Wednesday, November 24, 2010

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 28, 2010

FOLLOW YOUR CREATOR
(Invite GOD to lead you in HIS way)
(Psalm 139)

Psalm 139 reminds us of how well GOD knows us and cares for us as HIS special creation. HE knows the thousands of thoughts that go through our heads on a daily basis, and, HE knows them before we think them. HE knows what we are going to say, even before the words roll off our tongues and lips, and HE knows also, the motivation, be it pure or impure, behind what we say.
King David meditated often upon the sovereignty and power of the ALMIGHTY GOD he served, and he often called on GOD to apply HIS truth to the wicked, as well as to himself. He was a man after GOD’s OWN heart, and so he often petitioned GOD to examine his heart, and to lead him into all righteousness.
Psalm 139 is one of those times of meditation by David on GOD’s greatness. In it, we find David sharing with us, his thoughts and his reverence for GOD’s omniscience (all-knowingness) in verses 1-6, HIS omnipresence (ability to be everywhere at the same time) in verses 7-12, and HIS omnipotence (all-powerfulness) in verses 13-18. This psalm has four distinct strophes, or stanzas that contain six verses each, and its overall message progresses significantly from one stanza to the next. Walk with me now as we examine each stanza a little closer in an attempt to increase our spiritual growth and knowledge.
In verses 1-6, David writes of GOD’s penetrating advance knowledge of everything that a man thinks and does, and how GOD knows it, even before he thinks about it, or, actually does it. Here David expresses the same attitude that Hagar did, after she had fled from Abraham’s house, and then realized, while sitting at the well, that was later called Beer-lahairoi (located between Kadesh and Bered), that her GOD is “the GOD WHO sees me” (Genesis 16:13). David also realized that the knowledge of GOD is far too great for human comprehension, or, for the human mind to contain.
In verses 7-12, David shifts gears, as he begins to meditate on GOD’s ability to be all places at all times. Here David gives us a vivid description of GOD’s inescapable presence. He tells us that no place is high enough or low enough, to escape GOD’s presence. No place is deep enough, or wide enough to overreach the SPIRIT of the ALMIGHTY GOD, and, not even darkness can hide us from HIS presence.
In verses 13-18, David shifts yet again as he ponders on GOD’s breathe-taking, life-giving power to create the human existence, and then, allow it to be procreated and duplicated, through the miracle of childbirth, and, have the life of each individual already planned out, minute by minute, before, they are ever conceived in the womb. GOD then remains with us, and sustains us through the life that HE has given us.
In verses 19-22, David petitions GOD to destroy his wicked enemies, who are also enemies of GOD HIMSELF. Apparently, these enemies of David had been taking the name of the LORD, his GOD, in vain, and David believed that he should have nothing to do with those who hated GOD. He then ends this, now famous, psalm with what are perhaps, its most famous verses. They are the words contained in verses 23-24, where David writes, “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (KJV).
Rick Warren wrote in his book “The Purpose Driven Life” that, “While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven and Hell. Your relationship to GOD on earth will determine your relationship to HIM in eternity. If you learn to love and trust GOD’s SON, JESUS, you will be invited to spend the rest of eternity with HIM. On the other hand, if you reject HIS love, forgiveness, and salvation, you will spend eternity apart from GOD, forever”.
GOD knows us, and HE loves us, and, HE wants us to get to know and love HIM. If we take the time to do that, while here on earth, HE will grant us time eternally to be with HIM in Heaven. And remember, GOD does not send anyone to Hell, but rather, it is by our rejection of HIM, through our failure to accept CHRIST, in our hearts, that we ourselves, choose to go.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, November 19, 2010

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 21, 2010

GOD DELIVERS AND PROTECTS
(GOD protects those who look to HIM for security)
(Psalm 91)

