Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2012-01-27T03:43:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 29, 2012

FOLLOWING A TRUSTED LEADER
(Look to GOD as your leader)
(Exodus 15)

The song, or “psalm”, that was written and recorded by Moses in chapter 15, verses 1-18 of the book of Exodus, celebrates GOD’s victory over the Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea following the Israelites dramatic exit from servitude in Egypt. In fact, it is more than just a song, in that it teaches with words that are easy for future generations to remember.
In every generation, almost since the beginning, songs, music and lyrics, have served as powerful tools to influence the minds of mankind for better, or, for worse. In Moses’ day, such songs had a GODly, wholesome influence, because they were written mostly by men and women who had a healthy respect and reverence for the almighty GOD WHO created them. In today’s society, that may not necessarily be the case, in fact, now, it seldom is.
It is extremely important to recognize that music is the only thing that can enter our human minds without our permission. That is why we have to make certain that we monitor the kinds of music that we and our children listen to, very closely in this day and age. There are many worshipers of satan, and other groups with anti-CHRIST agendas who use hip hop, rock, neo-soul, and even gospel music to program satanic, Luciferic, or anti-CHRIST messages in our heads. We have to make sure, by knowing GOD’s word for ourselves, that the music we listen to, promotes godliness, and not the attitudes, and messed up values of this lost society that we now live in.
This song by Moses praises GOD for HIS deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Egyptians. It contains three distinct sections, and a conclusion (Vs. 17-18). The first section (Vs. 1-6), which is the theme of the poem, talks about the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. Here Moses acknowledges GOD’s great strength and power, and he rejoices in HIS awesome salvation.
In the second section (Vs. 7-11), Moses details GOD’s crushing victory, as he praises HIM for HIS sovereign power and control over nature, (the parting of the Red Sea, and then closing it up on the Pharaoh’s army of chariots) sinking like lead, the most powerful military in the world at that time.
And thirdly (Vs. 12-16), we see Moses’ description of the consequences of Israel’s deliverance and the results of GOD’s wonderful triumph for HIS people. As their LEADER, GOD was personally guiding them into HIS promised rest, or, Holy Dwelling in the “Promised Land”. By HIS miraculous actions, GOD also caused other nations to have a pre-disposed fear of HIMSELF as leader and guide of the nation of Israel, even up through the lifetime of Joshua.
In verses 20-21, we see, even the prophetess Miriam, Moses’ sister, add her own verse to the song. Her words of praise to GOD for HIS glorious leadership and victory over a confident Egyptian army, mirrors that of her younger brother Moses. The Egyptians had dared to follow in hot pursuit of the Israelites into the parted Red (Sea of Reed) Sea crossing, and had paid for it with their lives.
After leaving the lakes region, Moses led the Israelites into the Shur Desert. They traveled for three days without any water. When they finally came to a place called “Marah” (which means “bitter”) the people found out why the place was called that. The water was so bitter that no one could stand to drink it. This caused the thirsty Israelites to once again, turn on Moses, cursing him because he had led them there.
So Moses cried out to GOD, his LEADER, for help, and the LORD showed him a branch and told him to toss it into the bitter water. After tossing the branch into the water, it suddenly became sweet and drinkable. Then the LORD laid before them, these instructions that still hold true, even to this day; “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your GOD, and do what is right in HIS sight, obeying HIS commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I AM the LORD WHO heals you” (v. 26) (NLT). Then, after leaving Marah, they came to Elim, a place where there were twelve springs of fresh water, and seventy palm trees, and they camped there for time, beside the cool springs.
Oftentimes we forget that GOD remains with us, even in difficult times. In verse 24 of this passage, the Israelites seem to exhibit very little of the faith, depth, and understanding that they showed immediately after the Egyptian army was destroyed by GOD on their behalf. We learn from this passage that a faith that depends on circumstances is no faith at all, or is at best, a “weak faith” that GOD will not honor.
The Israelites were singing praises of glory to GOD, right along with Moses, only three days earlier, and now, at the first sign of trouble, they show that their hearts were really not with GOD, in earnest. They had not learned to trust GOD as their LEADER, or trust the man of GOD, Moses, whom GOD sent to represent HIM in the flesh. But I guess, if you really don’t know GOD for yourself, you can’t possibly recognize a leader who displays GOD-like qualities, or, anti-CHRIST-like behavior, right before your very eyes. We, as a Church, need to wake up “individually”, and get to know and trust GOD as our LEADER, through JESUS CHRIST, for ourselves. And the time to do that is “Right Now”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2012-01-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 22, 2012

THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS
(Forgiveness brings healing)
(Genesis 50)

When Jacob died, at the ripe old age of 147, Joseph ordered that he be given an Egyptian style funeral that lasted for seventy days, following a forty-day embalmment process. This was only two days short of what the Egyptians gave to their own Pharaohs when they died. This was an indication of the Egyptians great respect for Joseph in those days.
This 70-day mourning period was followed by another 7-day funeral for Jacob, after Joseph, his family, and their entourage arrived in Canaan (Gen. 50:1-10). He was finally buried in the cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hittite, for a permanent burying place. It is also where Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebecca, were buried. Jacob had also buried his first wife, Leah there when she died a few years earlier.
When Joseph and his brothers returned to Egypt following their father’s funeral in the land of Canaan, the brothers feared that since Jacob was now dead, Joseph would feel free to carry out his revenge on them, for the terrible acts that they had done against him many years earlier. And, even though Joseph had earnestly forgiven them (Gen. 45:1-15), they still carried their own guilt, and thus still feared what he might do, given all the power he now possessed in Egypt, over them. In fact, they feared him so much that they concocted a lie, and sent it in a written message to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died, he instructed us to say to you: “Forgive your brothers for the great evil they did to you, so we, the servants of the GOD of your fathers, beg you to forgive us” (Gen. 50:16-17a).
Here we see that the, still conniving brothers, were overlooking the fact that Joseph had great respect for the GOD of Israel, and had earnestly experienced the grace of GOD for himself, and, that this allowed him to be able to show genuine graciousness to anyone who might have offended him in the past, or may offend him in the future.
When Joseph received their message, he broke down and wept bitterly, as his brothers then came and bowed themselves before him, declaring themselves to be his servants (Vs. 17b-18). Joseph reassured them that his forgiveness was genuine, as he said to them, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I GOD, to judge and punish you? As far as I’m concerned, GOD turned into good what you meant for evil. HE brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. Indeed, I myself will take care of you and your families” (Gen. 50:19-20).
When we know and understand GOD’s grace, we can’t help but forgive, and extend grace to others. If we are to be like GOD, we must begin to show GOD-like behavior towards one another, doing good deeds for one another, instead of evil. We need not concern ourselves with judgment (revenge), for that belongs to GOD.
After being reassured by Joseph, he and his brothers lived peacefully together for the remainder of their lives. Joseph died at the age of 110. He lived long enough to experience the joy of spending time with the grandchildren of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Forgiveness has a way of bringing spiritual peace to both the offender and the offended. Joseph life story teaches us many things about having a GODly attitude towards life, and, towards each other. In fact, out of all the great men and women in the annals of Bible history, perhaps Joseph, with his own life, demonstrates to us most clearly that, GOD should be obeyed because of HIS goodness to us, not because we fear HIS judgment.
Before he died, Joseph prophetically made his brothers promise to carry his bones out of Egypt when the time of “The Great Deliverance” came, something that they couldn’t have possibly understood at that time. For, they had not yet began to feel the sting of oppression in Egypt, as they were still welcome guests of the Pharaoh in those days. But there would soon be raised up, a generation of Egyptians and Pharaohs who did not know of the exploits of Joseph, and they would place “GOD’s chosen people” into servitude for over 400 years.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2012-01-13T04:26:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 15, 2012

SHARING BLESSINGS
(GOD always works out HIS plan)
(Genesis 45)

After the predicted seven-year famine had begun, people from all over the world came to Egypt to obtain the grain that they desperately needed in order to feed their families and livestock, and Joseph’s brothers were among those supplicants who came.
In Genesis chapters 42-44, we saw a strange sequence of events, where Joseph engaged in a series of cruel games with his brothers who did not recognize who he was, at that time. These ploys were aimed at drawing them and his entire family into the protective aegis of his newly acquired Egyptian kingdom. Joseph’s follies are also clearly being used here to test his brothers’ sincerity, and to compel them to search their consciences for a reason why the LORD had plunged them into such an unusual predicament with him, the ruler of Egypt.
In Genesis 44:1-26, we see a final test is perpetrated upon Joseph’s older brothers that would seemingly put their younger brother, Benjamin, into jeopardy of becoming a slave to Joseph in Egypt. This was the test that ultimately revealed to Joseph the spiritual transformations that had taken place in his brothers, especially Judah, since they had sold him into slavery 15 years earlier. Judah, whose flaws had been revealed to us back in chapter 38, now shows that he has been purged of the jealousy that he once held toward Joseph. He now seems to be more concerned with his father Jacob’s grief, than he is with the consequences that might befall himself. Here Joseph is able to see, perhaps for the first time, that, he is not the only son of Jacob that GOD is working with.
Here in Genesis 45:1-15, after being deeply moved by Judah’s plea for Benjamin’s freedom (Genesis 44:18-34), Joseph stuns his brothers by revealing to them his true identity. Now, for the third time, Joseph weeps for his brothers as they stood in fear of what he might do to them, in retaliation for their mistreatment of him, when they sold him to the Ishmaelite travelers as a slave. However, their expectations of tearful revenge, turned out to be only tears of reconciliation and love for a family that Joseph had sorely missed for about half of his young life.
Joseph then explained to them how GOD had exalted him to power in Egypt, in order that he might be used to help preserve the “Abrahamic Covenant Promise”, by saving the family from the death-grip of the seven-year famine. He assured his frightened brothers that it was not them who sent him to Egypt, but rather, it was GOD shaping the way in order to fulfill HIS OWN divine purpose.
Bringing reconciliation to a situation where hurt has been both given, and received, invariably calls for confession by the offender. Then too, the person who is offended must also be willing to forgive. We see here in Joseph’s case, that, not only was he willing to forgive his brothers, he was also willing to share his blessings with them, despite the fact that they were his offenders.
The events in the life of Joseph that are chronicled in these chapters of Genesis, show us how, both Joseph, and, his brothers, were all being prepared by GOD for a divine reconciliation and reunion of HIS chosen family. And no matter how bad things may appear to be, or, how dark our society may become, GOD will always preserve the righteous among HIS people.
Whenever we call upon a just GOD, from across the storms of life, HE is faithful to come to us with HIS loving hands stretched out in an offering to “save”. Since the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it has been a promise of the ALMIGHTY GOD, that HE would always preserve a remnant of the righteous to carry on HIS benevolent plan and purpose of salvation.
The great King David once wrote, “The steps of the GODly are directed by the LORD. HE delights in every detail of their lives. And though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the GODly forsaken, nor have I seen their children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:23-25 – NLT).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2012-01-06T02:40:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 8, 2012

FAITHFULNESS IS REWARDED
(GOD uses our devotion for HIS glory)
(Genesis 41:37-57)

Joseph’s imprisonment by Potiphar put him into contact with two of the Pharaoh’s top officials who had also been thrown in jail during that time. One day Joseph was able to help the two men by correctly interpreting their puzzling, and prophetic dreams for them (Gen. 40:1-23). Unbeknownst to Joseph at that time, this would set the stage for his release from prison that would come some two years later, when he would be called upon by the Pharaoh himself to help solve his enigmatic dreams, or, as it turned out to be, his visions from GOD.
Two years after Joseph was imprisoned, the Pharaoh had two puzzling dreams that concerned him greatly. In the first dream he saw himself standing on the banks of the Nile River. He saw seven fat, healthy-looking cows suddenly come up out of the river and began grazing on the bank. Then seven other jaunty, ugly looking cows came up out of the river and ate the fat, healthy-looking cows. At that point the Pharaoh awoke from his dream.
A short while later the Pharaoh fell asleep again, only to dream a similarly puzzling dream. This time, however, he dreamed of seven healthy heads of grain on one stalk, having every kernel well-formed and plump. Then suddenly he saw seven other heads of grain, also on one stalk, only these were withered and shriveled by the force of the east wind. Then, just as suddenly, the thin withered heads swallowed up the plump, healthy heads of grain, and the Pharaoh again was awaken to realize it was only a dream.
The next morning the Pharaoh called in all of his magicians and wise men, but none of them were able to interpret his dreams. Then the Pharaoh’s cupbearer, who had served time with Joseph in prison, remembered that Joseph had interpreted one of his dreams while in prison, and, that he had promised to put in a good word for Joseph to the Pharaoh upon his release. He suddenly felt convicted that he had forgotten all about Joseph when he got out jail, and instead, blended back into his old job at the palace, and never gave Joseph another thought until that moment.
After the cupbearer told the Pharaoh about Joseph’s uncanny ability to interpret dreams, he sent for Joseph at once, and he was hastily brought before him. When Joseph heard the details of the Pharaoh’s dreams, he said to him, “Both dreams mean the same thing”. The seven healthy cows, and the seven healthy stalks of grain, represent seven years of prosperity. The seven skinny cows, and the seven withered heads of grain represent seven years of famine in Egypt. The seven years of famine would erase the memory of the previous seven years of prosperity. Having the dream twice meant that GOD had decreed it, and that both these events would soon occur.
Now here’s where Joseph’s faithfulness is rewarded, GOD gave him the solution to the problem, before it physically became a problem. Joseph advises the king to set up a nationwide program by which they would store up one fifth of all the grain collected during the seven years prosperity, so that there would be more than enough food for the people to survive on during the seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph’s GODly wisdom, and now convinced of his being filled with the SPIRIT of GOD, the Pharaoh put Joseph in charge over all of Egypt, second only to himself (Gen. 41:37-46).
GOD’s plan for Joseph was to teach him humility through the things that he suffered, and HE often has the same plan for each of us. He wanted Joseph to be able to serve HIM in HIS wise plan and purpose for the “Covenant Promise”, and, HE also gave Joseph the privilege to serve in the eventual “Salvation” plan offer for all mankind, which was contained in the first advent of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.
Being in the will of GOD is always “the right place to be”, and when we abide in that will, even when we are under duress from the pressures of the world, the time is even more right for the LORD’s blessings to be rained down upon us, to ease our oppressed situations.
This passage of scripture serves to remind us that, even when we don’t understand the “why” for the unwanted things in our lives, we must still remain confident that GOD is at work in every life situation and experience, especially in those experiences that are most painful to us. And, although we may not be able to see it at that time, it is during those times, that we are in the best position to serve GOD as completely, as we always should.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-12-30T03:12:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 1, 2012

A LIFE OF INTEGRITY
(Strive to live a life of integrity)
(Genesis 39)

Through Scripture, we learn that the LORD provides us with two “temptation barriers” to help us to avoid sin, one is “HIS goodness”, and the other is “HIS judgment”. In Genesis 39 we see an example of how the knowledge and experience of “GOD’s goodness” prevented Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, from committing adultery with his master, Potiphar’s, wife (Vs. 8-9).
After being sold into slavery by his brothers to a group of traveling Ishmaelites, Joseph had been subsequently re-sold to a man named Potiphar, who was the captain of the guards for the Pharaoh of Egypt. Joseph, through his faithful service to Potiphar, quickly rose to the position of supervisor over his master’s entire estate. The LORD was with Joseph and blessed him greatly in everything that he did, and HE also blessed Potiphar for Joseph’s sake (Vs. 1-6).
In the process of time, Potiphar’s wife became very attracted to Joseph, who scripture tells us, was a very handsome, well-built man. She began to pursue Joseph sexually, but he, time and time again, resisted her advances. He told her that her husband trusted him, and had been too good to him for him to do such wicked a thing. “He has entrusted me with everything that he has, and has withheld nothing from me, except you. No one on his staff has more authority than me. It would be a great sin against GOD”, he told her (Vs. 7-9).
On one occasion however, when Joseph was working alone inside the house, she saw him, and grabbed him and demanded that he sleep with her. Joseph, however, tore himself away from her and fled from the house as quickly as he could, leaving a piece of his garment clutched in her hands. Infuriated by Joseph’s continued rejections, she screamed for the guards and when they arrived, she told them that Joseph had tried to rape her, and she used his garment as proof that Joseph had been there. When she told Potiphar, he was furious at Joseph, and he had him thrown into prison (Vs. 11-19).
Now GOD continued to be with Joseph while he was in prison, just as HE was with him in Potiphar’s house. In both settings Joseph was a faithful servant to those who were in authority. The conviction and trust that he had, that GOD was with him in all circumstances, freed him up to do the very best he could do, no matter how great his setbacks were, or appeared to be.
Our faithfulness to a life of integrity can prepare us for whatever advancement we will receive from GOD, whenever things seem to be going downhill for us. Joseph’s faithfulness prepared him for those sudden advancements that GOD bestowed upon him every time it looked like things were getting worse.
When he was sold into the depths of slavery, GOD raised him to the heights of manager over his master’s estate. When he was thrown down into prison, GOD raised him up to be in charge of everything that went on inside the prison. Joseph was faithful with small things, and so GOD entrusted him with greater things, and HE will do the same with any who choose to live a life of integrity before HIM.
This story in the life of Joseph serves to remind us of the frequent advice of King Solomon where he warns us, time and time again, of the folly of yielding to the temptations of a flattering woman, or man, and thereby, destroying all chances of having a life of true service to GOD. Joseph did not yield to temptation because he was totally convinced that he would receive GOD’s goodness if he remained true to HIM. And he was not willing to throw away GOD’s blessings for a moment’s pleasure in sin, and it did not bother him if he had to suffer for righteousness sake. And that brings to mind, another great MAN of integrity, ONE whom we all know as, CHRIST JESUS.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-12-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 25, 2011

CELEBRATING PROMISES FULFILLED
(GOD’s promises are fulfilled in JESUS)
(Luke 1:46-55)

Luke 1:46-55 is a passage that, over the years, has become one of the great hymns of the Christian Church as a whole. This passage is known world-wide as the “Magnificat”. Magnificat is a term taken from the “Latin Vulgate”, the first Latin translation of the bible, written by Jerome at the end of the fourth century A.D., and it means, “My soul doth magnify the LORD”.
This song, composed by Mary, mother of JESUS, praises GOD’s favor on her and her people (Vs. 51-55). Some scholars tend to doubt that a young uneducated country girl, such as Mary, could have composed such a wonderful and prophetic poem, however, common sense dictates that she, or anyone else, who was in a close personal relationship with GOD, and were fairly familiar with the Old Testament passages which are alluded to in this song, is capable of expressing these thoughts of praise that we find here.
Apparently, Mary saw herself as a part of the GODly remnant that had served her LORD with all diligence. We see in verse 47, for instance, where she calls GOD, “my Savior”, shows she had a deep intimate knowledge of HIM. She also speaks of GOD’s faithfulness, power, holiness, and mercy in verses 48-50, showing that her relationship with GOD was an experiential one.
This timeless stretch of biblical literature, has, contained within it, four distinct parts which should be noted by every reader. First, there is “great personal adoration and thanks to GOD” (Vs. 46-48). In the biblical Greek, the word “makarizo” (mak-ar-id-zo) is used in verse 46 for “blessed”, and it actually means “supremely blest”, or, “beatified”. It describes, in this passage, what it is like to be “indwelt by GOD, and thereby, fully satisfied”. Mary was completely satisfied and honored by the wonderful, and unexpected way, in which GOD chose to use her body for HIS purpose.
Then secondly, there is “a celebration of GOD’s attributes” (Vs. 49-50). Mary celebrated GOD’s goodness and she cherished all that HE had done for her, and she also appreciated the fact that HIS mercy extended throughout all generations, for all times.
Thirdly, we see her “acclaim GOD for correcting pride, social injustice, and economic disparities” (Vs. 51-53). In these three verses we see “GOD’s three great moral revolutions”. These moral rebellions can also be found in the make-up of Christianity. We see, first of all, “GOD’s revolution against pride (v.51), where Mary notes that, “GOD scatters the proud and haughty ones” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it automatically means death to pride. A person cannot possibly set their life beside the life of CHRIST without, first, tearing every ounce of pride from him, or herself.
Next we see “GOD’s revolution against social injustice” (v.52) “HE has taken the princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it means death to social injustice. It puts an end to race, labels, and prestige, because what CHRIST did for one, HE intended for all. No man is favored in the eyes of GOD, but also, we can call no man worthless, or common, for whom JESUS CHRIST has died. HE died for all men in general, and all Christians, in particular.
And then, there is “GOD’s revolution against economic disparity” (v.53) “HE has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands” (NLT). When Christianity is practiced properly, it means death to economic disparity and greed. A Christian society is a community of believers who dares to have too much, while others don’t even have enough. The attitude of a believer in CHRIST JESUS, is one that desires to have more, in order that they may have more to give away.
In the fourth and final part (Vs. 54-55), we see “Mary giving GOD praise for the mercy shown to Israel”. There she cites that, “How GOD has helped HIS servant Israel! HE has not forgotten HIS promise to be merciful. HE promised our ancestors, Abraham and his children, to be merciful to them forever” (NLT).
Even at her young age we can clearly see that Mary knew for sure that her blessing and charge of giving birth to the SON of GOD was not all about her, but rather, it was about a covenant promise that was established with Abraham and her fore-fathers, long before she was ever thought about.
It was William Barclay who wrote, concerning this wonderful passage of scripture, that, “There is loveliness in the Magnificat, but within that loveliness, there is also, dynamite”. And he was right. And so Mary went on to birth our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, and JESUS CHRIST birthed Christianity into the world, and Christianity birthed a revolution in mankind against pride, social injustice, and economic disparity, and mankind must now take up that fight, and continue that revolution throughout the world.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-12-16T03:13:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 18, 2011

PASSING THE TEST
(We must faithfully obey GOD through all of our trials)
(Genesis 22)

GOD chose Abraham’s family as a vehicle to bring salvation to the whole world. The Holy Bible traces Abraham’s steps from Ur to Haran, through the land of Palestine, into Egypt, and then, back into Palestine. However, the most significant trip of Abraham’s 175-year life was the 50-mile journey that he takes in Genesis 22, from Beer-sheba to Mount Moriah. Mount Moriah, which was later named, Mount Gerizim, became, and remained, the Jews key place of worship until King David moved the worship center to Jerusalem, early on in his reign.
In Genesis 22 GOD decides to test Abraham’s faith and obedience in a most profound way. HE commanded him to take his son, Isaac, to Mount Moriah and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering. Now actually, GOD never really intended for his beloved Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the only son he had left, after being told by HIM to send Ishmael away, a short time earlier. In fact, GOD did not even allow child sacrifices to be practiced among the Israelites at all, however, it was in common practice among the surrounding Canaanite nations, and Abraham must have been well aware of that. However, in order for it to be a real test from GOD, one that was designed to prove faith, it had to defy human logic, and it had to be something that Abraham wanted very badly to resist doing.
Surprisingly, in verse 3, Abraham, instead of protesting, rose up early the next morning, and seemingly, almost enthusiastically, prepares himself to set out on a three-day journey so that he could fully obey and carry out the command of GOD.
After arriving at Mount Moriah, we see two statements by Abraham that prophetically reveals his faith in what GOD had previously told him concerning HIS covenant with him, which included Isaac (Gen. 17:19). First of all, in verse 5, Abraham tells his servants to “Stay with the donkey, the boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there (on Mount Moriah), and then we will come right back”.
Then, in verse 8, in response to his son Isaac’s question of, “Where is the lamb for sacrifice?” Abraham tells him, GOD will provide a lamb my son”. These two statements by Abraham show that even in his sub-conscience, he had full trust and faith in the LORD, and he had come to trust HIM more completely as the years went by. He knew that GOD expected him to obey, and he was willing to go the distance, sacrificing the only son he had left, at an age that far exceeded 100 years old. And the writer of the Book of Hebrews (Heb. 11:19) says that he also reasoned that GOD could raise Isaac from the dead if need be, in order to keep HIS Covenant.
There is a three-step lesson in “faith” that is timeless, and it will benefit us all to learn it at as early an age as possible. Abraham had to learn it in his lifetime, and so do we as Christians living in the twenty-first century. The Apostle Paul lists “faith” as one of the three great enduring things, along with “hope” and “love” (1 Cor. 13:13). It has not changed since the beginning, and it will not change throughout the rest of eternity.
We must learn first that “faith always obeys completely, the Word of GOD”. Secondly, “faith surrenders the best to GOD, and holds nothing back”. And thirdly, “faith always waits on GOD to provide all that is needed in life”.
Throughout scripture, the lamb is presented as the primary, and most frequently requested sacrificial animal by GOD, and, in fact, over time has become the personification, or symbol of innocence and harmlessness. Here in Genesis 22, Abraham was fully willing to sacrifice his innocent, harmless son up to GOD on the fire, and there is no evidence in this passage, that even suggests to us, that Isaac went kicking and screaming as his father placed him there.
Symbolically, JESUS, the innocent, harmless LAMB of GOD, did willing go to the cross to sacrifice HIMSELF, in agreement with the Will of HIS FATHER GOD. HE did not go kicking and screaming, but rather, HE went willingly, and was non-resistant. HE took our place, just as the ram that was caught in the bush, took Isaac’s place on the fire. And now, as a result, today every man, woman, and child, that has faith enough to “pass the test” and “believe GOD”, has what it takes to overcome the gravitational pull of this world, and enter “for free”, on the sacrifice of CHRIST JESUS, into the Kingdom of Heaven.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-12-09T02:47:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 11, 2011

BELIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE
(Faith means seeing beyond what seems possible)
(Genesis 15)

In Genesis chapter 15, verses 1-6, we see one of the most defining passages on faith that can be found anywhere else in all of scripture. This passage underscores the argument by the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 4, where he debates that “Justification” and “Salvation” are imputed to us by GOD, because of our faith in HIM, and, that those gifts from GOD have never been given as a result of our so-called “good works”.
In the biblical Greek, the word “logizomai” (log-i-zom-ahee) is used to describe what takes place when GOD accredits us with righteousness that we could not otherwise earn, just as HE did with Abram in this passage. Logizomai is an accounting term that means “to reckon”, or, “to make an entry in the account book”. The doctrine of “imputation” is taught throughout the Old and New Testaments. To “impute” means “to accredit someone other than the one who is responsible”.
Scripture teaches us that, when we believe GOD, HE, WHO keeps all record books, looks into our accounts and clearly sees that we are not righteous. HE then, through HIS grace and mercy, chooses to accept our faith in HIM, in place of that lack of righteousness. In other words, for those who have faith in HIM (CHRIST JESUS), GOD will stamp the word “RIGHTEOUS” over their accounts, and announce that their debt is covered, or, is paid in full, through the blood of CHRIST JESUS.
Here we see Abram (Abraham), on faith, accepting GOD’s divine promise of a son, to be born of his own flesh, even though it seemed physically impossible for he and Sarai (Sarah) in their old age, which was, at that time, 100 years old, and 90 years old, respectively. Also in this passage, one should note that at that time, Abram had not yet been circumcised as a sign of his covenant with GOD, and, that the Law (The Ten Commandments), which was delivered by Moses was still some 400 years away. Therefore, neither circumcision, nor, Abram’s strict obedience to the Law factored in GOD’s decision to declare him “righteous” (Gen. 15:6). It was only through Abram’s “trusting faith” in GOD that GOD afforded him the distinction of being “righteous”, and, in addition, granted him the gift of eternal life (salvation).
In verses 7-8 of this chapter of Genesis, we find that, after Abram believed in GOD to deliver the seemingly impossible feat of presenting he and his wife Sarai with the birth of a child of their own flesh in their old age, he now, strangely wavers when GOD added the promise that he would also give the entire land of Canaan to his offspring. And actually, that’s not so surprising when we consider the fact that we too, after we’ve exercised great faith in GOD on one occasion, have on a later occasion, failed to show the same measure of faith.
Many of us struggle with maintaining a high level of faith, over a long period of time. Hopefully, through a closer, more personal, experiential relationship with GOD, we can overcome our pattern of inconsistency in trusting in the LORD for all things, just as Abram managed to do later on in his life.
In verses 9-10 GOD instructs Abram in a sacrificial ritual that was known as a “Covenant of Blood”. Abram is obedient to GOD’s instructions, as he gathers up, and cuts into halves, three animal sacrifices; a three-year old heifer, a three-year old female goat, and a three-year old ram. He also brought the LORD two bird sacrifices, a turtledove, and a young pigeon, the two of which, he did not sever in halves. This “Covenant of Blood” was considered to be the most binding of all covenants in Old Testament times, and it was always formalized by GOD’s “passing through” the divided halves of the sacrificial animals, an act which HE apparently used to consummate the deal (v. 17).
In verse 11 we see vultures (birds of prey), which, in this passage represent a “bad omen” for Israel’s near future, and would later turn out to be their enslavement in Egypt. Abram was eventually able to “shoo” these birds away, who were trying to devour GOD’s covenant sacrifices which he had prepared. Satan will always oppose, and try to destroy any of man’s dealings with GOD, however, in the ensuing verses, 12-16, GOD shows Abram in a dream, how Israel would be preyed upon and oppressed by Egypt, but would eventually be rescued, as GOD would “shoo” Egypt away in the end, and they would ultimately come away from Egypt with great wealth (Vs. 13-14).
In the Hebrew, the word used for “believed”, in verse 6 is “aman” (aw-mawn), and it simply means “to be certain”. It is a word that sets our mind on the absolute trust that Abram had in GOD. Abram’s story is perhaps, scripture’s greatest example of a man who possessed a “saving faith” that GOD would always deliver on HIS promises, no matter how impossible it may seem to the human thought process.
Abraham’s righteousness was won by strong faith in GOD, and he was fully persuaded, that GOD would do just what HE said HE would do. He came to know, just as we must all come to know, that GOD’s power is not bound by our understanding, and neither is it bound by our lack of understanding.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-12-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 4, 2011

