Irmela

1 Corinthians 5:9-13) According to this passage, with which sinners should we be willing to associate? Why make a distinction between unbelievers and believers? What are the dangers of associating with unbelievers? What are the dangers of associating with unrepentant believers? As Christ moved about with the "sick of this world, who needed a physician", so should we together with Him. Call them to repentance. Minister to them and not disassociate ourselves from them. The believers who have turned their back on what is right, we should be careful of lest we are taken to approve of their sin. We should love them but hate the sin. If we have fellowship with them it is easy to be drawn into their lifestyle. Also the unbelievers easily notice who we are seen to associate with and draw their own conclusion about this. In both cases, believers and unbelievers, watch! Be on your guard, lest you fall.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7) How does the presence of openly sinning members affect others in the body? We might use the analogy of a "bad apple." What in Paul's background might explain his use of "getting rid of yeast"? Others in the body will notice if no appropriate discipline is carried out on the members that are openly sinning. This will stir up gossip, judgmental behaviour and soon others follow in those footsteps of the ones sinning. So many are led astray. In Paul's background, at Passover , the time was taken to get rid of any bit of yeast in the home. This was the spiritual picture of getting rid of any sin in one's life.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 5:2b-5) What are levels of correction and discipline short of excommunication? Confronting the person or persons about the particular lifestyle lived or sin being committed. Explaining clearly the contrast to the Word of God. Doing it gently, lovingly and firmly. If they are in any leadership position, remove them from that but continue encouraging them and watch if true repentance is reflected and the Holy Spirit leads that way, restore them to wherever He shows. Who should exercise that kind of correction? The leadership/pastor of the church community the person or persons are part of or a layperson. If it was a sin committed against someone, then that one included also (as a witness). Only when the person/s is/are unrepentant does it go in front of the church. What do we do when a sinning member repents? Restore them, encourage them. Rejoice together Why is excommunication sometimes necessary? If unrepentant then it could easily spread. Others could bring in other sin and eventually anything is tolerated and the world has been brought into the pews. Why are we so unwilling to exercise it in our day? Lawsuits. People's rights. Fear of man.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2a) Why do you think the Corinthians were so proud of their tolerance of immorality? Paul knew that compulsory goodness has no value. The church had to make a decision. Based on this they had as yet not come to the place where they did not tolerate immoral behaviour as this was part and parcel of the culture they grew up in. In Philippians 2:14, Paul encouraged the converts to do all things without grumbling or faultfinding and in v16 it reads "hold out and offer to all men, the Word of Life". Now this man who was living with his step mother was not tolerated by society as such, but the church had embraced them and this is what they were proud of. What does this say about their value system? Anything was allowed. They had not yet come to the place where immorality was defined as sin. They needed to seriously redefine or put into place a "value system" which was according to the Scripture/Torah.

John 5:39-40) What should be the role of the Scriptures in our lives? We should read, study and memorize Scripture and apply it to our lives. Put into practice what we read and learn from Scripture. How is it possible for a person to be a great student of the Bible, but so lacking in spiritual discernment and lifestyle? We need the Holy Spirit's guidance. We cannot rely on our own knowledge or discernment. How can we keep our churches orthodox but not legalistic and judgmental? Follow Christ's example. He relied on the Spirit and was in close communion with the Father at all times. In Timothy we are reminded of the worth of the Scriptures.

John 5:36-37) According to John's Gospel, what is the value of miracles? John was the first witness. Miracles also bear witness to the fact that Yeshua was indeed Who He said He was. What is the weakness of faith that depends solely on miracles? We need to build our faith on the miracle-worker not necessarily on the miracles. If we look only on miracles, then the faith is shaken when the miracle that was hoped for is not experienced. God's thoughts and ways are not ours. He sees far beyond what we see. Why do you think that we don't have more miracles in our day? There are plenty. We need to acknowledge them as such. How much is that dependent upon a congregation's attitude (and unbelief) towards the importance of modern-day miracles? We need to be careful of hype. Who is given the glory? When is it real? If we read the Scriptures, we do not find Yeshua calling out for everybody to see what is happening. He does not make a show of it. The miracle is performed. The person is encouraged. God is glorified.

(John 5:30) Why is Jesus so dependent upon the Father for wisdom? When Yeshua came He laid aside, He emptied Himself of all and took on in that emptiness, human form. He, the Son of God became the Son of Man. So just as He was fully God He now became fully man. So He was fully dependent on God for wisdom. (They are equal in existance but subordinate in role). How dependent are you upon your culture to approve of your way of life and validate your wisdom? I like to think and believe that I am dependent on God for approval of my way of life. He is the One who puts warnings in place (a check in my Spirit) as far as doing or not doing things. I ask for forgiveness where I await or am dependent on man's approval. I ought not to depend on man but on God. To what degree do you depend upon God for wisdom? My aim is to be completely dependent on Him for wisdom.

2. (John 5:21-24) According to John 5:24, when does eternal life begin? When we listen to Yeshua's words and believe in the Father we possesses eternal life. We have in that moment passed over from death into life. What is our default position without Christ -- life or death? Death How can people come to eternal life if they never "hear my word"? The time will come when they will all hear (v28) How do your friends and neighbors normally hear Jesus' word? When opportunities arise we speak about Him. His Word is broadcast over Radio and TV. At church His Word is also read and spoken. What might be your role in seeing that they hear his word? Being willing and ready to live as He would want me to and also to share at any and all opportunities.

(John 5:19-20) Are we intended to emulate Jesus' listening to the Father, or is knowing the Bible a modern-day substitute for this? Why don't churches teach more about hearing the voice of God? What would happen in our generation if we would learn to dynamically hear God and then obey what he is saying to us? Yes, we sure are to follow Yeshua's example of listening to the Father. There are many serving the Lord in communist countries. They listen very intently to the Spirit's leading. They do not all have a Bible. When they do get a page here and there, they treasure the words and often learn them off by heart. It is true that when we study the Word we are likely going to be reminded of a passage in a season of difficulty and so receive help. God does also speak in visions and audibly. I have experienced both. I give God the glory for this.

Q4. (John 5:14-15) Is it possible to be blessed outwardly, but lost inwardly? Yes. There are many with seemingly all the good things this world has to offer, but inwardly they are unhappy and lost. Why did Jesus confront the healed man in the temple with his sin? Sin does in many cases also cause sickness. Many times when repenting from a (maybe hidden) sin, eg., unforgiveness or bitterness, then healing takes place. To me, I understand that Jesus was now giving advice on how to stay healed spiritually and physically. How was this necessary for a full healing, his salvation? Physically, the man was now well. The spiritual side now needed to be healed. Does the man seem to respond with faith to Jesus' rebuke? We are not told how the man responded to Jesus'rebuke as you put it. To me, I see it as a warning. The answer I tend to agree with most and what I picture happened, is as Delivered has pointed out. There are others that are sort of on that same wave length as well Jen, Rebecca Mallinson, and Joe_Applegarth. I do not take it that the man tittle tattled, but rather that he testified that it was Jesus who healed him. How was he to know what the Jews response was going to be?

Q3. (John 5:9-13) Why are the "sabbath police" (the Pharisees) so upset at the man who is healed? It was the Sabbath. He was carrying his "bed". According to man-made rules or traditions this was classified as work. How can a person be so intent on rules that they miss what God is doing? Keeping rules to let things work out rigidly "right" and according to a pattern or mold, is what is felt comfortable with. Deeds to them are important. Grace does not come into the equation. They then miss out when God performs the extraordinary. Have you ever caught yourself doing that? Has someone in your church been so intent on "how we do things here" that they couldn't see God at work? What is the sin of the Pharisees here? The Pharisees look on the man-made rules which were broken, and do not even notice the healing which took place.

(John 5:6) Why do you think Jesus asked the invalid if he wanted to get well? Why is it important for us not to make assumptions, but to seek discernment about people's needs before we pray for them? Again I would like to say that the answers as written by Commissioned, linda bass and Joe_Applegarth, coincidence with my line of thought. There are others on a similar vein. I too feel that Jesus is not pushy. He desires us to ask what it is that we want. Put our requests into words. We do not all think the same. So I might understand a need to be one thing, meanwhile the need is totally different. For example, someone without work. Do I just pray for work for that person. He gets a job and then is not allowed to work there because he has no ID. So the prayer should have actually included help for receiving an ID. Just a simple example.

1.(John 5:1-16) 1.1. How would you describe the invalid's character? 1.2. The invalid's faith? 1.3. How does Jesus' healing here demonstrate the grace of God? 1.4. Why do we humans find it difficult to accept grace when it is offered to us? 1.5. Why do we resist the concept that God's gifts are entirely by grace? Firstly I want to admit I had never heard or thought of the man as Pastor and others have drawn him so negatively. Answers given by Joe_Applegarth and Daniel R and others aggreeing on their views are more my line of understanding of this man who had been an invalid for 38 yrs. Invalid according to the Collins Dictionary is someone who is very ill or disabled and who needs to be cared for by someone else. According to the RD Complete Wordfinder/Dictionary and Thesaurus it is a cripple, valetudinarian, sufferer. (someone confined to a wheelchair, someone who is housebound). 1.1. Now that I have a picture of the man and read the Scripture again, I find him described in v5 as having a deep-seated and lingering disorder for 38 yrs (Not just 1 or 2, but 38, which is a lifetime). He is alone there. Could not have been an easy situation. When Jesus approached him, (Jesus supernaturally knew of his condition - he had not been told about it) only then did the man give his reason for still being there beside the Pool. We are not told that he whined about it. Basically he answered the question Jesus asked of him by explaining why he hadn't gotten into the pool yet to receive his healing. I see him as accepting his lot in life. Of being left alone to hopefully try to get to the waters in time. He does try to get to the waters, but has failed so far. (perseverance, he has not given up) Possibly he was not from close by and friends had brought him to the Pool in the hope of helping him. (Possibly visitors come for the Jewish Festival as well). They then continued on their way to do what they had come to do, to meet with him later again, hopefully as a healed individual. 1.2. The fact that the man did what Jesus (a stranger), told him to do attested to the fact that he had faith that he would get healed. 1.3. Grace is unmerited favor of God, His compassion. There were a great number of sick folk and we are told of only this healing and that Jesus had quietly gone away (v13), (had passed on unnoticed), since there was a crowd in that place. So, we see it was truly grace, shown to this man, that he was healed. 1.4. I guess pride. We know that we are not worthy and then when we are given something we have not earned, we feel shame and inferior almost. 1.5. God has given so much. All is FREE. I cannot outgive God. I don't have more of an answer to your question.

