Friday, September 28, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 30, 2012

Over 34,000 readers worldwide
larrydalexander.blogspot.com


FAITH REQUIRES MUTUAL LOVE
(The priority of our faith is love)
(Hebrews 13:1-3 & 1 Corinthians 13)

The book of Hebrews concludes with a series of exhortations to Christians concerning how we should live a life of faith. We are called to love and trust in GOD, and, to continue to listen to and respect those leaders who first introduced us to the LORD. Here, believers are called to live a life of love for their fellowman (Hebrews 13:1). We should not neglect to show hospitality to everyone, because we never know when we might be entertaining an angel (v. 2). We should even remember the imprisoned with the same passion and frequency with which we pray for ourselves. And finally, we must bear each other’s burdens as so to fulfill the command of CHRIST JESUS.
The epilogue of this letter to the Hebrews is distinguished from its body in that it contains specific admonitions that we should adhere to. It contains not only the writer’s personal comments, but also gives specific instructions suggesting how we can worship GOD in a more acceptable manner. In short, the writer’s final appeal is aimed at steering us toward a mutual, unconditional love for one another.
In Scripture we are told that Faith, Hope, and Love, are the three great enduring things (1 Corinthians 13:13). They are the spiritual elements that must be embodied in every person who desires to be a true follower of CHRIST JESUS, and, who wishes to worship GOD, in spirit, and in truth. And, of those three elements, “Love” is the greatest.
In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, the segment we now know as chapter 13 is perhaps the best-known passage. It has come to be known, the world over, as the “Love Chapter”. In this, now famous passage, Paul, moves from explaining how to recognize “spiritual gifts”, in the previous chapter (chapter 12), to how one can measure and express, his or her spirituality, in the “most excellent way”. And that way, Paul insists, is by showing “Love”, an element of quality so vital, that without it, not even the greatest of spiritual gifts can enrich and enhance the lives of those who possess them, nor, the lives of the people that they seek to help (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Paul clearly understood that “Love” is not just an abstract, philosophical idea, but rather, it is practical, and must be expressed in the everyday actions and attitudes of the believer (verses 4-7). Even the greatest of spiritual gifts are limited and distorted by their own mortalities and imperfections. In other words, no spiritual gift lasts forever, but rather, they fade and deteriorate in conjunction with the aging process of the human body (verses 8-12). 
However, through it all, we can rely on our Faith, Hope, and love, which is GOD personified, to sustain us. “Love” is the greatest quality because it, quite literally, is the foundation of the Christian Faith, and, of life itself. Understanding that, we can see quite vividly why “Love” is the true measure a person’s spirituality, and it also exemplifies the closeness of one’s relationship with GOD.
Paul sought to make sure that we realize, quite readily, who, among us is truly spiritual. And the only way to do that was, by first, making sure we understood the true nature of love, and then, by presenting to us the criteria by which we can evaluate, or judge (diakrino judgment) the spirituality of others. This is so we won’t be duped into following the leadership and advice of false teachers.
Paul, quite simply shows us, in his own brilliant sort of way, the true “behavioral definition” of “Love”. In this passage, Paul is saying that, any person who is a spiritual representative of GOD, “acts like it”, not just “talks like it”. GOD is love, and when JESUS came to earth, HE clearly demonstrated that Love to us, and for us, time and time again. As a result, HE became “LOVE” personified in the eyes of men for all times. HE served to show us what “Love” is supposed to look like as an integral part of the human, earthly experience, or, in other words, how we are to incorporate this “Love” into our everyday actions, attitudes, and indeed, into our existence.
And while it is true that perfection won’t come to the Church until GOD’s   program for it is consummated with the “second coming” of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, and until then, a church is only perfect when no human being is in it, we as Christians can still, all reach a high level of maturity by learning and becoming accustomed to practicing the immortal acts of Love, that were already exhibited to us by CHRIST JESUS, during HIS first advent. 
As for “Faith” and “Hope”, they are merely manifestations of “Love”, but because of it, they too, will endure forever. All, that we know now is partial and incomplete, because we are yet mere children in CHRIST. And when we are children, we are expected to act like children, just as when we grow up, we are expected to put away childish things and behavior.
Before we come to know CHRIST, we’ve already long become accustomed to looking at ourselves through an unclean mirror, and, as a result, we do not see ourselves as we really are. The blood of CHRIST gives us something, by which we can use, to clean that mirror off, and begin seeing ourselves clearly for the very first time.
We are then able to walk into the store of GOD, and pick us up a free bottle of “faith”. And then, we can take it home and use it to spray some “hope” on that unclean mirror. And with “Love”, we can wipe away the old life, and usher in the new. Then, and only then, will we be able to turn ourselves around, and begin heading in the right direction, walking in the newness of life, that is found only in CHRIST JESUS.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander



larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com


                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

Friday, September 21, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 23, 2012

Over 34,000 readers worldwide
larrydalexander.blogspot.com


FAITH INSPIRES GRATITUDE
(A call to listen to GOD)
(Hebrews 12:14-29)

The motivation for pursuing holiness here and now, is the realization that, without it, no one can see GOD, or stand in the presence of GOD in the spiritual life that follows our stay here on earth. In other words, Christians must be, and will be, sinless when they see the LORD in Heaven. A person’s perception of GOD in this present life is the true measure of his or her holiness.
In order to help us reach the state of holiness we need to achieve, GOD whips us into condition with his Holy discipline, and testing. When we fail to understand the love and purpose of GOD’s discipline, we are likely to become bitter towards HIM, and thereby, miss HIS unfailing grace. However, when we are able to see our trials and difficulties in the perspective of GOD’s grace, we are better able to accept HIS chastening.
In Hebrews 12:14-29, the author calls for a renewed spiritual vitality among GOD’s people. It is a call to “listen to GOD” with a renewed interest in how HE wants us to live our lives here on earth. He also urges us to begin by trying to live in peace with one another, being a good example for those who have not yet reached your own stage of spiritual awareness, so that not even one of us will miss out on GOD’s special favor. We can also help others guard against going astray by being accountable to one another, making sure that the bitter root of immorality does not infiltrate the lives of ourselves, and, of those whom we are close to.
Beginning in verse 18, the author of Hebrews gives us a final warning, as he vividly depicts with his writing, a clear picture of the situation on Mount Sinai, where the Old Covenant was given to the people in an awesome way, that only GOD could stage. Here he describes the scene of that event as a place of flaming fire, darkness and gloom, and a whirlwind, as GOD delivered HIS laws to the Israelites. And they could hear an awesome trumpet blast accompanied by a voice with a message so terrible that they begged GOD to stop speaking. Even Moses was admittedly terrified by this awesome display of GOD’s power.
However, in verse 22, the writer reminds the people that, that was then, and this is now. Now we fall under the protection of the New Covenant which was ushered in by CHRIST JESUS, and the realities that are pertained to in it, are even more impressive, because they are Heavenly. In the scenario painted here by the author of this letter to the Hebrews, not only is there a Heavenly city, but there is also, both, angels, and, the spirits of those who have been redeemed and made perfect by the LORD.
Ultimately, all created things will be removed by GOD. When Moses gave the law at the foot of Mount Sinai, the mountain itself burned with fire, and the surrounding plains shook uncontrollably. The fear that was felt by those who were present at that event will be nothing compared to what will be felt by those who cannot see spiritual realities through faith, and as a result, fail to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Kingdom of Heaven is all that will remain after the universe itself is shaken apart, and all of creation disappears. We must see to it that we obey GOD, the ONE WHO is speaking to us. If the people of Israel didn’t escape the wrath of GOD when they refused to listen to Moses, GOD’s earthly messenger, then, how much more terrible it will be for those of us, in this day, who refuse to listen to CHRIST JESUS, WHO came directly from Heaven to warn us. And since GOD, through HIS tender mercies, has given us a choice to be redeemed, and spend eternal life with HIM in Heaven, let us be thankful and begin worshipping HIM in spirit, and, in truth, with holy fear and reverence, because our GOD, is, a consuming fire.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander



larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com


                                 
                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website


Friday, September 14, 2012

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 16, 2012

Over 34,000 readers worldwide
larrydalexander.blogspot.com


FAITH IS ENDURANCE
(Looking to JESUS empowers us to endure)
(Hebrews 12:1-11)

