WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 8, 2009
_____________________________________________
CHOSEN TO PROCLAIM
(Grow up in your faith)
(1 Peter 2:1-10)
The Christian’s journey toward maturity demands that we remove ourselves from the sinful lifestyle that once fascinated and had power over us. We must grow up in our newfound salvation, and present ourselves as living stones which connects to the spiritual temple that is CHRIST JESUS.
In our new chosen life and walk with CHRIST, we are led out of the darkness of sin, and into the light of right living by GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT. We become aliens to this earth, and, citizens of Heaven, who, by our good examples, will be able to influence the unbeliever with our GODly deeds, choices, and decisions.
In 1 Peter 2, verses 1-10, the apostle of CHRIST JESUS urges the new Christians to rid themselves of malicious behavior and deceit, and stop just pretending to be good. They are encouraged to give up their lives of hypocrisy, jealousy, and backstabbing, and allow themselves a chance to be nourished and transformed by the word of GOD.
In the Greek, the word Peter uses several times in this passage for “stone” is “lithos” (lee-thos) and it was the primary material used in the construction of buildings in those days. It was a rock that was shaped or finished for a specific purpose. Here in verses 4, 6, and 7, Peter depicts the stone as a gem of great value. It is a symbol of the Old Testament thought that described the coming MESSIAH. In verse 4, the concept of the “living stone” reminds us of the resurrection, which demonstrates to us most clearly, the power that is manifested in JESUS as being the SON of the LIVING GOD.
We, as Christians, were urged to come to CHRIST by someone who believed, and, we too, came to believe and understand over time, that JESUS is the “LIVING CORNERSTONE” of GOD’s temple. Those of us, who choose JESUS, are, ourselves, transformed by GOD, into “living stones” to be used in HIS spiritual temple. And anyone who comes to believe in CHRIST will never be disappointed. And, even though JESUS is rejected by most people, HE is, and will always remain, precious to GOD, and, precious to those who believe. To those who believe, JESUS is living power, but to those who do not believe, HE is a stumbling block.
As believers in CHRIST, Christians are called to a holy and royal priesthood. However, this does not so much make us to be “mediators for CHRIST”, as it does make us “worshipers” who are called to make spiritual sacrifices, through a behavior, and examples, that will be acceptable to GOD (1 Peter 2:5).
JESUS CHRIST has been shaped and finished by HIS FATHER GOD for a specific purpose, and HE in turn was sent by GOD to do the same for us. Those of us who believe in JESUS, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, gain the privilege and responsibility of becoming GOD’s true and holy nation.
JESUS CHRIST, the ONE WHO is truly precious, pure, and perfect, is also everlasting. And through HIS vicarious sacrifice, HE has allowed us to become likewise, by way of GOD’s wonderful mercy and justification.
It seems as if GOD has placed a hunger and thirst inside of each of us, innately from birth, and the only way to satisfy that hunger or thirst is by seeking and ultimately finding HIM. It is for the purpose of GOD, that man was ever created in the first place. And just as no man has ever created anything that wasn’t for his own purpose or benefit, so it is with GOD. Man was created to serve GOD. And I guess, until we can grasp and understand that, we’ll just continue to meander around, looking for physical answers, to problems, that have always been, spiritual. May the GOD of peace, continue to help us to grow up in faith.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
Friday, November 6, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 1, 2009
_____________________________________________
THE BEAUTY OF NON-CONFORMITY
(Be holy in all that you do)
(1 Peter 1:13-25)
The “Christian Hope”, has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth conform more fully with the word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST during HIS three-year ministry. All of the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. However, because they wrote to encourage believers, rather than to satisfy historical curiosity, this information often leaves more questions, than it does answers, particularly in the minds of the unbeliever.
No one has ever been able to harmonize all of this information into a completely satisfying chronological account. The Holy Scriptures as we know them, were not assembled by the “Authors of GOD” who wrote them, but rather, they were assembled much later on by second, third, and even fourth generation workers in the early Church.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the original workers in the early Church were those hand-picked apostles of JESUS CHRIST. In the New Testament, two short letters are accredited to the leader of that band of men that JESUS picked, and then entrusted the work of building HIS Church to. His name, given to him by CHRIST, was Peter. It is also widely believed by scholars that the Gospel of John Mark was dictated to him by this apostle, Peter.
Peter is said to have written this letter while in Rome circa A.D. 64 near the end of his life. It was during the turbulent reign of the Emperor Nero when Jewish Christians were suffering heavy persecutions throughout the Roman Empire, and particularly in Asia Minor, which is now the land of Turkey.
Peter sought to encourage those Christians who were living in Asia Minor to cling to the “Christian Hope”, as their suffering was only a part of the Christian life here on earth, and that GOD would reward, in the end, all those who maintained their faith and trust in HIM. The trials that the Christian suffers are only meant to test their faith, just as fire is used to test and purify gold.
In 1 Peter 1, verses 13-25, the apostle calls for Christians to live holy, think clearly, and, to exercise “self-control”, or “to be sober” (in the Greek, “nephontes”) at all times. He also urges them to look forward in earnest expectation (in the Greek, “apokaradokia”) of CHRIST’s return, and to not slip back into their old ways. The Christian must obey the GOD in WHOSE image they are made. And just as a person physically resembles their earthly parent, so must the Christian spiritually resemble their heavenly FATHER through their behavior.
