JanMary

Q1. In what way does the title Son of God make Jesus equal with the Father? ​John said of Jesus "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God". He is one expression or personality of the triune God, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was not created nor conceived by a human father. He created it all that exists. ​When you deal with the Son is that the same thing as dealing with the Father? ​​Jesus taught us to pray to the Father in the Name and authority of Jesus. And since " we don't know what prayer to pray, nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, the Holy spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groaning's too deep for utterance. And He who searches the hearts of men knows what is In the mind of the Holy Spirit, what His intent is because the Holy Spirit intercedes and pleads before God in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will." Rom 8:26, 27. We pray to God the Father, In the Name and authority of Jesus, and Holy Spirit perfects our prayer; the Three in One God. ​(Having been severely abused by my earthly Father when I was a child, then later as a new Christian I would only pray to Jesus...wanted nothing to do with the Father, because I had ​not yet learned that He is nothing like an earthly Father. Eventually the Holy Spirit showed me that Jesus only did and said what He saw His Father doing....and that "If you've seen me, you've also seen the Father." Then I understood the Trinity! ) Do you know God? Yes, I both know and love Him. The fear I had in the early days, that He was just waiting for me to make a mistake and then I would pay, was replaced with trust and the joy of walking with Him every moment! And I marvel to realize that I wasn't looking for Him...He came and hunted me down, and revealed Himself to me as Faithful Father, Savior and Redeemer, Counselor and Teacher....ever present, always listening for me and watching over me!. Yes! Oh how I love Him ​

Q6. (Luke 9:35) Since Jesus is God's Chosen One, what does it mean to "listen to him"? ​ ​I discovered some time ago that there is a difference between hearing and listening to someone. I can hear the words and not really listen and absorb and apply what I heard. So to listen to Him means to stop, and make sure I understand and am willing to take to heart and apply what I'm hearing....not just say Uh huh...and go on my way. I did that when He started to call me to REST....and I said uh huh....because I thought I knew what He was saying. It took a 3 month illness on my back to understand the difference. That pruned this branch of arrogance...and now I listen with my heart...not just my ears. He alone has the Words of life. He alone knows the end from the beginning (I love that!....He sees the end and is not taken by surprise. He knows how to guide me to where He wants to take me, road blocks and obstacles included) He is all knowing and all Wisdom. In what ways does your life reflect listening to him? ​I've grown in that area...I now listen for Him and to Him when He speaks. I want to hear Him. He's been training me in this area and to obey when I hear. I shared in our last study a powerful lesson in listening. I was alone in a lonely isolated area in my car in the winter with the windows rolled up, journaling and reading my Bible. I had parked so that I could look at the beautiful scenery in front of me, with my back to the entry into the parking area. Suddenly I heard the Lord in an adamant command say "Go! Now!" I put my pen and notebook down, started the car and circled the parking lot toward the only way in or out. As I reached the narrow place to exit I passed a car on the way in with a man driving. Our eyes met, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end! I was looking into the face of evil! I realized how vulnerable I had been, and how he could ​ easily have blocked my exit with his car and I'd have been trapped, and no one around to hear me or to help me....and the Lord only knows what He delivered my from! ​ I'm so thankful for His training, and for His protection! In what ways do you need to heed him more explicitly? I've been in a long period of waiting and learning to trust Him in every area. He's stirring up an awareness that a change is coming....I'm eager but cautious and don't want to run ahead of His guidance....so I'm tuned in to listen carefully. ​He's been working with me to heal some of the deep wounds from childhood, and this also requires hearing and listening to His voice, and to renewing my mind with His Word.

Q5. Where did the title "Branch": come from? Isaiah 4:2 prophecies "In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious..." In Hebrew the word is capitalized, signifying deity. Jeremiah 23:5 "Behold the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, and He will reign as King and do wisely and will execute justice and righteousness in the land.....He will reign as King.....and this is His name by which He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness." These are clear understandable "signs" to the Jews to be able to look for and to recognize Messiah when He appeared in their midst.​ They kept careful genealogies of their family lineage in order to be able to serve in the area of their calling. How does the imagery differ from the title "Root"? The ​Branch demonstrates that Jesus' lineage is traceable from King David.....the term usually is associated with the family tree. The root is the part of the plant which sustains the branches. (As in Jesus' words to us: I AM the vine and you are the branches, remain in me"..." Isaiah 11:10 prophecies that "in that day the Root of Jesse (David's father) shall stand as a signal for the people's; of Him shall the nations inquire and seek knowledge, and His dwelling shall be glory!" Another prophecy that the Messiah would spring from the lineage of David. ​The chief priests and scribes knew exactly Who Jesus was....and in their pride, arrogance, affluence and power, wanted nothing to do with Him in order to maintain their own status as religious leaders.

