Eudora

Q2. (Isaiah 2:1-5) What does this prophecy of the future Jerusalem tell us about God's plan for the Gentiles? About God's plan for the Jews? About spiritual hunger? About peace? One day when Yahwey’s kingdom will be set up here on earth, Jerusalem will be the place where people will go to learn the ways of Yahwey. They will learn His Torah (Law VS 3) ‘the law, and the word of the LORD’ and everyone Jew and Gentile alike will live in unity. There will be no more war and no-one will try to rule over another because there will be One Who rules over all in the House of the God of Jacob. Everyone will yearn for His truth and His Way. Unless we make a decision to walk in His Light and His way, what good are we? We are a people with-out a light. His pure doctrine will be taught from Zion and there will be no other doctrine to contradict the Living Word. Many people shall go and say, ‘Come’ and they will go to hear about what is being spoken from Zion. We know that this prophecy has not yet occurred because the nations have not yet learned to live this way and they are still using weapons of war and not the tools that would be used in a vineyard or a garden or tools used to clear land in order to plant a new vineyard, His… His Kingdom will be set up and His way shall be the only way. His Kingdom has not yet been set up. When it is, all nations will live in unity because the King will rule with a rod of purest steel that does not allow for bending. The world will never go to war again and all will be at peace. HALLILU- YAH!

Q1. (Isaiah 1:2-20) In what way is Judah confused about its identity, according to verses 2-4? I seem to see something I have never seen or heard before. God is speaking to the children through the mouth of the prophet and even though He doesn’t refer to Himself as ‘Father’, He refers to them as His children. The problem may be that they have not recognized Him as their Father, nor have they picked up on the fact that He refers to them as His children. It makes a difference in how a child acts when they are raised by a step father or a birth father. There is just something there that feels different, as if they are not part of the family somehow and the child can feel it. They see Him as the God, the Holy One of Israel; the LORD that they have been following. They have been doing everything they have been doing to appease a god, rather than a daddy whose attention every child desperately craves. Children do have a way of rebelling even against their own birthparents, so in reality, what they are doing is pretty common because of sin nature born into humanity because of the sin of our first parent’s disobedience. (Adam & Eve) This goes on to prove that the sacrifices that they were giving were not going to cleanse them of their sin because even after offering perhaps a sin offering, they were continuing to go against Torah in their hearts. What are the consequences when Christians today suffer from such identity confusion? I believe that the reason that folks are suffering an identity crisis now is because they too have gone away from the very same Torah and The Way that God has prescribed in Torah, His Teachings. We have allowed man to tell us that the Sabbath has been done away with and changed God’s law from Sabbath worship to first day worship and remembrance. The roman church openly admits it too. It began way back then when the Jewish nation was ruled under the Roman Empire. This is where I believe everyone began to get way off course. They accepted the rule and the change and forsook God and His way. Ergo, this is consequently how the feasts of the Lord were done away with too. Man has already thought to change God’s times and His laws as a result of the rule under the Roman Empire. But the word ‘think’ is the dividing factor. Nothing has changed and it never will because God doesn’t go back on His word. It was man who went away from His will in the times of Isaiah and it is still man who has continued to do so allowing man to ‘think’ they are a god unto themselves and ruling their own life, without regard to what God has prescribed as the way to righteousness and holy living under His Teachings and prescribed way of communal living in His Kingdom. What injustices does God accuse his people of in verses 15-17? They are raising up what they believe to be holy hands but He is not seeing them. Unless a man repent, God cannot hear our prayers. We cannot stay in or continue in sin if we expect Him to hear us. We must repent and turn away from sin. Job 27:8-9 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? We are supposed to bring forth fruit and that fruit is to remain if we expect Him to listen and fulfill our prayers. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1st John 3:22 I think this is why Yah so loved King David because whenever David committed a sin, he would repent and not do that again. I find this verse kind of interesting too because it specifically says that we receive what we ask ‘BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS’, yet people pick on me often because I do keep and do His commandments and then am accused that I am doing them to get something but hey…. that is what the scripture tells us. And we gotta remember too that the Lord heard the prayers of Elijah when that young boy died. Yah heard his prayers and that young boy was given life again. If Elijah had not been a righteous seeking fella, following Torah, would that have happened? James said it was the prayer of the faith that saves the sick. So I am sure that we can intercede for folks and Yah will hear our prayers. I usually just begin my prayer with Father, I stand in the gap and come to You on behalf of so and so and go from there. I pray for His mercy and favor to be upon the one whom I am standing in the