Irmela

2. Why do you think Jesus asks Peter to do the impossible task of catching fish during the day, after he's tried all night and failed? I guess Peter and the crew were exhausted after having worked in their own strength and been completely unsuccessful. Then Jesus sends them to the same place at a seemingly wrong time to perform the same task again. This time it was in obedience to Jesus's instruction. Testing Peter to trust him even in the situation that was familiar ground to Peter. This experience proved to Peter that with Him all things are possible. He could hold onto this experience later in his life and be reminded.

1. What things does Jesus ask Peter to do and in what order? I guess the first request was to get into the boat. Jesus then requested Peter to draw away a little from the shore. He then told Peter to put out into the deep water and to lower the nets (he also added the reason) for a haul. Finally after the miracle ... Have no fear, from now on you will catch men. Why the progression do you think? He started off with the familiar setting and then used the familiar ordinary everyday task and told Peter to do the ridiculous (according to human perspective) viz. to lower the nets for a haul, in broad daylight and on top of it all, when they had unsuccessfully toiled throughout the night and had caught nothing. This proved to be a miraculously successful task. How absolutely exciting. I guess He wanted absolute obedience without questioning. Even if the task seemed ridiculous. Being ready to prove what man thought impossible to do what with God is possible.

1. What does Jesus' ministry of laying on of hands for healing teach us about Him? To touch someone is very personal. For me it means, "I'm okay. I am not untouchable or leprous or too dirty." It showed that Jesus did not see others as too lowly to be touched. There was no fear of being contaminated. Jesus desired to make contact with the people. 2.How did Jesus treat the sick people he encountered that afternoon and evening in Capernaum? What kind of example does that set for us to follow? He left no one out. He laid hands on them and cured them. V40 We learn not to be afraid of "touching" someone in need, to be compassionate. To be sensitive to the need of a person or people. Not to turn anyone away, but to keep on going on with what God has sent us to do. 3. Which was the more important motivator for Jesus: compassion or duty? Did they ever conflict? I guess they came very close, working hand in hand. Jesus knew what His duty was and followed through with it. Lk 4:43 4. Why is it so hard to maintain a Quiet Time? What have you found that enables you to set aside this time? It is very easy to have wondering thoughts while reading. Ending up not knowing what one has read. The mind is ready with part of the rest of the day. Doing these on line studies have been a tremendous help.

7. What will happen in your life if you toy with or nurture the temptations you have to sin? What happens when sin and satan get a foothold in your life. When you listen to what has happened to someone else in their past. Maybe how because of poverty or not being the same as the majority, that person was tantalized and bitterness set in, this can easily cause yourself to get bitter too, by recalling things that had taken place in your own past as well. Soon these memories will cause a festering in your thinking as well. Soon you get tripped up by something that would normally not affect you at all. This is allowing satan a foothold in your life. It brings about unhappiness and breaks up trust that had been built up and breaks up friendships. It brings about depression and lonliness.

5.Why isn't recovery from demonic deception always instantaneous? What is the process of deliverance that a person must go through to come to full freedom? People who have lived with demonic delusion or obsession develop a series of coping mechanisms. Once the obsession has been dealt with this coping life-style needs to be dealt with, or unlearned as it were. This takes time. Firstly, we need to face the truth and repent. Deep heart-felt repentance that brings a change in our attitude and thinking. No superficial stuff. John 8:32 states ... you will know the truth and the Truth will set you free. 2Tim 2:25&26 ... that he may repent and come to know the truth ... and escape out of the snare of the devil ... henceforth to do God's will. Then the person must be filled with Power. Not be set free, cleansed and left but that void or emptiness must be filled. Refer to Matthew 12:43-45. A worse condition can be expected if he does not allow this to be so. The devil does not relinquish his prey easily.

4. Do you think demonization describes a range of demon influence, rather than complete possession? Why? Or why not? Yes, i do think the influence is different. In Matthew 9:32 we read that a man under the power of a demon, was dumb and as soon as the demon was driven out, the man could speak. In Matthew 12:32 we read a man was under the power of a demon and he was blind and dumb. When Jesus cured him, he could both see and speak. In Mark 5 we read about the man who lived among the tombs in the region of the Gerasenes. He could not be subdued, even with chains. He was a wild man under the power of an unclean spirit. In fact it was a legion of demons that Jesus drove out. Later the man was clothed and in his right mind. In Luke 13 we read of a woman who was bent completely forward and could not straighten up. It was an infirmity caused by a spirit (a demon of sickness) Lk 13:11 Jesus loosed her (healed her). In Luke 8:2 we read that some women had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Also demons had been expelled from them. In Luke 9:37-43 we read of a child who was seized by an evil spirit, who convulsed him and let him foam at the mouth, threw him down etc. Here too Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the child. Matthew 17 refers to this incident and mentions that the child has epilepsy or is moon-struck. (v15) In verse 21 Jesus says that some demons only go out by prayer and fasting. The above accounts reflect different ways that the evil spirits influence the people.

