Thursday, November 27, 2014

A study of the Lords Prayer (2) sessions

A study of the Lords prayer
Opening prayer                                                                                                                        

Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight.  Let no word be spoken here that is not in accordance with your will. Guide our thoughts and words, that we may learn those things that you would have us learn from this study. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen


A study of the Lords Prayer                                                                                               Pg.1    

Mat 6:5  "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
Q.1 Who are the hypocrites of whom Jesus is speaking?
Q.2 Why is Jesus referring to the hypocrites?                                                                                                       Q.3 What is the reward  they have of which Jesus speaks?

Mat 6:6  But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Q.1 Why does Jesus tell us to do our praying in private?
Q.2 What is the effect of private prayer on our prayer life?
Q.3 What is the meaning of Jesus comment The Father will reward you?

Mat 6:7  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
Mat 6:8  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Q.1 What reference is Jesus using to describe a pagans prayer?
Q.2 What are your feelings about this topic “Babbling Prayers”?
Q.3 Why not just pray for our needs to be met, if God already knows our prayer needs?

Mat 6:9  "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
In our first petition we simply address God by the identity that he has conveyed to us, much the same as we might address our own father, God has many names that have been ascribed to him over the years and by many religions.
The name of God, as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures, is YHWH. The vast majority of Hebrew and Christian scholars believe the name to be Yahweh, pronounced yä-wā, with Yehowah, pronounced yi-hō-va, or Jehovah, being the second most popular possibility.
Many Bible scholars understand YHWH to be more of a description of who God is. “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). Just as His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8–9), and just as no one can know His mind (Romans 11:33 & 34), perhaps the same is true of His Name.  Jesus as he died on the cross called out to God "Eloi, Eloi,, Mar 15:34
 and The Prayer Given to us by Jesus addresses God as our Father. And indeed God does care for and about each of us. (Isaiah49:16)

Then we acknowledge God as we greatly revere his omnipotent Holiness with the word Hallowed. God’s name and nature are inseparable. His name is revered in heaven and on earth.

Q.1 How is it that the reverence conveyed to us by Jesus to call God our Father has more than just a personal concept ?

                                                                                                                                                   Pg.2
“Abba” implies intimacy, a relationship of love and trust, as a father for his children. There is no parallel in Jewish literature for addressing God in this way. “Our Father”
Q.2 How may I live so that my belonging to “Our Father” will inspire others to do the same?

“In Heaven” As Christians we are united with Christ. Our lives even now are “in Christ,”  and as such we already belong to heaven. …..Someone please read   (Eph. 2: 4-8).
Q.3 Where is Heaven?, What does it look like? Someone please read the references
 (I Cor. 2:9).? How does (Revelation 21:17-23) describe it?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    “Hallowed be thy name” Set apart, honored, revered and respected as holy – when we begin to praise God for his grace, power and love as Father, then the name of the Father is being hallowed by being made first and central by me and by others. Christian maturity consists, in large measure, of overcoming the temptation to put ourselves at the center of our lives and our prayers.
Q.4 What must first apply to a Christian before calling on the hallowed Name of Our God”?

Our second petition is a request from us asking God to bring his earth into a kingdom reality not as a detached “other place where God sits in Judgment and from which he rules” But as a
Sanctified place of abode, such as a child might view their home, a fortress a safe place one where there is no evil intent, where in the bosom of God all are rested in peace and purity and where the love of God abounds. Where his will is taken as the pattern of life forever after.

Q.5 How does this description fit with your idea of what Heaven might be like?

Mat 6:10  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
                                                                                                                                                                 
To pray “Thy kingdom come” is to acknowledge that God has charged us to make his kingdom known in word and deed. It is the vocation of every Christian to show the world by how we live what the kingdom of God will be like when it comes in all its fullness.
Q.6 How do we as Christian disciples of Jesus show God’s Kingdom to the world?

“Thy will be done on earth” As intended by Jesus,” expresses neither resentment nor resignation, but confidence and trust in God’s will for all the circumstances of our lives, Reaching such a state will require nothing less on our part than obeying Paul’s command,  (Rom. 12:2).
Q.7 What are the difficulties with “not conforming to the patterns of this world”?
Q.8 What are some of the things of this world that bring those patterns to our doorstep?

“As it is in heaven” Here Jesus teaches us that God’s purposes are more important than our own. That we are to seek his will before we seek to have our own desires. Praying as Jesus taught his disciples will order our own lives around the presence, power and provision of God rather than those things that the world offers and expects us to worship.
Q.9 What are some of “those things” that the world offers and expects us to seek after?
Q.10 How can we reflect God’s kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven?



Meditation                                                                                                                        Pg.3

Your Kingdom come”

We should have this burning desire within us for the coming of God’s kingdom; that the name of God may be glorified and magnified over all. When Christ is recognized and obeyed in our lives there are many blessings of the kingdom which are ours. So there is an extensive and intensive dimension to this prayer. Regarding the extensive dimension we should want to see the kingdom become more widespread. Regarding the intensive dimension we should work toward a more mature faith so that we might increasingly acknowledge God as sovereign ruler in our lives. It is only when the heavenly Father, on the basis of the Son’s atonement, and through the operation of the Holy Spirit, rules in people’s hearts that the kingdom has truly come. So this aspect of the Lord’s Prayer reflects an earnest desire for the coming of the reign of God in human hearts. Because it is only partly fulfilled this prayer is still relevant today and will continue to be relevant until the Lord returns. Although the kingdom is already here in one sense it nevertheless is still absent in many hearts today. The real prayer of many hearts today is my kingdom come! This is the ardent yearning of people that aspire to self-gratification. Many people are too busy building their own personal, commercial empires and are not bothered with the kingdom of God. It takes the transforming grace and power of God to enable people to say, ‘Your kingdom come’. It is only then that God’s desires, priorities and values become ours. The Christian church must uphold the principles of the kingdom of God by being a people of benevolence and blessing.

“...your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”

The appropriate attitude of prayer is one which accepts the will of God. Our attitude should be that his will is preferable to ours. This implies an acknowledgement that our wishes and desires are imperfect. This is a prayer that his will would be unhindered. In heaven the will of God is always being performed perfectly. In heaven the will of God is gladly and unconditionally accepted by all. In heaven the will of God is continuously obeyed by all. In heaven the will of God is spontaneously obeyed by all. In heaven the will of God is joyfully obeyed by all. It should be our ardent desire that the Lord’s will be done as heartily and as immediately as it is in heaven. In this part of the Lord’s Prayer we are seeking to bring our minds and hearts and wills under the lordship of Christ so that his will is unobstructed and enacted without delay. Certainly there may be times in our lives when we have difficulty discerning the will of the Lord in particular circumstances, perhaps relating to career, marriage partner and a host of other areas. Life is complex. Not everything is black and white and the answers to our dilemmas are not always clear cut. The Bible does not give us unequivocal answers to all of the questions or predicaments we face. But it does provide us with sound principles and frequently very specific advice on many issues. We find advice there on our roles, responsibilities and relationships. We can find advice about what to do and what not to do. This is the wisest of all prayers in various circumstances and we should be content to accept his perfect will in all situations. Praying like this demands faith and confidence in God.



