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Day 12 Meditation (Revelation 13:7-8). What is the significance that a person's name is recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life? When is that name written, according to Revelation 13:7-8? John wrote these words to encourage the persecuted church. How do these words reassure you? All who have been washed by the Blood of the Lamb will have their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Before creation all God’s elect have their names recorded, never to be erased. They will be redeemed and have eternal life. All I can say is a big thank You for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I know I’m not worthy. It is only through the mercy and grace of my Lord that I’m saved to spend eternity with Him. Thank You Lord Jesus. I fully trust God and His promises. I have given my life to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and know I have eternal life, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13). Further assurance, “...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23). I have gratefully accepted this free gift, and have put all my faith in Jesus, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2:8-9). Also, I have come to Christ in repentance and faith. He has promised me forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

Day 11 Meditation (Revelation 12:11). How does the blood of the Lamb enable us to conquer Satan? How does the word of our testimony show victory over Satan? Why is it necessary to "take up our cross daily" in order to conquer? The wages of sin, we know is death (Rom 6:23). But we read in 1Peter 2:22a, that He (Jesus) committed no sin, and since Jesus was sinless, death has no power over Him. So, the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19), spilt at the Cross, paid in full the debt of sin we owe to God. Death has been defeated, and we have hope beyond the grave – the blood of the Lamb has enabled us to conquer Satan. By His blood we are new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17), free from sin and enabled to serve Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. We show victory over Satan by proclaiming and teaching the gospel, that is, the Word of our testimony. Having received the gospel we pass it on, this being our testimony on behalf of Jesus. We spread the Good News throughout the whole world always adhering to the truth even in great sufferings. All Satan’s efforts to drive the Word from the world by persecution will not be successful, giving us the victory! Taking up our cross daily involves denying self and following Jesus whatever the consequences. It means giving Christ authority over every area of our life, and obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It may involve enmity from loved ones, being prepared to proclaim the Word in a hostile world, suffering for righteousness’ sake, loneliness, even death to self and to the world. We need to do this to ensure victory of good over evil in this world today.

Day 9 Meditation (Revelation 7:13-14). Why do you think this image is so jarring - being made white by washing in blood? What are we supposed to see in this? Why do you think this imagery is embarrassing to some? I’m in my 80’s and have been through the Bible a few times in my life, and I find this a very apt and descriptive metaphor. This image is seen originally in Gen 49:11, and the idea of sins being cleansed by the atonement of blood sacrifices is a common image in the Old Testament. Examples in the New Testament are found in Heb 9:14, where we are told to let the blood of Christ purify our conscience. Again in 1 John 1:7 we are told that Jesus has paid the penalty for our sins, and His blood has purified us. There are more examples in Eph 1:7; Rom 3:25; Heb 13:20; Rev 5:9. However, I can understand that some of the younger and urban generation might find it a bit strange. “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14b). We read in (Exo 19:10, 14) that God told the Israelites at Mount Sinai to wash their clothes before coming before Him. To stand before God in filthy garments is an abomination to Him. We can interpret this passage only in symbolical terms, because it is impossible to think of red blood making clothes white. The precious blood of Christ figuratively cleanses sinners from every sin to present them holy and spotless to God (Eph 5:26-27; 1John 1:7). So, by washing our robes, we as sinners come to Christ by faith and repentance, confessing our sins. We purify our clothes through the blood of the Lamb. Making our garments white, that is, pure and holy, can only be done without exception through Christ's blood shed on Calvary's cross. It is His blood that removes the impurity of our sin - without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin (Heb 9:22). I have always hated the thought of the primitive blood sacrifice of innocent animals, but I also know that God hates sin, and that innocent blood had to be spilt for the atonement of my sin. Only by accepting Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross for the remission of sins, can we stand before God covered in the righteousness of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Day 10 Meditation (Revelation 7:15-17). In what way does the Lamb seek to guide you as a Shepherd? What will this require of you? What do the "springs of living water" represent in your life? Have you exhausted these springs yet - or even really found them? What tears do you need wiped away from your eyes? Jesus as the Shepherd supplies all my needs, and looks after me in every way imaginable. He expects me to obey His commands and to listen to His prompting. Since becoming a Christian in 1981, Jesus has always been there for me through thick and thin. I’ve been disciplined when disobedient but on looking back I can only thank Him for my spiritual growth and perseverance. To me He is the True Shepherd who guards His sheep, and the Good Shepherd who gives His life for them. He is forever out in front of the sheep as their Saviour, as their Guide, and as their Example. If we are true sheep of Christ, we will follow Him. Besides, He does not ask us to go anywhere that He Himself has not gone before. He is the One who gives salvation, the One who offers access to heaven – the only One. Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No-one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). In my life the “springs of living water” represents my salvation and the blessings of eternal life – a life spent with my Saviour Jesus Christ! The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ leads me 'to springs of living water' tells me that in heaven I shall be at the very source of this water. The water Jesus is speaking about is not literal water but the spiritual water that He gives to those who put their trust in Him. I can’t help comparing earthly water with the earthly pleasures we are constantly seeking, but which will never quench our thirst. The more we have the more we want – the heart of man is never satisfied. Unlike literal water, the “living water” that Jesus gives truly satisfies – it is all the blessings which come to the human soul through faith in Him. I will never exhaust these springs of water, since I know that whoever drinks of Christ's blessings and mercies will never thirst again. It is constantly overflowing, not only in this life but in eternity as well. I have been so fortunate in having been truly blessed in life. I’m forever grateful to my Heavenly Father!! All the glory to Him! Praise Him! Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise Him in the heights above. Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His heavenly hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him, all you shining stars. Praise Him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Psalm 148:1-4 (ANIV) Thank You Lord Jesus!

