Trusting God

God tells Hosea to marry a woman of ill-repute to illustrate His love for Israel, and their unfaithfulness to Him. Hosea, an Old Testament prophet, whose life illustrates how God looked at Israel during their times of rebellion. This story teaches us that God looks unfavorably upon sin, but He is constantly reaching out to us to repent, and turn back to Him. God's relationship in this story shows how He is ready to redeem and to forgive Israel of their wicked and sinful choices if they would make the choice to live their lives completely for Him. Grace speaks of restoration. Like Israel, we too will sin, but it is God's love, mercy, and compassion that will bring us back to Him. Praise the Lord. He never gives up on His children.

God will forgive sin of all kinds when a believer come to Him with a humble and repentant heart. Disobedience to God and His Word can bring rebellion into a believer's life. For those who does not come to God with a humble, and repentant heart asking for His forgiveness they will receive their just punishment. Hebrews 10:31 - "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

God's characteristics and attributes is seen in everything He does. He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and faithfulness. This encompasses grace, and is seen in His love to the world, and in giving of His only Son, Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the whole world.

The difference between grace and earning wages is that I cannot earn grace like I would if I was working where I will be earning a paycheck based on what I agreed to work for. Grace is not earned and is based on the favor of the giver. It is not based on the goodness of the recipient. A working definition of Grace is that God has reached out to the world through His Son Jesus Christ, because of His love for the world. All who believe in His Son will be recipients of grace. Nothing earned or deserved, but based on God's love for us. This proves that "the God of all grace" is full of mercy and love.

Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? The thief recognizes Jesus as God. His faith was revealed when he asked Jesus to remember him in paradise. Did he confess his sins? Yes. "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve" (Luke 23:41). Does he repent? Not verbally, but yes, I think he did. His repentance and hope prompt his plea for mercy, "Remember me...." What did the thief receive that day? The thief received love, mercy, compassion, and a promise that he will be with Jesus in paradise, because of his faith in the Messiah on the cross. What do you think this meant to Jesus? Jesus probably felt joyful that a soul has been saved from hell, and He was following the Father's will to the end of His ministry. The death on the cross. I had never thought about the fact that the dying thief would be companion given to Him by God because He knew that He would not be able to look on Jesus, His Son, carrying our sins on the cross. What love.

I am the one that sent Jesus to the cross. He died for my sins and the sins of the whole world. John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God, His Father allowed Jesus to die on the cross for my sins and the sins of the whole world, because He GAVE His only begotten Son. "GAVE" - God voluntarily gave His Son, and Jesus willingly followed the will of God. Mankind could not make claim to this. For every sin, I commit or have committed Jesus died for. That is why it is so important to repent with godly sorrow when I/we do wrong, I John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus prayed for me through and because of God's mercy and His righteousness. This is how God has forgiven me/us..

Q4. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5) Why is perseverance so important as we see wickedness increasing? Perseverance is important as we see wickedness increasing, because we need to stand firm in the midst of every difficulty of life. Stand firm on the truth that God is in control, and He will work His plan and purpose in our lives as we grow and mature in Him. What happens if we stop believing and being patient? If we stop believing and being patient then we will fall, and lose heart, faith, and confidence in God’s power and ability to see us through. How can we help one another persevere? We can help one another persevere by standing beside them, and pray with and for them during difficult times. What part does faith and perseverance have in our salvation? God is faithful and will protect us when we hold on to our faith in Him, and persevere to stand in the face of difficulty. What part does God's redemption and grace have in our salvation? God’s redemption and grace is a major part of our salvation. For through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross God has redeemed us from the power of Satan, darkness, and wickedness. It is His grace that He has freely given to all that believe in the free gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” It is this grace that will lead, guide, and protect us until we are in God’s presence, and we can enjoy the good gifts that God has given us when we stand firm in His truth. Hallelujah

How can a preaching of the truth set people free? A preaching of the truth can set people free when they will realize that the power of God is greater than any hold that Satan and His demons of darkness, sin, wickedness, and deception can have over them. Satan is a deceiver and a destroyer of all that is holy and right. God wants to build up a person in character and righteousness of the truth. When we preach the gospel of truth we show the world that we have confident in God and His ability and power to help us to live holy lives before Him and the world. In spite, of the opposition we can stand firm in the truth of God’s Word and His promises.

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-5; Revelation 13:5-8) What are the characteristics of the Antichrist that Paul gives in this passage? The characteristics of the Antichrist that Paul gives in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5 are: Lawless (2:3), he rebels against God, becoming lawless -- a law to himself. Rebels (2:3b). He rebels against God by leading a worldwide rebellion or apostasy. The Antichrist, the one opposed to God, will leads a rebellion against God -- the ultimate lawlessness! Opposes (2:4a). He will oppose any and every deity and religion, whether the true God or false gods. Exalts himself (2:4b). He will be characterized by pride, and will seek to exalt himself above all deities that are worshipped here on earth. He will allow no equals. In Paul's day, Roman emperors had declared themselves as gods, but this is something far greater. Takes his seat in the temple of God (2:4c), that is he will take the place of God. Proclaims himself to be divine (2:4d). He will not only take God's rightful place in the temple, he will announce to all that he is indeed God himself. What does Revelation 13:5-8 add to our basic understanding? "The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months. He opened his mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast -- all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." (Revelation 13:5-8) In Revelation 13:5-8 the Antichrist, who is the beast, will reign for forty-two months or three and a half years. He will blaspheme God, and slandered His name. He will wage war against God’s people, and will be given authority over all the earth, and everyone whose name is not in the Lamb’s book of life will worship him. Interestingly, in Revelation 13:1-4, the dragon gave the beast his power, and because of this the dragon will also be worshipped.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-3) In what way were the Thessalonians confused? The Thessalonians were confused because they thought that the Day of the Lord and Christ had already come. They were deceived by false teachers, and did not understand that the Antichrist had to come first, before Christ comes back to earth. What is the order of Christ's coming in relation to the revealing of the Antichrist? The order of Christ’s coming in relation to the revealing of the Antichrist is that the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness, will cause a rebellion against God, and will be revealed before Christ returns.

Q4. (2 Thessalonians 1:9) How might you describe Christ’s glory? Christ’s glory is His majesty, splendor, which will be awesome and breathtaking. How will his glory be terrifying to unbelievers? God’s glory will be terrifying to unbelievers because Christ’s light and glory will be of such intensity that sinners or unbelievers will not be able to look upon Him or stand before Him. Matthew 6:15-17 - "Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:15-17) If heaven involves sharing this glory forever, what would it be like to be excluded forever from the glory? To be excluded forever from the glory of God forever means that there will much weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth for unbelievers shall burn forever in the lake of fire. (Matthew 24) "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see 'the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven' with power and great glory." (Matthew 24:30) "The Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done." (Matthew 16:27) In what ways is the phrase “outer darkness” a helpful description of hell? “Outer darkness” is a helpful description of hell, because it describes the lake of fire, and eternal punishment and judgment.

Q3. (2 Thessalonians 1:9) According to verse 9, what kind of punishment will unbelievers experience? "They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power." (1:9) Unbelievers will experience eternal or everlasting destruction or ruin for their sins. They will feel the wrath of God (Romans 6:23), and will be banished or separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory or majesty of His power forever. One definition of “hell” is “a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked.” What parts of this definition are confirmed in verse 9? In verse 9, “everlasting” means unending. Eternal life is unending, and this means that eternal punishment is forever, thus hell will be a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked or unbeliever. Which parts of the definition trouble you? Why? I am only troubled because people have chosen to deny Christ and not accept His love and grace for their sins. They have refused the free gift of God’s son who died for the sins of the whole world. Just as God do not want anyone to perish, I do not want to see anyone go to hell, and to know that they are eternally separated from God forever. John 3:15-18 – “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 1:6‐7) Would God be just if he did not punish sin? No, God would not be just if he did not punish sin for He is Holy. His justice and judgment is righteous and fair. What is the difference between rehabilitation and retribution? The difference between rehabilitation and retribution is that rehabilitation is treatment, therapy, or cure. Retribution is reckoning, repay, or payback. When does a Christian’s rehabilitation take place? A Christian’s rehabilitation takes place after they have accepted Christ as their Savior. It is at that point that a cure for their sin has been made. The wrath of God and price for sin has been paid by Christ. When does a sinner’s retribution take place? At the moment of salvation a sinner’s retribution take place, because Christ has reckoned or payback the price for our sin. Romans 6:10-12 - For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. How do you balance love and justice? Love and justice is balanced through God. It is He who brings righteous vengeance or righteous judgment against the wicked. It is only God who is able to balance love and justice.

Q1. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5) In what ways do persecution, pressure, and stress help us grow strong in Christ? Persecution, pressure, and stress help us grow strong in Christ when our faith is tested then when we are doing well. Four points is seen when our faith is tested. Growing faith – Experiencing God’s answer to our prayers and trials. Increasing love – As we experience common trials together it strengthens us and it binds us in love for one another. Perserverance – Steadfastness; Helps us to hold on in the face of difficulties and trials, and Counted worthy – To be able to stand the test proves that we are worthy of the kingdom to which we have been called. What would we be like without the testing of our faith? Without the testing of our faith we would be like a sinking ship without an anchor, or a young tree whose roots has not taken hold, or have no stakes to keep it from blowing over. We would not have any hope or a sure foundation, which is Christ. 2 Timothy 2:19 - Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV) Isaiah 33:6 - He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 3:11 - For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) If you met a true Christian who had no assurance of salvation, how would you explain to him or her God's power to protect and present them blameless before Christ at his coming? If I met a true Christian who had no assurance of salvation, I would explain to them of the security we have in Christ that no one can take our salvation from us. God will guard, keep, and protect them with His power, not ours. (John 10) We are unable to fight against the evil one, but God is all powerful. He is able. John 10:27-30 - “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one.” I Thessalonians 5:24 - “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” What is the problem of having no assurance of salvation? The problem of having no assurance of salvation means that we will live a life of hopelessness, and will have no faith in God’s ability or power. We have to have faith and believe in God and His Word to give us the assurance that He can deliver us from any trials or circumstances that we are going through. When we cling to God, His Word, His promises, and His ability and power we will be assurance of God’s capability to take care of us and see us through. Titus 2:11-14 - “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” I John 5:7-15 - “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” What is the problem of having a false assurance of salvation? A person who have a false assurance of salvation is lacking faith in God. They do not fully believe that God keeps His Word. This can come from lack of Bible Study, praying without believing or not having a prayer life, not regularly attending church, and can also be caused by lack of fellowship with other believers. They will have to be under the Word in a Bible believing church, so that, they will not be tossed to and fro with uncertainty of God’s power in their lives. 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Hebrews 12:1-3 – “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”