Irmela

Acts 20:24) Our life is valuable to God, of course, and we are to value it. However, what problems result from valuing our life for its own sake? What does it mean to "take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23-25)? What keeps us from doing that? What does it mean when Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)? Can we follow Christ, if we are actually trying to hang on to our own life. To "value" life can have different meanings. You can value it to your own detriment. Thinking only of your own interest. Putting yourself first all the time. Not thinking of the next person. But valuing life by living for Christ, is a total different ball-game. When Christ came to live among man He laid aside His own comforts and took on God's will as His priority. That was to eventually be the Supreme Sacrifice so mankind can be redeemed. That meant taking up the cross. For us to take up the cross means to lay aside 'self', crucify "I, me, myself" and let it be Christ living in me that is ssen and visible to all. It is not always easy to lay aside self. With Christ, it is possible. Paul means just as mentioned above that he has put aside his own desires and allowed Christ to permiate his life. He has crucified his flesh with Christ on the cross. Now the I being dead can no longer be who takes control. It is Christ who has risen from this death, He now lives in Paul/me and He has control of Paul's /my life. No, we have to let go.

Acts 19:21; 20:22-23; 21:11) Are the prophecies about imprisonment in Jerusalem in conflict with Paul's leading from God? What, then, conflicts with Paul's leading to go to Jerusalem? Why do you think Paul actively encourages prophecy in the churches he establishes (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? Why do you think many Christians despise prophecy today (1 Thessalonians 5:20)? Paul felt the Lord leading him on to Jerusalem and not only that also that the Lord was showing him that imprisonment awaited him. The people Paul had been ministering to who had a close bond with him obviously did not want to lose him. Others who he had been leading and encouraging obviously did not want bad things to happen to him. And many tried to dissuade him from going straight to where he would be imprisoned. They took it all to be a warning to stay away whereas Paul saw it as confirmation of what God had shown him what would happen. He was thus going fully prepared. Thy will Lord. He encourages prophecy as the Lord would not have given it as a gift if it was unimportant. It can be a guide and confirmation to someone. I would sooner say they are careful of it as so many prophecies are spoken for "soothing" and not saying the real words lain on the hearts.

Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) Why did Christians worship on "the first day of the week"? They came together then as that was the day the Lord had risen. They celebrated this together and mostly in the evenings because there were many slaves and they were only free to attend in the evening. (Those that attended synagogue went on the Sabbath.) Why is it called "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10)? That was the day Christ had risen from the dead. What does it mean that they "break bread" (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16)? They shared this time together and broke bread as Christ had done at the Last Supper. He had said do this in remembrance of Me. By that they remember His broken body which He had freely given for our sakes. Why is that important to believers (Luke 22:19)? It is very important that we do not forget what Christ has done for us. That it doesn't become just a ritual, but that it's real.

John 1:33) How does John the Baptist's baptism differ from the baptism that Jesus brings? Baptism is a word that means "immerse, plunge under water." What does a "baptism of the Holy Spirit" imply about this event? John baptised with water and this was symbolic of being ritually cleansed. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is no longer symbolic. Now it is that it is no longer I that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me. That too is what God then sees. He sees Christ the righteous. It implies being immersed, as it were, in the Holy Spirit. Being filled with Him.

