Sarah43
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Posts posted by Sarah43
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I am not sure about percentages, but many are not repentant.Q1. What happens when people adopt the Christian faith without repenting of their known sins? When people adopt the Christian faith without repenting of their known sins,
they do not experience the peace of salvation, nor can they know Christ. Repentance is crucial to salvation and transformation.
Why do people avoid repentance?
People avoid repentance for a variety of reasons, some of which include pride (that old ego) and arrogance, and fear of the unknown. It is frightening for the unrepentant to contemplate complete surrender to Christ, a giving up of the self. The self(and the counterpart to self, Satan) is all we know before we know God.
What percentage of Christians today do you think are unrepentant, unprepared in heart?
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Q2. Why would loosening of sexual standards to conform to the prevailing morals of the culture be destructive of vital Christian faith and witness? How has your culture tended to take the edge off your own Christian moral convictions or forced you to be quiet about them?
The prevailing morals of my culture are inimical to vital Christian faith and witness. We basically live in a pornographic culture, where almost every type of sexual attitude and behavior is accepted (except pedophilia, as far as I can see). The Bible is very precise about sexuality and family. Loose sexual morals destroy families through divorce and adultery. True intimacy, love, and honor and respect are destroyed. Loose sexual morals are acceptance of and adherence to sin, shut out the Spirit.
The pornographic culture is so pervasive that I am quiet, for the most part, about my own convictions. One person told me, who was not Christian, when I did open up about
the way I felt about marriage, "We don't live in the 18th century anymore." I had recently come from attending church. I think he may have been influenced in his comment by my ankle length dress.
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Q1. How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry? How does the lack of love show up? How can a congregation regain this love?
A local congregation can lose its first love for Jesus by becoming too much of well oiled machine....I recently heard a sermon on the radio about just that, wherein the preacher described a church that ran itself and its programs so efficiently that Jesus could have gotten up and walked out and no one would have noticed....The preacher urged this type of church to stop all its agenda and groups and programs just to see if Jesus is still in the room. The preacher was joking in one sense, but in another, he wasn't.
The signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship are humility and gratitude and love for the Lord...in ministry we show a love for Jesus by showing love for each other and for the less fortunate, and in evangelism or spreading the Word.
Lack of love shows up in attitude, isolationism, pride, cliques, and shunning.
A congregation can regain this love by recognizing that the lack exists, repenting, and praying. A congregation can reach out to others for help. Discipleship is a lifelong process.
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Q5. What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? (1:12-20) What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach us about Jesus?
Jesus the exalted among the lampstands teaches us that Christ is head of the church, present to guide the church, to love the church, to heal the church in its infirmities. The exalted Jesus among the lampstands show us again how devoted Christ is to our spiritual welfare, exemplifying Christ's position of head of the body (or symbolic bridegroom of the church) See Ephesians 5:29-30 "for no man ever yet hateth his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:for we are members of his body, of his flesh, of his bones." The church (we) is part of Jesus, and He cares for the church (us), eternally present among the lampstands.
Thank you Lord for standing among us, even beyond your incarnation as Son of Man. Thank you for loving us enough to call us part of You.
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Q4. The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith?
The son of Man who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea was God incarnate, the divine come to earth to teach us of the Father as a rabbi. This man is God's ultimate gift to us. A few months ago I actually wept because I missed Jesus the man, missed ever knowing him, and wondered what it must have been like to hear Him laugh, tell stories, witness his earthly life. He was a fellow sufferer, and we identify with him as an earthly being because we are earthly beings.
Christ among the lampstands transcends without diminishing His incarnate self, shows Him again as teacher not subject eternally to what he suffered on earth. The vision of Jesus among the lampstands evokes awe in the reader, showing Jesus as all powerful teacher, an extension of God sans mortal coil, balancing our faith by
preventing an over familiar identification we might have with the incarnate Son.
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Q3. In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them?
