WinstonY

Q3. (Psalm 98) What are the reasons given for praise in Psalm 98? Why do you think praise is so exuberant in this psalm? How exuberant is praise in your congregation, in your life? Why or why not is it exuberant?

Q2. (Psalm 95) In Psalm 95 we are commanded to worship the Lord. What are the reasons why we should worship contained in this psalm? The reasons we should Worship the Lord our God include: 1. The greatness of God. 2. God is the creator, he has created each of us and the entire world and universe. 3. He is the rock of our salvation 4. We are the people of God, the Sheep of his pasture. 5. For God has delivered his people from slavery in Egypt Why do you think the warning in verses 8-11 is included in this psalm? verses 8-1 are introduced buy an if clause which is informing the reader not to fall into the same type of sins as they did the people of Israel in the 40 years in the desert. These former slaves head very quickly and easily follow me back into the wave that they had followed in Egypt. often when they were having some difficulties in the desert they would moan and complain about their situation and that God was not good enough to them. We too also often complain when we are beset by difficulties of various kinds. We think God is not good enough to us. But we must remember that a certain amount of suffering is part of our Christian Heritage for Jesus himself suffered. So if the God of this world suffered so why should we complain about suffering? How does this fit with the earlier elements of the psalm? Both speak to the power of God.

(Psalm 150) What does this psalm teach us about praise? Where should praise occur? With what should praise be conducted? Who should praise? What does this psalm make you feel like after reading it out loud? This psalm teaches us that we are to praise the Lord- we are to praise the Lord wherever we are , we are to praise the Lord whoever we are, we are to praise the Lord whenever we can, and we are to praise the Lord with whatever resources we have - our voices, with strings, and in whatever fashion that we are able to praise the Lord. Hallelujahs should be on our lips at all times for it is with our very lives, with our very hearts and our very Souls that we are to Worship the Lord. It is for this purpose that we are created. To worship and praise the Lord. This psalm makes me feel that I should serve and Worship the Lord with all my heart, with all my mind and with all my soul.

Q3. (Psalm 133) What about this short psalm seems to attract you? I like the theme of unity. St. Paul tells us God in Christ all are one-There is no Greek or Jew neither slave or free, neither male or female. Why is "dwelling together in unity" so difficult? The dwelling together in unity is especially difficult in this age as we are so very much influenced by the Age of Reason and its tendency towards individualization. This tendency in our civilization has caused Great difficulties because it has caused splinters to occur in places where there should be a unity and togetherness. Our faith is one off both individuality and Brotherhood for Jesus did appear to Mary on a individual basis but they also appear to the disciples in a group. What kinds of commitments does unity require of us? Unity requires both forgiveness and understanding- characteristics of Jesus and of his ministry. How do the principles of unity and purity seem to conflict with each other? Why are reconciliation and unity such high values in Jesus' teaching, do you think? I do not see that unity and Purity are in conflict with each other. Otherwise they would not have such a high place in the teaching of Jesus. It seems to me that one of the main characteristics of the Holy Trinity is that of unity. Although we speak of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit these are truly just the one. Just the one I got with 3 different facets with which humans can identify. The God as the trinity is so far beyond our human understanding that we cannot comprehend and therefore the father's begin to speak of the Trinity as a godhead of 3 - father, son and Holy Spirit.

This short psalm seems to reaffirm what we already know: the righteous will succeed and the wicked will perish. Why do we need to be reminded of this? From an emotional standpoint, what lines in this psalm stand out to you. Why do you think you like them? We need to be reminded that the righteous will succeed and the wicked will perish because it is something that does not necessarily happen in this life but it is our reward eternally. Our guarantee of this is the gift of the Holy Spirit which is a given to us when we believe. Success in this world for a Christian is not measured by worldly goods and deeds instead it is about the word of God which passes all understanding. for me the most significant of heart off the psalm is the image of a tree planted by a stream. Your trees are so often an image in the Bible but this one by the waters which bears fruit and does not wither - it prospers as does the righteous person.

