WinstonY

question 2-2 Why is our ability to rejoice so dependent upon our faith that God is in control, working even in the midst of difficulty? To rejoice is to feel or show great joy (in Christ). Paul rejoiced because he knew Christ Messiah was in control and that he was in Christ and longed to be with Christ. He wished to die onto Christ. We also need to trust that God in in control of our fate and that of the church in order to rejoice. As Peter says we must be ready to tell that we are so joyful because our trust is in the Lord. What must you believe in order to be able to rejoice in the midst of problems? We must believe as did Paul that God is in control of our lives. We can not believe, no doubt , as fervently as did Paul but we must know and believe as Paul told the jailer in Acts 16.31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." This is our task, if we fulfil it we will rejoice in the Lord. What is your basis for believing that? Philippians chapter one! wwinstony

question 2-1 Because they[Philippians] saw in Paul the example of a person who was an unafraid and faithful witness. If Paul could be an effective witness in spite of the peril, so could they [Philippians] (notes) In the same fashion we today as we are suffering for our allegiance to Christ can be a symbol of strength to others. But today we, as Christians, are not seen as suffering for Christ. Most non Christians see us as a pampered group. But we need to struggle against the insidious ones who try to undermine our faith. Paul's witness is so strong because of his faith and trust in Jesus as Lord is so strong and so vibrant that it invigorates those with whom he comes in contact. His sense of the Holy Spirit and its presence in him is so strong that the spirit descends upon those to whom he is in contact and they also become invigorated with the presence and love of God. Personally I seem to have a strong sense of the Spirit yet it does not seem to be easily transmitted to others. Perhaps my ministry is not strong enough.

Question 1.4 The good is the enemy of the best for (a) we can become satisfied with what is good and not strive for more perfection. In such cases good may only be satisfactory whereas in God should we not strive for perfection, Also (b the ‘good’ may be the good life and we are satisfied with living this life of plenty and not see that there is a much better world in living in a world surrounded by the life of God. (b Above is often that which stands in the way of this world’s Christian. Paul suggests that the best remedy for mediocrity of good rather than better is discernment writing that the Phillipians will be able to discern what is best if they increase their knowledge of God their insight and than they will be pure and blameless before the God, filled with righteousness that comes from Jesus. All this has happened because of their love abounding in Christ and grows in discernment. George Knight writes about Psalm 111.10 "Wisdom means to accept the guidance given us by the all wise God with grace and gratitude ... and then to practice it! Biblical wisdom is a practical thing. It means to understand how to live, that is, finding out what God's mishpat or 'justice' means... and putting it into practice." * For it is only through the love of Jesus that we are clothed in righteousness and can stand pure and blameless before God. Though we may and must strive to become righteous we only have success as Jesus clothes us in the cloak of righteousness and we become pure and blameless before God. Selfishness clouds discernment because selfishness puts self ahead of love for others and for Christ. It is like a roadblock standing in our way and this selfishness looks in upon self and does not allow self to find that which is best. The time of the writing of Philippians was similar to that of today and we can expect the same attitudes and conditions. Actually we experience the same conditions in our lives as commercialism beats in upon us and tells us we need the latest ipad! Winstony

In Mathew 8:5-13 the centurion, a non-Jew is seen as having more faith than anyone in Israel 21:33-34 the tenants who did not hear the master's message were thrown out and others chosen 22:2-13 When the invited ignored the wedding invitation others were invited 24:14 the good news will be preached to all nations 28:19 command to go to all the world and preach the gospel The commonality here seems to be the recognition of Jesus that others beyond Israel are to ne ministered to and are also eligible for the kingdom of God. These gentiles, the wise men were among the first to recognize that Jesus was the messiah. It might be noted that Herod the ruler of the Jews tried to kill Jesus just as did the rulers of Israel who brought about Jesus' death.

Gifts were usually brought when one had an audience with royalty. The magi considered the child Jesus to be royalty therefor the gesture was appropriate. I often wonder if the magi considered it odd that the future messiah was born so humbly. The magi were in awe of the messiah so they had brought such gifts. Our gifts can only be like those of the drummer boy! But we can give as if we were partners of Jesus in his mission field.

we learn that the magi considered the child to be the messiah. If they thought the child was the messiah than they wished to worship him. We also should worship Jesus messiah!

The star is significant because of the statement in Numbers 24.17 "a star has come out of Jacob". The star than is seen as symbol of the messiah that has come. The magi probably came from the Babylon area where the Jews had been held in exile. As well many Jews had remained behind and no doubt had kept the concept of the messiah alive.

Q3. (1:6) What does Paul expect God to do for the Philippians believers? Why does he expect God to do this? What is the basis of Paul's confidence? On what basis can we expect God to do this for us? Paul expects God to finish what He began with the Philippians . God has called these people, they are part of his elect and God will bring them into an eternal relationship with God-self. Paul is confident of this and expects God to do this because of God's faithfulness. We can expect God to do the same for us because of his faithfulness.

