WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 17, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD IS MY REFUGE
(GOD is our safe place)
(Psalm 46)
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 the times of trouble, which surely awaits us, just around the next bend of our Christian walk.
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 CHRIST 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
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 10, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S CREATION AND LAW SUSTAINS US
(GOD’s natural & specific revelations prompt self-examination)
(Psalms 19)
The Book of Psalms contains 150 lyric poems that deeply enrich our understanding of our own humanity, and, our own personal relationship with the GOD WHO created us. The wonderful messages of this timeless book exposes how deeply GOD cares about the sinful circumstances of our life experiences, and how those circumstances manifest themselves in our emotional reactions to those life experiences.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “psalm” is “mismowr” (miz-more), and it is simply a poem that has been set to music. From the beginning this beautiful collection of poetry has played an important role in worship, and during David’s reign, these psalms were regularly sang by believers while they were in Jerusalem attending the major festivals, and, during daily worship services, both private and corporate.
Revelation, is primarily “the giving and reception of information that is helpful and beneficial to one physically, spiritual, or mentally”. Man never seeks knowledge just for knowledge sake, but rather, for what that knowledge can do to make his life more worth living. It has also been GOD’s message to man, that, obedience to HIM, and life through HIM, is the only life worth living.
Psalm 19 shows how GOD, as THE CREATOR, reveals HIMSELF to us naturally, through the works of HIS hands here on earth (Vs. 1-6), and how HE, as THE LAWGIVER, reveals HIMSELF to us specifically, through HIS divine laws, morals, and principals, that HE has given us to live by (Vs. 7-11).
In verses 1-6, we see how the heavenly creation, the sun, the moon, and the stars reveal to us, the glory and power of GOD without saying a single word. They continue to speak volumes, by way of their very presence, to all mankind, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, and their message is equally intelligible to all.
In verses 7-11 the efficacious nature of GOD’s law is described by David. In other words, David lends a description of how obedience to GOD’s law produces a desirable effect in the lives of those who choose to follow it. GOD wants us, as believers, to be able to prove to the world of lost humanity through our behavior, that Christianity really does produce the best men and women.
In the biblical Hebrew, the word used for “law” is “torah”, and it stands for all written revelation of GOD to man. However, in this passage, David celebrates the specific statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances that instruct us in living GODly lives.
And finally, in verses 12-14 we see a self examination by David. Only through a careful, constant study of GOD’s word, and a faithful keeping of GOD’s law, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, can we keep away from sin. We can’t possibly know all of the sin that lurks in the human heart, but GOD does. HE can cleanse us from those hidden sins, and, HE can also keep us from deliberate sins, while, at one and the same time, keeping them from controlling us.
It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that wrong things, will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. A right relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset. The person who loses their heart to the things of this world is the person most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For, that is the warning in the messages that the ancient prophets, and New Testament writers and thinkers all leave us with. And those warnings are as valid today as they ever were, and so, the fact that we Christians cast everything over to GOD does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing. We still must get to know GOD as well as we can, so that we can defend the Gospel of CHRIST, and be able to perform successfully, the one job that CHRIST JESUS has given us to do, and that is, to personally and collectively, spread the good news of the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. And our faith must be like a solid rock, that resists the temptations of satan, and causes him to retreat, through our power in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Matthew 28:19-20).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 10, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S CREATION AND LAW SUSTAINS US
(GOD’s natural & specific revelations prompt self-examination)
(Psalms 19)
The Book of Psalms contains 150 lyric poems that deeply enrich our understanding of our own humanity, and, our own personal relationship with the GOD WHO created us. The wonderful messages of this timeless book exposes how deeply GOD cares about the sinful circumstances of our life experiences, and how those circumstances manifest themselves in our emotional reactions to those life experiences.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “psalm” is “mismowr” (miz-more), and it is simply a poem that has been set to music. From the beginning this beautiful collection of poetry has played an important role in worship, and during David’s reign, these psalms were regularly sang by believers while they were in Jerusalem attending the major festivals, and, during daily worship services, both private and corporate.
Revelation, is primarily “the giving and reception of information that is helpful and beneficial to one physically, spiritual, or mentally”. Man never seeks knowledge just for knowledge sake, but rather, for what that knowledge can do to make his life more worth living. It has also been GOD’s message to man, that, obedience to HIM, and life through HIM, is the only life worth living.
Psalm 19 shows how GOD, as THE CREATOR, reveals HIMSELF to us naturally, through the works of HIS hands here on earth (Vs. 1-6), and how HE, as THE LAWGIVER, reveals HIMSELF to us specifically, through HIS divine laws, morals, and principals, that HE has given us to live by (Vs. 7-11).
In verses 1-6, we see how the heavenly creation, the sun, the moon, and the stars reveal to us, the glory and power of GOD without saying a single word. They continue to speak volumes, by way of their very presence, to all mankind, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, and their message is equally intelligible to all.
In verses 7-11 the efficacious nature of GOD’s law is described by David. In other words, David lends a description of how obedience to GOD’s law produces a desirable effect in the lives of those who choose to follow it. GOD wants us, as believers, to be able to prove to the world of lost humanity through our behavior, that Christianity really does produce the best men and women.