gap for. If they are walking in sin, He would not be able to hear their cries for help until they repent and turn from their transgression against His law. The Bible clearly defines and describes to us what sin is: 1st John 3:4 ¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. God only wrote one law so when a person has committed a sin, they are in violation of His Torah, His Teachings according to what the brother of Yahushua wrote. (James) In verses 18-20 God argues that their behavior is "unreasonable." Why is it unreasonable? Because they had been fulfilling their obligation of sacrifice but they had the blood on their hands. The blood was never dispensed across their hearts. They were not willing to eat the good of the land and because of this; their enemies had come in and devoured their land. (Vs. 7) They were not satisfied with what they had so they went astray looking for what they thought per say, to be a better field to graze in. (Pagan fields) They would eat the fruit of their own doings (Iniquity) just as the righteous eat the fruit of their doings (Obedience to learning the righteous ways of Yahwey). If Yahushua is the vine from the original root and we are the branches, we ought to go into His vineyard and begin working there so that we can come out the same way that John the Baptist did, by the way of righteousness. Matthew 21:28-32 ¶ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. What does God offer as an alternative? He calls them to repentance. (The gospel)

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 4:6-8) Why do you think Paul mentions such severe punishments for sexual immorality? Are these punishments more severe than for other sins? What effect should these warnings have on Christians? The believers at Corinth were surrounded with the most corruptible and vulgar environment known in its time, the hub of the evilness of a sexual pleasure-seeking environment. The church was being undermined by plagues of issues however most propounded was the spirit of sexual immorality. Because of spiritual immaturity of the body of believers at Corinth, they were reacting to these types of destructible behavior in-appropriately. The urgent need at Corinth for corrective action was imperative if they were to survive in their faith. Yet if any group of believers needed to be an effective witness for the Lord it was the church at Corinth because of its sin seeking environment. If they ever needed a message of the healing power of Christ, it was now. In order to be ‘an effective tool in God’s hand,’ they would need to walk in purity. This is no different for the folks at Thessalonica, or for us. Our complete loyalty must first be to God. However, with in the body there are cuts and bruises along the way that might need our attention and rather than allow satan to tear the body deeper through cuts or bruises, we absolutely must repair these before they become infected. An infection with-in the body can cause it to become sicker and sicker and we can actually die should an infection take over the whole body. Our quick attention to cuts and bruises are extremely important to deal with immediately because once a body becomes infected, it can fall apart quickly and when the unity of a body begins to fall apart, death could be the result. Band-Aids can cover up a wound, but it is more important to apply the healing ointment as soon as possible to avoid infection and keep the body in good health. This, in and of itself is our loyalty to God because the body is re-presenting Him to the world. The body of Christ must be healed of all afflictions if it is to continue to move toward a healthy righteous body that pleases the LORD. Like a good doctor would, Paul analyzes the problem and presents the first line of defense in this letter. Their healing would come if they took the good doctors’ advice. Properly understood, healing sometimes does take a while, but it does come. We cannot go around indulging in sex just because we can. We need to remember that God has given this act as a way of physical communication between a man and a woman for the purpose of pro-creating and an extension of our love and affection. He honors us by giving us the human body and it is our way of blessing and glorifying Him to bring honor to what He has given. Basically Paul is saying that what we are given, we are not to be immorally in-appropriate with what He has given. There is for good reason that there are punishments for sexual sin because marriage is sacred and our bodies are sacred. Our bodies are given to us to present to God as a sacrifice. HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE. If our bodies are broken and bruised by a lifestyle that is ugly and blemished then our hearts are left defiled and our bodies are useless organism’s good enough for only burning. Like Pastor Ralph said, anything less, constitutes rebellion against God Himself.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Are humans actually capable of controlling their sexual urges? If so, why are so many people seemingly out of control? Why is it important to control ourselves sexually within marriage? What happens when sexuality does not have any boundaries? What happens to marriages, to children, to our spirits, to our bodies? Yes we are more than conquers and able to avoid sexual urges. Perhaps people are out of control because they have not submitted themselves to the truth of the word? Marriage is a covenant relationship no different than our relationship with God through His Son. When we go whoring outside of our marriage we have broken our trust in the vow that we have made to keep ourselves set apart to cleave only to our spouse. The whole family is broken up by the bonds of sin rather than the covenant that we are to hold on to and protect.

