Debora

Q1. (2:15-16) In what way is God's glory dependent upon us living submissive, obedient lives? How is God hurt when we get rebellious?

Q5. (2:12) How can the good deeds we commit by living openly as Christians increase God's praise. How does our "blending in" detract from God's praise? I believe it is all about living a victorious life daily. Good deeds will come naturally as God works in us as we come to repentance and transform. When we live in his ways we give Him the glory. For Jesus was example and so are we to be. If we are then many will see and give our Father praise when they desire to make change, convert, because of our influence in their lives. This gives the father glory. Our silent witness and walking testimony to the world. For He works through us and it is not our glory but His when there are victories upon victories. We overcome evil with good, and daily live is combatting the world and the people in it that are pagan. We are his representatives walking on this earth. Is our image of a Christian, the image of Him, that gives good witness to the Father and Jesus' name. What Increases God's praise (what is asked of us, to do as in the Bible - some examples): 1. When pagans do evil and the Christian repays with good (Romans 12:17 & 12:9-19) 2. When pagans slap the right cheek and the Christians turns to him the left cheek as well (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29). 3. When a pagan is in need and asks, you give, if a pagan takes something Christian do not demand it back (Luke 27-36). Blending in could mean we act like the pagan does and do as the pagans do. Our behaviors and attitudes are like theirs. When we do so there is no visible difference to the name we carry as "Christian people". We give false witness and testimony and give being a Christian a bad name or meaningless name. This brings dishonor to our Father. The pagan may not know what a Christian is, for they may not know the word of God. If we truly are Christian our actions and words coincide with what God asks of us, God's word. The pagan will know what is written for we are God's living word in our actions and speech. We become example giving all what we do Glory to God in a world that has been influenced by darkness and evil. We are his beacon of lights for others to guide and bring them along to safe shores again, in hopes they will return to the homeland which is promised to all. Giving glory to God is showing the way, the life and the truth to the world through Christ Jesus in us. When others return on a homeland quest and join us in the journey, convert, there is rejoicing in heaven and on earth by the people of God. Victories won daily for God's greater glory - spreading the Good News, helpers to Jesus in bringing them back home to the Father. Like a bride is to the bridegroom, a woman is to a man in a marriage, we as Christians are the helper at Jesus side (bride and bridegroom) in a convenant relationship, as in marriage, to be united and to bring about unity with others. Jesus united us back to the Father through his blood shed and Jesus in us works so others may have the same benefit as we which was intended for all. Not all respond we are there to make a difference in their lives to bring hope, the promise of God for us, mankind. Christians corporately give God the glory and praise when they meet for worship and praise for all He has done for us and will do, out of gratefulness and out of priesthood royal duty. This gives God praise, those being his give of themselves to serve their Father and willingly to do his will: 1. We go to church to be equipped. 2. We read, study and listen to the word being preached to be sanctified and transformed through repentance, the Holy Spirit and Jesus working in us.

Q4. (2:11) Read 1 Peter 2:11 carefully. The world tells us (1) to conform and (2) that sin won't hurt us. What does Peter tell us to combat these lies? How can this reminder help us? Peter urges us to abstain from sinful desires and that the world battles for our souls. We are strangers and aliens here in the world. The reminder reminds us who we are, a holy nation, a peoples of royal priesthood, God's people. That we are to be on guard and watchful of our soul. For the world is like bait on a line waiting to hook a fish or trap it and cook it in frying pan. Be wise, be alert and if you abide in Jesus, remain in Him until you reach the homeland where God dwells.

Q3. (2:9) What actions and attitudes should this idea of being part of God's own people inspire in us? My attitude is of heartfelt gratitude (thanksgiving): 1. For being chosen by God to be his child, a daughter who belongs to a holy nation and of royal priesthood. 2. For taking me out from darkness and giving me His light to live in. To be surrounded and clothed in His marvellous light. For giving me this gift in life. 3. For giving me himself which is treasured and all He does for me is cherished and all He does is not forgotten but stored as riches. For what He gives surpasses all of what the world can offer. All his benefits to not forget of being a daughter who is of a holy nation, is part of a royal priesthood, and of people who belongs to God. My action is to serve Him out of gratitude by: 1. giving worship & praise to God and Jesus; to declare his praises 2. obeying Him; to do and live as written in the Bible - God's ways and standards I look forward to the study of 1 Peter and to walk with all of you during this study. I am thankful to God for Pastor Ralph who has made this possible for us to be here learning together. God bless you all, Debora