   Bible Verses                                                                                                                 Pg.4

Exodus 3:14God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Romans 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34  "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"

Isa 49:16  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

Mark 15:34  And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").

 Ephesians 2:4  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Eph 2:5  made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7  in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

1Corinthians 2:9  However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"-- the things God has prepared for those who love him—

Revelation 21:18  The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.
19  The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
20  the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21  The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 22  I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with those of our group ( speak the names of those needing prayer)_who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them..  Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. In Jesus Name we pray Amen

2nd Study

Opening Prayer                                                                                                                           Pg.1
God of our salvation, as we come into your presence with fear and trembling, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of The Sermon On The Mount, as given to us by Jesus. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us  joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service.  Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst.
In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

Luk 11:1  One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
Luk 11:2  He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Luk 11:3  Give us each day our daily bread.
Luk 11:4  Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Luk 11:5  Then Jesus said to them, "Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
Luk 11:6  a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.'
Luk 11:7  And suppose the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.'
Luk 11:8  I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.
Luk 11:9  "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Luk 11:10  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened

This Prayer, Luke’s version of the teaching  given to us by Jesus, is a guide to prayer given to the disciples as the answer to their request that he teach them how to pray.  It becomes the Disciples of Christ to apply themselves to him for instruction in prayer. This version is somewhat different from Matthews version of it, yet it covers all of the subject matter. One will notice that the prayer is contained in only three verses in this account by Luke. Three verses, that say everything needed as Jesus taught it. Whereas in Matthew it is given in five verses that say the same things.  .  The study of the differences in the two versions is another study altogether and we will not do that in this study.
And then Jesus begins to explain by parable how it is that God is not just waiting around for us to make requests of him. It is Gods delight to hear our petitions and it becomes us if we learn to persist in prayer.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.


                                                                                                                                                     Pg.2
Mat 6:11  Give us today our daily bread.
Our third petition  is a plea  to God for spiritual and earthly nourishment.  Just as God did not give us all our days at one time, he does not give all of our spiritual needs at once nor are we given our physical nourishment all at once, it comes to us daily, and even more blessed when we ask God for it day by day This third request is the first of the petitions that we make to God to give to us, to forgive us,  to lead us, and to deliver us.
(Exodus 16: 4-12) God does this daily.  His plan also includes the condition, that we listen to his instruction (Deuteronomy  8:3) This does not mean that we expect God to literally rain down manna on us but that we understand He is the one who makes our spiritual life and our work fruitful. It is his desire to have fellowship with us day by day.

Give us today;  The desire to be Gods child is ever before the Christian. But that too is a gift from God, and must be given by God to us day by day.  (Ephesians 2: 8)
Q.1 why can we not be given our daily needs on a yearly basis?

Our Daily Bread; From the beginning of the Bible to the end, God is seen as the giver of life. Jesus does not say that he gives this life-giving gift but that he himself is the true bread from heaven, the food that is essential if God’s people are to have a spiritual life. Thus we have Jesus as our daily sustenance day by day.
Our Deepest Hunger. Only Jesus can satisfy our deepest hunger, which is that which gives life to and sustains the human spirit. The meaning of this scripture is that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God. The doctrines of the gospel are given to us as the word of God.  Please read John 1:1 and  John 6:35.

Q.1 The Israelites were given manna daily, but what else did  they learn?
Q.2 How would one compare this request to that of the Israelites while wandering in the wilderness for forty years having “mana” given to them as “daily bread”?
Q.3 In our world today what would you say is the deepest need for God in our life?
Q.4 What did Jesus mean when he said Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God?
Q.5 What is there about our daily walk with Jesus that sets a Christian apart from what the world feeds to us daily?
Q.6 There are many people who seem to be perfectly at ease and sustaining themselves comfortably without Jesus, or the worship of God. How are Christians concerned with that, and why?
Q.7 There was a condition that God stated for this daily sustenance.  What is it.?
Q.8 Do you feel that there is that condition in effect today?
Q.9 Does this prayer and God’s condition apply to our nation today? Read (Isaiah 1:17-20)
Q.10 What do you feel is the life lesson in this discussion of our daily bread?






                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Pg.3
Mat 6:12  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Our fourth petition is a request that God forgive our debts (or sins) as we have forgiven others who owe us a debt or who have sinned against us.
There are many interpretations that can carry us off subject with this verse which contains two requests. One of them, a conditional statement.  (as we have forgiven others)

Forgiving debt means that the one who owes, does not have to pay, or the one who has been given a release from a burden, will owe no one for it.
God forgives freely, and so must we. “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13). One way to bring to mind our constant need to conform this part of our lives to God’s will is to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”-                                                                                                                           Q.1 “As we forgive our debtors”, what meaning is conveyed with this phrase?
Q.2 In our Lords Prayer that the Pastor has each Sunday, we use the word “sin”, in lieu of the word “debt” is there a difference?
Q.3 Forgiving one who owes us something tangible, (such as money), may be easier than forgiving someone who has wronged us, ( sinned against us), How do you feel about that?
Q.4  Judgment will not be passed against us for our sins, they are forgiven. How is this done? Please explain this to me where I might get a better understanding of it?

Mat 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
In our 5th petition, Satan is called the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) because he likes to make us feel as if God has not forgiven us. But guilt is an objective reality, and if we have turned to Jesus, we have been cleansed — objectively, truly, and in reality. If you think the Lord holds your past against you, pray for deliverance from the evil one and know that you are forgiven. Even though the Lord does not allure us with sin, the Bible is clear He allows His people to go through times of testing. For example, Jesus Himself was tested in the wilderness by Satan. (Matt. 4:1–11).
When we ask God to lead us not into temptation, we are imploring Him to guide us away from any temptation so enticing that we cannot resist it, (An offer that we cannot refuse). And yet  every step we take is one where temptation lurks. There is no moment of our life that is not a moment of temptation, and at that same time how we respond is a response to God. The Lord’s prayer does not teach us to pray against that kind of sovereign guidance. What it teaches us to pray is that the temptation does not take us in. Don’t allow me to be lead into any temptation that is beyond my capacity to resist. Deliver me from this evil that is set before me.

Q.1 Temptation is an urge to do or say or have something. What else do we know about it?
Q.2 Why would God have allowed Jesus to be tempted?
Q.3 God does not make temptation for us, but it is here for us, so what do we do about it?
Q.4 List some of the temptations that the world has for us, even from birth?
Q.5 How are we to resist the evil that is associated with temptation?
Q.6 What was God’s immediate response to Jesus’ having been tempted?



