Craig

Q4. On what ground does Abraham so boldly address God? Do you think God desires us to do the same? Why or why not? Why do you think Abraham's intercession pleased God? What will it take for us to please him in our prayers? Abraham bases his intercession on behalf of Sodom on God's own justice and righteousness. I believe that God desires us to do the same thing. Why -- because God wants people that have the same passion, care, concern, understanding of Him, and a relationship with Him that Abraham had. Genuine prayer equals understanding God. I think Abraham's intercession pleased God because it reflected love and concern for others and an in-depth understanding of Him. The principles remain the same for us today.

Q3. (18:19) In your own words, describe what a lifestyle of "keeping the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just" looks like in the twenty-first century. In what ways is this difficult? In what ways is this easy? What are the special challenges? I think Micah spells it out clearly for all generations. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8. As Christians we act justly in all situations and treat all people with dignity - love your neighbor as yourself. As Christians we show mercy to all people as God has shown mercy to us in Christ Jesus. As Christians we honor God and submit our will to Him. We walk humbly with Him and allow Him to lead us in the area of missions He has purposed us in spreading the Kingdom of God. The difficulty depends upon the extend to which we permit the things of this world distract us. I'm not sure it is easy because the world is not user friendly for the Christian. I think it is a constant challenge. It becomes easier as we permit the Holy Spirit to operate in our life. The special challenges are existing on this planet with the things of this world constantly competing for our attention and focus.

Q2. (18:16-19) How can fathers and husbands strike the right balance -- of being godly, caring leaders without being dictators? How can mothers and wives strike the right balance -- of being submissive and at the same time being open about their needs and desires? (I know of no Christian cookie-cutter answer to this. It must be contientiously worked out within the crucible of marriage.) By practicing the principles Paul details in Ephesians 5:21-6:4. Put these principles into practice and husband/fathers and wives/mothers won't have a dictatorial problem. You will have perfect balance.

Q1. (18:14) How can we tell if we really believe in God's present willingness to do miracles in our day? Is there any indication in Scripture that God will stop doing miracles? Is there any indication that God continues to do miracles? How can we regain an active faith in the God of miracles? We do it the same way Abraham did -- believe in the Word of God. Trust Him to do what He says He is going do. There is no indication in Scripture that God will stop doing miracles. God will do miracles as long as He is trying to reach humanity. We can regain an active faith in the God of miracles by worshiping, trusting, and carrying out His will for our life?

Q4. In your own words, how would you explain why circumcision is now obsolete for Christians and that baptism is now sign of the covenant? Our outward Christian testament of faith is baptism. That is our acknowledgment that we are accepting and participating in the New Covenant in Christ Jesus offered by Yahew for forgiveness of sin and fellowship with God.

Q3. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Why is this a necessity for all true believers, both Jew and Christian? How can we keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion? Have you ever struggled with this? It means to purify your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit and through permitting the Living Word of God to permeate our heart purifing it. Our God is a Holy God with high and pure standards of conduct. In order for us to have a true relationship and fellowship with Him we must be on the same page with Him. Daily Bible study, devoted prayer, and active service in Kingdom building will prevent our faith from becoming only an external religion. When we commit ourselves to that one thing that God has called us to do nothing else matters. That one thing should be to KNOW JESUS CHRIST. To know Jesus Christ is to find meaning and purpose God directed meaning in life on this planet. To live a life of faith ground and connected to the dynamics of the Living Jesus Christ means becoming the real deal. We all struggle with this. Again, the importance of a directed, intentional, and submissive walk with the Lord is critical to a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Q3. What does it mean to have your heart circumcised? Why is this a necessity for all true believers, both Jew and Christian? How can we keep our faith active as an inward expression of love rather than become only an external religion? Have you ever struggled with this? It means to purify your heart through the power of the Holy Spirit and through permitting the Living Word of God to permeate our heart purifing it. Our God is a Holy God with high and pure standards of conduct. In order for us to have a true relationship and fellowship with Him we must be on the same page with Him. Daily Bible study, devoted prayer, and active service in Kingdom building will prevent our faith from becoming only an external religion. When we commit ourselves to that one thing that God has called us to do nothing else matters. That one thing should be to KNOW JESUS CHRIST. To know Jesus Christ is to find meaning and purpose God directed meaning in life on this planet. To live a life of faith ground and connected to the dynamics of the Living Jesus Christ means becoming the real deal. We all struggle with this. Again, the importance of a directed, intentional, and submissive walk with the Lord is critical to a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Q2. (17:11) What does circumcision signify for Abraham, his household, and his descendents? Why is some kind of definite act on Abraham's part important to confirming the covenant? What does Abraham's obedience the very same day signify? Circumcision signifies for Abraham, his household, and his descendents an outward pledge or sign of devotion to the Abrahamic Covenant with Yahew -- a sign of the covenant. Action in responding or confirming this covenant indicates agreement. Honoring God is not a passive act. Honoring God requires action upon the part of those seeking to honor Him. Abraham's immediate obedience indicates his belief and desire to seriously enter into a covenant with God.

