haar

Daniel prophesised that the son of man will come down in the clouds with power just as Jesus Christ himself also declared when he was here on earth. Jesus decided to call himself as son of man instead of son God to fulfill the prophesy about him.

Paul had to emphasied on the severe punishment that awaits deulters of God's warning because sexual sins were very prevalent and new converts who were used to uncontrolled sex before conversion needed to be sereriously warned so that they will heed and be saved from purnishment. The purnishment seems to be more severe for sexual sin than other sins. This shows how serious God considers sexual sins and wants every one to control their sexual desire that if not controlled will defile them and render them unfit to see God. Every Christian should take the warning serious and heed them or else the same purnishment spelt out for the Church in Thessalonica will be metted on him/ her.

Yes humans are actually capable of controlling their sexual urge if they avail themselves to the grace and power of God to overcome all temptations. God has promised us that he will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to overcome any temptation. It is then up to us to resist. The fact is that some of us do not make the attempt to resist. We should pray for God to help us over all types lustful desires. People seem to be out of control because the determination to be surrendered completely to the power of God is not there. God wants us to limit our sexuality to within marriage only. We must control our bodies and not allow our bodies to control us. If we do not control our bodies, we defile them and sin against God. The failure to control our sexuality leads to broken homes, unwanted/ abandoned children etc.

To be sanctified is to be made holy for relationship with our holy father in Heaven. This is done through first, by justification by the Lord Jesus when we put our faith him for the forgiveness of our sins and then ondly, by our determination and effort to keep ourselves holy by shunning all acts of immorality.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) What is the difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God? Which is stronger? Rule-keeping or love? On whose authority does Paul bring these commands? Conducting our lives to please God means that we love God and do what he says we should do and to ensure we do not do what he says we should not do. On the other hand conducting ourselves by rules means we become legalistic to do what the rules say without any regard to God. Paul teachings are on the authority of God.

1. The value of special speakers to a congregation is the impartation of encouragement and the strengthening of the believers in that congregation. 2. Such speakers can have a greater impact on the congregation than the local Pastors. The local church value what the visiting speakers say more and will thus be encouraged and strengthened in faith.

1. Persecution discourage Christians from active and open service due to fear of being harmed by persecution 2. Persecution refine Christian as gold or precious metal is refined by fire. A Christian who stands firm and overcome trials is further strengthened in the inner man to go all the way even to the cross. 3. God allow the tempter to tempt us in order to make grow in our faith trusting in God's ability to be with us and to make us triumph over the temptation.

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? In what ways was this a sensitive role. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager was important because the Church in Thessalonica were facing severe persecution and needed to be strengthened and build up so as to be able to stand firm. Paul was not allowed to visit the Thessanian church again and thus Timothy who was junior minister had to carry out this assignment that was very important but there was a possibility of also facing the persecution. This made the assignment sensitive. Delegation helps the ministry as people of different skills and opportunities can avail themselves for service where others cannot.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) How can we justify a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God’s free gift of salvation and our love for him? What does Christ reward? What doesn’t he reward? Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? How does it motivate us? We can justify our desire for rewards for our labour in light of God's free gift of salvation because although salvation is a free gift by grace, we are expected to work for rewards. We are rewarded for winning souls and for various services in the vine yard of God. Showing accountability especially in the use of our talents and resources should bring us pleasure because of the rewards associated with the full and proper utilisation of the resources. The motivation comes from the anticipation that our service is not in vain but will be adequately rewarded.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples’ lives? Does it have a power of its own? How does that seem to operate? What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? The role of the Word of God in moulding disciples'life is energising boosting their faith and nourishing their souls, spirit and body. This is because the Word of God is living, sharper than a two edget sword. It is the bread of live that nourishes the disciple.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are "fatherly" roles so important to making disciples? How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? "Fatherly"roles of encouraging and urging a disciple produces in him/ her desired qualities of righteousness to fit the standard of God. This disciple making principle can be adopted by mothers in bringing up children that are righteous.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are "motherly" nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? By "motherly" nurturing, it is meant tenderly caring and loving relationship for a child by her mother. This is makes the child to feel loved and this will bring about a positive bond in the relationship. If male disciplers adopt this model, there will be healthy minded and loved disciples who will be happy and productive.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Why do you say that? How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? I think the common character flaws that are the main problem in the church today are greed and men pleasing that both have a common objective namely attract and keep a growing congregation by telling then only what they want to hear and attract huge collections. The church is becoming a business to some church founders today. We have to repent and turn to God to purify our motives towards love for willing souls for the Lord.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple -- and for a discipler? How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? Personal courage is important to the discipler because he/ she needs to be bold enough to declare the gospel message in the mist of persecution so harsh and rampant in the world today. The disciple has to be courageous to stand the persecution without giving up. Lack of courage prevents evangelism as fear of being persecuted prevents the Christians from proclaiming the gospel while those who are preached to may also reject the gospel for fear of being persecuted. God is calling me and every believer to go and preach the gospel to the perishing. This requires courage.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Which of these elements are most important? Which are less important? Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? That Jesus is the son of God; He died but rose again; he is our savour; He is coming back again and there will judgment when the wrath of God will be meted on all who rejected the gift of salvation. All these elements are very important. The one that is under emphasied is the final judgement as some people believe that a loving God cannot allow such a hard thing to happen.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? Imitation is important in the Christian's life formation because it builds up the younger Christian who watch and see how they should walk as they see the more spiritual matured walk. I think all areas of ministry should be avenues where discipleship or mentoring to build the new believers should take place. People naturally imitate others. It is therefore very important for leader to exhibit godly lifestyles that can be copied or else God will hold us responsible if we lead the young in faith astray. People who isolate themselves cannot grow because we need to learn from role models and also, we all have different gifts and will benefit from the gifts of others only when we join the congregation or groups.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit's working so necessary to effective ministry? What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? What is the role of miracles in Paul's evangelism? What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? What is hindering this? The Holy Spirit working is required for genuine heart conviction and repentance. When the main power behind our ministry is will power, the end result is emotional and intellectual converts. Miracles played a major influence in Paul's evangelism just as they were in Jesus'ministry. If our evangelism would be effective, then miracles need to be part of our ministry today. What is hindering miracles in evangelism today is the belief that miracles are no longer feasible in our days. But this is not true because Jesus Christ said that those who believed in him would lay their hands on the sick and they would be healed. Mark 16:17-18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover". (Mark 16:17-18 KJV)

