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Q3. Isaiah 53 teaches what theologians call "the substitutionary atonement." In what sense does the Servant act as a substitute to bear our sins? Put it in your own words. Because of our sin we deserve punishment, and this means death and eternity in hell. But God

Q2. Which New Testament parallels to Isaiah 53 convince you that Jesus himself saw his own mission and destiny spelled out in Isaiah 53? In Matthew 20:28 we read Jesus

Q1. From how large a group of people does God remove sins in Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12? Jesus suffered for the sins of all people, bearing the punishment we deserve

What do you think God intended animal sacrifice teach us about sin? How God hates sin and the costliness of sin. All sin separates us from God and would require the ultimate sacrifice to atone for it. What do they teach us about holiness? What do they teach us about God's nature? God Himself is the Most Holy One

Q5. In what sense is God's provision of animal sacrifice for forgiveness of sins an expression of his mercy? The sacrifice of animals allowed the people to realise how God hates sin and how costly it is to atone for our sin

Q4. (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? The basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin during OT times would be: Confession of sin; the sacrificial animal, normally a lamb, was to be spotless, without blemish; close identification between the sinner and the sacrifice; and the sinner had to personally kill the animal. Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? These basic elements are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today. Which are no longer necessary? They are all necessary only in different forms and with different emphasises. Why? In the OT the sacrifices had to be regularly offered to compensate for the sins that had been committed; more as a cover up for the sin committed. Not to deter the sinner from future offense against God, but rather to atone for the sin. Today, because of Christ

Q3. Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? Modern people see animal sacrifice as a blood-thirsty act practised by ancient and primitive religions. They view it as no longer applicable in our so called

Q2. Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? In our world today, sin is not taken very seriously. We either ignore it or dilute its seriousness; often blaming it on ignorance. The Word of God, on the other hand, strips us of all excuses and exposes sin for what it is. In Genesis 18:20 we read that "sin is very grievous"; in 1 Kings 16:2 we note,

Q1. (John 1:29) How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? From OT readings we know that the lamb was a sacrificial animal among the Jews. God had taught His chosen people to slay a lamb and to sprinkle its blood as a sacrifice. The lamb was killed as a substitute and its blood shed so that sins might be forgiven. However, the blood of the lambs slain during the OT period did not put away sin. These lambs pointed forward to the fact that God would one day provide a Lamb who would actually take away the sin. All down through the years, godly Jews had waited for the coming of this Lamb. Now at last the time had come, and John the Baptist triumphantly announced the arrival of the true Lamb of God. How was the comprehensiveness of "sin of the world" so radical a concept? The Jewish sacrifices were intended for the benefit of their nation only. The sacrifice of Christianity applies to all nations and for all time. When John the Baptist said that Jesus bears the sin of the world, he did not mean that everyone's sins are therefore forgiven. Rather, the death of Christ was great enough in value to pay for the sins of the whole world, but only those sinners who receive the Lord Jesus as Saviour are forgiven.

Q4. What about Moses' strengths have inspired you? What inspired me most was the way he put the interests of his nation above those of his own. I also notice he was a humble man of patience and of great faith. I would say a great leader. What about his weaknesses have been a warning to you? Perhaps his anger. Except for displeasing God at Meribah, his anger was mostly legitimate. To think of the immense pressure he was put under before God got him to delegate some of his responsibilities. If there is one primary thing God has taught you from Moses' life that you seek to apply to yours, what is it? Moses was less than perfect yet God used him mightily. This makes me realise that despite my weakness God still loves me and uses me. I

Q3. (Numbers 25; Revelation 2:14) Though Balaam wouldn't prophesy evil against Israel, he was willing to counsel the Moabites how to hurt Israel. How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel into sin? Balaam advised Balak how the Israelites would hurt themselves by sinning:

Q2. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15) What precipitated the plague of snakes? God was getting tired of the grumbling and criticism by the people of their food, as well as being ungrateful and impatient about their position. This after all God has done for them. This time they not only blamed Moses but God as well. So now, God rightfully decides to punish them for their rebelliousness. Is being impatient with God's provision a sin? Most definitely. Why or why not? This was the eighth time they had complained bitterly. They still had not learned to trust God; they were doubting His Word and His Promises. This is the same as calling God a liar and is a sin, and like all sins is punishable by death. What are the points of comparison between the bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross? We read about the Israelites, as they wandered through the wilderness, becoming discouraged and impatient. For complaining against the Lord, and as punishment God sent a plaque of snakes and many died. People now cried to the Lord in repentance, and God got Moses to make a serpent of brass and to place it on a pole for all to see. Those bitten by snakes had to look to the bronze snake and were healed. Jesus quoted this OT incident in answer to a question by Nicodemus on how to be born again. People have been bitten by the snake of sin and condemned to eternal death. We know from Rom 6:23,

