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Q11. (Isaiah 11:1-3). Why do we resist letting the Messiah govern our own lives? Why don't we seek his counsel more often? Why is surrender to his wise leadership so difficult for us? What can we do about this hardness we find in ourselves? As for me, I desire that the Messiah would govern me up to the extent that I do request God to programme me to do only what he wants me to do.

Q10. (Psalm 110) According to verse 1, what is Jesus doing at present? Jesus is presently seated at the right hand of God in heaven. What will he ultimately succeed in doing? He will ultimately rule over his enemies. What is the primary role of a priest? A priest stands between God and the people. How does Jesus function as a priest who brings us to God? (verse 4). Jesus did not only represent the sacrificial lamb offered by priests for the sins of the people, he became a priest who mediates between God and men.

1. Why do you think one of the criminals on the cross insulted and mocked Jesus? What human trait prompted him to do this? (Luke 23:39) I think one of the two criminals on the cross insulted Jesus just to vent his own pain, anger and frustration on Jesus wishing that Jesus could have used his power that he had heard of, to set himself free as well as freeing the two of them too. 2. Why does the other criminal rebuke him for his insults? On what grounds does he try to stop him? (Luke 23:40-41) The other criminal rebuked his companion because he had faith in Jesus and knew that Jesus was suffering for no fault of his while the two of them were suffering justly for their crime. 3. What did the thief have to believe about Jesus to cause him to ask him, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). What are the elements of his faith? The other thief as I said above, had faith in Christ being the Messiah thus his request to Him to remember him in his kingdom. 4. Did the thief confess his sins? Was he repentant? I believe he confessed his sin since he told the other thief that they were being punished for what they deserved. Based on this confession he asked Jesus to remember him in his kingdom. 5. How do you think the thief's request make Jesus feel? His request made Jesus felt happy that at least there was one soul who believed in him and would be saved for the Father. 6. What are the elements of Jesus' promise to the thief in 23:43? Jesus promised him that he would be with him that night in paradise. He was saved from eternal damnation in hell. 7. What are we disciples supposed to learn from this strange exchange on the crosses above our heads? What does Jesus intend us to get out of this? We are learning that there can be salvation at death bed true confession even without baptism.

Q9. (Psalm 2:1-12) Why does Jesus provoke such negative reactions from some people? Why do people tend to resist any kind of authority? What should we do when we detect resistance in our own hearts? What does it mean to "kiss the Son" (Psalm 2:12)? The human mind is generally more inclined to freedom and thus with a rebellious attitude and failure to submission to other authority including that of King Jesus. As born again children of the Lord God, we should be fully submitted to the Lord’s authority. We thus should repent whenever we find that we are resisting his authority. To kiss the son is to submit to his lordship and authority demonstrated in our obedience to him.

Q8. (Matthew 1:18-25) What do these verses tell us about Joseph's character? His faith? When he takes Mary home to be his wife, how does this affect his reputation in Nazareth as an upright Jew? Joseph was a righteous pious gentleman that would not want to associate with sin thus he wanted divorce Mary. But being a good gentleman, he did not want humiliate Mary and thus wanted do it quietly to protect her. Taking Mary home meant that he was willing to bear the gossip and even the sanctions to be meted against him for having an affair with Mary before they were legally married.

Q7. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Why is a never-ending Kingdom an anomaly in world history? Why is a just and righteous government so rare? What justice will Jesus bring to you when he comes? A never-ending Kingdom is an anomaly in world history because it has been the norm for kingdoms to rise and fall. There is so much injustice and so much evil in my own part of the world and I think it is so in many parts of the world. But when the Righteous judge comes to judge the whole world, he will judge righteously ensuring that we that have given our lives to him will live with him in his kingdom and reign with him where righteousness and peace will ever be available.

