Craig
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Everything posted by Craig
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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 Holy Spirit dwelts within the being of the believer making the believer a temple. The temple is a holy place. God instructed us in Lev. to be Holy as He is Holy. Sexual immorality defiles the body thus defiling the temple thus grieving the Holy Spirit and outright disobeying God. Therefore the punishment is more severe than other sins and Christians should take heed and follow God's instructions or they may not get through the gates of Heaven.
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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 actually quite capable of controlling their sexual urges through the power of the Holy Spirit and self-disciple. Having a desire to please God and to be honorable should be a strong motive in self-control. It's not that people are out of control, it's that many choose not to exercise self-control. There is no sense of urgency in controlling one's sexual behavior. That is very apparent in our society today. Lack of sexual commitment and exclusiveness to your husband or wife will destroy a healthy marriage and is outside the will of God for human sexuality. Anyhting else is paganism. When sexuality does not have any boundaries there is broken marriages, broken families, broken relationships, STD's, broken trust, betrayal, emotional stress and hurt, crushed children, and a cheapness of something wonderful and special. It also cheapens and degrades human dignity. Uncontrolled sex is sin. Sin is the perversion of the good; it is the cheaper form of something better and that is exactly what sex without boundaries is. For the reasons mentioned above sex outside of God's perameters destroys marriages, children, as well as our spirits and bodies.
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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 sanctify means to set apart for divine use. In one sense, all believers have been set apart from the world to serve the Lord. After repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the believer repurposes his/her life from self and the world to the Lord God Almighty. Again, all believers are set apart from the world to the service of the Lord. This is known as postional sanctification and it is perfect and complete. However, in another sense,the believer should sanctify themselves, that is, separate themselves from all forms of sin. This is known as practical or progressive sanctification. This process will continue until the believer's death or the return of Jesus Christ. The sanctification process can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy spirit. First and foremost, sexual immorality is a sin against the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). It is a sin against one's own body (1 Cor 6:18). It is also a sin against other people. In the Torah, God said: "be Holy as I am Holy." I cannot implement this command into my life if I am practing sexual immorality. It is unholy.
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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? Conducting our lives by rules which are imposed or forced upon us don't inspire one to obey out of love or enthusiasm. They become abstract and empty -- meaningless. Whereas rules for conduct based in a personal relationship God where one understands that the rules were created out of love and the best interest of the individual inspire obediance from a returned love. A love that creates a desire to please God in order to deepen a relationship with, and bless God who is blessing you. A desire to return love with love. A desire to please God with conduct that we are told pleases Him. Conduct fueled or motivated by love beats robotic rule following any day. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he gives these instructions by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 2.
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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 allow for a fresh voice and experience from God to encourage a congregation in their spiritual development and involvement for Jesus Christ. It also plugs the congregation into the bigger picture of what is happening throughout Christianity as it impacts the world. Fresh ideas or old ideas presented in fresh ways can renew, encourage, and energize a congregation for Jesus Christ. Special speakers normally preach and teach from their experience, mission, and calling which is most often different in a specific way from the regular pastor. Again, the special speaker brings into the congregation a fresh experience, perspective, and word. An itinerant ministry is difficult and challenging because of the very nature of its mission. It's important because everyone needs a fresh Word or voice from God. A message or insignt from fellow Christians moving throughout the world on mission for God. Reporting what they see and experience and presenting the specal message God has put on their hearts. Special speakers bring insights or experiences to a local congregation that they may not have experienced nor have awareness of regarding things/issues/conditions in the world in order to them involved and to inspire develop their spiritual develop[ment.
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Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what w ays 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? In the midst of persecution it would be easy and understandable that the Thessalonians would think it strange that they should suffer so severely, and to wonder if God was displeased with them. Fear can discourage Christians from active, open service. Persecution creates an atmosphere in which the Christian's relationship with God can deepened resulting in spiritul maturity. Psalms 23 really applies here. Persecution will weed out the pretenders and the professing Christians from the real follower of Christ. - -Strengthening the body of Christ. The tempter exists in this fallen world where we exist for a time and is a fact of life. Jesus said satan is the ruler of this world. Temptation exists until Jesus Christ returns to restore creation to its original form. Satan will be done away with in the fullness of time. When God deems it the right time.
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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? The Thessalonians had been persecuted because of their confession of Christ Jesus. This was a criticial time for the young church plant. Satan was probably dropping subtle suggestions that maybe they wrong after all to in becoming Christians. So Paul sent Timothy to strengthen in their faith, to encourage them in staying the course, and teaching them to expect opposition. Encouraging them to bear it bravely and to rejoice in it. The Thessalonians needed encouragement not to buckle under the pressure of persecution and opposition. To share with them that is not strange that they should suffer so severely, but that it was normal for Christians and not to be shaken or lose heart. But to trust in the Lord. Suffering is always a sensitive issue and this assigment would help Timothy grow as a young Pastor. Delegating ministry responsibility is good training for the team and at times puts the right person in the right place at the right time as God deems it appropriate and not the team leader. A good ministry team is well trained and flexible. It is not ego-centric around the senior guy.
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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? If God wants to reward me for responding to the Gospel message and all that goes with the Christian walk I will rejoice and delight in that knowledge. It doesn't require justification. I personnally do not need nor desire a reward to live out truth. I am not motivated by that. What motivates is to make a difference in the world for truth. To live in the presence of the Lord -- in the house of the Lord forever is overwhelming reward in itself. Christ's reward of eternal life and freedom from this dark, cursed planet and its dark lord is overwhelming reward in itself. Jesus rewards love and obediance. He doesn't reward disobediance, indifference or luke warmness. We honor Jesus by living a life of service to others regardless of social status. We honor Jesus by displacing evil in His name wherever we happen upon it beginning in our own homes. If this honors and pleases the Master and we are living it then accountability should be a joyous thing. We have become Christ-like. We have become salt and light in a dark world -- that honors Jesus. Because of our love and commitment to Jesus accountability should be a thing we look forward to and take pleasure in. John said:" There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." I Jn 4:18 Love for Jesus should motivate us.
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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 summed up best in Paul's pastorial letter to Timothy: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." II Tim 3:16-17 (NIV) The Word of God contains the truth and power that God has given. When applied to one's life the Word of God changes/transforms the individual through the power and interaction of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. John said: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1 (NIV)
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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? In 1 Thess. 2:7, Paul compares himself to a nuturing mother. Now he changes his image to that of a devoted father. If the former suggests tenderness and affection, then this image would suggest wisdom and counsel. As a father, he exhorted them to live a holy life, he encouraged them to go on for the Lord in spite of persecutions and he testified to the blessedness of obedience to the will and word of God. The fatherly role is action oriented. Both gender traits/roles in developing children or disciples balance each other and form a complete environment in which development can occur. There is nothing complicated about the application of gender nuturing traits. As with males adopting motherly nuturing traits, females just apply the traits. Pray, learn, think outside of your box, and apply.
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. (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 because they are traits that grow disciples in a loving, safe, patient, and encouraging enviroment. Males can adopt these traits by just practicing them.
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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? Greed is the greatest problem in the church. Greed entails flatterly, deceit and all other forms of perverting the gospel for some kind of gain. The preacher preaches messages intended to make people feel good (spiritual drug dispensing), in order to get people to support their ministry, buy their books and other resources. They flatter because they are greedy for adoration and the need to be the most liked, respected preacher. They want recognition and to be liked so they preach whatever their listeners want to hear. Ultimately this harms and splits the church. You prevent these flaws in your own character by actively focusing on them and addressing them through prayer and scripture reading and surrounding yourself with others looking for purity in service. Also seeking ministry opportunities that don't involve money, photo opps, and stay away from recognition ceremonies.
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Q1. Personal Courage
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. The Character of a Disciple-Maker (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16)
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? Without courage we don't move forward; we don' grow; we don't carry out the great commission in a dark, hostile world. It's takes courage to teach to Christian values and standards to those trained in the world. When a Christian displays courage vis-a-vis the world he glorifies God and is an effective witness to all those around him. A blessed sight. Without courage the Gospel doesn't spread - doesn't move. Without courage we as Christians won't make those life decisions that counter the world and the Lord of this world -- satan. Without courage to change we will grow stagnant and die. To walk a genuine, believable Christian walk in all our circumstances in this world takes courage. To practice our Christianity in all our roles - father, husband, son, leader, preacher, friend, etc. - takes courage in the face of a criticial, cynical, skepical, and dark world. -
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? This verse teaches that the Christian faith revolves around the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, raised from the dead and coming again to rescue the believer from the coming wrath of God. Each element of this verse is of equal importance because they are equal parts to the whole message of the Gospel. In today's world the coming wrath of God is ignored or down played. The message is out of balance. God's love is emphasized while everything else regarding the Christian walk is down played.
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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? Imitation is very important to a new Christians because they don't have a clue as to what a genuine follower of Christ looks like. It needs to be properly modeled for them by a genuine follower of Christ. It is important that the character of the mentor/leader be true, pure and believable to others so that a corrupt example of the Christian life/walk is not displayed leading others astray or turning others from the Church. This applies to all of my family -- church and biological. People do not grow in their Christian faith properly and Biblically outside of the Church (body of Christ).
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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? It is the power of the Holy Spirit that moves and convicts a person. A power that opens ears and minds to the gospel and God's will. Will power is a human thing and is not the will of God. scripture teaches us to submit our will to the will of the Father. Miracles provide relief to the suffering and testify to the power of Glory of God. They understore the Gospel message. Miracles happen throughout the world today and move people closer to Jesus and into the Christian faith. Lack of belief and faith hinder miracles.
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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? Strong opposition was due to diagreement over theology; compeition over potential converts; money; jealously, etc. All satanically motiviated to block the gospel. Paul preaches the Gospel through the persecution because he is called to by Christ Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that they would be persecuted just as he was. Persecution is no reason to stop, but probably is the signal to keep going because you are hitting home. <p class="ipsLikeBar right clearfix" id="rep_post_80312">
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Q2. Leadership Styles
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Tension with the Corinthians (1:12-2:11)
Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:24) What does it mean to “lord it over” someone? What is the balance between (1) good, strong leadership, (2) micromanaging, and (3) a complete laissez-faire approach to leadership? What are the dangers of an authoritative leadership style? What are the dangers of a weak leadership style? Simply put, to "lord it over" someone to bully or boss them around. A strong leader first of all leads by example and secondly permits those he/she are leading to exercise and develop their abilities. Otherwise, a good strong leader brings out the best in their people. Micromanaging discourages and suppresses the best in those being managed. It kills initiative and imagination. It instills insecurity and develops weak leaders. A complete laissez-faire approach to leadership is leadership without vision or direction. Followers need strong leadership. Not over-bearing leadership; not a micromanager, but a strong, positive leader who leads to the fulfillment of the mission, goal, job, etc. Strong leadership develops strong leadership. Weak leadership develops weak leadership and leads nowhere. -
Q1. Sealed with the Spirit
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Tension with the Corinthians (1:12-2:11)
Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) According to this verse, what does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives signify? How does the Spirit unite us with God? What is the promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit’s presence? The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life signifies that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit in our hearts serves as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come -- eternal life. The Holy Spirit is God the Father's filling presence within us uniting us with him and moving/transforming us into Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity as defined in Galatians 5. The promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit's presence in our life is spiritual maturity/Christ-likeness and eternal life with God the Father. -
Q1. Sealed with the Spirit
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 2. Tension with the Corinthians (1:12-2:11)
Q1. (2 Corinthians 1:21b-22) According to this verse, what does the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives signify? How does the Spirit unite us with God? What is the promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit’s presence? The presence of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life signifies that we are the children of God. The Holy Spirit in our hearts serves as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come -- eternal life. The Holy Spirit is God the Father's filling presence within us uniting us with him and moving/transforming us into Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity as defined in Galatians 5. The promise of future blessing inherent in the Spirit's presence in our life is spiritual maturity/Christ-likeness and eternal life with God the Father. -
Q3. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) Why does Paul ask people to pray for him? How do the prayers of others have an effect? What happened in your life that has helped you enter into a ministry of intercessory prayer? Paul asks others to pray for him in order to be more effective in presenting the Gospel. God answers pray when the saints individually or corporately come together in agreement to pray. Several years ago I was caught in a brush fire and 17% of my body was burnt. It was prayer and waiting upon the Lord that saw me through the crisis. Most importantly I had many saints praying for me. Not only did I make it through the situation, but I was able to share the gospel with the medical staff and others during my stay in the hospital. God took what seemed to be a terrible situation and turned into a training retreat and a mission field. I love Him for that and much more.
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Q3. (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) Why does Paul ask people to pray for him? How do the prayers of others have an effect? What happened in your life that has helped you enter into a ministry of intercessory prayer? Paul asks others to pray for him in order to be more effective in presenting the Gospel. God answers pray when the saints individually or corporately come together in agreement to pray. Several years ago I was caught in a brush fire and 17% of my body was burnt. It was prayer and waiting upon the Lord that saw me through the crisis. Most importantly I had many saints praying for me. Not only did I make it through the situation, but I was able to share the gospel with the medical staff and others during my stay in the hospital. God took what seemed to be a terrible situation and turned into a training retreat and a mission field. I love Him for that and much more.
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Q2. Growing through Crisis
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The God of All Comfort (1:1-11)
Q2. (2 Corinthians 1:9-10) How does facing a harrowing crisis help us grow in the Lord? How has a crisis helped your spiritual life? What is the value of learning not to rely on ourselves? What does this do to our pride? How does this improve our effectiveness as God’s servants? Harrowing crisises forces/requires the faithful to depend upon the Lord for strength and the ability to remain focused and on-mission for the Kingdom of God. The value of learning not to rely upon ourselves is that we learn that we are limited in all respects and that God is all powerful. The point is made by Paul: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13 With God all things are possible and nothing is impossible. With this realization self/ego/pride can be moved out of the way and we can navigate through any thing that life can dish out. When Jesus Christ becomes the center of our being and we submit our wills to HIm then we become effective servants of God. As long as self is in the way there are too many distractions from what God has purposed us to be and do. -
Q1. Comfort and Comforting
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 1. The God of All Comfort (1:1-11)
As Paul writes in this passage God is merciful and comforting to us in our troubles -- life is trouble. God's comfort is compassionate and merciful. Most of all it is comprehensive effecting all areas of our life. Peter wrote in 2 Peter that through His divine power we have all we need to live life and a godly life on top of that. In God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we have everything. -
Q2. Aaron's Irresponsible Leadership
Craig replied to Pastor Ralph's topic in 6. The Golden Calf and Moses