swordwoman
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Posts posted by swordwoman
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Intercession is our gift and God uses us as vessels of His mercy to accomplish His will on earth. When we pray, according to His will, He sees to it that His will is done. Pray according to His will...and all things will work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose ~ to be conformed to the image of His son, Yeshua.
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The comfort I receive from my faith is KNOWING that Yeshua is Lord. He is with me all the time, and brings the peace that passes all understanding. Others can visibly see His grace and know that the comfort extended to them through His followers is indeed supernatural. It is important to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when expressing the comfort of God. People "read" actions...not necessary your words.
Often a look or a touch will speak "comfort" more so than rattling off scripture. I find people want to know they are not alone...the fact that "you've been there," and He has brought you through means more, and is a "word in due season."
He will never leave and never forsake me. This I believe. This I know. It is His character I trust in...not my faith. His is the True and Living God. I am merely human.
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Q2. (1 John 2:28; 3:2-3) In what way does our expectation of Christ's Second Coming motivate us to purify ourselves from sin? How does purifying ourselves from sin relate to God's grace?
We have this Hope in us...Christ in us, the Hope of Glory...!! Amen...to me, that's motivation enough...!!
God's grace and our love for Him in conjunction with our obedience to His commands (which is how we show Him we love Him)...create the "solution" on our end for purification...however, the Blood of Christ purifies us from all sin...known and unknown.
Thank you Jesus...!
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Q1. (1 John 2:29-3:2) In what sense are we "children of God"? What does the Holy Spirit have to do with this "new birth"? How does the new birth change us?
We are deemed children of God by His greatest gift of salvation ...we are born again of the Spirit...and grafted into God's family, becoming joint heirs with Jesus Christ, His one and only son.
The Holy Spirit draws us to Him. Many are called...few are chosen. It is up to us to choose to walk with Christ and identify with Him. We are adopted into the family of God (Romans 8:15; Romans 8:29).
We are given the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus. Hallelujah...Praise God...!Christ Jesus our Lord! (Rom.8:37-39) Hallelujah!!!
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Q5. (1 John 2:26-27) If we have the Holy Spirit, why do we need teachers in the church? How does the role of the anointing differ from the Holy Spirit's spiritual gift of teaching?
Teachers in the church are those individuals who have been given the gift of teaching by the Holy Spirit.
The anointing is given to each of us when we become children of God and that anointing equips us to minister as the Lord wills while He is working through each of us. There are times when we aren't aware what God is doing, but He is in fact working His will through us under the anointing of the Spirit.
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Q4. (1 John 2:24-28) What does it mean to abide/remain/continue in Jesus? Give an example of what a Christian might be doing who is "abiding" in Jesus. What are symptoms in a Christian who is not "abiding" in Jesus?
Abiding in Jesus is having Him the center of our lives.
Someone abiding in Jesus is involved in the things of God wherein those things take precedent over the things of the world. Prayer, Bible study, fellowshiping with other believers, and being in God is more important than anything else.
Someone not abiding in Christ is doing their own thing and their lives are not lining up with the Word of God.
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Q1. (1 John 2:18) What is this antichrist that John expects to come? What is the difference between the antichrist and antichrists in the church John is writing to? In what ways do we see the spirit of antichrist at work in our day?
The antichrist that John refers to is the world leader who will set up his government here on earth.
The difference between the antichrist and antichrists in the church is t hat the antichrists in the church are the anti-anointing spirits that seek to tear down the Messiah and rob the Christ spirit that is operating.
The antichrist spirit that is at work in our day is plain -- worldliness abounding in the form of sinful pleasures -- all that glorifies the sin in the world and giving it the "ok" to do so...antichrist operates in government, abortion, all things profane, et al.
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Q4. (1 John 2:15-17) What kinds of sins are covered by the three examples of worldliness that John gives? Why are these sometimes so difficult for us to discern in ourselves? Why is worldliness so harmful to our future?
The sins that create ungodly desires to our flesh (flesh desiring pleasures in the natural).
The sins that create ungodly desires in our souls (eyes are the gateway to the soul).
The sins that create ungodly pride to elevate us higher than God (pride of life).
These sins are difficult to discern in ourselves because in the natural realm, we like them...plain and simple.
Worldliness is harmful to our future, because it is based on the temporal...and it gives us pleasure for a moment...but not for a lifetime.
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Q3. (1 John 2:15-16) What is "the world" in verses 15-16? What kind of love of "the world" keeps us from loving the Father?
Anything that is not of the Father, Son, or Holy Spirit...
Any and all idols represent the "love of the world" -- temporal pleasures...and anything that keeps one bound to the earth and does not allow for the eternal love of God (rebellion toward God).
