Delivered

John 1:29 the next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. Q4. (John 1:29) What does the title "Lamb of God" tell us about Jesus' ministry? Q.According to 1:29, whose sins did he come to take away? In what ways did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 53? One of the many ministries of the Son of God told here by John is that of “God the Father’s Lamb”, a title that reminds us of the lamb offered by each Jewish family at the time of Exodus (12:15) and that all sacrifices were to be without blemish, another ministry of God’s Lamb is that he would be the final and perfect “Passover Lamb”, that was offered up by God as a sin offering that would be an atonement for sin, not just for Israel, but for the sins of the world, for whosoever will: However, the fulfillment of the Lambs ministry goes even further, as we read John’s vision in Revelation, and we come to understand more fully the reason why “God the Son” left his place of Glory, in order to become man, to become the Lamb of God. (Revelation 5) John saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne, (God the Father is the one sitting on the throne, the One who sent His Lamb) was a book that was sealed with seven seals, and a strong angel proclaiming, Who is “WORTHY” to open the book and to break its seal, but there was “NO ONE” in earth, under the earth, that was able to open, to read, or even to look in it, it was because no man was found “worthy” that John wept “MUCH” ---- until one of the elders said to John, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to break the seals, and John beheld, in the midst of the throne stood a “Lamb” as it had been slain, and He took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat upon the throne, for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to lose the seven seals thereof. The description of the Messiah draws on Jacob’s blessing upon his son Judah, (Gen 49:9-10) Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh, the Messiah, come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. The Root of David draws on Isaiah 11:1-10 and a branch will grow out of his roots, a description of the Messiah and the Messianic Age of peace that the Lamb will establish. A Lamb slaughtered is the allusion to (Isaiah 53:7-8) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. The Lion of Judah is God’s Lamb slaughtered, who came first as a Lamb sacrificed for sin, who will return as a Lion to execute judgment, to rule the world, and who will bring peace to whosoever will believe.

Q2. (John 1:26-27) Why did John baptize? What is the meaning of the baptism he was performing? What do you think baptism represents to those John baptized? The LORD God of Israel called John to be a Messenger, to prepare the way before the Messiah, the One who will bring “Peace”, the call for Israel is to “repent” and be “baptized” – a new concept that would display to others, that they outwardly renounce their ways of wickedness, their offences against Jehovah and their contempt of His majesty, restoring instead moral order in the heart - Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. The act of baptism is to distinguish a remnant of faithful people, a people who will lift up a standard that will declare praise up to the LORD; for the faithful believe Isaiah 62:6-7 I have set a watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Isaiah 62:10-12 go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, the holy people, and the redeemed of the LORD: and you shall be called, Sought out, a city not forsaken. Beginning from the baptism of John - From the time that Christ was baptized by John in Jordan; for it was at that time that his public ministry properly began.

Q1. (John 1:19-23) Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by the religious leaders from Jerusalem? It was the responsibility of the council, the Sanhedrin not to hassle but to investigate prospective Messiahs. What were they afraid of? I don’t know if “afraid” is what I would use; however, there was the fear of the Gentile’s, Rome to contend with. and that of peace for Israel. if he were the Messiah, or the Prophet Elijah, who was to come before the Great Day of the LORD. How did John understand his own mission? Jesus made clear John’s mission in (Mt 11:10,14,17) that John the Immerser is not Elijah reincarnated, but he will come in his spirit for those who will accept him, John the Baptist understood his mission was to be a voice preaching in the wilderness of Judea, that would bring a new context, cleansing from a life pattern of sin.