CHOOSING TO FOLLOW GOD
(GOD blesses and leads those who follow HIM)
(Genesis 12)

Genesis chapters 12-50 gives us details about the origins of the Hebrew race, starting with Abraham and Sarah. After relating the story of how sin was first introduced into the world, and, its catastrophic effect on mankind in chapters 1-11, Moses now informs us about the onset of GOD’s plan to bless all nations through HIS seed, which was ultimately CHRIST JESUS.
Abram, whose name GOD changed to “Abraham”, was born in the fabled city of Ur. At that time, about 4200 years ago, Ur was a rich Sumerian influenced city, which was located along the Euphrates River. Its people, culture, and language were heavily influenced by the ancient people of Sumer, who were Babylonians, probably of non-Semitic origin, and, who had established one of the earliest and greatest civilizations of the fourth millennium B.C.
The Sumerians were widely known for their monumental architecture, vast wealth, comfortable homes, music, and fine art. While Abram lived there in his father’s house, he worshiped many other gods, as he had become a product of his environment (Joshua 24:2). However, once GOD spoke to him, he left his father’s house and traveled to the land of Canaan, where, along his journey, he lived a nomadic lifestyle, in tents, for nearly 100 years.
Abraham is the towering figure to whom the Jews trace their origin as GOD’s chosen people. Today he is revered by the followers of three great world religions; Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He is all-important to us today for two reasons. First of all, we cannot even begin to understand the Old Testament, until we can come to see it as an outworking of the promises that GOD first delivered to him as a man, personally. Secondly, as we meditate on his story, we are able to pick up many, many tidbits and principles that we can utilize today, to enhance our own personal lives and our own personal relationship with GOD.
Abraham was called out from a life of fraternizing and socializing with people who sought after many gods, and who had long ago, fallen in love with themselves, and the things that they could make or buy, by way of their creativity and financial power. At age 75, he left the bling bling and glamour of this ritzy society in order that he might have a personal relationship with the only wise living GOD of the universe, and GOD rewarded him with everlasting fame, honor, and glory from on high. And even though he quickly stumbled, (while feeling the pressure of a severe drought – Gen. 12:10) by moving to Egypt without the divine direction of GOD, putting himself and his family in certain danger, he was able to recover because he never once thought about permanently abandoning his instructions from GOD. He had found himself in his first situation where he had to trust GOD totally, and he obviously failed that test. In his mind, he was only trying to mitigate his own losses and circumstances by moving his family and property out of harm’s way, and into a more livable situation, which he saw in the land of Egypt (Gen. 12:11-16).
Abraham temporarily strayed from GOD’s plan to incorporate a human plan of his own, and he almost paid for it with his own life. However, GOD, WHO knows all hearts, intervened with HIS mercy, and delivered Abraham and his whole family, intact, from the anger of the scorned Pharaoh of Egypt.
There are very striking parallels between this move by Abraham, and the later move by Israel, through Joseph, to find refuge from famine by sojourning in Egypt. For instance, the famine in the land (Gen. 12:10 & 47:13), the descent into Egypt (Gen. 12:10 & 47:27), the attempt to kill the male and save the female (Gen. 12:12 & Ex. 1:22), the plagues on Egypt (Gen. 12:17 & Ex. 7:14-11:10), the spoiling of Egypt (Gen. 12:16 & Ex. 12:35-36), the deliverance (Gen. 12:19 & Ex. 15), and the ascent to the Negev (Gen. 13:1 & Num. 13:17, 22). And so we see, in essence, the great deliverance of Israel from Egypt had already been accomplished by GOD, through its ancestor Abraham many years earlier.
As we view the particulars of the “Abrahamic Covenant”, we can see seven “I will” promises (Genesis chapter 12, verses 1-7), that has either already been fulfilled, or, are being fulfilled right now. They are as follows;
(1). I will make you into a great nation (vs. 2a)
(2). I will bless you (vs. 2b)
(3). I will make you famous (vs. 2b)
(4). I will make you a blessing to others (vs. 2b)
(5). I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you (vs. 3a)
(6). I will bless all of the people of the earth through you (vs. 3b)
(7). I will give this land (Palestine) to your offspring (vs. 7a)
After choosing to follow GOD, Abraham set out upon a faith journey that grew stronger and stronger with each passing day. And out of reverence and respect for GOD, Abraham made it his custom to build commemorative altars of worship to GOD, almost everywhere he went, namely those in Shechem and Bethel. They helped him to remember GOD’s covenant promise with him, and also gave him strength and encouragement to continue on his 500 mile journey, on foot, from Ur to Canaan.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-11-25T04:30:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 27, 2011

PUTTING WORRY TO REST
(Putting worry in its place)
(Matthew 6:25-34)

GOD has already built into HIS creation, all of the means by which all living things can be cared for. Everything that we need to survive has always existed with us in this world. In the biblical Greek, the word “merimnao” (mer-im-nah-o) is used to convey the idea to “take no thought of” in the old King James Version, and “do not worry about” in the New King James, and New Living Translation versions of the bible. It is a phrase that is used several times by JESUS in Matthew chapter 6, verses 25-34, in HIS landmark “Sermon on the Mount”. In these ten verses JESUS uses seven illustrations in defense of HIS argument against “worrying” about things that only GOD THE FATHER has control over.
He begins first, in verse 25, by pointing out the obvious fact that, if GOD gives us life, why wouldn’t HE give us the food and other necessities required in sustaining that life. A mature Christian should have no difficulty trusting GOD to provide them with their daily bread, clothing, and other needs.
The second point JESUS makes, in verse 26, is HIS illustration of the birds of the air, and how they are fed daily by HIS Heavenly FATHER. And even though the birds do work diligently, as we all should, they do not worry about stockpiling large amounts of food. They, instead, just continue to stay busy, working and concerning themselves only with what supplements they need for the current day. Could it be that they understand something about GOD that we don’t?
In HIS third point, verse 27, JESUS attempts to show how useless worry can be, as HE points out that, no one can advance, neither their physical stature, nor their length of days and years, by constantly worrying.
In HIS fourth point, verses 28-30, JESUS turns our attention to the lilies of the fields, and how they grow daily through a natural process. In the first century, the flowers that JESUS was probably alluding to were the scarlet poppies and anemones that bloomed and blossomed on the hillsides of Palestine. In their one-day life-spans, they were clothed in a beauty that was unsurpassed, even by King Solomon, when he was dressed in his finest garbs. JESUS reasoned that, if GOD gives such beauty of array to the lowly, short-lived flowers, how much more will HE clothe us? Not only will GOD clothe us, but HE will clothe us with a beauty that goes way beyond man’s ability to imitate.
JESUS’ fifth point of argument against worrying is a very fundamental one. In verse 32 HE reminds us that worry shows distrust in GOD, and a total lack of faith in GOD’s ability to do what HE says HE can and will do for us. It is a characteristic of a pagan, or unbeliever, who is still fool enough to think that they can take matters into their own hands and succeed without help from GOD, even though they may have continued to fail miserably in life, over and over again.
In points six and seven, JESUS gives us two ways that we can defeat worry. The first is that we make the “Kingdom of GOD” our primary concern. The familiar Christian advice that we should “seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD, and all the rest, will be added unto you” comes to mind in this statement. To be in the Kingdom, and to do the will of GOD are one in the same thing, and so, therefore, doing and accepting GOD’s Will is the primary way to defeat “worry”.
Finally, JESUS informs us that we can also defeat worry, pretty much the same way that the birds do, and that is, by taking one day at a time. GOD is in control yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and only HE knows, in advance, what each day will bring. Through CHRIST JESUS’ vicarious sacrifice on the cross, HE has saved us from our past evils. Through HIS mercies and grace, HE provides for us in the present, day by glorious day. And through HIS lending to us, HIS HOLY SPIRIT, HE wants to guide us into a future of obedience to HIS Will, even though HE does not promise us a tomorrow.
The great 20th century Apologist, William Barclay, summed it all up this way, “If each day is lived as it comes, and each task is done as it appears, then the sum of all days is bound to be good. It is JESUS’ advice that we should handle the demands of each day as it comes, without worrying about the unknown future, and those things, which may never happen”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-11-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 20, 2011

PRAYING AS GOD’S PEOPLE
(Sincere prayer reveals your heart toward GOD)
(Matthew 6:1-18)

In Matthew chapter 6, verses 1-18, in the middle of HIS, now famous, “Sermon on the Mount”, JESUS attempts to show HIS followers, then and now, just who they need to satisfy in order to receive those Christian rewards that will be everlasting to the recipient. In this particular segment, JESUS begins HIS teachings on three very important issues concerning the “Christian Walk”. HE wants HIS followers to have the kind of attitude, or, “spiritual mindedness” that will reflect that of HIS OWN. HE seeks to instill in them, these three things that a Christian must obtain, and, maintain, if they are to be successful in the eyes of GOD; (1) The correct attitude towards “giving”, (2) The correct attitude towards “prayer”, and (3) The correct attitude towards “fasting”. He also gives us HIS, now famous, “blueprint on how we should pray”, better known as “The LORD’s Prayer”, which I will address separately.
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “hypocrites” is “hupokrites” (hoop-ok-ree-tace), and it describes “one whose whole life is a piece of acting” or, one who pretends to be what one is not”. Now, throughout this passage JESUS urges HIS followers not to let hypocrisy define their daily walk, and also, not to be seekers of the rewards of men. In verses 1-4, HE introduces the subject of “giving”. HE begins by warning us to be careful not to do our good deeds publicly, just so we can be admired by men. In other words, we should not give as hypocrites do. When we give to those in need, make sure that we don’t go around announcing and talking about it, blowing our own horn, and calling attention to ourselves. We should “not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing”. Any gift given in secret, for a GODly cause, is a gift-giving action that will be rewarded by GOD WHO sees you.
In verses 5-7, JESUS warns us not to pray as hypocrites do, you know the ones I mean, those who love to pray in public just so everyone can see and hear them pray, but they never pray in private. Blessed is the person who prays in private. JESUS also instructs us not to babble on and on with long, drawn out repetitive prayers as if we were trying to demonstrate who can pray the longest among us. GOD already knows our needs, even before we utter the first word. Our prayers only need to be earnest, and come from the heart, and, be faith-based. They have to neither be long, nor public, to be effective. The effectiveness of prayer is based on the righteousness of the petitioner (James 5:15-16)
In verses 9-13, JESUS attempts to show HIS original disciples, and us, just how we should pray. Before we get into details, there are certain general facts that should be noted. First of all, this divine example is a directive that teaches us how to pray, and is not a prayer, in and of itself. It is a “blueprint” by which we are to pattern our daily petitions to GOD.
Secondly, it is a prayer that only a “disciple”, or “true follower” of CHRIST can pray. By that I mean, only a person who is committed to GOD can pray this kind of prayer with any meaning or effectiveness. And finally, it is not a child’s prayer, as it has often been stated, and, as many of us have been led to believe. In fact, it is not even meaningful for a child at all. It is a prayer for those who have reached an age of accountability, and only out of the heart of a person that is truly committed to GOD, does this prayer, or any prayer realize its full meaning. And with that said, let us now analyze this terse, but brilliant petition, which JESUS handed down to us that day from the very slopes of the “Mount of Beatitudes” (present day Mount Eremos) on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee in far-off Palestine.
The first line in this model prayer identifies just who our prayer is addressed to, “Our FATHER which art in Heaven”. Following that statement, the first three pronouncements in this prayer deals with GOD and HIS glory, “Hallowed be THY name”, “Thy Kingdom comes”, THY will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven”. And so, we see here, that, GOD has to first be given HIS supreme place, before we can turn our thoughts to ourselves, our needs, and our desires. Only when GOD is given HIS proper place in our lives, can everything else in our lives fall into place.
Now, we can turn to our needs, which is just what the next three petitions in this prayer are about. In fact, they actually deal with the three basic essential needs of man, those being, “maintenance of life”, “forgiveness”, and “help with temptation”. They also deal with the three spheres of time, through which all mankind must travel, “the present”, “the past”, and, “the future”.
“Give us this day our daily bread” turns our thoughts, once again, to “GOD THE FATHER”, the creator and sustainer of all of life. HE is the ONE who covers us in the “present” and so this petition brings “our needs of the present” to the throne of GOD.
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” turns our thoughts to “GOD THE SON”, our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, the GOD-appointed, ultimate judge. This petition brings our “past” before the throne of GOD. It is the sacrifice of JESUS on the cross that clears us of “past behavior”, and re-establishes us into a right relationship with GOD (Salvation). At that point we are given “justification” and GOD begins to treat us as though we never sinned at all.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” turns our thoughts to “GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT”, our GOD-appointed Comforter, Strengthener, and Guide. This petition commits our “future” into the hands of GOD. The HOLY SPIRIT within us will always compel us towards CHRIST, even as the “Sin Nature” in us tries to tug us back towards the World. Whenever we follow the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT, we will always do that which is right, as opposed to doing that which is wrong.
And so we see in these three petitions, JESUS teaching us to lay our past, present, and future on the mercy of the grace of GOD. This blueprint shows us how to bring the “whole of life” (our past, our present, and our future) to the “whole of GOD” (GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT).
Prayer should never be an attempt to bend the will of GOD, but rather, should always be aimed towards submitting our wills TO the will of GOD. And then we “fast” to teach ourselves to have self-control over the desires of the flesh, and, to teach us how to “eat to live”, rather than “live to eat”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-11-11T03:16:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 13, 2011

LOVING AS GOD’S PEOPLE
(Loving those who you perceive to be your enemies)
(Matthew 5:43-48 & Luke 6:27-36)

Just like in today’s society, the people of the first century, during JESUS’ day, could understand pretty well how they should love their family and friends, and even their next door neighbors in some instances, but there was no way they could accept the statement from JESUS, “Love your enemy as yourself”. In fact, they considered hating their enemies as being the right thing to do. It boggled their minds, this concept that JESUS taught, about loving someone who was mistreating you, or seeking to do you hurt and harm.
In Matthew chapter 5, verses 43-48, and Luke 6:27-36, JESUS re-introduces us to a love that is not of the fleshly variety, but rather, is of the spiritual “agape” kind of charity that GOD has for all mankind, believers and unbelievers. It is a kind of “unconditional love” that actually defines just who GOD is, and then, overflows into a fountain of blessings, prayers, attitudes, and actions that can change the heart of any person who may be in opposition to you or yours.
The Pharisees wrongly taught that the Jews should love those who were near and dear to them, and hate their enemies. By this kind of teaching, they were errantly implying that “their hatred” was “GOD’s means” of judging their enemies. It was a terrible misinterpretation of Leviticus 19:18. JESUS taught that GOD’s love extended to everyone, even to those whom we perceive to be our enemies. And since GOD’s love extends to everyone, we, as Christians, need to make ourselves more of a “channel of GOD’s love”, by striving to love all mankind as ourselves.
Here in these passages of Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels, JESUS talks about seven aspects of agape love. And because of our “sin nature”, these seven things are not naturally done by man, and require the supernatural interceding of GOD, through the HOLY SPIRIT, in order for us to achieve such a high state of righteousness.
These seven aspects include; (1) Loving our enemy, (2) Doing good to those who hate us, (3) Blessing those who curse us, (4) Praying for those who mistreat us, (5) Resisting the urge for revenge against those whom we feel have wronged us, (6) Giving freely without the expectation of being paid back, and finally (7) Always treating others the way we want to be treated (otherwise known as “The Golden Rule”). In order to successfully and consistently do all these things, especially to people that we don’t know or like, one has to be “inspired to love” by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.
JESUS wants us to show the same attitudes toward each other, that GOD HIMSELF shows to us. This kind of love will set us apart from the world, and allow us to emulate the ways of GOD in Heaven, while yet living here on earth. This kind of behavior will clearly show the world at large, that, Christianity really does produce the best men and women.
And finally, in Matthew 5:48, JESUS makes yet another “rock hard statement” that most Christians still struggle with, here in this, the twenty-first century. There JESUS says, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your FATHER which is in Heaven is perfect” (KJV). In the biblical Greek, the word used for “perfect” is “teleios” and it has nothing to do with what we might call abstract, philosophical, or metaphysical perfection. What JESUS is saying here is that, if we are to be righteous, we must be as GOD is, mature and holy, compassionate and merciful. If we are to be children of GOD, then, that means that we must be GOD-like people in our behavior. Murder, lust, hatred, deception, and thoughts of retaliation are not a part of GOD’s make-up, or HIS nature, and so, if we are to share GOD’s nature, those things must not be a part of our make-up either. Therefore, “perfect”, in the Greek sense of the word, is “functional”, it goes to how we behave in life, towards GOD, and, towards each other.
Something is perfect when it reaches the full maturity, or realization of its purpose. For instance, a student who has reached a mature knowledge of his subject of study has perfected it, and can now enter into that field which he has long studied, and become an expert through experience and practice. Likewise, a man who has realized, through the study of GOD’s Word, the purpose for which GOD created him, and sent him into the world, the same has now matured to the point where he can now serve GOD to the fullest of his GOD-given capacity.
GOD will not lower HIS standards to accommodate mankind, but rather, HIS standards will remain high, and indeed, perfect. And although HIS standards will never be met, or lived up to by man, GOD still expects that we will aspire to meet those standards, and even consider it our unreachable goal in life.
Now one might say, “Ah! If the goal is unreachable, why bother, or why waste our time trying to attain it?” However, even though this standard may never be perfectly met by any man except JESUS, a person who has faith in GOD will enjoy, by striving toward those standards, a righteousness, that is being reproduced in his or her life, every single moment that they remain focused on that goal, during their Christian Walk.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-11-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 6, 2011

FULFILLING THE LAW
(Practice and teach the laws of the kingdom, and preserve reverence and respect)
(Matthew 5:17-26)

In Matthew chapter 5, verses 17-20, JESUS rejects the charges of religious critics, namely the Scribes and Pharisees, that HE was seeking to abolish any of GOD’s laws, or the writings of GOD’s prophets with HIS teachings. Here JESUS expresses HIS total allegiance to the writings and laws of the Old Testament, and in fact, just like the Mosaic Law itself, JESUS’ teachings are meant to reveal any human behavior that is contrary to GOD’s will. JESUS also sought to reveal those human attitudes, values, and motives that must be transformed if we are to shape and harmonize our lives into a form and symphony that is pleasing to the eyes and ears of GOD.
Time and time again, JESUS violated what the Jewish hierarchy called “our law”. HE did not observe the silly hand-washing rituals, for instance, that, their law called for, nor, did HE refrain from performing HIS miraculous healings on the Sabbath days. Sadly, in the end, JESUS was crucified, in part, as a law-breaker, because HIS rebellious acts defied the authority of the Scribes and Pharisees, and rendered their man-made rules and regulations worthless.
The expression “The Law” was used by the Jewish leaders in four different ways. First, it meant “The Ten Commandments”. Secondly, they used it to mean “The Pentateuch”, the first five books of the Bible. The word “Pentateuch” literally means “The five Rolls”, or “Scrolls”. These five “Law Books” (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy) which were written by Moses, were to them, the most important part of the Scriptures. Thirdly, they liked to use the phrase “The Law and the prophets”, which meant “the whole of Scripture”. To them it was a comprehensive description of the entire Old Testament as they knew it at that time. And finally, and most commonly, they referred to the term, the “Oral”, or “Scribal Laws”, which were more about them, than about GOD. It was these Scribal Laws that so infuriated JESUS, (and later, the Apostle Paul) that HE utterly condemned them for creating them.
The Jewish Scribes insisted that, out of GOD’s Law, it was possible to deduce a rule and regulation for every possible situation in life. And so they set about the business of dedicating their lives to reducing GOD’s great principles of Law, down to literally thousands of rules and regulations, and then they compelled the people to adhere to them. All manner of minor physical endeavors became classified as “work”, that could not be engaged in on the Sabbath Day. For instance, they defined work as lifting any weight greater than that of a dried fig, a swallow of milk, or ink enough to write two alphabets. To carry anything above those weighs on the Sabbath was considered by them to be a burden, and thereby, a violation of GOD’S Law.
The Scribes came up with these silly rules and regulations, and the Pharisees enforced them. And so, to the strict orthodox Jew of the first century, serving GOD became a matter of them striving to keep these thousands, upon thousands of legalistic, and very petty man-made laws, instead of just adhering to GOD’s Law.
Here in this passage of Matthew’s Gospel account, verses 17-22, JESUS makes it clear that He doesn’t have a problem with Moses’ writings, or the writings of the prophets. HE says it is those laws that HE came to uphold, defend, and fulfill. It was the laws of the Scribes and Pharisees, the false teachers, whom JESUS had a problem with. HE tells these wicked leaders in verse 19 that, “If you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys GOD’s Laws and teaches others to do the same will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven” (NLT).
Now at first that sounds like maybe a false teacher can go into the Kingdom of Heaven anyway, until you read JESUS’ follow-up statement in verse 20. There JESUS warns that, “Unless you obey GOD better than the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees do, you can’t enter into the Kingdom of Heaven at all” (NLT).
That had to be a shocking statement for all who were present that day to hear it, and for all those who were later told about it, by those who heard it. It is no wonder that JESUS’ next statement (verse 21) is concerning “murder” and “anger”. A fly on the wall could tell you that the Scribes and the Pharisees, who were present at that moment, were probably angry enough to crucify JESUS right then and there. Maybe JESUS was reminding HIS stunned adversaries of the consequences of such an act, after seeing the looks on their faces. JESUS also talks about the dangerous repercussions of “fire and brimstone judgment” one would face, even for calling a person an idiot, or cursing them, which they were probably doing to JESUS right about then (verse 22).
In verses 23-26, JESUS goes on to remind them that if they are standing before the altar in the temple offering sacrifices to GOD and are reminded that someone has something against them. Leave the sacrifice at the altar, and then, go and be reconciled to that person. Afterwards you will be clear to come and offer sacrifice to GOD. And do it quickly, JESUS warns, while you still have time.
At its core, this passage is mostly about reverence and respect, and JESUS came to show men, in real life, just what reverence for GOD, and respect for our fellowman is really like. Justice consists of giving to GOD, and to man, that which is their just due. Reverence and respect does not consist of sacrifice, as much as it does, of mercy; it does not consist of legalism, but rather, it consists of love; it does not consist of prohibitions which demand that men should NOT DO, but rather, it consists of instructions on HOW TO DO, using the positive commandment of love.
The message that JESUS is seeking to convey in this passage is that the “reverence” and “respect”, which is the foundation of the Ten Commandments, will never be allowed to pass away. They represent the eternal make-up of a man’s relationship with GOD, and, his relationship with his fellowman.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-10-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 30, 2011

LIVING AS GOD’S PEOPLE
(GOD blesses those who realize their need for HIM)
(Matthew 5:1-12)

JESUS’, now famous, “Sermon on the mount” demonstrates the standard of righteousness that GOD demands from each of us who profess to be interested in following HIM. Some of these standards are laid out to us in general terms, while others are very specific. There are also others that are apocalyptic in nature, as they refer to, or pertain to, future times.
In Matthew chapters 5-7, the Apostle Matthew highlights JESUS’ most well-known sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount”. It is a discourse which took place on an unknown mountaintop, somewhere in Galilee, and probably near Capernaum, nearly 2000 years ago. There JESUS begins HIS sermon with a series of statements that serve to gradually shape the attitude of those who choose to follow HIM.
In the New Testament Greek, the word used for “blessed” is “makarios” (mak-ar-ree-os) and it describes that “joy” which finds its secret within itself. It is a joy that is serene and untouchable. It is self-contained and is totally independent and immune to the oppressions of this world. It is an attitude that is not affected by the chances and changes of everyday life. It is, in fact, “a Heavenly state of being” that JESUS is speaking of here, when HE first introduces the world to HIS list of “Beatitudes” in Matthew chapter 5, verses 2-11.
Here in this passage, if one looks closely, he can clearly see the difference between “happiness” and “joy”. We already know, through our many life experiences, that happiness is temporal, and tends to leave us every time something goes wrong in our lives. Every time we experience problems and adversity, happiness is the first thing out the door. That is why GOD does not promise us happiness, but rather, HE assures us that, with HIM, we will always have a “joy” that will transcend the sorrows and trials of this world. HE wishes to “bless” us, and to bless us, is to give us a joy that cannot be found in the people and things of this world, but can only be found in CHRIST JESUS. With JESUS, we will be able to experience the bliss of a “permanent joy” that nothing in this world can change or take away.
Reading through this list of beatitudes one can envision a mountain that we need to climb in order to reach the state of mind, or obtain the “attitude” of a person who is pleasing to GOD. Picture yourself at the foot of a mountain ready to begin your ascent to the top, and beyond to the bottom of the opposite side.
The first beatitude JESUS gives us is “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. A person who is “poor in spirit” is a person who realizes and admits their need for GOD. That is the first step that a person has to make in order to come to GOD, we must first, come to the end of ourselves.
JESUS then says, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”. To mourn is to “earnestly repent” for having lived a life that was not pleasing to GOD. That is when your heart tells GOD that you are now ready to change your mind about the way you live.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”. To be humble is the step that one must now take. GOD always blesses those who are gentle and lowly.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled”. At this step we can now begin to see over the top of the mountain, as we seek to walk in the light of the righteousness of CHRIST. We begin to hunger and thirst after fairness for others, being fair to others, and living a just life with others.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy”. Now we begin our descent down the other side, as we begin to show mercy to others as GOD shows mercy to us. We now begin to reflect HIS image to others through our own behavior.
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see GOD”. We now have a heart for GOD and can now see what GOD is like by looking at the life of CHRIST with a greater understanding.
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of GOD. The person who has a heart for GOD has a mind for peace, and they seek peace through their positive actions. He or she works for peace because they now have become a child of GOD through their faith in HIM. He or she can now handle the three battles that every human being faces, The Battle within ourselves between reason and passion, Our battle with each other, and, Our war with GOD HIMSELF, by way of our sins against HIM.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. Now that we are over the mountain, it is time to go to work for “the GOD WHO sees us”, and WHO saved us from ourselves. We are now fully equipped to triumph over the persecution that we will surely endure because we now live for GOD. Be joyous about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits us in Heaven. Amen.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-10-21T03:32:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 23, 2011

TRUE LOVE
(True love is a gift from GOD, and can only be achieved with GOD)
(Song of Solomon 4)

The Song of Solomon, or, “Song of Songs”, is, quite simply, a love song, written by King Solomon, to his bride. It does not mention GOD, nor claim to be a message from GOD. Instead, it is a drama in poetry, of a love story that captures the yearning of a bride and a bridegroom for each other, and celebrates the mystery and joy of human love. Here in chapter 4, the lover, Solomon, responds with praise for his beloved bride.
True love is the gift that GOD gave to mankind when HE shaped Adam for Eve, and then, formed Eve from Adam. It is, in all honesty, a refreshing affirmation of the biblical view that, in the union of a husband and wife, there exists, a rewarding and total intimacy that can be cherished for all time.
Jewish scholars treat this book of scripture as an allegory of GOD’s love for Israel, or CHRIST’s love for the church, rather than accept it for what it is. They apparently feel uncomfortable with the explicit sexual references that are found here in this poetic rendering. However, it is probably best that we accept this beautiful poem for what it is, and that is, a wonderful celebration of GOD’s gift of “married love”.
The Song of Solomon is scripture’s most explicit exploration of human sexual relationships. In fact, with the exception of this book, the Old, and the New Testament tend to speak of sex indirectly. Scripture, for the most part, deals with, and honors sex as a private and rather personal matter, which, I agree that it really is. And this observation does not even begin to suggest that scripture has a negative view of sex. In fact, the creation story itself, affirms the sexual nature of human beings, and at one and the same time, carefully guards the mystery of sex, so that its special nature and power to bond husband and wife as one, would not be lost to sin.
GOD, through HIS Word, condemns all sexual expressions outside of marriage between a man and a woman (Leviticus 18 & 20:10-21). Adultery, pre-marital sex, and prostitution, as well as sexual perversions such as homosexuality, incest, and lying with animals are forbidden. However, within heterosexual marriages, GOD affirms our freedom to enjoy the gift of pleasurable sexual activity.