3. Why do you think the demon oppressed man interrupted Jesus? It was getting too "hot/uncomfortable" for him. He was under conviction. i. e. the demon felt threatened. By interrupting Jesus, the demon was causing a distraction/disturbance, so the people would look to his activities and not listen to what Jesus was teaching.

2. What was the source of Jesus' conviction and authority? His divinity? Or something else? Should we expect conviction and authority to attend our own teaching? Why or why not? Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and whatever He said and did was done under the leading of the Holy Spirit. We too should act only under the leading of the Holy Spirit, then our words too, will be full of Power a d authority.

1.What is the relationship between Jesus' commission in Lk4:18&19 and His ministry acts in Capernaum? Jesus was teaching on the Sabbath days and it was with authority. He set the captives free - i. e. those who were bound or possessed by demons, the demons were cast out and the persons (captives) were free from the demon spirits.

4. How did Jesus show courage in the face of rejection? He did not run away, but faced the and walked away through them. What lesson can you learn from His example? God is in control. Ultimately they can do nothing to you unless God allows it. Then He is there with you, as He promised and carries you in the midst of the storm, as it were.

1. How can it be that Jesus can go from declaring His commission from God on high one moment, to being subjected to an attempted assassination the next?? Have you ever experienced highs and lows this extreme? At first everyone was excited that Jesus had come back after having been gone for quite a while. Then when pointing out the truth of going to be rejected by them, they suddenly put just what had been underlying into practice and attempted to throw Him down the cliff. Almost an underlying disbelief and jealousy. 2.Why do you think Jesus 'rubbed it in' with two stories of God blessing Gentiles, while Jews were still in need? Is He egging on the residents of Nazareth? He needed to verify His statement. Elijah and Elisha were prophets, who, like others in their profession, experienced rejection and persecution. Both had been used with miracles taking place among non-Jewish audiences. Elijah, just before the great victory on Mt Carmel had been fed for three and half yrs by the widow of Zarapheth (non-Jewish) who had nothing, and Elisha had been used to give advice to Naaman the Syrian general, who was leprous. Through this he was cured. I think Jesus is pointing out factual truths. 3. Why couldn't they kill Jesus at Nazareth? Why did Jesus willingly allow Himself to be captured in the Garden of Gethsemane? It was not Jesus' time to be killed as yet, in Nazereth, but in the Garden of Gethsemane His time had been fulfilled.

It has been an eye-opener to read many of the answers. Many were written a long time ago. It was amazing to sense the urgency with many to go back and fulfill what had not been completed previously. I too pray for grace that God will help me in my walk forward to do that what He has called me to do. To be faithful, no matter what.

5. How should you heal the broken-hearted in your world? Bring comfort to them also. "Weep with the ones who weep. Spend time with them. (That I find is very important. Not many are willing to do that and it brings such a deep loneliness that one can be swallowed up by it and eventually you do not feel safe without it. It becomes like a safe mantle around you with which you need to go on living.) Allow them to talk about their pain when they are ready and comfortable to do so. 6.Who are the oppressed in your community? How can you assist them and help them find justice? One would say the unemployed and addicts who cannot get help. The very poor who are trying to 'survive' and do so in a never-ending circle and cannot get out of it. The orphans who look to the community at large for mercy and help. Old people who find it hard to fend for themselves. Farmers who are so often attacked and brutally murdered. There is no just justice anymore. The crooks get off free to just break in and steal again. Even murderers. There is peace in Jesus alone.

