Irmela

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that He is not alone, that the Father is always with Him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren't as lonely? This is an encouragement to us, for He promised that He would be with us always (He would never leave us nor forsake us) and if it was so for Him, it will likewise be so for us. For fellowship we are with whoever we want to have fellowship with, so for closer fellowship with the Father, we need to spend time with Him. We do this by talking to Him and by reading and meditating on His Word and spending time to worship Him.

Q2. (John 16:23-28) What does it mean to pray to the Father "in Jesus' name"? Almost like power of attorney. Is it okay to pray to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? Yes. Is it scriptural to pray to a saint to intercede for us? No. Why are we allowed to pray to the Father directly? Jesus took the punishment for our sins upon His body on the cross. The veil to the Holy of Holies was then rent. Now the way to the Father is open. Jesus is still our Mediator but we can approach the Father direct, in Jesus Name. By HIS authority.

Q1. (John 16:12-15) In what sense does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth? Does this promise apply only to the apostolic age to lay the foundations of the faith? No. In what sense does it apply to us today? The Holy Spirit will remind us of what Christ has shared/declared to us. We are told that the Holy Spirit will declare to us what is to come; He will announce the events of the future; He will disclose to us what is to come in the future; He will not speak from Himself but as many things He will hear, He will speak. Just as Jesus said that He only said what He heard from the Father, so also will the Holy Spirit. These promises were not only for the Apostles but are for us as well. It is the Holy Spirit Who will lead us into all truth.

Q6. (1 Kings 18:21) What is the danger of syncretism? What currently competes with your allegiance to Jesus in terms of time, focus, commitment, etc.? Why is there competition, do you think? How long will you go limping between two opinions? Syncretism is joining a whole lot of beliefs together , shaking them around and kind of blending what the person wants and believing that. (My description after reading the description on Google.) This goes against what we are taught in God's Word. Very certainly there is only ONE TRUE GOD. Whatever or whoever else is worshiped is figment of the imagination and idol worship.

Q5. (1 Kings 18:3-16) What do we learn about Obadiah from this passage? What do we know of his faith? Of his courage? Of his fears? If you were in Obadiah's situation, how much courage would you have shown? Obadiah was governor of Ahab's 'house'. He must have been well trusted to be in such a position. We also find that he feared the Lord greatly. He was not a 'fence-sitter'. When Jezebel was on her prophet killing-spree, he took a hundred of them and hid them in caves and then fed them. (Quite an undertaking). He must have had organizing skills. From the passage we find the feeding was with bread and water. Water, at this time was scarce, yet he found enough to supply 100 people at a time with it. He would have had to trust the Lord with this kind of undertaking. This took great courage, for if he was found out, it would have been sure execution. When Elijah appeared to him, I can only guess at his mixture of joy, fear and excitement. His biggest fear was that Elijah would again vanish , as he had done before and that he, Obadiah, would be seen to be playing the fool with the king. It is easy to think oneself into a situation, but reality and imagination are not always one and the same. I just pray for grace that my faith will not falter and that come what may, I will always remain standing and loyal to my God and Saviour.

Q4. (1 Kings 17:8-16) Why does God send Elijah to a poor widow rather than a rich man? If God sent someone to you to provide for, how would you respond? The poor widow needed this help just as much as Elijah needed help. He has on different occasions and has supplied the need so that we could cope and we were blessed in many different ways. I pray that I will always be willing to do His bidding.

Q3. (Proverbs 1:1-7) What is the appropriate role of common sense in our lives? Does that supplement or contradict faith in God's ability to work miracles outside the natural order? Common sense is not working against the will of God. It is not being arrogant about something. Common sense does not mean not acting in faith, it is part of the faith walk. To me to believe God is common sense. Not to believe in Him is foolishness and does not make sense. If we understood all He did then He would not be so great, but because He is so amazingly awesome, of course we will not understand everything. That's what makes Him be so amazingly great. It is common sense to believe in God's ability to work miracles outside the natural order. If He didn't He would not be great. He would just be ordinary. God is AWESOME, AMAZING, FAR BEYOND WHAT WE CAN IMAGINE!!!!!!!!!! Believing Him and following Him is common sense.

