JanMary

Q5. (Luke 1:42-43) In what sense are the titles "Blessed Virgin Mary" and "Mother of God" appropriate for Mary? Those titles describe Mary's experience of being allowed to carry God's Holy infant in her womb. She was blessed, highly favored to be chosen by God for this "assignment/opportunity", of giving Jesus life as a human being, though she was a virgin. I love the Christmas carol "Mary Did You Know?"... when you kissed your tiny baby, you kissed the face of God?" After all, she was His Mother...changed his diapers, nursed Him, bandaged his skinned knees, dried his tears...as a loving Mother does. Why are we sometimes hesitant to exalt her as "blessed among women"? Mary is the Mother of God and blessed to be so, but I think the danger is in exalting her to deity, as some have done, praying to her and asking her to intercede on their behalf to Jesus.....He is the Way, the Truth and the Life....the only way to the Father....Mary is not.

Q4. (Luke 1:38) What is the essence of Mary's positive response to the angel? Mary was accepting the prophecy and receiving God's plan for her life in surrender to His will for her. What can we learn from her response for our own lives? Her unquestioning faith is so impressive. Once she'd asked how God would cause her to carry His child, she in essence said "bring it on! I'm your servant/hand maiden, I'm willing to do all that You ask." She didn't ask for guarantees that there wouldn't be pain or hardship, nor did she bargain. She simply submitted her will to God, and it seemed to be with joy and wonder, rather than with resignation. In what sense was Mary's response an "informed consent"? In accepting the pregnancy, she accepted the stigma which would be hers for being pregnant and though betrothed, not yet wed. She certainly knew that she would face shame and reproach, and would bring those things on her family and on Joseph as well. And yet she said "Your will be done Father, come what may." I've thought of Mary so many times as my family faced the losses and consequences of accepting God's will and Promise in our lives...she couldn't have known that her son would face crucifixion and all that He would face...but God sustained her in all of the unknowns as they were manifested. When we respond to God, what do we consent to? We consent to trust His superior knowledge and plan for His purposes and for our highest good, and that He will do what He has promised. We obey but He does the work and fulfilling of what He has asked us to do. And like Mary, we consent to the risks, stigma, shame, confusion, or whatever He leads us into. I'm thankful for this study and especially this question! I said "yes", 20 years ago to God's will and promise, and like Mary was thrilled at having heard from the Lord... and though He warned that "You will go through some deep water and I don't want you to forget how much I love you"....I grow weary in the waiting, and have faced the shame of homelessness, loss of friends, community, our business, have faced pain and hardship, confusion, others ridicule and judgment, oppression...but always when I've faltered or begun to waiver, the Lord has come to reaffirm the promise and to encourage me to keep waiting for His timing. I've been struggling especially the past six months, and this study is helping me to refocus and to let go of the timing and the way He will fulfill what He has promised. As in all promises, it is impossible for it to be fulfilled apart from God's miraculous intervention and provision. I've been reminded as I've done these questions that the crushing burden of what He has assigned to me to accomplish, is His burden, and not mine to carry. What a relief I feel today to see that, and the result is His...I'm just to show up and put the time in with my best effort and His wisdom, guidance and knowledge and the book will be what He wants it to be. Thank you Lord for this insight today!!!!

Q3. (Luke 1:35) What does the virgin conception teach us about Jesus' nature? That He is fully God and fully man. God become flesh, without the sin nature. God coming to redeem His fallen creation in the only possible way...coming to earth Himself as one of us, but without sin, to shed His blood as the sacrifice for our sins. How central is the doctrine of the virgin conception to the Christian message? It is critical! To believe that Jesus is less than the incarnation of God in the flesh, leaves us with a book of lies instead of the Word of God. No matter how perfect a life Jesus lived, to believe that He is the biological child of Mary and Joseph, leaves us without a Savior...because only God could redeem His fallen creation...His own Holy blood had to be shed for us. That's where Christianity and the cults differ...all cults deny the Deity of Christ. They say He was a good man, a great teacher, etc. I grew up in Utah and wondered why Christmas wasn't a big celebration for the Mormons...then when I married a Mormon and studied their teaching, I discovered that their doctrine is that Mary was impregnated by "Adam god"....through sexual means. So Christmas isn't as big a celebration as the 24th of July when they arrived in Utah...which even trumps the 4th of July.