Christians are presently experiencing tribulation and persecution in Asian. Latin American, and Middle Eastern countries. The book of Revelation can be a source of comfort and encouragement to them in that the Words therein show that tribulation and persecution are even to be expected in the world ruled by Satan. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 4:16 -17 that for the glory of God "we faint not, but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Here is exhorting to measure everything, including persecution, against eternity. In 2 Cor 5:1 he states, in the same spirit, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." If we think of our mortal life, and consider the enemy, in terms of spiritual warfare, this makes sense. Atrocities big and small reign. The world, the darkness of hearts given over to the sins of the world, from a deceitful tongue to genocide, is evil overwhelming. Every sin is a persecution of Christ. Keep your eye on eternity, Paul encourages in 2 Cor 5:8, "We are confident...and willing ...to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
The book of Revelation is a dream vision of these truths, showing the apocalyptical punishment of those who, given over to sin, refuse the light despite constant invitation into it. See Isaiah 55:7 "let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him;and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Those who (re)turn to the Lord are blessed even in tribulation and persecution, for they walk, turning to the left nor to the right, into the holy city of God.
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Q2. What does this tell us about the Father? The Father is the speaker here in 1:8 and in 21:6. But Jesus is the speaker in 1:17 and 22:12-13. What is the significance of this for our understanding of who Jesus is?
Jesus is of the Father,separate but paradoxically not. This is understandable to me mostly through reading John 5:18-47 in which Jesus explains His relationship to his father and to us. Also of the Father, separate but not, is the Holy Spirit. Of this Jesus said, among other things, in John 4:24, to the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar: God is a Spirit:and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Thank you Lord. for your gifts of Yourself, Your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Thank you Lord.
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Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose?
Testimony and witness are important to encourage a church facing persecution because people tend to fold completely or at least fade in their faith when persecuted. Testimony and witness to Jesus Christ and the Word, the spiritual (God's truth) rather than physical reality (the world's persecution), spiritually infuses physical reality by placing emphasis on the divine within the mundane. pointing to the relationship between the temporal and eternal. Suffering in the temporal as a result of adhering to the eternal, guarantees eternity. Rev 22:12 And behold, I come quickly, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be."
How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Jesus also suffered persecution for eternal truth of God, and He suffered for us, as He loves us, and sacrificed Himself that we may be washed clean of sin and united with God, in the temporal and in eternity. See Romans 8:35-39 We are exhorted in numerous places in scripture to be like Him (example 1 Peter 4:1-2) as tribulation for our faith makes stronger our faith and our holiness, our likeness to Him. I am also reminded here of what my Sunday school teacher told us this morning, that "God's goal is not your happiness but your holiness."
Why are we afraid to be clear witnesses in a culture where we aren't persecuted?
I think we are afraid to be clear witnesses as we fear persecution, which is very real in other places. Persecution, even unto death/martyrdom, hurts. We are of the flesh and it is weak indeed. We do not want to hurt, even a little, never mind agonize. I am reminded of Isaac Bashevis Singer's character Abram Moskat, who observed at one point that "Man is a stinker. You beat him and he yells. You beat the other guy and he develops a theory." I think we are complacent and insular and want to avoid confrontation, or accusations of cultishness by the World/Babylon. What would people say if they knew I was a Jesus Freak? Of course, the prince of lies maximizes our fear of pain and of ridicule. We do need to tell him to get behind us.
However, I think most of us Christians would lay down our lives for the Word and for other sheep, as Christ laid His life down in His undeserved love of us. We just haven't been tried by fire, yet. I am encouraged by the testimonies of other Christians in my church, including recent ones in a visit by the Gideons, who among other acts of evangelism, stand on street corners and offer the Word to strangers. I am also encouraged by the witness of Charley Muller, a local pastor who is a faithful witness to Christ and proves it through many church programs, including one where congregation members feed hungry inner city children (and help with homework!) at feeding centers, and another in which on Saturdays congregation members distribute bread and the Word to the physically and spiritually hungry....yes and there is a weekly prison ministry through that church as well.
Thank you Lord for your Son. Thank you for the persecuted, who walk before us as ensamples to your Holy Truth, and the key to your Kingdom. Thank your for Pastor Ralph who is not afraid to witness to us, and for other forum members, and for your Word.
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Q4. What lesson is God teaching you out of Hagar's experience? Which situation that God is calling you to is most difficult for you to submit to?
The lesson God is teaching me out of Hagar's experience is that He sees me also, and has a plan for me. As always, the situation that is most difficult to submit to is pain.