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Q2. (1 John 2:12-14) John encourages "children," "young men," and "fathers." Why do you think he takes time to encourage them? In what ways does he encourage them?
These stages of life represent the different levels of maturity in the faith...and no matter what stage we are in, just as in the natural, we need to be continually encouraged...He takes the time, because he understands love and the commandment given by Jesus...to love one another.
He gives them the time of day...something many Christians say they "don't have" (time). I have found that when we invest time (a precious commodity in this culture, for sure), we give a part of ourselves in which the Lord uses to His glory. I believe that if you prioritize your time and offer yourself to the Lord...He will use the time He has given you to do His work and work His will.
John encourages them by acknowledging them.
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Q1. (1 John 2:7-11) How does hate and unforgiveness blind us spiritually? If we have been darkened by hurt and hate, how do we come into the light?
Hate and unforgiveness are impediments to the flow of God's love in our lives and blind us spiritually...both from us to Him and others...and from Him to us, as His love gets "backed up" -- if your eye is full of light, how great is the light inside...and if your eye is full of darkness, how great is the darkness...?
Forgiveness is a choice. If you are having trouble choosing to forgive, then you need to humble yourself before God and ask Him for His help in doing so. One needs to forgive from the heart...and not only the mouth.
True forgiveness is the most freeing gift known...from that place of forgiveness all life and love flows. Praise Jesus!! He made it possible...!
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Q5. (1 John 2:3-6) How can we be serious about obeying Christ without become legalistic and judgmental, with a self-righteous attitude like the Pharisees had?
We can do this when we get a revelation that it is not "I" who lives, but Christ in me...that "I" am dead and it is He who lives...coming from a heart motivated by love and compassion...and having the standard of the Word of God as my governor in all things.
How do love and legalism differ? Legalism is what we "do"...Love is who we "are"...
How can we be serious about obedience and make love our center? God is Love. When we make Him our center...all else flows from His heart.
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Q4. (1 John 2:1-2) What assurance does John give us if we do sin? How does this comfort us? How does it make us want to avoid sin?
The assurance John gives us if we do sin is that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness...and He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin when we confess it to Him. It comforts us to know that we can be forgiven of our sins, because as human beings, we sin...plain and simple...it is something we will continue to fight against. It makes us want to avoid sinning, because in Christ, He has already won the victory over sin. We have the ability to become overcomers...it is our choice to yield unto the Holy Spirit and avoid sin because we love God.
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Q3. (1 John 1:9) How would you define "confession"? Why is confessing our sins so important? What happens to us if we stop confessing our sins? What are the promises given to us if we do confess our sins? How is forgiveness of sins different from cleansing?
I would define confession as "coming clean" with God. Confessing our sins is so important, because when we hide from God, He cannot cleanse us, forgive us, and ultimately heal and restore us. We are "stuck" or "dead" in our sins. If we stop confessing our sins, we will carry a "counterfeit" yoke that God never intended for us to carry. The promises given to us is that God will cleanse us from all righteousness, forgive us our sins, and restore us to be reconciled with Him. Cleansing "cleans us" by removing the sin...and forgiveness causes the sin to be cast as far as the east is from the west...forever removed from any judgment. Praise Jesus for His Blood...!!!
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Q2. (1 John 1:5-7) What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? The result is rebellion toward God and His Word. -- Not a good place to "walk"...darkness makes you stumble...
How does this involve self-deception? Self-deception allows for the enemy to lie to you and tell you that evil is good...and good is evil. It is really a matter of the heart and the self-indulgent **** of the flesh, the **** of the eyes, and the pride of life.
What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? We have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin.
How do we get back into the light if we sin? Repent before God...seek and receive His forgiveness...receive the Blood of Jesus, get clean, and walk on -- focused on Him.
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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?
Q1. (1 John 1:3-4, 6-7) Why is our fellowship with fellow Christians so often just on a surface level?
I believe it is because many Christians are still walking in the darkness...pretending to walk in the light. When people get real with God and receive His love and approval...they will stop looking to people for validation and start having real relationships...trusting that God will work all things to good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
How can we have fellowship at a deeper level in Christ? Spend more time with Him and His love will cause us to overflow with His grace and mercy for all.
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?
I am blessed to have sound relationships with other believers. I have learned how to discern who is truly walking in the Light of His Love and Grace as opposed to simply "believing" someone by what they say. I have found that if they truly walk in the light...they will not stumble in the darkness...Amen?...! In other words, their life will stand or fall with the Word of God as the standard.
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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?
All speak of salvation to the world...many are called -- few are chosen...
