1 John 2:28-3:10

1. 2:28-3:3 The apostle, having begun in verse 29 to show that the test of sonship is righteousness of life, is carried away by the marvel of the new birth into a rapturous ourburst of wonder and joy. Whence comes our sonship? How does the world regard it? What will be its future glory? How should this affect us now? Cf. Col. 3:4,5.

2. 3:4-9. These verses resume the expand the truth of 2:29. What five reasons are given to show that sinning is utterly incompatible with being a child of God?

1. 2:28-3:3 The apostle, having begun in verse 29 to show that the test of sonship is righteousness of life, is carried away by the marvel of the new birth into a rapturous ourburst of wonder and joy. Whence comes our sonship? How does the world regard it? What will be its future glory? How should this affect us now? Cf. Col. 3:4,5.

Our sonship comes from the grace of our God because He regenerates us out of his mercy. The world does not recognize our true "identity" because they don't know the father. Like father, like son. We are now children of God, but an even glorious future lies ahead: when Jesus comes back, we will be like Him. Think about it: we human beings one day may partake the very Nature of God, we will be like God. Adam and Eve tried to be like God by their own understanding and effort, but God himself will make all His sons and daughters to be like His Only Begotten Son Jesus one day. If we have this hope in our mind, we should "cleanse ourselves".

2. 3:4-9. These verses resume the expand the truth of 2:29. What five reasons are given to show that sinning is utterly incompatible with being a child of God?
1. Sinning is against God's law
2. Jesus comes to cleanse our sins. If we keep sinning, it is doutful that we accepted Jesus.
3. Habitual Sinning suggests that one never really knows God because God is light, there is no darkness in him at all.
4. Sinning belongs to the devil and Jesus' work is to undo the work of the devil.
5. A person born of God does not sin because the very life of God in him does not allow him to sin and is incapable of sinning.

Knowing God

1. Verses 3-11. If a man claims to know God, to abide in Christ and to be in the light, what must be his attitude to (a) Christ's word and commandment; (b) the example of Christ's life on earth; (c) fellow-Christians?


2. Verses 18-29. Amid false teachers and defection, what three safeguards for continuance in the faith does John give? See especially verses 24-27. If a professing Christian falls away from the truth, what is proved thereby which, before the falling away, may not have been at all obvious?


3. Verses 15-17. With what two arguments does John support the commandment of verse 15? How may this commandment be reconciled with Jn. 3:16?
   
   

1. Verses 3-11. If a man claims to know God, to abide in Christ and to be in the light, what must be his attitude to (a) Christ's word and commandment; (b) the example of Christ's life on earth; (c) fellow-Christians?

A man who makes such claims must keep His commandments and words, walk as Jesus has walked and love fellow Christians. To Know God is to Love God: Knowing God and obey God come side by side since being a Christian is not a purely intellectual activity or some mysterious experience as those apostate Gnosticism's had suggested. To know God is to live as Jesus Lived.

2. Verses 18-29. Amid false teachers and defection, what three safeguards for continuance in the faith does John give? See especially verses 24-27. If a professing Christian falls away from the truth, what is proved thereby which, before the falling away, may not have been at all obvious?

John gives us three safeguards against false teachers: confessing Jesus is the Christ; hold fast to the teachings of apostles through the Holy Spirit, and Live a righteous life. A lot of people nowadays think they can know God apart from Jesus, but John makes it very clear hear that "No one who denies the Son can have the Father; (AI) he who confesses the Son has the Father as well". Christians don't need those "special knowledge" that those gnosticism claim to have, instead, they have the knowledge that they heard from the beginning and the Holy Spirit would give them understanding and lead them into the Truth.

If a Christian falls away from the truth, it may well be that he did not know the Truth from beginning. That is exactly what happened to those "teachers going out from us".

3. Verses 15-17. With what two arguments does John support the commandment of verse 15? How may this commandment be reconciled with Jn. 3:16?

Christian should not love the world for two reasons: 1. a person can not serve two masters: if he loves the world, the love for God is not in his heart. 2. the world and all that is contained in it are passing away, but the one who does God's will will last forever. the "world" here is not the world God created, it is the world system that is against God. the "world" in John 3:16 is God's creation and God loved the world so much to give his only Son.
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God is light and the Meaning of Communion with God

1. To what unique experience in his life is the writer referring in verses 1-4? How does he describe it? Cf. Jn. 1:14. To what inestimable privilege did it lead him, and why does he want to make it known? Cf. 1 Thes. 3:8-9.
2. The nature of God determines the conditions of fellowship with Him. See verses 6-10
   How has He made fellowship with Himself possible for sinful man? What is His provision to enable fellowship to be maintained, and to meet failure it should occur? If men deny in one way or another their need of this provision, what may we conclude concerning them? See verses 6, 8, 10.
   

