WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

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For Sunday December 1, 2019

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DAVID’S WORSHIP

(Moving the Ark to Jerusalem)

(1 Chronicles 15)

   The “Ark of the Covenant” is the Old Testament iconic object that symbolized for the Hebrew nation, not only the presence of GOD, but also the protection and the glory of GOD HIMSELF. In their minds, it brought the peace of GOD, as well as the assurance of victory in all of their battles with the pagan nations that surrounded them.

    For most of Israel’s enemies, over time, it came to represent “a symbol of fear”, and in some instances, their enemies were even too terrified to fight back. In fact, the Ark later became somewhat of a superstitious “object of good luck” for the Israelites, and a symbol of “bad luck” for their pagan rivals.

    As time went on, the Israelites gradually changed their focus from GOD HIMSELF, to the Ark of the Covenant, that the GOD had commanded Moses to construct. The Ark, in essence, became the Israelite’s idol, and had severely affected, even the way, David too, worshipped GOD.

    It was this type of attitude toward the Ark of the Covenant that caused them to earlier, lose possession of it to the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). GOD, in order to get the Israelite’s focus back on HIM, allowed the Philistines to defeat HIS chosen nation, and take away “the idol”, which the Ark had become for HIS people. They had grew to trust more in the Ark than they did in GOD HIMSELF.

    The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred portable chest, which, along with its two accompanying items, “the Mercy Seat” and “the Cherubim”, was the most important object that the Israelites had during their “wilderness period”. It was also known by three other names, “the Ark of the LORD” (Joshua 6:11), “the Ark of GOD” (1 Samuel 3:3), and “the Ark of the Testimony” (Exodus 25:22). It was the only article of furniture that could be found in the innermost room of Moses’ Tabernacle, and later, in “the Naos”, or, innermost part of the temple that Solomon built at Jerusalem.

    The Ark of the Covenant itself, eventually contained three items that GOD instructed Moses and Aaron to insert into it; the stone tablets on which “The Ten Commandments” were written, the gold container which held two quarts of “the manna” that fell from Heaven (Exodus 16:33-34), and Aaron’s “blooming staff” (Numbers 17:10-11). These three items are also confirmed in the New Testament book of Hebrews (Hebrews 9:4).

    Apparently, over the years, the manna, and Aaron’s staff, must have been lost, because we see that, at the time of the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:9), only the tablets containing the Ten Commandments were still inside the Ark.

    Over in 1 Chronicles 13, we see that David had attempted to move the Ark of the Covenant, but, was unsuccessful in doing so, because he did not consult with GOD, before attempting to move it, and, because his motives were wrong. David had, instead, “consulted” with all of his appointed leaders, and excluded GOD, and thereby had “insulted” GOD HIMSELF by his actions. He seemed to be more interested in what people thought about him moving “their idol to Jerusalem”, than he was about what GOD thought about him moving “the sacred symbol of HIS presence” to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13:1-4).

    Moreover, like many Christians leaders today, David was also focusing more on “what he was doing for GOD”, than on “doing things GOD’s way”. He was, in effect, praising his own efforts by wanting everyone to see him “doing this great thing for them” “in the name of GOD”, instead of pleasing GOD with his actions.

    This improper move of the Ark caused the death of Uzzah, who inadvertently touched the Ark trying to steady it from falling over. It was GOD’s intention that the Ark never again be touched by human hands after Moses had constructed it according to HIS personal, holy directions (Exodus 25:10-22, Numbers 4:15).

    Here in 1 Chronicles 15, three months after David had shown anger and remorse for his sin against GOD by improperly moving the Ark, and causing the death of one of his people, he was better prepared spiritually to take on the task of moving the Ark to its new home in Jerusalem. In the previous three months he had went through a period of sanctification, getting back accustomed to consulting GOD before he did anything concerning GOD’s work (1 Chronicles 14:2, 10, 14, and 16).

    David had, by now, built several buildings for himself in Jerusalem, and had also prepared a temporary place for the Ark of the Covenant there, by setting up a special tent for it. This time he was careful to follow proper protocol when moving the Ark, as he invited the priests and Levites to carry it by using “special poles” that were placed through rings on the sides of the Ark so that no man would ever have to touch the Ark itself.

    After the prescribed consecration period, the Ark was moved to its new home, with all of the people, including David, singing (“ the psalms of ascent” – Psalms 120-134), dancing, and worshipping GOD, all the way up to “the city of David”, which is Jerusalem.

    When our hearts (the core of our thoughts) are pure, GOD’s presence is always cause for celebration, and not ever a cause for fear. “In spirit”, and, “in truth” is the only real way to “worship GOD”. If we are singing in the Church choir, only as practice to fulfill our dream of a having a great music career that will rival Beyonce or J-Zee, then our motive for being there is clearly wrong. Our minds need to be focused on “the GOD in Heaven”, not “the gods on earth”.

    Also, when we pray, publicly and privately, our prayers need to be from a pure heart, not worrying about how we sound to others, or how much longer we can pray than all the other deacons and church officials. We, as lowly sinners, are incapable of impressing GOD anyway. We can only strive to obey GOD and thank HIM for providing a way, through JESUS CHRIST, for us to re-enter into a personal relationship of friendship with HIM.

    Worship services are not to be used for “man shopping” or “woman shopping”. If our focus is on drawing attention to ourselves, how can we give personal attention to the worship of our GOD in Heaven, WHO can ultimately save our souls. We never want to put ourselves in the mode of just “playing church” and going through the motions or pretense of worship. GOD should always be front and center in our hearts when we worship, and our worship should never just be “an exhibition” aimed at “promoting ourselves”, or winning praise from the congregation for “a job well done”. We should only seek to “praise GOD” and to “please GOD” in HIS worship services.

    These passages serve to remind us how easily we can lose our focus and become distracted from the LORD by way of our own selfish motives, and, by our desires to impress others. David experienced tremendous spiritual growth through his mistakes in life, including the ones of the events recorded in 1 Chronicles 13. And these biblical accounts come to us, from across the spans of time, in hopes that, we too, can learn from the lessons of a man who was truly a righteous seeker of GOD’s OWN heart. The way we behave, is the only true symbol of GOD’s presence, or lack thereof, in our lives.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday November 24, 2019

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FAITH THAT ESCAPES CORRUPTION

(Growing in knowledge of GOD)

(2 Peter 1)

   As the Apostle Peter moved closer to his violent death, which occurred during the Christian persecutions  that were spearheaded by the Roman emperor Nero, in and around A.D. 68, he pens yet another dynamic letter to the Jewish Christians who were living in the province of Asia Minor.

   This second letter deals with the anticipated problems that, Peter knew, would crop up and remain with the people, long after his departure from the evangelistic scene. Here, as in his first letter, he encourages the believers to continue on in their spiritual growth, and to always remember that the good news of CHRIST JESUS is not just some fairy tale, but rather, it is the personification of truth.

    Here Peter also warns them of the false teachers, who would seek to destroy the truth with the introduction of their own ideas to replace the Church teachings that had been laid out by JESUS CHRIST, during HIS three years of teaching, healing, and ministering here on earth.

    JESUS CHRIST will return one day to destroy the disorder that has now permeated this world. That is why we must be very careful not to become too attached to the world’s trappings. Peter calls for Christians to stand firm, in the midst of the pressures from the gravitational pull of the world, which causes us to drift away from the truth.

    Satan’s plan is to undo all things that GOD has done, and we who are of some age, have already seen, for many years now, just how that luciferic plan has affected, even our own nation. This letter by Peter outlines some of the trials, tribulations, persecutions, and conflicts that the Christian can expect to endure in the latter days of GOD the CREATOR’s prevailing plan for the world.

