Irmela

Q3. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-24; 21:12-14) What would have happened if Paul hadn't been sure of his instructions from the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem? Would you have tried to dissuade him? It's comforting to receive encouraging words. What level of maturity does it take to receive a direction that might lead us into hardship and danger? What happens when we choose the easy way, when God leads us on a difficult path? Paul was not one that just operated on his own whim or fancy. He made sure that he obeyed and went where the Spirit led him. He was stopped on occasions, from following original plans. Refer to Acts 16:6-10. He was sent on to Macedonia instead of following original plans, going through Asia Minor. The questions are not so easy to just answer. One is reminded of Jonah, who tried to run away from God's plan. God followed him and Jonah bowed to God's plan. I'm sure that somehow God would have shown Paul that He needed him to go to Jerusalem. Being who he was, I am sure that Paul would have gone to Jerusalem , no matter what. It's hard to say if I would have tried to dissuade him. I would have sooner prayed with him and also asked God's assurance for me to not stand in his way but to support him in prayer that He remain "standing" no matter how hard the trial. I do not think it has much to do with maturity, I think it sooner has to do with certainty that that is where the Spirit is leading. We loose out on a blessing if we follow a path not chosen for us by God. Ultimately it will be a much harder path as we will walk it with baggage. If we repent, there will be forgiveness, but usually there will be unnecessary baggage. (The principle of ultimately reaping what you sow).

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:9a; Acts 18:9-10; 23:11; 27:24) How do you think it feels to Paul for God to personally encourage him when he is afraid and hurting? What do we learn about God that he speaks to Paul in this way? From 2 Cor 12:9a we learn that Paul accepts his condition so completely that he even can boast in his weakness, so that the power of Christ may enfold him or dwell in him. Paul had been preaching in the synagogues and meeting with opposition and resistance from the Jews. Then he went on to preach to the Gentiles. In this setting he was encouraged in a vision to not be afraid but to go on speaking and not be silent. One time when there was a dispute about Paul among the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the arguments were so heated that the troops were ordered to forcibly take Paul away from there and hide him in the barracks for protection. There we find the Lord appearing to Paul that night and encouraging him and telling him that he would also witness about Him in Rome. When Paul had been on the ship many days and there seemed no hope, an angel appeared to him and promised the lives of all on the ship would be saved, and also said that he, Paul would still have to stand before Caesar. I know what it does to me when I am encouraged, by a Word, in a dream, by a sentence, by a "nudge". It is amazing. Makes you feel so elated. Like you have winds in your sails yet again. I can only imagine how Paul must have felt. Ready to tackle the problem at hand , yet again. Put the fear behind him and courageously tackle the proverbial bull by his horns. God is not distant but is a hands on God. He sees when help is needed but also sees what type of help is needed. He truly is the One and Only GOD. And I get to be HIS child. How awesome is that.

Q1. (1 Kings 17-19) Why do you think the author contrasts the "still small voice" to the wind, earthquake, and fire? The wind earthquake and fire are powerful things and scary things. There is noways that they can come anywhere near being a comfort, as what a still small voice can be. How does God's voice comfort and renew Elijah? Elijah was churned up inside. Anything but calm and quiet. To think and act rationally he had to get calmed down again. God's quiet voice calms him down. He has to concentrate to listen. In that way he can lay aside what is bothering him and become refreshed or renewed and can hear about the new work God has assigned for him. Why is it easy to miss God when his voice is gentle and quiet? There is too much busyness around us and too much distraction and then we don't select to calm down, concentrate and hear what He is telling us. Come away from the hustle and bustle, give God the attention and time He requires of you, then you will hear His quiet voice.

Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Yahweh was the One Who had led the Israelites out of bondage and slavery, from Egypt and had watched over them in the desert wanderings and eventually led them into the Promised Land, to take possession thereof. Now Ahaziah, after having witnessed Yahweh's faithfulness, still consults baal, the so called god of Ekron. So only right to be offended. Today it is so easy to consult with 'specialists in their field', be it Dr's, surgeons, oncologists, psychiatrists or psychologists, teachers, counselors, etc., and then in desperation turn to God. It should be, turn to God and if needs be, let Him lead you to the one, He has appointed and given the know-how. Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why? Unfortunately, yes. I have repented and asked forgiveness. God has been faithful in granting this. Unfortunately though, 'We reap what we sow". I do pray for change in the situation, and know that God is and remains faithful.

