Irmela

Q4. (John 8:34-36) How does sinning enslave a person? Sinful habits , thoughts, lifestyles, desires etc are things that enslave us without us realizing it. It's the same all the time. There is no change, so whether good or bad we are enslaved by the same pattern. That pattern that we are is what enslaves us. We no longer can do things differently. In the same way sin entraps us. We do it all the time and are not free from it. We are not forced to do it but live like that by choice, by our own free will. What is necessary to set a person free from bondage to sin? We need a Saviour to break the power of sin in us. We need the spirit of our minds to be renewed. We need to be set free from the spirit of sin and death. What part does Jesus' "truth" (8:32) have in this? The truth sets us free. By acknowledging that we are enslaved to sin and asking for help to overcome. How does the "Son" set people free? The 'Son" took our sin upon Him on the cross, when He became the sacrifice, so we could be set free. If you find yourself trapped by habitual sin, how can you get free? That sin we bring to Jesus. Lay it at His feet. He can and will set us free.

Q3. (John 8:31-32) What is the mark of a "real" disciple? A real disciple holds to Jesus' teaching. He clings to it, he continues in it and does not move away from it. What does it mean to "continue" in Jesus' word? The teaching becomes part and parcel of his life, he does not let it go , come what may. What truth sets us free? Jesus' teaching holds the truth. If we follow His teaching we will be set free from sin and death. The truth is that He indeed is the Son of God, He indeed is the Saviour of the world, He indeed is our Redeemer, He indeed paid the penalty for my sin. Holding to this, believing this, sets me free. When this is quoted in a secular content, how does its meaning differ from its context here in John's Gospel? In a secular content this can mean that revealing the truth of an incident can actually prevent one from getting into serious trouble. It can also be just setting you free from guilt, that even if falsely accused you know you spoke the truth and are free from real guilt.

Q2. (John 8:21-24) What does it mean to "die in your sins"? It means to die without having come to Christ and accepted His pardon for my sins. Clinging to the sins instead of letting them go and clinging to our Saviour. What is the consequence of this? The consequence of this is eternally separated from God. How is it possible for Jesus' enemies to be speaking with the Savior from sin without receiving forgiveness from Him? They were blinded and refused to believe that He was indeed the long awaited Messiah. The GIFT He offers needs to be accepted. It is no use if we do not accept Christ's offer of forgiveness and redemption. They are so close, but so far! Do you know anyone like this? Much prayer is needed and wisdom as to how to approach them, to not turn them away but rather pray that their eyes be opened to the truth, so they too can be forgiven. Unfortunately there is much hypocrisy.

Q1. (John 8:12) In what sense is Jesus the Light of the World? Jesus the Messiah is the spiritual Light of the World.Without Him we live in sin/darkness. What is Jesus' promise concerning light for his followers? He promises that we will not walk in the dark, but will have the Light which is LIFE. Exactly what does that mean for the way you live? As I am a follower of Christ I no longer need to walk or stumble around in darkness but can walk/live in light, Christ's Light, which lights the way I need to go. If I follow Him the end result will be Eternal Life with Him. Praise Him!!!!!!!

Q4. (John 8:10-11) Why didn't Jesus condemn the lady? Was she guilty, do you think? Instead of condemnation, what did Jesus tell her to do? Why is repentance necessary for salvation? What happens to the gospel when we don't emphasize repentance? There were no witnesses to the crime that was said to have been committed, so by right she could not be condemned. The second person, for this crime to have been possible to have been done, was absent. Jesus, showed mercy, and waited for all the accusers to be gone, and then told her to go and sin no more. That answer shows that Jesus knew who and what she was. He did not condone the sin but showed mercy and told her to repent, to sin no more. Repentance is very necessary for salvation, because without it the sin still has a foothold in our lives. When we truly repent, we turn away from the old life of sin and death. When we do not emphasize repentance it then is as if one can continue living as we always did. There is no need for change. The Gospel becomes cheap and makes no sense really.

