Helena
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Posts posted by Helena
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Q1. (1 John 1:3-4, 6-7) Why is our fellowship with fellow Christians so often just on a surface level? How can we have fellowship at a deeper level in Christ? What would it take in your Christian group or your relationships with other believers to deepen your level of fellowship so it is authentically Christian?
These verses stated in the lecture show how why our Christian fellowship must go beneath the surface level.
a. "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ...." (1:3)
b. "... But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another...." (1:7)
I recently joined one of six fellowships groups in my church called Life Groups. The purpose is while the total church grows bigger; it shall become smaller through participation in Life Groups. Although we have regular conversations about everyday matters, we also discuss spiritual things, pray for each other, play games, do service projects, and have bible study, and eat delicious snacks.
Therefore, because we meet outside of regular church services, we have a precious
chance to build authentic Christian fellowship and relationships. It is vital to build healthy spiritual and physical support systems. As the Apostle John emphasized, we, too, have a chance to proclaim what we have seen and heard through Christ to one another and by reaching out to other people.
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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?
These scriptures indicated a multitude of people whom the Christ has and is calling through the ages to be his sons and daughters and to bring the good news. Some will reject the summons, yet others will eagerly embrace the Son of God as a bride does her bridegroom. Many will earnestly labor for the kingdom with all their being to produce and bring in fruit, while others will show contempt for the Messenger and His people and not take heed, and will seek to damage and destroy. In the end, all nations and peoples will bring all they have and all they are to the King. The Lord is present always. As it is written in my Amplified Bible in Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen.
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Your response contains insightful thoughts. Have you considered that the gift of discernment could be one of your spiritual gifts? Proper discernment is an important part of human relationships. :-)
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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?
1. Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child?
The Magi recognized and honored the child, Jesus, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Messiah.
2. How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude?
They were standing before their Creator! The Lord God to whom they owed their existence, gifts, skills, everything! Humbly, the Magi realized that they could NEVER bring enough gifts, of any price or value, that was good enough for GOD! None the less, their hearts overflowed with reverence, joy, wonder, humility, a multitude of feelings for the privilege and honor of coming before the Christ-child.
3. What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring?
We bring Jesus the best of ourselves: our talents, spiritual gifts and fruits of the spirit, our resources, EVERYTHING. Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices before the throne of grace is a powerful acknowledgement of all the Lord is. Present yourself as a living sacrifice and Abba, the Father, will scoop you up in His arms.
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What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus?
In the act prostrating, the Magi worshipped (Greek
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What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw?
The Star of Bethlehem was a prophetic sign for the Magi of the Messiah
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I, too, have hope! May the Savior and King bless you richly!
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Great joy, praise, curiosity, amazement, telling others, thoughtful meditation. Which of these responses to the Good News are present in your life?
Praise, curiosity, and thoughtful meditation are present.
In what manner do they show themselves?
They are shown through my bible studies, in church activities, in personal testimonies I give to people, through my art and contemplation of nature, and in my daily job activities. I believe these three attributes are implied more through action, and less through words.
If some are missing, why? What can you do to recover these responses?
I feel great joy and telling others needs improvement. Many times the joy and telling the Good News to others have been lessened or dulled because of depression and heavy trials and burdens, and crises.
Currently, I
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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?
What are the three titles of Jesus given by the angels? What does each mean?
a. Christ
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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?
Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?
The act of the message coming to the shepherds is full of meaning.
-- The overarching symbolic meaning here is that as the shepherds are guardians of the sheep, likewise, the Great Shepherd has arrived to lead, defend, guide, and care for his sheep, who are the believers, the sons and daughters of the Most High God.
-- As a physical sheep is led to the slaughter for the temporary expiation of human sin the, so the Lamb of God is sacrificed for the permanent removal of sins.
-- The shepherds are in the lowest, despised rungs of human society. Jesus arrives as a prophet without honor in his own country, the adopted son of a lowly carpenter and the
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The Holy Spirit was with you as you wrote your eloquent and wise words!! Your comments reverberate in my heart because they contain concepts and thoughts that have ponder over a long time.. I'm striving to order my life to mirror my Savior increasingly. If you have a chance to, order this book: "Revolution in World Missions," by K.P. Yohannan at www.gfa.org (Gospel for Asia). It's free, riveting, and an eye-opener. I enjoyed reading it. I didn't agree with every point; however, the overall message is sound.
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The journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary because she was in the late stages of her pregnancy.
Riding on a donkey had to have been uncomfortable for her. I'm sure sleeping on the rough ground was difficult to her as well.
Pleasure doesn't always mean we are in God's will. Often it can mean we aren't in His will. On the other hand just because we are going through trials or hardships is no indication that we aren't in His will.