1. To what unique experience in his life is the writer referring in verses 1-4? How does he describe it? Cf. Jn. 1:14. To what inestimable privilege did it lead him, and why does he want to make it known? Cf. 1 Thes. 3:8-9.

Answer: It is generally accepted that the author of 1 John is the apostle John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved". He and Peter and James were the "inner circle of three" who were especially close to Jesus. John's own life was transformed by encountering with Jesus: from "sons of thunder" to "the apostle of love". He was among the first to be called by Jesus. He saw Jesus raised Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:37), was present at the transfiguration (Mark 9:2) and witnessed the agony of Jesus at Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-33). John was rebuked by Jesus when he and his brother wanted to call down fire from heaven to consume a Samaritan village that refused Jesus (Luke 9:54). He was at the Last Supper, at the site where Jesus was crucified and witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. Later at Island of Patmos He saw Jesus in Revelation.

John actually listened to him preaching, watching him perform miracles, and touched him with his own hands. Jesus was real as any man and He is God Incarnate. Jesus is 100 percent man and 100 percent God.

Because of this personal experience with Jesus, the eternal life, John came to believe Jesus for who He really is, became an apostle of Him, and had wonderful friendship with God himself.

John experienced the Joy of fellowship with God and want his readers to have the same joy and fellowship: both with God and with each other.

2. The nature of God determines the conditions of fellowship with Him. See verses 6-10 How has He made fellowship with Himself possible for sinful man? What is His provision to enable fellowship to be maintained, and to meet failure it should occur? If men deny in one way or another their need of this provision, what may we conclude concerning them? See verses 6, 8, 10.

Answer: God is light, He is wholly pure in moraliy, holy and righteous, and there is no evil in him at all. therfore, a sinful person can not approach God, let alone to fellowship with Him. "Man can not see God unless he is holy because God is holy". However, because of God's agape for us, through Jesus' redemption/atonement, God made fellowship with Himself possible to any sinful man who believes the name of Jesus and accepts Jesus as his savior and Lord. God knows that our corrupt nature still makes a Christian sin occasionally, therefore he promises that we can restore our fellowship with him if we confess our sins, and that He will forgive and cleanse us from our sins because of His just and mercy. He is just because "He will never concede sin as no sin", He is merciful because "He wills that everybody repents and no body perish".

If we say we have no sin or it does not matter to sin, we are liars and God's truh is not in us. We are not only deceive ourselves but actually accuse God a liar.

Search the Scriptures Luke 2:40-52: Jesus in the Temple

1. Verse 49. What was the consequence in His life of Jesus' unique relation to God? In what way does this truth apply to us, as sons of God? Cf. Jn. 14:31
2. How does the story illustrate the truths of verses 40 and 52.
   

1. Verse 49. What was the consequence in His life of Jesus' unique relation to God? In what way does this truth apply to us, as sons of God? Cf. Jn. 14:31

Jesus' unique relationship to God has importance consequences in His life. God is His father, and God's favor is with Jesus. therefore Jesus' mission is to "Stay in My Father's house" and "mind His business".
We are adopted sons/daughters of God. therefore we should walk in His steps to mind Heavenly Father's business. As as David had said, there is one thing I am seeking, that is to dwell in Your Temple and look upon Your Face forever.

2. How does the story illustrate the truths of verses 40 and 52.
This only story of Jesus' early childhood is very important in terms of knowing how Jesus felt his own identity and his mission. From the story we know that

• Jesus was full of wisdom even as a twelve-year-old boy.
• God's grace was with Him.
• Jesus knew his identity very clearly, God is His father
• Jesus know his mission very clearly, "I should stay in my Father's house".
• Both God and Man favors Jesus.

Search the Bible Luke 2:21-39 - Dedication of Jesus

1. What did the appearance of Jesus mean to Simeon and to Anna? What, according to verses 30-32, was to be the scope of His work?


2. Verses 34, 35. What was to be the effect of Jesus' coming on different classes of people? What would be the cause of men's falling and rising? Cf. 1 Pet. 2:6-8

1. What did the appearance of Jesus mean to Simeon and to Anna? What, according to verses 30-32, was to be the scope of His work?

The appearance of Jesus meant to Simeon that God's promise of sending a Saviour had been fulfilled. Simeon was looking forward to Israel's consolation, and assured by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before his eyes saw the arrival of the Saviour.

Anna was serving God day and night with fasting and prayer, and the appearance of Jesus must have answered her prayer. and as soon as she saw Jesus, Anna began to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jesusalem.

The scope of Jesus' work is to all the people: gentiles and Israel.

2. Verses 34, 35. What was to be the effect of Jesus' coming on different classes of people? What would be the cause of men's falling and rising? Cf. 1 Pet. 2:6-8

The effect of Jesus' coming would be the revelation of people's hearts and cause many to rise and fall. the cause of men's falling and rising would be their attitude to Jesus and their reponses to His messages.

Search the Scriptures Luke 2:1-20 - Birth of Jesus

1. What may we learn from the circumstances of our Saviour's birth, and the status of His first worshippers?
2. What do the angel's message and the rejoicing of the heavenly host teach us of the importance of the birth of Jesus? How is the shepherd's response to this message an example to us?

1. What may we learn from the circumstances of our Saviour's birth, and the status of His first worshippers?

Jesus was born in the City of David, in a "feeding trough" at an inn. His earthly mother was an ordinary virgin and earthly father a carpenter. although there were a lot of people going back to their hometown in Bethlehem, but only a few shepherds witnessed the born of baby Jesus. HE was surrounded NOT by lofty people but humble ordinary folks.

2.What do the angel's message and the rejoicing of the heavenly host teach us of the importance of the birth of Jesus? How is the shepherd's response to this message an example to us?

The birth of Jesus is "good news of great joy that will be for all the people", He is "a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord". This event is unique in human history, God now dewells among people. Jesus would eventually bring glory to God in the highest heaven, and give peace on earth to people HE favors. human beings now began a new era of grace and hope.

After the angel told the good news of great joy to those shepherds, they went straight to Bethlehem, and hurried to the birth place of Jesus, and told the words of the angel and what they had seen with their own eyes to people around. We should, just as the shepherds had done,

• Believe the Message
• See Jesus for ourselves
• tell the good news to people around us.
• Glorify and praise God for what HE has done.

Search the Srciptures: Luke 1:57-80 - Significance of the Birth of John the Baptist

1. Trace in the song of Zechariah the successive stage in the unfolding of God's plan of salvation through the Old Testament and up to the coming of the Messiah. How does it reveal the unity of the Old and New Testaments.

God's plan of salvation began in ancient times:

• HE made a holy covenant with "our father" Abraham.
• HE revealed his plan of salvation through the mouth of "His holy prophets"
• HE dealt with Israel mercifully
• HE raised John the Baptist to "go before the Lord to prepare his ways" and to "give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins".
• and finally HE raised "a horn of salvation in the house of His servant David" to "to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

Salvation through Jesus is the uniting theme of the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament predicated and prepared the coming of Jesus, and the New Testament fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. "The New Testament is hidden in the Old, the and Old is revealed in the New".

2. What, According to this song, is the purpose of salvation? Is this your experience?

The purpose of salvation ( that is "redemption of His people" and "salvation from our enemies" - sin, death, sorrow, guilt) is "to server Him without fear in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days."

my experience of salvation is a gradual process. in my early christian life, I did not know this clearly. most of the time I just wanted the blessings of our Lord. over the years, through reading the bible I realized that my life was purchased with a heavy price, and I am not but own, but belongs to my Master. I am not saying I have no struggles now. but the difference is that Now I know the purpose of my salvation. for this I am grateful to God forever.

Search the Scriptures: Luke 1:39-56 Mary's Song

Search the Scriptures: Luke 1:39-56

1. What does Mary's song reveal of (a) the character of God (see especially verse 49, 50), and (b) His way of working among men (verses 51-53)? How were these facts demonstrated in the manner of the Saviour's coming?

In Mary's song, God is perceived as her Savior. HE is mighty, great, holy, and full of mercy. God's way of dealing with people is different from our ways. HE has scattered "the proud", and toppled down "the mighty"; however HE has mercy on "those who fear Him", exalted the "lowly", and satisfied "the hungry". Just as Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount", God favors those who are poor in spirit and who acknowledge their dependence on Him. Our Lord Jesus was not born in a palace, but in a meager manger. God has chosen an unnamed maiden called Mary who betrothed to a carpenter, and Jesus "emptied himself and became a form of man".

2. What features in Mary's character are revealed in this song? What may we learn from her example?

Mary is very humble, obedient and of great faith. She considered herself a salve of God, yet "She who has believed is blessed". Throughout the song, she was grateful to God for "the Mighty One has done great things for me". She does not mention a word about herself. Being "the mother of my Lord" is a huge honor and responsiblity, yet also caused her heart to be pierced. She knew that many people will gossip her, but her "spirit has rejoiced in God" her saviour

Search the Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38 Gabriel's Visit

Search the Scriptures: Luke 1:26-38

1. Versers 31-33, 35. How many features of the person and mission of the promised Child can be discerned in the Words of the angels? Make a list of them.

• His name will be Jesus
• a son, "his father David"
• conceived by "The Holy Spirit" and the "power of the Most High"
• the holy One
• the Son of the Most High
• the Son of God
• will be Great
• will be given the throne of his father David
• will reign over the House of Jacob forever
• His kindom will have no end.

2. Contrast Mary's reception of the angel's message with that of Zechariah. Cf. verse 45. What did Mary's response involve? Are you prepared similarly to ask the Lord to fulfill His word in you?

Mary's first reaction seemed similar to that of Zechariah on the surface, "How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?", but her reaction is natural because nobody would expect a virgin to have a baby. Her case was much more difficult than that of Zechariah who and whose wife were of old age. But Marry believed and obeyed ("I am the Lord's slave, may it be done to me according to your words"). She is obedient and humble in her reponse.

Sometimes I am often hesitate to want the Lord's word fulfilled in me because of the following thoughts:

• I don't even know God's will
• God's will would put me into an situation I don't want to be in such as being a missionary with limited income etc.

My mind tells me that God's will is good, perfect and pleasing, but I lack the courage and trust to be as obedient as Mary.

May God have mercy on me and grant me the kind of faith Mary had when she heard the news.

Search The Scriptures: Luke 1:1-25

Search The Scriptures: Luke 1:1-25

1. What was the mission assigned to John the Baptist? What was to be the nature of his greatness(verse 15)? Cf. verses 76,77.

Jonh the Baptist's mission was to "make ready for the Lord a prepared people" (Luke 1:17): by "turn the hearts of fathers to their children", and "the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous".

John's greatness lies in the promises of God that "He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while in his mother's womb" (Luke 1:15), and He will do his assigned job "in the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). This greatness on one hand is because of God's promise ("he will be great in the sight of the Lord"), on the other hand because of his obedience ("he will never drink wine or bear"). This is not to say that drinking wine is a something that Christians should not do. Billy Graham once told a story: After Billy Graham drank his first beer and also the last one while he was in high school, he never touched any wine eversicne. One day he was invited to a guest's house to have a dinner. the guest was also a pious christian, and a wine-lover. the guest said to Billy Graham, "Dr. Graham, I know that you don't drink wine and you don't do it to the glory of God. I do drink wine, but I do it to the Glory of God too." Billy couldn't agree with him more. the lesson here is that whatever we do or not do, we do it or not do it to the glolry of God. As Paul said, food does not make any difference, what is imortant is our "innocent heart".

2. What was the cause of Zechariah's punishment(verse 20)? What made him hesitate to believe the angel's message? What similar temptations to unbelief do you face? Why ought Zechariah to have believed, and why ought we to believe?

Zechariah's unbelief caused his punishment ("because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time"). He looked back in the past, they did not have children because Elizabeth could not conceive (verse 7), and now both his wife and he were of old age. Even he saw the angel face to face and heard the very words from the one who "stands in the presence of God, and was sent to ... speak the good news". Zechariah was told that their prayers had been heard, yet Zechariah failed to believe. Often times, we do not believe because of we don't have words from God. but in this case, even God gave Zechariah His words, the circumstances seemed overwhelmed him. Jesus tells us that "it is even more blessed to hear and believe", real Faith is to trust God and take his words for what they are because God says and things will be done. He is faithful and will never fail us.

Currently my church seems facing a "faith crisis", so to speak. our pastor's wife passed away in an fatal accident about three months ago. the congregation experienced great grief and pain, but now it seemed that people are questioning their faith, which can be a good thing if treated properly. however our belief should not based on our experience and our circustances, real faith is based on the fact that God is true and the Bible is true. We as humans are bound to suffer in this world, sooner or later. but we have Jesus our Rock Eternal to rest upon. we are secured through and through because we can trust that HE will keep what we entrusted to him until that day.

• Windows Platform

First of All, you have to make sure what name to address resolution methods your application uses: NETBIOS name resolution or host name resolution.

For host name resolution, the sequences are:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/172218

1. Is the name input the same as the computer itself
2. local hosts file
3. DNS server
4. NETBIOS name resolution

• AIX

http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/aix/products/aixos/whitepapers/tcpip_howto.html, name resolution infor is kept in /etc/resolv.conf

1. DNS server
2. NIS or NIS+
3. /etc/hosts

But you can override the resolving sequence in /etc/netsvc.conf , or still further you can set the NSORDER environment variable to override the host settings in the /etc/netsvc.conf file.

tcpip related daemons are started by script rc.tcpip

IBM PM Setup:

1. dul: /export/home/prodmgr/ibm/v320/miscsrv/rc.pmv3.marietta
2. atl: /export/home/ora8i/bin/dbstart
3. atl: /export/home/ora8i/bin/lsnrctl