iam4-1god

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 know that Jesus will come for us at a time-when, we don't know. We just know that He is coming for us. Because we don't know when He will come, He tells us that we must always be ready. Meanwhile, the battle rages on! We will constantly be at war with our flesh-trials and temptations will come. That is why we must stay prayed up, and study the Word, and walk in the Spirit. If we continue to study the word of God, and pray for ourselves, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, then God's grace will keep us safe and clean until He comes for us. Confess your sins. Pray and ask God for strength and guidance. Fellowship. I'll pray for you, and you will pray for me. Daily!

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 children of God spiritually. When the Holy Spirit came to dwell in us at the time of salvation, we received the "new birth", and we were changed spiritually. Through the new birth, we have power through the Holy Spirit to do and say the right things-while still in a battle with our flesh. This is spiritual warfare. The Holy Spirit helps us fight our battles with the flesh.

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? We need teachers in the church, because we have not all been called to teach, and children need to be taught. Some people have a special calling to preach and some to teach. The Holy Spirit is calling all of us to do something, but not all of us will do the same thing. What I am taught of the Holy Spirit is taught to me for my encouragement-it may be different than what someone else needs. Teachers are to teach the word-preachers preach the word. The point is, not everyone can do these things. Only God knows who can. But, we are to study on our own, so that we may have discernment-know that the truth is being taught or preached. And we need the Holy Spirit to help us study. hope this makes sense!

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? Abide in Jesus means praying, studying, and fellowship with other believers. Reminding ourselves that we are children of the most High God, and praising Him as such-giving Him the praise and honor that He deserves. We should be doing this everyday-not just once in a while, or once a week or whenever we feel like it. Every day, many times a day! He deserves it! A christian that is not doing these things, is a christian that is more involved in self-what can I do for me? What can you do for me-that sort of thing. Money, material things, self-help-those comercials on tv and radio that encourage us to be the best we can be for us. We can not serve God and mammon-we will love the one, and hate the other. Stay with God-that is the main thing! We will not be sorry!

Q3. (1 John 2:20, 27) In what ways is the Holy Spirit an internal Guide for us? In what ways does he teach us? In what ways does he point us to Jesus' teaching? In my case, the Holy Spirit is a great teacher, because He helps me remember things that I have learned. And, I believe that He shows me hidden things in scripture that I would not ordinarily see or understand. By this, I mean that I am not the smartest person in the world, and I have to read a thing several times to get the main thrust of it. Also, if I am needing instruction or guidance in a certain area, the Holy Spirit will show me the right scripture or passage that will give me the answer or encouragement that I need. Really, we need look no further for answers that God and His word! It's all there, and the Holy Spirit will help us find it! Gloray!

Q2. (1 John 2:20-21) What is the "anointing" that John is talking about? In what way is anointing connected to the Holy Spirit in the Bible? Has every Christian received this anointing? What do you think? I believe that all believers have the Holy Spirit the moment they are saved. That is because we are set aside for Christ-we are now His, and we are given the Holy Spirit for a down payment toward our inheritance. I also believe that we are filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can be strengthened and encouraged through the Holy Spirit to stan firm and be able to serve God. I believe that all who ask for this filling will receive it, if they ask with a pure heart and a willing spirit. God searches the heart, and He knows if we are sincere or not.

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 is to come is that one referred to in scripture that is present during the Great Tribulation. John is referring to false teachers and those that work iniquity even now in the church. These antichrists spread hereseys. They offer a false gospel, and they want to spread lies and discord among believers.

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? Being full of pride because of what we have, looking at and desiring things and people that we shouldn't be looking at, thinking that all we need are sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll-these things and believing that the only person that matters to me is me-these things are covered, and more. We sometimes can't see our mistake because we want the thing so badly, and we think we have to have it. Also, we don't want to admit to ourselves that we are making or have made a mistake. All these things that we think are so important will not impress God. And, they will be destroyed someday. So, they don't really matter.

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? The world refers to the enticments of carnal life. When we concentrate on material things, and not on spiritual things, then we grow farther and farther away from the Father and His love.

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? Each of these age groups have challenges in keeping with the faith. No gender or age group is immune to temptation and attacks from satan. And, God reminds them who they are, and that He is with them, and they need to stand fast. Our strength comes from the Lord!

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? God is love, and if we are truly His children, then we must learn to forgive when someone has hurt us. After all, Jesus died a horrible death so that we could be forgiven-can't we do the same for others? Anyway, to be unforgiving and hateful is to be separated from God, because these things are sin, and we all know that sin is separation from God. We can't walk in the light and hate anyone. So, if there is hate and unforgiveness in us, then we must confess and ask the Lord to cleanse us from this sin. Then, God will help us overcome!

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? How do love and legalism differ? How can we be serious about obedience and make love our center? We have to remember that it is not about us-it is about Christ. When I forget about Jesus and all He did for me, I get wrapped up in me, and I get all self-righteous. I am here to be obedient to God, and to be an example to others. I try to remember that Jesus gave all, and I am nothing without Him. That is a fact! Trust and obey-for there's no other way!

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? We know that, if we sin, we have an Advocate who will plead our case, and we will be forgiven! We make mistakes-we're not perfect. That is why Jesus did what He did at Calvary. So that we could be forgiven. He can plead our case, because He knows what we are going through. I know what He went through to deliver us from sin and death, and I want to show Him that I am grateful and I love Him, so I want to avoid those things that will bring me under condemnation.

