by Rick Marin | Jun 29, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What did the repairing of the twelve stones of the Lord’s altar represent?
(1 Kings 16:29-18:46; Mal. 4:5-6; Lu. 1:13-17; 4:25-26;
James 5:17-18; Matt. 11:7-15; Mark 9:11-13) Blog 23-29 June 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present
Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW:
This life is made up of relationships – some closer than others.
There are physical, mental, and moral factors that influence and at times
enhance or destroy these relationships. Those relationships based on covenants
have the best chance of being maintained and enjoyed. Covenants provide
stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are
clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses.
Enjoyable companionship and communion has much to do with the character and
ability of those involved. For this reason it is imperative to understand and
follow God’s principles of loving conduct as outlined in the Ten Commandments.
But before all else we must believe the Gospel of God’s grace that makes us
free to love others as he has loved us. Then we receive his indwelling Holy
Spirit and are enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form relationships that
last and give glory to God.
The Promise of Elijah’s
Return (1 Kings 16:29-18:46;
Mal. 4:5-6; Luke 4:25-26; James 5:17-18)
1. What three things characterized Elijah’s
relationship to God? He prayed earnestly to God, he listened to God’s commands,
& he obeyed God’s commands.
2. How was Elijah regarded by the civil
authorities? As an enemy of the state.
3. According to 1 Kings 18:18 what was King
Ahab’s sin? That of forsaking the Commandments of the Lord & following
Baalim.
4. What test of the true God did Elijah propose
to the people gathered on Mount Carmel? That the god that sent fire to consume
the sacrifice would be the true God.
5. What did the repairing of the twelve stones
of the Lord’s altar represent? Respect for God’s organized church.
6. Why did Elijah have water poured all over his
sacrifice and altar? To ensure that no human ingenuity could light the fire,
but only God’s Spirit.
7. When confronting the prophets of Baal what
did Elijah pray God would do for the children of Israel? Turn their hearts back
to the true God.
8. In the very last two verses of the Old
Testament what does God promise to do? To send Elijah before the great &
dreadful day of the Lord.
9. What does God say Elijah would do in order to
prevent God’s curse? He would turn the hearts of the parents to their children
& those of the children to their parents.
The Elijah Ministry of John the
Baptist (Matt. 11:7-15; Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:13-17)
10. Did Jesus believe that Malachi’s prophesy
concerning Elijah could be fulfilled without the personal appearance of the
prophet Elijah? Yes, he saw in John the Baptist a partial fulfillment of
Malachi’s prophecy.
11. Did Elijah, the prophet, personally appear
in Christ’s day? Yes, on the mount of transfiguration.
12. Besides bringing parents and children
together what else did the angel tell Zacharias that John the Baptist would do?
He would also turn the disobedient to the wisdom of God & prepare a people
for the Lord.
13. What
other thing would Elijah do according to Jesus in Mark 9? He would restore all
things.
14. What habits of life characterized the way
John the Baptist lived? He wore simple clothing, ate simple food, & lived
far from the cities.
15. What was Elijah’s message? Repent for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand. & Behold the Lamb of God that takes away sin.
The
Elijah Ministry in our Day (Mal. 4:5-6;
Luke 4:25-26; James 5:17-18)
16.
What can we expect the predicted Elijah to do before the second coming of the
Lord if John the Baptist gives us an example of that work? We can expect him to
reunite families, turn the disobedient to the wisdom of God, restore all
things, & prepare a people for Christ’s second coming.
17.
If God’s people today are called to prepare a people for Christ’s second coming
what practices of Elijah should they imitate? Fervent prayer, listening to
God’s commands, doing what God commands, confronting evil rulers & God’s
people with their sins, living a simple, temperate lifestyle, and standing
alone for righteousness.
18.
If God’s people today are called to prepare a people for Christ’s second coming
what will their message be? Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. &
Behold the Lamb of God that takes away sin.
19.
In order to proclaim the Elijah message today is it necessary that our sinful
nature be removed first? No, Elijah was a man with a sinful nature also but God
used him to turn the hearts of the people.
20.