Q1. (17:1-2) When God tells Abraham, "Walk before me and be blameless," is he requiring moral perfection? What kind of blamelessness does he require of Abraham? Does he expect more (or less) of Christians under the new covenant? No. He is requiring Abraham to be loyal and hold up his end of the covenant. God is looking for men and women who will honor Him and submit to His leadership. I think God expects the same worship.

Q4. What lesson is God teaching you out of Hagar's experience? Which situation that God is calling you to is most difficult for you to submit to? To teach all people with dignity -- love your neighbor as yourself and handle problems in a Godly manner. I cannot really answer that question right now. I am currently not in a situation right now that is difficult to submit to.

Q3. (16:13-14) What is the significance of Hagar's name for God -- El Roi, the God Who Sees? What does it mean to a person who is discouraged and losing hope? What does it mean to you personally? God saw her and knew her name. It means a lot to know that God knows us and cares about our condition. In fact, it is amazing. Even more importantly, He has solutions for our problems and challenges in life. It gives me great hope, promise, and security.

Q2. (16:7-9) Why does the angel ask Hagar something that the angel already knows? ("Where have you come from, and where are you going?") Why does she send her back to Sarah? Have you ever reacted and got yourself out of the place God wanted you? The angel is asking Hagar to account for herself. The angel tells her to go back and submit herself to Sarah her mistress. Yes I have reacted and took myself out of the place that God wanted me. It was due to spiritual immaturity.

Q1. (16:1-6) Why does Sarah take her anger out on Abraham? Why does she take her anger out on Hagar? Is she trying to get rid of Hagar or the baby? In what sense is Hagar's pride Abraham's fault? In what sense is Hagar's affliction Abraham's fault? What situation in your family does this reminds you of? Sarah initially takes her anger out on Abraham because he is the one who impregnated Hagar and he is her husband. Abraham tells Sarah to handle it. So, Sarah directs her jealously, anger, and abuse toward Hager because she is acting with pride and showing little respect toward Sarah. Hagar is pregnant and Sarah is not -- a woman thing. The problem with Hagar is really created by Abraham in acting outside God's leadership in going to bed with Hagar and not exercising leadership in handling Hagar's attitude himself. I have five children - that should tell you my story in managing attitudes.

Q5. (Matthew 19:9) Does a person who has remarried after a divorce that wasn't caused by marital unfaithfulness, live in a perpetual state of adultery? Should that person divorce or separate in order to get back into God's will? How can he or she get back into God's will, or is that no longer possible? I don't believe for the Christian there is a perpetual state of adultery and I don't believe that God would require another wrecked or severed marriage by divorce or separation, because of the potential or real harm it would do, to get back into His will. You get back into God's will by asking forgiveness of sin with a repentant heart and picking up your walk with Him where you are at.

Q4. (Matthew 19:10) Why do you think Jesus' disciples reacted so negatively to his teaching on marriage and divorce? Did they misunderstand it? I think Jesus' disciples reacted negatively to his teaching on marriage and divorce because they understood it. They understood that Jesus' teaching was pretty tight and didn't allow for a casual approach to marriage and divorce.

Q4 (15:17-18a) Why did God go through the covenant ritual with Abraham, with the divided carcasses? Why does God bind himself to a solemn promise? How does Abraham respond to God's promises (15:6)? What promises has God made to us that affect our futures? What significance does blood sacrifice have in those promises? He was sealing the covenant himself by passing through the divided carcasses. God binds Himself to a solemn promise because of his integrity. God doesn't break promises. Abraham responds to God's promises by believing and placing his faith in God. Most importantly, God has promised eternal life or fellowship with Him to those who believe that His son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for the atonement of our sin. God has promised to forgive our sin, if we confess our sin to Him with repentant hearts. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. God promises completeness, wholeness, and eternal life to those who permit Him to be their God and follow his commandants and instructions. From Genesis to Revelation God promises many things to those who honor, trust, and obey Him. Read the life giving, Word of God regularly. Know the promises. The significance of the blood sacrifice was that if the covenant sealer broke the covenant, that he might be cursed with the same kind of infliction that inflicted the sacrificed animals.

Q3. (15:16) Have you ever been frustrated with God for not fulfilling his promise to you immediately? Why does God sometimes delay the fulfillment of his promises to a future time? Yes, I have experienced this. I think God sometimes delays the fulfillment of His promises to a future time in order to develop my character as well as to flow with His timing and planning.

Q2. (15:6) What is so amazing about this verse? On what basis does God declare Abraham a righteous person? What significance does this have to our New Testament understanding of justification by faith? What is so amazing about this verse, and it can only be amazing to humans, is that God honors those who honor Him and believe what is says. God counts righteous and faithful those that follow His directions, principles, values, instructions, etc. Those that honor Him by believing Him and responding to Him in a faith that is based on the fact that God honors His promises and delivers on what He says. God honors those who act on His precepts and principles. From a New Testament perspective -- we are saved by placing our faith in Jesus Christ as the ultimate atonement for human sin. By faith we respond to, and follow God's leadership and direction, our call, in this life. In other words, we redirect our lives in faith in response to the Word of God.

Q1. (15:1) What does it mean to you personally to call God your "Shield"? What does it mean to you that he promises to you (as heir of the promises to Abraham) "an exceedingly great reward"? What does it mean to you to call God your Suzerain or Sovereign? I think it is an amazing reward to have God as my "shield." The fact that God honors those who honor Him fills me with great confidence, hope, and inspiration. This assurance most importantly has enhanced my love for God. It fills with a determined loyality to Him.

Q4. Define "justice," "vengeance," and "mercy." Can a Holy and Righteous God justly forgive sins without punishing them? What is the significance of the cross in God's righteousness? Justice is getting what a person deserves for committing any given crime -- an eye for eye. Vengeance is the fair execution of justice. Mercy is forgiveness. A person is forgiven of a crime and doesn't receive what he/she deserves. The cross is pure grace and mercy.

Q3. (Psalm 68:5) Since our God is the Helper of the Fatherless and the Protector of Widows -- that is, the poorest and weakest of society -- what does this say about a Christian's commitment to social justice in our communities? How should it affect our actions? It means that we, as Christians, also must be the helper of the fatherless; the protector of widows and the poorest and weakest of society. We should be committed to social justice in our communities. We should get involved in presenting the gospel in word and deed in our communities.

Q2. If we believe that truth and morality are all relative to one's culture, how can we know and understand the Righteous and Upright God? Extra credit for present-day evangelists: How can we declare God and his Son Jesus Christ in a relativistic world? What is an effective approach? (There is no simple answer here. What is an effective communication strategy in your community?) We know and understand the Righteous and Upright God from God's Word. God's Word crosses all cultures and time. The approach is that Jesus's message -- the Gospel -- cuts across cultures and time. Truth does not know a certain culture and time. It applies across all cultures and time. The nature of people are the same across cultures and time.

Q1. (Isaiah 6:1-8) How does a realization of God's holiness affect Isaiah? Why is Isaiah afraid? How does God make Isaiah holy? What is the symbolism of the coal from the altar? Now made holy -- dedicated to God -- how does Isaiah respond to God? Isaiah's realization of God's holiness made him also realize his own sinful condition. He was scared because he was in the presense of the Holy and Powerful Living God. God has a seraphim place a live coal on his mouth and his guilt was taken away and his sin atoned for. Isaiah responds to God by giving himself to God for service. He presents himself to God.

Q3. (Matthew 19:7-8) According to Jesus, does the Mosaic law command divorce? Does it allow or regulate it? Why does it allow divorce at all? What was God's original intention ("from the beginning") for marriage and divorce, according to Jesus? The Mosic law doesn't command divorce it permits it. It regulates or sets the conditions for divorce. It allows divorce for adulterly or sexual immoraltiy. I would think that it would be punishment for the offending spouse. God's origninal intention from the beginning was that one man and one women would come together for life as one flesh.

Q2. (Matthew 19:4-6 quoting Genesis 2:24) Do people need to be Christians to be joined as one flesh? Is this making into "one flesh" accomplished by a religious ceremony or by natural law? Of those who have entered into a first marriage, what percentage do you think have been "joined together" by God, according to Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:6? People do not need to be Christians to be joined as one flesh. Adam and Eve were not Christians. "One flesh" is accomplished by natural law instituted by God. I don't know the current statistics on this subject, but my guess that in today's U.S. society, somewhere between 55 - 70% of people have had pre-maritial sex prior to their first marriage.