Lisa Rupert

Q2. These chapters contain many insights into worship that have been adopted by the Christian Church. What do you learn about Christian worship from chapters 4 and 5? Don't miss the basics. Your list might include 20 elements and concepts of worship -- or more. I WILL LIST A FEW: (1). ACKNOWLEDGE HIM (2). WORSHIP HIM (3). PRAISE HIM (4). BOW DOWN BEFORE HIM (5). SING PRAISES AND HONOR TO HIM (6). ALL GLORY AND HONOR GOES TO HIM (7). COMMUNICATE WITH HIM IN PRAYER (8). FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS (9). LOVE HIM (10). FOLLOW HIS TEACHINGS (11). LET HIM BE OUR TRUE GUIDE (12) OBEY HIS LAWS (13) THE LORD'S SUPPER

Q1. Many Christian hymns, songs, and choruses come from Revelation chapters 4 and 5. Which can you think of? THERE ARE MANY HYMNS AND SONGS THAT COME FROM THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS BUT I LIKE THE ONE HOLY,HOLY,HOLY.

Q1. How can a local congregation lose its "first love" for Jesus? What are the signs of genuine love for Jesus in worship and ministry? How does the lack of love show up? How can a congregation regain this love? When a church follows the laws of mankind and not the laws of God it looses it's first love for Jesus. Jesus came to fulfill the law and not to end law. You are to follow the laws that God first established for the church and for those that love him and serve him. The genuine love for Jesus can be demonstrated through discipline, praise and worship. Following the laws God instituted for the righteous. A church can regain this love by following the guidelines that God first put forth. Worshipping God not letting the devil intervene in what belongs to God. It can turn to the bible for guides and understanding in what needs to be done to regain the love of Christ in it's congregation.

Q5. What is the significance of the exalted Jesus walking among the lampstands? (1:12-20) What does this teach us about the church? What does it teach us about Jesus? Jesus is the light, the churches are the lampstand which are the bride of Jesus. Jesus walks amongst his people is what this is referring to. He doesn't walk amongst the church (building) per say what the church represents are God's people. Jesus is the way, the light that leads us, protects us, teaches us, and loves us. He has not abandoned us. He walks amongst us. Jesus is our Savior. He is our Lord. He is our Reedemer.

Q4. The vision of Christ among the lampstands (1:12-20) is much different than the Carpenter-Teacher who walked the roads of Galilee and Judea. Why? What overall emotions is this vision of Jesus among the lampstands designed to evoke in the reader? Why is this understanding of Jesus important to a balanced faith? Jesus came to fulfill the father's will on earth. He became a man, to understand man, to teach man, and to give his life as the sacrificial lamb. Jesus came to show us that he is the one and only way, without him we can have no relationship with the father. It is through him only that we can bond with our father. Jesus paid the ultimate price to save us from sin. He is the first, the last, and the living one. He is the light that guides the way. He is the most holy, the most exalted one. We owe him praise for all that he is and for all that he did and for all that he will do. For he is the one true Lord. He is The Shepherd, he is The Word.

Q3. In what countries are Christians presently experiencing tribulation or persecution for the faith? How can the Book of Revelation be a comfort and encouragement to them? Persecution of Christians for there faith can be found in every country, amongest every walk of life, on every small island, in churches, in small towns or provences, in every big state, on every continent...... In Afghanistan they are protesting that a man who converted to Christianity 16 years ago will be imprisioned and executed for his beliefs. This man converted from Muslim to Christianity. 1st He was charged recently when they found a bible in his home. 2nd His friends and family members state that he is mentally unfit, but clerics and the population at large are calling for his death if he's freed. 3rd This man was doing Christian aid (providing medical aid) and which lead him to converting from the Muslim faith to Christianity. The Book of Revelation sustained this man's faith. He said "he was willing to die for being a Christian". He knows the truth, he has read the word and he is a true believer in Christ. He stood tall and he believed. He was offered asslymn in Italy, where he now resides. Praise the Lord.

Q2. What does this tell us about the Father? The Father is the speaker here in 1:8 and in 21:6. But Jesus is the speaker in 1:17 and 22:12-13. What is the significance of this for our understanding of who Jesus is? The father is the beginning and the end. There is nothing before him or after him. Jesus is the first and the last. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are separate but one. They are the Trinity. They all work for the will of God.