To dwell in the house of the Lord implies that the author of the poem once to draw close to the Lord, God and have a fun relationship with the Lord. It seems as one reads the Old Testament that in order to establish this relationship with the Lord a very unique and special person was needed. We read of Abraham and some of the Patriarchs, of Moses and the prophets but these are very special people. In the New Testament with the coming of Christ end of The Descent of the Holy Spirit it is much easier to establish his relationship with the Lord for Jesus has taught us so very much about the father and he himself models the Christian Life. The mother and a Christian also has much closer access to God because of the indwelling of the spirit in their lives. The holy spirit is with us through our lives as Christians weather we realize it or not. But if one makes a strong and deliver it attempt or attempts to establish and develop a relationship then the Holy Spirit, the 3rd member of the Holy Trinity will enter our lives in a vibrant, forceful and meaningful way that we will find it very much easier to live in the house of the Lord. Winston

Hi I am JW and I live in Canada. I worked as a math teacher for 35 years and also ran a beef operation of 25 cows. I have always being involved in church but upon my retirement I was looking for something else. Ireland a bachelor of Environmental Studies degree and then turned to theology. Over a period of 15 yearsearned a Ma degree in theology and recently completed a program for ThD. Degree. In the last 15 years I have taken about 10 of dr. Ralph courses online and I found them very instructive. As in the beginning of study off sounds and hope to write something I decided to take the course in the Psalms thinking about it all day a good ground work for my study. HE

we should love the church as we love our own bodies just as a woman and a man, a husband and wife are of the same body then we should love the church just as a husband and the wife are to love each other. this love between man and woman, husband and wife is a mystery which is provided for us by God the Creator. in the same function the love between people and the church is also a gift from God, this love is agape love. a love that is not a selfish love but love that is giving and forgiving. A love that never ends. our love for the church should be the same. a love that never ends. such a love will produce actions in us that we will not understand. these actions will be unselfish, they will be giving, they will leave for others and for the church.this love will produce love for others, I love that will create in us a desire to do deeds of piety that will astonish ourselves and others.this love will be so astonishing that it will be contagious and others will also begin to do deeds off great magnitude. in such a fashion the church will grow, our God will be glorified and on earth there will be peace. we are to love the church and certainly not despise the church. if we despise the church we are in sense sinning against the Holy Spirit for the Holy Spirit loves the church. if we despise the church we not only hurt to church but we also hurt ourself. if it is the case that we despise the church we must repent and begin to love anew.

the church is glorious and radiant in the same sense as we Christians R glorious and radiant before God. on the day of judgement as Jesus us before Godcovered in a gown of gloriousness and righteousness.we are then considered righteous before God. in the same fashion the church as precented by God to Christ is named glorious and radiant before God by the actions of Christ and God.

how does the word of God work in the cleansing and purifying process? the cleansing process begins because Christ love the church, loves the church. Christ makes the church holy or sanctifies her, he cleanse the church and washes the church clean buy bathing her in his spirit. This is all done through the word which was brought to us through Christ Jesus our Lord. how should this be implemented in the church? the word of the Lord must be preached in the church, the people in the church must be aware, strongly aware that Jesus died on the cross for our sins was dead and buried and lives with us the church forever and ever.congregations must be made to realize that they are too except the Christ in their lives and live in him and be with him throughoutour lives. without using Hellfire sermons is as possible to encourage and environment of love. in such an environment people should respond to God and to each other in love. it would be hoped then but the peoplewill realize the need for repentance in our lives and then turn to the living God who sustains us and holds us in his breast.

what constitutes holiness in a church? holiness for church constitutes being set apart for Christ. just as a bride is set apart for her husband and sanctified for him then the church is sanctified and set apart for Christ.the brideand as well the church having a bath in water washed in Christ's blood and anointed in oil dressed in fine linen and covered with costly clothes. the church has been a beautiful for the Lord. the church is being set apart for God, for Christ and as such should remain faithful to the end. but just as in some bible prophecies it is possible for the church to prostitute itself before the world. this is something which the Church must be careful off and strive to be true.

Christ gave himself up for the church is explained by Paul in verse 26. he writes that Christ gave himself to make the church holy or to sanctify her. this is such an amazing thing but Christ - God loved the world so much and the people in the worldthat he gave himself up for those who love them. this is such a promise that it is almost too good to be true but we have the Word of God that it is true. glory be to God.