Q2. (2:5) If your praise is primarily for God's benefit, not your own, how should you be offering praise? With my heart and mind focused on Him (foremost in giving praise and consistent with the additional following ways I can think of, while being focused on God and Jesus in doing any one way or combination of what follows): 1. With thanksgiving. 2. With joy and exuberantly. 3. With feet - standing/sitting; bowed head and bended knee; dancing. 4. With hands - outstretched arms/lifting hands; clapping hands; playing instruments. 5. With mouth - singing, shouting, speaking. 6. With tears and crys. 7. With the many different words that speak of his name; to call them out to him as praise telling him who he is to me (us) - Adonai, Yeshua, Almighty, Redeemer, My Rock, My Salvation ............ 8. In Spirit (worship flowing out of deepest part of myself) 9. In Truth (worship in sincerity and fashioned according to the pattern of God's word) 10. With gladness in my heart for all he has done for me. 11. With expectation to meet Him, the one who created me and to show Him my love for Him and gratitude. 12. With reverence.

Q1. (2.5) Christians often look at their relation to God as consumers, delighting in what God does for them. What is the mindset of a priest towards God? What can I do for you God (for all he has done for me) is my mindset as priest being always grateful for every blessing he sends along the way in doing for Him. How can I serve you God is the mindset I have. We are considered the royal priesthood when we accept Christ Jesus into our lives. Just as Jesus is the Living Stone, my acceptance of him being chosen by God and precious to Him, I become a 'living stone' being built to be a spiritual house. As a spiritual house I do what we do as church when people gather, and be a priest, in the environments I live in - home & workplace and within my heart and mind I serve Him. I have a purpose as royal priesthood to worship and obey God: 1. to worship Him; in the environments I am in i.e. in the home daily, in my car, at work 2. to praise Him with song in all places I am 2. to be sanctified; by reading the word daily; to become holy 3. to offer spiritual sacrifices (prayers) acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (being we come in his name we can offer to God the sacrifice through Jesus Christ) 4. to obey Him - to be faithful and true to Him; doing as the word says in all things and live life according to God's ways or standards not the world What actions does this mindset inspire in you? Inward Actions: 1. to draw closer to God 2. to long for Him 3. to perseve and endure 4. to be faithful 5. to wait for Him 6. to overcome and be victorious in Christ Jesus 6. to have focus on God in all I do in daily life 7. to give myself full availability to Him 24/7 in service Outward Actions: 1. to forgive others as He forgives me 2. Cloth & shelter others; give of time to projects - donate items and time 3. Feed others; physically and spiritually 4. heal others; visit the sick; lay hands 5. show mercy to others 6. pray for others 7. share Jesus and the Good News to others

