Friday, August 31, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 2, 2012

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FAITH CALLS FOR PERSEVERANCE
(A call to persevere)
(Hebrews 10:19-39)

The, Old Testament imagery of the curtain in the Holy Place, which once served as a barrier to man, has now been erased by the sacrificial death of JESUS CHRIST. Prior to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., the “Ark of the Covenant” was kept in a room called the “Most Holy Place”, which was the most sacred area of the temple. At that time, only the High Priests were permitted to go beyond the veil that separated this area from the rest of the temple, and they could only enter it once a year, on the “Day of Atonement” (Leviticus 16).
JESUS now symbolizes, in the New Testament “Church Age”, just what the curtain represented in the Old Covenant. The rending of the curtain at the exact time of JESUS’ death (Matthew 27:51), lets us know that now, only JESUS stands between man and GOD. Now, only through JESUS, can a person hope to come into the presence of the only wise LIVING GOD in Heaven. HIS death gives believers the much-needed access to GOD that had been missing since the fall of Adam and Eve, way back during the infancy of creation.
We now have a great HIGH PRIEST in Heaven WHO can intercede for us, and enable us to enter into the presence of GOD with pure and true hearts, fully, and confidently, trusting in HIM. The evil conscience of the “Believer” has been sprinkled by the blood of JESUS to make us clean spiritually, and, our bodies have been washed with pure water, through a public profession, through baptism.
With unwavering confidence, we can now hold tightly to the “Christian Hope”, and know that GOD can be trusted to keep HIS promise. What we most need to concentrate on right now is assembling together, finding ways to encourage each other to love, and, to seek to do good deeds for one another whenever, and wherever possible.
In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “patience” is “hypomeno”, and it involves an overcoming of difficulties, and withstanding the pressures of life. It is, in fact, a “patient endurance”, or, perseverance that a Believer must go through, in order to successfully overcome the gravitational pull of this world like JESUS did. Here in Hebrews 10:19-39, the writer is calling for us to “persevere” as we walk in the newness of life that we find in CHRIST JESUS. We must stand strong for CHRIST, and we must also, both, encourage, and warn each other, that the second coming of JESUS in drawing near, and, will indeed occur, unexpectedly.
The writer of the book of Hebrews also tells us that if we continue on living sinful lives, after we have received the full knowledge of GOD’s word, there is no other sacrifice that can be rendered to cover such sins. The “defiant sinner”, for example, those who live the homosexual lifestyle, or, those who totally resist, and blatantly deny, the sovereignty and truth of GOD’s Word in other ways, has nothing to look forward to, except the sting of GOD’s judgment, and the terrible raging fires of hell that will ultimately consume them. For that is the price one must pay for insulting and grieving the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO brings GOD’s mercy to HIS people (Vs. 26-29).
We must also try and never forget the early days of our Christianity, and how we were determined to remain faithful through the persecutions and pressures of satan, who tries mightily to get us to turn back to the ways of the world. In other words, when the wave of joy that we experience when we first become Christians, has crested, and then, begans to level off, our waters must still flow in the direction of JESUS CHRIST. We must stay focused on GOD, eagerly awaiting the good things that are waiting for us in GOD’s promised “Place of Rest”. We must maintain the faith in CHRIST that, assures us of our salvation, through HIM, at all times.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larrydalexander01@att.net

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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Friday, August 24, 2012


WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 26, 2012

Over 33,000 readers worldwide


MEETING OUR DEEPEST NEED
(GOD delivers and provides for HIS people)
(Ezekiel 34)

The “shepherd” metaphor that is often used to describe the function and role of a “leader” is one of the most endearing analogies that can be found, in all of Scripture. Ezekiel 34, and many other passages, help us to understand that role in regards to GOD’s people who are called to, or, who wish to serve, in the leadership capacity. In Ezekiel 34:1-6, each accusation by the LORD, actually implies the positive trait that one should look for in any person who functions as a leader in the Christian church, family, community, or government. However, by presenting us with these contrasting negatives traits of the condemned leader, the LORD is actually showing us what the ideal leader should contain, and maintain in his or her character.
Here in this passage, several examples of “negative leadership” are highlighted, and they include;

· Those who take care of themselves, rather than caring for those who GOD assigned
to them.
· Those who profit in an ungodly manner, off of those being led.
· Those who “actually physically, emotionally, or spiritually harm those who follow
them.
· Those who fail to strengthen the weak, through presenting them with the word of
GOD, and prayer.
· Those who fail to seek the lost, and, “rule harshly and brutally over their flock.