In the biblical Hebrew, the word used for “law” is “torah”, and it stands for all written revelation of GOD to man. However, in this passage, David celebrates the specific statutes, precepts, commands, and ordinances that instruct us in living GODly lives.
And finally, in verses 12-14 we see a self examination by David. Only through a careful, constant study of GOD’s word, and a faithful keeping of GOD’s law, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, can we keep away from sin. We can’t possibly know all of the sin that lurks in the human heart, but GOD does. HE can cleanse us from those hidden sins, and, HE can also keep us from deliberate sins, while, at one and the same time, keeping them from controlling us.
It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that wrong things, will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. A right relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset. The person who loses their heart to the things of this world is the person most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For, that is the warning in the messages that the ancient prophets, and New Testament writers and thinkers all leave us with. And those warnings are as valid today as they ever were, and so, the fact that we Christians cast everything over to GOD does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing. We still must get to know GOD as well as we can, so that we can defend the Gospel of CHRIST, and be able to perform successfully, the one job that CHRIST JESUS has given us to do, and that is, to personally and collectively, spread the good news of the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. And our faith must be like a solid rock, that resists the temptations of satan, and causes him to retreat, through our power in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Matthew 28:19-20).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, October 1, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 3, 2010
____________________________________________
CARING FOR THE CREATIONS OF GOD
(GOD entrusts us with HIS creation)
(Psalm 8 & Genesis 1:26-2:25)
King David wrote in the 8th Psalm that, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of YOUR fingers, the moon and the stars that YOU have set in place, what are mortals that YOU should think of us, mere humans that YOU should care for us? For YOU made us only a little lower than angels, and YOU crowned us with glory and honor. YOU put us in charge of everything YOU made, giving us authority over all things, the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents” (NLT).
The, life of CHRIST, is the embodiment of the statement, “We must live like GOD, in order to reveal GOD, here on this earth”. In Genesis chapter 1, we learn how, from day one, GOD uses “divisions” and “distinctions” in order to fulfill HIS divine purpose.
For example, on day one, GOD separated the “light” from the “darkness”. On day two, HE separated the “atmospheric waters” of the heavens above, from the “terrestrial waters” of the earth beneath. On the third day, GOD separated the “land” from the “seas”. On the fourth day, GOD further distinguished the night from the day, by appointing the sun to preside over the daylight hours, and the moon and stars to govern the night. On the fifth day, GOD distinguished between the animal life HE created for the water (fish), and the animal life HE created for the air (birds). And finally, on the sixth day, we see GOD making HIS greatest distinction of all. On this day, GOD even makes a distinction in how HE created, or, in HIS creation method.
Here we see that, after GOD had created, all manner of animal livestock and wildlife that were to dwell on dry land, in dramatic fashion, HE changed HIS creation method when HE created man. Instead of speaking man into existence, or forming him from the dust and leaving him without spirit, as HE had done with all of HIS other animal creation, HE decided that HE would fashion man from the dust of the earth, in HIS OWN image, and then breathe into him, HIS breath, or spirit of life, embodying him with HIS OWN “Communicable Attributes”. Those attributes include Life, Personality, Wisdom, Love, Justice, Truth, and Holiness.
These same attributes provide us with the spiritual capacity we need, in order for us to fellowship with, and worship GOD. They are also the qualities we needed in order for us to reflect HIS image to others the way that the coming CHRIST would do. And they also equip us with the capacity to care for ourselves and GOD’s other creation, similarly to the way GOD cares for us.
GOD blessed us and instructed us to multiply ourselves, through the miracle of the wonderful reproductive system that HE has also provided us with, and, we were to subdue all of HIS other creation, and maintain the responsibility of dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28).
GOD then set up all of HIS human and animal creation with an almost unlimited vegetarian diet (vs. 29-30), with only one distinction, or restriction, they could not eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. All of these things were in place, by the climax of the sixth day of our LORD’s creative works.
In Genesis chapter 2, the author of GOD, Moses, tells us that, on the seventh day, GOD rested, or paused from HIS work, and HE distinguished and separated that day from all the other days, and, declared it holy (vs. 1-3). Man is forbidden by GOD from doing any work on that day, and also is forbidden from compelling his children, employees, or even his animals to work seven days (Exodus 20:8-11).
After Moses gives us an in-depth, detailed look at the creation of mankind (vs. 4-7), he then tells how GOD carefully shaped the “Garden of Eden” so that Adam and Eve would be able to use all of those communicable attributes that HE had given them, to take care of their place of residence, here on earth. They were to come in handy as they explored and discovered their love for beauty, their delight in meaningful work, their moral responsibility, and even their passion for invention (vs. 8-20).
When GOD fashioned beautiful Eve from the rib of Adam (the world’s first surgery), it let man know that he and woman would always share a common identity. They would always be equals sharing in GOD’s likeness and image, and, as husband and wife, they should always be distinct, and yet inseparable. They share an equal responsibility in caring for each other, and, for all of GOD’s creation.