Q2. (1 Kings 17:2-6) What does God feeding Elijah by ravens tell us about God? This sure is a passage in Scripture which confirms the words of Isaiah 55:8&9" "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts."" God uses who and what is available and willing to be used of Him, for His purpose, in His time. He is not dependent on performing according to man's protocol. What does eating food sent by ravens tell us about Elijah? Elijah is following God's direction and whatever is put in his path, he accepts. He is following God's direction in his life. He knows God has a purpose with this all, and so he follows God's guidance. Obedience and definitely no fusspot. What do we learn about God's provision for us when we obey him? He follows out His promise, in that He will provide. He just does not tell us how He will provide. I do believe that even there where the martyrs were in the arena or missionaries on foreign land, or those who were murdered, or died untimely deaths etc., that even if according to what it seems like God did not provide the need; I do feel He provided the NEED FOR THE HOUR, not the need man saw to be necessary.

Q1. (1 Kings 17:1) What kind of courage does it take for Elijah to go before king Ahab with a message of drought? Ahab was king in Israel but he was no longer serving as a king following Yahweh, the One True God. He was serving/worshiping Baal and Asherah the gods that Jezebel, his wife was worshiping. Baal was supposedly the one who controlled the rain. Now Elijah was going against exactly the belief that the king supported. He threw spanner in the works by declaring a drought and daring this so called god to prove him wrong. The drought would of course affect the fertility of the land (crops would be affected as well as the animals). Asherah was believed to be the fertility goddess. So by his declaration, Elijah was going against Ahab without beating about the bush. Elijah was empowered with courage by Yahweh, whom Ahab was openly denying as being the only True God. What dangers does this bring to Elijah? Elijah openly showed that he was against the king's way of worship and this was a serious matter. The king could have him put to death for going against his views so openly. The kings advisors were very likely just as corrupt, so there was no court support for Elijah. Why is "speaking truth to power" so difficult when the power structures are corrupt? (Corrupt power does not easily see reason.) When the power structure is corrupt it is also very unpredictable. Speaking truth to power can end up getting the death sentence.

Q5. (John 16:8) Through what means does the Holy Spirit convict unbelievers? Is it our job as preachers or lay Christians to convict unbelievers or backslidden people? If not, why not? No What damage do we inflict on people when we try to do the Holy Spirit's job? The Holy Spirit uses various ways to convict unbelievers or backslidden people. It could be through miracles (signs and wonders); through prophetic words; through preaching or testimonies; through righteous living (not giving in to temptation and blasphemous talking etc); through instruction and prayer. It is not our job to try and convict anyone. In fact we cannot do so in our own strength, only when empowered by the Holy Spirit and allowing Him free reign with words and actions can we in any way be a conduit He can use. If we try it in our own strength we just make a big mistake and can actually be used to chase persons away instead of drawing them closer to repentance and back into fellowship with our LORD.

Q4. (John 16:5-7; 14:12) What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? The benefit would be: God's plan for their redemption, and that of the whole world would be set in motion. The Holy Spirit will be poured out on them after Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In John 14:12 we see that the Holy Spirit will not only guide, encourage, teach, and remind them, as Jesus had done, but He will also empower them. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

Q3. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to "testify"? In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus, or only the apostles who were eyewitnesses? To testify means to tell or share about something, to give evidence, usually in court as a witness. To serve as evidence or proof that something exists or is the case. The Spirit's function of testifying about Jesus is closely related to reminding the disciples what Jesus taught. The Spirit presents Christ's case for him before the believers and the world. Yes, I can testify of what Christ has done for me. The Holy Spirit will help me use the right words if I allow or follow His guidance.