Q2. (Luke 1:34) In what way does Mary's "How?" question (1:34) to the angel's declaration differ from Zechariah's "How?" question (1:18)? Mary's "how" question was seeking clarification about the visitation, since she was a virgin, and was based on faith, wonder and acceptance of the pronouncement. Zechariah's question was based on unbelief...he wanted a sign or proof that the Angel was telling the truth. Why was Mary rewarded and Zechariah disciplined? God responds to faith. Mary was practically a child with probably very little knowledge of the scriptures. Zechariah was a priest, steeped in the Word of God...one who would enter the Holy of Holies when it was his rotation, to experience the miracle of the atonement. The angel gave him a very long and detailed description of what God was about to do....and he questioned whether God could actually perform the miracle, though he would have knowledge about God's promised child through miraculous intervention in Abraham and Sarah's old age. His visitation was about a "repeat performance".

Q1. (Luke 1:31-34) What did the angel's announcement say about who Mary's Child was and who he was to become? Gabriel told her: Your Son will be great, eminent, Divine, the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His forefather David....He will reign over the house of Jacob throughout the ages, and of His reign there will be no end. He was saying that Mary was going to give birth to God, the second person of the Trinity....Who will live and reign eternally. Jesus means Savior. Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6&7 For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from the latter time forth, even forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. I love that Mary was "chosen" by God....that she did nothing to earn His favor. Just as we are chosen, then may choose to be chosen as Mary did....simply for God's pleasure. I'm so glad she made that choice!

Dear Friend, Welcome to the online Bible study forum for Christmas Incarnation. It's exciting to meet other people who are involved in this Bible study. Why don't you check in and share a bit about yourself, and what state and country you are from. Please do NOT include your e-mail address. Be discrete about sharing private things about yourself. Yours in Christ, Pastor Ralph Hi All, Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so excited to do this Christmas study with you! I was born on Christmas day, and my middle name is Mary, after Jesus' Mother and my Dad's Mother. It's such a beautiful and holy season...my favorite, because of the gift we were given in Jesus. I believe this will be my 6th study with Pastor Ralph, and each one has been wonderful! I've been married for 42 years, have 2 grown children and we all live in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. Christmas joy to each of you! JanMary

Q4. (Romans 8:35-36) What kinds of perils were the early Roman Christians likely exposed to? I think v.35 is describing what they faced: suffering, affliction, tribulation, calamity, distress, persecution, hunger, destitution, peril, sword....Christians were thrown in prison, crucified, driven into the desert. Hebrews 10 speaks of them being a gazingstock, publicy exposed to insults and abuse. having their goods plundered and property confiscated. Some were tortured to death with clubs (Heb. 11:35-38)Some were stoned to death, scourged, chained, lured with tempting offers to denounce their faith, cut in two, slaughtered by the sword while still alive. oppressed, going about in animal skins living in caves, holes in the ground and caverns. What kinds of perils are Christians exposed to today? In America, very little except perhaps ridicule or ostracizing on occasion. In other countries, many of the things mentioned above are happening today. In Orissa, India at this moment 500 have been killed, 70,000 are living in camps to escape death, their homes are being burned. A YWAM group is locked inside their compound being threatened with death. In China they are forced to sweep sewage down the gutters and other menial, disgusting jobs and worse. Perhaps our time is coming to endure the same. (Father we cry out to you for mercy and favor and deliverance for our suffering brothers and sisters in other lands, and pray that you will strengthen and comfort them with Your Presence) How does this passage reassure us? None of those things shall ever separate us from christ's love. For His sake we are put to death all the day long; regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter...yet He will go through whatever we face with us. In what sense do we Christians "overwhelmingly conquer" (NASB) despite the obstacles we face? We gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us (enough to lay down His life for us)

