"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted."

The mourning and weeping of Christians referred to in this beatitude is NOT
because of financial loss, terminal sickness, the death of loved ones, loneliness,
a divorce, a problem with children, or rejections experienced. But Christians
mourn because they realize that they have sinned against a holy God and have
brought dishonor to his name.

From page 269, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does "poor in spirit" mean?

The "poor in spirit" does not mean those who are economically poor;
BUT, those who are poor in the presence of God, those who do not posses
any spiritual qualifications to merit salvation. The "poor in spirit", in this
context, means those who are conscious of their own sins in the presence
of an infinite, most holy God. When we realize that we are ALL "poor in
spirit", we are in need of grace (and grace alone) that comes to us by faith
in Jesus Christ. THEN, theirs IS the kingdom of heaven!!!

From page 269, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Where did we get the word "beatitude"?

The Latin word for blessed is "beatus" from which we get the word "beatitude".
A literal translation of the Greek word, "makarios", would be

"possessing an inward contentedness and joy
that is not affected by the physical circumstances".

From page 267, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What do the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) describe?

The Beatitudes do not describe many separate individuals,but rather
the characteristics of those who are deemed blessed by God to live in the
Kingdom of Heaven. Each of the blessed individuals is generally NOT
considered blessed according to worldly standards, but with a heavenly
perspective --- that is --- truly blessed!!!

From page 267, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

A summary of our study on angels:

In summary, angels are "Ministering Spirits" and "Messengers of God"
who are part of God's creation. They are here to serve God; and to help
HIS people in the life long battle between "good" and "evil". God often
uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people. We need
to know that they exist and appreciate them; BUT, --- we are NOT to
worship them.

WE ARE TO WORSHIP GOD ---
THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!!

From page 266, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Some details about angels:

As stated, angels are "ministering spirits" rather than physical beings.
When angels to appear, they generally appear in the form of men.
In the Bible, angels NEVER appear as cute, chubby infants; and people
do not reach out to tickle an adorable baby angel. They are always
full-grown adult men.

From page 265, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

What happens at the moment of our death?

At the moment of our death and like the beggar, Lazarus, we are
escorted to heaven by angels to appear before Christ for our personal
Judgment Day. Christ himself determines our Faith in him. Believers
become Saints at that moment; and we are rewarded our "mansion in
heaven" depending on our lifetime of "Good Works". (To our Catholic
friends, there is no such thing as Purgatory found in Holy Scripture.)
The options are either Heaven or Hell. As determined by Christ,
non-believers are cast into Hell; and their eternal damnation.

From page 265, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com .

When we die, do we become "angels"?

Some folks think that when we die, we become "angels". This is not true.
When we die, we humans become "saints". In New Orleans and at a jazz
funeral, the most popular song is "When the Saints Go Marching In!"
It depicts our march into heaven.

From page 264, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Angels in the Bible:

The word "angel" or "angels" appears 291 times in the N.I.V. Bible -
with 107 times in the Old Testament, and 184 times in the New Testament.
thus, there are ample sources in scripture to build a foundation of
knowledge about angels.

The roll of angels is secondary in nature; and we get "bits and pieces"
about them and their functions. But, what we do know about them from
various passages is true and correct.

From page 264, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How do angels differ from believers?

Angels are a company or an association, not a race descended from a
common ancestor; and they are NEVER called "sons of angels" in
Holy Scripture.

Angels are a medium of God's power; they exist to execute God's will,
to announce events, to act as ministers of God to the suffering, and
to guard believers against evil and/or The Devil.

From page 263 Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How does the New Testament describe "angels"?

In the New Testament, "angels" is "separate and distinct
ministering spirits: of God's creation. Angels are not glorified
human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or
reproduce like humans; and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get
to the heavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by "myriads of angels"
and "the spirits of righteous men (and women) made perfect" ---
these are two distinct groups!!!

From page 263, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Paul encourages Christians to do what?

Paul encourages us, Christians, in Romans 12:16 & 18 to ---

"Live in harmony with one another. If it is possible, as
far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

From page 260, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the best way to turn your enemy into a friend?

But you see, "Loving your enemies", IS --- the best way to turn
your enemy into a friend!!!

From page 260, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What three things mark an apostle?

2 Corinthians 12:12 ---

"The things that mark an apostle --- signs, wonders and
miracles --- were done among you with great perseverance."

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does Paul tell us about perseverance in Romans 5:3-5?

"We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured his love
into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

During "tuff times", what do we Christians need to do?

When we go though "tuff times", we need to "persevere";
and the Good Lord will get us through it --- including
the HOT Houston summers!!!

From page 258, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is amazing about "perseverance"?

I was amazed to discover that the word "perseverance" only appears in
the New Testament. The Good Lord uses the word "perseverance" to only
apply to Christians!!!

From page 257, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does our "Crown of Righteousness" synbolize?

Our "Crown of Righteousness" symbolizes our eternal reward for
faithfulness and perseverance in THIS life.

From page 254, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What does "laughter" do?

In our lifelong maturing process, we realize that "laughter"REVIVES the soul. In Proverbs 17:22, we find ---

"A cheerful heart is good medicine."

A daily goal is to find something "to laugh" or "to smile" about
in life. It will keep you in a positive attitude, AND
refresh your spirit.

From page 254, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

As we grow older, we discover that ---?

We discover that --- "Time" is a gift!!! We learn to invest our
"Time" in things that count; and things that we enjoy.

From page 253, Always growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What is the "Best" Prayer approach?

In my judgment, our Prayers will be more successful IF we seek God's
guidance rather than praying "I want this. Or, I want that." The "Best"
Prayer approach is to seek His guidance; and then, --- wait to see what
happens. Trust me; this will create some "WOW!!!" in your life.

From page 252, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Why do we Christians conclude that there MUST be a creator?

The world and everything in it is put together with such precision
that we conclude that there MUST be a creator. A simple cake is made
of several ingredients WHICH must be put together to become a cake.
The ingredients do not "just come together" automatically; and presto -
a cake is formed. No, there MUST be a creator. And, we Christians call
the creator of the world --- God.

From page 252, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How do you EARN a "Crown of Righteousness"?

We have EARNED our "Crown of Righteousness" because we understand, adopt,
and approve the "rhythm of life so necessary for long life. We have
learned to face adversity with hope because our heavenly Father loves us,
and wants the very best for us. In short, we are survivors!!! AND, we
"have kept the faith"!! Thus, our --- "Crown of Righteousness" is awarded
to us.

From pages 251-252, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

How many times does the phrase "Crown of Righteousness" appear in the Bible?

"Crown of Righteous" appears in the Bible only once: and is found in our
text for today:

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the "Crown of Righteousness", which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day --- and not only to me,
but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

From 0age 251, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What conclusion can we draw from Papyrus 52, the oldest known fragment
of the New Testament?

GOD is telling us the Jesus is "who he says he is", which means we are to ---

Believe in Him!

And that, my friends ---- IS THE TRUTH!!!

From pages 244-245, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

What three things does LOVE calls for?

LOVE calls for abundant life for all.
LOVE calls for the release of prisoners (the lifting up of the poor).
LOVE calls us to open our eyes and see,
and to release all the chains that bind us,

whatever and where ever they may be!!!

From page 244, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Who is the embodiment of truth?

Jesus Christ is --- THE EMBODIMENT OF TRUTH!!!

He spoke the truth in Love 100 per cent of the time. In the four
Gospels He uses the phrase, --- "I tell you the TRUTH," --- 75 times!!!
Because --- "His Words" are truthful, we study them very closely.
When we come across a "HARD" principle set forth by Jesus, we MUST yield to
HIS authority. It occurs to me that the Gospel message is very simple.

It is NOT easy,BUT it is very simple.

From page 243, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

In John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?".

The short answer to this question is --- "Jesus Christ"!!!

In John 14:6, Jesus answered:

"I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except though me."

From pages 240-241, Always Growing in the Faith, by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.

Jesus promised His apostles that He would send them "the Holy Spirit".
What two important functions were connected with this promise?

1. "The Holy Spirit" would remind them of what Jesus had said (John 14:26).

2. "The Holy Spirit" would guide them into all truth (John 16:13).

From page 241, Always Growing in the Faith by Gene Dirr.
Available at www.amazon.com.