JanMary

Q2. (2 Corinthians 8:4, 7-9, 19) What does grace have to do with giving? Grace-giving is borne of love for the Lord and others, and gratitude for all that He has given and done for us! It's given in the sheer joy of blessing Him and others. What does giving look like when it isn’t accompanied by grace? This kind of giving may be done with resentment, (I HAVE to because the Word says to tithe or give offerings and to be generous...I don't want to get into trouble for NOT giving, so the motive is fear or guilt based)...when grace isn't involved in our decision, it's carefully measured out to the penny, and given with expectation of what I'll get out of it! This kind of giving is also done in pride...LOOK WHAT I GAVE and we make sure others know that we gave. It's sheer obligation and I believe dishonors and saddens our Lord who has freely given all He has to us! What does it look like when grace prompts your giving? It looks like the widow's mite and the Macedonians gifts..with boundless joy and eagerness without "show" or expectation to "get back" what is given. It becomes a love offering, rather than a duty or burden to be carried which weighs one down.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Why is it so difficult to give when we are stressed by circumstances and bills and pressures? Trials can cause us to become self absorbed, preoccupied, weighed down and wanting to receive rather than to give to others. What can we learn from the example of the Macedonians and the poor widow? The Macedonians, as well as the poor widow gave sacrificially...actually, the widow gave all she had. They gave according to their ability and beyond their ability (V3). They were moved by the love of God in their hearts for the needs of the saints who were suffering in Jerusalem, even thought they too were stressed. How will this lesson affect your own giving? I had an experience like this years ago, which changed my life and my giving! We were destitute, and I had $3.00, which I was holding onto tightly because I didn't know when I'd have another dollar. As I grasped it, the flow from God stopped. One day I met a pastor's wife who's husband had abandoned her and their church for another woman. She didn't even have a dollar. I gladly and with joy gave her the $3.00, forgetting about myself. The very next day, the Lord brought money to me! I had stopped his provision by not trusting Him "to meet all of my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Later I read about the widow who had given all she had, and I marvelled that I could understand the joy she must have felt in abandoning herself totally to His care! There is a great freedom that comes with relinquishing that which we hold dear, into His hands. I don't believe the poor widow was sad and downcast as she dropped her coin into the offering. I think she was light hearted and had a twinkle in her eye, as I had when I gave all I had.....I think she knew, and I've since learned that we can't out give God!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) What are the reasons Paul gives us – both in his letter and by quoting Old Testament scriptures – that we should live holy lives? To live a holy life is consistent with our faith and honors and glorifies Christ.( v14) We have nothing in common with the devil or unbelievers. (v15) We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, where God dwells. We are His people. (v16) We are to be separated from those who practice evil, and to abstain from evil, unholy practices. Darkness and light cannot coexist. We are the light of the world (v17) We are the Lord's sons and daughters called to holiness as He is Holy.(v18) What kinds of temptations did the Corinthians face in their notorious city. Idolatry, prostitution, temple prostitution, incest, perversions of all kinds, Gluttony, false religions. Pretty much what we are exposed to today. The producer of the t.v. show Glee is rejoicing that he has been victorious in receiving approval to show a homosexual sexual act on prime time t.v. this November....now perversion can come right into our homes via media.