Q1. Revelation is written to encourage and strengthen a church facing intense persecution. Why is the theme of testimony and witness so important to that purpose? The words Testimony and Witness are important to Revelations because Jesus is both, he is a witness and he has a testimony. Jesus was persecuted for his testimony and he is a witness to that testimony. How is Jesus as the "faithful witness" (1:5) supposed to encourage us? Jesus came to show us the way, the truth, and the light. He showed us that following the father's will can be done and has been done. He walked this earth as a man to show us the way. He was persecuted for showing us the way. His word stands. It is the one true truth in this world of sin. Why are we afraid to be clear witnesses in a culture where we aren't persecuted? We are afraid to be clear witnesses in my opinion because of persecution. Not the type of persecution that Jesus went through, but a denial. In the news a Muslim Man denounced his Islamic faith and became a Christian, the muslim nation wanted to persecute him, they imprisioned him and wanted to execute him. He was released and has now taken asylum in Italy. He was not afraid of persecution. Not many of us could say we would have stood so tall for our beliefs. Most of us would just go with the flow just not to be different or treated differently. Some of us are Christians on Sunday and on Monday we belong to the world. We are persecuted for our beliefs in ways that are different from how Jesus was persecuted. But Jesus played a very important role, he came to show man that the father's will could be done, he also came to show us the way and the truth and to give us grace, last and most importantly he died to save us from our sins. Most of us don't believe we are responsible for saving a whole nation of people we are only responsible for saving ourselves so our persecutions are limited to just that.

Hello, My name is Lisa Rupert and I live in Melbourne, Florida. Married for 24 years, we have no children. I am originally from Lake Charles, La. but my husband's job transferred him to Florida 2 years ago. We love it here we especially love the Ocean. But the south is the south. This is my fourth study group with Pastor Ralph and I look forward to studying The Book of Revelations with all of you. God Bless Lisa Rupert

Q4. What kind of shalom will the Prince of Peace bring about in the New Heavens and the New Earth? What do we have to look forward to? There will be no more problems, no more pain, no more suffering, no need for worry, no need for struggle, no more sickness, no more famine, there will be war no more, no more hatred, no more sorrow, a place where children can play without fear, no need for jealousy, we shall be free from sin for evil will be abolished. Only Joy and Peace will reign over the Earth. Love will be it's ruler. Everything on this earth will praise him, will worship him, will adore him. For he is the One True God and everyone and everything will acknowledge this. Everyone and everything will praise him and serve him. Everything will work in harmony for the Good of His Will. Oh What A Happy Day!

Q3. Why did Gideon name the altar "the LORD Is Peace"? In what sense did the Lord offer peace to Gideon? Gideon was at war and he was hidding in fear from the Midianites or the Mighty Warrior when a visitor arrives on the scene. An Angel of God and of course Gideon being the perfect host, prepares a a meal for his guest. Then the angel speaks to Gideon and lets him know that Peace is here. Do not be afraid. The calming of Peace has arrived and you don't need to worry. The Angel also assured him that he was not going to die. What a relief Gideon must have felt having the angel declare all these things to him. I am sure it took a load off his shoulders. At this time Gideon was assured that the Lord was on his side, that he didn't have to hide in fear. He knew that God was a Friend and not a Foe or enemy. That is why he gave the name "The Lord is Peace".

Q2. "Save" and "Savior" are used so much in Christian circles that they have become almost jargon words that we don't even think about. What are synonyms for "save" and "Savior"? What does a "Savior" actually do to earn the name? Synonyms for "Save" and "Savior" are: Jesus Redeemer Deliverer Protector Good Shepherd Caretaker Salvation Rescuer Preserver In order to earn the name of Savior he has to be the guardian. He is the caretaker, he is the one who saves us and protects us. He is My Lord , He is our Savior, The Lord, Jesus Christ who gave his life to SAVE us.