The contrast that Paul alludes to here in this passage is that, we don’t have to make an effort, nor, change our behavior to physically resemble our earthly parents, for it is an automatic occurrence. Our resemblance to GOD, however, can only be manifested through our behavior, which must come through a transformation of the heart. It is a spiritual resemblance that can only be acquired and maintained through our learning, and becoming accustomed to practicing, the word of GOD.
When we choose the Christian walk, we are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD must become paramount to us. It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that, wrong things, will no longer fascinate, nor have power over them. A relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, but the person, who loses their heart to the things of this world, is the person who will remain most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For that is the resounding message, that the Old Testament prophets, and, New Testament writers and thinkers, all leave us with. And that message is just as valid today as it ever was. Our only true hope lies in our ability to maintain a discipline and self-control that is fueled by our obedience and conformance to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO will always compel us towards CHRIST, and away from the gravitational pull of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 1, 2009
_____________________________________________
THE BEAUTY OF NON-CONFORMITY
(Be holy in all that you do)
(1 Peter 1:13-25)
The “Christian Hope”, has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth conform more fully with the word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST during HIS three-year ministry. All of the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. However, because they wrote to encourage believers, rather than to satisfy historical curiosity, this information often leaves more questions, than it does answers, particularly in the minds of the unbeliever.
No one has ever been able to harmonize all of this information into a completely satisfying chronological account. The Holy Scriptures as we know them, were not assembled by the “Authors of GOD” who wrote them, but rather, they were assembled much later on by second, third, and even fourth generation workers in the early Church.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the original workers in the early Church were those hand-picked apostles of JESUS CHRIST. In the New Testament, two short letters are accredited to the leader of that band of men that JESUS picked, and then entrusted the work of building HIS Church to. His name, given to him by CHRIST, was Peter. It is also widely believed by scholars that the Gospel of John Mark was dictated to him by this apostle, Peter.
Peter is said to have written this letter while in Rome circa A.D. 64 near the end of his life. It was during the turbulent reign of the Emperor Nero when Jewish Christians were suffering heavy persecutions throughout the Roman Empire, and particularly in Asia Minor, which is now the land of Turkey.
Peter sought to encourage those Christians who were living in Asia Minor to cling to the “Christian Hope”, as their suffering was only a part of the Christian life here on earth, and that GOD would reward, in the end, all those who maintained their faith and trust in HIM. The trials that the Christian suffers are only meant to test their faith, just as fire is used to test and purify gold.
In 1 Peter 1, verses 13-25, the apostle calls for Christians to live holy, think clearly, and, to exercise “self-control”, or “to be sober” (in the Greek, “nephontes”) at all times. He also urges them to look forward in earnest expectation (in the Greek, “apokaradokia”) of CHRIST’s return, and to not slip back into their old ways. The Christian must obey the GOD in WHOSE image they are made. And just as a person physically resembles their earthly parent, so must the Christian spiritually resemble their heavenly FATHER through their behavior.
The contrast that Paul alludes to here in this passage is that, we don’t have to make an effort, nor, change our behavior to physically resemble our earthly parents, for it is an automatic occurrence. Our resemblance to GOD, however, can only be manifested through our behavior, which must come through a transformation of the heart. It is a spiritual resemblance that can only be acquired and maintained through our learning, and becoming accustomed to practicing, the word of GOD.
When we choose the Christian walk, we are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD must become paramount to us. It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that, wrong things, will no longer fascinate, nor have power over them. A relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, but the person, who loses their heart to the things of this world, is the person who will remain most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For that is the resounding message, that the Old Testament prophets, and, New Testament writers and thinkers, all leave us with. And that message is just as valid today as it ever was. Our only true hope lies in our ability to maintain a discipline and self-control that is fueled by our obedience and conformance to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO will always compel us towards CHRIST, and away from the gravitational pull of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 1, 2009
_____________________________________________
THE BEAUTY OF NON-CONFORMITY
(Be holy in all that you do)
(1 Peter 1:13-25)
The “Christian Hope”, has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth conform more fully with the word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST during HIS three-year ministry. All of the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. However, because they wrote to encourage believers, rather than to satisfy historical curiosity, this information often leaves more questions, than it does answers, particularly in the minds of the unbeliever.
No one has ever been able to harmonize all of this information into a completely satisfying chronological account. The Holy Scriptures as we know them, were not assembled by the “Authors of GOD” who wrote them, but rather, they were assembled much later on by second, third, and even fourth generation workers in the early Church.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the original workers in the early Church were those hand-picked apostles of JESUS CHRIST. In the New Testament, two short letters are accredited to the leader of that band of men that JESUS picked, and then entrusted the work of building HIS Church to. His name, given to him by CHRIST, was Peter. It is also widely believed by scholars that the Gospel of John Mark was dictated to him by this apostle, Peter.
Peter is said to have written this letter while in Rome circa A.D. 64 near the end of his life. It was during the turbulent reign of the Emperor Nero when Jewish Christians were suffering heavy persecutions throughout the Roman Empire, and particularly in Asia Minor, which is now the land of Turkey.
Peter sought to encourage those Christians who were living in Asia Minor to cling to the “Christian Hope”, as their suffering was only a part of the Christian life here on earth, and that GOD would reward, in the end, all those who maintained their faith and trust in HIM. The trials that the Christian suffers are only meant to test their faith, just as fire is used to test and purify gold.
In 1 Peter 1, verses 13-25, the apostle calls for Christians to live holy, think clearly, and, to exercise “self-control”, or “to be sober” (in the Greek, “nephontes”) at all times. He also urges them to look forward in earnest expectation (in the Greek, “apokaradokia”) of CHRIST’s return, and to not slip back into their old ways. The Christian must obey the GOD in WHOSE image they are made. And just as a person physically resembles their earthly parent, so must the Christian spiritually resemble their heavenly FATHER through their behavior.
