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Q51. (Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13) Why did Jesus give His disciples the Parable of Asking a Father for Bread? What misconception was He seeking to correct? Jesus wants us to know that our earthly fathers would not on purpose give us bad gifts; even though they have sinful natures. In other words, no good father will give his children a cynical or harmful gift. How much better will our perfect heavenly Father treat His children. On becoming a true disciple, on being born again, He gives us the perfect gift, the one we need most – the Holy Spirit. We have these misconceptions that He is a selfish, strict, or miserly God, who demands that we come begging and cringing before Him. Instead, He is our loving Father, who understands, who cares, and who answers our prayers. This reminds me of two great verses: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15).

Q50. (Matthew 6:25-34) How does the Parable of the Birds and the Lilies teach us not to worry? What does Jesus teach about worrying about the future? Rather than worrying, what does Jesus instruct His disciples to do? What does obeying verse 33 look like in your life? Jesus teaches us not to worry about the needs that God promises to supply. We only have to look at the birds of the air, and the lilies of the field to see how He provides for them; and we being made in His image, how much more will He care for us. By worrying we question His love, His wisdom, and His power to care for us - to provide for our needs. Worrying about the future is time wasted, rather plan for the future by seeking His kingdom, and His righteousness. We are to put God first in every area of our life; we are to obey, to serve, to worship, and to love Him. Being careful not to let any worries affect our relationship with our Lord. I’m nearly 86, past sell-bye date; I surrender all to Him. I trust Him. Humbly at His feet I bow.

Q49. (Luke 16:13) What are the very subtle ways that we can begin to serve Money rather than God? How can we detect these temptations in our hearts? Why did Jesus tell His disciples the Parable of the Two Masters? We have to make a choice, the one we choose will have priority in our live. Either we put God first and reject the rule of money, that is love the one and hate the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. 1 Tim 6:9-10 teaches us a lot about the many griefs and destruction that can occur when we choose money. There is no sin in being wealthy, but the desire to be rich leads us into temptation, and all sorts of trouble. This desire becomes a trap which we cannot easily escape. Besides when is enough, enough? Greed takes over. The result can be total destruction and the total ruin of happiness, of virtue, of reputation, and of the soul. There is trouble in the getting of it. There is anxiety in the keeping of it. There are temptations in the use of it. There is guilt in the abuse of it. There is sorrow in the losing of it. There is perplexity in the disposing of it (JC Ryle). The warning signs are there when we find ourselves often thinking of money. Often counting it, to see if our wealth has grown; thinking of schemes to make more and more. We have to be careful for these thoughts and temptations can lead to our love for money, and the control it has on others. We think of the promises of having it – power, happiness, pleasures, and more. We find it harder and harder to give some towards God’s kingdom. Spiritual things are neglected; there’s no love in our heart, no love for others, only love for self. Ultimately, becoming self-centred, tight fisted, money-obsessed, lonely, unhappy, obsessed with money, without any compassion for those in need - a miserable person. Jesus warned His disciples that they must be careful when it comes to money matters, for it can easily take His place in their lives. Stating that no one can serve two masters. It is impossible to live for God and for money at the same time. One will inevitably take precedence in their loyalty and obedience. So, it is with God and mammon.