Day 8 Meditation (Revelation 7:9-12). Why do you think worship before the throne is such a theme of Revelation? What are the implications of this band of white-robed saints before the throne for our relationships with minority peoples in our own cities and countries? How dare we no longer act? How must we act towards these who are different, but very much the same as we? It is from this Throne that the universe is ruled. One of the great themes of Revelation is the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died on the Cross, and who now sits upon the throne of the universe. We find that Jesus rules the universe as Creator, as Lord, and as Reconciler. In Col 1:16 we read about our Lord ruling as the Creator. “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. Not only is Jesus Christ the Creator of nature, but He holds it all together. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Col 1:17). Jesus Christ is the Lord of providence - the true King with unlimited power. The ultimate authority over the universe. God raised Him up and "made Him sit at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and He has put all things under His feet and has made Him the head over all things for the church" (Eph. 1:20-22). This authority will be more fully displayed when Jesus returns to earth in power and great glory to reign (2 Thess. 1:7-10). On that day He will be acknowledged as "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:16) and every knee shall bow to Him (Phil. 2:10). Jesus Christ reigns as the Reconciler. He does this by being our perfect high priest, who continually leads us into God's presence so that we no longer have need of a special priesthood to stand between us and God. Jesus has opened for us the way of access to God so that we can continually "draw near" into God's very presence without fear but with "confidence" and in "full assurance of faith." He continually brings us near to God. The great multitude around the throne is the result of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19), which must be completed before the end comes (Matt 24:14). Jesus was talking about the urgency of spreading the gospel to all. Among this band of white-robed saints will be peoples of all race groups, all nationalities, and who speak different languages. They are the ones who have remained faithful to our Lord through the generations. We are all in the same boat, having been elected by God, generated by the Holy Spirit, and having responded in faith and repentance to become children of God. We will spend eternity with them, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Day 7 Meditation (Revelation 6:15-17; 14:9-11). What is the purpose of the punishment meted out by the Lamb? Retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence? Why is having a Lamb (Jesus) exacting justice more troubling to us than the idea of Almighty God acting justly? How important to a rounded understanding of Christ is the Messiah of judgment? The purpose of punishment is that God's justice and righteousness demands it. In Jer 9:24 we read about three chief attributes of God that are required before there can be any love or reverence for Him. These are His lovingkindness (steadfast love), that is His readiness to show grace and mercy, and His justice and righteousness. He hates all manner of sin (Proverbs 6:16-19), and because of His justice and righteousness God cannot allow sin to go unpunished. There has to be retribution, which is not the requirement in today’s society. Here the emphasis is more on deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and reparation. However, in His great mercy and love, God has provided His own payment for our sin. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross for us. But there are limits to His mercy. Isaiah 55:6-7 tells us to turn to the LORD while He can still be found. We are to give up our evil ways and evil thoughts, and He will be merciful and forgive us our sins. It is more troubling to have Jesus exacting justice than the thought of God acting justly, because there is no fear of God in today’s world. It not until we have come to recognise God’s holiness and sovereignty and the understanding of our own sinfulness that we will learn to fear God (Prov 1:7-9). I think we will find in this age of information that knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom is a basic attitude that affects every aspect of life. It is not about how much we understand and know. It is about how much we respect and honour God. To live in awe of His power, and to obey His Word. Faith in God should be the controlling principle for our understanding of the world, our attitudes, and our actions. The bottom line is - Trust in God and He will make you truly wise. It is important to have a well-developed and balanced understanding of Christs’ judgment – of unbelievers and believers. Unbelievers may think of Jesus (the Lamb) as a softer, gentler face of God, one that is not stern and angry, but all love, all-forgiving. Romans 6:15-17, tell a different story. The fury that people on earth will flee is the fury of 'the Lamb', Jesus Christ, just as much as it is His Father's. There is no soft picture of Christ here. All of this was predicted for centuries and Jesus Himself spoke about it in Matthew 24:29-30, "Immediately after the distress of those days " 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.” John sat with Jesus a couple of days before His death, and heard Jesus foretell the day when He would come back. Believers judgment is found in 2 Cor 5:10, where we read that all believers, must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. This judgment seat of Christ is not to determine our salvation, that has already been done by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, but about receiving rewards for faithfully serving our Lord.

