WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 6, 2010
_____________________________________________
YOUR WITNESS IN ACTION
(A practiced faith is a noticed faith)
(1 Thessalonians 1)
Paul’s first Doctrinal letter to the Thessalonians was written around A.D. 50-51, while he was 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 of a man from Macedonia calling for help. Responding to this call, they crossed over into Europe and preached at Philippi, before making the 100-mile journey on to Thessalonica, by traveling west along the Egnatian Way, the main Roman road, from Rome to the Orients.
Thessalonica, during New Testament times, had a population of about 200,000, with a very diverse makeup of inhabitants, including Greeks, Romans, Orientals and Jews, with the Greeks accounting for the bulk of the populace. It was one of the most important centers of trade, both by land, and by sea, and also occupied a strategic location from both a governmental and military standpoint.
Thessalonica, was built by Cassander in 315 B.C., and named after his wife, Thessalonica, who was the half sister of Alexander the Great. Cassander was a General in Alexander’s army. The city was captured by the Romans in 146 B.C. They re-organized Macedonia, and made Thessalonica it’s Capital a short time later.
In 42 B.C., Thessalonica was given the “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 two years earlier.
When Paul and the others reached Thessalonica, they visited the Jewish synagogue in order to find those citizens who shared in their faith. Being a well- trained teacher, Paul was allowed to speak in the synagogue. His message consisted of two points: He spoke of the Old Testament concept of the Messiah, which is that of a suffering, dying, and resurrected CHRIST; He then showed how Old Testament Prophesy was fulfilled in JESUS of Nazareth. Paul continued his evangelizing out of the house of Jason (Acts 17:7), and as a result, many people were converted, especially Gentile Greeks.
Through his Thessalonian Epistles, Paul sought to answer questions that had been brought up by his teachings, and to 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 being, that he was preaching for financial gains, and, that he had left because he was a coward and a hypocrite. In addition, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see, first hand, how the new Christians were holding up under the pressures of their suffering and persecution. Timothy was able to return with a report of good news, that the Church at Thessalonica remained strong in their faith.
It is of the utmost importance to note that, in those days, the New Testament had not yet been written. The only way the Thessalonians had to learn, besides Paul’s teachings, was by watching how Paul and his companions acted, towards themselves and others. What they saw, they imitated. Paul and the early Church leaders were “Role Models”, in the purest sense of the words.
Being an example was an important element in the early Church, and that still holds true 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. The easiest thing in the world for them to do, to avoid the suffering and persecution they endured, was to pack it up and go home, but instead, they blazed on, by way of their strong faith. They were never ashamed, or afraid to show, who they belonged to, and who they served. Remember, the Christian is called to first, serve in the world, and then wait on the glory and mercy of JESUS CHRIST.
Paul was a great teacher who put the best of himself into his work. When a teacher has taught someone and put something of him self into it, he becomes anxious to see how that training will stand the test of life. The same holds supremely true with JESUS CHRIST. JESUS staked so much on men, when HE visited us in HIS incarnate state. HE loved and taught us with a sacrificial love, and now waits anxiously to see how we will use HIS teachings, and HIS love to help one another. There is nothing like the joy of a parent, who can point to a child he has taught, who has done well. The help, anxiety, and joy of teaching are, altogether, a wonderful thing. But ultimately, when we can serve people 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 D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 30, 2010
_____________________________________________
A COMMUNITY AT RISK
(If we don’t become serious about knowing GOD’s word, here in the last days, we will be fooled)
(Jude)
Since the dawn of Christianity, it has been at risk of being contaminated by the evil forces of satan. And many individual professed Christian churches have failed because its members failed to get to know the word of GOD well enough, that they would not be misled by false teachers and preachers.
And, even though Christianity must operate as a welcoming community that has the GODly fear which enables them to love the sinner and hate the sin, we must also be able to avoid the pollution of those whom we seek to save by leading them to CHRIST.
In the difficult and often neglected epistle of Jude, the half brother of JESUS urges Christians everywhere to stand firm against false teachers and their philosophies, which act as a portal into the perverted practices of the Luciferic agenda.
Jude gives examples of GOD’s judgment on those vile people, who, past and present, try to steer Christians away from the most-high faith. He urges us to examine what people say, and, how they actually live their lives, so that we may be better able to determine, the difference between what is real, and, what is fake. And in today’s society, if we are not really, really tuned in to the word of GOD, we will be fooled.
King David warned us almost 3000 years ago, that, “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest of men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8 – KJV). We, live in a nation where we continually exalt those men and women who profess to be anti-CHRIST. We buy their music and sing the lyrics of their anti-CHRIST doctrine. We buy their clothing lines and dress our children in the armor of satan that they produce. Clothing that contains all sorts of demonic symbols that are used to channel in satan and his angels into our homes, churches and lives.
We spend billions of dollars going to see their movies and attending their concerts of praise and satan worship. We buy their c.d.’s, and make sure we never miss one of their award shows. We live in a nation where more people call in to vote for the next American Idol, than has ever voted in any presidential election in the history of America.
So-called gospel singing artists are mixing with professed anti-CHRIST secular artist, creating a vehicle for satan to enter into the Christian church and become a part of the worship service that has been preserved for GOD, by GOD HIMSELF. Don’t look now America, but we are no longer a Christian nation, and we haven’t been for a long time.