3.Why can being around the very poor make us feel uncomfortable? I personally feel uncomfortable around poor and rich alike. In fact strangers as well as people I know. Often not only on their turf but mine also. It always takes a while before I am almost comfortable. It could be because of the uncertainty of maybe imposing on their time or uncertain of being able to give what they expect from me or conducting myself in the way I am expected to. Remember certain conduct in one group is accepted but not acceptable in another group. An excellent example about this is Bruchko by Bruce Olson and his experience amongst the Motilone Bari Indians in Columbia and Venezuela. Can we with integrity declare good news to the poor without seeking to alleviate their poverty? Can the two be separated? Should they be? I guess one can alleviate a present need, e.g. give clothing or food (whatever one has to give or share). That does not mean o e takes them out from where they are. Instead of always 'giving the fish' one can teach them 'to fish'. While doing this their confidence is won and one can share the Good News with them. The reason for the poverty is not always the same. Sometimes it is because of laziness, drug abuse, illness, investments gone wrong, loss of job etc. Each person is different. Encouragement is given with the Good News and generally this is welcome. Did Jesus give alms to the poor, do you think? If alms include merciful deeds, then the Gospels record many such examples not only to the poor but to the needy.

4. Who around you is a prisoner? How can you declare freedom to them with sensitivity? Those imprisoned by habits and desires that tie them up and they cannot choose differently when tempted. e.g. sexual ****, drinking alcohol, drugs, nicotine. Others again tied up by the love of money or things. They can be encouraged by reminding them that Christ does forgive and He is their strength to enable them to withstand the temptation.

1. Is it reasonable to expect that the power of the Spirit will be as great in a Christian today as it was in Jesus? John 14:12 ..... he will do even greater things than these. The greater works are the direct result of the Spirit's working in and through them. John 15:7 If you live in Me ... and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you. The Power of the Gospel transforms lives. John 16:23-24 ... asking in His Name Prayer is the means by which we ask God to extend His Kingdom and do His will on earth as it is in Heaven. Our desire ought to be to see God glorified through the Lord Jesus. Isaiah 55:8&9 His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. ..... 2. Here is a premise "If we are followers of Jesus, then Jesus' commission is our commission too. We must both embrace His mission and adopt it for ourselves." It could be argued that one person's mission need not be another's. Do you think this is a valid premise? Why or why not? We are all sent out as recorded in Mark 16:15" ... Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the Good News (the Gospel) to every creature of the whole human race. " Is 61:1-3 broadens out what this Good News is and also who these creatures of the human race are. We are not all sent to Siberia, Chile, China, or Africa. Each one has his/her own task in the "Great Commission". Some to stand on platforms and preach to the multitudes, some sent to individuals eg. Bro Sheffey the 'Circuit Rider' preacher. God used him differently to the way He used Billy Graham or Richard Wurmbrand, but each one went and published/lived the Good News as commissioned. Working with the sick and elderly, the underprivileged, be it on home-ground or in a foreign country is just as important. They too are part of the human race.

1. Is temptation only merely inevitable, or is it necessary to our growth as disciples? To quote Dr Ralph, "Innocent faith needs testing to be strong." I would say it is vital to our growth as disciples. A weakness in our character, which is confessed and handed over at the cross, is overcome as we deny to give in to that temptation again when the opportunity comes our way (when we are being tested). As we continue to stand and not give in to the temptation we become stronger in our growth as disciples. (The more often we resist the temptation the less likely we will fall to it if we stay in Christ) 2. What is the essence of the first temptation, to turn stones into bread? Which temptations we face are similar? The temptation to fulfill our physical needs. Here it was to satisfy hunger. Similar temptations are fornication, stealing, cheating, gaming etc. (L*u*s*t of the flesh). 3. What is the essence of the 2nd temptation, to attain power and splendour? What similar temptation do we face today? To obtain wordly glory. We face greedy ambition for power and wealth. The more we have the more we want. (L*u*s*t of the eye). 4. What is the essence of the 3rd temptation, to throw oneself down from the temple? How do we face this temptation today? A temptation of instant acclaim. A desire to be glorified instead of to glorify. Boasting of one's achievements. (pride of life) 5. Did Jesus have any special powers at His disposal to resist temptation that Christians today don't have? Jesus had stripped /emptied Himself of all those 'special powers', according to Philippians 2:7. At His baptism He was filled with the Holy Spirit, which is also available to us. Jesus was in constant communion with God, as we can be also. Jesus knew the Scripture, (it too is available to us), as we hear from His response "It is written..." . 6. What lessons about how to resist temptation does Jesus teach us disciples in this passage? Jesus remained in touch with God through prayer. We need to do the same. Jesus answered with the Word (Scripture). He teaches us to do the same. It is part of our Armour, the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. We need to surrender our lives to the Father's will.

