Irmela

Why do you think Jesus waited to ask these questions until he could be alone with his disciples? Why do you think he was spending time in prayer before asking these questions? These were very thought provoking questions and the disciples needed to get their thoughts around them to be able to get their own answer, without mass-hysteria. Both their answers to these questions and what was to follow was 'huge'. The time had come where there was a turning-point in their ministry together. Now whatever happened it was in the open who they believed He was. It would no longer be speculation. Then on top of that He had to prepare them for what was to come, viz., His death by crucifixion. He definately needed time alone in prayer for strength and guidance around these issues. After all said and done, He had come as MAN 2. Why did Jesus ask about what others believed before he asked his disciples what they believed? They needed to get out in the open what was said about Him first. Then they could formulate their own answer viz., either agree or give a new answer. Peter then, as spokesman for the group, said what He believed in his heart to be the truth. YOU ARE THE MESSIAH OF GOD

To count means to determine, to evaluate and to 'look upon as'. No it is reality. Sin has been paid for and I am set free of its power, it has been rendered powerless of its destructive force in my life. Now I can live a victorious, joyous, holy life in Christ Jesus.

Something that is dead is powerless. So if we are crucified wirh Christ, the sin that had bound us before has been crushed / crucified/has been rendered powerless. In this way we have then been set free from the power that sin had over us. The temptations have thus been weakened as we are no longer slaves to sin.

Romans 6:1-7) Is Paul referring to a figurative "death" to sin, or to a kind of historical, actual death? Once we have 'put on Christ' as it were, it is no longer our old nature that is alive, it is Christ that is alive in us. We are 'dead' to sin. It's power over us is broken. From that we take it to be, by faith, a figurative death. Whose death is he talking about? We who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, have been baptized into His death. So if this statement is true of me/you it is us whose death in Christ's death, he is talking about. How does this death become our own? If we are in Christ. To what degree is this just theological mumbo-jumbo or does it have some basis in reality? No mumbo-jumbo. It makes sense. We take on Christ's lifestyle and then look in the mirror and who is reflected. Is it the way we used to be? The old, by faith, is dead and the new is alive.

In the 'act of baptism' when we go under the water, this symbolizes the death and burial of the old; when we come up out of the water, this is symbolic of having'risen from the dead', with/in Christ. The picture that Pickledilly portrays of the butterfly is very clearly a picture of death to the old and a complete new life in the new. Character, lifestyle and everything. Thank you

Baptism is such a beautiful picture. When we are prepared to take this step to go into the water and be fully immersed (dead) laying aside our old 'me' /nature and coming back out of that water (resurrected) no longer my old nature but Christ living in me. It is not necessarily at the time of baptism when that happened. Some are baptised yrs after being Born Again. The baptism is the outward show that the step has been taken. My Gran went through waters of baptism when she was deep in her 70's already. But she loved the Lord with all her heart yrs before that already. She was definately one where Christ was living in her life ... It was not her living but Christ Living in her.

3. Why didn't he create bread and fish from nothing? Why did he ask the disciples to find what they could? What is the significance of the command, "You give them something to eat"? To have created something from nothing would have been easy but the lesson needed, would not have been brought across. This whole situation was beyond quick human help. Jesus sends them to find out what they have to be able to use in this situation. (No good looking how many sticks there were. What could be used to feed the crowd. There were no resources in the field ... berries, wheat, etc) They have FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH. In human hands this was enough for one person, maybe two could share it. But for their need it was completely inadequate. UNTIL IT WAS PLACED IN JESUS' HANDS. Jesus knew that they could not feed the crowd with what they had. They were taught to see and bring what they had into Jesus' hands and He in turn blessed it and gave it back, multiplied and more than enough to meet the need of the crowd.

2. Why did Jesus decide to feed the people rather than dismiss them earlier? There was a lesson in this also. The desciples realized the enormity and impossibility of the task. Their means (resources) were totally inadequate. God was about to show that what is impossible with man is possible with God if given into His Hands.

1. What was Jesus' motivation for teaching and healing on this day, even though he and his disciples were tired? How can we find a balance of attitude and ministry? When do we stop when the needs continue? Jesus and His men were tired and had gotten into the boat to go off to a quiet place. As they stopped and got out of the boat they were met by a crowd of people. Jesus had compassion for the people and saw their need and sought to meet it. In doing this Jesus is teaching us to put the needs of others first. We can rely on God to provide us with the right opening to stop, take stock and bring activities to a halt.

6. Of what value were their reports and Jesus' debriefing? When they reported back, the individual teams could learn from each other. Where there was a problem, it could be discussed and advice could be given on how to handle it and all six teams could learn from each other's experiences and expert advise from the Teacher i. e. from Jesus' debriefing.

