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Everything posted by haar
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Q1. (Haggai 1:8) Q. God wishes to "take pleasure" in the temple, but the people have stopped working on the project. When is God displeased with you? A. When I am more concerned in my welfare and comfort and not committed to taking care of his house. Q. When does he "take pleasure" in you? A. When I do what pleases him by worship and giving- time and resources for his house. But I now need to do better than I have been doing. So help Lord. Q. What is keeping you from serving him deliberately and joyfully? A. I think selfishness that leads to concentrating my job and business and inadequate attention to Him and His work.
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Q5. (Ezra 6:20-21) Q. What do repentance and separation from the sins of our culture look like for a disciple today? A. There is so much that needs to be done. Many Christians today in my culture attend church programmes and confess sin committed but will join the world in some cultural rites that are not godly and thus offensive to God. Christians should live repentant lives daily and be separated from traditions and culture that does not honour God. Q. How should we prepare ourselves to worship Jesus in the Lord's Supper? A. By first humbly pause to examine ourselves in the presence of the Lord by the guidance of the Holy Spirit and then confess whatever sin the Holy Spirit exposes to us. Q. How should we prepare to serve him with purity day by day? A. By diligently reviewing our lives continuously moment by moment and confessing our sin and not to wait until the time for Holy communion.
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Q4. Never Give Up
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1 Returning to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6)
Q4. (Ezra 6:1-12) Q. When faced with "insurmountable odds," why do we give up so easily? A. Lack of strong faith enough to trust in the Lord God to help us fight it out victoriously to the end Q. What are the characteristics of a disciple who retains a robust faith in the God of amazing breakthroughs and impossible solutions? A. Unshakeable faith in God's ability to deliver us no matter the enormity of the challenge. -
Q3. Redesigning Worship
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1 Returning to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6)
Q3. (Ezra 4:1-3) Q. Sometimes uncommitted people try to co-opt true worship for their own ends, as did the enemies of the Jews. What is the danger of letting people without a deep heart commitment and close walk with God redesign the church's image in the community? Redesign worship? Redesign the preaching? How can we be innovative and still be faithful to God's heart? The uncommitted people will redesign the church, worship and preaching in line with what and how they will want things to suit their ego and way of life instead of doing things to please the Lord God of Heaven by worship Him in truth and in spirit. We can be innovative and still be faithful to God only by submitting our selves wholly to the leadership and power of God through the Holy Spirit living and working in us. -
Q2. Restoring Worship
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1 Returning to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6)
Q2. (Ezra 3) Q. Rebuilding the temple in order to restore worship is the point of all this work. Is your personal worship what it should be? What foundations do you need to lay again in your personal restoration and revival of faith? A. There is a lot more required for me to be there. I therefore sincerely pray now that the Lord God Almighty will help me through the help of the Holy Spirit to know and be able to worship Him at the right time, place and in spirit and truth. So Help me Lord. -
Q1. Motivation to Return
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1 Returning to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1-6)
Q1. (Ezra 1:5-6) Q. Why did only some return to Jerusalem when given the opportunity? A. Some of those who did not returned had settled down and din't want any head ache of undertaking a long journey aside the tedious reconstruction task / work ahead. Q. What are the likely characteristics of those who return vs. those who stay behind in Babylon? A. Those who returned had the love of their nation at heart and were willing to embark on the journey while others were just contented to remain and enjoy life. Q. Why do only some answer Jesus' call to follow him on his journey to a radically different kind of lifestyle and mission? A. Most of those who do not response to Jesus call to follow Him have their minds set on worldly concern and thus do not follow Jesus. Q. What are the characteristics of true disciples? A. Ability to let go all the glittering things of this world in favour of eternal life. -
Q4. First Love
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 11. Paul's Passion: Knowing the Exalted Christ
Q4. (Philippians 3:13; Revelation 2:4) Q. What does it look like when a person "loses his first love"? A. It means one is more occupied with activities while the love for Christ declines. Q. Has this ever happened to you? A. Yes. Q. How can you regain a personal intimacy with Christ? A. Through quiet time with Him at set times, then be passionate in walking with Him and also working for Him. Q.What might you need to repent of to restore this? A. Luke warmness -
Q3. Knowing Christ
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 11. Paul's Passion: Knowing the Exalted Christ
Q3. (Philippians 3:8-9) Q. How can pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements actually get in the way of "knowing Christ"? A. Once we feel that we know it all, there wont be any room for desiring to thirst for knowing Him more. And we can never know Him fully on this side of the world until we see Him face to face at the other side- Heaven. Q. Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? A. As for me, I feel inadequate and never there yet. I thus desire to know Christ more and more, moment by moment. -