Jude’s powerful epistle is directed at all of those, whom, GOD has called to leadership, all of those, who are loved by GOD, and, all of those, who are kept by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST. In other words, all professed Christians should take heed to keep themselves in the love of GOD, by defending the gospel that was preached by CHRIST and other men of GOD, as we all wait on mercy from JESUS CHRIST, unto eternal life.
Jude may have started out wanting to write a positive treatise on salvation, but ultimately, he ended up writing, perhaps, the strongest condemnation of false teachers and warning against participating in perverted practices, that can be found in all of New Testament literature.
His quotations and analogies of Old Testament events are not that of an authority, but rather they are that of one vividly describing a day of coming judgment that has already been substantiated in Old Testament judgments. We in America have become a community at risk, who, are in danger of the same kind of judgment that was delivered upon the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.
False teachers, and, those who promote the anti-CHRIST agenda through their works and lifestyle, will all have to make an account, and ultimately, receive their just due. And so will those, who, through their own ignorance of GOD’s word, choose to follow and exalt the vilest of men.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 30, 2010
_____________________________________________
A COMMUNITY AT RISK
(If we don’t become serious about knowing GOD’s word, here in the last days, we will be fooled)
(Jude)
Since the dawn of Christianity, it has been at risk of being contaminated by the evil forces of satan. And many individual professed Christian churches have failed because its members failed to get to know the word of GOD well enough, that they would not be misled by false teachers and preachers.
And, even though Christianity must operate as a welcoming community that has the GODly fear which enables them to love the sinner and hate the sin, we must also be able to avoid the pollution of those whom we seek to save by leading them to CHRIST.
In the difficult and often neglected epistle of Jude, the half brother of JESUS urges Christians everywhere to stand firm against false teachers and their philosophies, which act as a portal into the perverted practices of the Luciferic agenda.
Jude gives examples of GOD’s judgment on those vile people, who, past and present, try to steer Christians away from the most-high faith. He urges us to examine what people say, and, how they actually live their lives, so that we may be better able to determine, the difference between what is real, and, what is fake. And in today’s society, if we are not really, really tuned in to the word of GOD, we will be fooled.
King David warned us almost 3000 years ago, that, “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest of men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8 – KJV). We, live in a nation where we continually exalt those men and women who profess to be anti-CHRIST. We buy their music and sing the lyrics of their anti-CHRIST doctrine. We buy their clothing lines and dress our children in the armor of satan that they produce. Clothing that contains all sorts of demonic symbols that are used to channel in satan and his angels into our homes, churches and lives.
We spend billions of dollars going to see their movies and attending their concerts of praise and satan worship. We buy their c.d.’s, and make sure we never miss one of their award shows. We live in a nation where more people call in to vote for the next American Idol, than has ever voted in any presidential election in the history of America.
So-called gospel singing artists are mixing with professed anti-CHRIST secular artist, creating a vehicle for satan to enter into the Christian church and become a part of the worship service that has been preserved for GOD, by GOD HIMSELF. Don’t look now America, but we are no longer a Christian nation, and we haven’t been for a long time.
Jude’s powerful epistle is directed at all of those, whom, GOD has called to leadership, all of those, who are loved by GOD, and, all of those, who are kept by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST. In other words, all professed Christians should take heed to keep themselves in the love of GOD, by defending the gospel that was preached by CHRIST and other men of GOD, as we all wait on mercy from JESUS CHRIST, unto eternal life.
Jude may have started out wanting to write a positive treatise on salvation, but ultimately, he ended up writing, perhaps, the strongest condemnation of false teachers and warning against participating in perverted practices, that can be found in all of New Testament literature.
His quotations and analogies of Old Testament events are not that of an authority, but rather they are that of one vividly describing a day of coming judgment that has already been substantiated in Old Testament judgments. We in America have become a community at risk, who, are in danger of the same kind of judgment that was delivered upon the people of Sodom and Gomorrah.
False teachers, and, those who promote the anti-CHRIST agenda through their works and lifestyle, will all have to make an account, and ultimately, receive their just due. And so will those, who, through their own ignorance of GOD’s word, choose to follow and exalt the vilest of men.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, May 21, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 23, 2010
_____________________________________________
A WELCOMING COMMUNITY
(Extend mercy as you have received mercy from GOD)
(Philemon 8-18)
The world will never have any use for Christianity, unless, we as Christians, prove through our behavior, that Christianity produces the best men and women. And one of the best ways for Christians to reflect GOD’s image, is by showing forgiveness and mercy towards one another.
Paul’s personal epistle to Philemon is a terse, but wonderfully written letter to a friend and close co-worker in CHRIST, by the same name. It is written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome in the early A.D. sixties, just a few years prior to his death.
Philemon was a wealthy Christian who lived in the city of Colosse, and, who was the employer of a run-away servant named Onesimus (Oh-NESS-ih-muss)., whom Paul indicates, had refused to work off his debt to Philemon, and, had probably, in addition, stolen from him to finance his own escape (Philemon verse 18).