Q4. (1:18-19) Have you ever felt you were of no worth or of no value? Yes, before I knew that God existed or Jesus entered my life. There is no meaning or purpose to existence without knowing God. I never encountered such pure love as from God. In my opinion it is love that gives a person their worth and value. God's presence in my life gives me purpose to my life and reason for my existence and for living thus giving me great worth and great value. What does 1 Peter 1:18-19 say about your worth? One Peter says our worth and value is greater than the most precious metals, gold and silver which man esteems and gives great monetary value to in this world and, by which countries barter and use these precious metals as measures of universal standards in the economic marketplace. But God says our value and worth is much more precious than what is highly valued in this world. God puts mankind as highest value above all things he created. God says that our value and worth is so great he sent his Son, Jesus, and had His Son sacrifice His life on a cross and shed His blood so Jesus' precious blood would cover us, cleanse us, purify us and purchase us, to unite us back to the Father, our Creator. That is how great is our value and worth is, done out of love for us, his creation - mankind. What does it say about God's love for you? God love is so great for me (us) that he sent His Son and sacrificed his Son who willingly died for me (us) as the Father asked Him to, on a cross so that we may live forever and have life and be united back to God. In his love for me, He gave me His Son's precious blood to cover me. He sent to me (us) what is most precious to Him, His Son and offered him as a sacrifice so my (our) sin would be forgiven so I (we) may be united to God who is holy and pure and like his Son spotless without blemish I will become. His love as Father and Creator is so great that He gave His Son to me, so I (we) may experience His love for me. A gift of love is what God gave me, Jesus, so I (we) may have the Father's love with me (us) on earth until I (we) reach home and for all that are willing to accept His Son the gift is for all. God's love and His Son's blood have the highest worth and value that outweighs anything this world has to offer. It is His Son's precious blood he gave for me to cover me, so that my sins are forgiven and I may be united back to Him, my Father as once man was, before the fall. That is the great love the Father and His Son has for me. Jesus' love is so great for me (us) and which is like the Father's love for me (us), the same love, that he willingly sacrificed his life on earth being an innocent victim of man. He lay down his life for me at the Father's request, doing the Father's will. Both the Father and the Son have shown their great love for me willing to do what they both did to win me back from the enemy. Their love for me is geniune and protective and they are willing to go to battle for me, to daily fight for my soul. God's love is genuine and protecting till the end, until I am in His Kingdom eternally. It says, God's love is genuine. He created me and will never abandon me and has not abandoned man throughout all the centuries but provided and protected throughout history. It says, God's love is, goodness and pureness. For it is not an empty life but abundant life he intends and intended and wants for all to have. What he intended in the beginning will be when his plan comes into fulfillment for me (us), paradise again and forever. It says His love is unchanging and forever will be. God is faithful, true, unchanging and eternal so is His love then. If he is love and we are to be in his image, then we will become love. I was loved even in my sinfulness thus His love is unconditional and as was from the beginning for all, and is to the end for eternity and will be when He comes again. I think of a mother bear and her cubs. If her cubs are endangered by an enemy that is lurking and prowling nearby, by instinct she will do what she can to eliminate what is endangering her little ones. I think of God, our Father, Abba, his love is so great for his children that in his plan of fulfillment of our salvation, he will eliminate all predators forever, that is the enemy in the final judgment. God's love for us is shown in his protective nature for us, for His children today, yesterday and for tomorrow. His love provides us with battle gear, armor and his shield of faith up until the last days and for eternity. It says that God's love is paternal, genuine, pure, protective and eternal. What does it indicate about the long-term value of your balance sheet and financial assets? I am precious and have rare value in this world. I am worth more than anything this world has to offer, I am priceless. I am purchased and owned by the Father, God. I have an inheritance that entitles me to riches beyond this world. These riches are not of what earth has but of greater and endless value. These riches are non-comparable to the most precious esteemed treasures man has placed in this world. I am rich beyond worldy measure. My Jesus, is King and I am an heir. Monetary value has no meaning in the Kingdom of God and not a measure of riches. So, I live to give all I have in monetary value and keep what I need to live upon while my time here for God's greater glory for others. Money has no value, it is people that has the greatest value in this world. My long-term value is priceless. My financial assets are uncontainable and beyond worldy measure when we believe. What are your true long-term investments? Why? My true long-term investment is placing all have and all I own into the Kingdom of God. Like Paul my goal is to run the race to the finish for the prize. All, in hope and desire to be with my Father whom loves me and I, who loves him, and we shall be for eternity. It is what God, Jesus asks, sell all you have and come follow me.

3. (1:17) Why are people in our culture so upset when they sense they are being judged by someone else? I can think of three reasons: 1. There is no universal law that governs the world. 2. God's law is not universal in the world. 3. Man's tendency to justify his own actions as right and good. People come from different cultures and traditions. Groups of people tend to have their own uniqueness, characteristics, traditions... laws. The world is becoming more and more a blend of nations in one country where a country alone is not typical of one group of ethnic peoples. Thus, when we are judged by another, there will be a bias. People take offence to one and another with judgments. Whereas, we are treated all equally by the Father who judges each man's work impartially. Sometimes there is no bias but disobedience and what will exist is two opposing laws; man's and God's (written on the heart and mind). For example, Christian workplaces and businesses, sometimes use the world's standards instead of God's to determine justice in a workplace, i.e. labor laws. Christian people upsetting other Christians. Non-christians and Christians in the world are subjected to many biases, standards that differ between states, provinces and countries, i.e. the court systems for example. It is upsetting to be judged by another for the world has many expectations and standards as do individuals thus, unfairly are we judged and when we are there is tendency to become offended. God's standards are the univeral standards by which all will be judged by, in the end and there will be no bias. How do you reconcile final judgment with God's love for the world? To accept such unpleasantness that is final judgment, and reconcile it to God's love, is by looking at the destruction brought about by evil or wickedness harming what is good and pure, God's creation. By looking at what great love God has for us, the works of his hands. A protective nature acts to eliminate or put to rest what is poisoning or destroying what is good as an act of justice. It is not that none of this was unavailable, the information that there will be a final judgment. There have been warning and consequences lay out throughout history to make man aware of the fact and have knowledge. It is like a parent saying to a their child, these are the rules you must follow and obey and if not here is what will follow and the consequences are given. God taks the form as Father, being called 'Abba' by Jesus which meands "daddy". I think of a mother bear protecting her cubs. By instinct she would do anything if there is a fearsome prowler lurking about to pounce and destroy her babies. Abba is our protector from harm and provider of security. It is the love of the Father for us, His children, that the final judgment exists and part of His plan. Why must final judgment be at the core of the Good News of Jesus Christ? There is a penalty or consequences. God is the owner, creator of the universe. He has all the power and control. There must be accountability to a form of law and order and a submissiveness to the Creator in respect and reverence as well, consequences to disobedience. God is in control and we are not. God is God and we are not. The good news is about the Kingdom of God and without final judgment there is no purpose and meaning to life. What happens to the Gospel when final judgment is left out or ignored? Life would turn over to the discretion of man. The flesh is weak and if man had no reason not to do things he should not, why would he not do them. There would be no meaning nor purpose for man. Mankind will eventually take control of their own lives rather than having God be in control. I believe it would eventually become a world of lost people if there was no final judgment because of the nature of man who is a sinner and who would tend to follow the flesh, than the Spirit. For the flesh is weak. What God has created is good indeed. This world is a tempting place to reside in. It is a temporary residence however, like a filling station and not a permanent residence. Without final judgment man will get lax and complacent causing jeopardy to their own souls. God knows us, He created us. He knows what is best for us and for his Kingdom and everything He does is out of love, for God is love.

Q2. (1:15-16) In your own words, how would you define "holiness"? Holiness would be living to the standards of God which he has set. The Word contains the standards for daily living. Then to be holy is to be 'washed' by the word, sanctified. The word when read is absorbed, eaten, chewed and digested will nourish a person. We then become like Him, to become like Christ Jesus. The word sanctifies, sustains and guides you into living pure lives making a person "pure" over time, coming to perfection. We are being perfected by Christ to be holy through the Word and his Spirit. In what sense are you (by definition) holy now? My sins are forgiven which removes the barrier between me and God. I am becoming more holy by being discipled. Growing by the word, sanctification. In what sense must you be obedient in order to become holy? When we are obedient God says, we will be blessed by Him. To obey Him and do as he asks keeps the relationship going thus the transformation process ongoing. What is your biggest struggle with holiness? Having the ability to readily forgive others at the drop of a dime. Like God forgives me instantly, I should to others thus: 1. I need to have a heart just like Jesus'. 2. I need my mind to be transformed unto Jesus'. 3. I need my will to be conformed to Jesus'.

Q1. (1:13) What about Christ's coming should it get our undivided attention? Why should it inspire hope? Most definitely for God's plan for us will be fulfilled upon Christ's second coming which would inspire hope. It is a time for venegance and justification for those whose lives were taken for the faith as martyrs. For those enduring and perserving persecution and strife and famine there is something greater in store. It is a time for which our goal will be attained like Paul who set his sights on the finish to earn the prize, that is our salvation. The enemy, satan, will be cast into hell and gone for eternity. There will be no more pain, suffering, mourning and tears and when we come into eternity with God in heaven. Why should it inspire self-control and soberness? The other eternity offered is not favorable if it is to be tormented day and night in the burning fires of hell. Therefore, this in itself creates soberness and self-control, and the greatest influence is Christ himself and God's love that compels us. We must work out daily our salvation. We must be alert and catious of the enemy who prowls to destroy us, Christians. We must discipline ourselves in our daily life, giving priority to God as first in our lives; worship and obey Him, be faithful and true to Jesus. For we do not know the hour or the day and Jesus will come like a thief in the night it says, thus we must be on our toes and ready. What happens in our lives when we don't really expect Christ to come soon? We get lazy and comfortable and slip back into the world. A spirit of apathy or compromise may set in.

Q5. (1:8-9) According to 1 Peter 1:8-9, what is the basis of Christian joy that is "inexpressible and glorious"? The basis or foundation of Christian joy is Jesus Christ himself. It is the faith we have that encounters Christ and we respond with joy when the two meet. How does this joy interplay with human emotions? Joy gives us strength. With joy there is assurance, confident, boldness that Christ is here to carry on. Joy blows away or dispels any darkness, doubts or shadows within. With joy there is light and down to every cell or fibre in your body is ignited giving a gladness to the heart, you rejoice. Is it essentially emotional? No. There is a wellness attachment to joy. Joy is a healing attribute. It is a bringing forth of wellness and wholeness for the body for the whole being is ignited or engaged with the "Joy" of our Lord Jesus. The source of the joy is from Him. It is a fruit of the Spirit. How does it differ from what is generally regarded as the pursuit of "happiness"? Extra Credit: How can you tell the genuine article of joy from the counterfeit? Pursuit of happiness is "satisfaction guaranteed" which only comes from God not worldy material riches stored up. And when you find God, who brings happiness into your lives you are filled with "joy"! For God gives you the Spirit and the spirit within you upon recieving produces joy; abundant and from a never ending spring as the source who is Christ Jesus. We receive the joy of our Lord. This joy does not end when it is from Christ, whereby worldly joy does end and comes in spurts. Worldly joy can be for example a celebration where there is a temporary spurt of joy caused by the energy of the excitement or akin to of the people being celebrated, an emotion. Counterfeit joy is wordly joy and like a balloon. When it pops the joy is gone. Here for a while and gone tomorrow and does not return until another balloon is blown up where the balloon represents i.e. listening to a motivational speaker - you are pepped up for a while then come down/fizzle out; birthday party celebrations - while the party is on there is excitement and laughter, gaiety and merriment but the joy lasts as long as the celebration is in motion. True joy is like living waters and the source that flows is contineous and is tapped into. It is the Spirit of Christ that is the source of joy not from us nor our emotions or events - celebrations. True joy is like a fountain and recognizable by the countenance it brings and seen in a person when it arise, it is bubbly and it is unfading and true joy is consistent and does not run out.

Q4. (1:6-7) Can you remember any instances in which God used difficult circumstances to refine and purify your faith? Many and continually: lose of a mother in twenties; lose of a spouse in forties; termination from jobs and without cause - wrongful dismissal from schooling program and workplace; bankrupcy; non fault car accidents - three years in a row consectively; ruined reputation in communities due to slander and falsehood; accident injuries. I learned to let things go like water off a duck and to rejoice and carry/move on. What did God accomplish in your life? A deeper relationship with Him. Faith increased. Learned to trust Him only. New awareness of Him each time going thru an instance or circumstance. God accomplished being Father in my life and Him being in control of my life, not I. How, exactly, does genuine, tested faith bring glory to Jesus? We bring him honor with our obedience to being faithful and true, in our words and actions, no matter what life dishes out or brings to us in going through an instance or circumstance. There is less of me and more of Him when there is genuine, tested faith which brings glory to Jesus.

Q3. (1:5) According to 1 Peter 1:5, what is God's part in securing your salvation? What is your part? God's part is to protect us. Our part is to be faithful and true to God. God provides us armor. His shield, the shield of faith quenches all the flaming arrows of the evil one. It is through faith we are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that will be revealed in the last time, last days; Jesus' second coming.

