Commissioned

According to 1 Corinthians 15:53 Christ will return with the believers who previously died and they will be in their incorruptible, immortal body. He will also be accompanied by angels.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Daniel 7:13-14) In what ways does Daniel’s prophecy of the Son of Man outline Christ’s return? In light of this prophecy, why did Jesus use the title “Son of Man” rather than “Christ” or “Son of God”? Daniel’s prophecy of the Son of Man outline Christ’s return as He will return in the likeness of His earthly appearance. But this time He returns in given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language will worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. In light of this prophecy, Jesus use the title “Son of Man” rather than “Christ” or “Son of God to show concurrence with the prophecy. As "Christ" He also confirmed to the disciples and the high priest that the prophecy was concerning Him; He is the "Son of Man".

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? Paul mentions such severe punishments for sexual immorality because it is a sin done in the body. God calls us to live a holy life and when we reject the instructions given on sexual immorality we reject God and not man. Punishments for one sin is no more severe than for another sin. Christians should have a fear of God and heed to these warnings.

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? Humans are capable of controlling their sexual urges. God has promised that whenever we face temptation there will always be a way of escape. Many people are out of control in this area because they choose to ignore the opportunities presented for them to avoid entering into adultery, fornication and other lewd acts. It is important to control ourselves sexually within marriage so that we continue to live a holy and santified life. When sexuality does not have any boundaries sin pervails, sicknesses and disease explode and innocent people suffer. Likewise when this happen, marriages, children, our spirits, and our bodies are adversely affected.

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? To be “sanctified” means that one is dedicated to God. We are "holy" now in the sense that God who is "Holy" dwells in us and we are separated for His exclusive use. We are God's own people and possessions from the common and secular. We are in the process of becoming “holy”? in the sense that as we yield to the Holy Spirit we are being changed day-by-day into Christ's likeness as we focus on Him. Living holy unto God requires that we avoid fornication and commit sexual acts within the bonds of marriage.

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? The difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God is one of doing what is right simply because of our love and fellowship with God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and Holy Spirit our guide into all truth. Conducting our lives pleasing God by love is stronger. Rule-keeping can be done with disdain just because it's the rule. Paul brings these commands on the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11; Romans 1:11) What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? What can they impart that your regular pastor can’t? Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult – and important? Special speakers bring a fresh voice bring the same gospel message to a congregation. They can impart a different perspective on what he preaches based on his/her experiences. Ministry of itinerant preaching is so difficult – and important because as they minister and fellowship with the people they become emotionally attached and pretty soon they have to leave and travel to another place.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? In what ways does it mature them? In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt us? Why hasn’t he done away with Satan already? Persecution discourage Christians from active, open service by robbing them of their confidence in who they are in Christ Jesus. But as they walk through the persecution they come out more refined and strengthened. God allows the temptation to toughen us up, to cause us to trust HIM and to GROW in our FAITH. God hasn't done away with Satan yet because his appointed time is not yet. Oh, but it's soon!

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 as a strengthener and encourager is so important because this attribute compliments a teacher/preacher when ministering to a troubled congregation. This was a sensitive role because the new Believers were going through persecution and needed comfort and encouragement. Timothy's role did in fact bring solace in the time of need just as we'd bring when the opportunity presents. When the point man or woman of a congregation is unavailable to bring encouragement and exhortation for strengthening; they should delegate the assignment to a trusted minister who can, under the leading of the Holy Spirit take an encouraging word to those who need it.

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 a desire for rewards for our labor in light of God’s free gift of salvation and our love for him because Jesus Himself told us that there will be a a just reward for the servant from his master. This He depicted in the parable of the talents and the parable of the minas. We do not labor in the ministry for salvation, we do so because of our love for God and love for our fellowmen. We shall receive a righteous man's reward, based on our labor in ministry. Showing accountability to our Master should bring us pleasure in that we are being faithful to obey Him and in so doing we are being used by God to build up the Kingdom of God. Our motivation from this should be seeing the souls that are saved and discipled because we are where God wants us and doing what He wants us to do.

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 molding disciples’ lives is to clean, sanctify and set them free from sin so that they could live with power and deep conviction; bearing fruitf and growing. The Word of God is powerful and bring deep conviction.

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 are important to making disciples because they are the figure that represents the Heavenly Father and the role that they are to demonstrate should reveal the character of Father God. God provides all that we need to grow and mature to be strong Christians and male disciplers must possess the qualities that will move babes in Christ to become matured witnesses. Like men, women can also move babes in Christ to become matured Christians as they themself taken on the character of Father God.

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? “Motherly” nurturing qualities are important to growing disciples because they enter into the Kingdon of God as babes in Christ and need to be cherished, cared for and gently fed the unadultrated Word of God. Male disciplers can adopt some of these traits by being loving, gentle and patient in their ministering to new-born babes.

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? The character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church is PRIDE. Pride is a sin that is most deadly. It genders sel-righteousness, self-love, vanity. The person with pride as a character is flawed with excessive belief in his own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God; and interferes with his witness. To prevent any of the character flaws from overtaking me I must endeavor to walk and be led by Holy Spirit, let the flesh die.