Q1. (John 1:19-23) Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by the religious leaders from Jerusalem? It was the responsibility of the council, the Sanhedrin not to hassle but to investigate prospective Messiahs. What were they afraid of? I don’t know if “afraid” is what I would use; however, there was the fear of the Gentile’s, Rome to contend with. and that of peace for Israel. if he were the Messiah, or the Prophet Elijah, who was to come before the Great Day of the LORD. How did John understand his own mission? Jesus made clear John’s mission in (Mt 11:10,14,17) that John the Immerser is not Elijah reincarnated, but he will come in his spirit for those who will accept him, John the Baptist understood his mission was to be a voice preaching in the wilderness of Judea, that would bring a new context, cleansing from a life pattern of sin.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Q5. (John 1:18) What does it mean that Jesus is the "Only God" or the "Only Begotten God"? It means He is the One and only unique Son, who is identical with God the Father Does the Apostle John seem to make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son? Yes, the word tells us there is but only One who sits upon the throne, and from there all authority stems from, that the Son is at the Father’s right hand, and whose headship the Son is under, however, the word teaches us that the Son is kinship, identical in all ways with the Father except in that of position and authority, the understanding lies only in the very nature of God Himself. His ways and thoughts are not that of man, but to only trust and to have “faith” in He is who he says He is. What does all this mean for our understanding of the Trinity? To believe in the “Trinity” is to believe in the “Three in One God” The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and that they are working as one, as the Son said in his last prayer to the Father, that we would be one as they are one.

Q3 (John 1:12-13) What does it mean to "receive" Jesus? What does it imply to "believe in" Jesus? What is the spiritual relationship to God of those who receive and believe in Jesus? To me It means that the soul understands - it is through the Jewish Messiah, the Christ, that one is able to be in touch with God his Father, the veil has been torn, therefore to “receive” the Son brings one into an intimate and personal relationship with him, this is why we are called the Bride of Christ.

Q2. (John 1:7-8) What did it mean that John was sent to "testify" to the light? John was sent to be “WITNESS” of the “Light”. John’s testimony declared, Jesus is Israel’s promised Messiah, Jesus is the Son of God, the Father’s Sh’khinah Glory, (deity) - John was testifying, if one will believe, will place their trust in the Light, they will receive eternal life. = (John 20:30-31) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. In what sense are you put here with the purpose of "testifying" to the light? The results of believing in the Messiah of Israel is that our lives “will” reveal to those who walk in “darkness”, lives that have been changed, in hopes that they too may also see the “Light” and will have “eternal life”. What happened to John the Baptist? John the Baptist was beheaded by those who walked in “darkness”, it was under the oath of Herod Antipas to Salome, “Ask me what you want, up to half my kingdom, and it is yours” and in her indulgence and hatred for this Jewish man John that she requested he be beheaded. What might happen to you if you testify clearly? All we have to do today is look around and see how “darkness” has filled the air, not only in the world, but here in America, and with darkness comes hatred for the Jewish people, and for those who believe in Jesus, the Messiah of Israel. We see “darkness” working hard in America to shut down the “Light” therefore dispelling the “TRUTH”. We see “darkness” in the Middle East beheading, torturing, and murdering those who testify that Jesus is the “Son of God”, that he is the promised Messiah. The “CHURCH” is called to stand strong for our testimony; the church must get down on its knees in prayer and “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” pray “for the believers” pray for those Christians in the Middle East who are being put to death because they are testifying of the “light” to those who walk in darkness. What might happen to the people to whom you testify? Our lives “MUST BE” a “testimony” to what we say and believe, in hopes that they too may come out of darkness and believe on the Son of God.