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? Confession is telling on yourself. It's important to confess, because God can't stand sin-He can't be in the presence of sin. If we stop confessing, then God won't even hear our prayers, much less answer them. If we confess, then He will forgive us. Cleansing is washing ALL our sins away- confessing is asking forgiveness for a specific sin.

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? How does this involve self-deception? What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? How do we get back into the light if we sin? Sometimes we think we have plenty of time to confess, or we tell ourselves that God doesn't see, or He has bigger problems to solve. Sometimes there are things in our lives that we just don't want to let go of, or we think we can't-we're not strong enough. Sometimes we sin and we don't have the courage to admit that we made a mistake. If we don't confess right away, it becomes more and more difficult to come back. God will forgive if we confess-but waiting too long can be a big mistake.

I believe it's a matter of learning to be real with other christians-letting you guard down. Be able to step out on a limb and trust each other. God's love can only shine forth if we allow it to. It takes prayer and faith, and it can be done.

Q7. (Luke 23:46) What does Jesus mean when he says,

Q6. (John 19:30) What had Jesus

Q5. (John 19:28) What do you learn from Jesus

Q4. (Mark 15:34) What does Jesus

Q3. (John 19:26-27) Why does Jesus make St. John responsible for his mother Mary? What does this tell us about Jesus? How should we apply this in our own lives? When we need help with something, who do we turn to? The one who will not say "no"! We will ask someone who is always there in times of trouble. That may not necessarily be family, sad to say! Jesus knew that John would take care of His Mother much better than any one of His brothers. After all, they were no even at the cross with Him because they were afraid to be identified with Him. This tells us that Jesus wanted to make sure that all His afairs were in order. He wanted to make sure that His Mother would be cared for. I used to walk through the nursing home where my Mother spent her last days and feel shame and embarassment because a lot of the elderly in this place had been abandoned by their children. Some of them would wander up and down the halls asking people that passed if they were related. That is no way to treat a parent. I guess I already answered this question. I think we should be responsible for our parents after we are grown. I didn't have the best relationship with my Mother, but I loved her so much. I didn't take care of her like I should have, but I tried. So many times we get all wrapped up in our own lives, and we forget those who raised us. My parents were in no way perfect, but neither am I as a parent. I know now that my parents did the best they could. They gave their love the best they could and knew how. Hard to give love when you've never received love. Both my parents came from abusive homes. They both were able to forgive. We can, too

Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief

Q1. (Luke 23:34) Who was most responsible for killing Jesus? What responsibility do you and I bear in this? In what sense was Jesus praying for us? I think humanity as a whole is responsible for killing Jesus. He died to make a way for all of us-not just a certain group, or country. All of us must take responsibility for His death. My responsibility lies in the fact that Adam was disobedient, and took part in eating something he wasn't suppose to eat. Since I am a descendent, then I am a sinner-disobedient, as well. We are born into sin-that is just the way it is. There is no need for me to act all holy and pure. I am saved only by God's Grace. Nothing that I did or could ever do could bring this about. I will never, in this life , be good enough because I am a sinner. Jesus' death made me good enough. Jesus loves us that much. Think about it. He loved us so much that He gave His life for us. We-I owe Him everything! He saved me from punishment. He gave me eternal life! Because of our sins, Jesus died. He loves us that much! He knew that, until the Holy Spirit would take the veil off our eyes, and allow us to see the truth of our condition, we would not understand the ramifications of all that His death means to us. Until one is saved, one is soaked in greed and envy. We only think of ourselves, and we become jealous when we see someone else doing better than us. So, He was praying that The Father would give us time to have the eyes of our understanding opened so that we can know the truth. I thank God that He gave me time! Gloray!

Q4. (2 Timothy 4:21a) Why is it important to Paul for Timothy to come before winter? What happens if Timothy delays? Do you think Timothy dropped everything and came to Paul's side? Would you, if you were Timothy? Paul asked Timothy to bring his cloak, which will keep him warm during the winter months. If Timothy delays, then he will not be able to get to Paul because the Mediterranean will be closed soon, and travel will be impossible. I think Timothy dropped everything and did what Paul asked him to do-I would have! To be able to serve Paul would have been the next best thing to seving Jesus! A true honor!

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:9-12) Why is it so difficult when trusted friends desert us? Why is it so difficult when they move away or die? Is it better to trust no one? Who remains with Paul besides Luke? (Hint: see verse 17a). I think it hurts to loose people in our lives so much because we have things in common-especially the Lord. Or, we have spent years with them and know them so well (or so it seems), and then when they die or move away, it feels like we got sucker-punched in the gut. It feels like a part of us has been taken away. I know that when my parents went home, I had a hard time of it. I didn't want to let go. My dad went home first, and then my mom 3 years later. They had been married to each other for 54 years. My mom was lost without Dad. She spent most of her life with him. So, when she went home to Jesus, I knew that she was looking for Dad, and he was looking for her. The thing that gets me through is knowing that they are with God now. No more sorrow-no more pain. They are in the Savior's loving presence, along with other loved ones and friends. Oh how wonderful to know that God is taking care of them now! I can't wait for my turn to go! Got to go shout! Bye!