These kinds of leaders are in sharp contrast to the “ideal spiritual leadership” we find in CHRIST JESUS, the ultimate GOOD SHEPHERD. GOD is seeking leaders who are willing to pattern themselves after the example of CHRIST, and we, as Christians, have a right to expect human spiritual leaders to commit to doing just that (1 Peter 5:1-4). And while each individual is responsible for his or her own moral and spiritual choices, it is the leaders who set the tone for the Christian community, who are most accountable to GOD.
GOD has taken a stand against bad leadership, and ultimately, HE will remove such leadership from their positions. HE will not hold blameless, those government, church, community, and family leaders who fail to pattern themselves in accordance with the vivid picture of leadership, that CHRIST JESUS has presented to us already, during HIS three-year earthly ministry.
GOD charged the prophet Ezekiel to prophesy against the leadership of Israel in the sixth century B.C. because HE wanted them to be strong, caring shepherds who would guard the spiritual safety of their flock with all diligence, and here in the twenty-first century A.D., HIS desires for us to embody those leadership qualities, like all things concerning GOD, has not changed.
Then and now, too many shepherds have neglected their sheep and, as a result the sheep were, and are, scattered away from the fold. It is time to call the shepherds to judgment for their actions and hold them accountable for the neglect and abuse of those who were entrusted to their leadership, by GOD.
As Christians, we thoroughly understand that Ezekiel wasn’t just speaking about the return of the Jews to their homeland from Babylon, as he closed this particular chapter of his prophesy. He was, indeed, also foretelling something far into the future regarding the blessings that await all earnest Christians when the LORD JESUS comes upon the scene for a second time.
In the Greek, the word New Testament writers often use for “earnest expectations”, or, “hope for the future” is “apokaradokia”. It describes the attitude of a man who scans the horizon, with his head stretched forward, as he eagerly anticipates the first signs of the coming of the glory of GOD. Life for the Christian should always be a throbbing and vivid expectation of the joy that awaits them at the end of their Christian race.
When the GOOD SHEPHERD returns, HE will already know how HE will separate the “wheat from the tare”, and the “sheep from the goat”. And the bad shepherds, who did not serve in the manner of which GOD called them to serve, will all be judged in a manner preserved especially for them, because they failed in their positions of higher responsibility to GOD. And this goes also for the “false shepherd”, or “wolf” that just showed up wearing sheep’s clothing, and was not sent by GOD, but rather, made himself a “hireling”.
But let us also remember that, even if we don’t have an official title in the church, we are still leaders as parents, or, as the only Christian in our workplace, or, as the only Christian in our family, extended family etc. And so we still have to set a good example of Christian servant-hood and leadership, at all times, wherever we are, and, wherever we go.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
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Friday, August 17, 2012


WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 19, 2012

Over 33,000 readers worldwide


THE JUST LEADER
(The LORD is our righteousness)
(Jeremiah 23:1-8 & 33:14-18)