Q1. (John 1:1-3) According to the Apostle John, is Jesus fully God? Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (God is plural, el-o-heem') Gen 1:2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (God the Holy Spirit, the wind or breath of God) Gen 1:26 And God said, Let “US” make man in “OUR” image, after “OUR” likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creep upon the earth. (Plural, let us) Gen 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. (LORD is singular for Jehovah, Jewish national name of God Almighty) while (God is plural). Right from the beginning we see the “Three in one God”- LORD, Jehovah who sits upon the throne, from where all authority stems from, God the Son, the radiance of, literally, God’s Sh’khinah glory, and God the Holy Spirit, the Wind or Breath of the LORD. Throughout the Gospel, John teaches that the Father is God, and the Son is God; yet he distinguishes between the Son and the Father, so that we cannot say that the Son is the Father, yet fully understanding the Son is deity so we will not be fooled - (Col 2:8-9) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, “theotes” which means “deity”—Being forewarned that the Messiah is deity. Salvation comes through “faith” believing on God Almighty, that The Father did send His Son, that the Father raised him up from the dead, who was delivered for our offences, raised up for our justification. (Romans 5:1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, (theos) through our Lord, Yeshua, Jesus Christ. (Luke 1:35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the “Son of God”. What does it mean that Jesus is the "Word"? “Word” translates Greek logos, which corresponds to Aramaic “memra” (also word), In the Septuagint logos translates Hebrew davar, which means not only “word” but “thing or matter”; in the beginning was the “Real Thing” Thus the Messiah, Jesus existed before all creation, (Colossians 1:16-17) For by him (God The Son) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) Why does Paul ask people to pray for him, and how do the prayers of others have an effect? Paul, a Jewish Pharisee, knew the importance of prayer, he was taught to pray at least 3 times a day, I can see that prayer was on the heart of Paul, as he starts off with praise to his God, the God of Israel - 2 Co 1:3-4 (Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.) When Paul addressed the Holy One, it was with honor and respect, as it was for God the Son, our Lord, the Messiah who taught us the importance of praying to the Father, for we who believe know, our dependence is on God to help us through the trials we face, as it was for Paul, who was going through much sufferings, and was in need of being comforted, and in so doing, those who are praying for Paul, will also be comforted, v4 (Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God) Isn't God good!

Q4. (1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.) Whom does Paul curse in this verse? Paul in my opinion is not cursing anyone; Paul's teaching here is that of "LOVE". Paul in "love" was warning the people, if anyone does not love, have affection for the Lord, let him understand, he is in danger of being cursed, as to be separated from God forever, Paul understood the seriousness of this matter as we see, his heart is for the lost (Rom 9:3-4) I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: This is an expression of deep devotion for the lost, as seen also in (Exodus 32:32) when Moses prayed, "This people sinned a great sin and have made themselves gods of gold. Yet now, if you will forgive their sin-and if not, blot me I pray out of your book which you have written. God's answer to Moses was, "Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore, go lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. This is love in action as revealed in the heart of Paul and of Moses - For the lost, and "WARNING" to those who are "LUKEWARM" to the commands, to the things of God. Whom does he invite to come quickly? Our Lord, the Messiah. Why, do you think, Paul looks forward so much to Christ's coming? It is the same reason I am looking forward to the Messiah coming, we "Know" He is coming, however, we do not know just when, it could be at any moment, (as I see so many of the signs of the Last Days, I believe it could be today) This is good reason that we also should spur the careless to heed the warning and to encourage everyone to expect, to look forward to Christ's coming, God's promises yet to be fulfilled.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) What does it take to continue to minister in the face of opposition, and in what way does this require spiritual warfare? Satan knows his time is short, “OPPOSITION” is a strong force working “HARD” today, their goal is to put down God's rule over the heart of mankind; However, our calling is to stand strong against the oppositions that come our way, we are not to become weak and frightened, this does not mean we are to repress fear, we are instead, called to be an over comer, we do this by relying on God's strength, it is our understanding, God causes everything, even opposition, to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose, (Romans 8:28) It is an important understanding, that in those times when we are being insulted because we believe in the Messiah of Israel, how blessed a people we are, and in that blessing, let us bring glory to God, it is called "fighting the good fight" it is called, running the race, with the goal of making it to the end, our calling is to stand strong on our faith, to walk the talk of the Good News about Yeshua, (Jesus) with “humility” and “fear”, fear not of the opposition, but of God, who one day we will see face to face, in hopes of hearing, “Well done my good and faithful servant”. When I think on those who have been, and are today being tortured and put to death for their faith, how small the opposition is that I face, however, I believe the time is coming “quickly” when the chaff will be separated from the wheat.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 16:4-7) What does Paul's wording, "if the Lord permits" teach us about making plans? Planning is an important element in living an organized life, for the believer, the important key is that we not forget, our plans stand only as God permits, we who delight to do the will of God, do so because the laws of God on written on the heart, this is why it is important that our plans declare our faithfulness is to God, for blessed is the man who in his planning understands, it is the LORD who directs his steps, "If the Lord permits". There have been times in my life that God had a different plan for me - "If the Lord permits” for it was in those times that I learned from my mistakes and growth occurred, and for that I was, and am, most thankful! Why is planning without this mindset actually arrogant? Arrogant is the man who does not put their trust in the LORD, and instead, glory in their own wisdom, a man who devises his own plans, and will do things his way, an arrogant man is a foolish man whose plans will have a great impact on how he will face and cope with the challenges that come his way, whereas (Psalms 3:23) Blessed is the man whose steps are ordered by the LORD - "If the Lord will".

Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) Why do we sometimes get discouraged serving the Lord? Serving the Lord is not discouraging to me, it is when I am "NOT" serving the Lord that hampers my confidence, and may even open the door to apathy, this is why it is important, no matter our big or how small the task, do all to the glory of God.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52) What does this passage teach us about Christ's coming? To those who walk in faith, death holds no terror, but is gain, their faith in Christ is their hope that the body as well as the soul will one day be be raised incorruptible, unto an unending existence, faith in a resurrected body is a indispensible component of the Gospel, it is this hope that we must keep holding onto, or our faith will have been in vain. In what ways does it encourage us? It encourages me to persevere in the "FAITH, to fight the good fight, to run the race set before me, to ever be watching and making ready for the day when the blowing of the "last trump" will sound...

Q3. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) What does this passage teach us about the subordination of the Son to the Father? All things are put under the Son, (God the Father is the exception) the Son is under subordination to the Father in order to defeat the enemies that are challenging God's sovereign rule over the universe that will bring peace and prosperity; to be under "SUBORDINATION" reflexively means to obey. The Son came to do the "WILL OF THE FATHER", it is because of His subordination to the Father that I, we, are able to give praise as we reflect on God's promise to us in (Revelation 5:1-9) In the right hand of God the Father who sits upon his throne is a book, and it is sealed with seven seals, an angel asks in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to lose its seals, but all that is heard is much weeping, for "NO" man in heaven, in earth, under the earth is able to open the book, or even to look in it; Because there is no hope, the cry becomes louder, "NO" man is found "WORTHY" to open and read the book, until out of the cry is heard one of the elders who said, "Cry no more for the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals". This is the reason we can rejoice, it is because of the Son's "SUBORDINATION"- His "OBEDIENCE" to the Father that hope has risen, for in the midst of the throne is standing a "Lamb", a Lamb that looked as if it had been slain, instead of a "CRY" of sorrow, there is heard a new song, singing, Thou are worthy to take the book, and to open the seals, for you were slain, and hast redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation, this is the song of every believer, as our lives must show forth the song that lives within, "Worthy is the Lamb, blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto God the Father who sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, forever and ever". How can that be consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity? The Son and the Holy Spirit are equal with the Father except in position and authority. In the Son lives the fullness of all that God is, (Isa 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. The Son existed before all things, and he holds everything together, He is the essential and eternal element of the inner nature of God, Timelessly and eternally the Word of "God, who became flesh in Yeshua the Messiah. (John 1:1-4) in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. The Son is the radiance of the Sh'khinah, the very expression of God's essence, upholding all that exists by his powerful word; and after he had, through himself, made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, the Greatness on High. J