What response can God’s people expect who give the Elijah message today? That
they will be regarded as enemies of the state and of perverted religion, be
exiled, & be hunted and that unity with God & family unity &
worship will be restored.
by Rick Marin | Jun 22, 2019 | Cycles of Life
1. There is beauty all around When there’s love at home;
There is joy in ev’ry sound When there’s
love at home.
Peace and plenty here abide, Smiling
sweet on ev’ry side.
Time doth softly, sweetly glide When
there’s love at home.
2. In the cottage there is joy When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy When there’s
love at home.
Roses bloom beneath our feet; All the
earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete When
there’s love at home.
3. Kindly heaven smiles above When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love When
there’s love at home.
Sweeter sings the brooklet by; Brighter
beams the azure sky.
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high When
there’s love at home.
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.
Source: Musixmatch Composer: Robert P. Manookin
(Isa. 58:6-7; 1 Cor. 7:12-15; Heb. 13:2; 1 Pet. 2:9; 3:1-2) Blog 16-22 June
2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
Its source (Deut. 6:5-9; Acts 5:38; Rom. 5:1-5; 10:17; James 1:5)
1. Who implants love in our hearts? The Holy
Spirit.
2. What must a person do in order to receive the
Holy Spirit? Believe on Jesus who is our righteousness before God.
3. From where does faith come? From hearing the
Word of God.
4. In light of the preceding questions what must
be a vital part of the home if love is to be found there? The reading & hearing
of God’s Word.
5. If families lack wisdom in how to maintain
love and peace in the home what should they do? They should ask God in prayer
according to James 1.
6. How would you summarize Moses’
recommendations for having love at home? That love for God & his Word
should be the continual meditation & instruction in every area of life –
this will include example and effort.
7. How does the Holy Place of the sanctuary
illustrate the three sources of love in the home. By the Spirit-inspired
meditation kept continually burning in one’s heart, by the bread of God’s
presence that feeds the soul, & by the ministry of Jesus in purifying our
prayers, praise, & penitent confession of sin.
Its expression (Isa. 58:6-7; Mark
12:30-31; Heb.13:2; Luke 14:12-14; 1 Cor. 7:12-15; James 1:26-27;
1 Pet. 3:1-2; 2 John 1:6)
8. What three things did James say would demonstrate
true religion? To control one’s words, to help the widows & fatherless, and
to keep oneself undefiled by their cultural environment.
9. What does Isaiah 58 add to James’
recommendations? To free people from their burdens, to feed & clothe the needy
and to take in the homeless.
10. How does 2 John 1:6 describe love? As the
keeping of God’s Commandments.
11. How did Jesus summarize the Ten Commandments?
That of loving God with all your heart, mind, soul, & strength and loving
your neighbor as yourself.
12. If only one parent is a believer how do Peter and Paul recommend that the other parent be won to faith in Jesus.? By the godly lifestyle of the believing parent.
13. In accord with what we have seen above how
will love be expressed in the home? By acts of kindness to one another in
harmony with God’s Commandments & by showing kindness to those outside the
home while continually controlling one’s words & keeping one another from
the corrupting influences in society.
Its results (Matt. 5:16; Luke 2:52; 1
Pet. 2:9)
14. Where does Peter say the light of a loving
family will shine? It will shine forth, meaning it will extend beyond the
family.
15. In Matthew what did Jesus say would be the
result of letting one’s light shine? People would glorify God.
16. When there is love at home how will it
affect the church its members attend? Its influence will permeate the church.
17. What should we learn from the large amount
of time Jesus spent at home in Nazareth? The importance of the home for the formation
of character & the opportunity to lift other’s burdens.
18. How will visitors be affected when they
observe love in our homes? Their hearts will be turned toward the God of love.
19. When the plant of love is watered and cared
for what will it produce? Fruit in the life & the fruit of added believers
to God’s kingdom.
by Rick Marin | Jun 15, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What did John say should be our attitude toward worldly culture?
(Ezra 10:1-12; Rom.
12:1-2; Phil. 2:15; 1 John 2:15-17) Blog June 9-15, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We were created for companionship and communion.
Lasting relationships should be built upon covenants. Covenants provide
stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are
clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses.
The character and ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of
their promises. Only when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we
freed to make good choices, so true believers are the most likely to have
successful relationships. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which we receive
when we believe in Jesus, are we enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form
relationships that give glory to God.