Psalm 91 is a wonderful testimony about the security and protection that mankind can find, only in GOD. There are several terms that seem to link psalms 90-92, and this may suggest that they are a unit of sorts, and, may have been written by a common author, which, in this case, would be Moses. However, there is not too much other evidence that can help substantiate this theory, and so psalm 91 and 92, at least for now, remains in the category of “unknown human author”.
In verse 1 of this psalm, the terms “the ALMIGHTY” and “the MOST HIGH” emphasize GOD’s power as the sovereign ruler of the universe. Also, the use of the metaphors of “shelter”, or, “secret place”, and “shadow”, depict GOD as a safe refuge for anyone who trusts in HIM. They vividly portray a divine protection, or hiding place from all kinds of hurt and harm, even when being surrounded by it.
To be “under the wings of”, in verse 4, implies a certain degree of comfort, as well as shielded protection, during times of trouble. GOD and HIS angels will guard and protect us from frightening attacks, pestilence and diseases, or any other attempts on the lives of those who trust in HIM, and the LORD HIMSELF, promises this protection through HIS written word (vs. 3-13). The psalmist tells us that no harm or danger will come to those who find for themselves, refuge in the LORD ALMIGHTY.
One of the great biblical examples of how GOD protects those who trust in HIM can be found in the pages of the book of the prophet Daniel. In Daniel chapter 3, taking up at verse 16, in the, now famous, story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the “fiery furnace”, we find one of the greatest declarations of faith in all of scripture. There we see the three courageous young men of GOD, making this profound statement of defiance to greatest king of that era, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon; “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the GOD WHOM we serve is able to save us. HE will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if HE doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (NLT). Then we see a furious King Nebuchadnezzar commanding his soldiers to heat up the palace furnace to 7 times its normal temperature. And because the three had refused to bow down and worship the king’s idols, he then orders his strongest men to bind, and then, throw the three young believers into the blazing inferno. The flames were so hot that they leaped out and killed even the soldiers, who threw the young men in.
A few moments later, while the king was watching, looking into the furnace to see the men burn, he instead sees, not three, but four figures, with the fourth looking like a divine being, walking around in the furnace. The king then asks Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace, and when they did, not only were they not burnt, they didn’t even smell like smoke!
The great lesson to be gleaned from this story of these three courageous young men is that we can place our faith in two aspects the ALMIGHTY GOD’s sovereign power: One aspect is “HIS ability to do all things”, and the other is “HIS willingness to do all things that fall within the confines of HIS will”. We can always place our trust in the hands of a sovereign GOD WHO is surprised by nothing, and is in control of everything.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, November 12, 2010

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 14, 2010

GLAD FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
(GOD can make us glad all our days, starting right now)
(Psalm 90)

The biblical collection that comprises the book of Psalms, actually, consists of five separate books. Book one is Psalm 1-41, book two 42-72, book three 73-89, book four 90-106, and book five is psalm 107-150. Psalm 90 is believed by most scholars, to be a prayer by Moses, the mighty man of GOD. It is the first psalm of the fourth book in the collection, and if Moses truly is the author, that makes this psalm the oldest one in the psalter.
Psalm 90 contrasts the eternal qualities of GOD, against the frailties of man, which are, quite frankly, a consequence of our sins against GOD. For we must always remember that it is sin that brought physical death into the world, and now, GOD, through HIS mercy, in the person of JESUS CHRIST, grants us a second chance at a relationship with HIM, and a second chance at re-obtaining the “eternal life status” that was lost through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
This psalm also reminds us of how GOD, through that same mercy and unfailing love for us, is also willing to bring joy to our brief, but unstable and unfaithful lives here on earth, that is, whenever, and, if ever, we decide to accept HIS salvation gift, “take on JESUS’ task” (take the gospel message to others), and “take up our own cross” (resist the temptations of sin, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT in us).
Moses forfeited his opportunity to enter into the “Promised Land” (Numbers 20:12 & Deuteronomy 3:23-27) when he lost his temper because of his people’s disobedience, and then, failed himself, to follow the exact instructions of the LORD. As a result of his own anger and disobedience, he was left with the choice of either drowning in self-pity for what he had done, or, he could continue on with his work and help the next generation, namely Joshua, to make better decisions than he did, when faced with similar situations as leaders.
Moses, first of all, wanted young Joshua, for instance, to stay focused on GOD’s very presence, in times of trouble. It is a natural human reaction for us to focus on “self” by throwing a pity party whenever things don’t go our way, however, time is short for us, and unlike GOD, WHO has no beginning or end, we, on the other hand, all come into this world with an expiration date on us (Psalm 90:1-6). And so, it is in those times of trouble when we should most of all, trust GOD. GOD will always give us the ability to refocus on HIM and HIS presence during times of despair, so that we can continue on with our life work, and not linger in doubt and pity for too long.
Secondly, we see in Moses’ prayer, that he understood that it is extremely important for us to use GOD’s time wisely, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:24). Each of us needs to cogitate seriously on what time we have left in this world, and on how we can better use it to glorify the LORD, WHO created us expressly for HIS OWN purpose and use.
And then finally, we need to finish well! Moses asked GOD to give him insight on how to use the remainder of his life. He realized that he had already wasted too much time on foolish anger, and now he sought only to repent, and to petition that GOD, through HIS mercy and benevolence, would extend to him joy and peace, and make all of his work successful, for the rest of his life. He asked for gladness in proportion to his former misery, and that he be able to pass on a legacy of faith, so that the children who followed him, would be able to see and experience GOD’s wonderful glory at work in their lives, for generations to come (Psalm 90:13-17). Moses wanted GOD to grant him joy, and the beauty of life, even though he would never see the fruition of the work that GOD had called him to do (entering the “Promised Land”), in his lifetime.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


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Friday, November 5, 2010

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday November 7, 2010
____________________________________________

GOD IS AWESOME
(And HE is faithful to forgive us when we earnestly repent)
(Psalm 66)

When we can see GOD’s hand of protection even in our times of pain, suffering, and troubles, it is sign that we are finally becoming mature Christians. We can then, more clearly understand, the goodness and care that GOD incorporates in HIS judgment, testing, and shaping of our character. Each of us, as individuals, can thereby be moved to heartfelt worship, and we begin honoring GOD more sincerely than we ever have before.
Psalm 66 is one of the great psalms of thanksgiving to the LORD for what HE has done in our carnal lives, as HE helps us get ready for a time when we will share in a future, eternal and glorious life, in HIS OWN presence.
In this psalm, verses 1-12 are written in the first person plural, (i.e. “us”, “our”, & “we”) and in verses 13-20, the psalmist switches to first person singular (i.e. “I”, “me”, & “my”). This literary shift speaks to the fact that we must not only worship GOD in a corporate manner, but we must also worship GOD in our private individual lives as well. This is particularly true for those who are considered to be leaders in the church. Not only must they lead in corporate worship services, but they must also hold themselves accountable in worshiping and adhering to the ways of GOD in their own private lives, and in their household (Joshua 24:15).
A community of faith praises GOD joyfully, and a family of faith, or, an individual of faith, will likewise do the same. And even though GOD has tested us with all kinds of oppressions and burdens, ultimately, whenever we pass those tests, GOD will always bring us to a place of blessings and favor, and it will be because we have accepted HIS shaping for the task that HE needs our bodies, hearts, and minds to perform, here on earth (Psalm 66:10-14).
In Psalm 66:16-20 the psalmist gives us a personal testimony of what GOD did for him. He wrote of how he himself had cried out to GOD in a time of difficulty and GOD did deliver him from his troubles. However the psalmist reminds us that we cannot skip the first step in forming a right relationship with GOD, and that first step is to “repent” for the sin in our heart (sins we have carried out, or, are thinking about carrying out).
In the Greek, the word used for “repent” is “metanoia” (met-an-oy-ah), and in its most basic root biblical sense, it means to “reconsider”, or to “think differently” about. It means “to develop a strong compunction for, or a strong feeling of uneasiness that is brought on by a sense of guilt, or sting of the conscience”. And all these feelings of GODly sorrow must take place in the thinking stages, BEFORE we sin. It is, “a change of mind” in advance of acting out.
As Christians, the HOLY SPIRIT is embodied in us by GOD so that we do not continue to sin. The HOLY SPIRIT helps us to defeat sin while it is still in the thinking stages, and is not intended to be used to rebuke us after we sin, by saying “AHA, I caught you!”. The HOLY SPIRIT is given to us that we may not sin in the first place. JESUS says in Matthew 5:28, for example, that, “Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eyes has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NLT). And that my friends, is sin in the thinking stages, where JESUS says, it must be addressed.
When we become caught up in our sin, it is impossible for the human mind to distinguish weather we are sorry about the sin itself (repent), or, are we sorry because we got caught (regret). True repent is “a change of mind”, but it is a “change of mind BEFORE we sin, not after”. If we do it after we sin, we didn’t change our mind, we went through with it. GOD wants us to feel remorse about sinful thoughts, which are the prelude to actually acting out our transgressions.
If we wait until after we sin to feel remorse, the feeling that we are left with is not repent, but rather, it is likely, just regret, and we haven’t really addressed the heart issue. It’s like the psalmist proclaims here in Psalm 66, verse 18, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my LORD would not have listened” (NLT).
When we cry out first to GOD in earnest repent, GOD will always listen to our petitions for help. HE will not ignore our prayers, and, HE will not withdraw HIS unfailing love from us. HE is a GOD WHO will answer the prayers of those who righteously seek HIM (James 5:16), by first, earnestly repenting of the sins of their heart, which are those sins that we are still thinking about committing, or those that may be hidden in our heart and can be brought to our minds later, because of our continuing struggle with our own sin nature.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday November 7, 2010
____________________________________________

GOD IS AWESOME
(And HE is faithful to forgive us when we earnestly repent)
(Psalm 66)

When we can see GOD’s hand of protection even in our times of pain, suffering, and troubles, it is sign that we are finally becoming mature Christians. We can then, more clearly understand, the goodness and care that GOD incorporates in HIS judgment, testing, and shaping of our character. Each of us, as individuals, can thereby be moved to heartfelt worship, and we begin honoring GOD more sincerely than we ever have before.
Psalm 66 is one of the great psalms of thanksgiving to the LORD for what HE has done in our carnal lives, as HE helps us get ready for a time when we will share in a future, eternal and glorious life, in HIS OWN presence.
In this psalm, verses 1-12 are written in the first person plural, (i.e. “us”, “our”, & “we”) and in verses 13-20, the psalmist switches to first person singular (i.e. “I”, “me”, & “my”). This literary shift speaks to the fact that we must not only worship GOD in a corporate manner, but we must also worship GOD in our private individual lives as well. This is particularly true for those who are considered to be leaders in the church. Not only must they lead in corporate worship services, but they must also hold themselves accountable in worshiping and adhering to the ways of GOD in their own private lives, and in their household (Joshua 24:15).
A community of faith praises GOD joyfully, and a family of faith, or, an individual of faith, will likewise do the same. And even though GOD has tested us with all kinds of oppressions and burdens, ultimately, whenever we pass those tests, GOD will always bring us to a place of blessings and favor, and it will be because we have accepted HIS shaping for the task that HE needs our bodies, hearts, and minds to perform, here on earth (Psalm 66:10-14).
In Psalm 66:16-20 the psalmist gives us a personal testimony of what GOD did for him. He wrote of how he himself had cried out to GOD in a time of difficulty and GOD did deliver him from his troubles. However the psalmist reminds us that we cannot skip the first step in forming a right relationship with GOD, and that first step is to “repent” for the sin in our heart (sins we have carried out, or, are thinking about carrying out).
In the Greek, the word used for “repent” is “metanoia” (met-an-oy-ah), and in its most basic root biblical sense, it means to “reconsider”, or to “think differently” about. It means “to develop a strong compunction for, or a strong feeling of uneasiness that is brought on by a sense of guilt, or sting of the conscience”. And all these feelings of GODly sorrow must take place in the thinking stages, BEFORE we sin. It is, “a change of mind” in advance of acting out.
As Christians, the HOLY SPIRIT is embodied in us by GOD so that we do not continue to sin. The HOLY SPIRIT helps us to defeat sin while it is still in the thinking stages, and is not intended to be used to rebuke us after we sin, by saying “AHA, I caught you!”. The HOLY SPIRIT is given to us that we may not sin in the first place. JESUS says in Matthew 5:28, for example, that, “Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eyes has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NLT). And that my friends, is sin in the thinking stages, where JESUS says, it must be addressed.
When we become caught up in our sin, it is impossible for the human mind to distinguish weather we are sorry about the sin itself (repent), or, are we sorry because we got caught (regret). True repent is “a change of mind”, but it is a “change of mind BEFORE we sin, not after”. If we do it after we sin, we didn’t change our mind, we went through with it. GOD wants us to feel remorse about sinful thoughts, which are the prelude to actually acting out our transgressions.
If we wait until after we sin to feel remorse, the feeling that we are left with is not repent, but rather, it is likely, just regret, and we haven’t really addressed the heart issue. It’s like the psalmist proclaims here in Psalm 66, verse 18, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my LORD would not have listened” (NLT).
When we cry out first to GOD in earnest repent, GOD will always listen to our petitions for help. HE will not ignore our prayers, and, HE will not withdraw HIS unfailing love from us. HE is a GOD WHO will answer the prayers of those who righteously seek HIM (James 5:16), by first, earnestly repenting of the sins of their heart, which are those sins that we are still thinking about committing, or those that may be hidden in our heart and can be brought to our minds later, because of our continuing struggle with our own sin nature.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia