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Q1. In what way do our prayers of praise "bless" God? What do we mere humans have that God desires in a blessing? What are prayers like, that don't include blessing God? By praising His glory, greatness, and splendour, we

Q1. (Isaiah 6:1-8) How does a realization of God's holiness affect Isaiah? Why is Isaiah afraid? How does God make Isaiah holy? What is the symbolism of the coal from the altar? Now made holy - dedicated to God - how does Isaiah respond to God? The vision of God

Q1. (2 Peter 3:1-2) Why are reminders so important for Christians? How do you remind yourself of God's promises? How do you remind others? There is so much to learn in the Scriptures, and it is only by repetition that we can remember; never mind applying what we have learnt. Also we are by nature sinners and need a constant spiritual check to keep us on track

Q4. What does it mean to have a broken heart and spirit? Why is this essential in the prayer for pardon? In what sense is this a "sacrifice"? Why do we tend to resist a "broken and contrite heart" in ourselves? It means a sad, and broken heart, as well as a truly humbled spirit fully ashamed of the sin committed. We must acknowledge the need before God to find spiritual renewal and cleansing.

Q4. (Isaiah 40:21-31). In this passage on the "Creator of the ends of the earth," which words are repeated in verses 28-31. What application are we disciples to derive from this passage so that we might understand God's might as Creator? Repeated words are: grow tired; weary; strength. This passage teaches us about the greatness of God. All His works of creation are done without any help. God is majestic

Q4. (2 Peter 2:20-22) If open sin is so spiritually dangerous, why have we churches stopped talking about it so much? I think it has more to do about finances and member attendances. The congregation are told what they would rather hear; about prosperity rather than the dangers of sin. They should be preaching Romans 6:23,

Q3. Is it possible to have a pure heart? How does God bring about a pure heart? What is our part in this? Yes, most definitely. God creates in us a new heart the moment we gives our lives to Jesus,

Q2. In his prayer does David seek to minimize his sins? To maximize them? Why does an authentic prayer for pardon require clear, unvarnished acknowledgement of sin to be effective? No, David comes clean by confessing and acknowledging fully his sins before God. Being completely honest and not trying to minimize the sin by making excuses. We can never justify sin. We must realize that all sin is first and foremost against God; dishonouring His name. It is only when we admit that we are rotten to the core, sinful in our very nature, that God can then start working in our lives. We cannot bluff God, He knows our heart, our very thoughts

Q1. In what way does a prayer for pardon require faith? What is that faith based on? How does a person gain the faith to pray this prayer in confidence? It requires faith in the mercy of God; based on His character of grace and compassion. We receive this faith when we place our only hope of salvation in Christ Jesus. Sinners deserve nothing but punishment. But by faith in Christ, I as a lost, guilty sinner, can pray this prayer for pardon with complete confidence, knowing I will be totally cleansed from sin; made pure in His eyes. Praise the Lord!

Q3. (Psalm 95:1-7) How many names, titles, and metaphors of God can you find in this passage, both explicit and implicit? What does the Psalmist call on us to do in response to God revealed in his Names? Why are these actions appropriate? I could find the following: Lord, Rock, our Salvation, Great God, Omnipotent One, King above all, Owner of all, Maker, our God, and Good Shepherd; I suppose there are many more. We are to sing for joy to the Lord; joyfully shout to the Rock of our salvation; come into His presence with thanksgiving; glorify Him with music and song; bow down in worship; kneel before the Lord our Maker. We do all this because He is to be praised for all the things He is

Q2. What inherent rights does a Potter, Creator, or Maker have over what he has created? How should that effect our lives, our self-image, our sense of purpose? In this case, all the Creator makes He owns. In other words we belong to Him. What a comforting thought He owns us; a loving and caring God. The reality of this should make us want to serve and honour Him more and more.

Q1. (Isaiah 45:9-12) Why is it ridiculous for a pot to second-guess the Potter? How do we Christians do this? What is a better attitude and behavior before our Creator? God is the Creator of everything, and we are His creatures. We have no right to doubt or question our Heavenly Father. Our minds are finite against His infinite wisdom. Instead of complaining and challenging God about things we are not happy with, we should fully trust Him; He knows what is best for each one of His children.

Q3. (2 Peter 2:19) In what way can flagrant, defiant sin enslave a person? Is there any way out of these sins? If so, what is the path? How can we truly love the sinner and hate the sin? How can we steer clear of a quick judgmental attitude toward those who sin? Unbelievers often want freedom from divine authority and freedom to sin. So they indulge freely in sinful pleasures thinking they are free to do as they will. They might be legally free but are actually controlled by their vices and so are in truth slaves. The reality is that they are bound by the chains of evil lusts and habits, they are powerless to break free. So instead of freedom they have bondage. The danger now is that when they have a change of heart and decide to reform, they could land up in a church that condones their sinful acts. Their sins are given religious approval! We can only imagine the consequences. There is only one way out of these sins, and that is through the work and word of Jesus. Jesus Christ grants true freedom to anyone who comes to Him in faith and repentance. Only the Son of God sets the believer free so that he is free indeed.