Q2. In Christ
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 11. Paul's Passion: Knowing the Exalted Christ
Q2. (Colossians 1:14-20; Romans 8:1) Q. What does it mean to be "in Christ"? A. To be in union with Him through the indwelling of the Ho;y Spirit (His Spirit) that dwels in us. Q. Why is such union with Christ so important? A.We are in Him and In God even as He is God and this makes us secure in Him and in God. -
Q1. (Philippians 2:5-11) Q. How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of humility and forego his rights in order to do God's will? A. Being every thing God, he humbled Himself and took the form of man and foregone His rights and to crown it all, humbled Himself to died on the cross for my sin and the sin of the world. Q. What happens when we try to exalt ourselves, rather than waiting for God to exalt us? What do you call this tendency? A. We try to exalt ourselves by our action. This is pride
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Q4. Death Is Gain
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 10. Paul's Imprisonment, Release, and Death
Q4. (Philippians 1:20-23) Q. In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). A. Death will enable him be at home with the Lord Jesus Christ Q. Which is better for him? Life or death? (verse 23) A. Death. Q. How does Paul decide which he prefers -- life vs. death -- according to verses 22-24? A. Quoting Him "23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." (Philippians 1:22-26)" -
Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) Q. Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? A. If our names are not in the book of life - those who have not believed and accepted Christ as their Saviour. Q. Will we be condemned at that judgment? A. We that have accepted Christ as our Saviour will not be condemned Q. What saves us (Romans 8:1; Revelation 21:12)? A. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Q. How will our works be judged on that day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)? A. Whether they are good or bad.
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Q2. Eternal Home
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 10. Paul's Imprisonment, Release, and Death
Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:2-3) Q. In what ways is heaven like your "home"? A. It has all you need compared to a worldly place whether your home or somewhere else on earth where some of our needs cannot be met, I think. Q. Which is eternal? A.Heaven. Q. Which is temporary? A. Here on earth. Q. What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? A. Solid and cast iron faith that is unshakeable -
Q1. (2 Timothy 2:3; 3:10-12; 4:7) Q. Why are we quieted so quickly by mild societal disapproval of our witness? A. Fear. Q. What would enduring hardship "like a good soldier of Christ" look like in your life? A. To face whatever comes no matter the challenges without giving up but to continue to preach the gospel without fear. Q. What would it look like to "fight the good fight" for you? A. Proclaim the word in season and out of season despite persecution
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Q4. (Acts 20:24b; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) Q. In what sense was Paul an ambassador? A. He was appointed by Christ to represent Him to nations and tribes. To take the message of salvation that comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ to the wold, his constituency. Q. In what sense are you an ambassador? A. I am an ambassador for Christ as the name on my computer profile carries. I am represent Christ in my conduct my neighbourhood, my work place, the church and wherever I may find myself. But regrettably, I have not been an effective ambassador like Paul. So help me Lord God. Q. Why is sharing your testimony important in your ambassadorship? A. Doing so will convince my constituency to accept the message of salvation quickly.
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Q3. (Acts 20:24) Q. Our life is valuable to God, of course, and we are to value it. However, what problems result from valuing our life for its own sake? A. It becomes a problem if we occupy our lives on only things that benefit us at expense of service to God and humanity (that is loving ourselves only instead of loving God first with all our hearts.... and second, loving our neighbours as our selves. Q. What does it mean to "take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23-25)? A. To be ready to go through trials and challenges in serving the Lord no matter how this hurts even at up to the extend of loosing our lives. Q. What keeps us from doing that? A. The the devil and the love of the flesh and every thing that glitters. Q. What does it mean when Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)? A. Means that I have surrendered my life to to serve the Lord and do only His bidding and no longer live according to my former sinful life that has been nailed to the cross. Q. Can we follow Christ, if we are actually trying to hang on to our own life? A. NO
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Q2. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-23; 21:11) Q. Are the prophecies about imprisonment in Jerusalem in conflict with Paul's leading from God? What, then, conflicts with Paul's leading to go to Jerusalem? A, I don't think the prophesy about imprisonment in Jerusalem were in conflict with Paul's leading from God. The fact was that imprisonment was one suffering he was destined to experience along the way of fulfilling God's plan. Q. Why do you think Paul actively encourages prophecy in the churches he establishes (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? A. Because through prophesy people get to know God's plan and will. Q. Why do you think many Christians despise prophecy today (1 Thessalonians 5:20)? A. Because of their erroneous belief that prophesies have ceased.