In biblical times, it was quite common for a person to trade menial services for money, food, or other things, or, to place themselves in bondage to another person in order to pay off a debt that was owed to that person. They became that person’s servant for as long as it took to pay off the debt (up to six years for Hebrew male servants – Exodus 21:2), and in some instances, the debt would even fall to the servant’s offsprings for payment, becoming the burden of the next generation (Exodus 21:4-6).
In the King James Version of scripture, the word "slave" or "slaves" is translated from the original language only twice, once in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 2:14), and once in the New Testament (Revelation 18:13). In all other occurances, including this passage of Philemon, the word "servant" is translated from the original Greek and Hebrew text, not "slave". The definition of the word "slave" is "one who is bound in servitude to another without payment for services (beyond the food and clothing necessary to sustian)". The word "servant" is defined as “one who is employed to perform services for financial gain, or in lieu of payment of debts owed”.
Onesimus was indebted to Philemon and thereby was his servant. He had run away from his responsibility of serving off his debt. However, while he was on the run, and hiding in Rome, he came across Paul, who converted him to CHRIST. He then began working with Paul in the church and became quite an asset to Paul’s ministry in Rome.
However, Paul realized that Onesimus had a responsibility to Philemon and that he should somehow make restitution for his wrongdoing. He felt that Onesimus must return to Philemon, offer to make things right, and ask for mercy regarding his offensive actions against his superior.
Here in this letter, Paul pleads with Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf, asking him to show mercy on the Christian brother who voluntarily returned to face punishment for his transgressions, not the unbeliever who had wronged him earlier by violating their agreement and stealing from him. Paul asked this graciously as a favor to him, rather than demanding, as Philemon’s superior, that he comply to his wishes (verses 8-9).
Paul wanted Onesimus to be reconciled to Philemon, who was also a Christian, so that he would have a chance to demonstrate his new approach to life as a Christian who desired to render honest service to a superior.
I believe that it would be safe to assume that Philemon yeilded to Paul’s stirring request. In fact, there is great historic speculation that this is the same Onesimus who later became the Ephesian bishop whom the great early church leader, Ignatius, mentions in several letters to the church at Ephesus.
GOD wants us to show love, mercy, and kindness to those who live around us, and, to everyone, whom we may come in contact with on a daily basis, even if they are not related to us, or, don’t look like us.
Christianity challenges us to become a welcoming community that can grow beyond our discriminatory practices and behavior and become more like CHRIST, by allowing “self” to wither away, and die from our hearts. And it also requires us to show mercy, and to forgive our debtors, just as GOD forgives us our debts, through the vicarious sacrifice of CHRIST JESUS.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 23, 2010
_____________________________________________
A WELCOMING COMMUNITY
(Extend mercy as you have received mercy from GOD)
(Philemon 8-18)
The world will never have any use for Christianity, unless, we as Christians, prove through our behavior, that Christianity produces the best men and women. And one of the best ways for Christians to reflect GOD’s image, is by showing forgiveness and mercy towards one another.
Paul’s personal epistle to Philemon is a terse, but wonderfully written letter to a friend and close co-worker in CHRIST, by the same name. It is written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome in the early A.D. sixties, just a few years prior to his death.
Philemon was a wealthy Christian who lived in the city of Colosse, and, who was the employer of a run-away servant named Onesimus (Oh-NESS-ih-muss)., whom Paul indicates, had refused to work off his debt to Philemon, and, had probably, in addition, stolen from him to finance his own escape (Philemon verse 18).
In biblical times, it was quite common for a person to trade menial services for money, food, or other things, or, to place themselves in bondage to another person in order to pay off a debt that was owed to that person. They became that person’s servant for as long as it took to pay off the debt (up to six years for Hebrew male servants – Exodus 21:2), and in some instances, the debt would even fall to the servant’s offsprings for payment, becoming the burden of the next generation (Exodus 21:4-6).
In the King James Version of scripture, the word "slave" or "slaves" is translated from the original language only twice, once in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 2:14), and once in the New Testament (Revelation 18:13). In all other occurances, including this passage of Philemon, the word "servant" is translated from the original Greek and Hebrew text, not "slave". The definition of the word "slave" is "one who is bound in servitude to another without payment for services (beyond the food and clothing necessary to sustian)". The word "servant" is defined as “one who is employed to perform services for financial gain, or in lieu of payment of debts owed”.
Onesimus was indebted to Philemon and thereby was his servant. He had run away from his responsibility of serving off his debt. However, while he was on the run, and hiding in Rome, he came across Paul, who converted him to CHRIST. He then began working with Paul in the church and became quite an asset to Paul’s ministry in Rome.
However, Paul realized that Onesimus had a responsibility to Philemon and that he should somehow make restitution for his wrongdoing. He felt that Onesimus must return to Philemon, offer to make things right, and ask for mercy regarding his offensive actions against his superior.
Here in this letter, Paul pleads with Philemon on Onesimus’ behalf, asking him to show mercy on the Christian brother who voluntarily returned to face punishment for his transgressions, not the unbeliever who had wronged him earlier by violating their agreement and stealing from him. Paul asked this graciously as a favor to him, rather than demanding, as Philemon’s superior, that he comply to his wishes (verses 8-9).
Paul wanted Onesimus to be reconciled to Philemon, who was also a Christian, so that he would have a chance to demonstrate his new approach to life as a Christian who desired to render honest service to a superior.
