Jen

Q3. (2 Thessalonians 1:9) According to verse 9, what kind of punishment will unbelievers experience? One definition of "hell" is "a place of eternal conscious punishment for the wicked." What parts of this definition are confirmed in verse 9. Which parts of the definition trouble you? Why? Since God is life and light that tells me that eternal punishment will include everlasting consciosness of death and everlasting darkness. Think about it, aware of the fact that you are dead and total darkness for ever. You will feel dead but you will be conscious of all and all the things you have done that have put you where you are. You will not see anyone and not receive comfort from the God of love whom you have rejected. No more hope. The whole definition troubles me because there are many who will be there. God is not willing that any should suffer this so He sent His Son to suffer most terribly that we might not have to. My spirit feels deeply troubled in me when I think of this. Not for me but for those I know and don't know who have rejected the God of life and love. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13 Dear Lord, Forgive us our petty grievences and complaints when we think of the awfulness of this. Give us hearts of compassion and love for the lost. Have mercy on us O Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen

Q7. (Luke 23:46) What does Jesus mean when he says, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"? Why does this saying comfort us so much? He uses Father now instead of the words My God My God before because now the agony of being forsaken is over. Christ is ready, the time is ready for Him to return to the Father. It is a willing sacrifice for the fallen human race that is now completed and He willing gives His life. It is imperative that it is a willing sacrifice and He signifies that here. He shows us that we may have full confidence in God as our Father who will also receive us upon the moment our human existence here on this earth is over by His full confidence. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q3. (John 19:26-27) Why does Jesus make St. John responsible for his mother Mary? What does this tell us about Jesus? How should we apply this in our own lives? I believe Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother grieving and John His disciple grieving and gave them a precious gift. Each other to look after. They were both at the cross, when you read John's gospel it is of the love of Christ, and He redirected their thoughts to have someone to cling to and or care for. John could be depended on to care for Mary in love and kindness. Jesus loved His mother and disciple and even in death took care of them. His disciple was a brother to Him. Mark 3: 33-35. We need to love our families especially when the going gets tough and even when it hurts. We need to take care of them. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q2. (Luke 23:39-43) Why is the thief's faith so astounding in this situation? What did the thief receive that day? What do you think this meant to Jesus? His faith is astounding as I don't know if it had ever been there before or manifested itself if it was there in a small amount. I believe the name of Jesus was well known and few would have not heard about the man who preached like Jesus did and performed miracles as He did. The man received eternal life that day, to be with Jesus forever. What an amazing thing. To be crucified next to the God of Heaven and to receive forgiveness on the cross. It is what He came for and it meant joy for the Lord to have another choosen one destined for paradise to be with Him that day. "Amazing love, how can it be that Christ my Lord, has died for me." God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q6. (John 19:30) What had Jesus "finished"? What can we learn for our own lives from this Sixth Word: "It is finished"? Jesus finished God's plan for redemption through His work on the cross. God has a plan for all of us and He will complete it. We are to remain faithful and obedient to HIm. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q5. (John 19:28) What do you learn from Jesus' Fifth Word: "I thirst"? What does this tell us about Jesus? What does this tell us about his experience on the cross? It reminds us that though fully God , Jesus was also fully man. He suffered as fully man in the physical sense. There is a book titled What Jesus Saw From The Cross that I saw in a book store. I opened it to a page that gave a graphic description of what happened to Jesus body as He hung on the cross. I almost passed out in the store. I had to sit down in the aisle. I believe only someone sinless could have behaved as Christ did in the midst of such agonies including the spiritual separation from His perfect union with God and the Holy Spirit. Perfect love and fellowship and left in the dark painful world of sin. Even the drink on the sponge was bitter. Should give us an even better sense of what we are in the flesh. God Bless Jen Romans 15:13