    Here in 2 Peter 1, verses 1-11, the apostle suggests two bases for Christian confidence. First, he suggests that salvation affords us the resources, by which we are able to live GODly lifestyles. We have already been embodied with “GOD’s Nature” (v.4b), which are those “communicable attributes” of “life”, “Personality”, “love”, “truth”, “justice”, “wisdom”, and “holiness”, that make it possible for us to obey, worship, and have a personal relationship of friendship with a very spiritual GOD.

    As a result of GOD’s great gift to us, we can then make every effort to use these resources, or attributes, to develop a mature Christian character over time (vs. 4-9). In other words;

 A life of faith will produce “moral excellence”; Moral excellence will lead to “knowing GOD better”; Knowing GOD leads to “better self-control”; Self-control leads to “patient endurance”;  Patient endurance leads to “GODliness”;  GODliness leads to “love for other Christians”, and thereby,  We will grow to have “genuine love for everyone”, believers and unbelievers. Secondly, we give confirmation to our call and election, by GOD the FATHER, when we begin to grow in grace, and the manifestation of HIS work is seen through us and, in us (Vs. 10-11).

    In verses 12-18, Peter turns our attention to scriptural history, as he recalls the great “Transfiguration of CHRIST”, which most likely occurred on Mount Harmon (Mark 9:1-7) almost 40 years earlier. It was an event that was witnessed only by himself, James, and John. Good news always bears repeating and being reminded of what JESUS CHRIST has done for us, is beneficial good news, that we can all use.

    The point that Peter makes in verses 19-21, regarding the messages of the ancient prophets, is that, those messages only served to make him even “more certain” of what they themselves had witnessed on that mountaintop overlooking the idol gods of Caesarea Philippi that day. We, as Christians, must pay close attention to what the ancient prophets wrote, because their words can be a lamp unto our feet, and a light shining in the darkness of our human existence.

    We may never be able to witness an event of the magnitude of the great “Transfiguration of CHRIST”, which served to place affirmation of JESUS’ majesty on the hearts of men, not just in that day, but rather, for all times. And we ourselves must understand that no prophesy in scripture ever came from the prophets themselves, but rather, they came from the mind and heart of GOD.

    And JESUS, our GOD and LORD (v.2) used the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, just as HE’s always does, to move HIS messengers to speak to our minds and hearts. I pray that the words of the Apostle Peter in this passage will touch the heart of someone new to the faith of pursuing CHRIST JESUS, WHO is the personification of virtue, in this world. Amen.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday November 17, 2019

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FAITH THAT IS FOCUSED

(A call to holy living)

(1 Peter 1:13-25)

   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 lifetime here on earth.

    All of the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us from those who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, actually heard HIM speak. However, because they wrote to encourage believers, rather than to satisfy historical curiosity, this information often leaves more questions than it does answers, particularly in the minds of those who don’t truly believe anyway.

    No one has ever been able to harmonize all of this information from GOD, into a completely satisfying chronological account. These Holy Scriptures, as we know them, were not actually assembled by “the authors of GOD” who wrote them, but rather, they were assembled much later on by second, third, and even fourth generation workers in the early Church.

    It must not be forgotten, however, that the original workers of the early Church, were those hand-picked apostles of JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. In the New Testament, two very short letters, or epistles, are accredited to the leader of that band of men that JESUS picked, and then entrusted to doing the work of building HIS Church here on earth. That man’s name was originally, Simon, however, JESUS changed his name to “Peter”, or “Cephas”, which means “Rock”. It is also widely believed by scholars (including this one) that the Gospel of Mark was dictated to him by the Apostle Peter earlier than any of the other three Gospel accounts.

    The Apostle Peter is said to have written this, the first of his two known letters that are contained in the New Testament canon, while in Rome, circa A.D. 64, near the end of his life, and during the turbulent reign of the emperor Nero. It was at a time when Jewish Christians were suffering heavy persecution throughout the Roman Empire, and particularly in Asia Minor (now the land of Turkey).

    In this letter, Peter sought to encourage those embattled Christians who were residing in Asia Minor, to cling to “the Christian Hope”, as their suffering was only a part of the Christian life here on earth. He also wanted to assure them that GOD would protect and reward those who endured until the end, staying focused on HIM, and maintaining their faith and trust in JESUS, through it all. The mind that stays focused on HIM will overcome the trials and tribulations by which a Christian is tested in order to strengthen their faith, just as fire is used to test and purify gold (1 Peter 1:3-12).

    Here in verses 13-25, Peter calls for all Christians to “live holy”, “think clearly” (“nephontes” in the Greek, meaning “be sober minded”), and exercise “self-control” (“egratheia” in the Greek) at all times. He also urges them to “look forward in earnest expectation” (“apokaradokia” in the Greek) of CHRIST’ return. He further urges that they “not slip back” (“backslide”) into their old way of living.

    The Christians must learn to obey the GOD in WHOSE “spiritual image” they are made. And just as a person “physically resembles” their earthly parents, so too must the Christian be concerned that they daily desire to resemble “the spiritual image” of their FATHER in Heaven, through their behavior.

    The contrast that Peter alludes to, here in this passage (Vs.23-24), is that we don’t have to make an effort, nor change our behavior, to physically resemble our earthly parents. For that is an automatic occurrence. Our resemblance of GOD, however, can only be manifested through our behavior, which must come through a transformation of “the heart” (change our way of thinking). This resemblance can only be acquired and maintained through our learning of, and becoming accustomed to practicing, the Word of GOD (getting to know GOD spiritually and intellectually).

    When we choose “the Christian Walk”, we must no longer operate as just permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we must begin to operate as citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD must become paramount to us. It is not until a person “falls in love with goodness”, that “wrong things” will no longer “fascinate” and “have power” over them. “Our relationship with GOD” is a Christians “greatest asset”. Contrastingly, “the person who loses his or her heart to the things of this world” is “the person who is most vulnerable to satan”.

    “The end of all things is near”, to each of us, personally. For that is the resounding message, that the ancient Old Testament prophets, and, New Testament writers and thinkers, all leave us with. And that message is just as valid today as it ever was. Our only true hope lies in our ability to maintain a discipline and self-control that is fueled by our faith, obedience, and conformance to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO, will always compel us toward CHRIST JESUS, and away from “the gravitational pull” that is, this world.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

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For Sunday November 10, 2019

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FAITH THAT SETS AN EXAMPLE

(The faith of the Thessalonian Believers)

(1 Thessalonians 1)

   Paul’s first doctrinal letter to the Church at Thessalonica was written around A.D. 50 to 51 while he was still residing in Corinth, and not long after he had left Thessalonica during his second missionary journey.  

    Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke had made the journey to Philippi from Troas after Paul had received a vision from GOD of a man from Macedonia calling for help. Responding to the call, Paul and his faithful co-workers for CHRIST crossed over into Europe and preached at Philippi before making the 100-mile journey on to Thessalonica. They traveled west along the Egnatian Way, the main Roman road from Rome to the Orients.

    Thessalonica, in the first century, had a population of about 200,000, which was a massive amount of people for a city in that day. Its population consisted of a very diverse make-up of inhabitants which included Greeks, Romans, Asians, and Jews, with Greeks making up the bulk of the populace. It was one of the most important centers of trade in the world at that time, both by land, and by sea, and it also occupied a strategic location from both a governmental and military standpoint.

    The city of Thessalonica was built by a man named Cassander in 315 B.C., and was named after his wife, “Thessalonica”, who was the half-sister of “Alexander the Great”. Cassander held the powerful position of being one of four generals in Alexander’s army. The city was later captured by the Romans circa 146 B.C., and when the Romans re-organized Macedonia, they made Thessalonica its capital.