Q3. (Romans 8:31-32) What is the significance of the statement: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Who can be our foe if God is on our side? He is all powerful, the Mighty Warrior God, and has secured Victory over everything that my enemy can throw against me. Ps. 119:91 says that "all things serve God", so even the enemy in his attempts to destroy me ends up assisting God in moving me toward my destiny as the Bride of Christ without spot or wrinkle, who will be like Him "on that day". Who might our enemies be? ultimately, Satan is, and his underling demons who oppress and oppose us, through people and whatever means he can come up with...and lots of "D" words, depression, discouragement, delays, disasters, dismay, debacles.....But Satan is a defeated foe...defanged, declawed, with only the power I ascribe to him. What is the evidence presented that God is for us? God did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all! He Himself laid down His life to deliver us from sin, oppression, death. His is the victory. No enemy can withstand the power of the Blood of Jesus! How does this statement make you feel? Such gratitude It's difficult to find words...I just rejoice in knowing that I am so loved, that I wasn't an after thought, but His provision was made for me to spend Eternity with Him as His child, before Adam and Eve fell and brought humanity into Satan's control and death. How does it affect hope? No matter what trials, persecution, opposition, delays, or other difficulties, God is on my side, and has promised to never leave me nor forsake me, and that He has given me the victory in Him. How does it allow you to act? As His beloved daughter, in the inner part of the palace, (my clothing wrought with golden needlework), and with gladness and rejoicing, knowing I am His and will one day be brought to Him. Ps. 45:13-15. (Most of the time I act like that....sometimes I forget who I am and act like a frightened step child!) What might: "...graciously give us all things" refer to? It says "also with Him"...so Jesus is the main gift, and if He isn't wonderful enough, He gives us life, breath, our bodies, salvation, eternal life with Him, food, clothing, shelter, all the gifts of the spirit, all the fruit of the spirit, the hope of glory, family (for many), friends, work, His Word, His beautiful creation, fellowship with Him now...even hot water to shower (one of my favorite things!)..every good and perfect gift comes from our Father....even discipline is a gift, though not pleasant at the time.

Q2. (Romans 8:29) What does it mean to "be conformed to the likeness of his Son"? We will share inwardly His likeness....our fallen nature will be conformed to the character of Christ, and we will share His glory. In practical terms, what does that involve in our lives? As we walk with Him here on earth, our minds are renewed as we read scripture, and our character is being transformed through trials, from glory to glory. Why does Paul support this statement with ideas of our destiny? He's telling us this has been our destiny from the beginning...His plan for His children. Why does he support this with ideas of brotherhood with Jesus? It's confirmation and affirmation that we are brothers and joint heirs with Him of all that is His.

Q1. (Romans 8:28) What is the actual promise contained in verse 28? God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. What does this promise mean? Put it in your own words. Everything that comes into my life, God will use to benefit me in some way..growth, character development, turning evil to good...since I love Him and I'm walking in obedience to Him. That bumper sticker that says "stuff happens"???? It may happen but since God is always on duty, if it happens to me, it will enrich my life in some way in the end. What are the two qualifications to the recipients of this promise? That I love God and am called according to His design and purpose. How does verse 28 give you hope? Psalm 119:91 says "All things serve God"...that means even Satan ends up serving God, in spite of His hatred for God. So, whatever comes, when it passes through God's permissive will for me, will ultimately be used for my good in some way....it takes the fear and worry out of life and removes the sting of trials, since there will be a good outcome for me. Even losses will end up benefitting me in some way.

Q5. (Romans 8:18-25) In what sense do we expect to experience God's glory when Christ comes? v.18 His glory will be revealed to us and in us and for us and will be conferred on us. How will the suffering creation experience God's glory? It will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption and gain an entrance into the glorious freedom of God's children. It will be as it was created to be, before the fall and the resulting curse. (Gen. 3:17 "The ground is under a curse because of you Adam") How will our mortal bodies experience God's glory? Before "The Fall", Adam and Eve had glorified bodies, radiant with God's glory...unspotted with sin. When they chose to disobey and they fell, the "light" of God's glory within them, "went out" and death started it's countdown. (Thank God! or humans would live forever in our fallen sinful state! Death brought an end to eternal bondage to the fallen state.) In Christ, our mortal bodies will put on the immortal, and will be filled with His glory as was intended for creation. We will be revealed to the entire creation as God's sons and daughters, our true destiny. We will rule and reign with Him here on earth for 1,000 years when we return from the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in Heaven after the Rapture. In what way will our spirits experience God's glory? We will be like Him...we will finally have the mind of Christ...we will be one with Him in Spirit, having been conformed into His image. That phase begins here as we walk with Him and immerse ourselves in His Word, but it will be completed at the Resurrection, when our fallen nature is replaced with His nature.