Q25. What is the danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves too closely with political leaders? What do the Christian leaders hope to gain from the association? What do the political leaders hope to gain? What is the effect on the church and Christ's work if these political leaders are ungodly men? How can Christians work for good through politics without being corrupted by a quest for power? Politics is definitely not my favourite topic. In fact in general it is a topic I steer clear from and generally 'hope for the best'. It does not make sense how people endowed with so much power often agree to such ridiculous actions, eg., abortion which is murder of an innocent person, how can anyone in their right mind not see that. A Christian leader, in fact anyone , is often looked up to or looked down upon, because of his/her associates. When a Christian leader gets 'close' to a political leader, they get to know that person much better than the general public do. This means that judgement is sometimes thwarted because of being close to the person and not really hearing or seeing in which way the political decision is leading. In your heart you might not agree completely with that person, but because you are close to them you excuse or put up with their conduct or decision. The public sees you as being part of that unchristian or unbiblical decision and in this way your character is maligned or your influence in work, not politically related, is maligned or marred. It is similar to making a weaker person stumble when he sees someone who he looks up to entering a 'not so cozy place'. The stronger person might have gone in looking for someone to bring them out, but the weaker person sees it as being ok to frequent such places. Before long he has fallen and gone into addiction or something similar. So using wisdom, as to where your affiliations lie, is always appropriate. Sometimes it is all above board and an honest godly association with the political leader or vice-versa, the Christian leader is sought. Unfortunately it is not always so. The political leader might wish to gain votes. Being associated with a Christian leader could bring in votes from people who would normally not vote for that leader. The Christian leader in turn might hope for "help" in gaining ground or more followers because of his association with the political leader. If the political leaders are 'ungodly' men it brings confusion to the minds of those who have supported the Christian leader up till then. He too is now seen as ungodly. I do understand that Christ followers have a place in politics. As someone has mentioned, Daniel and Joseph. Look at Mordecai, also. Have God as the One you look to in spite of who you work for or where you work. Be honest and just. Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and be not influenced by corruption. Make sure you have people supporting you in prayer. Make prayerful decisions.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) How does the Holy Spirit make "the mind of Christ" available to us? How does this make you dependent upon the Holy Spirit? How does this relate to listening for God's voice? God has unveiled all that He has prepared for us, to us, through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is within us, so we may know and understand the wonderful things freely given to us, by God. We also speak of these things in words taught by the Spirit. The spiritual man questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals. So we have the mind of Christ, i.e, we are guided by His thoughts and purposes, because we listen to and follow the Holy Spirit's leading and guiding.

Q3. (John 14-16) What promises concerning the Paraclete -- Comforter -- Counselor -- Helper -- Holy Spirit does Jesus give in John chapters 14-16? How do these relate to guidance? Jesus said, "I do exactly as the Father has commanded Me" To "hearing" God? I have revealed to you everything that I have heard from My Father 14 v 17 . . . He will remain with you continually and will be in you, 14 v 26 . . . He will represent Christ, He will teach you all things, He will help you remember everything that I have told you. 15 v 26 . . . He will testify and bear witness about Me. 16 v 7 . . . He will be in close fellowship with you. 16 v 8 . . . He will convict the world about the guilt of sin and the need for a Saviour, and about righteousness, and about judgement. . . . 16 v 13 . . . The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all the truth . . . He will speak whatever He hears from the Father . . . He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future] 16 v 14 . . . He will glorify and honor Me, because He, the (Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory is abiding]

Q2. (John 5:19, 30) Why do you think Jesus said, "By myself I can do nothing"? (vs. 30). How do you justify this statement with Jesus' divine nature as the Son of God? In what ways can we use Jesus' example as a pattern for our own life and ministry? How do you think Jesus would "see" and "hear" the Father? When Jesus came to this earth as a man to save mankind, He laid aside what He as God was and put on human form. That is why, as a man He could honestly say, "By myself I can do nothing". Even as divine , Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three, yet ONE. The function as it were is of three entities ,yet as one being. (Son and Holy Spirit being equal but subordinate). One GOD but three "Persons" Jesus did not just barge ahead into anything, He spent time with the Father and allowed Himself to be led. I would say that He would , as He does now, fill Him with His thoughts, and promptings and peace about matters He had brought before Him. That picture Lutherwoman has put on her answer points it out very well. Thank you