Q1. What was the responsibility of the next of kin to someone in his family who was in trouble? The Kinsman in the Old Testament was: Redeemer of Brother's Liberties: Lev 25:25 If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold..... Redeemer of Widow- Ruth Deut 25:5 If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: her husband's brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him to wife, and perform the duty of an husband's brother unto her. Redeemer of the Land: Lev 25:24 And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land. Redeemer of blood: Num 35:19 The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him. Deut 19:12 Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. Redeemer of the Oath: Leviticus 27 Vows of People 1-8 Vows of Animals 9-13 Vows of Houses 14-15 Vows of Inherited land 16-21 Vowed uninherited land 22-25 Illicit Vows 26-33

Q4. (1 Peter 5:10) How has God shown his grace to you and your family? Why do you think Peter describes him as the God of All Grace? God's grace and mercy has been with me from the first day I was born. I had pnemonia at birth. I am now 45 years old. It is awesome when he even shows grace at birth. God has been in my life everyday since that day 45 years ago. There is nothing I don't include him in. He is in everything I do. I speak with him often. Not always receiving an answer right then and there, but one always comes through. He is truly the God of Truth, The God of Mercy, The God of Love, The God of Peace,The God of Grace, A Righteous God.....He sustains me in my time of need and he carries me through my troubles. In a storm he is the light that guides me. I could go on and on.....

Q3. How does God's steadfast love in the Old Testament relate to his mission of love in John 3:16? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Malachi 3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17) God's love in the Old and New Testament remains the same, he loves us so much that he gave his Son. How many can relate to turning over a loved one, to save others? But our father who loves us the same everyday, never waivering, never fading, never changing, gave his Son to the cross to save us from our sins. He is truly an AWESOME GOD.

Q2. What does faithfulness have to do with trustworthiness and keeping one's word? What does the Faithful God inspire in you? Why must faithfulness be part of our character as believers? The words faithfulness and trustworthiness means truth. In being faithful one most be truthful. By telling the truth you can be counted on. You're not a deciever. Being fatihful inspires me to keep God's word. No matter how easy it is to deceive I prefer honesty. This way I face my consequences in a truthful and honest way. I don't have sin hanging over my head. We must be faithful for our Father is faithful. Our father is not a liar. Our father is truthful and faithful. He loves us unconditional even though he is aware of our shortcomings. In order to be true believers we must follow our father and do his will. His will is honest and clean. His will is loving and sure because He is the God of Truth.

Q1. Why was God's willingness to forgive essential to Israel's survival in the wilderness? Was Israel contrite after turning away from the Lord in Exodus 34? The people would have been lost without God's willingness to forgive. They could have not survived. God protected them from any harm that would come against them. This reminds me of situations that take place today, people hate change, they fear change. Just like those who were in the wilderness. If it doesn't provide you with instant gratification or if it requires hard work without a instant reward or if it requires that you give away your most precious belongs most people would prefer to say they achieved everything on their own. No thank you, I can do it on my own. They believe in what they know and have known and it is hard to show them something different. It is just like surrendering your life over to Christ, people have a hard time turning over total control of everything they are or believe themselves to be. Rendering changes things in your life for the better but it is a hard thing for many to do even today. It requires hard work, time to study to stay on the right course and it requires faith and a willingness to want to love God unconditionally. What is so amazing about God's forgiveness? God's forgiveness never holds you accountable. It never wavers, it never steers on another course. It never strays away from you even when you don't want it. It never holds you to your past mistakes, instead he forgives you for those mistakes and move on. He doesn't dangle those mistakes in front of you, he forgives them and he continues to love you just like he loved you before. His love never changes, it stays the same. He keeps you close and near so that you can be protected from any harm even the harm you cause yourself. He never abandons you, he never denies you of his unconditional love. The love of God is awesome and I don't see how I could live without it. God has always been a part of my life and he will always be.

Q5. What do we miss in our understanding of God if we remove the metaphor of Father and Son from our church vocabulary? If the Father and Son were removed from our vocabulary we would just have "GOD". The relationship would be entirely different from the relationship that God wants to have with his children. But we wouldn't be considered as his children instead we might be considered as his subjects. Would he have CREATED us if he was only GOD? There is a lot to say for us relating to him as our Father and calling Jesus His Son our SAVIOR. We can develop a relationship with the Father. We can pray to him, we can talk to him, we can praise him and worship him. We can adore him, we can love him and we can receive a greater love from him. If he was only a God we would be giving and not be on the receiving in. But our Father wants us to know that he loves us more than anything could ever love us and to do so he has established this bond, this special relationship with us. Whether we want a relationship or not, he never turns away his love from us. Which feminine metaphors of God especially help you understand God's nature? God is a nurturer, a protector, a comforter, a teacher....., he is everything that both man and woman could even imagine being, for he is neither man nor woman yet he created both man and woman and beast..... So he can love like a woman and be strong and protective like a man. Remember he is God that means he is EVERYTHING and we can't even imagine what else he maybe because we can't imagine that high.

Q4. In what sense was God the Husband of Israel? This goes back to the beginning of this chapter when we are asked what is the role of the father. It is also the role of the husband. Israel is the wife. It is an adulterios wife. Israel is disobiedient and unfaithful to her husband God. But her husband remains faithful. The husband is the protector and supporter of the family. The one who is responsible for the families well being. The one who nurtures, teaches, protects, and love every family member. The husband has the authority. The husband in this instance is faithful to his wife and his family. What is the New Testament extension of this metaphor? The husband and wife shall be united again. Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Rev 19:9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. What causes God jealousy? God is a jealous God he tells us this in Exodus 20:3-5, The Ten Commandments. We shall have no other Gods before him. We shall not bow down or worship other idols or false Gods. We owe our love and loyalties, trust, faith, and belief to God and God alone. There should be nothing put before him. Our love should belong to him first. For he is a jealous and avenging God and he will take vengeance and wrath on your faithlessness. 1 Cor 6:20 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Q3. In what sense are Jesus and the Father one? In what way was Jesus distinct from the Father? Is Jesus God in the sense that the Father is God? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God John 1:1 ...the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...John 1:14 John 10:30 I and [my] Father are one. John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Jhn 14:11 Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. John 10:29 My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand. John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. There is only ONE GOD. Jesus is one with the Father. God is one in three (Father, Son, Holy Spirit-Trinity). Yet they are distinct persons. Three distinct personalities but one divine union. Three who are divine but only one God. God is the highest authority. He is the one true God. Jesus is the Word of God. 1 Cor 8:6 "For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we live: and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through who we live."

Q2. How was the intimate way that Jesus taught his disciples about God as "Abba" and "Father" different from the Jews' understanding of God as Father? The Jews consider it to be blasphemy to pronounce the name of God. It is not to be read aloud. It is replaced with ADONAI (LORD). Adonai is not spoken by some Jews since to do so is considered a violation of the commandment not to use the Lord's name in vain. (Exo 20:7) Jesus taught us that God is someone who wants to have a relationship with his children. A God who wants to be a part of his children's life. Who wants to hear from his children, who cares for his children. A God that wants to know his children and have his children know him. How does God as Abba influence your relationship with him? I love having a relationship with God ABBA. I love sharing my life with him. I love that he has an open door policy. I constantly try to include him in everything I do. Without my father, I don't know where I would be. He is my rock. I don't have to live in fear that I might disappoint God because he knows my heart.

Q1. What does the concept of "father" teach us about God, especially the formal way which the word is used in the Old Testament? That God the Father is the revered one (honored, respected, admired, adored, valued, appreciated, cherished, and loved). He is "AWE". He is the creator of all. The Rock, Redeemer, The one on whom to depend on. The one who answers our prayers. The one who gives us life. Who loves us despite our disposition (sin). The one who cares for us even when we continue to sin he continues to find ways to love us. He is God, He is our Father. According to the quote from Otfried Hofius above, which two aspects of a father underlie our understanding of Father in the Old Testament? How should they affect our behavior? According to the author, the characteristics of the Father is that "He rules as the head of the household and deserves the upmost respect. He has the absolute authority over his family". Secondly, "He is responsible for guarding, supporting, and nurturing the members of his family." So our behavior is affected in the ways that we are to honor the Father because we need him to grow into obedient and loving children. He is our nurturer and teacher. He teaches us how to stand strong against the opposition and he is always there when we need him. He expects us to love one another. He guides us. He leads us, he never abandons us. We are to recognize that he is the LEADER of the family. He has TOTAL AUTHORITY over the family. He is in charge of making the decisions. He feeds us, he provides us with water to drink so we don't go thirsty. He cloths us so we aren't naked or cold. We are to honor and obey our father. We should cherish the fact that we have such a loving protective father.

