JanMary

Q5. (John 19:38-42) Who were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus? Joseph from Arimathea was a wealthy, high ranking member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. He owned a tomb which had not been used before. He was a disciple and secret believer in Jesus, who was waiting for the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus was also a wealthy Jew, and a member of the Sanhedrin, who had come secretly at night to talk to Jesus about being born again. He purchased all that was necessary for Jesus' burial, which included 75 lbs of ointments and spices. Was it good that they were “secret disciples”? Whether good or not, it's possible that because they were secret believers and not been known to associate with Jesus, that Pilate gave Joseph permission to bury Jesus, and that Nicodemus could purchase all that was needed for the burial, without being questioned or hindered. In any case they both stepped forward at the critical time and fulfilled scripture, without having any idea that they were doing so, and were being used by God to fulfill His purposes for His beloved Son in His death and burial I've read, just by way of interest, that with all of the ointments and spices wrapped within the cloth wrappings, that when Jesus was resurrected, He left a 75 lb.cocoon like shell behind. That would be how Peter and John knew instantly that Jesus had risen, and not that someone had stolen the body. I've also read about and seen a typical stone feeding trough or manger where Jesus was laid as a baby which looks very much like the stone bench carved into the cave for His burial. As a baby He was wrapped in swaddling clothes....It is a "picture" of Jesus being born to die. What risk did they incur by participating in Jesus’ burial? They risked expulsion from the Sanhedrin, persecution from their fellow Jews, rejection and worse. Emotions were high (like during the riots of today in our cities, where people act like crazy people looking for trouble), and they may have been seized and injured. Why is the burial account important to Jesus’ story? It fulfilled prophecy that He was buried in a rich man's grave (Isaiah 53:9) It was a new, unused grave where the women who accompanied Joseph and Nicodemus knew the way, so there was no confusion about a mistaken grave when Jesus rose from the grave. It's a place where people through the ages have gone to remember His death, burial and resurrection on their behalf for the gift of eternal life. The tomb and the way the burial clothes were left like an empty shell when He rose through them was proof to His disciples and to all they told, or who saw the tomb, that He rose from the dead. There were stories made up by the Jews and the Roman soldiers afterward to try to negate Jesus' actual death, and also that His body had been stolen by His disciples. (That second story also validated His death!) To our understanding of who Jesus is? As Paul said, If Jesus did not rise from the dead, we are still dead in our sins and the most miserable of people. That He did die and rise again, proves that He is Who the Bible says He is....God. That He fulfilled hundreds of prophecies in His death and resurrection alone, prove that the Bible is truth. That He conquered death and the grave, removes the fear and sting of death for believers. For us, then it is "absent from the body and present with Christ." After He arose, He appeared to the disciples and to over 500 people, showing them the wounds in His hands and feet. There was no question that He died and rose from the grave, and then ascended into Heaven.

Q4. (John 19:31-37) Why do you think Jesus died in such a relatively short time? Jesus work on the cross was time specific and was coordinated with Passover. He completed the work and the appointed time for Him to die was exactly at 3:00 pm, the moment when the priest in the nearby temple would kill the sacrificial lamb for Passover. Jesus gave up His Spirit at that precise moment, and I would think the last sound he heard while alive was the beginning of the shofar horn being blown to let the Jews know the lamb had been slain for their sins. The priest would have been stunned to see the thick veil shielding the holy of holies, torn from top to bottom at that moment, as well. What does the water and blood flowing from Jesus’ side indicate? It is proof that Jesus was dead and not in a swoon or a coma. (there would be stories afterward that Jesus did not really die, and others that He did die but His body was stolen and hidden by His disciples) How did it fulfill Scripture? Zechariah prophesied that "They shall look on Him Whom they have pierced". Ps. 34 prophesied that "Not one of His bones shall be broken." Because the Sabbath was to begin at sundown, they hurried the process of the dying who lingered on and on, by breaking the bones in their legs so that they could no longer use them to push up to breathe. The spear in Jesus' side was proof that He died, and the pireced side also fulfilled prophecy.

Q3. (John 19:30) When Jesus says, “It is finished,” what does he mean? Jesus had just completed the work of bearing the Father's wrath and punishment for the sins of the whole world. Now the way was opened for Holy Spirit to descend and breath His life into believers from all nations, walks, and tongues. Jesus revealed Himself to the Jews, but His death opened the way for gentiles also to embrace Him and to receive eternal life. He revealed His Father's glory to the earth. He set in motion the countdown to the last period of time when He will come again to reign for 1,000 years as King of Kings and Lord of Lord's to the glory of the Father. What mission(s) had the Father given him. In what way did he complete them? His missions were to fulfill all of the law and the prophets, which had been spoken to the Jews, to prepare them for His coming as their Messiah. But in dying, His open arms embraced the entire world...that "whosoever" will may come to Him for eternal life. He gave birth to the church, His bride. In coming to earth as a man, the Word became flesh. He completed them by living in total dependence upon His Father, and by living a life of sacrifice, humility and obedience. Jesus never owned anything except His seamless tunic, so was untethered to this world by attachment to "things", status, or position. His mission was people! He came not to make bad people good, but to make dead people live!

Q2. (John 19:26-27) What is Jesus’ mother Mary feeling at the cross? I can only imagine the heart break and the fear and confusion....the questions, the unspeakable agony. She was probably sick and weak...feeling impotent to help or to ease her Son's pain. I would imagine like most mother's she would have gladly taken His place to spare her loved one from suffering. It hurts my heart just to try to think what Mary was feeling. For her at that point, He was her beloved child, whose diapers she'd changed and whom she had nursed and trained and bandaged his skinned knees...now she could only watch the horror too great to comprehend. She'd been favored to carry God in her womb and to kiss His face, but doubt that she really comprehended any of it during those hours, even though Simeon had prophesied at Jesus' dedication that "A sword will pierce your own soul". Why does Jesus give John responsibility to care for his mother? As her first born son, in their culture it was His responsibility to place her in another's care in His absence. What does this say about Jesus’ values? Jesus was and is selfless....in the midst of His agony, He calmly gave Mary to John as his own mother to be cared for in his home and with his means. He was still doing the work of His Father, no matter how great His own suffering. What love He showed her and what love and trust He had for John, to give him such an "offering". This was His final act before the sponge with sour wine was held to His lips and He cried "It Is Finished!" To think that He still had the presence of mind and the strength to think of His mother's care, amazes me. But then everything about Jesus leaves me in awe!

Q1. (John 19:23-24; Psalm 22:14-18) In what ways did Jesus fulfill Psalm 22:14-18? "I am poured out like water" : Jesus was dehydrated from the beatings, lack of water, heat from the sun...He literally poured out His life and life blood, and then when the sword pierced His side and heart, blood and water poured onto the cursed ground. "My bones are out of joint" : Jesus body was wracked with pain, as he hung from nails through his wrists and feet. Certainly his shoulders, neck and back were twisted out of joint, as too his knees from feet being crossed at ankles, and the force of pushing against them to draw breath. "My heart is like wax, melted down within me": Jesus heart was under enormous stress from all of the torture, and the weight of the worlds sins upon His sinless body, and bearing His Father's wrath for sin, for you and for me, so that we will never have to experience it. "My strength is dried up like a fragment of broken clay pottery" : Jesus strength was gone, beaten nearly to death, the flesh on His back shredded so the his bones were exposed, and now rubbing against the cross as He fought to breathe. "My tongue cleaves to my jaws and you have brought me into the dust of death" : Jesus was at the point of death, from blood loss, shock, torture, and dehydration, hanging onto life until His work was completed and He'd fulfilled every prophecy of His life and death and could declare, "It is finished!" Only then did He give up His life. "Like a pack of dogs they surround and encircle me, they pierced my hands and my feet" The soldiers who nailed Him to the cross were there watching Him suffer. "I can count all my bones; the evildoers gaze at Me" : Jesus was in agony in every part of His body, as they continued to watch Him, ignoring His suffering. Some watched to sneer and to taunt Him to come down from the cross if He really is the Son of God. "They part my clothing among them and cast lots for my seamless garment" : As Jesus suffered, the guards gambled for His seamless tunic...the only thing Jesus owned. "Deliver my life from the sword"....God answered...Jesus had given up His life before they could kill Him, and pierce Him with the sword. "I will declare Your Name to my brethren"....He cried out to His Father in their midst. He now worships His Father through the lips and voices of His brothers and sisters, as we yield to Him as we worship together. (Heb. 2:11,12) "He despised not the shame of the cross" but gave Himself willingly to save us. "When He cried to His Father, He heard Him".....He surrendered His life at the exact moment the lamb was being slain in the temple...Jesus must have heard the shofar blast from the temple telling the Jews that the lamb for their sins had been slain, as the true Lamb of God gave up His Spirit for their sins and ours. "The kingship and the Kingdom are the Lord's"....He is now King of King and Lord of Lord's! "They shall come and declare His righteousness" : Even the Roman Centurion said "Surely He was the Son of God!" What does the Psalms passage tell us about how Jesus felt on the cross? Jesus was in inexpressible agony in every area of His body, soul and spirit......yet He endured all of that for me. Perhaps the greatest horror was in being separated from His Father as He turned His back on His Son, unable to look upon the sins of all of us on He Who had no sin....so that we will never be separated from Him. There aren't enough words of praise to thank Him for His precious gift of life for me. It will take all of eternity to tell Him and then that won't be enough praise!

Q6. (John 19:7-15) What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders report that Jesus claimed to be the Son of God? With his belief in many gods, he was fearful that he has offended a god who is appearing in the form of a man. (Jesus) What does Pilate fear when the Jewish leaders threaten to report him to Caesar? He fears reprisals from Caesar for being too lenient to a self proclaimed king. Which fear wins out? His fear of man ...Caesar!...perhaps for his own life for being seen as a traitor for being too lenient or at the least, fear of a demotion. What fears control you and keep you from serving Jesus fully? What motivation is winning out in your life? At the moment there are none, but in the past, there was the fear "of man"(I was controlled as a child by disapproval and threats and beatings, so that always lurked in the back of my mind when asked to serve in some way) and of "failure".(being ridiculed or shamed for not doing it "right".) After wrestling in prayer, my motive was to serve the Lord in what He called me to do....and He won over the fears. In looking back, it's clear that the fears were threats from Satan to stop me from accomplishing what the Lord was calling me to do.

Q5. (John 19:1-6) Why do you think Pilate maintains Jesus’ innocence and then has him brutally scourged? Pilate's wife had warned him that in a dream she'd seen that Jesus was innocent....so he didn't want the consequence of having Jesus put to death, but hoped that scourging Jesus would satisfy the crowd who were shouting for Him to be crucified. Why does Jesus allow himself to be brutally scourged and then mocked? (see Hebrews 12:2) Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him endured the suffering....the joy of seeing each one who in the future would belong to His Father through faith in His shed blood for us. He knew His mission was to suffer and die, and with His "face set like flint" He ignored the shame and faced the agony. How much persecution are you willing to endure to accomplish the mission the Father has given you? Oddly, the only persecution I've faced thus far, has been mocking and rejection from "Christians" who don't believe the Holy Spirit moves today, and from one who in anger, said adamantly that "God does not speak to us today." I pray that Holy Spirit will give me boldness and courage to face whatever may come and that I will finish the race or mission He's given me. I think of Steven who was given that strength and comfort even as he was facing death, His face radiant, full of the Holy Spirit and controlled by Him saw the glory, splendor and majesty of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand. He said "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at God's right hand!" Falling on his knees as they hurled the stones, fell on his knees, crying: Lord, fix not his sin upon them", and prayed "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"...and fell asleep in death.

Q4. (John 18:37-38) Jesus presents himself as the King of Truth, with a mission to testify to the truth. What is the danger when we disciples declare the gospel is absolutely true? We draw a line in the sand saying that all other religions are not truth....which is TRUE. It states that others are believing lies. Which is also true. It angers folks who don't like or don't want to hear truth. It presents the hearer with the dilemma of making a choice, rather than floating along thinking that "I'm a good person, so surely a loving God would not exclude me." How do cynics like Pilate or people in our post-modern age react? We are apt to hear "Prove it!" or "you're arrogant to believe that!" or "There is more than one way to get to Heaven!" or "That my be your truth, but it's not mine." Cynics want lots of wiggle room so they can believe what they want to believe...and absolute truth infuriates their sense of "fairness." If people reject the truth we bring, what is the next step for us? It's foolish to argue with someone who isn't interested in hearing the truth. Best to pray for them, and leave the "door open" if they decide they'd like to hear more about Jesus Who loves them enough to have died for them.

Q3. (John 18:29-35) What do you think the Jewish leaders charged Jesus with before Pilate? When Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world, they interpreted Him as saying He was a King. If true, why would that be taken seriously by the Romans? Their King was Caesar, and if true that Jesus was king of the Jews he might try to take over Caesar's kingdom. What kind of king does Jesus say he is? A king not of earthly origin...not political. He said "He's a king of another place" than the world. Jesus said, "My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. I am a King. This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth." Where is the source of his kingship, according to Jesus? It is implied that it is a spiritual kingdom, where Truth reigns, having no human origin. What is the danger to our gospel message when we politicize Christian causes? Satan has lured the Church into a political battlefield over abortion and same sex marriage, by goading and confronting with accusations about being "intolerant", "narrow", "prejudiced".....to the point that the gospel has been silenced as these issues have become the focus and the everyday headlines. Satan is so much smarter than we are! These issues have caused people to think of Christianity as distasteful and hateful. Satan has turned both issues over the years, into first, "rights of women", and now "rights of groups of people" rather than sin.....while our message has been hijacked. The church is on the defensive rather than the offensive, presenting the Gospel. We have not understood that we are to hate the sin but love the sinner. (We are all sinners, so one group is not more sinful than another, since Jesus didn't categorize sin by degrees.) We have decided one or another sin is more sinful than the ones we aren't guilty of committing. So instead of loving women who've had abortions, (and men who've participated) into the church and fellowship, they hide in their guilt, shame and condemnation, avoiding church. (Not all churches are guilty of this practice of "clean yourself up first and then we'll welcome you into our pristine fellowship". I personally know 3 married couples where one or both in the marriage were formerly homosexuals who were lovingly presented with the gospel, and who on their own discovered that their lifestyle was sin....and were delivered. I know of others who still feel like homosexuals but have become born again, and who abstain from sexual relationships, (fornication, outside of marriage) At the same time Satan has twisted the Bible's message to say that Christians should not be involved in government, even having our history to be rewritten, so that children are now being taught that our founding father's were not Christians, but "deists" and.as a result statistics say that less than 50% of Christians vote. Our government has become not only secular, but is now becoming anti-Christian. The proverb says: As the leaders go, so goes the nation" and "When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the uncompromisingly righteous shall see the fall of the wicked." We've allowed the Church to become political, through Ignorance, I believe, and having been deceived, we've become engaged in a futile "war" of words." We've neglected our duty as Christians to become involved (live in the world, as teachers, congressmen/women, judges, policemen and women, etc but not OF the world) so that we have influence with those outside the church. It's time to cry out to the Lord for His wisdom and His plan and His intervention in our nations and in our churches, many of whom seem to be lost in slumber and apathy, while shunning the Holy Spirit, Who is the One Who breathes life into us.

Q2. (John 18:17-18, 25-27) What have been Peter’s acts of courage at the arrest and in the high priest’s courtyard? At the arrest of Jesus, Peter stepped up to protect Jesus with his sword, and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. In the courtyard, he is "in the camp of the enemy" standing around with the servants and officers...where he could have been recognized and arrested for "being with Jesus." Why do you think he ends up denying Jesus? I love Peter! He's just like one of us (me)....a contradiction. Brave one minute and paralyzed by fear at another. I think he was just plain scared, as he heard the goings on inside, with the religious leaders attacking Jesus, and Who was not defending Himself. Since Peter didn't understand that Jesus must die, it may have seemed to him that the religious leaders were in power and the fight was lost...and he might be next. How would you rebuke Peter according to Galatians 6:1b? I see what is being asked here, but looking at Peter's situation, I'd have had to face him with his same lack of clarity and could not rebuke him. I'd have probably been huddled with him in fear by the fire...If I'd had the courage to go that far with him. Galatians says "those who are spiritual should set him right and restore and reinstate him"....I love though that Jesus first restored Peter, privately, after His resurrection, rather than publicly, adding more sorrow and shame, before He appeared to the others. (Luke 24:34 The two whom Jesus had walked with on the road to Emmaus, reported back to the disciples and said "The Lord really has risen and has appeared to Simon Peter!) With Jesus' restoration, none else is needed. Has your courage failed lately? What should you do about it? I've been plagued with anxiety and fear since early childhood, suffering beatings and death threats, verbal abuse and neglect from my parents....so my process is to work with the Lord as He leads to heal those wounds and "holes in my soul". This has been ongoing and we're making much progress. My mind is being renewed as I steep myself in His Word and spend time every day just soaking in His love and Presence. I've learned that He is trustworthy and faithful! I've also learned that babies are only born with 2 fears.... loud noises and falling. All other fears are learned, so they can be unlearned over time...I'm quite bold in sharing His love and the gospel message, for which I'm truly thankful! He is truly the Lord Who heals!

Q1. (John 18:1-11) What do you think caused the soldiers to fall back in the Garden (18:6)? I believe they were "slain" by the Spirit of God through Jesus declaring His deity, when He replied "I Am".(When Moses asked God who shall I say sent me? God answered, "I AM THAT I AM") The power of God demonstrated to all present there and to all who would read John's account, that God is Sovereign, and is in control, not the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus. Why does John tell us this detail? It's important to know that Jesus laid down his life and submitted to the arrest in order to complete His Father's mission for Him to die on the cross for the salvation of "whosoever will" choose to receive His gift of eternal life....He could have escaped at that moment or at any other time if He'd chosen to do so. Why does Jesus rebuke Peter for defending him with a sword (18:11)? Peter once again, was trying to prevent Jesus from going to the cross and dying. Jesus had already rebuked Peter previously, saying "Get behind me Satan" when Peter protested Jesus' message of His approaching death. Jesus could have called legions of angels to intervene if He'd wanted and chose not to, and did not want Peter to try to interfere with God's plan. He also did not want this confrontation to put Peter in jeopardy. By rebuking Peter and restoring the severed ear, Peter was protected from being arrested.The miraculous healing of reattaching the ear was proof once again that God was in control, not the soldiers with their spears. Jesus is facing forces sent by hell. Why doesn’t he resist? Jesus demonstrated that those who plotted to kill Him, were simply carrying out the plan of God, which He wholeheartedly endorsed and was committed to completing. (Ps 119:91" All things serve God, even the entire Universe" That includes Satan, God's enemies, ALL THINGS in the end accomplish Gods purposes)

Q6. (John 17:11b, 20-21) Why is unity between Christians so important? We are His representatives / ambassadors in the world. As such, we are a "picture" of the love and unity in the Holy Trinity. When we are at odds and walking in disharmony or even flagrant dissension or separation, our witness to the world ithat God is love is nullified. What is the model Jesus gives of this unity in verse 21a? Jesus prayed that we would be one just as "You Father, are in Me and I in You, so that the world may believe that You have sent me". What effect does true Christian unity have on our witness to the world? Jesus said when we walk in love and unity with one another, the world will recognize us as His disciples....we are then a compelling message, and are attractive to a love starved, fragmented world. We offer them a place of welcome and a haven of love, rest and acceptance...very different from the worlds alternative.

Q5. (John 17:15-16) Is God’s desire to immediately extract us from the earth, or to leave us here? Jesus asked His Father to not take us out of the world but to keep and protect us from the evil one. We are His hands and feet and heart and mouth in the world, that He be made known through us while we're here. Also," He Who began a good work in "us" will bring it to completion at that day, bringing it to perfection." Phil 1:6 This is His work in us while we're in these bodies....perfecting us in love. How is it possible to be “in” the world, but not “of” it, or contaminated by it? We are born into the world, and we live here geographically (though we are seated with Him at the Right Hand of the Father, spiritually. Eph 2:6). To be in the world but not of and contaminated by it, is a partnership between us and Holy Spirit. Jesus said, He has "sanctified, (purified), consecrated us (separated for the Father and made holy) by Truth...His Word is truth." That is His part.(He did not leave us orphaned) Our part (free will) is to choose to rely on Him through surrender to Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness as our minds are renewed by the washing of His Word. How do we achieve this? We read, study, memorize, and meditate on His Word, all the days of our lives. Knowing what isTruth, keeps us from buying into the devils schemes, as he works in the world to deceive, destroy, divert, discourage all who will listen to his lies. Whatever age we are when we come to salvation we have a history of being steeped in the worlds way of thinking, which must be replaced with God's Word, and the help of Holy Spirit in a life surrendered to Christ's Lordship.

Q4. (John 17:6-10) In what sense do the Son and the Father “co-possess” everything? In the sense that they are One...each a Personality of the Triune God, equal but with different "job" descriptions. Unlike several cults who teach that The Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are separate beings, and only the Father is God. What does that say about their relationship with each other? They work together in complete unity of purpose, co-equal, and always in harmony. In what sense do we “co-possess” everything with the Father and Son? When we are "in Christ", we are joint heirs with Him....all that is His, is ours. "And if we are His children, then we are His heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ (sharing His inheritance with Him); only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory." Rom 8:17 amp. How should that affect our values? As a believer, I am God's own daughter, and my values are to reflect His values, even when there is a cost when His/my values conflict with the world's values. The way we live? It's a blessing to know that I belong to God...my parents were not able to bond with their children, so the insecurity of never knowing when or if I'd be cast aside or kicked out left me longing for the security which God promises me. ("The Lord will not cast off nor spurn His "children" neither will He abandon His heritage" Ps 94:14) and "Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up and adopt me as His own child." Ps 27:10) Being secure in His love, acceptance and forgiveness, leads me to want to live in a way which pleases and honors Him...not out of fear of rejection, but out of love for Him and a desire to never want to grieve Holy Spirit. This verse is also our guide: "I appeal to you brethren, in view of all the mercies of God to make a decisive dedication of your bodies, presenting all your members and faculties as a living sacrifice, holy, devoted and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed by the entire renewal of your mind so that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (amp. Rom 12:1,2) Thank you Pastor Wilson, for these studies which challenge us to dig into the Word of God to find our answers, rather than relying on what "we've heard" or have been spoon fed from the pulpit!

Q3. (John 17:4-5) What was Jesus’ preexistent glory like? His glory was as that of the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Creator God worshipped and glorified with unspeakable glory, majesty and honor by all of the Heavenly host. What was his glory like during his earthly ministry? His glory was veiled in human flesh. (Just as the wilderness tabernacle covered in rough, dark badger skins, concealed the glory and gold treasure inside..a type of Jesus living in our flesh.) How did his glory peek through? It peeked through whenever He performed a miracle and was not "just a man" and when He hung on the cross in perfect obedience and sinlessness fulfilling every prophecy of the redemption, (the Roman centurion glimpsed it and became convinced He was the Son of God) and when Jesus was raised from the dead and walked about on earth before and as He ascended into Heaven. What is his glory like now in the presence of his Father? Jesus returned to the Glory, majesty, praise and honor that He enjoyed before His earthly birth and journey. And now additionally He is glorified as the Bridegroom of the Church Triumphant, His bride, who will reign with Him for 1,000 years on earth! Why do you think Jesus wants his disciples to see him in this glory (verse 24)? I love that our God desires to be known....has made His Existence visible in all of His creation...even as the Heavens declare the Glory of God. He has created us with the same desire...to want to know and to be known.(He created us with a "God shaped void which only He can fill as part of His desire to be in relationship with His children) Jesus wanting His disciples to see Him in His glory was both His God-man and His earthly-man desire to be known and recognized for Who He is in His fullness. God is always reaching to His creatures knowing that we are not fully who He created us to be, until we know Him in intimate relationship. The disciples would not truly KNOW their Jesus until they saw His glory and was set apart as their Savior, Lord and God, as well as their friend and mentor in the things of God.

Q2. (John 17:4) What was the "work" the Father gave Jesus to do? His work was to complete His Father's mission for revealing the plan and means of Salvation for the world at the cross. How did it bring glory to the Father? Jesus is the revelation of our Heavenly Father on earth...which He accomplished perfectly by finishing the work of becoming the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world. He is God's perfect love expressed at Calvary and through His sinless life. What is the "work" the Father has given you to do? The work, as John said when asked "is to believe." This leads to my desire to glorify God through a surrendered life, and to make Him known to others. I also believe it is to enjoy God and His creation. In what ways are you bringing glory to the Father in this? He's asked me to write a book about all He as done in my life....I'm writing from the years of journals I've kept. As He leads in conversations, I share about Him and His love. I'm conscious that I'm His "ambassador" and representative in the world, and think about that privilege in how I deal with people and situations, and so I spend the first hours of the day in His Word to be refreshed in His Presence.

Q1. (John 17:3) If the average person were to define the words “eternal life,” what would they say? I've heard unsaved people say things like "I believe we all go somewhere after we die" or "I hope there's a Heaven where I'll end up." Does Jesus define eternal life in terms of duration of time? No. He speaks in terms of both He and His Father (and ours) having the ability to raise the dead to life and to give life. The implication is that this gift belongs to those who receive this gift of Himself, since life is IN HIM. What is the key element of his definition? That it is a gift He gives to those who know Him intimately and are in relationship with Him. How are you doing at present in Jesus’ definition of eternal life. I entered into eternal life the day I received His unspeakable gift of grace at Salvation...and I'm growing in relationship with Him, loving Him more each day and with deeper and deeper understanding and gratitude. How I praise Him for loving me!

Q4. (John 16:33) In what sense has Jesus “overcome” the world? Jesus conquered death, and stripped the Devil of his power to own us. In Him we are now the Father's children, and are joint heirs with Jesus, seated with Him at the right hand of the Father. We are now assured of His constant Presence with and in us and have instant access to the Father. We are promised that all things in life are working together for the believer's good, and for God's purposes to His glory. In what sense can we “overcome” the world? We can overcome the world by choosing to stand, and to choose to allow Him to work in us and to give us courage and help no matter what we face. By saying "No" to temptatation we overcome Satan. We have eternal life...no matter what comes, and neither the world nor the devil can take that away from us. Can we overcome Satan even though we are martyred in the process? (see Revelation 12:11) Yes, even in martyrdom, by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of our testimony even as Stephen overcame the world in the midst of being stoned to death, which Saul who became Paul never forgot!

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that He is not alone, that the Father is always with Him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? His promise that He will never leave me (alone for one second) nor forsake me, is such a comfort. At times of loneliness or isolation, I am reminded of this, and speak His name. It brings me immediately to prayer and the connection with Him. I've come to believe that at times He's longing for me to come to Him, and my human relationships are "stalled" or hindered for that reason. What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren't as lonely? Although our family and friends are His gift to us, He wants us to be dependent upon Him, as they will invariably fail us or not be there. I've learned over the years that He is the only One Who knows me completely and knows what I need and is always available. If I feel lonely I know He's only a breath or prayer away, and is waiting for me to run into His open arms, or to "crawl up on His lap" Those are some of the most intimate times of pouring out my heart to Him and of receiving His loving comfort.

Q2. (John 16:23-28) What does it mean to pray to the Father “in Jesus’ name”? When we are born again, or are in Christ, we are reconciled to the Father. Jesus' death and resurrection are the "bridge" bringing us into fellowship with the Father. To pray in the Name of Jesus, acknowledges that truth, and is with the authority given to us by Jesus. Is it okay to pray to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? Yes, I believe it is. I ask Holy Spirit to give me understanding when I'm confused, or to soften the heart of someone I'm praying for, or during worship to fill the room with His Presence, etc. Holy Spirit is Who lives in us, and is Who is ever present. Is it scriptural to pray to a saint to intercede for us? No, there is only One Mediator between God and Man...the Lord Jesus Christ. We need no other. Saints and Mary are precious, but they are not God and have no authority to intercede for us...they needed Jesus to be their Mediator also. Why are we allowed to pray to the Father directly? Jesus took upon His body all of God's wrath and punishment for my sin at His crucifixion, and opened the way for me to have fellowship with the Father. When He cried "It is finished" as He give up His Spirit to death, the veil in the temple's Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, as the sign that I can now come boldly without fear, into the Father's Holy presence with no barrier between us. How I thank and praise our Lord Jesus for this precious gift!

Q1. (John 16:12-15) In what sense does the Holy Spirit guide us into all truth? Holy Spirit removes the veil which blinded us to Truth before we were born again. He gradually transforms our worldly minds as we read and hear the spoken Word of God, so that we begin to think God's thoughts...and we begin to live lives that are pleasing to Him. He leads us out of being afraid of God, into a relationship where we understand and believe the love of God and to live in His Grace and freedom from condemnation. Does this promise apply only to the apostolic age to lay the foundations of the faith? No, but it was crucial in the apostolic age to lay the foundations of the faith, and to clarify the Apostles' understanding of all that Jesus had taught them. In the same way today, He teaches us how to live and walk in faith. In what sense does it apply to us today? Holy Spirit IS Truth and the Word of God is alive and active like a two edged sword, cutting away lies and unbelief with one edge and bringing us into truth and wholeness with the other. As we read or hear the Word of God spoken, He gives us understanding, renewing our fallen, worldly mindset, to think His thoughts. He takes specific scriptures and makes them a Rema, or personal Word for us as individuals. (Takes a passage we're reading and quickens it so that we know it's a promise or is for specific guidance or direction.)

Q5. (John 16:8) Through what means does the Holy Spirit convict unbelievers? The Holy spirit works through their conscience to convince them of their sinfulness and need of a Savior, and "about judgment"...the consequence of refusing to accept His free gift of eternal life with Him. He uses miracles...when a sinner sees a miracle, that in itself brings awareness of separation from God due to sin. A sinner may come into church where a prophetic word is given, and the Holy Spirit may use that means to convince one of the reality of God and His knowledge of them personally, drawing them to Himself. He uses our testimony of our experience with our Loving God. A Christian's righteous life may bring conviction, as the unbeliever looks at his / her own unrighteous life. Is it our job as preachers or lay Christians to convict unbelievers or backslidden people? No!. If not, why not? That is the Holy Spirit's job. He is gentle and loving and kind. We would bring condemnation and despair in our efforts to point out their sins, since we are not the Holy Spirit. What damage do we inflict on people when we try to do the Holy Spirit’s job? We get in the Holy Spirit's way...and probably deepen the lies the individual has believed, such as that God is angry at them or "mean".... Our job is to bring the love of God to the unbeliever....to share what our experience is of His loving kindness and His love for them, not to tell them how sinful they are. (that exposes them to shame and will likely hinder them from coming to Him for forgiveness.) Our job is also to pray for them, that the Holy Spirit will soften their heart to hear the Gospel, and will draw them, and for opportunities to share with them as the Holy Spirit leads, or to send others to share with them.

Q4. (John 16:5-7; 14:12) What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? On earth, Jesus' Presence with them was limited by time and space. The benefit was in His ascending to Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to them, Who is everywhere at once, and He would indwell each one at Pentecost. They then had the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in them. He is now able to work through every believer, anywhere in the world. What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit’s power in believers? He promises that when we steadfastly believe in Him, we will be able to do the things that He did, and even greater things, because He went to the Father. Such a promise! We have access to such power that it's unbelievable......and that's the key...belief.

Q3. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to “testify”? To speak and to bear witness to the truth of what one knows, has seen, and heard. In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? He reminded the Apostles of what Jesus taught, He empowered their words when they spoke of Jesus and what He taught. He reveals Jesus and makes Him known. He Glorifies and lifts Jesus up, never drawing attention to Himself. He draws us to Jesus, then introduces us to our beautiful Lord when our hearts are open. He gives us His words to speak when we don't know what to day...or brings scripture to mind when we need to speak it or need encouragement. He testifies to Jesus as Creator when He draws our attention to the beauty in nature. He speaks the language of God's love for us, to us. Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus, or only the apostles who were eyewitnesses? I can and do testify of my Jesus and about all that He has done and does for me and mine. I share how He miraculously spared my children and me from injury or death in a roll-over car accident, by showing me it was going to happen in a vision beforehand, so that I was wrapped in His peace and had no fear when it happened moments later. I share about the miraculous healings He has performed in my children and their health. I testify about how He has redeemed my life from the pit of abuse, death threats from both parents, severe beatings, my self esteem savaged as worthless and a bother, and being terrorized by those who were supposed to protect me, and brought me into a life of joy and fulfillment, having given me the desire and ability to forgive all wrongs. He is not only my best friend, but my beloved Lord and Savior, whom I'm looking for any day to take me to Himself forever.

Q2. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13a) Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? Scripture tells us that He is a Person. He is referred to by Jesus as "He". He performs the functions of a Person. He is sent by the Father in the place of Jesus after Jesus ascended to Heaven. Jesus said in John 15:26 regarding the coming of the Holy Spirit, "He Himself will testify regarding Me." I love seeing Him in the story of Abraham, as the servant not named who is sent to seek a bride for Abraham's son Isaac. A beautiful "type and shadow" of the Father sending the Holy Sprit (Who is always magnifying Jesus and not drawing attention to Himself) to seek a bride for His Son. What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? He was moving and "brooding" (as a hen broods her chicks bringing life) over the face of the waters, in Genesis 1:2 in John 15:26,27: He is a Messenger...what He hears from the Father, through the prophets, speaking the Word of God, and through His people today. He speaks of the future. He introduces open hearts to Jesus. He leads. He prompts. He Comforts, tenderly as a Mother tenderly comforts her child. He Counsels ...with God's wisdom. He Helps...Divine assistance. He Advocates..interprets our imperfect prayers and carries them to the Father He Intercedes...prays for us. He Strengthens...empowers us in our weakness He Stands by....ever present... all knowing....never changing....all powerful He is Truth...cannot lie He Proceeds from the Father....represents the Father and Son on earth. He Testifies....makes Jesus known...makes God's will known. He has a Voice. He Hears. He is Holy. He Grieves. He Rejoices! He is alive and active, dwelling in believers. He is Teacher...instructing and correcting. He Reminds us...of what we need to know He LOVES. He is Co-equal with the Father and the Son, each having a different function. Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as “it” rather than “Him”? I think it's because He's referred to as "The Holy Spirit" or in older versions "The Holy Ghost".... The Father, Jehovah and the Son, Jesus, have names designating Personhood. The Holy Spirit doesn't have a "name" as do the the other two Persons of the Holy Trinity.