Q48. (Luke 12:16-21) Is being wealthy a sin for a Christian? What was the rich man's actual sin or sinful attitude? How do you sometimes see greed in the people in your neighbourhood or social circle? Christians aren't immune. In what ways might greed influence a Christian's behaviours and values? Being wealthy is not a sin, but it can be used for God’s purposes or for selfish means. There are many examples of wealthy people who were used by God in mighty ways. I think of Abraham, Jacob, Solomon, Matthew, and Joseph of Arimathea who were all people of great means. It is the deceitfulness of riches that we are to be aware of. It can cause us to wander away from our Lord, plunging us into ruin and destruction. The rich man obtains riches only for himself. He never thinks of the good he can do for God’s kingdom with all the extra wealth, but where can he hoard it. Jesus described him as a fool – not because he was rich, but because he lived without any awareness of and preparation for eternity. I saw greed in two of my friends. It’s not for me to criticise either one, for I know how easy it is to fall into this trap. Both have since passed on, so I feel free to mention them. My one friend was brought up in a very poor family, and by means of study loans he managed to graduate as a medical doctor. After a few years in practice, he started accumulating all sorts of things, as if in a frenzy. He had 10 cars, woodwork machines, cameras, suits – everything in excess. He bought a farm and built a shed on it, and would go to auctions and buy just about anything he could get his hands on. All to be stored in a huge barn he had built on the farm. It was not that he would ever use the items bought. It was just to have it. Then my other friend, he had his own construction company. He retired extremely wealthy and was living on a 28-acre property. He had more money than he could ever use. After about a year of retirement he decided to build an extra 14 new homes on his property as this would generate several extra millions. I must mention that he was most generous in supporting several missionaries as well as our church. Greed is a strong/selfish desire for more and more and still more. Besides material wealth there can be an excessive/greedy longing for power, for honour, for prestige, for position. I would imagine it could apply to anything that a person wants in excess of their needs. In both Eph 5:5 and Col 3:5, Paul calls greed idolatry because it places earthly possessions and passions ahead of God in the person’s life. I think in our materialistic world today this sin of greed/covetousness is the one we all are most prone to. Greed was Satan’s sin – he coveted something better, rebelled and was cast out of heaven with a third of the angels. Adam and Eve were not satisfied with the things which God gave them in Eden. They wanted more, and the result was that their sin brought death and damnation into the world. Greed is a sin which, ever since the fall, has brought ruin and destruction, misery and unhappiness to so many.

Q47. (Luke 16:1-13) In what way is the dishonest steward supposed to be a positive example to disciples? How does one "lay up treasures in heaven"? Why is the quality of our work of very small things so important to God? What is He waiting to see in us? What happens to people in the church who are promoted beyond their spiritual growth? The point Jesus is making is that we can learn a valuable lesson from this unfaithful steward, who is wiser than many “sons of light,” in that he saw what was coming, and he used what had been entrusted to him while he could to prepare for the future. Meaning that ungodly, unregenerate people show more wisdom in providing for their future in this world than true disciples show in laying up treasures in heaven. A faithful steward (disciple) must use their Master’s (God’s) money shrewdly to provide true riches for eternity. God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isa 55:9), especially when it comes to money matters. Perhaps we need to change our attitude toward money. We need to follow God’s way to true riches rather than the world’s way to deceptive wealth and ultimate, eternal poverty. To secure our eternal future we should be using our money helping others, winning souls for our Lord Jesus. Jesus tells us that we need to use our worldly possessions to “gain friends for yourselves” (16:9). Meaning that the people we have helped will be in heaven to welcome us there. They will be our heavenly reward. Everything we spend helping others is immediately banked in heaven waiting for us to arrive to collect the rewards we have earned. The steward had only temporary rewards and a temporary home, but ours is eternal. We are to be shrewd stewards of our wealth, now while here on earth, before it is taken away from us when we die. God knows that we are faithful in our stewardship of the small things here on earth, then we will be faithful in handling the important things, the spiritual treasures of heaven. God waits for us to realise that we are His stewards, and to act accordingly. Knowing that the wealth of the world is His means that there is a greater responsibility on us to manage His wealth with honesty, with truth, with wisdom, with integrity, with pure motives, with an attitude of worship to God, and with service to the body of Christ. Bringing glory to our Heavenly Father. To sum up, nothing that we possess on earth is our own, it is entrusted to us for temporary use (1 Chron 29:14), and we shall be rewarded by real and eternal possessions (1 Peter 1:4). People who are promoted beyond their spiritual growth will find it difficult to live according to the Lord’s standards. They will put their trust in wealth. Using it to justify themselves before others, even buying themselves positions of honour in the church. There is no love in their hearts, no love for others, only love for self. Their hearts are filled with pride and hypocrisy which God hates. Whereas, we as true disciples do not have to impress others with how spiritual we are – it should be visible to all. We live openly in the sight of God, seeking always to please Him. It is all about submitting ourselves to His authority and not to following a bunch of outward standards.

