Commissioned

Q3. (Hebrews 4:16) Why should we approach the "throne of grace" with boldness and confidence? We have an intercessor who understands our temptations because He has experienced it himself and the "throne of grace" is not a throne of judgment for us, it is a throne where grace is dispensed freely. What are the promises contained in this verse? We are promised that Jesus is sympathetic to our situation. And we are promised that when we approach the "throne of grace," we will find mercy, grace and help for every circumstance. On what basis is God able to offer us unrestrained mercy and grace for our sins while still retaining his justice as judge? God is able to offer us unrestrained mercy and grace for our sins while still retaining his justice as judge on the basis of "grace." God is sympathetic to our plight and is calling us to approach Him and accept His generous gift of pardon so that He can give us rest.

Q2. (Hebrews 4:15) In what ways did Jesus share our weaknesses? Our weaknesses include being tempted by Satan. Jesus share our weaknesses as He too was tempted by Satan. His disposition being an example that we should follow. Though He was tempted, he yielded not, but in all that the devil used to tempt him Jesus stood firm on, and use the Word of God to overcome Satan. This is our template, when tempted, we too should stand firm and use God's Word against Satan and not yield to temptation. We too will be overcomers. In what ways was Jesus' tempted? Jesus was tempted in the wilderness just after having fasted for forty days and night. Satan thought he could entice Jesus with material things, but Jesus did not yield to the temptation. Again, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was in agony as he struggled heading towards the cross, to bear the sins of the world. Jesus struggled against the cross, but in the end He went the way of the Father's Will. Because we know he didn't sin, were his temptations easier or more difficult than ours? In my opinion, Jesus' temptations were more difficult than ours becaus of who He is and the power that he could have called upon to prevent these, yet He allowed himself to face them as a human being. Do we have any temptations he didn't have? No, we don't. The temptations that Jesus faced we face today, Satan tempts us with material possessions, he tempts us to disobey the Father's will, he tempts us with the pleasures of this world, as something to be desired. But thanks to the power that worketh in us we can overcome just as Jesus did. Why does it comfort us that he can sympathize with our temptations and weaknesses? We are comforted that he can sympathize with our temptations and weaknesses because as our intercessor with the Father, Jesus knows what we are facing and can pray that we receive strength, comfort, power and God's favor in such circumstances.

Q1. (Hebrews 4:14) What is so important about "holding fast to our confession." When we hold fast to our confession we proclaim to the world that Jesus is the Lord of our life and that our allegience is with Him. What is our confession or profession of faith? Our confession or profession of faith is "Jesus is Lord!". Why is maintaining this confession so vital? Maintaining this confession is vital because we are encouraged and strengthened each time we make the confession. We remind ourselves that despite everything that goes on around us Jesus is still Lord and His promises are true and unfailing.

Q4. (Hebrews 4:12-13) What do these two verses have to do with what precedes them? The preceding verses points out the seriousness of what could happen when the Believer is not grounded in the Word, you could lose out on entering that "rest". How is the Word described? The Word is described as, quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." What effect does the Word have on us? The Word exposes our faults and causes us to evaluate our intentions against God's standards. Why do we need to continually expose ourselves to the Word of God? We need to continually expose ourselves to the Word of God so that it become the standard by which we live.

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer? I believe that when the writer of Hebrews speaks of the promise "rest," he is referring to the Believers' time in heaven. It is the promise for all Believers, to enter into a blessed rest when the work on earth is done and God calls them home. "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'" (Revelation 14:13) Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"? The writer urges us to, "Make every effort to enter that rest," because the devil is on the other hand is making every effort to prevent us from entering that rest. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (KJV) What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time? From time to time Christians may find themselves falling into sin, but at the same time they will repent and pray that the Holy Spirit of God will enable them to overcome such temptations. Apostasy from Christ, however, is a falling away from the faith without remorse and not seeking to repent.

Q2. (Hebrews 3:12-14) What is the importance of faith in our relationship to Christ? With our faith firmly grounded in Christ we remain part of the Messiah's household. How does sin trick us? How does it harden us? If one gives in continually to sin, soon they ignore the Holy Spirit and they become hardened by sin's deceitfulness. What is the value of Christian fellowship to keep our faith strong? When we keep fellowship with other believers our faith is strengthened, as we place ourselves to be accountable to them and to receive admonishment, exhortation and encouragement to live for Christ.

Q1. (Hebrews 3:6b) Why is the writer exhorting his readers to "hold on" to Christ? The writer is exhorting his readers to "hold on" to Christ so that their faith would be firmly grounded, and they would not revert to their former way of living. Why must we continue in our faith? We must continue in our faith so that we continue, with our brothers and sisters of all ethnicity, to be a part of the Messiah's household. According the writer of Hebrews, what happens if we don't? If we don't, the writer of Hebrews says that we will lose our focus; thus disinheriting ourselves from the promised rule with Christ.