    In 42 B.C. Thessalonica was given “free City” status by Anthony and Octavian (Caesar Augustus), because the Thessalonians had helped them defeat their adversaries, Brutus and Cassius, who had murdered Julius Caesar and taken control of Rome just two years earlier.

    When Paul and his co-workers reached this great city of Thessalonica, they visited the Jewish synagogue there, seeking to find those citizens who shared in their Christian faith. Being a well-known, well-trained teacher by this time, Paul, of course, was allowed to speak in the synagogue.

    Paul’s message that day consisted of two points; first he spoke of the Old Testament concept of the MESSIAH, which is that of a suffering, dying, and resurrected CHRIST; and secondly, he described how Old Testament Prophesy was fulfilled in JESUS of Nazareth. After teaching in the synagogue for a period, Paul continued evangelizing out of the house of Jason (Acts 17:7), and as a result, many people were converted, especially, the Greek Gentiles in the city.

    Through Paul’s Thessalonian epistles, he seeks to answer questions that had been brought up by them regarding his teachings since he departed from them, and, to also encourage the Thessalonians to persevere in their beliefs, despite their many persecutions from non-believers. He also wanted to correct or dispel misinformation and false accusations that had circulated about him after he left Thessalonica. Among those accusations and misinformation were that, he was preaching for financial gain, and, that he had left because he was a coward and a hypocrite.

    In addition to his letters, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see, first hand, how the new Christians there were holding up under the pressures of their suffering and persecutions. Timothy was able to return with a report of good news that the Church at Thessalonica had remained strong in their faith through it all.

    It is of the utmost importance to note that, in those days, the New Testament had not yet been written. Therefore, the only way the Thessalonians or anyone else had to learn was from Paul and the other apostles’ teachings about CHRIST, and, by watching how they behaved among themselves, and, towards others, and what they saw, they imitated. And so Paul and JESUS’ other disciples were “role models” in the purest sense of the words. Being an example for others was, and still is an extremely important element in the Christian Church today.

    The Church at Thessalonica went on to become a shining example for other churches already in, and, coming into the Christian Faith. There is something very inspiring about the defiance of the early Church despite its persecutions from the world at large. The easiest thing in the world for them to do to avoid the suffering that they endured was to pack it all up and go home. However, they chose instead to blaze on, compelled by their strong faith, they were never ashamed, nor were they afraid to show who they belonged to, or who they served. They understood clearly that the Christian was not called “to serve the world”, but rather, they were called “to serve CHRIST JESUS in the world”.  

    Paul was a great teacher who put the best of himself into his work for CHRIST. When a teacher has taught someone and has put a measure of themselves into their teaching, they sometimes become anxious to see how that training will stand the test of life.

    The same holds supremely true with CHRIST JESUS. HE staked so much on mankind when HE visited us in HIS incarnate state as a 100% human being. HE loved and taught us with a sacrificial love that surpasses all understanding. And now HE waits anxiously to see how we will accept and respond to HIS teachings, and HIS love, to help one another.

    There is nothing like the joy of a parent who can point to a child they have taught to the best of his or her ability, who has in return, done excellent in life. The help, anxiety, and joy of teaching are, altogether, a wonderful thing. But ultimately, when we can serve no other way, like JESUS, and, like Paul, when we are unwillingly separated from the people we teach, there is one thing we can still continue to do. We can still, pray for them.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

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For Sunday November 3, 2019

Over 219,000 readers worldwide

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FAITH THAT IS TESTED

(Paul’s final advice to the Corinthians)

(2 Corinthians 13:1-10)

   There can be no coercive work involved in ministry in the Christian Church. The authoritative spiritual powers granted by GOD do not include an element of coercion. True Christian spiritual leaders are, in reality, only “spokespersons” for CHRIST. CHRIST speaks through them, and anyone who refuses to listen is not just ignoring the messenger, but rather, in reality, is ignoring GOD. However, because GOD gave us wills that are free, everyone must freely choose to follow or reject CHRIST voluntarily.

    Here in 2 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul, under the authority of JESUS CHRIST, warns the Church at Corinth of a third visit that he planned to make in the near future. He had already warned those who had violated their pledges to CHRIST, that, there would be a great rebuke delivered by him when he got there, because of their continued sin and clinging to their old lifestyles, which were outside of the precepts and principles of the Christian way.

    When people looked at Paul, they saw, quite literally, a petite, very diminutively, frail, and battered individual who had been beaten down by various persecutions from an anti-CHRIST society (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). And to top it off, by his own admission, Paul wasn’t a very good speaker (2 Corinthians 10:10) like many of the false “super apostles” (as he called them – 2 Corinthians 12:11) were. Yet here in verse 3 Paul says that he can give the people all the proof they need in order to know and understand that CHRIST speaks through him.

    Paul didn’t want the Corinthians to get it twisted or confused, and start comparing what they saw in him physically, as a picture of what CHRIST is like physically. Only his messages, actions, and behavior should show them what CHRIST is like, not his physical appearance and stature. He wanted them to understand clearly that CHRIST is not weak in HIS dealings with them, but rather, HE is a mighty power among them.

    Although it may have seemed to the people of Corinth that CHRIST died on the cross in weakness, it was more important that they realize that now HE lives among them by the might and power of GOD the FATHER. And so, while Paul himself may seem weak in appearance, the might and power of GOD lives within him, and in all of the people who work with him. As a result, he and his fellow workers could use that mighty power in dealing with them and their foolishness every single day.

    In verse 5 the Apostle Paul then urges the Church at Corinth to “judge” (anakrino judgment), or, “examine” themselves to see if their faith is indeed a “saving faith”. They need to see for themselves if their faith is a “genuine faith” that moves them to “positive actions” toward one another, and toward “obedience to GOD”. Paul further states that, an unbeliever must be able to see a difference (marked improvement) in their new lifestyle, as opposed to the lifestyles that they used to lead.

    Paul also says that, if they cannot tell if CHRIST was among them, using their current behavior and lifestyle as a barometer, that means that they, by way of their own examples before the world, had “failed the test”, and are “not approved” (“adokimoi” (ad-o-kim-ohee) in the biblical Greek), by GOD (Vs.5-6).

    Paul’s second visit to the Church at Corinth had been a very humbling experience for both he, and his fellow workers, because of the offensive way in which they were treated, and, because of the way that some in the church had fallen away from the teachings of CHRIST JESUS. He admonished the Corinthians of the consequences of choosing to live their lives contrary to the principles of CHRIST JESUS (backsliding), after openly pledging themselves to HIM as their LORD and SAVIOR.

    It is always the responsibility of the Christian to “never oppose the truth”. In fact, the Christian must always choose to follow and stand by the truth, regardless to where it leads, and regardless to whom it convicts, be it family member, friend, or perceived enemy. Remember, GOD glorifies HIMSELF through us when HE can use the backdrop of our weaknesses and witness as fuel to perform great deeds before mankind.

    Paul closes out this second letter to the Corinthians by encouraging them to rejoice, change their ways, encourage each other, and live in harmony and peace through CHRIST JESUS with each other. In other words, Paul advises the Church to “aim for perfection” (“katartizesthe” (kat-ar-tid-est-he) in the biblical Greek), starting by recognizing that they need GOD, repenting, and putting themselves back into a position of “favor” with GOD. That way they can be used by GOD for good works, and only then, will “the GOD of love and peace” abide with them.

    It was Paul’s sincere desire that the Corinthian Church behave in such a way, that, the love of GOD, the grace of JESUS CHRIST, and the fellowship of the HOLY SPIRIT, could abide with them, without being continuously grieved by them, through their unholy, worldly behavior and lifestyle.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

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