can anyone do this befor 12 midnight week 1 task 3

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY

MASTERPIECE: SHORT ANSWERS

Submitted to Dr. Briana Nicholson,

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of

LEAD 610-B07

Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

by

Jeffrey Rybold

August 22, 2019

Chapter 1: Who Am I?

1. How do you think most people answer the self-reflective question, “Who am I?”

Most people, and by most people I mean all people with a majority being non-Christians, have a tendency to be self-deceptive. They will either see themselves as the “be all, end all” because they are successful in their area of expertise or they see themselves as “a failure” because things are not necessarily going their way. It can become easy to end up on a rollercoaster of emotions without a filter and foundation of Scripture.

2. What are some negative messages that can cause spiritual and emotional paralysis? Which of these trouble you most?

Some negative messages include those of self-doubt and reflective depreciation. Of these, the most troubling is “I carry deep hurts that I can’t talk about.” These deep hurts are paralytic because they can have similar results to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Any event that comes up that reminds the person of these deep hurts bring back the flood of emotions and can cause them to enter a daze of reflection, pain, and sorrow. They need help to get through and prevent any possible thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

3. Look at the list of Characteristics under “Everything Changes.” Which two or three of these are most attractive to you? Which seem beyond reach? Explain your answer.

The most attractive characteristics in “Everything Changes” are: “New confidence in God’s purpose for our lives gives us hope even when things don’t go the way we hoped they’d go” (Ken Nichols, Masterpiece, 2017, p. 13) and “We realize God has uniquely crafted us with talents and abilities we can use to touch people’s lives and make a difference” (Nichols, 2017, p. 13). I do not think any of them seem out of reach. But, the one that is least attractive is: “Criticism no longer crushes us. We’re more resilient, and we actually welcome input” (Nichols, 2017, 13). While Christians are more resilient, some criticism does crush, especially if the person has a hard time with criticism.

4. Paraphrase Ephesians 2:10. Do you see yourself as God’s masterpiece? Why or why not?

Paul encourages the Church of Ephesus that God has made them and molded them in Jesus Christ for the purpose of good works. I do see myself as God’s masterpiece, though I am not complete yet. God is constantly working on my and setting me a part to do His will in my life.

5. As you continue reading, it is important to remember that information without application has very little lasting value. What you do matters. So, what do you hope to get out of this book? What difference do you hope this book will make in your life?

I hope to get from this book a better understanding of the Christian mindset and how to apply God’s truths for my life and the help others find and apply that truth for themselves.

Chapter 2: A Flawed Portrait

1. What are your favorite commercials? What is the surface promise for the product or service? What is the deeper promise of how it will give ultimate happiness and meaning? What are some reasons we believe these promises?

Some of my favorite commercials are the State Farm commercials with Aaron Rodgers. On the surface it promises to cover everything can possibly happen in an accident. Ultimately, the promise of a sense of security will give a happier life. We believe these promises because a football star is convincing the audience of it with examples of how he is protect by that insurance.

2. How does comparison poison our hearts and ruin relationships? Many people compare appearance, possessions, and positions. What do you naturally compare? How does it affect you when you’re doing better than others? And when you’re not?

Comparison poison’s our hearts and ruins relationships because as we compare, we are coveting someone else’s possessions or life. People, in their own self-deception, convince themselves that they are not good enough and need what someone else has in order to be happy or successful, when God, in fact, has a specific plan incomparable to another, just for that person. Naturally, we compare, looks and ability. It’s often the initial process when entering a new job or team or ministry. This initial comparison is not necessarily bad as you evaluate where you fit in. But to continue to compare affects you and your relationships. When a person begins to succeed, if they are comparing, they can begin to look down on those they are surpassing. However, when they are being surpassed, they can bitterly view those that are passing them.

3. We can develop a restless spirit when we compare, compete, or conform to what others say we should be. Describe some specific ways Satan tempts, deceives, and accuses. Which of these is a problem for you? Explain your answer.

Satan likes to preoccupy our minds with our view of our self (Nichols, 2017, 30). From the beginning, he has used partial truths to deceive (Nichols, 2017, 31). Our constant desire to compare ourselves with others is ammunition for Satan to use against us. And our past mistakes are fuel for the fires of self-doubt. I struggle with self-doubt and often wonder how God will use me in my limited abilities. I do not really have skills, but I do have confidence that God has called me to my ministry with my weaknesses and shortfalls in mind. That is a comfort.