Q4. (Romans 8:24-25) What are the characteristics of a person who has lost hope? How does this person typically conduct his life? Depression, dejected, a victim mentality and attitude, rebellion, hidden or open anger, low self esteem, downcast countenance, fearful, untrusting, defeated. Negative words. Nothing to give to others. Life is lived from one day to the next. No goals, no plans, no joy. Usually reacting to whatever comes along as "my lot in life". No faith. few friends...attracting people who have nothing to give either and usually are more draining of the little reserves one has. (I used to be like this before Jesus chased me down and saved my sorry self) How does this differ from a person who holds an eager expectation of a better future? I can say now, in Him, that I live in peace, looking forward to what He's going to do next. I have joy, a growing relationship with my Lord, I have hope. He's given me promises for my future here and after we leave this earth. He's given me spiritual gifts to share with others, taught me how to set boundaries so that I'm doing His priorities each day. I trust Him with my life and with the future. What is the "Christian hope"? How should it motivate us and affect our lives now? It is the hope of Glory...we were saved, are being saved and will be saved...our inheritance has been guaranteed and is waiting for us in Heaven. We are being transformed into the image of Christ, and will be like Him when we meet Him face to face. We will spend eternity with Him...no more tears, no more pain. We are to live by His Word, in His Word, and share His Word with those dying around us, as He leads us to speak. We are the only Jesus the unbelievers will see.

Q3. (Romans 8:26-27) How does the Holy Spirit act as a Helper or Mediator or Intercessor in verses 26-27? The Holy Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness...He helps us to know how to pray, and He goes before us to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable groanings. He Who searches the hearts of men and knows what the intent of the Holy spirit is, who then intercedes and pleads before God in harmony with God's will. (He takes our prayer to the throne after perfecting it) What similarities do you see between the Holy Spirit's ministry here with Jesus' teaching of the Spirit's ministry as Counselor/Comforter/Paraclete in John 14:16 and 15:26)? In 14:16 It is the same purpose, different words...He is the Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby, and remains with us forever. In 15:26 it adds: That He may testify regarding Jesus. Why do you think we tend to take the Holy Spirit for granted or fail to understand His ministry to and through us? I think it is because He doesn't draw us to Himself, but to and through Jesus, to the Father. Also, His voice is a whisper...I remember as a new believer, putting some white clothes in the washing machine, and hearing a tiny voice say "The red trim on the pocket of that shirt will bleed onto the clothes." I quickly dismissed it as nonsense, and washed the clothes. My husband and son wore pink underwear and pink athletic socks for quite awhile...I told them the Holy Spirit warned me but I blew Him off! I learned a powerful lesson that day. Recently, as a result of that lesson, I believe I was spared from danger. I was in a rural area park, reading my Bible in the car and journaling. I heard that whisper "Start the car now and go." I obeyed instantly, and as I was driving out the narrow entrance/exit, I passed a car with a man in it. Our eyes met, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. I could see the evil look on his face...I knew if I'd stayed I would have been trapped...no other cars or people were around. I Praise You Holy Spirit for always helping me, and for Your faithfulness!