Q1. (Numbers 20:1-13) What did God tell Moses to do to bring water out of the rock? The Lord told Moses to take his staff in hand and speak to the rock and water would flow for all the people and their livestock. What did Moses actually do? Moses struck the rock twice, and at the same time calling the people rebels and stating that he and Aaron brought water out of the rock. In what way did he sin? Moses firstly disobeyed God by not doing exactly what God had told him to do. Secondly he drew attention to himself instead of giving God the glory for the miracle. Thereby dishonouring God in the presence of His people. What emotions and attitudes were behind his sin, do you think? I think Moses was mentally and physically exhausted by the constant bickering of the Israelites; for they had tested his patience to the utmost. It is most probably out of frustration that he acted this way. However, being a leader, he was without excuse and showing disrespect for God in front of His people would have to be punished. What must leaders do when they sin in these ways? Immediately repent and seek God

Q4. (Numbers 17) What was the root cause of Korah's rebellion? The rebellion was led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The party led by Korah was made up mostly of Levites. Their complaint was the preferred treatment Aaron

Q3. (Numbers 14) Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? It was their sin of unbelief that kept them initially out of the Promised Land. They had actually questioned God

Q2. (Numbers 12) What was Miriam's and Aaron's motivation for speaking against Moses? They resented Moses

Q1. (Numbers 11:11-15) Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? Moses is frustrated because of his own inability to take care of his people alone. The people are making demands for meat and he knows it is completely impossible for him to supply such numbers. What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? He askes for death to escape all the problems he is encountering. I think he is both physically and emotionally exhausted because of all the demands being made upon him. Does he have any grounds for his complaints? No, not really. He has seen the miracles God has performed, and he should have delegated his leadership responsibilities and called on God

Q4. (Leviticus 1:3-9) In the burnt offering for an individual's sin: What is the significance of the offerer laying his hand on the animal's head? It was an important part of the sacrificial ritual. Together with confession this symbolized the person

Q3. What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? It teaches us about a natural progression that should take place before entering into His Presence. There has to be sacrifice (made for us by Christ) and confession. Once we have confessed our sins we receive His cleansing and forgiveness; can we worship Him by praising and thanking Him. Only now do we enter into His presence. Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? To receive His cleansing and forgiveness before we come into His presence.

Q2. (Exodus 25:10-22) What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? It symbolized the throne of Yahweh. What did it represent? It represented the presence of God in a very special way

Q1. (Numbers 2:1-3:34) Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? God is a God of order and not confusion

Q4. (Exodus 33:7-11) Why is Moses' pre-tabernacle "tent of meeting" so important in Moses' ministry? Moses needed to have intimate contact with the Lord. He needed to spend this time alone with God - to receive further revelations from the Lord, and to intercede on behalf of the people. Why is it called the "tent of meeting"? This is where Moses met with God. Individuals could go to the tent if they wanted to seek the Lord. Only Moses entered and when he entered a pillar of cloud descended, indicating God

Q3. (Exodus 32:11-13, 30-35; 33:12-17) Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses' ministry? Moses had to step in and intercede on behalf of the Israelites. They had broken their promises to God and committed gross idolatry and immorality. God was most angry and threatened to have them all killed. Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? Pastors and leaders know the Word and know the Promises He has made and are therefore well qualified to intercede on our behalf. To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both his character and his promises?? We can only come to God covered in the righteous blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Then we come as a child before our Heavenly Father and make our requests on behalf of others known. We know Him as a loving, merciful, and caring Father; we also know that He keeps His promises and will always answer in His perfect time and in His perfect way.

Q2. (Exodus 32:21-24) What was the nature of Aaron's sin with the golden calf? With Moses gone for just over a month, Aaron gave in to the people

Q1. (Exodus 32:1-6) Why do you think the people of Israel were so quick to make idols, even after hearing the monotheism of the Ten Commandments that forbade graven images? It is hard to understand that barely 6 weeks after the Blood of the Covenant was sprinkled on them, that they would reject their allegiance to God. I think this proves that their loyalty to Him was never genuine. Perhaps they were being obedient only to Moses, and as soon as he was gone they rebelled. The fact that they could lapse into idolatry so soon is a warning to us to never underestimate the influence of sin. This must have been a national rebellion for we do not read about any voices of protest. Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? Maybe he was trying to discourage the rebellion of the people