I have to remember, and God asks me to remember, that pain is necessary for growth as a Christian, and that He will lead me back to the lesson until I learn it, one way or another, even if I seek to avoid it.
I am also taught to thank Him for his guidance back to what I seek to avoid. He knows best for me and for all of us.
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Q3. (16:13-14) What is the significance of Hagar's name for God -- El Roi, the God Who Sees? What does it mean to a person who is discouraged and losing hope? What does it mean to you personally?
Hagar names God because God sought her out personally and said "I see you." To Hagar, a person discouraged and losing hope, God's reminder that she was counted, renewed her hope and wonder in the Lord. I can use the Lord's remembrance of Hagar as an example of His love and care for all of us, even when we think we are alone and abandoned.
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Q2. (16:7-9) Why does the angel ask Hagar something that the angel already knows? ("Where have you come from, and where are you going?") Why does she send her back to Sarah? Have you ever reacted and got yourself out of the place God wanted you?
God's angel asks Hagar who she is and where she is going to find out how accountable Hagar is. The angel sends Hagar back to Sarah so that Hagar can humble herself to God's will, and Sarah can as well.
I knew of a man who cheated on his wife and had children with his mistress, only to return to his wife several years later. He abandoned his children borne of his mistress, at his wife's request. I'm not sure how this story ties into that of Hagar's, but somehow it does.
I have reacted as Hagar did many times. I think our first impulse to avoid pain is to run for the hills, or for the desert and God's angel. I am learning to stay and wait on the Lord, because the Lord will bring me back to the place I was running from anyway.
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Q1. (16:1-6) Why does Sarah take her anger out on Abraham? Why does she take her anger out on Hagar? Is she trying to get rid of Hagar or the baby? In what sense is Hagar's pride Abraham's fault? In what sense is Hagar's affliction Abraham's fault? What situation in your family does this reminds you of?
Sarah is looking to Abraham to put his house in order, to lead. She is angry that she is barren. She wants a surrogate child as well as unquestioned honor as Abraham's wife. Hagar's pride interferes with the latter. She takes her anger out on Hagar because Hagar escapes her control of the situation.
Abraham could have quieted both women by being firm with them as leader of the house. He could have reminded Hagar of her surrogate mother position, which, although an honor, does not give her right to be disrespectful to Sarah. He could have rebuked Sarah for mistreating Hagar, and arranged his house if necessary, so that such mistreatment did not happen.
We have had leadership issues in my family as well. We have solved these issues, more or less, by first talking them over, and then seeking wisdom from the Bible and from our pastor.
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Q4. (1 John 3:22) We know that God doesn't "owe" us anything. So what is the relationship between obedience and answered prayer? Do we "earn" God's favor through obedience?
I think that the relationship between obedience and answered prayer is one of wisdom on our part, and an understanding of prayer and daily Christian living. If we are transformed through humility and grace, we understand that God knows best for us and we submit to His will for us. We pray to be able to do so everyday, rather than pray for things of the world.
I don't think we earn God's favor, rather we realize what we are supposed to be doing for God and for God's glory.
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Q3. (1 John 3:16-18) What does it mean to "lay down your life for your brothers"? What are some concrete examples of this kind of love in action within the Christian community? If you are in a large congregation, how can you get to know other members so you'll be able to lay down your life for them -- and they for you?
Although the literal meaning of lay down your life means to sacrifice your life for others, a blood sacrifice, as Jesus' sacrifice was, I interpret laying down my life to also mean devoting my living breathing hours to other Christians. We can minister to others by spreading the word, spending time, helping others, giving to those in need, and the list goes on.
We can get to know others in our congregations by attending church regularly, attending bible study, and involving ourselves in church activities. This is a sacrifice of time, which is what our lives are made of.
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Q2. (1 John 3:15) How can anger turn into hatred in our hearts? In what ways do anger and hatred relate to murder? How can we get rid of stored-up anger in our hearts so that we may love those who have offended us?
Anger, if we do not forgive those who have angered us and move on, can fester and cause violence, including murder. The best way to get rid of anger is to own it, ask the Lord for willingness to forgive and move on. We may love those who offend us by understanding that they too are sinners who need the Lord's help.