Q4. Meditate on the concept of God as a Spring of Living Water or a Fountain of Living Water for you. What does this say about God? About your thirst? About your future? The term "Living Water" means the TRUTH, THE WORD. ISA 44:3For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offs JHN 4:10Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. JHN 7:38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. REV 7:17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. I will drink of the Living Water daily. For the Truth is my Fountain of Living Water and I shall drink of it everyday. I will not wait for trouble, I will feed my thirst with it. For God is the Living Waters which takes away my thirst and takes care of my every need.

Q3. Why do we sometimes resist calling on God to be our Helper? Why do we try to do it ourself first? What is required of us if God is to be a Helper and Shepherd to us? 1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the **** of the flesh, and the **** of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the **** thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. There are those who resist calling on God's help because that would mean one would have to "Surrender". Surrending would mean yielding ownership, reliquishing control over "Our Property, Our Time, Our Rights, Our Loyalties". Some believe in God but believe that their accomplishments are their accomplishments, no one helped them, no one loaned them a hand, they achieved their success from the work of their own hands with no assistance from anyone. In surrendering we are saying that what we have belongs to God. That we are only stewards of this earth and it's inhabitants. We are stewards of God's Property. That God is the ultimate control of everything in our lives and that he is the Master, The Property Holder, The Owner..... Including our present circumstances. By surrendering control of our lives we LET GO of whatever is hindering us from wanting GOD first in our lives.

Q2. (Psalm 23) Can you remember any times when God has cared for you as a Shepherd -- in times of blessing and in times of trouble? I remember when my baby brother died, this was one of the worst days of my life. But let me tell you, it was the most beautiful day of my life. The sun was shining like it never shined before. It was something truly special about this day. When I arrived at work that morning someone told me I needed to go home because my brother had passed away. I remember leaving my job but I don't remember driving to my mothers house. 10 years later I still am fogged about this drive. I can only say that God drove me there. I was troubled about my brother's death, but he died in peace. He was an epileptic and he died in his sleep. He no longer has to suffer from the seizures and from the trouble of this world. When we buried him there were so many people attending his funeral. People we didn't even know my little brother knew. He was only 19 but people came telling stories of how he would help them, especially the elderly, and how he was always a special friend to everyone he knew. I was always troubled about my brother's illness, he would always say he wasn't normal and all he wanted to do was live a normal life. This made me sad but I would assure him that everything would workout. Now he is with God and he doesn't have those concerns, he doesn't have to worry about being judged on this earth for something he had nothing to do with. He was born with this illness. But I know he is smiling and happy now. I miss my brother and it took sometime to move on, with God's help I feel better even though it still hurts from time to time knowing that someone very special to me, not just a brother, but a friend is no longer with me. But I know God knows best and my little brother isn't suffering anymore. What are you facing right now where you realize your need to rely on God as your Shepherd? My husband was transfered from our hometown to another site on his job. We were given very little notice, but we did thank God because my husband was facing layoff. We had to sell our 4 bedroom home and we now reside in a 2 bedroom apartment. Where we live is three times more expensive than back home. My husband's income is catching up, and I now need to work. I've worked in the past but I am looking for a job that I can really make a difference. So I haven't had a lot of luck finding that yet but I am faithful that God will prevail as he always does. I don't understand why we had to make this move, but my husband and I both prayed along with our church and our Pastor and we feel that God directed us here because the answer did not change one bit. This feels like starting over again. We have lived in this new location for 2 years and we've made a few friends. We also have a few friends from home that also had to transfer here. The first year we moved to Florida we were hit with 4 hurricanes. Surprise... But we survived. We were living in Louisiana and sure did not miss Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. So whatever the reason I am sure God has not lead us astray. So everything in our life has changed. We really rely on God for everything we do. Being among strangers away from our family, new doctors, still searching for a church home because we were so into our old church home that it is so hard to compare and being in a strange land is different from what we are use to, but we are changing and it seems to be working itself out. I hope we find normal soon. I am sure for whatever reason God moved us here has to do with his will and we remind ourselves of that everyday.