Clarence

Q1. (Psalm 27) What does it mean that David desires to "dwell in the house of the Lord"? What does it mean to "seek his face"? How does David provide hope at the end of this Psalm? To "dwell in the house of the Lord" is a mataphor for being close to the Lord at all times (from the notes). In addition the Israelites were well aware that God is not confined to a single place (1 Kings 8:27) also from the notes. To seek his face means to seek his presence, to be face to face with him-expectant of him, (from the notes). The hope that David has is an exhortation to himself and others to "develop strength and perseverence" (from the notes)-"...wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart" (/v14).

Q3. (Psalm 139). In what way does the wonder of creation in the psalm seem to affect the psalmist? In his concluding prayer in verses 23-24, what does he ask God to do? The psalmist is in total surrender to God. He expresses his total openness to God- "Search me, O God, and know my heart..." (V23). He asks God to help him keep trusting in God- he wanted to live his live in total worthiness to God (V24).

Q2. (Psalm 19) Verses 1 to 6 seem very different from verses 7 to 13, but there is a common thread that relates the first part to the second part. What is it? In what way does the psalmist seem to bask in God's Word? Have you ever felt that way? How does the psalmist's wonder in creation seem to affect him in this psalm? In the classic prayer of verse 14, what is David asking God to do? Verses 1-6 of this Psalm express the wonder of the heavens (the sky by day and by night). The psalmist expresses that they reflect the glory of God because he created them (V1b) - the heavens express the very nature of God (V1a). Verses 7-13 also express the nature and glory of God, through the written word of God- the Torah. Because of the "heavens" and the "law of the Lord", mankind may respond to God, or not. Romans chapter one puts it this way, that the creation expresses "his eternal power and divine nature"-therefore mankind is without excuse if God is not understood (Romans 1:20, writers paraphrase). The Psalmist is in awe of the word of God- perfect, revives the soul, trustworthy, gives joy to the heart, light to the eyes, endures forever, sure and righteous. The Psalmist asks God to keep his words and thoughts pure-so that he may honour and know his Rock and Redeemer (V14).

Q2. (Psalm 19) Verses 1 to 6 seem very different from verses 7 to 13, but there is a common thread that relates the first part to the second part. What is it? In what way does the psalmist seem to bask in God's Word? Have you ever felt that way? How does the psalmist's wonder in creation seem to affect him in this psalm? In the classic prayer of verse 14, what is David asking God to do? The first half of the Psalm express God's glory in the heavens. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (v1). Verse 7-13 express the written word of God- "The law of the Lord is perfect..."(v1). The common thread is that both revelations express the very nature of God and what he requires of his people. The psalmist "basks" in God's word by reflection on the "Law of the Lord" and the benefit of the Law of the Lord to mankind "...refreshing the soul " (v7). The psalmst seems to be in awe of the sky and the heavens, just as he was in awe of the Law of the Lord. Paul interpreted it this way, by saying that God's invisible qualities, his eternal power and divine nate can clearly be seen in his creation, therfore man is without excuse (Romans 1:20). Consequently, the psalmist asks God- because he is in awe of him, to help him be pure in God's sight (v14).

Q1. (Psalm 8). What does this psalm teach about God? What does it teach about human beings? What does it teach us about Christ? What does it teach about our responsibilities? The Lord is Yahweh (v1). He is the Creator, His creation reflects His Glory and Magesty. The LORD not only created the world and the universe- he cares for his creation (v6-8). David, in this Psalm, percieves his insignificance, compared to the Lord's infinite creation-David can not understand why the Lord is mindful of him (v4). The writer of Hebrews considers that Psalm 8:4-5, makes reference to Christ-"...the Son of Man, (the very name Jesus refers to himself in the gospels: Matt 9:6) you made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor". Jesus was man (human yet without sin: Hebrews 4:15) came to the world for the salvation of all mankind (John 3:16-17). Our responsibility is to be stewards of His creation- where he has placed us on the earth and further afield. We are to serve God by ruling responsibility over his creation in submission to God (from the notes).

