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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.

Q26. (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) How do the bread and wine remind us of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins? In what way, when we partake of the Lord's Supper, do we "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26)? In the old covenant, the forgiveness of sin demanded the shedding of the blood of a spotless lamb (Exodus 24:6-8). Now, in the new covenant between God and us, Jesus offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God; shed His precious blood as a final sacrifice that would forgive sin once and for all. Of course, the bread and wine were representative of His body and blood. The Lord’s Supper was instituted so that we would remember our Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour in His death. By partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we celebrate its message of humiliation, as our Lord humbled Himself in obedience to God by dying on a cross. And its subsequent message of exaltation, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Phil 2:6-10). We proclaim both Jesus’ death and His return. We look forward to the day when He shall return and we shall be forever with the Lord. Come Lord Jesus, come.

Q25. (Luke 18:24-25) Why do you think people try to distort Jesus' Saying of the Camel and the Needle from a parable of impossibility? Why is salvation impossible to humans? People refuse to accept the fact that some things are only possible by God who is sovereign over all creation. All religions are religions of works except for Christianity which is a religion of grace. Making it difficult for people to acknowledge or believe that it is impossible for man to enter the kingdom of God by their own means. Especially the rich who can be possessed by their riches, which gives them this false sense of security, and therefore see no need for God. Jesus tells us clearly that by our own merits it is impossible for anyone to be saved. Jesus does give us hope however, for all things that are impossible for man, are possible for God. We are saved only through God’s gifts of grace, mercy, and faith (Eph 2:8-9). Faith in our Lord Jesus is the only way to come to the Father (John 14:6). We must humble ourselves and recognise our spiritual poverty before our loving Heavenly Father.

Q24. (John 4:13-14; 7:37-39) If water is symbolic of life, what is flowing or living water symbolic of in these passages? Who creates this spiritual thirst in a person? How are these promises fulfilled in believers? Flowing living water is both symbolic of eternal life, when we will never thirst again (John 6:35), and the Holy Spirit who just as water satisfies our thirst enabling us to bear fruit. We hear the Word of God, the Holy Spirit regenerates us, and we become aware of our sinfulness and our need of a Saviour. Our Lord Jesus invites the thirsting soul to come to Him, “let him come to Me and drink” (7:37). No one else will do – only Jesus Christ. To “drink” here means to appropriate Jesus for ourself. It means to trust Him as Lord and Savior. It means to take Him into our lives as we would take a glass of water into our bodies. As believers we will have our needs fulfilled, and will receive rivers of spiritual blessing that will flow out from us to others. That is, we will be channels of blessing to others. We have the promise of eternal life with our Saviour and the promise of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Q23. (John 3:3-8) In what way is becoming a believer in Jesus similar to a second birth? What aspects of physical birth are analogous to spiritual birth that Jesus seeks to clarify with this analogy? What about wind's characteristics are we to attribute to the Spirit? In the first birth we are born sinners, but Christ’s kingdom can only be entered by the righteous. So, to become a believer there must be a change from sinner to righteous. This can only happen with a re-birth. Just as the first birth is necessary for physical life, so a second birth is necessary for spiritual life. Those born of the flesh are flesh and are in sin – hopeless and helpless in saving themselves. Those born of the Spirit are spirit – made fit for the kingdom of God, that is holy, pure, and spiritual. When saved, we become new creatures, the evil things which we formerly loved - we now hate, and the things of God which we formerly despised - we now love. In the same way that we cannot control our physical birth, so we cannot control our spiritual birth. It is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit. The new birth is very much like the wind, it takes place according to the will of God. Like the wind it is invisible, one cannot see it taking place, but we can see the results. The wind can be unpredictable and not always fully understood, in the same way the miraculous work of the Spirit is not fully understood by man.

Q18. (Matthew 20:1-16) What does the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard teach us about God's generosity? About grace? What in our heart rises up to demand recognition and fairness when we feel we are overlooked and taken for granted? How much of this is a godly sense of fairness and how much is pride? God is sovereign and in His loving-kindness whatever He decides to do or give will always be perfectly right, just, and fair. We see this in His generosity when it comes to the grace we are blessed with. This parable is about salvation, and we seem to forget what we really deserve is eternal punishment. We also notice in this parable that it is never too late to repent and put our trust in our Lord Jesus. This is not about fairness which demands justice, but about God’s generosity and grace for which we should be most grateful. Instead, it displays our sinfulness – greed, and envy.