JanMary

Q5. (Galatians 2:20) In what sense have we been “crucified with Christ”? What does that mean? When I received Christ as my Savior and Lord, the mystery hidden through the ages since Adam fell, is that Christ lives in me, the hope of Glory. His crucifixion was for me...He took my place and received the wrath of God poured out for my sins. In that sense, I "was crucified with Christ", because I have chosen Him. (In response to Him choosing me) In what sense do “I no longer live”? Whose life now motivates us? He lives in me, and I've surrendered my life and will to Him, so I no longer live, but He lives through me and motivates and moves me. How does this verse relate to Paul’s closing comments about the “new creation” (Galatians 6:15)? Since it's His gift of GRACE that saves me, I am a new Creature in Him, and am no longer under bondage to the Law. He paid the price by fulfilling every "jot and tittle" of the law, so that I can now live in grace and freedom from guilt, and works of the flesh. What does Galatians 2:20 teach about Christ’s attitude toward us? When I take Communion, each time, I'm moved to tears when I remember that on the night He was betrayed, He took bread, representing His body, and gave thanks that He was going to be broken and His blood would be shed for me! That love is so amazing that it's difficult to put into words. He loved me so much as He looked into the future and saw me, that He was willing to suffer, die, and be buried, knowing that when He rose, I would be His bride!

Q4. (Galatians 2:15-21) What happens to the importance of Christ’s death if circumcision is deemed necessary to salvation? If circumcision or any other work of the flesh is necessary for salvation, Christ's death on the cross is nullified. Why was this issue of the sufficiency of the Messiah’s death so important in Paul’s day? In Paul's day Judaism was the only religion that believed in the One true God. All other religions were based on idolatry. The gospel of grace and sufficiency of Christ's death alone, superseded the former need to obey the law in order to be right with God. The Jews wanted to cling to the traditions and beliefs they had adhered to, so preaching the gospel was an affront to them. Many who received Christ couldn't "relax in His finished work"....and wanted to do the former "works" to earn salvation. Why was this issue important to Luther and the reformers? The Catholic church taught salvation plus works of the flesh and obedience to church "You Must's" , to be saved. Luther and the reformers were restoring the pure gospel of grace. Why is it so important in our own day? How does it affect the relative legalism of our congregations? It seems inherent in human nature to want to "do it ourselves", much like a 2 year olds mindset. Pride and self righteousness dictate that we can and must help Jesus out! One may begin by believing Jesus alone saves us, but false doctrine, wrong teaching and preaching, ignorance of God's Word, and that innate desire which began at the fall of Adam, to "be like God", lead many to fall into the pit of legalism. Only when we realize fully that we can do nothing apart from Christ, but through Him can do all things, that we can rejoice and live in the freedom of His grace. Thank you Jesus that your work on the cross stamped "Paid in full" across my self effort.

Q3. Why is it so hard to take the gospel to different peoples without wrapping it in our own cultural practices? When we receive the gospel it becomes part of our own cultural experience, in terms of how and where we worship, and how we think of Jesus as He relates to us in our culture. When the gospel is shared, we tend to share it in our own context of experience. Can you think of examples of this in Church history? Yes, many. Suddenly we see pictures of the new converts dressed in Western logo tee shirts, with western haircuts, etc. They have received the gospel as a "Western Religion", rather than the simple gospel of grace by faith alone in Jesus. Part of the reason for this faux pas, may be that the missionaries see that barbaric and idolatrous practices must be exposed, which are very much a part of that people group's culture, and a "cultural exchange" takes place in addition to the sharing of the gospel What is the danger? The danger is in the "religious" aspect which is added to the pure gospel which dilutes the message. How can we avoid such cultural faux pas in our church’s missionary enterprises? The missionaries should be trained to stick to the pure gospel and present it within the context of the particular people group being evangelized. One of the special things about the church to which I belong, is that we have over 30 different cultures represented. On any given Sunday, we see believers dressed in their particular native "costume", all worshipping Jesus in unity and harmony. We had a "cultural exchange" recently where different groups were interviewed about their cultures. It was very eye opening for all, and one of the interesting things is that those who came to our Western society had the same kind of confusion when we didn't understand and behave as they were accustomed in their country. A Peruvian lady shared how in her country, it's a custom to invite people into your home, no matter how humble or how little you have, to share a cup of soup or a piece of bread, rather than talking on the phone to visit, and how in this busy society, since we are ignorant of her culture, those invited don't come when invited but would rather go out for a cup of coffee or tea.

Q2. (Galatians 2:14) Why do you think Paul confronted Peter publicly rather than privately? Peter's behavior was being practiced openly in the church body of believers. I believe Paul confronted him publicly because it was a crucial doctrinal issue involving all of the saints. Do you expect Paul had talked with Peter about this previously? I would imagine that Paul had spoken to Peter privately, but I really don't know. If he had, it would have given Peter a chance to reflect and to put down his defenses. Peter's pattern of "people pleasing", or "fear of man", began when he denied "knowing Jesus, with curses", during His trial, and was a dangerous "fence to straddle", implying that works or tradition save us rather than grace alone. How did a public discussion of this benefit the Jewish Christians? How did it benefit the Gentile Christians? This was a form of discipline and was a "teachable moment" for both Jewish and Gentile Christians regarding hypocrisy in the Church. It demonstrated the urgency of not only preaching the pure gospel, but also living it. It exposed the root of division and schism which we are so prone to fall into. It underscored to the Jewish believers that the gospel is the NEW COVENANT OF GRACE which replaced the OLD COVENANT OF LAW. Paul taught vehemently that the law kills, but the Spirit gives life. When the law was given at Mt. Sinai, 3,000 people died. When the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved under Peter's preaching. Peter knew better but succumbed to his carnal weakness it seems, when he felt enough pressure. It underscored for the Gentile believers that they didn't need to "become Jews" to be equal in the body of Christ and that they were to adhere to the Gospel of Grace not allowing themselves to be put under law, even in matters such as eating. The Judaizers were trying to pervert the gospel by pressuring the Gentile believers to be circumcised, at that time, and confronting Peter openly was a powerful example to all of them! It was also a lesson in how to avoid sweeping things under the rug. What kind of pressure do you think this put on Paul? Probably a great deal, but Paul was up to the task! He never compromised, even unto death. Peter learned from this, bless his heart, and went on to be a great and humble leader, without compromise, unto his own death on the cross, deeming it unfitting to be crucified as Jesus was, and requested to be crucified upside down. Thank God we can learn from our mistakes!

Q1. (Galatians 2:11-14) Why do you think Peter first embraced the Gentile believers in Antioch and later withdrew from them to eat only with Jews? I think Peter knew immediately these were genuine believers, but withdrew later because he was a people pleaser, needing acceptance from his "peer group" in Jerusalem. He was afraid of the disapproval "of the circumcision party". What does this tell us about his character? Why should he have known better? His character, like ours, needed to grow and be developed in Christ until "at that day" he would be in the image of Christ. He should have known better after walking with Jesus for three years and seeing that Jesus was no respecter of people. His love was/is unconditional. The harlot or adulterer were as accepted "in the Beloved" as Peter was. What does this tell us about Barnabas? Barnabus was a "follower of the crowd"....and was taken in by the hypocrisy of Peter and the "circumcision" group from Jerusalem. He was not yet grounded in his beliefs and looked to others to tell him what to believe and how to behave. What does it tell us about the political clout of the visitors from Jerusalem? They were powerful and intimidating...the self appointed "authorities" of church doctrine and decorum, probably because their errant clinging to the past "religion" felt familiar to the Jewish believers. I find it interesting that Peter is often pointed out as the "bad" example, followed by "and the others said the same" when he said he would never deny Jesus, or in this case "and the rest of the Jews along with him concealed their true convictions and acted insincerely". Perhaps Peter was more vocal and had great leadership qualities making others want to follow him....rather than following the Holy Spirit. Have you ever acted like a hypocrite to impress others? I remember after praying to learn to become a worshiper, having the desire to raise my hands while worshipping at a former church. I stifled that desire, in order to "fit in" and not offend anyone when I remembered in early days, observing a couple who came to the church who were free in their worship, and I looked down my nose at them in judgment because they were not conforming to the "proper behavior"...in other words, to the dead stoicism of the church. What should you do when you recover your senses? I tried to "fit in" for a time, then the Lord impressed me to attend a lovely church filled with worshippers, and I found my "home"...it's amazing! Not wild and crazy, with disorder or chaos, as I've also seen in one church, but this worship brings the manifest Presence of the Lord, and people are healed and delivered and changed during worship! When I recovered my senses, I stopped judging others, in fact I close my eyes so I'm not aware of others, and worship freely as I feel led.

Q4. (Galatians 2:1-10) Why do you think Paul seems to distance himself from the leaders of the Jerusalem church (2:2, 6, 9)? The Lord sent Paul to share with them the gospel he was preaching to the Gentiles. He did so in a private meeting , wanting to make certain that he would not be blindsided in a public dispute with them or to have them discredit his ministry in some way. He was called to preach to Gentiles, so distanced himself from their association with the Jewish Law and traditions they themselves were struggling to overcome as they came to understand the gospel of grace and grace alone. (It was Paul who rebuked Peter later on for eating separately from Gentile believers) He also mentioned in V4 that his precaution was because of false brethren (Judaizers) who had slipped into the Christian brotherhood to spy on the liberty and freedom which "we have in Christ Jesus, that they might again bring us into bondage under the Law of Moses." Their "right hand of fellowship" validated that he was their equal under God's authority to preach the Gospel, and that they were not at odds with one another. Why does he at the same time write of their approval of his ministry? They were the original Apostles who had lived and walked with Jesus for three years, while he was the "new kid on the block", and an outsider. To be able to communicate that he and they were "one", would hopefully "shut the mouths" of the spies who were seeking to destroy the gospel of grace, and who saw him as an enemy of the Jewish religion. How does this further his argument to the Galatians in this letter? His argument to the Galatians was that though Peter was motivated and fitted to preach to the circumcised, he, Paul, was equally motivated and fitted to preach to the uncircumcised, in unity and harmony of purpose under the choosing and authority of God the Father.

Q3. (Galatians 2:1-3) Paul is arguing that the Jerusalem leaders support his position on circumcision, rather than that of the Judaizers. What is the significance of Paul’s mention that Titus was not required to be circumcised? Paul is reaffirming that we are saved by grace alone...not by obeying the law of circumcision or any other work of the flesh. He is also affirming that the Gospel is for everyone...Jew, Greek, Chinese, Indian...whomever. When we receive Christ, we are one, regardless of color, ethnicity or any other circumstance. By using the argument that the Jewish Christian leaders agreed that circumcision was not required to be born again, (and Titus was there as proof) that we now have a new and better covenant in Christ, who fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law, so that we are free from Jewish tradition and the old covenant of law in order to be right with God. JESUS ALONE SAVES!

Q2. (Galatians 1:13-16) What factors in Paul's background made him an ideal apostle to the Gentiles? Paul was a zealot, killing Christians because he was a Pharisee of Pharisee's, keepers of the law! He was also not one of the original disciples...he was chosen by God while on a mission to persecute more believers, and received the Gospel personally from Jesus after His resurrection rather than spending 3 years with Him while He was on earth, as the others had. Paul was also a bachelor and a privileged, highly educated member of the Jewish community, unlike the disciples/apostles who were for the most part, uneducated blue collar workers, married with families. He was a tent maker so he was not tied to a certain locality to earn a living, as were most of his contemporary apostles. How did God use his being different from others? Paul understood salvation by Grace, and grace alone. He knew that "Jesus ALONE makes us accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6) God used his past zeal for tradition and keeping the law to preach to the Gentiles who had no understanding of the law, since grace and law have no fellowship! God used Paul's education to share the Gospel with the learned in all of the regions to which he traveled, and since he was unencumbered with family, he was free to go and could work at his trade where ever he was sent. To ponder: How has your unique background fitted you for ministry? What uniqueness has God given you? Growing up in poverty and abuse has given me a heart of compassion for others. God has used many of my life experiences to impart wisdom and understanding of what might be needed. He has healed crippling shyness and lack of self esteem, while giving me the gift of evangelism, so that His love can be seen and shared, rather than my lack. He has fueled my lack of education with a love of books and learning, and has taught me by His Spirit how to write and communicate the gospel. He replaced the isolation and loneliness of childhood, when He came in, with a love for people. What will it take to see that uniqueness as a God-given strength rather than as an embarrassment? I praise God that even though it took many years to heal from the shame and embarrassment of my past, for a number of years I've actually thanked God for all that I've been through because of how it has drawn me to Him, and for how He uses it to encourage others. It's a past I would call "Ugly-beautiful"....pain transformed to joy, by His love and grace for His purposes. What is better than that? "Wheat must first be ground into flour to make bread for the hungry."

Q1. (Galatians 1:11-12) What is the source of Paul’s gospel? Paul received his Revelation from Jesus. How do we know that it is a true revelation? How does it conform to our other foundational sources of Christian teaching? "Scripture interprets scripture"...Paul's revelation is true to all of scripture without any variation! He died defending His Lord and the Gospel which had been revealed to him personally. If it were less than truth, I doubt he would have stood vehemently teaching it until his death. What is the danger of taking the teaching of contemporary leaders as our doctrinal basis without checking it with the Scripture? The early Christians after hearing the gospel, compared what they were hearing with the Old Testament to see if it "lined up". We are to do the same...if what is being taught is a perversion or distortion of the scriptures, it's just that: a perversion. We MUST read and know the Bible. We are living in the "age of deception" and just as in all of church history there have been false teachers sent by Satan to try to pervert the pure message of the gospel. It can sound convincing to hear a scripture with a lie or half truth tacked onto the end. Much of what is thrown out there today is based on man's ideas and traditions...which are heresy and must be guarded against. I was listening to a pastor who admitted when he was a new pastor, he had unknowingly been teaching improper doctrine because he had been listening to other pastors whom he admired or who seemed powerful with big churches. He repented and now teaches scripture! Thank God for His Holy Spirit Whose job is to "lead us into all truth"! But we must listen to HIM!

Q2. Paul called the Judaizers’ message as a “different gospel,” a perversion of the true gospel. How is this dangerous to the Galatian believers? The true Gospel had been received and the Galatians had been born again. The Judaizers wanted the Gentile believers to forsake "Salvation is by Grace alone, not of works, lest any man boast", and to follow a "mixture" of grace plus works...to come back under the Old Testament Law which the Jews followed. This is deadly to faith, because it appeals to the flesh to perform in order to receive the gift of Grace which has already been freely given. How do twisted gospels (or an unbalanced interpretation of the gospel) affect Christians in our day? All of the cults and false religions deny that Jesus is God, and saves us by Grace alone. An unbalanced interpretation of the gospel leads the Christian either to "lawlessness or legalism", both aberrations of the true gospel. Both lead to bondage, the antithesis of the freedom Jesus died to give us. It also leads to division within the Body of Christ....(a dear old saint told me that she was in a church where the fight was about wearing hats.... a church split resulted and the mad-hatters left and started their own church across town.It brought shame to the Body of Christ, and ridicule from the towns people. It's the "We do it THIS way" mentality, and if you do it differently, you are "less than", or WRONG.

Q1. (Galatians 1:4) According to verse 4, for what purpose did Jesus give himself? Jesus yielded Himself up "to atone for our sins and to save and sanctify us, in order to rescue us from this present wicked age and world order in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father." His shed blood paid the price to make us His own...Our gift to Him from His Father. How does Jesus rescue people today? How does he keep people from falling back into their old ways? Our rescue comes as the Holy Spirit gently woos and nudges our spirit to, first, turn to Jesus if we are unsaved, and second, when we are saved, to "keep us from falling until that day". Jesus said "I do not ask that You will take them out of the world, but that You will keep and protect them from the evil one," as He spoke to His Father in John 17: "Sanctify them, purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy by Truth: Your Word is Truth." ...Neither for these alone do I pray, but also for all those who will ever come to believe in trust in, cling to, rely on Me through their word and teaching...."I in them and You in Me....." When He was on earth He prayed to His Father: "While I was with them I kept and preserved them in Your Name in the knowledge and worship of You. Those You have given Me I guarded and protected, and not one of them has perished or is lost except the son of perdition (Judas Iscariot)"....Jesus is with us today, as the Holy Spirit indwells each believer, and we have His same guarding and protection as the first believers enjoyed.The indwelling Holy Spirit and His Word are our "life jacket" and our "compass", empowered by His "safety Net" of mercy and grace! "Underneath are the Everlasting Arms."

Q4. (2 Corinthians 13:12) What is the equivalent of a “holy kiss” in your congregation and culture? Our church is a loving, warm, friendly body of believers. Hugs are common and welcome to most. (I appreciate that the men have been taught that there is a way to hug women that is not sexual in nature, and yet is still warm!) Why is a warm familial greeting so important in a healthy congregation? Warm greetings are welcoming and break down barriers...they demonstrate love, trust and acceptance. Why do people sometimes resist being greeted warmly? I'm a greeter at our church, and there are a few folks who are withdrawn, "closed", and do not make eye contact. If they don't extend their hand when I reach out to them, I assume they are wounded, frightened, shy, or in some way there by the "skin of their teeth" just barely! I pray for them when they come to mind that they will accept and receive the love of Jesus and of His people and will eventually feel like they belong!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 12:20) How do you “cure” a church of these kinds of behaviors and sins? The behaviors must be addressed from the pulpit, and the congregation put on notice that these behaviors are destructive and will not be tolerated. (Healthy boundaries) Teaching about schisms, and factions and their source (Satan and his demonic spirits sent to kill, steal and destroy) revealed and exposed, and much prayer for wisdom, discernment and unity. Exercise authority over these demonic spirits through prayer.Teaching from the pulpit on unity and love with exhortation to come up higher in Christ. If the factions are limited to a few who are known to be divisive, they should be taken aside and confronted in love. If they refuse to repent and desist from the sin, they should be removed from fellowship until they do repent. For the pastor to ignore or sweep under the rug these "cancers" in the body, they will destroy the church. How can a “love offensive” begin to change the spirit of a dysfunctional congregation? Light dispels darkness. Love overcomes hatred and discord. The under-shepherd models both, and invites like motives and behavior from dysfunctional people. When the pastor acts according to scripture, the "sheep" feel safe with a strong leader (not a domineering, controlling despot), who teaches scriptural guidelines for a healthy church, the flock will thrive and grow in love for the Lord and for each other. What is the role of church discipline in a dysfunctional congregation? Just as discipline in love must be given in the lives of recalcitrant children to train them in righteousness, likewise in a dysfunctional congregation. All congregations are dysfunctional to some degree, because we bring our dysfunctions with us into the church, but discipline, love and training in righteousness are key to growing us up in Christ.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 12:10) What was the life-changing lesson that Paul learned from God when God denied his prayer? Paul said "I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak in human strength then am I truly strong, able, powerful in divine strength." He accepted God's denial as God's perfect will for his life and embraced it. He chose to live by God's grace and sufficiency rather than his own. How does our self-sufficiency limit God’s power through our lives? When I am self sufficient (not willfully or on purpose...sometimes I forget that He's the Vine and I'm the branch), I put a tourniquet on His supply line, and His power is shut off and I flounder in my own strength. (I don't do that very often anymore. Floundering on my own isn't a pretty picture and accomplishes nothing of value.) Can we become dependent upon God without having to experience some “thorn in the flesh” ourselves? Paul's thorn was due to his exceedingly amazing revelations and glimpse into Heaven, to keep him humble and dependent upon the Lord. Not many have the revelation that Paul received. So I don't know how to answer that, as only the Lord knows what each one needs. The thorn, without great revelation, can remind us of our need for His strength, rather than our own. A thorn if He allows it, is not something to fear, but rather a gift of His love and grace.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why was this “thorn in the flesh” given to Paul? Paul said that it was given to him to keep him humble...not arrogant and conceited, because of all that he'd been shown and allowed to hear in a vision or out of body experience in Heaven. What purpose did God want to achieve through this in Paul’s character? A tormenting spirit produces perseverance, awareness of both physical and emotional weakness, which causes deep dependence upon the Lord, and compassion for others who suffer. How can something be both used by God and be caused by Satan’s destructive work? I was thrilled when I found the verse in Psalms which I believe answers so many questions of this sort! Psalm 119:91 says that "All (the whole universe) are Your servants; therefore they continue this day according to Your ordinances." amplified ("All things serve God!") That means that as much as Satan hates God, because God is Sovereign over all, Satan is used of God for His purposes. Satan means an attack to try to kill, steal or destroy for his evil purposes, but God will allow it if it can be used for our good....to move us forward to accomplish what God desires in our lives. How does this verse relate to Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20? It is saying the same thing as my previous answer. And an old saint shared with me years ago that there is a comma between Romans 8:28 and 29....God works all things together for our good....v 29 THAT we be conformed or molded into the image of Christ. (There is a period in the amplified version, but the fact is still there that the purpose of Romans 8:28 is to accomplish Romans 8:29.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) How do Paul’s sufferings help authenticate his claim to be an apostle? A charlatan or counterfeit will not endure hardship and suffering....they will leave when personal pressure mounts, and take the money and run. Paul on the other hand poured out his life for Christ in his care and anxiety for all the churches. What do these sufferings tell us about Paul’s commitment? Paul was sold out for the Lord, on fire for Him with a devotion such as I long to have! How does this account inspire you – or convict you? Paul cared not for his life...in fact would rather die and go to be with the Lord than to stay on earth, yet he pressed on until he'd fulfilled his destiny. I'm so inspired by Paul's life and devotion. I was beaten and abused as a child and I shrink from "going back there". I've been through many hard places and fiery trials, but I still shrink from physical pain! I'd like to think/believe that when persecution comes I will behave as Paul behaved, with bravery and courage and complete devotion to my precious Lord who gave His all for me! How will you be different from having pondered it? I will pray for bravery and courage to face whatever befalls me!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) Why do you think Paul refused to require the Corinthians to support him? Paul was chastening them for welcoming false teachers into their midst and tolerating them. I think he wanted them to know that he was authentic and genuinely sent to them by the Lord, unlike the charlatans who were collecting money and poisoning their minds with lies. He said in V. 12 that his motive was to cut off the claims of those heretics who claimed they were on the same terms as Paul and the Apostles. How did this help his ministry? It set him apart as serving and teaching them completely from a motive of humility, love for the Lord, zeal for their teaching and training in Truth and for their well being. How did it contribute to them taking him for granted? Much like the people from Jesus' home town thought Him commonplace and "just Joseph and Mary's son the carpenter", they took him for granted because he stuck to teaching the Gospel, rather than an expensive "dog and pony show" like the counterfeit teachers who demanded large sums of money. How can we honor Christian workers, clergy and lay, who give of their time sacrificially to minister for Christ? We honor them with our gifts of time, talent and treasure for the furtherance of the Gospel and to aid in their work. How will Christ honor them? Teachers/preachers have great responsibility and are held accountable for what they do, teach and preach. Likewise they receive a reward in kind. He also blesses their ministry with favor.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 11:1-5) What does it feel like when a congregation loses its pure devotion to Jesus Christ, and instead takes on other motivations for its religious observance? Having just left a church like this, I can tell you. The change was so grudual and subtle that it was difficult to get a handle on what was wrong. More and more frequently the "message" was about money (the lack of it, due to premature expansion to a large expensive building) Jesus was left outside knocking as it became more of a secular business meeting...and then deception to cover irregularites, blaming, etc. We left and grieved the loss, disappointment and disillusionment! In what ways is this like the church at Ephesus losing its “first love” (Revelation 2:4)? The people had abandoned and deserted Jesus. (Amplified) They gradually started "doing church" and went throught the motions in the flesh, like many churches today...relying on tradition and self while Jesus is no longer the Center and purpose for being there in the first place! How can this purity of devotion be restored? Jesus said in the Revelation passage: Remember from what heights you have fallen! REPENT (change the inner man to meet God's will) and do the works you did previously (when you first knew the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit and in love for the Lord) or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand (Pastor) from its place, unless you change your mind and repent.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) Why does Paul liken his dealing with his opponents in Corinth with reducing a city wall by siege and then taking its citizens captive? Paul was describing the spiritual bondage in which his opponents were caught. In order for them to be set free, spiritual warfare must be engaged in order to "reduce" the wall around their minds. Our spiritual weapons are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, and make a way for the Gospel to penetrate the satanic defense, in order that the captives be set free to be who God intended them to be when they were created. Is Paul talking about a victory by the use of incisive logic or is there a spiritual stronghold here, one that derives its power from Satan’s kingdom? Paul is talking about a spiritual stronghold which cannot be torn down by human weapons or by reasoning and human power.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) Why should our giving prompt thanksgiving? Generous giving enriches the giver in all things and in every way and the gifts bring forth thanksgiving toward God as needs are met in others. Giving is a way of demonstrating gratitude for all of God's goodness and provision! How is our giving a demonstration of God’s grace? Generosity reflects God's heart of Love who in grace, gave His Son to us, and the glorious inheritance we have in Him. We in turn give out of our abundance from the grace we've received. Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “surpass-ing”? His gift surpasses all understanding. We were lost, destined for hell and with no hope of reconciliation with a Holy God!...and it's freely given to everyone who will choose to receive Him as Savior and Lord. Simply amazing and undeserved! Why is God’s gift of Jesus termed “indescribable”? The gift of Jesus is beyond our ability to explain or put into adequate words all that He has given us. His mercy and grace, favor and blessing shown is precious beyond telling. When I think about it my brain just shorts out and the hymn "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing our GREAT REDEEMER'S PRAISE" fills my spirit. How we praise and thank you Lord!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 9:10-11) According to these verses, what is the purpose of God increasing your “store of seed”? That the increase may manifest itself in active goodness, kindness and charity! (amp. V10) (the more seed "planted", the greater the harvest!) How do greed and generosity differ from each other? Greed is motivated by selfish gain without thought to others well being. Generosity is just the opposite: It's the unselfish outpouring of resources for the benefit of others. In this case, it's for the mutual benefit and growth of the Kingdom of God, and for blessing Him and those who benefit from the seed, which rebounds again to the sower! We are to be "distributors" of God's resources, rather than "gatherers". What is God’s promise here to generous givers? God promises to multiply our resources and to increase the fruits of our righteousness which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness and acts of charity so that we will be enriched in all things and in every way, which will bring forth thanksgiving to God! The exact opposite of the way the world operates and thinks! The Kingdom of God truly is an "upside down" kingdom!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Why do you think pastors or other church leaders use guilt to try to compel people to give more? Can greed be behind their pressure? Unbelief/ ignorance and or ambition/ greed! I think many of the pastors/church leaders who manipulate/pressure/compel/or arm twist people to give are in unbelief of God's Sovereignty and love for His sheep and His under shepherds, and His promises to provide. Others may have their own agendas...either motivated by pride/ ego to support their own and ideas and prosperity or fear that THEIR ambitions won't be realized and Heaven forbid, they don't have the biggest church in town! Giving is an act of worship not a begruding duty! Why is pressure incompatible with worship? The Holy Spirit LEADS. Satan PRESSURES, MANIPULATES AND LIES.. Jesus said My sheep know my voice. The hireling shepherd has to whip the sheep from behind like cattle to get them moving because they don't know his voice and therefore don't respond to his voice. Worship flows out of the abundance of the heart's response to God's love and grace. Pressure is the antithesis of true worship. I was a visitor to a small church a few years ago at an evening service and was not feeling well. After a half hour of worship, I sat down. Others around me sat down as well. The pastor then scolded those of us who sat down and said it "killed" the worship and then tried to get a frenzy going, with loud raucous music. I had gone to hear a pastor visiting from Africa who was to be the speaker, and perhaps this local pastor was trying to impress the African visitor, but totally in the flesh, pride, ego, legalism. If worship was "killed" he beat it to death with his anger. (I don't believe our "physical position" is legislated for worship...but worship flows from the heart.) Needless to say, the evening was ruined, the African pastor seemed troubled and his message was "flat", I was embarrassed because I was the first to sit down.....I never went back to visit that church, and that pastor died about 6 months later and "his" church "disintegrated. What does cheerfulness while giving say about the condition of a person’s heart? Cheerfulness speaks of trust, rest, and belief that one is unconditionally loved and accepted in the Beloved...free from guilt and fear. It speaks of generosity of spirit and a desire to freely give of what one has received from the Lord's Hand....it is a reflection of God's own character Who so loved He gave His Son and continues to pour out to His children.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Does the Scripture teach that material blessing results from giving generously to God’s work? Yes, it does, absolutely! We can't out give God, and He's a generous Father Who loves to bless His children with as much as we can handle without it "ruining" us. Jesus said in Luke 6:38: "Give and gifts will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will they pour into your pouch (the bosom of your robe) For with the measure you deal out (the measure you use when you confer benefits on others), it will be measured back to you." That's pretty clear to me that we are to be generous givers, and the Lord will repay our generosity! Why are we so careful to reinterpret this as referring mainly to spiritual blessing? I think it has to do with wrong teaching, that the root of all evil is money...rather than the correct version "The LOVE of money is the root of all evil". Money is a necessity in our world, and the Word teaches us that we reap what we sow. If we sow sparingly, we'll reap sparingly. (If I only plant 10 seeds in my garden, I'll get 10 plants. If I plant 100 seeds, I'll get 100 plants and a much larger harvest from those plants.) But his blessing comes in many ways besides money....He gives favor and in many other ways as well. If you compared your own actual giving to God’s work to a tithe (10%) of your income, would it look generous? Yes.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 8:21-22) What is the balance between living our lives wholly before God without being men-pleasers, and doing what is right in the sight of men? I believe the balance comes in living wholly before God FIRST and ALWAYS, (walking in love, and holiness) then what is right in the sight of men naturally follows. If we live to please people it means that God is not our highest priority....and I've learned from experience in the "old days" that we end up not pleasing anyone...including God! (You shall have NO other gods before Me.) Living to "please men" indicates that our service is being done to be "seen by men", which is never a good motivation! Better to be a simple sheep, following the voice of the Holy Spirit since He alone knows the plan for each of us. (Even Christian voices and advice may lead us away from His path for our lives.) I think Paul is admonishing us to live to please God, not flaunting our freedom in Christ, which may cause our brothers/ sisters in Christ to "stumble" and to refrain from hypocrisy and the world's vices, which brings shame upon the Body of Christ and ridicule and disrespect for His Name from unbelievers.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 8:9) What riches did Christ have according to this verse? Jesus possesses all that exists...all that He created. He possessed God-hood with His Father and the Holy Spirit who are co-creators, and are the triune God. He possessed constant love and fellowship with the God-head. He possessed perfect holiness. How did he become poor? He left the majesty and glory of Heaven to become a man of flesh and blood, with all of its' limits to come to earth and be born in a dirty stable. He lived a life of poverty and homelessness, possessing no earthly possessions but a seamless woven cloak. He died the death of a convict on a cross, taking the sins of the entire world on His body, along with all of the wrath of God toward that sin. He was buried in a borrowed grave and tasted death so we don't have to face that dread and horror, but instead we go instantly into His presence when we die. In what way were we poor? Before we received His free gift of salvation, we were poor, blind and naked spiritually, in bondage to Satan, trapped in our sin and fallen nature, facing an eternity in hell, apart from God, and with no way to save ourselves...without hope or help. In what way have we become rich? When we are in Christ, He is in us...that wonderful mystery and the hope of Glory. We have become joint heirs with Him...all that is His He shares with us. We have this promise: And My God shall supply all my need according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus. We no longer face the dread of the second death and separation from Him. He have been given an abundant life here on earth and the freedom to enjoy life and service to Him, along with unbroken fellowship with Him. We are never alone...He is always with us, in us, interceding for us, loving us and we are clothed in His robe of righteousness, completely forgiven of all sin and unrighteousness. That is the most amazing exchange...we are unspeakably rich, beyond our ability to take it all in!