Hi, Im looking forward to studying the psalms. Have not long completed Gospel of John. I really enjoyed John and learnt a lot. I live on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand in a small farming based town (perhaps medium size for NZ- with a population of 25,000).

Q4. (John 21:18-19) What does death have to do with glorifying God? How will your life and death bring glory or credit to God? What does this passage teach us about God’s foreknowledge? Death brings glory to God when a person has served God for some proportion of their life- to the end (Phillipians 1:21). When a person dies without having served Christ, death is sad and empty (Psalm 1:6). God is at work in a life dedicated to Him (Phillipiains 2:13). A person without God, rejects God and all he has done for them (1 Thessalonians 4:8). Paul said that he was torn between living a fruitful life for Christ or dying, and being with Christ (Philipians 1:22). God knows the plans He has for me (Jeremiah 21:11). Jesus is the author of life (Acts 3:15) and knows the path my life will take (Psalm 16:11).

Q3. (John 21:15-17) Why does Jesus repeat the question and the assurance three times? What does this teach us about God repeating the lessons he wants us to learn? What does it say about God's mercy and willingness to restore sinners to ministry? http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/1552-q3-feed-my-sheep/ Jesus appears repeat the question to emphasise the point to Peter. Peter has said that he loved Jesus before, but when pressure was put on him, he denied Christ three times (John 18). Sometimes we can say something and not really mean it. It is easy to talk (Proverbs 29:20). I know that I can make a promise without thinking through the time and commitment involved to carry it out. God is patient with us (Exodus 34:6) just as he was with Peter. God teaches me over and over, and some things I still have not learnt or put into practice.

Q2. (John 21:7-14) What does Jesus preparing breakfast for the disciples say about his love for them? His provision? What does Peter’s early morning swim say about his love for Jesus? It is more of the same. Jesus third appearance (v14) is further evidence of his bodily resurrection. Just as Jesus provided for his disciples, prior to the crucifixion and resurrection, he is providing now. He cared for his disciples and loved them (John 13:34). Peter has been close to Jesus-he was one of the inner circle of Jesus disciples, along with James and John (Mark 5:37). Peter must have felt overwhelming relief by Jesus forgiveness, after he had so veheminently denied him, not once but three times. At the time he must have thought that he had "blown it" (Luke 22:61, 62).

Q1. (John 21:4-8) Why did Jesus tell the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat? Why did the disciples obey? What was the result? What impression did it make on the disciples? This appears to be the second occasion that the disciples caught a large quantity of fish when Jesus told them to cast the net in a different place (see Luke 5:4-11). Perhaps Jesus did this, on the second occasion to show his disciples that one important thing has not changed since he was crucified and resurrected. He was still all knowing. He wanted his disciples to obey him (John 15:5). Even though they did not recognise Jesus when he told them to cast their nets on the other side, they probably rememberd the earlier encounter, and thought they had nothing to lose. The result was, after spending the night fishing, the disciples caught a lot of fish- as soon as this happened, a disciple (probably John, 21:7 ) recognised Jesus. Peter then put on his outer garments, "...threw himself into the sea..." and (we assume) swam ashore to Jesus (John 21:7). We are not told specifically what impression this experience made on the disciples, but they all knew it was Jesus (v. 12)

Q6. (John 20:30-31) How did John decide what to include in his Gospel and what to leave out? What is the purpose of his Gospel? John differentiates in verse 31b between believing and having life. Why? John acknowledged that there are many other signs that Jesus did in the presence of his disciples, but John did not include them (20: 30-31). The notes explain that John was not required to repeat all that was written in the synoptic gospels. The inference is that he knew already that at least one of the other gospels was around, which his readers probably had knowledge of. John had a specific purpose for writing his gospel and therefore carefully selecting what to write, from what he witnessed- John 20:31 that you may believe and that you may have life (writers paraphrase). John showed that believing in Jesus results in eternal life as a consequence of a relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit- a lfe of joy, and fellowship forever (from the notes).