Have you read of miracles accompanying a great harvest of new believers on the missions fields in our day? What place do miracles have in evangelism today -- both in your country and abroad? Why do some denominations in our day deemphasize miracles or claim that they were only for the early church? Why do some denominations emphasize miracles? Which of these types of denominations tend to grow faster? What kind of "discipling" is necessary for those who come to Christ primarily on the basis of miracles? Miracles do happen. Unfotunately much emphasis is laid on the miracle and also often the instrument whom God uses. Then it often happens that the person is hero-worshiped and not Christ who actually performed the miracle. Unfortunately to draw people much stress is laid on the fact that people must come see that miracles will happen and not on come meet Christ who brings about miracles. Many answers to the above questions have been given and I think that suffices. The important fact is to come to Christ and have faith in Him. He indeed is a miracle-worker who performs miracles all the time. We need to open our eyes and see them. Eg., Joni, she is still in a wheelchair. To me, a great miracle that God has used her the way He has. He has received the glory. Nick, the gentleman who has travelled so many places (no arms etc.) A miracle, giving God the glory. Much can be mentioned.

(John 4:53) What are the factors that caused the royal official's household (immediate family, extended family, and servants) to believe? The boy was healed at the same time that the official was with Jesus, and Jesus said that he was healed. This was far greater than just the fact that the son got better. It was the fact that it was at that time. How mature was this faith initially? The official believed that the miracle could be performed if and when Jesus laid His hands on the sick. He would not have looked for the Master if he did not have faith that this would get done. How do you think the royal official was able to nurture it beyond mere "miracles faith"? When Jesus spoke the Word that the child was healed. The official believed Him and returned home. Not even having reached home, he was met by his servants who said the child was healed. This boosted faith in Jesus more than ever as it was the same time Jesus spoke the Word, that the child was healed. The faith was now in Jesus not just in the miracles.

2. (John 4:43-50) What do we learn about the royal official's faith from his actions? He believed that Jesus could heal his son. Why did he travel 20 miles from Capernaum to Cana? He heard that Jesus had come back to Galilee and that He was in Cana. To have Jesus come to his son, he went toJesus to place his plea before Him and beg Him to come and heal his son. He believed that Jesus could perform that miracle. What does this say about his faith? His faith was as yet in the fact that Jesus could perform miracles. As one aptly answered, his faith at this point was in the miracle, he hoped would take place. When he departs for home and "takes Jesus at his word," what does this tell us about his faith? When Jesus spoke the word that the child was healed and the royal official turned around to go home, no longer was the faith in the miracle but in the miracle worker, Jesus Christ. The official's faith had become established in believing the Word spoken, not just "seeing is believing". He in fact believed without seeing. - faith indeed -

1. (John 4:43-48) Many of the Galileans believe mainly because they have seen miracles. 1.1 In what ways do miracles help build faith? Miracles are almost like bait to draw people to faith in the first place. When miracles do take place, it is a confirmation that our faith is not in vain. 1.2 Why does only seeing miracles not build a mature faith? Only relying on seeing miracles does not build a mature faith, because miracles do not occur at the snap of a finger. 1.3 Why does Jesus rebuke the Galileans in 4:48? The Galileans wanted signs and wonders (that was the attraction). They did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, as the Samaritans, in Sychar did.