Q6. (Isaiah 9:6) Paraphrase in your own words the amazing titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. How should knowledge of his titles affect our relationship to him? The amazing titles given to Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 are: [Wonderful Counselor] the One available when there is need to know what to do when to do, that is, he is our adviser-he is our Legal Adviser; [Mighty God]- the One and only Being who is the greatest in power to create life, deliver, protect than no other; the one and only God who is greater than the greatest. [Everlasting Father] He is forever there and available to be the Shepherd who leads, protects and provides our needs for ever. Hallelujah. [Prince of peace] In chaotic world we are in, he provides the needed peace for us and is our ‘tranquilizer’!!! Being reminded of his wonderful titles that mean so much in meeting every area of my needs should make me be glued to him in faith and obedience, so help me Lord.

Q5. (Isaiah 9:1-2) Why do people choose to live in darkness when light is available? (John 3:19). Why do people seem to resist the Light of Jesus? Why do you sometimes hesitate to step into Jesus' full light? How did Light transform the reputation of Galilee? How has light transformed your reputation in your circle of friends? The people who choose to live in darkness when there is light do so because their hearts, plans and works are evil and thus they shun light that can expose them. The reason why people seem to resist the light of Jesus is similar to my answer above. They prefer to remain in their darkness and thus shun the source of light- Jesus. Jesus activities and works of deliverance physically and spiritually transformed hearts and lives of people. As for me, I am witnessing transformation that is impacting on others around me. I however pray that the Lord will transform me 100% that I may remain totally without any thought or act of darkness. So help me Lord Jesus Christ.

Q4. (Genesis 22:16-18; Galatians 3:16, 29) To whom are blessings promised through Abraham's descendant? In what way does Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac prefigure the Father's sacrifice of Jesus? The blessings are to all nations- to all who believe in the ultimate seed of Abraham, the Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham was ready to sacrifice his only son Isaac just as the Lord God did sacrificed his only begotten son, Jesus for atonement of our sin.

Q3. (Genesis 49:10) What does the image of a lion tell us about Judah's descendant? How does Jesus qualify for the promise of the ruling scepter? Why is obedience so hard for us? Why is it so important for us? A lion is the king of the jungle so would Judah’s descendants be kings and rulers of Judah and of the world through the Lord Jesus. Obedience is usually hard but is essential for reward and for the promised salvation for life eternal.

Q2. (Luke 1:39-45) Why did the angel put Elizabeth and Mary together? How is Elizabeth a comfort to Mary? How is Mary and encouragement to Elizabeth? To whom has God sent you to give and receive comfort? The angel put Elizabeth and Mary together so that they could encourage and comfort one another. Elizabeth is a comfort to Mary because the Holy Spirit led her to confirm what the angel told her- Mary

Q1. (Luke 1:26-38) What honor did God bestow on Mary? What would this honor cost her? What does her response to the angel indicate? What discipleship lesson can you learn from Mary's response? God bestowed on Mary the honour to be the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit!!. The honour would cost her social ridicule and divorce for being pregnant without officially joining with her husband. Lesson I am learning is to tell God, let it be to unto me as you plan it even when I do not understand.

1. What does Simon carrying Jesus' cross tell us about Jesus? About Simon? In what sense must his followers carry his cross today as they follow after him? Jesus was already exhausted and weak from beatings and all manner of afflictions as he staggered with the cross. Jesus needed such a relief from Simon I think. Although Simon was made to carry the cross by the soldiers, I think he was delighted to be of help to our suffering Lord. To carry a cross is to endure hardship for the Lord and his service especially bringing souls to him. 2. Why does Jesus tell the daughters of Jerusalem to weep for themselves and their children? Jesus foresaw the destruction that was coming and the suffering that that generation would go through and their children and consoled the women to mourn about it rather than crying for him. 3. What is the significance of Jesus being crucified among common criminals? Why does the Father allow this event to be so degrading and degraded? Jesus crucifixion among the common criminals was significant because it was fulfillment of prophecy about him. 4. In his prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?" whom does Jesus forgive? Can we be forgiven if we know full well what we are doing? Was Pilate forgiven? The soldiers? The chief priests? Judas? Does that mean we will see them in heaven, or is it a "potential pardon" only which must be accepted? Jesus forgave everyone that was involved in humiliating and subjecting him to suffering including Pilate, the leaders, soldiers etc. We can still be forgiven if we knowingly sin as long we confess and repent of the sin. Everyone except Judas who had committed suicide provided the repent thereafter. 5. Why did Pilate write the inscription, "This is the king of the Jews?" What did he mean by it? What is the full significance of this placard? Pilate wrote what he wrote provoke the Jewish leaders for arm-twisting him to grant the license to kill Jesus because he knew they would not like it. Nevertheless, what he wrote was the truth that Jesus was the king not only for Jews but for everyone. All needed to be done is to accept him to reign in our lives.