Q5. (Hebrews 2:16-18) Why in God's plan did Jesus have to become human like us? Jesus had to become human like us so that he in the flesh could help mankind. This he did as a merciful and faithful high priest, a savior who atoned for the sins of the world when he suffered and died on the cross. Now as our ruling conquering King he ever makes intercession for us knowing the pain and temptations that we face. How does his humanity provide encouragement and help to us when we are in trouble? We have an assurance, that because of his humanity when we are in trouble we can go to him and he will help us. "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:18)

Q4. (Hebrews 2:14-15) What was the purpose of Christ's death according to verses 14 and 15? The purpose of Christ's death according to verses 14 and 15 was to destroy the devil and to free the Believers from the fear of death. "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." (Heb. 2:14-15) In what sense is this mission accomplished? This mission is accomplished because Satan has been stripped of his power, Christ now "holds the keys of death and Hades". Jesus is also the one who forgives our sins, cleanses our conscience so that we know we are forgiven, and gives us confidence to approach him without fear of condemnation. In what sense will it see its final completion in the future? The final completion will come when Satan is destroyed in the Lake of Fire. What is the result in our lives from Christ's accomplishment? We have been set free from the fear of death. Christ has forgiven our sins, cleansed our conscience so that we know we are forgiven, and he gives us confidence to approach him without fear of condemnation.

Q3. (Hebrews 2:10) What does it mean, to bring many sons and daughters "to glory"? Through His precarious death on the cross, Jesus bought our redemption. When we accept salvation throught the cross we acknowledge that the way to eternal life is to follow Jesus. In following Jesus and living our lives as he has commanded us we become his bride, the Church; sons and daughters which he will present to Father. In what sense did Jesus become "perfect" through suffering? Jesus became "perfect" through suffering as he completed the plan of God for the salvation of man. What are the implications for our own lives? In our own lives we come to perfection as we do the will of God and accomplish His purpose for our lives.

Q2. (Hebrews 2:9) In what way did Christ "taste death for everyone"? When Christ suffered death on the cross He did it for everyone who would accept His gift of salvation. Why is this so dependent upon God's grace? Way back before the foundation of this world God prepared a plan for man to enter into His eternal rest. He allows Christ's death for man's sin to provide for man's redemption. He didn't have to do it but he did. It is His grace, his amazing grace. If Christ died for your blackest and most stubborn sins, what are the implications for you? For me, receive it. I don't deserve it, but, here I am forgiven. Thank you Jesus for your most precious gift of salvation. Help me to share your love so others can taste of your love.

Q1. (Hebrews 2:9) In what ways did Jesus suffer during his life and death? Jesus suffered rejection. He was beaten, bruised, beard pulled, nailed to a tree, his side was pierce with a sword and given vinegar to drink. In reality Jesus suffer more than we can ever imagine, because He took upon himself the punishment of the sins of man (incomprehensible). In what ways are we likely to suffer? We too will be rejected and persecuted for his name sake. Does suffering have any value? Our suffering will bring glory to God as we walk in obedience to His Word and humility. What happens when we live in such a way to avoid all suffering? When we live in such a way to avoid all suffering we give into the flesh and dishonors God. Jesus told us that we will suffer, and to avoid the suffering is to avoid walking in the will of Father.

Q4. (Hebrews 2:3b-4) In what way has the truth of salvation been confirmed to you? The truth of salvation has bee confirmed to me by signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Truly it is hard for anyone to go along each day and not see these confirmations of the truth of Salvation. As Believers, we should testify to the goodness of Gos and to the fact of God's interventions which will bring Him glory and show the world that signs, wonders, miracles and the Gifts of the Spirit are still operating today. Would signs and wonders help or hinder establishing the truth of Christ's ministry today? Signs and wonders would help establish the truth of Christ's ministry today. In fact, it will confirm what Jesus said to his followers just before he returned to sit at the right hand of Father, "these signs shall follow them that believe." From which portion of the Bible have you formed your opinion of the value of signs and wonders today? The last words of Jesus given in Mark 16:17:18": 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 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.

Q3. (Hebrews 2:1) In what ways are we not immune to drifting away from the gospel? Many people hear the gospel and pay no heed to the commands of the Word. Their lives are not changed by what they hear, they continue as before hearing the Gospel. According to the author, how can we successfully resist the tendency to drift? When we meditate on the Word of God and allow our lives to be changed and guided by it we resist the tendency of drifting away. How did Jesus describe this phenomenon of "drift" in the Parable of the Sower? In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus described this phenomenon of "drift" as the seeds not being grounded but being swept away by the elements.

Q2. (Hebrews 1:2-3) What about the author's description of the Son makes you think that the Son described is himself divine? What role does the Son have in doing the Father's will according to these verses? The author's description of the Son points to His divine nature when he speaks of all things being appointed to him and the worlds be made by him. These verses show that the Son carried out the Father's will and took up position at the right hand of the Father. 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Hebrews 1:2-3 (KJV)

Q5. Why should Christians look forward to the events surrounding our resurrection? We as Christians should look forward to the events surrounding our resurrection because it will take our minds off of death. It is then, we will be with Him and will live with Him eternally. Why do you think Christians have largely lost this as their active expectation and hope? Christians have largely lost this as their active expectation and hope because the tendancy is to be caught up in material living. What should be done to reclaim these truths? To reclaim these truths we need to stay focused on the truths of the Gospel and live according to God's will and plans for our lives.