Q5. (John 20:24-29) Why do you think Thomas is so stubborn about believing that Jesus was raised from the dead? How do you think he felt when Jesus appeared before him? What was Thomas’s confession in verse 28? What is Jesus’ blessing offered to future believers? We do not know about Thomas's background. Perhaps he had had dealings with or was influenced by the Sadducees-before he became a disciple of Jesus. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead (Mark 12:18). Thomas may have felt humiliated when he realised who this man was, standing among them. He may have felt overawed at Jesus presence, consistent with his response (v28). Jesus blessing was: "...'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'" (20:29).

Q4. (John 20:23) In what sense does the Church have the power to forgive sins? Do we (or the church's authorized representatives) confer forgiveness or declare it? Or both? This is a very hard question. Jesus exhorts believers to forgive people who sin against them- For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt 6:14-15) Also in the Lords Prayer (Matt 6:12). I have always been taught, that I do not need any priest to absolve me from my sin, other that Jesus. This is the teaching I have received according to my Protestant background. During the Reformatiion, perhaps the Protestants rebelled against this particular teaching of the Catholic church, because of the excesses of the church at the time.

Q3. (John 20:22) Why do you think Jesus commissioning the disciples (verse 21) is so closely linked with his giving the Holy Spirit (verse 22)? (See Acts 1:4, 8) Why is Jesus sending the Holy Spirit? Why do you think the work of the Holy Spirit tends to be neglected and misunderstood in our day? Because of the corruption of creation and mankind, as a result of the fall (Genesis 3:34) we must not do anything in our carnal strength (John 15:5). So God has given us the resorces, power and enabling to carry out his task. The Holy Spirit is not an optional extra, but is part of God's plan for believers in the world (Acts 1:4). Perhaps the work of the Holy Spirit is neglected and misunderstood because the work of the Holy Spirit is so essential. The devil is very happy to see disunity and misunderstanding, because christianity would know no bounds if all believers understood and were obedient to the great commission (1Peter 5:8; Joel 2:28-32).

Q2. (John 20:21) What is the relationship between the way the Father sent Jesus and how Jesus sends us? How careful are you to listen and get directions from Jesus in serving the Lord? The verse in question says "...as the Father sent me so I send you..." (Jesus speaking). We are obviously in a different position to the Christ. He the Messiah, who came to save the world (John 3:17). He came to the world to bring a message from his Father (20:16). He is the redeemer, we are his messengers (John 17:18). In many ways though, our mission is the same as Christ had in the world. We share his mission to spread word of his redemption throughout the world (from the notes). It is our responsibility to share the message accurately and congruently-our lives are to measure up to the message God entrusted us with, however we are not alone. We are promised help and strength from our Lord (Matt 28:19-20). I have not measured up, because of my sin, however God has used me on some occasions, as his representative (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Q1. (John 20:19-20) What do we know about the relationship of Jesus’ physical body to his spiritual body? Was Jesus’ resurrected bodily? How is his resurrected body similar to his physical body? How is it different? Jesus resurrected body is physical and eternal (Philippians 3:21). His resurrected body appeared to be similar to his old body as he showed Thomas the holes in his hands and feet and in his side (John 20:25-27). Jesus also invited the other disciples to look at his side and hands (John 20:20) "....they were overjoyed..." when they recognised him as the Lord. Jusus spoke of his flesh and bones (Luke 24:39) he ate (Luke 24:42-43) and he walked and talked as he did before (Luke 24:15), from the notes. In addition, he could be recognised by others however he seemed to have control of that, as there were occasions when those close to him did not recognise him- the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15-16). Mary Magdalene did not recognise him at first, perhaps because she was so caught up with her grief. Perhaps she did not recognise him as he would not have had his origional clothes-the ones he was wearing on the night of the arrest. Or perhaps because the sun was still low, on the morning she visited the tomb, she did not recognise him. It could have been a combination of these (this is not origional. The writer read this somewhere). When he spoke her name she knew him (John 20:16)! . The notes add, Jesus could appear to his disciples, even though the doors were locked (John 20:19, 26). He could also disappear and appear at will (Luke 24:31, 36).