I believe that it would be safe to assume that Philemon yeilded to Paul’s stirring request. In fact, there is great historic speculation that this is the same Onesimus who later became the Ephesian bishop whom the great early church leader, Ignatius, mentions in several letters to the church at Ephesus.
GOD wants us to show love, mercy, and kindness to those who live around us, and, to everyone, whom we may come in contact with on a daily basis, even if they are not related to us, or, don’t look like us.
Christianity challenges us to become a welcoming community that can grow beyond our discriminatory practices and behavior and become more like CHRIST, by allowing “self” to wither away, and die from our hearts. And it also requires us to show mercy, and to forgive our debtors, just as GOD forgives us our debts, through the vicarious sacrifice of CHRIST JESUS.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, May 14, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 16, 2010
_____________________________________________
A CHOSEN COMMUNITY
(Living the new life)
(Colossians 3)
GOD entered into the physical, material world in the person of JESUS CHRIST, and in a real human body, won salvation for all mankind. JESUS not only showed us how to live in our human existence, HE also showed us how true spirituality, by definition, means living a human life here on earth, in union, with GOD the FATHER, in Heaven.
The Apostle Paul understood that all wisdom could be found in CHRIST JESUS, and so here in Colossians 3, he urges the Christians at Colosse to continue to abide in CHRIST, and aspire to reflect HIS image to others, through their own behavior.
If believers are to be identified with CHRIST, they can no longer live under Jewish law which could rob them of their rewards in Heaven, nor, could they afford to be deceived by the vain philosophies of the Gnostic teachers who had already infiltrated many of the Christian Churches in the first century.
It is important for the Christian to fully understand that they have been raised to life with CHRIST, and, as a result, must set their hearts on the things of Heaven, and put to death, their desires for the things of this world. We are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather we’ve become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD, not the laws of the Jews, or of man, must become paramount to us.
In the Greek, the word used for “world” is “kosmos”. It is from this word that we derive our English word “cosmos”. In the spiritual sense, it is “that complex intertwining of sinful desires that shape our world of lost humanity”.
When we choose the Christian walk, we automatically become strangers to worldly behavior. An experiential relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, and thus, as GOD’s people, we must strive to live the kind of life with others, that JESUS lived when HE was here on earth.
What we do in, and with, our bodies is of deep concern to GOD. Everything, that we say and do, reflects on the GOD, we say we know and love. The theme of us being a “new creation” is a familiar one in the writings of Paul, and that common theme is just as vivid here in this letter to the Colossians, as it is in any of Paul’s doctrinal epistles. When we become Christians, we are expected by GOD, to die to the world. GOD then justifies us, and raises us up into a new life with CHRIST, and therefore, anything that is foreign to CHRIST, should become foreign to us. We put to death, all those things that we used to do that were not pleasing to GOD, and we embrace those things that are.
Paul ends chapter three of this epistle to the Colossians, (verses 18-25) with this advice on how we are to live our new lives within the framework of the roles we have been assigned to at birth by GOD, as men, women, and children, whom GOD intended, to comprise the family households. Wives must submit to their own husband, husbands must love their own wife, and treat her gently, and children must obey their parents at all times.
It must not be forgotten that JESUS HIMSELF was raised on scriptures, and HE based HIS entire ministry on what those scriptures say, and, HE also approached HIS death, with words of scripture on HIS lips. The word of GOD serves as a daily reminder of what our conduct should be towards each other, and, towards GOD HIMSELF. By exemplifying GODly conduct in our daily walk, we, invariably uplift the name of JESUS our CHRIST, and, our LORD.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 16, 2010
_____________________________________________
A CHOSEN COMMUNITY
(Living the new life)
(Colossians 3)
GOD entered into the physical, material world in the person of JESUS CHRIST, and in a real human body, won salvation for all mankind. JESUS not only showed us how to live in our human existence, HE also showed us how true spirituality, by definition, means living a human life here on earth, in union, with GOD the FATHER, in Heaven.
The Apostle Paul understood that all wisdom could be found in CHRIST JESUS, and so here in Colossians 3, he urges the Christians at Colosse to continue to abide in CHRIST, and aspire to reflect HIS image to others, through their own behavior.
If believers are to be identified with CHRIST, they can no longer live under Jewish law which could rob them of their rewards in Heaven, nor, could they afford to be deceived by the vain philosophies of the Gnostic teachers who had already infiltrated many of the Christian Churches in the first century.
It is important for the Christian to fully understand that they have been raised to life with CHRIST, and, as a result, must set their hearts on the things of Heaven, and put to death, their desires for the things of this world. We are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather we’ve become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD, not the laws of the Jews, or of man, must become paramount to us.
In the Greek, the word used for “world” is “kosmos”. It is from this word that we derive our English word “cosmos”. In the spiritual sense, it is “that complex intertwining of sinful desires that shape our world of lost humanity”.
When we choose the Christian walk, we automatically become strangers to worldly behavior. An experiential relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, and thus, as GOD’s people, we must strive to live the kind of life with others, that JESUS lived when HE was here on earth.