We, as human beings, are to worship only GOD, love people, and use things. Those three things must always be kept in that order. And we, as men and women, must never lose sight of the fact that our commonalities, the divisions and distinctions of our physical forms and human functions, our earthly roles, and, our spiritual responsibilities of fellowship with GOD, are all invaluable gifts and privileges, that have only been given to us as GOD’s special creation, in order that we may have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 3, 2010
____________________________________________
CARING FOR THE CREATIONS OF GOD
(GOD entrusts us with HIS creation)
(Psalm 8 & Genesis 1:26-2:25)
King David wrote in the 8th Psalm that, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of YOUR fingers, the moon and the stars that YOU have set in place, what are mortals that YOU should think of us, mere humans that YOU should care for us? For YOU made us only a little lower than angels, and YOU crowned us with glory and honor. YOU put us in charge of everything YOU made, giving us authority over all things, the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents” (NLT).
The, life of CHRIST, is the embodiment of the statement, “We must live like GOD, in order to reveal GOD, here on this earth”. In Genesis chapter 1, we learn how, from day one, GOD uses “divisions” and “distinctions” in order to fulfill HIS divine purpose.
For example, on day one, GOD separated the “light” from the “darkness”. On day two, HE separated the “atmospheric waters” of the heavens above, from the “terrestrial waters” of the earth beneath. On the third day, GOD separated the “land” from the “seas”. On the fourth day, GOD further distinguished the night from the day, by appointing the sun to preside over the daylight hours, and the moon and stars to govern the night. On the fifth day, GOD distinguished between the animal life HE created for the water (fish), and the animal life HE created for the air (birds). And finally, on the sixth day, we see GOD making HIS greatest distinction of all. On this day, GOD even makes a distinction in how HE created, or, in HIS creation method.
Here we see that, after GOD had created, all manner of animal livestock and wildlife that were to dwell on dry land, in dramatic fashion, HE changed HIS creation method when HE created man. Instead of speaking man into existence, or forming him from the dust and leaving him without spirit, as HE had done with all of HIS other animal creation, HE decided that HE would fashion man from the dust of the earth, in HIS OWN image, and then breathe into him, HIS breath, or spirit of life, embodying him with HIS OWN “Communicable Attributes”. Those attributes include Life, Personality, Wisdom, Love, Justice, Truth, and Holiness.
These same attributes provide us with the spiritual capacity we need, in order for us to fellowship with, and worship GOD. They are also the qualities we needed in order for us to reflect HIS image to others the way that the coming CHRIST would do. And they also equip us with the capacity to care for ourselves and GOD’s other creation, similarly to the way GOD cares for us.
GOD blessed us and instructed us to multiply ourselves, through the miracle of the wonderful reproductive system that HE has also provided us with, and, we were to subdue all of HIS other creation, and maintain the responsibility of dominion over it (Genesis 1:26-28).
GOD then set up all of HIS human and animal creation with an almost unlimited vegetarian diet (vs. 29-30), with only one distinction, or restriction, they could not eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. All of these things were in place, by the climax of the sixth day of our LORD’s creative works.
In Genesis chapter 2, the author of GOD, Moses, tells us that, on the seventh day, GOD rested, or paused from HIS work, and HE distinguished and separated that day from all the other days, and, declared it holy (vs. 1-3). Man is forbidden by GOD from doing any work on that day, and also is forbidden from compelling his children, employees, or even his animals to work seven days (Exodus 20:8-11).
After Moses gives us an in-depth, detailed look at the creation of mankind (vs. 4-7), he then tells how GOD carefully shaped the “Garden of Eden” so that Adam and Eve would be able to use all of those communicable attributes that HE had given them, to take care of their place of residence, here on earth. They were to come in handy as they explored and discovered their love for beauty, their delight in meaningful work, their moral responsibility, and even their passion for invention (vs. 8-20).
When GOD fashioned beautiful Eve from the rib of Adam (the world’s first surgery), it let man know that he and woman would always share a common identity. They would always be equals sharing in GOD’s likeness and image, and, as husband and wife, they should always be distinct, and yet inseparable. They share an equal responsibility in caring for each other, and, for all of GOD’s creation.
We, as human beings, are to worship only GOD, love people, and use things. Those three things must always be kept in that order. And we, as men and women, must never lose sight of the fact that our commonalities, the divisions and distinctions of our physical forms and human functions, our earthly roles, and, our spiritual responsibilities of fellowship with GOD, are all invaluable gifts and privileges, that have only been given to us as GOD’s special creation, in order that we may have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, September 24, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 26, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE
(GOD is faithful, loving, and just)
(Exodus 34)
The Ten Commandments still stand as GOD’s instructions to man on how HE wishes us to live our lives here on earth. These laws cannot be, and will not be disregarded, contrary to today’s seemingly popular opinion, or demonstration of that opinion, which is reflected through our behavior, even here in the good ole U.S. of A.