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pg.4
The "For thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory forever " is technically termed a doxology. In the Bible, we find the practice of concluding prayers with a short, hymn-like verse which exalts the glory of God. An example similar to the doxology in question is found in David's prayer located in 1 Chronicles 29:11 of the Old Testament. The Jews frequently used these doxologies to conclude prayers at the time of Our Lord.
Q.1 When we refer to God’s Kingdom, can it be described? See Revelation 21:18-23
Q.2 When we refer to God’s Power, can it be described? See Jeremiah 10:12&13
Q.2 When we refer to God’s Glory, can it be described? See Exodus 33:19-23


Meditation                                                                                                                    


 “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

These uplifting and sublime words bring a sense of poetic closure to the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus gave this prayer as a model for real prayer. It was different from the prayers of the Pharisees and heathen. It is not to be said hypocritically. It is not to be said mechanically. The problem with the hypocrite is selfishness. Even in his prayers he is obsessed with his own self-image and how he looks in the eyes of the beholder. But in this prayer Christians are preoccupied with God; his name and honor, his kingdom, his power and his glory. Our prayers are to be saturated with a sense of his glory. As such it is the exact opposite of the exhibitionism of the hypocrites. They used prayer as a vehicle for their own glory. The error of the heathen is mindless babbling empty, meaningless words. This prayer is God-centered, not self-centered. This prayer is intelligent, in contrast to the mechanical incantations of the heathen. It is intelligent in the sense that it engages the mind to express a thoughtful dependence on God. Therefore when we come to God in prayer we are to be focused on him not those around us. We are not to be engaged in seeking to please or impress others or try to gain their approval. We are not to indulge in mechanical mindless mutterings. The fundamental difference between right and wrong praying rests in the different images of God which underpin them. The tragic mistake of hypocrites and heathen is to be found in their false image of God. God is our Father in heaven. He loves his children with deep and tender affection. He is approachable and available and loves to listen to his children.

   Bible Verses                                                                                                                 Pg.5

Exodus 6: 4  Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.

Deuteronomy  8:3  He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Colossians. 3:13  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 2:8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 6:35  Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty


      Isaiah 1:17-20 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. 18  "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. 19  If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; 20  but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

1Ch 29:11  Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Revelation 21:18  The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.
19  The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald,
20  the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21  The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. 22  I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Pg.6
Jeremiah 10:12  But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. 13  When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Exodus 33:18  Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." 19  And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20  But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." 21  Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22  When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23  Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with those of our group
( speak the names of those needing prayer)_who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them..  Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen

THE NAMES OF GOD
OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"
EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31meaning "The everlasting God"
YAH........................................Isaiah 12:2(kjv),Psalm 68:4(nkjv)


EL, ELOAH: God "mighty, strong, prominent" (Genesis 7:1; Isaiah 9:6) – etymologically, El appears to mean “power,” as in “I have the power to harm you” (Genesis 31:29). El is associated with other qualities, such as integrity (Numbers 23:19), jealousy (Deuteronomy 5:9), and compassion (Nehemiah 9:31), but the root idea of might remains.

ELOHIM: God “Creator, Mighty and Strong” (Genesis 17:7; Jeremiah 31:33) – the plural form of Eloah, which accommodates the doctrine of the Trinity. From the Bible’s first sentence, the superlative nature of God’s power is evident as God (Elohim) speaks the world into existence (Genesis 1:1).

EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty,” “The Mighty One of Jacob” (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5) – speaks to God’s ultimate power over all.

ADONAI: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) – used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God’s dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.

YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) – strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is first given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3).

YAHWEH-JIREH: "The Lord Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14) – the name memorialized by Abraham when God provided the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac.

YAHWEH-RAPHA: "The Lord Who Heals" (Exodus 15:26) – “I am Jehovah who heals you” both in body and soul. In body, by preserving from and curing diseases, and in soul, by pardoning iniquities.

YAHWEH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner" (Exodus 17:15), where banner is understood to be a rallying place. This name commemorates the desert victory over the Amalekites in Exodus 17.

YAHWEH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies, Makes Holy" (Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28) – God makes it clear that He alone, not the law, can cleanse His people and make them holy.

YAHWEH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace" (Judges 6:24) – the name given by Gideon to the altar he built after the Angel of the Lord assured him he would not die as he thought he would after seeing Him.

YAHWEH-ELOHIM: "LORD God" (Genesis 2:4; Psalm 59:5) – a combination of God’s unique name YHWH and the generic “Lord,” signifying that He is the Lord of Lords.

YAHWEH-TSIDKENU: "The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16) – As with YHWH-M’Kaddesh, it is God alone who provides righteousness to man, ultimately in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who became sin for us “that we might become the Righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

YAHWEH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1) – After David pondered his relationship as a shepherd to his sheep, he realized that was exactly the relationship God had with him, and so he declares, “Yahweh-Rohi is my Shepherd. I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).

YAHWEH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord Is There” (Ezekiel 48:35) – the name ascribed to Jerusalem and the Temple there, indicating that the once-departed glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 8—11) had returned (Ezekiel 44:1-4).

YAHWEH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" (Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 46:7) – Hosts means “hordes,” both of angels and of men. He is Lord of the host of heaven and of the inhabitants of the earth, of Jews and Gentiles, of rich and poor, master and slave. The name is expressive of the majesty, power, and authority of God and shows that He is able to accomplish what He determines to do.

EL ELYON: “Most High" (Deuteronomy 26:19) – derived from the Hebrew root for “go up” or “ascend,” so the implication is of that which is the very highest. El Elyon denotes exaltation and speaks of absolute right to lordship.

EL ROI: "God of Seeing" (Genesis 16:13) – the name ascribed to God by Hagar, alone and desperate in the wilderness after being driven out by Sarah (Genesis 16:1-14). When Hagar met the Angel of the Lord, she realized she had seen God Himself in a theophany. She also realized that El Roi saw her in her distress and testified that He is a God who lives and sees all.

EL-OLAM: "Everlasting God" (Psalm 90:1-3) – God’s nature is without beginning or end, free from all constraints of time, and He contains within Himself the very cause of time itself. “From everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”

EL-GIBHOR: “Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) – the name describing the Messiah, Christ Jesus, in this prophetic portion of Isaiah. As a powerful and mighty warrior, the Messiah, the Mighty God, will accomplish the destruction of God’s enemies and rule with a rod of iron (Revelation 19:15

Monday, November 3, 2014

Love / Hate so there you have it.

Opening Prayer                                                                                                           Pg1                                      

Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, show us where we fail, and be our guide in this study. Impart to us those things you would have us learn from your word tonight. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen                                                                                                              

Mat 5:43  "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Verses 43 and 44 were not the actual writings of the Law of God, but rather were the teachings that the people were hearing concerning love. It is impossible to love the conduct of a person who curses and reviles us, who violates all the laws of God; but, though we may hate his conduct, and suffer keenly when we are affected by it, yet we may still wish well to the person; we may pity his lifestyle, we may speak kindly of him and to him; we may return good for evil; we may aid him in the time of trial; we may seek to do him good here and to promote his eternal welfare hereafter, Rom_12:17-20. This seems to be what is meant by loving our enemies; and this is a special law of Christianity, and the highest possible test of piety, and probably the most difficult of all duties to be performed.
Jesus is here speaking about the common practice of the scribes and Pharisees who hated the Romans
 First, He expressly refutes the error of the scribes and Pharisees, who restricted the term "neighbor" to mean friends and acquaintances, and shows that it is not of God to hate others.
Second, He bluntly repudiates their evil teaching that an enemy is to be hated, affirming the very opposite to be the truth, insisting that God commands us to love even those who hate and injure us.
Third, He makes crystal clear what is signified by "love," namely a holy, inward, and spiritual affection, which expresses itself in godly and kindly acts.