The contrast that Paul alludes to here in this passage is that, we don’t have to make an effort, nor, change our behavior to physically resemble our earthly parents, for it is an automatic occurrence. Our resemblance to GOD, however, can only be manifested through our behavior, which must come through a transformation of the heart. It is a spiritual resemblance that can only be acquired and maintained through our learning, and becoming accustomed to practicing, the word of GOD.
When we choose the Christian walk, we are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD must become paramount to us. It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that, wrong things, will no longer fascinate, nor have power over them. A relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, but the person, who loses their heart to the things of this world, is the person who will remain most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For that is the resounding message, that the Old Testament prophets, and, New Testament writers and thinkers, all leave us with. And that message is just as valid today as it ever was. Our only true hope lies in our ability to maintain a discipline and self-control that is fueled by our obedience and conformance to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO will always compel us towards CHRIST, and away from the gravitational pull of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 1, 2009
_____________________________________________
THE BEAUTY OF NON-CONFORMITY
(Be holy in all that you do)
(1 Peter 1:13-25)
The “Christian Hope”, has, throughout the history of the Church, served as motivation to make life on earth conform more fully with the word of GOD, just as it was presented to us by JESUS CHRIST during HIS three-year ministry. All of the information we have about CHRIST, and Christianity, comes to us, from those who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak. However, because they wrote to encourage believers, rather than to satisfy historical curiosity, this information often leaves more questions, than it does answers, particularly in the minds of the unbeliever.
No one has ever been able to harmonize all of this information into a completely satisfying chronological account. The Holy Scriptures as we know them, were not assembled by the “Authors of GOD” who wrote them, but rather, they were assembled much later on by second, third, and even fourth generation workers in the early Church.
It must not be forgotten, however, that the original workers in the early Church were those hand-picked apostles of JESUS CHRIST. In the New Testament, two short letters are accredited to the leader of that band of men that JESUS picked, and then entrusted the work of building HIS Church to. His name, given to him by CHRIST, was Peter. It is also widely believed by scholars that the Gospel of John Mark was dictated to him by this apostle, Peter.
Peter is said to have written this letter while in Rome circa A.D. 64 near the end of his life. It was during the turbulent reign of the Emperor Nero when Jewish Christians were suffering heavy persecutions throughout the Roman Empire, and particularly in Asia Minor, which is now the land of Turkey.
Peter sought to encourage those Christians who were living in Asia Minor to cling to the “Christian Hope”, as their suffering was only a part of the Christian life here on earth, and that GOD would reward, in the end, all those who maintained their faith and trust in HIM. The trials that the Christian suffers are only meant to test their faith, just as fire is used to test and purify gold.
In 1 Peter 1, verses 13-25, the apostle calls for Christians to live holy, think clearly, and, to exercise “self-control”, or “to be sober” (in the Greek, “nephontes”) at all times. He also urges them to look forward in earnest expectation (in the Greek, “apokaradokia”) of CHRIST’s return, and to not slip back into their old ways. The Christian must obey the GOD in WHOSE image they are made. And just as a person physically resembles their earthly parent, so must the Christian spiritually resemble their heavenly FATHER through their behavior.
The contrast that Paul alludes to here in this passage is that, we don’t have to make an effort, nor, change our behavior to physically resemble our earthly parents, for it is an automatic occurrence. Our resemblance to GOD, however, can only be manifested through our behavior, which must come through a transformation of the heart. It is a spiritual resemblance that can only be acquired and maintained through our learning, and becoming accustomed to practicing, the word of GOD.
When we choose the Christian walk, we are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD must become paramount to us. It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that, wrong things, will no longer fascinate, nor have power over them. A relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset, but the person, who loses their heart to the things of this world, is the person who will remain most vulnerable to satan.
The end of all things is near, for each of us, personally. For that is the resounding message, that the Old Testament prophets, and, New Testament writers and thinkers, all leave us with. And that message is just as valid today as it ever was. Our only true hope lies in our ability to maintain a discipline and self-control that is fueled by our obedience and conformance to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT WHO will always compel us towards CHRIST, and away from the gravitational pull of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
Friday, October 23, 2009
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 25, 2009
_____________________________________________
WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS
(Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also)
(Mark 10:17-31)
No one ever saw the dangers of prosperity and material things as clearly as JESUS did. Material things can fix a person’s heart to this world. They can gain such a large stake in it, or achieve such a huge interest in it, that they could find it very difficult to ever even think about leaving it.
It is said that, out of a hundred people that can stand adversity, only one of that hundred can stand prosperity. A person is judged by two standards when it comes to prosperity; one, is how they came about it, and the other, is how they choose to use it. Will they use it as if they have undisputed possession of it? Or, will they remember that they hold it in stewardship to GOD?
“How bad do we want Salvation?” that is the big question. Do we want it bad enough to relinquish the people and things of this world? The rich young ruler here in Mark chapter 10, as well as many of us, answer that question, in effect, “I want it, but I don’t think I want it as much as all that”.
It’s all about Salvation, and JESUS sums up the whole doctrine of Salvation in a nutshell, when in Mark 10:23-31 he says, in effect, that, if a person is to depend upon their own efforts, to achieve salvation, then, it is impossible for anyone. Salvation is a gift from GOD, and with GOD, all things are possible. If a person relies on their own efforts, possessions, or riches, they can never be “saved”. However, if they rely upon the life giving power, and redeeming agape love of CHRIST JESUS, they can enter, for free, into the kingdom of Heaven.