God often brings problems into our life to strengthen our faith and draw us into a closer relationship with Him.
Hi, Linda:
I agree with you when you said, "Often it can mean we aren't in His will. On the other hand just because we are going through trials or hardships is no indication that we aren't in His will."
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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."
Why do you think the journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary?
Mary faced emotional and physical hardships. As a woman, if I were pregnant Mary, I
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Q1. (Luke 2:1-2) Why does Luke name the rulers in 2:1-2? What point is he making?
Why does Luke name the rulers in 2:1-2?
By listing the rulers and other historical details, Luke establishes the existence of Jesus, which historical writings and archeological records verify.
What point is he making?
When Caesar Augustus orders the census degree, he automatically makes a binding, legal ruling within a political and government setting. Luke wants us to know that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are real people, and that the events truly happened.
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Joseph is
a. honorable
b. obedient
c. righteous
d. humble
e. holy
f. unconditional love
g. servant
Joseph
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Q5. (1:24-25) What does Joseph accepting Mary as his wife say about his character? What is the significance for prophetic fulfillment of Jesus as a Son of David that Joseph "named" the child "Jesus"?
Joseph is
a. honorable
b. obedient
c. righteous
d. humble
e. holy
f. unconditional love
g. servant
Joseph
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It comes from the shadowing prophesy by Isaiah in Chapter 7:14 where Isaiah exhorts King Ahaz of Judah who was facing a siege by the armies of Israel and its allies. Isaiah in the passage urges Ahaz to stand firm and trust God. Isaiah told Ahaz that a virgin would concieve and bear a child to be called Immanuel as a reminder that God is with his people in times of trouble. In the time this baby would grow to be just a young child Judah's enemies would be destroyed.
The virgin birth from Marym in the new Testament is presented as a fulfillment of the above prophesy in the time of King Judal because again a child Jesus must be born and his name must be Immanuel indicating that God would be among his people again and liberate them from the enemy, this time the enemy being Satan.
Hello! Thanking for bringing out the fact that Satan is our ultimated enemy, and Jesus' people are being and will be liberated!
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Q4. (Matthew 1:23) How did the prophetic concept of the virgin conception and the name "Immanuel" find their fullness in the birth of Jesus to Mary?
The prophetic words uttered in Isaiah 7:14 were a foreshadowing of a greater event in the future. The background context of this scripture is riveting. The armies of Aram and Israel made a pack to fight against Judah and divide the conquered land among themselves. When Ahaz, king of Judah, and his people heard about the plan,
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Q3. (Matthew 1:21) What is the significance of the name Jesus? Why do you think the angel gave the name to both Mary (Luke 1:31) and Joseph independently?
Jesus in Greek,
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I agree! Who knows how long they struggled before giving the right answers? All of us us are human and have our weaknesses. Let us be like Mary and Joseph, having our hearts right (the Lord knows!), and trusting in guidance--in their case, the visit of an angel!
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Q2. (Matthew 1:19) What were Mary's options being pregnant and carrying a baby not her husband's? What kind of character did Joseph exhibit by deciding to divorce Mary quietly and leniently?
Mary
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Q1. What would Jesus have learned as the son of a carpenter? What experiences would this have exposed him to?
In those days, the son usually carried on the father
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Q5. (Luke 1:42-43) In what sense are the titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" appropriate for Mary? Why are we sometimes hesitant to exalt her as "blessed among women"?
The titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" are true in describing Mary. She was a virgin, blessed and was choosen to be used of God to be his mother on earth when he was on earth. I think hesitancy comes from the fact that she was the mother of Jesus while he was on earth. She wasn't the mother of God in the sense she created God or was before God in any way. I think Mary was blessed with a special opportunity to be used of God. She was, however, a vessel, used by God to accomplish His purposes. God uses believers today to accomplish His purposes in the same way. God is to be exalted and given all honor. I think we are hesitant to exalt her for fear of forgetting the fact that she was completely human. As a human who was submissive God's will, any kind of exhaltation that would take away from God's glory and honor would be wrong.
Well said!! Regarding Mary's exaltation...only God can exalt something. He abases, and He raises.
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Q5. (Luke 1:42-43) In what sense are the titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" appropriate for Mary? Why are we sometimes hesitant to exalt her as "blessed among women"?
In what sense are the titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" appropriate for Mary?
These titles designate the special functions bestowed upon Mary: a virgin who had been chosen by the Lord to become the special vehicle to carry and nurture the Son of God. As the mother of the divine Son to come, Mary was highly favored and blessed. The word
Q1. Christian Fellowship
in 1. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:1-2:6)
Posted
Hello!
We have formed small groups that are similar to what your church is doing. Jesus is holy, true, and great! All glory to the Father.
Thank you for your response--well said.