Q4. (Matthew 21:9,15) Why were the chief priests and scribes so angry when little children referred to Jesus as "Son of David?" ​To hear the children and young people cry out "Son of David" must have meant they were hearing this from their parents, which also meant His significance and popularity was rising and being talked about in the homes. They feared this was going to rob them of their prestige and power over the people. "Hosanna in the highest", was praise to God for Jesus being in their midst. This, coupled with the Chief priests and scribes awareness of "and having seen the wonderful things that He did" spoken of in that verse, made them furious. What does the title "Son of David" signify? It signified that Jesus was the promised Messiah...descended from the lineage of King David....and the "Signs" and miracles He performed were God's stamp of His authority as Messiah. ​

Q3.(Matthew 16:13-16) Whom did Peter believe Jesus to be? Peter replied when Jesus asked "You are the Messiah (The Christ), the Son of the living God." How did Peter come to believe this? ​Jesus told him that men did not reveal this to Peter, but His Father Who is in Heaven. Why does Jesus command his disciples not to tell others that he is the Messiah? (Matthew 16:20) There was an appointed time for this revelation. To reveal this to others at that time would hinder Jesus' work....He must complete His work and die at Passover, not before. He was the paschal lamb to be slain...and would give up His Spirit at the precise moment that the High Priest would slay the lamb in the temple at 3:00 p.m (Jesus probably heard the shofar being blown announcing the lamb was to be slain!)....the curtain would be torn from top to bottom...He would die and be buried and raised from the dead on the third day....all signs to the Jews telling them plainly that He is their Messiah who left not one prophecy about Himself, unfulfilled...including the timing of His crucifixion. ​

Q2. Which are your favorite messianic prophecies? ​One of my favorite books in the Bible is Isaiah, primarily because of some of my favorite prophesies of Jesus! ​An example I gave on Q1 regarding prophecies which spoke of several time periods of history in the same verse, which led the Jews to overlook Jesus' first coming is in Isaiah 40:10,11. (Verse 11 is one of my favorites. The verses and numbers were added later, so they read it like this was all happening at one time: V10 Behold, the Lord God will come with might, and His arm will rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His recompense before Him." ( speaking of His second coming. Rev. 22:7,12) it goes on to say in V11 which I especially love: He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm. He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young. Which titles from those are dearest to you? Why? ​My childhood was devoid of affection or warmth and was often violent. My heart turns with joy to the love, tenderness and compassion of Jesus in the shepherd verses, because I know how desperately I need Him and His leading, and reading about and experiencing His tenderness heals my broken placees and the holes in my soul. ​Another favorite is in Isaiah 9:6, 7. Which speaks of his first coming as a Child, born and as a Son given, then gives the following description of His time on earth and also of His second coming: ,... "the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government there shall be no end, upon the throne of David forever...etc. ​I love that prophecy because it tells me Who God is...three in One, Mighty God, my Everlasting Heavenly Father, Wonderful, Counselor, my ever present Holy Spirit, Prince of Peace, my beloved Savior.

Q1. What is the meaning of the words "Christ" and "Messiah"? ​Christ derives from the word Christos... Greek for the word anointed one. Translated from the Hebrew word Mashiah, anointed one...or Messiah. (THE anointed One, set apart to fulfill every Old Testament prophecy of the One Who would sit on David's throne forever, and Who would save the people from their sins. How does the Davidic Covenant influence messianic expectation in Jesus' day? ​In order to fulfill the covenant God cut with David, the Messiah had to come from the lineage of David, both Mother and Father.(Both Mary and Joseph's lineage were from the line of David.) He would be supernaturally conceived of a virgin, born in Bethlehem. The Jews were in bondage to Roman rule and their expectation was that Messiah would be a powerful, perhaps military man who would free them politically and establish his kingdom physically on earth at that time. Prophecies sometimes cover several periods of history or time in the same verse. (Like looking away into the distance where several mountain ranges look as if they are right next to each other.....but are hundreds of miles apart.) They focused on the prophecies which told of His second coming when He would physically reign in power on earth from Jerusalem, and glossed over those which foretold of His first coming as a babe in a manger and as a suffering servant who would die on a tree.