Day 6 Meditation (Revelation 5:11-14). Why don't you allow God to stretch you today by offering loud shouts of praise, praise that enumerates the Lamb's attributes and worthiness. And as you speak these things, meditate on what you are saying. Have you done this yet today? Yes! Shouts of Praise! With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the LORD: "He is good; His love to Israel endures for ever." And all the people gave a great SHOUT OF PRAISE to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. Ezra 3:11 (ANIV) Sing to Him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:3 (ANIV) Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1 (ANIV) My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You - I, whom You have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 (ANIV) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; Psalm 98:4 (ANIV) Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 100:1 (ANIV) Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures for ever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 (ANIV) You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being. Revelation 4:11 (ANIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3 (ANIV) Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (ANIV)

Day 5 Meditation (Revelation 5:7-10). You have been redeemed, purchased by payment of a price. In your own case, what kind of slavery have you been rescued from? Does this inspire you to sing to the Lord, even while darkness still swirls around you? Why do you think Jesus wants you to reign with Him in the New Heavens and the New Earth? I was a sinner, a slave to sin, and condemned to eternal separation from God. Jesus through His mercy and grace purchased my freedom from sin and the clutches of Satan with His blood. I realise I have been purchased at a tremendous cost, and I now belong to Jesus. My sins are forgiven, I will share in His inheritance, and will reign with Him in His eternal kingdom. Yes, this does inspire me to sing a new song to my Saviour Jesus Christ. For my heart is full of joy for what He has done. He has triumphed over death, over the power of Satan and his allies, and over the godless and rebellious realm of this world. It was on the cross that the Lord Jesus, the slain Lamb, bought me with His own blood, purchased me for God and gave me a destiny in His new kingdom. A kingdom where I can serve Him and have the honour of access to His presence. Enough inspiration to sing a new song to my Lord! Jesus wants me to reign with Him since I have been truly united with Him, and will live and reign with Him forever (2 Tim. 2:11–13). Sin no longer has dominion over me, and I may fulfil the royal law of liberty in serving my Creator (1 Peter 2:16; James 1:25). Remembering that God made us to have dominion over creation, to rule it for His glory (Gen. 1:26–31).

