Irmela

1 Corinthians 1:30-31) In what way does Christ represent God's wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption? How far do these go to lay the basis of a truly Christian philosophical system? For wise thoughts, values and guidance, we can come to Christ, for He IS God. So He represents God's wisdom. When Christ died on the cross, He took our sins upon Himself, now we can stand as cleansed /righteous before God. If we serve Christ and are His, we are as a "set apart people" and if we are Christ's, we are God's for they are one. We are redeemed by the BLOOD OF the LAMB. Christ's blood bought our deliverance. We are no longer captives/slaves, we are set free. It's clear. A debt (for our sins) needed to be paid. We could not pay that debt as we were not pure. Christ, the sinless, spotless One, the pure One, was prepared to pay that debt for our redemption. So He paid that with His blood, the last drop of it. So we are cleansed, sanctified, redeemed. Then Christ conquered death and rose again, so we too will rise again after death and be with Him forevermore.

1 Corinthians 1:21-25) In what areas do non-Christians in our culture stumble over the basic gospel of Christ? To what degree can we help bridge this gap through careful and creative presentation? To what degree might that be "watering down" the gospel? Why can't we escape the tension between culturally-relevant communication and changing the essence of the message? The Gospel is still the same as in Paul's day. Many stumble because we do not live as we ought. We bring the world's standards into our lifestyle. Hearken to the Spirit, and live the WORD. Where you fail, repent genuinely. Don't pretend never to do anything wrong. Be real. This way the Gospel is not watered down. If and when your life is more desirable to the "world" they will ask and require what you have. Then be truthful and don't beat about the bush. God's Word is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. Sow the seed at all times by being who Christ would have you be.

Murder of babies/abortion is taken to be a choice to be made and condoned vs sanctity of life Likewise, a choice to terminate the life of one who so wishes eg. if terminally ill, or wishes to die because of age etc vs sanctity of life Lies or half truths taken to be acceptable if it keeps you out of trouble vs telling the truth Living together without marriage being same sex partners or otherwise vs sanctity of marriage Swearing and cursing as part of your speech pattern vs not using the name of the Lord in vain Disrespect of your elders vs honor your father and mother murder, lies, immorality, cursing, disrespect These are but a few of the things taken to be part and parcel of everyday occurences reflected on the media as being ok.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 1:10-12) What kind of divisions do you see in your congregation or in the Christian community in your area? What is the cause of the divisions in Corinth? What is the cause of divisions today? How do we obey the command to "agree with one another" (1:10)? If one looks at the aspect on the whole the division is because of not looking to see what the Word says about something but each having an opinion about it. Agreeing on issues because if you disagree you will tramp on someone's toes. Division is often lifestyles eg., gay/lesbian lifestyle, living together without being married, wearing the latest fashions in clothing and often leaving not much open to the imagination that is exposed for all to see, swearing/language usage etc. Allowing the world's lifestyle to also become the believer's lifestyle. Forgetting that we are to be different. Be in the world but not part of it. (my wording) In Corinth the cause of the divisions was that they were competitive about who was following which leader. The best way to agree is to pray, ask for guidance, and see what does the Word say on the issue. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you may discern what is the will of God. - what is good, acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Q3. (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) What gifts does God give us to ensure that we'll continue in faith until the end? Strength, forgiveness, faithfulness, fellowship Why does each require our active participation to receive its full benefits? If you are given a GIFT, it can only benefit you if you open it and use it. Exactly the same with God-given GIFTS, they need to be put into use to be of benefit in any way. Which do you need to enter into more? To be strengthened. I do spend time with the Lord and in His Word. But not much time in fellowship with other believers. I keep myself very much one-sided. I do not easily cope with misunderstandings or taking things for granted.