Q3. (John 8:3-8) Why do you think Jesus wrote on the ground? The answer of Joe Applegarth is amazing. That sounds very feasible if that is what actually happened. I can only say WOW!! Was the content of his writing important to the story? I do think the content was very important to the accusers, else they would not all have left the scene. What effect did this have on the situation? The fact that Jesus did not immediately give a verbal response to their question on what His sentence on the woman was, but instead bent down and wrote in the dust showed that Jesus cared deeply (he had mercy) and then only on their persisting with the question did He stand up and say to them, "He who is without sin, let him be the first to cast a stone". It made them think about what they were actually doing. It brought them back to the present and stopped the hype of the situation. (Proverbially it popped the balloon.) It brought everything to a standstill. To put plainly what was achieved: Jesus upheld the Law of Moses; He pointed out to them (without saying it) that they were evil witnesses this time; He prevented them from killing the woman; He showed mercy.

Q2. (John 8:3-8) Why did Jesus insist on unbiased, righteous witnesses casting the first stone? Why is verse 7 so often misused? Could the sin in your/my life also actually condemn us is that why we use the verse not to judge and steer clear of pointing out adultery or whatever sin there is that is standing out in the one 'not to be judged'. Does Jesus require sinlessness of those called on to judge? What does He require? Fairness and repentance and if at all possible restoration for the person into fellowship. How does this compare with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5? The fact that they only brought the woman and put the case before Him was a bit weird. it takes two not just one person to commit the act of adultery. In Lev 20:10 and in Deut 22:22 it states that both are to die. Was there really a witness to the act or was it just assumed? Jesus called him who was without sin (could it be the same kind or a similar sin) to be the one to throw the first stone. I guess it is also always hardest to throw the first stone. Jesus requires a just judging . Not just a judging because of crowd-manipulation. In Matthew 7 we are called upon to look at ourselves first before passing judgement on the next person. By not answering the question directly Jesus calmed the situation and made the accusers look on themselves before passing judgement.

Q1. (John 8:3-6) What was the trap Jesus' enemies tried to spring on him with the woman taken in adultery? What might be the consequence if he upheld stoning her? What might be the consequence if he said not to stone her? They tried to turn the authorities -- and the people -- against Jesus. If Jesus were to say the woman should be stoned, he would be going contrary to his longstanding reputation for showing mercy to the broken and disreputable. And it could get him in trouble with the Romans, who might view stoning as overstepping the Jews' authority to exercise the death penalty. But if Jesus said she shouldn't be stoned, he could be accused of teaching against the Law of Moses and undermining the social order.

Q4. (John 7:37-39) In Jesus' teaching on streams of living water from within, whom does he invite to drink? Anyone who is thirsty. What does he promise to believers? He promises that streams of living water (life-giving water) will flow from within him. How is this fulfilled at Pentecost rather than immediately after Jesus spoke it? At Pentecost 'tongues of fire' rested on each one of them. To what degree has this been fulfilled in your life? When handing over control of my life to Him, He filled me with his Spirit. A deep longing to know Him more intimately and a desire to please Him in all that I do is still part and parcel of me. The more that I know Him the more I love Him. He is my ALL in ALL

Q3. (John 7:17) Can we truly know God's will if we're not really willing to obey the truth we know? Why not? No. Only if we hold to His teaching can we know the truth and the truth will set us free. If we are not willing to obey we reject what we ought to accept and then we cannot be led further into the truth. Why should His will be revealed to us if we are not going to follow it anyway?