Sometimes it isn't possible to outwardly love the person who has sinned against us. One example is when that person is abusing us in some way and will use our love as an open door for more abuse. Forgiveness and asking for the Lord's protection is enough in this and other cases.
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Q1. (1 John 3:12-15) Why did Cain resent Abel? Why did Cain kill Abel? How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate Jesus' explanation of why the world hates us?
Cain resented Abel because the Lord favored Abel. He did not examine his own way of life and correct it so as to be in favor with God. Instead, sinful, he murders his brother out of jealousy. He is probably angry at himself but seeks to hurt another who might instead serve as a lesson and example to him.
In the same way, the world, who might use Christian living, abiding in the Lord and living according to the Lord's commandments, as a mirror to examine itself, feels threatened by Representatives of God. So they persecute and murder Christians.
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Q5. (1 John 3:3-10) How does John's teaching on sin and righteousness in this passage relate to combating the false teachers? What did they seem to be teaching about sin and righteous living?
If we are born again, we know the Teacher. If we listen to the Teacher, we will not be led astray by false teachers. Just because we are saved doesn't mean we have to do nothing to purify ourselves, to prepare for His coming. I pray that I will live my life worthy to see His face when He comes.
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
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Q4. (1 John 3:6, 9) How does the presence of God's seed in us keep us from habitual lawlessness and sin? How does the Holy Spirit sanctify us and make us like Jesus?
We all sin. It is our nature. But those who have Spirit in them, who are born again of Spirit reject sin and act according to the presence of that Spirit. They seek to let the Spirit guide their actions. The key word is habitual I think. I pray that God will allow me to feel Spirit continuously, to be open to His gift inside me. Sometimes I fail. Probably every day. But I feel Spirit and will seek to do what I know is right by asking for guidance and light for my path. I do this through prayer, and try to acknowledge and be thankful for God's abiding presence.
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Q3. (1 John 3:4) How does lawlessness show up in a person's attitude and actions? In what sense is an attitude of lawlessness the cause of sin in our lives?
Pride and self determination reflect lawlessness, disobedience and shutting God from our hearts. This causes us to sin. We can do nothing else when we deny God.
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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?
The Holy Spirit within fills us with a desire for purification. I want to be clean before God and Christ at the Second Coming. When we seek the Spirit, we can turn away from sin. Thank you God for this gift.
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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 children of God through our rebirth in His Son, Jesus Christ. In our rebirth we are given the Holy Spirit, and change in that we recognize God through Spirit and ourselves as a part of God.
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Q4 (15:17-18a) Why did God go through the covenant ritual with Abraham, with the divided carcasses? Why does God bind himself to a solemn promise? How does Abraham respond to God's promises (15:6)? What promises has God made to us that affect our futures? What significance does blood sacrifice have in those promises?
God is patient with Abraham and walks between the divided carcasses to show Abraham His promise. It is tangible covenant for Abraham's finite mind. God has promised us salvation through Christ, redemption through Christ. Christ sacrificed Himself so that we can be saved. Thank you Jesus. I love You.
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Q3. (15:16) Have you ever been frustrated with God for not fulfilling his promise to you immediately? Why does God sometimes delay the fulfillment of his promises to a future time?
I am frequently frustrated when life does not go my way, and being human, or a sheep, whine, blat, and baaa about my discomfort. However, even when I am feeling sorry for myself, I do realize the significance of patience and trust in the Lord. God delays the fulfillment of promise because situations must come to their fruition, before we can be ready to receive blessing. It is very much a ripening process, speaking of fruit.
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Q2. (15:6) What is so amazing about this verse? On what basis does God declare Abraham a righteous person? What significance does this have to our New Testament understanding of justification by faith?
Faith in God, trusting in His promise, and living our lives accordingly, is justification by faith. Abraham believes God, brings his doubt to God and believes in His assurance. This belief makes Abraham a righteous man. We have to surrender everything to God, who, in His infinite wisdom and power, is capable of anything. We are limited and do not understand, therefore we must believe.
Q2. Offensive Baptism
in 1. Preparing for the Kingdom (Matthew 3:1-17; 4:17)
Posted