jrbalibay

What do you think God intended animal sacrifice teach us about sin? About holiness? About God's nature? Sin is COSTLY to the sinner. God's holiness is absolute. God loves us ver much, but His justice must also be satisfied.

In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? God's mercy is clearly expressed in that we - the actual sinner - ourselves were not demanded to become the atoning sacrifice for our offenses by shedding our own lifeblood, burning at the sacrificial altar and dying in process, never reaping the forgiveness and cleansing of our sins. Were animal sacrifices actually adequate to atone for human sin? No, they only served as a substitute in place of the offender, and the atonement was valid for only one year.

What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) 1. Confession of sin/s 2. Provide the atoning sacrifice (lamb) 3. Laying of hands ("transfer" of sin from person to animal) 4. Killing of the Animal 5. Shedding of the animal's blood 6. Removal of the fat portion 7. Consummation of the meat by the priest Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? CONFESSION Which are no longer necessary? Why? Everything to do with sacrificing an animal. Reason is that no substitute animal can atone for the sins of the sinner. However, in Hebrews 10:10, "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL."

Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? How much of this has to do with a city vs. a farming way of life? "Modern" people have not been immersed in the farming way of life, wherein the slaughter of animals and all the other necessary processes take place to produce the by-products that can be purchased at the local market/grocery. Frozen meat don't just come as they are, stacked on display shelves...

Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? It indicates sin as wrong, reviled and despised. It goes against God's holiness and righteousness. What is the difference between capricious or uncontrolled anger and anger that brings about justice? Capricious anger could lead to reactive action that will not resolve the problem nor bring about justice.

How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? (John 1:29). John the Baptist's statement was relevant to Jewish religious culture wherein people atone for their sins via sacrificial offering, such as a LAMB, as prescribed in the Torah. How was the comprehensiveness of "sins of the world" so radical a concept? Based on the same Jewish tradition, offering a lamb sacrifice as atonement for sin covers an individual only. John the Baptist's statement is radical because the "sins of the world" will be atoned for with only ONE sacrifice, and even more so that it will cover for all time, not just one year.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? - v10 teaches that JESUS 1) is the Son of God; 2) resurrected from death to life; 3) is our Savior, "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29b); 4) will return, "coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. (Matthew 24:30b NIV84); and 5) God's wrath against sin will come. I like this verse because it presents the gospel in a simple way for people to hear and pick out the main points. Which of these elements are most important? - if i should pick one, the the truth that JESUS rose from the dead because this is the PROOF of God's saving work for all from sin and death. However, ALL points are important to convey the full message of the good news. Which are less important? - truths about sin, death, salvation, life and JESUS' person are all important. Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? - the truth about wrath against sin. This has been downplayed by much emphasis on God's grace. I still believe that people should understand the gravity of sin that tips God's cup of wrath. Especially in our present time, wherein much "sin" is now accepted as normal parts of people's lives, and truths about holiness and righteousness have been suppressed and labeled as antiquated advocacies.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? - similar to how a child is being raised by parents, new Christians learn the necessary and appropriate actions from their spiritual parents. It helps define the "How's" of the "Should's" & "Shouldn'ts" in a tangible and practical way. What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? - Music, Intercessory, Ushering, and others where learning can be imparted through example. Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? - the character of the mentor or leader is a projection of the church's spiritual health and culture, even more so how God is loved, worshipped, obeyed and served. How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? - not balanced; "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17 NIV84)". If Faith isn't exercised, then how can it impact people's lives? In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? - it's an INFLUENCE to their own spiritual walk as well. How I express my faith-relationship with God impacts theirs to a certain extent.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit's working so necessary to effective ministry? - it is the confirmation of God's presence and will upon the ministry, that it is indeed Spirit-led. What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? - it will be too strenuous and unsustainable since it is moving will merely human effort. What is the role of miracles in Paul's evangelism? - miracles confirm the message of the gospel of the kingdom of God through the working of the Holy Spirit among the people. What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? - then the same response from the people witnessing the miracles would happen: more will be added to the believers'/disciples' number. What is hindering this? - BELIEF that miracles can still happen in our present time.

(A) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? - Paul's ministry attracted prominent/ influential/ affluent people who were attending the synagogue. This posed a threat to what the synagogue was receiving in terms of support. ( Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? - Paul experienced the risen LORD on his way to Damascus, hence realizing that JESUS is God, and His gospel the truth. Furthermore, he used to oppose Jesus; he was from the "other side", so probably that is one reason why he is determined to help others discover the truth the way he did. © Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? - NO. On the other hand, it is expected that we will face opposition because we follow Jesus.