Q4 (1 Timothy 2:5-6, 1 John 2:1) In what sense is Jesus our "one mediator between God and man? Jesus became the only "Bridge" or Way for man to be reconciled to God. The first Adam's sin separated us ​from God. Jesus the second Adam, the sinless sacrificial lamb, bought us back from Satan and restored the relationship, to all who will say "yes" to His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. What happens to this personal relationship with Jesus when we ask a minister or a saint to intercede for us? When we ask another to be a bridge between God and us, we negate Jesus' work on the cross as "not enough" to have reconciled us to the Father...that He failed in His mission and His death was a waste of time. ​ ​How is Jesus our advocate before the Father? ​ When Jesus took all of God's wrath and punishment on His body on the cross for me, He positioned me to stand before the Father In His righteousness, forgiven and acceptable, washed clean and unashamed...His own beloved daughter.​ How do you function as a reconciler, a mediator, a peacemaker as you serve Christ? I am His "letter written not on stone but on a heart of flesh" to represent Him to those around me as His ambassador. I am to be His feet carrying Him to those ​who don't know they can come to Him, and His hands to touch those who need His touch, and His voice to carry His words of reconciliation, life, hope and encouragement. ​Lord, help me never to forget and to walk in this calling. ​ ​ ​

Q3 (Isaiah 53:3) How can Jesus be the Man of Sorrows as well as the One who finds joy in His Father? ​Jesus was fully human while fully God. As man, He was acquainted with all of our frustrations, grief, pain, and sadness. He wept with Mary and Martha over Lazarus' death, and their grief while knowing that in a few moments He would raise Lazarus from the grave and restore him to his sisters. That's His heart of compassion. He weeps with us when we weep. We were not created to die...death was a result of His giving man free will, which may involve rejecting Him. He understands us perfectly in every way even in grief because He experienced it. He endured the pain and agony of the cross for the Joy that was set before Him....the joy of reconciling all that was lost in the Garden of Eden and hence forth, to the way He intended in the beginning. ​ It was His joy to live here on earth in total dependence on His Father, and to complete the mission for which He was sent. I can only imagine their reunion when Jesus returned to Heaven after making a way for those who will say "Yes" to Him to live with Him for eternity. How can we experience sorrow without it coming to dominate our lives? ​At the moment I'm grieving the loss of a dear Christian friend who went home to Jesus 3 days ago, after suffering the agonies of many surgeries and treatments, medications, indignity and the wasting away of her body and even the use of her arms. There are 3 in my family who've been diagnosed with cancer, and while praying for healing, I know that healing often comes when released from the body in death. When overwhelmed last week with all of this sad news, I asked the Lord to give me His perspective on all of this, and I heard " You've prayed for years for salvation for your family and for Jenn's family. I'm using All of this." My despair turned to joy when I remembered that He can use each circumstance for eternal purposes. The day Jenn died He set a massive rainbow over her house, as if to say "rejoice! She's come home!" I will miss her...she was a joy to know and love, but I'm so thankful she will be waiting in Heaven when I arrive, and I'm trusting that her family will come to know Him and will be there too. We remember that "Weeping my endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning!" Psalm 30:5 ​How would we know Him as our Comforter if we never knew sorrow or grief?

Q2. (Daniel 7:13-14) Since Jesus is the Son of Man in Daniel's prophecy, what implications does that have for your obedience, your worship, your estimation of Jesus' power and glory? ​First of all, I can't wait for Him to reign over all the kingdoms of the earth! He is my Savior, my Lord, my God. I will live eternally because He chose and redeemed me. I'll be forever thankful that He hunted me down and loved me into His family! ​He is the reason I live, and has my obedience and my worship. His power is beyond what I can fathom. When I see pictures of the constellations, and the unimaginable size of the planets 100 times larger than the sun, it is too overwhelming to think about! That the One who breathes stars into existence and yet cares about every aspect of my little life and loves me no matter what causes me to fall on my face in worship! He deserves my best! "Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!"

Q1 (Daniel 7:13-14) What attributes does the "one like a son of man" have in Daniel's prophecy? ​He appeared on the clouds of Heaven, and had the appearance of the son of man (not an angel). His appearance was supernatural and He was presented to the Ancient of Days (God the Father) ​ He was revealed to Daniel as prophetic in nature and who would have eternal Impact and unending power and authority. In what ways does this personage possess divine elements? There was given to Him (He did not have to fight for it nor claim it..it was rightfully His) dominion and glory and kingdom. All peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. ​His dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and never be destroyed. ​He was equal to the Father, known by the Father but now in the appearance of a Man. What authority does he have? ​He has ALL authority over ALL...eternally. How do we know that Jesus identified himself with this Son of Man in Daniel? ​This is the title by which Jesus identified and introduced Himself while on earth.