What we do in, and with, our bodies is of deep concern to GOD. Everything, that we say and do, reflects on the GOD, we say we know and love. The theme of us being a “new creation” is a familiar one in the writings of Paul, and that common theme is just as vivid here in this letter to the Colossians, as it is in any of Paul’s doctrinal epistles. When we become Christians, we are expected by GOD, to die to the world. GOD then justifies us, and raises us up into a new life with CHRIST, and therefore, anything that is foreign to CHRIST, should become foreign to us. We put to death, all those things that we used to do that were not pleasing to GOD, and we embrace those things that are.
Paul ends chapter three of this epistle to the Colossians, (verses 18-25) with this advice on how we are to live our new lives within the framework of the roles we have been assigned to at birth by GOD, as men, women, and children, whom GOD intended, to comprise the family households. Wives must submit to their own husband, husbands must love their own wife, and treat her gently, and children must obey their parents at all times.
It must not be forgotten that JESUS HIMSELF was raised on scriptures, and HE based HIS entire ministry on what those scriptures say, and, HE also approached HIS death, with words of scripture on HIS lips. The word of GOD serves as a daily reminder of what our conduct should be towards each other, and, towards GOD HIMSELF. By exemplifying GODly conduct in our daily walk, we, invariably uplift the name of JESUS our CHRIST, and, our LORD.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, May 7, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 9, 2010
_____________________________________________
A DISCERNING COMMUNITY
(Stand firm in the most-high faith that is found only in CHRIST JESUS)
(Colossians 2)
Paul prayed constantly that the believers in all Christian Churches really learn and come to understand the power that they all have in CHRIST JESUS. Here in Colossians 2, we see how he agonized for the churches at Colosse and Laodicea, even though he had never visited them personally.
It is a wonderful thing that we pray for those whom we know and love, however, our prayers for Christian unity and growth must inherently include those brothers and sisters in other places, throughout this world, whom we’ve never met, yet we’ve been made aware of their needs.
The Christian hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully, to the word of GOD. All the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw the miracles of CHRIST performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. All of these saints wrote down, and passed down this information, as a means of encouraging believers, not as a means of satisfying historical curiosity. Perhaps the most important element contained in all of this information is the fact that men and women must always pray.
When we pray consistently for one another, we are standing firm and building on our foundation that we have invested in, based on our commitment to the MOST-HIGH FAITH. The treasures of all wisdom, knowledge, and discernment are hidden in CHRIST, and by “hidden”, I don’t mean “concealed”. The treasures of knowledge, wisdom, and discernment are “stored up” in CHRIST, but they are assessable to all who come to believe GOD.
Paul cared deeply for the people of Colosse, even though he had never been there to visit with them during any of his missionary journeys. He prayed for them agonizingly because of the heresy of the Gnostics that had infiltrated the church there. He wrote this letter to them at his first available opportunity, because he wanted to encourage them to remain steadfast, and continue to be a community willing to always stand strong in the truth of GOD’s word.
His goal was that the people of Colosse would remain knitted together by their mutual love for CHRIST, and find their comfort, by having complete understanding of GOD’s plan for them, through HIM. They must not be taken in, or deceived by those who come with persuasive arguments that differ from the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. They should remain obedient to GOD’s word, and allow its roots to grow deep into their minds and hearts.
Divine exaltation belongs to CHRIST. In CHRIST we find all that we need, and in HIM, we see exactly what GOD is like. JESUS is the visible likeness of the invisible GOD in Heaven and only HE can usher us into GOD’s OWN glorious presence when our day has come.
When we came to CHRIST, we were circumcised by a spiritual means, not a physical one. It was a spiritual procedure that continues to cut away at our sinful nature by means of a continuing presence of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD in us. When we were baptized spiritually in CHRIST, we were buried with CHRIST, and then, raised into a new life, with GOD. And we must trust in the almighty power of GOD, WHO raised CHRIST from the dead physically, to sustain us into the final stage of the human existence, which is an eternal life with GOD in HIS Kingdom.
A Sunday school lesson by
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 9, 2010
_____________________________________________
A DISCERNING COMMUNITY
(Stand firm in the most-high faith that is found only in CHRIST JESUS)
(Colossians 2)
Paul prayed constantly that the believers in all Christian Churches really learn and come to understand the power that they all have in CHRIST JESUS. Here in Colossians 2, we see how he agonized for the churches at Colosse and Laodicea, even though he had never visited them personally.
It is a wonderful thing that we pray for those whom we know and love, however, our prayers for Christian unity and growth must inherently include those brothers and sisters in other places, throughout this world, whom we’ve never met, yet we’ve been made aware of their needs.
The Christian hope has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth, conform more fully, to the word of GOD. All the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw the miracles of CHRIST performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. All of these saints wrote down, and passed down this information, as a means of encouraging believers, not as a means of satisfying historical curiosity. Perhaps the most important element contained in all of this information is the fact that men and women must always pray.
When we pray consistently for one another, we are standing firm and building on our foundation that we have invested in, based on our commitment to the MOST-HIGH FAITH. The treasures of all wisdom, knowledge, and discernment are hidden in CHRIST, and by “hidden”, I don’t mean “concealed”. The treasures of knowledge, wisdom, and discernment are “stored up” in CHRIST, but they are assessable to all who come to believe GOD.