What does submission mean in regard to the church relationship to Christ? submission means that we should have reverence in love for Christ.Jesus as a teacher Taught that we are to love God and our neighbor as our self. if we love Christ then we will love our neighbors.the church then should teach but Christ in Christ crucified. In practical experience this will mean good relationships between all members of the church. one will not strive to take advantage of the other. we must remember that the first shall be last on the last shall be first. we need, as Jesus did, to wash the feet of those whom with we serve. it is our duty and I responsibility to Christ our Lord. our submission here is to work together voluntarily submitting to each other. this relationship applies not only to the church community but it also applies to the home. together partners must submit voluntarily to one to another. just as Christ voluntarily submits to wash our feet we must also volunteer voluntarily to wash the feet of others. this includes our partner. when we speak of Christ as being the head of the Church we mean that he is our leader and that we are to glorify Him in his righteousness and in his awesome glory provided by God the Father. in actual fact this means, as stated above, that we are to glorify God the Lord Jesus and love him wwith all our hearts. if we do this then we will have a functional church with people in the pews.

according to Ephesians 4 13 to 16 what is the purpose of construction a healthy local congregation? the body works together better as a whole.until we all work together as a hole in face and in the knowledge of God through Christ then there will be disunity in the church.with unity in the church the church will become healthy and be able to do the work of in faith and truth.ss work is accomplished the work of the Lord will make viable and spirit filled church that glorifies God and gives great joy to the people. and according to Calvin we get our greatest joy as we glorify God. praise the Lord!

Q5. (Ephesians 4:11) From a strategic point of view, why is it vital that pastors focus on "equipping the saints for the work of ministry" rather than on serving as paid chaplains to the flock? What actions might this equipping involve? In what ways is "equipping ... for ministry" similar to what Jesus did when he trained his disciples? Jesus spoke about the hirling that abandons the flock. If one refuses to do more than 40 hours per week than they are seen as self serving and trust will be lost by the flock and the flock will scatter. all of the congregation must work as a team together to succeed . A successful congregation is more than have just a team leader. Therefore it is important to have the whole body trained to evangelize No doubt the two are similar. Today as people fall away from the church our ministry becomes more and more like that of Jesus..

Q4. (Ephesians 4:11) How do pastors and teachers work to build up the Body? Do you recognize anyone in your church who has a pastoral or teaching ministry who is not an ordained clergyperson? What effect do they have upon the Body? What do small group leaders and Sunday school teachers do to build the Body? Pastors and teachers care for and teach a individual community. Jeremias argues, "The absence of the article before didaskalous which follows shows that the pastors and teachers form a single group, obviously because they both minister to the individual congregation."( notes) However we must care for people before we can teach them. Generally pastors teach from the pulpit and the teacher from a chair. No doubt. A building effect. These develop Bible skills and literacy, develop, expand and promote faith and hope. Strengthening is also an important part of the teachers work.

Q3. (Ephesians 4:11) What does an evangelist in a local congregation look like, in your experience? How does a local church evangelist function? How does he or she build up the body? An evangelist in a local congregation is one who preaches the gospel of Christ. Local congregations today need men and women as gifted evangelists who bring people to faith in Christ. Some might win two or three a year -- every year, year after year.(notes) In preaching the Gospel the evangelist builds up the body of Christ.

'... the gift of apostle as "the special ability ... to assume and exercise general leadership over a number of churches with an extraordinary authority in spiritual matters that is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches."' (notes) Hence an apostle is one who is able to convict others as to the message as given by Christ and do it with authority given to them specifically for the building up of the church in the overall sense. They would probably be sent forth when there were grave sins in society that were being offensive to the Lord. Jesus sent the apostles out into a world filled with greed, self-centeredness and corruption to preach the gospels to all nations. Luther was sent to correct the church but ended with a schism between protestant and Catholic. John Wesley in his time also saw many vices in society . In his attempt to address these the religion of methodism was formed. Soon now there will be a great revival that will renew both the world and the individuals in the world. This new world may have already started in the Southern Hemisphere. In the same fashion a prophet will build up a local church by the forth telling of God's world. This seems to be more localized - Isaiah was told to "Go and tell this people"(Isaiah 6.9". ) Hosea and Amos were called to prophecy to the house of Israel.(Hos 1.6, Amos 1.1) So these were called to speak to a particular people in a particular situation.

Q1. (Ephesians 4:7) In what way does verse 7 teach that all Christians have received spiritual gifts? (See also Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Peter 4:10). If all have received spiritual gifts, what is the implication of this in light of the clause in Ephesians 4:16 that mentions "each/every part"? "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." (4:7) ​In this verse and in 1 Corinthians 12.11 the words 'to each one of us' are used. The 'each one of us' signifies clearly that each of 'us' believers have a gift which Christ has a apportioned to us. Thus if each Christian does not use their gift as they should than their is a negative impact upon today's church. For we are all parts of the body-the church. As such if the hand is hindered than the whole is hampered.

Q6. What act of Christian unity could you practice over the next two weeks that would help you live out this truth in your life? In what area do you need to repent? The church constantly needs renewal and revival to keep it from being so tradition-bound that it becomes numb to the Holy Spirit. But make no mistake -- it is the Lord reviving and renewing his own body.(notes) It would seem then that we need to renew and revive the Holy Spirit in the body of the church. This can be done by prayer vigils for unity. It can come about by working diligently with other denominations. It can be done by workshops on the Holy Spirit that inform our members of the power of the Spirit. I need to repent in all areas for I am a sinner who is ashamed of my past and can only live with my shortcomings by listening to the Holy Spirit tell me that I am forgiven,

Q5. (Ephesians 4:5) In what sense should "one baptism" unite us rather than divide us? How can we maintain the unity of the Spirit and still disagree with other Christian groups about the administration of baptism? Should striving for unity blur our faithfulness to Biblical understanding? How do we balance the two? Jerome in his epistle to the Ephesians writes "There is one baptism in the Spirit, in the water and the fire ." Faith is the is the inward disposition of the heart. baptism is the outward sign , by which we are bound to the one Lord.. [The Interpreters Bible, Vol 10, 686] It is this unity with the Lord that we wish to emulate in our baptism whether we sprinkle or dip. Christians therefore should see baptism in the Lord as a unifying factor rather than a wedge to divide. As the notes tell us "through baptism we are united to Christ." The type of baptism is in a sense is just a technically. The bible does not tell us how we should be baptized but does tell us that we must believe in the Lord jesus and we will be saved! Should striving for unity blur our faithfulness to Biblical understanding? No, the Bible clearly teaches that we are to be united in Christ. Baptism is an outward sign of this unity. It is then a contradiction to be divided over baptism. we are balanced in Christ. Paul wrote " There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"(Galatians 3:24)

Q4. (Ephesians 4:4-6) What are the seven elements that unite all Christians mentioned in verses 4 through 6? Which one or two are most compelling to you? Why The seven elements Paul mentions for unity are one body, one hope, one baptism, one Spirit, one Lord , one faith and one God and father of us all. Paul is very strong on unity. This is possibility a carry over from Judaism recalling Deut. 6.4 : the Lord. our God is one." Paul lists these seven elements but perhaps the most important is one faith .. This is followed closely by one God and one Father of all. Churches all have the same faith in Christ and this faith is embedded in the one God and father of us all.

Q3. (Ephesians 4:3) According to verse 3, who brings about the unity? Who is to maintain it? What is a "bond of peace," do you think? According to the wording in verse 3, is Christian unity to be a prime goal or a secondary goal for us? "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (4:3) It seems clear that Paul is making reference in this verse to ALL believers. But it is to be pointed out that we can not do this ourselves- it is not our tolerance, it is not our love, it is not our forbearance, it is not our patience, it is not our gentleness, it is not our humility that preserves unity. It is in fact the love forbearance, gentleness and patience but the Lord's that keeps unity. The lack of unity is probably the sin in our individual lives and the sin of the corporate body. Make every effort seems to imply that unity is a primary goal. A peace bond hearing can be defined as: Sometimes a person can be required to attend court for a peace bond hearing. This usually happens where a person has not been charged with an offence but a complaint has been made and the court requires them to respond to the complaint. The person making the complaint is called the “complainant” and the person responding to the complaint is called the “defendant.” William Savery writes: Human wisdom is sufficient in many respects for our accommodations through this temporary abode; it may keep us in some degree of rectitude; and amongst men it may also conduce greatly to the happiness of individuals; and if closely attended to, it may be of service to nations and kingdoms. But when we speak of it, as fathoming the everlasting mystery of God's kingdom, I believe we shall always be short.(http://www.qhpress.org/quakerpages/qhoa/ws03.htm) It seems then that human wisdom and strength is not sufficient to maintain unity therefor it must be the Lord that maintains unity.

Q2. (Ephesians 4:2) What characteristics or attitudes are necessary for maintaining unity with other Christians according to verse 2? Which of these do you think is most important? Which is most difficult? Humility or modesty is one of the attitudes necessary for unity. Our pride should be in Christ Jesus and in his Spirit working freely in our midst, not in the peculiarities of our history or beliefs.(notes) We should take no glory or praise for anything for all the praise and glory is the Lord's When we "glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:3), rather than in ourselves, we can have true humility. And that humility is required to keep unity in Christ's Church. (notes) A second quality is gentleness or meekness. Jesus lived gentleness -- in fact, this very gentleness and openness is what attracted people. In contrast to the Pharisees' hardness, Jesus exhibited an openness towards others that freed them.(notes) We ourselves with the help of the Holy Spirit need also to overcome our self centeredness, greed and selfishness and become more like Christ. We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves. Our lives need to be Christ centered. This kind of gentleness and openness is essential for unity in Christ's Church. Away with Pharisaical aloofness among brothers and sisters that keeps us apart! A third quality is patience which is one of the core Christian virtues and is vital to Christian unity. we can see this quality in Jesus as he continually corrected the disciples and continued patiently to explain-but they didn't get it until finally the resurrection and the appearance of the Lord to the disciples. Forbearance and tolerance are necessary for the unity of Christ's Church.(notes) A fourth quality is love. Paul speaks frequently of the quality and necessity of love in Christian relations and relationships. This word to describe the particular quality of Christ-like, unselfish love that looked out for others' needs rather than one's own.(notes) This love is agape love-the love of Christ for us. It is an amazing love as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13.3-5 . Some times we need to go to the very ends of our loving limits in order to obtain unity. But to often our pride and selfishness get in the way. Of these love is probably the most important and also the most difficult. To love often requires the utter and complete help that is offered by the Spirit. As Paul writes : "Love is patient , love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1Cor.13.3-5 Love embodies most of the other characteristics.

Q1. (Ephesians 4:1) What does "living a life worthy of your calling" in 4:1 have to do with maintaining unity in the Church in verses 2-6? What is "worthy" about unity? What is "worthy" about separation from fellow Christians? What is our "calling"? Unity of the church can be considered as making every effort to do our part in keeping the church family together in God's love. Unity is a state of being in harmony and accord. (Notes) It then is our calling from the Lord to work for unity not only in our congregation but also to seek unity with the whole Christian family- "Christian practices vary from one culture to another, from one tradition to another. We may not agree with another's interpretation, but we refuse to make "disputable matters" a test of fellowship. We strive even more diligently to maintain the unity of the Spirit. We are told to "Accept one another ... just as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God" (Romans 15:7)." (notes) The notes continue "However, there is a universal sense, too, that can't be dismissed. If all humankind is created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), then there is a sense in which his image is in us and upon us all. Certainly, Ephesians 3:14-15 sees the Father in a universal light, "from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name" (NRSV). There is also a sense in which all humans are God's children, as Paul explained to the Athenians when describing the "unknown God" (Acts 17:28). Moreover, Christ is the unifying focus of the universe (Ephesians 1:10) he created (John 1:3, 10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2)." Now the best way to enable this unity of Spirit in Christ is to follow our calling to Love the Lord our God and our neighbour as ourselves. In verse 2 we are told to be humble, and gentle, patient and love one another. We do not always exhibit these attributes in our world today and Christians have hated and killed their follows over doctrine when all Christ asks us is to love one another. If we cannot love our brother who we have seen how are we able to love those who we have not seen? Our calling then is to love one another. The Greek word axiOs is translated worthy which itself has a definition - deserving effort, attention, or respect. Paul speaks here of the unity of the Holy Spirit(notes) If we do not respect the respect the dignity of the unity of the Holy Spirit we grieve against the Spirit.(notes) A grievous sin. Although the Spirit is the author of the unity in Christ Christians are called upon to keep that unity. This unity can only be kept by the peace and love that is granted by the Holy spirit.