1. What do you think Jesus was saying to the Father as He was praying after His baptism? (v21) Lead and guide me as You will. (2) Why would Jesus be baptized along with all the sin-laden people at the river that day? To fulfill God's plan to identify with people, He humbled Himself still further and was baptized. He obeyed completely. He did not leave out anything. Wasn't He in danger of mis-communicating to them Who He was? No. The Voice from Heaven also confirmed Who He was. The by-standers had no excuse, they heard clearly. (3) Why do you think God staged the dove to descend in a visible way? (v22) Nothing was hidden. There was a visible manifestation of the Spirit descending upon Him as a dove. In John 1:32-34, John testifies that it was revealed to Him that he would know for certain, without a shadow of a doubt that the One upon whom he will see the Spirit descend and remain is He Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit a d he adds, "My testimony is that this is the Son of God." 4. What was the significance of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at this time in His life? It was almost as though confirming that this was the official time of the start of His ministry. 5. How did Jesus interpret the Voice that sounded from Heaven? Words of encouragement from His Heavenly Father for what lay ahead. 6. Did Jesus become the Messiah at this point? No Or become divine? No Or how do you understand this decisive event? Jesus came as the Messiah, and was already this, in Bethlehem and was there already worshiped as Immanuel, God with us; acknowledged as the King by the Wise Men from afar; as Messiah by the shepherds; as God's anointed by Simeon etc. He just lay aside these attributes for a season. He emptied Himself, and was fully man. Now in continued obedience He showed Himself to be part of the crowd of humanity in the humbling experience of being baptized (washing and cleansing from sin) even though He had no sin. The Holy Spirit descending upon Him visibly and the voice which was heard was then confirmation that what had been done to this point, God was pleased with. (He was not in this walk alone)

3. What does it mean to be "Spirit-filled" How would our lives be different if we were truly filled and flooded with the Holy-Spirit? Our nakedness (inabilities) would be covered and taken over by the Holy-Spirit. Our thinking and reaction would be Spirit-filled and be full of power and changes would be seen all around us. (4) We may be afraid of 'fire-of-judgment' kind of language, but what should our response be to warnings of terrible judgment? We should examine ourselves in the light of God's Word and bring any sins and short-falls before our Saviour and ask forgiveness and help for renewal and draw closer to Him. If needs be change our lifestyle. 5. How good a change - motivator is the warning of future judgment? What other motivators might people respond to in addition to this? Or better than this? It should bring about a real healthy fear of God and a realization that eternity is a reality. We need to live for God and not only bask in His mercy and forgiveness. The LOVE God has for us should give us the sense of need to live for Him so others too can find Him and not be lost for eternity. We can only pray for them that their eyes be opened and they recognize the end-result of a life without God.

2. What does John's comparison of water baptism to Spirit baptism tell us about what Spirit baptism means? Water baptism represents God's cleansing and the washing away of our sins (a baptism of repentance acknowledging one's need for cleansing) Water being symbolic of cleansing. Spirit baptism is being immersed in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit being the agent or representative of the cleansing (and power)

1. Isn't John the Baptist's humble statement, "the thong of whose sandals I am unworthy to untie", a bit overstated? Are we unworthy to serve Christ? If so, why? If not, why not? No, it is not overstated. As sinners we would not be able to come before God Who is holy, it is only because of becoming 'new creatures' clothed in Christ's righteousness, that we can humbly come before Him, i . e. only because of grace. A few examples brought to mind are found recorded: In Luke 5:8 when Peter recognized who Jesus was and ack owledged his own unworthiness, he felt he needed Jesus to depart from Him. In Matthew 8:8 the centurion acknowledged who Jesus was, by stating his unworthiness to have Him come to his house. In 1 Corinthians 15: 9 & 10, Paul acknowledged his unworthiness and that it was by grace alone he could work for Christ.

4.Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this temptation show up in your line of workor education or home? Fairness, honesty and justice are required of us. Not taking unfair advantage of others. I do not think that has come up in any way. If inadvertently it has, I repent and ask Father's forgiveness and help that I can rectify it. 5. How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance? When there is a change in our attitude and behavior. 6. How does discontent with one's lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance? It makes us greedy, which stems from a lack of trust. We would need to dethrone materialism fully and completely.

1. Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes? Vipers are venomous, deadly. People that are not serious of repentance or living for God are a danger to those who have a desire to do so. Especially those new in the faith. Vipers that flee from 'danger' are those people who flee into the midst of a crowd who desire to live for God and sow discontent and discord among them. Instead of concentrating on the Word the new converts concentrate on the 'vipers' who have become a distraction. 2. How did Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call to repentance seriously? How could religious pride have the same effect on us? They felt that they were 'safe' because they were children of Abraham (Jews) and did not need to repent. We too could look at others and compare our lifestyle to example the drunkard, prostitute, thief etc., and think we are not like that and so be proud of our way of life and before we know it religious pride has set in and we are no longer humble, and we look down on them, just as those in John's day. Meanwhile pride needs to be repented of.