Q46. (Matthew 7:15-20; Luke 6:43-45) From Jesus' images of wolves in sheep's clothing, good and bad fruit, and the treasure chest of the heart, how does He teach us to discern false leaders? Why is this so important in our churches? Why must we distinguish flawed Christian leaders from dangerous false prophets? Jesus teaches us that their actions and words will expose their true beliefs, their attitudes, and their motivations. What is in the heart will eventually come out in behaviour and speech. A spiritually good person will bring forth blessings for others out of the good treasure of their heart. On the other hand, a person who is basically impure only brings forth evil. We see it, for example, in their lifestyle, the way they treat fellow disciples and family, and the role that money plays in their life. Their licentious lives and destructive teachings, as well as their words, will eventually betray them. Watch out if their words dilute or minimize the truth, glorify themselves, and diminish our Lord. We should test their teachings against the Word of God (Isa 8:20). A heart filled with goodness will be evidenced by words of grace and righteousness. In the same way, an evil heart expresses itself in blasphemy, bitterness, and abuse. They attack the church from within, preying upon the congregation, showing no mercy. They aspire to places of prominence, speaking perversions of the truth, and trying to draw away the disciples after themselves. Often destroying the church. Since we are all sinners, and we fail every now and then. We must be careful to distinguish these flawed leaders from the false prophets. Although flawed there will be evidence of good things, such as an interest in the work of God; an eagerness to read the truth; a zeal to win people for God and His kingdom.

Q45. (John 6:53-58) What does the metaphor of "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood," mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? How does "eating His flesh" relate to abiding in Jesus? Why do you think Jesus uses this offensive analogy that resulted in many disciples leaving Him? I think Jesus was saying that for salvation we must by faith fully understand the value of His death on the Cross. Fully believing Him, trusting Him, receiving Him, and making Him our very own. Realising that it is by faith that we receive Him (John 1:12). Jesus said that “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). He who eats the bread which came down out of heaven … will live forever, and He is the bread which came down from heaven. He is superior to the manna they received in the wilderness, which was for this life. Christ is the Bread of God which gives eternal life to all who feed on Him. We need to eat this spiritual bread, make a meal of it, not just nibble on it now and then. We understand we need physical food; Jesus wants us to understand we also need spiritual food. There is a very close union between our Lord and His disciples. Whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood abides in Him, and He abides in that person. Nothing could be closer or more intimate than this. In the same way, when we eat literal food, it becomes part of us. When we accept Jesus as our Redeemer, He becomes part of us – He abides in us, and we abide in Him. Perhaps He wanted us to think seriously about their relationship with Him and about eternal life.

Q44. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean "to abide"? What does abiding have to do with "mutual indwelling"? With a "personal relationship"? What does Jesus mean when He says, "Apart from Me you can do nothing"? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? It means to stay in a close relationship with our Lord Jesus. This we do by spending time in prayer, by reading and obeying His Word, by fellowshipping with His disciples. The closer we get, the more we will learn to think His thoughts, and doing His will. At the same time there is a mutual indwelling as Jesus abides in us, supplying us with spiritual strength and resources. Also, there is a personal relationship as we live in close contact with Him moment by moment. Only when we abide in Him can we bear fruit - that is do anything that is righteous or good. Without Christ all the things we do have no eternal value at all, as they won’t be done in His will, and will all be destroyed and forgotten.

Q43. (John 15:1-3) How does skilful pruning increase the fruitfulness of a grapevine? How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? Only fruitful branches are pruned. Diseased, damaged, or unfruitful branches are removed. Pruning stimulates growth, allowing the vinedresser to shape the vine for maximum use of light, and to produce the best quantity and quality grapes. We are pruned or cleansed by the Word of God. Pruning can sometimes take place by disciplining us; resulting in spiritual growth as our character and faith are strengthened. Cleansing gets rid of the worldly things that cling to us. We are no longer ruled by sin; or bound by the values of the world; and are being changed into the image of Christ. By obeying the teachings of Jesus, we work in the light, and are led by the Holy Spirit. As we get to know the truth, we are cleansed from the bondage of ignorance, sin, law, and superstition.

Q42. (Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:11-12) Why is hypocrisy easy to detect in others, but difficult to detect in ourselves? Why is hypocrisy so deadly to spiritual growth? To witness? To obedience? To being a disciple? What is the antidote for hypocrisy? Hypocrisy like yeast/leaven passes secretly, silently through dough, and only a small amount is needed to lead many people astray. This yeast of false doctrines, if tolerated, will spread, permeate, and contaminate throughout an entire society. In the Parable of the Speck and the Beam (Mat 7:3-5), Jesus exposed our tendency to easily detect hypocrisy in others, while ignoring, or finding it difficult to detect the same condition/fault/sin in ourselves. The harmony that exists between the various doctrines of the Christian faith is such that error in regard to any one of them produces more or less distortion in all of the others. Any deviance from the truth will be deadly to true spiritual growth. We must also resist the temptation of appearing righteous, and obedient to His Word while our hearts are far from Jesus. Pray that others don’t see us, and therefore Christians as hypocrites, keeping them away from our Lord Jesus. As a disciple, we need to remedy our own faults before criticizing them in others. The only antidote for hypocrisy is complete honesty towards our own condition, recognising that we are sinners, and that we have to be very careful before we judge others, or look down upon them.

Q41. (Luke 14:7-11) Why do people push themselves forward? According to verse 11, what will happen to them? Why is humility so important a lesson for Jesus' disciples? What is the danger to us, if we don't learn and internalize this lesson? People rush for the places of honour, so that can be seen with the right people, the wealthy, the influential, those with power, and those with status. In verse 11, Jesus warns us that in the kingdom of God, everyone who exalts themselves will be humbled, and everyone who humbles themselves will be exalted. We are not to elevate ourselves only to end up shamed. We are to learn how to take the last place, the lowly place; then God will lift us up. Humility is important, if not, we will be guilty of boasting about our own merit and worthiness, placing ourselves above others. It also shows the true nature of a disciple, evidence of repentance, an awareness of our own unworthiness, of our faith and trust in our Lord for our salvation. We need to internalize this lesson, otherwise we will be excluded from the kingdom of God.

Q40. (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). According to Mark 10:13-16, what characteristic of children is necessary for salvation? What characteristic were the disciples showing in rebuking the parents? When arguing about who was greatest? Why is humility essential to repentance? To learning? To obedience? Why did Jesus give His disciples the saying of becoming like little children? We are to change, put aside any thoughts of personal greatness, and take the position of a little child. This is the exact opposite of how the world thinks today. The disciples saw the parents as an intrusion and annoyance, and rebuked them. To them children were wasting Jesus’ time, for He had much more important things to do. When arguing about who is the greatest, they don’t realise that God’s kingdom is not based on power, status or wealth. Jesus came as a humble, servant, offering His Kingdom to those who have faith – childlike faith. This looks foolish to the world, but Christ is the mighty power of God (1 Cor 1:26-31). To humble ourselves as a child, acknowledge our sinfulness and unworthiness, and in repentance receive Jesus Christ as our only hope. Again, we need to have a childlike faith in our Lord. Trusting in His Word and in our obedience to Him. Jesus warned us not to be childish in our dealings with each other, but rather childlike with humble and sincere hearts.

Q39. (Luke 18:9-14) Why do you think the Pharisee is so convinced of his righteousness? What do you think are his actual sins? What is so remarkable about the tax collector's prayer? Why is it easier to promote ourselves in front of others rather than humble ourselves? Why did Jesus tell this parable for His disciples? They took pride in the fact that they kept God’s law as well as the oral law; even fasting twice a week, for all to see their righteousness. Besides all this, they were Abraham’s seed, and this was a guarantee of God’s favour. They were blind to their actual condition. Their self-righteousness, letting all know how good they were. As well as their pride which saw them looking down upon others, even despising them. In contrast, the tax collector sensed his own unworthiness, and saw himself as a sinner in need of forgiveness. Praying for mercy, and grace. Pride makes it difficult for us to humble ourselves and admit that we are sinners in need of redemption. Our Lord hates any form of pride and told this as a warning for His disciples. With our extra knowledge and understanding of scriptural things we might easily begin thinking we are better than others. Instead, we should have an attitude of serving others.

Q38. (Matthew 13:44-46). If you were to objectively assess your life, career, family, values, and possessions, is there anything more important, anything of greater value to you than your relationship with Jesus? How would you objectively prove to a friend that Jesus is first in your life? All the things of my life, everything, cannot compare to the priceless value of His Kingdom. No way can I compare temporal things with eternal things. In this kingdom is an incorruptible, undefiled, unfading, eternal treasure. Jesus Himself; salvation; forgiveness of sin; love, joy and peace; heaven and eternal life; are all part of this treasure. It was one Sunday at church, over 40 years ago, when I responded to the gospel, was regenerated by the Holy Spirit, responded in faith and repentance, and accepted Jesus as my Saviour, that I discovered this treasure. This treasure is not visible to unbelievers; it is all foolishness to them (1 Cor 2:14); and the god of this age has blinded their minds (2 Cor 4:4). Not knowing if my friend is a disciple or not, I will not waste too much time explaining to him that Jesus Himself is this great treasure that I discovered, unless he shows initial interest. I have submitted everything, my all, to my Lord Jesus. It’s total surrender, complete self-denial, no half measures. I willingly place myself, my time, my possessions, my career, and the talents I have, and my life, if need be, at His disposal. He now rules my life.