That is the very thought that JESUS sought to invoke in the minds of HIS disciples here in this passage, and that’s the same thought that Paul, John, and all the other New Testament writers wrote about, in all of their biblical literary accounts. And that is the thought that still, in the minds of mature Christians in this day, remains at the very heart of the ideology of the Christian Faith.
The disciples were astounded when they heard JESUS’ statement regarding the chances of a rich person making it into the kingdom of Heaven. In those days, and even now, a lot of people associate riches as being a sign of how blessed a person is, and that that person must be walking closer with GOD, especially those rich individuals who are also heavy church goers, and who give very large publicized donations to various charities. But JESUS sought to put an end to that kind of thinking that day, as they had stopped briefly to rest, just east of the Jordan River, while HE was making HIS way to Jerusalem for the final time. Here JESUS makes it crystal clear that Salvation is not ours to earn or to purchase, but rather, it is GOD’s to give. And we are more likely to accept that gift, if we don’t first, lose our hearts to the things of this world.
A person’s heart can only be given to GOD when they manage to tear it away from the things of this world. And unless we give our hearts to GOD, we can never accept HIS precious gift of Salvation. We have to be willing in our hearts to give up all of our treasures here on earth, in order to receive the wonderful treasures that GOD has already stored up for us in Heaven, since the foundation of this world. Isn’t it funny how that works? We have to give up to receive. What a divine concept that is. And Guess WHO thought of it. GOD!
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 25, 2009
_____________________________________________
WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS
(Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also)
(Mark 10:17-31)
No one ever saw the dangers of prosperity and material things as clearly as JESUS did. Material things can fix a person’s heart to this world. They can gain such a large stake in it, or achieve such a huge interest in it, that they could find it very difficult to ever even think about leaving it.
It is said that, out of a hundred people that can stand adversity, only one of that hundred can stand prosperity. A person is judged by two standards when it comes to prosperity; one, is how they came about it, and the other, is how they choose to use it. Will they use it as if they have undisputed possession of it? Or, will they remember that they hold it in stewardship to GOD?
“How bad do we want Salvation?” that is the big question. Do we want it bad enough to relinquish the people and things of this world? The rich young ruler here in Mark chapter 10, as well as many of us, answer that question, in effect, “I want it, but I don’t think I want it as much as all that”.
It’s all about Salvation, and JESUS sums up the whole doctrine of Salvation in a nutshell, when in Mark 10:23-31 he says, in effect, that, if a person is to depend upon their own efforts, to achieve salvation, then, it is impossible for anyone. Salvation is a gift from GOD, and with GOD, all things are possible. If a person relies on their own efforts, possessions, or riches, they can never be “saved”. However, if they rely upon the life giving power, and redeeming agape love of CHRIST JESUS, they can enter, for free, into the kingdom of Heaven.
That is the very thought that JESUS sought to invoke in the minds of HIS disciples here in this passage, and that’s the same thought that Paul, John, and all the other New Testament writers wrote about, in all of their biblical literary accounts. And that is the thought that still, in the minds of mature Christians in this day, remains at the very heart of the ideology of the Christian Faith.
The disciples were astounded when they heard JESUS’ statement regarding the chances of a rich person making it into the kingdom of Heaven. In those days, and even now, a lot of people associate riches as being a sign of how blessed a person is, and that that person must be walking closer with GOD, especially those rich individuals who are also heavy church goers, and who give very large publicized donations to various charities. But JESUS sought to put an end to that kind of thinking that day, as they had stopped briefly to rest, just east of the Jordan River, while HE was making HIS way to Jerusalem for the final time. Here JESUS makes it crystal clear that Salvation is not ours to earn or to purchase, but rather, it is GOD’s to give. And we are more likely to accept that gift, if we don’t first, lose our hearts to the things of this world.
A person’s heart can only be given to GOD when they manage to tear it away from the things of this world. And unless we give our hearts to GOD, we can never accept HIS precious gift of Salvation. We have to be willing in our hearts to give up all of our treasures here on earth, in order to receive the wonderful treasures that GOD has already stored up for us in Heaven, since the foundation of this world. Isn’t it funny how that works? We have to give up to receive. What a divine concept that is. And Guess WHO thought of it. GOD!
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
Friday, October 16, 2009
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 18, 2009
_____________________________________________
A GOOD THAT IS ALSO LOVELY
(Longsuffering and intercession)
(Mark 7:24-37)
In the Greek, the word used for “longsuffering” is “makrothumia” (mak-roth-oo-mee-ah), and it “describes a spirit that never grows irritated, never despairs, and particularly, in this lesson, “never regards anyone as being beyond salvation”.
In Mark chapter 7, verses 24-30, in the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, who was also a Canaanite, one of the most hated enemies of the Jews in those days, JESUS shows his disciples, by healing this Gentile’s woman’s daughter, solely because of her faith, that the Gospel would be embraced by both Jews and Gentiles alike.
Here in this passage, JESUS sought to show them that prayer is made for all men, and that, for the Christian there would no longer be any such thing as an enemy, except satan, in all the world. HE wanted it to be understood that, no one is outside of HIS love, and that no one is outside of the purpose of GOD. GOD wishes all mankind to be saved. Therefore, in order for Christians to be successful in their efforts to mirror the ways of CHRIST and please GOD, we must be longsuffering, or show extraordinary patience with our fellowman, irregardless of race, or any of the many other senseless factors that perpetually keeps mankind separated from itself.