Paul is urging the folks to please God in their endeavors. The guideline He gives is only to help them gain the pure life that God wants everyone to enjoy. Keep ourselves from sexual promiscuity is an obedience that we can do to show our love not only to ourselves and others but our love towards God and His love towards us. Learn to appreciate and give dignity to our body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God. Don't run roughshod over the concerns of our brothers and sisters. God will take care of His own. Paul is admonishing that folks manage their sexual impulses in a holy and honorable manner. The Bible does after all speak of not giving into lustful desires like pagans who don’t know God. Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) What does it mean to be "sanctified"? In what sense are we "holy" now? In what sense are we in the process of becoming "holy"? What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. The Bible says, ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. This is our first step towards sanctification is to believe that God is Who He says that He is and that He is’. Paul reminds these folks that he has warned them about these things before. God hasn't invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside. If they or even us disregard Paul’s advice, we would not be offending our neighbors; we would be offending and rejecting God‘s council, and it is He who has supplied us with the gift of His Holy Spirit. If we do not mix our faith with what we have heard, none of it will profit us and sanctification goes out the window. Paul is admonishing that folks manage their sexual impulses in a holy and honorable manner. The Bible does after all speak of not giving into lustful desires like pagans who don’t know God. Holiness and righteous living is what sets us apart for the glory of God in that we do not go whoring with other gods, keeping ourselves pure, awaiting for the marriage supper of the Lamb of God.

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? In my humble opinion there is no difference what so ever in conducting my life by the guidelines that God has laid out in Torah and in pleasing God because they go hand in hand. When we stand before God in due time, we will have no man defending us. Only Christ Jesus. Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 1st John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. John is telling us here not to let anyone deceive us but that we are to practice righteousness , yet James tells us that we can’t do our righteousness by faith only. James 2:21-26 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Romans 10:5-8 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Moses described righteousness which is of the law. The man that does the things written in the law shall live by them. The chain of reasoning then is that righteousness is attained by keeping the statutes of God and the judgments will follow. Cursed if we do not do them and blessings if we do them. Do what? Righteousness results from obeying God’s statutes and judgments. Living by them is the same as attaining life. Paul said this elsewhere. Galatians 3:10-11 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. For as many as are as are from works of legalism, they are under the curse; for it has been written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide in all those things which have been written in the scroll of the Torah, (Teachings of God) to do them. We might ask, where was it written? Deuteronomy 27:26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen. No one is made righteous in God by legalism is clear because ‘The righteous shall live by faith’, and legalism is not by faith, but ‘the one who does these things will live by them’. Them what? Leviticus 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD. Should there be any doubt whatsoever, righteousness that results from obeying God’s statutes and judgments leads to eternal life. That is the ‘them’. The verse says, ‘he shall live by them’. To make this a stronger statement Paul says ‘the man which doeth those things (the law) shall live by them’ the statutes and the judgments which culminates, ‘the law‘. The statutes are the boundary, the judgments is what is prescribed should anyone go beyond the boundary. So putting God's word in tandem with my life and my actions to obey His word is paramount to my salvation because doing so pleases God greatly. Paul brings all of his life’s work on the authority of Jesus Christ.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11; Romans 1:11) What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? Folks might get a different perspective on the scriptures. Some folks that are so indoctrinated, they begin to see only the doctrine and they become dull because they are not open to what the Spirit wants to show them. What can they impart that your regular pastor can't? A new thought process… A new idea, or an old one with a new twist? Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult -- and important? Dullness can creep in so fast into a ministry. This is why the Holy Spirit is so vital to one’s life no matter what kind of ministry they are called in too. The Spirit is always fresh in any age.