Day 4 Meditation (Revelation 5:1-8; 6:1). What does it say about you that Jesus, the “Most Worthy One”, died for you? How does He value your worth? How casual should you be before the Lamb who is Most Worthy? What is the appropriate relationship with Him? In what ways has He humbled Himself to reveal Himself to you? The fact that the “Most Worthy One” died for me, His creature and a sinner, and that He was willing to pay a ransom with the price of His own precious blood, tells me how highly God thinks of my worth and value to Him. It tells me of Jesus’ great love for me that He bore my sins in His body on the cross! When I think that God does not need me or the rest of creation for anything, it might make one feel that our lives are of no importance at all. But Scripture tells me I was made in His image (Gen 1:26-27), created to glorify Him (Ps 86:12), fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14), chosen in Him before the creation of the world (Eph 1:4), sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, and guaranteed an inheritance in Heaven. So, I know that I have value and importance to God Himself. Wow! What a God we serve! How casual should I be before the Lamb who is Most Worthy? Jesus is my Creator, my Redeemer, my Lord, my Saviour, my Shepherd, my Life, my Light, my King, my Friend, my Everything. I was made through Him, in Him, and for Him. I worship Him, adore Him – for He alone is worthy. Yet I can have fellowship with Him, and in all my ways submitting to Him (Ps 3:6). One can only have an appropriate relationship with our Lord Jesus if we truly know Him. This does not mean only to know about Him. We were created to know God and have a close, personal relationship with Him - a life-changing experience that will affect every aspect of our life and bring us untold joy, hope and purpose like nothing else. Knowing Jesus Christ is the most exciting relationship we can have. It is the beginning of a life of adventure with an all-loving, all-powerful God. Jesus humbled Himself by coming to earth as a Man. He had always existed as the Son of God with the Father in heaven, but now chose to come into the world in a human body. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. (John 1:14). God actually came to this earth and lived here as a Man among men. Also, in Matt 20:28 we are told that He came into the world not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. The whole purpose of the Incarnation can be summed up in two words - serve and give. It is amazing to think that the exalted Lord humbled Himself to the manger and to the cross – displaying the depth of His humiliation.

Day 3 Meditation (Revelation 5:6). How is the Lamb described in verse 6? What does that tell you about His ability to help you now, in your present circumstances? Considering the standing Lamb that was slain, how do the wounds you have experienced become your strengths? The Lamb in Revelation 5:6 is described as: The Lamb - Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, symbolising His submission to God’s will. The Lamb – Although a Sacrificial Lamb, He is in no way weak. He was killed, but now He lives in God’s strength and power. Slain - Looking as if it had been slain – with the scars and marks of His atoning death. Slain but yet triumphant! Standing – He is alive and standing having victory over death! Throne – He is at the centre of the throne showing Royal status. We will always have a High Priest sitting at the right hand of God. Encircled by 4 living creatures and by 24 elders. 7 – Denotes completeness – He sees all that happens in the universes. Horns – Depicting His authority and power to rule in heaven and on earth. Eyes – Depicting His infinite knowledge and wisdom – all-seeing, all-knowing. Spirits – The Holy Spirit sent to earth working with our Redeemer, The Lamb. Jesus is ascended and exalted in heaven - this tells me He has defeated every enemy and is now controlling events from glory. This is a great encouragement to suffering Christians and to me in whatever circumstances I find myself in. He has the victory! We worship the living, reigning Lamb of God who is in the midst of all in heaven. This is the God that works in all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Our strength is found in the Lamb who was slain, but today is standing triumphant! He has taught us to live by faith keeping our eyes fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed will be gathered with Him eternally. My wounds, my troubles, my pressures, and my trials have all taught me to rely on the strength of Christ who strengthens me for every need. Like Paul said in 2 Cor 12:10, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Day 2 Meditation (Revelation 5:5). How do humility and victory go together? How do the Lion and the Lamb fit together? How did Jesus humble Himself? Why is it necessary to humble ourselves before God will exalt us? It is through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that we have victory (1 Cor 15:57), but for this to happen we must come to Christ in humility admitting our complete inability to save ourselves. We can now live as new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), never forgetting His sacrifice on the Cross where He exchanged our sin for His righteousness. We have the victory, not because of our effort, but because He has promised eternal life to all who believe in Him. The Lion and the Lamb both refer to Jesus Christ. As the Lion, He is the Judge, punishing His enemies, and it speaks of strength, dignity, sovereignty, courage, and victory. As the Lamb of God, He is the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sin - rising from the dead to show His power over evil and death. One comment I read was: At His First Coming, He was the Lamb. At His Second Coming, He will be the Lion. Jesus humbled Himself by coming to earth as the perfect sacrifice; making Himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Php 2:7), but still He remained full of grace and truth (John 1:14). There was no depth to which He would not stoop to save us of our sin, even humbling Himself to the point of death. What a Saviour!!! What a Conqueror!!! We have to humble ourselves before God will exalt us. God hates the pride of the self-righteous. Our self-centred thoughts leave no room for any thought of God. Besides this, we take credit for all our achievements never giving God the credit He deserves for anything. God alone should be receiving the glory – without Him nothing would have been possible. We also find that pride keeps many from accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour. We need to recognise our complete spiritual bankruptcy and our inability to come to God aside from His divine grace. We have to humbly put our faith in Him, repent and trust Him for our salvation, acknowledging that in our own strength we can do nothing to inherit eternal life. The proud, on the other hand, are so blinded by their pride that they think they have no need of God.