Q4. (John 20:1-18) What are the evidences for the resurrection presented in this passage? Why is the truth of the resurrection so important as an indispensable foundation stone of the Christian faith? What does Jesus’ resurrection mean to your outlook on life? Mary Magdalene observed that the stone to the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away (v2). Peter and the other disciple (probably John) witnessed that the tomb was empty and the grave clothes undisturbed, as if the body had extracted itself from them (v 5-8). Mary saw two angels in the tomb where Jesus body had been lying (v13). Mary then saw a man outside the tomb, whom she recognised as Jesus, when he used her name (v16) Although the passage does not tell us, Mary probably touched Jesus as he said to her, "do not hold me..." (v17). Paul points out to the believers in Rome the importance of the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:7 says that if Christ had not been raised “...then your faith doesn't mean anything. Your sins are not forgiven”. So if Christ had not been raised to life in the resurrection, my life would be a missery.

Q2. (John 20:3-9) What is the significance of the presence and position of the grave clothes in the tomb? Why do you think it was difficult at this time for Peter to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? People have tried to put forward theories to refute the resurrection. One is that Jesus didn't really die on the cross, so when he was put in the tomb, revived, set himself free from the grave clothes, moved the stone from the entrance of the tomb and exited (McDowell). Another theory was that the body was at some stage stolen from the tomb. So the significance of the presence and position of the grave clothes in the tomb is that if the body was stolen, it would be unlikely that the thieves would unwrap the body in the tomb, place the clothes in an ordered way where the body had been lying and then remove the body. In addition, if Jesus had somehow revived and managed to unwrap himself from the grave clothes, it would also be unlikely that he would leave the grave clothes in such a way. It seems that Peter and John found the grave clothes undisturbed as if the body had resurrected without moving them (John 20:6). As the notes point out, Peter must have been overwhelmed (with emotion) given the recent events. He at this early stage, after discovering Jesus body not in the tomb anymore, found it hard to accept the resurrection. It had not dawned on him yet (Luke 24:12b). Josh McDowell, Evidence That Demands a Verdict Vol 1, pp 241-257, Campus Crusade for Christ, 1972.

Q1. (John 20:1; Luke 8:1-3) What do we know about Mary Magdalene? Why do you think a woman was given the honor of seeing the risen Christ first? Mary Magdalene was an important member of Jesus' ministry team (Luke 8:1b-3). Mary was from a prosperous city with an industry, probably in preserving food by drying and salting-possibly fish. (from the notes). The notes also state that the city had about 40,000 inhabitants and a horse stadium- for racing horses. Mary was most likely a widow from and wealthy family, and helped support Jesus and his disciples from her personal fortune (Luke 8:3). Jesus had healed a troubled Mary and cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). She was devoted to Jesus, and traveled with his party through Galilee and Jerusalem, helping minister to the needy women who came to him (notes). We do not know for sure why Mary was given the honor of the first one to see the risen Christ. Perhaps it was because she spent so much time at the tomb (Mark 15:40, 16:1-19; Matt 28:1 ; Matt 27:61).

Q5. (John 19:38-42) Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? Was it good that they were “secret disciples”? What risk did they incur by participating in Jesus’ burial? Why is the burial account important to Jesus’ story? To our understanding of who Jesus is? Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both members of the Jewish Sanhedrin in Israel. "The Sanhedrin was made up of chief priests, scribes and elders of the people" (Nave 1974). The bible describes Nicodemus as ..."a ruler of the Jews"... (John 3:1) and Joseph of Arimathea as a ..."prominent member of the Council"... (Mark 15:43). The scriptures also record a significant conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John chapter 3- in the dead of the night. It is neither good nor bad that Nicodemus and Joseph were "secret disciples" of Jesus. Who are we to Judge anyway? Nicodemus, at one stage spoke to Sanhedrin members, in Jesus defense (7:51). At least they would have probably been expelled from the Sanhedrin (John 7:52) or even put to death if they revealed their true allegiance to Jesus. At any rate, the two believers were willing to reveal their devotion to their Lord at his burial, probably at great cost to themselves, financially and in reputation. We do not know what happened to them after this event. Jesus was obviously held in high esteem by the pair as they were willing to go to great trouble and expense to deal with his body in such a way. Joseph of Arimathea provided a tomb, never used before and Nicodemus a large quantity of herbs and spices to treat the body. O. J Nave, "Nave's Topical Bible," Nave Moody Press 1974, p. 1135.

Q4. (John 19:31-37) Why do you think Jesus died in such a relatively short time? What does the water and blood flowing from Jesus’ side indicate? How did it fulfill Scripture? Jesus probably died within a very short time because he had been so ruthlessly flogged, to within an Inch of his life (19:1). As the notes describe, the scourge used in a flogging was tipped with glass or metal-..."some men were flayed to the bone"...The notes add, whipping may penetrate down to veins and arteries and even disembowel the victim (notes from 30. Jesus Arrest and Trial John 18:1-19:16). In the scriptures we also read that the soldiers made Simon from Cyrene carry the cross, as he walked behind Jesus, to the place of the crucifixion (Luke 23:6). Jesus was unable to carry it because he was too weak, a result of the flogging. When the Roman soldiers came to check if their victims were dead, Jesus appeared already to have died (19:33). To make sure of this, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear (19:34). Water and blood flowing from Jesus side was probably from around the cardiothoracic area of the body (http://www.gotquestions.org/blood-water-Jesus.html)-"They will look on me, the one they have pierced..." (Zechariah 12:10).

Q3. (John 19:30) When Jesus says, “It is finished,” what does he mean? What mission(s) had the Father given him. In what way did he complete them? Jesus had achieved all that he had set out to do to fulfill the will of his father with the aid of the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22). The word that Jesus used "finished" when he said "it is finished" means, bring to an end, to complete something (from the notes). The notes add, Jesus came to bring eternal life (John 1:4), bring grace and truth (1:14), reveal the Father and the Father's glory (1:18) and die as a sacrifice for our sins (1:29). Jesus had achieved all he set out to do, by living his life in the world. He humbled himself. Philippians 2:6 says that ..."existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage (Holman Christian Standard Bible). ..."though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Q1. (John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:14-18) In what ways did Jesus fulfill Psalm 22:14-18? What does the Psalms passage tell us about how Jesus felt on the cross? Psalm 22 is describing the experience of someone being crucified. Wikipedia states that ..."The New Testament makes numerous allusions to Psalm 22, mainly during the crucifixion of Jesus." According to the Psalm, Jesus felt the symptoms of severe dehydration because of the loss of blood, as a result of the scourging, he was at the edge of death. In addition the Psalm alludes to a feeling of utter shame and humiliation as people laugh and stare at him, hanging on the cross.

Q2. (John 19:26-27) What is Jesus’ mother Mary feeling at the cross? Why does Jesus give John responsibility to care for his mother? What does this say about Jesus’ values? Mary must have felt immensely sad (Luke 23:48) and distraught. Simeon said to Mary in his prophecy about her son's life, ..."and a sword will pierce through your own soul also" (Luke 2:35). Jesus honoured his (legal) responsibility as the first born son, by ensuring that Mary would be cared for and supported by one of his closest disciples (probably John). This demonstrated that Jesus loved and cared for his mother. As well as doing his Father's will, he was concerned that he fulfilled his responsibilities while in the world.

Q6. (John 19:7-15) What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders report that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God? What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders threaten to report him to Caesar? Which fear wins out? What fears control you and keep you from serving Jesus fully? What motivation is winning out in your life? According to the notes, Pilate wonders if Jesus may be a god (similar to other Roman gods of the time) after the Jewish leaders tell him about Jesus claiming to be the Son of God. In Greek and Roman mythologies, many of their divine beings went around as men. Pilate therefore, may have been afraid that he had offended a god. Pilate also fears that the Jewish authorities may-as they have made a veiled threat, report him to Caesar (19:12). This would mean that his job-or even his life, may be in jeopardy. Fear of being humiliated. Making a "dick" of myself. Fear of rejection. Fear of being ridiculed. I seem to be a listener. I like to visit people, and have a amiable acquaintances with some people, whom I am praying for.