear" Him, for it is "sin" that seperates us from Him. As we live our lives in love of God, in the "fear" of Him, we will walk in faith, walk in obedience to His voice, walk in reverence of who He is; Knowing that as we do our best, one day we will not see judgment, but we will see "love" as we come face to face with Him, in awe and respect. What God really wants from me is my love and respect, to Keep His commandments, for by so doing I show my love, I "fear" God by living a life of respect of God Almighty who is sitting on the throne.

Q4. (Hebrews 12:14-17 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Is the writer of Hebrews teaching salvation by being holy? Why or why not? We do not receive salvation by being holy, holiness is the by-product of salvation. Holiness comes through our "faith" in Christ Jesus, who clothed us with His righteousness, however, we now must put on His righteousness daily; By so doing, we show God our love for our Bridegroom and our thankfulness to God for loving us so much, that He sent this gift of salvation. There are many people who think they are holy because they do not do the abominations that the world does, however, we have all sinned and are in need of a Savior. True holiness comes when we come to the reality of our need for a savior, we need to be clothed in His righteousness, what we think of as holiness, is as filthy rags to God. No one is good, but God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and Galatians 5:19-21. Can habitual sin deprive us of heaven? I would say, YES habitual sin can deprive a christian of heaven. If so, how? Christ Jesus sacrifice once for all for the sins of the world, came to us at a great cost. How could one have "faith" in such a gift of eternal life and than deliberately trample on it? Jesus tells us in (John 15: 10) "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." Jesus tells us, "if anone loves Him He will keep His word; and The Father will love him. and we will come to Him and make our home with Him." The first commandment for the New Covenant is to love the Lord God first, and how do we do that? We strive to keep His commandments. We who are under the new covenant are not perfected, when we sin, we can repent and ask forgiveness, for Jesus death and resurrrection coverd our sin. The key word is - PRACTISE we are not to PRACTISE sin, we are to be lead by the Spirit unto good works!

Q3. (Hebrews 12:5-7) I've sometimes heard, "God never punishes anyone." Is that true according to these verses? I have no idea how anyone could say God does not punish anyone. All one has to do is read the Bible to know that God does. God can and will do whatever He wants to do! He is God Almighty, the God of Israel, who is sitting on the throne. God's punishment to mankind is seen in a few situations, God's punishment against Sodom and Gomorrah - the Hebrew people wandering in the wilderness - Noah and the Ark. Sin is rebellion against God's law, His standards of righteousness, righteousness of which we believers of Christ Jesus are to walk in, it is through our "Faith" in Christ Jesus and the power received that we can run this race; Taking off the weights of "sin" that slow us down, and in its place putting on God's righteousness, now we can run the race to the end. (1John 3:29) "If you know that He is righteous, you know that every one that doeth rightoeusness is born of Him." (1 John:7,9) If we walk in the light as He (God the Father) is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins ( to God) He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ------- Thank you Christ Jesus for the cross. (Psalm 103: 17-18) The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting - On those who "fear" Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. If so, how does punishment fit into the larger overall concept of discipline and child-rearing? I was disciplined as a child to have good manners, how to share with others, etc., but, I also was disciplined when I did things I shouldn't have, hit another, stole, etc. This punishment was for my own good, to help me to remember, there are consequences to my bad behavior, and this behavior did not please my parents. I love my parents and want to please them. I am thankful that my Father cares enough about me and about the "Work of the Cross" that He would discipline me. I don't want to go astray, I want to please The Son and Father. What is the purpose of God's discipline? It is for our own good. ( Pro 22:6) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Q2. (Hebrews 12:5-11) How does it help when you to look at your struggles and hardships as the Father's discipline and training? I first must distinguish if the struggles and hardships are not of my own doing. When God brings a hardship, I have to remind myself that I am on the potters wheel, being molded into a new creation. God chastens me, reminding me that I have been purchased at a high price and the price included a free training course, one that will help me understand how sin separates me from fellowship with the Almighty God; It is through this discipline that I understand the importance of God's commandments, they are for my good, for I am being trained to live a life of righteousness, preparing me for the day Christ Jesus will rule from the throne of David, rule with a iron rod of righteousness. What are the benefits of such discipline to the Christian? The benefits are to keep us on our toes, so we don't become too comfortable with the things here on earth and forget the Lord God who has made all things possible for us. God wants our love, and the way we show Him our love is to be obedient to His voice. I am so glad He loves me so much that He would not let me go my own way, as much as His discipline hurts, I am thankful for it, as I do not want to go astray.

Q1. (Hebrews 12:3-4) Spiritual warfare can be lost by weariness. Why is spiritual warfare so wearying? If we continue walking in "faith"and not walking to the desires of the flesh and the wordly desires, we should not become weary; But if we try to please the flesh while walking in "faith" it becomes wearisome, for Satan is the author of "sin" and he knows that "sin" weights us down, making us weary and opens our minds to the condemnation that Satan brings to us. This is why we are to put on the full armor of God, and not forgetting that our "faith" is in the work of the cross and the power we received from the Holy Spirit, to be strong and not weary! Why must we continue to resist, on and on? Our resisting is our trusting in the Lord and the work of the cross; Knowing that each step we take in our walk of "faith" is a process of growth for us. Trusting God with each step we take is not wearisome, for we know God is on our side, even when we slip-up and fall, we will not let the lies of Satan bring condemnation to us, telling us "we can't make it to the end" - for GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME THAN he THAT IS THE WORLD! God tells us, "we can make it to the end, for He has given us the means to do so!" So we keep on, keeping on with joy, for the reward we receive as we come to the finish line is worth it all.

Q5. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Who are the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in 12:1? They are the people of "faith" we see in chapter 11 who died living a life of "faith" and not yet seeing the promises promised. A great cloud of witnesses who by "faith" overcame, but not all who lived by "faith" overcame the problems they faced, many people full of "faith" persevered, running the race, even if it meant they would be tortured, imprisoned, stoned, afflicted, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. All of these obtained a good testimony through "faith." What analogy to the life of faith is offered in 12:1? The analogy is a race we have to run to the finish. It is by the endurance of our "faith" in God's promises to us, that we can run the race to the finish. As testings come our way, it is by "faith" that we can overcome, not letting obstacles discourage us from continuing on running the race. Sin is a weight that slows us down and would like to halt our continuing on in the race, we can't let sin slow us down hindering the "faith" needed to run our race. In what way is Jesus the "author" or "pioneer" of our faith? Jesus set the example, He focused on the finish, the joy set before Him, bringing salvation to those who would believe. How did he live by faith? In what way is he the "finisher" or "perfecter" of our faith? Christ Jesus "faith" was seen in His obedience to the Father. He came to do the will of the Father. He endured the cross and the shame with joy to the end. If we keep our eyes on what Christ endured for us it will help us to focus on the reward of life everlasting instead of our circumstances, so continue in the "faith" in all situations.

Q3. (Hebrews 11:23-28) How did Moses' faith affect his willingness to suffer? Moses's faith began with the God of Abraham and the miracle of the family of promise, a family of 12 sons and one daughter, who under God's blessings multiplied and grew abundantly and became mighty; Egypt was being filled with them, bringing "fear" to the new king that did not know the history of Joseph and what God did for the Jewish people of promise. The people were being afflicted with great burdens and when the king of Egypt told the Hebrew midwives to kill the boy babies at birth, they did not because they "feared God" meaning, they worshipped God and was obedient to God over the law of the land. Therefore God dealt well with them and the people multiplied and grew mighty. We, the church must "fear God"- be obedient to Him. This brings us to the "faith" of Moses's parents who are of the house of Levi. Moses mother refused to listen to the king and hid Moses for three months, until she could hide him no longer. She continued in steadfast faith in her God and she persevered, doing whatever she could to save her child. She made an ark and placed Moses in the ark she pitched with asphalt, and I am sure as she put him in the ark, it was not with a hope that the world has, but with the "hope" in the God of Abraham, she put her trust in the God she served. As we know, Pharoah's daughter took Moses to raise him as hers, calling on a Hebrew women to nurse him. It is during this time that his mother (God did another miracle) for she was chosen to nurse Moses; She must have spoken to him about the Almighty God they, the Hebrew people served, and she must have spoken to him about their bondage and affliction they were under from the king of Egypt. She spoke of her "faith" in God, and how God spared Moses life, building Moses "faith" in their God, the God of Hebrew people. When Moses was grown, he "feared" God and would rather serve Him over the passing pleasure of the sin seen in Egypt. What kind of vision did faith create for Moses? When God identified Himself as the God of Moses father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, assured, and increased his "faith" that the covenant with the fathers of Israel was still in effect. God was aware of the troubles of His people, and He would act on their behalf. What kind of vision does faith create for us? Our "faith" in the Lord Jesus Christ has brought us under the blessings of the covenant of Abraham, the God of Israel who is sitting on the throne, He is there to act on our behalf, for we know as Psalm 103:17-18 tells us - "the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who "fear" Him, and His righeousness to children's children. To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them." Persevere in "faith" for Christ Jesus has opened the gate for us to go through, He has given us power to walk the walk.

Q2. (Hebrews 11:13b) In practical terms, what would be the characteristics of a believer who lived his life as an "alien" and "stranger" here on earth?

Q2. (Hebrews 11:13b) In practical terms, what would be the characteristics of a believer who lived his life as an "alien" and "stranger" here on earth? An alien here on earth does not enjoy the rights of the world, they are foreign to him. The worlds pleasures are "SELF" first and working hard to please "SELF" second. The foundation of "pleasure" is SIN. What is the balance between "in" the world but not "of" it? We being an alien, a God fearing believer who does not have the same rights of the world, but who are living here, do not have a close fellowship with the citizens of the world and the results being, they hate us. Living "IN" the world, we find the pleasures of earth are alien to us, but, we at the same time are to be a light to the world, so they can see what real joy and real pleasure are. To let them see that they do not come from the things of earth! We are living "IN" the world to be that example of what real joy is, by living a life of perseverance, by our continuing on in our goals, goals that please God and not "Self." This joy is everlasting, it isn't superficial, nor short lived, even though the world hates us, we love them, and want them to know this joy that passess all understanding, and where they can find it, in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have been given a permanent citizenship, in a new city, where there will be peace and joy everlasting, New Jeruselem. (John 15:19; 17:13-16; 1 John 4:4-6).

Q4. Hebrews 11:11 Which part of faith is related to (1) the depth of Abraham's confidence in God? Before I go to Sarah, it is important to understand the importance of Faith and God's righteous ways are for us, for it all comes together in how we love God. (Genesis 12:1-3) God spoke to Abraham "get out of your country, from your family and go to the land I will show you, I will make you a great nation and will bless you and you will be a blessing." Abraham was obedient to God's word. God made a covenant with Abraham and as I see in (Genesis 15) Abraham does not understand how an heir of the covenant would come from him, for Sarah was old, but we see in v6, Abraham believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Sarah and Abraham thought they were helping God by bringing forth a son by Hagar, his name is Ishmael. (Genesis 17: 1-2) Abraham at the age of 99, The Almighty God said to him, "walk before Me and be blameless," for God is making a covevnant with Abraham. (Gen. 17: 7-8) An everlasting covenant God made between Abraham and his descendants, this covevnant included all the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession; and He will be their God. To keep this covenant every male must be circumcised, being a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, as an everlasting covenant. If a child is not circumcised, he will be cut off, for he has broken God's covevnant. -- Abraham was OBEDIENT and did what God said. (Genesis 17: 16) God will bless Sarah and give her a son, she will be a mother of nations, kings shall come from her. It is interesting that Abraham laughed when he thought of Sarah, who was almost 90 years of age be with child? I do not read this as unbelief, I see his reaction to be soo human, are you sure I heard you right God? -- We see Sarah also laughed within herself, I read this as, how wonderful this would be, I dreamed of this, are you sure, I in my old age will bring a son and in him the covenant will be established? I read this as laughter of joy, only God could bring life to a dead womb when the impossible seems so evident. Sarah had a son and called him Isaac. We see Sarah's faith in (Hebrews 11:11) Through "faith" also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. ( I see Sarah telling Abraham, "lets have pleasure and we will have a son!" it is by this faith - put into action that Sarah received the strength to conceive, to receive the seed of Abraham) Which part of faith is related to (1) the depth of Abraham's confidence in God? Abraham's faith in God stayed strong even with the evidence of the deadness of Sarah's womb. Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: Which part of faith is related to (2) the real existence and power of such a God? How would you describe a faith that lacks either element? Based on verse 11 (not on verses 1-2), formulate in your own words a definition of faith. As we exercise faith we will find strength to face what lays ahead, for our faith is in The Almighty God, the I Am, that I Am. Walk forward in obedience, knowing what lays ahead is strength to do the impossible.