Paul cared deeply for the people of Colosse, even though he had never been there to visit with them during any of his missionary journeys. He prayed for them agonizingly because of the heresy of the Gnostics that had infiltrated the church there. He wrote this letter to them at his first available opportunity, because he wanted to encourage them to remain steadfast, and continue to be a community willing to always stand strong in the truth of GOD’s word.
His goal was that the people of Colosse would remain knitted together by their mutual love for CHRIST, and find their comfort, by having complete understanding of GOD’s plan for them, through HIM. They must not be taken in, or deceived by those who come with persuasive arguments that differ from the teachings of JESUS CHRIST. They should remain obedient to GOD’s word, and allow its roots to grow deep into their minds and hearts.
Divine exaltation belongs to CHRIST. In CHRIST we find all that we need, and in HIM, we see exactly what GOD is like. JESUS is the visible likeness of the invisible GOD in Heaven and only HE can usher us into GOD’s OWN glorious presence when our day has come.
When we came to CHRIST, we were circumcised by a spiritual means, not a physical one. It was a spiritual procedure that continues to cut away at our sinful nature by means of a continuing presence of the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD in us. When we were baptized spiritually in CHRIST, we were buried with CHRIST, and then, raised into a new life, with GOD. And we must trust in the almighty power of GOD, WHO raised CHRIST from the dead physically, to sustain us into the final stage of the human existence, which is an eternal life with GOD in HIS Kingdom.
A Sunday school lesson by
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, April 30, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 2, 2010
_____________________________________________
A FAITHFUL COMMUNITY PRAYS
(Pray for one another in accordance with GOD’s will)
(Colossians 1:1-14)
Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Colossians circa A.D. 61. Colosse was a city that he never got a chance to visit during his travels. However, he had come to know the believers who lived there, while he himself resided in Ephesus, during his second missionary journey. The Christian community in Colosse had grown considerably under the leadership of Epaphras and Archippus, whom Paul had sent to help grow the church in that city a few years earlier.
Colosse was a city within the Roman province of Asia, which is now western Turkey. It was situated in Lycus River Valley about 100 miles east of Ephesus. As early as the fifth century B.C., Colosse was known as a prosperous city, but by the start of the Christian era it had been surpassed by its two neighbors, Hierapolis and Laodicea in growth. Thereafter, Colosse continued to decline to the status of a small town, but it was able to retain some degree of importance well into the third century A.D.
Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians after learning of a new and unique heresy, which would later come to be known as “Gnosticism”, that had sprang up in the Christian community. Here in this letter, Paul incorporates his resounding theme of the trilogy of virtue, Faith, Hope, and Love, which he often used in his doctrinal epistles.
Paul believed that “Faith” is the soul looking up to GOD, “Love” is what looks out to others, and “Hope” looks forward to the future. In other words, “Faith” rests on the past works of CHRIST JESUS, “Love” works in the present, and “Hope” anticipates a future with GOD.
It is for the purpose of GOD that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT that a person’s heart is hallowed towards GOD. And it is by the sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST JESUS that past sins are forgiven, and we look forward to a future of obedience to GOD.
We as Christians cannot profess to have faith in GOD, and then, perpetually disobey HIS word. False teaching and false religion comes into existence when we try to reach GOD by ways in which GOD HIMSELF did not prescribe. It is one thing to recognize GOD, but it is quite another thing to obey GOD. To “believe in GOD”, is not the same thing as “believing GOD”.
Scripture makes a clear distinction between knowing about GOD, knowing HIM in a saving way through faith, and, knowing GOD in a sense of experiencing HIS presence. Paul’s prayer for the Church at Colosse reminds us, that, to know GOD in this way, we need to be able to grasp the implications of scripture for living, and then, put GOD’s word into practice.
In Colossians 1:9, the Greek phrase Paul uses in his original writings, “thelematos autou”, is translated “that which GOD has willed”. We come to know what GOD has willed by reading and studying HIS word. Knowing GOD personally and experientially begins with the objective revelation given to us in scripture.
Men ought always pray, but we must first learn what GOD’s will is for us, by reading and studying HIS word, in order that we might know how to petition within HIS will. That way, when we do pray, we are more able to pray fervent, effective prayers that only a person living in the righteousness of CHRIST can pray. And then we can be assured that GOD will always answer in the only way HE can, and that way is, “The Best Way”.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 2, 2010
_____________________________________________
A FAITHFUL COMMUNITY PRAYS
(Pray for one another in accordance with GOD’s will)
(Colossians 1:1-14)
Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Colossians circa A.D. 61. Colosse was a city that he never got a chance to visit during his travels. However, he had come to know the believers who lived there, while he himself resided in Ephesus, during his second missionary journey. The Christian community in Colosse had grown considerably under the leadership of Epaphras and Archippus, whom Paul had sent to help grow the church in that city a few years earlier.
Colosse was a city within the Roman province of Asia, which is now western Turkey. It was situated in Lycus River Valley about 100 miles east of Ephesus. As early as the fifth century B.C., Colosse was known as a prosperous city, but by the start of the Christian era it had been surpassed by its two neighbors, Hierapolis and Laodicea in growth. Thereafter, Colosse continued to decline to the status of a small town, but it was able to retain some degree of importance well into the third century A.D.
Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians after learning of a new and unique heresy, which would later come to be known as “Gnosticism”, that had sprang up in the Christian community. Here in this letter, Paul incorporates his resounding theme of the trilogy of virtue, Faith, Hope, and Love, which he often used in his doctrinal epistles.
