Craig

Q3. (Judges 8:24-27) Why is spiritual unfaithfulness looked at as prostitution or adultery? What is the concept of God's relationship to his people which underlies this analogy? What kinds of temptations to spiritual adultery do you face today? (This is not a place to dump on denominations or sects, but to examine your own personal temptations to spiritual adultery.) Spiritual unfaithfulness is looked upon as prostitution or adultery because Israel's relationship with God is viewed by God as a maritial relationship as is the church today. In fact, Israel was likened to a wife and the church is likened to a bride. So, when Israel, or today a Christian, forsakes God to pursue other gods of any kind, type, or thing, they are likened to a prostitute or a adulterer. The temptation that I face most often is getting caught up in the world and the affairs of day to day living. I most focus first thing in the morning on Godly spiritual affairs and walk a separate walk from the world. God must come first and my priority must be the priorities of God. I must stay sensitive to the movement of the Holy Spirit and what God is doing in the world.

Q4. (Matthew 5:13-15) How do verses 13-16 relate to verses 10-12? How does hiding our light affect the glory of God? Why must glory and suffering go hand in hand? Was Jesus' suffering necessary? Is ours? What does this have to do with Romans 12:2? Living out my Christianity and letting my light shine both in word and deed can bring persecution from the world. Fueled by satan and a satanic agenda to shut up the gospel. Hiding our light doesn't allow the glory of God to be seen in our lives, thus leading the lost to a saving relationship with God through His Son. Suffering for Jesus Christ is a powerful testimony to both the secular and Christian world which glorifies God by the faithfulness of the sufferer. Jesus' suffering was necessary in order to fulfill the prophecy concerning Him in Isaiah 53. The suffering was one identification of who He was. Our suffering can be the result living out our Christianity. It cannot be helped. It is a possible outcome of living out the gospel in word and deed. However, Jesus said not to fear God is with us. Paul wrote that Christians should not be conformed to the world, but a living sacrifice, transformed by the renewing of our minds by the power of God's Holy Spirit. Not conforming to the world can bring about persecution. We must keep our eyes on Jesus Christ. We are living in the last days and the satanic power behind an ever-increasing one world government is going to require extreme conformity. We must be overcomers!

Q3. (Matthew 5:14-15) In the parable of "the light of the world," Jesus notes the stupidity of lights being hidden under bowls. Concerning what danger in the life of a Christian disciple does Jesus warn us in this parable? Christians are light and to hide our witness and the hope, salvation, and healing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ from the world around us is sinful and wrong. The danger of this situation is that it falls into the hands of satan and the people that would fall under my influence and ministry won't receive it from me. How will that affect their lives? Therein lays the danger. Lost souls going to hell.

Q2. (Matthew 5:13) What might be the symptoms of a Christian who has lost his "saltiness"? Is it possible for a believer to detect such symptoms in himself or herself? What do secular people notice about a "de-saltified" Christian? What do other Christians notice about you? Is it possible to "resaltify" your life? Symptoms would include: poor witness and testimony; lack of enthusiasm for the Lord; lack of joy and delight in God and Christian fellowship; and lack of service for the Lord. Additionally, there is spiritual apathy and lack of a Christian influence on those around them. No concern for the welfare of those around them -- spiritually and physically. Yes it is possible for Christians to detect the above symptoms. Most Christians know exactly where they are at in their Christian walk. Most secular people notice that a "de-saltified Christian" is not walking as a Christian should and often hold them in contempt. Non-Christians often times know more about how a Christian should behave than Christians do. People notice when other people are not living up to what they profess to believe. This is a very poor testimony. Christians see the same thing. A Christian can "re-saltify" their life by submitting to God and rededicating their life to Jesus Christ. In addition, asking for God for spiritual renewal, refresment and restoration in fellowship with God.

Q5. How should the knowledge that the battle is the Lord's affect the way we approach life? In what way do both timidity and brashness get it wrong? Are there any instances in which the Lord will not fight our battles? With this knowledge in hand I do not fear the assignments that God has for me. It is His battle and I am aligned with Him. I serve in His army. I fear nothing, but God Almighty, God the Most High, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I do not fear death because to die is to be present with God Almighty and it is a part of our passage of life. Again, if God is for me, who or what can be against me. I am in His hands. We need to be both bold and humble in our relationship with God. The Lord will not fight our battles if we are walking outside of His will for our lives. He will not fight our battles if we are in rebellion against Him and hold Him in contempt.

