Q1 What was Christ’s central message? Circle one for your answer: salvation, love, the Kingdom of God/Heaven, compassion, forgiveness, (Matthew 4:17, 23; 9:35; 24:14, Luke 4:43)?
A1: The Kingdom of God, which is defined as, the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in us (Luke 17:21) and through us (Matthew 12:28). It will someday be (literally and physically) among us as He reigns over the whole world during the thousand-year millennial rule here on Earth (Revelation 20).
“Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” – Matthew 4:17, 23
Q2 To form disciples which two did Christ emphasize? Circle two. Grace, repentance, belief, or followership?
A2 Repentance and Followership
Christ framed following Him as a leadership issue. We can all be tempted to erect our own alternative kingdoms, which replace Christ as King. Christ expects us to demonstrate our faith in action by obeying Him as our new leader.
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven/God has come near.” “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” – – Matthew 4:17, 19
“And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” – Mark 8:34 NASB95
Q3 Circle the three sets of two words, that express “incarnational” the most: Go/connect, Invite/ join, engage/participate in, attend/gather, enter/reach out to, retreat to/withdraw. (John 1:14)
A3 Go/connect, engage/participate in, and enter/reach out
The emphasis of much of modern Christendom is attractional ministry—Come and attend my church. While incarnational ministry means we engage people where they are and personally attempt to persuade or lead them to follow and believe in Christ. The humbling question for all of us is: When did we last bring someone to Christ?
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt (made his home or dwelling, lived) among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14 NASB95
Q4 have you ever led a home church in your house?
Comment for #4: If you have never held a church gathering in your home, give it a try, perhaps three times a year. If you would like some help, give me a call: 503-957-4547. One reason the Jews are still around is that they celebrated the weekly Sabbath in their homes with their families.
“…and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.” – Philemon 1:2 NLT
Q5 What verse is on the liberty bell?
A5, Leviticus 25:10.
“Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” – Leviticus 25:10 KJV
Most citizens today assume that the famous bell derives its name from the fact that it rang when America announced its liberty, on July 4th, 1776. It actually was rung on the 8th of July from the tower of Independence Hall four days later at the celebration of the birth of our nation.
Originally known as the State House Bell, 50 years after the Revolution, abolitionists (those opposing slavery) began calling it the Liberty Bell because of the Bible verse’s message of freedom inscribed on its side. They made the bell a symbol for the antislavery movement and first used it in this manner in an 1837 in a New York Anti-Slavery Society publication. This usage and name found widespread favor with the public, and the Liberty Bell became its permanent name. (See Founders’ Bible page 214.)
Q6 Love is defined by righteous behavior. Agree or Disagree?
A6
In our postmodern world where there are no absolutes, love has become subjectively defined according to the individual, or according to a movement’s definition. In the Scriptures, however, love is based on moral absolutes of right and wrong, which come from the Bible itself and are rooted in sacrificial behavior for the good of the one loved.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3 ESV
Q7 What’s more important regarding governing a society –empathy, justice, compassion, or fairness? Circle two.
A7 Justice and fairness.
The Book of the Covenants, (OT) offers a blueprint for building an ethical society. Individuals can be guided by compassion in their personal dealings, but society must be guided by justice. In the Torah’s estimation, civilizations rest on justice. No justice, no civilization. Compassion can never play a role in determining truth.
“Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. 19 Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent. 20 Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you” Deuteronomy 16:18-20 NIV
Q8. The German priest Martin Luther corrected the error of “salvation by works” by emphasizing the doctrine of faith and faith alone. What was incomplete about his definition of faith?
A8
Genuine saving faith will be evident by some incremental actions, or demonstrable behaviors. Those actions might be overt, or subtle and many times not sensational, but there will be evidence. Where there is no faith-behaviors in conjunction to one’s profession, it is fair to conclude that a person really never believed in the first place. True faith will produce righteous fruit. (Matthew 7:20; 13:23)
“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? … Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, [being] by itself.” – James 2:14, 17 NASB95
Q9 In most cases do you think it’s more effective to give to a poor person in need or to loan them a small amount of money? (Deuteronomy 15:8).
A9
Note that what God says in Deuteronomy regarding helping the poor is loans, not charity. Loans achieve two significant goals: they protect the dignity of the poor, and they prevent people from getting used to and ultimately even addicted to what we might refer to as “benefits.” To continue to give handouts indiscriminately will ultimately produce a subclass of people who expect and demand provision, especially from the government. I have discovered for Christians it is easier to simply give—it makes us feel good. It takes effort, follow-up and involvement when giving loans with the expectation of something in return.
“but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need [in] whatever he lacks.” – Deuteronomy 15:8 NASB95
Modern Christendom is replete with food banks in institutional churches where, in many cases, they even do not give “in my name,” (Jesus Christ) and expect very little response from the recipients, let alone any kind of verification as to how the food is being used. From my perspective, this a temporary fix. Of course we are to give to the truly needy, (poor).
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Mark 9:41 KJV
Q10 Identify the last time you took a significant risk? 2 Corinthians 11:23-29
The more appropriate question I should have asked for #10 is: what risk did you take to build up the reputation of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Comment to #10.
Liminality is defined as a place of discomfort, in which there is a measure of uncertainty because one enters unfamiliar territory. It applies to a situation where people find themselves in an in-between, marginal state in the relationship to the surrounding society, a place of danger and disorientation.
“I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.” – 2 Corinthians 11:26 NLT
Q11 How many books are you presently reading or have read this last year? (2 Timothy 4:13).
Comment to #11
I read in small doses at a time from a variety of authors. I always am reading with a ministry purpose in mind. This adds excitement and motivation to understand and apply God’s Truth.
Here are several purposes that will enrich your reading:
• read to answer questions people have
• read to teach others in your small group or Bible study.
• read to enhance your wisdom if and when you write articles and letters of biblical value.
• read to improve your vocabulary
• read a for your personal growth in Christ as well as to impact the broader culture
“I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.” – 2 Timothy 4:12-13 NLT
Q12 In the State of Oregon are the Oregon Supreme Court Judges elected? Circle your answer. Yes, No.
A12 The Supreme Court judges in the State of Oregon are elected. However, most of the time they show up on the ballot as incumbents because, by in large, they have been selected by the standing governor.
Remember you can call or email me anytime.
503-957-4547