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 7:5) What are the distinctions between fear, faith, and courage? They are all God-given. Fear, is an emotion meant to keep us safe from harm...to flee danger such as an oncoming car, or a snarling animal. And yet God's Word tells us it is also a spirit which if succumbed to, can keep us in bondage to it. (We have not been given a SPIRIT of fear, but of love, and of power and a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7 Faith is a gift, of which every man/woman is given a measure. Like the spirit of fear, we are given the choice of what we do with it. Courage is also a gift which is controlled by our will. We can be besieged by the spirit of fear sent (from the devil) to disable and paralyze us, and yet in faith, can choose to be courageous...to do the thing or say the thing while still afraid if need be. Yielding to the Holy Spirit is how we are to exercise His power in all three mentioned above. Why is being honest about our fears better than pretending we don’t have any fears? Fears, like sins, when not acknowledged, have power to control us. Exposing either to the Light, diminishes their power. Last Monday as I was getting ready to go to bed I suddenly started shaking violently, teeth chattering, chilling. I took my temperature and became frightened when I saw 104 degrees, and recalled hearing that 101 is a very high temperature for an adult....so what on earth happens with 104? I took Tylenol and got a cold cloth for my head, turned on the light and and prayed. "Lord, I don't know what is wrong in my body, but I'm frightened! I felt led to turn on the t.v., and a Christian program was just signing off, and said "We leave you with this scripture: "Do not be afraid, for I AM WITH YOU. I will uphold you with my right hand" (Is 41:10) Immediately the fear left and I was peaceful, being aware now that the Lord was right here (I forget that when I'm afraid and feel all alone, without resources or anyone to take care of me....old childhood feelings and experiences from before I knew Him). Acknowledging my fear to Him, brought His Word and His presence immediately to my rescue. .....the fever subsided over night and I recovered from a stomach flu in just a few days. I realized that I must have had a low grade fever for some months from an ear issue, and only recognized that when the fever was gone, so was the ear issue, and the almost debilitating fatigue of past months, was also gone! So the Lord allowed the high fever to burn out that undetected infection and to heal my body! How did Paul deal with his fears? Paul exposed them to the light...he admitted them to his listeners and readers, "BUT GOD, Who comforts and encourages and refreshes and cheers the depressed, and the sinking, comforted and encouraged and refreshed and cheered us, by the arrival of Titus". Paul demonstrated in his own life that he had fears, but taught that God is the source of diminishing them, and Who also adds comfort and sends us the help we need! How would we KNOW that He is the Comforter, if we never acknowledge that we are afraid, or need comfort? How would we know that He is the Deliverer, if we're never in danger or peril or bondage? How would we know that He is our Healer, if we're never sick in body or soul? I thank God that His Word teaches us that we don't gain victory by sucking it up and trying to deal with life in our own strength, but rather to surrender our fears, weaknesses, illnesses, etc. to His superior strength to bring victory in our lives, and then He is glorified through us.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1) What kind of separation is Paul calling the Corinthians to? Paul is calling the Corinthians and all believers to not participate in the sinful activities of the world, and to not enter into covenant agreements with unbelievers...being unequally yoked to them, such as: missionary dating or engagement, hoping the intended will become a believer; marriage to an unbeliever; business partnerships, etc. The Corinthians were participating in immoral sexual practices and being led away from holy living. How can they strike a balance between separating themselves from sinful practices that mess up their spiritual lives while at the same time maintaining friendships with pagan neighbors and co-workers? We are called to influence a dying world, without its' pull influencing us in a negative way. We cannot influence unbelievers if we isolate ourselves from them. I believe we can have unbelieving friends and acquaintances so long as they are not influencing us in a negative way, and if our primary fellowship is with believers. We are to change "the atmosphere" around us...not the other way around. We are a "peculiar" people, and will never "fit in" with ungodliness, nor are we meant to be just another "chameleon" in the crowd of unbelievers. We are salt and light, and if living a holy life, others should want to join us!

