JanMary

Q2. (Luke 14:15-24) In what way is the Parable of the Great Banquet about grace? In every way....the only way to attend is by the invitation of Salvation by Grace alone, and the acceptance of His grace and forgiveness for our sins, in exchange. In what way is it about judgment? It is about judgment in that all sin and unrighteousness was judged on the Cross, so those in attendance are there having chosen to receive His grace. Those not in attendance have chosen to stay in their sin, rejecting His grace and receiving His judgment and eternity in hell. In what way is it about evangelism? Every individual who is in attendance is there because they were "evangelized"....someone shared the Gospel with each one. The Kingdom is "built" one heart at a time. To what End Time event does the great banquet point? It portrays the Marriage supper of the Lamb after the rapture of the Church, which I believe is occurring while the tribulation is being played out on earth.

Q2. (Luke 14:15-24) In what way is the Parable of the Great Banquet about grace? In every way....the only way to attend is by the invitation of Salvation by Grace alone, and the acceptance of His grace and forgiveness for our sins, in exchange. In what way is it about judgment? It is about judgment in that all sin and unrighteosness was judged on the Cross, so those in attendance are there having chosen to receive His grace. Those not in attendance have chosen to stay in their sin, rejecting His grace and receiving His judgement and eternity in hell. In what way is it about evangelism? Every individual who is in attendance is there because they were "evangelized"....someone shared the Gospel with each one. The Kingdom is "built" one heart at a time. To what End Time event does the great banquet point? It portrays the Marriage supper of the Lamb after the rapture of the Church, which I believe is occurring while the tribulation is being played out on earth.

Q1. (Luke 14:15-24) In the Parable of the Great Banquet, who do the original guests represent? I believe it represents the religious Jews to whom Jesus was referring......those one would expect to receive His invitation: Those who knew the Word, who were looking for Messiah, who were the "important" people in Israel, of high rank in Judaism. Who do the later invited guests represent? Whosoever will come from every tribe, nation and kindred....this included me. (sinner, bruised, beaten up by life, broken hearted, and with no social or religious status whatsoever, but with a heart open to receive the invitation to the glorious banqueting table in His Kingdom) The GREAT EXCHANGE: my sin and brokenness in exchange for His righteousness, peace and joy and every spiritual blessing in Heaven both now and for Eternity! Thank you Jesus for inviting me to Your table! What does it mean to "compel them to come in" (KJV)? To not take no for an answer...to persist in making clear that this is a life or death "invitation"....one to not be taken lightly or to be refused with flimsy excuses of inconvenience. How might this sense of urgency apply today? The invitation is of grave importance! Time is short...Jesus is standing at the door knocking and soon the door of opportunity will close and it will be too late to accept. Evangelism must be Sprit led, Spirit infused, to get the invitation "delivered" to those who have not yet come in.

Q4. How do you think Jesus will hold you personally accountable on Judgment Day for using your "talents"? I will give an account of my stewardship. If you begin to be more faithful from now on, how do you think that may affect his accounting on that Day? Early on, when I read the passage (I Cor. 3:12-14) about our works being tested by fire, and all that is done in the flesh will burn as wood, hay and stubble, and only what is done in obedience to Him will withstand the fire, I gave Him permission to do whatever was necessary in my life to insure that I don't come to Him "empty handed" with works of the flesh to be burned up, ashamed. I said "Lord, I don't want to stand before you that day with regrets that I can't undo." He has been faithful to lead me and to teach and train me. I don't fear that accounting, because I have been faithful to obey Him to the best of my ability. I pray often that He will help me to fulfill the destiny He has planned for me. Will there be lapses? I don't know. Undoubtedly! But with His help and strength, I will endeavor to do all that He gives me to do, in His strength, to His glory. That prevents me from running off to be an "entrepreneur" to just "do works" of my own choosing, to get a check mark in the box. The beauty of trusting Him to lead and guide, is that I can REST in Him. I'm not a frantic or compulsive "DOER", led by guilt or fear! He never asks more than I can bear. (I know that I am a sinner, saved by grace and that aspect is not in question "at that day"...my sin is all under the blood!) When my works are tested, He will give whatever reward He has stored up for me.

Q3. When we are successful, to whom does the fruit of our labors belong? Our success is the Lord's...100%. As a believer, all that I am and all that I have belongs to Him. I am simply His steward. If I'm successful, the glory is His. If I fail, it's only because I trusted in my flesh to accomplish the task, and I thank God for those few failures...they were educational, to learn to trust in and rely on Him, not my self. In what sense are we independent entrepreneurs? As a believer, I'm not independent...He lives in me, I am His. I serve Him, not myself. If I think of myself as an independent entrepreneur, I would no longer be walking in the Spirit, but totally in the flesh. In what sense are we stewards of the gifts and "talents" given us? I'm a steward of the gifts and talents in every sense of the word..they're His gifts and talents "on loan" to be used for His glory! How does the attitude of a self-made person differ from the attitude of a steward? The self made person is just that: self absorbed, self motivated, selfish, self seeking, self glorifying. The steward recognizes that God is the "owner" of all that is on loan and is careful to care for God's gifts, talents, resources according to God's desires and instructions for God's glory.

Q2. (Matthew 25:15, 21, 23) What are the factors that make up a person's "ability to carry out something"? Since we're dealing with Scripture and the parable, I'll limit my answer to the Spiritual realm....it would be quite different for success in the natural world. "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me". "With God, all things are possible"....and a quote I love: "God and I are a majority". I believe the main factors are the desire to be obedient to God and the faith that He will accomplish the task through me, with perhaps a smidgen of "bent" in the direction of that which is to be carried out. (David was skilled with the sling shot, but that was not what killed Goliath.) Some of the things God has asked me to do have nothing to do with the gifts or talents He's given me, but rather on simple obedience and trust in His ability to complete the task. What percentage of this is raw talent, in your opinion? I think very little, if any. God is the mountain mover. In writing, I show up, but God is the Author. Why are some who succeed not necessarily the most talented? Those who succeed in the Kingdom of God, I believe, are those who trust in God and God alone. Works of the flesh (and raw talent) may "produce", but why go there when those things will be burnt up when our works are tested. A monument to "selfish ambition or raw talent" will bring no glory to God, though it may bring the doer accolades of praise. What factors are keeping you from carrying out what God has entrusted you to do? That is a great question! I was just asked to do something, and I've been praying about it, because it's something I lack confidence in doing.....silly me! I just received the answer! I'll do it, knowing that the outcome does not depend upon me! I just need to show up and God will show up, and I can leave the results in His Hands. Along that same line, I took some months off from writing and was struggling to get started again....thoughts of "I can't do this!", "What I've written will interest no one!", etc. Then it dawned on me, that I've been obedient to God's call to write the book....the result will be what He intends for it, and that is to bring Him glory! I just need to show up and keep writing believing in His ability, since I have none. If it encourages only one person, it will have been worth the time and effort.

Q1. (Matthew 25:14-30) What do you think the "talents" represent? I think the "talents" represent the spiritual gifts and natural abilities with which God has gifted each of us, as well as our material resources. We were created for "Relationship", with our God and with others, and those gifts and talents are the unique way we "relate" to Him and to those around us. If you were to take an inventory of your "talents," what would they be? What a refreshing question....usually introspection is to find the flaws, sin and weaknesses! Thank you Pastor Ralph for this exercise in looking for all that God has placed in each of us: He's given me a love of writing, of books and words, (He's asked me to write a book which glorifies Him and His healing and provision through a life of abuse, and loss); a love of His creation, expressed through artistic creativity, such as painting and drawing; A love of symmetry, with the ability to help others decorate their homes using mostly what they already have on hand, arranged in the most pleasing way. A love of people, so I'm friendly and outgoing (that's a miracle! After a life of abuse, before Christ's healing, I was timid, backward, and shy, afraid of people) After I "got over myself", I discovered I have a funny sense of humor! I love to laugh and to have fun! (finally found balance in life) What spiritual gifts have you been given? He's gifted me with the gifts of Evangelism, exhortation, mercy, administration, a prayer language with which to praise and worship Him. What abilities do you have? I'm a good listener, from having learned how important it is to "be heard", having been ignored during childhood. I'm told that I'm a very good cook. (He's given me a natural ability to be able to "just know" what a recipe needs, or how it's going to taste before I make it, and to be inventive and creative in what I cook. What Bible knowledge do you have? First and foremost, I'm a disciple, so it's fairly extensive. The Lord challenged me early on, to read through the Bible...to get the whole story...and I've done that many times. I've had the privilege of a number of years of Bible study. I study and read on my own, to get to know Him and so that I can make Him known. Where has God placed you in your community? In society? In your profession or industry? Our children are grown and on their own, and with that, school and school friends and their parents, (sphere of influence) was completed. My family is still very much where I've been placed. I've been placed in my friend's lives, and as several are struggling with deaths of children and other trauma, He uses me to weep with them and to encourage and pray for them. I've been placed in my husband's life. At the moment my "sphere of influence" seems small now that I'm nearly 70, but I'm active at a women's gym and find many opportunities to pray for other women and their families and to share Christ. My neighborhood, which is always changing because we live in an apartment complex....many opportunities to share Christ and pray here. (6 months ago my neighbors across the stairs moved out and I asked the Lord to send someone who needs prayer. A woman moved in, who shortly after discovered she has breast cancer. We've had lovely prayer times and sharing together. She's hungry to know the Lord. My service at our Church is a joy. In what sense do these "belong" to God rather than to you? He created me. He bought me with His blood and redeemed me from the enemy. He gave me all that I am and have. Therefore, all that I am and have is His. He has placed me in stewardship of all that He's given me....I'm even a steward of how I tell my story to others....(does it glorify Him or myself. )

Q4. (Luke 13:18-20) According to these parables in this lesson, in what ways is the Kingdom small? In what ways does the Kingdom grow? The Kingdom was small in it's beginning, starting with Jesus then from Him to His disciples then to others, down through the ages till today. The Gospel spreads by word of mouth from one believer to an unbeliever and it only grows one heart at a time. It is small in that only a remnant of all the people in the world, will choose to receive the Gospel and be saved. In what ways is the Kingdom door narrow? There is only one way to enter....through the Lord Jesus Christ. That is an unbendable principle, without exception. In what way is the Kingdom banquet, on the one hand, large and diverse, and on the other, selective? The banquet is large and diverse in that it includes an infinite number of believers from every nation, down through the ages. It is selective in that only those robed in the wedding garment...His robe of righteousness given at Salvation, before one dies, will be included.

Q3. (Luke 13:28-30) The great "feast in the kingdom of God" has guests from all over the world. Who are they? It will be the marriage supper of the lamb, and will include all who are born again from every nation, and tribe and tongue and kindred....I'm looking forward to that awesome celebration! I am a member of a multicultural, amazing church, and I think of that celebration in Heaven looking much like we do....former Muslims, Messianic Jews, Black and white and every shade in between. Japanese, Hispanic, Chinese, Korean, Ethiopian.....I can't think of any not represented...all loving each other, appreciating our differences and unified around our Lord Jesus Christ. Our church has been referred to as a modern day miracle...I agree. Who will be the ones "thrown out" of the feast? Any who are not wearing the robe of righteousness which Jesus "clothes" us in at the point of Salvation. Why will they be excluded? They refused His invitation when He offered it to them here on earth. If you are doing this study and you have not yet invited Him in, I urge you to do so today....He's knocking at the door of your heart, and He's knocking at the door of His soon return.....don't try to "gain more knowledge" before accepting Him as your Lord and Savior....He will lead you into all truth when you enter through the gate.

Q1. (Luke 13:19-21) What is the point of the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven? I like to think that Jesus was describing Himself as the Mustard Seed....the beginning here on earth of the Kingdom. He said elsewhere "Unless the kernel of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone...just one grain. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest." John 12:24 When he died, was buried then rose again,He entered into the hearts of "whosoever will", by His Spirit and the Kingdom has grown into a tree whose branches have spread around the entire earth, and through every generation and will continue to grow until "that day". How would this be encouraging to Jesus' disciples who had expected an instant Messianic Kingdom? This was a definite paradigm shift....one which would produce patience and perseverance and the ability to "walk with Jesus" rather than "running ahead of Him" to try to make their expectation a reality. It demonstrates God's great patience in all things! How might it be encouraging to people experiencing smallness or poverty in their lives? I believe it was Zechariah who said "Who despises the day of small beginnings?" Even children start out from a "seed", and grow slowly into adulthood. Slow and steady wins the race, the fable of the tortoise and the hare tells us, which I believe is scriptural. We read of people who win huge amounts of money in a lottery and are destroyed by the enormity of it. And yet in the law of exponential multiplication I'm told that if one puts $100.00 in savings every month starting at the age of 20, by the time one is 65, there will be a million dollars. There are folks called "shooting stars" who suddenly rise up out of nowhere and brighten the horizon for a short time and are never heard from again....then there are those who rise through the ranks of smallness, unknown, yet growing in grace and wisdom, and able to be trusted with more wealth, or more acclaim, who rise up and change the world. Present circumstances or past ones don't dictate our future!! Small does not mean insignificant...it hints of future growth!

Q2. (Luke 13:24-27) Why do you think Jesus characterizes the entrance to the Kingdom here as "narrow"? I believe He was emphasizing that only "One road leads to Heaven", not all or many "roads". He had said "I Am the way, the truth and the Life....the ONLY way to the Father". By this He was saying to give up on your flesh, works, lofty ideals, great ideas, idols, charms, ancestors, religiosity, deprivation, wishing, false gods, or whatever, to try to gain entrance into the Kingdom.... the ONLY door to Heaven is through faith and acceptance of His finished work on the cross. Why will many people "try to enter and will not be able to"? That is the saddest thing! Jesus is an offense to many, and some would rather try to do it their own way, through some of the things I noted above. The fallen nature detests admitting weakness and wants to be in control. We now live in an age where taking responsibility for our actions is abhorrent. It's much more palatable to blame others and shift responsibility elsewhere. This leads to pride fully refusing to look inward at our own shortcoming.The narrow gate requires admitting we're sinners and need salvation, and will have to give up control to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who bought us with His blood.The list could go on and on. (We war not with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities...and that powerful enemy blinds eyes and hardens hearts through deception to keep the truth of the narrow gate hidden) Why would people delay entering until it is too late? The Amplified version says "Strive to enter by the narrow door (FORCE yourselves through it), for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able." Jesus created us, knows our frame, and was more than giving a heads up that most will try their own method of becoming righteous, not realizing that their "day of reckoning" is their next breath, and there will be no time to follow Him through the gate. Procrastination will keep many from entering because they ran out of time.

Q4. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) How could praying the Lord's Prayer become a curse upon a person? It's a beautiful prayer, and one meant to teach us how to pray, but one way I can think of it becoming a curse, is if it is relied on as a rote, memorized prayer which bypasses the heart, and gives the feeling that one has prayed, to just get the "check mark in the box". That kind of prayer keeps the Lord at arms length, and leads to bondage to ritualism and legalism, and does nothing toward building a relationship with the Lord, nor to self examination. (The kind of examination King David invited the Lord to do in Psalm 139 when he said "Search me and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Another possibility is asking the Lord to forgive me in the same way I forgive others ...and If I stubbornly refuse to forgive others, I'm asking Him to do likewise to me. Is forgiving in order to be forgiven a kind of "righteousness by works"? Why or why not? I'd say that it can be "works" if that kind of "forgiveness" comes from a hard, self righteous "stingy" heart, rather than a heart of love and compassion, which extends the grace to others that the Lord has so graciously extended to a repentant sinner. On the other hand it can be part of learning and growing in the grace of forgiving....strong motivation to do the "hard work" of forgiveness. Like a parent telling a child what the consequence will be if they fail to do what is being asked, which is good training. I think it depends on the heart attitude.

Q3. (Matthew 18:34-35) Why does Jesus frighten us with his statement: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you..."? Is he serious? Jesus never wasted words on foolishness. I believe He is emphasizing how important forgiveness is...for us and for our "debtors". For me to refuse to forgive others demonstrates not only the hardness of my heart, but the unwillingness to see that I'm a sinner. (I lived on that street for a few years when I was a new believer, and thank God for giving me a stern "Word" through a stranger "You are like the oak...you must learn to bend like the willow or you will break".....with His grace and mercy and healing, I'm very "bendable" now toward forgiveness.) I believe He is addressing the "fallen Pharisee" in each of us, which prevents us from reflecting His character and nature to others. To truly be His disciple, we must more and more grow into His likeness through our surrender to Him and the crucifixion of our flesh or fallen nature. I believe He's saying, hardened, unrepentant hearts do not glorify Him, and will face consequences.....but: "a bruised reed He will not break, nor will He quench a smoldering wick", so once again He takes up the slack and softens the hardened heart if it has a smidgen of willingness to let Him work in it, as He has done in mine. Is forgiveness (1) a learned grace, or (2) a foundational principle of the Kingdom? It has been my experience to be both....first I learned the principle (with the warning that I was not to remain Hardened and bitter), then as I experienced His grace and healing, it has been said of me "You're a great forgiver". (All glory to Him for showing me that He's a great forgiver, first and foremost)

Q2. (Matthew 18:23-35) In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant, what is the purpose of contrasting the huge debt with the small one? I love this parable...it's where I started out in my Christian walk, incensed by the sins of others, totally oblivious to my own sin and fallen nature. I actually thought I was "righteous"....had no clue that I was a sinner but loved Salvation and knowing I'd be in Heaven with the Lord for eternity. I just wanted to be sure that "those sinners" wouldn't muddy up the golden streets I was going to walk on! If we were to put ourselves in the parable, which debt would we owe? Turns out I'm the one in the parable with the huge debt! So huge that the precious blood of my Lord was shed to purchase me back from the devil! What great love He has for sinners! Which debt might be owed us? The small debt, which doesn't require me to "shed" anything but pride and self righteousness, in order to extend grace and mercy to others. Why was the king insulted by the unmerciful servant's action? The King (King of King and Lord of Lords!!!) left His Glory in Heaven, came to earth as a helpless babe to live a perfect life and then die for the huge debt of every sinner who would ever live, then rose to life again so that we could not only live in freedom but could extend the same forgiveness to those who offend us (even greatly!!!!). He was insulted by the clueless self righteousness of the unmerciful servant, whom I used to be "back in the day"...Thank God for His correction and patience!!!!

Q1. (Matthew 18:21-22) Jesus says we must forgive 77 times or 490 times. Should we take these numbers literally or figuratively?If figurative, what are they figurative of? To take this literally, means I would be counting and keeping a long tally with the attendant resentment and bitterness of the sins against me, which is the antithesis of the mercy and grace our Lord Jesus purchased and extends to me each and every day. I believe it's a figure of great exaggeration to demonstrate the silliness of trying to keep track of others transgressions. "First remove the plank from your own eye before you try to remove the splinter from your brother's eye" comes to mind here, and is what I believe the 77 times are figurative of. What does this teach us about God's willingness to forgive us repeatedly for the same sin? This reminds me that His grace and mercies are new EVERY morning. I get a fresh start each day, with a clean slate, and if I blow it, even unknowingly, when I confess, He wipes the record clean and I start fresh again, absolved from guilt and shame, free to bask in His love and friendship. As His child and disciple I'm to extend that same grace and forgiveness to those who do the same stupid stuff that I do as I bumble through life, healing from the past, and pressing on to know Him in His fullness. I have to add that some of the more grievous sins, which have had lifelong consequences in my life, have taken time to truly forgive! He has been gracious to allow me to work through the pain and to heal from the abuse, and to understand that in forgiving the offenders I wasn't saying that what was done "was o.k.", nor that I didn't have to put myself in an unsafe place again if I forgave. Once I understood that, and dealt with the anger and hurt and shame, I was able to let the offenders "off the hook" and to forgive and to pray for their salvation. Then I was set free as I set them free!

Q4. (John 3:16) Why is this verse so famous? I think because it so succinctly and clearly shares the Gospel with everyone...it is not exclusive or conditional! It explains the fallen condition of everyone..no one is exempt from hell unless born again. What does it teach us about God? It teaches us the nature and character of God...that He loves and prizes His creation enough to sacrificially save all who will choose Him, from destruction, by sacrificing His One and only Son. It explains His plan for His creation. which was thwarted by sin, then His plan of Redemption. What does it teach us about salvation? Salvation is extended to each and every human being and that He made it so simple for us that we can't earn it... we only must receive His Son. Since "entering eternal life" is a synonym for "entering the Kingdom of God," what does this verse teach us about our destiny? It is forever! We are in the Kingdom now and when we die physically, we won't experience the second death, but will go on to live with Him in His Kingdom forever. We will finally experience life as He intended (before Adam fell and brought sin and death to us), in our glorified state in constant, intimate companionship with Him!!! Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Q3. (John 3:5-7) What does it mean to be "born of water and the Spirit"? Jesus said "What is born of flesh is flesh", or physical. Born of water and the Spirit refers to that which takes place when the Holy spirit, (the Hound of Heaven) chases us down, convicts us of sin and our need for a Savior, we repent and surrender to His Lordship, are born again (or anew), where Jesus takes up residence inside us, and Salvation gives us entrance into the Kingdom of God. What do you think "water" refers to? Water is a necessity to sustain life. It is used to hydrate, and cleanse. When Jesus lives inside, He promised us that out of our inmost being would flow rivers of LIVING water, to "hydrate" others and lead them to His "cleansing" and new life in Him. The Holy Spirit is the Living water. In John 19:34, when thrust through with the spear while on the cross, blood and water gushed forth from His side. His blood cleanses us and His living water sustains us (continually hydrates our spirit-man, refreshes us, convicts us, renews us, comforts us, and flows out to do the same for others in our sphere of influence) It's a "word picture" to help us grasp that which we can't "see". (As Jesus explained to Nicodemus "The wind (or Spirit) blows (or breathes) where it wills and though you hear its sound you know not where it came from or where it goes".) Why have you come to this conclusion? John explained where he said 'Jesus stood and He cried in a loud voice, If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow (continuously) springs and rivers of living water'. But He was speaking here of the SPIRIT, Whom those who believed in Him were afterward to receive. For the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified". John 7:37-39. In Ephesians 5:26 it tells us that "He sanctifies her (His bride, the church) having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things that she might be holy and faultless". Again, it refers to the Holy Spirit, washing us as we read, hear, teach the Word of God. (I've sensed His washing cleaning the "dust" from me as I've studied this lesson) How, then, would you paraphrase "born of water and the Spirit" to best bring out the meaning? I would clumsily say "born again by His blood, sustained by His Spirit".

Q2. (John 3:3-5) What does "entering the Kingdom" have to do with being "born anew"? I believe Jesus is explaining that we were created as 3 part beings, and that when we were born, we came into the world in a "fallen" state due to Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God which resulted in their fall from their glorified state. (Their "light" of glory went out and they suddenly discovered their fleshly bodies, subject to death and decay.) From then on every human being is born with a dormant or unregenerate spirit, until one chooses to obey God and follow His "prescription" for becoming fully alive through asking the King of Glory to come in and dwell inside us. Jesus had not yet died nor been resurrected, so He gave a word picture to describe what He was going to provide for all who would come to Him in belief and surrender. This then is entering the Kingdom of God: We are now fully alive in Christ,(all 3 parts) and though our body of flesh will die (if not raptured), our "resurrected spirit" will never die and we will live with Him forever!!! Which do you think is the best translation here: "born again," "born anew," or "born from above." Defend your reasoning. Probably born "anew" is a better translation, but born "again" is what I prefer to use when sharing Christ. When I say: "we were dead in our sins, but Jesus has made a way for us to be born again into new life", it seems to resonate with the hearer. It seems more definitive to me that we were "in the grave without hope", rather than "comatose" needing to wake up (which is what "anew" brings to mind for me) I think of our fallen spirit as being like a human "egg".... Full of potential for life, but until it is penetrated by and fertilized by a sperm is it not "life". I'm sure all three terms are correct, but I know how DEAD I was, and I didn't just awaken to God, I was raised up from total darkness and death. How I praise Him for eternal life and abundant life here on earth and for the privilege of walking with Him and sharing His amazing love and grace with others!

Q1. (John 3:3, 5) What does Jesus teach here about the nature of the Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is invisible to our eyes of flesh...It is a Spiritual Kingdom and can only be discerned/ experienced/ "seen" after one is born again, with the eyes of the Spirit of God. Do you think Nicodemus understands him? Why or why not No, not yet. I think Nicodemus was still seeking, but seeking he was! He was still looking in the traditional way for something he could see and touch, and wondered how one could enter a second time into his mothers womb to be born again. I've always thought of Nicodemus as a believer, because he was a true seeker. Unlike the rich young ruler, Nicodemus was puzzled but did not reject what Jesus told him. Jesus pointed out to the rich young man what was keeping him from truly believing. He simply told Nicodemus how the Kingdom of God was entered, knowing that until after His death and resurrection it wouldn't make any more sense to him than to his Disciples....remember Peter saying "Lord this must not be!", when Jesus told them He was going to die and be raised again on the 3rd day? They just couldn't understand that He came to die but would rise again and enter into believers by His Holy Spirit. In John 19:39 I love that it points out that Nicodemus who had first come to seek Jesus by night, came now (openly identifying with Jesus) bringing one hundred pounds of aromatic spices to prepare Jesus' body for burial. I've always thought of him as an example...bring my questions to Jesus himself when I need answers, as he did, expecting an answer. I've brought doubts to Jesus and the answers He gave are now some of the strongest areas of my faith. When I asked Him why He spoke in parables, He waited awhile until I'd forgotten I'd asked, then gave me a number of real life parables! Now I get it!!!! Parables are remembered because we think in pictures! Parables are easily remembered because they are "pictures"which illustrate a truth! Can't you just hear Nicodemus witnessing to someone later on, and saying "Well, the wind blows where it wills; and though you hear its sound yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit....I didn't understand either, until...." (John 3:8)

Q3. (Mark 10:22) Why is poverty and self-sacrifice an inadequate religion? Poverty and self-sacrifice are about "self" apart from God. We can be poor and self sacrificing as believers, but that is just a condition, not a religion. All cults demand these and other outward actions of conformation to enter their religion. Christianity is Jesus having been invited to come and live in the individual, then allowing Him to live His life through the believer. He said the Law (outward conformity) brings death, but the Spirit brings life and life eternal. He paid the price for our salvation. Nothing anyone can do can purchase salvation, even giving up all they own. That in itself may be admirable, but does not save anyone. Jesus shed blood is the price of Salvation, and the ONLY way to the Father. Socialism is about trying to even the playing field so that all are equal in the possession of wealth. It is a "religion" to those espousing the practice. Their eyes are blind to the Gospel of Salvation and those promoting this, practice a godless religion of their own making....self effort. Why does Jesus ask the man to follow him? Because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life....the ONLY way to enter the Kingdom...the same way He asks each of us to follow Him. In what senses was this a great privilege that the man was offered? Jesus offered the rich young ruler the privilege of becoming a joint heir with Him, and ALL that He has, relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Eternal life, son ship with the Father, cleansing from sin, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit......it reminds me of the story of the monkey who after reaching his hand into the narrow neck of a jar, grasped some candy, and would not let it go when he discovered that was the only way to remove his hand! He remained stuck, holding onto his treasure, unable to eat it and unwilling to let it go. So tragic that what the young man thought was true wealth was like the piece of candy the monkey refused to let go of, choosing instead to remain in bondage to the heavy jug of his sin and his wealth/position. Why did he reject the offer? He valued his position in the synagogue, leadership, village, family, and what his wealth represented (status) and could buy, more than what Jesus was offering, because he couldn't "see" its' worth.

Q4. What does Jesus teach us about the value and worth of the Kingdom? Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom is worth more than anything we can desire, achieve, or even know about. Then He put His words into action and proved it with His shed blood for us, while we were yet sinners! Why are we tempted to value it so little? Probably because it's invisible to our flesh/eyes. It can only truly be seen/experienced in the Spirit realm, and these human eyes lu-t after what we can SEE; that which seems to be more immediate and which gratifies the flesh. That and the busyness of life we can get caught up in. I think ignorance plays a roll as well. The more our flesh is "crucified", or surrendered to him, the more we "see/experience" the Kingdom. What helps us to appreciate its true value? The incomparable price He paid for us to inherit it. How might your testimony help a seeking friend to value the Kingdom more? I think of my testimony as "pulling back a veil" which has prevented the hearer from in most cases, even hearing about the Kingdom. I've been thinking of the opportunity we have now that this world is in such end time chaos and despair, to expose others to the awesome Kingdom of God awaiting their entrance.