What relation does the visit of the wise men have to Matthew's theme of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles?
Wise "men" still seek Him... -- He who has ears, let Him hear ...
How should we be applying this mandate in our own lives? Speak it and preach it...All have the ability to have God's life and love flowing through them...Jesus said -- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life -- no one comes to Father but by Me....
How hard is that?
For some, they are deaf to those words ... to others -- It is Life ...and Life Abundant.
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Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? It was the custom.
How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? They brought their best.
What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring? We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices...there isn't anything better ... He desires our very lives.
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Q2. (Matthew 2:11a) What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus?
That is the only "response" to the King of All Kings...
What was the significance of this for them? After their long search...they found Him...and worshiped him....their "need" had been found and met...
How can we emulate this kind of worship? Through humble praise...complete adoration and devotion...to our King.
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Q1. (Matthew 2:1-2; Numbers 24:17) What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw?
The significance of the star is that it was in fact a supernatural star...different from all the rest...so significant that they wanted to follow the star...
Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? Yes.
In what way was does prophecy prefigure this event? The prophecy speaks of the star...and "points" the way to the Christ child.
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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? I would have to say all of them are present in my life. God is doing a restorative work in me and my life ...the transformation is amazing to me...I even "look" different. The most astounding quality I possess is peace and joy ...the peace I experience is like a steady flowing river...and the joy is like a tender dew drop that keeps on dropping...
In what manner do they show themselves? Steadiness of spirit...positive optimism in the face of hardship and the world, hunger for the Word, desire to be obedient to the Lord and to be with God's people. I have a strong desire to share Christ with everyone and in all manner of speaking. I am curious as to why people think they "don't need God" in their lives, and I joy in the opportunity to share my own testimony in hopes that it may bring them closer to repentance. I am constantly amazed at how God sees all in our lives, and His involvement in the details of our lives. Thoughtful meditation is my favorite place to be!
If some are missing, why? I don't feel any are missing...I live in the secret place.
What can you do to recover these responses? I'm just going to keep on keepin' on...trusting the Holy Spirit to show me, mold me, make me...and equip me to be a workman approved of God.
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Q3. (Luke 2:7-8) Why do you think the message of Jesus' birth comes to shepherds, of all people?
I think to shepherds of all people, because the shepherds were the low life of the day...they had very little and were humble amongst all men.
Why is Jesus born in a stable with a manger for a bed?
To show that He left everything for nothing.
This has to be intentional. What point is God making?
To make sure we "got it"...it's hard to miss this ... God is making the point that Jesus is for everyone. Rich, poor, great, small...King of Kings...Lord of Lords...All in All...He is God.
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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."
I think the journey to Bethlehem was difficult for Mary for several reasons...four days on a donkey...pregnant...dangerous roadways...bandits...winter...'nuff said?
Pleasure and indication of God's will...ya gotta be kiddin' me...(!) Pleasure is not the word that leaps to mind in my experience. Examples from my own life would be too long to summarize, but let me just say, as difficult as those times were...they were the best of times as well, because of the life lessons learned. God will ALWAYS bring you through...and I'd rather be a door keeper in the house of the Lord for one day than to dwell in the tents of wicked...God is good, Oh so good is He.
The most amazing example was moving from California to NY with two children, a husband recuperating from a surgery, with no place to live, no car, no job, no possessions (God said to sell it all -- He'd provide new)...just go. ...and we did. Everyone said we were "out of our minds," "crazy,"...but when God speaks, there is no mistakening His voice. We've lived here since 1993, and God has restored it all.
Going with the flow may be "easier," but being a consistent Christian, I have found, affords you to take ground consistently. Stand firm. Advance. Stand firm. Advance. Stand firm...advancing in the Kingdom of God...before you realize it...you've got a whole lotta land...Amen...!
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Q5. (1:24-25) What does Joseph accepting Mary as his wife say about his character?
Joseph's acceptance of Mary says he is a man of God...that he hears from God...and that he obeys what he hears...that's a good, gody man...
What is the significance for prophetic fulfillment of Jesus as a Son of David that Joseph "named" the child "Jesus"?
The "name" in Hebrew culture is of utmost importance...the name you carry distinguishes your lineage in the natural...and the fact that Joseph named Jesus, fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be from the line of David.
Q2. Growing through Crisis
in 1. The God of All Comfort (1:1-11)
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What I have learned is this: He is big and I am little. He is my strength and my song. He is the light of my salvation. He is my stronghold in times of trouble. If He is for me, who can be against me? Simply stated: He has given me the gift of faith...and I trust Him. As far as pride goes -- it is like a weed. I ask Him to mow it down daily...and I keep a look out for "weedlings."