Q2. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13a) Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as "it" rather than "Him"? God is God and is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit and has attributes as a person has and as the Holy Spirit is God , so does He. It is not easy to refer to the Holy Spirit as "it". There are many functions attributed to persons that are attributed to the Holy Spirit. John 14 v 16 & 17 (AMP) mentions a few: The Holy Spirit is referred to a Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby, The Spirit of Truth, Teacher

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? (Their life-style is supposed to be different to the people living according to worldly standards. This causes jealousy, resulting in opposition or persecution.) Christ, our Leader was persecuted and He definitely did no one any wrong. If the Leader is persecuted, the followers can expect the same treatment. What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? The difference (or totally other) in the Christian's life. The Christian's behaviour ought to be different (Christlike). This ought to come naturally. To a worldly person it is natural to please the self. It is easy to come out with excuses and lies, painting a good picture which is not really genuine. The Christian on the other hand should be honest and strive to live for Christ and doing his job, as if he is doing it for Christ and so the picture he portrays is not 'painted' but genuine. This genuineness, is what threatens non-Christians. When a faithful Christian does his work as doing it for Christ, then his work, his attitude, his actions, will all contrast greatly to the others' . This will also point out that if the pictures of the lifestyle of the faithful is contrasted with the non-Christian, the faithful would be in much greater demand, so in that way it is a threat to the non-Christian, for promotion in the workplace or being more favoured and thus chosen to complete a task would be granted to the more faithful candidate. A faithful Christian will not carry out orders, even if it means losing his job, which are contrary to him knowing it to be above board. In this way the non-Christian boss cannot practice control over him. He cannot make him lie about what is going on. This too threatens non-Christians, they cannot completely control the faithful Christian. Why does Jesus warn His disciples that persecution will come? Jesus warns His disciples so that they can count the cost beforehand and know what to expect and are not caught unawares. What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? It goes out the window. We are shown to be hypocrites and not genuine. What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong? Invariably or initially it will infuriate them even more. If over time we really remain firm it can even bring the persecutors so far that they inquire about our actions. Then we can testify and open up about Christ and maybe play a part in their ultimately making a decision to follow Christ.

Q7. (John 15:12-15) What is required to be counted a "friend of Jesus"? What privileges do "friends" enjoy according to verse 15? What happens when we take for granted this privilege? A friend wants to or desires to live in a way that pleases Jesus. A servant would do things because of being duty-bound. A friend shares what is to transpire or what he is doing. In teaching his disciples all about his Kingdom over three years, Jesus is explaining the inner workings, the philosophy behind his Kingdom, how to heal, how to pray, how to trust, how to undergo and understand persecution. Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds, which included his enemies, "but when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything" (Mark 4:34). As Jesus's friends we get to share in his joy and plans for the future. We get to be able to be part of those who share about and so doing expand His kingdom.

Q6. (John 15:9-11) How are obedience and joy linked? Is obedience an obstacle to a joyful relationship between you and the Lord? If we are obedient to the ones we love then this will bring a joy to them at the same time it will be a joy to us because we have brought them joy. So we see that obedience and joy are pretty much linked together, one brings the other into "fruition". A joyful relationship between me and the Lord Jesus comes about because of obedience to Him. Obedience is very definitely not an obstacle.

Q5. (John 15:7-8) The fruit from branches connected to a vine is the grape. What is the nature of the fruit that comes from being connected to Jesus? Is it accurate to define fruit as "souls saved"? What is the danger in this definition? His character or attributes will then manifest in my life. Souls will become interested in coming to or learning of or searching for Jesus, when they see Christ living in us or Him manifesting Himself in our lives. It is all Christ's doing , not mine.

Q4. (John 15:4-6) Unbelievers can do many things. So what does Jesus mean when he says, "Apart from me you can do nothing"? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? Actually they too can do nothing without His enabling them to use whatever they are using. They cannot really move without Him, even speak, breathe, or anything else for that matter. But He has not created us as puppets, but has given us a free will, so we can choose to do things, but whatever is done without Him will not endure the final test, it will burn up.

Q3. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean "to abide"? What is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints? How do these verses support it? What does abiding have to do with "mutual indwelling," of a "personal relationship"? How well are you abiding? To abide means to stay in or to remain in. Wayne Grudem begins his statement of the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints in this way: "The perseverance of the saints means that all those who are truly born again will be kept by God's power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives...." In these verses "abiding" refers to being intimately connected to/to remain in and receive nourishment from the vine. Growing from the vine. (Being grafted into it) "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." (15:4-5) Mutual indwelling means that they are dwelling together, not as two but as one, it is a personal relationship, one with the other. The Vine is made up of the main trunk, the branches, the leaves, the fruit. So we too ought to be totally part of the Vine, the True, which is our Messiah.