Q37. (Luke 9:23-24, etc.) What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What does this have to do with "losing your life for Me." What are the consequences in one's Christian walk if a disciple wants to take this step of commitment? How does this contrast with trying to save one's life? A basic condition of taking up our cross daily is to deny self. This involves a completely new way of life; no more living for our own selfish interests but living a life for the sake of Jesus and the gospel. We daily recognise His Lordship in every area of our life – we live to serve His purposes. We identify with Christ in His rejection, shame, suffering, and death. By following Jesus, we may find ourselves in unsafe, unhealthy, and uncomfortable places. We may even risk death, but we should not fear losing our life for Christ, because this will result in Him granting us eternal life. The consequences involved in being His disciple are denial of self; taking up our cross daily; complete surrender to His control; living a life of total obedience to Him; and following our Lord. To follow Him means to live a life of humility, poverty, compassion, love, and grace. We die to sin, self, and the world, and there will be a willingness to endure shame, suffering, maybe persecution, and even death itself. All to the glory of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Whereas by contrast, by living a selfish life merely to please ourselves; by indulging in our pleasures and appetites; by basking in comfort, luxury, and ease; by living only for the present; and by using our finest talents for worldly acclaim; paradoxically we would run the risk of losing eternal life - the very life we want to preserve. Nothing temporal can compensate for the loss of eternal life. As Jesus' disciples we are not to use our lives on earth merely to please ourselves; rather we should spend our lives serving God and others. When we invest our life for Christ and His Kingdom, we will receive eternal life.

Q36. (Luke 14:25-32) Are Jesus' demands of His disciples too uncompromising? Are we too compromising with the world's demands? What do you need to completely surrender so Jesus has all of you? Before embarking on a life of discipleship the total costs have to be considered. If not it’s possible we will abandon this dedicated life after a short while. It will demand total surrender to our Lord Jesus Christ; no half measures. It will mean wholehearted devotion, all-out loyalty, complete self-denial. We place our ourselves, our time, our earthly possessions, our talents, etc., all at His disposal. It may require us to give up our social status, our wealth, our family, or our career. At the same time, it will not be a trouble-free life. Are we prepared to do this? If we are not prepared to give up everything, Jesus Himself said: “… you cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33). I don’t think these demands are too rigid. He knows what it takes to surrender all. On the other hand, we are definitely too flexible with our standards. Remember the eternal rewards will be great.

Q35. (Luke 9:57-62) What do these three analogies tell us about Jesus' requirements for His disciples? Why is Jesus so urgent? What was He seeking to teach would-be disciples about their priorities? Jesus is telling future disciples that we should count the cost of discipleship before committing oneself. It will not all be a bed of roses, not all pleasure and smooth sailing. Hard times and enmity will have to be endured; it will mean forsaking the comforts and conveniences of life as we now know it. The world, the flesh, and Satan will be against us, even hating us. It is a matter of urgency for there is a hard battle to be fought, a long race to be run, and much work to be done. It will mean forsaking a self-centred life for a Christ-centred life. Our work for Christ takes priority. There are no half measures. This work we do is out of the love we have for our Lord. Everything we do as disciples should be to advance the cause of Christ on earth, To bring Him glory. It is impossible to serve Jesus with a divided heart. It will demand a great deal of dedication and obedience, and a willingness to do all for His sake.

