Sister Evelyn

Q.43 (John 15:1-3) The only person who is skillful to help us increase in fruitfulness is Jesus. Jesus is the True Vine, we are the branches and the Father is the gardener, the one who tenderly cares for the vine, cutting and pruning us so that we may produce the maximum amount of fruits possible. The Father will cut off the branch that will not produce fruit. It is like when you go get a hair cut, a women ends will be cut so that new growth will bring new growth. the effect of obedience and holding to or abiding in Jesus' teaching is freedom from slavery to sin and separation from evil. According to (John 8:31-32) "If you abide (meno) in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Q.42 (Luke 12:1-Matthew 16:11-12) It's so easy for others to detect hypocrisy in others because of pride. It's like blaming others for something when you know it was you fault. Pride gets in the way. Like in (Matthew 7:3-5) remove the speck out of your own eye before judging others. Hypocrisy so deadly to our Spiritual growth because it is said to be so pervasive among Christians. It can hinder our walk with the Lord. We must be mindful of and be very cautious of the "yeast" that may rises in us. The Pharisees were a good example of hypocrisy and as of today their are many Pharisees out there hiding in the temple of God. When we heed to fail or heed to hypocrisy we can cloud the Gospel of God's love that it will prevent millions from being saved. The antidote to hypocrisy is transparency, integrity between our beliefs and our actions with confession and apology, when we are inconsistent.

Q.41 (Luke 14:7-11) People push themselves because they want to prove that they are better than others and can obtain more than others. People don't realize this because they are to blind with pride. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbles, and he who humble himself will be exalted. Jesus taught that the greatest om the kingdom is the one who would humble themselves as a little child. God opposes the proud gives grace to the humble.

Q.40 (Mark 10:13-16) (Luke 18:15-17) We should be transformed like children who display innocence, openness, trust and receptivity and most of all be humble. The disciple displayed characteristic of arrogance. People who are to proud and look down on others. Even the disciples had faults, but God used them. When arguing about who was greatest Jesus doesn't show favorites. He wanted them to understand they need to humble themselves and be like little children and this is why Jesus called a little child to Him to demonstrate their innocence. Humility is essential to repentance, learning and obedience because when we admit that we are wrong and promise to live in a new way (righteous) is isn't possible without humility. Humility will help you as you strive to be obedient, to work hard, and serve selflessly. What we learn from humility is it makes you be prepared for the life-long journey or learning new things from everyone without any pride or ego. When we come to Jesus we approach him with humility in recognition of God's grace and mercy.

Q.39 (Luke 18:9-14) The Pharisee wanted to draw attention acting if his prayers were heard he would be consider righteous. However, his pride was taking over him. This Pharisee didn't understand when a person does that they commit a fatal error, for righteousness turns into pride, and pride will lead people to look down on those people consider morally inferior to us. I rather be like the tax collector he humble himself and admitted he was a sinner. He boldly confess before The Throne of Grace. Again, it is easier to promote ourselves in front of others like the Pharisee's so to be seen by others. Again, this all has to do with pride. And pride is one of the 7 things God hates. (Proverbs 8:13). Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that they should never be prideful. They are to be humble and have faith, because this is what Jesus promotes. And, we are all sinners and Jesus came to save the world not to condemn it.

Q.38 (Matthew 13:44-46) Before I came to Christ I loved the world. I value my possessions etc. And of course I value my family. However, I know for a fact that they cannot saved me. There is no human being on earth who will save me. Jesus death on the cross was a one time sacrifice shedding His precious Blood for the Redemption of my sins. Everything that I own is only material, and my family is a loan from God. Like I am a loan to my daughter's and ten grandchildren. Values are important, but I will rather have a relationship with Jesus who died for me allowing me to share Eternal Life with him, because he saved me from the pits of hell. Salvation is free and because it is free I owe him my life. I try to tell people of the goodness of God and what Jesus did. Honestly, some people don't want to hear it. Jesus has done miracles in my life and the people that believe know for sure that Jesus lives.

Q>37 (Luke 9:23-24) In Luke 9:23 states it all. We are to die to this flesh continually and sacrificing laying everything at the alter. We are to carry out our own cross like Jesus did on his way to Calvary. We are to show love to others, setting time aside to spend time with God, but most of all we must do this on a daily basis. Losing our life for Christ is surrendering our life on a daily basis to follow the King of Kings putting His ways ahead. The consequences will be as followers of Jesus that we will face persecution and will suffered. Some more than others. The contrast with trying to save one's life. Whoever finds his life will lose it and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Q.36 (Luke 14:25-32) I do not believe the demands of his disciples are too compromising for the fact that one has t be a true believer in Jesus. One has to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Joining Jesus' as fisher's of men. He doesn't ask for the impossible. Jesus asks for the possible. Following Him with a true heart we will be transformed in his likeness. Are we too compromising with the world's demands I would put it t his way to compromise is one of the keys to a happy life, but do too much of it you will lose yourself. I need to continue to surrender my heart - my pains, sorrows, my soul-my entire life, and my mind helping rid of negative thoughts that creep in. I have and will continue to surrender all of me depending on only My King!

Q.35 (Luke 9:57-62) These analogies teaches us about he requirements of Jesus as his disciples. Jesus wants total dedication, not half-hearted commitment. We can't pick and chose among Jesus' ideas and follow him selectively; we have to accept the cross along with the crown. Jesus is urgent because He came to save the lost and the weak. And He wishes for no one to perish. We must count the cost and be willing to abandon everything else that has given us security-without looking back. As disciples our priorities is to always keep Jesus as the center of our lives and allow nothing to distract us.

Q.34 (Luke 13:23-27) Beyond the message that few will be saved.......the unique message about the narrow door is that Salvation is granted to followers only by the Grace of God, though the gift of Faith. We must be aggressive to enter the Kingdom is to make every effort to enter through the Narrow Door. If we chose not to be aggressive the owner will close the door. Like it happened in the days of Noah and the parable of the 10 virgins in which five of them were left out. You will be standing outside knocking and pleading. The most horrifying words no one wants to hear will be "I don't know or depart from me I never knew you." Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples then and to us now that we must strive t enter the door of salvation, to follow Jesus closely, and to be prepared to follow him even though his coming might be delayed.

Q.33 (Matthew 13:22) The seed sown among thorns likewise is unfruitful, choked out by a heart weighed down with cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches. The difference between a genuine disciple, follower or learner of Jesus is a believer will give up everything for Jesus and adheres completely to His teachings making Him the center of their lives. Living a godly life and displaying the Fruit of the Spirit. A person who h old a Christian belief is that they believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Old Testament. What I can do to clear my life of thorns that prevent Christ's work fro maturing in me is not to surrender to the worldly flesh. Asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and to always direct me in the right path. Focus on the Word of God. And try not to have negative people in my life that can be a stumbling block.

Q32. (Matthew 13:20-21) People fall away quickly because the fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing in God's word. The problem is not everyone who hears the gospel will understand and believe. Depicts a heart that is immediately receptive, but hardened, so the gospel never takes root and thus fails t bear fruit.

Q. 31 (John 10:6-15) When a true shepherd "lay down his life for the sheep" was no only and expression of immense love and faithfulness towards the sheep, but also of love and faithfulness toward the Father-God from whose loving presence he has come to the broken and this sinful world we live in now. Jesus volunteer his life and his one time sacrifice for us. I believe the lesson for the disciples were that they too be willing to died for the sheep. Also, a lesson was that they were to ignore their own needs. We too should ignore our own needs and help others. That is also a way of lying down your life for others. We can see an example of this when Steven, he lay down his life for Jesus when he we martyr.

Q.30 (John 10:1-5) The importance of knowing the Shepherd's voice and having discernment to know his voice is for the the believer's not to go astray. When we choose to act independently we get lost. When we hear many voices-the pressures of our society's expectations, family desires, our own selfish desires, our inner voices, and not sitting quietly to hear the still small voice will enable many believer's to go astray. And, lacking the time to sit and read the Word.

Q. 29 (Luke 5:36-39) The point of the unshrunk cloth-both parables point to the impossibility of mixing old and new. Jesus also states that to try to attach the new to the old will not go together and it will eventually tear again. Also, the point of these two metaphors is that one cannot mix the old and the new covenant. We can not mix the Old Laws ( which many were man made laws) with the New Law in which it is now the Law of Grace through Jesus Christ. People are tempted to say that the old wine is better, because it is easier to fall back (Old legalistic rules) to what is familiar, and comfortable rather than (following Jesus) launching out into a life guided not by laws and regulations. A true relationship with God. Many church traditions limit the Holy Spirit by not following the prompt of the Holy Spirit. And again because of their traditions. Some churches depending will limit the work of the Holy Spirit by not feeling the His presence either mot preaching the Word of God, not allowing someone speak in tongues. Jesus came to fulfilled the Law and he makes it clear in the Sermon on the Mount. We no longer live under the Law following men tradition. We live by Grace and the need for newly planted church who will peach the Truth of the Word. not the water down Gospel many are preaching in today's society. We need to bring people to Christ not to let them go astray with man traditions.

Q28. (Luke 13:18-21) We as believers should have or believe even in the smallest amount of faith. The mustard seed is a tiny as a pencil dot. And, that's tiny. We should never try to doubt our faith. The smallest of faith can have the biggest impact. Even having a little bit of belief, can move mountains. Yeast- Jesus teaches us that the kingdom of heaven is alive, and it takes patience to grown, and it transforms everything it touches. Lesson is that huge things can happen as the result of a very small thing. The disciples probably might had been discouraged because perhaps they felt they worked so hard and their work felt small and insignificant. And perhaps little faith. Some times we can be discouraged in our christian work because of fear of criticism (what will people think). The fear of responsibility(what if I can't handle it) and the fear of failure. Many times when we see other christian's who are prideful and boast of what they do. In order to continue this journey we must have patience in the trials we face and the faith that God will handle everything as long as you present them to Him leaving it at the alter.

Q. 27 (Luke 11:17-22) The strong man here is Satan that rules the earth. Jesus is the stronger warrior here no matter what Satan does. Satan is creating havoc through out the world, but Jesus is still in control. Jesus holds the scepter in this world because he is the only one that can deliver us from evil and bring us closer to His Kingdom. Jesus defeated Satan with his earthly ministry and will destroyed him when He comes back. Jesus has the "Power." In Jesus is the power for our deliverance. And, He will set the captives free from bondage of whatever we might be going through now in life. Just Believe!

Q.26 (Matthew 26:26-29) (1 Cor. 11:23-26) The bread represents the broken body of Christ. The wine represents the blood of Jesus that was shed on the Cross for us. The wine and the bread in communion represents the blood and body of Jesus that was poured out and broken as a sacrifice for our gift of salvation. When we partake of the Lord's Supper we are accepting that Jesus died for us. His death brings salvation to any person who accepts them as their Lord and Savior. Through Jesus death it brought Jews and Gentiles, men, women and freed people and slaves. We as believers at every meal should remember Christ's death until He comes again. And, It's soon!

Q. 25 (Luke 18:24-25) People don't realize that he main principal for everyone is that nothing should take the place of God in our lives. Rich people they seemed to have sufficient for all they need and this is why they feel no need for God's help. It is impossible for a rich person to buy their way to heaven. It makes hard for a rich man to enter heaven, because they would need to unload his material possession in order to enter and of course repent. As it would be impossible for a camel to go through the smallest gateway. Salvation is impossible for some because of the severity of sin and how no one is able to change anything of their own accord. With man salvation is impossible because of fleshly desires, but not with God.

Q.24 (John 4:13-14; 7:37-39) Water as a symbol of life is vital in human life. It is necessary to help us stay dehydrated and used for our daily basic needs. Living water is a symbol not just of life, but continuous, everlasting life. Living water is the Holy Spirit that dwells all believers. The Holy Spirit is the only one that can really quench the thirst of a thirsty person. The promises of God do not return back void. God keeps His promises in Jesus Christ. And God fulfills His promises through His timing. Jesus promise that the Holy Spirit will flow from within like an artesian well, never stopping.

Q. 23 (John 3:3-8) The term, born again was introduced to Nicodemus in the Bible and explained by Jesus in Scripture. A person who is born again through faith in Jesus Christ, who took the judgement for our sins to give his righteousness to anyone who would believe. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and get baptized we are born again Spiritually enabling us to have a relationship with Him. This is an experience that will forever fill us believers with Joy. The aspects of physical birth to spiritual birth that Jesus seeks to clarify with this analogy is that just as physical birth requires two parents,spiritual birth requires the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. Wind (pneuma) the breath of God blows wherever it pleases. We may hear it's sound, but you cannot tell where it comes or where it is going. And we see this when the leaves of the tress are blowing. Ruah the wind is the Holy Spirit when it falls upon a believer it moves by His Powerful force. The Holy Spirit motivates, guides and move with believers who have been born by Spirit and water can perceive to enter God's Kingdom.

Q18 Matthew 20:1-16) God rewards us based upon the opportunities that He has given us. And, all blessings are from God's generosity, not by our own doing. When we feel in our heart that rises up to demand recognition is a sense of Pride. Listen to the wording. "Demand." Life in not fair we take the good with the bad, but if we stand Firm in the Word, even if we are overlooked and taken for granted, believe me God sees all that. Once we give it God He will take care of everything. He doesn't overlook us nor ever take us not our situation for granted. This is a godly sense of fairness and how much is pride? "Pride." is what will do it.

Q 17 (Matthew 13:47-50) Both will be separated on judgment day. One will hear will done my faithful servant, and the other depart from me I never knew you and this is where it will be too late. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Just the thought of this is very sad. The belief of these two parables are that the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. One day soon we will all face judgement. Evil is rampart in today's society we hear and see it on the news. Good will always prevail. The ultimate triumph of righteousness will encourage Christians because we look forward to that Glorious day that Jesus will come in the clouds. Grace would reign through Christ. Our triumph will come from what God did for us through HIS SON JESUS.

Q 16 (Matthew 25;34-46) The sheep are complimented for having a heart like Christ. They are place on the right side of honor next to God. And how they responded to Jesus when he was in need. The goats are condemned for denying Jesus and neglecting his offer of Free Salvation. This salvation is not by works. Many people think today that just because they do good work they will go to heaven. It's a beautiful thing to do good. However, we need to be born again, baptize in water and in the Holy Spirit and have a Christ-like mind. We as believers in Christ are saved by Grace. Jesus identify himself as one of these less fortunate who were facing hunger, thirst, homelessness, clothing, sickness and prison. Jesus went through it all. Jesus represent lest of these brothers, because he came in the flesh and suffered for us. He is the only one that knows exactly what we been thorough. All those who have helped someone in this type of situation especially a believer we were being tested by God to see if we had the heart of Christ to help a brother/sister in need. Jesus told this parable to his disciples because he wanted them to understand what he was describing and predict the judgment of all people. Those who are righteous will sit at the right hand and enjoy Eternal Life. Those who ignored the call for repentance/salvation will go away to Eternal punishment. As modern day disciples we should know how real righteousness is demonstrated in caring for other who are in need. This parable should motive us in how we need to always have a Christ-like mind, and as believers we are the eyes, ears, moth and feet of Jesus. We are to do his work with love and never judge or discriminate someone who is in need.

Q. 15-(Luke 16:19-31) The rich man's sin landed him in hell because of his pride, greed and not having empathy for the less fortune. We see here that the rich man didn't even have a name. Since it isn't stated explicitly, what must it be it was refusing to care for a person in need. And, in today's society some people really don't care for others, because they are not in their shoes. Rich man dies not having faith in God, so all his earthly success amounted to nothing of eternal value so at death he was sent to hell to be reap the fruit of the life he had one lived. In hell the rich man's attitude toward Lazarus is the way we treat others shows us which direction we will take. The rich man had to had felt jealous of Lazarus, because God cares for the needy not the prideful. The main point of the parable is to warn people of the pitfalls and dangers of living a life driven by greed and lack of love for others. Me as a believer I often extend my hand to my neighbor making sure she is alright and if hungry I cook for her and myself. I donate to ministries that help others in need. The church I attend helps out missionaries and donate to help them whatever it is needed. The church goes out in the Winter and help clothing coats etc. There is so much that is done for the people in need. WE pray and encourage people. We give people hope through love and kindness and we preach the Word of Salvation and how much they mean to God.