How did the disciples' obedience to Jesus' instructions bless people? At first it was one group going out and great multitudes came Now, in that Jesus sends out 6 teams, many smaller towns and villages could be reached and it was easier to get in without a huge following. The reports they brought back were that many were healed. News of what happened spread. So much so that even Herod was worried about it and wondered if it had anything to do with John whom he had beheaded.

4. Why were they told to stay in just one house in each village, and not try to find better lodgings? They needed to learn to be content and get on with what they came to do ... cast out demons, heal and preach ... Looking for other accommodation could also grieve the original host, who were willing to have them in their home. No longer would the stay be a blessing.

3. Why did he instruct them to travel light? Why did he tell them not to bring a staff, a bag, or food, or money, or an extra shirt? What was the point in that? This was the 1st time they were sent out in pairs without Him. It was possibly for training purposes, that they were told to travel light. If they had all the extra items, it would show that they were relying on their own resources. Without the purse you were relying on the Lord to supply what He desired for you at that time Without a bag, again you would be relying on Him to supply your every need. They would not be tempted to rely on their own resources. Without a staff, that would mean without your usual protection, even in that they learnt to depend upon the Lord completely for His protection on their lives.

2. What purposes did Jesus seem to have in sending the Twelve on this mission? Up to this time the disciples had been learning, taking in, observing, hearing, what Jesus was teaching and seeing His way of life. Now it was time to put it all into practice. Now they too were sent out to share, tell others about the Good News. Then later on their return, share experiences and get further help. They were commissioned to drive out demons, cure diseases , preach the Kingdom of God and to bring healing.

1. What's the difference between power and authority? Power is being able to do something. Raw power. Abilility to accomplish an action. Authority is being able to put that power into practice. Having the 'license' to use that power. It is ruling power or official power.

When we accept Christ as our Saviour we move from one headship to the other. By being baptised we acknowledge this step openly and show that we have died with Christ (we go under the water) and then when we come up from the water we show that we have risen with Him. By the baptism we show we have laid aside the old body of sin and have risen to newness of life in Christ. Now it is a new nature that is living. A new life under Christ's headship.

Man was created in God's image. In the image and likeness of God he created him. ... Gen 1:27 God saw that everything He had made was good .... Gen 1:31 God placed man (Adam) in the Garden of Eden to tend, guard and keep it. In verse 16 and 17 Adam was given the instructions of what to eat as well as what not to eat. (a limitation was placed) (The reason was given for the limitation, ... if the mark was overstepped the result would be eventual death) Adam was given the choice .... Obedience or death .... Adam as the first man, represents all humankind. In Gen 2:21-23 we are given a beautiful picture of how woman was formed . Out of man ... part of him By submitting to the wiles of satan and choosing to disobey, Adam chose death. Now that what had been good was spoiled and at the very core there was bad (disobedience). In Gen 5:3 we read that Adam's son was in his likeness. No longer was it all good at the very core there was also what was in Adam. Christ came as the second Adam. He had no sin. He in fact took the 'sin of the world upon Himself' so that we through Him can be made acceptable to God. Sin was paid for once and for all time. So if we as it were put on Christ. It is no longer we that live but Christ that lives in us.. In this way Christ has the right to be head of all His disciples. The DNA for sin, has been ripped out and replaced by Christ's righteousness.

Yes, sin is present without law. When the law is spelled out, as it were, then the deed is written out as sin (for lack of a better way to put it) or is placed under the category of sin. In this way when the Law came sin was revealed and thus seemed so much more. Before it was deeds done. When Law is there it is sins done. Many of the answers spelled it out so well and so much better. One of the first ones was pickledilly on Sept 21 2008.

1. What do Jairus' actions in this story tell us about the state of his faith? We meet Jairus when he comes to Jesus at the same time as the welcoming crowd does. He was well-known to all in the district, as he was the director of the synagogue, and very likely held in high regard. He falls at Jesus' feet, thus humbling himself and showing his need for help and faith in believing that help will be received from Jesus. Going was slow in the crowd that day. Then we are told about the woman who pressed in and was healed and then that blow from the man who said the child was dead. almost scornfully saying to leave the teacher be. (Jairus' move to fetch Jesus for His touch of healing, seemed to be all in vain). From Jesus' supporting answer we can assume that Jairus was alarmed by this news, he was visibly struck with fear (what now ... I trusted and it was for nothing). His faith hit rock bottom but Jesus propped up his waning faith by saying, "Simply believe, and she shall be well. " This is what Jairus then did. He continued to walk with Jesus until they came to the house and could go in together. 2. Have you ever had a time spiritually when you felt God "carried you" in spite of your weak faith? If so, when? Has he set you back on your own feet again yet? Yes, when my contract was finished and the need for younger people to be instated was great, I was no longer needed to do what I loved to do, with a passion. I had to leave and start somewhere else. I was devastated to say the least. BUT God carried me all the way. He has enabled me to start helping elsewhere. 3. Why didn't Jesus let Jairus give up? Jesus does not let us give up. From His side He is always there even should we have to face a death when we had prayed for and hoped for healing. In this instance Jesus said to Jairus, "She is not dead, she is only sleeping." Jesus wanted Jairus to trust beyond the normal. Through this, He teaches us the same. Trust Him, He stands by you and holds you. (Speaking from experience not hearsay. We lost four loved ones in one go, as teen-agers). If we give up it is our choice not God's. 4. Why did Jesus exclude everyone but the parents and his closest disciples from the girl's room? There was too much mockery and unbelief. There were also so many people. Who do you choose to come in and who do you not allow to come in? Favoritism??? That is not Jesus' way of working. That would have been bedlam anyway. Also the young girl had been sick, thus in bed. Having a crowd watch her. Not such a fantastic idea. She'd be hungry. Need quiet and loving surrounding not chaos at this time. (Can you imagine the hysterics if the crowd was let in) 5. What lessons does this passage teach you as a disciple? What do you think we disciples are intended to learn from this? We do not always need a crowd, in on, where Jesus does the "heart-work." Quiet and aloness is also ok. Do not judge the next ones faith, belief, trust etc. Stand by them. Faith is there, it might just need to be propped up by someone and this could be you. Encourage don't break down.

The first one is Christ Who gives us examples on how to live, act in various circumstances, wait, trust etc. We are tied to Christ as His followers. Then we come to leaders in the countries we live in ... the president decides this will be what is done ... it gets made a part of the law and is done ... eg .... isolation, wearing masks etc during Covid-19 pandemic. This is what we then have to do and bide by it. Some decisions make sense others don't. Murdering of babies sure doesn't. So we go on .... as the community thought of is decreased .... President of a country Provincial leader Leader in the town Leader in the township CEO Leader in the church Parents Headmaster of the school Class teacher etc. Members of the group need to act in accordance with the decision of the leader or else they cannot be counted as part of that group.

What things did the lady in our story have going against her? She was bleeding for 12 yrs already. According to Jewish custom, she was unclean. Where she slept, was unclean. Anything she sat on was unclean. Any person she came in contact with was unclean. She was shunned by all who knew about her condition. (She no longer fitted in in society). She was probably a very lonely woman. She was weak because of her condition. She had seen many doctors and no one could help her. Because of the above she was no longer well-to-do. Dr's had drained her resources. 2. Do you think she was superstitious about touching Jesus clothes? How would you assess the quality of her faith? I don't think so. I think she truely believed that Jesus could heal her. I think she probably did not want to put Him in the position of being unclean and felt touching His garment would be enough. If she did it without being noticed He would be safe and so would any and everyone whom she had come into contact with in the jostling crowd. Her faith was extreme 3. Why did Jesus stop? Do you think there was an actual transfer or flow of power? Jesus stopped because He had felt that healing power had gone from Him. Yes I do believe there was a transfer of power. 4. Why do you think Jesus caused her the embarrassment of having to tell her story openly? Jesus stopped and acknowledged her. He showed that He accepted her. He blessed her with 'Peace'. He showed that He did not despise her, He even called her "daughter". Finally He even acknowledged that it was "her faith" that had brought about her healing. 5. Few people have had the gumption and nerve to push their way to Jesus the way this woman did. Why is this so? Why do many fail to receive answers to their prayers? We are afraid it will not happen as we hope. Faith is obviously not great. We have not because we ask not.

Reconciliation means that hostility which reigned between two people has been exchanged for a friendly relationship. Reconciliation with God is necessary because without it we are lost and doomed. Our sins brought about this hostility. Christ's death on the cross was payment for the penalty laid on us and now we can enjoy peace with God. Our life needs to be worked on to reflect Christ like character. This is done by Christ living in us through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification being the action of making something holy. Jesus is sitting at the right side of the Father making intercession for us. Thus as we are human and do sin, Jesus pleads our cause before the Father and His blood is reflected, not our gross sin. The penalty has been paid. PRECIOUS SAVIOR THANK YOU. A THOUSAND TIMES TEN THOUSAND TIMES THANK YOU.

Christ died for us at our worst. This embraces everything. You cannot get worser that worst. So it is for all time. It embraces all. This then gives us the assurance that Christ has paid the penalty, He has redeemed me, set me free. All is forgiven. HALLELUJAH WHAT A SAVIOR!!!!!

Romans 5:2-5) According to this passage why should we rejoice in our sufferings and tribulations? One by one, what is the importance to our lives of: perseverance, tried character, and hope? Our suffering and tribulation are not permanent. They are there to enable us to develop more Christlike characters. They help us to learn to hold on inspite of; to cling to no matter the odds, and by doing so we draw closer to God and our hope of eternal salvation. Thus better to endure with rejoicing and peace for the final product will be worth it all.