1. What charges do the leaders of the Sanhedrin bring against Jesus before Pilate? (Luke 23:2) Which of these were true or partly true? They accused Jesus of causing trouble among the people and also telling them not to pay taxes to the Romans. None of this is was true. 2. Why doesn't Jesus answer unambiguously when Pilate asks him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" Why does he answer with," Thou sayest"? (Luke 23:3) Jesus answered Pilate unambiguously because he knew that Pilate was not interested in the truth and facts. 3. Why does Pilate send Jesus to Herod Antipas? (Luke 23:6-12) He just wanted to get rid of Jesus for he lacked what else to do. 4. Why doesn't Jesus answer any of Herod's questions? (Luke 23:9) Because he knew that Herod just wanted to see Jesus perform miracles and to entertain him. 5. What kind of power do Jesus' enemies exert over Pilate? Why does Pilate finally give in? (Luke 23:23-24) Blackmail! Pilate finally gave in to the people’s wish to avoid causing crises that will cause his job to be at risk of dismissal by the Romans. 6. In what way is releasing Barabbas ironic? (Luke 23:18-19, 25). It is ironic because a criminal- Barabbas, was set free and an innocent man- my Lord Jesus was sentenced to death unjustly. 7. What are we as disciples supposed to learn from this sordid story of Jesus' trial before Roman justice? Many lessons, one of which is that we should expect to be persecuted and put to jail or face the worst as disciples of the Lord. 8. Who is responsible for Jesus' condemnation to death? The Jewish leaders? All Jews? Pilate? Herod? Others? All, the Jewish leaders, the Jews at the court sitting, Pilate and Herod are all guilty. Not every Jew was guilty because some were Jesus’ disciples as well as some Jewish followers.

Q31. What was Elijah's primary mission? How successful was he at this mission? How can we measure success in ministry? What are the dangers of self-assessment? When can an accurate assessment be made? Elijah’s primary mission was to turn the hearts of an idolatrous people back to the Lord God Almighty. He succeeded to a certain degree but not 100% Self-assessment can go wrong just as in the case of Elijah who thought that he had had enough as all other prophets had been killed leaving him as the only survivor who was being pursued to be killed.

Q30. (James 5:16-18) Elijah is James' example of an ordinary man who did extraordinary things through believing prayer. Do you believe God can use you in extraordinary ways? Why? or Why not? What keeps us from being used effectively? I surely believe that God can use me in extraordinary ways because God is faithful and has promised us to ask, knock the door, seek and we shall receive, the shut door would be opened and I will find what I am seeking for, Mat.7:7. He also has promised that we should call unto Him and He would answer, Jeremiah 33:3

Q29. (Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:17) In what ways did Elijah's ministry and calling have similarities with John the Baptist's ministry and calling? Was John the Baptist actually Elijah reincarnated? Elijah’s ministry and calling had similarities with that of John the Baptist because they both prepare a way for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

Q28. (2 Kings 2:9-11) Why does Elisha ask for a double portion (or full first-born's inheritance) of Elijah's spirit? Is he greedy for power? Is it right to long for a greater presence and power of the Holy Spirit? How should we seek this? I think Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing so as to be very empowered to perform even more than whatever his boss had done. I don’t think that this request was motivated by greed. Indeed we should long for and ask for greater power of the Holy Spirit but not necessarily greater presence as his presence does not have to be doubled for greater anointing.