Cultural Norms (Gen. 12:1; 18:20; Phil. 2:15; Jude 1:7)
1. Are cultural differences always bad? No.
2. Are the majority of cultural standards bad?
Yes
3. What did God think of the culture of Ur of
the Chaldees when Abraham lived there? That it was not a good culture to live
among.
4. What did God think of the Canaanite culture
when Joshua arrived there? That their culture had become so corrupt it needed
to be eradicated.
5. What did God think of the culture of Sodom
and Gomorrah when Lot lived there? That their culture had become so corrupt it
needed to be eradicated.
6. According to Philippians 2:15 what did God
think of the culture in which the Philippians lived? That it was crooked &
perverse.
Resisting the Culture (Acts 15:19-20;
Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 8:4; 1 Pet. 3:3-5; 1 John 2:15-17)
7. In Romans 12 how does Paul say we should deal
with the culture around us? That we should not conform to the culture around us
but rather be transformed by changing our attitude towards it.
8. What did John say that worldly culture included?
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, & the pride of life.
9. What did John say should be our attitude
toward worldly culture? That we should not love it.
10. When Gentile believers were added to the
early church what ordinances were imposed on them and for what reason? That
they should abstain from meat offered to idols, fornication, & meat
containing blood in order that they might have table fellowship with Jewish
believers.
11. What part of the ordinances given to Gentile
believers soon became unimportant according to the apostle Paul? That of eating
meat offered to idols.
12. What ancient cultural custom regarding
attire did Peter recommend that believing women should adopt? That of not
putting undue emphasis on their outward adornment but rather to cultivate a
meek & quiet spirit.
13. To what extent should we separate ourselves
from cultural norms that are contrary to God’s Commandments? Entirely.
Cultural Christianity (Ezra 10:1-12;
2 Thes. 2:15; Heb. 10:25;)
14. What often happens in a church whose members
are second and third generation members? Many members attend only because they
are comfortable in that society & not because they believe the church’s
doctrines or have been converted to Christ.
15. Should a church’s cultural norms be
discarded in order to purify the church? No, only those cultural norms should
be discarded that are contrary to God’s commandments or that hinder true
worship.
16. When the exiles returned from Babylon what
cultural practice had many of them adopted that needed to be discarded? That of
marrying unbelieving wives.
17. What practice among believers in the early
church does the book of Hebrews condemn? That of skipping church attendance
(the fellowship of believers).
by Rick Marin | Jun 8, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What is the underlying attitude that fuels all conflicts?
(Gen. 6:5; Ephe. 4:26-32; James 1:19; 4:1-12) Blog: Jun. 02-08, 2019
Prepared by
Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO
Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We were created for companionship and communion.
Lasting relationships should be built upon covenants. Covenants provide
stability and predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are
clearly stated and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses.
The character and ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of
their promises. Only when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we
freed to make good choices, so true believers are the most likely to have
successful relationships. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which we receive
when we believe in Jesus, are we enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form
relationships that give glory to God.
The Source of conflicts (Gen. 6:5; Psa. 51:5; Prov.
21:10; Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:17; James 4:1-12; Rev. 16:17)
1. What does James say is the source of all our
conflicts? Our sinful desires.
2. When did we acquire our sinful desires? At
conception.
3. Who is responsible for us having been
conceived with sinful desires? Adam, who willfully chose to break God’s
covenant with humanity by eating the forbidden fruit.
4. Is any human being exempt from the curse that
Adam brought upon us? No, not one, except Jesus only, who was conceived of the
Holy Ghost & therefore had no sinful desires.
5. How long will sinful desires remain in our
hearts? Until we are glorified at the time of the seventh plague, shortly prior
to Christ’s second coming.
6. If sinful desires remain in us until we are
glorified what should that tell us about conflict resolution? That unless
controlled by God’s Spirit there will be interpersonal conflicts until
glorification & that conflict resolution will involve dealing with our
sinful desires until then.
The fuel of conflicts (Prov. 14:17; 29:22; Matt. 5:22; 1 Cor.