Q2. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) What is the core of the gospel according to this verse? Paraphrase it in your own words based on this passage. The “core” of the Gospel spoken of here, has been foretold to us in the Hebrew Scriptures! 1. Sin separates us from God, and if not dealt with will hinder us from hearing, understanding what Paul has “PASSED on to US” - (Isaiah 59:2) your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.) 2. “Christ Died and was Buried” for our sins, is why God in his love sent his perfect Son, Israel’s Messiah, Yeshua, (Jesus) as an offering for our sin, so that those who believe on Him might have life everlasting. (Isaiah 52: 13-53: 9) He made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.) 3. The Messiah, God’s Son, “Rose from the Grave”. All three of the major sections of the Scriptures foretold this to us, (Leviticus 23:9-15) – the Prophets, (Isaiah 53) and the “Writings, this is why I, we can rejoice (Psalm 16:9-11) therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also will rest in hope. For thou will not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer the Holy One to see corruption. Thou will show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore; And it must have been in the heart of Luke as he also quoted and rejoiced in this hope that lives within us, (Act 2:26-27) Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither will thou suffer the Holy One to see corruption. 4. It is important that our “Faith” hold unto the hope, it is because Christ was resurrected that we also will be resurrected, let our lives display this hope as we are watching and waiting for that which was spoken of by Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2 In what sense is our salvation dependent upon us continuing in faith? Faith is an action word, it is not a state of mind, Paul's teaching to the Corinthians is the same for us today, they who received the Gospel through FAITH, must hold fast to the message proclaimed and received, and not be diverted to "some other so called good news, which in fact is not good news at all Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. In which case one's "TRUST" faith will have been in vain. Salvation is "CONDITIONAL" on the "IF" in our lives, the word “if” is a primary particle of conditionality, and its meaning is that we, stand firmly on our faith, otherwise our faith will be in vain as we are warned in (V 12) Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say "SOME" among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? Our faith in the resurrection is not a small part of our faith, it is the hope that lives within us, it is important that we hold unto that faith in Christ.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 14:39-40) In your particular congregation, which parts of verses 39-40 are most needed in order to bring your congregation into a biblical balance? In order to please God and to build up the congregation, the most needed part is that the working of the Holy Spirit not be hindered from the body of believers; therefore, make sure all things are done decently, in a dignified and proper manner as God commanded, because its root is to be that of "Love" - love will bring order and peace to the congregation.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33) How are Paul's instructions to those who speak in tongues in verses 27-28 similar to his instructions to those who prophecy in verses 29-32? If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most three, and someone must interpret, the same rule of orderly conduct is given to those who prophecy let the prophets speak two or three, and let it be judged. It is important that there be discipline in the house of God and that our worship be done in an orderly manner, allowing one by one to speak, so that all may learn together, for God is not a God of unruliness but of shalom (peace) How do they differ? The tongue is to be interpreted or else they must not speak to the congregation. The prophets are to be judged by the others.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 14:5-25) Paul does value speaking in tongues. What does its value seem to be according to verses 2, 4 and (perhaps) Romans 8:26-27? Paul values speaking in tongues because it is one of the diverse gifts given for man to “PROFIT” there by – (1 Corinthians 12:10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. In order for tongues when spoken in the congregation to "EDIFY" the church, it must be followed with the gift of interpretation, so that all would come to understand the mysteries of God, building up the body so that there should be no schism in the body, but that we care one for another, the revealing of "LOVE" through the Spirit is the best teacher we have, therefore, let us all desire spiritual gifts.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 14:1-4) What is the value of prophecy over tongues, according to verse 4? The value of prophecy over tongues in verse 4 is that the body of believers be "EDIFIED, unless according to verse 5 - tongues be interpreted, thereby its purpose would also be to edify the body of believers. What does prophecy typically do to benefit the church, according to verse 3? The purpose of prophecy is that "EDIFICATION" would be seen in the church, instructing them with that which would build them up morally and spiritually, and that of "EXHORTATION", a unique gift often seen in teaching and counseling, so that the body would be working as one, that of "CONFORTING" one another, giving to those who are weak, strength and hope that builds one up in the Lord. The purpose of "PROPHECY" to me is that the spirit of "LOVE" would be seen in the body, a body of believers working together, building each other up in the “FAITH” I would not want to live one moment without the Spirit working in my life.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 13:10) When do you think the "perfect" comes and how do you support your interpretation? I believe "perfect", God’s perfect timing of "completion" will not come until our Lord comes back again as promised. “Perfect” I believe will come when we see the prophesy of Isaiah fulfilled, when we see all nations and kingdoms that refuse to serve the “Holy One of Israel”, the One who sent his Son, will "PERISH" – When all believers who mourn, love, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem, will rejoice with Her, for the LORD will extend “PEACE” to Her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles (Christians) will be like a flowing stream; and all they that despised thee will bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they will call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 66:10,12,14) This has not yet been fulfilled, “completed” - instead we are seeing an increase in that of hatred for the Christian, and for the Jewish Nation; This is why I am thankful that we still have the promise of the gifts of the Spirit to help us in these dire times, while we are “WATCHING” for that day to come when - (Isa 60:18, 19, 20, 21, 22) Violence will no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise. When the sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto you: but the LORD shall be unto you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall the moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended – Your people also will be righteous: they will inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one will become a thousand and a "small one" a "strong nation": The LORD will hasten it in his (Perfect) time = (Isa 66) who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Perfect will come when (Rev 21:1,2) we see a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea, when we will see the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Rev 21:22, 23, 24, 27) There will be no temple there in: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb will be its temple. When the city will have no need of the sun, neither will it need the moon to shine: for the glory of God will lighten it, for the Lamb is the light. Perfect will come when the nations of them which are saved will walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth will bring glory and honor into it. And there will not be anything that defiles, neither they who work abomination, or those who lie: only they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. ---- Whether there be prophecies, they will fail, whether there be tongues, they will cease; whether there be knowledge, it will vanish away, where there is charity, “LOVE” it will never fail, instead it will be kind, it will not behave itself unseemly, work abomination, love will not rejoice in iniquity, will not defile and lie, for “LOVE” will always be, love will never fail. These sayings are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show the things which must be done.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) What is the result of the greatest imaginable manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit done without love, and which make us more spiritual -- Gifts of the Spirit or Fruit of the Spirit? Manifesting the gifts of the Spirit does not make one person more spiritual than another, in order for the body to work as one; the gifts of the Spirit are given to inspire and to build each other up in the faith - that is what "LOVE" does, for faith worketh by "Love". Paul is warning the Corinthian's - without God's "LOVE" as its source of motivation, instead of unity, the building up of faith in the body of believers, the flesh will lead, and if the flesh leads, the flesh will fight against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, the working of the flesh is contrary to that of "Love", therefore it will be heard as a clanging cymbal of noise and confusion.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 12:11) What are several lessons that we learn from verse 11, and what is the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual gifts? The Holy Spirit distributes gifts as he so desires and in his timing, it is important we never take for granted His gifts or allow "Self Boasting" to take hold, it is important that our hearts remember, the purpose of the body of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to serve the Head, Christ, as we remember, the gifts and graces given to the body have been freely given of God to us, through the Holy Spirit, the most important lesson for me is -- that I yield myself to the Spirit.