Day 1 Meditation (Revelation 4; 5:6). Why is everyone around the throne worshipping? Why are they chanting and singing? Why do you think that we get bored with worship after a few minutes? What does that indicate about our hearts? What can we do to change this? Everyone around the throne are praising and honouring God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. In an act of worship, adoration, and praise they chant and sing ceaselessly of the holiness and eternity of God. We easily get bored after a while when worshipping because we start thinking about our own concerns. This is because we tend to have great thoughts about ourselves and as a rule small thought about God. These personal thoughts, all pale into insignificance and become meaningless in the light of the glory of God. Our finite minds cannot always fathom or truly comprehend the greatness and majesty of our Heavenly Father. Those who truly know God, will have great energy for God, and will not easily get tired or get bored in worship so easily.

Q4. (Philippians 3:13; Revelation 2:4) What does it look like when a person "loses his first love"? Has this ever happened to you? How can you regain a personal intimacy with Christ? What might you need to repent of to restore this? We start to “lose our first love” when there is a gradual shift of focus away from our Lord Jesus. Life becomes very busy, and although we still serve the Lord, it’s not with the same enthusiasm or motive. We start to drift into the loss of our first love. The visible symptoms will be the loss of the joy and glow we had in our Christian life – it all becomes humdrum and routine. Church services become dull and drab; we seem to have heard it all already. We become more and more important. What will please the Lord becomes less and less important, we begin to think of what we want and what will please us. Self-centeredness sets in and we focus on ourselves, our comfort, and our pleasures. Yes, I regret to say I’ve been there. After a while I get a feeling of emptiness and an uneasiness about my backsliding. I needed to ask my Heavenly Father for forgiveness for neglecting Him. I had to again find my love for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The same love I first felt for Jesus when I came to know Him. When my heart went out to Him in gratitude and thanksgiving. “Amazing love, how can it be That Thou My God should die for me!”

Q3. (Philippians 3:8-9) How can pride in our own righteousness and religious achievements actually get in the way of "knowing Christ"? Has this ever happened to you or someone you know? God’s will for us is to become more and more like Christ (1 Thess 4:3), but when we allow sinful thoughts and emotions to govern us, we fall short of His plan. Our actions are a reflection of our inner thoughts, and self-centred pride is the root of almost every other sin; we read in Prov 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”. Pride gets in the way of knowing Christ in that it tells us we are better than we really are, and we start to think we don’t need God. We begin to claim glory for ourselves. This has happened to me when I have claimed success due to my cleverness or superiority over others – result I’ve bumped my head, and things started to go wrong. Instead of giving God the glory and credit; at the same time being most thankful for His grace and mercy. I know it’s not wrong to take pride in a job well done or in an accomplishment, as long as we acknowledge that God gave us the abilities and He alone deserves the credit. The Bible says, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3). Self-centred pride is a sin, and we must confront it honestly and humbly seeking God’s forgiveness and help. It is only when we understand how great God is that our boasting and pride will begin to fade.

