maddog

His anger was justified. The people were not worshiping God or respecting His house. One's anger can be good or bad. Depends on the process of the anger. One can be angry about what's going on in the world and take appropriate steps to stop the "wrong" activities or situation. Uncontrolled anger is dangerous and deadly.

I have a question. Why do you think all of them chased out did nothing to stop Him from destroying their livelihood? Interesting, isn't it?

People were desecrating the Holy Temple through associated world views and attitudes with God's holiness. Jesus' anger was ignited. He had seen this on other trips but now He came as the Messiah, the One the people were looking for. Jesus mad a whip of cords and chased the violators out of the temple.

Mary intercedes for the family to prevent them from being shamed by the lack of facilities for the wedding. Today, anyone knowing someone could assist would be asked to do something to facitate the activity. As you said, she knew from experience the abilities He had. Her words are appropriate. She only asked Him to provide for the needs of those in distress, even though it was not the time for Him to reveal Himself. He was not rebuking His mother. He, probably, looked at the request as not fulfilling His "real" purpose. He loves His mother and completes the request.

Jesus speaks about the heavens opening up and the angels descending and ascending around Him as God gives Him all power and dominion(Daniel 7:14 (KJV) 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.) His ministry will be completed upon His second coming.

John's remark that He was the Lamb of God caused his followers to follow Jesus. This recommendation did not cost John anything because he had said that he was the herald and one greater than he was coming. John was following his mandate given by God.

The religious leaders were aware of the coming Messiah and that one was to herald His coming. They were confused regarding the message because of their acknowledgement of Moses' Law. They were protecting their religious grounds from the throngs of people running to hear and be baptized by John. John understood he was the forerunner of the coming Messiah: "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15) John was not Elijah himself, but prophecy given by his father Zechariah indicated that he did come "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). Much conflict/disarray would be caused through apostasy from Jewish faith.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) If you met a true Christian who had no assurance of salvation, how would you explain to him or her God’s power to protect and present them blameless before Christ at his coming? What is the problem of having no assurance of salvation? What is the problem of having a false assurance of salvation? I would think a "true" christian would have matured through study, being present to hear the "Word" broken, to come together as a body of Christ. This maturity comes by commitment to build and have a strong relationship with the Master. Christ's death on the Cross brought salvation and redemption. We could not work for it or purchase it. It comes only through His grace and mercy. Anyone claiming to be a "true" christian as you have posited would need to hear the above, and also understand that Christ should be seen in them., The problem of having no assurance or a false sense of assurance is created by a misunderstanding that through Christ we have a right to the tree of life. Once one has accepted Christ as their Savior, acknowledge that He died for their sins and the sins of the world, and repented. Romans 8:1: "there is no condemnation now for those who live in union with Christ.....what the law could not do, because human nature was weak, God did. He condemed sin in human nature by sending His own Son, who came with a nature like sinful human nature, to do away with sin.... but if Christ lives in you, the Spirit is life for you because you have been put right with God, even though your bodies are going to die because of sin.....those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children." We are righteous and holy via the power of the Cross.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) What happens in a congregation when people don’t show respect for their leaders? What happens when the disrespectful spread their disrespect? Will getting rid of the leader fix the problem, or is there something deeper going on here? Not showing respect creates confusion, mistrust, anger, and a blocking of church growth spiritually, which definitely impacts growth in all areas. The spread of disrespect festers like a rotten apple in a bushel, contaminating everything. The mis-interaction can destroy the church and its ministries. Who wants to fight in church and out of church. We attend church for healing, restoration, to hear the word, and to come together as a faith community. When lines of communication, respect, and love are shattered, it is tough, if not impossible, to restore what has been lost. Getting rid of the leader is not the panace some think it is. The real reason for the discord has to be ferreted out and impacted by like minded church members looking for resolution.

Matt 11:30 says my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Conducting ourselves according to the commands is easier than following man made rules. Man made rules apply to those who are interested in following them. Following God's is a labor of love as we grow from babes to an ever increasing spiritual maturity. We grow in love as we maturePaul is acting, not on his own authority, but on the authority of the one who called him into the service, Christ Jesus.

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 was important because the new believers were facing tough times from those persecuting them. They were babes in the faith, but growing in faith, needing encouragement to continue the race. Being encouranged and strengthened would increase their faith. As we know, we are not all at the same spiritual maturity so others can be instrumental assisting others to stand the test. It was a sensitive role because the task Timothy embarked on also built his strength in the gospel message. Delegating is somewhat difficult for some to do. But, one person can not do it all by themselves. Christ did not send just one but He sent many into the vineyard to evangelize the "Good News." We have to become comfortable and not worry about being sabotaged. Just do all things in Jesus' name and the work will be blessed.<p class="ipsLikeBar right clearfix" id="rep_post_80322">

People pleasers are most damaging to a Church. People pleasers can and will be lead down the paths of embracing the wrong belief; unsavory reasonings; playing 3-card molly; lining one's pockets or pocket books; and selfisness. Because they don't stand for something they fall for anything. I must remain humble and live a holy life. I have to embrace the life of Christ. The struggle or tension is inherent in our daily living. For that reason, we have to pray for strength, conviction and guidance. We also must study the Word because the Bible has answers for each and every situation.

Paul faced opposition from the Jews and those who engaged in idolatry. Their belief was: (1) once dead that was it and (2) no one returned. Paul faced this opposition because he trusted in God, he kept the faith, and he looked toward the future for Christ's return. Additionally, Paul carried the gospel with the same intensity as he did during his persecution. I also believe the opposition felt their membership dwindling. The miracles performed were a great help convincing others to join the faith. Today, there is much non-belief that miracles happen. I've heard people say things like that miracles don't happen and those who assert their believe are met with derision. All we need are three things: faith in God; hope in God's promises; and, love as we await Christ's return. And, we must remember God has all power in His hands. For example, we've heard of disasters across the world and all hope that anyone would be found alive is lost. But, someone is found beneath all of the debris alive. Miracle? I say yes!

Paul understands that prayer is the vehicle that takes us closer to God. Through our prayers in the name of Jesus, what we ask for God will provide, if it is in His will. He also knows the those who pray in agreement for something that Christ would in the midst of those praying. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16) God blesses those who lift up others in prayer. Praying for others demonstrate that we love our neighbors and want the best for them. I see the faces of God's people strained from the troubles of life. We must pray for them, us, and God's world. Let's make a monumental effort to pray for each other.