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? Jesus had already told His disciples that persecutions would come. Paul here, relays that he has endured tribulation of sorts. Paul did not like being separated from the folks at Thessalonica, but he couldn‘t find a way to get there so he stayed behind in Athens but sent Timothy to encourage them so they wouldn‘t fall downhearted and hopeless in their faith. Paul was not surprised by the troubles that came his way, because Jesus had conveyed this message to His disciples and must have conveyed the same to Paul. I am sure that Paul had also conveyed this message to the folks at Thessalonica. It's part of our calling as well. Paul was concerned that maybe the folks at Thessalonica had been enduring the same tribulations and was worried more for them than I think he was for himself. I think this is why he sent Timothy to find out how they were doing in their faith. In what ways was this a sensitive role? How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? Paul was concerned that maybe the folks at Thessalonica had been enduring the same tribulations and was worried more for them than I think he was for himself. I think this is why he sent Timothy to find out how they were doing in their faith. This would have been encouraging to Timothy too. How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? When Paul left Thessalonica, it wasn't long before reports got back to the Thessalonians hard line Jews that Paul was at it again, preaching the Word of God, this time in Berea. They lost no time responding, and created a mob scene there. With the help of his friends, Paul gave them the slip—caught a boat and put out to sea. Silas and Timothy stayed behind. The men who helped Paul escape got him as far as Athens and left him there. While Paul sent word back with Silas and Timothy: This is more than likely the trouble that Paul is hinting at. Originally Paul was able to give all his time to preaching and teaching, doing everything he could to persuade the Jews that Jesus was in fact God's Messiah. All they did was argue continually and contradict him at every turn and this exasperated Paul. Everywhere he went when there was hard line Jews in the crowd, there were moaning and groaning’s that he had to deal with. By delegating the ministry to Timothy for a while, Maybe Paul was able to focus on his prayer life? 1Th 3:6-10 ¶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Timothy had already taken the good news back to Paul by the time he was writing this letter. Paul was excited over the terrific report of their faith and love, and felt a lot better. He was especially delighted to know that they thought of him too and that they wanted to see him as much as he wanted to see them. Although we have no report that Paul was able to get back to these folks for a visit, It gave him great comfort knowing this and it made his hardships that he was enduring all worth while. Knowing that their faith was alive kept his hope and joy elevated. He wanted to offer thanksgiving to God for the joy that he was experiencing because of this report that Timothy brought back to Paul in Athens and had been beseeching the heavens that he could go to visit them and also in his prayers he had been asking that God keep them all encouraged should their faith falter. God had been faithful. The tempter as Paul had referred to the enemy, is just as powerful in the spirit world as he is in the natural. All three times that Paul asked about the thorn in his side, he was told that God’s grace was sufficient. God’s strength comes into its own in our weakness. Finally he quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift and moving in the strength of Christ. The weaker Paul got, the stronger he became both in his spirit and his ministry. Paul makes mention of his prayers of night and day. I believe he was framing this as a reference to the evening and morning prayers at the synagogues he may have attended. Notice his mention of night first? That is because when God created the earth, He began in the darkness of what we now call the night. The first reference to a created day is: Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. So we are much opposite of what our thinking should be. A day begins at sun down when the darkness falls. As it was written, the evening and the morning were the first day.

Q4. - 1Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Christianity is sometimes seen by non-Christians as idolatry, making something less than God (Yahushua, a man) into God. Paul knew what idols were and how folks who worshipped idols worked. As Paul hints, The God of Israel is not a lifeless block of wood or made of stone. Paul knew that these folks for the most part had turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Now he was encouraging these folks to wait upon the LORD. Paul gives proper perspective that Yahushua is God’s Son, as the Tanakh indicates in the following scriptures: Isaiah 9: 5-6 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Psalm 2:7 ¶ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Proverbs 30:4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. This God who raised Yahushua from the dead is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God in all authority, interceding on our behalf. When He returns, He will receive us from the impending fury of God’s judgment and lead us into the Kingdom of God. This is our hope and this is the faith that we hold. Which of these elements are most important? The waiting in faith, abiding until our last breath. Which are less important? The wrath to come. The reason I say this is because He is not angry with His obedient children. He is angry at sin. Sin, as described in definition according to the scripture found in the New Testament is who ever does not yield to the law of God is one who is committing a violation against God and His law. No matter how we slice it or dice it, those who are walking without Torah are in violation of His law. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 3:4 ¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. This is why people who throw out the law do not feel compelled to truly change their life style. Unless a statute makes a particular act illegal or punishable there is no violation and the act goes un-punished. Why? Because legalism is what produces the wrath of God. If one does not have the Torah as their guiding light and the Spirit of God to enhance that light, neither is there transgression. So people walk out their lives oblivious to the fact that they are in violation because they fell for the lies and the tactic of the enemy that says that the law has been done away with. They do not have the desire nor the inclination to change and walk wholly righteous before God. They are not convicted by the Spirit because they are not walking in the light to begin with. Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? In my belief, it is as I stated above. People have thrown out the law of God which seems kinda odd because Jesus Himself said that He didn’t come to do away with it or the prophets. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. If one throws out the law then they must also throw out the prophets according to that scripture spoken by Yahushua. And in that case, there is nothing to be waiting for because the prophets are the ones who first spoke of His return. Yahushua went on to say that not one single iota of the scriptures would pass from the law until heaven and earth has ceased to be and as far as I can tell, heaven and earth are still with-in our vision. He also said that who ever taught that the law was done away with would in no wise see the kingdom but that those who did teach that the law was still in effect would be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-19 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This may be why strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Many, many folks are missing the target because they have fallen for the lies of the enemy who has worked behind the scenes of man saying that the law has been done away. But what does the Bible tell us? Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life? I believe it is the foundation of our true leadership. If one does not walk in the light of the Spirit of God, they are not going to be an example for anyone to follow. We MUST be that light on the hill that exudes the spirit of God in our everyday walk… 24-7 What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? The only ministry is one that follows in the footsteps of Jesus, who followed in obedience to Torah, just as Paul did as well. Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? If you are asking about the body of Christ, the ecclesia, and the health benefits of a leader, the whole of the body follows the Spirit and not man. Right now in our present era, the gates of hell are obviously working tirelessly against the body of Christ. When the whole ecclesia figures this out, they will be united in God as Christ was united in God the Father, One and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. How well do people grow in Christ who are not part of a Christian community? One cannot grow in Christ without the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works individually as well as corporately. Folks who do not have a body of believers may dwindle in their spirit because they are not being joined with other likeminded folks. You can meld with the Spirit of Truth anywhere at any