Jose Rivera

Laying down your life is symbolic of what Christ did for us. When I look at my contribution I stop the me first approach and think of others first. I think all the examples given so far (in this thread) of what this is have covered this special kind of love well. One point that I will stress involves small groups. One of the best things people in churches can do is commit to meeting together outside of the sanctuary. Small Group Ministry offers this and so much more, if you haven't experienced this look into it, you will not be disappointed. A large benefit is that it handles the needs of both large and small congregations. Many go to church on Sunday and then go home. They never get to know many in their own church. At times they never get to really know the folks who sit next to them on Sunday. In large churches many individuals disappear within the congregation. They never get to know anybody, at times it is like they are not there, invisible. Small Group Ministries allow folks to come together on a regular basis and not only interact, but grow. They learn about one another, offer support and become a family. It is a beautiful thing and God is at the center of it all. A prime example of this in action takes place in Acts 2:42-47. Read it and see how they grew and were rewarded by God. God bless.

Q4. (1 John 2:15-17) What kinds of sins are covered by the three examples of worldliness that John gives? Why are these sometimes so difficult for us to discern in ourselves? Why is worldliness so harmful to our future? Matthew 5:28 discusses adultery in the heart. It applies here and all three sins mentioned are within each of us. The hardest thing to work on and keep in the forefront of our mind is the fact that we separate ourselves from God when we do these things. God's points in 1 John 2:15-17 examines all, the sins of the flesh, the mind and the heart. When we value things within the world more than our relationship with God we are not placing Him first. He further states that the world is passing away. It is not forever, it is a moment of our life, yet we at times draw closer to it and what it provides than the one who provides forever. I deal with this daily and I know you do also. One thing that helps me remember what is important is Psalm 33:13-15. Read this every day and you will remember that all that you do is important and seen by God.

Confession is first an acknowledgment by me of an act or thought that is wrong. I realize it and I act on it by confessing it to the Lord. My action is based on seeking to restore my closeness to God. It is also based on knowing that He is quick to forgive, He delights in me, He wants me to grow and learn and above all reach out to others pointing to Him. Anything that I do that separates me from God must be addressed and acknowledged. Psalm 32 speaks to the joy of confession. Regarding confession it says: "When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night your heavy hand was upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer." Psalm 32:3-4. That is the result of a sin that is not forgiven. God's word is plain. "Blessed is he whose transgressions is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit." Psalm 32:1-2. Always remember that God wants nothing to separate you from Him. Also know that He always knows of your difficulties, He only asks that you seek Him, He will forgive and He will release you from the bondage of unconfessed sin. I thank God for that always.

Q2. (1 John 1:5-7) What is the result when a Christian walks in darkness, that is, continues willfully to do what he or she knows to be wrong? How does this involve self-deception? What is the result, according to verse 7, when we walk in the light? How do we get back into the light if we sin? I am reminded of Matthew 7:21-23. I feel the supreme problem is that we are not one with God. We choose to sin and it causes separation. If not addressed it can lead to disownment. We can not glory ourselves by satisfying our own needs, lusts, desires, etc. We must constantly search our ways with scripture as the level. If not we cannot say we walk in light, the fact is we walk in darkness. In that is the greatest lie and we only fool ourselves. When we choose to walk in the light we acknowledge Him and strive to be as He is. This is what being a Christian is all about. If we find that our actions fall short we must confess them and ask forgiveness. He will forgive, He is merciful and wants no one to perish. Yet, we should not commit the same sin again. Having learned and gaining forgiveness our future actions should be free of repetition. I say "should" because of the human element and our weakness to the flesh. Daily time with God in study, prayer, and self examination will allow the Holy Spirit to feed us as we have need. Fellowship with other believer's will also add strength due to the fact that we may see ourselves in their actions. What we have learned can assist them and also us. In this there is also great accountability as we share and pray for one another.

Hello Everyone, I am Jose Rivera. I live in Carrollton Texas and I am excited about beginning this study with each of you. I have particpated in Pastor Ralph's studies before and they have really been great. If you every want to speak about anything I have said, do not hesitate to email me. I am always open to discussion regarding God's Word.

Q5. What does it tell us about the status of the Lamb that he is worshipped alongside "him who sits on the throne"? (5:13-14) In John 1:1 it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Later in John 1:14 it says, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Now in Gen 1:1 it says, " In the beginning God created the the heavens and the earth. What can I say about these verses? First, I can say that God is from the beginning and always will be. Second, I can say that The Word was with our Father in the beginning. Third I can say that the word became flesh and dwelt among us. Now, in Rev. 5:12 it says, "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Rev 5:13 says, "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. These verses tell me that Jesus is back where he started, no longer seperated from the Father, seated along side of Him. What a wonderful revelation. What a gift we have received. I am humbled by this fact and I know all of us feel the same way. Our challenge is to make others aware of these same facts so that they too may experience what we have. I challenge you to share what you have learned with those He sends before you. I challenge you to get to know them when possible, share what is possible and let them see Him in all you do. He will do the rest, in His time. He who is seated next to the Father, over all will do the rest. What a wonderful revelation. He is the beginning and the end. He is the creator and the builder. He is the provider of all blessings, He is God. Amen.

Welcome to the study Haar, it is great to have you here. Jose

Q1. When repeated often, doesn't the Lord's Supper run the risk of becoming mundane and lose its meaning? Why did Jesus command its repetition? I agree with the statements already made. I think our Lord knows of our weaknesses, needs to satisfy the body and resist the temptations brought about through this world. For this reason I believe He commanded us to "do this," in remembrance of Him. Without reminders I fear some would forget who they are, I did in my early walk. Even today I sometimes see myself in what I call a short fall. Short because it does not last and fall because it draws me away from God. While these short falls happen less and less they still happen. I am sure you can relate to becoming angry while driving and thinking or saying something that is not loving regarding another driver. Perhaps while waiting you become angry because you have more pressing matters to attend to or you are fighting the clock. Your thoughts begin..."how long must I wait in this...." All of us have short falls, God knew this and He left us His word to meditate on and I believe he gave us the Lord's Supper to serve as a reminder to many of His life, death and what it all meant. Even those who do not study the bible have been exposed to the Lord's Supper. For many it has served as a seed that drew them to Him. So, can it become mundane? Only if a person allows it to become so in their mind by failing to value it for what it represents. As noted in my response the purposes are many, I have only listed a few. All that our Lord tells us to do can only be limited by our thoughts and inactions. The results or true measure of what our obedience brings is only intangible to our minds and life cycle. However, He knows and sees all. Amen.

Q5. Why should the words, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28) fill us with sorrow? Why should they fill us with joy? The statement refers to Jesus

Q4. Why is it so important to forgive those who have offended us before partaking of the Lord's Supper? In what sense are the Lord's Supper and unforgiveness incompatible? We are commanded to forgive. What stands out to me is that Jesus himself forgave those who were killing Him. That is something that is uncomprehensible then and still today. The murder of the innocent carries heavy penalties and many have paid. Some have escaped punishment but they too will receive punishment. Jesus was without sin, His heart was love, His mind was focused on the Father's business...everyday of His life. If I am to partake of the Lord's Supper in remembrance of him, I cannot allow anything to be between us. I must forgive those who have offended and hurt me. If I cannot forgive them, how can I seek to identify with Him, His sacrifice and resurrection? I must not have anything that would seperate me or dishonor a remembrance of Him. This is one of our greatest challenges. I pray for myself and others who face this challenge.

Q4. Which part of the meaning of the Lord's Supper is most valuable for you at this point in your spiritual journey when you partake of and meditate on the Lord's Supper? I have to say that the connection to Christ

Q3. Which action words used to describe the elements of the Lord's Supper, teach us that we are to be thinking of Jesus' sacrifice of atonement, when we partake of the Lord's Supper? I agree with all the comments above this one. The words given, broken for, poured out, and forgiveness all speak to Jesus' sacrifice of atonement. They show the reality of His actions and the pain He endured for us. Whenever I have hear these words, they always bring about a strong identity and experience. I cannot feel what He endured but I have a knowledge of understanding from their meaning. In that sense, the Lord's Supper is a real experience of Jesus' sacrifice. God Bless. Jose

Symbolism is defined as, "the symbolic meaning or meanings of a thing or event." (Wordsmyth Dictionary) Jesus told us to, "Do this in remembrance of me." When I come to the time when I can participate in the Lord's Supper I am reminded of all He did. I am also reminded of all He endured. His body broken, His blood spilled, His death and ressurrection. That remembrance keeps me focused on the now, who I am through Him and what He made possible. If we focus on what this symbolic act represents and not the symbols themselves I believe we act as Jesus purposed.

Hello everyone, My name is Jose and I am glad to meet you. I am a Photographer in Dallas Texas, recently relocated here since Katrina. I have done a few studies through Joyful Heart and I can clearly say that you will enjoy and be blessed through them. I am looking forward to studying with you and learning from His word together. Don't hesitate to send me an email using the forum if you ever want to chat. God bless.

What is the significance of serving Jesus as a "slave" as opposed to serving him as a preference? What does it say about the quality of our service? Of our commitment? What is wrong with leaders who serve out of preference? Phi 2:22:But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. The Greek word used in Phi 2:22 meaning served is Douleuō. It means to be a slave, literally of figuratively, involuntary or voluntary. It comes from the Greek word Doulos, adding to the preceding definition,