Q.1 Jesus was teaching against hatred in this verse, Can we compare the time he lived in and  
        our present time?

Q.2 How do we act against non-believers, blatant sinners, government leaders, other
        religions, and other races in our world today ?
                                                           
Q.3 Why might it seem that Jesus is preaching directly to us in this verse?

Q.4 What is the ultimate goal regarding our enemies?


Love / Hate                                                                                                                  Pg.2
                           
45, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

When we  practice those virtues that Jesus is teaching, then others may notice our conduct and acts and know that we are followers of the way. The way of love and compassion, just as if we were a child of God. If we love our enemies, we are Christ-like. God sent His Son to die for all mankind, including His enemies. Yet followers of Christ are wholly assured of this one profound truth: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
All on earth have the same opportunity of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear that God “causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” In other words, God reveals His undiscriminating love to everyone. Though this passage refers to physical blessings on earth, not spiritual, those blessings are given without respect to merit. If they were merit-based, no one would receive them. This is God, indiscriminate in His benevolence. His divine love and providence in some ways benefit everyone, even those who rebel against Him or deny His existence.

Jesus taught the true way is narrow and that few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). Most travel the broad, easy way. Just as Jesus foretold, we live in an age when even among those who profess to be Christians, Jesus' teachings are partially practiced or even disobeyed.

The expression "Followers of the Way" was perhaps the first title given to those who followed Jesus after His resurrection (Acts 9:2, 22:4, 24:14). Because Jesus taught that He was "the way, the truth, and the life," and that no one comes to God except through Him (John 14:6), this title aptly captures the exclusive truth claims of Jesus and the totalizing commitment of following Him.

 Q.1 What thoughts come to mind as Jesus says that we are to be like children of  our Father?

 Q.2 What are your feelings about Jesus having to die for your enemies  as well as for you?

 Q.3 What thoughts do  you have about the providence of God?

 Q.4 Interpret the second part of that verse. How do we understand this concept today?

          Q.5 Can you describe an instance where you feel that unrighteousness has prospered?

 Q.6 What were the early believers called prior to the word Christian, and why?







 
Love / Hate                                                                                                                  Pg.3
         
46 if you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
Jesus next points out the absurdity of a command that would urge love for just those who are not enemies:  Tax collectors were despised as among the most immoral in Israel at that time, because they were allowed by the Roman government to extort as much money as they could from the people, and usually did. And so, if tax collectors are able to love those who love them, surely we don't need a command that enjoins love for friends. Although, in our present day, we have fallen so far away from knowing what true love is, even our love for friends is greatly flawed. We love, as long as it is not inconvenient; we love, as long as we can still do what we want; we love, as long as we do not have to make any sacrifices. This is not love. We fall far short of loving even as well as "tax collectors" do. A good example of a pure love of your brother is the story of The Good Samaritan. This story exemplifies the meaning of “love your neighbor as yourself” As opposed to the story of The rich man and Lazarus. The practice of selfishness expressed in the uncaring disdain for his fellow man that we probably witness every day in some form or another.

God has done more for us, and therefore justly expects more from us than from others; the glory of God is more concerned in us than in others; but what do we do more than others? While every one will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will speak to our higher calling, and is consonant to a higher rule, than most men are driven by. Others salute their brethren, they embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion; but we must not so confine our respect, but love our enemies, otherwise what reward have we? We cannot expect the reward of Christians, if we rise no higher than the virtue of publicans.”


Q.1 How is it that having a loving heart for my friends is such an easy thing to do?

Q.2 What can you think of that compares with tax collectors in our day and time?

Q.3 What is it about life today that says to us “Not My Problem”?

Q.4 The Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37.   The rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31  
      Compare  these two parables of Jesus’?

Q.5 Where do we find examples of these two parables in our world today?

Q.6 Why do Christians feel they deserve better from God than non Christians?

Q. 7 Consider the rich mans fate as compared with Lazarus’ fate.






Love / Hate                                                                                                                                            Pg.4

      48 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not
       even the pagans do that? 49  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

We must be set apart from others in our behavior, otherwise, why take on the name "Christian"? Our love for others( yes even our enemies) should be evident, and exemplary, and  our "Unfailing courtesy, kindness, tenderness, and consideration for others, ( yes even our enemies)  are some of the greatest ornaments to the character of a child of God. The world can understand these things even if it cannot understand doctrine.

The basic call to a person in this world is to be a reflection of the character of God. That’s what it means to be created in the image of God. As Disciples we are to be examples of His love, and share it with others as we have seen it in Jesus. It is God's perfection to forgive injuries and to entertain strangers, and to do good to the evil and unthankful, and it will be ours to be like him.
This truth that God demands absolute perfection is one of the most important truths in the
Bible. Jesus freely gave up his life for us that he might become our righteousness and that alone makes us wholly righteous and perfect in the sight of God. It is the only way that anybody can meet this absolute standard – the only way that anybody can spend all eternity with him.
What a wonderful difference it makes when you rest all your hopes for acceptance on what Jesus has already done for you! No longer is there the fear of being rejected. No longer is there the question of your having done enough. Instead there is the joy of being wholeheartedly accepted by our Heavenly Father and the confidence of living forever in his presence.

Q.1 Greeting others, an act of courtesy we easily extend to our friends, but not strangers Why are we hesitant at doing this?

Q.2 How do we determine who is our friend? Or our enemy?

Q.3 What are some of the distinct characteristics of friends? Are they obvious?

Q.4 What are some of the distinct characteristics of ememies? Are they obvious?

Q.5 What is meant by keeping your friends close, and your enemies closer?

Q.6 Mat 22:36  "which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Mat 22:37  Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Mat 22:38  This is the first and greatest commandment.
Mat 22:39  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'







Meditation                                                                                                                                              Pg.4
`Nobody's perfect'?" Yes, indeed. But just because we, in our sin nature, cannot attain perfection, does not mean that God should compromise His Law and allow imperfection. What kind of law would that be? Could a holy God give commandments such as these: "Try to love your enemies. Try not to steal. Try not to murder. Tell the truth, except when you’re in a really bad fix." No. A holy God, a righteous God commands:"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." This is the standard for the Kingdom of God. This is the Law for the Kingdom of God. And when we enter His Kingdom, we will experience the gloriousness of a Kingdom that operates under this rule of Law. Until then, we are stuck in these fallen bodies, we are stuck with our sin nature, such that, though we may strive for God's perfection, we fail. But thanks be to God, that though we fail, we can still be clothed with righteousness through Christ's sacrifice. We try, we falter, we fail, we even try to hide our sin, but God has found us out. And Jesus has paid the price for our failure, so we can escape judgment because God, in His love for us (His enemies) gave His Son to pay the price for our sin. Praise be to God! Praise Him for His love! Praise Him for His perfect plan!
This truth that God demands absolute perfection now is one of the most important truths you need to know. Nothing less than your eternal destiny depends on it. It's only after you truly grasp how absolute this command is will you want to latch on for dear life to the perfection Jesus freely gives us. It is the only way that anybody can meet this absolute standard – the only way that anybody can spend all eternity with him.
What a wonderful difference it makes when you rest all your hopes for acceptance on what Jesus has already done for you! No longer is there the fear of being rejected. No longer is there the question of your having done enough. Instead there is the joy of being wholeheartedly accepted by Heavenly Father and the confidence of living forever in his presence.
To Him be the glory forever and ever!

Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and teacher. We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group__________( speak the names of those needing prayer)___________who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee.  Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen

Decisions

Decisions:

Mat 5:38  "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
Mat 5:39  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Mat 5:40  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
Mat 5:41  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Mat 5:42  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Q1. Who would you say has lived the example of these actions?
        Jesus is the only person who has lived a sinless life, and gave his all (Romans 3:10 and 3:25)

Q2. What was the need that Jesus served, going as far as his life itself?
        Jesus life death and resurrection has provided salvation to all who call on him. (John 3:16)

Q3. Where was the force behind the need for Jesus to give his life?
        God saw mankind was not capable of righteousness so he offered his son for our salvation. Rom.10:3 & 4

Q4. When is there the need for such an act?
       In the life of everyone there is offered a time and place for salvation, God makes it so. John 13:5-10

Q5. Why will there be a need that I might serve if asked?
       No one is righteous, and Jesus met the need. You will have the same opportunity. Rom. 10:13-15

Q6. Who has benefited from the Phrase “Give to the one who asks you?
        Jesus life is offered so that all may be saved, we benefit when asking Jesus into our life. Matt. 7:7 & 8

Q7. What are the benefits for the one who is asking?
Ask and it will be given, seek and ye shall find. The one who asks, receives salvation. Matt. 7:9-11

Q8. Where are those who would borrow from us?
Jesus came to us all, the lost and downtrodden, unfortunate and the deprived. 1 Tim. 6: 17-19

Q9. When might it be, that someone would want to borrow from us?
       There is no inconvenient time. Jesus, on his last day on earth, gave of himself. Luke 23:38-43

Q10. Why would there be a moment when one would turn away?
           Jesus could have turned away from his purpose. And we too can do that as well Matt. 25:34-45

Q11. How has Jesus life & teaching been meaningful to you?
Christ was not a religious fanatic. He was the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Nonetheless, the nature of his mission and message was such that it was bound to ignite controversy—and certainly it did. Great truths come to light in these engagements between God’s Son and those who adopted the position of adversaries. Even today, conflict and confusion over the life death and resurrection of Jesus, for our salvation, continues in the many religions throughout the world. But there is still the one single truth that belies all other claims to anyone’s salvation.
John 14:6  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.


Monday, October 13, 2014

Eye For Eye


Opening Prayer

Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.    Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen

     Mat 5:38  "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'

An eye for an eye ... - This command is found in Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21. In these places it was given as a rule to regulate the decisions of judges. They were to take eye for eye, and tooth for tooth, and to inflict burning for burning. As a judicial rule it is not unjust. Christ finds no fault with the rule as applied to magistrates, and does not take it upon himself to repeal it.

Q.1 Why was Jesus speaking of such things?
     These matters had gotten to the point where not only the magistrates & judges used the rule as part of the administration of justice, but the people began to act out their own justice and apply the same rule to their domestic issues. Taking the law into their own hands. Amos 5:7  You, Israel, turn justice into poison and throw righteousness on the ground.

Q.2Do we take justice into our own hands in our world today?

Q.3 How do today's laws differ from “Eye for eye”  justice?
Equal justice through our court system today is rendered by judges and juries. And it was so in Jesus day as well,  Amos 5:24  But let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Q.4 Does our present system of justice always let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream?
.
Q.5 Can you think of other issues where this eye for eye concept is still practiced today? Maybe on a less intensive scale, It carries over in our doing for others. The favors should be equal. If we do for others , they should do for us. (you owe me one)

Q.6 What in the Kingdom of Heaven is different, and negates the need for judicial system?



Mat 5:39  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

The general principle which Jesus laid down was, that we are not to resist evil, nor to set ourselves against an evil person who is injuring us. The law of nature, will justify self-defense when life is in danger.
In those days, a slap on the right cheek was the ultimate insult. Jesus is saying that rather than contend and fight, we should turn the other cheek, encouraging peace instead of retaliation. Retaliation brings us down to the level of the miscreant who slapped us.

Q.1 What is it  then that Jesus is teaching?
Violence is to be avoided by the righteous, and if by turning the other cheek, one can show love and compassion for the offending person, that is what one is to do. Often a soft answer turneth away wrath,

Q.2 Do you find it that way in our world today?

Q.3 Does this prevent our insisting that justice should be done us, if civil recourse is available.


Q. 4 Are there laws today that conflict with Jesus’ statement?
There are laws of justice whereby if one is accosted, or assaulted one may file charges against the offending person and have them brought into court and charged with a crime.

Q.5 Does this (law suits)seem more prevalent today than in Jesus’ time?

Q.6 Why is it necessary to have gang laws. and curfews that have just recently been enacted?

Q.7 What are our feelings today, if we are subjected to the treatment Jesus mentions?

Q.8 When does “Turn the other cheek” apply”

Q.9 What is there in the Kingdom of Heaven that causes us to believe that this type of conduct will not happen there?










Mat 5:40  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Jesus is speaking of someone who is litigious and determined to sue us,  Our Savior directs us, rather than to imitate him rather than to contend with a revengeful spirit in courts of justice, go ahead and take a trifling injury, and yield to him. This is merely a question about property, and not about conscience and life. Jesus is speaking about every day incidents which occur to all of us from time to time.

Q.1 Can you recall a time when this has happened to you or someone you know?
There are those in society today that seek settlements for injury, although there is no injury such as frivolous lawsuits over incidents where no harm has been done them, but they sue anyway.

Q.2 Where a settlement is offered, to us in a case, is Jesus saying we should take the settlement?
Most of the settlements offered in such lawsuits are very minimal, as if the guilty party were trying to get by as cheaply as possible.

Q.3Do you agree with the concept of justifiable enrichment in certain cases?

Q.4 Can you imagine a time when this might be an issue in God’s Kingdom?


























Mat 5:41  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile - The word translated "shall compel" is of Persian origin. Post-offices were then unknown. In order that the royal commands might be delivered with safety and dispatch in different parts of the empire, Cyrus stationed horsemen at proper intervals on all the great public highways. One of those delivered the message to another, and intelligence was thus rapidly and safely communicated. These heralds were permitted to compel any person, or to press any horse, boat, ship, or other vehicle that they might need for the quick transmission of the king's commandments. It was to this custom that our Savior refers. Rather, says he, than resist a public authority requiring your attendance and aid for a certain distance, go peaceably twice the distance.