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 an important character trait for a disciple and for a discipler because they have been called to be the instrument that brings the proclamation of the gospel to the world. If they are lacking courage the promulgation of God's gift of His Son to humanity would be stifled and the souls who have yet to hear of God's love would be lost for eternity. When a congregation lacks courage they will strink and not grow spiritually nor numerically. Their influence in the community would be stagnant and their effect as salt and light would be fruitless. As a part of Christ's Body I am called to be effective in my witness; this calls for courage. With the help of Holy Spirit I shall be successful in carrying out God's mandate.

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? In verse 10 Paul reminds the believers of five foundational truths which are at the core of the gospel for the Christian faith. Of these elements the most important is the fact the Jesus Christ will return. Of these elements, today, the underemphasized is this same fact that Jesus Christ will return and that His return is imminent. At any moment Christ can return for His Bride, a Church that is spotless. Our lives must measure up to Christ's commandments for the Church.

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? In the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life imitation of a leader or mature Christian is most important the imitators learn to live sucessfully and can avoid the pitfalls just as the person they're imitating. Ministry that is most conducive to imitation is evangelism. As the person witnessing shares the good news the Protégée can be right alongside to learn the dos and don'ts of witnessing. People who are not part of a Christian community will find themself as babes in the Christian walk because their development and maturity has been stunted by lack of proper nourishment and learning that comes from Christian Fellowship and learning of those who are more mature. Character is important to our family and to spiritual children because it reveals the image of God in us.

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’s working is so necessary to effective ministry because the Holy Spirit convictsthe world of sin and of righteousness, and of judgement. We are God's vessels to proclaim His truths but the Holy Spirit takes that truth and brings conviction. When the main power behind our ministry is will-power the influence o the Holy Spirit would be lacking and the supernatural working o the Holy spirit would be missing. In Paul's evangelism, miracles had a great effect on the hearers and the result was deep conviction. Today, the same would happen; where there are miracles there would be convictions. Many would seek to know the God behind the power and accept Jesus as their Savior and Redeemer. We are hindered because we lost the expectancy of the Holy Spirit's working in ALL of our gatherings.

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? I think there was so much strong opposition to the Apostle Paul's ministry in Thessalonica because Satan will never allow the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ to go forth without a fight. His message to the Jews was causing conviction in some of them and a great multitude was being persuaded. Those who opposed, the Devil used to cause dissension and attacks against Paul and his brethren. The Apostle Paul is on a mission from God and in spite of opposition he continues to proclaim the good news even though there was violent reaction against him. Today, violent reactions to our ministry should not necessarily mean that we should stop. Instead, we should take Paul as our example and find another place as the Holy Spirit directs.

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? I think there was so much strongs opposition to the Apostle Paul's ministry in Thessalonica because Satan will never allow the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ to go forth without a fight. His message to the Jews was causing conviction in some of them and a great multitude were being persuaded. Those who opposed, the Devil used to cause dissension and attacks against Paul and his brethern. The Apostle Paul is on a mission from God and in spite of opposition he continues to proclaim the good news even though there was violent reaction against him. Today, violent reactions to our ministry should not necessarily mean that we should stop. Instead, we should take Paul as our example and find another place as the Holy Spirit directs.

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? I think there was so much strongs opposition to the Apostle Paul's ministry in Thessalonica because Satan will never allow the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ to go forth without a fight. His message to the Jews was causing conviction in some of them and a great multitude were being persuaded. Those who opposed, the Devil used to cause dissension and attacks against Paul and his brethern. The Apostle Paul is on a mission from God and in spite of opposition he continues to proclaim the good news even though there was violent reaction against him. Today, violent reactions to our ministry should not necessarily mean that we should stop. Instead, we should take Paul as our example and find another place as the Holy Spirit directs.

Q4. Read Matthew 8:5-13; 21:33-44; 22:2-13; 24:14; and 28:19. What do they have in common? What relation does the visit of the wise men have to Matthew's theme of bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles? How should we be applying this mandate in our own lives? The verses speak of the gospel being spread to the Gentiles also. The visit of the wise men have supported the theme of the gospel being taken to the Gentiles. We too should take or support those who go forth and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Q3. (Matthew 2:11b) Why was it appropriate for the Magi bring gifts to the Christ-child? How does the extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude? What kinds of gifts are appropriate for us to bring? It was appropriate for the Magi to bring gifts to the Christ-child because it was the custom to present gifts to a great king as a sign of obeisance and honor. The extravagance of their gifts reflect their heart attitude because they were the best that could be given at that time. We should do likewise and give our best to God.

Q2. (Matthew 2:11a) What do we learn from seeing the Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus? What was the significance of this for them? How can we emulate this kind of worship? The Magi prostrating themselves before the child Jesus showed that they believed that they had found the King of the Jews and now worshipped Him as such. They submitted and honored the Baby as their Messiah. Our worship to God should be in perfect humility and honor before our King of Kings.

Q1. (Matthew 2:1-2; Numbers 24:17) What is the significance of the Star of Bethlehem that the Magi saw? Why do you think the Magi came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star? In what way was does prophecy prefigure this event? The Star of Bethlehem became signifigant because it was the guide that led the Magi to Jesus. I believe that they came to find the Christ-child when they saw the star because they were expecting a the birth of a King. As astrologers they were reading the stars and this specific star caught their attention as being of great importance. Prophecy prefigure this event in that prophets spoke of one who will rise out of Jacob to be King. They were looking forward to the birth of a Messiah.