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? The strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonian was because a large number of people who were both Jews and non Jews converted to Christianity and followed Paul and Silas. This resulted in both numerical and financial strength to the Jewish synagogue and hence jealousy and hatred arose. He was commissioned by the Lord Jesus to preach the Good news of salvation and he was thus bound by that commission no matter the cost. No. A violent reaction to our ministry does not mean we should stop.

Q4. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us about David's character and faith? What does it reveal about Joab's character? What kind of faith do you see in Joab? What does this passage teach us about the importance of friends? Is Joab really David's friend? David was a merciful leader who refused to take revenge but granted mercy. Joab though remained loyal to king David could not tolerate any demotion. He felt that King David was not fair to him because he was the one who snatched his kingdom back from Absalom. He therefore murdered the new commander of the army, Amasa. His loyalty to King David despite his demotion showed his un-relented friendship that seemed genuine.

Q3. (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Absalom in the battle? Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? How does David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? What does this say about his followers' loyalty? What does it say about David's faith? About his weaknesses? David commands mercy for Absalom because of his love for him despite his rebellion. Joab kills Absalom because he knows how dangerous he is as he will stop at nothing to fight and be king in place of his father. Joab also knows the weakness of King David. David will not punish Absalom for his atrocities David's loud mourning threatens his kingdom because it discourages the soldiers who reason that the king does not care about what harm Absalom can do to them. His action shows that he loves his son more than his army who have defended his throne successfully. The army can abandon the king and he will be without a kingdom. Joab has been a dedicated and loyal commander and wise adviser to the king. So are the followers. David weakness has always been his failure to punish offenders in his household.

Q2. (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei son of Gera from cursing him? Is this a political decision or a spiritual decision? What does it tell us about David's faith? David did not silence Shimei, son of Gera because he reasoned that it could have been God who told Shimei to curse him as part of God's discipline for his sins. This is a spiritual decision. David believed in the discipline of God but also belied mercy of God would also follow. This action further portrays David as a strong believer in God

Q1. (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem rather than stay and fight? What are David's emotions during this retreat? Why doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, or submission? What does this tell us about his faith? David did not stay to fight because Absalom had mobilised a large fighting men that could outnumber the King's military. Furthermore, there was no time to stock provisions that would last for a long time in an event of a siege on the city. David fled the city also as a military strategy of retreating in order to consolidate his military position. David emotions were mainly remorse and penitence for his sins. He did not carry the Arc because it was not his personal belonging. It belonged to the whole nation of Israel thus it remained in Jerusalem. The Priests that will remain with Arc will also serve as spies against Absalom. His exhibition of faith was submission to the will of God whom he believe would do only what seems right. David was a man of great faith in God

Q4. (2 Samuel 13-15:13) It's difficult to find positive spiritual lessons in these sad and grim chapters. What negative spiritual lessons do you find? There is need to remain faithful to God all the time so as to remain in his favour, protection and peace. David slowed down in his relationship with God and even sinned. The consequences were that God punished him through the hands of men, even his blood relative, his son Absalom.

Q3. (2 Samuel 15:1-6) What are the elements of Absalom's public relations campaign to win over the people to his side? How effective is it? What should David have done differently? Which of David's weaknesses does Absalom exploit? He started by meeting people at the city gate who had complaints to find out who they were, what their complaints were and the lamented before them the absence of justice in the king's court adding that he would be a better judge if given the opportunity. he took another step of been a kind and loving person by welcoming people with a kiss. These stategies worked as people began to love/ like him. Absalom exploited David's non action where necessary such as not punishing his Amnon for rape, not punishing Joab and other for murder and even his failure to punish him (Absalon) for murder of Amnom

Q2. (2 Samuel 13:39-14:24) Why do you think Joab conspires to get David to bring Absalom home? Why do you think David does not immediately show Absalom his favor? Joab saw a future king after David in Absalom that was why he conspired to bring him home in line with succession plan. David did not immediately show favour to Absalom because he considered Absalom no longer fit for the throne.