Q3. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) Has God used you in one of these nine spiritual gifts -- or someone you know? There have been a few times that God's spiritual gifts have been felt in my life, they started when I was a small child, this is one that I would like to share with you. Because we were building a larger home for our growing family, that we decided to put our house up for sale and we decided to try and sell it ourselves, we had it appraised and did all we could to advertise its sale, however, when the time came that we must have it "SOLD", and because not one person came to see the house, that my husband and I thought, maybe God wanted our neighbor, who just received her license to sell real state, to list it, we were however disappointed when her suggested asking price was lower than the banks appraisal. NOW - it was about this time while our neighbor was getting her papers ready, that my heart began to beat hard with excitement, and even though the “House for Sale” sign, at the top of the hill, leading to our private road was still partly covered with snow, and as I looked outside, and all looked cloudy and bleak, that the beat of my heart became even stronger with anticipation -- someone was coming today, to buy our house, that I quickly went and told my husband, who at times does not know what to do with this wife of his. While my husband was with the real state lady, I was looking out the window for a car, but, there was no car, all I could see was snow and trees that had no sign of life ---- a few minutes later, when the papers were almost ready for us to sign, I decided to take one more look out the window, as I looked past the snow that was gently falling, I saw a car pull up and stop in front of our home, when I saw people get out of the car that I called to my husband to come quickly, that I heard a knock at the door, as I opened the door we heard them ask, “Is this the house for sale” Because we had not yet signed the papers our neighbor left and we showed them the house; they loved our home and thought the asking price was more than fair; it was just what they were looking for. A lesson I learned that day was how important it is that I walk each day in faith, that my walk be one that pleases God, for without faith it is impossible to please Him. It was not because of “MY” great faith, it was because of “GOD” that my faith was place in, that God delights in doing the unexpected. How has this gift help build up and strengthen your congregation or community? It built my faith up, therefore, being part of the congregation; faith, strengthens the body.