Q2. (Mark 10:21) Why do you think Jesus requires the rich young ruler to divest himself of his fortune? Jesus knows our hearts...He knew the young ruler loved the wealth and power which his fortune held, and that it would always be "my money....and oh yes, Jesus too." Jesus must reign in our hearts and lives, not be an addendum to our agenda and values. The first sin was about longing for more... the only thing God told Adam that was unavailable to them, because it would cause them to die...and they couldn't stand it! They had it all, but it wasn't enough. Why does this trouble us so much? I think it's because our culture teaches us that is the goal in life...to acquire as much wealth as we can and as quickly as possible, and that the more wealth we have, the more esteemed and powerful we are. The idea lingers that only losers are poor. We are wired to want to achieve, and wealth is the reward for achieving in this world. It seems unthinkable to be told to give it all away. But having lost it all, I see the wisdom of God! Once the treasure is gone, we see with clarity that HE IS THE ONLY TREASURE worth having. If there was no other way for the man to be saved, what does that say about the spiritual dangers of wealth? it says that wealth can be a snare to hold one shackled to the bondage of this world and it's values. It has been said that "Prosperity is a greater trial than poverty"....Jesus was offering the young man treasure in Heaven which cannot rust, decay or be stolen! How tragic that he declined Jesus' offer of the TRUE wealth of becoming a joint heir with Jesus and all that is His!

Q1. (Matthew 13:44-46) What do the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price have in common? Both parables are about a man finding a treasure of such great value that they were willing to give up all else, and at great sacrifice, in order to purchase the treasure for their own, for the joy which it held for them. What is the main point of these parables? The main point is that the Kingdom of God is like that.....it is the most precious treasure which can be imagined, and it can be "found" by any who are seeking God. When it becomes our own, it is the source of unimaginable joy and peace! How should it affect our values? The Kingdom of God is our "plumb line", if you will, in setting the priority for our values. All else pales in comparison to what the Lord freely gives to us. We were walking dead men and women with a future in hell, before we were given the inestimable treasure purchased by Jesus' blood...now we are ALIVE to Him and dead to sin, a royal priesthood, destined to reign with Him. We should be shouting it from the housetops!!!! Our lives? It should affect every area of our lives... I cherish and treasure that HE is mine. I don't know if the men in the parables would have let others know what they found, but we are to share our found treasure with "whosoever" comes across our sphere of influence, and with joy! I want as many as possible to find the greatest treasure ever offered, and the joy which He brings!

Q4. (Luke 17:33-36) What does our passage teach about the separation and judgment that will occur when the Kingdom comes? It teaches that the separation is sudden, unexpected at all by many, and the time is unknown to all. Believers and unbelievers alike are going about their daily lives. Only those who know Him and have a relationship with Him will be taken to be spared the judgement appointed for those who have rejected Him. Those who are left will experience the wrath of God, which was put upon Jesus on the Cross for the sins of the whole world, but whom they have rejected. How should this affect our lives? I want to live as if He could come today...."packed" and ready to go without hesitation! In fellowship with Him and with my brothers and sisters in Christ, sins confessed and repented of, no regrets, no unforgiveness or bitterness harbored toward anyone. Our testimony? The Bible tells us we are to be prepared to share "in season and out"....whenever the opportunity arises to tell others about the Love of Jesus. Knowing He's coming soon should motivate us to want more than ever to share and not procrastinate until tomorrow, because that one we've been delaying to tell, might be one left behind.....perhaps standing in line at the grocery store when we are taken from their presence. Our love for our neighbors? Jesus said to love our neighbors as we love ourselves....it's not pleasing to Him for us to disregard those within our sphere of influence...neighbors, co-workers, people at the gym, our kids friends and their parents.....all need to know the Lord, and time is short. The times tell me that He's coming soon, so I'm not to delay!