In the Greek, the word used for “thief”, in John chapter 10, is “kleptes” (klep-tace), and it describes “one who takes by stealth, or by covert means”. By contrast, the Greek word used there for “robber” is “lestes” (lace-tace), and it describes “one who takes by force”. The thief, that JESUS is alluding to in that passage of Scripture, could be any of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of that day, who took by subtle and unsuspecting methods. The robber, that JESUS makes mention of, can be likened to any of the Romans, who took by force, or stole from the Israelites by imposing their will, authority, and power upon them.
It was those kinds of leaderships that JESUS sought to expose and put an end to forever. And it was certainly not the kind of leadership that HE intended for HIS new upcoming Christian Church. Perhaps there is no more endearing image of JESUS in all of Scripture, than the one HE presents of HIMSELF as the “Good Shepherd” in John chapter 10. The imagery of the Good Shepherd is forever woven in the minds and hearts of all who believe in CHRIST JESUS. The Bible is rife with passages that use the analogy of the loving Shepherd as a provider and protector of that which he oversees. He is one who risks his life to seek and save, even that one straying sheep, who may have separated itself from his beloved flock.
The leaders of the Christian church must also be likened to the good Shepherd, and the members of their congregation, can be likened to the flock. It is the duty of the pastor to spiritually lead, and feed his flock with the nourishing food of the word of GOD. He must, do so, willingly and eagerly, without constraints, not for the love of money, nor, for the power that he has obtained, through his position. He must lead by example, and his behavior must paint a picture of the patience and love of GOD, our LORD and SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST.
In Jeremiah 23, verses 1-8, the prophet, through a message from GOD, summarizes the actions of a succession of unGODly Davidic Kings, as being like that of “unrighteous shepherds” who were destroying and scattering GOD’s sheep. Here GOD says that HE will bring disaster upon such leaders because they had harmed and scattered the very people that GOD had placed them there to protect and care for.
Jeremiah’s writings are, perhaps the most intensely emotional writings in Scripture. They are rather difficult for the casual reader to comprehend, probably, because they are, in fact, a collection of sermons that were preached by him over a twenty-year span. This book is laced with powerful oracles that express his deep personal feelings and reactions to the events of his day.
Here in chapter 23 Jeremiah looks forward to the first advent of the MESSIAH, WHO, will do what is right and just in the eyes of GOD. GOD gives Jeremiah several prophecies about the false prophets of his day, who were using their self-proclaimed powers from GOD to rule over people unjustly.
In every era of society there have been men and women, false prophets, who claim to have gotten their messages from the LORD. It is quite difficult to discern who those false prophets and teachers are, unless you yourself, know and understand what the Word of GOD says. One can’t possibly know and recognize a “counterfeit”, if one is not thoroughly familiar with the “real thing”. However, a close examination of the unmistakable signs presented here in chapter 23 will go a long ways toward helping to identify such leaders. Also see 2 Peter 2:11-19 in the New Testament;
· “Doctrine” (Jeremiah 23:13-14) – Their doctrine always introduces those things that are compatible with the “worldly lifestyle”, and, that will subtly lead people away from GOD by mixing the “Holy” with the “Profane” making it difficult for followers to discern the difference between the two. They encourage people in their wrongdoing, for the love of money (their tithes and offering), instead of turning them away from their sin.
· “Character and lifestyle” (Jeremiah 23:10-14) – If you can’t tell the difference between your pastor’s appearance and lifestyle, and that of a successful drug dealer, or pimp, well…I’m just saying.
· “Ministry characteristics” (Jeremiah 23:16-17) – They strengthen the hands of the anti-CHRIST by letting them promote their agenda in the church for the love of money, power, and popularity in the world. By doing so, they also advert, or inadvertently, fill followers with false hope of achieving good things, even while operating outside of the Will of GOD.
In Jeremiah 33:14-18 we find some good news. There GOD says that there will come a day when HE will do for HIS chosen people, all the good things that HE has promised. HE says that, at that time, HE will bring to the throne of David, “a righteous descendant”, WHO will do what is just and right throughout all the land. Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And their motto will be “The LORD is our righteousness!”
In CHRIST JESUS, David will forever have a descendant on the throne of Israel. And there will always be Levitical Priests to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sacrifices to GOD. JESUS says that HIS sheep know HIS voice and obey HIM (John 10:4). And just as every good shepherd knows his sheep, every good sheep should come to know his shepherd’s voice. Such knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, in many cases. It can also be the difference between danger and safety, starvation and nourishment, or, shelter and homelessness.
To be alone in this world, and have no hope of anything beyond this world, is a frightening thought. We as Christians, no longer have to entertain, or envision that thought. And so, we should be forever thankful to our “GOOD SHEPHERD”, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, for making the wonderful gift of Eternal Life in GOD’s own glorious presence a reality, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice on the cross at Golgotha.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

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Friday, August 10, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 12, 2012

Over 32,000 readers worldwide


HOPE IN SPITE OF DARKNESS
(Hope in the MESSIAH)
(Isaiah 9)