Q2. (Romans 8:17-22) In what ways was suffering Jesus' lot in life? Jesus life on earth was one of suffering: isolation, rejection by the very people He came to save, misunderstood, beaten, crucified, forsaken by His Father when He was covered with the sins of the entire world, separation for the first time ever from His Father, shame, disgrace, mocking, His beard torn out, spit upon, hung naked in front of His Mother and all who passed by, temptation to bypass the cross, to commit suicide by jumping from the temple mount. He was homeless, possessed nothing but the clothes He wore. Why do we suffer? Sometimes because of our own sin, or from the sin of others. Sometimes persecution because we belong to Him. Sometimes discipline is necessary to conform us into His image, trials test our faith. We live in a sinful and fallen world. We have an enemy who hates us and tries to torment us. Why does all creation seem to be suffering? Creation was perfect until the fall of Adam and Eve, when corruption and decay entered and the ground was cursed because of the fall. Pain in Childbirth was a result of the fall. Death was also a result. Illness and evil as well. Satan is a destroyer and came to kill, and steal too. What will signal the end of that downward cycle of suffering, decay, and death? When the Bride of Christ is caught up in the air and the dead in Christ rise. Is there anything good to look forward to in this present life? Yes, a lot! The growing relationship with our Lord. The bliss of marriage. The birth or adoption of children. Rewarding friendships. The beauty of His creation. The joy of worship and fellowship with the saints. I love when He speaks to me, comforts me, reassures me, shows me His sense of humor, delights me with something...like a newborn foal just standing for the first time, or a breathtaking sunset..The smell of the ocean and roar of the waves. Seeing the leaves turn color. The first rose in bloom in the spring. A delicious dinner someone else prepared. I love knowing Him, and yet knowing it will only get better and better....and one day I'll see Him face to face!

Q1. In Romans 8:14-21, 28, how many times is the idea of being sons and daughters of God alluded to v.14, sons of God; v.15, adopted children; v.16, children of God; v.17, children and heirs; v.19, God's sons; v.21, God's children; v.28, those who love God and are His called. What are the promises made to these sons and daughters? We're led by His Spirit;we can cry Abba, Father as His children; He assures us we're His children; We're heirs and fellow heirs with Christ to share His inheritance and His suffering, and His glory; His glory will be revealed in us;the world is waiting for the revealing of our sonship; Glorious freedom; He works all things together for our good according to His divine plan. What do we learn about our future and our role in the future of all creation? We have a glorious future with Him,sharing His inheritance with Him. Nature will be set free from decay and will gain an entrance into the glorious freedom of God's children.

Q6. (Romans 8:15-16) How does the Holy Spirit inspire us to pray 'Abba, Father'? By producing the Spirit of sonship/ of adoption and in the bliss of which we cry "Daddy, Father". What is the significance of us referring to God as our Dad? We are His children, His kids...His heirs. A close, personal ,intimate, family relationship. We know that we are loved unconditionally and accepted in the Beloved. We live at peace with God, knowing we are forgiven, and when we stray, He will lovingly bring us back and discipline us as a loving Dad if needed. We live a life of freedom in the Holy Spirit. What happens in our lives if we don't have some kind of personal assurance of our salvation? We live not as His beloved children, but as slaves in bondage to fear...dreading Him, avoiding Him. This kind of life is lived trying to earn God's love, and to avoid punishment, always looking over the shoulder.This life is lived in drudgery trying to fulfill the letter of the law. How do we receive this kind of personal assurance? The Holy Spirit Himself testifies together with our own spirit, assuring us that we are God's children.

Q5. (Romans 8:13-14) What does it mean to "mortify" or "put to death" the deeds of the body by the Spirit? It means that when the flesh wants to pursue fleshly pursuits, and is tempted, we ask the Holy Spirit for help in avoiding the temptation or fleshly pursuit, rendering it "dead". What would it look like to watch a person do this? What came to mind for me, is Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane...being tormented by Satan and tempted to avoid the Father's will in going to the cross, and to let the flesh win the battle of disobedience. He was resolved, His face like flint, after the spiritual battle, and He was at peace in the midst of the most agonizing moment in history. What does it mean to be "led" by the Spirit? It means that the Holy Spirit is given reign over my flesh..that I listen to His promptings, and nudgings to follow a certain course or to do a certain thing, and yield to Him, rather than what my flesh might prefer to do. What does this look like in actual practice? Jesus is the perfect example...He asked others to stand with Him and pray, He prayed earnestly, until after asking for an alternative plan three times, even to sweating bloody sweat from the strain of yielding to His Father's will, He surrendered and obeyed....crucifying the flesh, before He went to the cross to be crucified. How do "putting to death" and being "led" by the Spirit fit together? Jesus did it....as He was being led by the Spirit and yielding His will to His Father's, He was putting to death His flesh and it's will....the putting to death of the flesh allows the preeminence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. How much of this is the Spirit and how much is us? I think it's both...the Spirit leads, and we either agree and yield or disagree and give in to the flesh/temptation. This is how we grieve the Holy Spirit....ignoring His leading.