Q.1 Do you feel that Jesus was speaking about such matters, or on a more personal level?
There are times when one may be forced to give up one’s car or home for the good of society, or in the case of an Ebola quarantine one may  lose his home or an animal. Jesus did not explain his comments in any detail.

Q.2 Why might this matter have become controversial?

Q.3 What did Jesus mean by mentioning “force” ?
A matter of force simply cannot be brought against a citizen in our free country, except in rare cases.

Q.4 What are some of these rare cases?

Q.5 How would Jesus words apply today if someone is asking for your help?





















Mat 5:42  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

A loan is often more beneficial than an absolute gift: first, because it flatters less the vanity of him who lends; secondly, it spares more the shame of him who is in real want; and, thirdly, it gives less encouragement to the idleness of him who may not be very honest. However, no advantage should be taken of the necessities of the borrower: he who does so lacks a conscience The lending which our Lord is speaking of is that which requires no more than the restoration of the principal in a convenient time: otherwise to live upon trust is the sure way to pay double.

Q.1 What does this type of conduct lead us into?
In most matters where this occurs, it is between friends, or relatives. And of course there are times where money is loaned. Do you use a credit card?
And of course there is the fact of our gifting sums of money or expensive items to others.

Q.2 What do you feel is the usual outcome of such matters?

Q.3 Why is Jesus speaking about the act of lending and giving?
In the society of those days, beggars and borrowers were plentiful, and usually very needy and downtrodden, with no one to help them. There was no social welfare, and no charitable rescue missions. There is always that aspect of society, and we as fortunate citizens should always have a heart for charitable giving.

Q.4 This is probably one of the most sensitive issues in society today. So many people take unjust advantage of such situations in our world today. There is the issue of welfare, pensions, rehab programs, Charitable hospitals, and many private programs we know little about.
And such issues as college tuition, high school tuition, and scholarships, etc. can you think of more?

Q.5 should we give to every cause, and loan to everyone who needs it?

Q.6 Do you feel that Jesus is telling us we should not harden our hearts to the notion of giving and lending.

Q.7 Are there deeper meanings to this aspect of charity and giving?



Meditation

An Eye for an eye
Christ is not here pitting Himself against the Mosaic Law, nor is He suggesting a superior spirituality. Instead He continues the same course as He had followed in the context, which is to define that which righteousness demanded of His followers, which was more excellent than the one taught and practiced by the scribes and Pharisees;

Yet the Jewish leaders sought to ingratiate themselves with the people rather than to please God, they pandered to this evil both civil and religious, so to temper things to the depraved inclinations and popular opinions of the people, It was such that true righteousness was overthrown.

This Divinely prescribed rule was a just one: "If a man cause a blemish in his neighbor: as he hath done, so shall it be done to him. Surely it is a most elementary and unchanging principle of sound jurisprudence that the punishment should be made to fit the crime-neither more nor less.

And concerning the rights of "slaves." If their masters, out of brutality maimed them, then the magistrates were required to see to it that they in turn should be compelled to take a dose of their own medicine. And this statute also curbed any judge who in righteous indignation at the cruel injury of a slave was inclined to punish his master too severely: he was not allowed to demand a life for an eye, or a limb for a tooth! Judgment then should remain Just and equal under the law.

Resist not Evil
The statute pertaining to magistrates only had been given a general application, so that the people were allowed to take the law into their own hands, It was in view of this wicked perversion of the Divine Law that our Savior said "Resist not evil." More literally it is "Resist not the evil one," that is, the evil individual who has injured you. Resist not: think not of taking the law into your own hands, Do not seek to do evil to him in revenge, but be actuated by more noble principles and more spiritual considerations.

"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" Christ was not here repealing an important Mosaic statute and substituting a milder approach,  but was refuting an error of the scribes and  Pharisees regarding the law and the evil practice of the Pharisees. They had given a promiscuous application to the law which placed strict bounds upon the punishment to be meted out unto those guilty of wronging others or injuring their slaves and servants. Jesus is making an appeal to those who having been injured, to be careful not to take the law into their own hands, thus becoming as evil as those who committed the offense in the first place.

The idea of an unqualified non-resistance to evil is contrary to the example of Christ. He resisted evil, attacked wrong-doers, and when smitten did not turn the other cheek. When He went up to Jerusalem and found His Father's house turned into a house of merchandise and a den of thieves, He made a scourge of small cords and cast out of the temple both sheep and oxen. He scattered the money of the desecrators and overthrew their tables (John 2:13-17). And In the judgment-hall of Caiaphas one of the officers struck the Savior with his hand, but instead of turning the other cheek Christ challenged the smiter (John 18:22, 23). He did not answer force with force and return blow for blow, but He exposed and rebuked the wrong.

 We are not to tolerate misconduct against ourselves, But as Christ resisted Satan in the wilderness, we are to rebuke evil words and evil deeds. This command of our Lord, illustrated by the examples He brings forward, plainly does not forbid us to defend ourselves when we are in danger. To do so is one of the strongest instincts of our nature, the law of God written on our hearts. But with regard to personal injuries, when there is no hazard of life, as in the case specified, it is our duty to repress resentment and to abstain from violence. When the injury received is a personal and private one it is the Christian's duty to bear it in the spirit of meekness, so long as by so doing he is not encouraging evil-doers and thereby rendering them a menace to others.






And if any man will sue thee
"And if any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also" The first example cited by Christ concerned personal harm and insults. This example sets forth another characteristic of evil men, namely to prey upon others possessions, either privately or under cover of the law. But we should be aware that all who trade upon the innocence of their fellows by means of "shady" tricks, all who are successful in the courts as the result of employing crafty lawyers, no matter what be their reputation for shrewdness in the world, in the sight of God are evil men; and the Christian should have no dealings with such persons. The ruling of our own spirit is far more important than the clothes which we wear. The preservation of inward tranquility is of greater price than a coat or a cloak. Here our Lord teaches us to set lightly by our temporal goods, that our time and strength may be devoted to the concerns of eternity.

"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile,
"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain" The Roman troops had power to requisition able-bodied men. They could compel men to act as porters or guides within a certain area or limit: Such service was not popular: often the demand was inconvenient as well as laborious, and was apt to be rendered in a reluctant and complaining spirit. Christ's command is that even when service is constrained and unreasonable, it should never be performed in a sullen and slavish spirit; but cheerfully and in excess of the demand. In society today there remain few occasions when we are compelled into such service, (The draft is no longer) But in every life there are circumstances of unwelcome tasks; every man has duties which are undertaken not of choice but of necessity; they should be performed readily and cheerfully.

"Give to him that asketh thee
"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away"  This supplies a further illustration of which the righteousness of Christ's kingdom requires of its subjects. That righteousness will not only deter them from standing on every point of individual rights, but it will incline them to do good unto others. Interpreting this precept in the light of its setting, it sets forth the positive side of our duty. Not only does Christ forbid men to requite evil for evil, but He commands them to return good for evil. It is better to give unto those who have no claims upon us and to lend unto those who would impose upon kindness, than to cause strife by a selfish or surly refusal. Our possessions are to be held in stewardship for God and at the disposal of the real need of our followers.
And the real possessions of our life which really matter will be ours in Heaven.

Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and teacher. We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group__________ who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee.  Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen



On Speaking Truth

                                                 Speaking the truth                                  
Opening prayer                                                                                                                       Pg.1

God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of Jesus’ teachings as given to us in this study of speaking the truth. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us  joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service.  Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen

                                                     About oaths
An oath is a solemn promise about your behavior or your actions. Often, when you take an oath, the promise invokes a divine being. For example, you might swear to God that something is true or swear on the Bible that something is true. Oaths are taken all the time, both a professional capacity and in a personal capacity. In some cases, you can get into serious trouble for taking an oath and then going back on your word or not living up to your promise. For example, if you testify in court and you take an oath to tell the truth and you then lie on the stand, you can be tried for, and convicted of, perjury. If you take an oath of loyalty to your country and you lie, then you can be tried for treason.                                    
                    Jesus Teaches                                                                    
Mat 5:33  "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.'
Mat 5:34  But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;
Mat 5:35  or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
Mat 5:36  And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37  All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Jesus is teaching here to point out the example of the law wherein one swears to tell the truth with an oath, but lies at the same time. To say we have taken care of a certain matter when we have only reflected on what to do with it is what is commonly called lying. To answer in the affirmative and swear an oath for emphasis is simply making a gesture at appeasing the listener, and that too is lying. An attempt to secure a certain state of well being or comfort for oneself or a friend is an admirable action, but to make the effort successful by having to state a non existent condition is manufacturing a lie. We lie to avoid stress, to avoid inconvenience, to relieve ourselves of certain responsibilities, and as well, we lie for the convenience of the moment. Sometimes we lie so as to embellish the truth, so that we may be framed in a better light. What is it about the human condition that convinces us that we have to lie? Lies are hurtful, inconvenient, and lead to more unsavory conduct. When one lies skillfully enough for a longer period, the life one lives in itself then becomes a lie. All Lying is wrong and should be avoided at all costs. Life is much simpler when one never lies. One then does not have to keep up with the lies so as to seem truthful. Our lies will find us out.   Jesus very simply emphasizes telling the truth in the simplest form. Yes, or No.

                      Jesus Teaches                                                                                   Pg.2                                                                                                                                                                                                    
a). That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it,  we must not take advantage of it for ourselves, or to our own worldly advantage.
Q.1When are we duly called to swear?
Q.2Why are we duly called to swear?
b). That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven. It is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns:
Q.3 To what is this referring?
c). That we must avoid promissory oaths: The frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such fidelity, that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths. An oath is licit, and an act of virtue, under certain  conditions. It is, in effect, an act of homage rendered by the creature to the wisdom and omnipotence of the Creator—it is therefore an act of; the virtue of religion. Christ meant, as the Fathers and ecclesiastical writers explain, to be so truthful that  men could believe them without need of oath to confirm what they say. He did not forbid the use of oaths under proper conditions, when necessary to satisfy others of our truthfulness.
Q.4 Why does our justice system require one to swear an oath to God?
Q.5 Does the use of An oath to God offend you or anyone you know?
d). That we must not swear by any other creature, place or thing
(a.) Swear not by the heaven; “As sure as there is a heaven, this is true;” for it is God's throne, where he resides, and in a particular manner manifests his glory, as a Prince upon his throne: One cannot swear by heaven, but also to swear by God himself.
(b.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.
(c.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by;  the city of God (Psa_46:4), he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.
 (d.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine;
Q.6 To what, and in what context  are these statements (a) to (d) referring?
e). That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. It comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men. Men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them.
           Q.6 Why do we sometimes feel the need to add emphasis (an oath)to our words even though we speak the truth?


                                                                                                                            Pg.3
God gave the law to prevent chaos and for our own benefit. To bear false witness is to lie. So often we lie to ourselves, to others, and to God. This leads to distrust, so that man has to swear to affirm that he is telling the truth.  God said we shouldn't take the name of the Lord in vain This made an oath binding, and one had to abide by what he had said. "ye shall not swear by my name falsely." This doesn't mean that we cannot take an oath. God wants us to be trustworthy.
These verses need to be taken in context. If they seem unreasonable, then the interpretation is wrong.
Needing to prove your honesty in one situation, only proves your dishonesty in other situations. The Scribes and Pharisees were famous for swearing oaths even though they were lying, the oath simply made the lies more believable.

Q.1 Why does proving honesty need an oath?

Q.2 What is there about swearing an oath makes one seem honest?

Q.3 Why was Jesus teaching against the use of oaths?

Never will all of the world’s words be true. The world will always need oaths. An oath (in the eyes of some)adds emphasis to the point being made, and seems to enforce the truth of the matter.
Q.4 Why do we use oaths in our world today?

Q.5 has oath taking affected your life in any way?

Q.6 What in your opinion does oath taking do to reinforce your believability?

If your words are always true, then you will never need oaths. Building a reputation of always telling the truth is a difficult thing in today's world. There is so much skepticism. The oath  (if one uses) just seems to add to the doubt that one has when hearing someone swear an oath

Q.7 Why in our world today do we feel that almost everyone is lying to us?

Q.8 Have you ever presumed that people might think you are lying some of the  
         time?
Q.9 In the world of story telling (and or lying) do you have a favorite?

Q.10 Describe an occasion that you recall when you were less than forthright?

Q.11 Are you a naturally suspicious person when it comes to accepting someone’s
        telling you the truth?
Q.12 Can you describe an occasion when one feels the need to swear to a statement ?

                                                                                                                            Pg.4
Meditation:  What would you give to know all  truth!

Truth,  is not something we create nor is it our discovery.  It is the gift of God who is the possessor and the giver of all truth.   Jesus tells his disciples that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is true. How can this be?  Skeptics of truth don't want to believe in an absolute Truth.  If truth is objective then it must be submitted to as authoritative.  Some fear the truth because they think it will inhibit their freedom.  Jesus told his disciples that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).The truth liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears.  Since God is the source of all truth, then the closer we draw to him and listen to his word, the more we grow in the knowledge of him and of his great love and wisdom for us.  Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will announce to you the things to come.  Through the Holy Spirit, we proclaim our ancient faith in the saving death and resurrection of Christ until he comes again. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God.  Do you seek the wisdom that comes from above and do you willingly obey God's wor

Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and the light of our lives. We praise you for your Son Jesus who has made himself the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group who need your touch and bring healing to them………… Help us in the living out of our days that we might be a bright light of truth to those who need our help.  Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee.  Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen


On Divorce, No Condemnation


                                                                                                                                                 Pg.1              Opening Prayer                                                                                            
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word.  Help us to realize that we are the vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Our prayer is that we learn from this study, what is the true desire of our heart. That we are to serve God and glorify him in all that we do. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen

Because the hearts of the people had become hardened to God's ideal plan for marriage, God wanted to establish this law to finalize divorce. There were two schools of thought in regards to the law.
(1) This major belief was held by most scribes and Pharisees. They interpreted "uncleanness" as meaning anything that was not pleasing to the man. This deprived the woman of her rights as the man could not be divorced against his will.
(2) The other belief was that this law referred to moral "uncleanness." Jesus is claiming that there should only be one cause for divorce. God's intention for marriage is that they be no longer two, but one flesh (Matthew 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20). The sin of adultery is pardonable (Matthew 12:31; John 3:17-18, 8:7). This doesn't mean that we can use the grace of God to cover our own sinfulness (1 Peter 2:16;Romans 6:1). 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 29:31; Acts 5:29.