time on any given day or night on an individual basis. However, eating and feeding with and from one another is encouragement to the whole body. We need each other. A foot without all five toes cannot walk in perfect balance. In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? Very important. One must live and die for what they believe. The blessings and our righteousness are counted to us because of our faith no different than what it was to the patriarchs of our faith. Yahushua said, “ For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The task of a priest, like that of a prophet, is to serve as spokesman and mediator between God and man. The prophet speaks to man on behalf of God, the priest to God on behalf of man. The way I understand it, we are to be kings and priests upon the earth. Paul said: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Paul didn’t simply say that we ought to ‘think about’ desiring to prophesy or that we should ‘put it on our list of possible issues to discuss’. He said we are to ‘earnestly desire to prophesy’! Not merely a statement of fact but an exhortation to future action. We are to speak into the lives of others as God gives us the open window and opportunity. This situation requires that we are able to discern the Spirit, not stop and evaluate or take a week to pray about it. ‘The word on the street’; as they say on Sesame Street is to TRUST and OBEY. In terms of our job description, we as followers are to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. We witnessed our Lord Yahushua do this. Should we do any less? How can anyone follow if they do not have someone to lead them as an example? We are also called to offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. We also witnessed our Lord Yahushua do this many times, day and night. He ALWAYS gave God the glory in everything He thought, said or did. We are more equipped than we can even begin to fathom because we have in-dwelling in us the power of the Holy Spirit, given to us by God.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) 1 Thessalonians 1-5 ¶ Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. Paul is the writer of this letter as we know and Silvanus and Timotheus were two men who accompanied Paul on his second journey. The Thessalonians that he wrote; 1 and 2 too, lived in Thessalonica, what is now modern Salonika, Macedonia in Northern Greece. Paul’s idea of love in action produces hard work. He trusted in these people knowing that he had first grounded them in God’s word that he must have figured they would continue to be concerned with. His attention to the word ‘hope’ in our Lord Jesus Christ was probably because of a misunderstanding in this Messianic community regarding their hope in the second coming. Why is the Holy Spirit’s working so necessary to effective ministry? This question does not have a quick answer: So often we are taught about such subjects as the Holy Spirit, the gospel, the power, the Word and conviction which seem at times boring but when they are all tied together in a balanced mix, we tend to pay more attention. The whole ’shibang’ as I often say. 1st Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A natural man is without the Spirit while a carnal person is a spiritually immature Christian a spiritual infant; babes in Christ. Spiritually immature or mature, we are all made righteous before God, because of the righteousness of Lord Yahushua, our Messiah. Neither Paul nor God expects us to grow into spiritual maturity overnight. However we are to continually seek His Kingdom and His righteousness. We do this by communing with God through His word and prayer. Our active productivity while living in covenant with Him results from this relationship. We can expedite and build our relationship a whole lot quicker if we are diligent and expeditious in our growth while abiding. Paul couldn’t present his message to the spiritually mature when he first arrived at Corinth because they were all babes in Christ. They were not capable to respond as spiritually mature. It was up to the Spirit to develop his message because they were underdeveloped. Their IQ was normal. It was their Spiritual IQ that Paul had hopes of helping to develop and they had not yet grown up too much according to this letter. (The one to the folks at Corinth) Their first visit to Thessalonica all be it short, must have been like a stick of dynamite being set off apparently. Paul is saying that when he was there before that what he had shared was a full mixture of not only word, but also in power and the Holy Ghost and much assurance, so he must have been quite convincing because they were eager to continue in their efforts to learn more. What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? It will always fall short of the glory of God because self is in it, rather than the Spirit. What is the role of miracles in Paul’s evangelism? What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? Word tells us that the Jews are the only ones who require miracles. God will see to all their needs when He ordains it. What is hindering this? In my personal opinion, dis-belief and lack of obedience to Torah.

