JanMary

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) If you met a true Christian who had no assurance of salvation, how would you explain to him or her God’s power to protect and present them blameless before Christ at his coming? I would say that if the blood of bulls and goats could preserve an Old Testament saint for a year from one Day of Atonement to the next, how much more does the blood of our sinless Lamb of God and Savior Jesus, preserve our lives forever! When we receive Jesus as our Lord and savior we enter into covenant with Him, and while some covenants were dependent upon the faith of both parties, salvation is a GIFT, which cannot be rescinded by my waywardness, backsliding, etc. because He has wholly consecrated, preserved completely and found him/her/me blameless..He is both the Author and Finisher of our faith, meaning He brings it to maturity and perfection. Heb.11:2 amp. What is the problem of having no assurance of salvation? A life of fear, dread, insecurity, no joy, inability to relax and trust, never entering into His REST! It results in a life of living under the Old Testament law, endlessly striving to earn, to be good enough, to do enough with no assurance of relationship or avoidance of eternity in hell. (that is an unnecessary life of hell on earth..to have missed a life joy, peace and REST in His completed, finished work) What is the problem of having a false assurance of salvation? That is a problem of deception...a life lived in well meaning delusion, not covered and forgiven in the blood of the Lamb. I know of a man who in his 60's had grown up in church and had served his entire life in the church, from janitor, teacher, deacon, to elder....knew the lingo, thought he was a Christian, but last year when he heard the clear presentation of the Gospel, realized he did not have salvation, and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. His wife was stunned to find out she'd married an unbeliever 40 years ago! But praise God, they are both rejoicing today!!!

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; 1 Corinthians 14) Why do churches sometimes despise or prohibit prophecy? I think it is due to ignorance, unbelief, wanting to be in control, fear, not wanting to allow the Holy Spirit to function because "we have our schedule and agenda", and sadly, quite often He's not "in it or on it". ( A church goer said to me recently "we're trying to learn to accept the "unexpected...the Holy Spirit showing up in church." ) What guidelines does Paul give here and in 1 Corinthians 14 to keep prophecy in a congregation healthy? I Cor 14 is about order in the church. So: Prophetic utterance must be given in love and in order (v1) Prophecy should be given in the common known language and must be for the upbuilding, and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation of the church. (v3) What is spoken is to be weighed and discerned by the listeners for truth or error, so that all may be stimulated and encouraged (v29-30) The prophet is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit of God (v37) and is under the speaker's/ pastor's control and subject to being silenced as may be necessary. (v32) We are all to earnestly desire and set our hearts on prophesying (to preach and teach and to interpret God's will and purpose). (v39)

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) In your own words explain how a person can rejoice and pray continually. Are there any circumstances we might be in the midst of where we should not give thanks to God? Wow! Huge question, but a great one! For me it has come down to discovering over the years that since God loves me and is all knowing, all powerful, never changing, Sovereign in every way, anything that touches my life has come with His knowing and approval....and only if He can use it for good in my life. When I learned that "All things serve Him...the entire universe (which includes the devil and the fallen evil demons, Ps 199:91), whatever comes my way is meant to strengthen, sharpen, humble, mature, teach, train, and mold me into the image of Christ. I shared in the previous question, an example of this very thing....being thankful in spite of evil, difficulties and pain. (The thankfulness came later, but taught me through experience that thanks can be given DURING the pain and losses, because the outcome is in God's loving hands and will ultimately be good for me and will glorify Him! I now call those things "Ugly-beautiful", and include them in the daily journal I keep of all of the things I'm thankful for. (I read Ann Voskamp's beautiful little book "1,000 gifts" and have made that life changing concept a part of my daily life). The ugly-beautiful one's, I leave space for His glorious purpose in allowing it to come my way, and if I don't receive that insight this side of Heaven, that's ok too, because I know He loves me! I can't think of anything which could be excluded because" Neither death for life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come , nor powers, not height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus my Lord" Rom 8:38,39. (I wish I'd been able to be in this place all those years and tears and questions ago, but am grateful for knowing it and practicing it now.)

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 5:15) What happens to people who seek revenge on those who hurt them? God said "Vengeance is mine"....so if there needs to be an action taken, it's God's area of responsibility, not mine. If one seeks revenge, it becomes all "about me" and how I was victimized, and self focus is not at all where the Lord wants me to be. He calls me to forgive, and to deal with the feelings which resulted from the "wound", and to pray for the one who wronged me....leaving the correction in His hands alone. What happens when they neglect to forgive those who have wronged them? They become "bitter instead of better"....resentment becomes hardened chunks of anger which become bitterness....toxic and poisonous to our body, soul and spirit. I was there once, and it shut me down in my relationship with the Lord, soured my outlook on life, and I was consumed with wanting the other person to suffer as his lie had made me suffer such great losses. I found that this is what my thoughts were about nearly every waking hour! Thank God for His teaching and training in righteousness....HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS! It took time, and when I learned that forgiveness doesn't mean reconciliation with the wrong doer...unless there is sincere apology and repentance on his/her part, that mine is only to forgive and release them into God's loving hands, and to seek His help in working through the results of the wrong done to me, I was set free. My relationship with the Lord was "clean" and open again. I'm thankful for that experience because of all I learned about myself, and about the Lord!!! What happens in a congregation that has an unloving, superior attitude towards outsiders? This reflects a congregation which is "in-grown", like the dead sea...no out flow, no vision for the lost, no love for brothers and sisters in Christ who may not look or sound like "us". My opinion is that this kind of attitude leads to "self-devouring" and turning on one another and or the pastor. How do these attitudes reflect on Christ? This shames Him. It grieves Him. it reflects only the devil and our fallen nature, rather than allowing the love and light of our Jesus to shine through us. How can people or congregations get healthy after have been vengeful, proud, or unforgiving? Ideally,from heeding Holy Spirit conviction, a desire to repent and restore those who've been wounded, asking for forgiveness, and walking in humility from here on out! Interesting question, because the lie I referred to in part 2 above, was just this, and we left the church over it, as the liar was a deacon and it was ignored by leadership. We've been gone for 18 years, and the Lord has brought us back to that church. (in fearful obedience at first!) The man is still there, and runs when he sees me, though I forgave him years ago, and have no ill feelings toward him. He is guilt ridden, but that is for him to work out with the Lord. His wife hugged me and said "I'm sorry", when she saw me, though she did nothing wrong...perhaps trying to apologize for him. I doubt that he will apologize, as he still "wears" an arrogant air, but that too is between he the the Lord. I pray for him. My thankfulness for all that I learned, is gain, and far outweighs the loss we suffered, as Rom 8:28, 29 proved true again.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8) What effect should a belief in Christ’s soon coming have on believers? It should cause us to be focused on walking in the Spirit, mindful of His leading and power to accomplish whatever task He has put before us. It should cause us to be joyfully looking forward to finally meeting our precious Lord face to face and spending eternity with Him, to be alert and watchful for His soon coming. What does it mean to be “sober” or “self-controlled” (verse 6)? It means to be calm, collected, and circumspect! What does it mean to be “alert” or “watchful” (verse 6)? It means wide awake, looking for Him, cautious and on our guard. How does this differ from our normal Christian lifestyle? I can only speak for myself, but seeing the signs all around me that He is about to sound the trumpet to "come up here", I am more mindful of my words, quicker to mend offenses and more excited every day. I've always had a heart for evangelism, but find that I don't want to pass up opportunities to share with others who may be left behind. On the other hand, I love what St. Francis of Assisi said when asked while working in the garden, what he would do if he knew today was the day of the Lord's appearing. He said "I'd just keep hoeing my garden." I try to live in such a way that I'm ready to go, and at peace with those around me, but not rushed or hurried or fretful.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) What happens in a congregation when people don’t show respect for their leaders? It's a miserable bunch! The Spirit is hindered in His work among them. Distrust and disunity which are so destructive become the norm and love is stifled and set aside for potential mutiny. What happens when the disrespectful spread their disrespect? The work of the gospel stops, Satan gains a foothold and the time which would be spent on serving the Lord, is now diverted into "putting out fires" and factions having their say. Will getting rid of the leader fix the problem, or is there something deeper going on here? I think the issue is deeper in most cases....it has to do with the same root cause of Satan's fall from Heaven...He wasn't content to be subservient to God...he wanted to BE God, so he rebelled and was thrown out. Rebellion is inherent in each of us, and is a fruit of the fallen nature, as are enmity, strife, jealousy, divisions, dissensions, party spirit, etc. Paul said in Galatians 5:15: If you bite and devour another in partisan strife, be careful that you and your whole fellowship are not consumed by one another." Satan wins at his own game, and the leader is potentially destroyed and the flock scatters. I will say that if a leader has gone off the rails and is controlling and manipulating the sheep through lies and other means, it's best to walk away and find a healthier church, while continuing to pray for the former pastor to be delivered from the evil with which he has become ensnared.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) According to this passage, what warning can we expect to have prior to Christ’s return? There is no warning in this passage of scripture, but Jesus gave many "signs" of His eminent return. We see the signs now all around us and know to be ready, for we know not the DAY nor the HOUR, nor did He. What does it mean that he will “come like a thief”? Thieves come when it's dark...night, when people are sleeping and unaware. They do their "work" as quickly as possible, with stealth to take what is precious.That's why we believers are to be ready to go in that instant in the twinkling of an eye when the silver trumpet calls us "to come up here", as John the Apostle was called up in Rev. 4:1 through the "open door" in Heaven...Jesus will "snatch" His precious Bride from out of the world to His home! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:14) How will Christ bring with him those believers who have previously died? Each believer at the rapture and those who've died "in Christ" will rise (the dead first, then the living raptured will meet them in the air) and all will be given their new glorified bodies. After the marriage supper of the lamb in Heaven, we will return with Him to reign on earth for 1,000 years. According to Matthew 25:31, who will also will accompany Christ when he returns? All His Holy angels. Can't wait! He's coming soon for His Bride!

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Daniel 7:13-14) In what ways does Daniel’s prophecy of the Son of Man outline Christ’s return? In the same way as the "rapture" of the church described in 1 Thess 4:16, Daniel saw "One like the Son of Man" coming on the clouds of the Heavens, soon to set up His glorious, Messianic Kingdom on earth for His Millennial reign over all kingdoms, peoples, nations and languages who will serve Him.. In light of this prophecy, why did Jesus use the title “Son of Man” rather than “Christ” or “Son of God”? When Jesus came to earth, He came as a baby...fully man...fully God. When He returns He will return as Son of Man, victorious Lion of Judah, who was slain as the perfect lamb, sinless perfect Man. All eyes will see Him, the Jews will finally recognize their Messiah! Halleluiah!!! Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 4:6-8) Why do you think Paul mentions such severe punishments for sexual immorality? Are these punishments more severe than for other sins? Paul is giving a strong warning or admonition regarding sexual sin, but I struggle with the word "punishments". I believe Jesus took the full weight of God's wrath toward sin, on His body, then said " It is finished!". "For God has not appointed us to incur His wrath (He did not select us to condemn us), but that we might obtain His Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah". I Thess. 5:9) He has cast all our sins into the depth of the sea. Micah 7:19 That said, I believe Paul's warning is regarding personal consequences which result from sexual sin, because this sin affects men and women physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In addition it dishonors the temple of the Holy Spirit whose we are, and dishonors God, as well as all that we represent as ambassadors of Christ to the world. I read that many Pastors, as well as countless men and women are addicted to visual sexual images which are as damaging as committing the physical act, as it too destroys marriages and families. Those are harsh consequences. Visual sexual images are almost impossible to "erase". When I was 5 years old, a little neighbor friend showed me pornographic pictures of her parents she'd found. Years later when I delivered our first child, this little girls mother was my nurse. I was not a Christian at that time, but I felt dirty and disgraced by her presence which spoiled the beautiful birth experience. I don't dwell on those images, but as I write this, they are disgustingly still in my memory after 65 years. What effect should these warnings have on Christians? We should heed the warning, in order to avoid the dire negative results which will follow. Chuck Smith said years ago on the radio, that this sin is like a nail being hammered into a board. The nail can be removed through forgiveness and cleansing, but there will always be a scar where the nail was driven. Paul is admonishing because he was both mother and father to the Church, speaking on behalf of our Heavenly Father. We warn those we love to stay away from danger, and sexual sin puts one in great danger in so many ways!

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5) Are humans actually capable of controlling their sexual urges? We would not have been admonished to "abstain and shrink from all sexual vice", if it were not possible. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us, and Whom is our gift from God...we are not our own, but were bought with the precious blood of Jesus, making us His own. We are to honor God and bring Glory to Him in our bodies". I Cor 6:19,20. That said, trying to honor God in our bodies, through will power, is not the answer...but it is to ask the Holy Spirit for help in this area, as in all areas of temptation. He has promised the "way of escape" when we ask. If so, why are so many people seemingly out of control? Our world has been buried under an avalanche of sexual images, from car advertisements to lewd hamburger commercials. It's a prime area of battle in Satan's war against God...using a beautiful gift God gave for intimacy in marriage, to debasing it into a commodity for sales in the marketplace. It is so commonplace that sexual immorality no longer seems immoral...accompanied by the battle cry for freedom of a few years ago: "If it feels good, do it!" Which is the way many Christians live today rather than walking in the Holy Spirit. Why is it important to control ourselves sexually within marriage? God is honored and glorified when we honor the sanctity of the covenant of marriage. To do otherwise, destroys the marriage relationship. What happens when sexuality does not have any boundaries? We become little more than animals in heat! What happens to marriages, to children, to our spirits, to our bodies? Marriages are destroyed, which destroys the children and the family unit God designed for children to thrive in, our spirits are desensitized to the Lord (due to guilt and hard heartedness, selfishness, unsubmissiveness to the Holy Spirit), we sin against our own bodies forming soul ties with each sexual partner as well as exposing our bodies to disease.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) What does it mean to be “sanctified”? Sanctified means that I am consecrated and separated, set apart for pure and holy living for God's use. In what sense are we “holy” now? When I received Jesus as my Lord and savior, the great exchange took place: He took my sin and corrupt flesh, and He clothed me in His Righteousness. When the Father looks at me now, He sees Jesus in me rather than my fallen nature. In what sense are we in the process of becoming “holy”? Becoming Holy is the process of "working (walking) out our salvation". I love the example in Ben Patterson's book "Why is it taking me so long to get better?". He likens Salvation as when the U.S. Marines landed on a shore during the war. They immediately wired the ship "The island is secure", though they had no more than a toe hold. Their role was then to take the rest of the island from the enemies control, step by step. After our salvation, the Holy Spirit works with us and In us to renew our minds, teach and train us in holy living....to keep taking "ground" from the enemy! What does holiness have to do with our sexuality? Being set apart involves our entire being...including our sexuality. Sex outside of marriage is fornication if single, and adultery, if married. Both are the antithesis of holiness.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) What is the difference between (1) conducting our lives by rules and (2) conducting our lives trying to please our God? Conducting our lives by rules, is trying to please God through the efforts of my fallen flesh....or living under the strain of the outdated Old Covenant which was given to show that it's impossible to fulfill....break one, we're guilty of breaking them all. Rule-keeping means we're always focused on SELF instead of JESUS and His love. Conducting our lives to please God, is living in the joy and peace of the New and better Covenant, by allowing the Holy Spirit to not only lead but to live His life through (or in spite of) our flesh, in the knowledge that when Jesus said IT IS FINISHED on the cross, He fulfilled the law so that we can be done with the keeping the Law. Which is stronger? Rule-keeping or love? Rule keeping is based in fear and ignorance of Scripture....to walk with our Savior because we love Him is stronger and delights Him, because He died to set us free from all bondage...and rule-keeping is the worst kind of bondage! (If we succeed in any way, it leads to pride and self righteousness!!! ) On whose authority does Paul bring these commands? Paul brought these commands "on the authority and by the inspiration of the Lord Jesus" V2, amplified

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 3:10-11; Romans 1:11) What is the value of visits of special speakers to a congregation? The first thing which came to mind is that it is a gift to the pastor...a break for Him/her, fellowship with one who shares the same role and it's joys and problems as well as encouragement. For the congregation, it's an opportunity to be enlarged...to be lifted out of the same little "pond" and to hear what is going on the "outside". Its easy for churches to become ingrown, and stagnant. The special speaker can breathe flesh life and perspective into minds perhaps closed to other than what concerns them. What can they impart that your regular pastor can’t? A visiting speaker can bring greetings from other places...a reminder that we are the body of Christ which exists all around the world, not just in our little corner. They may have fresh insight, having had different experiences from our pastor. They may get away with saying "a hard thing" since they are leaving, which the Pastor may have been reluctant to share...a correction, for example. Why is a ministry of itinerant preaching so difficult – and important? Unless an itinerant preacher has a home base, one may struggle financially and become discouraged and weary of the travel...always on the go. New faces at every gathering with no one knowing them, may cause them to feel lonely and alone. But they are important...apostles help to keep the body of Christ unified and identifying with one another on a larger scale, and they bring stories of triumph and victory in other places which encourage and enrich the local church.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? Persecution is intended to shut up and frighten believers into inactivity and fear so the Gospel does not go forward and the work of Christ is hindered. In what ways does it mature them? In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? It hardens and strengthens the believer to difficulty. It causes one to evaluate what is really important in life and to stop being concerned with worldly approval, accolades and "fitting in". It clarifies whether what we say is really what we believe. Hebrews 5:8 says "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through the things he suffered"... so how much more we must not shrink from sharing and serving when /if persecution comes. Jesus overcame the world, the flesh and the devil, and makes His strength and power available to us as we rely on Him. Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt us? I think it's because we have the awesome gift of free will...God allows us to make choices. The tempter offers us an alternative to living God's way, but with the temptation God also provides a way of escape. (if we ask for it!)Temptation reveals where the "holes in our souls" are...and like pop quizzes, temptation shows us how we're doing. (since God already knows) Why hasn’t he done away with Satan already? Because we're still here! To remove Satan would also remove our freedom to choose good over evil...we'd be reduced to robot status, and that's not what God wants in his children. Satan provides the opposition which clarifies our beliefs and reveals to us our weaknesses. We grow through opposition, much like muscles grow through resistance training, or salmon swimming upstream to reach their destination.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy’s role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? The church was young and undoubtedly under attack, as is always the case. Timothy was sent to strengthen, and establish, to exhort, comfort and encourage the Thessalonians, as well as to find out how they were "walking" and to let Paul know, as he was nearly frantic to have communication from and about the fledgling body of believers, whom he called "our glory and our joy!" In what ways was this a sensitive role. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? Timothy was young and would need to talk a balance between faith without causing the church to fret or fear the persecution and difficulties that would come. His assignment was to see that they were not disturbed and beguiled and led astray by afflictions and difficulties which are unavoidable and are our appointed lot as followers of Christ. Timothy's preparation and exhortation was to help them to remain in faith and to STAND regardless of what may come and as a result, Timothy was strengthened. He was timid and inexperienced and tended to be fearful and rattled himself, with stomach issues. He certainly was aided and encouraged by being sent on this mission, and grew in his own faith. How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? No one is an island unto himself...we are the Body of Christ, meant to function in harmony and in sync with one another. We are to aid and assist one another, to strengthen and encourage one another, rather than to try to function as amputated arms and legs. Alone, we are more susceptible to the attacks and discouragement of the evil one, and are more likely to fail in our faith and service. The old adage is true: Many hands make the work light.

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20) 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? I hadn't thought of the need to justify what God has promised. He's a good God, who loves to give, probably more than we want to receive. That He wants to reward His children is so typical of a loving parent...who wants to see joy and surprise on the faces of His children. What does Christ reward? He rewards anything we have allowed the Holy Spirit to do through us, as small as giving a cup of cold water in His name, to as large as dying a martyr's death, for which there is a special crown reserved. But as we then lay our crowns at His feet, all is for His Honor and Glory. What doesn’t he reward? He doesn't reward works of the flesh, our bright ideas, service to make oneself look/feel important....anything He has not accomplished through us is "wood, hay and stubble", which will burn up when tested "by fire"... Why should showing accountability to our Master bring us pleasure? He redeemed and bought me with His blood, and I am no longer my own, but His. That I am accountable to Him is a pleasure, found only in a love relationship. How does it motivate us? When I wake up I ask Him to order my steps (they are already ordered, as He has planned my day, but saying it that way reminds me to be walking in the steps which He desires for me to walk....to be attentive to listen and watch for Him. I'm motivated to follow closely because He alone knows the way where we're going each day. I've tried my own way in the past and it didn't turn out well....so because He knows what is best for me, loves me dearly, and is all wise, I want to follow only where He leads. I don't want to get to Heaven and discover that my life was pointless.....My desire is to have some "sheaves of wheat" to lay at His feet, which are the result of yielding to the promptings of His Holy Spirit.

Q5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples’ lives? The Word of God is Spirit and life! It is the two edged sword which cuts to bone and marrow....It is truth and "cuts" out and reveals error, pitfalls, false doctrine, etc. It tells us how and where to walk in safety. It is the Owner's manual, the guide book for living. It is the foundation and the building blocks in our lives. To think that a disciple can be molded without it is ludicrous and dangerous. Does it have a power of its own? Absolutely! It is God breathed, alive, active...It's the voice of our creator to us in the written Word. How does that seem to operate? It exercises super human power in those who adhere to and trust and rely on it. (amplified) It has the power and is the vehicle the Lord uses to renew our minds, and to impart wisdom, and encouragement, and is a key way He reveals Who He is. It's HIS-story from cover to cover. It reveals all we need to know! What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? I think the implication is that the discipler study to show him/her self approved, and to rightly divide the Word, so as to teach truth, and not error, through ignorance of the whole counsel of God. To study and to avoid taking obscure passages out of context , or to focus on trivia..(which Goliath had 6 toes and 6 fingers and was he the Goliath David killed, for instance and other nonsense "bird walks"). To convey to the disciple that scripture is a key way that the Lord speaks to individuals, therefore to read the Word with open heart and mind for what the Holy Spirit is saying...that it is more critical than food, if it comes to that, in the life of the disciple. To teach the love of God's Word, and the love of God for each of us, as shown in the Word is critical to the discipler.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are “fatherly” roles so important to making disciples? Father's provide leadership, strength, stimulation and example in how to follow Christ, among other fine qualities. Their superior strength lends itself to calm reassurance. How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? Just as we discussed yesterday in how men can adopt the "softer" side of discipleship, women can be strong, and guide and correct in their own way. One of God's names is El Shaddai, "the many breasted One"....He is the perfect parent, without gender, and if one is willing, He can work through us in whichever way is needed in a moment's time with male firmness and strength or feminine tenderness and compassion.

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are “motherly” nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? Motherly, nurturing qualities reflect the heart of God....people learn and thrive best in an atmosphere of love and care, and the absence of fear and anxiety. Jesus is Grace, pure Grace, and when disciples are "grown" in the soil of His love and care, they will thrive and fall in love with Him. How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? I'm a female and grew up with an angry, violent father, but at times a tender moment surfaced....an unexpected offer of help or kindness, so if he could manifest some tenderness, I would think believing males can reflect the heart of God which dwells in them. Love and nurturing are not effeminate qualities, but are the qualities of Him we receive in full POTENTIAL when we receive Him as Savior...and they grow in us as we grow in Him. He commands us to love one another, and never asks us to do what cannot be done. We can, through Him Who strengthens us. We love Him because He first loved us. Disciples will love Him as we love them through Him. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher, Counselor, Guide....when we lean on Him for help we will become what He desires us to become in every area.

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? The list: delusion, error, impure motives, fraud, deceit, men pleasers, flattery, greedy motives, pretexts for gain, speaking to extract praise, honor, and glory from men. (amplified) It would be difficult to choose one that is worse than another!!! Why do you say that? Each one originates in the fallen nature and/ or from the devil, and serve to destroy the church. How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? A surrendered life in intimate and authentic relationship with the the Lord, asking the Holy spirit to shine His light on any ungodly behavior so that it can be removed at the root!

Q1. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Why is personal courage such an important character trait for a disciple – and for a discipler? We are commanded in scripture to be bold and courageous (Joshua 1, for example). The Bible says 365 times "Fear Not!"....the only time we are told to fear is in Hebrews, in failing to enter God's rest! So to be anything less than courageous is failing to fulfill the great commandment to go into the world to make disciples of all men. How does lack of courage prevent evangelism? Fear paralyzes and prevents moving into all that the Lord has for us to accomplish in making disciples and living an abundant life. How does lack of courage prevent a congregation from being healthy? Being "Stuck" is a sign of dysfunction and poor leadership. What is God calling you to do that will require courage on your part? This may sound silly, but after many years of abuse and living in an often violent home as a child, He is calling me to REST in Him...to abide and to trust and to feed on Him. My "cells" want to protect myself, withdraw from new situations in fear. Sometimes every day living requires courage and I'm yielding to His Lordship to overcome the past fear and timidity.

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? He has personally rescued and delivered us from the wrath and punishment which is coming upon the impenitent. And as we are not appointed unto wrath, we can look eagerly for His soon coming, with the joy we've experienced in having been invested with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ! Even so, come Lord Jesus!!!! Which of these elements are most important? I think HOW we look forward to Him coming is evidenced by whether we or not we are still in fear and guilt about sins and punishment. When we understand that on the cross when Jesus cried "It is finished", our sins were forgiven, past, present and future, and He personally suffered all of the wrath and punishment we deserved. We're free to live the abundant life He died to give us, in freedom and joy, because He gave us His righteousness when He was resurrected!!! Which are less important? I think the whole verse is important....It's the gospel in one verse. Jesus died for sinners, took our punishment, gave us His righteousness which we didn't deserve, gave us the rewards of being His joint heir, rose from the dead and we can look forward to His soon coming, with joy, free from all fear to live eternally with Him in Heaven. Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? Many churches believe you can lose your salvation, so there is fear, and doubt and hesitation about His return. I seldom hear about His return, though I believe it is soon. I heard a radio minister say "Jesus is coming back for a church without spot or wrinkle, so He can't come back yet because the church is so full of sin". How sad that He doesn't believe Jesus' own words, that we are righteous NOW, because we are clothed with His righteousness! Just a word about election and predestination....a pastor explained it to me this way and I love it!: The Father chooses everyone. We can choose to be chosen or not!

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian’s spiritual life? Paul lived and walked His talk, and could say, follow me, as you follow Christ. I remember watching others at church when I became a new believer. That church's focus seemed to be on "fitting in". Some of what went on was not good modeling or mentoring. (In order to "fit in", you had to dress a certain way, etc). But I learned in watching others how to be faithful in service, and how to pray, etc. It's important to be a godly mentor! What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Ministries who practice grace and are loving, who reflect Jesus, rather than legalism and control, which produce fear and bondage. Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? It is said that "As the leader goes, so goes the nation". I think that's true in church as well. If there is a double standard, or the mentor has poor character, that is communicated through actions, and the standards are lowered to the followers. Lousy character produces a toxic or sick congregation. How well do people grow in Christ who aren’t part of a Christian community? Believers need one another...none of us are an island unto ourselves. We offer each other encouragement, prayer, friendship, accountability, love, grace, at times a word in due season. We uphold one another. The lone believer is an easy prey to the devil, just as the lamb who is always lagging behind the flock. We grow in relationship skills and our rough edges are smoothed out in community. In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? I'm aware that I'm on display as an example, so I'm cognizant of needing the Lord every minute of every day to behave as He would have me do, and to say what honors and pleases Him, as well as to treat others with kindness and care. They know I'm not perfect, nor do I try to be, nor to hide my flaws. I laugh and have fun, and extend grace and mercy to others...It's important to me to be authentic, rather than prissy and holier than thou. (I behave the same way in private as I do in public, no double standard) I pray that others see Jesus in me!

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) Why is the Holy Spirit’s working so necessary to effective ministry? It is the Holy Spirit Who draws hearts to Jesus, not our will or words! Without His Presence and Power, the message falls flat and has no life changing power. What happens when the main power behind our ministry is will-power? Nothing good or lasting! Just a bunch of sweat and expended energy, and having wasted our time and the hearers. What is the role of miracles in Paul’s evangelism? The Holy Spirit demonstrates the power of the Gospel to change lives through signs and wonders...miracles. They are God's visible proof that the gospel is His message, not someone's good idea. What would happen if we saw miracles in evangelism in our day? There are miracles today...several in my family including me, have experienced miracles, but largely in many churches they are not evident because the Holy Spirit is shut out, pastors and congregants preferring tradition and punctuality. What is hindering this? Ignorance of the truth, prejudice against the truth, fear of the truth. I spoke to a lady who left her church, "because the pastor was too liberal". When I asked what she meant by liberal, she said "he wants the Holy Spirit's power to be manifested." I was stunned and wondered what the new church she attends has to offer!