Q2. (John 7:15-17) How were rabbis trained in Jesus' day? How was Jesus trained? How were his disciples trained? What is the value of formal theological training? What is the value of learning to hear and obey the voice of the Spirit? Jewish boys started at the age of 5 or 6 already to learn to read and memorize the Torah and much of the Hebrew Scriptures. After the age of 10 they would begin to learn the Oral Torah, the rabbinical traditions handed down for interpreting the Written Torah. By age 13 most would have completed their formal study and have started a trade. The more talented ones would continue studying at the bet mid-rash (house of interpretation) at the synagogue. The most talented ones would become disciples of a rabbi. These went with the rabbi wherever he went. Study sessions were held any place, could be out of doors, in a vineyard, in the market place, beside a road, in an open field. Debate was a central part of study. This made them think and take part. The disciples would take part in the reading and discussions at the local synagogue as well. In the Jewish home the father would instruct his household about the Jewish Scriptures. It was part and parcel of the normal Jewish family. The Jewish boys would attend the synagogue for their early formal training from about 5 yrs of age. As Jesus was part of a devout Jewish family, this is where His formal training would have taken place. In Lk 2:40 we read the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace (the spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. Then we find when He was 12 yrs old He went with Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, as they were accustomed to do. We find that Jesus was quite "at home" in the court of the Temple , sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard Him were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence and understanding and His replies. (Lk 2:47 and 48) Then in v 52 we read that Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) . . . and in favor with God and man. After He had been tempted in the wilderness Jesus went back into Galilee, full of and under the Power of the Holy Spirit and conducted a course of teaching in their synagogues being recognized and honored and praised by all. (Lk 4:14 & 15) From the above we see that it was also training from the Holy Spirit not just the normal training in the schools of the day that formed part of His training. Throughout the Gospels we read that Jesus often went out to the hills alone to spend time with His Father in prayer. He also mentions that His training is not from man but from God. Thus we see what was His training ground. The disciples would have had learnt at the synagogues as He did, and from their fathers in their homes. It was not strange for them to go to the synagogues. It was part of their upbringing to attend. After being called by Jesus to follow Him, they were trained by seeing what He did and by hearing His Words/teachings. Later they got practical experience when they were sent out into the towns and villages proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God. They too were given the ability to heal the sick, drive out demons, etc. Formal theological training could help the student to 'learn how to teach', could get him into the habit of studying Scripture and hearing from God. The student would learn to think and not just learn parrot fashion. The original languages the Scriptures were written in are learnt and so it is not just accepted what the previous one said (paraphrased) but translation can be done. Discernment of writings of other students can take place. (Unfortunately much weird stuff comes from hearing agnostics, humanists and whatever else you often get on campus. Be careful not to get derailed). What dtredo writes is very real. It is very important to hear the Spirit's Voice and to obey Him. You need discernment and not just follow what every person says.

Q1. (John 7:1-5) Why did Jesus stay in Galilee and avoid Jerusalem? What is the balance between taking precautions to protect yourself and trusting yourself into God's care? Jesus stayed in Galilee as His time to reveal Himself in Jerusalem had not yet come. He knew that they wanted to kill Him there. When taking precautions to protect oneself one has to be careful not be paranoid about it. Trusting oneself in God's care also does not mean that one enters into a situation like a bull in a china-shop. You need to know that what you are doing is in God's will and in His timing.

Q6. (John 6:61-66) What was the difference between the Twelve and the crowd of "disciples" that turned away from Jesus? What is the mark of true disciples according to John 8:31-32? The Twelve were the ones that Jesus had chosen "out of the disciples' that followed Him to be His close associates. They were known as the Apostles. Some of them had been at work and were given the call to follow Him. They left all and became His disciples and later when He named the ones to be the apostles, they were among them. They believed that He was the One that had the true Words that led to eternal life. That He was the long awaited Messiah. They followed Him through thick and thin. The crowd of disciples that turned away were the ones that followed as and when they could. They had possibly not fully come to the decision that He was really the One to follow. They were still fence-sitters. They were still swayed by uncertainty. The true disciple is the one who will trust in the Word.

Q5. (John 6:53-59) What is "eating the Bread of Life" a metaphor of? What is "eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood" a metaphor of? How are these metaphors similar to each other? Why do you think Jesus used such a vivid and repugnant metaphor? Christ referred to Himself as the Bread of Life. Bread is something common to all. You live off bread. It's a common food, part of a staple diet even. Normal bread must be eaten again and again, because it satisfies hunger for then, but next day you will have to eat it again. The Bread of Life needs to be partaken of to inherit eternal life. You need to believe in Christ so as to live forever. Partake of Him and you will not be hungry. Partaking of the bread and the wine at the "Lord's Supper" / Communion is a picture of eating the flesh and drinking the blood. (blood is where the life is in) Partaking of the Communion reminds one of what the Lord did for us. It reminds you of the fact that you believe in Christ and have been promised eternal life. A vivid metaphor was used so it will not easily be forgotten and because He did give His body for us and it was broken up and the last drop of blood was shed for us. It is real. It is easily recognized for its meaning.

Q4. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling the Bread of Life rather than actually making a meal of it? Eating the "Bread of Life" means believing in the Son of God. (To believe in Him, we need to hear or learn about Him. This comes from consuming His Word) I guess the nibbling would be sitting on the fence as it were. Having many doubts and not be fully committed. (Reading the Word now and again and not fully accepting and yet also not wanting to totally let go).

Q3. (John 6:37, 44, 65) What is the significance of Jesus' teaching that only the ones the Father "draws" to him can come to him? In what way does this sound like predestination? How does the Holy Spirit prepare people to put their faith in Christ? God is a just god, full of grace, love, forgiveness, patience, understanding, etc. Many attributes which combine to draw us to Christ. Some are drawn quickly, others are more hard-headed and take time for their hearts to be softened before finally yielding to His call. All these are the ones the Father gives to the Son. They are drawn first by the Father Who sent Him. Then comes the hard part, no one comes unless the Father enables him. But it is by grace and grace alone. We cannot make the choice alone. There are those who do not choose. JanMary puts it that we "choose to be chosen". Jen again puts it that God knows ahead who will respond to His wooing, but the invitation is for all. GraceZfree refers to 1 Peter 1:2, which refers to those who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father needmyzzz refers to the passage in John 12:32 ,where Jesus say when He is lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Himself. This was where He showed in what manner He would die. In spite of what we understand or what anyone says, ultimately it is by grace.

Q32. (James 5:19-20) In the light of James' emphasis on active faith vs. dead faith (James 2:17), why is the role of finding and bringing back the wandering sheep so important? It would be terrible knowing that they never returned to the fold and were lost for all eternity just because I did not pray. The parable of the lost sheep shows the importance Jesus placed on finding one in spite of the 99 that were safe. I do pray even now and ask for loved ones that have wondered away, that they would be found and safely brought back to the fold.

Q31. (James 5:14-16) In the healing prayer, what is the role of oil? What is the role of the prayer of faith? What is the role of faith? What is the role of confession of sins? Both the exercise of prayer and the physical anointing of oil are acts of obedience through which faith is expressed and for which God, according to His Divine intervention grants healing. The using of the oil was thus a sacred act of faith. In Mark 6:13 we read that the disciples that were sent out into the towns and villages actually anointed the sick people with oil and healed them. The anointing with oil was a symbol of the presence of God's Holy Spirit. Often afflictions of ill health can bring about bitterness or despair and often prayer is out of the question whereas to call in someone is acceptable to the sick person. (This, the despair and bitterness is not necessarily always there). When others are called in and then anoint the afflicted one (symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit) this already can lift the burden of despair like a burden shared is a burden halved. Praying and anointing in the Name of the Lord ensures that we give God the glory for the healing. It is not by man's power or prayer. God is the source of the healing. Genuine confession before God and openness to others about a sin that has bound one for a time is a sign of letting go and maybe it is not something that has bound one for a long time, but maybe just the bitterness and despair since the illness, definitely also makes one feel better once it is in the open. It actually makes one accountable. Sin is an offense to God so a cleansed heart and renewed spirit are essential for the fervent prayer of a righteous man to be honoured by God. [ David's prayer in Psalm 51 is to create in him a pure heart and a upright/steadfast spirit.]

Q30. (James 5:14) What is the elders' role in prayer for the sick? What must be their spiritual qualifications for this ministry of prayer? The elders' role is to pray for the sick and anoint them with oil in the Name of the Lord. They are to be mature believers in the congregation who 'rule'. Believers one can look up to because of their faith.