In fact, we experience the effects of our blatant disobedience to these laws, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, through the death, destruction, and decay that is allowed as a consequence of our sins against “THE GOD” that too many people don’t even believe exists. The nations that recognize GOD the least are clearly the nations that most often suffer severe, sudden, or ongoing catastrophes and crises, be they social, economic, or natural in their manifestations.
The good news is that, despite all of our blatant disobedience to GOD’s instructions, HE continues to demonstrate HIS unconditional love and faithfulness to a people that is sorely lacking in both of those qualities. HE gives us chance after chance to repent, and sorrowfully confess our wrongdoing, and start all over again fresh and renewed. And although many may take the opportunity to confess and start over, few if any remain faithful to their promise to GOD.
In Exodus 34, a new copy of the “Ten Commandments” is given to Moses, by GOD, to replace the original one that Moses had broken in anger (Exodus 32:19), after he found the people celebrating and worshipping the golden calf that his brother, Aaron, had made. GOD instructed Moses to make two more stone tablets just like the first ones, and then, return to the top of Mount Sinai alone. Moses did as he was instructed and the LORD appeared to him in the form of a cloud and called HIS OWN name out to Moses. Moses immediately fell to the ground and worshipped, and then, began to plead in intercession for his people, Israel, and as a result, the LORD accepted his petition.
In addition to re-issuing the Decalogue to Moses, GOD also renewed HIS “Mosaic Covenant” with HIS “chosen people”. The stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments represented a tangible token of GOD’s unique relationship with Israel. However, GOD also instructed Moses to write down numerous other instructions by which the people, who wished to call themselves “GOD’s people”, were to live by (vs. 10-27). GOD also wanted the people to know that HIS instructions represented a recipe on how we can remain close to HIM, and that, that recipe for living, was still binding as far as HE is concerned.
Moses met with GOD face to face, and no man has done that, before or since. Scripture tells us that GOD spoke with him as a man would speak with a friend, and, when GOD met with Moses on this occasion, HE sought to emphasize and stress HIS unfailing love and forgiveness for HIS most prized creation, which is, mankind. And, even though man had, and does, continue to disobey GOD’s will, GOD continues to extend mercy, compassion, and forgiveness to us.
However, GOD will not, and cannot allow sin to go unpunished, and there will always be consequences for the iniquities of man, that GOD will exact upon him, so that he will always appreciate the benefits and blessings that come as a result of making right choices instead.
What the LORD said to the Israelites way back then (Deuteronomy 11:26-28), HE is still saying to us today; “Behold! Today I AM giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your GOD that I AM giving you today. You will receive a curse if you reject the commands of the LORD your GOD and turn from HIS way by worshipping other gods” (NLT).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 26, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE
(GOD is faithful, loving, and just)
(Exodus 34)
The Ten Commandments still stand as GOD’s instructions to man on how HE wishes us to live our lives here on earth. These laws cannot be, and will not be disregarded, contrary to today’s seemingly popular opinion, or demonstration of that opinion, which is reflected through our behavior, even here in the good ole U.S. of A.
In fact, we experience the effects of our blatant disobedience to these laws, all over the world, every single minute of every single day, through the death, destruction, and decay that is allowed as a consequence of our sins against “THE GOD” that too many people don’t even believe exists. The nations that recognize GOD the least are clearly the nations that most often suffer severe, sudden, or ongoing catastrophes and crises, be they social, economic, or natural in their manifestations.
The good news is that, despite all of our blatant disobedience to GOD’s instructions, HE continues to demonstrate HIS unconditional love and faithfulness to a people that is sorely lacking in both of those qualities. HE gives us chance after chance to repent, and sorrowfully confess our wrongdoing, and start all over again fresh and renewed. And although many may take the opportunity to confess and start over, few if any remain faithful to their promise to GOD.
In Exodus 34, a new copy of the “Ten Commandments” is given to Moses, by GOD, to replace the original one that Moses had broken in anger (Exodus 32:19), after he found the people celebrating and worshipping the golden calf that his brother, Aaron, had made. GOD instructed Moses to make two more stone tablets just like the first ones, and then, return to the top of Mount Sinai alone. Moses did as he was instructed and the LORD appeared to him in the form of a cloud and called HIS OWN name out to Moses. Moses immediately fell to the ground and worshipped, and then, began to plead in intercession for his people, Israel, and as a result, the LORD accepted his petition.
In addition to re-issuing the Decalogue to Moses, GOD also renewed HIS “Mosaic Covenant” with HIS “chosen people”. The stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments represented a tangible token of GOD’s unique relationship with Israel. However, GOD also instructed Moses to write down numerous other instructions by which the people, who wished to call themselves “GOD’s people”, were to live by (vs. 10-27). GOD also wanted the people to know that HIS instructions represented a recipe on how we can remain close to HIM, and that, that recipe for living, was still binding as far as HE is concerned.
Moses met with GOD face to face, and no man has done that, before or since. Scripture tells us that GOD spoke with him as a man would speak with a friend, and, when GOD met with Moses on this occasion, HE sought to emphasize and stress HIS unfailing love and forgiveness for HIS most prized creation, which is, mankind. And, even though man had, and does, continue to disobey GOD’s will, GOD continues to extend mercy, compassion, and forgiveness to us.