Q2. (1:2)Why do forgiveness (sprinkling) and obedience come together as a package? Why is it deceptive to think you can have one without the other? We cannot obey unless we are forgiven. Without forgiveness we are controlled by Satan and not Jesus. If would be deceptive to think you can have either forgiveness or obedience for how can one obey Jesus if one is controlled by the enemy, not well. The enemy would prevent the person from being victorious. For one cannot alone be victorious on their own without Christ. Our obedience would lie with the enemy not with Christ. Extra credit: If true faith requires obedience, how can we say that we are saved by grace rather than works? (Ephesians 2:8-10) The word tells us that we must believe in God's Son who died for us for the atonement of our sin and be forgiven; washed clean. We obey what is written and in faith believe what is written. The word is the truth. When we believe by faith God's word and accept Christ Jesus we are forgiven, saved (John 3:16). It is by God's kindness he bestows on us, his grace expressed through Christ Jesus when we accept him into our lives as our Savior and Lord. Jesus now rules over us and not the enemy. When his grace falls we are a "new man", "new creature", a "new creation", reborn, given spiritual birth and with that re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works. The Spirit within produces good fruits to do the works of Christ Jesus. We become like him over time. What Jesus starts in us will come into completion with faith. So, it is grace not works that transform us into his image, holy, perfect by obedience. For when we obey we are blessed, provided for and matured. With faith we believe in God who is unseen. So we are obedient to God who is Spirit. We are new creatures when we are reborn, saved and created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Those who are faithful and true who obey are blessed and given the gift of salvation by God as a promise we lay claim to by faith.

Q1. (1:1) How would you describe the behavior of a Christian who identifies more with his present homeland than his heavenly one? 1. Maybe individuals who are "lukewarm Christians" identify with their present homeland more than the heavenly one. There first love is not God or Jesus. One behavior could be attend Sunday and leave the Church and God in the building until the next Sunday comes. God is not daily in their lives. 2. Some may be Christians who get caught up in the "busyiness of life" schedules. They do not give God first priority in their lives. Their mind is given to their day's activities all day long with no thought to God at all. God is in their lives but usually at the end of the day, before bed when they are completely tired out, giving God leftovers of themselves and giving to God very little appreciation for their life and relationship with Him. 3. Or, others may not have full commitment but give themselves partially to God. The world draws their attention and the Christian is divided, giving some things of the world priority, where God does not have complete control of their lives. Self is in control or God is control meaning the person serve two masters; satan - the world, and God. Have you ever caught yourself doing this? Yes, as hard as I may try to be 24 hours a day focused on the heavenly homeland the reality is we are planted first in this world. The world does rob you of time, minutes and hours in a day and of your identification for moments as well because we are in the world but, we are not of it. We work, shop, bank ... have activities and within these daily activities troubles and worries pop up to deal with. Which we learn to let go, give to God and carry on and not get hung up on life in this world. We need to move with God. God never sleeps and is always on the move day and night. We need to be with him thus not let our selves get caught up in worldly things but keeping moving on like God, Jesus does. As time goes on in my walk, I catch myself less and less being caught up in my present homeland. I am learning to let go, give and carry on without missing a step or beat in time. I heard someone say we have to become like a duck where water runs off the feathers. I find putting my sights forward on him daily and making a conscience effort to see him in all people, things and situations helps. Giving him as they come worries, and problems makes life living in the homeland vs the world. Making God and Jesus the primary focus throughout the day and in all situations and circumstances as they occur, helps to identify more with the heavenly homeland than to be in the present homeland or stuck in it. What has to happen to get our spiritual priorities straight? 1. We must first have the Spirit of God in our life to guide us. 2. We must put God as first priority in our lives and let him be in control of our whole life, all areas. 3. A person has to make the decision to discipline themselves in their daily life after priorities are set - to give God first priority in all areas of daily life, 24 hours: - be willing to work at it, act upon it and practise it until it becomes a habit in life - to be faithful to disciplining self in being faithful to God A person has to put into practise, discipline measures to always give God first priority. God first in everything that is done in our lives. First thing when you wake up for example, talk to God and give him the first hour of the day and throughout the day. All day till night when you meet Him in prayer again. May he be in your thoughts continuously. Like in the days of Adam and Eve before the fall, God conversed with them in the garden throughout the day. In relationship wise, God has to have to be given as first priority then spouse, then children, then church, then work and throughout the day in all things is He first. We have to develop a habit and it takes discipline to accomplish goals. One goal is to read daily the word and prayer, to sanctify yourself. Another goal to have is to have the mind focused on heavenly homeland throughout the day, for a 24 (hours) seven (days a week) as a living plan. We must make a decision to set priorities straight. Draw up and make a plan to reach the goal. Then follow it, practise it and carry it out being faithful all the while to reaching the goal, total union with God for eternity.