Q4. (Exodus 17:9-16) In what sense was Moses' rod like a signal pole in this battle? In what sense is the LORD our banner in the battles we face? The rod, much like a flag or standard, served as a rally point and inspired the troops. It conveyed confidence to the army of Israel. If we permit God, He is our rallying point and inspiration. The knowledge that God is on my side and loves me, gives me great confidence in dealing with sin, the world, and serving Him. Paul wrote, "if God is for us who can be againist us." That gives me great confidence and reassurance in the assignments God has given me in my community in dealing with racism and bringing Christians together inter-racially and inter-denominationally to serve God and reaching the community for Jesus Christ in word and deed. I live in a very racist Christian and secular community. Additionally, the majority of white churches are isolated and in-ward focused churches. True Christian leadership in this community is lacking severely.

Q3. (Matthew 26:53) Why did Jesus not call on the heavenly host in the Garden of Gethsemane? What happens when does he does call on the heavenly hosts? (Revelation 19:11-16) Jesus did not call upon the heavenly host to deliver Him because that would not have fulfilled the scripture concerning Him. His assignment from the Father was to go to the cross and die for the atonement of human sin, rise on the third day, and ascend into Heaven and sit at the right hand of God Almighty. At some point in space and time, Jesus is coming again with the armies of Heaven to judge and make war on those that hold the Living God in contempt.

Q2. (2 Kings 6:13-17) Why was Elisha's servant afraid? What was the difference between Elisha and his servant? What does it take for our eyes to be opened? How can 1 John 4:4 strengthen you in your spiritual battle? The city they were in was surrounded by a vast army with horses and chariots. God had revealed to Elisha the army of hosts that God provided to defeat the Arameans. It takes prayer, mediating and studying scripture, and submitting ourselves to God completely and humility -- with faith that delivers -- to open our eyes. To be really spiritually sensitive. "You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is greater than satan, fallen angels, and the world that I currently exist in.

Q1. (Joshua 5:13-15) Why did the Commander say he was on neither side? What is the significance of this? What did Joshua feel like during this encounter? How did he feel after this encounter? El Shaddai was truly on neither side. The question was and is -- who is on His side? The significance is that Joshua needed to be on the side of God, because this was God's battle. Joshua knew He was in the presence of the Living God and after the encounter he felt encouraged and confident that God was with Him. That the victory was El Shaddai's.

Q5. (12:2-3) What relationship does God's promise to Abraham in 12:2-3 have to do with the incident of Sarah's abduction in 20:10-20? God said that He would curse anyone who cursed Abraham. And on the otherhand, He would bless anyone who blessed Abraham. So God was looking out for Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 20:10-20.

Q4. What do you think about Abraham's and Sarah's ethics and faith? Are they ethically and morally wrong? Does the Scripture intend to show that their actions as a lack of faith? What lessons should we disciples learn from these stories? I won't judge their ethics, but their faith was a little weak. I don't believe they are ethically or morally wrong. I don't think I am qualified to judge them sitting where I am at in 2008 or any other time for that matter. I think the bottomline of both passages is that God is a gracious and merciful God to His people regardless of their shortcomings. The lesson that I have learned from these passages and I think is essential in my walk with God is that it is important to permit God to be my God and when I fail in that, He is gracious and merciful to me in protecting me and restoring me back into fellowship with Him.

Q3. (20:3-6) What does this story teach us about God's view of adultery? Can God forgive a person who has committed adultery? God hates adultery and will severely punish those who engate in it. It goes directly against the 10 Commandants. God forgives anyone committing adultery who askes God for forgiveness, in the blood of Jesus Christ, with a repentant heart.

Q2. (12:17-20) Why did Pharaoh and his household get sick? What effect did this have? What was God seeking to accomplish through this affliction? Did it have the desired effect? They became sick because God was punishing and alerting Pharaoh that Sarah was Abraham's wife. The situation with Sarah was wrong and Pharaoh must release her back to her husband. Pharaoh got the message and he immediately confronted Abraham for not telling him the truth concerning Sarah and thus casted the couple out of Egypt.

Q4. (Judges 8:24-27) What is a snare? In what way does Gideon's ephod ensnare his family and the people of Israel? How can something be a sin if we don't see it as a sin? What was the essence of the sin the Israelites committed? What is the essence of Gideon's sin? A snare is a trap. Gideon's ephod ensnares his family and the people of Israel because they worship it vice God Most High, Creator of the heavens and the earth -- Yahweh. We can't see the sin because we are blind to to it or more commonly we can justify sin so that we don't see it as sin. The essence of the sin the Israelites committed was that their worship and acknowledgement of victory over the Midianites was directed to something other than God Almighty who made it all happen. Again, the Israelites direct their thanks and worship to false gods. The essence of Gideon's sin is he created the ephod and facilitated the worship of false gods. A failure of leadership.

Q1. (12:10) What dangers faced Abraham and his family as aliens and sojourners in Egypt and elsewhere? Who might oppress them? What "aliens and sojourners" live in your community? Why did they come? How are they being oppressed or discriminated against by employers and others in the community? What can you and your church do to "love those who are aliens"? They faced the possibility of being cheated, imprisoned, robbed, raped, or killed, etc. Anybody might oppress them from political leadership down to the local merchant. In Suwannanee County, Florida we have alot of Hispanics doing agricultural work. They are not treated with dignity and respect by and large throughout the community. My church and I are there to help in anyway we can in addition to ministering to their spiritual needs.

