Hazesyd23

Q2. What happens to people who seek revenge on those who hurt them? A. They become angry and bitter and hateful because they are constantly focused on how to get revenge. In the end they hurting themselves by refusing to let go of the pain and get on with their life. Q. What happens when they neglect to forgive those who have wronged them? A. They won't enjoy real peace. The unforgiveness will eat way at them and become a root of bitterness. Th e bitterness will be like poison and toxin in their body. Most importantly if they won't forgive others, God won't forgive them. Q. What happens in a congregation that has an unloving, superior attitude toward outsiders? A. The church will become unhealthy and will not grow because the outsiders will not come in where they are not welcomed with the love of Christ. Q. How do these attitudes reflect on Christ? A. It is not a very good reflection of Christ. He had a forgiving, loving, humble, servant heart who reached out to people. Q. How can people or congregations get healthy after they have been vengeful, proud, or unforgiving? A. By humbling themselves before God and repenting and seeking forgiveness from God and man.

Q1. What happens in a congregation when people don't show respect for their leaders? A. There is going to be division and there will be a split; and the Spirit of God will not be present. The Bible says that a house divided against itself cannot stand. God will also deal with those who choose to disrespect those in leadership rather than pray for them. 2. What happens when the disrespectful spread their disrespect? A. Unless the leaders deal with those who are being disrespectful, the whole church will become corrupted by what is going on and again there will be division. which is what rhe devil wants to happen in the first place. The church will not be blessed and be able to do all that God intends because the Spirit of God will no longer be present. 3. Will getting rid of the leaders fix the problem? Or is there something deeper going on? A. No, getting rid of the leader is not going to fix the problem. There is definitely something deeper going. Those who are being disrespectful are rebelling against the leaders that God put in place. Therefore the leader or leaders need to have a meeting to find out what the problem is. If someone is being disrespectful to the leaders, could be they have a hard time submitting to authority or they want to control the leadership of the church.

Q4. What effect should belief in Christ's soon coming have on believers? A. We should live in a state of watchful expectancy of Christ's soon coming. We are to stand firm in the faith and be people of courage and strength, devoting ourselves to prayer for all of the saints. Belief in Christ's soon coming should also cause to be self-controlled and alert. Q. What does it mean to be "sober" or "self-controlled"? A. Sober or self-controlled means to be calm, collected, circumspect. Refraining from carnal indulgence, mental or sensual. Q. What does it mean to be "alert" or "watchful"? A. Alert or watchful means to be attentive; expecting the Lord's return; to be in constant readiness. Q. How does this differ from our normal Christian lifestyle? A. It shouldn't differ. We should live as if Jesus was coming today because He very well could be. Matthew instructs to to keep awake or keep watch for we don't know the day nor the hour.

Q: (1Thessilonions 5:1-3). According to this passage, What warning can we expect to have prior to Christ's return? A: No warning is given. There will appear to be "peace and safety," then sudden destruction. As believers we need to be watchful, because His word tells us, we do not know the day or the hour. Q: What does it mean that "He will come like a thief." A: A thief comes when least expected. He does not announce his coming, or approach. Like this, Jesus' coming will be unexcepted. That is why we need to be ready.

Q: How will Christ bring with Him those believers who have previously died? Christ will bring with Him the spirits of those saints who have died in Him. Their spirits will be reunited with their bodies. Q: According to Mathew 25:31, who will also accompany Christ when He returns? A: All His angels will accompany Him.

Q: In what ways does Daniel's prophesy of the Son of Man outline Christ's return? A: Daniel's prophesy of the Son of Man outlines Christ's return as majestic. Daniel sees Him coming in the clouds with everlasting dominion, which will not pass away and unlike earthly kingdoms, His kingdom will never end. Hallelujah!!! Q: In light of this prophesy, why did Jesus use the title Son of Man rather than "Christ," or "Son of God?" A: Jesus used the the title Son of Man because He truly wanted to convey Himself as human and wanted to fulfill the prophesy of Daniel. Jesus is trying to connect with those He came to save.

Q2. What does it mean to be "sanctified"? A. Sanctified means made holy; Set apart for sacred services. Q. In what sense are we "holy"? A. According to the lesson, we are "in Christ," because we are part of Christ. Colossians 1:22 says " But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation". Q. In what sense are we in the process of becoming "holy"? A. According to 2 Cor 3:18, "And we all who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory are being transformed into His image with ever increasing glory which comes from The Lord, who is Spirit. We strive to be holy every day. Heb 12:14, "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see The Lord. Q. What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? A. It is God's will that we do not take part in sexual immorality. Sex was invented by God for a husband and wife to enjoy each other and to be fruitful and multiply. Anything outside of that is not holy. God wants us to control our body in a way that is holy and honorable. He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us.