Paul believed that “Faith” is the soul looking up to GOD, “Love” is what looks out to others, and “Hope” looks forward to the future. In other words, “Faith” rests on the past works of CHRIST JESUS, “Love” works in the present, and “Hope” anticipates a future with GOD.
It is for the purpose of GOD that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT that a person’s heart is hallowed towards GOD. And it is by the sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST JESUS that past sins are forgiven, and we look forward to a future of obedience to GOD.
We as Christians cannot profess to have faith in GOD, and then, perpetually disobey HIS word. False teaching and false religion comes into existence when we try to reach GOD by ways in which GOD HIMSELF did not prescribe. It is one thing to recognize GOD, but it is quite another thing to obey GOD. To “believe in GOD”, is not the same thing as “believing GOD”.
Scripture makes a clear distinction between knowing about GOD, knowing HIM in a saving way through faith, and, knowing GOD in a sense of experiencing HIS presence. Paul’s prayer for the Church at Colosse reminds us, that, to know GOD in this way, we need to be able to grasp the implications of scripture for living, and then, put GOD’s word into practice.
In Colossians 1:9, the Greek phrase Paul uses in his original writings, “thelematos autou”, is translated “that which GOD has willed”. We come to know what GOD has willed by reading and studying HIS word. Knowing GOD personally and experientially begins with the objective revelation given to us in scripture.
Men ought always pray, but we must first learn what GOD’s will is for us, by reading and studying HIS word, in order that we might know how to petition within HIS will. That way, when we do pray, we are more able to pray fervent, effective prayers that only a person living in the righteousness of CHRIST can pray. And then we can be assured that GOD will always answer in the only way HE can, and that way is, “The Best Way”.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, April 23, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 25, 2010
_____________________________________________
COME ON IN
(GOD’s invitation is only accepted by those who are humble enough to come)
(Luke 14:1-24)
In the gospel story (Mark, Luke, and John), there are seven incidences of which JESUS healed on the Sabbath day. Here in this passage in Luke 14:4, we see one of those miraculous healings take place in the home of an unnamed leading Pharisee. There was a man present, who suffered from a disease known as “The Dropsy”, which is an ailment that is caused by a fluid build-up in the body, due to organ malfunctions such as the kidney, heart, or liver. Ordinarily, the Pharisees would never have invited such a person to be a dinner quest at their home on any occasion. However, on this occasion, he was invited there to be used by the Pharisees to set JESUS up with, what they perceived as another “Sabbath day violation” opportunity. They knew that JESUS would not be able to resist showing compassion for a sick person who might be in HIS presence.
JESUS, however, being aware of the evil motives of the religious leaders, used this opportunity to show how their cruel treatment of this man, by using him for bait, was much worse, than HIS so-called violation of the law, by healing the man on the Sabbath.
First, JESUS turns the tables on the Pharisees by asking them a theological question. “Is it permitted in the Law of Moses to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not? When the Pharisees refused to answer, JESUS touched the sick man and healed him, and then, sent him away.
JESUS then turned and asked them two more questions, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? Then, HE quickly follows up with another question, “If your son, or your cow falls into a pit on the Sabbath, would you not hesitate to try and get them out right away? But again, being caught up in their own web of deceit, the Pharisees would not answer (Luke 14:3-6).
Throughout HIS three-year ministry, JESUS never refused the hospitality of anyone, and to that end, HE never abandoned the hope of converting, or appealing to a lost soul. In this case, HE even accepted the invitation of a known enemy, because HE wanted HIS followers to see such occasions as an opportunity to possibly convert a lost soul, and even turn an enemy into a friend.
We must remember that almost every time JESUS met with members of the religious hierarchy in Jerusalem and other places, HE would leave one or more of them feeling convicted, or in some cases, with a converted heart. JESUS is always, in a divine sort of way, luring the hearts of men from a state of arrogance and pride, and into the realm of humility and dependence on GOD.
In Luke 14:7-14, after JESUS had noticed how all the quests were jockeying to be seated in a place of honor at the head of the table, HE began to advise them with a parable aimed at teaching people some of the advantages of being humble. He gives them an illustration of how pride can set a person up to be humiliated, or knocked down. HE tells them in verses 8-9, not to always head for the best seat. What if someone, more respected than you, has also been invited? Then the host will have to come and tell you to let that person sit there instead, and you might be embarrassed, and have to move to whatever seat is left at the foot of the table. Instead, find you a place at the foot of the table. That way, you put yourself in a position where you can only be moved up to a more honored seat, closer to the head of the table. The proud person sets himself up to be humbled, but the humble person sets himself up to be honored.
And finally, in Luke 14:15-24, we see JESUS presenting the invited guest with yet another parable. This time HE turns our attention to the most important of all invitations. It is the invitation to salvation that HE HIMSELF came to deliver. Here JESUS gives the illustration of a man who prepared a great feast for which he sent out many invitations. When the time of the feast came, he even sent his servants out to notify them that the time had come. One by one they all begin to make lame excuses as to why they could not attend. When the servants returned and told their master what had happened, in his anger, he sent them back out instructing them to go into the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. After this, he sent them back out, this time into the country places to ask everyone that they might see, to come to the feast, so that his house would be filled.
This parable serves to show us that GOD invites all people to enter into the salvation feast. However, only those who are humble enough to accept HIS invitation through CHRIST will be able to attend. Salvation is for all who are willing to first humble themselves enough to repent, and then, accept the invitation and come by faith to CHRIST.
Ironically, this passage, Luke 14:15-24, was the text of the last sermon preached by the highly respected minister, D.L. Moody in Kansas City, way back in 1899, only one month prior to his death. But it is a message of salvation that was first delivered by CHRIST JESUS, from the house of an unbeliever, somewhere in the midst of the city of Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. And JESUS had no doubt inspired a hope in Moody similar to hope that HE had previously inspired in HIS original disciples. It is a hope that each generation would take advantage of the opportunity to share in the coming feast that can only be attended, by those who are humble enough to accept the invitation.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 25, 2010
_____________________________________________
COME ON IN
(GOD’s invitation is only accepted by those who are humble enough to come)
(Luke 14:1-24)
In the gospel story (Mark, Luke, and John), there are seven incidences of which JESUS healed on the Sabbath day. Here in this passage in Luke 14:4, we see one of those miraculous healings take place in the home of an unnamed leading Pharisee. There was a man present, who suffered from a disease known as “The Dropsy”, which is an ailment that is caused by a fluid build-up in the body, due to organ malfunctions such as the kidney, heart, or liver. Ordinarily, the Pharisees would never have invited such a person to be a dinner quest at their home on any occasion. However, on this occasion, he was invited there to be used by the Pharisees to set JESUS up with, what they perceived as another “Sabbath day violation” opportunity. They knew that JESUS would not be able to resist showing compassion for a sick person who might be in HIS presence.
JESUS, however, being aware of the evil motives of the religious leaders, used this opportunity to show how their cruel treatment of this man, by using him for bait, was much worse, than HIS so-called violation of the law, by healing the man on the Sabbath.
First, JESUS turns the tables on the Pharisees by asking them a theological question. “Is it permitted in the Law of Moses to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not? When the Pharisees refused to answer, JESUS touched the sick man and healed him, and then, sent him away.
JESUS then turned and asked them two more questions, “Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? Then, HE quickly follows up with another question, “If your son, or your cow falls into a pit on the Sabbath, would you not hesitate to try and get them out right away? But again, being caught up in their own web of deceit, the Pharisees would not answer (Luke 14:3-6).
Throughout HIS three-year ministry, JESUS never refused the hospitality of anyone, and to that end, HE never abandoned the hope of converting, or appealing to a lost soul. In this case, HE even accepted the invitation of a known enemy, because HE wanted HIS followers to see such occasions as an opportunity to possibly convert a lost soul, and even turn an enemy into a friend.
We must remember that almost every time JESUS met with members of the religious hierarchy in Jerusalem and other places, HE would leave one or more of them feeling convicted, or in some cases, with a converted heart. JESUS is always, in a divine sort of way, luring the hearts of men from a state of arrogance and pride, and into the realm of humility and dependence on GOD.
In Luke 14:7-14, after JESUS had noticed how all the quests were jockeying to be seated in a place of honor at the head of the table, HE began to advise them with a parable aimed at teaching people some of the advantages of being humble. He gives them an illustration of how pride can set a person up to be humiliated, or knocked down. HE tells them in verses 8-9, not to always head for the best seat. What if someone, more respected than you, has also been invited? Then the host will have to come and tell you to let that person sit there instead, and you might be embarrassed, and have to move to whatever seat is left at the foot of the table. Instead, find you a place at the foot of the table. That way, you put yourself in a position where you can only be moved up to a more honored seat, closer to the head of the table. The proud person sets himself up to be humbled, but the humble person sets himself up to be honored.
And finally, in Luke 14:15-24, we see JESUS presenting the invited guest with yet another parable. This time HE turns our attention to the most important of all invitations. It is the invitation to salvation that HE HIMSELF came to deliver. Here JESUS gives the illustration of a man who prepared a great feast for which he sent out many invitations. When the time of the feast came, he even sent his servants out to notify them that the time had come. One by one they all begin to make lame excuses as to why they could not attend. When the servants returned and told their master what had happened, in his anger, he sent them back out instructing them to go into the streets and alleys of the city and invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. After this, he sent them back out, this time into the country places to ask everyone that they might see, to come to the feast, so that his house would be filled.
This parable serves to show us that GOD invites all people to enter into the salvation feast. However, only those who are humble enough to accept HIS invitation through CHRIST will be able to attend. Salvation is for all who are willing to first humble themselves enough to repent, and then, accept the invitation and come by faith to CHRIST.
Ironically, this passage, Luke 14:15-24, was the text of the last sermon preached by the highly respected minister, D.L. Moody in Kansas City, way back in 1899, only one month prior to his death. But it is a message of salvation that was first delivered by CHRIST JESUS, from the house of an unbeliever, somewhere in the midst of the city of Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. And JESUS had no doubt inspired a hope in Moody similar to hope that HE had previously inspired in HIS original disciples. It is a hope that each generation would take advantage of the opportunity to share in the coming feast that can only be attended, by those who are humble enough to accept the invitation.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry Dell Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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