Q2. (1 Corinthians 1:4-7) How often do you thank God for the blessings of those who don't like you, or of your actual enemies? Probably at the time when they "give me grief" or I am upset by something they say or do to or about me. I guess I sooner try to avoid confrontation. Not sure that I do see anyone as an enemy, they are sooner seen as people who do not see things the way I do. To be honest my prayer life is probably not what it ought to be. I talk to God about everything at all or any time. He is just part and parcel of me (I might just not think too much globally or enough about what is all over. Am more centred about what affects me and my loved ones, many of whom do not understand me.) What does it say about Paul that he thanks God for the gifts of those who are at odds with him? He is not self-centered but God-centered. He does not only see the negative but is prepared to thank God for the positive and he brings it to their notice. What specifically does he thank God for about the Corinthian believers? He thanks God for their salvation in Christ Jesus (they have come out of paganism). This was unmerited favour extended to them (and he points it out that it is none of their doings). He also thanks for the resulting spiritual gifts manifested among them viz., in utterances (speaking in tongues, prophecy, word of knowledge, word of wisdom) and also that they have knowledge i.e. they have the intellect to grasp something.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 1:2) 1. "What does "called to be holy" or "called to be saints" mean? 2. What is a saint according to the Bible? 3. Why is it so comfortable for us to say, "I'm no saint"? 4. What is expected of a person who has been set apart as the personal property of the living God? 5. What kind of behavior does the world expect of those who claim to be followers of Christ? 1. "Called to be holy" means belonging to God and to live according to God's standards. To be set aside for God Himself. To be dedicated to Him. 2. According to the definition in the Collins Dictionary, a saint is a dead person who is officially recognized and honored by the Christian church because his or her life was a perfect example of the way that Christians should live. According to the Bible a saint is a reflection on the state of ownership. You are a saint because God has set you apart to belong to Him. 3. When we live in sin or caught out at having sinned, it is so easy to say, "I'm no saint." It almost excuses the bad behavior. 4. The person set apart for God is expected to live a holy life. If and when you do sin, to sort it out, repent of it and go on living for God. 5. The definition given in the Dictionary sort of sums up what the world expects of saints. To be perfect in every way. Never to slip up or put it plainly, to sin. To live an exemplary life in every way.

Q4. (John 2:6-10) Why did Jesus perform this miracle behind-the-scenes? Who was he trying to protect? What does the quantity of the wine tell us about Jesus' glory? What does the quality of the wine tell us about Jesus' glory? It was a shame for the groom to have run out of wine. So Jesus did all the instructions as discreetly as possible. No big ceremony. Just quietly. But the disciples saw and believed in Him. God's glory is bountiful and matchless.

Q3. (John 2:6-10) Why do you think alcoholics are quick to point out this miracle? Which is wrong: drinking wine or drunkenness? How can we avoid excesses and still enjoy God's good gifts? They point out this miracle to try and prove that it's ok to drink. They have an excuse for their actions. Drunkenness is wrong. As is anything done in excess. Habakkuk 2:5 states "wine and wealth are treacherous...) We need to exercise self-control.

Q2. (John 2:3-5) 1. Why do you think Mary pushes Jesus to solve the wedding host's problem? 2. Are her words to Jesus appropriate? Yes 3. Would you categorize Jesus' reply as a rebuke? No. 4. If so, why does he go ahead with the miracle? Before I even begin to answer I would like to thank each one for answering these questions especially, JanMary, Gerbrandt v Schalkwyk, Roseam, Pickledilly. Your answers have sorted out a problem I have always had about this miracle. I had accepted the fact they drink wine and made myself accept it to be grapejuice (not in my wildest dreams could I think anyone would enjoy drinking wine). I really had a problem with this wonder/sign that Jesus performed. Now I am looking at it through eyes seeing lots of symbolism. 1. At the wedding feasts there was generally a huge crowd of people. It was a great celebration which was usually provided for by the grooms family. I believe that somehow Mary was part of this family and so also was responsible for something in the celebration. Otherwise she would not have been aware of the shortage of wine. A shortfall of wine or food supply would be a disaster and bring shameful humiliation to the bridal couple. Mary was aware of this. (She had experienced humiliation in that she was pregnant before she had her marriage feast.) Mary did not want them to experience this. 2. Mary at the time of the marriage feast in Cana is a widow. I too am a widow. Her reactions would thus be similar to mine. The difference is her son was also DIVINE whereas mine is/are not. If I see or have a problem, I automatically go to my son (whichever one is present) to solve it or sort it out. Mary did exactly the same. I do not find it strange for her to have told Jesus about the problem at all. I find it perfectly natural. 3. Jesus at this time was already away from "home" and started getting disciples together for His ministry . As the oldest son he would have looked after Mary in her widowed state, until it was time for Him to start with His calling/ministry. I can understand Him helping her into making a difference between how she addressed Him as a son and how she would address Him as her Lord. He too would address her differently, but always discreetly and dutifully. 4. I don't think that everybody at the feast was made aware of what happened, viz., that there was no more wine. (Once the 'cat was out the bag' the host would still be shamed.) I guess it was done discreetly. Cana is listed as one of the 24 towns where priestly families lived. (John the Baptist was also from a priestly family). The presence of the stone jars (which were used for water for purifying rituals) indicates that it was a priestly household or one concerned with purity, where the wedding was held. Stone does not absorb impurities like clay. That was why stone jars were used to store water for ritual cleaning. There were 6 jars. Believed to represent the 6 ages. Adam to Noah Noah to Abraham Abraham to David David to "carrying away" to Babylon "Carrying away" to Babylon to John the Baptist John the Baptist to the end of the world The servants filled the jars to the brim and told Jesus it was done. He told them to take it to the one who would taste it. The result was the BEST WINE. The jars represented ritual purification and hence the Law. One day Jesus' blood would represent the purification of the body and soul in fufillment of the Jewish Law. The BEST kept for last. Jesus brings grace (the grace of the Gospel) in place of grace (the grace of the Law). Jesus needed to go ahead with the miracle as it foreshadowed what was to come. The wine that Jesus would provide through His Passion was SUPERIOR and accomplished what the Law could not.