Q1. (2 Corinthians 6:3-13) Why do you think Paul shares so much about his various struggles with the Corinthians? Paul was an encourager and a Father to the flock. I believe he shared his struggles, knowing that they would face the same or perhaps worse, and wanted them to know that he was standing firm and they could as well, in Christ's strength just as he was doing without "fainting" or quitting. To prepare them. Perhaps a reminder to keep him in prayer. How does this help them accept his apostleship as authentic? If Paul was any less than authentic, he would have turned tail and run when the persecution and tough times became intense. We'd have never had three fourth's of the New Testament, had he been a fake! He was like the lead goose flying in formation, "honking" back encouragement to keep the faith, as he made a path for them in the realm of faith and suffering for Christ's sake. Have you ever complained about what you’ve had to put up with in your ministry? I can't recall a time, other than saying how weary I was after the long haul. How does it compare to what Paul faced? I can't even imagine what Paul endured....what a beautiful example for us! I so admire him...he's one of the first people I want to meet in Heaven to thank him for remaining faithful to the Lord and for his authenticity and integrity.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2) If you, then, are called to be an urgent agent of reconciliation, how is this likely to affect your daily life? My focus is on the Kingdom, and I look for those who are not yet reconciled to God. I may be inconvenienced, but am willing to take the time for such a precious assignment. I don't want anyone to go to hell.....so I do take time whenever the Holy Spirit leads, and gives me opportunity to share the Gospel and to tell others how much God loves them. How will it affect how people perceive you? When I share Christ with someone who is receptive, I may be perceived as someone who loves and values them and wants them to spend eternity with the Lord. When I share with someone who is not receptive, I may be perceived as a do-gooder, or a "religious zealot"...the fragrance of death. How will it affect how God perceives you? God knows and loves me whether or not I "perform", but I know it pleases Him when I'm obedient, and I want to please Him!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:21) In what sense did Jesus “become sin” on our behalf? It's the greatest miracle ever performed...unfathomable! He, Jesus, Who knew NO sin, took all of the wrath of God toward mankind's sin, upon Himself. He literally hung there with every sin ever committed or to be committed in future, upon His body, so that we will never again experience the wrath or anger of our Father! The perfect sacrifice! In what sense do we “become righteousness”? It was the GREAT EXCHANGE...He took my sin and unrighteousness and in return when I became His child through conversion, He gave me His righteousness! When I try to put it into words, I'm almost speechless....Praise You Lord for Your faithfulness and Your love for me...us!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) How have we humans been reconciled to God? We were all born into a "family" at war with God. In the fullness of time the Father sent His Son Jesus to die on the Cross for the sins of all mankind (whosoever may come, by choice). When we say "Yes" to His invitation, we are born anew into Him and into a new family..now reconciled since He won the war against sin and death. (All things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself (received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself) and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation (that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him also. V 18) What did God do so that reconciliation could take place? He sacrificed Himself in His Son and took all of the wrath and punishment due us, upon Himself at the Cross. He paid the only acceptable price...His perfect, sinless Son...the spotless Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the whole world (to whosoever will accept His sacrifice in their place, to receive eternal life with Him) In what sense are you an Ambassador of the Kingdom of God? In the sense of all Ambassador's....I'm His representative....I've been commissioned and sent in His Name to represent Him accurately to a dying world. In what sense are you a Minister of Reconciliation for Jesus Christ? In the same sense that He reconciled me to Himself, I am commissioned and sent in His Name to share Him with others so that they can be reconciled to Him. I am to be His voice, His hands, His feet (because He lives in me) here on earth.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17) What does verse 17 teach us about the nature of a new believer? The old previous moral and spiritual condition has passed away and the fresh and new has come! We're new creatures in Christ when he comes to live in us. We now have a choice of whether or not to sin, whereas before, we were in total bondage to Satan and our old fallen nature! Our chains are gone! What changes in a person when he puts his faith in Christ? Everything! We go from hell as our destination, to eternal life in Heaven with the Lord. We leave the kingdom of darkness and enter the kingdom of light. We are new members of God's kingdom instead of prisoners to the life of the world, the flesh and the devil. Our desires change, our heart is changed from one of stone to a tender heart like Jesus'. We are able to forgive rather than holding grudges and bitterness and resentment! We go from no relationship or intimacy with God, to a personal relationship as His dear children, and joint heirs with Christ! We leave fruitless lives behind and begin to live lives which produce fruit for the Kingdom of God and to store up treasures in Heaven. Why don’t old habits disappear immediately if everything has become new? I read Ben Patterson's book as a new Christian and was asking "Why is it taking me so long to get better?" (his book title). He likened the conversion experience to when the Marines landed on an island. They only have a toe hold on the beach, but they radio back to the ship "The island is secure". The Holy Spirit now has a "toe hold" on the beaches of our lives when we accept Jesus, and like the Marines gaining ground inch by inch of the enemy held territory, He gradually, lovingly moves us more and more into the things of Christ. The "island" of our lives IS secure when He comes to live in us, but it takes time for the "new creature" to permeate the old ruts, habits, sin nature, attacks from the devil and our strong wills.