John 1:29) What does the title "Lamb of God" tell us about Jesus' ministry? The blood of a spotless lamb was what was looked upon as atonement for the sin of mankind. Only when that lamb was sacrificed and that blood shed, could God be approached again. That is what a lamb was seen to be for. Yeshua came as the "Lamb of God " to take away the sin of the world. That reflects that His ministry was to come as the ultimate Sacrifice. To make atonement for man's sin. To wipe clean or purge. According to 1:29, whose sins did He come to take away? He came to take away the sin of the world. He left nothing out. All sin was paid for. In what ways did Jesus fulfill Isaiah 53? In every way. He did not come to this earth living in a palace or living like a king. (a king or someone in a high position would demand being looked up to, just because of his standard in life. Yeshua was not like that. v2) Many people despised him and outright rejected him. The scribes and Pharisees , especially. The ones that should have recognized Him. (v3) He as Son of God and Son of Man atoned for sin. He alone as a perfect sacrifice could atone for sin once and for all. (v4) Before going to the cross He was beaten - stripes were on His body - His body was pierced - in His hands, His feet and His side (v5) Our sins/iniquities were laid on Him (v6) He could have called for help and stopped it all, but Yeshua carried out God's will. He went to be slaughtered as a lamb, without a fight. (v7) He was crucified as if He was wicked, and in fact two criminals with Him. Then He was laid in a rich man's tomb (Joseph of Arimathea) (v9) Because of what Christ did on the cross all those who accept what He has done are cleansed from unrighteousness and are seen to be righteous in Him. (v11) Again in v12 He bore the sin of many and interceded for the transgressors. While on the cross He asked for the forgiveness of the ones who had led Him there to be crucified. Grace and mercy.

John 1:19-27) How does John the Baptist show humility? How can a person see himself as the fulfillment of a passage from Isaiah and still be humble about it? How does John see himself in relation to the coming Messiah? How can a person be such a strong revivalist preacher and still remain humble? Can humility and powerful confident speech coexist? John the Baptist focus was never on himself. He knew and proclaimed openly that he was the Voice crying in the Wilderness , Prepare the Way of the Lord. His focus was fully on fulfilling his call to introduce the Messiah. John saw and knew who the Christ was. He understood that his own position was far lower than that. So he could remain humble as he pointed people to Messiah.

John 1:26-27) Why did John baptize? John came to prepare the way of the Messiah. To get the people ready for Him. To baptize was to immerse in water. This typically meant a cleansing. A washing away of something that should not be there. What is the meaning of the baptism he was performing? The baptism John was performing meant /was symbolic of cleansing the person from sin he was or had committed . John was calling on the people to repent from the wrong lifestyle and to start living righteously. The baptism thus reflects that the person has changed. What do you think baptism represents to those John baptized? To me it would have meant that I have now chosen to change the way I previously lived. That part has been washed away. From now I choose to live a godly life. I do think to those who were genuine, that's what it meant. But as with everything there were those who just followed the masses.

John 1:19-23) Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by the religious leaders from Jerusalem? Jerusalem was the hub of the Jewish lifestyle. It was here where the temple was, where the 'cream' of the religious leaders gathered. It was here where the sacrifices were made etc. Now John came out in the open. Living in the desert. Baptizing those of the people who took hold of what he was preaching about and who changed their lifestyle by setting aside their sins. There was a great many who followed John. The religious leaders from Jerusalem were afraid of losing out in popularity and that the people would no longer see the need to come to the temple to do the sacrifices for sins. They would lose out financially with their temple taxes and money-changers etc. What were they afraid of? See above. I guess they were also afraid of the Romans in case there was suddenly a case of disgruntled, disharmony among the crowds gathered around John. He did not believe in mincing his words, but spoke the truth. He called things what they were. Brood of vipers White washed sepulchers How did John understand his own mission? John understood that he was not the Messiah. He made that very very clear. He was THE VOICE OF THE ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, " MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF ADONAI". He was preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. How much conflict do you think could be expected from John's mission? Those who were not prepared to change, who were blinded, gave him much opposition and conflict. The Romans also did not understand that he was proclaiming the coming of the Messiah whose aim was not to overthrow them, but to overthrow the enemy of the soul, satan.

(2 Chronicles 20:15-17a, 21-22; Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) What do praise and thankfulness have to do with faith? Why do you think praise and thankfulness are such powerful weapons in our warfare? When you worship and praise God, your focus changes. You no longer center your focus on your surroundings but your eyes behold your Saviour (the One you are worshiping) It is a powerful weapon because no longer are you fearful (or whatever it was that was trying to tie you in its grip). You have changed your focus away from that fear and are putting your trust in God. The negativity flees when your focus is on Christ because automatically you remember with a grateful and thankful heart, what He has done for you.

John 1:18) What does it mean that Jesus is the "Only God" or the "Only Begotten God"? Does the Apostle John seem to make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son? What does all this mean for our understanding of the Trinity? Jesus Christ is God Himself. He is the Word, or as explained "the expression of God." He was there from the very beginning and part of the "Creation Team". There is no-one like Him. He laid aside His "glory" and put on human-likeness for a time. God the Father was still there in all His fullness (unique), not able to be seen by man. But Christ who had laid aside that God-part of Him and put on human flesh (as if putting on a garment so He could live among man and be seen by him) revealed or made Him (God the Father) known to man. John does make it very clear that God the Father and God the Son are one and yet they are distinctly different. Just so later the Holy Spirit is revealed as One with God the Father and God the Son, yet He is also uniquelly different.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:26-27) How do you think anger and unforgiveness give Satan an opportunity to damage you? If there is anger and unforgiveness in our hearts, then this is in the forefront of our minds and there is no peace. Satan continues to bring it to the front and this will make even our "nature" be different. We give in to doing things we would not normally do. For you, who is the most difficult person to forgive? Myself. I have been through deep waters in my life and have had much forgiving to do. I did learn it was better to forgive before it festers. It was just extremely hard to forgive myself for having lived as I did, when i knew better. Why is your unforgiveness more damaging to you than to the person who hurt you? Very often, the person who hurt us, is not aware of it, as it was not meant to hurt you. So then one walks around with unforgiveness of a misunderstanding.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:26-27) How do you think anger and unforgiveness give Satan an opportunity to damage you? If there is anger and unforgiveness in our hearts, then this is in the forefront of our minds and there is no peace. Satan continues to bring it to the front and this will make even our "nature" be different. We give in to doing things we would not normally do. For you, who is the most difficult person to forgive? Myself. I have been through deep waters in my life and have had much forgiving to do. I did learn it was better to forgive before it festers. It was just extremely hard to forgive myself for having lived as I did, when i knew better. Why is your unforgiveness more damaging to you than to the person who hurt you? Very often, the person who hurt us, is not aware of it, as it was not meant to hurt you. So then one walks around with unforgiveness of a misunderstanding.

John 1:14) Why is the idea of God "becoming flesh" so important to the basis of the Christian faith? If that was not so there would so far not have yet been help for us, sinners. We would not be redeemed. The debt would still be unpaid. God having come as "flesh", having laid aside all glory, majesty, power , and becoming as weak man and endured ALL as man does, YET WITHOUT SIN, was necessary for the debt of our sin to be paid. It was a pure and spotless sacrifice that was called for. What would Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection mean if He were only pretending to "become flesh"? It would have all been a sham. All for nothing. In what ways have you personally experienced his grace? Without it I would have been traipsing in the world, lost. He has showered me with love, which I did not deserve. He has been there for me, in many lonely hours. In what ways has his truth changed your life from what it was? Where I was running after man's favour, and losing out. Never attaining acceptance, I am now accepted in the Beloved .

John 1:12-13) What does it mean to "receive" Jesus? It means to recognize and accept or take hold of His authority in my life. What does it imply to "believe in" Jesus? It means total commitment to Him Who I trust. I accept fully and completely what His Name proclaims to be. What is the spiritual relationship to God of those who receive and believe in Jesus? We are accepted as children of God. We become part of His household. We are given "sonship". Of those who do not? They are cut off from God's family. ?.

(John 1:7-8) What did it mean that John was sent to "testify" to the light? John was sent on ahead of Christ, to make mankind aware of this Light, which was to expose the darkness and if allowed would overcome the darkness in each individual who accepted this Light. In what sense are you put here with the purpose of "testifying" to the light? Those of us who have accepted Christ, i. e., who have accepted this Light, are also to reflect that Light in our lives, so darkness too is overcome in our lives. This Light is to be seen in our life. How are you doing in this regard? What happened to John the Baptist? John the Baptist spoke the truth and was imprisoned because of it and eventually was beheaded. He endured persecution because of testifying about the Light. What might happen to you if you testify clearly? Persecution on one hand and acceptance of the message by others. What might happen to the people to whom you testify? They too could expect persecutions.

John 1:1-3) According to the Apostle John, is Jesus fully God? Yes What does it mean that Jesus is the "Word"? It means that He is very God. Nothing about Him is not God. He is part of God. He is the expression of God. He is God. What does this say about Him and His ministry? As God was in the beginning, so was Jesus in the beginning and together with the Father He co-existed and brought the world and all creation into existance, He being the Word, the Logos.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 8:44) What are Satan's chief tools to keep people under his control? He blinds a peeson. Almost like keeping them in a fog and then only part truth is visible. So lies are deceptive and veiling of truth and reality. Satan is indeed the "father of lies", there is no truth in him. Why is the sharing and preaching of the gospel so threatening to him (John 8:31-32; Romans 1:16)? The Gospel brings out the TRUTH, unveiling the lies and deception , for what they are. The Gospel brings forth deliverance from death. Satan is wanting our "death" and by hearing and accepting the GOSPEL, the TRUTH, we escape that death and get ETERNAL LIFE. Why do you think it is so difficult to share your faith or preach in the world outside the church? I personally think if it is in/at the 'church', you seem to have someone watching over your shoulder all the time. Whereas when in the "wild" you are more free to depend on and hearken to the Spirit's leading.

2 Corinthians 4:4; Psalm 24:1) What is the difference between legitimate authority and usurped authority? The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. So it all (not just a portion, but ALL) belongs to God. Legitimate authority is real and true. Whereas usurped authority is stolen authority. It is not genuine. Not real. Which kind of authority does Satan have? Usurped authority. How can Satan be defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15), but still be dangerous (John 10:10a,; 1 Peter 5:8-9)? Christ disarmed the principalities and powers at the cross. As this age has not reached its completion, satan still roams around, (but as a defeated foe,) like a roaring lion seeking who he can still devour. We are given strategy to stand against him. We are told to resist him, and are given the assurance that he will flee from us.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Ephesians 6:18-20) What portion of Paul's "overwhelming pressure" was due to spiritual warfare, do you think? How much can be attributed to the "normal" struggles of life? Why is intercessory prayer for leaders and for one another so important? I think a lot had to do with spiritual warfare. Paul was under continual attack. Where God works, there are bound to be counter-attacks. Intercessory prayer is very important as it is very easy to feel/sense the adversory. Be it for leaders or otherwise, we are all in need of prayer. Unfortunately it is very easy to place a leader on a pedestal and when something small or big is done wrong all and sundry notice it. Many who had their eyes on the person and not on Christ , then fall.

Acts 19:11-19) Why do so many contemporary churches expect to evangelize effectively in the 21st century without signs and wonders? What are we afraid of? How do we identify people in our congregations whom God has gifted with ministries of healing, faith, and miracles? What will it take to move in this direction for you? For your church? I guess one is scared of the "unknown", of the different. I have just recently read "God's Generals". It is scary how easy it is to move off the path God called you on. There has been so much scam etc with different Tele-evangelism. It puts one off and makes one even miss out on that which is real and wholesome. I personally have experienced miracle healings in my life on more than one occasion. Not only in healing but also financially. I know that I serve a miracle-working God. I have no problem with asking Him to intervene in healing or whatever.