Q2. (John 15:2b) How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure to and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? Reading and staying in the Word and obeying the Word will help us steer clear from wrong doctrine and following what is not of God. So the coming in contact with everyday issues that could bring doubts are then quickly washed away or pruned away before becoming spiritual mildew or rot that could damage the branch's growth. If you remain in the Word, . . . , you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. By staying in the Word, and obeying the Word, we get to draw closer to Jesus, Who is the Truth, Who cleanses us and sets us free from and keeps us away from sin.

Q1. (John 15:2) How does judicious (prudent, wise, sensible) pruning benefit a grapevine? It ensures better growth, and the fruit is also better. Concentration of nourishment is then on the healthy part not on a part that is "sickly". Also there is then a healthier crop that can get enough air and sunlight What happens to productivity and health when a vine is left unpruned? The vine grows wild. Overproduces but not with good quality fruit. What does God use to prune our lives? He requests of us to lay aside some things that are maybe in themselves not bad, but they hamper our growth and drawing closer to Him. It could be habits or extra activities that do not help us in our spiritual growth, instead, they might even hamper our growth. What does God use to prune our congregations? Sometimes He removes those that are spiritually "dead" and not really interested in serving Him. Sometimes people need shaping for the place God wants to use them in in the next season and He "prunes" them by allowing certain things to crop up that they cannot function in the previous activity anymore and are then able to function in the position He has planned for them. Why do we resist pruning? It hurts and is often uncomfortable at first. We tend to be creatures of habit and sometimes find change to be hard. What can we do so that the eventual pruning isn't as severe? Stop resisting. Give in to the Holy Spirits leading and allow Him to prune as He sees fit.

Q5. (John 14:30-31a) How does Satan take advantage of our previous sins to control us or make us fearful? In verse 31, how does Jesus stay free from bondage to Satan? How can we free ourselves from bondage to Satan and fear of exposure? Satan knows our weakness (he knows about the proverbial skeleton in our closet) and tries to make us fail in our walk as Christians. When we sin he brings doubts and fear into our minds. He clouds our thoughts with guilt. Continually he will remind us of our failure. The way to free ourselves from this is to bring our sins to the light. Confess them and accept Jesus forgiveness and remind our self that we are cleansed by the Blood of Jesus, which He shed for the remission (cancellation of the penalty deserved) of our sins. Jesus did not succumb to the wiles of the devil, so the devil has NO hold on Him at all.

Q4. (John 14:27) If it doesn't mean cessation of conflict in our everyday lives, what then is the peace that Jesus offers us now? Well-being and blessing. A calmness and quietness in spite of the storm / situation we find ourselves in. He brings contentment. Removes all fear. Indeed a peace and a quiet. Calmness in spite of the conflict.

Q3. (John 14:25-26) What do we learn about the Paraclete in verses 25 and 26? Who is he? Why is his teaching/reminding role important to the apostles? "25 All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (14:25-26) The Paraclete is sent by Father in name of Jesus. The Paraclete refers specifically to the Holy Spirit. The Paraclete will teach the disciples all things. The Paraclete will remind the disciples of what Jesus taught. The Paraclete is spoken of in personal terms. Jesus had been their Rabbi / Teacher up to this point. Now they were to teach what they had learnt to the new followers. The Holy Spirit would teach them how and would also remind them of what Jesus had taught them.

Q2. (John 14:15, 21-25) How is obedience to Jesus linked to loving Him? When Jesus emphasizes obedience, what keeps this from being the heavy burden of a new legalism? Can we love Jesus and not obey Him? If so, how? When we love someone, we desire to live in such a way that pleases that person. We in fact strive to make the person happy. Our desire as children was to please our parents and see the pride and joy on their faces when they said, this is my son / daughter. We wanted to obey them because we loved them. Just so, because we love Jesus, we strive to obey Him. When we failed, I know from my side, I felt terrible. Like I had failed them. Just so also when having been disobedient to Christ, I have felt incredibly guilty, knowing I had failed the One Who had laid down His life for me. It is not legalism to follow Christ or to be obedient to Him. One can see that not being obedient to Him has regrettable consequences (feeling guilty, battling with depression because of having failed, needing to start over again, losing ones credibility, etc).