In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “intercession” is “enteuxis”(ent-yook-sis), and it means “to enter into the presence of a king, in order to present a petition on behalf of someone else”. Now that should tell us much about prayer, and most of all, it should tell us that the way to GOD is always open, even to petition for someone else.
We see in the ensuing story, in Mark chapter 7, verses 31-37, John Mark giving us a vivid description, of just such a case, of “intercession”. There, we see the friends of a deaf and dumb man, bring him into the presence of JESUS, in order to petition that JESUS might heal him. It’s a lovely story really, because here we see a man with a special need, and a special problem, and, we see that, with the most tender consideration, JESUS spares the man of his feeling of embarrassment by pulling him aside, away from the crowd before healing him.
Upon completion of the miracle healing, the people declared that “JESUS does all things well”. This is very reminiscent and similar to what is said of GOD, in Genesis 1:31, after HE had completed creation of the Heaven and the Earth. There it says, “GOD saw everything that HE had made, and, behold, it was very good” (KJV).
When JESUS came to usher in the New Covenant, bringing with HIM, healing for man’s body, and salvation for man’s soul, HE, in effect, was beginning the work of creation all over again.
In the beginning, all things had been good, however, over time, the sins of man had, ruined it all. We see here in these two stories, and indeed, throughout JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry, HIM bringing back the beauty of GOD, to a world, that the sins of man had long ago, rendered ugly.
Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, predicted that the MESSIAH would have power to bring back wholeness of life, and when JESUS came to earth, HE clearly demonstrated that power, time and time again. In addition, we see in both of these biblical accounts, yet two more ways, as to how we can love our fellowman.
It is first by “longsuffering”, “makrothumia”, putting up with each other’s weaknesses, because we all have them. And, by “intercession”, “enteuxis”, interceding for someone, who for physical or spiritual reasons may not be able to “petition”, or “pray” for themselves.
In the Greek there are two words that are used for “good”. One is “agathos”, and it is a good, as in being a “good person”. The other is “kalos”, and it describes a good, that is also “lovely”. This is the kind of good that describes JESUS CHRIST, and, this is the kind of good, that describes GOD’s and JESUS’ attitude towards helping, loving, and protecting mankind, whom are made in GOD’s image. We see here in both of these stories, a good in JESUS that is also, lovely.
First of all, when we see HIS great power working hand in hand with HIS enormous sensitivity, we see a good that is also, lovely. When we see HIS superior authority, yielding to HIS unmatched gentleness, we see a good that is also, lovely. And finally, when we see HIS overpowering majesty, give way to HIS indescribable kindness, we can’t help but see, once again, “a good that is also lovely”.
William Barclay, perhaps, sums it up best when he writes that, “It is the kind of good that can meet the gaze of a little child’s eyes, and can withstand the test of a child’s simplicity”. It is a good that is also lovely, it is “kalos”. It is JESUS. It is the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is GOD. It is a “good”, that is all, so “lovely”.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 18, 2009
_____________________________________________
A GOOD THAT IS ALSO LOVELY
(Longsuffering and intercession)
(Mark 7:24-37)
In the Greek, the word used for “longsuffering” is “makrothumia” (mak-roth-oo-mee-ah), and it “describes a spirit that never grows irritated, never despairs, and particularly, in this lesson, “never regards anyone as being beyond salvation”.
In Mark chapter 7, verses 24-30, in the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman, who was also a Canaanite, one of the most hated enemies of the Jews in those days, JESUS shows his disciples, by healing this Gentile’s woman’s daughter, solely because of her faith, that the Gospel would be embraced by both Jews and Gentiles alike.
Here in this passage, JESUS sought to show them that prayer is made for all men, and that, for the Christian there would no longer be any such thing as an enemy, except satan, in all the world. HE wanted it to be understood that, no one is outside of HIS love, and that no one is outside of the purpose of GOD. GOD wishes all mankind to be saved. Therefore, in order for Christians to be successful in their efforts to mirror the ways of CHRIST and please GOD, we must be longsuffering, or show extraordinary patience with our fellowman, irregardless of race, or any of the many other senseless factors that perpetually keeps mankind separated from itself.
In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “intercession” is “enteuxis”(ent-yook-sis), and it means “to enter into the presence of a king, in order to present a petition on behalf of someone else”. Now that should tell us much about prayer, and most of all, it should tell us that the way to GOD is always open, even to petition for someone else.
We see in the ensuing story, in Mark chapter 7, verses 31-37, John Mark giving us a vivid description, of just such a case, of “intercession”. There, we see the friends of a deaf and dumb man, bring him into the presence of JESUS, in order to petition that JESUS might heal him. It’s a lovely story really, because here we see a man with a special need, and a special problem, and, we see that, with the most tender consideration, JESUS spares the man of his feeling of embarrassment by pulling him aside, away from the crowd before healing him.
Upon completion of the miracle healing, the people declared that “JESUS does all things well”. This is very reminiscent and similar to what is said of GOD, in Genesis 1:31, after HE had completed creation of the Heaven and the Earth. There it says, “GOD saw everything that HE had made, and, behold, it was very good” (KJV).
When JESUS came to usher in the New Covenant, bringing with HIM, healing for man’s body, and salvation for man’s soul, HE, in effect, was beginning the work of creation all over again.
In the beginning, all things had been good, however, over time, the sins of man had, ruined it all. We see here in these two stories, and indeed, throughout JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry, HIM bringing back the beauty of GOD, to a world, that the sins of man had long ago, rendered ugly.
Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, predicted that the MESSIAH would have power to bring back wholeness of life, and when JESUS came to earth, HE clearly demonstrated that power, time and time again. In addition, we see in both of these biblical accounts, yet two more ways, as to how we can love our fellowman.
It is first by “longsuffering”, “makrothumia”, putting up with each other’s weaknesses, because we all have them. And, by “intercession”, “enteuxis”, interceding for someone, who for physical or spiritual reasons may not be able to “petition”, or “pray” for themselves.
In the Greek there are two words that are used for “good”. One is “agathos”, and it is a good, as in being a “good person”. The other is “kalos”, and it describes a good, that is also “lovely”. This is the kind of good that describes JESUS CHRIST, and, this is the kind of good, that describes GOD’s and JESUS’ attitude towards helping, loving, and protecting mankind, whom are made in GOD’s image. We see here in both of these stories, a good in JESUS that is also, lovely.
First of all, when we see HIS great power working hand in hand with HIS enormous sensitivity, we see a good that is also, lovely. When we see HIS superior authority, yielding to HIS unmatched gentleness, we see a good that is also, lovely. And finally, when we see HIS overpowering majesty, give way to HIS indescribable kindness, we can’t help but see, once again, “a good that is also lovely”.
William Barclay, perhaps, sums it up best when he writes that, “It is the kind of good that can meet the gaze of a little child’s eyes, and can withstand the test of a child’s simplicity”. It is a good that is also lovely, it is “kalos”. It is JESUS. It is the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. It is GOD. It is a “good”, that is all, so “lovely”.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
Friday, October 9, 2009
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 11, 2009
_____________________________________________
RECOGNIZING JESUS
(Recognizing JESUS can calm the storms in our lives)
(Mark 4:35-5:20)
In the Greek, the word used for “faith” is “pistis”, and it means, “to rely upon with an inward certainty”, and to “assent to evidence of authority”. In the story in Mark chapter 4, verses 35-41, there is something much more involved than the calming of a storm at sea. And, even though JESUS did, in fact, show mastery over nature on that stormy evening on the Sea of Galilee way back in the first century A.D., one must show pause to ask the question, “what does that have to do with us, here in the 21st century?
Well, if we look at this story as just another isolated wonder, we risk missing the far greater meaning of what GOD is saying to us here. The real message here is that, JESUS will come to us now, just as HE came to the Disciples then, from across the storms of our lives. And HE comes with HIS hands stretched out to save us, while speaking to us with a calm, clear voice that bids us to “Have no fear”. We can easily see here, and throughout HIS recorded three-year ministry in scripture that, wherever JESUS is, the most terrible storms must succumb to HIS peace. We see, here in this passage, the Disciples, after realizing the presence of JESUS, saw the storming of the sea around them become calm.
In Mark 5:1-13, in the ensuing story of the man, who was possessed by a group of demons, calling themselves “Legion”, we see a rather bizarre thing occurring. In order for us to understand this story, we must do our best to read between the lines. This story, as many Biblical stories do, speaks in terms that are quite familiar to the people of those times, but may seem very foreign to us in these days.
First of all, we see that, just as JESUS is climbing out of the boat, this demon-possessed man runs up to HIM, and falls to his knees before HIM. Here we see that, the demons inside the man, recognized JESUS, and cried out in fear, saying, “Why are YOU bothering me JESUS, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD? For GOD’s sake, do not torture me!”
The demon’s name, “Legion”, gives us a clue as to how many demons may have been present inside the man. Legion, by definition, was a Roman regiment consisting of 6000 troops. We also see that, subsequently, JESUS cast the demons out of the man, and into a herd of two thousand swine, causing them to run down a steep embankment and fall into the sea and drown. But, at any rate, there must have been quite a storm going on inside the man, by way of the large number of demons that scripture tells us, possessed him at that time.
However, the real lesson to be learned here is that JESUS also shows us HIS mastery over Satan and his demons. We see the demon-possessed man, recognizing the presence of JESUS, and the storm inside of him being made calm.
These two stories serve to show us that, it doesn’t really matter if we are in the storm, as the disciples were, or, if the storms of sorrow, problems, or anxiety are in us. When we recognize GOD as the object of our faith, that belief becomes the key to gaining peace in our lives.
And we also see that it doesn’t really matter so much, what JESUS did that night when HE spoke to the sea, “Peace be still”, and the winds too, did obey. And it’s not even what HE did one morning, on a different occasion, in far-off Palestine, when HE “walked on water” to encourage Peter and the Disciples and relieve them of their fears. But it is, rather, a sign, and a symbol, of what GOD always does for those who have faith, and believe in HIM. And it says, in effect, that, when we are in danger of being overwhelmed, by the “storms of life”, GOD will keep, in perfect peace, the mind that stays on HIM, because it trusts HIM. Amen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 11, 2009
_____________________________________________
RECOGNIZING JESUS
(Recognizing JESUS can calm the storms in our lives)
(Mark 4:35-5:20)
In the Greek, the word used for “faith” is “pistis”, and it means, “to rely upon with an inward certainty”, and to “assent to evidence of authority”. In the story in Mark chapter 4, verses 35-41, there is something much more involved than the calming of a storm at sea. And, even though JESUS did, in fact, show mastery over nature on that stormy evening on the Sea of Galilee way back in the first century A.D., one must show pause to ask the question, “what does that have to do with us, here in the 21st century?