. (2 Kings 2:2-6) Why do you think Elijah discourages Elisha from following him at the end? What is Elisha's response? What kinds of discouragements have you faced that made you wonder if you should keep on following the Lord? I think Elijah knew that he was going on a one-way journey (to heaven) I would not need Elisha so he discouraged him from following him.

1. How did the temple soldiers abuse Jesus? (Luke 22:63-65) Why did they abuse him, do you think? They mocked and beat him to humiliate him. 2. Why was it important to Jesus' opponents to get him to admit to being the Messiah? (Luke 22:67a) What kind of Messiah were they expecting? So that they can find reason for Roman authority to convict and kill him. 3. Why are Jesus' opponents often unable to listen to truth told them by credible people? (Luke 22:67b-68) How does understanding this help us to be more faithful disciples? They are often unable to listen to the truth because they are often not interested in hearing and knowing the truth from him.

Q26. (2 Kings 1) Why is Yahweh offended by Ahaziah's consulting Baal rather than Israel's own God? What are modern-day applications of this sin? Have you ever made important decisions without seeking God's wisdom? Why? Yahwey is offended by Ahaziah’s consulting Baal rather than Israel’s own God because this violets the first commandment that they should have no other god before Him. In our times we take our decisions by ourselves or after consulting some people and then just ask God to confirm or endorse them. I am also guilty of this sin many times. Lord forgive me please. http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/2130-q26-consulting/

Q25. What is the danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves too closely with political leaders? What do the Christian leaders hope to gain from the association? What do the political leaders hope to gain? What is the effect on the church and Christ's work if these political leaders are ungodly men? How can Christians work for good through politics without being corrupted by a quest for power? The danger of Christian leaders identifying themselves so closely with politicians is that they may find themselves not bold enough declare the truth for fear of hurting the leader and loosing the benefits of the relationship. Generally, political leader are just interested in getting votes and winning elections even if the process of getting the votes was not ethical. They would therefore generally want only people who would tell them what will align with their interest and would not therefore want anyone to tell them a truth that might not align with interest. However, Christians whether they are political leaders or followers/ advisers, should always say nothing but the truth.

Q24. (1 Kings 22:29; 2 Chronicles 19:2) Why do you think Jehoshaphat goes into battle alongside Ahab, even after he hears Micaiah's prophecy? What kind of weaknesses in Jehoshaphat's character does this decision suggest? May be King Jehoshaphat still went along to fight with King Ahab despite the prophecy that he would return alive from the war because of brotherly love. But it could also be weakness that some of us exhibit and cannot be bold enough to say no when the need to say so arises.

Q23. (1 Kings 22:10-28) What kinds of pressures is Micaiah experiencing as he prophesies before Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat? What is his danger from men? What is his danger from Yahweh? Why are the true prophets of the Old Testament so honored by Jesus? (Matthew 5:12; 23:31-32, 37; Luke 11:50-51; 13:34). The pressure Micaiah is under is the decision whether to prophesy the truth and face the consequence from King Ahab or not. His danger from men is the physical assault or denial of comfort and food or even death. Jesus honored the true prophets of the old testament because they usually declared the truth even if that would cost their lives.

Q22. (1 Kings 22:2-9) Why does Jehoshaphat want to consult an actual prophet of Yahweh before going into battle? What does this tell us about his discernment of Ahab's prophets? Of his desire to be obedient to God? Jehoshaphat wants to consult a true prophet of Yahweh the true God because he did not trust Ahab who worships idols and have 'yes prophets' who tell him only what he wants to hear and never the truth.