13:4-7; James 1:15; 4:1-12)
7. If our sinful desires are the source of all
our conflicts how do they manifest themselves? In sinful actions according to
James 1:15.
8. What sinful actions that add fuel to
conflicts are listed in James 4:1-12? Anger, murder, fighting, unfaithfulness,
envy, judging, & evil speaking.
9. According to 1 Corinthians 13 what kind of
evil speaking exhibits itself where there is a lack of love? Unkind, impatient,
envious, proud, selfish, untrue, and bitter words like: “You are just like your
mother.” “You always…” “When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it.” or
reminding the other of past mistakes.
10. What is the underlying attitude that fuels
all conflicts? Lack of humility.
11. Whose responsibility is it to make us humble?
Our own.
The remedy for conflicts (Prov. 10:19; 15:1-2; 17:14;
19:11; Eccl. 7:9; Eph. 4:26-32; James
1:19; 4:1-12)
12. How does James 1 recommend that we deal with
anger so as to resolve a conflict? Be swift to hear, slow to speak, & slow
to anger.
13. How does Proverbs 17:14 recommend we deal
with conflicts? To extinguish them as soon as they begin.
14. How does Proverbs 19:11 recommend we deal
with conflicts? By overlooking the other person’s sin.
15. How soon does Ephesians say that an angry
conflict should be settled? Before sundown.
16. What part of conflict resolution do both
James, Paul, and Solomon all emphasize? That of controlling our speech
(tongue).
by Rick Marin | Jun 1, 2019 | Cycles of Life
In what situations did Jesus allow divorce?
(Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Cor. 12:7-10;1
Thes. 4:13-18; James 5:14-16) Blog May 26-June 01, 2019
Prepared
by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA
92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We were created for companionship and communion. Lasting
relationships should be built upon covenants. Covenants provide stability and
predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated
and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. The character and
ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of their promises. Only
when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make good
choices, so true believers are the most likely to have successful
relationships. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which we receive when we
believe in Jesus, are we enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form
relationships that give glory to God.
The loss of health
(John 5:14; Rom. 5:12; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; James 5:14-16)
1. What brought disease and death into the world? Sin.
2. Whose sin is primarily responsible for our personal lack of
health? Our own.
3. How can we maintain and improve our health? By living in
harmony with God’s laws.
4. Name some Bible characters who maintained a good level of
health their entire lives? Moses, Caleb, the Apostle John.
5. What are Christians told to do if they or a brother gets sick?
They are to call for the elders to come & apply remedies & pray for
them & they are to confess their sins & believe that God will heal them
if it is his will.
6. What examples from the Bible show that God does not always heal
believers when they ask? Those of Lazarus & Paul.
The
Loss of a relationship (Gen. 13:2-10; Eze. 16:8-9, 38, 59-63; Matt. 18:15-17;
19:8-9)
7. When a fellow church member betrays your trust what are you to
do? Go speak to him alone about the matter & follow the counsel of Matthew
18.
8. In what situations did Jesus allow divorce? In cases of
adultery.
9. Under the theocracy in Israel what was the penalty for
adultery? Death.
10. What must take place if a marriage is to be renewed after one
party has committed adultery? There must be open confession, abandonment of the
other party in sin, forgiveness, & renewal of the marriage covenant.
11. What example of forgiving adultery is given in Ezequiel 16?
God’s forgiveness & renewal of his covenant with Jerusalem.
The loss of life (Psa. 115:17; 116:15; 1 Thes.
4:13-18; Rev. 21:4; )
12. What does Hebrews 9:27 say about death? That human being are
only appointed to die once & then face judgment.
13. When losing a loved one by death in what does Scripture say we
should take comfort? In the truth that Jesus both died & rose again &
will come again to resurrect those who died in faith uniting us with them for
eternity.
14. What is God’s attitude towards the death of one of his
children? He considers it precious.
15. What can the dead nor longer do in relation to God? They can
no longer praise God.
16. What should we not do when suffering the loss of a loved one?
We should not think that we can no longer serve the Lord.
by Rick Marin | May 25, 2019 | Cycles of Life
What are common ways parents exasperate their children?