Q4. (John 4:16; 1 Corin. 1:24) How does Jesus' truth contrast with your culture's dearly held "truths"? ​I Cor. 1:24: "Christ is the wisdom of God and the power of God." My culture's "truth's in the olden days sort of resembled some of Christ's wisdom, but not the power. Now, there is no resemblance whatsoever! In fact, there is an all out war on Jesus' truth, and those who stand up for His truth's. How does Jesus' wisdom differ from the worldly wisdom that your culture teaches? ​Jesus' wisdom is about relying on Him and His Word and His power for living. My culture teaches that is foolishness and evil, and that man is to rely on himself and his own resources. "Grab what you can in life no matter who you have to step on to get It". My culture has become more and more a godless society, embracing the mores of socialism and hedonism. My culture says truth is relative...no God, no absolute truth. What would help you hold on to Jesus' truth and wisdom more effectively? ​To continue spending time daily in His Word, and in prayer, devoting time to continue developing an intimate relationship with Him. Glancing at the news, instead of feeding on it. ​Remembering that we live in a fallen world, and we are to be conformed into His image and to reflect Him to those who hold dear "truth" of their own making. Ignore the world's "wisdom" and pray for revival and for salvation for the unsaved.

Q3. (Revelation 3:14) Why is Jesus called the “true and faithful witness”? What did he witness to? ​Jesus lived a perfect, sinless, obedient life and is "true and faithful" to witness or reveal His Father to the world through His spoken Word while on earth ​and through His Words recorded in Scripture since that time. There is no guile nor deceit in Him. He is wholly reliable and trustworthy in all His ways and words. ​He was faithful unto the shameful and horrific death on the Cross, so that we might live to the glory of the Father. How was he faithful in his witness? ​He revealed without fear or intimidation exactly Who the Father is, what His Father's Kingdom looks like, and how He intends His Kingdom to be on earth, just as it is in Heaven. He never withheld the truth, no matter how painful it may have been to hear. (Sometimes the truth hurts, but it never harms!) Jesus' purpose was never about His own plans, but always about being faithful to do and say only what He heard His Father saying and doing. As a disciple, to what degree are you a “true and faithful witness” to the Word that your Rabbi has taught and has done in your life? ​My desire is to be a "true and faithful witness", which is half the battle. I pray for courage and wisdom to share. He's put it on my heart to write a book about all that He has done in my life, which is both painful to relive, but joyful to look back on the wonders and miracles He has brought into ​our lives as He continues to deliver us. ​There have been times when I've shared with someone then thought "that was weak"...but it's always truth, and I trust that Holy Spirit takes my inadequate words and empowers them with His life and by His Spirit. What would it look like if you improved as a witness? I suppose no missed opportunities. Sometimes I'm just not sure. My hairdresser is from a Muslim background, and I've shared with her for 5 years, but have thought that maybe I'm not "direct" enough. Recently though with ISIS on the news every day, I mentioned "Captive in Iran", a book I'm reading, written by two Iranian Christian young women who were imprisoned for 9 months for their belief in Jesus and for starting a home church and distributing New Testaments in the Farsi language. I had no idea she was born in Iran until I asked if she'd ever heard of the evil Evin Prison, and she told me her father in law, a policeman, was shot and killed there for threatening to tell the outside world what went on inside those walls. I'm giving her the book, which I pray will give import to the "seeds" of my testimony I've shared, and the answers to my prayers for her that she has experienced being answered. If you read this, please join me in praying for her and her family's salvation...that reading this book about her homeland will be the harvest of her soul and of her family's souls. ​

Q2.(John 1:1-3,14) In what sense is Jesus the Word of God? Jesus' role in the Triune Godhead is the voice,.Who reveals the Father to us through His spoken Word and how He only did what He saw the Father doing. Why do you think he is called this? ​​Jesus, in coming to earth as a man,(though fully God) is the physical manifestation of the God-Head. I think in simplistic terms, The Father plans, Jesus speaks the plans, Holy Spirit empowers those plans. Why does John call him the word of life (1 John 1:1) Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father. He spoke the Words which are life and truth, and became the only Door through which we are given the gift of Eternal Life and forgiveness of sin. I love how Jesus never wasted words in idle chatter, and never minced words when needing to confront a person or situation. Therefore we are spared having to sort through His words to find what's important...every word has meaning and life. What does this say to us about the importance of hearing, meditating on, and internalizing Jesus' words? ​We're surrounded and inundated by "words" almost every minute of the day, (unless we're purposeful about shutting them out). Jesus' Words are THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. His voice is usually gentle, still, quiet, and easily "shut out" by the din of the world. Because God is a gentleman and doesn't impose Himself on us, it is left to us to seek Him and to be purposeful and inwardly receptive and listening for His voice....that has taken practice for me to discern His voice among all those who try to speak into my life! (His words are not always easy, whereas Satan always tells us what we want to hear!) We can "hear" and "read" His words in a cursory way, but I've learned that unless I stop and ponder, and really think about what He is saying to me, it's easy to forget and therefore is not applied, nor available to "speak" when in need.

Q1. What is your relationship to Jesus as your Rabbi? ​I'm His pupil. He is the source of all wisdom (He IS Wisdom!) and my desire is I to absorb all that He wants me to learn. How often do you come to him to teach you? ​I start every morning with my Bible and devotionals and journal in a quiet place with coffee in hand, ready to learn. ​But at times when I feel rushed, it has amounted to "just getting the check mark in the box", but normally I'm there at His feet ​and ready to receive. How do you receive his teaching? ​I would say the Bible is His primary source, both in Bible studies, and reading it on my own, but He has "instructed me" through situations with our children, during circumstances of "storms of life" and loss, through visual ​parables in nature, through times of isolation or illness, during worship, through betrayal, when afraid, through friends words and actions, during church, radio broadcasts, and television programs, to name some that just came to mind. He has given me amazing insight at times while doing the mundane household or grooming chores! (I think at those times my mind must be in "neutral" and more open to "hear" His voice. One example of a parable: I had asked Him what is the point of parables, since You always explained them to disciples? This was during a time when I was restless, anxious, co-dependently trying to please people, and just scattered. He kept calling me to REST, and I'd say: "I know what that means", but didn't really. One day while watering a plant on a railing of the patio, I was startled to see a beautiful blue dragon fly, wings outstretched, hanging by it's tongue from a flower. When I almost watered him, not seeing him at first, he didn't move or flinch. Over the period of a few hours, I kept going outside to see if he was still there, finally touching his body to see if he was alive. His eyes rolled back to look at me but he didn't move. Finally I decided to pick the flower and put him in a place where birds wouldn't think he was lunch, and when I reached toward him this time, I heard:" Rest in Me, Feed on Me, abide in Me." and he flew away. That "picture" was worth a thousand words, as they say. ​When I looked up all the meanings of REST, I realized I hadn't a clue! It was much more than taking a break or stopping work! It was soul and mind rest He was calling me to, which only He can give, and I was too "busy" to come to Him to receive. But I "get" parables now! I'm a visual learner and those things I "see" stay with me. How teachable do you think you are? ​As a new believer, my Bible study leader described me as a "thirsty dry sponge." I was devoid of Bible teaching, in love with my new Savior ​and couldn't absorb fast enough! ​I've had periods where I've been angry at God or too sick to care, and that has waned for a short time, but for the most part I believe He would say ​I'm teachable and eager to learn and apply what He is teaching. ​

Q4. How did Jesus' disciples use His Name when they healed and cast out demons? ​They prayed with boldness knowing that they had His authority to do so. They had learned that on their own they could do nothing....they knew the demons ​would not obey them apart from the authority of Jesus. Do we have this kind of authority, or was it only for the apostles themselves? ​Yes, absolutely! However, I've discovered that our enemy works overtime to keep us from understanding that we do have Jesus' authority, and to keep us from using it so they can continue to do what they do here on earth. In what way does speaking or acting in Jesus' name demonstrate the concept of power of attorney? In the same way that an attorney can go to court with our consent to act on our behalf, just as though we were standing before the judge. Why are we sometimes afraid to speak or act in Jesus' name? I can only speak for myself...and It was because of ignorance and insecurity. After I read "The Authority of the believer" by MacMillan It finally made sense! Just as a traffic cop can stand in an intersection with huge trucks and cars zooming around him, when he raises ​ his hand they stop! He has no physical power to stop anyone, but his badge represents the government's delegated authority to direct traffic. Jesus' Name is our "Badge", and demons have to obey Him. How might hearing his voice about a particular matter alleviate that fear? For me, that book was His voice...it's taken right from scripture, and is what I needed to understand His delegated authority so that I can use it without fear.

Q3. What does it mean when you pray "in Jesus name"? It means I'm praying in His authority or "power of attorney" to "bring His kingdom purposes" about on earth. Do you use the phrase "in Jesus' name as you pray? Why or why not? Yes, because I'm an ambassador for Him and represent Him here on earth. There is power in the Name of Jesus, ​and it's about Him, not me. How does praying "in Jesus' name' limit what we will pray for? ​ I can't think of anything I would pray about that would limit what I would ask. ​When He showed me that He wants me to ​be honest and authentic with Him and I understood our relationship to be Father and daughter, my prayer life changed to one of freedom rather than religious and restricted and fearful of praying amiss. ​ ​I rely on Romans 8:26 "The Holy Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness: For we do not know what prayer ​to offer nor how to offer it worthily a we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplications and pleads in our behalf ​with unspeakable yearnings and groaning's too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is ​in the mind of the Holy spirit, what His intent is, because the Spirit intercedes and pleads before God in behalf of the saints ​according to and in harmony with God." In other words, He takes our prayers and perfects them to the Father's ears. ​And when I can only groan or cry, or I run out of words of praise, my prayer language says what I cannot put into words