3. John was raised in the desert. What kinds of circumstances has God used as a train g ground for your preparation? I had a sheltered childhood by city standards. I had the best parents a child could wish for. God-fearing, strict yet loving, intent on serving God with all their hearts. As a late teen I experienced extreme loss. From a family of 6 we were reduced to 2, lost home and life as I had been accustomed to. Then later a marriage where I learnt about physical and verbal abuse. The pain and turmoil of that time has helped me share first-hand with others, not only of that but more so of God's goodness, faithfulness and love. His promises are true. I experienced Hosea 6:1(b) "He has torn so He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up." 4. How dependant are you upon what others think and say about you? How can you change this without being callous? I have had to " fight" being over-sensitive to others' unfeeling remarks and being left out of things and have that all be OK and not worry about it. In spite of the over-sensitivity, I have usually gone ahead and done what i knew I had to do. Definition of callous is heartless and unfeeling. I am anything but heartless and unfeeling. 5.What would you say to a person suffering from chronic guilt over past sins? Remind him that "all have sinned" Roman's 3:23 Also 1 John 1:9 "If we freely admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and continuously cleanse us from all unrighteousness - everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought and action. " Yes, it is easy to think what one would say - but when the time actually comes, I feel that the Lord will guide as to the words to use. If genuine repentance has taken place one can gently remind the person that God, the Almighty, has forgiven, so who are we, (you or I), that we cannot forgive ourselves. Guilt is the result of unforgiveness on our part. How can guilt be healthy? Repentance often comes as a result of guilt for what was done. How can guilt be unhealthy? When one broods on the wrong/sin committed and ends up having pity parties and cannot overcome the guilt felt for the sin. 6. Why is humbling (such as repentance and baptism in John's day) necessary to form disciples of Jesus? Getting rid of impurities i.e. being cleansed. There is no room for pride, we need to remain humble before God. Pride blocks blessings. We need to be at the place where there is nothing between us and God, so He can use us as His instruments as and how it seems good to Him. 7. What kind of cutting, filling, straightening and smoothing work has God been doing in your life? What does He still need to do? Why is this necessary preparation for disciples? He has allowed failure in relationships. He has allowed aloneness and loneliness in crowds, not being accepted where I thought and hoped I would fit in. He has placed me in situations or positions where I could but only lean on Him. He has opened my eyes to the fact that you cannot (not even slightly) lean on man. Your whole weight needs to be on Him and Him alone. He has proved never to have failed me even in my darkest hour - He has been there. Many curves and kinks have been straightened or (ironed out) there is much work still to be done, but God is in the CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS and He is still working on me. This work g is necessary so that as a disciple I am ready to go wherever, however and whenever with NOTHING BETWEEN us. I am reminded of the song He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be, it took Him just a wk to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be. He's still working on me.

1. Why do you think God chose someone like John to be Jesus' forerunner? John was not a people pleaser. He had learned to rely and trust in God, Who was his Companion, Confidant and Teacher. John's allegiance belonged to God. John was not ordinary, but in the eyes of the people, an accentric, a very out of the norm person (different/unique). An ordinary person would have bent too easily to the extreme religious and political pressures exerted on him. Someone was needed that would not compromise. John was not marred by man's influence. 2. How can we be sure that all our personal differences are part of God's plan and purpose? Can't some be patterns of sinful reactions to past events? God made each person unique. Each one will react to an event/happening differently, possibly because of past experience ; but also, you are you and I am me, we are not each other. God has put us on earth for a purpose and this purpose can only be fulfilled if we allow God to use us as He has purposed us to be by molding us according to His plan. (by allowing Him full-sway in our lives). Sinful reactions to past events can be put aside when we die to ourselves and allow Christ to be the One to live through us. Sinful reactions can be bitterness and this can be resolved by continually placing it at His feet, when it crops up. It can be evil desires/thoughts/lusts - these too can only be overcome by living close to Christ and as soon as they pop up, place them at His feet. It can be extremely low self-esteem, which too has to be conquered, as we continue our walk with Christ. The best we can do is daily ask God to lead us and help us to be the person He has made us to be. (not someone else).