Q1. (John 2:1-2) Why are we sometimes "too busy" to spend time with friends and relatives? It is often money (shortfall) and distance that keeps us apart physically. Texting messages or phoning helps. When it eventually just comes from your side, the connection eventually becomes less and less and then stops. It can also be just simply feeling one is in the way (super-sensitive disposition). What does Jesus' attendance at this wedding tell us about him? He is not against having a celebration with family and friends. He in fact took time to share in this joyous occasion. How can we apply that learning in our own personal lives? Take time in whichever way that is feasible and be with family and friends.

Philippians 3:13; Revelation 2:4) What does it look like when a person "loses his first love"? Has this ever happened to you? How can you regain a personal intimacy with Christ? What might you need to repent of to restore this? Enthusiasm and joy is lost, eagerness to serve Christ or be alone with Him is gone. To regain the desire you need to look at your life and see what has taken that place and repent of it. Turn away from it and replace it again with time with God. Time in His Word. Time in prayer and worship. Watch out for the "little foxes" which so easily take our attention away from Christ. I can only say thank You God for Your Grace, Your Mercy, Kindness and Forgiveness, for Your Love.

Philippians 3:8-9) How can pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements actually get in the way of "knowing Christ"? Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? If pride rears it's ugly head, that means we are putting an achievement in Christ's place and that is a no-no. Without Christ, all our works are as filthy rags. I can do all things through and with Christ. Righteousness is mine through Christ and not because of something I do or achieve. Only as the "I" is laid aside and Christ is on the throne of my heart can I know Christ in my heart and life.

Colossians 1:14-20; Romans 8:1) What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Why is such union with Christ so important? To be 'in Christ' means to be in close association with Him, to be transferred into His sphere. To be one with Him. To be part of Him. Some have mentioned the branch in the Vine. This is important because it is the only WAY to get to be with Him throughout eternity. It is the only way to come before the Father as Christ's righteousness is seen. That covers me. (Thank you Jesus)

Philippians 2:5-11) How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of humility and forego His rights in order to do God's will? What happens when we try to exalt ourselves, rather than waiting for God to exalt us? What do you call this tendency? Jesus was prepared not only to leave His home/place in glory and humbled Himself to take on the form of man. Not as a grown man but was prepared to come as a babe, born to a virgin. He came in a form where His needs were the same as mankind. He had to submit to hunger, and other needs. Joined to a humble poor family. Then underwent discipline and growing up in a family just as we do. Also performed human duties, followed "Jewish rights" as others did. Worked, (following a trade) just as others did. Finally took on the humiliation of being beaten and then nailed to a cruel cross. Prepared to take on public disgrace. (Actually much, much more. He bore our sins on Himself and our diseases) He became the ultimate sacrifice so I could go free and one day gain eternal life. He did this all in conjunction to God's will. He humbled Himself. After conquering death He rose and was exalted to sit at the right hand of the Father. His glory as it were, has been given back to Him. To exalt yourself is usually in pride. Jesus related that it is better to take the place at the lowest spot and rather be called to higher place than be lowered in your position.

Philippians 1:20-23) In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). Which is better for him? Life or death? (verse 23) How does Paul decide which he prefers -- life vs. death -- according to verses 22-24? For Paul death would mean to be with the Lord. In one way death would be better for him, as long as Christ is exalted in his body. But in another way life would be because there would be fruit from his work. For him to be with Messiah would be far better but unselfishly he decides that for the peoples' sake it is more necessary for him to be alive.

2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? I think the word fearful has many meanings. I remember when making something, (or getting something for someone) that feeling of anticipation if it was acceptable by the recipient (parent/teacher/friend), that was akin to fear and still is. I do try to do whatever I do, as unto the Lord. Fearing Him because of respect and reverence. That is the right kind of 'fear' to have. Will we be condemned at that judgment? No. Our works will be judged. Our motives. Our inside which is hidden to humans but open to our Lord. What saves us (Romans 8:1; Revelation 20:12)? The fact that we are in Christ Jesus. It is no longer I that liveth but Christ that liveth in me. How will our works be judged on that day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)? It will be tested by fire to see if it was built on Christ as the Foundation.

