Craig

Q2. (3:14) What is it like to be called upwards by God? Have you ever experienced this? What causes God's call to become dim in our hearing? How can we renew our hearing of his call? What is the content or specifics of this message or summons or call? To be called upwards by God is to be focused on the priorities and interests of God in my personal/spiritual life as well as what is going on around me. It's aspiring to be Godly, a reflection of God's glory, and the person God created me to be. An aspiration for the things of Heaven and Heaven itself. Yes, I have experienced this. The distractions of this world causes God's call to become dim in our hearing. The things and cares of this world can drown out God's call to us. We can renew our hearing of his call by repenting of sin, giving Him our undivided attention, and submitting our will to His will. Ultimately, the call Heavenward is the call by God to each of us to Heaven. A call to be in His presence. To have a intimate relationship with Him.

Q1. (3:13) How can the past get in the way of our quest to know Christ? What do you need to "forget" so that you may focus on Christ today and tomorrow? Is there forgiving you need to do so you can grow in Christ? Focusing on the past takes the focus away from the now. In order to know and grow in Jesus Christ, He must have our undivided atttention. Focusing on the past divides our attention and negatively impacts our spiritual growth. We need to live in the now with an eye for tomorrow. As a Christian, I let the past be the past, for better or for worse, and I keep pushing forward with my spiritual journey on this planet.

Q4. (3:8-10) What does it mean to "know" Christ? Does this mean to have faith? Or to have a personal relationship? Is it possible to have a personal relationship with Christ without faith? Is it possible to have faith without a personal relationship? Where are you on your quest to know Christ? To know Jesus Christ means to have a personal relationship with Him and to have a personal relationship means to know Him. To do both means surrendering our hearts and lives to Him. It means to take on His interests and to follow His way in faith. It is not possible to have a personal relationship with Jesus without faith. Faith has always been the foundation of any relationship between man and God. You cannot have genuine faith without knowing the author of that faith. Based on faith in God's Word, I have surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and am living for Him.

Q3. (3:9) How does righteousness obtained through faith differ from righteousness obtained through law observance? How seriously does righteousness by law observance infect your congregation? Society's view of Christianity in general? Why is this concept of justification or righteousness by faith so difficult to grasp? The difference is that righteousness through faith is obtained through what Jesus did for us on the cross and subsequent discipleship. It is His righteousness not ours that is working in us. Observance of the Law is an incomplete righteousness that man is striving to obtain. In my congregation we are focusing on righteousness by faith. Society's distorted view of Christianity is based on observance righteousness. A view of negative action vice positive action or attitude permeates society and often the church. It is difficult to grasp because people have a need to feel they are doing something in the righteousness department. A need for control or being in control, i.e. I am righteousness because of what I am doing, etc.

Q2. (3:2-6) Why isn't Paul merely neutral about his religious pedigree? Why does he consider it loss, dung, an obstacle? In what way could your religious background be an impediment to your faith? Paul isn't neutral about his religious pedigree because it had the very real potential of getting in the way of God's will for his life and the purpose God had planned for him. Paul counted it a loss because he had acheived a high status in the order of Jewish Religious culture. He has the status of a respected teacher and rabbi and everything that went with that. In the first century, rabbi's were like rock stars are today. They had followings, great respect and influence. Religious backgrounds can be dogmatic and impede faith by placing limitations on it.

Q1. (3:2-6) How does "confidence in the flesh" show up in your congregation? Have you ever struggled with it? Confidence in the flesh shows up in my congregation in people being self-righteous, smug, and religious. Yes, I have struggled with this in the past. However, by the graciousness of God, He has moved me through that phase of my spiritual development. Praise God. I have no confidence in the flesh, but I glory and have hope in Jesus Christ:)

Q4. Why should we continually ask forgiveness? How can unforgiveness on our part block God's blessing? How can unforgiveness block God's forgiveness? We ask continually for the forgiveness of sin in order to maintain fellowship with God. If God will forgive us of our sins then we are commanded to forgive others of their sins against us. Are we greater than the Master? Being ungiving harbors bitterness and anger in our lives which is not the will of God for us. James said for one to know to good and not do it is sin. Therefore, forgiving others is good and the Godly thing to do. If we don't forgive others, it is sin and therefore blocks God's forgiveness of our sins.

Q3. Why do we seek to be independent of asking anyone for help? Why do we seek to be independent of God? Why should we ask God to "give" us daily bread so long as we can earn a living for ourselves? We seek to be independent of asking anyone for help because we want to be independent. Most people don't want to be dependent others. They want to be secure by their own means. People are proud and don't want to seem lessened by being dependent upon others. This includes being dependent upon God or acknowledging God. However, Jesus teaches to ask God to give us daily bread despite the fact that we work to earn it. Because in reality, "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). We must always acknowledge the ultimate sources of all things -- the Lord God Almighty.

Q2. In what sense are we asking that the Father's kingdom should come? Why are we asking for the Father's will to be done here on earth? How should this prayer affect our living? When we pray, "Your kingdom come," we are asking God to manifest the power and glory of his kingdom in us, and throughout our world. We are also praying that Christ might reign over all and to hasten the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. When we pray, "your will be done," we are acknowledging the supreme will of God and asking that His will in heaven be done here on earth through the faithful. This prayer should affect our living in that we should be actively submitting our will to God's will in order to carry out God's purpose for our lives in spreading the Kingdom of God on this planet.

Our Father in Heaven, hallow be your Name, I pray for a passionate desire, both personally and for my congregation, to know you, to honor you and to serve you. To humbly walk with you in submission to your will and in your service. I pray for a passionate desire for all of us to want to study and grow in your Word and to apply it in all areas of our lives. I pray Father, for the movement, inspiration, and stirring of your Holy Spirit within the congregation. I pray that we would abandon ourselves for Jesus Christ. Aman.

Q5. (Psalm 80) If you were to formulate a personal prayer for revival for your own life or for your congregation, how would you word it? What elements should be present in a prayer for personal or congregational revival? What would this prayer have in common with 2 Chronicles 7:14? How does this kind of prayer pave the way for revival and restoration to take place? Our Father in Heaven, hallow be your Name, I pray for a passionate desire, both personally and for my congregation, to know you, to honor you and to serve you. To humbly walk with you in submission to your will and in your service. I pray for a passionaate desire that we would all have a passionate desire to study and grow in your Word and to applicate in all areas of our lives. I pray Father, for the movement, inspiration, and stirring of your Holy Spirit within the congregation. I pray that we would abandon ourselves for Jesus Christ. Aman.

Q3. (Psalm 40:5b) When you realize that God's thoughts and plans are focused on you in particular, how does that make you respond? It causes within me a desire to find out and live out what He has planned for me. It's reassuring and wonderful to know that the Creator of the universe is interested in my life and has a purpose for me. My response is to submit my will to his.

Q2. (Psalm 69:30-32) Why does this lament (and nearly all laments in the Psalms) end with an upswing of hope and praise? What does this teach us about our own laments and prayers? Why is praise, the language of faith, so important in our prayers, especially prayers of desperate pleas for help? Because the writer knows that God is there for him and he has an expectation that God will answer his prayer. This teaches us that we should have the same expectations in our own prayer life. Praise is important in our prayers because it acknowledges God's majesty and power. His holiness and awesomeness. It also puts us in our place. We are not God and never can be. Praise exalts and elevates God as it should it and humbles us as it should be.

Q2. (Psalm 69:30-32) Why does this lament (and nearly all laments in the Psalms) end with an upswing of hope and praise? What does this teach us about our own laments and prayers? Why is praise, the language of faith, so important in our prayers, especially prayers of desperate pleas for help? Because the writer knows that God is there for them and they have an expectation that God will answer their prayer. This teaches us that we should have the same expectations in our own prayer life. Praise is important in our prayers because it acknowledges God's majesty and power. His holiness and awesomeness. It also puts us in our place. We are not God and never can be. Praise exalts and elevates God as it should it and humbles us as it should be.

Q1. (Psalm 69:12-18) How could David dare to ask anything from God after the shameful things he had done with Bathsheba and Uriah? How does God's grace and mercy function in the face of our sins? Despite defects in David's character, he loved the Lord and looked to Him for forgiveness, deliverance, salvation, grace and love. It works for us just like it worked for David. We ask God for forgiveness of our sins with a repentant heart and God is faithful to forgive our sins. I JN 1:9

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection? Why don't some believers seem to be protected? Does God really protect us? How? Christians are to take all things to their Father in Heaven. However, the Father's will be always come first. God's will may put me in harm's way and may end in my physical death as a witness or some variation of this. The point is life for the Christian is eternal. So it really doesn't matter if I live on this planet or in Heaven. What matters ultimately, is that God is protecting me from harm, death and destruction by His saving grace and love. We need to be focused on the big picture. Additionally, sometimes my will causes me to be in places spiritually or physically that God did not intend for me and I suffer the consequences of my own decisions. In order to develop us, sometimes we must suffer the consequences of Godless decisions we make. So, we shouldn't blame that on God. Look at the smoker who continues to smoke even with severe health problems. I know people who smoke with major health problems and want God to heal them. Why would God heal them when they continue to do the very thing that is destroying their health? It doen't make sense. For God to be able to protect and heal us we must make decisions and life choices that are combatible with God's will for our lives. Thus, some believers don't seem protected because they really don't have a relationship with God. they don't permit God to be their God and they suffer accordingly. Some wonder why? The bottomline is because God's word doesn't register with them. Their will prevails over God's will for their life. God really protects just in the way Psalms 61, 91 and 121 say He does and will.

Q3. (Psalm 121). What reassurance is it to you that God keeps you and watches over you? How does Psalm 121 make you feel? This Psalms teaches me and reassures me that God knows me, is interested in me and loves me. It gives me confidence that God is there for those that love, honor and call upon Him. It doesn't get any better than that.

Q2. (Psalm 91) What does this psalm teach us about God's protection when in danger? What does it teach about our authority to vanquish our enemies? What promises does Psalm 91 contain? How does this psalm make you feel? This psalm teaches that "If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent." v. 9 Additionally, he will command His angels to watch over and protect those who love the Lord God Amighty. This psalm also teaches that God's people "...will tread upon the lion and the cobra; ... will trample the great lion and the serpent." V. 13. Psalms 91 promises protection to those who love the Lord God and seek their refuge and protection in Him. This makes me feel confident that God will do what He says He will do. I put my trust and faith in God Almighty and I trust He will take care of me.

Q1. (Psalm 61:1-4) What images does the psalmist evoke to communicate his trust in God's protection? How do the first four verses of this psalm make you feel? The psalmist uses the image of being lead to the rock that is higher than he, God the Rock. Additionally he uses the image of taking refuge in the shelter of God's wings. The first four verses of this psalm teaches me to ask God for help and protection. David's example gives me hope and confidence that I too, who trusts in the Lord, can approach God in the same way.

Q1. What about our lives and words "hallows" the name of our Father? What desecrates and besmirches it? How should we "hallow" the Father when we begin to pray? I seek to honor and reverence God by applying His principles, values, and ideals in my life. By offering God my body as a living sacrifice also hallows the name our Father. When we do not reflect God's principles, ideals, values and holiness in our lives, we desecrate and besmirch the name of our Father. We hallow the Father when we begin prayer by acknowledging his Holiness and reverencing his name.

Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant? The reasons for praise given in this Psalm are because of the Lord's record of salvation and righteousness toward Israel, His faithful love toward Israel and His coming righteous judgment. These reasons for praise command exuberant praise to the Lord. Exuberant praise in my congregation is above average, but could be far more exuberant. In my congregation, those who are exuberant have a strong relationship with God. Those who don't have a strong relationship are barely making a joyful noise.

Q2. (Psalm 95) In Psalm 95 we are commanded to worship the Lord. What are the reasons why we should worship contained in this psalm? Why do you think the warning in verses 8-11 is included in this psalm? How does this fit with the earlier elements of the psalm? The reason we are to worship the Lord in this Psalm is that the Lord is the Great God and the Great King above all gods. The warning in vv. 8-11 is included to remind us that true worship is about obedience and not lip service. It fits in that this underscores the point that praising God in a praise and worship service can only be valid when we are honoring our God in our every day lives and in living out the ideals and principles God has laid out in his Word.

Q1. (Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? This Psalm teaches us about Praise in the following ways: What to Praise - the Lord Where to Praise - in God's holy place and in His mighty heavens Why should we Praise - for God's acts of power and His surpassing greatness. How to Praise - With instruments and dance Who should Praise - Everything that has breath. When reading this Psalm aloud it makes me feel humble and it lifts me to exalt God Almighty.

Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you? Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult? What kinds of commitments does unity require of us? How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other? Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think? The theme of unity attracts me. Christians should be united as per John 17 and many other scriptures. Unity is difficult due to dogmaticism and narrow doctrines. Unity is difficult because of the "I got it right and you are wrong" attitude. Unity is difficult because of the "unless your in my denomination you are going to hell" attitude. There is much more to add to this, but I'll stop you get the point. Unity can be achieved through the love of Jesus Christ and agreeing on the essentials of Christianity and agreeing to disagree on the non-essentials. On the issue of unity and purity and how they conflict, you first most agree upon what is purity? Some thoughts: Christians can have unity based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The basic message that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, died on the cross for the atonement of human sin, rose again on the third day and now sits on the right side of the throne of God and makes intercession for us. Jesus is divine and is deity. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, no man can come to the Father but through Him. A person must repent of sin and ask God for forgiveness of sin in the name and blood of Jesus Christ in order to have fellowship with God. Christian faith to be real must be vigorous and alive reflecting a new birth. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. These principles should bring unity to the body of Christ. A high value is placed upon unity by Jesus because it is in unity that the world sees the love of God at work. Unity is a powerful force. The world breeds division and factions.

Q2. (Psalm 15) The Wisdom Psalms are meant to instruct us. How would you use this psalm in your family to instruct your children? What topics of right living does it cover? I use this Psalm has a tool in instructing my children how to live before God and how to relate and treat others around them. Topics include: Walking blameless or righteous before God Tell the truth and be sincere and don't lie to others Don't slander or slur others Do your neighbor no wrong Honor those who fear God Keep promises at any cost Lend money at no interest Don't accept brides