Q9. (3:21) How can God receive more glory in your local congregation I'm excited to say that for the first time in my 35 years as a Christian, we are in a church where the Lord is totally honored and glorified! It's all about Jesus! There are no "stars". Those in leadership are walking and serving in humility with their eyes on Him. Recently, a Deacon had an alcohol problem and rolled his car resulting in a DUI....he was lovingly removed from leadership for a period of restoration and counsel, attends the church, and this was done with such love and Biblical basis that I was stunned. This is a praying church...every Sat. am. there are over 150 men and women who roll out of bed and drive for miles to the church to pray and intercede for our nation, our world, our local area, local churches (that each would be a blessing and be all the the Lord wants it to be, rather than being in competition with one another, but to work together to reach our area.), and for our church congregation. Worship is amazing, and for an hour He is highly exalted in praise....His Presence is manifest, and hearts are changed! He is highly exalted in all aspects of the church.The whole Word of God is preached, and healings, deliverance, repentance, Baptism in the Holy Spirit....all of the gifts operate and the Body is being blessed and is growing. Gossip is not tolerated, problems are dealt with quickly...I just can't say enough about this awesome church. How can you help this happen? My part is to walk in the Spirit, worship with joy, repent when needed, live a godly life, serve as the Lord leads... and to make sure I'm never a "hang nail" on the Body of Christ...and to honor and glorify Him in all that I do, and as the words in the front of the church say "Looking Unto Jesus" in all things. After being in 2 corrupt churches and another lifeless one, I longed to learn how to worship! I prayed and asked the Lord to lead us to a worshipping body of believers....so I guess that was my part too, to respond to the desire He stirred up in me to worship, by seeking where He could make that happen, and being willing to leave the past church experiences behind to start over in a glorious church.

Q4. (Romans 8:12) Do we have to sin? Are we compelled to sin? Is it possible to live for two hours of wakefulness without sinning? Four hours? One day? Two days? Where do we Christians get such a defeatist attitude towards sin? From Scripture? According to this verse, no we don't have to sin and are not compelled to sin. Yes, we can live without sin. I guess we get the defeatist attitude from experience and from bad teaching. This scripture teaches that we don't have to sin, for Christ has set us free from the power of sin and death. We're more apt to sin when we walk in the flesh and its dictates, and even when we walk in the Spirit, we will fall into sin, but are more likely to ask the Holy Spirit for strength to avoid the temptation to sin.

Q8. (3:20) How should verse 3:20 of the doxology energize your prayers? By remembering that He is Almighty, All Powerful, no limits to Him or to His Power. I can ask for big and great things, because of HIS immense power to work in and through me and throughout the Universe. What happens when we limit God by our own ability to comprehend? We limit Him, because He acts according to our faith! How can we get past this failing? It helps me to start my prayers of supplication with praise, reminding myself that He created the entire Universe by speaking it all into existence by simply speaking a Word, and it appeared...from nothing! That encourages me that He is able to handle my puny by comparison requests! Reading and learning His Word helps because that's His revelation of Himself to us (That and His creation). He says to me to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" As a new Christian on a prayer chain at church, I received a prayer request to pray for a young guy who had fallen from a tree trying to retrieve a kite for some kids. The request was to pray for his healing. When I prayed with my understanding, I felt troubled. Then I prayed in my prayer language, and the Holy Spirit said "Don't pray for him, He's with me. Pray for his family", which I did. For several days I received updates on his condition with the same request to pray for his healing, and when I tried to pray with my understanding the same thing happened until I prayed in the spirit, praying for his family's comfort. On the last day, the request came: "We're so sorry. We were ill informed. He died the first day in the hospital but has been on machine support while recipients for his organs were found. Please pray for his family". I learned a great deal through that experience, and to not trust my "understanding".

Q4. What kind of shalom will the Prince of Peace bring about in the New Heavens and the New Earth? What do we have to look forward to? Shalom means nothing missing, nothing broken. He is Peace, and the New Heavens and New Earth will be as He intended before the Fall of Adam and Eve. There will be perfection, no sin, no more tears, only intimiate fellowship between He and His Bride....the fulfillment of His plans for us. An environment where His is the only light needed... the sun won't shine because His glory will be so radiant it won't be needed any longer. An eternity of joy and wholeness...where His Word says we will see Him face to face and we will be like Him in character...the flesh left behind, and new glorified bodies unhampered by gravity. I can hardly wait....even so, Come Lord Jesus.....I hear You calling Your children home....

Q7. (3:19) Have you ever prayed for a fellow believer that he or she might be "filled with all the fullness of God"? Yes, I have. What would you be praying for with that kind of prayer? That he/she would come to know and experience the Lord in knowledge of Him and His power and glory in their lives. That they would be filled with His Spirit, and they would know Him as their Peace and that His gifts would flow in their lives to His glory. That their flesh would die daily and He would reign as Lord in them, to enable them to fulfill completely His destiny for their lives. How does this prayer relate to Ephesians 5:27 and Colossians 1:28? It is the same thing...for no spot or wrinkle would mar them and that they would live holy lives, complete and mature and perfected in Him, full of His wisdom, alive to His purposes.

Q3. (Romans 8:9) Is it possible to be a Christian without the Holy Spirit residing in us? No, we do not belong to Christ until the Holy Spirit indwells us. What is the difference (if any) between the indwelling of the Spirit and the fullness of the Spirit? I think there is some disagreement on this in the Body of Christ, so I can only speak about my experience. I was indwelt with the Holy Spirit when I came to Christ, and I knew as it says in Romans 8:15, that I was a child of God...He witnessed this to my spirit. But at a later time, I received the fullness of the Spirit, and the gifts of God began to manifest in my life. After that time, He had more of me and I was more filled with Him. How do we remain "full" of the Spirit? We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit...it's a decision, a yielding, a pursuing, a desire to be filled, and I believe, asking to be filled. We can quench the Spirit and grieve the Spirit through walking in and pursuing after the flesh.

Q2. (Romans 8:5-6) Exactly what does it mean to set your mind on the things of the Spirit? To seek and pursue those things which gratify the Holy Spirit. How do you do this? Through a decision...making up the mind, setting the mind to follow the Holy Spirit and life. How can you recognize when the things you're setting your mind on relate to your sinful nature? Those things give pleasure to and gratify the fleshly desires which lead to death. How much of this is deliberate? All of it...it requires recognition of the the wrong desire, then the decision to deny the flesh and to pursue following the Holy Spirit. How much is habit? Habitually we pursue the things of the flesh...those things we did and knew and thought before we came to know the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord. Those are like a well worn rut in the road and we gravitate to them naturally. It takes a work of the Holy Spirit to take us to His path which leads to life. What part does the Holy Spirit have it this? First, He convicts us of what we are doing, saying, thinking, which is in the flesh. When we yield to Him, He leads us into all truth, and to pursue the things which lead to life. He is the author and finisher of our faith. Or is this primarily right living by force of will? Force of will never gets me onto the right path...that's just the will power which failed to save me or for me to do or live righteously before I came to Christ. It's in the yielding to His power that the flesh/will is crucified and dies to itself, and He enables me to do His will.

Q3. Why did Gideon name the altar "the LORD Is Peace"? The Lord replaced Gideon's terror of dying with His Peace and reassurance that He was with him. In what sense did the Lord offer peace to Gideon? The Lord saw Gideon hiding and trembling in terror, then spoke to him as He saw Gideon, as a "mighty man of valor", to change Gideon's perception of the situation, with God in control of the fight with the Midianites.