Q4. (Mark 15:34) What does Jesus� Fourth Word from the cross teach us about faith? About commitment? About love? What effect should this understanding have on our lives? Total faith, commitment, and love are essential. If we are lacking in these we will not endure through the periods of darkness that come upon us in this dark world. We will not continue on the hard path that is with us and or before us. We need to spend time with the Lord from whom these essentials come. It is imperative to separate ourselves from the world and have time with our Lord to renew, refresh and reinvigorate our faith, commitment and love. God Bless! Jen Romans 15;13

Q3. (2 Samuel 24:14-25) Why does David choose the punishment of a plague on the people rather than his other choices? David insists on paying Araunah for the threshing floor and the sacrifices. What principle drives this decision? How should this principle guide our own giving to God? He chose the plague because God has mercy, men have none. God gave us a very costly gift in His Son, should we not give what costs us dearly. He owed everything to God. "All to Jesus I surrender" God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

2. (2 Samuel 23:1-7) How does David describe himself in verse 1. In what sense was David a prophet? What is the main message of verses 3-7? How can this psalm guide government officials and elected leaders in our day? David son of Jesse, annointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel. He communicated with God for his direction and for the help of his kingdom and the church down the road. Go to God for wisdom, guidance, help and to get righteous advice. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q1. (2 Samuel 22 = Psalm 18) What do you find the most inspiring in the language of this psalm? What encourages you the most? Write down all the various titles and metaphors used of God in this psalm. It is a graphic description of our Holy God. We will enter into the gates of righteousness to ever be with the Lord. He is good lovingkindness everlasting worthy of fear (awe) answers prayers He is for us, We need not fear He is among us (He is here!) our refuge His name has power Helps us our strength and song our salvation, righteous chief corner stone creator giver of good gifts worthy of our thanks God Bless Jen Romans 15:13

Q4. (1 Chronicles 22-29) Why do you think David prepares for the temple, even after the Lord refuses to let him build it? How did David cooperate with the Holy Spirit in designing the temple and its worship? How did David’s example in giving motivate others to give? David had a heart for God and he was a humble man. He was more concerned for God's glory than his own. He loved the temple to honor God and even though he would not build it he still wanted to design and start preparations. It was a large undertaking to be completed by Solomon who needed much help. David did what the Holy Spirit told HIm. When others saw His love for the Lord it motivated them. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q1. (Luke 23:34) Who was most responsible for killing Jesus? What responsibility do you and I bear in this? In what sense was Jesus praying for us? God Himself sent Jesus to die for us knowing ahead of time what would take place and by whom. If I were to say who was most responsible for the actual killing I would probably say the ones who pounded in the nails. They just blindly did what they were told to countless people and then to God Himself. We are all sinners so we are all responsible for the reason Christ came so that we might all be saved. If we had been there would we have been yelling "Crucify Him"? I believe we would have been. Or at least stood their silently, hateful or scared. We all needed HIm to die to redeem us. We just didn't understand. We are all part of the crowd, some of us gawking, sneering, standing there helpless and afraid of the anger around us. Afraid to stand for Jesus so maybe we just join in the chant. Go along with the crowd. Me thinks we are evil to the core and we don't understand how evil that is either. Jesus was praying for those who were pounding in the nails and then for all of us since we are all quilty. I read somewhere that no one was ever so hurried out of this world than God Himself. Now we so want Him to return. Maranatha Lord we need you and we thank you that there is hope in you. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-5) In what ways does persecution discourage Christians from active, open service? In what ways does it mature them? In what ways does it reveal our underlying motives? Why do you think God allows the tempter the ability to tempt us? Why hasn’t he done away with Satan already? Persecution usually means suffering. Sometimes it is easier said than done. Persecution and suffering mature us in ways that ease cannot. It grows us in the faith. The tempter still tempts us. Why? Well maybe because he is still running around and he is our enemy and God is allowing it. It does show what is our heart. God will lock Satan up in HIs time. He has a plan. Let Satan do His worst. He is no match for our Lord. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:2-3) Why is Timothy’s role to be a strengthener and encourager so important? In what ways was this a sensitive role. How did it help Timothy to be sent on this assignment? How does delegating ministry help the overall enterprise of the Kingdom? To strenghthen and encourage the Thessalonians was important to keep them in the faith. If there was no encouragement they might have been tempted to walk away. Too much was at stake. The souls of men. People needed to be built up in the faith and not torn down. It required sensitivity to do this. I am sure that Timothy was built up in his own faith as he saw God's working with the seeds that had been planted. Delegating ministry teaches, instructs, confirms the faith of others and spreads the faith as you see the Kingdom grow through the difficulties and perseverence as people use their God given abilities to serve God. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q4. (2 Thessalonians 3:9-16) Why do so many churches avoid exercising any church discipline? What is the result of a thoughtful and appropriate application of church discipline? What is the result of neglect of church discipline? We have become pansies in a sense. And tolerance is the word of the day and politically correct. I do think you have to be very careful in discipline as to who does it and how. I remember in one church the people who were the most well thought of were the ones who I thought were very lax in moral and ethical standards. They were gossipers, people pleasers, lovers of selves and not of God and certainly not of those outside of their circle. One lady in there mentioned church discipline and I wondered if she thought she should be the one to criticize anyone. Her conversation was not kind and I think I rather shuddered at the thought. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q3. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) If we were to follow Paul's rule, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat," wouldn't that allow people to starve? It sounds harsh. What are the positive results of this rule? To whom in a Christian community would this rule apply. To whom would it not apply? It could I guess however most people when they get hungry enough will put forth some effort to earn their food. Some might resort to thievery which to me is illegal work and much harder than just doing a days work but I believe it is in the character of some to behave this way. I don't think it sounds harsh but rather logical. The positive results are that it motivates people to get up and do something with their lives. It applies to those who are able to work and not elderly or physically unable. However they can devote themselves to prayer and reading of the Word. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q2. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9) What kind of example did Paul set with regard to work when he was in Thessalonica? As a Christian worker, did he have a right to support? Why didn't he exercise that right? Paul worked hard to support himself. He was not lazy or a sluggard nor could anyone accuse him of that. Yes he did have a right to some support however he chose not to exercise that right so as not to hinder the gospel. The gospel was everything to him and he lived his life accordingly. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

5. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) What is the role of the Word of God in molding disciples’ lives? Does it have a power of its own? How does that seem to operate? What are the implications for disciplers of this powerful action of the Word? The Word of God is God. God is the Word. It is the most important part in molding disciples lives. He molds us and makes us and He speaks to us through His Word. His Word is living and active. It is power. One thing have I heard, two things have I spoken that you O Lord have power. God spake once or twice, I have heard it, that power belongeth unto God. Both are Psalm 62:11 The Word is living and active in us when we hear it. If we neglect or ignore the prodding of the Holy Spirit it is to our great peril. How it works in us I cannot totally know. It is a beauriful mystery of our great God. However I can feel the working in me and I can feel the Holy Spirit . It is a very real deal if you will. It is necessary for disciplers to have a good knowledge of the Word and the references. God Bless Jen Romans 15:13

4. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) Why are “fatherly” roles so important to making disciples? How effectively do you think women can adopt these traits? I guess sometimes you know how important a fatherly role is when one hasn't been present in your life. Fathers seem to toughen you up somewhat where I see many woman putting on bandaids. Both are essential in our life to develop our character. I think the quality of the roles are vital. If the quality is poor we will probably develop with character flaws which need correcting. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-8) Why are “motherly” nurturing qualities so important to growing disciples? How effectively can male disciplers adopt some of these traits? We all start off as babes in Christ. Motherly nurturing qualities give us what we need to grow in grace and be more like Jesus As we grow in this setting we are ready to develop our strengths, accept and give correction, and humble ourselves before our Lord and King. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q2. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) Which of the character flaws mentioned in these verses is the greatest problem in the church? Why do you say that? How can you prevent one of these character flaws from overtaking you? Pleasing men and not God. We to walk worthy of our Lord regardless of what men say or think. Humble yourself before your Lord, pray and read the Word. God Bless Jen Romans 15:13

Q1. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15) What does the Bible teach about sloth and idleness among those who can work but refuse to? Summarize it briefly. What is our Christian duty? It is laziness and it leads to sin. Actually it is sin itself but it leads to meddling in the affairs of others. It puts more burdens on the ones who do work to provide for their own families and then to add onto that doing the work that should be done by others. It is selfishness. We are to work with our own hands to the best of our abilities and help those who cannot work. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q4. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) What does verse 10 teach us about the Christian faith? Which of these elements are most important? Which are less important? Which are underemphasized by the church in our day? Waiting for Jesus from heaven, raised from the dead, delivered from the wrath to come Which is most important? Hmmm I think they are all important. If I had to pick one I might say waiting. We are an instant pudding lot and I don't think waiting is often very easy for the people of today. Maybe it never has been easy. I can't say any are less important. The underemphasized might be the wrath to come. People don't like to talk about wrath and their itching little ears want to hear about God is love (He is) and everything is all warm and fuzzy. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q3. (1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6a) How important is imitation in the formation of a new Christian's spiritual life? What kinds of ministry are most conducive to imitation? Why is the character of the mentor or leader so important to the health of the church? How well do people grow in Christ who aren't part of a Christian community? In what way is your character important to your family and spiritual children? We learn by imitation. It is important to choose who we decide to imitate. Paul provided an excellent example for the new believers to imitate to learn how to be Christians and how to handle situations that arise. It is optimal to be a part of a Christian community however I have lived in places where that was not an option. You can still grow as a Christian if you are diligent to read the Word and pray however you will probably need some work at social skills and working together as as the body of Christ when you get into an area where the church is. Most of the churches around my area are skilled in gossip and trashing others who are a threat to them. Sorry to say that. So many want to be the important one and fit in with the group. There are those who truly love the Lord and only want what God has for them and that is so refreshing. It is very important for the parents to be the example to their children on how to be the Christian who truly walks with the Lord. They won't find it in the world. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13

Q4. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5) Why is perseverance so important as we see wickedness increasing? What happens if we stop believing and being patient? How can we help one another persevere? What part does faith and perseverance have in our salvation? What part does God’s redemption and grace have in our salvation? Why is perseverance so imortant as we see wickedness increasing? This is easy and hard to answer. If I don't persevere can I say that I am walking with the Lord. ? Can I say that my walk is pleasing to HIm? Am I letting the Holy Spirit work in me? Am I growing in the faith? Or am I just another piece of lifeless matter on this earth. No meaning or purpose to my being. If I don't persevere will those I love who don't believe want to believe if He is not worth my persevering? I find as I get older that I get tired and "lazy". I am caretaker to someone. There are not enough hours in the day. It is exhausing and time consuming and this is hard work, answering these thought provoking questions. I just want to play and have fun most days. I have to force myself to find those few moments of leisure and then devote some or all of it to Bible study. The will is there but the body is tired. I can't stop believing and don't want to. I am not impatient except in seeing loved ones believe and trust in our Lord for their sake and for a very selfish reason to relieve my discomfort that they are not believers. I so want them to know our Lord. And yet I know all is in God's perfect timing. And He wants me to trust in HIm solely. We can help each other by persevering ourselves and through prayer. We need to pray for each other. Faith is the machine if you will by which we believe and perseverence is what keeps us on the path. It is like a marathon. We can quit when we get tired or we can persevere and finish the race. Perseverence keeps our mind on the Lord when there are so many detours we can take along the way because they are pleasing to our eyes. Not necessarily wrong except that they take our eyes off Christ. Then trouble starts and we find ourselves off the narrow road. God Bless! Jen Romans 15:13