Q34. (Luke 13:23-27) Beyond the message that few will be saved, what is the unique message of the Parable of the Narrow Door? Why must would-be disciples be aggressive in order to enter the Kingdom? What happens if we don't aggressively seek God? Why do you think Jesus told this parable to His disciples? Time is of the essence. The door will not remain open forever. Our Lord Jesus will return in heavenly glory before the whole world, and the door will be closed. The time of grace has passed, and all who did not accept Jesus’ invitation will find the door closed. They will hear the terrible words “I don't know you … away from Me, all you evildoers!” It is too late; they will spend eternity in hell. Jesus tells us every effort must be made to enter the Kingdom. There must be a concerted determination and desire to get to know our Lord. Diligently striving to follow Him and live a life in obedience to Him, whatever the cost. Fight the good fight of the faith (1 Tim 6:12). It requires regeneration, repentance, and faith in our Lord and Saviour. Becoming a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). To enter into His kingdom takes courage, and endurance because of the hostility we face in this world. It’s a personal journey that only a few are prepared to pay the cost of obedience and loyalty to the Word, Jesus.

Q33. (Matthew 13:22) How do "thorns" prevent the Word of God from maturing in our lives? What is the difference between a genuine "disciple," follower or learner of Rabbi Jesus, and a person who holds a Christian belief system? What can you do to clear your life of the thorns that prevent Christ's work from maturing in you? The thorns of life chokes, strangles our spiritual life, and also our relationship with God. Preventing any spiritual good the Word of God might have in maturing us as believers. The cares and worries of the world take up more and more of their time. The fallacy of riches and the desire for pleasures dominates our hearts, gradually blinding us to the true values in life. The true disciple puts their trust and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). In contrast to the follower who thinks they can work their way to heaven. An elderly friend of mine gave me some good advice: get rid of all encumbrances. Things that are a distraction, an impediment, a barrier, or an obstruction to our spiritual growth. We need to think more of eternal things, being ready when our Lord comes. As we mature there will be spiritual growth for all to see in the fruit of the Spirit. People should not have to ask are we a Christian, it should be obvious from our love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control shown towards others.

Q32. (Matthew 13:20-21) Why, according to the Parable of the Sower, why do some people fall away so quickly? What is their problem? The seed sprang up quickly but the shallowness of the ground prevented it from taking root. In the same way, the Word is quickly, immediately, impulsively, received with great joy. But there is a shallowness here; with no conviction of sin, no remorse, no repentance, and no depth – no root, and ultimately no real commitment. The Word of God does not penetrate the heart. Their main interest is more on worldly things like entertainment, sport, and trivial things but not eternal things. It is a light-hearted acceptance, and at the first sign of trouble or trials they fall away. Their faith might be genuine, but is not rooted enough to withstand the hatred and enmity of the family or world. Definity not prepared to suffer for Christ – they want the crown, but not the cross. Perhaps they enjoy the friendship, companionship, the entertainment, and the singing, but have no intention of serving the Lord. Thinking that life from now on would be a bed of roses, with God answering all their prays. Sadly, it might last awhile but, in the end, once the spell has subsided all is forgotten and they return to their former sinful life.

Q31. (John 10:6-15) Why does a true shepherd "lay down His life for the sheep"? How did Jesus' do this for His disciples? For us? In what way did Jesus intend His disciples to learn that they, too, must be willing to lay down their lives for the sheep? Can you think of any examples where Christ's servants have done this? The true shepherd is motivated out of love for his sheep; as opposed to a hireling who does not care about his sheep, and are only motivated by the love of self, and the love of money. The same loving relationship that exists between the Father and the Son exists between the Shepherd and His sheep – He knows His sheep. Some shepherds have willingly died while protecting their sheep from danger. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, on the other hand, willingly gave His life for His sheep. Even actually laying down His life for them. Dying on behalf of His disciples as well as for us - as our Substitute. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). In the same way, Jesus intends us as His disciples to truly love and care for His sheep so much so that we should be willing to protect them with our life. Remembering that they are defenceless and need the care of a shepherd (Ps 23). Unlike the many in our churches today who choose the ministry as a means to a profitable occupation/business. They have no concern for the love of souls of men, or even for the love of truth (Titus 1:10-11). When danger threatens, they are nowhere to be found. Their main priority is self-preservation. King David is an example of a shepherd who many times risked his life for his sheep. However, I immediately think of Stephen who died as a martyr for Christ (Acts 7:59).