Acts 19:9-10) How did "all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia" hear God's word from one apostle, who taught daily in Ephesus and didn't travel around. What do you think was going on that caused this kind of expansion? Why is it vital to evangelize in our great cities? As Paul was accustomed to, he first preached in the synagogue. Those who were ready to accept the teaching sided with Paul, when he left the synagogue. Then Paul continued teaching in the hall, on a daily basis. His mornings were occupied in secular work. Then those who chose to hear him, did so in their usual resting time. (they meant business). These same disciples then went back and spread the word. That is how it expanded and many heard and turned to follow Christ. The great cities is where lots of immorality, fighting, etc., goes on. That is also where there is a metropolis of different cultures meeting together.

(1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 2:1; 3:3-6) What seems to be the primary difference between Paul's ministry approach and that of Apollos? Apollos is more eloquent in speech. Paul is a rabbi/teacher, so his method is in debating issues. Why does this create competing allegiances at Corinth? Both methods are useful. It is not important how it is brought across but WHAT. Both were preaching about Christ. Both were using the gift God had bestowed them with. Apollos was not trying to imitate Paul. He presented the message as God enabled him to. He was not trying to be someone he was not meant to be. The competing was not between Paul and Apollos but the hearers were the ones trying to cause one to be more important than the other one. How does Paul address the issue? Paul addresses it head-on. Making them realize its immature to quibble about something like that. One sows, one waters and God brings about the end result anyway. Paul was not against Apollos. He was for unity not division. This grieved him greatly. Can you think of any divisions over style within the Christian community in your region? Yes. Unfortunately division does occur. If it is not about the preaching it is about dress and what is allowed or taken to be taboo in the lifestyle of a so called Christian. What should you do as a result of those divisions? Pray and ask God for unity.

1 Corinthians 15; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) How important was belief in a bodily resurrection to the gospel that Paul taught? Why is Christ's resurrection foundational to our faith? What will happen when we die? When Christ comes? It was very important. If this was not so that Jesus rose from the dead then our teaching and believing is all in vain. Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep in death. 1 Cor 15v20 He is the firstfruits then of those who are His own, who will be resurrected at His coming. 1 Cor 15v23 In this the rest of the harvest that follow after Him that believe in Him are also blessed and will likewise have a body that is incorruptible. Our bodies we have now are fit for this lifetime but another body is needed for the life to come (eternal life). When we die we will be with Him (some believe we will be in a state of sleep) and when He returns at the end of the ages, we will return with Him and our bodies will be joined to us as incorruptible and those who are still alive will rise to meet Him in the air, their bodies having changed from corruptible to incorruptible.

Acts 18:7) How important are the economics of house-churches and bi-vocational ministry in the rapid spread of the first century church? They were very important because it was a means of gathering together. From the synagogue they could be expelled when the truth was exposed. In a house-gathering, that is what they wanted. They wanted to hear the Gospel. In this way new believers grew. What are the advantages of a house-church model? The advantages are that help is given where help is needed, as soon as it is recognized. In a big assembly, the needs arising among the "unimportant" members is easily overlooked. In a small gathering it is more likely that all will take part in some way, be it in serving in a physical, mental or spiritual need. The sharing is more apt and genuine. What are the weaknesses? If there is no movement if leadership or rotation of it, it can easily become clicky. Instead of being a blessing, weaker members can be ousted. So just as with big gatherings these too have their problems. It is important to wait on the Lord and follow His guidance.

(Acts 18:3; 20:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10; 1 Corinthians 4:12) Why does Paul earn his living by skilled labor rather than through offerings from the church? No one can turn to him and point a finger saying that he was lazy and took offerings as an excuse not to do/perform manual labour. He worked for his keep. He did not rely on others to fend for him. In working for his keep he could also mingle easier with the ones he wanted to reach for Christ. Why do you think Christians believe that "full-time Christian ministry" is better than bi-vocational ministry? Possibly that the person is then free to move around wherever he is needed and whenever without being bound by secular "strings" as it were. The danger with this is expecting the person to be on duty 24/7. At the beck and call of all and sundry. Wisdom also is needed. What lessons did Paul teach the believers by his example of working for his living? He taught that we are not to just expect to be fed and not work for our food or needs to be met, just because.