Q. What is the difference between (1). Conducting our lives by rules and (2). Conducting our lives to please God? A. Conducting our lives by rules can be somewhat complicated. They are a variety of rules based on our age, location and perhaps gender. Rules have limitations and restrictions. According to the world rules are made to be broken. In conducting our lives to please God, we should live our lives according to the Word of God which applies to all, despite our differences. God is no respecter of persons and He does not change. Conducting our lives to please God should be our joy and bring us pleasure. Q. Which is stronger? Rule-keeping or love? A. Love is stronger because love wants to please God. John 14:15 says, If you love Me you will keep my commandments". 1John 5:3b, and His commandments are not burdensome". Q: On whose authority does Paul bring these commands? A: Paul bring these commands on the authority of the Almighty God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Q: What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? A: Special speakers bring a new and fresh perspective to the word of God. Many possess Spiritual Gifts not routinely manifested in some churches. Special speakers are also able to share what God is doing in other areas of the country, or, if they are missionaries, what God is doing in the area in which they serve. Q. What can they impart that your regular pastor cannot? A: Special speakers can impart a Spirit of encouragement, as Paul did to the Thessalionian church, which strenthens, edifies and exorts the church he or she is visiting. As stated in the study they bring "a breath of fresh air"to a congregation. They may also impart confirmation concerning a certain topic or issue that is being addressed in the church. Q: Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult and important? A: They have to travel a lot--family left behind and it's a sacrifice. They or may, or may not have a home church and therefore lack financial support. They have to depend on the good will of strangers for food and shelter. It is important because it displays their dependency on God for their daily existence, somewhat similar to the Prophets of old.

Q3. In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? A. No body wants to go through persecution. Knowing that we will be persecuted but sometimes not knowing how can cause Christians from active, open service. Sometimes we look at the persecution of other Christians and it can be so terrible, we think that God may allow us to go through the same thing and it can encourage fear to take hold of us, No matter the persecution God is with us in it and one way or another He will see us through. Q. In what ways does it mature us? A. It can cause us to trust God like never before because we will constantly have to look to Him to bring us through the persecution and this is going to take patience on our part. Therefore each time we make it through we are becoming more mature. James 1:3-4 says that the testing of our faith produces endurance and endurance must do its complete work so that we may be mature and complete lacking nothing. Q. In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? A. Proverbs 24:10 says if we falter in the day of trouble how small is your strength. If we give up in times of persecution or whatever the case may be it shows that we are not in this battle for the long haul. We cannot have the attitude that says, "I didn't sign up for this". We have to be willing to say for God I live and for God I die. As our Church's school of ministry says "by life or by death". Q. Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt? A. Satan is the god of this world. Jesus, as man, was tempted by the tempter and if He was tempted by him why shouldn't we be. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can keep us as we are being tempted. 1 Cor 10:13 says, no temptation has seizes you such as is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. Q. Why hasn't He done away with Satan already? A. I agree with the person who said that God's ways are not the ways of man. Satan day is coming--he is already a defeated foe.

Q. Why is Timothy's role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? A. Timothy's role was important because though he was not as influential as Paul, he was considered a coworker of Paul. The same Holy Ghost power that dwelt in Paul was evident in Timothy. The Thessalonians respected Timothy because of his association with Paul. Timothy brought them words of encouragement from Paul which instilled strength and courage in the church. As Christians there are times when we may become discoursged and will need people who are good encouragers to do just that, especially a new Christian. His role was so important so that these new believers would not turn back from following Christ and know that the trial that they were going through would past and to encourage and strengthen the brothers so that they would stay the course and not give up. Reminding them that they were not alone. Q. In what ways was this a sensitive role? A. This was a sensitive role due to the ongoing persecution of the young Thessalonian church. Timothy's attitude had to be one of courage and not appearing fearful. He had to fulfill his role as strengthener and encourager. Q. How did it help Timothy? A. It help in that it showed Paul's confidence in him by sending Timothy to the Thessalonians. As he did what he was sent to do his faith in God was strengthened and he was able to see that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Q. How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? A. As everyone does his or her part more for the Kingdom can be accomplished. One or two people cannot do it all. Delegation is very important. It is part of the great commission given to His disciples by Jesus, which has been extended to us. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matt 6:19 Jesus has delegated the ministry of the Gospel to us, praise God!