In Hebrews chapter 12, the author of GOD gives us a remarkably vivid description and summary of the Christian life, and, shows us the attitude we should have, as we aspire to obtain our goal of becoming more like CHRIST. In the Greek, the word used for “discipline” is “paideia” (pahee-di-ah), and it is “education or training”. It also means “to nurture, instruct, or chasten”.
The Christian life can be likened to a relay race. The people of faith, like the ones mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, who have run before us, have passed on the baton, and now, they anxiously wait to see how we will carry on in the discipline that Christianity demands. As we run, we can look back and see how JESUS ran HIS race, and, at one and the same time, we can also look ahead and see HIS exaltation at the finish line. JESUS, is our supreme example, and, HE is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
A life that is void, of testing from GOD, is most likely, going to be a life void of prayer, humility, holiness, and appreciation of what GOD has done for us. Tests from GOD are not made to make us fail, but rather, are made to make us better representatives of CHRIST, and Christianity. Trials are what GOD uses to refine us, and prepare us for a life of eternity with HIM in HIS kingdom. It takes a certain amount of discipline to become, and remain, successful along our Christian journey. When we take into account how much JESUS endured, we can realize that suffering and hardship are no excuse for us to give up and drop out of contention (Hebrews 12:3-15).
If we fail to understand the love and purpose of GOD’s discipline, we are likely to become bitter, and miss out on GOD’s graceful intent. If we see our trials and difficulties in the perspective provided by GOD’s grace, we will be better able to understand and accept HIS discipline in our lives. Remember Esau, who saw no value in “spiritual things”, sold his birthright to GOD’s covenant promise for merely, a bowl of stew. If we value only material things, as he did, we too, are in danger of missing our blessings (Hebrews 12:16-17).
We, as Christians, are not people who meander along the path of life in a totally oblivious manner. We are not like tourist, who, each night, return to the point where they started. The Christian life is about going somewhere, and at the end of each day, we’ll do good to ask ourselves, “Have we gotten any closer to our goal of being more like CHRIST?”
Being more like CHRIST, should be the “aspiration” of every Christian. However, the Christian also has “inspiration”. It is the inspiration of the “cloud of witnesses”, who have gone before us, and witnessed their confession to CHRIST, and now witness our performance from way on high. They are those people mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, who personified faith during their Christian walk, here on earth. They are those people like Moses, Abraham, and Noah, who have already claimed their crowns of victory in Heaven.
But, unfortunately, like those who ran before us, we Christians also have a “handicap”, and it is the handicap of our own sins. It is very difficult to run a race, when you are carrying excess baggage. If we wish to travel far, it is much better to travel light. The burden of sin can weigh heavily on a person, who is trying to run the Christian race, or walk the Christian walk. It is paramount that we first discard the unnecessary things that hold us back, and what holds man back is “sin”. If we are to endure the Christian race to the finish, we must first learn to lighten our load of “sinful cargo”, and move away from our carnal desires, and behavior (Hebrews 12:1).
Our supreme example of faith and discipline is CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF. HE is also “our companion along the way”, and, “our goal at the end of the race”. Remember, GOD’s kingdom will remain when the universe itself is shaken, and this old world itself, disappears. That is when one will truly appreciate how good it will be to be a citizen in the kingdom of Heaven. And, we should also remember that, our trials, can and will, both refine us, and, help prepare us to dwell in eternity in the presence of THE ALMIGHTY GOD in Heaven, at the end of our Christian race.