The Holy Bible identifies three specific functions of sex in human life:

(1). Procreation (Genesis 1:28),
(2). To satisfy urges that are implicit in human nature (1 Corinthians 7:3-5, 9).
(3). Sex is “sacramental” in the bonding of man and woman as one spirit (Genesis 2:24).

By preserving sexual expression for marriage, GOD is giving it a unique power to unify man and wife, and, as this act is repeated, commitment is constantly re-affirmed, trust grows, and two actually do become one on the most profound levels of their personalities.
This literary masterpiece by Solomon, invites us to lift the veil off sexual intimacy and partake in the joy and unity that sex can help create in a marriage. Marriage is the institution that brings GOD to human sexual relationships. It seems quite obvious that when we look at the state of human relationships, marital statistics, and the general state of the world, and the Church, that, we are still not grasping what GOD is trying to teach us, through HIS word.
With all of the sexual immorality and sexual perversion by professed Christians and non-Christians alike, accelerating at an alarming rate, and, with the divorce rate of both being almost identical, it becomes quite apparent that we still have not conceded to that great fundamental truth, that, without GOD, even in love, mankind can’t do anything right, for too long.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-10-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 16, 2011

LIFE WORTH LIVING
(You’re never too old to remember your CREATOR)
(Ecclesiastes 11 & 12)

In Ecclesiastes chapters 11 & 12, King Solomon concludes his exploration into human ethics as he teaches on generosity and diligence, and also, gives a final bit of advice to the young, on how they should pursue a life that incorporates the will of GOD. He says that generosity and diligence in our youth will pay off handsomely when we are old. Also, Solomon says that it is a bad idea to put off the things in our youth for a later date that can and should, be done today. If we wait for prefect conditions, then nothing will ever get done (Ecclesiastes 11:1-4).
The ways of GOD are oftentimes hard to discern. HIS ways can be as elusive and invisible as the wind, and as mysterious as a child being formed in a mother’s womb. We shouldn’t waste time trying to figure GOD out, but rather, we should only concentrate on that which HE reveals to us in HIS word. We should stay busy, experimenting and utilizing the wide variety of methods which GOD has provided for us to live and survive by. Otherwise, a person will never know what their niche in life is, and just how GOD wants us to use those provisions to serve HIM through our, pre-ordained, personal gifts and talents (Ecclesiastes 11:5-6).
In Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:8, Solomon, for the most part, urges us to rejoice in our youth, through “responsible living”. In fact, this passage can actually be divided into three sections. The first section, 11:7-8, is a call for us to enjoy life, even in the view of impending death. In this section, Solomon writes metaphorically of “light” and “darkness” as elements of “life” and “death”. Here he encourages his readers to enjoy life as it comes, because “life” is like “the pleasant light of the sun”, and it should be enjoyed before “the coming darkness of night”, or “death”. Here Solomon is writing from the Old Testament perspective that “the grave”, for the most part, was considered one’s eternal home.
In the second section, 11:9-10, Solomon urges that our “enjoyment of life” start during our youth, because our formative years can get away from us very quickly. However, he also warns that our enjoyment must be resigned to “responsible living”, because ultimately, everyone is answerable to GOD. All of mankind will have to make an account to GOD for the deeds done in his or her lifetime.
In the third section, 12:1-7, Solomon stresses the importance of the “responsible enjoyment” of youth, because “old age”, is a time of increasing erosion and corrosion of one’s personal skills and physical body, which will ultimately culminate in death. We should honor GOD while we are still in our youth, and are still able to enjoy life and serve GOD to the fullest. We should worship and serve GOD with our “best self”, instead of waiting until we are all used up, and can offer HIM only “what is left of us”. Solomon brilliantly uses this description of death to motivate “responsible living in our youth”. It is, in effect, a reversal of Creation, as our spirit returns to GOD WHO gave it, and we are, in the end, judged by HIM.
Because the “Teacher”, Solomon, was wise, he taught the people everything that he knew about life. He collected and classified many proverbs. He taught the plain truth, and, he did it in a rather interesting way. A wise teacher’s words can spur a student to action, especially when those words emphasize important truths. These collected adages of Solomon can guide us like a shepherd, and lead us to success in the biblical sense.
We have to be careful not to be overly concerned about our success in the worldly sense. Remember, success in GOD’s eyes is far different from what is deemed success in the world’s eyes. We have to be successful in GOD’s eyes before we can enjoy eternal life with HIM in Heaven. Success in GOD’s eyes comes when we realize the purpose for which we came into the world, and that is to serve GOD with all that HE has given us.
There is no end to the worldly advice and opinions that are expressed to us daily, throughout our lifetime. And if we study them too much, we can very easily exhaust all of our remaining days sorting through them, and still end up needing GOD in our life to achieve the right kind of success. To be successful in the only way that counts, we have to fear GOD enough to want to obey HIM, starting in our youth, and in the end, GOD will judge us for everything that we do, including every secret thing, be it good, or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:9-14).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-10-06T17:53:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 9, 2011

THE SUPERIORITY OF WISDOM
(Quiet wisdom can prevail)
(Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)

In the biblical Greek, the word used for “Preacher” is “Ecclesiastes”, and in the biblical Hebrew, it is “Qoheleth” (Ko-heh-leth). Qoheleth is the name by which King Solomon identifies himself in the book of Ecclesiastes in his original writings. In this book, Solomon attempts to display the dark philosophy of a person who looked for peace, apart from GOD, and of course, in the end, realizes how futile that is.
This books pessimistic tone may seem somewhat out of place in the bible, which is, for the most part, a book of vibrant hope and inspiration for all who choose to seek GOD’s directions in life. However, here Solomon is trying to teach us a valuable lesson by showing us how unproductive it is to search for life’s answers through the senses, or, through the material world, rather than through seeking wisdom from GOD.
Solomon loved wisdom and he seemed to embrace it closer than anything else in his life, most of the time. He wholeheartedly believed in the precious value of incorporating GOD’s wisdom in all of life’s situations, and he lent very little credence to relying on “human wisdom” to solve the problems he faced during his reign as king.
Ecclesiastes 9:1-11:6 is characterized by the repeating of the phrases “no man knows” and “you do not know”, as this section deals with man’s inability to predict what will happen in life, be it good or bad. However, probably the key phrase to consider in the book of Ecclesiastes is the one “under the sun”, which is used 29 times in this book. Whenever we see this phrase, it describes how Solomon was looking at life from a human, rather than a heavenly, perspective, and we all know, life from a human perspective can often look bleak, hopeless, and meaningless.
When we choose to go our own way, we automatically move farther and farther away from GOD, and, in the end, the separation has become so wide, that GOD has been reduced to this obscure figure in our lives whom we once knew, and, of which then, we will seek only to avoid. The farther Solomon got away from GOD, the emptier, and more meaningless his life became. He began to see no advantage to following GOD, because the same experiences and fates befell people, regardless of their spiritual perspective. He lost sight of the truth that when good things happen to righteous people, they bless GOD and the people around them, but when good things happen to unbelievers, it only serves as a test to those observing believers whose faith in GOD is not where it should be. Whenever Christians envy worldly people, it is a sign that their hearts are not fixed on GOD as it should be, and they are not sold on the truth that GOD is in control.
In Ecclesiastes 9:13-18, Solomon relates the story of a small town whose citizens faced the threat of being overtaken by a powerful king, and it is in his darkened human perspective that he recalls this incident. There was a poor, but wise man who dwelt among the citizenry of that town that knew of a way to save it from certain doom. Solomon doesn’t say exactly how the man managed to rescue the town, however, one can only surmise that it was through some sort of cleaver negotiations since, apparently, no shots were fired. We are told, also, that the poor man was soon forgotten, because of his insignificant social status in the town, and, that he lived out the remainder of his life in obscurity despite his valuable contribution to their survival.
Solomon was highly impressed by this incident and he seemed to draw very strong conclusions from it. He says he learned from it, that, even though wisdom is better than physical strength, those who are wise may be despised if they are poor, and what they say, won’t be appreciated for long. Even so, the quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish king. A wise person can overcome strong weapons of war, but one foolish sinner can destroy a multitude of good things (Vs. 16-18).
And so, Solomon concedes in the end that GODly wisdom is greater than physical strength, but he still seems irritated by the fact that no one else seems to notice. However, even when doing the right thing seems to go unnoticed by man, or does not result in personal victory or recognition, what’s important is that GOD is taking note, and we need to always try to do the right thing every single time anyway. Doing the right thing will never go unnoticed by GOD, no matter how stupid the world may make you feel for doing it. After all, we have to keep in mind that “it is the world” and all of scripture tells us, that, the world belongs to satan, and is thereby, anti-CHRIST. At some point, we have to stop expecting good things from a world that insists on being apart from GOD. “Only GOD is good”- JESUS CHRIST (Mark 10:18).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-30T01:59:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday October 2, 2011

LAW AND ORDER
(We must follow GOD, even in an unjust world)
(Proverbs 29:16-27)

G. K. Chesterton once wrote, “For whatever is or is not true, this one thing is certain, “We are not what we were meant to be”. We are that which was created, and we are the benefactors of the brilliance and largesse of the CREATOR. Men and women were made by GOD to have dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth. But instead, we have become creatures who are frustrated by our own, self-imposed circumstances, defeated by our temptations, and surrounded by our own weaknesses. And so, it is into this seemingly hopeless situation that GOD sends us HIS only begotten SON, so that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish, but rather, will have everlasting life. JESUS helps us to overcome an otherwise, saddened and doomed state of existence, and HE helps us to understand, and become, what we ought to be.
In any organization where there is ignorance or indifference towards GOD, crime and sin will run amok. Anarchy prevails and law and order is swept aside. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a government, business, church, or private family, when we allow wickedness to thrive, we provide fuel for a downward spiral towards immorality, and a gradual slide towards an unstructured existence much like we already see developing today, in every area of our society (Proverbs 29:16a). GOD did not mean for this to be so.
GOD has never been, is not now, nor will HE ever be a captive of HIS OWN world, the people of HIS world, or, our opinions about HIS nature. GOD is free, and HE is subject to no one’s will but HIS OWN. HE is not bound by our understanding, nor is HE bound by our lack of understanding. The good news remains, however, that GOD is still in charge, and HIS plan is moving right along as scheduled. And one day, just as promised, JESUS will return and take all believers unto HIMSELF, and HE will mete out punishment to all those who rebelled against him, and dedicated their lives to the hindrance of HIS plan for mankind. And the righteous will witness the downfall of the unrighteous (Proverbs 29:16b).
Law and order really begins at home. How we discipline and rear our children, for most part, will determine how much peace of mind we will be able to enjoy in our latter years (Proverbs 29:17). As parents, we have to take charge of our households from day one, and not allow our children to go unrestrained, lacking any semblance of disciplinary measures during their formative years. There may not be much we can do about little David down the street, but the parents of little David certainly can.
In Proverbs 29:18, the word “revelation” refers to the messages from GOD that, are received by HIS prophets. Public, and private morality, depends heavily on how well we know the Word of GOD, and how well we adhere to HIS laws. In other words, in order for this nation and its individuals to function well, we have to, first, know GOD’ ways, and then, keep HIS laws and directives that HE has set before us. Without GOD’s Word, people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways, but obedience to GOD’s Word, ultimately brings joy to our lives.
In Proverbs 29:19, Solomon warns us that, in the workplace, as well as in the home, mere words will not always get the job done. There must also be some kind of disciplinary actions in place to motivate those who refuse to follow directions, even though they understand clearly what their job calls for. It is that way with GOD also. If we are not willing to follow HIS directions, HE already has a list of disciplinary actions that HE will surely execute, whenever HIS will is disobeyed (Deuteronomy 28). If we pamper our subordinates, or our children, it will likely cause us grief and frustration in the end (Proverbs 29:21). However, when dealing with problems of insubordination in the workplace, or in the home, we must be careful to listen before we speak. Speaking hastily, or in anger, and being prideful and conceited, promises us less hope than a fool has. That kind of attitude, can and will, bring one more trouble than they originally had (Proverbs 29:20 & 22-23).
In Proverbs 29:24 Solomon warns against aiding and abetting in criminal acts such as theft. In fact, the accomplice of any criminal act automatically becomes his own enemy simply because of his involvement in the crime. He can’t even testify truthfully without implicating himself, and he can’t remain silent by pleading the “Fifth Amendment”, because, then, he’ll be assumed guilty by everyone, for sure.
In Proverbs 29:25 the phrase “is kept safe” comes from the Hebrew verb “sagab”, and it means “to be inaccessibly high or exalted”. When we fear what man can do to us more than we fear GOD, we’ve already ensnared ourselves mentally, giving ourselves over to the control of someone who is not in control themselves. Our trust in the LORD is the only thing that can bring us safety. When we fear the LORD, we don’t have to fear anything else, because nothing and no one else can gain “access” to us. Security in GOD removes the intimidation of man and makes us “inaccessible” to anyone, or anything, that is not in GOD’s will. Respect, reverence, and trust in GOD, is liberating, not confining. GOD can turn the harm intended by others into good, for those who trust and obey HIM.
Oftentimes we are surprised by the ineptness of the “human justice system”. We go to human authorities to obtain justice, but, in reality, there is no guarantee that justice will be done. True satisfying justice can only come from GOD, and HE will certainly make things right in the end (Proverbs 29:26). The reason why man’s justice is imperfect is because, man himself is imperfect, and therefore, we can’t judge other men simply because we’re all “men under judgment”. An unjust person is an abomination to those who seek to be upright, and obeys the law. A person who seeks to be upright is an abomination to those who are unjust, and are always seeking out new ways to break the law (Proverbs 29:27).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 25, 2011

WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT
(A humble attitude is always good)
(Proverbs 25:1-10)

Because the book of Proverbs is a collection of divine wisdom adages based on many different subjects, it is not possible to outline it, or, approach it in study, as we would a typical book of scripture. It has to be taken in intellectually by its various individual collections, (In praise of wisdom - Chaps. 1-9, Solomon’s Proverbs I – Chaps. 10-22:16, Collected Sayings – Chaps. 22:17-24:34, Solomon’s Proverbs II – Chaps. 25-29, Other Sayings – Chaps. 30-31), rather than by its overall contents.
It is always helpful to understand that the book of Proverbs consists of an extensive menu of beneficial traits such as wisdom, honesty, and truth, and, a contrasting menu of negative traits such as foolishness, cheating, and lying. The writers hope to impart wisdom and understanding to the readers so that we might be able to develop a disciplined life, doing what is right, and abstaining from that which is wrong. In other words, this book carefully lays out and defines, both, the right path to go, and, the wrong path, which should be avoided at all times.
In the Hebrew, the word used for “proverb” is “paroimia” (par-oy-mee-ah), and it is “an enigmatic and fictitious illustration of a real life scenario”. Proverbs 25 contains a wonderful collection of divine wisdom adages, that were written by King Solomon, and collected and preserved by the advisers of King Hezekiah many years later (Prov. 25:1). Hezekiah had these proverbs copied, read, studied, and applied to every task that he undertook in service to GOD, both in and outside the temple.
Hezekiah’s story is told in the books of 2 Kings (chapters 18-20), 2 Chronicles (chapters 29-32), and Isaiah (chapters 36-39). He was one the few GODly kings in the Davidic Line, and he restored the temple at Jerusalem after his father, King Ahaz, had actually nailed its doors shut (2 Chronicle 28:24b).
We can see clearly in Hezekiah’s story how he took heed to the advice of Solomon in verses 4-5, for instance, where Solomon says, “If you take the dross from silver, the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. Remove the wicked from the kings court, and his reign will be made secure by justice” (NLT).
Hezekiah aggressively exterminated the evil of idol worship and other ungodly practices from Judah during his 29-year reign. King Ahaz, on the other hand, did not seek wisdom and discernment from the GOD of Israel during his reign, but instead, chose to take a deep plunge into the sinful idol worship practices of the surrounding nations (2 Kings 16 & 2 Chronicles 28). Hezekiah, by contrast, sought GOD’s wisdom and discernment with an earnest heart, and as a result, he prospered mightily.
Idol worship is actually a by-product of “self worship” because self worship occurs whenever we ignore what GOD wants us to do, and instead, do what we want to do, and “pride”, has to come before that. Before we can worship idols, we have to first, ignore GOD’s will, which tells us not to do so. It takes a lot of pride to make us feel big enough to ignore, or omit GOD in the first place. And since it is a fact that, with every ounce of success, comes, an equal measure of pride, we have to make a strong conscience effort to resist our prideful urges more and more, as we become more and more successful. We have to diligently seek humility through the Word of GOD, because, unlike pride, it doesn’t come to us naturally.
One of the great proverbs contained in this passage can be found in verses 6 and 7. In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 14:7-11) these verses are actually made into a parable by JESUS as HE taught on the subject of “humility”. There we see JESUS taking note of how, many of the invited quests at a dinner were pridefully trying to seat themselves near the head of the table. On that occasion JESUS gave this advice, “If you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t always head for the best seat. What if someone more respected than you has also been invited? The host will say, “Let this person sit here instead”. Then you will be embarrassed and will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table. “Do this instead”, JESUS suggests, “Sit at the foot of the table, then, when your host sees you, he will come and say, “Friend, we have a better place than this for you!” Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored”.
JESUS saw that occasion as a “teachable Moment” on how we should not let “pride” set us up to be knocked down. We should seek to be humble, focusing on character, rather than reputation. The proud person sets himself up to be humbled, while the humble person sets himself up to be honored.
And finally, in verses 8-10, Solomon advises us against being too hasty to sue our neighbor in court. Remember, plaintiffs have also been known to lose. Being human, we are often mistaken about, or, we misinterpret, even what we see with our own eyes. Oftentimes there can be a completely innocent explanation for what may have seemed wrong to us from a distance, or sometimes, even up close.
So when we argue our case with our neighbor, we must do it with a degree of humility, seeking to hear and understand their explanation, in private, before we jump to conclusions, in public. And we should never argue our case by betraying the confidence of another person in order to win our argument. By doing so, we can run the risk of damaging our relationship with that confidante, sometimes permanently. The Apostle Paul lends us this advice, “we don’t want to do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but rather, in humility, consider others better than ourselves. We should not just look to our own interests, but we should also, consider the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 18, 2011

GOOD ADVICE
(Good words bring life and health)
(Proverbs 15)

In today’s world, and, in times past, it may seem to some that GOD has let evil run amok in society. However, GOD tells us clearly in HIS Word that, “The wicked will strut about on every side, when the vilest of men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8). Well, don’t look now, but we have been exalting and supporting the vilest of people, who outwardly profess to being anti-CHRIST, in our music and entertainment industries for instance, for years, and we also exalt vile church leaders whom we know in our hearts are clearly anti-CHRIST, by way of their double life, and, public behavior. It is not GOD who allows evil to run rampant among us, but rather, it is us Christians, who, by way of our behavior, seem to have a greater desire to conform to the world in the Church, than we do to transform from the world to the will of GOD.
Sure, it is a fact that GOD sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do (Prov. 15:3), and HE is by no means an indifferent observer. GOD cares very much about the state of this evil society we’ve allowed and live in, but, because we are so far from GOD’s will and plan for us, we can’t sense HIS unseen navigational favor, presence, and blessings in our lives.
In Proverbs chapters 15-17, we find a variety of good advice and GODly wisdom that we can use to make life more tolerable and beneficial to ourselves, and, to others. The person who is willing to seek GOD’s advice, more often than not, is the same person who has gained enough patience to ponder their thoughts and attitudes, before they take action. They pray and desire GOD’s insight, because they want to live right before HIM. Their desire to change is greater than their willingness to remain the same.
Proverbs 15:14 states in the plain English version of scripture (the NLT), that, “A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash”. What we feed our minds is just as important as what we feed our bodies. This means that the kind of material we read, the kind of music we listen to, and the kind of movies and television that we watch, all play a very important role in our mental and spiritual health. In fact, what we read, hear, and see has a very strong influence on our total health and well-being as well.
Only a fool thinks that there is nothing wrong with the way that the Hip Hop sub-culture influences our children and young adults through all of the witchcraft and satanic messages that it thrives on, and plays into their spirits. Only a fool thinks that our exalting of homosexual behavior, adultery, and fornication both, in the movies, and in real life, doesn’t have a negative spiritual effect on our society, and stirs GOD’s anger to no end, because sexual sin, is the greatest form of “self-worship”. Only a fool thinks that pornography and all forms of anti-CHRIST literature and propaganda doesn’t affect us spiritually, mentally, and physically. Anything that is wicked is anti-GOD, and therefore, automatically anti-CHRIST, automatically anti-mankind, and automatically anti-life, for the LORD is far from the wicked (Prov. 15:29a).
When people cease to care about what GOD says, or, have an attitude of indifference toward GOD, then religion, morality, social customs and values, will all cease to function as mortar, that holds together a society, and maintains the doctrine of ancient Christian faith. We as Christians must, at some point, stand up and defend the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST with the dignity and respect that it requires. We must challenge ourselves, and others who call themselves by CHRIST’s name, about our own personal relationship and obedience to GOD. Are we acting like the Christians that we say we are.
True Christians shouldn’t be satisfied with living a life that is governed by an attitude of indifference toward GOD, nor should we ever support the anti-CHRIST agenda with our GOD-given time, money, or talent. People with an attitude of indifference toward GOD can rationalize anything because they have no standards for judging right and wrong, and, as a result, they end up compromising what they know is right, with what they know is wrong, which is, of course, ridiculous (Proverbs 25:26). We have had set before us in JESUS CHRIST, the greatest standard for living life on earth, that the world has ever seen, or, ever will see. And HE gives us great advice on how to overcome the world, just as HE did, and HIS words and actions also bring with it, life, health, and strength.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-09T03:01:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 11, 2011

THE WISE PATH
(GOD’s instructions lead you along a perfect path)
(Proverbs 4)

The book of Proverbs is a divine collection of practical advice and counsel that is intended to be used by the reader as a guide to making more practical and GODly moral decisions along the path of life. The adages that are found in this poetic book, although they are generalizations, touch on a variety of subjects and situations, such as child rearing, wealth, poverty, personal relationships, and attitudes toward work. If we think and meditate on these sayings, and follow their advice, we will find them to be a great source of help and insight to us, as we struggle with the issues that we encounter in our everyday life.
One of our greatest responsibilities as parents is to train and encourage our children to become wise adults. Here in Proverbs chapter 4, in verses 3 & 4, King Solomon tells us how his father, King David, often encouraged him to seek wisdom when he was a child. In fact, David’s encouragement is likely what prompted young Solomon to ask GOD for wisdom and a discerning heart, rather than ask HIM for wealth or long life (1 Kings 3:6-9). GOD honored Solomon’s request because he placed the welfare of his people above his own personal prosperity (1 Kings 3:10-14).
The wisdom of GOD’s Word can, and should, be passed on from generation to generation, simply because it comes to us from GOD. It can be life changing and life-saving for anyone who chooses to incorporate it into their daily plans. Like David, all parents should begin their wisdom teaching by introducing their children to GOD while they are still very young. In fact, even for those parents who were never taught in this way, GOD’s Word can, in itself, function in the same nurturing manner as a compassionate parent does. In other words, the Word of GOD makes it possible for a parent that was raised up, not knowing the LORD, to be able to leave a legacy of faith to their children, just the same as a parent who has known GOD since childhood.
Seeking wisdom is not a once in a lifetime step, but rather, it must become a daily process, if we are to stay on the right path in life. We constantly have to choose between two paths, good and evil, and we need to have the Word of GOD written on our minds and hearts if we are to navigate safely through this worldly maze. In verses 14-17 Solomon admonishes us against making unwise decisions such as getting ourselves on the wrong road, through socializing and associating too much with un-GODly people, or, people who have an attitude of indifference toward GOD.
It is oftentimes difficult, especially for young people, to accept the fact that so-called friends and acquaintances might be leading them down the wrong path. It is our overwhelming desire to want to be accepted by the world that often is the root cause of the bulk of our sins. And even though we sometimes sense the danger or wrong, in socializing with certain people, we reason with our innate sense, and ultimately talk ourselves into conforming to their will, not GOD’s. And while we should be accepting of others, we, more so, need to maintain a healthy skepticism toward human behavior. Always proceed with caution. Don’t let your friends strain your relationship with GOD and family, by leading you to do things that you are not comfortable with in your SPIRIT.
Our heart is what most greatly dictates what we do. In fact, a person always (100% of the time) does that which is in their heart. That is exactly why GOD reads hearts, and not lips, HE knows that the lips deceive when the heart is evil. In verse 23, King Solomon warns us to “guard our heart with all diligence, because, out of it, flows the issues of life”. We should focus on the things of GOD that are found in HIS Word, fill our hearts and minds with them, and never allow ourselves to stray away from them because we didn’t consult with GOD first, through prayer, before making a decision.
“The HOLY SPIRIT” and “the Bride” (The true Christian Church) is inviting us to come. But unfortunately, “the lure of this world” and “the spirits of satan” say the same. The HOLY SPIRIT in us will always try and compel us toward CHRIST. However, the “sin nature” in us will always try and tug us back toward the world. The constant battle that goes on inside of each of us, between “the reason to do right” and “the passion to want to do wrong”, stays with us long after we accept the gift of Salvation. But, through our strength in CHRIST, we can eventually overcome the gravitational pull of this world, just as CHRIST did, and find ourselves in “the ultimate happy ending” that has been prepared for us by GOD since the foundation of this world.

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Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-09-02T03:07:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday September 4, 2011

WISDOM FOR LIVING
(Trust in GOD and not yourself)
(Proverbs 3:1-12)

The book of Proverbs submits to us, practical instructions for living a successful life. It teaches us that “special wisdom”, as well as “innate wisdom” (common sense), is revealed to us only by GOD, and, that both are an essential part of a person’s successful daily living. The renowned expression, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”, is perhaps one of the ten most profound statements in all of scripture. It tells us that only when a person trusts in GOD, will they ever be truly wise.
The concept of us “trusting in GOD and not in ourselves” finds its roots at the exact center of the Christian Bible (Psalm 118:8). Although “human wisdom” is fine and necessary, “human history” has already clearly shown us that, no matter how skilled a person may be, without a humble willingness to learn from GOD, sooner or later, he or she will end up in trouble. It is a proven fact that, without GOD, man can’t do anything right for too long.
It is a life-changing thing, getting to know, and becoming accustomed to practicing the Word of GOD. GOD uses HIS Word (The Holy Bible) to reveal HIS Will to HIS people. It should be “studied closely” and “closely followed”, not just carried under our arms to church on Sunday mornings. Let us now take a look at some of the profound wisdom that GOD imparts to us, through King Solomon, here in Proverbs chapter 3.
In verse 3, we are advised to never let “love” and “faithfulness”, leave us. We are also told to hang them around our necks like a secure necklace, and to write them on our hearts. Probably the two most important character traits a person can possess is “love” and “Faithfulness”, because both, involve taking action, as well as, having the right attitude. A “loving person” not only feels love, but they also act loyally and responsible to those whom they love. After all, love is the greatest privilege in the world, and we learn over time that, it also brings with it, the greatest responsibility. And then, there’s the “faithful person”, who not only believes the truth of GOD’s Word for himself, but he also works for the truth and justice of GOD’s Word in the lives of others. He recognizes that thoughts and words are not enough, and that, the way we actually live our lives is what really reveals whether or not we are truly loving and faithful.
The very familiar Proverbs 3:5-6, has long been a staple “memory scripture”, even for the “lukewarm” Christian of the 21st century. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight” (NIV). You’ll find a large number of Christians who can quote this passage of scripture, but like the rest of GOD’s Word, you will find very few people who have been able to actually live it when the pressure was on. We must first fill ourselves with the wisdom of GOD, through the study of HIS Word, before we can be able to maintain a GOD-like behavior when troubles beset us, and we feel pressured to revert to un-GODly methods for solving our problems.
We should also remember that the basic issues of wisdom that are addressed in the book of Proverbs won’t do us a bit of good if we don’t, first, acquire and maintain a personal experiential relationship with GOD, and this relationship must include a “prayer life”. Only if we know GOD, and respond to GOD, in a positive way, will the counsel that is offered here in this book bear fruit.
GOD is a better judge of what we need, than we are, and we must trust HIM completely in every decision that we have to make. Yes, our faith must exceed our understanding if we are to be citizens in the kingdom of GOD, while still living here on earth. And while we should never omit careful thinking, or disregard our GOD-given ability to reason, we should also not trust our own ideas to the point where we exclude GOD from life’s process.
In verses 6, King Solomon emphasized that, in order to receive GOD’s guidance, we must first, acknowledge GOD in all of our ways, and over 1000 years later, CHRIST JESUS emphasized the same point of truth in HIS, now famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 6:33). We must never be impressed with our own wisdom (v.7), but rather, we should always be willing to listen to, be counseled by, and corrected by, the Word of GOD. We should bring all of our decisions to GOD in prayer, and then, test them against HIS Word, before we act. HE will make all of our paths straight, as HIS Word guides us, and protects us, all along the way.
When we receive GOD’s benefits (health, wealth, and spiritual vitally) because of the wisdom that GOD has imparted to us through HIS Word, we should be happy to give tithes and offerings that will aid in blessing someone else the way we were blessed. And when we do give, oftentimes, GOD will bless us even more (vs. 8-10). However, we must always keep in mind that our benevolence does not disallow GOD from making exceptions. GOD is not to be invested in, but rather, HE is to be honored. And besides, we don’t ever want to think that we can put GOD into our debt by doing good deeds.
And finally, in verses 11-12, “discipline” is addressed by this wisest of kings of the Davidic line. In the Hebrew, the word used for “discipline” is “yasar”, and it means “to chastise”, or “to instruct”. And although it does involve correction, its main purpose is to make a positive contribution to a person’s training in righteousness. In biblical times “yasar” was always administered in a family setting. The idea was for all to see that the emotion conveyed by the parent was not anger or disgust, but rather, it was love and active concern. GOD disciplines all those who trust in HIM to help them grow to moral and spiritual maturity. It is a “rod of loving correction”, not a “club of hatred and abuse” that GOD uses to get the attention of those who have ignored, or won’t respond positively to, written and verbal guidance. GOD disciplines us because of HIS continuing love and concern for us, not because HE likes to make things difficult for us.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-08-26T03:31:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 28, 2011

DOING WHAT IS HONORABLE
(GOD expects HIS people to do the honorable thing)
(Ruth 4)

The Book of Ruth paints a beautiful portrait of a woman of Moabite origin who becomes the ancestress of King David himself. In the “days of the Judges”, this sweet and simple story clearly raises the earliest questions as to whether or not the exclusiveness of Judaism had been carried too far.
Boaz was a wealthy and honorable man who lived outside the town of Bethlehem, and was a member of the tribe of Judah. He was a close relative of Naomi’s late husband, Elimelech, and this qualified him as a “Kinsman Redeemer” of Elimelech’s surviving family (Lev. 25:25-26). However, he was only second in the line of responsibility to fulfill this “redeemer right” to Naomi. There was a man who lived in Bethlehem who was even a closer relative than Boaz was (Ruth 3:12). In Ruth chapter 4, Boaz sets out to town to talk to this family redeemer. He sat down at the city gates, which was a place where business transactions were completed on a daily basis, and, where elders often met to judge civil and criminal matters that were brought before them. Boaz waited on the relative to pass by, and when he did, he summoned him over for a meeting.
Here we see the honor of Boaz being put on display, as he plans to hold his discussion with the family redeemer in an open environment, in front of ten witnesses that also happened to be community leaders in Bethlehem. And while written records were also kept in those days, there too, was a great dependence on the eyewitness, who would be able to attest to any agreements that might be reached there at the gates.
Boaz wished to do the honorable thing by making it clear publicly, that he was acting in regards to the whole heritage of Elimelech, including his sons, Mahlon and Kilion. He correctly realized that, ongoing ownership of land and property, and continuing on, the family bloodline of a deceased relative, were intimately and divinely related. Sure he wanted to acquire the land, but by acquiring Ruth also, he showed that he was not only acting on behalf of himself, or Elimelech, but also on behalf of Mahlon, Ruth’s deceased husband.
Boaz clearly informs the other Family Redeemer of all the particulars of his concerns, and after he lays it all out to him regarding the land and property, the man tells Boaz that he wants to buy the land from Naomi. However, when he hears that marrying Ruth, and giving her a child, was also a part of the deal (Deut. 25:5-10), he changed his mind and decided to give up his right of “first choice”. He stated that he did not want to jeopardize his own existing inheritance and estate (Ruth 4:3-6).
In those days, it was customary for anyone who was transferring a right of purchase to remove his sandal and hand it over to the other party. This act served to publicly validate the transaction. And so the man took off his sandal and handed it to Boaz, and he says to him, “You buy the land”. All the witnesses who were standing about confirmed, and blessed, both the deal, and, Boaz’s upcoming marriage to Ruth (Vs. 7-12).
And so the way was now cleared for Boaz to fulfill his role as Naomi’s Family Redeemer. Boaz married Ruth and took her home to live with him, and when GOD allowed her to become pregnant, she gave birth to a son, whom they named, Obed. Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi, took care of Obed as if he were her own son.
When Obed grew up and married, he begat Jesse, who would become the father of David, who became the second and greatest king of Israel, in the direct bloodline of CHRIST JESUS, all because Boaz was first, willing to do the “honorable thing”.

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Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-08-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 21, 2011

DEPENDING ON THE COMMUNITY OF GOD
(Helping the needy is the duty of every Christian)
(Ruth 2)

In Ruth chapter two, we are introduced to a man named Boaz, who is a relative of Naomi’s deceased husband, Elimelech. Boaz comes into the lives of Ruth and Naomi at a time when they had no one to care for them following the deaths of their husbands. Boaz was one of the most prominent, GODly men in the Israelite community at that time, and his relationship to Naomi’s deceased husband, qualified him as a “Kinsman Redeemer” under Old Testament family law (Leviticus 25:35-36).
This law requires, first, that a relative take care of another relative who has fallen on hard times financially, or otherwise, and can no longer support themselves. Also in this situation involving Boaz, Naomi, and Ruth, there is another duty of the Kinsman Redeemer that comes into play, and that is, the obligation of the redeemer to marry the childless widow of a relative for the purpose of producing an offspring to carry on the lineage of the dead spouse, and, to preserve their property (Ruth 4:1-6).
Old Testament Law also gave any persons who were poor, the right to gather any produce that was left in the fields or orchards of an owner, after they had completed their first picking of the harvest (Leviticus 19:9-10 & Deuteronomy 24:19-21). It was at the beginning of the barley harvest, and Ruth is no doubt, drawn by GOD, to the fields of Boaz after she had asked Naomi if she could go to the fields to glean leftovers from the harvesters. After Naomi consented, Ruth went out and, inadvertently, found herself working in the fields of Boaz, and while she is there, Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and came out to greet the harvesters, as was his custom.
Upon noticing Ruth, he asked his foreman who she was. The foreman replied that she was a woman from Moab who had come back to Judah with his relative, Naomi. He told Boaz that she had asked if she could glean the leftovers from the harvest, and, that he had graciously allowed her to do so.
Boaz went over to Ruth and invited her to continue on working with them. He also told her that he had already warned the young men not to bother her. Ruth thanked him warmly and informed him of her foreign roots. He told Ruth that he was already aware that she was a foreigner from the land of Moab, however, he was more impressed with her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and, by her choosing to come to live in a foreign land among complete strangers. He said to her, “May the LORD, the GOD of Israel, under WHOSE wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully”.
On that day Ruth was able to gather up about 40 pounds of grain, an unusually high amount for a gleaner. When she returned home to Naomi, Naomi knew that someone had purposely helped her young daughter-in-law to gather such a large amount. And when she discovered that that person was Boaz, she encouraged Ruth to continue working only in his fields. Here we see that Naomi has already begun to hope and plan for Ruth’s future in her new chosen community of Israel.
When we leave our old lives behind and come to dwell in the community of GOD, we can always count on a warm welcome and acceptance. In fact, JESUS has already accepted the obligation to “redeem” us, and to welcome us, despite the terribly high price that HE had to pay in advance, on the cross, and despite the terrible things that we may have already done in our past.
GOD is a Rewarder to anyone who earnestly seeks HIM through their acceptance of CHRIST JESUS, and, HE will never leave us to hunger or thirst when we do. HE will provide for all of our needs, especially when HE sees us showing unselfish love and kindness to those who are in need.
It was King David who wrote, “The steps of the GODly are directed by the LORD. HE delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the GODly forsaken, nor seen their children begging for bread” (Psalm 37:23-25) (NLT).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-08-12T03:33:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 14, 2011

CHOOSING A COMMUNITY
(A relationship based on GOD lasts forever)
(Ruth 1)

The book of Ruth is a shining example of how GOD continues to move on the hearts of HIS people, even during their times of spiritual, moral, and economic struggle and decline. The events chronicled in the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, take place during the period when Judges ruled over Israel. It was one of the darkest periods in Israel’s history and it sets itself against the backdrop of massive national irresponsibility, and declining moral and spiritual character.
The book of Ruth is one of only two books in the Christian bible that is named after a woman, the other is Esther. It is also one of only two books in scripture that are named after a Gentile, the other of course being the Gospel of Luke. Early, but un-substantiated rabbinic tradition identifies the prophet Samuel as the author of the book of Ruth, as well as Judges, and first and second Samuel, which bear his name.
Here in the book of Ruth, we find people (namely Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi) who seem to portray a welcoming contrast to the chaotic era of the Judges. They provide us with a refreshing relief from the immorality, bloodshed, famine, and mayhem that was running rampant in the land of Israel during the eleventh century B.C. This book serves to show us that even in times of crisis and despair, we can still continue to live by GOD’s principals and directives, and also that, GOD will reward us richly when we do.
“Faith”, “hope”, and “love” are the three great enduring things. They are “virtues” that will always overpower the “anti-virtues” which are “doubt”, “depression”, and “fear”. However, we can only access those virtues when we choose to incorporate GOD’s plan, instead of our own, into our lives.
Here in chapter one we find a man called Elimelech, who is struggling to survive in a time of great famine in Palestine, moving his family from Bethlehem to the country of Moab. His family consisted of his wife, Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Kilion. Unfortunately, while in Moab, Elimelech died leaving Naomi alone with her two sons. The two sons each grew up and married Moabite women. One’s son’s wife was named Orpah, and the other son’s wife was named, Ruth. Ten years later, however, both sons died leaving all three women alone with no children (Ruth 1:1-5).
One day Naomi received news that the famine in Palestine was over, and GOD had begun blessing the people of Judah with bountiful crops again. She decided it was time to return home, and so she struck out on the road back to Judah, taking her two daughters-in-law with her. Along the way, she decided that maybe it was not the best thing that Orpah and Ruth should leave their homeland and travel with her to Palestine. She felt that she had nothing to offer these two young women in the way of security through new marriages. She felt that she herself was too old to bear more sons for them to marry, and besides, it wouldn’t make sense for the two women to have to wait years for those sons to grow to marrying age (Ruth 1:6-13).
One of the women, Orpah, agreed with Naomi and decided to return home to Moab, while the other, Ruth, made the decision to stay with Naomi and commit to finding a new life, in a new community, in the land of Judah (v. 14). In verses 16-17, Ruth utters her, now famous statement of loyalty to Naomi, and to GOD, when she says, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. I will go wherever you go, and live wherever you live. Your people will be my people, and your GOD will be my GOD. I will die where you die and will be buried there. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us” (NLT).
This renowned expression of commitment to Naomi, not only shows her loyalty to a friend, but it also exhibits clear theological insight. In Old Testament times, even most outsiders eventually came to know that GOD had a covenant relationship with Israel. And by Ruth identifying herself with GOD’s covenant people, she also qualified herself to claim Israel’s GOD as her own.
Apparently, Naomi had lived the kind of exemplary life around Ruth, that enabled her to draw Ruth out of the world, and into the blessed community of GOD, where JESUS exemplifies through HIS OWN vicarious sacrifice, that HE wants us all to be.
Ruth made a commitment to stay with Naomi, and, to care for her. She desired to have the kind of life that she had observed in Naomi’s family over the years. It didn’t seem to matter to her about the living conditions, or the challenge of following the laws of their GOD. She voluntarily gave up the worldly ways of her Moab tradition and upbringing, and instead, chose to follow the ways and traditions of the true and living GOD, WHO is our SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST. And as a result of her decision, she went on to become a prominent member in the direct lineage of CHRIST, through her future Jewish husband Boaz.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-08-05T04:14:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 7, 2011

OUR CHILDREN HAVE POTENTIAL AND PROMISE
(We must help our children reach their full GODly potential)
(Judges 13-16)

In biblical times, the Jews had a saying that, with the birth of every child there are three parents, the father, the mother, and the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD. They believed that no child could be born without the approval of the SPIRIT. I believe that too. And it may well be that Old and New Testament stories of childbirth, are little more than just lovely and poetic ways of saying, that, whether our father is human or not, the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD is operative in child birth, in a very special way. And, as for men, while it may not make life easier, it has always been what makes men great. The paradox for women is that, it confers upon her, at one and the same time, perhaps, her greatest emotional joy, and hopefully the greatest physical pain, that she will ever have to endure.
The forty-years of oppression that was suffered by the Israelites at the hands of the Philistines, that are chronicled here in chapters 13-16 of the book of Judges, is the longest such stint of suffering that is recorded in the whole 340-year period, which this historic book covers. In these verses, the author of GOD relates to us, the colorful life of Samson, who judged over Israel for 20 years.
Samson, whose name itself means “distinguished”, was a man whose great physical strength, and equally great, moral weaknesses, made him both famous, and infamous, throughout the land of Canaan, in his day. In fact, even today, the story of his life, and his divinely and un-divinely inspired exploits, serve to make his tenure as the last judge of Israel, a legendary one. And, even though his parents, Manoah and his unnamed wife, exhibit evidence of their great faith in GOD, Samson, on the other hand, seems quite clearly to be a product of his era, or, a “man of the world”, probably, most of his life.
The LORD had instructed Samson’s parents through the Angel of GOD, even before his birth, that he should be raised as a “Nazirite”. This meant that Samson would be dedicated to GOD from birth, and would serve as an example to Israel, personifying a commitment to GOD forever, by abstaining from all the unnecessary things of the world (Judges 13: 3-5). He is one of only three men in scripture who were born under a “lifetime nazirite vow”. The other two are Samuel, and John the Baptist.
Samson, however, fell far short of living up to his parent’s nazirite vow to GOD, and most likely, so did they (Judges 14:1-11). Samson’s passion for pagan women led, first, to his physical blindness and enslavement (Judges 16:21), and then ultimately, to his untimely demise during a festive celebration of his own capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:23-30). In the dramatic conclusion of his colorful life he prayed to GOD for the strength to push down the pillars that held up the pagan idol temple of Dagon. GOD granted his request, and as a result, Samson was able to kill more Philistines in one day, than he had slain in his entire life combined, including the time he slew 1000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:14-17).
Samson fell victim to the world because he desired greatly to have what he saw in the world, and out of his weakness, he was made strong by the power of GOD. He was a person with great potential, who fell short, because of his sin and disobedience to GOD. His life represents a clear warning against the dangers of self-indulgence, and lack of discipline, which both, most likely stemmed from poor parenting. Verses 1-3 and 10-11 of chapter 13 suggests that Samson was accustomed to having his way with his parents, even when they knew he was wrong.
Fortunately for him, Samson was able to come to his senses in end, but it is always better late, than never. His captivity, and, GOD’s taking away of his strength, caused him to reflect on his dependence on the LORD to survive, and in the end, GOD used his weakened state to lure the Philistines into a state of complacency, and thus, set the stage for their own demise.
GOD blesses each of us with gifts, talent, and potential, that may be uniquely our own. And when we are motivated first by our parents to begin to seek GOD, and, to establish a personal, experiential relationship with HIM, GOD begins to show us what our unique gifts and talents are, and, just how HE wishes us to use them in HIS service. If we, as parents “don’t”, “won’t”, or “can’t”, lead our children by exhibiting GODly principles to them early in life, then satan, surely stands ready to show them how to use those same gifts and talents, in ways that are un-pleasing to GOD, or, anti-CHRIST.
Samson, had not, himself, asked for the gift of great strength, but rather, it was granted to him by GOD, from birth. The “Nazirite Vow” was not his own, but rather, had been laid upon him by GOD, through his parents. Nevertheless, it is just that way with any of us, who have been born into this world. No person has ever asked to be born. However, hopefully we will eventually come to realize the full purpose for which we came into this world, and that is, to serve GOD.
Perhaps William Barclay said it best when he wrote, “The great paradox of Christianity is that, the only way to victory is through surrender, and the only way to power is by admitting one’s own weakness”. GOD has something in mind with the birth of every child, from the moment they are conceived in the womb. And just like in the case of Samson, all people have a special calling and mission that requires help and strength from GOD. However, GOD chose to use parents, or parent figures, in the life of every child, in order to help that child to achieve his or her full potential for HIM. And so, we as parents fail GOD, when we first, fail to lead our children in ways that are pleasing to GOD, and we have all been guilty of that, at one time, or another. Amen.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-07-29T03:31:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 31, 2011

RETURN TO OBEDIENCE
(GOD forgives and delivers repentant sinners)
(Judges 10)
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “world” is “kosmos”. It is from that word that we derive our English word “cosmos”. In the spiritual sense, it is “That complex intertwining of sinful desires that shape our world of lost humanity”.
When we choose “the Christian Walk”, we automatically should become strangers to worldly behavior. We are then no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the Laws of GOD should become paramount to us. It is not until a person falls in love with “goodness” that “wrong things” no longer fascinate, or have power over them. An experiential relationship with GOD is a Christian’s greatest asset. And so, the person that loses his or her heart to the things of this world becomes 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 remain as valid today as they ever were. The fact that, when we become Christians we cast everything over to GOD, does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing. We still must reflect GOD’s image to others through our behavior at all times. In other words, we are to teach the world to be GOD-like, through the way we behave, and not let the world influence us to return back to our former ways.
In Judges, chapter 10, after the deaths of Tola and Jair, who judged over Israel for a total of forty-five years (23 and 22 respectively), the Israelites once again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD by worshipping the gods of the nations who lived around them. Not only did they place the images of the Baals and the Ashtoreths at the top of their worship list, they also stopped worshipping their GOD, WHO is the Creator of Heaven and earth, completely.
As, the book of Judges records, the people of Israel struggled very badly at being faithful to GOD, and they failed over and over again, to extricate themselves from their desires to be like the people of the world around them. To this point, GOD had already given Israel victory over seven of the surrounding nations that had oppressed them, yet, they continued to seek after, and serve, the gods of some of those same nations.
Here in Judges, chapter 10, when the Israelites cry out to GOD for help, they exhibit a totally different attitude than on any of the other previous occasions in this book. This time, they seem to finally realize that the root cause of their problems is their own sin against the Almighty GOD, WHO had been their faithful SAVIOR over the years.
This time, they confess their sins to GOD, which is a mighty important first step if a sinner is truly interested in earnest repent, and really expects to gain the ear and mercy of GOD. In fact, here they are taking all the right steps, as they turn from their worship of the false gods around them, and re-establish their loyalty to the Only Wise GOD, the CREATOR and SAVIOR of all mankind.
Because GOD understands the nature of mankind, HE has always instructed us through HIS Word, to “remember” (i.e., “This do in remembrance of ME”). GOD knows how quickly the human mind forgets. HE knows how we become so pre-occupied with our own “worldly affairs”, that, eventually, we always fail to recall how HE has brought us through the self-imposed miseries and circumstances, that, we always find ourselves in, whenever we choose to go our own way.
Over time, Israel went from loathing their enemies to sleeping with their enemies. They lived comfortably among them, and ultimately, became just like them. They failed to fulfill their roles as GOD’s chosen people, and, as they lost sight of the LORD, and began to focus on the people and things of the world around them, they, inevitably, embraced their sinful ways, and in fact, made sin a habit.
“True repentance” is a thing of the heart, not just words, or even actions. The heart is where repent begins, and ends. It is having a compunction that motivates us to “change our minds” before we sin, not after. The fact that “we feel bad afterwards”, does not excuse the fact that “we did it anyway”. The truth is that, we didn’t change our mind, but rather, we chose to serve ourselves rather than GOD, by doing what we wanted, and ignoring what GOD wanted us to do.
Only when we make a conscience decision to love the LORD with all of our heart, soul, and mind, will we ever be able to fall in love with goodness, and cause even our sinful thoughts, to begin to break our hearts. Then, and only then, will be able we make a serious, earnest effort to “return to obedience to GOD”, and allow HIM, to take control of the throne of our lives.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-07-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 24, 2011

TRUST GOD AND LET HIM RULE
(Only the LORD is qualified to rule over you)
(Judges 6-8)

In Judges 6:13, as it was recorded in the original Hebrew text, the word the author uses for “forsaken” is “nastash” (naw-tash), and it means “to withdraw from, reject, or, leave alone. This is the only time in Scripture that this particular word is used for “forsaken”, and it describes exactly how Gideon felt about the plight of Israel, around the time when he was first approached by the “Angel of GOD”. It was a time when the LORD had removed HIS favor from the Israelites because of their recurring sinful lifestyle and idolatry.
Gideon had been working hard threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress, which he used to hide his grain from being detected by the pilfering Midianite army. Gideon also feared that the Midianites would kill him, just as they had slain his brothers (Judges 8:19), if he had been caught with the grain. One day, when he came up from the winepress, “the Angel of the LORD” appeared to him and told him that “the LORD is with him”. However, Gideon replies to the Angel that, “If GOD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about?”…the LORD has abandoned us and turned us over to the Midianites”. Then the LORD said to Gideon, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites”. It was a statement that Gideon found very difficult to grasp at that time.
In Judges, chapters 6-8, the author of GOD uses 100 verses to relate the story of Gideon’s HOLY SPIRIT-possessed exploits, and his 40-year reign as judge over Israel. Chapter 6 opens with Israel’s, now familiar, continuing 5-cycle pattern which consisted of “sin”, “servitude”, “supplication”, “salvation”, and “silence”. First, they would “Sin” against GOD. And then, as punishment, GOD would place them into “Servitude” to the various enemy nations that lived around them. This stage would later be followed by a stage of repentance with “Supplication” to GOD for forgiveness. GOD would then, through HIS ever-present grace and mercy, bless the Israelites, with a taste of “Salvation”, in the form a mighty Judge, who would rescue them from their oppression. And then finally, they would be able to experience “Silence”, or peace, throughout the lifetime of that presiding Judge. It is a pattern that would continue to repeat itself, throughout the 340 years of Israel’s history that is chronicled in the Book of Judges (1390 B.C. to 1050 B.C.).
In verse (1a), we see that, once again, the Israelites had fallen into sin. In verses (1b-6a), GOD, as a result, allows them to keep right on falling, right into the hands of their enemies, the Midianites. The Midianites were a nomadic group of people from south of the land of Edom, and GOD would allow these pagan invaders to oppress the Israelites for seven years, as a form of retribution for their disobedience to HIM.
The Midianite’s power and strength was credited to their unique incorporation of the “Camel” into their military strategy. In fact, this documentation, here in the book of Judges, of the use of Camels in warfare, is the earliest known documented case of such, in world history. A Camel could carry 400 pounds, plus a rider, for one week without drinking, and, could travel up to 100 miles per day. This made their military, a very formidable and superior force.
The author of Judges tells us that the Midianites would attack the Israelites at harvest time every year, destroying their crops and eventually driving them to the brink of starvation. In verse (6b), we see the Israelites repent and cry out to GOD for help, and GOD, as HE always does, answers their call, first, by sending in a Prophet, and then, by calling up Gideon, whom HE would use, in this case, to rescue HIS fallen people from their sorrows.
The angel, who appears as a “theophany” (a manifestation of GOD’s own presence), tells Gideon to “go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you”. Gideon replies, “But LORD, how can I rescue Israel? My tribe is the weakest of all the tribes of Manasseh, and I am the youngest of my family. The LORD said to him “I AM with you. You will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man”.
We may sometimes feel as weak as Gideon obviously felt, but if the LORD is with us, we always have strength enough to conquer our problems, and we don’t have to put our faith in “the protection of man”, we only need to put our faith in “the protection and security of GOD”.
And so, when Gideon and his army of 32,000 men got up early one morning and went down to the Spring of Harod, just south of where the Midianites were camping in the valley near the hill of Moreh, GOD tells Gideon he has too many men in his army, and eventually, HE narrows Gideon’s army down to 300 warriors. HE tells Gideon that, with these 300 men, “I”, not “you guys”, will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Sometimes, we may not be successful in life, because we have too many unnecessary people in our lives dragging us down and holding up our blessings that GOD wants to give us.
This lesson serves to show us that, when GOD is with us, there should be no such thing, as “us” being outnumbered, overwhelmed, or depressed. When we have access to GOD’s mighty power, we don’t have to hesitate to rise to any of the challenges that this life may send our way. With GOD’s help, Gideon went on to defeat the mighty Midianites, and he judged over Israel, and kept them faithful to GOD, for 40 years.
The presence of GOD’s SPIRIT, and HIS possession of Gideon, was the key to the victory that followed. We as Christians have the same powerful advantage today, with the same powerful wonderful GOD, working in, and through us, enabling us to overcome our own ever-present weaknesses. We too can succeed in GOD’s strength when we have faith enough to call on GOD, and let HIM rule. HE can apply HIS great power to help us to overcome our seemingly overwhelming circumstances, and HE wants to be our “first choice”, not our “last resort”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-07-15T04:04:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 17, 2011

IN GOD’S STRENGTH
(GOD uses unlikely, ordinary people to do HIS work)
(Judges 3)

After the death of Joshua, GOD allowed certain Israelite enemy nations to continue to exist. In addition to the Canaanites, the LORD left alive and prospering, the nations of the five Philistine rulers (Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza), the Sidonians (the Phoenicians), and the Hivites (the Horites of Mittanni), who lived in the hill country of Lebanon. HE would later use those “unlikely” nations to do HIS bidding, and to test those of HIS “chosen people”, who had not yet participated in the wars to conquer the “Promised Land”.
GOD wanted to ensure that the next generation of Israelites would be able to keep HIS commands to drive out the Canaanites, and, HE wanted them to be just as experienced and battle-ready, as the generation that preceded them. HE also wanted them to be militarily able and ready to hold and keep the territories that had been gained through the blood and sweat of their predecessors. But, above all, HE wanted them to continue to be faithful and obedient to HIS word (Judges 3:1-4).
Sadly however, the Israelites failed GOD’s test miserably, as they, instead, began to live and intermingle with the sinful Canaanites and the other nations around them, marrying, and giving in marriage to their sons and daughters, and also, worshipping their gods, namely, the Baals and the Asherahs.
Angered by the Israelites behavior, the LORD handed them over to the evil king, Cushan-rishathaim (koo-shan-rish-ah-THAY-im), the king of Aram (Mesopotamia), who’s very name means “double wickedness”. They remained in servitude to him for eight years before they repented and the LORD sent HIS judge, Othniel, one of only four judges in scripture, of whom it is said that, “The SPIRIT of the LORD was upon”, and he rescued them from their oppression. Afterwards, there was peace in the land of the Israelites for forty years (Judges 3:5-11).
In Judges 3:12-30, after the death of Othniel, the Israelites returned to doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and this time, HE gave them over to the control of King Eglon, the obese dictator who ruled over Moab. Eglon joined forces with the Ammonites and the Amalekites and they attacked Israel and took control of Jericho. After that, the Israelites would remain in servitude to Eglon, for another eighteen years.
After hearing the Israelites familiar cry for help, the LORD once again sends them salvation in the person of a judge, this time, a man named Ehud, an “unlikely hero” who was a southpaw (lefthander), from the tribe of Benjamin. His being “left-handed” would later provide an opportunity for him to “single-handedly” pull off a highly unlikely and daring deed inside the very palace of King Eglon.
We pick up the story in verse 15, as the Israelites send young Ehud and a small entourage of men to deliver Israel’s tax money to Moab, which Eglon had imposed upon them when he took over ruler-ship of the Israel. Ehud made for himself, a double-edged dagger eighteen inches in length. He then strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing. After delivering the money, and while heading back to Jericho, Ehud stopped near Gilgal, and sent the rest of the men on home. He then turned around and went back to see King Eglon under the pretense that he had a secret message for him. When Ehud arrived back at the palace and informed Eglon as to why he returned so soon. The king then sent all of his servants away, not wanting any of them to hear what the secret was. Ehud then approached the king and told him that his message was from the LORD. When the king stood up Ehud drew his dagger and plunged it so deep into the king’s belly that the whole handle was concealed by fat of his body. Ehud then locked all the doors, climbed down the latrine, and escaped through the sewer access. It was quite a long while before King Eglon’s servants discovered that the king was dead.
Meanwhile Ehud ran all the way back to the hill country of Ephraim and sounded a call to arms. He then led a band of men back to the shallow part of the Jordan River across from Moab. There they killed over 10,000 Moabite soldiers as they tried to cross the river and they conquered Moab that day, and were able to abide in peace all the days of Ehud’s life, which was about eighty more years, because they were faithful and obedient to the LORD all the while.
There have been many people, who were thought of by man, to be awkward, incapable, or even inadequate to do GOD’s work. But for those of us who study the history of GOD’s word, we know that that is exactly the kind of people whom GOD most often uses, because it is “in GOD,s strength” that one who is called by GOD, will have to work anyway. Being left-handed in the days of the judges was considered to be a handicap, and Ehud certainly wouldn’t have been the one most men would have chosen to perform the lofty and courageous mission that he did. And although we as a people may often see the work of ordinary people as unimportant, GOD does not, and, JESUS doesn’t either. In fact, JESUS showed us throughout HIS three-year earthly mission, how GOD always seems to want the man, woman, or child, that, nobody else seems to want.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-07-08T04:33:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 10, 2011

SERVING A JUST GOD
(Repeated sin puts our lives into a downward spiral)
(Judges 2)

In Judges, chapter 2, the Angel of the LORD, or, a “Theophany of CHRIST”, came down from Gilgal to Bokim with a message for the Israelites from GOD. The message clearly reminded them of how they had disobeyed the LORD in the short time that they had been in the “Promised Land” of Canaan. GOD wanted to let the Israelites know of HIS plan to abandon them in their efforts to finish driving out the Canaanites that still lived in the land among them. This would serve as punishment for their disobedience to the LORD’s commands. However, the LORD would wait until after the death of Joshua and the rest of Israel’s faithful leaders, before HE would began HIS punishment phase.
When the angel finished speaking, the Israelites began to weep with sorrow, and they offered up sacrifices to the LORD in an effort to atone for their sins. The Israelites then continued to serve the LORD faithfully until after Joshua, and all the leaders who served with him, had passed away. After Joshua died at the age of 110, he was buried in the land that he inherited at Timnath-serah, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. And after Joshua’s generation had died, a new generation came up who did not acknowledge the LORD, or, remember HIS mighty works that HE had done for Israel when HE brought them out of Egypt. They abandoned all of the ways of the LORD, and they worshipped the Baals, and all the other gods of the Canaanite people around them. As a result of their disobedience, the LORD fought against them in every battle, bringing them defeat after defeat, just as HE had promised through HIS Angel.
The book of Judges chronicles the relaxing of the Israelites commitment to GOD, and the spiritual and political deterioration that always follows. Most of the book tracks five patterned cycles that seem to characterize every single era and generation in the history of mankind. First, there is “sin”, as the Israelites turn to idolatry and abandon GOD’s laws. Then, GOD places them into “servitude”, as HE allows their enemies to overtake and oppress them as punishment for their sins. After feeling the sting of servitude, GOD’s people humble themselves with “supplication”, confessing their sins, repenting, and asking GOD for forgiveness. GOD then sends HIS “salvation” in the person of a charismatic “Judge” who would defeat Israel’s oppressors and deliver them out of bondage. Then, there would be a period of “silence”, or, peace, that would last all the days of that Judge, as their leadership helped Israel to remain faithful and obedient to GOD. However, this tragic pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence, repeated itself over and over again, with each downswing and oppression, becoming more and more severe.
The grim lesson of the Book of Judges is that it re-enforces the biblical truth that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). It also teaches us that sin takes on many forms, and that, it always goes from bad to worse, whenever we allow it to persist in our lives. The more we sin, the easier it becomes, and if we don’t rid ourselves of sins attraction, by filling ourselves with the word of GOD, it will, ultimately destroy us.
Here in Judges, chapter 2, the author, whom the Jewish Talmud accredits to be the prophet Samuel, pretty much lays out the theme for the entire book. He shows us quite clearly how the Israelites, just as many of us today, were and are, hell-bent on self-destruction by way of our lifestyles, which reflect continued disregard for the laws of GOD.
This recurring chaos seems to hammer home the fact that, if a man or woman goes their own way, or the way of the world, they automatically move away from the ways of GOD, and the choice to do evil always merits consequences from GOD. GOD is the ONE WHO sees most clearly, the long-term effects of our choices. That is why it is so imperative for us to trust GOD through HIS Word, and, to have confidence in the guidance of HIS HOLY SPIRIT. And we, who call ourselves by HIS name (Christians), must still voluntarily turn to HIM before HE can help us get out of our downward spiral towards an unstructured existence, and, out of a pattern of self-destruction.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-07-01T03:41:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 3, 2011

GOD ALWAYS RESPONDS TO DISOBEDIENCE
(Your personal sin always affects others)
(Joshua 7)

After the Israelite’s resounding victory at Jericho, Joshua sent spies to scout out the tiny city of Ai. Ai is actually the name of two cities in the Old Testament, and its name means “the ruins”, or “heap of ruins”. One “Ai” is the Canaanite city of Palestine that is the subject of this passage of Joshua 7. It is located east of Bethel next to Beth Aven, and north of Michmash.
The other “Ai” is the Ammonite city of Moab, located near Heshbon that is mentioned in Jeremiah 49:3. “Ai”, in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, is also called “Aiath” (a-EYE-ath), which is the Hebrew feminine form of the name, which is used in Isaiah 10:28. In Nehemiah 11:31 it is called “Aija” (a-EYE-juh), and in Genesis 12:8, and 13:3 it is called “Hai” (HAY-eye).
Here in Joshua 7, after getting a favorable report from his spies, Joshua dispatches a small regimen of about 3000 soldiers to attack this seemingly vulnerable city of Ai, and is met with a stunning defeat that left 36 Israeli warriors dead. The defeat left Joshua and the rest of Israel’s leaders with a grim feeling, wondering why the GOD of Israel had forsaken them so quickly. He is subsequently told by GOD that someone in his camp had fallen into disobedience by violating HIS command not to take certain treasures unto themselves, but rather, to set them apart for HIM. And so the task falls to Joshua to find out just who in his camp had violated the covenant with GOD, by taking certain objects that had been dedicated as tabernacle treasures.
GOD instructed Joshua to get up quickly, and go and command the people to purify themselves. Hidden among the people of Israel, were things that were set apart for the LORD, and GOD told Joshua that they would never defeat their enemies until these things were found and removed from among them, and discarded.
The following morning the Israelites presented themselves, by tribe, before the LORD, just as HE had instructed Joshua, and the LORD identified which tribe (Judah) the guilty party belonged to. After the tribe came forward, the LORD identified the guilty clan (Zerah) who lived among the tribe. Then, when that clan came forward, the guilty family (Zimri) was identified. And finally, when the guilty family came forward, the guilty person (Achan) was singled out.
After being confronted by Joshua to confess his sin, Achan complied and uttered this statement; “I have sinned against the LORD, the GOD of Israel. For I saw a beautiful robe imported from Babylon, two hundred silver coins, and a bar of gold weighing more than a pound. I wanted them so much that I took them. They are hidden in the ground beneath my tent, with the silver buried deeper than the rest” (Joshua 7:20-21 – NLT).
In the Hebrew, the phrase used in verse 15 for “disgraceful thing” is “nabalah beyisrael”. It comes from the same root as “nabal”, which means “fool”. It indicates the gross immorality of one who denies and defies GOD, and then, remains closed to HIM. To the Israelites, to commit a “disgraceful thing” was to defy the standards of GOD, by selfishly gratifying one’s own perverted desires. To not repent of that “disgraceful thing”, was to remain closed to GOD, or, shut off from GOD.
And even though Achan confessed his sin, it was a confession that came not only while under duress, but if we examine his statement closely, we see no sign of repentance in his words. Only when we come to the end of ourselves, and repent, can we find the LORD and HIS forgiveness. I am often asked by people, “Where, or how, can I find the LORD?” and the answer is a simple one, “By coming to the end of you”.
When we come to the end of ourselves, we can “surrender” into the “victory” that is, CHRIST JESUS. GOD will never allow HIS “wonderful grace” to trump the truth of HIS even more “wonderful Word”. And HE will always respond to disobedience with discipline. Achan’s sin had far-reaching consequences, as it caused not only his death, but also the deaths of his entire immediate family, who, because they lived in such close quarters with him, had to be aware of the stolen treasures buried in their own tent. And because they were all silent about his indiscretion, they too, had to bear the pain of the punishment.
If we can take one thing from this lesson of Achan, it should be that we understand that our sin doesn’t just affect us, but it can affect our entire family. Sins of a sexual nature, murder, lying, stealing, cheating, etc., can destroy the fabric of an entire family, sometimes, for more than one generation.
The spiritual laws of “sowing” and “reaping” apply to everyone, for all time. And with that thought in mind, I close out this lesson with the words of the Apostle Paul, which he wrote in his letter to the Galatians, all those years ago. There he writes; “Don’t be misled. Remember that you can’t ignore GOD and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!” Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires, will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the SPIRIT will harvest everlasting life from the SPIRIT. So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessings at the appropriate time”. (Galatians 6:7-9 - NLT)

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-06-24T03:57:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 26, 2011

GOD IS VICTORY
(Victory belongs to GOD)
(Joshua 6)

The Old Testament Jericho was a fortified city in Canaan that is located in the plains of the Jordan River Valley, near the foot of the Judean Mountains, and about five miles from the north end of the Dead Sea. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, and probably, only Damascus of Syria is considered to be older.
There has actually been three different eras of Jericho in its long history. First, there is the “Old Testament Jericho”, which we see here in this passage of scripture. Then, there is the “modern Jericho” that is located only a mile from the first, and some seventeen miles, northeast of Jerusalem. And finally, there is the “New Testament Jericho”, which is located a little more than a mile west of the modern Jericho, and just south of the Old Testament Jericho.
By far, the most imposing of the three Jerichos is the one that is referred to, here, in the book of Joshua. It actually appears for the first time in biblical records in the book of Numbers (Numbers 22:1 & 26:3). The next time we see it is in Joshua 2, and then here in Joshua 6. After Joshua and the Israelites destroyed Jericho, Joshua placed a curse on it that would affect anyone who tried to rebuild Jericho (Joshua 6:26). That curse was realized several hundred years later when a man from Bethel, by the name of Hiel, rebuilt Jericho, and thereby, caused the curse to fall upon his family, as his oldest and youngest sons both died during the process (1 Kings 16:34), which is just what the curse called for.
Here in Joshua 6, Joshua is told by GOD to lead the people in a silent circuit around Jericho for six consecutive days, once a day. Then, on the seventh day, they were to march around the walled city seven times, and altogether, on cue, shout with a loud shout, and the LORD promised, that the city walls would fall to the ground (Vs. 1-5).
The people followed these seemingly bazaar instructions, and on the seventh day the walls of the city really did fall. Modern archeologists date the ruins of the Old Testament Jericho at around 1400 B.C., which does fit the biblical timeline of the exodus from Egypt, and also, the weight of the evidence found on the site of the destruction of Jericho, clearly and firmly supports the chronology and account of the bible which states that it was destroyed by warfare.
The extermination of the people of Canaan has always been objected to, by those who fail to take the existence, power, and sovereignty of GOD into account. It is the same today when massive amounts of people die in a single disastrous incidence, who on most accounts, did not follow, believe in, or think they should obey the word of GOD, WHO is the sovereign ruler of the universe. However, one only needs to read the Holy Bible to see that, even in this case with the Canaanites, 400 years prior to their demise, GOD told Abraham that Israel could not have the land of Canaan yet, because the Canaanites sins had not yet reached their full measure (Genesis 15:16). You see, GOD’s punishment for our sins is often held back for years, giving us ample time to repent, and to turn our lives around. But biblical history, and world history, both teach us that nations seldom do turn from their sins, in the face of GOD’s warnings.
GOD will never allow HIS “grace” to trump the “truth of HIS Word”, and, HE will not wait forever before HE discipline those who are living in disobedience to HIS Word. With HIS powerful judicial acts of atoning retribution, HE will, in the process of time, put a halt to our foolishness. And when we continue down a road of indifference, and choose to continue on a gradual slide towards an unstructured existence, much like we’re living in today, disobeying and disrespecting the laws of GOD all along the way, HE will eventually, take us out.
And so, to those who are not trying to live within, or respect GOD’s Will, I say this, “Don’t come hollering “How come GOD allowed this to happen to me?”, when something goes wrong in your life, or, in the lives of those you love, when you know full well that you are not following GOD. Because the correct answer will be, “If you are not following GOD, then, your question should be addressed to whoever or whatever it is that you pledge your allegiance to. That is who, or what, allowed it to happen, not GOD”. In short, one should, first of all, look in the mirror, and then, examine the choices one made, that were contrary to the Will of GOD.
There is victory when we surrender to JESUS, but there is only defeat, when we surrender to the world. We can’t make the world a better place, no matter how hard we try, because the world is under the dominion of satan, and therefore, it can only breed evil. It is the exact opposite of GOD. That is why, our charge from JESUS, as Christians, is that we lead people out of this world, which is filled with death and decay, and into the life-giving knowledge and light of JESUS CHRIST, and then, to make them disciples along the way.
GOD does not want us to lose our hearts to the people, or the things, of this world. In the world, we can only taste defeat, because the world, itself, is lost. Man lost it to satan the very first time he ever disobeyed GOD, and let sin and death, enter into our existence.
Joshua and the Israelites (except for Achan- Joshua 7), at least on this occasion, all stuck to the plan of GOD, even though it may have seemed ridiculous to them when they first heard it. And because they were faithful, GOD gave them the victory, and HE even tolerated Achan,s sin and did not allow the whole nation of Israel to suffer defeat because of his disobedience and indiscretion.
And remember Rahab, the reformed prostitute who risked life and limb to conform to the agenda of GOD, when she aided and protected the Israelite spies in Joshua chapter 2? Here in chapter 6, we see her trust in the protection of GOD paying off, and biblical history would go on to record that she would find herself firmly implanted within the genealogy of CHRIST JESUS, (Matthew 1:5) WHO, would later come to extend an offer to save us all from the evil gravitational pull of this world, through HIS vicarious sacrifice on the cross.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-06-17T03:11:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 19, 2011

TRUST GOD’S PROTECTION
(GOD makes a way for HIS people)
(Joshua 2)

The purpose of the book of Joshua is to give an official account of the fulfilling of GOD’s promise to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that HE would deliver their ancestors into the “promised land” of Canaan. Specifically, the “holy war” and subsequent conquest of Canaan, under the leadership of Joshua, is based solely on the “Abrahamic Covenant” that was originated between GOD and Abram (Genesis 15). However, GOD’s ultimate intention has always been, to reach the “lost world” through Abraham’s seed, which culminated with the first advent of JESUS CHRIST.
The Apostle Paul teaches us of the similarities in the exodus from Egypt, and the conquest of Canaan by Joshua in the 14th century B.C., and, that of the ministry of JESUS CHRIST in the first century A.D. In the biblical Greek, the name “Joshua” means “YAHWEH saves”, or “YAHWEH is salvation”, and the name “JESUS” means the same. Joshua led his people to a physical victory over their physical enemies in Canaan, the Promised Land, and he also interceded for them when they had sinned and been defeated. JESUS leads us to victory over our spiritual enemies, sin and death, and HE intercedes (Romans 8:34) to bring us into the “Promised Rest” (Hebrews 4:8-10) that GOD is offering us when we accept HIS “will” for our lives.
In Joshua chapter 2, two spies are sent by Joshua on a reconnoiter mission to scout out the city of Jericho, both its structure, and, the morale of its people. Jericho was a walled city that was the key citadel of the Jordan Valley and it controlled all roads leading up into the central highlands of Canaan. In order to be successful in their attack on Canaan, Joshua felt that he had to have as much information as possible before devising a strategic military offensive campaign against them, and this military offense had to start with the taking, or conquering of Jericho.
And so the two men set out from Shittim, about seven miles east of the Jordan River, and traveled north along the river before crossing and approaching Jericho from its west side. They soon were inside the gates of the city mingling with the people in the streets, and they eventually came across the house of a prostitute named Rahab.
No one really knows how the two spies came across the residence of Rahab, but one could probably attribute this chance rendezvous to the providence of GOD. A thinking Christian can most easily see GOD’s purpose and grace here at work to save a lost sinner from the coming divine judgment upon the city of Jericho. Oftentimes the LORD moves in mysterious and unexpected ways in order to achieve HIS divine agenda, and here in this passage we see just such a time. Here, two Israeli military spies are put together with a pagan harlot, to the ends that, first, would protect the representatives of GOD’s agenda, and then later, extend HIS grace and mercy to the likes of a repentant sinner who wished to convert her life, and the lives of her family, into the agenda of GOD. Rahab made the decision that day to trust in the divine protection of GOD, rather than to trust in the protection of the fortified cities of men. When we choose to honor GOD and HIS agenda above men, something wonderful always happens to our lives. William Barclay once wrote, “When history judges us, will its verdict be that we were “helpers”, or “hinderers” in the work of GOD? That is a question that every individual, and every nation must eventually answer”.
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “encourage” is “parakaleo” (par-ak-al-eh-o), and it means not only “to be a comfort to”, but also “to invoke, or call upon for support and inspiration”. Rahab made a decision to be a “comfort” to the spies, in their time of need, and, in return, she was able to call upon the spies for “support and inspiration” that would save her life, and the lives of her family, later on.
We, as Christians, must first be concerned with giving priority to GOD’s agenda, and then, trust that HE will always protect us when we do. In fact, the fundamental priority in life must always be GOD, and not, our own wishes and desires. And when we come to rest in the thought of “putting GOD first”, and trust in HIS protection, just like we see with the prostitute Rahab, suddenly, wrong things will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. Our relationship with GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, will grow to become our greatest asset, as we become more and more estranged from the love of the things of this world, and, from worldly behavior altogether.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-06-10T02:38:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 12, 2011

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS
(Obeying GOD’s word lead to true success and prosperity)
(Joshua 1:7-16)

The invasion and conquest of Canaan most likely took place, according to the biblical timeline, between 1406 and 1399 B.C., with Joshua’s farewell speech (Joshua 24:1-28) being given at the “Covenant Renewal Ceremony” circa 1385 B.C. The events recorded in the book of Joshua take place almost entirely in the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan River. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River opposite of Jericho, a highly strategic city that controlled all roads leading up into the central highlands of Canaan. They set up a “base” camp at Gilgal, from which Joshua launched two major military campaigns. The first campaign focused south on a coalition of Amorite kings in Jerusalem, Hebron, Jamut, Lachish, and Eglon. The other focused north against the more powerful Canaanite forces in Hazor, Madon, and other northern cities. These two major campaigns all but ended any organized Canaanite resistance. However, the Israelites still had to drive out any remaining Canaanites as they sought to expand their territories in later years.
In Joshua chapter 1, verses 7-8, Joshua is commanded by GOD to be strong and courageous, carefully obeying all the laws that HE had given to Moses before him. It is a command that is based on GOD’s power through HIS Word, and it indicated that a greater strength of character would be needed to obey GOD’s Word faithfully, than would be needed to win any military battle that he would soon undertake. Here in this passage, we see one of scripture’s earliest indications that man had available to him, a list of written laws of GOD, beyond those ten commandments, that Moses delivered to the people from Mount Sinai.
In order to enjoy prosperity and be successful in their conquest of Canaan, Joshua and the Israelites had to do three things in regards to scripture. First, GOD’s expectation from them was that HIS Word, not depart, from the mouths of HIS people. In other words, they were to persistently and consistently talk about the word of GOD to each other, including, and especially, to their children. Secondly, they were to meditate on GOD’s Word day and night, consistently keeping GOD in their thoughts, and, on their hearts. And thirdly, GOD expected that they were to do all, which HIS Laws called for them to do, obeying HIM fully by acting upon HIS Word, and incorporating its power into their everyday lives.
Joshua was able to demonstrate in a practical way, with his own life, how we in this generation, can also live, according to the Word of GOD. The way he lived clearly explains the success he had in his career as a father, a military leader, and, as a judge over his people. And in his farewell address to the people of Israel, he sought to pass on the formula of his success to the next generation. He urged them to live in submission to GOD at all times. Sadly, just as it has been in every generation since the foundation of this world, man would soon again stray away, from the righteous path that GOD continuously lays out before us.
Whenever a man goes his own way, he automatically and inevitably, moves farther and farther away from GOD, and in the end, the rift between he and GOD becomes so wide, that GOD is reduced to this obscure figure of whom he once knew, and of whom, then, he seeks only to avoid.
It has been proven over and over again, throughout our history, in fact, since the very dawn of creation, that, without GOD, man can’t do anything right, for too long. And the truth of the matter remains, that, GOD expects way more from us, in the form of commitment to HIM, than we’ve ever been able to, or willing to, deliver.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-06-03T03:32:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday June 5, 2011

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
(GOD’s promises continue for all generations)
(Joshua 1:1-9)

The book of Joshua is the first book of what we now call, “the Historical Books” of the Holy Bible. The others are Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The book of Joshua tells the story of how the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan under the spiritual and military leadership of Joshua, the man whom GOD choose to succeed Moses, and, who was charged by GOD to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River, and into the “Promised Land”. Joshua is also considered to be the first judge of Israel, as his appointment marked the beginning of a 450 year period during which a succession of judges would rule over GOD’s chosen people. This “period of the judges” would end with the prophet Samuel, who would appoint Saul as Israel’s first king, and then, subsequently, replace Saul with David, by a divine order from GOD.
The book of Judges introduces us to a new generation of Israelites who, for the most part, started out on the right foot, by trusting in, and were committed to obeying GOD. Through their obedience to GOD, they were able to win, by warfare, the land that had been promised to them by GOD, since the time of the towering and faithful patriarch, Abraham. The book of Joshua, reminds us most of all, of the faithfulness of GOD and how, through our obedience to HIM, we can claim HIS promises, and realize spiritual victory in our own lives, even in this day. It is appropriate that the book of Joshua opens up with a description of GOD’s preparation of this young leader for his role in HIS divine plan and strategy (vs. 1-5). Like all of GOD’s divine appointments, Joshua’s would call for him to be faithful, strong, and courageous. GOD’s promises can only be claimed by carefully following His laws and instructions (vs. 6-8), and as Joshua walks the path that GOD’s law defines, the LORD will be with him wherever he goes (v. 9).
Obeying the whole law of GOD is the dominant theological theme in the book of Joshua. It is a theme that is tightly woven into the annals of Israel’s history. Theologians have, over time, defined three great functions of Old Testament law. First of all, the law reveals to us, the character of GOD HIMSELF. Secondly, the law serves as a standard by which human behavior can be measured, and, by which all mankind can be judged. And finally, the law guides our choices, making it possible for us, as believers, to please GOD, and enjoy HIS blessings, while living out our lives, here on earth. It is primarily this third function that is highlighted in this passage.
Biblical history seems to demonstrate quite clearly, that, when GOD’s people keep HIS laws, HE invariably blesses and enables them to succeed. By contrast, when GOD’s people fail to obey HIM, or HIS law is abandoned, such disobedience is always followed by some sort of national disaster, or economic down turn.
The LORD’s promises are iron-clad, and we see, over time, just how those promises were passed on from generation to generation, because of HIS commitment, to allow for an inheritance to the faithful. Joshua was a model leader whose legacy will never embarrass his mentor, Moses. The mission of the Old Testament leader was to enable Israel to claim and hold to the promises of GOD. Their effectiveness depended upon the divine presence of the Almighty GOD, WHO is the only ONE able to provide HIS people with victory, then and now.
The prime responsibility of a GODly leader is that he must always maintain a commitment to carefully obey to the letter, the laws of GOD. This passage also tells us that the chief characteristic of the GODly leader is that he or she have strength and courage that can only come through one’s confidence and trust in GOD, and not in themselves. For there will be many times when it will seem risky to obey GOD completely, but it is in just such times, when a person’s faith can best be measured. When we believe in our hearts that GOD’s promises are true, we will always ultimately obey HIM, and GOD says, our obedience is always most essential to our success (v. 8).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-05-27T03:28:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 29, 2011

THE ULTIMATE HAPPY ENDING
(Worshipping GOD face to face)
(Revelation 22)

In Revelation 22 the Apostle John is given a few more facts by an angel of GOD in his vision concerning the “New Jerusalem”. In this passage, John is shown the “river of the water of life” which will flow from the “Throne of GOD and the LAMB”. Here we see that, out of the throne, will flow a pure river of waters that will be symbolic of GOD and JESUS’ holiness and purity.
This reference of the river here in this passage should not be confused with that of the vision of the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 47, nor, with that of the prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 14:8. Those rivers are literal rivers flowing out of the temple of Jerusalem in a future scene from CHRIST’s millennial rule, here on earth. The river here in John’s vision is a part of the new Jerusalem, on the new earth, that GOD will ultimately create after the millennial time of CHRIST’s rule, and, the final defeat of satan. It will course its way down the center of the main street in the new city, and on each side of it will be a “Tree of Life” that will bear 12 crops of fruit each year, one crop per month. Its leaves will have healing power, and will be used to cure all manner of sickness upon entry into the new kingdom of Heaven, where there can be no curse or illness of any kind.
All who exists will worship the FATHER and the SON, and GOD’s face will be seen by everyone for the very first time. GOD’s name will also be written on every forehead. In that time, night will cease to exist, and by day, there will be no need for the sun, because the LORD GOD will shine on everyone.
In verse 7, we find comprised, the sixth of the seven “beatitudes” that are found in this book of Revelations. The others can be found in chapter 1, verse 3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, and 22:14. “Blessed are those who obey the prophecy written in this scroll” is the one seen here. The coming of CHRIST JESUS is always “soon”, in the minds of those who believe in HIM. A special blessing is added to the lives of those who obey, and heed to the prophecy of the book of Revelation, as well as the entire scripture itself. Indeed, one does not really love JESUS unless they are willing to obey HIM, take on HIS task, and, take up their own cross.
In Daniel 12:9, the prophet is instructed to seal up his prophecy until the time of the end. However, here in Revelation 22, verse 10, the Apostle John is instructed to do the opposite. Here he is told “not” to seal up the prophetic words that he has written, but rather, let them be made available to all who wish to know and hear.
In the exhortation that follows in verse 11, “let those who are doing wrong continue to do wrong” should not be taken as a condoning of evil by the LORD. The point of this passage does not serve to condone evil, but rather, it serves to point out the fact, that, if people do not heed the prophecies found here in the book of Revelation, they are only left with the choice of continuing on in their own wickedness. But, by contrast, those who do right will likely continue to do right, as GOD apparently expects no earth-shattering changes in the behavior of man, whether it be good, or evil, in the last days.
In verse 12, a promise of reward and punishment is declared by CHRIST JESUS upon HIS second coming. The ALPHA AND OMEGA will bring with HIM, both, rewards for the saints who have benefited HIS cause, and punishment for those who have hindered it.
In verse 14 we see the last of the seven beatitudes of this book of Revelation, “Blessed are those who wash their robes so that they can enter in through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the “Tree of Life”. This is a phrase that simply describes the righteous, and their acts of obedience to the LORD’s commandments. They all started out “guilty”, but, through their acceptance of CHRIST JESUS, they are washed clean by HIS blood. Contrastingly, those who are described in verse 11 are the ones who refused to give up their acts of immorality, and are thus, forever characterized by their evil ways and practices.
In closing this study of the Apostle John’s revelation from CHRIST, I leave you with this thought.
The HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and the bride (the true Christian Church) say, come! (v. 17) But unfortunately, the lure of this world, and satan, says the same. The HOLY SPIRIT within us will always seek to compel us toward CHRIST. However, the “sin nature” within us, will always try and tug us back toward the world. That battle that wages on inside of each of us, between “the reason to do right”, and “the passion to want to do wrong”, will continue, long after we accept the gift of salvation. However, through our strength in CHRIST, we can ultimately overcome the gravitational pull of this world, just as CHRIST did, and find our place in “the ultimate happy ending” that has been prepared for us by GOD, since the foundation of this world. That place that John, Luke, Paul, and other New Testament writers call, in the Greek, “paradeisos” (par-ad-i-sos), but we call, “The Kingdom of Heaven”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-05-20T04:31:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 22, 2011

A NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH
(We worship the GOD WHO makes all things new)
(Revelation 21)

The books of Isaiah (chapters 60 & 65) and Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) each contain parallels of the vision John shares here in Revelation 21, concerning the “new heaven”, the “new earth”, and, a new Jerusalem. The Israelites had long understood that the earthly Jerusalem was always intended to be the site for the temple of GOD. Since the days when King David first moved the Jewish worship center from Mount Gerizim to Jerusalem, he had in mind to build GOD’s temple there. Biblical history records, however, that the task of building that temple would be assigned to King Solomon, David’s son. The temple would be a symbol of GOD’s presence among HIS people, and would be a place where GOD could be approached in worship. Here in Revelation 21, the “new” Jerusalem fulfills the promise of the “old”, and we see GOD is present in reality, and, it is only HIS people who can worship him freely, for all eternity.
John’s vision of the new Jerusalem magnifies to a great degree, the visions of the Old Testament prophets that were expressed and depicted hundreds of years earlier. Isaiah, Haggai, and Ezekiel, all had visions of a “rebuilt” Jerusalem. When we consider those facts, it becomes increasingly easy to see that the idea of a “new” Jerusalem had been a constant dream of GOD’s faithful over the years. Here John pulls together these various visions and makes them his own, as a sort of verification to Christians, that, their earnest expectations will indeed be satisfied in GOD’s new Kingdom following the “White Throne Judgment”.
In the Greek, there are two words that are used for “new”. One is “neos”, and it is “a new version, or “type” of something that already exists, for example, a new car. We can build a new car, and in fact, new cars are constantly being built daily, however they are not new to the world, as cars have existed since the turn of the 20th century. The other Greek word used for “new” is “kainos”, and it is something that is new to the world, and has never existed before”, it is in this sense that the LORD is speaking in this passage, as in verse 5, HE says, “Behold, I make all things new”.
In verse 22, John reveals to us that there is no temple in this “new” Jerusalem. This may come as a surprise when we consider how precious the temple was to the Jews who lived in the current Jerusalem. However, the apostle’s description of the new city, as being in the shape of a cube 1400 miles in width, length, and height, suggests that Jerusalem itself is a temple, having GOD and the LAMB, both, eternally present within it. The city will need no physical edifice to serve as a temple, because, wherever JESUS is, there, the church will be also. And we should always remember, that, it is the presence of CHRIST JESUS that makes a gathering, a Church in the first place.
Furthermore, John reveals that there will be no need for light in the new Jerusalem, because the glory of GOD will provide ample illumination with JESUS the CHRIST being its lamp. John also sees a city whose gates will remain open forever, because there will be no night.
In verse 24 we see that, everyone who is saved will walk in the light of this wonderful city, and they will bring with them, the glory and honor that is uniquely their own.
From every nation of the earth, we have extracted some unique gift or talent, and our gifts and talents are our glory, given to us by GOD. To the Romans we owe for the ability to organize, formulate, and administer governmental law. And to the Greeks we owe for theology. But, on a smaller scale, every person that comes into the Church, for the purpose of serving, has talents and gifts that the LORD can use.
Shifting gears, in verse 27, John concludes this chapter of Revelation with a stern warning to those who refuse to discontinue in the evilness of their ways. Those who refuse to depart from evil will be forever barred from becoming citizens of this great community of GOD. It is not the “repentant sinner”, but rather, it is the “defiant sinner”, whose name will not be found in the LAMB’s Book of Life. All defiant sinners will be barred from entrance into the city of GOD.
All in all, it doesn’t really matter what we take away from this prophetic, mysterious account of the Apostle John’s revelation from CHRIST. And, in spite of what we think, its central focus will forever remain consistent as this book continues to pass down from generation to generation. The lingering message found within these pages, is one that is crystal clear despite its reputation of having enormous complexities. It simply serves to remind us that, in times of great conflict, GOD’s people must remain faithful, humble, and patient to the end.
The promise of victory through CHRIST, over the forces of the evil one, is something that is virtually assured. And to the unbeliever I have only this statement; “It is a life-changing thing, both, getting to know, and, becoming accustomed to practicing, the word of GOD. GOD’s word has already come, in fact, it has been with us since the beginning, and it simply cannot be, nor, will not be, disregarded. GOD’s word is synonymous with life, and therefore, it is effective and penetrating. It absolutely scrutinizes all of our thoughts, desires and intentions. All things lay naked before GOD, as HE simply sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do. And every one of us will have to make an account for the deeds done in our lifetime, and, whether or not we believe that HE exists, therefore, becomes totally irrelevant.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-05-13T11:08:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 15, 2011

THANKFUL WORSHIP
(Perfect worship exalts the REDEEMER)
(Revelations 7:9-17)

The events of Revelations chapter 7 tell of the Apostle John’s vision of a period that we now know as the “Great Tribulation” period. Here, John is looking at a preview of the last terrible days here on earth that, inevitably, must come to pass, before CHRIST, can usher in HIS much anticipated, “Millennial Kingdom”.
The various chapters in the book of Revelations are not all in chronological order, or sequence of their occurrence. Here in this chapter, John is describing a scene in Heaven that actually precedes the “Second Coming” of Christ JESUS to earth. In verses 9-17, the people seen by John in his vision are said to be those who have “come out of”, or “survived” the “Great Tribulation Period” that will follow the “Rapture” of the Christian Church. This passage clearly indicates how these people will be marvelously blessed in Heaven after their trials and tribulations are over, here on earth.
This vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language are seen standing before the Throne of GOD, dressed in white robes and holding palm branches. This is the same group of people that is mentioned by John in Revelation 6:9, whom he saw under the altar, and who had been martyred defending the Word of GOD during that Great Tribulation. The fact that they are now wearing white robes and holding palm branches signifies that they have been victorious, and are now, celebrating their righteous triumph, by giving thankful worship to GOD in Heaven.
As this victorious multitude boldly ascribes their salvation to GOD, and to CHRIST JESUS, the LAMB, all the angels, the 24 elders, and the 4 living creatures mentioned earlier, all join together in worship to GOD, with them. This passage answers the age old question that is raised in Revelation 6:17, as to whether, or not anyone who suffered through the Great Tribulation would be saved. John’s vision tells us that two specific groups will be saved. One group would be those who are saved in Israel, which are the 144,000, or, the members of the 12 tribes mentioned here in Revelations 7, verses 4-8. And the other group, those of the countless multitude who hail from every nation, people, and tongue, who, although they are spiritually saved, will remain during the Tribulation Period, and suffer persecutions in the name of JESUS, before being martyred into Heaven later on. They will be responsible for spreading the Gospel to the small remnant of people left in the world, who have not yet heard the gospel, so that they might make their choice of who they will serve.
In Revelations 7:1, the Apostle John writes of seeing “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree”. In verse 2 he says that he saw a fifth angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the LIVING GOD. The fifth angel cried with a loud voice to the four angels who were given power by GOD to harm the earth and the sea. The angel goes on to say, in verse 3, “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our GOD in their foreheads”. Here the four angels who have been given power by GOD to wreck punishing judgment on earth, now being told to withhold judgment until all of GOD’s servants have been identified and marked with GOD’s seal of approval. We can garner from this passage that, in the end, those who are not included in the “Rapture”, or, “First Harvest” of GOD’s people, will be protected during the Great Tribulation period, because, they too, have remained faithful to GOD.
It is in victory that the faithful stand before GOD in the end. And just like the faithful multitude mentioned in this passage, they won’t be weary from the rigors of the Great Tribulation. Instead, they will appear fresh as a daisy, dressed in white robes, looking like the victors that they truly are.
It is GOD, WHO will bring us through the trials and tribulations of this world, and, it is the true Christian who faithfully ascribes salvation to GOD. The salvation GOD gives us is not a deliverance of escape, but rather, it is a deliverance of conquest. When one escapes, he has to constantly look over his shoulder to see if what he escaped from is gaining on him. But when one is able to conquer that which bothers, threatens, or controls him, he becomes free from all such frets and worries. He can then have a measure of peace and protection that we all seek, really. And it is that kind of protection, a person can only receive through faith in, and obedience to, the Almighty GOD, our SAVIOR, through JESUS CHRIST.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-05-06T03:21:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 8, 2011

HEAVENLY WORSHIP
(Perfect worship is always GOD-centered)
(Revelations 4)

The book of Revelations is the last book of the Christian bible to be written (circa A.D. 95-96). It is also rightfully positioned, as the final book of the New Testament, and, as the final book of the biblical assemblage in general. The second advent of CHRIST JESUS, and, those years that immediately follow, are much more vividly detailed than in the Old Testament book of Daniel. In Daniel’s book, he writes of a time that spans from the days of King Cyrus of Persia, up until the time of the first advent of CHRIST. He writes only briefly of the Tribulation Period, and of the time of CHRIST’ rule (Millennial Kingdom) here on earth.
The book of Revelations was written by the Apostle John after he received a vision from CHRIST, while he was still imprisoned on the Greek island of Patmos, during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Domitian. After a few challenges from the early Church leaders to gain acceptance into the biblical assemblage, John’s revelations were finally acknowledged as being divinely inspired. In fact, by the end of the third century, they were being widely quoted as scripture. GOD’s purpose for these revelations is to reveal those events which will take place before, during, and after the second coming of CHRIST JESUS.
In the opening chapters of the book of Revelations, John delivers both positive and negative messages to the seven churches that existed in the province of Asia at that time. Here in chapter 4, however, he paints for us, a depiction of what has come to be known by most scholars as “The vision of Heaven’s Throne Room”. And just as is with most of this fascinating book, there are also two basic interpretations of the visions seen here by John. In fact, the way a person views this book actually defines what group they would fall under, as most are either “premillennialist”, or “amillennialist” in their thinking.
The premillennialist sees the call for John to “come up”, in verse 1, as “the Rapture”, and therefore, everything that happens after that point, is considered by them, to be occurring in “the great Tribulation”. The amillennialist sees this call as a “call to worship”. They see the 24 elders mentioned in this chapter as representing the Old Testament, “Twelve Tribes of Israel”, and the New Testament, “Twelve Apostles”. But no matter what one’s interpretation may be, it is abundantly clear that these verses are focused exclusively on praising and worshipping the Almighty GOD.
In this spectacular vision, John sees GOD sitting on HIS throne, surrounded by 24 thrones with an elder seated on each throne. In front of GOD’s throne were seven lamp stands with flames burning inside them. They represent the seven spirits of GOD, and symbolize the perfection of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Also there in front of GOD’s throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center, and around the throne, were four living beings, each covered with eyes, both front and back. These four beings are reminiscent of the ones seen by Ezekiel, in Ezekiel 1:5-10, and they may symbolize various aspects of divine majesty. The lion, for instance, could be thought of as a symbol of “nobility”. The ox could represent “strength”, or even “faithfulness”. The human face of the third living being could symbolize “wisdom”, and the forth creature, the eagle, could represent “control”.
There is, however, another popular view among scholars concerning these living beings, and that is, that, they may represent JESUS in the four gospels. In Matthew, for example, the “lion” shows JESUS as “the lion of the tribe of Judah”. In Mark, the ox shows HIM as “the servant of GOD”. In Luke, JESUS is “incarnate” as a human being. And finally, in the gospel of John, the eagle represents the divine SON of the LIVING GOD.
However, in the end, I guess that’s neither here nor there, as some might say. And in the final analysis, we can certainly all agree that the worship by all beings who were present was attributed by them to the ONLY WISE, SOVEREIGN GOD, WHO created the universe and all that is within it. It is only through HIS will and purpose that all things exist, and only HE can make something out of nothing.
The great truth is, that, in every sense, everything in the world belongs to GOD, and absolutely everyone in this spectacular glimpse of the future, shown to us by the Apostle John’s shared vision, totally submitted themselves to GOD in worship, 24 hours a day. It has long been known, that, that’s just how everything all began, and now we see, through this wonderful passage in the book of Revelations, that, that’s just exactly how it all will end. Everyone, in the end, will consider it an honor and a privilege, to worship the Almighty GOD, on a continuous basis.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-04-29T03:50:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday May 1, 2011

BEING LIKE CHRIST
(Unity through humility)
(Philippians 2:1-11)

The city of Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedonia, who was the father of Alexander the Great. He captured this city from the Thracians in 358 B.C. Philippi is located about 10 miles northwest of the seaport of Neopolis. It was near Neopolis that Mark Anthony and Octavius, who later became Caesar Augustus, defeated Brutus and Cassius, who had murdered Julius Caesar in an attempt to takeover leadership of the Roman Empire. In 42 B.C., the city of Philippi became a part of the original Roman Empire, as a Roman colony.
In A.D. 52, Paul and Silas visited Philippi while on Paul’s second missionary journey. Philippi later became the first European city, in which a Christian church was established. Lydia and her family, as well as the Philippian jailer and his household, were all converted to Christianity by Paul and Silas, before, and during their incarceration there (Acts 16:6-40).
Ironically, Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church while under house arrest in Rome, some 10 years later. It was written in response to the financial aid and generosity of the Philippian church, both during, and after his visit there in Macedonia. Paul says that they were the only church to respond in such a way to his delivering to them, the good news about CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 4:15-16).
“Fellowship with the SPIRIT” is a result of the SPIRIT’s permanent indwelling ministry, at work within us. GOD’s love in a person’s heart produces a spiritual unity that transforms the life of the recipient of HIS favor. In Philippians chapter 2, verses 1-11, Paul writes of how his joy in his fellowship with the Philippians could be even greater, if they would begin to exhibit more unity, by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, and loving one another, working together with one heart, and for one purpose.
This is perhaps scripture’s clearest portrait of the humility that is called for by CHRIST JESUS. It exhibits not a weak man’s surrender, but rather, it is a depiction of a strong man’s rejection of all things selfish. It paints a picture of one who has a desire to be actively and genuinely concerned with the needs of others.
This unity would be made possible because of the four qualities mentioned by Paul in verse 1. They are qualities that are very realistic, and do not lend themselves as goals that cannot be achieved. They are; Encouragement (that which comes as a result of being united with CHRIST), Comfort, (that which comes from GOD’s love), Fellowship (which comes from the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT), and of course, Tenderness and Compassion (that which comes as a result of experiencing the whole of GOD).
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “self-emptying” is “kenosis”, and it describes the attitude that CHRIST JESUS exemplified throughout HIS three-year earthy mission. In verses 6-11, Paul uses JESUS as the great example of what “true humility” in a Christian should look like. It is believed that these verses come from one of the great hymns of the early church. This particular passage also constitutes a grand statement on Christology, as we see how JESUS took the humble position of a slave, and appeared to us, in human form. During that time, even though HE was GOD, HE did not demand, or cling to HIS rights as GOD, but rather, HE obediently humbled HIMSELF even further, by allowing HIMSELF to die a criminal’s death on the cross, by Roman method, for our sake.
It is because of JESUS’ great sacrifice at Golgotha, that GOD raised HIM up to the heights of Heaven, and gave HIM the name that is above all other names. And it is at the very mention of HIS name, JESUS, that, one day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will have to confess, that JESUS CHRIST is LORD. And on that day, it will all be, for the glory of GOD the FATHER, WHO sent HIM, to save us from ourselves.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-04-22T03:19:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 24, 2011

CHRIST IS RISEN
(Go and tell about the certainty of the resurrection of CHRIST JESUS)
(Matthew 28:1-1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, & John 20:1-20)

In the biblical Greek the word used for “Resurrection” is “Anastasia”, and it is “a moral recovery of spiritual truth”. And it also means, “To stand up again”.
The sins of man brought physical death, and by contrast, the resurrection of CHRIST JESUS brought spiritual life. William Barclay once wrote, “cleverness can never be the basis of true religion, and true religion can never be the product of a man’s mind”. The resurrection of CHRIST is the essence of the Christian Faith, and is the core of all of the apostle’s teachings.
No man is capable of producing or concocting a “True Religion”, or Faith. Only GOD, the CREATOR of Heaven and Earth, is capable of meeting the qualifications necessary, and setting the examples that every man can benefit from, 100% of the time. Man, through his imperfections, will never be able to spiritually rule over another man. Christianity is the only true religion, simply because, it is the only religion that is a product of GOD’s mind.
In Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:1-20, each author gives their respective accounts of the resurrection of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. At dawn, on the morning of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph, all went to the tomb of JESUS. They already knew where the body of JESUS had been laid, because some of them were watching from a distance when Joseph of Arimathea, who owned the tomb, and Nicodemus placed JESUS’ body within, and then sealed it by rolling a large stone over its opening (Matthew 27:55-56). The women were returning the day after the Sabbath had ended so that they might anoint JESUS’ body with perfumes for burial (Mark 16:1-2).
In the Gospel account of Matthew, he reports that there was a great earthquake associated with the arrival of an angel who came down from Heaven and rolled away the stone that covered the entrance of JESUS’ tomb. The Roman soldiers who had been assigned to guard the tomb were so frightened by the angel that they fainted. The angel, who appeared like lightning, was garbed in clothing that was as white as snow. He proceeded to issue a proclamation to the women that, “JESUS has risen, just as HE said HE would”. He even invited them to come into the tomb and examine it for themselves, and then, he instructed them to go and tell JESUS’ disciples the good news of JESUS’ Resurrection, and to later, meet HIM in Galilee.
As the women were hurrying along to tell the disciples what had happened, JESUS suddenly appeared before them. Upon hearing HIS greeting, the women recognized JESUS and immediately fell at HIS feet and begin to worship HIM. It is all together fitting that these women would be the first to see the risen LORD. For, they had been faithfully there at the cross, when JESUS hung and died, and, they had also been faithfully there when HE was laid in the rich man’s tomb. And now, they were receiving love’s reward by becoming the first people on earth to experience the joy of being in the presence of the resurrected LORD and SAVIOR.
In the biblical Greek the word used for “greetings” is “chairo” (khah-ee-ro), and it means “be cheerful”, or “be glad and rejoice”. In Matthew chapter 28, verses 6-9, we see perhaps the three great imperatives that govern the Christian Faith. First we see the women being urged by the angel to “believe”, as he invites them to see the empty tomb where JESUS’ body had once lain. Secondly, in verse 7 the women are urged to “share”, as the angel instructs them to “go quickly and tell”, in this case, the disciples, about the good news of the risen LORD. And then finally, in verse 9, we see that, the first words that JESUS says to the women is, “all hail”, or “chairo”, which means “greetings”, which means, “rejoice everybody, and be glad”.
The person who has met and accepted the “Risen LORD” will be able to live forever in the joy of HIS presence. They will be able to come to rest in the knowledge that nothing can ever again separate them from HIS saving grace. And so we should be able to see quite clearly now, how no man, can give another man, that kind of religion. It is something that only GOD is capable of doing. That is why the Christian can “believe”, “share”, and “rejoice” in the saving power of GOD. Through the birth, ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST, GOD is saying to us, as only HE can, that HE loves us with an everlasting love that can withstand all of the suffering that this world has to offer. With GOD, it is possible for us to make “a moral recovery of a spiritual truth” found only in HIM, and when we accept that TRUTH, we become fully able “to stand up again” and live forever in the presence of the ALMIGHTY GOD.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-04-15T03:03:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 17, 2011

ONLY JESUS THE LORD CAN SAVE US NOW
(Take a risk and welcome JESUS into your life)
(Mark 11:1-17)

Mark chapter 11 marks the beginning of the final week of JESUS’ life here on earth. Here John Mark opens up with a vivid description of our LORD and SAVIOR setting the stage for HIS triumphant final entry into Jerusalem. It is a fitting climax to the last leg of JESUS’ incredible journey to meet with HIS OWN execution, which was to be crucifixion on a cross by Roman method, on Calvary Hill.
As JESUS and HIS disciples neared Jerusalem and came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, HE sent two of them ahead into the village to retrieve a young colt that had never been ridden, and they were to bring it back to HIM. They were to tell the owner that the LORD needed it, and that they would return it soon.
The disciples followed JESUS’ instructions to the letter, and soon returned with the colt, throwing their garments over its back as a cushion for JESUS to sit on. As they came into Jerusalem, many in the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of JESUS, and still others cut off leafy branches from the fields and spread them along the way. JESUS rode in the center of the procession as shouts of “Hosanna!” filled the air.
In the first century, if a king rode into a city on a steed, it would be for the purpose of war. However, by JESUS riding in on a donkey, HE was sending a clear signal to all, that HE would be a “King of Peace”. This was all, apparently, in sharp contrast to what the people had expected from JESUS in the end. In fact, here we see them greeting HIM as the “Son of David”, no doubt, expecting HIM to rush into Jerusalem that morning with fierce fighting, just as King David had done some 950 years earlier, and rescue them from their Roman oppressors.
And so we see that, even now, in the last week of HIS mission, people still didn’t seem to understand the whole purpose of why JESUS had came. Here we see in verses 8-10, the people thinking of JESUS’ kingship in terms of a physical conquest that some of them had waited all of their lives to experience. It is even suggested in their shouts of “Hosanna”, which is translated, “save us now”, what JESUS’ arrival really meant to them. It was a welcome that befitted, not a king of love and peace, but rather, it befitted one who was a conqueror that came to slay all of their enemies. They were looking for a physical savior, but instead, they would discover, in time, a spiritual one.
When JESUS first arrived in Jerusalem HE went straight to the temple, inspected it, and saw that it wasn’t being used at that time. No one was praying, and no one was being spiritually fed, because it was considered to be too late in the day. HE then left and went to Bethany with HIS disciples. On the way back from Bethany the following morning, JESUS felt hungry. Just then HE spotted a fig tree and went over to inspect it for figs. However, HE found none, because it was too early in the season for fruit. JESUS cursed the fig tree, and then, they continued on their journey back to Jerusalem. The uselessness of the fig tree, and its failure to provide physical food when needed, had brought “physical disaster” upon it from JESUS.
Upon arriving back at Jerusalem, JESUS again went directly into the temple. This time, instead of finding it not being used, HE found a “spiritual disaster” as it was now being misused. It was filled with crooked merchants and moneychangers, who were taking unfair advantage of the poor and out-of-town visitors who had come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover and worship GOD with animal sacrifices.
When JESUS saw what was going on HE immediately cleared the temple of all the unsavory characters that were there to exploit the needs of the righteous. In the biblical Greek the word used to describe GOD’s anger is “agathosune” (ag-ath-o-soo-nay). It is a word that is not found in secular Greek. In fact, it actually is defined as “GOD’s goodness”. It is the goodness and mercy by which GOD rebukes and disciplines HIS people for their acts of disobedience against HIM. Here in this passage, this word also applies to JESUS’ actions against the robbers and moneychangers who were desecrating GOD’s Holy Place, creating a spiritual disaster (Vs. 15-17).
Man’s exploitation of man will always provoke the wrath, or “agathosune” of GOD, especially when it is done under the guise of the Christian religion. By overcharging the people for animals to be used to give sacrifice to GOD at the temple, and, by charging exorbitant fees to convert their foreign money into the local currency, they were, in effect, blocking many people from worshiping GOD.
Here JESUS seeks to remind everyone that no one is to block another from the worship of GOD. And because people of many nations participated in the Passover, even in the first century, HE is also saying that GOD wants all people to be saved, not just the Jews, and not just the rich, but all mankind, for all time, would be covered by the blood of CHRIST, in just a few short days.
There is perhaps no other place in scripture where we feel more reminded that we need to make a more conscious effort to be fair in our dealings with one another. There were many crooked people in the temple court that day, but there were also many others whose hearts were fixed on GOD. The LORD will never hold blameless, those who make it hard or impossible for others to worship HIM. Sometimes even professed ministers of GOD are more concerned with imposing their own ways of doing things on their congregation than they are with adhering to the will and ways that GOD HIMSELF wants things to be done. But the worship of GOD and the disputes of men will never be compatible in GOD’s plan. Remember, Jesus didn’t send everyone away that day, only those who were blocking the worship of GOD the FATHER, by making it difficult, or impossible for the poorest among them to purchase the sacrificial animals to be used in worship of HIM.
Need, will never be sent away empty by JESUS CHRIST, and just like GOD the FATHER, HIS anger is never merely negative. It always goes to the heart of helping those who are in need of HIS assistance. And with that said, those who haven’t already, should, make every effort, to let JESUS make a triumphant, life-changing, heart-cleansing entry, into their personal existence.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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2011-04-08T02:56:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 10, 2011

PRAISE BUILDS US UP
(We should build each other up in the Most High Faith)
(Jude)

Peter C. Craigie once wrote, “When people cease to care, then religion, morality, social customs, and values, all cease to function as mortar that, holds together a society, and maintains ancient Faith”. In the terse epistle of Jude, the half-brother of JESUS challenges the people about their relationship and obedience to GOD. It is never an easy task to deal with indifference, or its consequences, or, a gradual slide towards an unstructured existence, not unlike the one we live in today.
Since the dawn of Christianity, it has been a faith at risk of being contaminated by the evil forces of satan. And many individual professed Christian churches have failed, simply because, its members failed, to get to know the word of GOD, well enough that, they would not be misled by the false teachers and preachers of their day. And even though Christianity must operate as a welcoming community, possessing the GODly fear necessary to allow us to love the sinner and hate the sin, we must also be able to avoid the pollution, of those whom we are seeking to save, by leading them to CHRIST.
In this difficult and often neglected epistle of Jude, Christians everywhere are urged to stand firm against false teachers and their philosophies, and strive to build each other up in the Most High Faith. Jude gives examples of GOD’s judgment on those vile people, who, past, and present, attempt to steer Christians away from their faith. He urges us to examine what people say, and, how they actually live their lives, so that we may be better able to determine, the difference between what is real, and, what is fake. And in today’s society, if we are not really, really tuned in to the word of GOD, we will be fooled.
King David warned us long ago, that, “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest of men are exalted” (Psalm 12:8 – KJV). We, live in a nation, and world, where too many Christians continually exalt those men and women, who have even openly professed, to be anti-CHRIST in their doctrine and lifestyle. We buy their music for ourselves and our children, and we sing the lyrics of their anti-CHRIST Hip Hop doctrine. We buy their Hip Hop clothing lines, and dress our children in the “armor of satan” that they represent. Clothing that contains all sorts of demonic symbols as their logos, which are used to channel satanic spirits into our children, our homes, our churches, and, our lives, all for the sake of money and fame.
We spend billions of dollars each year going to, and or, sending our children to see their movies and attend their praise and worship concerts to satan. We buy their c.d.’s, and make sure we never miss one of their award shows. We live in a nation where more people call in to vote for the next American Idol, than has ever voted in any presidential election in the history of the United States of America.
So-called gospel singing Christian artists are mixing with professed anti-CHRIST secular artist, creating a vehicle of music that allows satan to enter into the Christian church and become a part of the worship service that has been preserved for GOD, by GOD HIMSELF. Don’t look now America, but we are no longer a Christian nation, and we haven’t been for a long, long, long time.
Jude’s powerful letter is directed at all of those whom GOD loves and has called to leadership, and, to all of those who are kept by the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST. In other words, all professed Christians should take heed to keep themselves in the love of GOD by defending the gospel that was preached by CHRIST, and other men of GOD, building each other up in the Christian Faith, as we all wait on mercy from JESUS CHRIST, unto eternal life.
Jude may have started out wanting to write a positive treatise on salvation, but ultimately, he ended up writing, perhaps, the strongest condemnation of false teachers, and the most stern warnings against participating in perverted practices, that can be found anywhere else, in all of New Testament scripture.
His quotations and analogies of past events, vividly describe a day of a coming judgment that has already been substantiated and assimilated in the pages of Old Testament literature. We in America have become a community at risk who are in danger of the same kind of judgment that was delivered upon the people of Sodom and Gomorrah in days of old.
False teachers, and all those who promote the anti-CHRIST agenda through their works and lifestyle, will all have to make an account for their deeds in the end. And ultimately, all will receive their just due, via the judgment of CHRIST JESUS, in the much anticipated “Day of the LORD”. And so too, the same grim fate awaits those, who, through their own ignorance of GOD’s word, choose to follow and exalt those, who GOD says, are the vilest of men.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander Weekly Sunday School Lesson

2011-04-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday April 3, 2011

AN APPROVED WORKER
(An approved worker endures by faithfully following GOD’s word to the letter)
(2 Timothy 2:1-15)

A worldly person sees giving service to others as drudgery, or, as a burden. A GODly person sees service to others as a worshipful experience, and, as being, CHRIST-like.
After winning release from his first imprisonment in Rome circa A.D. 63, Paul went on to preach the Gospel in Spain for a short while. However, hostilities initiated by the Roman emperor, Nero, against the Christians in Rome, soon began to intensify. Nero, who was under suspicion at that time, of being involved in starting the historical fire that destroyed almost half of the city of Rome in A.D. 64, increased his local persecution of the Jews, in order to take the heat and focus off of himself, for his alleged crime against his own citizens. In fact, it was this round of persecution that eventually led to the deaths of both Paul and Peter, near the end of the reign of Nero, in A.D. 68, after which, the guidance of the Christian Church had to be passed on to the next generation, and the likes of Timothy and Titus, who, had by then, become proven leaders.
Paul’s bold return to Rome, during the great persecution, led to his final incarceration and death, and it was during the time of this imprisonment, that he wrote this second letter of instructions to his young protégé, Timothy. In fact, it is the last known written communication that can be accredited to the Apostle Paul.
In this letter, Paul looks back on his own life and service with a feeling of deep satisfaction. He has kept the faith, and he now looks forward to the rewards he is sure to claim at the end of his race. But he also offers words of encouragement and warning to Timothy, as he tells him to remain totally committed, and to be prepared for the mounting difficulties and new challenges that will certainly develop from within the new church. The values and commitments that Paul imparts to Timothy in his epistles, are something that, we today, can also readily adopt to enrich our lives.
In 2 Timothy 2:1-15, Paul stresses the importance of applying GOD’s word “the right way”, and “following GOD’s rules for doing GOD’s work”. In verses 1-2 we can readily see two things. First, we see “reception of faith”, which is based on “hearing the word of GOD”. And then we see, “transmission of faith”, which is based upon “spreading the word of GOD”.
Timothy had already received the truth of GOD’s word from Paul, and, from many other witnesses who had experienced how the truth of GOD’ s word had transformed their own lives. And so, it is through these encounters that young Timothy learned, that, although everyone who hears the word will not be able to teach the word in a formal setting, those who don’t have the gift of expression, can, nevertheless, become vital witnesses to the affects that GOD’s word can have on one’s personal life, when it is practiced.
In verses 3-4, Paul tells Timothy, that, as a soldier in CHRIST’ Army, he must be prepared to endure suffering just as CHRIST did, and just as he himself was doing, as he continued to fight to uphold the standards of GOD. He tells him that, if he becomes too involved in the pleasures of the world, he cannot possibly satisfy the ONE WHO enlisted him, which is CHRIST JESUS.
In verse 5, Paul shifts from using the analogy of the “soldier”, and engages the metaphor of an “athlete” to describe the discipline one has to have, in order to run the Christian Race. The Christian Race must be run by GOD’s rules at all times if one seeks to win GOD’s rewards at the finish line. A person (especially those who are called to be leaders) who aspires, or, is called to do GOD’s work, can only do that work properly, if they do it according to GOD’s rules. It can be a disturbing thing if a person crosses the finish line of a race, thinking they’ve won, only to find out later from the judge, that they have been disqualified because they didn’t follow the rules.
The final image, or, analogy, that Paul presents to us in this passage, is that of a “farmer” (v.6). The emphasis here is placed on the word “hardworking”, or, in the KJV, “laboureth”, which is, in the original Greek “kopiao” (kop-ee-ah-o) and it means simply “to work hard”. However, at the base of its meaning it describes “the fatigue one feels as a result of one’s toils”.
Clearly, the diligence that Paul describes in each instance will have its rewards at the end of the struggle. The soldier will win the praise of the commanding officer, CHRIST. The athlete, who runs by the rules, will win, and get to keep his prize. And finally, the hardworking farmer will be the first to enjoy his own crop. And so we see that, Christian success is achieved through discipline, hard work, and, by remaining undivided in one’s allegiance to GOD, and following GOD’s rules.
JESUS CHRIST is our great example of endurance, faith, and discipline, and HE is also the subject of the Good News that we preach and teach. We are responsible to HIM to make our lives conform more fully to the word of GOD, just as HE presented it to us, during HIS earthly ministry. We should work hard so that GOD will approve us in the way that we teach and preach HIS word, and we should strive to do HIS work, by HIS rules, not ours.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-03-25T03:08:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday March 27, 2011

TRUE WORSHIP INSPIRES SERVICE
(A worshipful life must include serving and caring for others)
(1 Timothy 5)

In 1 Timothy 5, Paul expands upon his instructions to Timothy as to how Christians should serve each other, as members of the Body of CHRIST. His overall advice to the young pastor, regarding how he should handle and interact with the various age-groups in the church, was that he treat them, as he would corresponding members of his own personal family.
In verses 1-2, he advises Timothy to never speak harshly to an older man, but rather, he should appeal to him respectfully at all times, as he would his own father. He was also to treat older women as he would his own mother, younger men, as he would his own brother, and younger women, with all the purity of one who was his own sister. In fact, they must all be handled with an attitude of love and respect. It is a well-known fact of life that, any person, whom we have hurt, or offended, is highly unlikely to respond positively to our instructions or guidance.
In verses 3-5, Paul says that children and grandchildren should honor their parents who are widows, by meeting their needs when they are old in age, and may be lacking in wealth or health. Paul calls this, “putting your religion into practice”. This is something that very much pleases GOD. Those professed Christians, who won’t take care of their own relatives, especially those living in the same household with them, automatically deny what they say they believe, and are, in fact, worse than unbelievers (v. 8).
Relatives must take the responsibility of caring for family members and not put the burden on the church (v. 16). But if a widow, sixty years or older, has no other family, and is truly alone in the world, and, she has placed her hope in GOD for help, in much prayer, it is the Christian duty of the members of the church to see after and care for her needs.
However, Paul does make exceptions, when he excludes this obligatory treatment of family members in situations where a widow may be living for pleasure, or, leading a lifestyle that displays self-indulgence. Such people require no help from the church, because of their luxurious living, and are certainly not qualified to contribute to others in the church body, because of their lifestyle, as they themselves, show that they are spiritually dead, through their behavior (v.6).
Another exception would be younger widows, presumably, those under sixty years of age, and particularly those who are still in their child-bearing years, whose physical desires can still overpower their devotion to CHRIST, and, who may still want to re-marry. In those cases, they should re-marry, rather than to live idly, leaving themselves open to the temptations and wiles of satan, (i.e. gossiping and meddling into other folks business, etc. - Vs. 11-15).
In times past, even Greek law required sons and daughters to support and care for their elderly and disabled parents. Likewise, New Testament writers also tell of how GOD holds and honors that same ideology for believers. And so, the support of our parents, who are in need, is an essential part of the Christian Faith and duty, as well. Oh, I’m sure that there is no shortage of people out there who will say, quite honestly, that one, or both of their parents failed miserably in their responsibilities to them as children, and they never really had a chance to develop a child-parent relationship. However, because there is sin in the world, the world holds no perfect scenarios for its inhabitants, and, it never will. At least not until CHRIST returns, to usher in HIS millennial Kingdom, here on earth. Nevertheless, when we became Christians, we also became bound by the will of GOD, and the responsibilities HE gave each of us personally. And the most basic of those responsibilities is that we love one another, unconditionally. And that doesn’t just include family members, as even unbelievers can do that. Our charge is to love everybody as GOD loves us.
The “Right thing to do” still remains, the right thing to do, and it will not ever change, because of the trials and circumstances of this life. GOD’s will, and word, remains constant through the chances, and changes in life, and HE will not adjust HIS standards, for any reason. Each and every new day gives us an opportunity to correct old and unfortunate family dysfunctions. And we must take advantage of those opportunities, and make sure that patterns of abuse and abandonment do not carry over, into the next generation. That, is our responsibility, to our personal families, to our Christian Family, and especially, to GOD.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-03-18T02:50:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday March 20, 2011

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR LIFE, DOCTRINE, AND FAMILY
(Train yourself to be spiritually fit)
(1 Timothy 4:6-16)

After Paul had given instructions to young Timothy regarding worship in chapter 2, and concerning leadership in chapter three, he then moved on to the subjects of false teaching, and, of being spiritually fit to serve GOD. One of the things that the Christian Church had inherited from the Jews was the conceptual belief that “things would get a lot worse, before they got better”. They basically viewed time in two parts, or, two ages. First, there was the “present age”, which was considered to be, altogether, bad, or evil, because it was permeated by the influence of satan. And then, there was the “age to come”, which is to be perfect, because it will be the “age of CHRIST JESUS’ rule”.
In between those two ages would come the much-anticipated, “Day of the LORD”, whereby, the entire earth will be rocked from its foundation, and the ensuing great battle with evil called, “Armageddon”, would take place. This is to be followed by a final “White Throne” judgment, after which, there will be a new day, having a new Heaven, and a new earth. Being Jews (except for Luke) all the New Testament writers clung to that belief, because they themselves were raised in the spirit of that doctrine.
That being said, here in 1 Timothy 4, verses 1-5 we see that this is the very context in which Paul is speaking to his young protégé, Timothy. It is a time, scripture tells us, when false prophets and false teachers will arise and lead many people astray. And in the church at Ephesus where Timothy presided, many false teachers had already come. And even though these teachings came from demons, they still came, through men, men whose consciences had been branded by satan, and who only pretended to be religious (Vs. 1-2).
In verse 3, Paul’s statement about those who forbade marriage, and condemned certain foods, smacks of the heretic religious group known as “Gnostics”, a term that is derived from the Greek word “gnosis”, which means “knowledge”, who were one of the first anti-CHRIST groups to infiltrate the Christian Church in its infancy. The very essence of “Gnosticism” was that they believe that “spirit” is altogether good, and “matter” and “flesh” is altogether bad, or evil.
These heretics believe that people should, as much as possible, abstain from food, because food is material, and therefore, evil. They also believe that people should abstain from marriage, because marriage allows us to play out the sexual instincts of our bodies, which is also evil. In fact, they believe that sexual urges should be suppressed entirely.
Heresy in the Christian Church is as old as the Church itself. In every generation, people have arose, who have tried to be stricter than GOD. However, when we do anything in ways other than the way GOD has already shown us, it is an enormous insult to GOD. GOD created all things, and HIS scriptures clearly tell us, that, all things created by GOD are good (Vs. 4-5).
In 1 Timothy 4, verses 6-15, Paul moves on to the subject of being a good and fit servant of CHRIST JESUS. He begins by telling Timothy that it is his duty as a servant of CHRIST to explain about these heresies and false doctrine to the people of the church. However, he warns Timothy not to get involved, or waste time, arguing over GOD-less ideas and foolishness, and, to instead, spend his time and energy on training himself to be spiritually fit (Vs. 6-7).
In those days, especially in Greece, the younger men were particularly interested in physical fitness, even to the point of making it a religion, worshiping their own bodies. In fact, the gyms where they worked out had become somewhat of a hotbed for homosexual activity. In verses 8-13, Paul is urging young Timothy to separate himself from this kind of foolishness, focusing more on spiritual exercise, rather than so much on the physical. And although physical fitness and exercise is essential to maintaining a healthy life, spiritual exercise is more important because it will benefit us, both in this life, and, in the life to come.
Paul goes on to remind Timothy how hard the Christian has to work, and how much we have to suffer through, in order that others might know and believe the truth. Our only hope is in the LIVING GOD WHO is the SAVIOR of all people in general, and all Christians, in particular. Paul urges Timothy not to cause people to think less of him because he is young, by exhibiting anything less than right behavior at all times. And he was to do this by persisting in, and, insisting in everyone learning and obeying the word of GOD, and then, leading by example.
Paul ends this chapter by also urging Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift, and to work hard at it so that everyone will be able to see his progress. He advises him to keep his own heart with all diligence, and to be careful in his teaching by staying true to what is right, and that way, GOD will save him, and anyone who hears him.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-03-11T03:05:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday March 13, 2011

CHOOSING A GOOD LEADER
(We must begin to choose leaders based on GOD’s standards)
(1 Timothy 3:1-13 & 5:17-22)

The Apostle Paul’s two known letters to Timothy, along with the letters to Titus and Philemon, are unique among letters in the New Testament, by virtue of the fact that, they were written to individuals, rather than to churches. The letters to Timothy and Titus are categorized as “Pastoral Letters” in biblical literature, while the letter to Philemon is a private and personal epistle. The letter to Philemon is doubly unique because it is the only private letter of the Apostle Paul’s that can be accounted for by us today.
The letters to Timothy and Titus are actually written instructions to the young pastors, detailing how they can best carry out their ministerial assignments, which Paul had given them. As young promising leaders, dedicated to the standards of CHRIST JESUS, they had been charged with the task of helping plant, organize, and stabilize Churches, during the infancy of the Christian movement.
It is rather clear from some of the references in these letters, as well as from the testimony of history itself, that, these letters date from a time near the end, of what we now call, “The Apostolic Age”. In fact, only the letters of the Apostle John seem to post-date these four aforementioned epistles. We see too, reflected in these pastoral letters, a growing hostility from many within the Roman Empire toward the Christian Church, and also, we see the dangers to the workers and promoters of Christianity, that were associated with those hostilities.
Here in this first letter to Timothy, Paul sought not only to encourage his young protégé, during this stressful period, but also to remind him of the bigger picture that GOD had in mind for the struggling church at Ephesus. Paul also included in his letter, certain instructions and regulations that needed to be followed regarding the election and selection of church leaders. He also stressed the importance of “right belief”, and “right behavior”, and, of knowing and defending the Gospel truth against the false teaching that had already cropped up in the church.
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul begins by advising Timothy of some of the basic guidelines, or qualifications that one must satisfy, if they desire to hold the lofty office of “Elder”, or, “Bishop” in the Christian Church. In the Greek the word used for “Elder” is “Presbuteros” (Pres-boo-ter-os) and it is, by definition, “An older man”, or, “A wise and experienced person”. On the other hand, the word translated “Bishop” from the original Greek is “Episkopos” (Ep-is-kop-os), and it is, by definition, “A superintendent, an officer in charge, or, an overseer. In the biblical sense, they are one and the same person. However, one term, “Presbuteros”, describes the person, and the other term, “Episkopos”, describes their function, or role, in the church.
This particular passage (and also 1 Timothy 5:17-22) is very informative, as Paul enlightens us on the standards by which these appointments to church leadership are assessed. First, these men are “set apart” for their office. In other words, they are men of “good reputation”, both in, and outside, the church (1 Tim. 3:1-5). Secondly, if we can take a quick look at 1 Timothy chapter 5, we see in verse 18 that, the church that chooses these men for duty, must provide the means for them to live. In verses 19-22, we can see that these men would be liable to censure, being made accountable to answer for their stewardship. They must be answerable first to GOD, and then to the people over which they are given the task of overseeing.
The church overseer has the duty of presiding over the Christian assembly, and also the duty of teaching the congregation (1 Timothy 3:2 & 5:17). Therefore, they have the duel responsibility of both “administration”, and “instruction”. Last, but certainly not least, the man chosen to be Bishop or Elder must not be a “recent convert”, or, “Baby Christian” (1 Timothy 3:6), because the new Christian, in particular, is under heavy assault from satan, who is trying very hard to discourage them, during their most vulnerable period of faith. It is also a time when they can most easily be overcome by pride and a newly found sense of their own self-importance.
Whenever a Christian allows themselves to be overcome by the wiles of satan, they can be pointed to by the anti-CHRIST component, and used as an example, as to why people shouldn’t get involved in the Christian Faith. It is especially harmful to the Christian cause when such misfortunes occur in the upper echelons of the Christian Church.
Yet and still, it was the duty of men like Timothy, and even Titus, to ordain Elders in every church (Titus 1:5), and, it was the duty of the congregation to choose these men for duty (Acts 6:3-6), using the standards GOD had already set before them. Those same standards and criteria must also apply to us in the church today, lest we be in danger of falling away from GOD’s holy plan.
Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 that church deacons, in the Greek, “diakonos” (dee-ak-on-os), are also chosen by similar standards. However, there are two basic differences, first, the Elder, or Bishop, is to “preach and teach the word”, whereas, the deacon is to, more or less, just “exemplify” the word (1 Timothy 3:8-9). Secondly, an Elder, or Bishop cannot be a new Christian, whereas there is no such standard set for a deacon. Deacons only need to go through a period of testing, by way of performing other church responsibilities and duties, before they can serve in the role of deacon in the church (1 Timothy 3:10).
Peter C. Craigie once wrote, “When people cease to care, then religion, morality, social customs, and values, all cease to function as mortar, that holds together a society, and maintain ancient faith”. Modern-day Christian churches fail in moral structure, because they have subtly, over the years, moved away from GOD’s standards for governing HIS Church Body. If anything, we seem to be more concerned about how we can conform GOD’s church to be more like the world, than we are about conforming the world to GOD’s plan, through the work of the church. We have considerably reduced our efforts towards meeting GOD’s standard, and are now replacing those standards with our own “denominationally biased criteria”.
In the biblical Greek the word used for “consider” is “katanoeo” (kat-an-o-eh-o), which means “to focus one’s attention on, until one can grasp complete understanding of what GOD is trying to show one through HIS examples”. Let us now focus on our own deteriorating, unstructured existence, and then, let us “consider” GOD’s wonderful standards, that are so vividly described by Paul here in these passages, and then, let us consider responding to GOD in the right way, not in our own personal corrupted way.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-03-04T02:53:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday March 6, 2011

INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT PRAYER AND WORSHIP
(Worshiping GOD is living the Gospel and praying for others)
(1 Timothy 2:1-8)

In the first century, the city of Ephesus was a well-known center for idol worship. It was even the home of the imposing temple of the idol god “Artemis” which was considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. People often went to this magnificent structure in a misguided superstitious attempt to find life’s truths, through rituals and sacrificial offerings to this popular false god.
Paul had left his young protégé, Timothy, in this idolatrous city, to head up and minister to the newly founded Christian church that was naturally struggling with Christian teaching, church manners, and various other aspects of lifestyles that had long been influenced by the city’s idolatrous atmosphere and climate. He wrote this first pastoral epistle to Timothy to provide him with various instructions and encouragement on how to deal with these issues. He wanted his young pastor to not become overwhelmed by his enormous task, and to live wholeheartedly with GOD’s bigger picture in mind.
The importance of right living is at the core of the message in this important letter, and it also stresses the importance of knowing the truth of the Gospel, and defending it against the false teachings that had infiltrated even the minds of some in the Christian church. Paul wanted those who were of the Body of CHRIST, to become good examples and ambassadors, careful to live what they believe, so that satan wouldn’t be able to use their own failings against them to hinder the growth and spread of Christianity.
In 1 Timothy 2, verse 1, the apostle Paul uses, no less than four, of the New Testament’s seven words that are used for “prayer”. First we see the word “intercession”, translated from the original Greek word, “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”. This word lets us know that the way to GOD is always open, even when, and I dare say, especially when, we are petitioning for someone else.
We oftentimes find it easy to pray for those whom we know and love, and especially those people whose life situations have a direct impact on our own lives. But what about those individuals whom we may know, but actually have very little contact with on a personal level? Sometimes, even though we may know that these individuals may be going through a crisis, we may not necessarily feel compelled to pray for, or with them, to our GOD, WHO is our KING.
The second word Paul uses is the word “prayer” itself, which is translated from the Greek word “proseuche” (pros-yoo-khay), and it means “to bow down and petition in worship of GOD”. This petition is never used for any other purpose than to approach and request something of the Almighty GOD.
Next we see the word “supplication”, which is translated from the Greek rendering “deesis” (deh-ay-sis), which means “to request”. It, in itself, is not exclusively a religious word, because it can be addressed to either GOD, or man. And finally, we see the term “giving of thanks”. It is a term that comes from the Greek rendering “eucharistia” (yoo-khar-is-tee-ah) and it means, quite literally, “thanks to GOD for all things”. This word is meant to teach us that, not only should we bring our requests, and the requests of others to GOD, but we should also pray “prayers of thanksgiving” to GOD for HIS benevolence in all things.
In Paul’s instructions to Timothy, he urges him to carry out his mission of keeping the Ephesian Church focused on sound doctrine, by interceding in prayer for GOD’s mercy on all men. He urges him to pray for kings, and others who are in authority, so that they, as a people, might live in peace, GODliness, and dignity (1 Tim. 2:2). It is a fact, that, even today, a hostile governmental leadership can severely curtail the rights of the Christian Church to meet, worship, study, and evangelize.
We must always remember to pray for, and not take for granted, our right of expression in the Christian faith. This, Paul stresses, is good and pleasing to CHRIST JESUS, because HE wants everyone to be saved, and to understand the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4). In verse 5 Paul uses the word “mediator” to describe the function of CHRIST JESUS. In his original Greek writing, he uses the word “mesites” (mes-ee-tace), which describes one who intercedes between two or more parties in an attempt to restore, or make peace.
JESUS, was and is, the only ONE qualified to take the role of “mediator” between GOD and man. HE is the only ONE WHOM GOD could call on to usher in HIS “life giving Covenant” to man. And HE is also the only ONE WHO can usher us into GOD the FATHER’s OWN glorious presence without fear, without guilt, and, without shame.
The warm embrace of the grace of GOD is infinitely limitless, and it wraps itself around the rich and the poor, the king and the commoner, the scholar and the ignorant, the young and the old, male and female, and even the so-called good and bad. No one is outside of the love of CHRIST, and no one is outside the purpose of GOD. GOD wishes for all men to be saved. JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry and vicarious sacrifice on the cross, stands alone, as the greatest example to us, as to how we should live and sacrifice our own lives, for the salvation of others.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-02-25T03:22:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday February 27, 2011

THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN
(JESUS’ return is man’s only hope)
(Mark 13)

Mark chapter 13 begins during the middle of “Passion Week”, JESUS’ final week here on earth in human form, and just two days or so, before HE completed HIS mission by way of HIS death on the cross at Golgotha, by Roman method.
As JESUS was leaving the Temple that day, one of HIS disciples, who was, no doubt, filled with awe at the tremendous size, splendor, and beauty of the buildings that made up the temple area, which, by the way, covered about 1/6 of the city of Jerusalem, says to JESUS, “TEACHER, look at these tremendous buildings and the massive stones in their walls!” JESUS replied, “These magnificent buildings will be so completely demolished that not one stone will be left on top of another”.
This statement by JESUS would later serve as a segue into the prophetic discourse that HE would deliver to HIS faithful followers that very same day on the Mount of Olives, located just across the Kidron Valley from the temple. In a very real sense, this ominous prediction can be seen as somewhat of a sequel to JESUS’ judgment of “clearing the temple” (Mark 11:15-18) when it was being grossly misused by the “money changers”. Remember, throughout Israel’s sorted history, GOD had often destroyed the temple as a form of judgment for HIS chosen people’s rebellious acts against HIM.
When they arrived at the Mount of Olives, JESUS sat down on the slopes, and, Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to HIM privately, and asked HIM, when would the things that HE had spoke of earlier come to pass, and, would there be any signs beforehand.
Now the temple complex that existed in Jerusalem during JESUS’ day was still under construction and wasn’t fully completed until A.D. 64, almost 40 years after JESUS’ ascension back into Heaven. The project was started by King Herod the Great, who died in 4 B.C., and was completed by the sons of his dynasty over the next several decades. The Herods built this religious complex to both, win the Jews favor, and, to create a lasting monument to themselves. It was considered to be one of the great architectural wonders of the world in its time.
Now, with that bit of information, one can imagine how startled the disciples must have been at this prediction by our LORD and SAVIOR, WHO said, “Before this generation has passed away, this whole complex will be leveled to the ground”. It is a prophesy that was fulfilled only six years after the temple area construction was completed (A.D. 70) when the Roman Emperor Titus, ordered his soldiers to demolish the entire city of Jerusalem, including the temple complex.
The conditions that were associated with the crisis that caused Jerusalem to fall in the latter half of the first century, actually foreshadow a similar crisis’ that we are faced with here in the twenty-first century. The thinking Christian can clearly evaluate that JESUS’ words and warning, which related of the signs of the times in that generation, still remain very relevant to us, who are facing similar critical conditions, in this day and age.
JESUS answered the disciples’ second question first, which was regarding the “signs”, and HE answered it in a two-fold manner. In the negative sense, JESUS warned them against the false signs that would come in the forms of “false prophets” and those who would claim to be the Messiah HIMSELF. In the positive sense, HE warned them of the wars, earthquakes, and famines that would only serve to usher in an even more horrific “tribulation period” unlike any other before, in all the history of the world.
This will be followed by a period of increased Christian persecution, that will present unprecedented opportunities for Christians to preach the Gospel to many nations, government officials, and heads of state, all over the world. And all the believer will have to do is follow the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO will direct and instruct them as to what they should say, and when they should say it.
JESUS also says that during this time family members will betray each other to the death, and, believers will be hated simply because of their allegiance to HIM. However, those who are willing to endure their suffering for CHRIST until the end will be saved. In fact, in this passage JESUS likens these sufferings and pain to that of a woman’s labor pains, just prior to childbirth.
But just as a woman has to endure the labor pains that are associated with childbirth, before she can realize the joy of having brought a new generation of life into the world, so it is with those who are willing and able to endure the suffering that comes with one performing the “Great Commission” of CHRIST, in a world that is adverse to the will of GOD, in order that they can one day, have a new eternal life, with CHRIST, in HIS new millennial kingdom, whenever GOD calls for HIS return.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-02-18T03:05:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday February 20, 2011

JESUS CAME TO SERVE
(With HIS OWN life, JESUS teaches about serving others)
(Mark 10:35-45)