Q1. (Acts 17:1-10) Why do you think there was so much strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica? Contrary to popular opinion, Paul was a Torah observant Jew. Not all the folks at the synagogue of the Jews were willing to listen to Paul. Supposedly folks who were not even Jews would gather in the synagogues when folks came to preach, so it is quite possible that this is where he met some of these people that this letter is written to. I am sure that by the time he got there, his popularity as a changed man had spread around the whole Middle Eastern seaboard. After all, he was once feared by so many. Paul’s strategy was to teach about the prophecies and the sufferings of Jesus and how He had fulfilled some of what had been prophesied and Paul more than likely was helping or at least trying to even help the Jews understand the scriptures that they had in their possession during this era. It says in verse 5 of Acts 17 that they formed a mob and started a riot because they were jealous of Paul’s popularity with the folks who had come to hear him. They attacked the home of a fella by the name of Jason while they were looking for Paul and because he wasn’t there they drug that poor fella and others to stand before the city council with the accusation that they had committed treason against Caesar. They were incarcerated and released after they paid their fine but that night the folks from Thessalonica sent them away because of fear. But God bless those Bereans, they didn’t just listen to what Paul had to say, they went home and diligently searched the scriptures for themselves, rightly dividing their word like good soldiers and disciples of the cross. But those transgressing Jews followed Paul and his companions to Berea too and stirred up trouble there to so the Bereans sent Paul on his way. Apparently Paul thought that the people in Thessalonica also searched out the word too, according to his mention of “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad;” I also like how he mentions ‘we need not to speak any thing’, kind of reminds me of one of the better covenant promise that (Heb 8:11) And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest., kind of concept. Why do you think Paul keeps preaching the gospel, even though there is often a violent reaction against him? Paul was commissioned by God to teach the Jews that being observant to Torah was not something that one did out of their own selves but that obedience must come from the heart of a changed man, who has been given the Spirit of God to lead them. Paul knew going into his ministry that there would be opposition to him because he used to be a man who did bad things to people who didn’t observe the way that he had been taught. Paul had to be re-trained in his thinking because he found out through a very long and intense time that God intended that the gentiles be brought into the family and Paul had to explain this to the gentiles, in the opposition of Jews who had always thought themselves to be the holders of the oracles of God. Paul’s idea of love in action produces hard work. He trusted in these people knowing that he had first grounded them in God’s word that he must have figured they would continue to be concerned with. His attention to the word ‘hope’ in our Lord Jesus Christ was probably because of a misunderstanding in this Messianic community regarding their hope in the second coming. So often we are taught about such subjects as the Holy Spirit, the gospel, the power, the Word and conviction which seem at times boring but when they are all tied together in a balanced mix, we tend to pay more attention. The whole ’shibang’ as I often say. Does a violent reaction to our ministry necessarily mean we should stop? NO

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS: See full post below.

Who comprises "the Israel of God" today? Paul makes it perfectly clear that the only reason the Judaizers wanted them to be circumcised is so that they could say, “I told you so”. They didn’t even really care if they obeyed the Torah as long as they could boast of having gained their adherence to what part of the law that they preached. It wasn’t for any other reason other than they could boast that they had conned the folks at Galatia and thus pat themselves on the back for doing such. because by doing so, they basically made the cross null and void and relieved them of their own response to what Yahushua had done for them. By causing these folks to do what they thought that they should do, it made them look as if they were of such importance that maybe others would ‘think’ that these people were ‘good law keepers’. I think we all autta be careful in this area. Just because we believe something doesn’t make it necessarily so. It is only how we see it. Scripturally we can prove anything we want but that is not God’s plan. We can twist the scriptures just as good as satan can but we aught not to do that. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. This is a pretty bold statement for Paul to make and if it is true that he actually wrote this with his own hand then I can certainly understand why he saved this statement to pen himself. It is so easy to get caught up in our own flesh. This is why Paul has said elsewhere, ¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ~ 2nd Corinthians 5:16 WE ARE NOT DIVORCED FROM OUR PAST, BUT IT IS IN THE PAST AND WE MUST CONTINUALLY KEEP WHAT IS IN THE PAST, IN THE PAST. The Bible is a rule of our faith and in it we can find the ways that are God’s ways and His thoughts that are not ours, but no where do I find (So far at least) that our ways and our thoughts should not be in alignment with His because I believe that they are supposed to be. This is the new creation when we walk in this ordination. He wants us to know how to live in the future kingdom, so we are blessed that we can learn how to do so now. The Israel of God’ If we were to just take that text alone we could make out of it anything we like. But I tend to think that the whole verse really says all we need to know: Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. All those who follow scripture, the ordinances, the statutes and the law, listening to the Holy Spirit and responding accordingly, (rule), peace and mercy will be upon them. Living our lives with-in the framework of the law is where we are blessed. These who walk within this path are those who are the children of the God of Israel are walking with in the boundaries that God has laid down. Peace, goodness and blessing, grace and kindness and mercy upon us and upon all Israel, His people. As many as order their lives by this standard, these are the Sons of God. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. And how sad this truth is. Life as followers ‘of a truth’ do not have easy lives, but our lives have a goal and a meeting at the end of it with our Lord Yahushua who will introduce us to His Father. Yes we all bear the mark of our Lord and King because daily our bodies mind of the flesh is being put to it’s death, laid down in submission to our Lord. Who is excluded from this group? How is Romans 11:17-25 designed to temper Gentile pride? Anyone who boasts that they are the chosen of Israel or the called of Israel need to just be reminded that God is the tree of life and we need only to look to Him keeping in mind ; And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. If we get so hauty in our spirit, we might just get kicked out of the camp. Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. What characterizes this "new creation" that Paul talks about? What does the "old creation" look like in contrast? This is Paul’s final warning to the folks of Galatia. There is scuttle but that up to this point in this letter that Paul dictated what he wanted written and here at this last , he actually wrote with his own hand and may be the reason he mentions large letter. No matter really because the latter is his, written to the folks who had all but gone back to their old prior ways before he had fist met them and helped them establish this gathering of people. It is said that he has done this in other letters although I personally can not conclude this to be true as this is the first time I have ever studied his written work. Paul made a statement here that I find fascinating and it is that the folks who were trying to get these people to be circumcised were not themselves following the whole of the law. Sounds like Christianity today. The new creation follows the spirit and the old creation follows the worlds leader. What does the old creation lack that the new creation possesses? Through out Paul's letter I see a call to conform to the ways of God and Paul seeming to share with us that we might just take our personal interests and nail them to the cross and let God permeate in our heart, mind , body and soul the goals and the growth that He would like to see presented in our lives, all to His glory of course. We can only do this through His power, the power that God shares with us individually and collectively (at times when we have gathered) and this is through the Holy Spirit. This is what the new creation possesses. How does Jesus' saying, "You must be born again" (John 3:3-8) relate to this concept of the new creation? Paul’s warning is to us as well as the folks of Galatia. Paul said it earlier in Chapter 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. He repeats this in a different way here. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Cleary nothing we do or do not do makes one hoot of a difference. It is Yahushua that has done all the work on the cross to bring about the Spirit of God into our lives. We do not need to be physically circumcised but we do need to be spiritually circumcised, this is the concept of living with in the framework of one who is on their way to receiving that born again body that we will receive when we rise from the grave at the resurrection. John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Immersion in water is connected with ritual cleansing of the body, while the Holy Spirit gives power for turning from sin to living a holy life; both speak of the aspects of purification, This is why ‘born of water’ does not mean ordinary human birth; moreover, since everyone is ‘born of water’, in that sense, it would be silly for Yahushua to make a condition out of it with the word ‘unless’ or ‘except’. We are new creatures and as new creatures, we can not go back and dig up our old ways because we have put on a new profession. We are no longer tied to our past even though it is still there. We gotta keep moving forward and not pick up our old habits and the likes of what tore us down in the flesh. Even though we are still flesh, we will not remain flesh forever. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. There is neither old anymore either because the old is slowly dying to self's wants and ways. Neither having been circumcised or in the process of being circumcised matters. What matters is the out come of a new creature of God because of our trust and faith in His Son and respond to the Holy Spirit.