Q30. (John 10:1-5) Why is knowing the Shepherd's voice and obeying it so very important for disciples? What happens when we act independently of the Shepherd? What causes sheep to stray? God speaks to us through His Word. So, to hear His voice and to obey His commands requires us to read, study, and meditate on His Word. We need to be in prayer and have a personal relationship with our Lord. A verse in Psalms comes to mind: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11). If only we can keep His Word as a special treasure in our heart. Before we put our trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we all, like sheep go astray (Isa 53:6). We turn to our own way rather than faithfully following our Good Shepherd. Also, sheep tend to travel together and follow the lead sheep which often can land them in dangerous situations. True believers hear and know His voice; they would never follow strangers, or be led astray by false teachers. Jesus Himself does not merely lead the way; He is the way (John 14:6). "I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). He teaches us the way (Luke 20:21), guides us in the way (Luke 1:79), and opened for us a new and living way (Heb 10:20).

Q29. (Luke 5:36-39) What did Jesus intend His disciples to learn from the Parables of the Unshrunk Cloth and the Wineskins? Why are we tempted to say, "The old wine is better?" How might our church traditions limit the Holy Spirit's work in our day? How do these parables illustrate the need for newly planted churches? Jesus is telling us that one cannot mix an old garment of self-righteousness and works with a new garment of forgiveness of sins, grace, and mercy. In the same way as old and new wineskins don’t mix. Mixing law and grace would result in a patched-up Christianity, which is not part of God’s plan. A fresh start was needed. Jesus came to fulfil the old covenant and bring in the new. If we are in our comfort zone it’s easier to think that the old is better. So, we reject the new, fresh teachings of Jesus. Most people are happy with their lives as they are - never seriously thinking of eternity. Not realizing that salvation involves radical transformation of heart, soul, and body, and a large change in lifestyle. For this to happen requires putting their faith in Christ and a re-birth which might not occur if church traditions limit the work of the Holy Spirit - blinding them to the need of a Saviour. In the same way, we must be careful not to become too rigid in our thinking like the Pharisees who stuck to their traditions and rules; not accepting our Lord Jesus as the Messiah. If we are not careful, we can easily find ourselves set in our ways, comfortable as things are, and opposed to change; all this preventing us from considering the planting of new churches.

Q28. (Luke 13:18-21) What lesson did Jesus intend His disciples to learn from the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast or Leaven? Why might the disciples be discouraged by the "size" of the Kingdom? Why are we sometimes discouraged in Christian work? Why are patience and faith so important for disciples? Jesus teaches us that His kingdom is similar to a Mustard Seed and yeast, and that given time, it will experience phenomenal growth. The disciples should not be discouraged by the initial very small size. Despite these initial small beginnings, once it starts growing it is impossible to stop. Today we might also be discouraged by the attempts of governments to eliminate Christianity from their countries, and the persecution believers suffer. As well as the many people in the world today, turning their backs on our Lord Jesus. Yet like yeast, with time His kingdom will continue to grow. Personally, we need to have faith and patience in the opportunities given us. Whatever we are doing for the Lord might seem small and insignificant at the time. Remember that bigger is not always better, and that our Lord Jesus rejoices more in what is right, than what is big. Rather be patient, trust Jesus, and leave the results to God.

Q27. (Luke 11:17-22) In the Parable of the Binding of the Strong Man, who is the strong man? Who is the stronger warrior? How does this explain Jesus' power to cast out demons? How does it explain Jesus' power to set you free? To set your friends free? Satan is the strong man, and Jesus Himself is the stronger warrior. Today in the world, and especially in my country, we are surrounded by evil and wickedness of all kinds. It can be very easy for us to be overwhelmed by all this negativity and Satan’s schemes. But knowing that God is sovereign, that Jesus is stronger, and that eventually He will conquer all evil, keeps me at complete peace. This reminds me of Phil 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” As we put our trust in our Lord, we enjoy perfect, complete, and genuine peace – He is our rock (isa 17:10). We know that Jesus is mightier than Satan; He will overpower Satan and have him and his demons thrown into the lake of burning sulphur (Rev 20:10). We were all in bondage to sin, but Jesus’ death on the Cross and His resurrection has gained us victory over death, and has set us free from sin. In Rom 6:23 we read, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We need to make a choice, either eternal death or accept the gift of eternal life by repenting and putting our trust in Jesus Christ as our Saviour. Our salvation is a free gift given only because of His love, grace, and mercy. We can intercede on behalf of our friends, and tell them about the Word of God that saves.