Q4. What will our resurrection bodies be like? Our resurrection bodies will be like the resurrected Jesus' body. The following verses supports this: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2) "[The Lord Jesus], who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:21) "And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven." (1 Corinthians 15:49) Why do you think we will be given resurrection bodies? What is the point? We will be given resurrection bodies probably to be able to live on the "new earth" and to navigate between heaven and earth.

Q3. What does the phrase "redemption of our bodies"(Romans 8:23-24) tell us about our resurrection? The phrase "redemption of our bodies" tell us that our resurrection is the fulfilment. What words in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 describe our resurrection bodies? In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 our resurrection bodies is described by the words imperishable, glory, power and spiritual body.

Q2. (Philippians 1:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:8) According to these verses, where will Christians be immediately after death? According to these verses, Christians will be with Christ immediately after death. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." Philippians 1:23-24 (KJV) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 (KJV) Where do we await the resurrection? We await the resurrection in the presence of the Lord. 1 Thess 4:14 is rather clear: "We believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." They have been in the presence of God from the instant of their death until the resurrection. Amen!

Q1. What is the word used in the Bible instead of "rapture"? The word that is used in the Bible instead of "rapture" is found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 . The words are "caught up." "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV) When will the resurrection take place in relation to Christ's return? In relation with Christ return when the angels sounds the trumpet, the resurrection of the dead in Christ shall take place. In relation to judgment? The sea, death and hell shall give up their dead so that they will be judged by Him who sits on the White Throne. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Revelation 20:11-13 (KJV) In relation to glory? The resurrection of the righteous will take place and then they will live with Christ in glory. "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together (harpazō4) with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) What does being steadfast and immovable have to do with the hope of the resurrection? The hope of the resurrection will be realized when we are risen to eternal life with Christ Jesus. In order to be a part of the Bride of Christ, who will be risen to eternal life, will reign with Him in Glory and enjoy eternal life, you must have been steadfast and immovable in your Christian walk while in this life. Why is our labor not in vain in the Lord? There's a reward waiting for us when we leave the labors of this life and enter into the blessed rest with Our Saviour. Truly, only what is done for Christ will last. When we come to the end of the way we can count it all joy because our labor will not have been in vain.

Q1. (Hebrews 1:2) In what way do you think the author of Hebrews is using the word "Son"? As a metaphor? As a biological relationship? The word "Son" is used here not as a metaphor but in the capacity of a biological relationship. How would a Son's words have more weight than a prophet's? The words of a Son would have no more weight than that of the Prophet if both are speaking on behalf of the Father. In His ministry, many times Jesus made reference to the Prophet's words in illustrating or driving home a point.

Q4. What assurance do you have that you will be physically resurrected rather than experience disembodied immortality? God's Word tells us that just as Jesus was resurrected so we will be resurrected. Christ resurrection was a precursor of our own resurrection at the Last Day. What does it mean that Jesus is the "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20) and "firstborn" (Revelation 1:5) from the dead? Jesus is the "firstfruit" (1 Corinthians 15:20) and "firstborn" (Revelation 1:5) from the dead means that he was the prototype for all those who believes in Him and will also be raised from the dead unto eternal life.

Q3. How does Christ's death and resurrection provide an analogy for baptism according to Romans 6:3-5 and Colossians 2:12? The analogy Paul gave sees the baptism as a type of Jesus' own death and resurrection, and a vivid reminder of our union with him in both his death and resurrection. According to Ephesians 2:4-6, while being "raised with Christ" is still spiritual, not physical, in what way does this union impart real spiritual power? At Christ's right hand we share his power and privileges in the spiritual world. Our being co-raised with Christ typifies the grace of God to us. Just before He ascended, Jesus told his followers: "...All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matt 28:18b With this power Jesus commissioned his followers to go throughout the world and proclaim His gospel. Then He followed the statement by saying: "... lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt 28:20b This is spiritual power, and its ours.

Q2. In what way does Christ's resurrection somehow validate that we are saved and forgiven by God? Christ's resurrection validated that we are saved and forgiven by God because God, Himself, vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead. Thus we know that his promises of forgiveness of sins are true, that we have been saved, rescued, delivered. Several times the resurrection is referred to as the basis of our confidence in salvation. If we didn't believe Christ had been actually raised from the dead, how might we have doubts about our salvation? If we didn't believe Christ had been actually raised from the dead, we might have doubts about our salvation because if he had died as all men die and not raised from the dead, then we would have no hope of being resurrected to eternal life. But because he lives we have confidence that our salvation is a firm expectation based on Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Thank you Lord!