Paul uses the term 'partnership in the Gospel' ; he feels that the Philippians have in their gifts of aid to him have actually participated in the ministry of the Gospel. Because of this participation the Philippians share in the eternal rewards of the ministry of Paul. In the same fashion when we are partners in ministry with , say, a missionary we also share in the rewards repeated by that ministry. As well as financial support we can give support in the form of gifts. We also can give prayer support and we can also work together in a project that can give support to the ministry in a spiritual fashion. If we cannot become a full time ministry we could also participate in a short term 'overseas.'

A slave is one who an entity in a socioeconomic context. The slave is owned by another and is the property of another and can be bought and sold at will. The slave has to be totally committed to his master for life. A saint is one who is dedicated and consecrated to the service of God. When the Holy Spirit enters our lives and we become holy, set apart, dedicated and set apart for the service of God. Both a slave of God and the saint of God are both totally dedicated to the service for the Lord. winstony

Hi My name is winston yeo and I live on PEI, Canada. Looking forward to Philippians with yoy all. w

All of the above except telling others. This is a great and terrible lack in my character . 8 neef to addtess the problem!

The angel calls this baby Savior one who rescues, savior, deliverer, preserver. The English word "Christ," comes from the Greek adjective christos, "anointed," which translates Hebrew mashiah, transliterated in English as "messiah. the phrase, "Christ the Lord." "Lord" (kurios) means "owner, lord, master, a designation of any person of high position. The angels are using these terms to indicate the divinity of Jesus

God loves the poor. When God came to earth in human form and was born in a manger, he was born an an humble situation. His new family was poor and had to work hard. God in being born poor is showing solidarity with the poor, the oppressed and the outcasts. The message came to the shepherds because they were the low end of society - "There is no more disreputable occupation than that of a shepherd.". The news of Christ's birth was given only to the poor, the rich would have to find him themselves. To these disreputable people the birth was announced. when Jesus preached and worked his mission it was mainly to the poor.when the announcement of the Resurrection Jesus appears to a woman another oppressed member of society. In his mission statement he quotes Isaiah "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor These are consistent with the birth in a manger.

Mary was 9 months pregnant ! No, pleasure or the lack is no indication of God Being a Christian today is quite difficult for many in society either ignore us or revile us, and as such thete could certainly be backlash from today's society towards us. However l do not feel that the anguish that one hias does not come from God, job discusses this toplc in some detail concluding that God does not cause our pain. Our suffering may have some effect upon our character but in the long run our suffering isnot iimportant. It is Jesus suffering that is the atonement fot our sins, praise be to God.

In ancient time there was no reliable dating system as we use today. People were placed in a certain reign of an official. This was tl enable the reader To reference events. And thus to give the story more credibly.

Joseph accepting Mary shows that he is npt self righteous bit righteous. He heats the word of God and obeys. He is trusting, he is honest and has self respect, he does what is right not what dociety would have him do. Joseph in adopting Jesus is declaring that jesus is an heir of his and ad Joseph is a descendent of David so than is Jesus. Thos than filfils the prophesies to David s heirs. Winston y

With God all things are possible! This is what we must remember. If we do not then wr will not be able to move mountains. Through lsaiah God is stating the impossible , in Mary the impossible is done. But how much more impossible os the virgin birth than aperson of evil repute being born again?

The significance of God's insistence that he be named Jesus is not to honor a national hero, but because of the meaning of the name: "Yahweh saves." (notes) Both Mary and Joseph were given this name by the angel so neither would ever forget who he was -- Yahweh's salvation embodied in human form. (notes) Mary the mother would certainly be told but Joseph was told for Joseph, in naming the child, acknowledges him as his own son and thus becomes the legal father of the child according to Semitic law. As a result of this legal adoption, Joseph's ancestry as a descendant of David transfers also to his legal son.18 Biologically, Jesus is begotten by the Holy Spirit and is thus the "Son of God" (Luke 1:32a), but legally he is the son of Joseph and heir to the promises of David, Joseph's ancestor. winstony

Mary's only option was to wait upon the Lord for Yahweh says "You are my servant , I have chosen you and not cast you off, do not fear, for I am with you , do not be afraid, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you , I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 42:9b-10. You see If Joseph did not do the right thing Mary would have no where to go, couldn't remarry (marriage was the only possibility for a young girl in that society), She would be shunned by society and she might even be stoned. Joseph may reject her but God had chosen for Mary a righteous man. Joseph decided to divorce Mary, but to do it in such a way as to protect her as much as he could, given the situation. We see in Joseph a character of gentleness and maturity. A righteous man, but not a man full of himself. Joseph was a man seeking to do the right thing.(notes) But the story continues.

Mary's only option was to wait upon the Lord for Yahweh says "You are my servant , I have chosen you and not cast you off, do not fear, for I am with you , do not be afraid, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you , I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 42:9b-10. You see If Joseph did not do the right thing Mary would have no where to go, couldn't remarry (marriage was the only possibility for a young girl in that society), She would be shunned by society and she might even be stoned. Joseph may reject her but God had chosen for Mary a righteous man. Joseph decided to divorce Mary, but to do it in such a way as to protect her as much as he could, given the situation. We see in Joseph a character of gentleness and maturity. A righteous man, but not a man full of himself. Joseph was a man seeking to do the right thing.(notes) But the story continues.

Jesus would have learned honesty, dependability , frugalness and the value of hard work. From watching the clients Jesus would have learnt psychology. He certainly learned to love the common people and an awareness of the gtasping of many of those with money. Jesus would have wored hard dealt with customers and handlef money. Winston y

Question 11 - 5 Looking at the question from the 21st century it seems as if the prophet is looking ahead to a different time and a different age. Down through the centuries there has been fighting and strife caused mainly by corrupt people and the corrupt institutions they have created. In order for this new state of affairs as described in 65: 17-25 to come into effect there has to be a whole new change of heart by the world. Though much of the speech is figurative (such as the wolf and the lamb) there will certainly need to be a great change brought about by the Lord Yahweh We, of course, in our limited capacity cannot understand what can and will happen but we know that these changes can only be brought about the gracious arm of Yahweh. But it is called a new heaven and a new earth because it is the new creation brought forth by Yahweh. God created a heaven and earth in the first creation of Adam and Eve, a second new creation and a new earth was brought about by the advent of Jesus, his ministry, his death and his resurrection. Finally there will be this new heaven and new earth called for by Isaiah and by Revelation. At the time Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the older things have passed away. He has made everything new. (Rev. 21: 4b-5a) We do not know when, where, or how this will happen or if it has been happening since the advent of Christ. We must only believe for this God and we can say, ‘for you are our Father’ (63:16; 64:8) The newness of the new heaven and the new earth is the justice given to all by Yahweh, His divine justice. Isaiah hints of eternal life when he suggests everyone will live to a ripe old age. There will be no more strife - the planter will reap and the builder shall live. (22) Verse 24 says, “And they shall go out and look at the dead bodies of the people who have rebelled against me; for their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” This seems to refer to the times when because of the people’s iniquities and transgressions God would not listen to their prayers and cries for attention. Now all will be righteous and response from God is immediate. winstony

Question 11.6 This seems rather difficult to respond for in the book Isaiah there seems to be a frequent alternating back and forth between assurance and punishment. Did Isaiah just stop here at verse 24 or was there an additional ending at the end of the scroll that has been lost? Verse 24 , however, does seem to exclude those opponents of Isaiah who does not think like him. It is almost like they are excommunicated for they are not even given the gift of dying but like in a fire that is not quenched. Westermann suggests that this is probably the first idea of hell as a state of perdition (W. Bruggemann -260). Throughout Isaiah there is the same tension between punishment and assurance. Often the switch from one to the other is quite dramatic, just as it is here between 66.23 and 66:24. The tension between assurance to punishment is quite effective and attention catching and as well somewhat disturbing. It wants one to ensure that one is on the assurance side of the tension. But Paul writes, “The hour has already come ... Put on the armor of light”. (Romans 13: 11 -12) The eternal kingdom, the new heaven and the new earth which Yahweh will make is introduced yet again because it is a major theme in Isaiah and it does create the tension between those who have not rebelled against Yahweh and who belong to the new heaven and the new earth and those who rebel against the new regime and for them there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. As one replays Isaiah in ones mind it seems that those who are excluded will be those who do not support the cause of the Lord Yahweh and his son Jesus. Those who do not love the Lord their God with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves. It will be those who do not give justice to the poor and the oppressed , those who do not bring good news to the poor , those who do not proclaim release to the captives and those who do not give recovery of sight to the blind and do not let the oppressed go free. These are the ones to whom Isaiah refers to in Chapter 66:23. winstony

Question 11 -4 In Exodus God is with a people in a different stage of their religious development than those in the sixth century B.C. In Moses’ time the people were really just experiencing a relationship with Yahweh after having been oppressed as slaves for years. They had no real sense of Yahweh ‘who tells Moses to “... have them make me a sanctuary so that I may dwell among them.” The presence of the tent sanctuary amongst the people would remind them of the presence of the Lord Yahweh amongst them. Years later in the time of Isaiah the people had become Yahweh’s people but the sense of Yahweh had eroded. The splendor and awe of the temple had created a temple worship amongst the people. King David had wanted to build a temple of cedar but Nathan’s oracle (2 Sam 7:1-14) suggests that is not to be what Yahweh wanted from David. Yahweh tells Nathan that he will raise up of spring from David’s body who will build a house and will establish a kingdom, the throne of which will last forever. (2 Sam 7:12-17) Solomon mistakenly thinks that he is the off spring to do this but his kingdom was divided shortly after his death. It seems as though no one foresaw that the prophecy of Nathan spoke not of Solomon but of Jesus a descendent of David who established the kingdom of God on the earth. A kingdom of justice for all. Yahweh was his father and Jesus the servant was his son and the kingdom lasts forever. Thus there grew up around this awesome temple a ‘temple cult’ - people worshiped the temple rather than Yahweh. Their worship has become trite. It is not personal and the people, especially the leaders, have not developed a personal relationship with Yahweh. What Yahweh wants is , “But this is the one to whom I will look, to the humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at my word.” (66:2b) winston y