(1)      This study does not answer the matter of divorce, but a careful consideration of the individual rights and privileges of married couples will inevitably lead us to conclude that there are times when a marriage should be dissolved. Unfaithfulness is not an unforgivable offense but may lead to the dissolution of a marriage. In fact, in the days of Jesus, unfaithfulness is the only instance whereby a divorce would happen. Although a marriage is sacred in the eyes of God, to the average man and woman under the present laws in effect in our world today it is no more than a non binding contract, and has no enforced religious significance whatsoever except in some religious faiths.  The only serious considerations of marriage today are when there is a prenuptial agreement which protects one against the other in the marriage. Times have changed. God has not changed. There are many marriages made today for convenience, privilege, inheritance, and for perpetuity.
(2) Also, part of the answers to questions on divorce must include grace.  God is not a Law Master who wants to bring His people forcefully into broken submission.  God is very forgiving and loving.  He wants His people to experience joy and fulfillment in their lives, and this can only be done in the grace of forgiveness.   Jesus bore all your sins--even the sins of divorce. They have been paid for.  He will not bring them up again on the Day of Judgment.  You are free in Christ. God’s laws about marriage are not interchangeable. But Just as man is not to sin, either by adultery, or by lying, or by stealing, or any other sinful act. God is not vengeful.

Jesus Christ now stands for us in the Judgment of God for all who turn to him for their Salvation. Human beings are not perfect, and as marriages go, they are between two imperfect humans and thus can and often do fail. Jesus Christ is our Righteousness. God will honor His Promises.

                                                                                                                                             Pg.2

 Bible study:                                                                                                                  Mortal sin                                                                                                    
Mat 5:27  "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
Mat 5:28  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Thou shall not commit adultery; which includes a prohibition of all other acts of uncleanness, and the desire of them: but the Pharisees, in their expositions of this command, made it to extend no further than the act of adultery, thus if the iniquity was only regarded in the heart, and went no further, God could not hear it, would not regard it  and therefore they thought it enough to be able to say that they were no adulterers, Yet there is the thought.
                                                                                                                                                                                  Q.1 If the sin is not committed, how can one be charged?
Q,2 Why are there matters of the heart best not acted upon?
Q.3 What was the penalty for a woman committing adultery?
Q.4 Why had adultery become such a controversial conduct?
Q.5 Why do you think Jesus brought attention to this conduct?
Q.6 Why do these verses seem to be directed towards men?
Q.7 What three conclusions are we to draw from these verses?
                                                                                                                             
                                                       

Mat 5:29  If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30  And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

It is a severe operation here prescribed for the preventing of mortal sins. If thy right eye offends thee, by lusting after what one sees. If thy right hand offends thee, or causes one to offend, beyond our own control, and if there be no other way to restrain them (which, blessed be God, through his grace, there is), it is better for us to pluck out the eye, and cut off the hand. Though the right eye, and right hand, are fully capable and actually do make for the good of ourselves, and others from time to time.

Q.1 Why does Jesus place such a severe example before us?
Q,2 Can you explain the results forthcoming, should everyone heed these words?
Q.3 When is there a time when we are presented with these temptations?
Q.4 What are the sins that can be committed with the eyes and the hands?
Q.5 Why do you think Jesus brought attention to this conduct?
Q.6 Do you feel that in today's world, there is more temptation to commit sin than in Jesus day?



                                                                                                                                           Pg.3
             
Mat 5:31  "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.'
Mat 5:32  But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

A man's divorcing of his wife  upon dislike, or for any other cause except adultery, however tolerated and practiced among the Jews, was a violation of the seventh commandment, as it opened a door to adultery, How this matter was rectified and amended by our Savior. He reduced the ordinance of marriage to its primitive institution: They two shall be one flesh, not to be easily separated, and therefore divorce is not to be allowed, except in case of adultery, which breaks the marriage covenant; but he that puts away his wife upon any other pretence, causes her to commit adultery, and him also that shall marry her when she is thus divorced. Note, Those who lead others into temptation to sin, or leave them in it, or expose them to it, make themselves guilty of their sin, and will be accountable for it. This is one way of being a partaker with adulterers Psalm 50:14-23

Q.1 What are some other reasons for divorce these days?
Q.2 If divorce were not allowed how would that ever work in our society?
Q.3 What hope have we in our world today, to avoid this condemnation?
Q.4 What legal recourse against men did women of Jesus day have?
Q.5 Describe the differences in opportunity for sexual misconduct compared to Jesus’ day
Q.6 What in this context do you feel that Jesus would preach against in our world today?
                                                                                                                                                                Pg.4
   No Condemnation                                                                  The Lord will rescue his servants                                                  
Rom 8:1  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Rom 8:2  because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
There is one signal privilege of true Christians, and Paul describes the character of those to whom it belongs: There is therefore now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, This is his triumph after that melancholy complaint and conflict in the foregoing sermon verses - sin remaining, disturbing, vexing, but, blessed be God, not ruining. The complaint Jesus takes to himself, but humbly transfers the comfort with himself to all true believers. It is the unspeakable privilege and comfort of all those that are in Christ Jesus that there is therefore now no condemnation to them. He does not say, “There is no accusation against them,” for this there is; but the accusation is thrown out, and the indictment quashed. God has forgotten our sin, and Jesus has made our restitution as promised.

Q.1 What of these two verses is of interest to a Christian?
Q.2 What is the difference between the two laws mentioned?
Q.3 Hebrews 10:17 Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."
      What of this verse is there that is so central to the Christian?
Q.4 Of what importance are other (so called) religions which  ignore the laws of sin and death
Q.5 How is it that Jesus frees us from sin and death?
Q.6 Just as the  rich man was not pardoned, in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, and we
      know what happened to him. God was judge Jury  and Executioner.
Q.7 What of his plight did Jesus come to change?
Q.8 And what does not change if we do not repent and accept the salvation that Jesus life death  
       and resurrection offers?  

Rom 8:3  For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
Rom 8:4  in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:8  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9  You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
Q.1 What was the law powerless to do?
Q.2 How did sending Jesus to be a sin offering help?
Q.3 How did Jesus condemn sin in the flesh?
Q.4 What is meant by living according to the flesh?
Q.5 What is meant by living according to the spirit?
Q.6 What would appeal to anyone so that they would become hostile to God?
Q.7 How does one have the Spirit of God living in them?
                                                                                                                                             Pg.5




Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We praise you for your Son Jesus who has made himself the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. We pray that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior.   Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen