anne1151

Q3. (1 Samuel 17:47) Why do we so often forget that “the battle is the Lord’s”? Habit. I am so accustomed to being in charge, or listening and following the directions of someone else, I forget toturn everything over o God. At home, I do the same. All my daily activities, my very life is a battle. Good v.s. evil. I need to be on Gods side always. What does that phrase actually mean? God is here, with us everywhere. The battle could be choices, decisions, childcare, the list is endless, but we need to be on Gods side in it all How can we avoid the arrogance of pulling God into our battles (“God is on my side”), rather than engaging in His battles (“I am on God’s side”)?Remember how puny and frail we are, then look how mighty and awesome God is. Ask Him.

Q2. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) What does David’s explanation to Saul of his combat experience say about David’s faith? He trusts the Lord to protect him in all situations. How lethal is David as a warrior? He has never fought in a battle against man, but has killed strong beasts. Why do you think Saul allows him to go out to battle Goliath? This was Gods plan for David. How could Saul not let him go. Does Saul have faith? Davids faith has impressed Saul, possibly reminded him of his own faith If so, what is the source of it? God has touched Saul thru David.

Q1. (1 Samuel 17:26-30) Why is David so upset about Goliath’s taunt? David loves God wholeheardedly, and considers Goliaths taunts a direct slur against God, and Gods chosen people Why is Eliab, David’s brother, so upset with David? A combination of shame and jealousy. Eliab is afraid of the giant. He lacks the great heart the Lord saw in David. He is probably jealous of David as he, Eliab, was passed over in Samuels God directed search for the new king. What does this teach us about David’s faith? David had been annointed and had the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. His faith was mighty. What does it teach us about Eliab’s character? God saw right thru Eliabs handsome looks to his faint faith and weak heart.

] Q4. (1 Samuel 16:14-23) From Saul’s perspective, why is David summoned to court? To soothe him by playing the harp for him. From God’s perspective, what seem to be the reasons for this service in Saul’s court? to expose David to a leadership role, to richs, politics, and rulers from other nations. He must be transformed from a simple shepherd to a man able to converse with rulers and make many decisions concerning Gods people. What things tend to prevent us from learning from God in the midst of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? Lack of time, noise, bustle and inattention What might make us more teachable? Slow down. Listen for God, don't do all the talking (praying) but wait for Gods answer. Be more discedrning in choices.

Q3. (1 Samuel 1:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? It meant David was Gods chosen. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? God was giving David the power he would need to be a strong leader of Gods chosen people. How does this explain his success? With God being with him, how could David fail. The glory, success, and strength belong to God. How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? We cannot lead others to God if we don't know God ourselves. When we surrender to Gods will and give our lives to Him, the Holy Spirit comes into us, helping and guiding us in Gods path.

A. Many choices in life, some appear perfect to us, but only Gods choice is perfect. We must wait, listen, and pray for guidance. B. By looks, actions, and words. C. Thru the Bible and stories like this. He puts us in the path of people who might not be pretty or handsome or rich or famous, but have the love of God shinning out of them. They know God, and we can tell this by their words and actions. Look beyond external appearances. D. Quiet our racing minds. Quit our planning and figuring things out. Fill our lives with Gods peace.

A. Doing things our way, not listening to Gods instructions B. It puts us, our will, in Gods place as authority figure. God alone should be the authoritative leader. Gods will be done. C. If we are arrogant, think our way is the way to do things, instead of waiting for God to show us His plan, then we are rebelling against God. God has a plan for us to follow, and if we are stupid enough to do what we think will be best, and work best, then we are in a state of rebellion. D. In our hurry hurry rush world, it is sometimes hard to realize that we might not be following Gods plan. It is important to pray and read the Bible. To center ourselves in God. E. We perish. God is displeased. Life goes into chaos.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? I think he wanted to be able to talk to them truthfully, harshly if needed without them being able to control him by threatening his wages. How did this help his ministry? He was free to talk of Jesus. Free to set them an example they could follow. How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? They were used to paying wages to their ministers. They thought the higher the wages demanded, the more knowledgeable the speaker, therefore Paul was not considered wise. How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? Support them with our words, our gifts, and our help when needed. How will Christ honor them? They will be with Him in heaven. His will be done.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 11:1-5) What does it feel like when a congregation loses its pure devotion to Jesus Christ, and instead takes on other motivations for its religious observance? The congregation loses its center, its cornerstone; becomes more argumentative, less loving and forgiving. Satan creeps quietly in with his sneaky ways. The church has no enthusiasm. In what ways is this like the church at Ephesus losing its “first love” (Revelation 2:4)? Our pastor taught on Rev:2 :1-7 Sunday, and he compared it to a couple freshly in love, eager to see and talk to each other, and then the enthusiasm drops off, the heart dosen't burn. This is what happened at Ephesus as the people listened to outsiders rather than praying to and loving God and Jesus as fervently as when they first got the message How can this purity of devotion be restored? Yes. The leader needs to be awakened. This can only be brought about thru prayer and the faithful who still have the intense love for Christ, talking to the leader and praying for him. Then he, the leader (pastor) can again take his rightful place as a true minister and draw the people back to Christ. Much prayer for Gods intervention. A revival.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? God led His people in the old testament, laying siege, tearing down walls, destroying the enemy; Paul is reminding them that God is in control in the present time also. God will deal with the dissenters. Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom? It must be a spiritual stronghold, for satan uses leaders as well as lay people to try to destroy Gods churchs here on earth. Paul, (with Gods direction) is trying to prevent that from happening in Corinth.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) Why should our giving prompt thanksgiving? We should be thankful God has blessed us with ehough to give, and the receiver should also thank God that He provided for them thru us. If they aren't Chrictians, maybe God is touching their hearts with this blessing How is our giving a demonstration of God’s grace? Gods grace met our needs more abundantly than we can ever imagine. His grace allows us to help others Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “surpass-ing”? It is a gift that is the very best. Nothing could ever be greater than that gift, the life of His Son for our redemption Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “indescribable There are no words to describe Gods love, Gods Son, Gods gift of His son for our sins. It is beyond our comprehension

Q3. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11) According to these verses, what is the purpose of God increasing your “store of seed”? So you will have more to share with others. Not only spiritual riches, but everyday needs How do greed and generosity differ from each other? Greed is all about me, me, me. More for me. The more I get, the more I want==for me. Generosity is all for others. I have plenty, so I am happy to share. Even if my needs are small, and are only just met, there is always some to share. What is God’s promise here to generous givers? He will continue to bless you and provide for you and see that you have your needs met with extra to give away.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 9:7) I am answering for my church only. Was very interested in seeing what some of the other answers on the forum were. Why do you think pastors or other church leaders use guilt to try to compel people to give more? My pastor and the deacons recognize the churchs needs. They know the budget; the monies needed to pay the bills, support the missionaries, support the orphans. They sometimes have to encourage us to recognize these needs and to come up with extra money. Can greed be behind their pressure? Again speaking for my church, I don't think so. The pastor has a set salary, unaffected by the offering. The deacons are not paid. When it comes to some of the TV evangelists, I am afraid that might be the case. Why is pressure incompatible with worship? It isn't Gods way. He gives us the freedom to come to Him with our gifts, cheerfully. What does cheerfulness while giving say about the condition of a person’s heart? You are right with God, you recognize His caring for you and want to give Him what is His, and more if possible.

Thank you for your answers. They really made me stop and think as I hadn't thought of giving as "my yoke is easy". It is however.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Does the Scripture teach that material blessing results from giving generously to God’s work? Yes, I believe it does. I do not think that material just means money. Material blessings can include a roof over our head, food on the table, shoes on our feet. God dosen't give this to us as a reward, but as a sign of His great love for us. Someone with very little money can still reap Gods blessings. Why are we so careful to reinterpret this as referring mainly to spiritual blessing? I'm not sure. I know God blesses us spiritually by promising us a home with Him in heaven, but that has nothing to do with the money we give to His service, but has to do with our belief in Christ. If you compared your own actual giving to God’s work to a tithe (10%) of your income, would it look generous? Yes. I give as I can, when I can. The church gets the tithe, but others need money too. This isn't a part of my tithe, but a little of the love God has given me, given to others.