Q2 In what ways does taking Jesus' name on ourselves, or identifying ourselves with Him, open us to shame and persecution? ​Taking His Name, separates us from the crowd. We may then be scrutinized and held to the standards of perfection that He represents, which none of us are capable of doing. We may be rejected by some, or ignored by others. A few may judge a believer as a weakling who needs a "crutch" or as "holier than thou" and therefore not worth spending time with. Have you seen examples of this In your own experience? ​I have never been more than mildly persecuted. I've undergone that type of scrutiny when we were new in a neighborhood years ago. Our children experienced some of that by an unbelieving family next door after witnessing to their children. The Dad came to me with raised fist and angrily told me to tell our kids to stop talking about Jesus! They were also left out of certain neighborhood swim parties, etc. because they went to a Christian school. What actions might show that a Christian is ashamed of Jesus? ​Not speaking about Him. Pretending to be like others in order to fit in and avoid rejection...."Hiding our light under a bushel" so as not to stand out or apart. There is an anti-Christ spirit in America now, using the methods of shame and fear to shut believers mouths and it is very successful. ​​What actions might show that a Christian is unashamed of Jesus? For​ me, it's being who I am consistently, more concerned about pleasing Jesus than wondering what others may think. Being willing to offer to ​pray for others (I've never been told no thank you! Prayer has always been welcomed), and to share what Jesus is doing in my life in ordinary conversation without being preachy. I try to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that when an opportunity opens, I'm ready and willing to share.( A pastor told me when I was a new believer, to pray in the morning for opportunities to share and discernment to know what to share. That has been a gift, so that I'm really tuned into conversations, and not just chatting. It's interesting that in the Middle East today, Isis and other terrorist groups identify Christians then paint an Arabic "N" for "Nazarene" on those houses, giving all permission to persecute those families.

Q1 How is the meaning of Jesus' name linked to his mission? ​His name is the descriptor for His purpose: To save people from their sins. What is His mission? ​His mission was to be born as a human being in order to die as the sinless sacrifice acceptable to the Father to atone for the sins of mankind, and to ​restore those who receive His gift, to relationship with the Father. Included in His work on the cross, was defeating the power of Satan, so that believers can now choose whether to sin or not, by yielding to His Holy Spirit as we walk through each day. His death removed the generational curses spoken of in Jeremiah where the sins of the father's would be visited on his children to the 3rd and 4th generation; (The father's have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth will be set on edge.") Jesus' final act on the cross was to taste the "sour wine" and cry "It is Finished!" (John 19:30). His mission also included bearing our griefs, sicknesses, weaknesses, distresses, and carrying our sorrows and pains of punishment, and wounding for our transgressions, guilt, iniquities and with His stripes we are healed and made whole. He also bequeathed His authority over evil spirits, to His children so that we are not defenseless. (Ephesians 6...His armor) How did He fulfill this mission? Jesus walked on earth in total obedience to His Father's will, in every aspect of His life, even unto death on the cross. He demonstrated to us that we are to walk in submission to His Holy Spirit, in the same way that He walked, setting us free from striving to obey the Old Covenant laws which He alone was capable of fulfilling, so that we are free to be Holy Spirit led, and to enjoy life apart from fear and dread of trying to follow man made religious rules. ​ How did He fulfill His mission in your life? ​He hunted me down when I wasn't looking for Him, and loved me into His kingdom and the sweetest fellowship and love I've ever known. He washed me white as snow and continues to fulfill His mission of setting me free from bondages laid on me in childhood, and to heal brokenness, wounds, and remove guilt and shame for past sin. (There is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8) He continues to reveal the wonder of living in Grace, and the joy of His love to me and the ability to love others.

Q6 (Daniel 12:10) In what way will intense persecution in the End Times lead to many being "purified, made spotless, and refined?" I think of coal under pressure becoming diamonds and of gold being exposed to intense heat to cause impurities to rise to the surface and becoming visible, skimmed off by the refiner. Persecution for the believer, shifts our faith and priorities to seek His Face, rather than just His Hand. Like Joseph in prison, the Word tested and tried him until the iron of his chains, entered into his soul....resolve, perseverance, grit, patience....the fruit of the Spirit were birthed in him. Persecution will lead many unbelievers to give up their self reliance, false religions, pride, and denial, and who may turn to the only One Who can purify, make spotless and to refine, by His shed blood for them on the cross at Calvary. Our prayers for them now will open the door for many. In what ways is the Church in our day in such need of this? Much of the Church is asleep, in denial of the need for His Power, focused on building bigger buildings, competing for members who happily jump from ship to ship lured by the newest and greatest entertainment offered. The Revelation is seldom preached. Denial that we are in the end times is rampant....business as usual in many churches. How do you think we can prepare ourselves for this time? ​I think it was intentio​nal that after Jesus told the disciples in the first part of Matthew 24 about the tribulation, (Jesus came to the Jews, was speaking to the Jews) He followed up with warnings such as from the fig tree leafing "know of a surety that summer is near", and "as the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man". (Just as it is today, eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage) "until the very day Noah went into the Ark" (A type of the rapture).....and the "Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him so be ready"....(all in Mt. 24) Which all are about avoiding being left behind to endure the tribulation, which is God's wrath poured out upon those who have willfully rejected His Son. I believe the rapture of the Church will be before the tribulation.....Jesus said I AM THE DOOR through Whom we enter.....Rev 3 is His letters to the 7 Churches, the end of the church age....Rev 4:1 "After this I looked and behold a DOOR STANDING OPEN in heaven" ....from that verse on, John tells what is happening on earth during the tribulation looking down from his vantage point in Heaven, where I believe The Bride will be celebrating the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. ​ I believe those and man​y other examples in the same chapters as well as I and II Thessalonians, are referring to the rapture of the church which all tell of a sudden happening, whereas the tribulation is like slow and increasingly strong and painful birth pangs, with lots of warning and time to prepare. I believe the 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins in Mt. 25 are also about the rapture. The 5 wise virgins who had oil were true born again believers, (had prepared) and the 5 foolish virgins were churchgoers who love church and religion, (were unprepared) not born again. Oil is the symbol for the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. One can't get into heaven on another's "coat tails" or trying to borrow another's faith or Oil. The only way to prepare for the sudden trumpet call for His Bride is to be truly born again and living for and looking for Him. He promises a reward for those who are looking for Him! I believe the Tribulation is about Israel's tribulation or in other references it's called," the time of Jacob's trouble." ( those who are left on earth, Jew and gentile alike will have no way to prepare). 144,000 Jews will become born again and will evangelize those who are left, but those who will not submit to the mark of the beast will have no way to conduct commerce and many will be beheaded for their faith in Christ. Let us remember to pray for that number to be few! Psalm 107:19,20: Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivers them out of their distresses. He sends forth His Word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction."​

Q5 (Daniel 12:5-7) How long will intense persecution last during the final tribulation? A time, times and half a time.....three and a half years. The period after the peace treaty signed with the Antichrist is broken. What will happen to God's people during this time? We are beginning to see how this will happen...the U.S. government who has always been Israel's ally, has withdrawn our support, under Pres. Obama. We have joined forces in a treaty with one of their most fervent enemies. The Bible says Israel will be humanly all alone in their struggle to survive. The Arab nations surrounding them are now threatening to "wipe them from the face of the earth" as the leader of Iran has openly declared with a raised fist on the news. Rockets are flying, bombs are being fired within Israel's borders dozens of times per day. Citizens are being knifed on the streets in the West Bank. I believe these are the earliest "birth pangs" beginning. I don't like to think what these dear people will have to endure. Hunger? If supply lines are cut off they will suffer. Even some misguided American churches have withdrawn investments in Israel. Perhaps they will be without necessities. Some on the West Coast of California are refusing to unload Israeli ships, so commerce may come to a standstill as well. Opposing nations may refuse to do commerce with them, isolating them. Many are returning (also as prophesied) to Israel, due to fierce persecution in the nations where they've been living. Russia has joined with Iran, which is prophesied in Ezekiel, and Russian missiles are now practically on Israel's border within Syria. They are being "squeezed" and threatened daily. War is on the horizon. Why do you think this difficult time is revealed to us people who don't like bad news? Amos 3:7 says: The Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secrets to His servants the prophets. Jesus told us in His parables to be wise, to be watchful, to recognize the signs of the times, to be ready. In order to be ready, we must be prepared spiritually. Since we've been told to watch for the signs, hopefully it motivates us to be about our Father's business, as Jesus was. To be concerned in prayer for others, to be on the lookout for the unsaved who haven't heard the Gospel and to be willing to take the time to share and especially to pray for Israel. I think too, it is partly just so we wouldn't be broadsided and frightened as we see signs of its coming. In prayer in 2008 the Holy Spirit spoke to me that "anarchy and rage are coming" .....It didn't seem possible then, but we're living in it now as the police are being gunned down, racial hatred has intensified, uprisings and terrorists reign unhindered. Saudi Arabia reported days of Rage several years ago....It is comforting to know that He knows and is aware and has promised believers Psalm 91 in times of trouble. He is our protection. Lastly, Psalm 90:12 ...."So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom."