Q2. (Colossians 1:14-20; Romans 8:1) What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Why is such union with Christ so important? To be in Christ is to be a new creation. If we have sincerely trusted Christ for our salvation and acknowledged Him as Lord, then the Holy Spirit lives within us - we are born again. We enter into a spiritual union with Jesus Christ and we remain in this position forever – it’s a permanent gift from God, and will never be taken away. Our union with Christ makes available to us a great number of spiritual benefits, and can be used and enjoyed continuously during our time here on earth and will continue into eternity. We are made perfect in the sight of God (Col 2:9,10), and we have obtained the Righteousness of Christ (2 Cor 5:21). While here on earth we are identified with Christ in His life and we share certain aspects of His life (Eph 3:1-14). For example we share in His election (Eph 1:4), His Holiness (1 Cor 1:30), His inheritance (Rom 8:16-17); and His Kingdom (Col 1:13). Biblical examples of our union with Christ are: Vine and branches (John 15:1-7); Head and body (Eph 1:22-23); Bridegroom and bride (Rev 19:7-9); and Shepherd and flock (John 10:16). Our union with Christ is vital because we are now justified, declared righteous, not under His wrath (Romans 1:18), and have eternal life (Romans 5:17-18). Not only has God declared us not guilty but He has drawn us close to Himself. There is now no enmity – instead we have become His own children (Galatians 4:5).

Q1. (Philippians 2:5-11) How did Jesus demonstrate the importance of humility and forego His rights in order to do God's will? What happens when we try to exalt ourselves, rather than waiting for God to exalt us? What do you call this tendency? By voluntarily laying aside His Divine rights and privileges out of the love for His Father Jesus demonstrated the importance of humility. For when we seek a high place for ourselves, there is always the possible shame of being demoted. Whereas, if we are truly humble ourselves before God, there is only one direction we can possibly move and that is up. Jesus taught us that it is better to be promoted later, to a place of honour, than to grab that place initially, and then later be forced to give it up. He Himself is the living example of self-denial (Philippians 2:5-8). He humbled Himself and God exalted Him. The lesson Jesus taught us is that whoever exalts himself will be humbled by God. If we don’t reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of our Lord Jesus; we take on the worldly attitude of self-centred pride, greed, pleasure seeking, and the **** for power. This will result in us being cut off from God, and from others, as well as blinding us to our own faults. “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

Q4. (Philippians 1:20-23) In what way is death "gain" for Paul? (verse 21). Which is better for him? Life or death? (verse 23) How does Paul decide which he prefers - life vs. death - according to verses 22-24? Paul gains by dying because he will actually be with Christ, “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8). Paul also rejoices most when Christ is magnified in his person which will be the case when he is with Christ (1 Cor 13:12). Death would be better for him, a distinct gain, as his partial knowledge of Christ will be perfected (1 Cor 8:13), there will also be more joy, more adoration, and more fellowship with Christ. As I read somewhere: death is gain because it brings more of Christ to Paul, and more of Paul to Christ. Paul truly loves Christ, and more than anything else loves to be with Christ to glorify Him forever; to be free from sin and from suffering. But he realises that there is still much work to be done here on earth – there are many spiritual needs and that any further ministry will bring glory to the Lord. The choice is a difficult one - remaining here or departing to be with Christ. But for the sake of the church, he felt it was necessary that he lives on earth a little longer. The church had existed for not much longer than a decade, it had its weaknesses, and was confronted with real dangers (Php 3:2-3). The need of the church weighs heavier with him than the desire of his own soul. This goes to show what an unselfish and great-hearted man Paul is.

Q3. (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10) Why should appearing before Christ as Judge make us fearful? Will we be condemned at that judgment? What saves us (Romans 8:1; Revelation 21:12)? How will our works be judged on that day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)? Appearing before the Judgment Seat of Christ will be a personal evaluation by Jesus revealing all what has been hidden in the silent, inner reaches of our own hearts. Exposed will be the real nature of what we did and what we said and even the motives that prompted our actions will be exposed for all to see. This may well be a very daunting experience. We will not be condemned since the Judgment Seat of Christ has to do with our service for the Lord and not our sins (1 Cor 3:11-15). It’s not about whether we are saved or not, since as Christians that is already an assured fact. It is a time of review and reward, and is not to be confused with the Judgment of the Great White Throne (Rev 20:11-15); which is the final judgment of all the wicked dead. Jesus saves us! There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ (Rom 8:1); we are justified, declared righteous, and possess eternal life. This whole process can be seen as the action of fire on our deeds. Those that brought glory to God and blessings to others will not be affected by the fire, but that which caused trouble among the people of God will be consumed. Preachers and teachers will be judged more severely.

Q2. (2 Corinthians 5:8; John 14:2-3) In what ways is heaven like your "home"? Which is eternal? Which is temporary? What kind of faith would it take for you to walk or live with this as your belief, rather than holding on to your earthly possessions, status, and life? In the same way that we now feel at home in our earthly body, when we receive our resurrection body, we will feel at home as well. However, to be at home in the earthly body means to live in an “earthly tent” built by human hands (2 Cor 5:1), to be outwardly “wasting away” (2 Cor 4:16), and to be in a state of mortality. And since, here on earth, we live by faith, and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7), it means that we don’t see our Lord; in other words we are not in His presence. All this will change, in that when we die, we will immediately be with Him, and eventually in our new home from God, not made with hands - exchanging our temporary residence for a permanent residence “with the Lord”. To think we will be spending eternity with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! In a place where there is no sin (Revelation 21:27), no sorrow or death (Revelation 21:4), no mourning and no night (Revelation 21:25); no separation (Revelation 21:1); no tears (Revelation 7:17); and no war (Psalm 46:9). The question is rather, why would any true believer want to hold on their earthy possessions, status, and life?

Q1. (2 Timothy 2:3; 3:10-12; 4:7) Why are we quieted so quickly by mild societal disapproval of our witness? What would enduring hardship "like a good soldier of Christ" look like in your life? What would it look like to "fight the good fight" for you? There is a lesson here for me. I’m much too sensitive to rejection, and take it personally if people are rude when I mention our Lord Jesus. I need to learn and understand that when we share the gospel with unbelievers we are to persevere in the face of rejection. We are being rejected not because of something we did. We are tempted to put the blame on ourselves – did we say something wrong, did we not mention something we should have, did we use a wrong word, did we quote the wrong Scripture, and so on?. We worry about ourselves and our presentation, but it’s not about us and our presentation, it’s about the unbelievers and their heart. As long as our message is clear and we are telling them the true gospel then it’s their understanding which is darkened because of their hardness of heart (Eph 4:18). They need a new heart and only the gospel and Holy Spirit can do this. The bottom line is – I’m to persevere in the case of rejection. As a good soldier of Jesus Christ, I should be able to endure suffering and hardship. We only have to look at Paul as an example of what it is to suffer as a servant in his loyalty, worship, devotion and hard work for Christ. To have fought the good fight would mean to have given my best. I will be the first to admit that I have not always given my best. But I think this is more about finishing rather than about winning. Being in my 80’s I do feel I have persevered and kept the faith, and have continued to believe and obey my Heavenly Father. Tried to have been a good steward. But I know I have put my faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, and acknowledge Him in nearly everything I do. I trust Him fully, and know that it’s not about me; it’s all about Jesus Christ and His glory.

Q4. (Acts 20:24b; Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) In what sense was Paul an ambassador? In what sense are you an ambassador? Why is sharing your testimony important in your ambassadorship? Paul represented Jesus Christ here on earth. He was a spokesman for God; spreading His message of reconciliation. In the same way, as believers, we should be representing Jesus – acting like His ambassadors here on earth. We can and should be taking all opportunities to tell all in our area about our Lord Jesus and His saving grace. It’s up to us as Jesus’ ambassadors to tell the world that they must be reconciled to God – repent and put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