(Deut. 6:4-9; Psalm 127:1-5; Eph. 6:4; Luke 15:11-24) Blog May 19-25, 2019
Prepared
by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA
92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: We were created for companionship and communion. Lasting
relationships should be built upon covenants. Covenants provide stability and
predictability because a person’s obligations and privileges are clearly stated
and entered into by making vows in the presence of witnesses. The character and
ability of the covenant maker will determine the value of their promises. Only
when the Gospel of God’s grace is presented to us are we freed to make good
choices, so true believers are the most likely to have successful
relationships. Only by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which we receive when we
believe in Jesus, are we enabled to subdue our sinful natures and form
relationships that give glory to God.
The desire of women
(Gen. 3:16; 18:10-14; 30:1-2; 1 Sam. 1:1-8; Psalm 127:1-5; Luke 1:5-15; Rev.
12:1-2)
1. Name some women in the Bible who keenly desired to have a
child: Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, & Elisabeth.
2. What two elements united to bring a child to Sarah, Rachel,
Hannah, & Elisabeth? Faith & prayer.
3. What must a woman experience in order to bring a child into the
world? The agonies of pregnancy culminating in the unbearable pain of delivery.
4. According to Psalm 127 what estimation should parents place
upon their children? They should consider them as valuable gifts from God.
5. What does the Psalmist say that children will be to their
parents? They will be like arrows of defense holding back evil from their
parents.
6. What ingredient if missing will make parenting useless? The
absence of God who builds families, cares for parents, & gives sweet sleep
to those who have him at their side.
7. What does Hannah’s experience as a mother tell us about the
influence of women in the world? That women have a greater influence & can
do more to change society than men.
8. Who do women represent in God’s economy? The bride of Christ,
the church, the mother of us all, & the mother of our Lord.
Proper
Parenting (Gen. 18:19; Deut. 6:4-9, 20-25; 1 Sam. 2:22-29; 3:10-14; Psa. 78:5;
Eph. 6:4; Heb. 12:5-7)
9. What parenting characteristic of Abraham did God commend? That
of commanding his children after him in the way of the Lord to live righteously.
10. What principles of parenting does Moses lay down in
Deuteronomy 6? Those of continually & everywhere reminding our children of
God’s Commandments & of giving them an example of obedience to them in
every area of our life, & of reminding them that it was through God’s
goodness & mercy that we have been delivered from evil to serve him.
11. What aspect of proper parenting did Eli practice and what
aspect did he neglect? He properly reproved his wayward sons but he did not act
to stop (restrain) their evil course, in other words: he told them not to do
evil but did not punish them when they did evil.
12. According to Hebrews 12:5-7 how does God treat the children he
loves? He not only reproves (speaks to) them; he also disciplines (whips) them.
13. How does Paul outline the duties of parents in Ephesians 6:4?
He tells parents to raise their children in the discipline & instruction of
the Lord while not exasperating them.
14. What does Paul’s counsel in Ephesians 6:4 entail? It includes
teaching children that they are sinners in need of a Saviour, that God is holy,
just, & good – the source of all wisdom, & that living in harmony with
his will brings the greatest joy in this life & for eternity. It also
enjoins them to correct the child’s misbehavior.
15. What are common ways parents exasperate their children?
Primarily by enacting unrealistic rules & excessive discipline. But also by
overprotectiveness, favoritism, setting unrealistic goals, overindulgence,
discouragement, lack of self sacrifice, expecting perfection. neglect, verbal
abuse, & physical abuse [thanks to John MacArthur in Being a Dad Who Leads].
Seeking the Lost (Luke 15:11-24;
John 6:37)
16. When the younger son of the Father in Luke 15 demanded his
inheritance before it was due, what did his father do? He gave it to him.
17. When the younger son of the Father in Luke 15 left home and
abandoned his father’s instruction what did his father do? He watched &
prayed for his son’s return while suffering the abuse & loss.
18. What can we learn about wayward children from the story of the
prodigal son in Luke 15? That after raising our children in the fear of the
Lord we should not force them to do right, nor prohibit them from leaving our
care, but rather pray, suffer, and prepare for their return to right paths.
19. When our wayward children return how should we treat them? We
should race to cover their shame & hide them from the scorn of others,
rejoice in their return, & joyfully receive them once again into the family
as God has received us.