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 5:10-11a) How does Paul’s mention of the Judgment Seat of Christ fit the context here? Paul is telling us that living by faith (rather than by worthless works of the flesh) produces the rewards we will receive at the White Throne Judgment. (Believers are not appointed to the wrath awaiting those who reject Jesus, His Gift to all.) How should our belief that we Christians will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged for our works affect (1) our desire to please him? The benefit is two fold...by serving Him in love and obedience to whatever He calls us to do on a daily basis, pleases Him and reaps a later reward for our obedience at the White Throne judgment. I want to hear "Well done good and faithful servant! I asked the Lord when I learned as a young believer that my life would be sifted as to wood, hay and stubble, or precious "jewels" which withstand the fires of testing, to do whatever is necessary in my life to insure that I won't come to Him "empty handed". I want my life to have eternal value. (2) Our motivation to persuade people to receive Christ? My motivation is that I don't want anyone to go to hell. I can't bear to think of anyone stuck in hell forever because they never heard how to have a relationship with our beautiful, wonderful Savior! I don't want to miss any opportunity to share Him! I'm so grateful to those who planted seeds and watered them in my life and ultimately invited and kept inviting me to a Bible Study where I could learn and grow in Him.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:7) What does it mean to walk by faith, not by sight? To walk by faith is to live according to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit....rather than by what my senses tell me, my flesh wants, nor by my surroundings or circumstances. Why can’t nonbelievers understand this kind of living? Nonbelievers are spiritually dead and have no understanding whereas faith is spiritually discerned....When we are born again, we receive the gift of faith, and they don't have this gift...yet! What aspects of your life are guided by your senses rather than by your faith? Eating, sleeping, bathing,exercising, expressing emotions...the things our flesh requires for a healthy life. Taking care of maintaining the "tent"...but then if any of those are out of balance, I ask the Lord in faith to lead me to a healthy place. How can you bring a faith perspective into these areas? I'm naturally a low energy person, so I pray and ask God to give me the strength and perseverance to get to the gym on a regular basis, which He does for me. I ask for wisdom about how to eat to maintain a healthy body....and He has given me wisdom which I follow (most of the time .) On sleepless nights, I remember that His Word says "He grants His beloved sleep" and I'm His beloved child, so I remind Him of His promise. As I've gone through years of emotional healing for a lifetime of abuse, I believed in faith that the grieving and counseling and12 step Bible Study, would result in healing my damaged emotions and broken heart because He is the Great Physician....and that is what He has accomplished in me! I'm a new creature in Christ...the old has passed away. Thank you, Lord!!!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) How do Paul’s words comfort you when you consider your death? I look forward to being with the Lord, unhindered by this "tent" of flesh. I've had a foretaste of His Presence and I long to be there forever, not just for the moments I've experienced! I look forward to finally being where I'm meant to be, living what He has prepared for me...free at last! I don't fear death...it lost its' sting when Jesus rose from the grave! What do Christians believe happens when we die? V8...We are absent from the body, but at HOME with the Lord. Our spirit leaves this "tent" and we are immediately in His Presence. What will happen to us if we die before Christ returns? Our spirit is with the Lord, awaiting our resurrection bodies. What will happen to us when Christ returns? If you mean the Rapture or Translation, Jesus will descend from Heaven with the blast of the Trumpet of God (The fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets where 100 trumpet sounds, and the rapture trumpet is the last on the 100 blasts) and the dead in Christ shall rise. Those who are alive at the time of the Rapture will rise simultaneously with the resurrected dead in Christ to meet in the air...to go to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. If you are referring to Jesus' 2nd Coming when His feet touch the Mount of Olives, then we will come back with Him for 1,000 years.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5) In what sense are our bodies like tents? Tents are for temporary housing and short term use. They're inconvenient, and made of material that doesn't hold up well in the elements. Our bodies are like that. We're not here forever, as the body is for the short term (in terms of eternity). They start to die shortly after we're born, subject to disease and decay. Our new "houses" will last forever (as these were intended, before the fall and death mercifully intervened so we're not stuck here in this situation forever!) If we were to truly look forward to our “house not made with hands,” how would it affect our daily lives here? When I'm conscious of the Lord's Presence and remember I'm here for a short time, I live with my focus on eternal preparation, and see life here as a "pit stop" on the way to my Heavenly, permanent home. I have more joy and the trials of life become obstacles rather than a permanent condition! When my focus shifts to eternal things, Satan's lies are foiled! ("It's always going to be this way!", "Nothing ever changes!" "you're always going to be in pain!" "You're really getting old!" ...and so on!

Q5. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) In what way do problems and physical deterioration help us toward “an eternal weight of glory”? Physical problems remind us that the "house" we roam the earth in is temporary, and is wearing out and will one day be either left behind at the Rapture or will be buried when we "move home". Problems of other kinds remind us that we are just passing through! Why is it so easy to focus on temporal matters to the exclusion of eternal things? We live in the temporal world which looks, smells, feels,and seems like the only reality. It takes time and training by the Holy Spirit and understanding of God's Word to come to the knowledge of the truth that eternity is where our true home is and where our focus needs to be! Why is a focus on eternal things so important to our spiritual growth? If our focus is on eternal things, we will be laying up treasure in Heaven and our lives will be invested in the Kingdom of God and His purposes, rather than on the temporal which is passing away. What can we do to help shift our focus? For me it requires submitting my mind and heart to the Lord....surrendering my agenda and desires to His and when they conflict, reminding myself that I'm a pilgrim passing through, and that my real home is in Heaven.

Q4. (2 Corinthians 4:8-12) How does it encourage you to know that Paul went through tremendous stress and pressure? Paul was tested and tried to the limit, yet stood firm in his trust and faith in the Lord. He was not a fair weather Christian who only talked the talk. He stood firm no matter what. His life encourages me that I too can stand the tests and stresses of life, when the devil whispers "this is too much for you...you'll never get through this!" The fact that Paul could "count it all joy" while imprisoned and in sewage up to his ankles, I know that in Christ, I too can withstand the trials and tests which are mine to walk through. The Lord promises that He won't give us more than we can bear....and Paul's life is a testimony to the watchful, loving eye of the Lord over, and His power in His children. What effect did these sufferings have on the way people could see Christ in Paul? They were the proof that what Paul spoke and taught was not head knowledge, but the truth of the Gospel in action. Unbelievers were drawn to Jesus because they saw Him at work in and through Paul.....the fragrance of Christ. Believers who knew and saw Paul suffering were encouraged in the same way that I am from reading about his life. God is no respecter of persons...no favorites. So what He did for Paul He will do for you and me! Why is pain necessary to spiritual growth? Pain and suffering are the places we grow...where our ego/will is crucified. It's where Jesus becomes our ALL, and we lose sight of the things of this earth that consume us in "good times". Pain is where we learn that we are not the captain of our "ship"...the Lord is Sovereign and in control. Pain, as C.S. Lewis so aptly said "Is God's megaphone." Suffering is where Jesus became and continues to be more precious to me than anything which can be named on earth! He has become my world and my life as a result of all that He's brought me through! Thank you for trials, Lord, or I wouldn't know that You are Who You say that You are and that You will do what you say you will do! How would we know Him as comforter if our hearts weren't broken, or as Healer if we were never sick, or as Sovereign, if we could solve our problems ourselves? How does our pain allow others to assess our authenticity as Christians? The early Christians were willing to die for their faith in Christ. Paul preferred to die than to live but stood firm till the end. That kind of faith, proves the reality of Christ in one's life. It demonstrates that Christianity is not a RELIGION, but a relationship with the living God. I've been told that very thing by others who've watched me walk where He's led me, without wavering or complaining. What joy that brings, that we are witnesses at times just by our actions when there are no words!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What truth is Paul seeking to communicate by this analogy of a treasure in a pottery jar? I believe he desired to communicate that our Holy and risen Savior sent His Holy Spirit to live in those He has redeemed....flesh made from dust which will return one day to dust...unless the rapture of the Church comes first. What does the clay jar represent? Me! A cracked vessel, capable of allowing the God of Glory to shine through the broken places to others. What does the treasure represent? The treasure is the Lord Jesus Christ, Who left the Majesty of Heaven and came down to earth to become a Man....who lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was buried and rose from the dead, then sent His precious Holy Spirit to live in me, when He returned to the right hand of His Father. What’s the paradox here? The paradox to me is that an all powerful, Holy God would choose to make His home in a fallen (yet now redeemed), still capable of sin, body of flesh...with the task of sharing His Gospel of love to the rest of the fallen world! Simply too amazing to grasp!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Since Satan has blinded people’s eyes to the truth, is there any hope for them? Absolutely! My eyes were blinded until a Christian neighbor began to pray for me and to share Christ with me....I wasn't interested for quite some time, but the Holy spirit wooed me and won me! Jesus said No one comes to Me unless my Father enables them to come," so I share believing that each one has been enabled to come....."Whosoever will may come." What strategies must we use to overcome spiritual blindness? Prayer and sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. The life my Christian neighbor lived before me, and her love and kindness softened my heart to be willing to listen to truth. How many people are likely to find Christ without intercessory prayer? I have no idea. Left to our own devices, we are not likely to seek Christ on our own. The Jewish woman with the issue of blood, confined to her home for being "unclean", broke all the laws and went out in public in seach of Jesus because of what she'd HEARD ABOUT HIM...and He said "Daughter, your faith has healed you."

Q1. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2) How do questionable ethics and ministry practices hurt the work of Christ? Questionable ethics and ministry practices reflect poorly on Christ, and are the cause of distrust and disillusionment in "sheep". After a well known televangelist and his wife were found to be corrupt, a woman with whom I was sharing Christ, said "Oh no...I'm done with Christianity! I gave money to "them" and watched them every day...now I don't trust any "Christian". It broke my heart to hear those words. What is Paul’s alternative in verse 2b? Paul said that servants of Christ should be tested and found faithful, proving themselves worthy of trust. Power can corrupt even the best of men and women. To be tested and tried before being given lots of authority is a good thing for the body of Christ and a good thing for the one to be tested first. State the truth openly, clearly, and candidly and in so doing commend oneself in the sight and presence of God to every man's conscience.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 4:1-2) How do questionable ethics and ministry practices hurt the work of Christ? Questionable ethics and ministry practices reflect poorly on Christ, and are the cause of distrust and disillusionment in "sheep". After a well known televangelist and his wife were found to be corrupt, a woman with whom I was sharing Christ, said "Oh no...I'm done with Christianity! I gave money to "them" and watched them every day...now I don't trust any "Christian". It broke my heart to hear those words. What is Paul’s alternative in verse 2b? Paul said that servants of Christ should be tested and found faithful, proving themselves worthy of trust. Power can corrupt even the best of men and women. To be tested and tried before being given lots of authority is a good thing for the body of Christ as well as for the one being tested! "State the truth openly, clearly and candidly and in so doing, commend oneself in the sight and presence of God to every man's conscience."

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Why is character change directly related to time deliberately spent in God’s presence? I had to chuckle when I first read this question, because of an old adage I've heard and SEEN...that after a number of years, people begin to resemble their dogs! If it's true that just spending time with a pet can affect that change, then the Word's promise that we are transformed as we spend time in His presence is even more true and powerful! The flesh which reigns until we accept Christ, begins to lose its' "stranglehold" as we are strengthened in our spirit-man in the Lord's presence in prayer, His Word, worship, and fellowship. The flesh gradually becomes subject to the Spirit of God in us. Our character changes and our desire for things of this world begins more and more to fade...we want what He wants and we want to be more like Him. What is the theological word for the process of maturing in Christ? Transformation ( a Metamorphosis...as from a "caterpillar" flesh man, into a butterfly...a man/woman/child who reflects the glory of God. A new creation changed from glory to glory. Have you noticed a change in the “degree of glory” you’re experiencing now compared to a few years ago? Why or why not? Yes I have, praise God! How sad I would be to have to say No to that question and to ask "Have these years been a waste of time?" But thanks be to God who draws me to Himself daily, and Who loves me enough to allow the trials which have helped to crucify my flesh, I see change in every area of my life. My faith has grown as I've been tested and tried (and which I know will continue until "that day" when I meet Him face to face). The things of this world which consumed my thoughts for years (house, car, clothes, travel, reputation, appearance, pleasure) have diminished. (Losing the house we owned, sharing one old car between the two of us, having no ability to travel, growing older, having the reputation of a nut-case for believing God's promises and looking like failures because of the loss of our business, etc. are all flesh "crucifiers". I praise God for each one, as I've found my total reliance upon Him, my pleasure is in knowing Him. The "form" or "fluff" which held me captive early on, has been replaced with the "substance" of walking with and living in and for Jesus. This says it all for me: "Those who are broken in wealth, and broken in self-will and broken in their ambitions, and broken in their beautiful ideals, and broken in worldly reputation, and broken in their affections, and broken oft times in their health; those who are despised and seem utterly forlorn and helpless, the Holy Ghost is seizing upon and using for God's glory. The lame take the prey, Isaiah tells us." (Streams in the desert, vol 1, Oct 13, Cowman" If being stripped of all and broken is the price to be used, then praise be to God, for I want to be used of Him!

Q3. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Moses glowed by spending time with God on Mt. Sinai, in his tent of meeting, and in the Tabernacle. How can we get a similar glow of the Spirit in our lives? We can glow the same way Moses did...by spending time close to God in worship, prayer and fellowship..having an authentic relationship with Him. I've experienced hearing that I'm "radiant", while serving the Lord with great joy. That can only be His doing! In what way is meditating on Scripture beholding God? Jesus IS the Word (John 1:1). We're told that the Word of God is a mirror we look into, which reflects Him to us and us to ourselves....He is revealed there as Almighty God, Ruler above all, and we see as we read and meditate on his Word that we are His beloved children, fallen yet now redeemed. His Word is alive and active, a two edged sword (one side cuts away that which is of the flesh, while the other brings healing and wholeness...holiness) His Word is most often His voice to us. Is the low plane of Christianity in our day related to the time we spend in communion with the Lord? What is God leading you to do to increase your glow? I think it is related to time spent...or rather time not spent. We're constantly "spun up" with media and electronic gadgets which were meant to help us make better use of our time, but which now consume our time...just the constant busyness of life. I think it has to do also with the casualness which has crept into the Church....Yes He's our friend, (He says so), but He's also Holy and Mighty and Awesome....the church has lost much of the reverence He is due, which has led to a casual attitude toward our Savior and Lord..."I'll catch Him later...got places to go, people to see..." He has refreshed my desire too spend the first hours of the day before anyone else is up with Him in undistracted quietness. It is my favorite time of day. (this came after a very dry time where I told Him I was not going to read the Bible until "You give me the desire to read it) So even the time I spend with Him, is His desire working in and through me. How I praise and thank Him!

Q2. (2 Corinthians 3:16-17) Why is the Holy Spirit essential to help people see truth clearly and be able to grasp it? We are a fallen people born disconnected from God....our minds are darkened and veiled to Truth. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, who came to lead us into all Truth. He alone turns on the Light in our darkened minds. "When He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into ALL the Truth (the whole, full truth)...(John 16:13 ampl.) What enables people to come to Christ at all? I would say not what, but rather Whom. Jesus said "No one can come to Me unless it is granted him (unless he is enabled to do so) by My Father." John 6:65 & John 10:16 (He Impels us to come) The Father chose me before the foundation of the world, and gave me to Jesus, as His love gift. (John 17:6, 9,11,12,24) Then it was the Holy Spirit Who stirred me and drew me to Christ, introducing me to Him.( It is the Spirit Who gives life. John 6:63). When I said "Yes" to Jesus, the Holy Spirit came to live inside me...my Helper, Comforter, Encourager, Teacher, Advocate, Intercessor, Standby, (John 15:26) then Jesus gave me, redeemed, back to His Father as His love gift.(John 17:7) I used to say "I found Jesus!", before I understood that the Triune God chose me, hunted me down, wooed me, regifted me to each other as a love gift, and I fell into His arms, cleansed forever, and forever His daughter! What kind of freedom does the Spirit give us when we become Christians? "And you shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free". John 8:32...He is Truth, and His revelation of Truth removes the veil of denial and deception to which we are in bondage. Truth is like a laser which cuts through spiritual and emotional walls of iron and gates of steel which imprison believers and unbelievers alike.

Q1. (2 Corinthians 3:7-11) Why did Moses face glow? When Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory (Ex 33:18) the Lord said "There is a place beside me, I will stand you on the Rock and hide you in a cleft of the Rock" (What a beautiful revelation of Jesus beside His Father, the second person of the Trinity, in that statement) and covered him with His hand allowing Moses to see his back, but not His face when His glory passed by. Moses had an intimate relationship with God in which the Lord allowed His glory to be shown in their meetings. Moses face reflected the time spent in God's Presence. Why did he cover it when he was out with the people? The people were afraid to come near him (Ex 34:30). He wanted the people to be in awe, and "fear" of the Lord, not of himself. Also, so that the Israelites might not gaze upon the finish of the vanishing splendor which had been upon it. 2 Cor 3:13 Why didn’t more people’s face glow in Moses’ time? When the people heard the roar and thunder of God on Mt. Sinai they were terrified and trembled with fear and stood afar off. They said to Moses: "You speak to us and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, lest we die." ....the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was. (Ex 20:18-21) They didn't want to know God themselves, but second hand through Moses as God's representative. (Sadly true in our day and throughout Church history, putting a church leader on a high pedestal expecting him to tell the people how to live, rather than seeking God for themselves.) What’s the difference between the spread of God’s glory in Moses’ time when compared to our own time? In our time a personal relationship is available to "whosoever will may come"....we have Bibles, (many have Bibles in dozens of translations, it is available online, on I Pad, phone apps)....God is "hiding His Glorious Presence" in plain sight of everyone who will come to Him through Jesus...."The dispensation of the Spirit (this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit) be attended with much greater and more splendid glory?" Amp. 2 Cor 3:8 (governed by the Holy Spirit, not church leaders!) Anyone who has an intimate relationship with the Lord of Glory may reflect Him, because He lives within each believer. Each of us can be a "Light-bearer".

Q4. (2 Corinthians 3:6a) Why is a Christian’s spiritual health so closely related to his or her involvement in ministry? Jesus gave the example of the "talents" not being used being taken away. Muscles not used, atrophy. The mind not used becomes dull and foggy. Exercise increases oxygen intake which makes a healthier body. We are not islands who can "email in" our involvement....ministry is an interactive endeavor, believer to believer, where the rubber meets the road of our faith, our gifting one to another, and our dependence upon the Lord. We are called to be soldiers and warriors, not babies sitting by the side of the road of life with pacifiers waiting for our next bottle feeding. Jesus is preparing a Bride, not looking for a 45 minute date on Sunday morning. Jesus is our example of Servanthood...we are not above our Master, and are to serve as He leads us. What are the consequences of dropping out of church – for the believer? Years ago when I was a new believer, a man who had been involved in our church and who appeared to be content and happy, but had wandered away from fellowship, committed suicide. I was shocked beyond belief that a Christian could commit suicide and asked one of the Pastor's how this could happen! He said "The wolf always looks for the lamb who is isolated from the flock...who does not stay close to the shepherd and is always on the fringe or outer edge of the sheepfold." That made sense to me and as I've grown in the Word I see that it is true, and is the serpents goal. If he can cause a church wound or enough disappointment to lure a believer away into isolation he has a much better chance of causing further harm or destruction in that life. For that reason we are commanded in Hebrews 10:24,25 to " give attention and continuous care to WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHER, studying how we may stir up love and helpful deeds and noble activities, NOT FORSAKING OR NEGLECTING TO ASSEMBLE TOGETHER AS BELIEVERS, AS IS THE HABIT OF SOME, BUT ADMONISHING (WARNING, URGING, AND ENCOURAGING) ONE ANOTHER, AND ALL THE MORE FAITHFULLY AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING." (Never more true than the days we are living in!) For Christ’s Kingdom? The example we use jokingly when someone acts peculiarly "He/she is one brick short of a full load", I think is a great analogy for this question, since Jesus describes the members of His body as "living STONES". When one falls away, that living stone is missing, and those gifts are no longer available to minister to the rest of the Body of Christ. We're "one brick short of a full load", and the body is not able to function to full capacity due to the loss, and the one who is missing has become easy prey to the wolf looking for an easy lunch.