What is an ephod? (8:24-27) What might the gold ephod have looked like? An ephod is a sacred garment wore by priests. The ephod was made of gold and was an outer garment over the priests robes.

Q2. (Judges 8:24-27) What does Gideon ask for his reward? Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin? Gideon asks for one gold earring from each of the fallen enemy. Gideon was not wrong to take the reward. The sin begins when he makes an idol out it.

Q1. (Judges 8:22-23) Why does Gideon refuse to be king over Israel? In what sense would becoming king be treason? Why didn't the Israelites see bestowing kingship as treason? Gideon refuses to be king over Israel because he acknowledges that it is the Lord who will rule over Israel. For Gideon to accept being king would be treason in that God had made a convenant, much like the suzerain-vassal treaty model used in the ancient neat east, whereby God was the king and would provide for, protect, and bless Israel as the vassal as long as they were loyal and obedient to Him. The Israelites didn't see bestowing kingship as treason because they were blinded by Gideon's success and didn't acknowledge God as the one responsible for Israel's victory. In reality, they were out of touch with God. They weren't interested in the Mosiaic Convenant or they never would have been worshipping Baal and other gods and the Midianites would not have been an issue.

Q5. (Judges 8:18-21) Why does Gideon slay Zebah and Zalmunna? Is he unjust or fulfilling his just obligation? (Numbers 35:16) Why does Romans 12:19 prohibit Christians from taking vengeance? Gideon slays Zebah and Zalmunna because they killed his brothers. He is fulfilling his just obligation under convenant law. However, Paul writes in Romans that we should not seek or take revenge, but that vengenance becomes to God and God only. And that is fine with me, because God's vengenance is perfect.

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army?Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel? They refuse to help Gideon because they are uncertain as to whether or not Gideon had defeated the Midianites. They were concerned with the possibility of any negative fall-out if Gideon had not defeated the remaining Midianites. So, help would be conditional. Because Gideon did not have the remaining Midianites under control, they refused help. He punishes these two cities because they refused to help their fellow Israelites in time of need. They betrayed their fellow Israelites, so Gideon punished them. Gideon is just according convenant laws, but a little lacking in mercy. Christians are guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel all of the time. Any time we fail to provide a brother or sister in need and we have the ability to take care of that need, we sin. There are no loop-holes in providing help and aid, especially to the brethren. James wrote that to know to do good and fail to do it is sin.

Q3. (Judges 8:10-12) Why must Gideon vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor? What danger do we face when we deal with problems only half-way? Gideon must wipe-out the reminding 15,000 in order to protect his people from future incursions. Likewise, we must deal with problems completely or they may come back and cause us severe problems.

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? He asks the Ephraimites to cut off the Midianites' escape to the south. They were angry because Gideon did not call upon them earlier for assistance in defeating the Midianites. Gideon ignores the Ephraimites arrogance and builts them up and thanks them for the outstanding job they did in taking care of the Midianites in the South. He doesn't allow their arrogance to anger him and cause him to say or do things that he will later regret. He exalts their performance, and down plays his and the other tribes performance during the battle. We should apply his approach when we are trying to defuse a potential hostile situation between ourselves and someone else or two parties. It's a great example of problem solving, trouble-shooting, and personnel relations. Anger gets us no where, but humility does.

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? Why did this strategy work? God tells Gideon to divide the three hundred into three companies to surround the Midianites. The strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches is to create the illusion of greater numbers and confusion among the Midianites. Blowing the 300 trumpets and breaking 300 jars at night from all around as well as shouting created confusion and fear in the Midianites. The strategy worked becaused it created fear and confusion in the Midianite camp.

Q6. (Matthew 5:10-11) Why should we rejoice when we are persecuted? What keeps this from being some kind of sick masochism, or finding pleasure in pain? Why is the blessing "for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" appropriate for the persecuted? We rejoice when we are persecuted, for great is our reward in Heaven. This has nothing to do with masochism. It has to do with courage and standing up for the Kindgom of God in the face of presecution. It's appropriate because the persecuted stood their ground for the Kingdom of God.

Q5. (Matthew 5:8) Why can people with a pure heart see, know, and discern God? Why can't "chronic" sinners see God? How do we obtain the pure or clean heart that Jesus describes? People with pure hearts can see, know, and discern God because they have asked God to purify their hearts and their desire to be close with God is greater than a desire for the sin of this world. Chronic sinners can't see God because they really have no desire to be close with God. Their hearts aren't pure and their interests lie in the world and not being close with God. We ask God for the kind of heart that Jesus describes. We submitt our will to His will and turn from the world.