Q3. (Acts 20:24) Our life is valuable to God, of course, and we are to value it. However, what problems result from valuing our life for its own sake? What does it mean to "take up His cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23-25)? What keeps us from doing that? What does it mean when Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20)? Can we follow Christ, if we are actually trying to hang on to our own life? I feel God created me and I’m His servant; He owns me and can do with me what He wants. It is only by His great mercy and grace that I’m alive today. My main goal should be to obey and serve my Heavenly Father. As a sinner saved by grace I deserve nothing but everlasting hell. Yet, 1 Peter 1:3 reads: ”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This is the great Lord I serve. God in His love sent His Son to die for me that I might have everlasting life. I was bought at a price (1 Cor 6:19-20), and on becoming a Christian the Holy Spirit came to live in me; so I no longer own my body. To take up His cross daily and follow Me means daily putting aside our selfish desires and acknowledging His Lordship in every area of my life, and that I belong to Him and should live to serve His purposes. What keeps us from doing this? Our selfish desires. Our love of money, success, recognition, power, and pleasure. We think only of ourselves and what we can get. Our priorities need to be sorted out; we need to focus on the task God has given us. I have been crucified with Christ means God no longer sees me as a sinner. My sins died with Him on the cross and I’m no longer condemned (Col 2:13-15). It is no longer I that live, but Christ who lives in me. I live in continual dependence on Christ by yielding to Him, and by allowing Christ to live His life in me. No. There has to be complete surrender if we truly want to follow Christ.

Q2. (Acts 19:21; 20:22-23; 21:11) Are the prophecies about imprisonment in Jerusalem in conflict with Paul's leading from God? What, then, conflicts with Paul's leading to go to Jerusalem? Why do you think Paul actively encourages prophecy in the churches he establishes (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5)? Why do you think many Christians despise prophecy today (1 Thessalonians 5:20)? No, Paul has his instructions from our Lord Jesus Himself to preach the gospel. His single most important goal was to tell others about Christ regardless of what might happen to him. Also, he had this inner compulsion to travel to Rome and beyond. The only conflict would be the physical harm that might be done to him; perhaps resulting in him not being able to continue his mission. Paul actively encouraged spiritual gifts for individuals in the churches, as he felt it would help in building up the local fellowship resulting in encouragement and edification among the congregation. Of all the gifts, he showed a preference for prophecy and teaching, which he felt would be of greater benefit for the church as a whole. Today, I feel, many Christians are uncomfortable when hearing prophetic messages. I think mainly because of being exposed to many so called prophetic messages; heard especially on TV.

Q1. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) Why did Christians worship on "the first day of the week"? Why is it called "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10)? What does it mean that they "break bread" (Acts 20:7, 11; 2:42, 46; 1 Corinthians 10:16)? Why is that important to believers (Luke 22:19)? Our Lord Jesus’ resurrection, His two appearances to His disciples, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, all occurred on a Sunday. And was now called the “first day of the week” and “the Lord’s Day” – the emphasis having shifted from Saturday, the Sabbath, to Sunday. The breaking of bread means partaking in the Lord’s Supper. It reminds us of the death of Christ on the Cross for our sins, and the glorious hope of His return.

Q4. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17a, 21-22; Acts 16:25-26; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) What do praise and thankfulness have to do with faith? Why do you think praise and thankfulness are such powerful weapons in our warfare? When we truly realise the marvellous truths of the His Word and what our Lord Jesus Christ means to us, then our hearts will overflow in praise and thanksgiving. Our faith isn’t complete without praise and thanksgiving – it’s through praise and thanksgiving that we acknowledge our faith in Him. I have experienced that when I place my trust in the Lord, when I praise Him, and when I thank Him; I feel Him closer to me. I become more alive to His loving goodness. Psalm 100:4 reads: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name”. I love this verse - we are to come before Him with a grateful heart. Thank Him for the blessings of grace, peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation. Praise Him for His goodness, love, mercy, truth, and faithfulness. We thank Him for what He has done for us and we praise Him for who He is. As a believer we have all we need to battle against Satan and his army of demonic forces. With our praise and thanksgiving our Lord is closer to us. At the same time we have God’s Spirit in us, and He is always available to help us with our temptations and struggles – He will fight for us and He always wins! All we need to do is ask for His help; realise the battle is not ours, and recognise our limitations; allowing God’s strength to win for us.