Travis81

Q4. (Philippians 3:13; Revelation 2:4) What does it look like when a person "loses his first love"? That’s difficult to truly answer, perhaps any response/answers would be subjection; I believe only through self-examination can an individual answer this question. However from a spiritual perspective I KNOW that God knows when a person has forsaken the covenant love bond. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. NIV But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. AMP But I have this against you: you have let go of the love you had at first. CEB But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. GNT Revelation 2:2-4 if I could sum up this pronouncement by Christ the Ephesians were still churchy but their actions were more routine than relational. I like something I heard some time ago, I believe it to be applicable “Love” – we will be known as we hold true to the words Christ spoke regarding the Greatest & New Commandment [Matthew 22:36-40/ Luke 10:27 “The Greatest Commandment / New Commandment John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:20, 1 John 3:14] Love - God asks this of us; we cannot give more; He cannot take less” Norman Macleod. Has this ever happened to you? I am ashamed to say yes but at the same time happy for the testimony! As God brought this to my attention I was able to turn again. GLORY! SO glad He’s not like man, His patience is genuine, as is His love, grace and mercy. SOOOO glad He gave me the measure of faith necessary to continue in the walk as He would have me to walk. SOOOO glad I humble myself to His Voice/Calling. Id like to add something I heard from a daily devotional segment: " All of us feel closer to God more at one time than another. But it’s just a feeling. The truth is, sometimes I feel closer to my wife than other times, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less married at some times than others. I usually feel closer to her after we’ve enjoyed a fun time together, been especially intimate, or gone through a struggle where we’ve locked arms and walked through it together. It’s not that much different in my relationship with God. I might feel closer to Him when we’ve had a good time together (as in worship), been especially intimate spiritually (as in a morning quiet time), or gone through a struggle where we’ve locked arms and walked through the difficulty together (as in mourning the death of a loved one). But just because I feel closer to God in a particular moment doesn’t mean that I am. It’s still just a feeling. We will always feel far from God when we ignore Him, live independently from Him or rush about expecting Him to tag along. And while our humanness falters between spiritual times of plenty and times of want, feeling near to God is always just a whisper away as we acknowledge His presence with us. Yes, what a joy and a comfort to know that there is nowhere we can go that is away from God’s presence. He will never leave us or forsake us. The fact that we live in His presence makes every moment of life meaningful. He is in our moments and our moodiness, our days and our dalliances, our weeks and our weaknesses. There is no place we can go that is away from God’s presence. And today, I am thankful that He is with you." How can you regain a personal intimacy with Christ? Surrender/Service/Love/Obedience - Life Through the Spirit What might you need to repent of to restore this? Submit unto the Refiner - Deny Self – Mortify Carnality Romans 7:21-25 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful naturea slave to the law of sin. When I come up against the Law I want to do good, but in practice I do evil. My conscious mind whole-heartedly endorses the Law, yet I observe an entirely different principle at work in my nature. This is in continual conflict with my conscious attitude, and makes me an unwilling prisoner to the law of sin and death. In my mind I am God’s willing servant, but in my own nature I am bound fast, as I say, to the law of sin and death. It is an agonising situation, and who on earth can set me free from the clutches of my sinful nature? I thank God there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Q3. (Philippians 3:8-9) How can pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements actually get in the way of "knowing Christ"? Perhaps the same and/or some of the root causes which prevented my religious leaders mentioned in the Gospels and the Epistles. Self-righteousness is dependent upon one’s own knowledge, acknowledgement, perceived wisdom and understanding and in most cases humility is absent. Without humility the person will not allow themselves to submit to and/or humble themselves to focus upon anything other that the perception in which he/she hold. Religious achievements stem from adoration/complements /rewards from man, some people glory in receiving the praise of men. If this occurs the person tends to seek the glory; when this occurs – it gets in the way of INTIMACY with Christ. Instead of loving the Lord with ALL his/her heart, strength and soul, the person loves the perceived earthly/carnal /natural rewards. Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? In regards to myself, if it has no one has brought it to my attention; I’m sure on occasion it may have, but if so I am not aware of it. Not mentioning a specific individual, but unfortunately I have witness what I perceive as an abundance of self-righteousness as one person speaks against a denomination. They boast about holiness, use of the gifts, righteousness and the another person from a different denomination boast of grace and not being under the law, law of liberty, etc… I often find both sides of the argument sadden at times and discouraging. It’s been said if we are not able to get along now, how will we get alone in glory. My FERVERNT prayers are we strive to become more like Him Today in servanthood, godly servitude, humility, meekness, love, etc… It is my prayer that all believing to serve Him do so according to His will wherein we will not hear the words of Matthew 7:21-23, BUT hear “well Done thy good and faithful servant”