Q1. (Mark 1:33-39) What pattern do you see emerging in Jesus' prayer life? Early in the morning He left the house and went to a secluded place to pray. This was while it was still dark. He goes off alone to pray and sometimes includes His disciples, so they can learn from Him. It is away from the hustle and bustle of life and it's before the day begins. Why do you think he spends Quiet Time with the Father before the day begins? That is a great time. The whole day lies ahead and can then be broached with the Father from the beginning right to the end. How does this prepare him for his ministry? He needs this time just as much as any man does. He had laid down His glory and was now like a man needing help as we do. The difference was He did it without sinning. He needs this time with the Father , for guidance throughout the day. How did the disciples desires for Jesus differ from what Jesus felt impelled to do? (Mark 1:37-38) Why? They wanted Him to be where the crowd was. Where the need was. Where He would heal people and drive out demons. (They wanted the action). They wanted His popularity to grow. Jesus knew He needed to go to the surrounding villages and preach there also. Do you have a Quiet Time? yes What could you do to improve the quality of your time with God each day? If I could switch off completely and be able to concentrate more. That would be amazing.

Q24. (1 Kings 22:29; 2 Chronicles 19:2) Why do you think Jehoshaphat goes into battle alongside Ahab, even after he hears Micaiah's prophecy? What kind of weaknesses in Jehoshaphat's character does this decision suggest? Jehoshaphat had promised to go into battle with Ahab and then he asked for a prophet's message. So to stick to his word he continues and goes into battle. No 1 there should never have been a marriage between his son and the daughter of Ahab. That is where the problem started. Now he felt compelled to help his son''s father-in-law.

23. (1 Kings 22:10-28) What kinds of pressures is Micaiah experiencing as he prophesies before Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat? What is his danger from men? What is his danger from Yahweh? Why are the true prophets of the Old Testament so honored by Jesus? (Matthew 5:12; 23:31-32, 37; Luke 11:50-51; 13:34). Micaiah has been told what the other prophets had prophesied, so he knew that the word he had gotten from the Lord was contradictory to theirs. Micaiah was also well aware of the fact that if he told the truth and this was not what the king wanted to hear, his life was in danger. Either he would be imprisoned or put to death. If he did not prophecy what Yahweh had revealed to him, then he stood the chance of Yahweh removing His presence from him. Prophets were often persecuted and murdered (stoned to death). Jesus honored them because they prophesied what God had revealed to them, in spite of knowing full well what their fate could be.

Q22. (1 Kings 22:2-9) Why does Jehoshaphat want to consult an actual prophet of Yahweh before going into battle? Jehoshaphat is a godly king and his desire is to do God's will. So he wants to first consult an actual prophet of Yahweh (not the ancestors as reflected by one of the answers), to confirm what God has in mind for them. What does this tell us about his discernment of Ahab's prophets? Jehoshaphat did not trust the prophecies of Ahab's prophets. What does this tell us of his desire to be obedient to God? He was genuine in his desire of being obedient to God. It was not just a show.

Q21. (1 Kings 21:27-29) How does Ahab's humbling himself affect God's response? Do you think Ahab truly repented? How does God relenting in his judgment trouble some people's view of predestination? What God promised would happen only happened after Ahab's death. I think God saw his heart and truly is able to read character better than we can. He saw that Ahab repented, who am I to then say he didn't repent. Yes, I do believe that he was genuine in his repentance. If we fully understood everything about predestination, and about prayer moving the hand of God etc., then we would truly be in a position where we could say that we understand God, but this is not so, because God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts not our thoughts. People try to put God in a box. He nor His actions belong nor fit into it. By trying to do that people have trouble with predestination. Allow God to be God and act as He sees fit for He indeed is God and His ways higher than my ways and his thoughts higher than my thoughts.

Q20. (1 Kings 21:26; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5) What is the modern-day equivalent of idolatry? In what ways is greed similar to worshiping a false god? How does greed keep us from being true disciples of Jesus? Desire for something that is not ours to have, is a form of idolatry. This can be material things, it can be in way of a job, it can be physically or mentally, in learning or what we have acquired in life (like an insatiable desire to climb the social ladder, or keeping up with the Joneses). Colossians 3:5 does not beat about the bush but puts it very plainly. immorality (whoredom) (fornication) impurity (uncleanness) sinful passion evil desire greed (covetousness) The Amplified Version reads that these things listed are a kind of idolatry because it replaces your devotion to God.

Q19. (1 Kings 21:22) How responsible are kings, politicians, leaders, and parents for leading those under them into sin? Can you think of any examples? How serious is this? Is it appropriate for leaders to be held to a higher moral standard than others? People that are looked up to, like kings, politicians, leaders and parents are responsible for many of the actions of those looking up to them. It is easy for an underling to make a decision based on what he has seen his superior, doing. The saying holds "What's good for the goose is good for the gander". What is good for the politician to do must be good for me to do as well. If they take funds not allocated to them then others under them can do the same thing. Living immorally is exactly the same. We see those in leadership positions living immoral lives. They are seen to be heroes and their lifestyle is copied. Another popular saying that is so real is "Monkey see, monkey do." Unfortunately that is exactly what happens. So it is appropriate that if in leadership position of any kind, in fact as a Christ-follower, we are in that place where we are watched very carefully, in fact our moral standard should be higher than those in the world.

Q18. (1 Kings 21:20) What is the danger of giving ourselves over to sin? How does that make us a slave to sin? What kind of opening does that give the devil? By giving oneself over to sin, one stands the chance of not being able to backtrack, but getting totally engulfed by the sin. Whatever it is, one gets so entangled and that makes one a slave to the sin. Give the devil a little finger and he grabs the hand and then pulls the whole person. Before you know it you are addicted and cannot come loose. One sin, leads to the next and the next.

Q17. (1 Kings 21:4-16) Do you think Ahab is actually depressed? How does Jezebel fix his depression? Why does she do so? Is Ahab responsible for Jezebel's corrupt actions to obtain Naboth's vineyard? Are the elders responsible for suborning perjury? I guess he feels that he cannot even get what he wants, even though he is the king. It's like a failure. His greed is not satisfied nor his desire to show that as the king his subjects will automatically give in to his desires. So he is depressed. Jezebel comes from a different culture, where the king gets what he wants, if it means reducing the person to having nothing or killing him, it's as the king wishes. It's his for the taking. Jezebel does not bow to Jahweh, Israel's God. She wants Ahab to show his subjects that as king , he can extend his land as he desires. Not only is it ultimately for him, but also for her. He can do as he wishes, and so can she. By taking what he wants he is expanding his authority and her's too Ahab knew how she was going about getting the vineyard and so did the elders. They followed her instructions and had Naboth falsely accused. I guess they also knew that if they did not follow her instructions, it meant that they and their families were in danger and the queen would have them killed.

Q16. (1 Kings 21:1-3) Why does Ahab want Naboth's vineyard? Is there anything wrong with his proposal to Naboth? Why does Naboth refuse his offer? According to the passage in Scripture, Ahab wanted the ground for personal reasons. Be it to grow vegetables or have it as a place of pleasure, is beside the point. He wanted it for selfish reasons. He made a seemingly fair offer to Naboth, who refused it, as the land had been allotted to his family, originally by Joshua. To Naboth it was like telling God, thanks, but no thanks for what You gave our family. So not to king or anyone else was he going to hand over his inheritance. The fact that Ahab sulked about the way things turned out, proves that he coveted the land in a sinful way. Not just that it would be nice to have it because of its proximity to the palace, but it was greed.

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? The stone is rolled away The grave is empty The grave clothes/linen strips are empty The face cloth is rolled up separately (telling all that He is coming back) Two angels are seen where Jesus body lay (Mary converses with them) Jesus appears to Mary Peter and John are both witnesses to the fact that the grave is empty and the grave clothes are empty. With the resurrection it is proved that Death too has been conquered. Our redemption is complete. The fact that Jesus has risen means that the price for my sins has been paid. The clutches death had on me have been cut off and I am truly set free and will live with my Lord eternally. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive forevermore, Jesus has risen from the dead. Death no longer hath dominion, satan's power is broken down, He (Jesus) has triumphed, Hallelujah! and He wears the Victors crown. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive forevermore, Jesus has risen from the dead.

Q3. (John 20:14-18) What has been Mary's emotional state prior to recognizing Jesus? Why does Jesus tell her not to "hold on" to Him? What is the mission He gives her? Mary is overcome with grief and uncertainty. Jesus still has a mission to accomplish before going back to His Father and He gives Mary something to do as well. It would not do to just cling to Him. Jesus tells her to tell the others that "I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God." (They were acknowledged as part of His family).

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? Just the fact that the grave clothes were lying there as if the body had just lifted out of them, proves that something supernatural had taken place. If the body would have been stolen the thieves would have taken the body together with the grave clothes. An interesting point has been mentioned about the face cloth. A msg can definitely be read there. I am coming back. It is important that the grave clothes are mentioned to be there because soon after this a message was spread that the body was stolen or that Jesus had not really died, but just been in a coma. He was still shrouded in grief and guilt. That it was true just seemed too amazingly good to be true.

Q1. (John 20:1; Luke 8:1-3) What do we know about Mary Magdalene? Mary was of the town of Magdala in Galilee. Jesus had driven seven demons out of her and set her free. She became a devoted follower of our Lord. She was among the women who had followed Him, from Galilee to Jerusalem. She and some others were contributing to the support of Him and His apostles from their private means. From this we gather that she was quite well-to-do. It is surmised that she was single or widowed. We are informed in the Gospel narratives that she was among the women who had followed Him, from Galilee to Jerusalem. Mary was at the cross and also saw where He was laid in a tomb. Early on the Sunday morning Mary and of the other women had gone to the tomb with the intention of anointing the body, when they found the grave empty. An angel told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. They fled and told the disciples. From Matthews account Jesus seems to have appeared to them on the way back to the disciples. John's account further shares that Mary came back to the tomb and was weeping, when she saw two angels in the tomb, upon turning around she saw, who she took to be the gardener and it was actually Jesus. Why do you think a woman was given the honor of seeing the risen Christ first? Christ is not a respecter of persons, so I guess, He knew the end from the beginning and knew what the right thing was to do. For then and also later, that was the best option and that was why He chose to first appear to Mary Magdalene. I honor Him for that and accept His choice to have been the correct and best choice.

Q5. (John 19:38-42) Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? Both were prominent Jews, members of the Sanhedrin, as well as followers of Jesus, even if it was secret disciples. Joseph, accompanied by Nicodemus, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus , so he could bury it in his own family tomb which had never been used before. Nicodemus brought spices, which they used to prepare the body for burial. Was it good that they were "secret disciples"? Who am I to judge. We see with both of them, they came forward when it was dangerous for them to actually acknowledge their stand. When the others were in hiding, they came into the open. What risk did they incur by participating in Jesus' burial? They would be thrown out of the synagogue or be ostracized by the Jews. They would loose their positions in their Jewish life/ their jobs possibly also now taken to be traitors or similar by their fellow members in the Sanhedrin. Why is the burial account important to Jesus' story? It is very important, because it shows that the death of Jesus was not just acknowledged by His closest friends but also by members of high authority. His death and burial was completely authentic. Then another point is that no one else had been buried in the tomb previously, so the body could not be mistaken for another. Why is the burial account important to our understanding of who Jesus is? According to prophecy He died and was buried and rose from the DEAD. This had to be because He died in our stead so we do not have to pay that price. It has been done.

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 completed the work He had come to do. All the prophecies had been fulfilled. Bring eternal life: "In Him was life, and that life was the light of men." (1:4) Bring grace and truth: "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (1:14) Reveal the Father and the Father's glory: "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, Who is at the Father's side, has made Him known." (1:18) Die as a sacrifice for our sins. "Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" (1:29) He died as the perfect sacrifice. He bore our sins. He died in our stead. Paid the debt. Opened up the way to the Father. We can now approach Him, as we are in Christ. Clothed in His righteousness alone. The Greek word TETELESTAi was used in business, the DEBT is FULLY PAID; used in the court system, which meant , the SENTENCE IS FULLY SERVED; also as a military term, which meant the BATTLE HAS BEEN FULLY WON. So when Jesus said IT IS FINISHED it included all these.

Q4. (John 19:31-37) Why do you think Jesus died in such a relatively short time? They had beaten Him up and He had already lost much blood, so He was quite weak. I also believe that it was fulfilling prophecy. He had come to be the Sacrifice for our sin and the lamb was sacrificed at a given time and that was the time that He too would have finished fulfilling all the Prophesies concerning His coming. What does the water and blood flowing from Jesus' side indicate? This was an indication that He was dead and not just in a coma, from which He would waken up. blood is for redemption and water for imparting life the Lords death takes away our sins and imparts life to us How did it fulfill Scripture? This fulfills the Prophecy recorded in Zechariah 12:10 " . . .They look upon Me Whom they have pierced . . ."