Q4 (Daniel 12:3) What is the end for those who are wise and influential for God? What is their reward? Their end is: There never is an end! ​....Eternal life began at the moment of Salvation and will go on forever and ever! Their reward is the honor of shining like the brightness of the firmament giving forth light like the stars forever. How does God use your influence currently to advance His Kingdom? Currently, mainly through the gift of evangelism and prayer....but He has also gifted me with His love for people, and the ability to love and encourage others.​ Our adult son is at home with us after devastating losses and grief. I'm having the privilege of discipling him and re-parenting him. (He was not interested when he was younger even though he received Jesus at a very young age) It is my great joy! What would have to change so that you might have greater influence for Christ? My desire has always been to please and honor Him and to "bring as many with me" to Heaven as is possible, and to allow Him to recreate me into the woman He designed me to be. Whenever change is needed I pray He will bring it about. I want always to be growing in grace and the love and knowledge of God and to give freely what He has freely given me.

Q3 (Daniel 12:2) What do we learn about the resurrection? We learn that there will be a resurrection! Both for the righteous and the unrighteous! (Scripture interprets scripture...always written by the same Holy Spirit throughout!) How does this compare with New Testament teaching? It is in perfect agreement with the New Testament. Heb 9:27 "It is appointed for all men and women once to die and after that the certain judgment". What is the future of the righteous who are raised? Everlasting life! (with our Lord!) Why do you think the unjust will be raised also? They must bow their knee to the Lord Jesus Christ....then face the judgment for rejecting His gift of eternal life while they were alive. The unjust will be raised to "Everlasting shame and everlasting contempt and abhorrence." Dan 12: 2 see also John 5:29​

Q2 (Daniel 12:1) What will happen during the great distress of God's people? At the time of the end Michael, the great angelic prince who defends and has charge of "Daniel's people", shall arise! Dan 12:1 There shall be a time of trouble and distress such as never was since there was a nation till that time. A time of "intolerable anguish," tribulation, affliction, death, and Jews hated by all nations for My name's sake. (Michael will keep them from being totally annihilated) ​ BUT...."your people will be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the Book of God's plan for His own". Dan 12:1....the result will be the vail being removed from the eyes of the Jewish nation, and they will mourn over the fact that their Messiah came to them 2,000 years ago, and they rejected Him. ​Many will be saved, praise God! In what ways does this seem to conform to the "great tribulation" spoken of in the New Testament? At the time of the end ​(amp) tells us when it will happen. Jesus also described the forerunners of this tribulation....wars and rumors of wars, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, famines and earthquakes in place after place...just the beginning of the 'birth pangs of the anguish." Matthew 24 also confirms Daniel's words in v.21: There will be a great tribulation, affliction, distress and oppression such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now.....no, and never will again." Jesus also validates the Antichrist "will commit the abomination that astonishes and makes desolate, spoken by the prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy Place."​ Mt. 24:15. This will also create anguish and terror, when they recognize the hour they are living in and that the peace treaty signed with Antichrist was a total lie and betrayal. Speaking of earth quakes,, I live on the Calaveras Fault in Northern Calif. and we've had over 500 earthquakes during the month of October (2015) His coming feels very soon!!!! Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Q1 Daniel 11:36-45) What do we learn about the character of this Antichrist figure? We learn that he has no character! He is evil personified, empowered and indwelt by Satan. He is an avowed hater of God and all things good. A master deceiver who is charismatic and persuasive. He will proclaim peace while his only intention is war against God and the nation of Israel, her people...and Christ followers. He is a master narcissist, filled with pride! What seems to be his prime motivations? Because he is empowered by Satan, their motivations and goals are the same. Lucifer, before he was thrown out of Heaven, declared he would be like God...would take over Heaven. Power and self glorification were his aim. Antichrist's motives are the same: to oppose God and to destroy God's people and work. He will exalt Himself against God, and will declare himself to be God. What does he have to do with the land of Israel? Israel is God's chosen nation and promised land, is where Messiah was born, lived, died for the world's sin, and was resurrected, and from where Messiah will reign over the world when He returns. As such, it is the place Antichrist will blaspheme our Holy God, will desecrate the temple by sacrificing a pig, and will declare himself to be "God". It is also the place where Antichrist will have his "last stand", be defeated and then dispatched to eternal life in hell and from where Satan will be sent to a chained existence for 1,000 years during the Lord's millennial reign from Jerusalem. Antichrist's hatred for God's Israel, is as deep as is God's love for his land.