Q3. Every religion has its own kind of faith. What is the content of the Judeo-Christian type of faith that sets it apart from any other? Faith of the Judeo-Christian is the response of obedience to God that qualifies a people of "Faith." What is the basis of Noah's faith (11:7)? Noah never saw rain come from heaven, but he did believe what God said, and because of his faith, he was "obedient" to God and built an ark. Because of his obedience, he was an instrument for mankind to be saved. Noah lived in a time of great disobedience to God, the people did not fear God, nor did they seek Him! It is in Noah's unswerving confidence in God that we see what "faith" is. Noah's faith was seen in his steadfast obedience; For 120 years Noah stayed strong in his faith, even during the times of ridicule from ungodly people, people who put a death ear to what Noah preached, they did not believe rain would come, they did not fear God and His judgment that it was coming. What is the basis of our faith? The basis of our "faith" is trusting in God and trusting He is who He says He is, it is trusting in God's Word, that the Word is truth, and because it is truth, we show our faith in our obedience to what the Word says. God's Word gives us a better understanding of who God is and what pleases Him. Hearing the Word gave me faith to believe and brought me a new life in the Lord Jesus Christ. How does faith grow (see Romans 10:17) Faith comes by hearing. Hearing means to understand, to take to heart, give audience to. Faith comes when we give audience to, we "hear" what God's word is saying. God's Word is sharper than a two edged sword, it cuts to the heart of man, telling us the important things God wants us to know, so we can live lives that please Him.

Q2. (Hebrews 11:6) The first element of faith is belief in God's existence. God does not begin Genesis trying to proove He is God, He begins with His creation. Many don't believe in God because they don't see Him, the design of the world in its perfection should be enough to believe. Rom 1:19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God himself has made it plain to them. Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes-his eternal power and divine nature-have been understood and observed by what he made, so that people are without excuse. After sin came into the world dominion that was given to man was no longer, Satan became ruler of the world, therefore we see the results, the world believed in many gods. Idolaty is what God hates, it does not please Him. As Abraham looked at the world he thought there must be one God, Abraham went out to seek truth, he found God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God sitting on the throne. He is the one we must have faith to believe He exists. We must have faith in God (Yahweh) and that He made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and through this covenant the world would be blessed. The world (Gentiles) would be blessed through faith in Christ Jesus, the Son of God who sits on the throne. Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: I cannot think of a better reward than to find God and to be able to go directly to His throne room and to call God "daddy" What does it mean to "seek" God? God tells us if we seek Him we will find Him. Hebrews tells us to be diligent in seeking Him, that is to search out, investigate, carefully seek for the God Almighty to worship and give honor to. What difference does it make whether or not you believe God will reward seekers? If one does not believe God will reward seekers, I would say they do not have "faith" in action.

Q1. Using Hebrews 11:1-3 as your source, how would you put in your own words what faith is and does? God has given to mankind a gift, a measure of "Faith" to believe. As the Holy spirit draws one to the truth faith is there to believe; But, with that measure of faith, God gives to mankind the gift of - "choice." Faith cannot be seen, but it can be felt, felt in ones heart and mind, for faith is a touch of God's love. Faith is generated when one hears the Word of God and by the working of the Holy Spirit, all man has to do is make the "choice" to use the measure of faith God gave, birthing a new life and joy unspeakable. Once I made the choice to believe, my faith has grown, as I read God's Word my faith continues to grow, as I have fellowship with other believers my faith has grown, as I continue to put my trust in the Lord my faith keeps growing, now I can say, "faith is the substance of things I hope for, the evidence of things not seen, it is real, it is true, and I thank You Father for giving to me this gift of "faith" Love, Darlene

Q1. Using Hebrews 11:1-3 as your source, how would you put in your own words what faith is and does? God has given to mankind a gift, a measure of "Faith" to believe. As the Holy spirit draws one to the truth, faith is there to believe; But, with that measure of faith, God gives to mankind the gift of - "choice." Faith cannot be seen, but, it can be felt, felt in ones heart and mind, for faith is a touch of God's love. Faith is generated when one hears the Word of God and by the working of the Holy Spirit, all man has to do is make the "choice" to use the measure of faith God gave, birthing a new life and joy unspeakable. Once I made the choice to believe, my faith has grown, as I read God's Word my faith continues to grow, as I have fellowship with other believers my faith has grown, as I continue to put my trust in the Lord my faith keeps growing, and now I can say, "faith is the substance of things I hope for, the evidence of things not seen, it is real, it is true, and I thank You Father for giving to me this gift of "faith" Love, Darlene

Q4. (Hebrews 10:35-36) Why is perseverance in faith hard sometimes? We start out in our "faith walk" as a baby in Christ. We have to learn how to persevere - our flesh tells us another way. Persevering is a learning process, trusting God in all things, at all times, good or bad. Why is perseverance so important? It is very important we persevere (steadfast effort to follow God's commands and do His work) because there is a human enemy, a great opposer of God, an enemy who rules this world, who has great power, who is out to steal and kill those who love God. He is Satan, and he is out to destroy the "faith" the people that love God have - perseverance is so important!! How is Christian fellowship important in perseverance? (3:12-14) We the church in order to stand strong for the Lord must be in fellowship with one another, with fellowship meaning, caring, praying, sharing God's Word, encouraging, up lifting each other in the Faith. What can we do to encourage other Christians in this sometimes difficult journey? Let them know - sometimes the journey will be difficult! But God will be there!! The more one perseveres, the closer one grows to God. The more the brethren helps his brother to persevere the closer he grows in the Lord God. This is why Christ Jesus went to the cross, so we can have power to persevere. It is our perseverances that pleases God, for through it God sees our love for Him. If a babe in Christ thinks all will be smooth and they will not have trials or testing, this is a false teaching; It is important they understand - God tells us, "take up your cross." Expect those difficult times and when they come, you will be ready to practice "perseverance." (We must also be there for them, for we are the family of God.) Persevere!

Q3. (Hebrews 10:26-31). (In your discussion, please resist the temptation to slam another Christian who might understand the security of the believer differently from you!) What kind of sin is expressed by the phrase, "deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26)? I see "deliberately keep on sinning" as apostacy. Apostacy is falling away from the faith. How can a person commit apostacy, fall away from the faith in Jesus if they never had faith in Him in the first place? A person who as seen in Heb 6:5- 6 Have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. "Fall away" means to apostatize. Apostasy is falling away from the truth, the faith. Here it is referring to Christ Jesus and His death and resurrection. Apostasy is an act of rebellion to God. Once a person has tasted, that is to eat or experience the saving grace of God and tramples on the work of the cross, how? willfully, AND deliberately continue to live in sin, and chooses to go ones own way, has fallen away from the truth. Jesus came to make us a new creation, to free us from the power sin has on our lives. Faith and trust in Jesus's work on the cross is striving to live righteous lives, and when we fall because the flesh is weak, we can repent and ask forgiveness, for the cross covers our sin. How does a heart so heardened by sin, a person who willfully allows to let sin rule in their life, ever come to the point of REPENTANCE again ? For they have trampled on the work that Christ did, to set men free from the power of sin, not for man to willfully contiue in sin. It is mans choice, God never takes our choice away from us. This is why we must encourage each other in the church, for when we do fall and we will, don't let Satan condemn us, God is there to forgive our repentent heart, the cross has covered our sins and we can go boldly to the throne. Repentance is turning away from sin, disobedience, or rebellion and a turning back to God. IT MEANS A CHANGE OF MIND, TURN AROUND, GOING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION - IT IS GODLY SORROW. If a person no longer is repentent, there are no longer anymore sacrifices to be had, for Jesus was our sacrifice, once for all who will believe. Is this talking about sins related to the weakness of our flesh or apostasy? I think in a way they are one and the same - with the key word "WILLFULLY" (as shaking your fist in the face of God.) Jesus preached that repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin; by repentance one turns away from sin; by faith, one turns toward God in accepting the Lord Jesus Christ. Unless you repent, said Jesus, "you will all likewise perish" Repentance is turning from wickedness and dead works (Acts 2:38) and conversion is accompanied by humility. It is God's will and pleasure as well as His command, without which we cannot be saved (Luke 13:3) Too many people think, once they except Christ as Lord they can continue to travel on the wide road, a road that leads to distruction, Repent, turn around and walk the narrow road, it leads to the end of the race, to God. Repent is the last word Christ said to five churches out of seven as seen in Revelation. The church must take heed. Thank you God for the Cross and the power I received because of Christ Jesus my Bridegroom and my love for Him and for You, thank You for giving to me this wonderful gift.

Q2. According to Hebrews 3:13 Exhort yourselves each day, as long as it is being called today, that not any of you be hardened by the deceit of sin. and 10:24-25 And let us consider one another, to incitement of love and of good works, not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as is the custom of some, but exhorting, and by so much more as you see the Day drawing near. what should be a prime motive for meeting together with other Christians? Exhort means,( parakaleo to call near, that is, invite, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) pray.) It is most important we exhort one another with acts of love and good works, encouraging each other daily to continue to trust in the living God, to fight the good fight, for Satan is out to trip God's people up, as he did in the Garden. -- Remember, sin, is sin, and it seperates us from fellowship with God. Sin that is practiced is the same as shaking our fist in God's face saying," I want to do what I want to do," as they did in the time of the Judges, "they did what was right in their own eyes." God had to deal with that until they repented. I see this same thinking in America and in many of our churches today. This isn't the reason Christ came, so we can do what we want to do, he came to give us life, and that life is to have fellowship with God Almighty. Don't let Satan deceive the church with the deception it no longer matters to God if we obey His commands, it does matter! This is why Jesus tore the veil, so God's laws can be written on our hearts and on our minds, so sin will not hearden our soul towards God and His righteousness. What is our usual motivation? Our main reason is to worship God and by so doing we are refreshed by the Spirit to continue to follow after Him and to help others on the road, for the road is narrow. Why do Christians so often get out of the habit of attending church or a small group? How can we help these individuals? The church is instructed to be diligent in helping each other through difficult times and through the weaknesses of the flesh. We do this by being there when needed, and with a helpful Word of encouragement. It is sad to say, but, often we hear words of criticism instead of encouragement. The reason I hear most often of why people don't go to church is, hypocrisy. Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Paul pointed out that sincere unhypocritical love is one of the marks of Christian ministry. I think the church must understand, God knows all, He sees what is in our hearts, let it not be "hypocrisy"

Q1. (Hebrews 10:19-21) How did the veil of the Tabernacle function in Old Testament worship? The veil was a curtain that seperated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could go behind the veil, once a year on the Day of Atonement What is the significance of the veil being ripped in two at Jesus' crucifixion? When Jesus died on the cross the veil was torn in two, bringing to those who have "faith" to believe, a new way of coming into the presence of God. Why is our access to God called a "new and living way"? In what sense is it new? In what sense is it living? New - because mankind could not do this before, only the high priest could come before God with his sacrifice and for the people. Jesus came to do the will of the Father, a new way for mankind to have fellowship with God Almighty, who is sitting on the throne. God prepared a body for Jesus, for He had no pleasure in sacrifices, He had pleasure in only one sacrifice, that of Christ Jesus, opening a new way for mankind to come into His presence. Christ's death was the only thing strong enough to tear the curtain in two, opening a way for us to have fellowship with the Almighty; For by this "new way" God's LAWS would be written on our minds and put in our hearts. Through this "new way" we came to understand what "love" is!! For God loved mankind so much He sent His only Son who died for our sins, but was resurrected and is at the right hand of God, thereby He gives everlasting life and power to us to live righteous lives. For He is living in us. The Father's desire is for us to keep His law, as the Father said, "if you love me, keep my commandments."

Q5. (Hebrews 9:11-12) What does "redemption" mean? Redemption is God's favor to mankind, found in Christ Jesus who died, paying the price required to ransom sinners. Our hope is in Christ Jesus. What were we redeemed from? The power sin has over us. Jesus has clothed us with His righteousness, how? Through our "faith" in Him. No one can boost of their good deeds, but we will be rewarded for them. God is the only one righteous, it is for this reason we give Him praise. Now that we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, power! we can live lives that please God. Just as Abraham's "faith" seen in his obedience to God, believing God when He spoke, God credited it to him as righteousness. What was the price of our redemption? How long does our redemption last? The price paid for our redemption was Christ's death and His resurrection, once for all who will follow after Him and His teaching.

Q4. (Hebrews 9:9) Why were external sacrificial regulations unable to cleanse or perfect the conscience? The same way external religious system does not cleans or perfect the conscience. It isn't by our works we can have our conscience cleansed, but after our conscience is cleansed we find the importance of work in our lives, for we now have power to love God with all our hearts. Love is first on God's list for the new covenant. Love the Lord God first, how do we do that? Our hearts are being changed, we desire to follow His commandments, this is what I call relationship with Almighty God. How does a guilty conscience keep us from intimacy with God? We should not have a quilty conscience for we have been purchased by Christ Jesus who is our High Priest, speaking to the Father on our behalf. We have fellowship with God, walking in His ways, and when we falter - we are reminded of the work of the cross, and the Holy Spirit is there giving us power to run the race to the end. Remember who brings condemnation, Satan. The Holy Spirit brings conviction. What is necessary for us to be able to come "boldly" (4:16)? The word "may" obtain mercy at the throne means, "will"! It isn't come and see how you are doing, BUT, come and receive mercy and find grace to help us when we need it. This is being bold, for we have a High Priest who has made this possible. Thank you Christ Jesus.

Q3. (Hebrews 9:7) Did the Old Covenant provide forgiveness for intentional, active, maintained rebellion against God? (Lev. 4:5-13) Sin Offering was a bloody offering known as a quilt offering given for unintentional or intentional sin for which there was no possible restitution. Restitution was given if the offering was accompanied by repentance, (Num. 15:30) The sin of active, maintained rebelling against God is not forgiven - because it isn't accompanied by repentance or faith in God Almighty who rules with a iron rod of righteousness. Num 15:30 And the soul that does anything with a high hand, whether of a native or of the alien, the same blasphemes Jehovah. And that person shall be cut off from the midst of his people. Do not think that they in the Old Testament nor the people in the New Testament can shake their fist in the face of God with the sins they do in defiance will be forgiven, not yesterday nor today, unless it comes from a repentent heart! Does the New Covenant provide this forgiveness? Christ's offering was seen in the Mosaic system as a sacrificial offering, one that goes up to God, a continual offering, for sinfulness required a complete and continual atonement. Christ paid the price for all the sin of mankind, we receive this forgiveness if our hearts are accompanied by repentance and by our "Faith" in The Redeemer! Do not trample on the work of the cross. There is no forgiveness for a person who hates God and His ways, who does not want to obey God, nor live according to His laws. Christ Jesus came to do the will of the Father, to bring His glory to the people, the way to receive God's glory is through a covenant with the Son Jesus. Your covenant is a marriage contract and Christ is coming back for a bride that has made herself ready, who is looking for His return, one who is prepared and is faithful. The God on the throne is the God of the Old Testament, He calls His name "The God of Israel" He is the same yesterday and today. The unforgivable sin is the sin against The Holy Spirit! Rebellion is sin, the same as witch-craft, and stubbornness as idolatry. What is required for forgiveness to be granted? Faith in Christ Jesus death and resurrection. Saying yes to the marriage contract by living a life of repentance and love for the God that loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us, to redeem us from the power of sin, so we can come to His throne with the robe of righteousness we received the day we were born again of the Spirit.