chenista

Q4. In what way does Abraham show persistence? Why is persistence necessary in prayer? Have you ever experienced "praying through"? What was it like? Abraham intercedes for the righteous by: 1) Appealing to the promises the Lord as has made to those who remain righteous and steadfast. 2) Perserverance in righteousness during intercession reflects the true desire and intent of the heart. 3) The Lord delivers and protects those who are righteous and obedient. The two angels were as watchmen, sent to warn Lot of the coming judgement and to deliver him and his family. 4) It is by grace that we are delivered and protected. He portects those who are obedient. In praying through, we pray in confidence - we believe that we have received that which we pray for and if we are truly praying within the will of God - it will be so. It is done.

Q4. How can prayer change God's mind without conflicting with the doctrine of the Immutability of God? Can God answer a prayer for something outside of the scope of his will? God cannot and will not answer a prayer that is not within His will. There are reasons for everything and though we may not know what they are, God knows and we are not to lean upon our own understanding but to trust fully and faithfully in the Lord. God has a purpose and a plan: "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indded can be" (Romans 8:7). God is the final authority, not human reasoning or planning. God does what he purposfully intends to do - there is never a change to God's purpose or intentions, he lives up to His promises. In I John 5:14 John said, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." It's not when God comes to our will, but when we so pray that we come into conformity to his will. When we pray with a sincere desire in our heart, we can be assured that we will get that which we need, even when we don't know how to ask for it. We will get that which is in accordance with God's will. How do we know this? Because, first of all, the Holy Spirit causes us to pray. In both Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6 we are taught that he hath sent forth his spirit into our hearts crying "Abba Father." This is true of every true believer; every child of God. He causes us to pray is the idea, causes us to cry out to God as our Father. And then we note also that the Holy spirit leads us in our prayers. In Romans 3:26 this is verified. But let us first note verse 14 of Romans 8, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Then in verse 26, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts, [verse 27] knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Therefore, it is not a change on the part of God when we pray. Rather we pray, and through the aid and help of the Spirit, who makes intercession for the saint, according to the will of God, we become conformed to the will of God. The change is in us, not in the immutable God of heaven.

Q3. How can a wrong understanding of determinism and predestination keep us from the kind of gutsy prayer that Moses prayed? What do you call a belief that our prayers make no difference to God's response? Determinism is placeing your own will and interest above that of the Father. Predestination means that we are all partakers of the inheritance if we meet the criteria required of salvation. Moses held God to his word because he knew the Word of God. He was in personal relationship with the Lord and he knew his place in both the will of God and within his place among the people as their leader. God imparted this to Moses through divine authority - and this gave Moses the authority to pray in such a way. He knew the will and intent of the Father, which was also his will - because he was in total surrender to the Lord.

Q2. What aspects of Moses' prayer of intercession should we emulate in our own prayers? Upon what logical grounds does Moses offer this bold appeal to God? What do you think it means to "pray the promises of God"? How does knowing the Bible help you get your prayers answered? How does this help our prayers be within God's will? 1) Moses first inquired unto the Lord of His original plans for bringing the children our of Egypt and how it would bring victory to Egypt and the gods that they worshipped. He appealed to first to the Lords intent. 2) Moses then asked God to turn from His wrath and to repent of His thoughts against His people, thus providing the foundation for a faithful God. 3) Moses iterated God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel - the servants of the Lord to multiply their seed and deliver them unto the land of inheritance forever. 4) The Lord repented of His evil thoughts. When we pray intercession, we must know the Word of God and the Will of God and be within His character, filled and led by the Holy Spirit to pray intercession. If we pray anything other than the will of God, we are practicing witchcraft in the name of God and this is using his name in vain and comitting adultry and idoltry as we are now lifting ourselves higher than the Lord. We betray the Lord - much like the kiss of Judas. If you do not know the promises of God and the will of God - do not pray intercession. There is an impartation that takes place during intercessory pleas to the Lord - you are partakers and receivers of the impartation. What you pray for other will be returned unto you - this is the will of the Father - so be careful of who and what you pray. Also be careful of those who you allow to lay hands upon you for the same impartation can take place - you want to be partakers of the promises throught the will of God - nothing else. Anything else prayed is witchcraft and like Aaron, you become a partaker.

The First Commandment given to Moses and the First Commandment given by Jesus was the same: Thou shalt love the love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, body, heart, and soul. Thou shalt have no other gods before thee. The children of Isreal committed spiritual adultry in their idolatry. They committed spiritual fornication by building an altar for the carving, worshipping, praising, singing, and dancing before their false idol. They were spiritual whoremongers when they offered burning offerings, peace offerings, and made merry. This mocked the Lord who had delivered them out of the land of Egypt (enslavement). Moses interceded on behalf the children just as Jesus intercedes for us today - he stood in their place and asked the Lord to forgive them - much as Aaron asked the same of Moses after Moses returned to the camp. If the Lord had not forgiven, Moses would have not forgiven. We must repent and ask for forgiveness. But most of all we must forgive others first, or we will not be forgiven - just as it was between the Lord and Moses and Moses and Aaron.

Q3. Why do we seek to be independent of asking anyone for help? Why do we seek to be independent of God? Why should we ask God to "give" us daily bread so long as we can earn a living for ourselves? We are called to be dependent only upon the Lord. If we are seeking independence from the Lord we are not a believer - we are deceiving ourselves and defiling the body. The bread we ask for is the measure of His provision for us. He is our provider. The Word is bread, without constant communication and reflection upon the Lord through His word, we cannot build relationship and therefore have shallow faith.

Q4. Why should we continually ask forgiveness? How can unforgiveness on our part block God's blessing? How can unforgiveness block God's forgiveness? Reference Matthew 7 Jam 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin. Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because [he eateth] not of faith: for whatsoever [is] not of faith is sin. We should ask for forgiveness whether we think we have sinned or not because if we say we have no sin, we lie - for anything not done in faith is sin. This means if we do one thing out of flesh and not out of faith, we have sinned. We have to be humble and admit we know nothing really of the purity of our works and the mind and heart of God - we must ask for forgiveness and forgive others as they also know not what they do! Just as Christ forgave.

Q2. In what sense are we asking that the Father's kingdom should come? Why are we asking for the Father's will to be done here on earth? How should this prayer affect our living? "Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven" - means that we shall find refuge in the Lord and the Lord shall find His home within our hearts as well. This is that we no longer live of this world, we walk in faith as His kingdom is on earth as it is in Heaven, for all things are made new in Him. We pray that we are sanctified and purified in the blood of the Lamb and therefore made worthy. Our prayers build relationship and faith - this is our daily bread - He provides for us! We forgive and ask for forgiveness daily - this is the character of God and of Christ our Lord. Deliverance is an act of surrender where we open ourselves to receive what the Lord has to give us personally. We are not partakers of temptations of the flesh - but God will be there for us through all trials and tribulations. He is faithful and steadfast, and this we should also foster in our own lives. We are called to walk out our faith by fostering the same characteristics of God and Jeus in our selves. We forsake our own will when we take the Fathers. Many people who call themsevles Christians pray to the Father for their own will to be done, rather than the will of the Father simply because they do not know the will of the Father. You must know the will of the Father to pray for the will of Father, lest you pray in witchcraft which is what you do when you pray your own will rather than the will of the Father.

Q1. What about our lives and words "hallows" the name of our Father? What desecrates and besmirches it? How should we "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray? The original meaning of the Hebrew term "hallow" is: to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate a) (Qal) 1) to be set apart, be consecrated 2) to be hallowed 3) consecrated, tabooed (Niphal) 1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 3) to be holy c) (Piel) 1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 3) to honour as sacred, hallow 4) to consecrate d) (Pual) 1) to be consecrated 2) consecrated, dedicated e) (Hiphil) 1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 3) to consecrate f) (Hithpael) 1) to keep oneself apart or separate 2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 3) to be observed as holy 4) to consecrate oneself When we honor the Word of the Father, referring to it properly, and not using using it in vain by defiling it with culture, tradition, Pharisee, opinion, etc. we are hallowing it. We respect it with Fear and trembling. We defile the Lord and the Body of Christ when we use scriptures out of context, uphold doctrines, laws, cultures, traditions, etc., above the TRUE Word of the Bible in the intent and context that God intended! Our actions and words sometimes seem holy to us when in fact they are based upon relationship in scripture but rather on the ways that culture and tradition have referred to the scriptures in doctrines, etc. We know the truth when what we have heard or know is completely portable because the Word is meant for everyone, the Spirit is not a respector of persons - when we know or uphold can be preached anywhere independent of local culture and tradition, it is the truth. If it depends upon culture and tradition for it to be true - then it is not the Word of Truth as it is intended to be understood. The mysteries of the Lord are revealed to those who have understanding. Let those who are able to receive, receive. Let those who are able to hear, hear. This indicates that if you are not able due to culture, tradition, opinion, Pharisee, etc., the truth will not be revealed to you or through you - it doesn't matter if you call yourself a Christian. God knows. The only way to the truth is through personal relationship and revelation with the Lord. Faith comes by knowing and knowing through the Word.

I am Cheni and I just finished the Bible study on Revelations and ready to do more studies. I love Bible studies. I am a full-time student at Capella University Online majoring in Management and Leadership, a life-long learner, and apostle of God.

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? I am convinced that Jesus will return in my lifetime because my life is already eternal as He is my Lord and savior and by His victory at the cross, there is no death, but eternal life. My relationship grows more richly and deeply each day. I see the thumbprint of God in everything I do. I pray His will and His will alone-forsake all that is culture, tradition, and Pharisee for His ways are not "our" ways and our ways are not His ways. It walk in His ways alone. The ways of this world cannot affect me, I walk in faith and see how the enemy uses the ways of this world. I feel no pain, I know no defeat, I trust fully and wholely on the Lord. The steps of the righteous are ordered. I repent for sins known and unknown daily for anything not done in faith is sin and I've no way of possibly knowing all things as He does - and I acknowledge Him as the supreme being. I am blessed to be His servant and He calls me friend. His glory is everywhere - his mercy is faithful. The Lord is my husband, my provider, my protector, and through him I am benefactor in the inheritance. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

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? Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Rev 22:14 - 15 Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 1Cr 6:9 - 11 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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 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. Those who do not and will not repent of their sins cannot be washed in the blood of the Lamb for it is only in such acts that we are made perfect and whole through Christ our Lord and the Spirit that dwells within us. Living righteously means knowing that anything not done in faith is sin - and we cannot possibly begin to comprehend that all things we do are in total faith, therefore as we are humble and unknowing, surrendering our own flesh and pride, we admit that we cannot possibly know the extent and width of our sins and therefore repent of the same knowing that our God knows our heart true. When we place our sins under the blood, we are washed and made new through Christ our Lord - there is no record kept of our sins when we repent. They are gone. Living righteously means repenting of our sins and acknowledging that we are nothing but in Christ we are made new. By our acts we cannot win salvation, it is only by faith - lest we boast.

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? The new Jersuleam is a precious, holy, and divine place that is all encompassing. The temple is the body which is represented by the new Jersuleam - which is the body of true believers. The foundations were laid by the twelve apostles - the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple - the body is the temple of the Lord and he dwells in us by the measure of our faith. This glory needs not a sun or moon for the glory itself is the light. Those who are saved shall walk in the light of it (the glory of Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit). All who enter bring glory and honor to it because God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ dwell within them and are partakers of the inheritance. Nothing will ever defile the body of Christ again!

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? 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 22:17 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. 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. Isa 55:1-3 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. 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. 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. Freely we recieve, freely we give. Of free will, we make a choice. When we have truly made the comittment, the Spriit lights a fire and we become thirsty for more, much really like an addict. We want more, we can't get enough. We move closer to God through reading his Word which ministers to us personally and through this we build a bond and relationship with Him. As we do this, we thirst and hunger for more of him in our lives. As we follow this, we forsake more and more of ourselves (surrendering the flesh - walking in spirit and in truth - in faith) and we trust in Him more and more as He reveals Himself to us in our daily lives. We are then witness and cannot turn back to our old. Therefore, all things are made new in our lives and the Spirit dwells within us as we move from one level glory to another. We do this to glorify God. It is total victory! We live this in community when we share in our joys and walk in His ways. Others see it, if they recognize it what it is, it can light a fire within them, if they do not, many may wonder and try to find this joy and peace as well. We open the doors even with little things that we do - smiling is witnessing when we do it for the Lord and not so that others will like us or think we are kind or something. Everything we do is for the Lord. Nothing is of us - the old is gone and the new becomes. This is the glory of His love in complete surrender and it is free.

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? We will live in Spiritual Eden with God - better than when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden and walked with God in the cool of the day because the old is passed away and behold, all things are made new. We will not know death, sorrow, or pain - His words are true and faithful. To him that thirsts of the fountain of water of life, he will give freely. To him that overcome shall inherit all things - The Lord shall be God and he shall be my son. It is a new heaven and earth for the old is passed away. New Jersulaem (for all things are made new) is the bride of Christ who has been preparing for the marriage supper of the Lamb. This is the tabernacle of the heart - where the Word is written, where God dwells with us and we are His people and He is our God. We can already have this when we are one with God it is true, there is no more sorry or pian and former things are passed away. We can walk in spiritual Eden today!