2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:2-3) In what ways is heaven like your "home"? Which is eternal? Which is temporary? What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? I am reminded of the song we used to sing : This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through. My treasures are laid up, way there beyond the blue. The angels becon me from Heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world anymore. It sort of explains it, that where we are now is temporary. The eternal is coming where we will forever be with the Lord. That is where true peace and happiness reigns supreme.

2 Timothy 2:3; 3:10-12; 4:7) Why are we quieted so quickly by mild societal disapproval of our witness? Possibly the proverbial 'not wanting to step on someone's toes'. What would enduring hardship “like a good soldier of Christ” look like in your life? What would it look like to “fight the good fight” for you? I do try to live the life as portraying someone who serves Christ. Where and when I fail, I have tried to make amends by apologizing and changing my ways. There have been such times. (I sure am grateful for Christ's forgiveness and second chances). I do speak about my Lord and Saviour unashamedly whenever the opportunity arises. I guess that means 'fighting the good fight'. I do tell the truth about what the results of a wrongdoing can have on one's life eg., abortion, drugs, living in sin, etc. I do this knowing that it sometimes meets disapproval of the hearer. Paul warns us in 2Tim3:12 All who desire to live a godly life in Messiah Yeshua will be persecuted. My prayer is that nevermind what, I will remain standing, and that at the end of my lifetime I too will be able to say like Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course and have kept the faith."

John 1:50-51) Which aspects of Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 7:13-14 does Jesus apply to his title as Son of Man? When will the Son of Man complete his ministry? One came like on the clouds of heaven, like the Son of Man, appearing and being presented before the Ancient of Days. He was given an everlasting dominion. His kingdom will not be destroyed. This is what would come to pass eventually. Not only being able to see all over or perceive something where He wasn't visibly present. The Son of Man will come again and collect His people to be with Him forever. Then He will reign forever, for His kingdom is everlasting.

(John 1:45-50) How does Jesus deal with Nathanael's skepticism? What was the nature of the miracle? Upon coming to faith, what title does Nathanael bestow upon Jesus? Jesus looks beyond the skepticism and mentions the positive side of Nathaniel's character, viz., an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile, nor deceit, nor falsehood, nor duplicity. Then Jesus mentions that He saw him under the fig tree, before Philip called him. So not only did these words show Nathanael that Jesus knew him, he also knew where he had been. Nathanael called Him: Rabbi (Teacher), Son of God, King of Israel.

(John 1:40-42) What role does Andrew play in Simon Peter’s conversion? Today, why do so many Christians substitute bringing a person to Jesus with bringing them to church? What might be the similarities? What might be the differences? Andrew did not keep to himself where they had gone, but in his excitement and joy he shared the news with Simon Peter, which resulted in him also following Yeshua. At the church, being where many supposedly gather, who are followers of Christ, it seems to be the place where one can show that there are a diverse group of people who are followers of Christ. As this is the place where supposedly one should easily come to be with many believers, that would be the similarity. Bringing them where Christ is. He does say that where we gather in His Name He is in the midst of us. Differences could unfortunately so easily be that you are not really at ease in a crowd like that. Almost easier a one on one meeting first and encouraging like that until the time is right and you invite them to join together in the fellowship. Following Christ is a personal encounter. Not following because the group is following.

John 1:38-39) Why doesn't Jesus tell His inquirers where He is staying? Why was it important for disciples to "be with" Jesus? What does "being with" Jesus mean today? Yeshua wanted them to see for themselves. They needed to be with Him to see and make an informed descision. Not just a "on the spur of the moment" decision. To be "with Him" meant they could then decide for themselves. To "be with Him" would be spending quality time in reading the Word, in prayer and worship.

John 1:35-37) Upon whose recommendation did Andrew and another person start following Jesus? What did this recommendation cost the recommender in this case? John pointed out Who Yeshua was, viz., the Lamb of God. Upon hearing this, Andrew and the other disciple followed Him. It basically was the start of fufilling what John came to do, viz., make straight the way of the Lord. By having taught his followers correctly, it is not surprising that they take the next step to follow Yeshua. So he started to see his calling fall into place.

Acts 20:24b; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) In what sense was Paul an ambassador? In what sense are you an ambassador? Why is sharing your testimony important in your ambassadorship? Paul was an ambassador in the sense that he lived and shared Christ with both Jews and Gentiles, whom he met along the way wherever he went. Along his life's journey he never stopped sharing Christ, whether it meant acceptance of the msg. or being beaten and chased away. I too am an ambassador. This is not my permanent home. That is with Christ. So my life needs to portray Christ wherever I am and also in whatever circumstance I find myself in. (It is not I that liveth but Christ that liveth in me). Sharing my testimony is important because it could just encourage someone who is going through a similar situation. It could just remind them that it is worth holding on. Also my life ought to be different than someone's who is not following Christ.