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Q1. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) Q. Why did Christians worship on "the first day of the week"? Q. Why is it called "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10)? A. It is day that marks Christ’s resurrection. This day replaced Saturday originally set aside for rest and worship. Q. What does it mean that they "break bread" (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16)? A. Partake in the Holy Communion. Q. Why is that important to believers (Luke 22:19)? A. In line with the Lord’s instruction that it should be done in remembrance of His death for the forgiveness of sin of humanity- of those who believe in Him.
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Q4. Praise
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. Paul Fights the Good Fight of Faith -- Spiritual Warfare
Q4. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17a, 21-22; Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) Q. What do praise and thankfulness have to do with faith? Why do you think praise and thankfulness are such powerful weapons in our warfare? A. They indicate the level of our dependence/ trust/ faith in the Lord and this in turn provoke God's answers to our prayers to follow. -
Q3. Forgiveness
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. Paul Fights the Good Fight of Faith -- Spiritual Warfare
Q3. (2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:26-27) Q. How do you think anger and unforgiveness give Satan an opportunity to damage you? A. Anger and unforgivenes lead to sin as they are contrary to the word of God. And sin creates the passage for the devil to go into the sinner to attack Q. For you, who is the most difficult person to forgive? A. Anyone who consistently offends me with impunity without remorse. Q. Why is your unforgiveness more damaging to you than to the person who hurt you? A. First, the offender has moved on and is not experiencing any feeling that hurts him and thus there is nothing damaging to him but I am left with the ulcer of unforgiveness. Second, my unforgiveness leads to and opens a way of entrance by the evil one to torment and add more damage to me spiritually and physically. -
Q2. Gospel Power
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. Paul Fights the Good Fight of Faith -- Spiritual Warfare
Please see my earlier post -
Q2. Gospel Power
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. Paul Fights the Good Fight of Faith -- Spiritual Warfare
Q2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; John 8:44) Q. What are Satan's chief tools to keep people under his control? A. Fear is one tool satan uses. He can also cause fellow human beings to intimidate the children of God to deter them from declaring the Word of God. Q. Why is the sharing and preaching of the gospel so threatening to him (John 8:31-32; Romans 1:16)? A. Because he does not want the truth of the Gospel that leads eternal to be known as this will make him looses hold on them in his kingdom. Q. Why do you think it is so difficult to share your faith or preach in the world outside the church? A. Fear of rejection and or getting persecuted in the process. -
Q1. Usurped Authority
haar replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 8. Paul Fights the Good Fight of Faith -- Spiritual Warfare
Q1. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Psalm 24:1) Q. What is the difference between legitimate authority and usurped authority? A. Legitimate authority is that obtained legally while usurped authority is that taken dubiously by deception or force Q. Which kind of authority does Satan have? A. Usurped authority. Q. How can Satan be defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15), but still be dangerous (John 10:10a, 44; 1 Peter 5:8-9)? A. Satan's authority was wrestled out of his hand on the cross but he still goes about deceiving and luring innocent people to steal, kill and destroy. The Good news is that we can resist him by our faith in God through Christ as we also take up and put on the full armour of God. -
Q4. (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Ephesians 6:18-20) Q. What portion of Paul's "overwhelming pressure" was due to spiritual warfare, do you think? How much can be attributed to the "normal" struggles of life? A. Most of Paul's overwhelming pressure in my opinion was more of spiritual because satan is an enemy of he Gospel who will use physical objects including humans such the Jews to afflict any one like Paul who is committed to spreading the Gospel Q. Why is intercessory prayer for leaders and for one another so important? A. The Lord God answers prayers of His children. So it is important for children of God to intercede for pastors and one another
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Q3. (Acts 19:11-19) Q. Why do so many contemporary churches expect to evangelize effectively in the 21st century without signs and wonders? A. There might be several reasons: They have no confidence that they can do that; doubt in the use of Go's power; lack of experience using the power of God to attract people to God etc. Q. What are we afraid of? A. Failure. Q. How do we identify people in our congregations whom God has gifted with ministries of healing, faith, and miracles? A. By encouraging everyone to try. Q. What will it take to move in this direction for you? A. Trial and total dependence in the Lord and His Spirit/power Q. For your church? A. Same above