However, GOD will not, and cannot allow sin to go unpunished, and there will always be consequences for the iniquities of man, that GOD will exact upon him, so that he will always appreciate the benefits and blessings that come as a result of making right choices instead.
What the LORD said to the Israelites way back then (Deuteronomy 11:26-28), HE is still saying to us today; “Behold! Today I AM giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your GOD that I AM giving you today. You will receive a curse if you reject the commands of the LORD your GOD and turn from HIS way by worshipping other gods” (NLT).
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, September 17, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 19, 2010
____________________________________________
NO OTHER GODS
(Our GOD is a jealous GOD)
(Exodus 32)
The rebellious incident by Israeli idolaters, that is depicted in Exodus 32 at the foot of Mount Sinai, shows quite clearly, man’s desperate need for a priesthood and tabernacle system that helps him to keep a persistent relationship of friendship and fellowship with GOD the CREATOR.
The reason that the Gospel must be preached continually, is because man continuously suppresses the truth. After being out of church and worship services for only a short while (since they left Goshen in Egypt), the Israelites were already clearly out of spiritual touch with GOD, WHO had just recently freed them from slavery in Egypt by way of HIS many miraculous deeds.
In the very shadows of a rumbling Mount Sinai the people urge, and ultimately persuade Aaron, to built them an idol of gold, so that they could worship it, instead of GOD. Here in this passage we see that, being without good spiritual leadership, for only a few days, proved fatal to about 3000 people in the short term (vs. 27-28), and many, many more in the long run (v. 35).
While Moses was experiencing a spiritual triumph of sorts in his own rights, the people of Israel had plummeted to one of their all-time lows in their spiritual behavior. Like many Christians today, we often accuse GOD of moving too slowly to please us, and we either try to help GOD out, or, we simply change gods all together, as is the case in this passage of scripture.
Throughout the book of Exodus we see the ungrateful people of Israel reacting to GOD with unprecedented insensitive, rebellious behavior. And whenever Moses would encounter such rebellion among his flock, he would immediately intercede in prayer to GOD to have mercy upon his wayward members. In Exodus 32:11-14 and 30-32, Moses rightly did not base his prayer for the people on their own human merit. He, instead, asked GOD to do it for HIS OWN glorification. He asked GOD to consider HIS OWN faithfulness, and, HIS OWN commitment to HIS people, which flowed from HIS OWN good character.
And while Moses’ prayer did not really change GOD’s mind, for GOD’s anger against the Israelites was truly legit, however, his prayer shows GOD his genuine concern, both, for his people, and, above all, for his concern for GOD’s honor and glorification in the world’s sight (vs. 11-13). Moses’ prayer was effective because his motives were righteous. When we pray with righteous and unselfish motives, GOD is just to answer them quickly and positively.
And finally (vs. 30-35), to act wickedly is to do harm to ones self, and, to others. Evil violates GOD’s unchanging standards, which HE long ago set for HIS human creation. Evil causes “wicked acts”, and, evil is a consequential result of “wicked acts”. Idolatry is just one of the many “wicked acts” that man performs against GOD on a daily, minute-by-minute basis. Making wrong moral choices is what men without GOD do best, and we’ve already proven long ago, that, without GOD, we can’t do anything right, for too long.
As our moral ruler, GOD does not do evil, but rather, HE brings disaster upon evil-doers. And ultimately, when and if we repent, GOD is just and faithful to forgive us. GOD gave Moses a new stone tablet containing the Ten Commandments, after Moses had destroyed the first one in anger. And GOD re-affirmed HIS covenant relationship with HIS chosen people. GOD also re-emphasized HIS laws, which calls for us to worship only HIM. And while Oprah Winfrey and other prominent people try to tell us that there are many ways to get to Heaven, GOD’s word tells us quite clearly, that, the only way to come to HIM is through our belief in, and, our acceptance of, HIS only begotten SON, our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 19, 2010
____________________________________________
NO OTHER GODS
(Our GOD is a jealous GOD)
(Exodus 32)
The rebellious incident by Israeli idolaters, that is depicted in Exodus 32 at the foot of Mount Sinai, shows quite clearly, man’s desperate need for a priesthood and tabernacle system that helps him to keep a persistent relationship of friendship and fellowship with GOD the CREATOR.
The reason that the Gospel must be preached continually, is because man continuously suppresses the truth. After being out of church and worship services for only a short while (since they left Goshen in Egypt), the Israelites were already clearly out of spiritual touch with GOD, WHO had just recently freed them from slavery in Egypt by way of HIS many miraculous deeds.
In the very shadows of a rumbling Mount Sinai the people urge, and ultimately persuade Aaron, to built them an idol of gold, so that they could worship it, instead of GOD. Here in this passage we see that, being without good spiritual leadership, for only a few days, proved fatal to about 3000 people in the short term (vs. 27-28), and many, many more in the long run (v. 35).
While Moses was experiencing a spiritual triumph of sorts in his own rights, the people of Israel had plummeted to one of their all-time lows in their spiritual behavior. Like many Christians today, we often accuse GOD of moving too slowly to please us, and we either try to help GOD out, or, we simply change gods all together, as is the case in this passage of scripture.