Well, if we look at this story as just another isolated wonder, we risk missing the far greater meaning of what GOD is saying to us here. The real message here is that, JESUS will come to us now, just as HE came to the Disciples then, from across the storms of our lives. And HE comes with HIS hands stretched out to save us, while speaking to us with a calm, clear voice that bids us to “Have no fear”. We can easily see here, and throughout HIS recorded three-year ministry in scripture that, wherever JESUS is, the most terrible storms must succumb to HIS peace. We see, here in this passage, the Disciples, after realizing the presence of JESUS, saw the storming of the sea around them become calm.
In Mark 5:1-13, in the ensuing story of the man, who was possessed by a group of demons, calling themselves “Legion”, we see a rather bizarre thing occurring. In order for us to understand this story, we must do our best to read between the lines. This story, as many Biblical stories do, speaks in terms that are quite familiar to the people of those times, but may seem very foreign to us in these days.
First of all, we see that, just as JESUS is climbing out of the boat, this demon-possessed man runs up to HIM, and falls to his knees before HIM. Here we see that, the demons inside the man, recognized JESUS, and cried out in fear, saying, “Why are YOU bothering me JESUS, SON of the MOST HIGH GOD? For GOD’s sake, do not torture me!”
The demon’s name, “Legion”, gives us a clue as to how many demons may have been present inside the man. Legion, by definition, was a Roman regiment consisting of 6000 troops. We also see that, subsequently, JESUS cast the demons out of the man, and into a herd of two thousand swine, causing them to run down a steep embankment and fall into the sea and drown. But, at any rate, there must have been quite a storm going on inside the man, by way of the large number of demons that scripture tells us, possessed him at that time.
However, the real lesson to be learned here is that JESUS also shows us HIS mastery over Satan and his demons. We see the demon-possessed man, recognizing the presence of JESUS, and the storm inside of him being made calm.
These two stories serve to show us that, it doesn’t really matter if we are in the storm, as the disciples were, or, if the storms of sorrow, problems, or anxiety are in us. When we recognize GOD as the object of our faith, that belief becomes the key to gaining peace in our lives.
And we also see that it doesn’t really matter so much, what JESUS did that night when HE spoke to the sea, “Peace be still”, and the winds too, did obey. And it’s not even what HE did one morning, on a different occasion, in far-off Palestine, when HE “walked on water” to encourage Peter and the Disciples and relieve them of their fears. But it is, rather, a sign, and a symbol, of what GOD always does for those who have faith, and believe in HIM. And it says, in effect, that, when we are in danger of being overwhelmed, by the “storms of life”, GOD will keep, in perfect peace, the mind that stays on HIM, because it trusts HIM. Amen.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
Friday, October 2, 2009
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 4, 2009
_____________________________________________
LOOKING FOR JESUS
(Sincerely seek JESUS, and you will find HIM)
(Mark 1:35-45)
The gospel account of Mark, along with Matthew’s and Luke’s gospel accounts are known collectively as the “Synoptic Gospels”. The word “synoptic” comes from a combination of two Greek words, which mean, “to see together”. These three gospel accounts can be set down, side by side, and their common contents, can and should, be viewed and examined together.
The book of Mark is widely believed by scholars to be the earliest of the four gospel accounts, even though it is situated second to Matthew in the bible assemblage. It is also the shortest and most straightforward of the four gospels. Many scholars believe that, because John Mark’s blunt use of the Greek language reflects that of the common man, and also, because of his use of Latin constructions, or expressions in his transliterations, that, his gospel account was aimed at convincing the Roman populace of the divinity of CHRIST JESUS.
John Mark’s account of JESUS’ life is almost certainly, according to strong evidence from Jewish tradition, a writing down of the apostle Peter’s account of his life experiences as being an integral part of JESUS’ three-year ministry. Most scholars believe that John Mark was not himself an eyewitness to most of the scenes that he so vividly depicts in his gospel. However, the great church historian Eusebius, quotes a document written by Papias circa A.D. 140, that cites the apostle John as verifying Mark’s gospel account as being dictated by the apostle Peter. Mark’s gospel picks up JESUS’ story just prior to HIS baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan, and leads us through to Golgotha and beyond, to the climax at Judea.
John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, and traveled with, he and Paul, on their first missionary journey. However, he abandoned Paul and Barnabas and left them, while at Pamphylia, and because of the backlash of his actions there, Barnabas and Paul later split up just prior to their second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). The Apostle Paul chose Silas to travel with him on his second journey, and Barnabas, went on to travel with his cousin John Mark.
It turned out, however, that, Barnabas did the right thing by not giving up on John Mark as he went on to develop into a very effective missionary to those who were seeking knowledge of CHRIST and Christianity. He later made up with Paul, and also went on to author one of the most important books ever written, the Gospel of Mark.
In Mark chapter one, taking up at verse 35, and after JESUS had been baptized by John the Baptist, tempted by satan, chosen HIS first disciples, cast out demons from many hopeless people, and healed others of various afflictions, HE now goes out alone into the wilderness to pray and commune with HIS FATHER GOD.
But HIS quiet time was soon interrupted by Simon and the other disciples, who were being pressed by a multitude of people who were searching for JESUS. They were seeking the miraculous help that they had seen and heard that JESUS had performed on others.
Responding to HIS disciples’ requests to go into the many towns and villages to heal and preach the gospel, they traveled throughout Galilee visiting synagogues and expelling demons from the hopeless. All who were seeking the help of JESUS were able to find HIM in their times of need.