Q. 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? A. If God desires to reward us, why should we question that. Hebrew 11:6 says that He is a rewarded of those who diligently seek Him. It gives Him pleasure to reward us as we obey Him. Matthew 6:4 talks about our deeds of charity being done in secret and how our Father who sees in secret will reward openly. In Revelation 22:12, "Behold I am coming quickly and my reward is with Me to render to every man according to what He has done." So, there will also be rewards for doing good and for doing bad desired or not. We are not working for rewards but Christ wants to reward us for obedience. Q. What does Christ reward? A. Christ rewards obedience and faithfulness. Q. What doesn't He reward? A. He doesn't reward disobedience and unfaithfulness. Nor does He reward doing things to be seen by men. He says if we do that we won't have a reward from our Father in heaven Matt 6:1. He also doesn't reward sin. For He said that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. Rom 6:23. Q. Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? A. Because just knowing that when we show Him how much we love Him by being obedient and the pleasure that it gives Him, this should bring us pleasure. Q. How does it motivate us? A. It should motivate us to want to live a life that is pleasing to God. Knowing that one day we will have to give an account for the way we choose to live.

Q5.What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples? A. The Word of God is our foundational guide. It changes and transforms us into the image of Christ. It strengthens our faith, brings joy, peace and has the power to keep us. Q.Does it have power of its own? A. Yes. Heb 4:12 says the Wordnof God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edges sword., piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Q. How does that seem to operate? A. By the power of the holy Spirit. Q. What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action ot the Word? They will be cleansed, sanctified, and though at one time a slave to sin, but because of their wholehearted obedience to the teaching of the Word entrusted to them, they have now been set free from sin and is now a slave to righteousness. Rom 6:17-18

Q4. Fatherly roles are important in displaying godly examples for others to follow. Paul in the Bible imitated Christ and encouraged the Corinthians to follow him as he followed Christ, 1 Cor. 11:1. They are important for encouraging prayer and the study of God's Word. So, it's important for those discipled to have godly examples because one day they will be discipling others. I think women innately possess the traits necessary for developing godly disciples. Therefore it would not be difficult for those traits to be manifest.

Q3. Why are "motherly" nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? A. The growing disciples need "motherly" nurturing in order for them to become spiritually healthy. Relationships need to be formed with the growing disciples as they are being cared for. There needs to be someone walking along side them so that they do not feel like they are alone. It is also important that we are gentle and patient. They are growing just as we are still growing. None of us has arrived at perfection. As they are nurtured, they too will nurture one day so we want to make sure we are being a godly example. Q2. How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of the traits? Male disciples who are filled with the Spirit of God should have no problem adopting some of the traits mentioned, especially if they think about "What Would Jesus Do?" I think we all know what Jesus would do. He doesn't expect anything less from any of His children.

2 Thessalionins (2:3-6) Which of these character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Pride and Men-pleasers are character flaws that I think cause greatest problem in the church. I say that because I believe that many Christians are very interested in their outward appearance rather then condition of the heart. For man looks at the outward appearance, The Lord looks at the heart (1Sam. 16:7c) We need to be careful that what we do whether in church or out of church is not in order that we are seeking to please men; but rather to serve in a way in which we are seeking to please God. I can prevent these character flaws from overtaking me by setting my affections on things above and not on earthly things. Col 3:2

Q1. Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple-- And for a disciple? A. Personal courage is important because when/if we encounter danger and difficulties concerning the Gospel we will need courage to endure and not to give up. There may also come a time when we become complacent and God wants us to get out of our comfort zone, or maybe He wants us to do something that we know unless He shows us how we definitely won't be able to do it, which will require courage for us to be able to do whatever that is. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. Q2. How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? A. A lack of courage prevents us from doing what Mark 16:15 says to do, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature". Q3. How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? A. A lack of courage can prevent known sin from being dealt with in a congregation when we lack courage to speak the truth in love and call sin what it is. Q4. What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? A. God is calling my husband and me to step out in faith to be facilitators of a Carecell group in our home. This is requiring a great deal of courage. We are standing on the promise found in Philippians 4:13, We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength". We know that God has called us and He will enable us to fulfill his purposes.

Q. In 1 Thessalonians 1:10 What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? A. This verse is foundational to the Christian faith in that it assures us Jesus Christ is God's Son, Jesus Christ will return, Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that God's wrath is coming upon sin(Dr Ralph). Q. Which of these elements are most important? A. The elements that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and Jesus Christ will return are perhaps, in my opinion the most important elements. These truths display the awesome power of God in raising Christ from the dead. They disply victory over the grave; they give us the assurance that at the return of Christ we will rise victorious to be with him. Q. Which are less important? A. In my opinion they are all equally important. Q. Which are under emphasized by the church in our day? A. The element that is under emphasized by the church in our day is that God's wrath is coming upon sin. We are truly living in the last days and we see the Word of God being fulfilled in regard to the lawlessness of man. The emphasize of our society is not focused on the things of God but on self gratification. The true consequences for sin, God's displeasure with sin, and the pending wrath of God is not being emphasized in many churches today. They that have an ear let them hear.

