Lisa Rupert

Q1. (John 6:35-51) What does the metaphor of "eating the Bread of Life" mean in practical terms? To extend the same metaphor, what do you think might be the difference between nibbling and actually making a meal of it? The metaphor of "Eating the Bread of Life" means to me that you are a true believer in Christ. That you believe that Jesus is the only way and that he is our Savior who gave his life for us. I believe that what the Bread of Life means is the Word of God, The Bible. If you are hungry, it will feed you, if you are thirsty it is the living waters. Jesus is the Word. One should hunger for more when your life is not with Christ. Christ is the nourishment that keeps us full. The word keeps us satisfied and will give us eternal life with Christ. Without it we remain malnurished and underfeed. We must feed on the Word, learning it, following it, living it. Without it we are never satisfied or fullfilled. Because of it we will not be hungry or thirsty for the word is our true nourishment and eternal life.

Q4. (1 Corinthians 10:17) How does Paul's teaching on the One Loaf affect our relationships and love for those of other Christian denominations and traditions? How does blanket judgmentalism towards the faith of other Christian groups sometimes seem to excuse us from Jesus' command to love one another? Paul's teaching on the One Loaf should produce love in our relationships with all of God's people. If we are truly followers of Christ then we must love one another as he loves us. He demonstrates this love to the disciples and told them to do as he has taught them to do. We are to also follow this example of love for we are all God's children. God is the one and only true and righteous judge. That is why we should not try judging one another for God is the only one who can see all things, who knows all circumstances. We only know what is put in front of us. For we should hate the sin but we should always love the sinner. For we are all sinners. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Q3. In what ways do the divisions in Corinth sound familiar in our own congregations? Don't pick on another congregation; how about your own? How serious was the need for unity? Can bickering congregations partake of the Lord's Supper without sin? The church is for sinners and how can you have a church for sinners without sin? It does not excuse our behaviors. We should remember that we are there to worship God. The church is the bride of Christ and should be treated with the highest respect. We should leave our pettiness outside the door. From the very moment we enter those doors we should feel the spirit of the Lord and look forward to fellowshipping and singing praises and worship to our Father. We should spend this time focused on loving God, on remembering what Christ has done for us. Instead we bring in our troubles and focus on how miserable we feel today, and how miserable we can make each other. We think that we aren't sinners but we concentrate on the sinner sitting next to us. The need in today's churches for unity is vitally important. I just hope in time they get it. I know that I can change who I am and enter the Lord's house with a loving heart. Because as I have learned from this bible study you should not take the Lord's Supper if you have strife in your heart. In taking the Lord's Supper you should maintain your allegiance to the Father and the Son. You should leave everything else outside. Your mind and heart should be clear to worshipping and praising and thanksgiving.

Q2. Read Mark 11:25 and Matthew 5:23-24. How do these relate to Paul's teaching on the One Loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17)? What must we personally do to achieve unity to prepare ourselves to partake of the Lord's Supper righteously? Mark and Matthew's scriptures relate to Paul's teaching on the One Loaf by stating that we must become one with unity. We must love one another and demonstrate that love for each other openly. We must settle our differences so that we may remain focused on Christ. We must not allow petty quarrels and disputes to stay unresolved. Instead we must reach a resolution to our bitterness towards one another before we can partake in the Lord's Supper. Our minds and our hearts have to be free from anger so that we can focus on the true meaning of the Lord's Supper which is to give thanksgiving and praise to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We must go to the Lord's Supper without strife in our hearts for one another. We must bring Love for one another as Christ has demonstrated his love for his disciples so we to as Christians must demonstrate our love for one another.

Q1. (1 Corinthians 10:16). What does the "cup of blessing" teach us about our focus at the Lord's Supper? Who is to be blessed when the "cup of blessing" is lifted heavenward? The "CUP OF BLESSING" teaches that our focus at the "LORD'S SUPPER" should be on Jesus. For he is the one who gave his life to save us from sin. He is the one who suffered to save us. He is the one who has risen and sits at the right hand of the father. He is our Savior. When the "CUP OF BLESSING" is lifted heavenward it is to give thanks and praise to God for all that he has and will do for us. It is to show our gratitude for having such a loving God.