The act of JESUS reaching out to the leper (vs. 40-46) is significant because this disease could render anyone who came into physical contact with it, religiously unclean. It was also highly contagious in the physical sense. This man must have long yearned for the physical touch of another human being. In verse 41 the Greek word used for the phrase “moved with compassion” is “Splanchnizomai” (splangkh-nid-zom-ahee) and it means “to be moved with pity all the way down to the pits of one’s bowels”. It describes a compassion that is deeply felt for one person, in the deepest parts of the heart and soul of another. When the man who was a leper came to petition JESUS for healing, JESUS healed him because HE held a deep desire in HIS heart to do so.
When we earnestly seek the help and blessings of CHRIST JESUS, no matter how bad our situation may seem to be, HE is filled with a deep, overpowering compassion to respond to us with HIS healing power to restore us. And, when we give HIM that opportunity, HE will grant us mercy, and HE will do it, with exceeding, unspeakable, joy.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
CHECK OUT MY NEW BOOK!!!
“Home and Church Bible Commentaries from the Book of Hebrews” @
Larry D. Alexander's Storefront - Lulu.com
ON YOUTUBE!!! Click links below
Alexander Sunday School Lesson_This do in Rememberance of Me
YouTube - Alexander Sunday School Lesson 2_The Gospel of John
ORDER SOMEONE SPECIAL A BIBLE STUDY BOOK BY
LARRY D. ALEXANDER
(Go to Larry D. Alexander’s storefront, Official Website, or order online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, or any of your favorite online book stores)
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
thelarrydalexander.com/LARRYDALEXANDER
Larry D. Alexander-Christian Art
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
Larry D. Alexander - http://larrydalexander.blogspot.com/index.html
www.valderbeebeshow.com http://valderbeebeshow.com/modules/content/index.php?id=15
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 4, 2009
_____________________________________________
LOOKING FOR JESUS
(Sincerely seek JESUS, and you will find HIM)
(Mark 1:35-45)
The gospel account of Mark, along with Matthew’s and Luke’s gospel accounts are known collectively as the “Synoptic Gospels”. The word “synoptic” comes from a combination of two Greek words, which mean, “to see together”. These three gospel accounts can be set down, side by side, and their common contents, can and should, be viewed and examined together.
The book of Mark is widely believed by scholars to be the earliest of the four gospel accounts, even though it is situated second to Matthew in the bible assemblage. It is also the shortest and most straightforward of the four gospels. Many scholars believe that, because John Mark’s blunt use of the Greek language reflects that of the common man, and also, because of his use of Latin constructions, or expressions in his transliterations, that, his gospel account was aimed at convincing the Roman populace of the divinity of CHRIST JESUS.
John Mark’s account of JESUS’ life is almost certainly, according to strong evidence from Jewish tradition, a writing down of the apostle Peter’s account of his life experiences as being an integral part of JESUS’ three-year ministry. Most scholars believe that John Mark was not himself an eyewitness to most of the scenes that he so vividly depicts in his gospel. However, the great church historian Eusebius, quotes a document written by Papias circa A.D. 140, that cites the apostle John as verifying Mark’s gospel account as being dictated by the apostle Peter. Mark’s gospel picks up JESUS’ story just prior to HIS baptism by John the Baptist in the river Jordan, and leads us through to Golgotha and beyond, to the climax at Judea.
John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas, and traveled with, he and Paul, on their first missionary journey. However, he abandoned Paul and Barnabas and left them, while at Pamphylia, and because of the backlash of his actions there, Barnabas and Paul later split up just prior to their second missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). The Apostle Paul chose Silas to travel with him on his second journey, and Barnabas, went on to travel with his cousin John Mark.
It turned out, however, that, Barnabas did the right thing by not giving up on John Mark as he went on to develop into a very effective missionary to those who were seeking knowledge of CHRIST and Christianity. He later made up with Paul, and also went on to author one of the most important books ever written, the Gospel of Mark.
In Mark chapter one, taking up at verse 35, and after JESUS had been baptized by John the Baptist, tempted by satan, chosen HIS first disciples, cast out demons from many hopeless people, and healed others of various afflictions, HE now goes out alone into the wilderness to pray and commune with HIS FATHER GOD.
But HIS quiet time was soon interrupted by Simon and the other disciples, who were being pressed by a multitude of people who were searching for JESUS. They were seeking the miraculous help that they had seen and heard that JESUS had performed on others.
Responding to HIS disciples’ requests to go into the many towns and villages to heal and preach the gospel, they traveled throughout Galilee visiting synagogues and expelling demons from the hopeless. All who were seeking the help of JESUS were able to find HIM in their times of need.
The act of JESUS reaching out to the leper (vs. 40-46) is significant because this disease could render anyone who came into physical contact with it, religiously unclean. It was also highly contagious in the physical sense. This man must have long yearned for the physical touch of another human being. In verse 41 the Greek word used for the phrase “moved with compassion” is “Splanchnizomai” (splangkh-nid-zom-ahee) and it means “to be moved with pity all the way down to the pits of one’s bowels”. It describes a compassion that is deeply felt for one person, in the deepest parts of the heart and soul of another. When the man who was a leper came to petition JESUS for healing, JESUS healed him because HE held a deep desire in HIS heart to do so.
When we earnestly seek the help and blessings of CHRIST JESUS, no matter how bad our situation may seem to be, HE is filled with a deep, overpowering compassion to respond to us with HIS healing power to restore us. And, when we give HIM that opportunity, HE will grant us mercy, and HE will do it, with exceeding, unspeakable, joy.
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