Throughout the book of Exodus we see the ungrateful people of Israel reacting to GOD with unprecedented insensitive, rebellious behavior. And whenever Moses would encounter such rebellion among his flock, he would immediately intercede in prayer to GOD to have mercy upon his wayward members. In Exodus 32:11-14 and 30-32, Moses rightly did not base his prayer for the people on their own human merit. He, instead, asked GOD to do it for HIS OWN glorification. He asked GOD to consider HIS OWN faithfulness, and, HIS OWN commitment to HIS people, which flowed from HIS OWN good character.
And while Moses’ prayer did not really change GOD’s mind, for GOD’s anger against the Israelites was truly legit, however, his prayer shows GOD his genuine concern, both, for his people, and, above all, for his concern for GOD’s honor and glorification in the world’s sight (vs. 11-13). Moses’ prayer was effective because his motives were righteous. When we pray with righteous and unselfish motives, GOD is just to answer them quickly and positively.
And finally (vs. 30-35), to act wickedly is to do harm to ones self, and, to others. Evil violates GOD’s unchanging standards, which HE long ago set for HIS human creation. Evil causes “wicked acts”, and, evil is a consequential result of “wicked acts”. Idolatry is just one of the many “wicked acts” that man performs against GOD on a daily, minute-by-minute basis. Making wrong moral choices is what men without GOD do best, and we’ve already proven long ago, that, without GOD, we can’t do anything right, for too long.
As our moral ruler, GOD does not do evil, but rather, HE brings disaster upon evil-doers. And ultimately, when and if we repent, GOD is just and faithful to forgive us. GOD gave Moses a new stone tablet containing the Ten Commandments, after Moses had destroyed the first one in anger. And GOD re-affirmed HIS covenant relationship with HIS chosen people. GOD also re-emphasized HIS laws, which calls for us to worship only HIM. And while Oprah Winfrey and other prominent people try to tell us that there are many ways to get to Heaven, GOD’s word tells us quite clearly, that, the only way to come to HIM is through our belief in, and, our acceptance of, HIS only begotten SON, our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, September 10, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 12, 2010
____________________________________________
MAKING A COVENANT
(Living in covenant with GOD)
(Exodus 20:1-21)
In Exodus 20, verses 1-17, GOD instructed the newly freed Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, as to how HE wanted them to live their lives from that point forward. This critical list of spiritual and moral instructions came to be known as “The Law”, “the Decalogue”, or more commonly, “The Ten Commandments”. It was a covenant by which the Israelites were to govern their lives in the land which GOD was about to give them.
In Exodus 24, verses 1-8, we see them accepting GOD’s new covenant as it had been given to them, through Moses. However, man could not then, and quite frankly, cannot now, abide by such a covenant, because our sin continuously interrupts our relationship with GOD on a daily basis. That is why, ultimately, it took the life of CHRIST to restore our lost relationship of friendship with GOD. GOD sent HIS SON JESUS to usher in to us, a new covenant. This covenant is far superior to the old covenant that was carved in stone some 1500 years earlier, and given to Moses. This covenant ushered in by CHRIST, is to be engraved on the hearts and minds of mankind forever, and is intended to make it possible for us to restore a right relationship of friendship with GOD.
The old covenant laws were given to us to reveal our sins and to show us just how far we really are from GOD’s excellent standards. In that respect, the old covenant could only condemn us for our lifestyles. The New Covenant, by contrast, brings forgiveness through CHRIST JESUS, and thereby, can only save us in spite of our lifestyles. It is, quite literally, a covenant of “salvation” that can only be given to those who voluntarily accept GOD, in all HIS fullness.
In the Greek, the word used for “covenant”, in all normal secular applications, is “suntheke” (soon-tha-kay), and it is “an agreement between two equal parties or entities, on equal terms”, i.e. a marriage, or a business deal or partnership. However, in New Testament Scriptures, the Greek word that is always used for “covenant” is “diatheke” (dee-ath-ay-kay), and it is “an agreement that is actually along the terms of a “devised will”. In other words, only one party draws up the terms, and the other party can either accept or reject the terms, or inheritance, that is offered. They cannot change or alter any of the contents within that will.
The choice of this word, (diatheke), is understandable, because we, as human beings, cannot enter into an equal partnership with GOD, and cannot be on equal terms with GOD for obvious reasons. We are only able to make a voluntary decision to accept, or reject HIS covenant offer, and cannot alter, or change HIS terms in any way.
Even in the secular world, we know that a will does not go into effect until the person who wrote it has been proven dead. JESUS, WHO is our HIGH PRIEST, first died on the cross for our sins, then, re-entered into Heaven itself, bearing HIS OWN blood to present to our FATHER GOD, as a sacrificial atonement for all those sins, past, present, and future. And with HIS sacrifice, HE purchased eternal salvation for all mankind in general, and all Christians in particular, once, and for all time. In short, JESUS is the mediator of the New Covenant that was activated by HIS OWN death.
In CHRIST, we are freed from the futile search for salvation by works, or by obeying “The Law”. We are now free to express the reality of a salvation that one can receive only “for free”. GOD is too rich to sell it, and all men, no matter how endowed with earthly riches they are, is still, too poor to purchase it.
The Ten Commandments paint a lovely vision of a just and moral society that man can never realize without spiritual intervention from GOD. In those commandments, and, in CHRIST, we see exactly what GOD is like. By obeying them, our lives here on earth, becomes undeniably better with each passing day. However, it is only through our acceptance of CHRIST JESUS, while we are yet living here on earth, will we be able to obtain eternal life in Heaven, with the GOD WHO sees us, and desires exceedingly, to save us, from ourselves.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 12, 2010
____________________________________________
MAKING A COVENANT
(Living in covenant with GOD)
(Exodus 20:1-21)
In Exodus 20, verses 1-17, GOD instructed the newly freed Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, as to how HE wanted them to live their lives from that point forward. This critical list of spiritual and moral instructions came to be known as “The Law”, “the Decalogue”, or more commonly, “The Ten Commandments”. It was a covenant by which the Israelites were to govern their lives in the land which GOD was about to give them.
In Exodus 24, verses 1-8, we see them accepting GOD’s new covenant as it had been given to them, through Moses. However, man could not then, and quite frankly, cannot now, abide by such a covenant, because our sin continuously interrupts our relationship with GOD on a daily basis. That is why, ultimately, it took the life of CHRIST to restore our lost relationship of friendship with GOD. GOD sent HIS SON JESUS to usher in to us, a new covenant. This covenant is far superior to the old covenant that was carved in stone some 1500 years earlier, and given to Moses. This covenant ushered in by CHRIST, is to be engraved on the hearts and minds of mankind forever, and is intended to make it possible for us to restore a right relationship of friendship with GOD.
The old covenant laws were given to us to reveal our sins and to show us just how far we really are from GOD’s excellent standards. In that respect, the old covenant could only condemn us for our lifestyles. The New Covenant, by contrast, brings forgiveness through CHRIST JESUS, and thereby, can only save us in spite of our lifestyles. It is, quite literally, a covenant of “salvation” that can only be given to those who voluntarily accept GOD, in all HIS fullness.
In the Greek, the word used for “covenant”, in all normal secular applications, is “suntheke” (soon-tha-kay), and it is “an agreement between two equal parties or entities, on equal terms”, i.e. a marriage, or a business deal or partnership. However, in New Testament Scriptures, the Greek word that is always used for “covenant” is “diatheke” (dee-ath-ay-kay), and it is “an agreement that is actually along the terms of a “devised will”. In other words, only one party draws up the terms, and the other party can either accept or reject the terms, or inheritance, that is offered. They cannot change or alter any of the contents within that will.
The choice of this word, (diatheke), is understandable, because we, as human beings, cannot enter into an equal partnership with GOD, and cannot be on equal terms with GOD for obvious reasons. We are only able to make a voluntary decision to accept, or reject HIS covenant offer, and cannot alter, or change HIS terms in any way.
Even in the secular world, we know that a will does not go into effect until the person who wrote it has been proven dead. JESUS, WHO is our HIGH PRIEST, first died on the cross for our sins, then, re-entered into Heaven itself, bearing HIS OWN blood to present to our FATHER GOD, as a sacrificial atonement for all those sins, past, present, and future. And with HIS sacrifice, HE purchased eternal salvation for all mankind in general, and all Christians in particular, once, and for all time. In short, JESUS is the mediator of the New Covenant that was activated by HIS OWN death.
In CHRIST, we are freed from the futile search for salvation by works, or by obeying “The Law”. We are now free to express the reality of a salvation that one can receive only “for free”. GOD is too rich to sell it, and all men, no matter how endowed with earthly riches they are, is still, too poor to purchase it.
The Ten Commandments paint a lovely vision of a just and moral society that man can never realize without spiritual intervention from GOD. In those commandments, and, in CHRIST, we see exactly what GOD is like. By obeying them, our lives here on earth, becomes undeniably better with each passing day. However, it is only through our acceptance of CHRIST JESUS, while we are yet living here on earth, will we be able to obtain eternal life in Heaven, with the GOD WHO sees us, and desires exceedingly, to save us, from ourselves.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, September 3, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 5, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S REVELATION TO MOSES
(The eternal GOD continues to reveal HIMSELF)
(Exodus 3)
Exodus chapter three tells of the confrontation of GOD with Moses, by way of the biblical Theophany, or manifestation of CHRIST, now known as “The burning bush”. Here GOD commissions Moses to deliver HIS Israelite people from out of the chains of slavery in Egypt. Verses 1-3 present the circumstances of Moses’ calling after he had spent some forty years in the wilderness of Midian tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro, near Mount Sinai.
During his first forty years of existence, Moses lived as a prince in Egypt, where he developed his leadership skills, and now his second forty years of existence has been spent as a lowly shepherd, where he was forced to learn about humility. However, the greatest and most memorable segment of his life, his final forty years, is still yet to come, because he is now ready to be used by GOD as the human instrument which GOD would use to set HIS chosen people free, and lead them in their exodus from Egypt. They had suffered greatly in the 450 years or so, since the death of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who had gained great favor with the Egyptian people during his lifetime.
Here in this passage, we see that, one day, as Moses was attending the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro, in the wilderness near the Sinai Mountain, an angel of the LORD appeared to him, in the form of a “burning bush”. Moses was amazed, because the bush was engulfed in flames, and yet, did not burn up. The angel instructs Moses, as to what GOD wanted him to do, regarding leading HIS people out of slavery in Egypt. He also instructs Moses to bring the people back to Mount Sinai, to worship GOD afterwards.
After much protesting, Moses reluctantly accepted the task that was presented to him from GOD that day. When he was a prince in Egypt, he was confident and sure of his abilities to lead any group of people. However, here we see an almost unbelievably humble man, greatly doubting he could tackle such a huge undertaking as the one that GOD was now assigning to him.
And so we see GOD’s plan of humbling Moses has worked. And now, Moses is about to learn something that men continue to learn today, and that is the fact that, it is by GOD’s strength, not ours, that we are successful in our struggles through the storms of life. Here we see that GOD has stripped Moses of an attitude of “self confidence”, and is now about to replace it, with an attitude of “faith and confidence in HIM”.
Through divine intervention, our struggles are made easy when we rely on, and believe in, the power of the only wise GOD. This book of Exodus, besides being one of the greatest adventure stories of all times, is particularly foundational in developing the Christian view of who GOD is, and also, in understanding morality and the nature of worship.
Moses must have deeply felt the stress of leading such a large group of unruly people out of the clutches of slavery. But his firm commitment to his calling, his steady reliance on prayer, and his eventual, total trust in GOD, lives on as an example for every spiritual leader to follow.
Remember, GOD does not forget HIS commitment to us, and we should not neglect our commitment to HIS covenant, that was ushered in by CHRIST JESUS. JESUS set the greatest example of suffering the world has ever seen, and we, in return, should set the greatest example of worship, service, and obedience to GOD, that the world has ever seen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 5, 2010
____________________________________________
GOD’S REVELATION TO MOSES
(The eternal GOD continues to reveal HIMSELF)
(Exodus 3)
Exodus chapter three tells of the confrontation of GOD with Moses, by way of the biblical Theophany, or manifestation of CHRIST, now known as “The burning bush”. Here GOD commissions Moses to deliver HIS Israelite people from out of the chains of slavery in Egypt. Verses 1-3 present the circumstances of Moses’ calling after he had spent some forty years in the wilderness of Midian tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro, near Mount Sinai.
During his first forty years of existence, Moses lived as a prince in Egypt, where he developed his leadership skills, and now his second forty years of existence has been spent as a lowly shepherd, where he was forced to learn about humility. However, the greatest and most memorable segment of his life, his final forty years, is still yet to come, because he is now ready to be used by GOD as the human instrument which GOD would use to set HIS chosen people free, and lead them in their exodus from Egypt. They had suffered greatly in the 450 years or so, since the death of Joseph, the son of Jacob, who had gained great favor with the Egyptian people during his lifetime.
Here in this passage, we see that, one day, as Moses was attending the flocks of his father-in-law Jethro, in the wilderness near the Sinai Mountain, an angel of the LORD appeared to him, in the form of a “burning bush”. Moses was amazed, because the bush was engulfed in flames, and yet, did not burn up. The angel instructs Moses, as to what GOD wanted him to do, regarding leading HIS people out of slavery in Egypt. He also instructs Moses to bring the people back to Mount Sinai, to worship GOD afterwards.
After much protesting, Moses reluctantly accepted the task that was presented to him from GOD that day. When he was a prince in Egypt, he was confident and sure of his abilities to lead any group of people. However, here we see an almost unbelievably humble man, greatly doubting he could tackle such a huge undertaking as the one that GOD was now assigning to him.
And so we see GOD’s plan of humbling Moses has worked. And now, Moses is about to learn something that men continue to learn today, and that is the fact that, it is by GOD’s strength, not ours, that we are successful in our struggles through the storms of life. Here we see that GOD has stripped Moses of an attitude of “self confidence”, and is now about to replace it, with an attitude of “faith and confidence in HIM”.
Through divine intervention, our struggles are made easy when we rely on, and believe in, the power of the only wise GOD. This book of Exodus, besides being one of the greatest adventure stories of all times, is particularly foundational in developing the Christian view of who GOD is, and also, in understanding morality and the nature of worship.
Moses must have deeply felt the stress of leading such a large group of unruly people out of the clutches of slavery. But his firm commitment to his calling, his steady reliance on prayer, and his eventual, total trust in GOD, lives on as an example for every spiritual leader to follow.
Remember, GOD does not forget HIS commitment to us, and we should not neglect our commitment to HIS covenant, that was ushered in by CHRIST JESUS. JESUS set the greatest example of suffering the world has ever seen, and we, in return, should set the greatest example of worship, service, and obedience to GOD, that the world has ever seen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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