Q. How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? A. It is very important, because what new believers see mature Christians do they are sure to imitate. That is why it is so important that we like Paul imitate Christ. Just as new borns need the nurturing of their parents for heathty growth, new babes in Christ need Spiritual parents to set Godly examples to help to grow strong in Christ. Q. What kind of ministry are most conducive to imitation? A. A ministry that is Christ centered, reflect Godly character and the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal 5:22-23 Q. Why is the character of the mentor or leaders so important to the health of the church? A. The character of the mentor or leader is so important because they are constantly being watched by those being mentored and lead by them. They serve as role models within the church. Paul told the Corinthians to follow him as he followed Christ. Therefore mentors and leaders need to lead by Christ's example so that the church can be healthy and not tolerating sin. Q. How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? A. People who aren't part of a Christian community miss out on valuable godly character building aspects that help Christians to mature to mature spiritually. The Word of God encourages us "Not to give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as we see the Day approaching." Heb 10:25 The main purpose of the Christian community is to uplift, exhort, and encourage, and one must be part of the community to experience that . There is a saying that "no man is an island to himself". Also Prov 271:7 says, Iron sharpens iron. The bottom line is that we need each other. When you're down I can lift you up and when I'm down you can lift me up. Q. In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? A. As a child of God we are encouraged by His Word to be imitators of Christ. Like Paul we should be able to say imitate me as I imitate Christ. 1 Cor 11:1. We should be people of godly character and integrity so that our family and spiritual children can see the qualities of Christ in us, helping them to live a godly life.

Q2-Why is the Holy Spirit working so necessary for effective ministry? The Holy Spirit is the most important of effective ministry. In Acts 1:8, Jesus in speaking to His disciples expressed the effectiveness the Holy Spirit would have on their ministry and ultimately ours. "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witness unto Me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost parts of the earth". What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? 1 Corinthians 2:5 says, that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man but in the power of God. When we depend on will-power we negate the power of God. The Holy Spirit is not free to do the work He was sent to do. Jesus is our power source and we need to stay plugged into Him and realize that apart from Him we can do nothing. What is the role of miracles in Paul's ministry? The role of miracles displayed the power of Jesus Christ to save, heal and deliver. Miracles were new to the believers of Paul's day. The people were hungry and thirsty for God. Seeing the miracles encouraged the early church to trust in God's power. What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? If we saw miracles in evangelism in our day there would be more lives being changed than are being changed now. We would see the crime rate dropping drastically as many would want to follow Jesus rather than a life of crime. There also would be more empty hospital beds and and even less doctor visits because of prayer being on behalf the sick and people would experience God's miraculous touch in their bodies. What is hindering this? Miracles in evangelism in our day is being hindered because we are not willing to spend time in prayer in intercession. We must pray in faith believing. Also, we have to make sure that we as believers are also living holy and pure lives.

1-There was such strong opposition to Paul's ministry in Thessalonica because many people were being converted and also money was a factor. Many of the Greeks or non-Jews who were not yet fully proselytes were major contributors financially. Therefore if the finances all but stopped it would have had a strong impact on the synagogues and its finances. 2-Paul keeps preaching the gospel because he fears God rather than men. He had a name change by God from Saul to Paul and an encounter with Jesus one day while on the road to Damascus. Jesus the Son of God, called Paul His "chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:16). It was because of his Damascus road experience and the reverential fear of God rather than men that drove Paul to continue even in the midst of being persecuted. He believed what he was preaching and could prove it with Scriptures, that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. After Paul's conversion, he was given a heart of such love for the loss that he felt compelled to keep preaching the gospel whether it cost him his life or not. He knew in the end that it would be worth it all. He used the zeal that he once had in destroying anyone who would follow Christ to now win the lost at any cost. 3-No, a violent reaction to our ministry doesn't necessarily mean we should stop. That is exactly what the devil wants..He wants us to give up and be fearful. He will go to any length to try and discourage us from doing what God called us to do. The devil doesn't want people saved, delivered, and set free. His mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. We serve a God who is mighty to save and protect us. Romans 8:31b says if God be for us who can be against us. 1 Jh 4:4 says greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. As we are being led by the Spirit of God He will show us what to do. He will give us the power, strength,and courage to persevere. We like Paul should be willing to say " I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16).