Q2. (Colossians 1:14-20; Romans 8:1) What does it mean to be "in Christ"? In Christ to me means that I completely believe in His works on my behalf. I trust His Word, I trust His Love, I trust His shared Wisdom; I trust His Work before the cross, on the cross and after the cross. I fully accept His sacrifice as payment for my own sin. As I believe in the work of Christ I believe that I am in step with Him, being in step with Him I am in union with Him. In Christ Jesus I am His Child through faith, through spiritual baptism into Christ I am clothed with Him; through physical baptism I publicly announced my decision to surrender unto Him; as I live move and have being the Fruit of the Spirit through Beatitude living I demonstrate I’m living in Christ. Why is such union with Christ so important? Such a union with Christ is so important in so many ways; I shall attempt to mention only a few John 15:4-5, Philippians 4:13 This union with Christ is so important because it is life, (Justification, Sanctification, Glorification; the union is the crux salvation, our being sanctified and central to joy/peace given by the Prince of Peace while on this side of heaven) and has the potential to change lives.

Q1. (Philippians 2:5-11) How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of humility and forego his rights in order to do God's will? I’d say He, (Christ), demonstrate the importance of humility (self-effacement, unpretentiousness, meekness) by not executing attributes that only God Himself possess (All power, Almighty, Ever-present); He however continued to exhibit omnibenevolence. Through His humility people were/are able to become intimate with Him - opens the door to God’s Truth – to become humble - to receive forgiveness – to see that God isn’t a distant Spirit – to see the proof of God’s love is LOVE. He forgoes His divine rights/privileges by not equating Himself equal but by being submissive even unto death, (death of/to self-will, surrendering, subjection in service), even unto giving up His last breath of physical life. What happens when we try to exalt ourselves, rather than waiting for God to exalt us? Self-exalted = self-defeated (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11 What do you call this tendency? I would call the propensity to exalt oneself is carnal thinking more so than being lead by the Spirit. I would call the proclivity to exalt oneself demonstrates the lack of humility/meekness, living an Beatitude life.

Q4. (Philippians 1:20-23) In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). Truthfully I believe we’ll only know on the other side of heaven, we can speculate. It is my belief the witness Paul shares here in context of the Scripture death for the cause of furtherance the Gospel of Christ is the next progression of the union with Christ. Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel verses 12-26 & Life Worthy of the Gospel verses 27-30 Self- Martyrdom is not the call of Christ; however denying Self is - Paul throughout his writing (his life) speaks of serving Christ even if it means suffering and dying for the cause. When I served in the military I didn’t want to die, however I was willing to sacrifice my desires and my life for the cause of serving. If giving my life would have been the next progression to the union of the cause I was willing – if my living distracted and/or took away from the furtherance of the call I would have rather died. If in my living I could farther and/or strengthen the call – then my living to farther the call/cause would allow me to continue in the endeavor. Which is better for him? Being the Lord had continue work for him, continuing in life was in accordance with the Lord’s will/plan. Life or death? (verse 23) Life in service fighting the good fight of faith inward and outward. How does Paul decide which he prefers -- life vs. death -- according to verses 22-24? He continues abiding in Christ, he continues serving, he continues being an anointed vessel, he continue in his assignment/appointment unto Christ.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? It should NOT make the Believer fearful however because of our human understanding because of the affects/effects of sin the knowledge of judgment some remain fearful. I’m so glad doesn’t see me with human/carnal and/or worldly eyes but more so when He sees me He sees His Ultimate Sacrifice – He sees His Righteous through Christ as I place the faith He’s given me in Him, in His Sacrifice, in His Righteousness. Will we be condemned at that judgment? As I believe the Scriptures, those in Christ will be judge however his/her judgment isn’t in regards to eternal salvation nor condemnation. The Believer will not be judged unto condemnation: Matthew 25 - Sheep’s & goats John 5:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 6:40 - And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Revelations 22:14 - Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Etc… What saves us (Romans 8:1; Revelation 21:12)? Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: John 3:15-21 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. Romans 3:24; Mark 16:16, etc... ... How will our works be judged on that day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)? They will be judge by The Righteous/Just Discerner according to His purifying measures.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:2-3) In what ways is heaven like your "home"? In the way this present world is not the Believers home Which is eternal? Eternal that as spoken in Revelations 21 and like Bible verses/Scriptures Which is temporary? As the Scripture say: 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Peter 1:24; Isaiah 40:6-7; Matthew 5:18, 24:35; Mark 13:3; Luke 21:33; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Hebrews 1:10-12; 12:26, etc … What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? The kind of faith the Lord has BLESSED all that received Him to have.

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:3; 3:10-12; 4:7) Why are we quieted so quickly by mild societal disapproval of our witness? It has been said that mankind’s greatest fear is rejection – being rejected and his/her greatest need is acceptance. If that is true fear has/plays a STRONG role! There maybe 1000’s of reasons/excuses stemming from fear: Perceived perception Perceived adverse reaction/response Mockery/ridicule = judging Insecurity/inferior (Moses – Exodus 4:1-14) Complacency, lack of compassion/passion - apathy Etc… … … What would enduring hardship "like a good soldier of Christ" look like in your life? I would say that question would be best answered by those within the circle of influence and the circles of influences I’m blessed to live move and have my being. When I am obedient, when I adhere to His Voice, prompting, nudge I am empowered to carry-out His will. Daily as I live move and have my being within His grace my desire is not to s lay behind evade work He has assigned to escape the walk/work and or to performed that which He has blessed my hand (me) to do. As the Spiritual war rages on I strive to be sober, circumspective and surrendered unto His will. My being a Yield Servant in unselfish servanthood unto Christ is the look that I desire the Lord and others to see. What would it look like to "fight the good fight" for you? To walk under the anointing of the Lord as the Lord desires I walk.

Q4. (Acts 20:24b; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) In what sense was Paul an ambassador? He is an official representative of Christ, charged with "testifying to the Gospel of God's grace" In what sense are you an ambassador? Every Believer should adhere to the charge given upon accepting the charge. Accepting the charge, we acknowledge our lives are no longer our own [The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20]. As we live and move and have our being, (in our homes, at the work place, in the vineyard, etc…), we are to witness unto the Lord. Our conversation [Ephesians 4:22, Philippians 1:27, Hebrews 13:5, James 3:13, 1 Peter 1:15-18, 1 Peter 3:1-2, 2 Peter 3:11] should be reflective of Christ. Colossians 4:6 - Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. The Believer's words are to preserve the message of Christ; what we say should add value to the conversation. Why is sharing your testimony important in your ambassadorship? Every Believer in Christ is a Represent of King of King, Lord of Lord, Redeeming Savior/Deliverer therefore we should strive to faithfully as His Ambassador presenting/carrying/delivering/continuing His Message/Guidance/Counsel.