The Christian Hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully with the Word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST, during HIS three-year ministry. Few Christians today look at Bethlehem as a burial place, but rather, they look at it as the “birthplace of life”, the true life, that is found only in JESUS CHRIST.
Because of JESUS’ humble birth into humanity some 2000 years ago, and because HE died for us and then rose again, we now can look forward to a bright future in the glorious presence of the ALMIGHTY FATHER in Heaven, if we choose to. There, we can live forever in a place where death doesn’t exist, and, where tears never fall.
In Isaiah Chapter 7, King Ahaz of Northern Israel abandoned his trust in the LORD, and instead, decided to put his trust in the Assyrian Kings. In Chapter 8 the prophet Isaiah warned that because of his failure to trust GOD, GOD would bring those very Assyrians against the Israelites, and they would successfully conquer Israel, and place them into captivity (this conquest happened in 722 B.C.).
Here in Chapter 9, verses 1-7, however, Isaiah prophesies of a wonderful future time that would come, beyond that forecasted period of gloom and doom. He was prophesying, of course, about the coming SAVIOR, JESUS the CHRIST, WHO would be born of a chosen woman, Mary, and, WHO would reign as David’s royal offspring forever, bringing peace and salvation to a world that was sorely in need. And so we see a theme of “darkness” and “light” developing within these pages of Scripture.
Here Isaiah is also looking beyond the first advent of CHRIST, to HIS second coming, where, instead of just preserving a small remnant, GOD would broaden and enlarge HIS chosen nation to include the Gentiles. JESUS, our redeemer, will first usher in a new Covenant, and then, HE will sign it with HIS OWN blood. All, who have walked in darkness, will able to see a great light, in the person of JESUS CHRIST, a light that will shine on all who live in a land where death once casted its dominant shadow.
Later, this GREAT CONQUEROR will return for the judgment of those who refuse to accept HIM as their SAVIOR and LORD. But those who choose to believe will experience the joy of a farmer who has reaped a great harvest, or, of that of a soldier, who has obtained a great victory. And GOD will break the bonds of sin and death, the way HE broke the army of Midian with a small band of men that were led by HIS servant, Gideon, and then the world will never have to fear the threat of war anymore (Vs. 2-4).
Verses 6-7 describes, more or less, the universal reign of the MESSIAH. Here Isaiah tells us that all the governments of the earth will rest on the shoulders of JESUS, and HE will be called “WONDERFUL COUNSELOR”, “MIGHTY GOD”, “EVERLASTING FATHER”, and “PRINCE OF PEACE”. HIS ever-expanding peaceful regime will never end. HE will rule forever with fairness and justice from David’s throne, and the passionate, faithful commitment of the Almighty GOD will guarantee this!
The contrast that presents itself in the latter part of Isaiah Chapter 9 (Vs. 8-21) shows the ruination and destruction we face when we continue to disobey and rebel against GOD. Israel’s tragic history is marred by such rebellion against the LORD, from the beginning. However, the remnant of the obedient has always been afforded the protection, grace, and mercy from GOD that was necessary to overcome those periods of HIS judgment, on those who refused to submit to HIS authority.
GOD has always intervened upon the lives of men, even though it has most often been, wittingly, or unwittingly ignored. GOD reveals HIS glory to us, from the inside out, as HE works from the hearts of men, through the lives of men. A man of GOD proves that he is such, with his own life, and not just, with words. A person of the world has eyes, but cannot see the things of GOD. He also has ears, but he cannot hear GOD’s message. He has a heart, but it is a heart for the world, and until he comes to the end of himself, he cannot perceive, nor understand the things of GOD. He has no hope, and thereby, must continue to dwell in the darkness that he has become accustomed to living in.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

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Friday, August 3, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 5, 2012

Over 32,000 readers worldwide


TRUST NOT IN MAN’S JUSTICE
(True hope is in the LORD’s justice)
(Psalm 146)

Psalm 118:8 is the exact center of the Christian Bible. There we are reminded by GOD that, “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in people” (NLT). Here in Psalm 146, verse 3, we are reminded of that same thing. In fact, it is a statement that goes to the heart of Christian Theology and permeates the pages of Scripture like no other, the fact that, we should ultimately trust in the leadership of GOD’s Word, and not in the ever-changing leadership policies and character of man.
The last five Psalms (146-150) are collectively known as the “Hallelujah Psalms” because they serve to bring into focus, the importance of our need to praise the Almighty GOD continually and eternally. They also represent to us, a brief lesson in worship that even the church of the twenty-first century can benefit greatly from.
To the great church leader and historian, Martin Luther, Psalm 146 takes on a special meaning. Luther often recalled how he was forced to rely on the rulers of the German government to stand up for the Protestant faith, during Reformation, until, after much soul-searching, he was able to realize that he didn’t need to rely on them for help at all, but rather, he only needed to rely on the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, WHOM he had always served.
The LORD stands as a source of light, in both, the physical, and, the spiritual sense. HIS help and justice extend to the lowest rungs on the social and economic ladder of life. HE demands justice and mercy for the disadvantaged, and HE judges those who oppress them. HE is more than able to keep us from falling over and over again, and then finally, HE can bring us into HIS OWN glorious presence in the end.
The phrase “Praise the LORD” begins and ends each one of the “Hallelujah Psalms”. Here in Psalm 146, the psalmist instructs us to put our trust in the LORD WHO is infinitely more powerful than any mere human, who has no ability or power, what-so-ever, to save us. When a man dies, all of his plans die with him, and so he cannot help a person beyond this life. When his spirit leaves his body, his body must return to the dust of the earth, never to be constructed again to its former state. Therefore, there can be no reason to praise a man, nor, can we count him divinely regal. Only GOD’s plan is eternal, prevailing, and unchanging.
In verses 7-9, we see depicted, the idea of the LORD’s faithfulness and commitment to those in need (all who believe). Here we see a laundry list of those who stand in need most in our society, and how GOD is faithful to take them under HIS wings; HE cares for those who are spiritually, physically, and emotionally oppressed, HE feeds the hungry, frees the captive, protects the foreigner, and secures the lives of the orphans and widows. And because HE is totally just, HE will lead the wicked away in frustration, and also, provide them with their just rewards.
No one can do what GOD does, and justly, no one can merit the praise that the Almighty GOD commands and deserves. The writer of this psalm clearly understood that GOD is not just a part of life, but rather, GOD is life. GOD delivers to us, life, breath, and strength, and so it becomes only fitting that we give HIM praise, all the day long!

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander


Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website