Craig

Q3. (Matthew 6:5-7) Why does Jesus tell us to pray in secret? Though public prayer in church gatherings is commanded in scripture (Acts 1:14; 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1), in which circumstances might public prayer in a church service be contrary to the spirit of Jesus' instructions in these verses? How do flowery prayers hinder the development of disciples? Jesus teaches us to pray in secret to keep us humble and focused on the Father. Public prayer when conducted with true, pure motives as well as express purpose is Biblical and aides in fellowship and unity. However, when done for the hidden purpose of self-glorification and to show off, it becomes sinful and has no effect with God. Just empty words. Flowery prayers can hinder the development of disciples by the focus on words and structure vice the motive and content of the prayer. For example, we are worried about how the prayer sounds vice the sincere content of the prayer.

Q2. (Matthew 5:42 and 6:1-4) How does Jesus' teaching here and in 5:42 on giving to the needy influence you and your attitudes towards the poor? What will you do differently as a result? What keeps us from giving more to the poor? Is that a good enough reason? I give to the poor because I love Jesus Christ and I'm striving to love my neighbor as myself. Jesus teaches that ministering to the poor is ministering to Him. I have been practicing this concept in several different personal ministries that I am involved with that provides food, clothes, money for bills; free day camp for kids, etc. to the poor and marginal. My church is always looking for ways to bless others in real ways. I give away about everything I have. I love it. It has changed my heart and life -- my complete perspective of life.

Q1. (Matthew 6:1-18) How do the commands in this section relate to "performing for the audience of One"? What is the antidote for the chief sin that is addressed here? In what ways do churches and non-profit organizations use this sin to motivate people to give? When I minister others in any way; pray; and tithe, I do it to honor and glorify one - God Almighty. Not for anyone else and not for my personal glorification. The sin of pride can be dealt with by spending time with God alone. Often times some churches and organizations will use human nature (pride/egotism), to promote the open giving in a competitive way that brings glory to the individual and not to God. They are trying to make money and not looking at what Jesus taught in giving and serving. Drop the pride and ego.

Q6. (Matthew 5:48) In the context, what do you think verse 48 means for the Christian? Is perfection taught here? Does maturity express the idea best? How about the doctrine of "sinless perfection"? How does verse 48 relate to verse 45? Verse 48 means for the Christian to love our enemies as we love our friends. God permits it to rain on the just and unjust alike. Jesus went to the cross and take on human sin and died for all humanities sin -- those who hold Him in contempt as well as well as those who love Him. Jesus to saying be like your Father in Heaven. Be perfect like Him. Jesus is developing and growing us. Christians are sinners in the sanctification process. That is, God is taking sinners saved by grace and is developing us and perfecting us into the pattern modeled by Jesus Christ. A life time process. Maybe even an eternal process. The point is, God is working with those who will permit Him to work in their lives to develop them into Christ like people.

Q5. (Matthew 5:39-44) If the principle that underlies verses 39-42 is found in verse 44 and 22:39, are there times we must defend ourselves physically against evil men in order to fulfill the principle? What might be some examples? Their are times when we must defend ourselves. We can defend our country or friends in other countries from evil, i.e. aggressor countries invading and taking over innocent countries for national greed or domination. We can be physically aggressive against those who are abusing, killing, and threatening the innocent -- this is just. Our God is a just God. He expects us to act justly. God is not a pacifist. Jesus is not a pacifist. As Paul wrote in Romans, the government has a God given function to maintain civil order and execute justice. It has a duty to protect its citizens. Jesus is teaching us to love people regardless if they our friends or enemies in this passage of scripture. He is teaching us about our own perfection -- see verse 48. He is not teaching us to permit evil to run rampant. In fact, when Jesus comes again, it will upon a white horse with a sword in His hand and in the role as judge to execute judgment. God expects us to come to the aid of the helpless however that must be done.

Q4. (Matthew 5:38-42) If we were to assume that Jesus is teaching on retaliation and revenge rather than pacifism in verses 38-42, how would you sum up his teaching in a single sentence? Love your enemies and prayer for those who persecute you.

Q3. (Matthew 5:39-42) What do Jesus' examples or tiny cameos in verses 39-42 have in common? Someone has said that if we were to carry out verses 39-42 literally, we would aid and abet evil. Do you agree? How should we take these examples: As case law? As hyperbole? As a series of aphorisms or adages? In another way? They are all about loving those who would use or abuse you as yourself. It is all about radical love. Radical love is a witness to the love of God. It does not aid and abet evil. Remember, God is involved in what is happening. God is also working in our lives to perfect us. We should take these examples just as Jesus meant for them to be taken. Love your enemies and those who would abuse you. Love them. Love transforms the heart. If I love only my friends, what transformation and character development is taking place in my life? This kind of love also takes back the receiver of such love.

Q2. (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:15-21) What was the purpose of the "Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth" regulation? Is this law designed to be administered by a court or judge, or by an individual? Is it designed to govern judicial action or personal action? The purpose of the "eye for eye, and tooth for tooth" regulation is to limit the degree of punishment a person could receive or inflict. The punishment should fit the crime. It should be just. The law was geared to be administered by a court or judge and to govern judicial action. Personal revenge is not for the individual to administer. God is the judge. Revenge is for Him to administer. This is stated throughout scripture. If revenge and personal action should be the law, societies would be in total chaos -- a lawless place to live.

Q1. (Matthew 5:33-37) What does it mean: Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no? If we obeyed this command, what would be the result in our speaking? In our credibility? When committing or testifying to something, Jesus is saying simply say yes or a no. Don't swear on anything. Let your word stand on itself. Have credibility. Our word should have credibility.

Q4. Meditate on the concept of God as a Spring of Living Water or a Fountain of Living Water for you. What does this say about God? About your thirst? About your future? This concept expresses for me the life giving refreshment and nourishment that God gives or provides the soul. God is a protector and a nurturer. God is developing me into the kind of person he desires me to be.

Q3. Why do we sometimes resist calling on God to be our Helper? Why do we try to do it ourself first? What is required of us if God is to be a Helper and Shepherd to us? I think we sometimes resist calling on God to be our Helper because we want to do for ourselves and be in control. We don't want to wait on God, but control things ourselves. We want results in our time. Most importantly, I think it is a lack of faith and relationship with God. If we honor God he will honor us.

Q2. (Psalm 23) Can you remember any times when God has cared for you as a Shepherd -- in times of blessing and in times of trouble? What are you facing right now where you realize your need to rely on God as your Shepherd? God has been my Shepherd in all circumstances in my life -- the good, bad, and the ugly. As a Pastor I must rely on God's leadership and as my Shepherd helps me to be the best sub-shepherd that I can be for my flock.

Q1. (Genesis 22:1-14) Do you think Abraham was really expecting God to provide a sacrifice, or that was just what he told Isaac? What support do you have for your position? Did you ever receive a last-minute provision from God? In what circumstances can we expect God to supply our needs? Any conditions? I think that Abraham believed that God would provide a sacrifice in some way. He trusted and was devoted to God even if it meant sacrificing Isaac. I'm basing my opinion on Genesis 22:1-14. Abraham responded to God's direction without apparent hesitation. I have received a last-minute provision from God. God provides physical, emotional, and spiritual needs for those who honor Him. For those who have a relationship with Him.

Q4. (Psalm 121). What does it mean that God is our Keeper. In what ways does he "keep" or "guard" us? God as our keeper means that He watches over us and protects us. The Scripture indicates that He personally watches over us as well as using His angels to guard or protect us.

Q3. In what ways is God a Rock in the above verses. What functions does a rock perform in Palestine? God is like a rock in that He serves as a strong foundation; a strong fortress; a strong, stable place; protection; refuge; and shade. Rocks in Palestine serve all these purposes and more.

Q2. (Psalm 3:3) In what ways is God a shield? In what ways is he our glory? In what ways is he "the lifter up of my head"? What does this teach us about God? About ourselves? God is a shield in that He protects us from harm. He is our glory because He is God -- Almighty God, Creator of Heavens and Earth. The Holy Spirit of God fills me; lifts me; and gives me perspective. God is our glory because, like Hagar, He sees us and is concerned about each of us individually.

Q1. (Psalm 91) What is the protected one required to do in times of danger (verses 1-2, 9). What metaphors are used of God's protection in this psalm? The protected one is required to dwelt in the shelter of the Most High; rest in the shadow of the Almighty; and make the Most High your dwelling and refuge. Metaphors include: shelter; shadow; refuge; fortress; shield; rampart; dwelling; and salvation.

Q4. What is the significance of the confession "Jesus is Lord"? Why is this necessary for salvation, according to Romans 10:9? The significance of the confession that "Jesus is Lord" is that we are saying that Jesus is Yahweh. Paul writes in Romans 10:9/10: "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

Q3. What are the implications for governments that Yahweh is the King of kings and Lord of lords? What are the implications of removing God" from a nation's currency and pledges, and ardently secularizing national life? Where does that put a nation with regard to God the King? The implications for governments that Yahweh is the King of kings and Lord of lords is that all governments, regardless of structure or ideology are subject to Him and He should be recognized and honored by each government/nation. Secularizing national life ignores God and seeks to remove Him from the life of the nation. It rejects the fact that a nation is subject to the King of Kings and Lord of lords. It places focus on humanism vice Godliness. By doing so, that puts a nation outside the blessings of the King of kings and Lord of lords. God doesn't honor those who do not honor Him.

Q2. What are the personal implications of Yahweh being your King and of Jesus being the Messiah sent from God? What are the advantages of being the subject of Yahweh as King? What does it mean for you to submit to the King on an everyday basis? How does a person reject Yahweh from being King over him or her? The personal implications of Yahweh being my king is that I must make Him my king. He must be the king over my heart. As a Christian, everything I think, say, and do is in the name of Christ. I am an ambassador for Jesus Christ. The advantages of being the subject of Yahweh as king is that I am in subjection to the Creator of the Universe and Light. God honors those who honor Him. The King of Kings takes care of those subjects who are a part of the Kingdom of God. Subjecting my life to God on a daily basis means seeking His direction for that day. What assignment(s) does He have for me in ministry. It means everything I do, I do in the name the Lord Jesus Christ. It means His Kingdom mission first. It means that Yahweh is the driving force in my life. My life is based around Him.

Q1. Read 1 Samuel 8:15 and Malachi 3:8-10. How did tithing relate to a person's acceptance of God being their King in the Old Testament? How about for those of us who live under the New Covenant? What place does tithing have for us? A tithe (10%) was expected to be given to a king as his due (1 Samuel 8:15) to support his administration, just as a tithe was given to Yahweh to support his ministers, the priests and Levites. Those who refused to give God "the whole tithe" to provide food for his "house" (i.e., household), were considered to be robbing God (Malachi 3:8-10). Those, of course, who did not consider God their King, did not feel under any obligation to tithe to him, but withheld God's tithe for themselves. Living under the New Covenant does not do away with tithing. God tells us to be generous and to decide what we are going give and then give it consistently. Give with a glad heart -- be generous. Open handed giving. All of what we have is God's to begin with. It takes resources to spread the gospel in word and deed and to provide for pastors, missionaries, etc. A tithe is still a tithe. God blesses those who tithe with glad, willing, and giving hearts. That principle has not changed. If I love my God and am seeking His will for my life, then tithing is a central part of my Christian life.

Q4. (19:30-38) Why did Lot's daughters turn to incest? What does this tell us about their values? About their faith? Why does Lot turn to intoxication? What does this incident tell us about his faith? His hope? His influence? His choice of residence? What lessons should we learn from this story? Lot's daughters turned to incest because they saw no other way to continue the family line and there was probably some **** involved. They apparently had no faith in Yaweh. They probably were greatly influenced by Sodomite culture and values. As for Lot, all he owned and possessed were gone -- destroyed. Apparently he did not have faith or a relationship with Yaweh. So he turned to alcohol to drown his sorrows and try to escape the reality of his situation. All of Lot's decisions were based on material well-being. He compromised with the world and got burned. He did not worship Yaweh or he would not be in the situation he found himself. The lesson for us is to apply Godly, Biblical principles and practices in our lives. Keep God in the center of our sights. Don't look to the left or the right but on Jesus. Make decisions that are Godly, not based on material well-being or gain. Not compromising with the world because it will take care of you/me.

Q3. (19:26) After nearly being delivered, why did Lot's wife stop and gaze rather than escaping? What was in her heart? Have you ever struggled with this in your heart? What lesson does Jesus draw from Lot's wife in Luke 17:31-33? She couldn't give up what she was leaving. Maybe she just had to see the destruction of her city which destroyed her. I think we all struggle with leaving those places or things in our life that we must move away from. Don't hold on to the past or possessions, but move forward and look ahead in Jesus Christ.

Q2. (19:15-16) Why did Lot and his family hesitate? Have you ever hesitated when you should have been fleeing a danger? What is the lesson for us? They hesitated because they were comfortable with their living arrangements. They wanted to maintain the status quo and they may not have totally believed the angels. Yes, I have hesitated when I should have fled. The lesson is to move when He is telling you to move.

Q1. (19:4-11) How can Christians keep balance on the issue of homosexuality in our day? Is it really possible to be loving and compassionate toward practicing homosexuals at the same time as you condemn the sin? Should the church be silent about homosexuality? If not, what should we be saying? Where should we be saying it? (Be gentle and loving as you discuss this subject -- please!) Love the sinner hate the sin. Loving and ministering to homosexuals is no different, in my mind, than loving and ministering to any other sinner. We have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In addition to pastoring a church I am also a jail minister and minister to men who have committed murder (one even murdered his mother), deal drugs, child molesters, etc. Are homosexuals worse sinners than these men, no. Again, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As Christians, we must present the Gospel and minister to all men and women regardless of their sin. Remember, Jesus went to the cross for all humanity. There is no asterisk beside John 3:16 listing the behavior or sin or people that John 3:16 didn't include. Love your neighbor as yourself. The church should not be silent about homosexuality. You treat it like other sin -- open and honest.