Q3. (Acts 20:24) Our life is valuable to God, of course, and we are to value it. However, what problems result from valuing our life for its own sake? JOY - Jesus first. Others second. Yourself last. JOY - Jesus Overshadows You Putting the Lord first is obscured – we abandoned the love we had at first. Instead of our lives shining so that our love walk demonstrating God’s desires when creating us and blessing us to walk in the newness of life our lives demonstrate the ought/that which Christ had against the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelations. In essence the power of a Christlike Witness/Testimony can be adversely affected internally and externally. What does it mean to "take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23-25)? Jesus didn’t place an editorial behind “take up his cross daily and follow me” nor did He provide an exhaustive list of things to be denied, (i.e. addictive behaviors, continuing/perpetual negative processing of emotions, habitual practicing of the six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable - Proverbs 6:16-19, Selfishness/Self-Centeredness, etc…). Jesus simply declared in order to follow Him; let he/she deny him/herself. Jesus knew that SELF was behind every opposition against humble submission and reverential server unto the Lord’s call. Once that victory is gained, all other victories will be won also. Since I am a child of God I can't just live as I want, I've been bought with a price, 1st Corinthians 6:20 - therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. As a child of God, I can't live as I want to live, I should adhere to the Spirit, He's leading. The 'crucified life' must be seen as an ongoing process. Paul declared, "I die daily" (1st Corinthians 15:31). Counting the cost, because I said yes, because I said I do, I must be reminded that as a Believer I am to "take up [my] cross and follow [Jesus]" (Luke 9:23). That if any one desires to be a follower, (disciple of Christ) they must turn from their selfish desires. This follower is to take up your cross, they are to willingly live moment by moment, daily the cost of living out the Christ like life in its purity, being willing to risk all of our relationships, friends, and acquaintances for the purpose of the Gospel of Christ. They are to follow Him by living as He lived, adhering to the Will of the Father. The flesh must die that the Spirit may live. We must be willing for the flesh to die so that we may live with Christ. Being a disciple of Christ comes with a cost, if the individual chooses to do so their lives here is of service unto God and people, not so much about status. Seeking to save their live, to build their life socially conveys pride and other things that are not of God, but as one serves God the eternal rewards are greater. The teaching on discipleship is self-denial, dedication and service. (Not do much self-denial but more so denial of Self = our sinful nature / flesh; take up your cross = surrendering / dedicating our life and following Him = requires us to live as He lived His life {walking in the Will of the Father). Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [ [1] cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. What keeps us from doing that? Self-The Greatest Enemy (Carnal Nature) [Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:18, 8:5; Philippians 3:19] The Beatitude Walk – The Surrendered Walk – The Walk of Submission unto Christ: Before a person can have, he/she must give away; before a person can be full, he/she must be empty; before a person can live, he/she must die; and before a person can have the victory, he/she must surrender. What does it mean when Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)? In context of Galatians 2:20 as this verse relates to the Law, (Ceremonial, Moral, Civil), Christ’ death on the cross has showed me that there is no hope of salvation by the law; I am therefore as truly dead to all expectation of justification by the law. By Grace through faith in Him I live. Galatians 2:20 - “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I live walking in like submission to the call given by The Father as Christ did. Can we follow Christ, if we are actually trying to hang on to our own life? If we are trying to hang onto a life that doesn’t align with The Father’s will – NO! Ambassadorial assignment – Being appointed as an Ambassador in the natural and/or the Spirit – the Ambassador should strive to represent the Appointor!

Q2. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-23; 21:11) Are the prophecies about imprisonment in Jerusalem in conflict with Paul's leading from God? No, I believe the prophecies are affirmation – Acts 9:15,16 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” What, then, conflicts with Paul's leading to go to Jerusalem? The conflict lies within the Believers as they lean upon their own understanding. Agabus’ prophetic demonstration and verbiage was from God, it prophesied/revealed what would happen; however he did not tell Paul not to go. He told what would happen. Paul wasn’t defying the Holy Spirit's warning given by Agabus nor was he being disobedient to Christ’ leading. Paul received the prophesy and was prepared to continue the charged given him by Christ even if it meant he would die in the process. The prophecy was given to prepare Paul and to inform those within the hearing of the prophesy, that when the “Jews at Jerusalem bind Paul and deliver him into the hands of the gentiles they will know that his suffering was in line with God's will (permissive/divine). Why do you think Paul actively encourages prophecy in the churches he establishes (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? In relation to 1 Corinthians Paul’s strongly encouraged prophecy: so that the church may be edified for the benefit of the Church so that the church may be edified [instructed, improved, strengthened] so that the church may be edified and receive good [from it] that the church may receive edifying so that the church may be built up o that the congregation can be edified that the assembly may receive edification so that the whole church can be helped [edified; built up]…... Why do you think many Christians despise prophecy today (1 Thessalonians 5:20)? I believe Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:20 isn’t speaking of foretelling but more so forthtelling in reference to “not treating prophecies with contempt” here. In context verses 12-28 is Paul’ Final Instructions/guidance’s regarding behavior/godly behavior being these are Believers/Christians. I believe Paul is saying do not presume you do not need farther godly instruction/guidance. If you despise the prophecy (forthtelling) you prevent maturing within the Christlike walk. In regards to prophecy today - this answer is subjective and speculative at best: Some treat prophecies with contempt due to carnal thinking Some treat prophecies with contempt due to carnal abuse/misuse of perceived prophetic utterances (false prophecy) Some treat prophecies with contempt due to carnal thinking On the other side of the coin in the Western Hemisphere there are many Believers that flock to hear what he/she believes to prophetic utterance and/or a word of prophecy from God. Some people travel afar to hear Crusaders and/or press to attend audiences when a said Prophet/Prophetess come to their town.

Q1. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) Why did Christians worship on "the first day of the week"? As D. Ralph as stated, I too wish not to debate about the appropriate day set aside to worship and/or the day some Christians choose to set aside for worship. Even so I’d like to note there are more than 500 Sabbath keeping Churches of all different denominations. Why is it called "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10)? There are SO many biblical reference to the “Lord’s Day” in the Old Testament and the New. Even so, as it relates to Revelations 1:10 the Futurist believe this verse to mean: “ I was carried in the Spirit unto the day of the Lord – meaning the Spirit carried John into the future so he could observe the actual “day of the Lord,” i.e. the Second Coming and it’s precipitating events at the end of the age. I believe Revelation 1:10 not so much to endorse a day of worship but more so that John recording what occurred as it happened on "the Lord's day". I mean not disrespect, I don’t believe his recorded testimony in Revelation 1:10 endorsed the 7th Day nor the 1st Day to set aside for worship. What does it mean that they "break bread" (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16)? Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. Acts 20:11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. Acts 27:35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. The “breaking of bread” [Mark 6:41, Matthew 14:9, Luke 9:16; Mark 8:6 Matthew 15:36; Luke 24:30,35] refers an action performed at the commencement of a meal, and then, by extension, to the meal itself. The act of breaking the bread was performed by the head of a household or by the host presiding at the meal. The head/host pronounced a blessing over the bread that was to be eaten, followed by the breaking of the loaf in two, preparatory to its distribution around the table. This a custom, corresponding to saying grace before meals by most people in the Western Hemisphere, but having more sentiment then a formality and/or a practice prior to eating a meal. The “breaking of bread” convey union, fellowship, reverence/honor and thankfulness unto God. In accordance with the Scriptures reference, (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42, 46), the “breaking of bread” be it daily and/or at a set occasion is with solemnity and perhaps ceremonially. As with “1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” this is in reference to the Last/Lords Supper Why is that important to believers (Luke 22:19)? As the Believer takes pare in the Lord’s Supper he/she do so in remembrance of Christ! In Remembrance of His LOVE for us through His perfect Sacrifice; His Love for us through His resurrection; His Love for us through His Life – In remembrance of His death, burial and resurrection and to look for His glorious return.

Q4. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17a, 21-22; Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) What do praise and thankfulness have to do with faith? Both are directionally relational to our focus. Praising God and being thankful unto Him can be effective, beneficial and even restorative unto our spiritual walk, emotional status; but more importantly it can be the means to help fortify the measure of faith given to us by God because as we give reverence/honor unto Him we are consistently relating/meditating to and reflecting on Him. Praise and thankfulness unto God both are expressions of faith. Why do you think praise and thankfulness are such powerful weapons in our warfare? I think praise and thankfulness unto God is powerful our warfare because both are expressions of faith. Faith in the Lord via these two means bring us to the realization and/or reminds us presence of God is not distant but present as we invite His presence. When I refer to praise, I’m not referencing and exhaustive term nor an inclusive term as it relates to singing and dancing, etc… It is of my STRONG belief the life we live demonstrates our praise unto God. I’m not opposed to singing, dancing, exalting nor exhortation, I simply believe in addition to those forms of praise as we live, move and have our being glorifying God in our daily living we are praising the Lord as well. As we HONOR Him with our living we praise Him. Thankfulness – I’d like to use 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 in part, part of verse 18 “give thanks in all circumstances”. Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. In everything give thanks; I do not intend to offend the Lord as I say the verse at hand doesn’t say give thanks for everything. Although He is Sovereign and that He ordains or allows circumstances I don’t think He wants us to be thankful unto Satan as Satan inflict/afflicts us. However, the more so I believe He wants us to develop and grow in faith [James 1:2-4 (NRSV) My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing, Romans 8:28]. Prayerfully, hoping that many do not have to go through trials in the likeness of Job and/or Joseph, but if we should may we continue to TRUST/BELIEVE and move from breath to breath, step after step by faith, through faith, in faith; be it mustard seed faith or the gift of faith may we continue to give thanks that He is faithful regardless of the circumstance/situation or ongoing event in/of our life/lives. God is consistent in every season – thankfulness unto Him helps us to reverence that He is.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:26-27) How do you think anger and unforgiveness give Satan an opportunity to damage you? They among other emotions/feeling processed negatively and adhered to allows his influences to metastasize and affect/infect godliness behavior adversely. Hence instead of being Christlike we move forward in a non-Christlikeness manner. We live, move and have our being with a sense heaviness instead of in the newness of life and in the peace that the Prince of Peace gives. For you, who is the most difficult person to forgive? I believe sense most people with a conscience, and especially a godlily conscience will self-condemn themselves long after they have been forgiven, therefore it’s my belief the person themselves are the most difficult to forgive. Being the lesson is heavily concerning the life of Paul, he said: 1 Timothy 1:15 - This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Corinthians 15:9 - For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. I’m so thankful he also wrote: Ephesians 3:8 - Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Secondly, I would say the most difficult person for someone to forgive is the person that hurt them the most. Whatever the cause for our Dis-ease it is important to forgive: God says / the Bible says: We forgive because we have been forgiven by God (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13.). We forgive in obedience to God (Matthew 6:14-15; Romans 12:18). We should forgive and/or not hold on to bitterness so that we may not be carry out negative actions while being lead by hurt (misplaced) emotions (Genesis 4:5-8). We forgive so we won’t become bitter and defile those around us (Hebrews 12:14-15). (there so much relational importance to share in regards this question even though I’ve perhaps written too much) Why is your unforgiveness more damaging to you than to the person who hurt you? No forgiveness, no peace or know forgiveness, know peace. Unforgiveness is choosing to remain incarcerated by bitterness, serving time for someone else’s sin, iniquity, offense, misstep, or mistake. "Unforgiveness Shackles the holder to the offender; it binds and blinds the holder of unforgiveness Unforgiveness Metaphor “Being in unforgiveness is like being on a giant hook. Next to you on the hook is the person who has hurt you. The hook is extremely painful. Wherever you go, so does the hook and so does the offender. The only way you can get off the hook is if you allow the offender off first This metaphor was suggested by Stephen Hayes - The cost of not allowing the offender off the hook is, perhaps, a lifetime of unhappiness."

Q2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 8:44) What are Satan's chief tools to keep people under his control? Satan has many tools in his tool box, as time progress he simply use the same tools even though they appear differently. The tools he uses still appeal to humans they same way they did with Eve and Adam. They appeal to us via the three temptations of SIN (Self Inflicted/induced Non-godliness) – **** of the flesh, the **** of the eyes, and the pride of life not necessarily in that sequential odder. He will use what ever sequence per the foothold given. Fear, doubt, blindness, deception/lies, misallied Word of God, accusations, signs & wonders, sickness & torment, poverty, worry, comparison/jealousy/envy, worldly influences - busyness - staying busy, B=BEING - U=UNDER - S=SATANS - Y=YOKE Satan knows we can repent and be forgiven, however some may not surrender to be changed/transformed/mature, wherein remain B.U.S.Y. Etc… etc… etc… he will use whatever tool/means to entice and/or get our attention/focus subtly while infecting and/affecting our abiding draw to life. Why is the sharing and preaching of the gospel so threatening to him (John 8:31-32; Romans 1:16)? There sharing and preaching of the Gospel of Christ is threating to him because both in unity are contrary to him, his cause. Demonstrating the kind of love God is pleased with is contrary to the false evidence appearing real that him projects Sharing and preaching the Gospel of Christ not only threatening to him, but it also threatens allegiance unto him and his cause. Why do you think it is so difficult to share your faith or preach in the world outside the church? As for me I do not find great difficulty, however unfortunately there are occasions when I put myself first when I do not adhere to the call. There maybe the prompting from God to move and or simply a prompt from the compassion God has instilled within man and I ignore the prompting due to businesses. For example, I may not choose to be like the Samaritan doing good but instead continue on to my destination due to time and or a sense of urgency more than the prompt from God and/or human compassion. I believe some people find difficulty due to varying reasons, I agree with those mentioned within the lesson, with fear being a primary reason. Satan’s influential guise “makes people feel bad about "proselytizing" and shuts them up with the fear that they'll offend someone and appear "intolerant." Friends, these are lies of the devil, deceptions! We must not let Satan's deceptions keep us quiet!”