4. If God’s love is so attractive, why do we make excuses and resist him? How would you identify your excuses? In what ways do you resist God’s grace?

We resist and make excuses because of pride. Success especially has us forget God’s love for us. While we must be thankful for His grace, power, and sovereignty, it can be easy to forget all He has done for us as we are taking credit for the things only God can do. This is one of the ways I tend to resist God’s grace. By forgetting it was by His grace that I have what I have!

5. How does Christ sacrifice on the cross begin (or continue) to restore the masterpiece God is creating in you?

God is not surprised about who we are or what baggage we bring to the table (Nichols, 2017, p. 39). In fact, He takes who we are, mistakes and all, and molds us into something great. Like the artist Bob Ross, he takes the mistakes and makes them beautiful bushes or wonderful clouds. A masterpiece that He made and loves.

Chapter 3: The Artist’s Touch

1. What difference does it make (or might it make if you choose to believe it) for you to be convinced – in good times and bad – that you belong to God?

Belonging to God is where our identity lies. In both good times and bad, knowing I belong to God is where the strength of my relationship is (Nichols, 2017, p. 43).

2. Pick two of the “I am” statements and two of the “I have” statements that are most meaningful to you. How do these comfort you? How do they challenge you to live more confidently and boldly?

The two “I am” statements most meaningful to me are I am adopted as a child of God and I am always in the presence of God because he never leaves me (Nichols, 2017, p. 47). They are comforting because even though I did not know Him, He still loved me enough to die for me and adopt me into His royal family. Also, as my Father, He is always present with me in times of great sorrow and great joy. No matter the mountain or the valley, God is there leading me. The two “I have” statements most meaningful to me are I have a hope that can never be disappointed and a light that can never be darkened (Nichols, 2017, p. 48). They are comforting because God is dependable. His hope is sure and His light is constant.

3. All of us have some sense of resistance to the extravagance of God’s amazing love and our new identity. How would you define and describe your resistance? How will you overcome it?

The greatest resistance of mine is that of doubt. I can doubt myself and even doubt the depth of my own faith in the Almighty God. I have been so dependent on the things I can see and touch, it makes it difficult to be dependent on an unseen God with impeccable timing. I am a planner who likes to visualize the path I am on and see the progress as I move forward. But God sets things in motion by His sovereignty that no one ever sees and His plan culminates at precise moments when no one can predict or even know it is coming. It reminds me of Abraham sacrificing Isaac, but a Ram being caught in the thicket. I believe that ram was on the way long before Abraham and Isaac were. Then, by God’s divine sovereignty, the ram was caught in the thicket just when Abraham and Isaac needed it. Amazing. I can overcome my resistance by building on my faith and deepening it as well.

4. How does the realization that we live in the tension between the “already” and the “not yet” give you perspective, peace, and confidence?

Living in between the “already” and “not yet” gives perspective, peace, and confidence because of the proof of our faith, and the hope of things to come. It strengthens our bond with our God and the promises He has both already shown to come to pass and hope to come.

5. In this chapter, we learned that God is not only the Master Artist, but that he is also the Divine Sculptor. How has God used difficulties, conflicts, and disappointments to bring you to an end of yourself?

God has used military training as a metaphysical training ground for my spiritual life, as well as a literal training ground for my character. For both, it brought me to an end of myself and rebuilt into more of the man I am today. Another time, God allowed me and my family to endure a really tough ministry situation with a pastor that was not a good leader to teach me some valuable lessons.

6. What is God’s loving purpose for allowing these painful events in our lives? What’s the difference between godly brokenness and depression?

God allows those circumstances in our lives so we can depend more on Him. This godly brokenness. When we know we cannot do it on our own but have hope in Him to get us through. Depression, on the other hand, is coming to a place where there is no hope of making it through.

Chapter 4: A New Image Takes Shape

1. Have you ever watched an artist paint a portrait or a landscape? Why do you think they take such pains putting in the background before they work on the main subject?

The background is like the foundation. It is what gives context to the portrait. If the background is not done well, the context of the portrait or landscape will be skewed as well.

2. Describe the spiritual process of “changing clothes”. How does this metaphor help us understand the choices in repentance?