Q29. (James 5:13-14) According to verse 14, who is to initiate prayer for healing? Why might this be important? Verses 13 and 14 list different happenings when and how we are to approach God, e.g. If you are afflicted, ill-treated, suffering evil, you should pray If you are glad of heart, you should sing praise to God If you are sick, call in the church elders, the spiritual guides, they should pray over you, anoint you with oil in the Lord's Name. From this we see that the sick person has to take the step of faith and call in the elders, who are to pray over him. I think by this, faith in prayer to God is acknowledged and also the leadership of the assembly is acknowledged.

Q28. (James 5:9) What does our grumbling and complaining say about us? About our faith? About our patience? It confirms that we don't have much faith or are not practicing our faith. It shows that we are not satisfied persons. In fact it shows our immaturity. Wanting more or wanting what is denied us. Sometimes it may even be legitimate reasons to complain. Since we are believers in Christ we ought not to. Rather trust the Lord that He will help us in the situation or alternately change the situation for us.

Q27. (James 5:7-8) What can happen to us Christians if we lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return? Why is patience so vital? If we lack the patience to eagerly expect Christ's return we can become complacent and then when He comes or when we are called from this earth we will be found NOT READY. Then like the five virgins in the parable Jesus used we will be left behind. The pain and anguish we endure now will seem as nothing when we see Christ. So it is worth it to have patience knowing that He will return at the APPOINTED TIME. Patience is vital so that we are ready and included with the ones to be with Christ for all eternity. GLORY!!!!

Q26. (James 5:5-6) What is the spiritual danger of our demand for comfort and luxury? How might our demand for low-priced goods and services cause us to (1) oppress our own employees or (2) cause workers in this country or abroad to be under paid or oppressed? How does all this relate to the need for patience? The danger is that we take that comfort and luxury is necessary and we do not look to God to supply our need (i.e., not our comfort and luxury, but our real need). I am not 'on top' of the politics that goes on around us. I do know that there is much corruption, lots of money-laundering, lots of promises not kept etc. Low priced goods are not necessarily a cheap buy. Often buying cheap things is actually expensive because you have to replace it so quickly, as it is not up to standard. It sounds like child labour still abounds and this is the reason for some items to be cheap. If one is in the position where you turn over every coin before spending it, then one is inclined to buy the cheaper items and not even look at the more expensive stuff. You don't even think where does it come from but are grateful that you were able to purchase what was needed. This is not my answer but was gleaned from many answers given and reading between the lines. Do not buy the cheaper items but save up for the more expensive item produced in your country, thus supporting our own workers. This would often only take place after saving up for the item, or God supplying the item through other means. That would be where the need for patience comes in. My question: Are we not making things worse for the people supplying the cheaper items by boycotting them.

Q25. (James 4:13-16) What danger is James warning us about in verses 13-16? How can we be humble in our planning without being indecisive and wishy-washy? James is reminding us that our lives are short and uncertain. He warns us not to make plans on our own but to make sure that what we plan to do is indeed what God would have us do. We can submit to God and ask Him before making any plans. Make them known when you are certain that indeed they are God's plans. If you do have a prayer-partner, pray together about what needs to be done and then allow God to move in your mind and to direct your plans, each step of the way. Even then still be sure in your speech and action "If the LORD will's then so and so or such and such." Never leave Him out of the planning and the action.

Q24. (James 4:11-12) In what way does criticizing a neighbor cause you to be a judge of the law? Why do you think it is so tempting to criticize others? It is like condemning them without maybe knowing the full facts. One translation refers to it as slandering or maligning, or just plain, speaking evil of someone. Because that person is in his mind an upholder of the Law, you are not judging him but the Law. God is the Lawgiver and He is the appointed Judge to see if the Law was held in contempt or not. It is not for us to do that. I guess we hear what is being done wrong and we try in our capacity to correct it but go about it the wrong way. The best is approaching the person in question face to face and prayerfully in love talk through it and not criticize. That's a possible beating about the bush and not answering the question. I guess if we do adhere to gossip still we try to give an answer for what it's worth, not to appear ignorant or uninterested in what is going on around us.