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.comLarry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

Friday, September 7, 2012



WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 9, 2012

Over 34,000 readers worldwide
larrydalexander.blogspot.com


FAITH IS ASSURANCE
(Faith reveals GOD)
(Hebrews 11:1-6 & Psalms 46)

In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “faith” is “pistis”, and it means “to rely upon with an inward certainty”. Faith is being certain of the things that we hope for, and being convinced of things that we cannot yet see. It is by faith, that we understand that the world was fashioned by the word of GOD, and that, what is seen came from what is not seen.
The Christian attitude is that, in terms of eternity, it is better to stake everything on GOD, than it is to trust the temporal rewards of this world. It is belief in GOD against the world, the spirit against the senses, and the future against the present (Hebrews 11:1-3). It is impossible to please GOD without faith. Anyone who desires to come to GOD must first believe in HIS existence, and, that HE rewards those who sincerely seek HIM out (Hebrews 11:6).
In the Old Testament Hebrew, the word used for “faith” is “emunah” (em-oo-naw) and it describes “a feeling of being secure, stable, or steady through one’s trusting in something or someone”. It means “believing to a point of knowing”. In Psalm 46, a psalm of the descendants of Korah, the psalmist praises GOD for HIS current help and presence, and, for HIS future peace, which is yet to be established. He presents GOD as the only sure defense and safe haven, that, believers have to protect us in times of trouble, which surely awaits us, just around the next bend of our Christian Journey.
As human beings, we often look for relief from our troubles through such things as drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, overeating, and various other spiritually and physically unhealthy means. Here the psalmist reminds us that GOD is our continuing refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. When we trust in GOD, and believe GOD, we need not fear anything in man or nature.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “refuge” here in verse 1, is “machceh” (makh-seh), and it is “shelter from danger, or, “a place of hope and trust”. We can find safety and courage, by trusting in GOD, WHO is ever present to help us. And GOD is big enough to deliver us from any perils, real or imagined. There is no trouble or problem that we can have, that is larger than our CREATOR GOD, WHO is the great problem solver.
Surrounding one’s self with GOD, and relying on HIS strength, is a wise thing to do. When GOD is our shield of protection, “safeness” becomes a given. The most dangerous of places in the world are safe for the person who has petitioned GOD to walk the beat. GOD is able to constantly keep watch for us twenty four hours a day, and HIS army of angels are stronger than any army here on earth.
Against the backdrop of national and natural chaos, Psalm 46 expresses deep confidence in the provision and protection of GOD. It may have well been written as a result of the gloomy situation that King Hezekiah and Jerusalem found themselves in, while under siege from King Sennacherib and the Assyrian Army (2 Kings 19). There we see GOD ultimately miraculously delivering Jerusalem from the hands of the Assyrians by slaying a huge portion of the Assyrian army (185,000), and causing the rest to retreat back into their own land. It has been rightly said that if we have a healthy, holy, biblical fear and reverence for GOD, we don’t need to waste our energies fearing anything else.
In verse 1 the psalmist uses three words to depict the protection that GOD provides for those who believe on HIM, they are “refuge”, “strength”, and “help”. The Hebrew word for “refuge” depicts the basic ideology of shelter, say, for example, using the “anthropomorphism”, “finding shelter under the wings of GOD, both physically and spiritually, as a baby eaglet would find shelter under the wings of its mother”.
The physical dangers that we face daily are certainly serious undertakings, however, the spiritual dangers that we face can be much more devastating for us, particularly in the long run. In order for us to overcome the world as JESUS did, we are going to need GOD’s help and strength, as well as HIS refuge. The storms of life are many, but the word of GOD gives this promise to those who believe on HIM and endure the sufferings of the world to the end. It is this Old Testament promise that is given to us by GOD, through HIS prophet Isaiah, and it states, “GOD will keep in perfect peace, the mind that stays on HIM, because it trusts HIM” (Isaiah 26:3). Amen.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larrydalexander01@att.net

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