We change clothes because the ones we are wearing are in need of being changed. It could be because they are dirty, wrinkled, or inappropriate for the activity coming. Regardless, we put on new clothes to be appropriate to the context and set a part for the need. We better understand repentance by putting on the new creature because we have cast the dirty, inappropriate one away, and are in the new sanctified one.

3. Which of the several examples Paul used to illustrate the metaphor can you apply today? Explain how you’ll do it.

I can apply not speaking destructively, but using my words constructively (Nichols, Masterpiece, p. 66). I want to be an encourager and a builder of the church. I do not want to be seen as a destructive presence.

4. Which of the growth principles comes easy for you? Which one is difficult but necessary? What can you do to begin implementing it right away? What difference will it make in your life?

The growth principle that comes easy for me is living enthusiastically. The difficult one, but necessary, is learning from defeat. I can keep that on the forefront of my mind. I dislike defeat, but it is necessary because every defeat has a lesson to learn and a principle to learn from. It will make a significant difference, as failure is always right around the corner. Every person experiences it and every person has the opportunity to either learn from their failure, or be doomed to repeat it again (Nichols, Masterpiece, p. 68-71).

5. Which (if any) of the forgiveness myths have plagued you? Explain your answer.

The trust and reconcile myth is one I struggle with. I have a hard time truly forgiving someone I cannot trust. But God forgave me while I am was His enemy! How can I not forgive those that are mine? (Nichols, Masterpiece, p. 72-73).

6. As you read that section of the chapter, who came to mind that you need to forgive? From whom do you need to ask for forgiveness?

My sisters ex-husband. He had an affair and left her and her two children 3 years ago. He has realized his mistake and wants to make amends. I have been struggling to accept he has changed. But who am I to judge his heart?

7. What are some reasons we need both persistence and patience as we apply the principles in this chapter?

Persistence is needed to keep on going through the hard times and making the hard choices even when the world is against it. Patience is needed to not base decisions off of the emotions involved with God dealing with me.

Chapter 5: The Finished Portrait

1. How does it (or could it) encourage you to know that someday your portrait will be completely finished?

It is very encouraging knowing my portrait will one day be finished. Knowing God is working on me and in my life to bring about an expected end is awesome!

2. In his famous sermon, “The Weight of Glory,” C.S. Lewis reminds us of five glorious blessings we can anticipate when we enter into our eternal home (see page 81). If we are living in light of these promises, how should it be reflected in our lives?

As we live in light of God’s promises, it changes our attitudes and our character. No matter what happens, God is with us and God’s promises still stand. We will have the victory and that is something to hope for and look forward to. It should be evident in the execution of our life decisions.

3. How does your new identity in Christ give you a greater sense of belonging, worth, and competence?

Being a part of the family of God gives me a healthy self-image. Anytime I have been a part of any large group with a purpose, I feel the sense of belonging, worth, and competence. Even more so in the family of God because He is the one that gives me that. It is not a self-image, but a better picture of Christ in me.

4. How would you describe “ambidextrous faith”? On a scale of 0 (nonexistent) to 10 (all day every day), how much of your life is characterized by an ambidextrous trust in God? Explain your answer.

Ambidextrous faith can be described as a strong and flexible faith. One that is exercised and worked out. I would say my ambidextrous trust in God is a 8 out of 10. I trust Him for my salvation, my calling and my future. I have struggles sometimes when I can not immediately see where the path is. I like being able to see where the next step is. But faith more often requires a step of faith.

5. How does real, rigorous, deep worship refocus our hearts and change our lives? What are some specific ways you can experience this kind of worship more fully and more often?

Worship is our giving attention to God and who He is. This regular part of relationship with God can be done corporately and individually. Not to be confused with praise, the humility involved helps us put us in our place to rightly direct our pattern in life.

6. What are two or three of the most important principles you learned from this book? How have they begun to change your life? How do you expect them to change it even more?

The first important principle I learned is that I must fully understand my identity in Christ. Who I am in light of who He is and what that means for my purpose are crucial to understand. Secondly, God is not finished with me yet. He is constantly working on me and, like Moses at the backside of the desert, there is still plenty of God’s plan ahead of me. The new mindset has already begun to work in me and will continue to work in me moving forward.

Bibliography

Nichols, K. Masterpiece: Seeing yourself as God’s work of art changes everything! Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press, 2017.