Q4. Why is the Lord's Table such a time of intimate fellowship with Jesus? In your experience with having meals with friends, what makes the difference between a casual, forgettable meal, and one which is rich with memories? How can this insight make your experience of the Lord's Table more meaningful? THE LORD'S TABLE IS AN INTIMATE FELLOWSHIP BECAUSE IT IS A TIME OF THANKSGIVING, A TIME TO REMEMBER AND TO SHARE, A TIME TO ENJOY AND A TIME TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE WONDERS THAT ARE ABOUT TO HAPPEN. IT IS A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE. A FINAL REMINDER OF THE TIMES THEY SHARED TOGETHER AS ONE FAMILY. A DAY THAT WILL HOLD TRUE IN THE HEARTS FOREVER.

Q3. What is the significance of the 12 Apostles drinking the Cup of the Covenant? To whom would they correspond under the ratification of the Old Covenant? (Hint: Exodus 24:11.) What is the significance of us drinking the Cup of the Covenant? THE TWELVE APOSTLES DRINKING THE CUP OF THE COVENANT SIGNIFICES THE UNION BETWEEN THE 12 AND CHRIST. IT IS A VOW THAT SEALS THE COVENANT AND A PROMISE TO CONTINUE WITH THE WORK THAT CHRIST HAS ESTABLISHED. WHEN WE DRINK OF THE CUP WE ARE ALSO SEALING A BOND WITH GOD THAT WE TOO WILL CONTINUE WITH THE WORK OF CHRIST, SPREADING THE WORD, TEACHING, LOVING, ETC.

Q2. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) How does the promised New Covenant differ from the Old Covenant? What are the promises God makes in the New Covenant? What are our responsibilities under the New Covenant? THE OLD COVENANT ONLY A FEW COULD RECEIVE THE SPIRIT; PHOPHETS, ELDERS, AND SOME KINGS. THE NEW COVENANT ALLOWS ANYONE THAT CONFESSES WITH HIS/HER MOUTH THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD WHO WAS IN FLESH ON THIS EARTH. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE NEW COVENANT ARE; TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD. TRUST IN GOD. BELIEVE AND CONFESS JESUS THE SON OF GOD WHO WALKED IN FLESH AS MAN ON THIS EARTH, WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR SALVATION. ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO DWELL WITHIN US SO THAT WE CAN FOLLOW CHRIST.

Q1. (Exodus 24:3-11) How was the covenant with Israel ratified? What promise did the people make twice in this passage? What was sacrificed? What was sprinkled? What was eaten? AT THE FOOT OF MT. SINAI ALL THE ISRAELITES WERE GATHERED AND GOD GAVE MOSES THE LAW. THE COMMANDMENTS (THE NEW COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND HIS PEOPLE) IN WHICH GOD MADE WITH THE ISRAELITES. MOSES THEN BUILT THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. HE THEN SPRINKLED THE HALF OF THE BLOOD USED IN THE SACRIFICE OF THE YOUNG BULL TO ANNOINT THE ALTAR. HE THEN READ THE LAW TO THE PEOPLE STATING WHAT GOD PROMISES ARE TO HIS PEOPLE AND WHAT THE PEOPLE MUST PROMISE TO PLEASE GOD. THE PEOPLE ALL AGREED THAT "THEY WOULD OBEY" THE COVENANT MADE BETWEEN THEM AND GOD. THEN HE TOOK THE OTHER HALF OF THE BLOOD (USED IN THE SACRIFICE OF THE YOUNG BULL) AND SPRINKLED IT ON THE PEOPLE WHICH WOULD HAVE SEALED THE COVENANT MADE BETWEEN GOD AND THE ISRAELITES. THEN MOSES AND THE SEVENTY ELDERS ATE THE YOUNG BULL BECAUSE ONLY THE BLOOD OF THE YOUNG BULL WAS USED FOR THE SEALING OF THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND HIS PEOPLE.

Q5. (Revelation 22:20) If you were convinced that Jesus Christ would return in your lifetime, how would it affect your life? What would you do differently than you do now? What I would be doing if Jesus would return in my lifetime, I would be praying and watching and praising and watching that Jesus would find me. I would be praising his name and telling everyone that he has come just like he promised and you need to prepare to receive our guest the Lord of Lord and the King of King has returned just like he promised he would. He has come to take us home. Praise the Lord Jesus! Our day has finally come. It would be the happiest day of my life. A day I have read about, A day I have hoped for, A day I have waited for. Our Savior, Our King has come. Praise Be To God!

Q4. Three times in these two chapters, John stresses that those who continue to practice sin will not enter. Read Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:14-15; and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. What things in these passages point to salvation by the grace of God rather than mere salvation by right living? In what way is holy living important to salvation? Why is holy living important to God? 1 Cr 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 1Cr 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1Cr 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1Cr 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. [/i] WE MUST FOLLOW THE WORD BECAUSE THE WORD IS THE TRUTH. WITHOUT IT WE ARE WITHOUT GOD. GOD CAN NOT LOOK AT SIN. SO IF SINNING IS WHAT YOU WANT YOU MUST CHOOSE. YOU CANNOT SERVE THE BOTH YOU CAN EITHER SERVE GOD OR YOU CAN CHOOSE TO SERVE SATAN.

Q3. (Revelation 21:9-27) John's vision of the Holy City is obviously strongly symbolic. But the Holy City pictures "the bride, the wife of the Lamb" (21:9-10; 21:2). What does John's vision of the Holy City tell us about the way that Jesus looks at his Church? John's vision tells us that Jesus loves the Church. That the church is his bride glorious, glemmering, beautiful and new.

Q2. Read Revelation 21:6; 22:17; and Isaiah 55:1-3. What does the "water of life" represent here and in 22:1? In what sense is it a "free gift" (22:17). In what ways should "the Spirit and the Bride" (22:17) extend that invitation in your community? [i]Isa 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Isa 55:2 Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Isa 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David. Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Rev 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. The water of life represent the truth the way and the light. Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. [/i] The free gift is offered to you and me and to everyone who wants it.

Q1. (21:3-5) What is the significance of the fact that in heaven "God himself will be with them"? Why can the promises in 21:4 only be fulfilled in heaven? Which of these do you especially look forward to? GOD WILL BE WITH US IN HEAVEN IS SO SIGNIFICANT TO THIS WHOLE THING. WE WILL BE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY. A FAMILY OF MANY RACES, MANY DIFFERENT TONGUES, MUCH LOVE AND HONOR, A FAMILY THAT IS ONE WITH IT'S CREATOR. THIS WILL TRULY BE A HAPPY DAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY OF SEEING MY GOD, MY FATHER, MY CREATOR. BASKING IN HIS RADIENT GLORY.

Q4. (20:12-15) Here is a serious question for each of us -- not one we should respond to with pat answers. What assurance do you have that your name is written in the Book of Life? FOR IT IS WRITTEN IN THE WORD THE PROMISES OF GOD: LUKE 10:20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. JOHN 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. ROMANS 8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: ROMANS 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together. EPH 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: HEB 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect

Q3. (20:11-12) Why is this awesome scene of judgment so frightening? Why do people seem to resist the idea of a final judgment? THIS AWESOME SCENE OF JUDGMENT IS FRIGHTENING ONLY TO THOSE WHO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE CHRIST. WITH EVERY THING OUT THERE TODAY, THE MEDIA, THE NEWS OF GOD IS EVERYWHERE, THERE IS NO SECRET. EVERYWHERE YOU GO AND EVERYTHING WE DO SURROUNDS US WITH THE KNOWLEDGE. CHURCHES AREN'T HIDDEN IN BACK ALLEYS THERE RIGHT OUT FRONT WHERE EVERYONE CAN ENTER. BUT THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THEY ARE THE CREATORS OF THEIR OWN DESTINIES AND THEY DON'T OR CAN'T BELIEVE IN A HIGHER POWER. THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE TRUTH. THE DAY WILL COME WHEN THE TRUTH WILL BE REVEALED AND THERE WILL NOT BE NEED FOR DEBATE.

Q2 (19:16) What are the implications of Christ's title: "King of Kings and Lord of lords" for your life? For the everyday world that surrounds you? THE TITLE "KING OF KINGS" AND "LORD OF LORDS" TELLS ME THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE KING AND ONE TRUE LORD OF THIS EARTH. IT IS JESUS CHRIST. THERE IS NO OTHER. IT TELLS THE EVERYDAY WORLD THAT IF YOU DON'T KNOW HIM, YOU BETTER ASK SOMEBODY. KNOWING HIM IS THE KEY TO YOUR SALVATION. WITHOUT HIM THERE IS NO ETERNAL LIFE.

Q1. (19:7-9) These verses draw together two themes from Scripture -- (1) God's people as his betrothed Bride and (2) the feast of all God's people in heaven. When you meditate on these themes, how are you both admonished and encouraged? I KNOW FROM THESE THEMES THAT THE DAY WILL COME WHEN WE WILL BE WITH CHRIST AGAIN. THERE WILL BE A GREAT CELEBRATION IN HEAVEN FOR US. I LOOK FORWARD TO THAT DAY WHEN ALL GOD'S PEOPLE COME TOGETHER.

Q4. (18:4) We Christians are instructed to be "in the world" but not "of the world" (John 17:15-19). One interpretation has been to be hermits, ascetics, to distance ourselves from the political process, and to adopt stringent dress and behavior codes. Another interpretation is to be "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16) in the world so that we might bring about cleansing and change through God's spirit. Where do you think the balance lies? How and when should we fulfill the command, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins...."? THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO HARD FOR ME. I BELIEVE THAT AS A CHRISTIAN ONE CAN NOT BE OF THE WORLD. WHY WOULD ONE WANT TO BE? BUT WE HAVE TO BE IN THIS WORLD AND WE HAVE TO PLAY BY THE RULES OF THIS WORLD. I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU STUDY THE WORD, PRAY, LOVE EVERYONE AS CHRIST LOVES YOU, BE AN EXAMPLE OF GODS LOVE, AND CARRY YOUR FAITH WITH YOU, YOU CAN OVERCOME THE EVIL OF THIS WORLD. IT IS A DIFFICULT TASK. A CHRISTIAN MUST BE AN EXAMPLE IN THIS WORLD. GOD WANTS US TO WALK AS JESUS WALKED IN THIS WORLD. KNOWING THIS ONE MUST DO AS JESUS HAS DONE. IT IS NOT AN EASY WALK BUT IT IS A WALK A CHRISTIAN MUST TAKE.

Q3. (15:3-4) We see singing and praise in heaven before the throne a number of times in Revelation (4:8, 11; 5:9-10, 12-13; 7:12; 11:17-18; 15:3-4; 19:1-3). What do you learn about appropriate worship from studying these songs? Do you recognize any contemporary songs that seem similar to these? WE SHOULD SING PRAISE AND WORSHIP TO GOD ALL OF THE TIME. HE LOVES IT WHEN WE PRAISE HIM AND WORSHIP HIM. WE SHOULD WANT TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP HIM IN ALL HIS GLORY.

Q4. How does Jesus voluntarily laying down his life for you encourage you? How does it speak to your value and worth as a person? What does it inspire you to do? IT SHOWS THAT GOD LOVES US SO MUCH THAT HE GAVE US SOMETHING SO PRECIOUS AND DEAR TO HIM SO THAT WE COULD HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. JESUS IS THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF HOW GOD WANTS US TO BEHAVE. JESUS SHOWS US IN THE WORD HOW MUCH GOD LOVES US. AND HE WANTS US TO DO AS HE HAS DONE WE MUST TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW HIM. JOHN 20:21 "Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit! 23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."

Q3. Look at the verses above which include both the word "give" and a preposition that means "in behalf of." According to these verses, what was the purpose of Jesus giving himself in sacrifice? JESUS "GAVE" TO "REDEEM US FROM SIN". THE WORD GIVE OR IN BEHALF OF MEANS HE REPRESENTED US SO THAT WE COULD HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER.

Q2. (1 John 4:2-3) Why does Christianity insist on a physical birth, physical suffering, and a resurrection of the physical body? How would our faith be different if Christ hadn't fully entered the human condition? WELL FOR IT TO BE A PHYSICAL BIRTH AND SUFFERING I CAN'T SAY THAT CHRISTIANS MADE THE DESCISIONS FOR THIS TO OCCUR, BUT GOD KNEW THAT TTHIS IS WHAT IT WOULD TAKE FOR THOSE TO BELIEVE IN IT EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE STILL THOSE TODAY WHO DON'T BELIEVE THAT CHRIST HAS COME AND THEY ARE AWAITING HIS COMING. GOD ESTABLISHED THAT ATONEMENT FOR SIN WOULD BE NECESSARY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT TO CONTINUE AND FULFILL HIS PROMISES MADE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT GOD KNEW THAT JESUS WOULD HAVE TO ENTER IN THE PHYSICAL FORM HE WOULD HAVE TO BE BORN OF A VIRGIN, HE WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN SINLESS AND HE WOULD HAVE TO SHEAD BLOOD AS AN ATONEMENT FOR SINS. IF JESUS HAD NOT ENTERED IN THIS HUMAN CONDITION I THINK IT WOULD BE EVEN HARDER FOR HUMANS TO BELIEVE THAT ANYTHING OCCURRED, YOU KNOW HUMANS HAVE TO BE SHOWN BEFORE THEY CAN BELIEVE. THAT IS WHY JESUS SAID, Blessed are those who haven't seen Jesus, but still believe in Him, that is all Christians:

Q1. (1 Peter 2:24) Why do you think the Apostle Peter emphasized Jesus' physical body, when he talks about sin-bearing? The body is only the servant of the spirit and does only as the spirit directs it. Rom. 6:12-13 PETER EMPHASIZED THAT JESUS WAS IN PHYSICAL FORM FOR MANY REASONS. HE WAS AS MAN HERE ON THIS EARTH, HE LIVED AS MAN, SIN WAS ACCESSIBLE TO HIM, BUT HE WAS SINLESS, A PERFECT MAN. IN ORDER TO REDEEM US FROM OUR SINS HE HAD TO BE IN THE PHYSICAL FORM, HE HAD TO BE HERE ON THIS EARTH AND HE HAD TO GIVE HIS BLOOD AS AN ATONEMENT FOR OUR SINS SO THAT WE COULD BE REEDEMED OF THOSE SINS. REMEMBER, GOD IS NOT SIN, HE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SIN, HE CAN NOT EVEN LOOK AT SIN. BECAUSE OF ADAM AND SIN WE WOULD HAVE TO BE REEDEMEMED OF THOSE SINS, "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." JOHN 3:16 1 John 3:5.And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. [/i]

Q4. What do the Words of Institution say to us about forgiveness? Why is it important for us to repent of known sin before taking the Lord's Supper? THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION SAYS THAT WE ARE TO FORGIVE AS HE HAS FORGIVEN US. WE ARE TO HOLD NO MAN IN BONDAGE BY NOT FORGIVING NO MATTER HOW GREAT THE SIN FOR THERE WAS NO SIN TO GREAT THAT JESUS COULD NOT FORGIVE WITH HIS BLOOD. IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR US TO REPENT OUR SINS AND TRY TO AVOID THOSE SINS BEFORE TAKING THE LORD'S SUPPER. THIS IMPORTANCE IS BECAUSE WE ARE TO DO AS CHRIST DID, HE FORGAVE BUT FIRST WE MUST RID THAT BURDEN OF SIN FROM OUR SOULS BEFORE WE CAN COME INTO THE LORD'S SUPPER. WE MUST TRY TO RID THAT SIN SO THAT WE ARE NOT CONSTANTLY REPENTING THIS BAD BEHAVIOR.