Q2. (Jude 4) In what way does sexual sin deny Christ? If Paul is right in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, that persistent sexual sin is incompatible with salvation, why have we Christians become so complacent about it in our culture? Sin is sin, and all sins deny Christ. Persistent sin is incompatible with salvation. The reason why so-called Christians have become complacent about sexual sin is, I believe, that they are not truly Christian. They have not received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. If they had, they would repent and not continue with such deeds. This does not mean that they will not come to Christ in a future date.

Let's discusses the problems with false teachers in our day, while being careful not to bash denominations in the Forum. It's a fine line, but I expect you to walk it with me. Q1. (Jude 3) Why must we "contend for the faith"? What is the danger in not challenging the doctrines of false teachers? What is the danger inherent in challenging them? How can we keep the correct balance? We have to protect the faith from being watered down or diluted with any kind of false doctrine. New Christians might be especially vulnerable to false doctrines, and they have to be protected until they are able to discern for themselves. We notice Jude writes about

Q4. (1 Samuel 17:26, 36; Hebrews 10:31) How do you think David's understanding of the Living God enabled him to challenge Goliath? Read Hebrews 10:31 in context. Why should the Living God inspire fear and dread? David had previous first-hand personal experiences of the power of God. He experienced this when God working through him allowed him to defend his flock against a lion and a bear. So he could, with full confidence, face Goliath armed only with five smooth stones, a sling, a staff, and the power of the Living God! We know God will judge His people, and no one will escape judgment. However, those of us who put our trust in Jesus will find a God of grace and mercy. Because of His Son

Q4. In what way does Abraham show persistence? Why is persistence necessary in prayer? Have you ever experienced "praying through"? What was it like? Abraham pleads for the righteous with boldness, and humility. He perseveres from 50 to 10 righteous people to be saved based on the righteous character of God. By Abraham

Q4. (2 Timothy 3:16) If Scripture is "breathed" by God, how can it help us draw close to God? Why do you think God's Spirit (pneuma, "breath, wind") is so important in helping us understand Scripture? It is through the Word that a person can become aware of our salvation and the restoring of us to righteousness. Since the Word is God talking to us, the very Word of God, inspired and infallible, we should take special note of what He is saying. It can only benefit us and help us draw closer to Him. In it we learn not only about salvation, but also about sin, sanctification, the church, future events, and various other doctrines, which are important for us to know to be able to stay close to God. It is the Holy Spirit which helps us to understand the Scriptures and at the same time change our hearts and minds, so that there is spiritual growth, with us becoming more amore like our Saviour Jesus.

Q3. (2 Peter 1:20-21) How can a person be speaking and God be speaking, too? How does the image of a ship being moved by the wind help you understand this? (Greek pneuma means "spirit" and "wind.") Yes, God will be speaking

Q2. (2 Peter 1:19). In what ways do the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments act for you as "a light shining in a dark place"? What does the darkness represent? What does the light represent? We are told to meditate and study the Word, treasuring it in our hearts, for it will serve as a light in this dark world. Darkness seems to represent this world and all its evil. Scripture is depicted as

Q3. Do you think Abraham's boldness pleased God? Why or why not? What might cause God to take delight in your prayers to him? Yes, because God knew Abraham had recognized His righteousness and mercy. At the same time he was acknowledging God as being in control thus also admitting God

Q3. (Isaiah 44:6; Revelation 1:8) What does the idea of "first" and "last" tell you about God? How does Revelation 1:8 relate to God's revelation to Moses, "I AM THAT I AM"? This tells me that God is the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and the Omega. He spans time and eternity, the source of all creation

Q2. (Isaiah 57:15) What do you think it is like to "inhabit eternity"? What will it be like when you inhabit eternity with the Eternal God, seated with Christ Jesus in heavenly places? What emotions does this inspire in you? My finite mind cannot comprehend what heaven will be like. I should imagine time has no meaning there. All I know is what I

Q3. (Philemon 18-19) Paul vouches for Onesimus and puts up his money (at least in theory) to cover Onesimus's debts to Philemon? Is this wise in all cases? Why does Paul do it here? How does Christ vouch for us? When should we vouch for our Christian brothers and sisters? To vouch for others is not wise in all cases

Q2. (Philemon 14) Why doesn't Paul come right out and command Philemon? Is this out of respect for his personhood or to build moral character in him - or what? Although Onesimus is still owned by Philemon, his relationship to both Paul and Philemon has changed. He is now a fellow believer, and no longer just a slave. Keeping a slave could not have been done without the owners consent. I suppose Philemon would have agreed that Paul keep Onesimus if commanded to do so. This would have been out of apostolic respect. However, Paul did not do this out of Christian brotherly love. He rather asked Philemon