(1 Corinthians 4:17) What qualities about Timothy encouraged Paul to send him on a sensitive mission to the Corinthians -- that might have involved some disrespect and abuse? If God were to call you to fulfill a sensitive mission -- to a neighbor or across the world -- would you accept? Why or why not? Timothy was faithful in imitating Paul. Who was an imitator of Christ. So Timothy too, was actually imitating Christ. By sending Timothy, Paul was hoping to jolt their memories as to how to live for Christ or how to live a Christlike life. I pray for help and mercy that I would bow to His direction and not decline His will and purpose for me. HELP ME DEAR LORD AND SAVIOUR

(1 Corinthians 4:9-13) Why do you think Paul lists the abuse he has to take? What effect did he want it to have on his readers? What effect does it have on you? Do you avoid ministry that comes with abuse? I think he lists the abuse, so that their eyes may be opened to see what really can happen to one sharing the Word. It is not all "moonshine and roses". Another reason can be not only the readers the letter is addressed to but us even, that if and when we go through hardship, that we be not discouraged but take heart and remain strong in Christ. That we may know that hardship comes with the commitment.

(1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Why doesn't Paul care how others judge him? Why doesn't Paul judge himself? Why are our motives so important in God's judgment process? Do you see God as a harsh judge? An easy judge? Why? Others do not see our motives. It is not what others say that matters. God's judgment is what is important. God is a just judge and that is what matters. It is easy to think that because of our past we are knocked down again and again. It is actually the seeds of our past actions that grow and then it looks like we are being under constant punishment. We can only repent and ask God for forgiveness and mercy on those who have been affected by our previous sinful lifestyle. May their eyes too be opened to the truth so generational curses can be broken.

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2) In what sense is a Christian worker a "steward"? Have you ever met a Christian worker who wasn't faithful? What effect did this have on the church? On this person's witness? What are the reasons we are sometimes unfaithful in our area of ministry? What can we do to remedy that? Christian workers are trustees of the mysteries of God, to impart these again to those entrusted to their care. In fact each one of us is entrusted with something that we are to use in the community, be it child-carers, encouragers, working in the "field" as teachers, doctors, nurses, farmers, shop-keepers, mechanics, pen-pushers or whatever else. We are all responsible to use our gifts where we have been placed. We are to be good stewards of what has been entrusted to us. I think to a certain extent we all are unfaithful at times. (I know I have been). It causes distrust, not only towards that person for then, but also in the future. It is almost as all trust in you as a person is lost. Even after repenting and having proved that a change is there, not often is that person looked at as a new person, but with a stigma to his/her name. Unfortunately it is always added "and he/she was such a "good" Christian. Without thinking we are blackening our Lord's name also. I think often it is when we are physically "run-down" and don't take a break, also when we allow loneliness to overwhelm us to such an extent we don't think clearly, and basically do not remain in the Word and become cold towards communion with Christ. I think this is the time we are most vulnerable. Confess our sin. Return to Christ. Stay in the Word. Rely on the Holy Spirit for continual leading and follow Him. Forgive yourself and go on.

(1 Corinthians 3:17) Division and church splits injure people, especially tender new believers. Why do you think there is such a harsh punishment for those involved in hurting Christ's church? What are better ways to deal with differences in the church? The punishment is harsh because it could mean turning many away from following Christ. God's way is always the best way.. Call together the offended parties. Talk though the difference. Pray. Don't do it alone. Let the Holy Spirit guide

Q3. (1 Corinthians 3:9-13) In terms of building congregations in our day, how would you assess quality vs. slip-shod building materials and methods? How important is improving your ministry skills through training? Prayer? Practice? Diligence? Faithfulness? Doctrinal accuracy? Devotional life? Openness to spiritual gifts? Etc. Whoever is in that position, needs to be there, because God has placed him there. No amount of college or varsity learning can replace, what God teaches. Building the congregation needs to be on Christ the Foundation. Teaching materials have to be from the Word which He supplied. Not what man has made up. 2 Tim 2:15 reminds us Study and be eager to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial) a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing - rightly handling and skilfully teaching - the Word of Truth.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 3:4-9) In what ways do denominations encourage Christian unity? In what ways do they foster disunity? Does belonging to a "non-denominational" church make any difference regarding unity throughout the body? How can we tear down the barriers that divide us? I guess it's time to look beyond church politics and look to Christ, who is after all the One we all follow. Great ideas for creating unity among the different divisions have been mentioned, eg., by Gerbrand van Schalkwyk. Do we really need to be separate and not brothers and sisters just because of a denomination? God is our Father and we need to act as being a functional united family not as a dysfunctional family. So on arbitrary non-important points, lets agree to disagree. Other than that let's follow the Word.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) In behavioral terms according to these verses, how would you classify yourself in terms of hunger for the Word? In terms of jealousy and quarreling? -- infant, child, teenager, adult? What will it take for you to grow to the next stage? I love the Word. I get so excited when a truth is suddenly "revealed", or opened up. I long to have someone to share with. To discuss the findings with. To pray with. Who understands, without criticism or pompousness. I get hurt very easily be it for what is said about the Word or by actions., so i tend to become invisible in too big a gathering. I love the Lord with all of my heart and I know that He is still working in me to become who He wants me to be.