To ask for a place of honor in JESUS’ glory is a requisite to requesting to share also, in HIS suffering. Inherently, you can’t have one without the other. For JESUS, the only way to glory was through the cross, and so it must be, for those who choose to follow HIM. In the Gospel according to John Mark, in chapter 10 taking up at verse 35, two of JESUS’ original disciples, James and John, unwittingly evoke a lesson in “Servant Leadership” from the SON of GOD.
In the biblical Greek the word used for “servant” is “diakonos” (dee-ak-on-os), and it describes “one who serves in a menial capacity”. In JESUS’ response to the request by James and John to be given seats of honor in HIS coming Kingdom (Mark 10:35-37), JESUS replies in summation that, “Whoever wishes to become great among you, shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be servant to all”.
Here in this passage, John Mark exposes something very human about the disciples of JESUS, after all, they were just simple and ordinary men with no theological training. But when JESUS set out to overcome the death and sins of this world, it was with just such men that HE chose to do it. This passage not only gives us a peek at James’ and John’s ambitiousness, but it also reveals their selfishness and pride. It shows us that they had not, at least to this point, understood JESUS’ living earthly examples, over the past 2 ½ years, of what servant leadership was all about.
However, one good thing does seem to stand out in this passage, and that is, as confused as the two men were about how they could obtain honor from GOD in the coming kingdom, they were sure that there would be a coming kingdom, and so we see from that point of view, that their hearts, at least, were in the right place.
This story also tells us a lot about JESUS’ standard of what greatness is. In verse 38, JESUS uses two well-known biblical metaphors. First HE asks James and John, “Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?”, and then HE asks them, Are you able to be baptized with the baptism, with which I AM baptized with?”
“Drink the cup” is the Jewish expression that means, “sharing one’s fate or destiny”. The “cup” can be used as a symbol of both “joy” and “suffering”. In the Old Testament, it often symbolized GOD’s wrath against sin. The term “baptism”, here in this passage, symbolizes someone deeply immersed in pain and troubles.
Ultimately, as we now know, both James and John did “drink the cup”, and, were “baptized with the baptism” of CHRIST. Acts 12:2 tells us that James went on to become the first of the original disciples to be martyred, as he was ordered to be slain with the sword, by King Herod Agrippa I, the son of Herod the Great, circa A.D. 43.
And as for John, he lived a long life of persecution and suffering before, and after, being exiled to the Greek island of Patmos by the Roman Emperor, Domitian, where he later penned the Book of Revelations according to the visions he received from CHRIST JESUS very late in the first century A.D.
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “ransom” is “lutron” (loo-tron), and it describes something that is used to “set free” something else, and it is also “the cost, or price to redeem”. The use of this word in verse 45, perhaps, makes it the key verse in John Mark’s whole Gospel account, because it clearly states the reason for which JESUS came into the world, and that reason, of course, is to redeem us from sin and death.
The book of Mark was written explicitly to make men see and understand, through JESUS’ miracles, that HE truly is the SON of the LIVING GOD. HE came to serve us by dying as the vicarious sacrifice for our lives on the cross by Roman method, when no one else, and nothing else, would do. And by doing so, HE became the ultimate “SERVANT LEADER”, and the ULTIMATE ROLE MODEL for all who wish to “serve” in a leadership capacity, especially within the Christian Faith.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-02-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday February 13, 2011

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON
(We must acknowledge who JESUS is)
(Mark 9:2-13)

In the biblical Greek, the word used for “affirmation” is “bebaiosis” (beb-ah-yo-sis), and it means “to be steadfast and sure in one’s assertions”. GOD wants us to understand and believe in our hearts that JESUS is HIS only begotten SON, and that no person can enter into the kingdom of Heaven, unless they first, acknowledge WHO HE is, and accept HIM as their personal LORD and SAVIOR. When Peter pondered the question from JESUS, Who do you say that I AM? (Mark 8:29), he already knew that all human categories failed to describe just who JESUS was.
Six days following their visit through Caesarea-Philippi, JESUS’ “Transfiguration” on Mount Hermon (Mark 9:1-10), was staged by GOD, to help place “affirmation” of JESUS’ majesty upon the hearts of men, for all time. GOD spoke from the clouds that day to Peter, James, and John, to forever affirm, to them, and to us, that JESUS truly is the only way to GOD. And HE used the images of Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophet, two towering figures in Jewish history, each of whom, no man had seen die, and they were there to bear witness to this distinctive act of GOD, and to represent all of the resurrected Old Testament saints who had gone before them.
And when GOD removed the images of perhaps the two greatest men the Jews had ever known prior to JESUS, with the exception maybe of Abraham, HE was divinely sending a message from above that not even they could hold a candle to JESUS, WHO is, our LORD. From that moment on, JESUS was to be the only ONE that they should listen to. And as I said in the last lesson, for Peter, James, and John, they, in a very special sense, had themselves, become witnesses to the Glory of CHRIST. And now, they had the story of that Glory embedded in, and etched upon their hearts for the remainder of their lives, to use as a testimony to all mankind.
The voice of GOD that came to the ears of the three stunned disciples on that mountaintop overlooking Caesarea-Philippi that day, was the same voice that was heard by the crowd of people who were present at JESUS’ baptism in the River Jordan some time earlier (Mark 1:9-11). These two divine events represent GOD’s personal testimony of JESUS CHRIST’s legitimacy, and the legitimacy of HIS three-year ministry here on earth. In both instances the Heavenly FATHER not only affirms JESUS’ divine Sonship, but HE also testifies of the depth of HIS OWN matchless love for HIM.
On that day, GOD successfully impressed upon Peter, James, and John that they should listen to and obey the commands of the SON, and, in doing so, they would automatically be obeying the FATHER WHO sent HIM. GOD wanted there to be no mistaking that Moses and Elijah could be on an equal plane with JESUS. This Heavenly affirmation confirmed that JESUS held all authority over both the Law (Moses), and the Prophets (Elijah). And after their mountaintop experience had ended, it was now time to descend and to get about the business of defending and advancing the Kingdom of CHRIST.
Through the seemingly hopeless situations that we as a people now find ourselves in on a regular basis, GOD, through HIS unparalleled mercy and benevolence, sent us HIS only begotten SON, so that whosoever believes in HIM, will not perish, but rather, will obtain an everlasting life in Heaven, with HIM. JESUS was sent to provide us with a living example of how we need to live our lives here on earth, in order to achieve and maintain a Heavenly peace, even now, as we wait on CHRIST’ return.
Through JESUS, we can establish a deeper relationship with GOD the FATHER than people could have ever imagined before HE came. GOD wants us to follow JESUS’ command, and examples, and that is all that HE asks of us. And just as HIS, now famous, Transfiguration demonstrates, JESUS really does hold all power in Heaven, and, on Earth, because it has been given to HIM, by GOD the FATHER.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-02-04T02:43:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday February 6, 2011

JESUS IS THE MESSIAH
(Who do you say that HE is?)
(Mark 8:27-9:10)

In Mark chapter 8, verses 27-30 John Mark relates the account of JESUS’ 25-mile walk with HIS disciples from Galilee to Caesarea-Philippi. We soon see that it is no accident that JESUS chose this particular time and area to pose the question to HIS faithful followers, “Who do men say that I AM?, and subsequently, Who do y-o-u say that I AM?
In JESUS’ day, Caesarea-Philippi had already long been known as a “mecca” for idol worship. There were no less than fourteen temples of idol worship in the immediate vicinity where they now stood. First of all, the Syrian gods had their worship center there. There was a mountain in Caesarea-Philippi which contained a deep cavern that was said to be the birthplace of “Pan”, the “Greek god of nature”. In fact, Pan is the source of Caesarea-Philippi’s original name, “Paneas”, which was changed to Caesarea-Philippi by Philip the Tetrarch, one of the sons of Herod the Great, in honor of Caesar Augustus.
Herod the Great had also constructed a huge white marble tower, which was the most imposing edifice in all of Caesarea-Philippi in those days, and had also dedicated it to Caesar, who, himself, was also considered by the Romans to be a god.
Caesarea-Philippi is also the place where the Jordan River begins. We all know the Jordan River as the place where John the Baptist did most of his baptizing. In fact, he even baptized JESUS there at the beginning of HIS three-year earthly ministry.
And so, it is against this very backdrop of Greek and Syrian gods, this place where a piece of the history of Israel also crowds men’s minds, that we see this former carpenter from Nazareth stand and pose the question to HIS young disciples, “Who do men say that I AM?”
It seems as if JESUS has intentionally and deliberately set HIMSELF against this background of the world’s religions, in all of their history and splendor, demands to be compared to them, and then, fully expects the verdict to be rendered in HIS favor! Nowhere else in scripture does JESUS call attention more clearly to HIS OWN deity, than what we see right here, in this passage.
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “affirmation” is “bebaiosis” (beb-ah-yo-sis), and it means “to be steadfast and sure in one’s assertions”. When Peter pondered this question from JESUS he already knew that most human categories would fail to describe just who JESUS was. This passage of scripture serves to show us that our discovery of JESUS must be a personal one. Remember, JESUS also asked the question, “Who do you say that I AM”? This question hints that our knowledge of JESUS must never be “secondhand”. Christianity does not consist of knowing about JESUS, but rather, it consists of knowing JESUS. JESUS always demands a personal verdict. When JESUS asked this question HE was not just asking it to HIS original disciples, but rather, it is also a question that comes to us, from across the spans of time, in hopes that we too, can answer it favorably.
JESUS’ “Transfiguration” (Mark 9:1-10), which in all geographical likelihood, occurred on Mount Hermon, nearly 2000 years ago, was intended by GOD, to place “affirmation” of JESUS’ majesty upon the hearts of men, for all time. GOD spoke from the clouds that day to Peter, James, and John, to forever affirm to them, that JESUS truly is HIS only begotten SON. And HE used the images of Moses and Elijah, the Law and the Prophet, two towering figures in Jewish history, each of whom, no man had seen die, and they were there to bear witness, and to add a touch of affirmation to this divine event. And as for Peter, James, and John, they, in a very special sense, had themselves, become witnesses to the Glory of CHRIST. And now, they had the story of that Glory embedded in their hearts, so that they may go out and tell all mankind that JESUS truly is the SON of the LIVING GOD.
We today, may never be able to witness an event such as the one that occurred on that mountaintop overlooking Caesarea-Philippi that day, but certainly, we can all follow the instructions of JESUS, as they were laid down to Peter over in John 21. There, JESUS posed yet another question to HIS leading disciple, following HIS all important “Resurrection”. And on that occasion HE asked Peter, three times, “Do you love ME” (John 21:15-17). If we love JESUS, each of us can help someone else guard against going astray. And, if we love JESUS, each of us can also love one another. And, if we love JESUS, each of us can feed JESUS’ sheep (each other), with the nourishing spiritual food, that is, the “Word of GOD”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-01-28T02:55:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 30, 2011

HEALED BY HIS BRUISES
(By the SERVANT’s suffering, we are made whole)
(Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

The passage of Isaiah 52:13-53:12 represents the fourth, final, and most compelling of the, so-called, “Servant Songs” that are contained in this prophetic book. It depicts the Old Testament’s most vivid description of the suffering of JESUS CHRIST, which would occur some 700 years down the road in Jerusalem, and would culminate with JESUS’ “death walk” to Golgotha, and subsequent expiration on the cross. We all know now, that, that “passion week” for JESUS was concluded three days later by HIS miraculous “resurrection” that has become the very cornerstone of the Christian Faith. When HE suffered and died on Calvary Hill on the cross, the sins of an entire world hung with HIM on HIS shoulders.
As mere humans, we are by no means designed to carry the weight, physically or spiritually that JESUS was assigned by GOD the FATHER to carry for us. In the book of Acts, in chapter 1 verse 3, the word used for “passion” in the original Greek writing is “pascho” (pas-kho), and it means “to experience the sensation or impression of pain”. It is the only time in scripture that this particular word is used for “passion”. There, it uniquely describes the suffering of CHRIST that is depicted in the “Passion Narratives” of the four Gospels (Matthew 26 & 27, Mark 14 & 15, Luke 22, and John 19). These particular passages represent the fulfillment of the prophecy that we see here in Isaiah 52:13-53:12.
Theologians of the Post-Apostolic Age often struggle trying to find an explanation as to why JESUS had to die. This passage by Isaiah gives us, perhaps, the clearest explanation of why, that can be found anywhere else in scripture. Here Isaiah tells us, in effect, that, JESUS was offered up as a “guilt offering”, or “offer of atonement” for the sins of man, past, present, and future (53:10-12). It was the only offering that could be acceptable to GOD the FATHER, and so we see here, a theory of atonement being developed.
Isaiah tells us in 52:13 that JESUS, the SERVANT, was so badly beaten and bloodied that one would have a hard time recognizing if HE was even a human being. He also tells us in 53:2 that there was already nothing beautiful or majestic about HIS appearance that could draw a person to HIM.
The prophet goes on to tell us in verse 3, that, in addition, JESUS would be rejected and despised, and would be a man of sorrow who was all too familiar with bitter grief. And we, whom HE died for, would not recognize that it was our weaknesses and sorrows that weighed HIM down (v. 4). We would think that HIS troubles were a product of HIS OWN sins, and HIS OWN making.
We Christians, of the Post-Apostolic Age, understand clearly that JESUS was wounded and crushed for our sins, not HIS. We know that HE was beaten so that we might have peace, and that HE was whipped so that we might be healed (v. 5). In verse 7, Isaiah tells us that JESUS was oppressed and treated harshly, and yet, HE never said a word. HE was led like a lamb to slaughter, and just as a sheep is silent before the Shearers, like so, JESUS, was also silent. And finally, Isaiah tells us that JESUS would be buried like a criminal, but in a rich man’s grave (See Matthew 27:57-60).
JESUS’ suffering was a unique event in the annals of biblical and human history. Its uniqueness rests in the fact that, first, HE is the SON of GOD, and secondly, that HIS vicarious sacrifice was what won us our salvation. No one else, and nothing else, could have provided us with such a precious gift. And even though HE was counted among sinners, in reality, HE actually bore the sins of sinners, and by doing so, HE now intercedes in the presence of GOD the FATHER, for every man in general, and for all Christians in particular.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-01-21T02:55:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 23, 2011

THE SERVANT’S MISSION
(GOD’s servants suffer to glorify HIM)
(Isaiah 49:1-6)

Isaiah 49:1-6 represents the second of four “Servant Songs” that are contained in the book of Isaiah. The other passages are Isaiah 42:1-17, 50:3-9, and 52:13-53:12. They are called Servant Songs because they prophesy of the coming of the ultimate SERVANT, and MESSENGER, JESUS CHRIST. However, the definition of a servant is anyone whom GOD might choose to send to represent HIM through a message, from on high, that will bring the knowledge of HIMSELF, to all mankind.
Here in Isaiah 49:5-6, we see that the rejection of the SERVANT by HIS OWN people, (the Jews), will lead to the inclusion of the Gentiles into GOD’s family as HIS adopted children and followers. Moving forward about 800 years the book of Acts, in chapter 13, about a week after the Apostle Paul had delivered his longest recorded sermon in scripture to the people at Antioch of Syria (Acts 13:16-41), Luke tells us that Paul and Barnabas returned again to the synagogue, and this time, nearly the whole city came to hear them. It was on that occasion that they stood and boldly announced to the Jews by quoting from the passage here that is now Isaiah 49:6, saying, “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth”. When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad, and thanked GOD for the fulfillment of HIS message through Paul and Barnabas.
However, the Jewish leaders who were present, and were already jealous of the large crowd that had come to hear Paul and Barnabas speak, began to stir up all the influential religious women, and all the city leaders, who, in return, were successful in inciting a mob against Paul and Barnabas, and they ran the two of them out of town. It proved to be a day of trying times for the two men, during their first and only recorded missionary journey together.
Anyone who is suffering feels forsaken. It is a natural reaction to pain. For the “natural man” (man without GOD), love can only be expressed in gifts, and, what he considers to be, good things. In our “natural” way of thinking, we have a hard time seeing any painful experience as a “love gift” from GOD that is intended only to make us stronger, so that we can be better used to serve HIM, and, to serve our fellowman. Here in this passage, verses 14-16, when Israel complains to GOD, He doesn’t bother to explain again why HE has disciplined them through suffering. Here HE simply says to them, that HE has not, and will not, forsake them.
GOD’ s goal is to mold us into being the very best that we can be, because HE wants us to be able to prove to the world, through our behavior, that Christianity, when taken serious by its practitioner, really does produce the best men and women. HE wants us to be a “light” to the world that can safely draw all men out of the “darkness” of sin’s domination.
In the book of Hebrews, as it is expressed in chapter 1, verse 3, in the original Greek, the word the author uses for “brightness” is “apaugasma” (ap-ow-gas-mah). In this verse, we see the only time in scripture that this particular word is used to translate brightness. Here it describes a light source that reflects upon another object, and thereby, brings light to it. Here also, it is used as a way of describing JESUS CHRIST and HIS effect on the darkness of the world. JESUS the SON, reflects GOD the FATHER’s OWN glory to the likes of man, and HE represents an “exact copy”, or “express image” of GOD HIMSELF. In other words, JESUS reflected GOD’s OWN character precisely, first to the Jews, and then later, to the Gentiles.
Once JESUS had brought light to the Jews, they were, in effect, commissioned by GOD for a second time to be a light to the rest of mankind. And we see here in the book of Isaiah that the Jews had already failed GOD in their first commission (Isaiah 49: 6). The phrase “A light to the nations” is the Isaianic phrase that is most closely associated with the “servant” and his saving significance for the world, however, the term “My Salvation” is the most familiar of all Isaianic terms as it is seen as an act of “Divine Intervention” on behalf of justice and peace in the world.
As Christians, we must eventually conform to accept and demonstrate the same “servant attitude” that JESUS demonstrated during HIS three-year earthly ministry. We should allow HIS examples and character to reflect on us, so that, in turn, we can reflect our imputed light, on someone else. And we should always keep in mind, that, it is the light of the SERVANT’s message, and the GODly image that we reflect to others through our behavior, that will effectively make us attractive to those who are lost in the darkness of sin and death, and sorely need to be rescued into GOD’s OWN glorious kingdom.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-01-14T03:02:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 16, 2011

REASSURANCE FOR GOD’S PEOPLE
(GOD, WHO is our FATHER, knows best)
(Isaiah 48)

In Isaiah 48 verses 1-11, the LORD speaks through HIS prophet Isaiah of a future time when Judah would be held in captivity in Babylon. It is something that would not occur for another 150 years. Yet, the Almighty GOD uses these prophecies to glorify HIMSELF, by telling HIS people ahead of time, just what HE would make happen in the not too distant future, because HE didn’t want HIS work to be accredited to idols. In making these predictions, GOD sought to separate HIMSELF from all of the idol gods that had, and would in the future, successfully penetrate the minds of HIS people.
Here, GOD tells Judah that her blatant hypocritical lifestyle, of wanting to serve, both HE, and their worthless idols, would not change, even after HE turns them over to Nebuchadnezzar to serve a 70-year punishment in captivity in Babylon in the year 586 B.C. GOD knew how stubborn and obstinate the Israelites were, and HE knows how stubborn and obstinate Christians are today. HE knows that our necks are unbending and that our heads are as hard as bronze. We have been rebels since the dawn of creation, and most of us will rebel against GOD all the way to the grave.
However, in verse 9 of this passage GOD says that, for HIS OWN sake, not ours, and for the honor of HIS name, HE will hold back HIS anger and not wipe us out completely. Instead, HE has chosen to refine us through suffering, and also, to rescue us from ourselves. And at that time, we will not be able to give credit for our salvation to anyone or anything, but HIM.
In the ancient times, as well as today, spiritual blindness was, and is, prevalent in the world among all peoples. Most people credit gracious, distinctive acts of GOD in their lives to “luck”, “our own genius”, or, “our own hard work”. We have no sense of GOD’s hand in our lives, and we are not responsive to HIS favor, nor, do we acknowledge the works of HIS hand in the world around us.
Verses 1-11 serve as a contrasting backdrop for the “grace” of GOD that is exhibited in the remainder of this chapter (and particularly in verse 17). We see in verses 12-22 a dramatic shift takes place, as GOD, once again, reassures HIS rebellious people of HIS intent to always be available to redeem us from our iniquities when we repent, no matter how hard we try over and over again, to destroy ourselves.
G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “For whatever is or is not true, this one thing is certain, we are not what we were meant to be”. We are that which was created, and, we are the benefactors of the brilliance and largesse of the CREATOR. Men and women were made by GOD to exercise dominion over the works of HIS hands, here on earth. But instead, we have become creatures who are frustrated by our own self-imposed circumstances, who are defeated by our temptations, and, who are surrounded by our own weaknesses.
And so, it is into this seemingly hopeless situation that GOD sent us HIS only begotten SON, so that whosoever believes in HIM, will not perish, but rather, will have everlasting life. And then, HE makes it possible for us to overcome an otherwise, saddened and doomed state of existence, and at the same time, help us to understand and become what we ought to be.
GOD’s divine moral laws were not given to us by HIM just to frustrate our “natural” human desires, and it is ridiculous for us to think such a thing. GOD set certain divine standards for us, in order to show us, just how far we are from what HE intended for us to be. HE wants to show us that, because we share HIS nature, we can be both good, and happy too. What we can’t be is bad and happy, and that’s something that we have already proven to ourselves long ago. When we let GOD’s word direct us in the way that we should go, we can experience a peace that goes well beyond our own understanding. And, we can experience that peace, not just in the millennial kingdom to come, GOD says (verse 18), that we can experience it right here, and right now, in this day, here on earth.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2011-01-07T02:56:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 9, 2011

THE ONE TRUE GOD
(The only wise GOD, our SAVIOR through JESUS CHRIST)
(Isaiah 45)

The sovereignty and uniqueness of GOD is a recurring theme throughout the book of Isaiah. It is rife with divine declarations by GOD, such as, “I AM”, “I will”, “I AM the LORD”, “I AM the ONE, and “There is no other”. Here in Isaiah 45, that theme seems to resonate much more rapidly than perhaps, in any other chapter of this prophetic book.
In the opening lines of Isaiah 45, verses 1-3, two vivid prophecies concerning GOD’s plans for the great Persian king, Cyrus, serve as a segue to several more statements in verses 5-7, regarding HIS uniqueness as being the Almighty GOD of the universe. Here, we also see GOD’s clear condemnation of anyone who may dare to challenge HIS claim of absolute control over all things. The very fact that GOD communicated this message through HIS prophet, Isaiah, over 150 years in advance, surely separates HIM from all the idol gods, that even HIS very OWN chosen Israelites, had began giving homage to.
It is historically unlikely that Cyrus had ever even heard of YAHWEH, the GOD of the Israelites, because, at that time in history, the Israelites were one of the least among the many nations in his empire. And it is even more unlikely that Cyrus had ever communicated with any of GOD’s prophets in the past. Yet, GOD would choose this ungodly king to fulfill HIS OWN purpose, which was to secure the release the Israelites to return to their homeland following their 70-year time of punishment and captivity in Babylon.
In the Hebrew, the word translated in verse 8 as “righteousness” is “tsedek”, and, in this particular occurrence, as in Isaiah 41:2, it means “victory”. The word “salvation” here in this same verse, is from the Hebrew word “yesha”. Both of these words point to a “spiritual prosperity” that can only come from GOD. As believers, we gain “victory” through our “surrender” to CHRIST JESUS by accepting the free gift of “salvation”. And, as obedient believers, we celebrate our “victory” over sin and death, and are able to walk in the “righteousness” of CHIST JESUS for the remainder of our lives here on earth.
And so we see that neither of these words is used in their normal abstract sense in this instance, but rather, they refer to concrete realities that are as visible as the sky above, and as tangible as the earth that we walk on every day. They are both “distinctive acts of GOD”, not unlike what HE continues to use today, in our world of lost humanity, to conquer evil, and, to re-establish the peace that was long ago forfeited by the sins of man, beginning with Adam and Eve.
Through these divine acts of intervention, GOD would re-establish order, where there was now chaos. HE would remove HIS beloved Israel from a mostly oppressive captivity in Babylon, back into the serenity of their own inherited homeland, and then, HE would re-build a new, more beautiful Jerusalem, from out of the ruins of a city, long ago rendered ugly, by the adulterous acts of its chosen inhabitants.
And finally, verses 14-25 comprise a collection of prophecies declaring a monotheistic theme that is in keeping with the word of GOD throughout. Gentiles, as well as Jews, will all bow down to the only wise GOD in the end. And just because a person doesn’t believe in GOD, does not mean that GOD does not exist. Unfortunately, according to this passage, many proud unbelievers will have to be permanently bound for hell, in chains, before they finally acknowledge that GOD the FATHER of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST is the only GOD.
As it is expressed in the New Living Translation of the Christian Bible, after the LORD had called all the unbelievers to court to state their case, GOD sums up HIS OWN argument with this claim of being “The only true GOD”. There HE states, in verses 21b-23, that, “For there is no other GOD but ME, a just GOD and a SAVIOR, no, not one! Let all the world look to ME for salvation! For I AM GOD; there is no other. I have sworn by MY OWN name, and I will never go back on MY word: Every knee will bow to ME, and every tongue will confess allegiance to MY name”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-12-31T03:10:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday January 2, 2011

GOD IS OUR REDEEMER
(GOD redeems, ransoms, and releases us to fulfill HIS purpose)
(Isaiah 44)

It is for the purpose of GOD that the Christian is called. It is by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT that a person’s life is hallowed towards GOD. And, it is by the sprinkling of the blood of CHRIST JESUS that past sins are forgiven, and we can look forward to a future of obedience to GOD.
When we choose the Christian Walk, we automatically become strangers to worldly behavior. We are no longer permanent residents of this earth, but rather, we become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the Laws of GOD become paramount to us. We have been resurrected into a new life with CHRIST and our relationship with GOD becomes our greatest asset, not the people and things of this world that we previously tended to over-cherish.
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “resurrection” is “anastasis”, and it is “a moral recovery of a spiritual truth”, and, it also means “to stand up again”. It is not until a person falls in love with goodness, that wrong things will no longer fascinate and have power over them. A right relationship with GOD allows us to recover a spiritual truth that may have been lost by previous generations of our families, because they failed to pass on the legacy of faith that had been previously passed on to them. GOD, through HIS unfailing love, mercy, and faithfulness to mankind, continues to allow each generation a new chance to recover the baton that has been dropped by those who came before us.
In Isaiah 44, after Isaiah had shown in the two previous chapters how Israel had failed as GOD’s servant, the LORD promises through HIS prophet, to restore those who are called by HIS name, those who choose to follow HIM, back into a right relationship of friendship with HIM during the millennial kingdom of CHRIST.
GOD promises to give us even a better chance this time, as HE vows to pour out HIS HOLY SPIRIT, and HIS blessings upon all those who believe in HIM, even those of future generations to come. The LORD would revive those believers, both physically and spiritually, even the Gentiles who choose to honor the name of Israel as their own (Vs. 1-5).
In verses 6-23 the uniqueness of GOD is illustrated as Isaiah shows us how illogical and ludicrously absurd idol worship really is, by contrasting it against the Almighty GOD, the CREATOR of the Heavens and the Earth. Here several titles are used by Isaiah, in addition to the title “Almighty GOD”, to emphasize GOD’s sovereignty. Those titles include “Israel’s King”, “Redeemer”, and, “The First and the Last”.
The practice of idolatry dominated the ancient world that is depicted in the Holy Scriptures, both, in the Old Testament, and, in the New Testament. Some idol worshippers were very superstitious, and they viewed their carved images as deities, even though they had made them with their own hands, from whatever scrap leftover wood, metal, or stone that may have been lying around.
Some were of a more sophisticated nature, seeing the figures that they bowed down to, only as physical representations, of spiritual beings from on high. However, idol worship, in any form, involves an explicit, blatant denial of the GOD WHO is the CREATOR of even the materials which idol worshippers use to make their worthless idol gods. In truth, GOD makes HIMSELF plain for all to see, especially through HIS Creation, and any swift or gradual slide into idolatry, amounts to little more than just another blasphemous way of saying to GOD, “We are not what YOU made us”. It is no better than the sin of “self worship” that is comprised in sexual sins such as homosexually, adultery, fornication, etc.
In Isaiah 44:21-22, we see that through it all, GOD continues to refer to us as HIS servants. HE continues to claim us as HIS OWN and says HE will continue to help us get it right. Through JESUS CHRIST, HE has swept away past sins like the morning mist, and HE has scattered our offenses against HIM, like the clouds. HE beckons us to return to HIM because, through JESUS’ vicarious sacrifice, HE has paid for our trespasses and has set us free from the dominion of death and sin. And as a bonus, in verses 25-28, GOD promises to expose all those false prophets who would mislead HIS children by way of their lies and deceitful advice, and HE will make them look like fools in front of the whole world.
However, GOD will continue to uphold the words of those whom HE has truly sent to represent HIM here on earth, and HIS commitment to do right will continue to be revealed in the salvation of sinners, as well as, in HIS judgment of sin. GOD will continue to be true to us despite of our failures, and we can see clearly in this passage from the book of Isaiah, how salvation has been moved beyond the deliverance from any present danger, and into a realm of “resurrection” at the “end of days”, or in the much anticipated, “Day of the LORD”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-12-23T04:26:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 26, 2010

GOD WILL BE WITH YOU
(GOD is our only SAVIOR and HE promises us victory)
(Isaiah 43)

In the Hebrew, the word used for “redeemed” is “ga’al”, and it means “to buy out of slavery”. In Isaiah 43, the prophet writes of a “new exodus” in which GOD would once again bring HIS people back home from their captivity and oppression, this time, from out of Babylon. Here in this passage we see yet another “salvation oracle” being introduced with the powerful words “Thus says the LORD”. “Fear not” is the first element in this prophetic passage, and it gives reference to, and is based upon, what GOD had done for the Israelites in the past, namely, Israel’s miracle-filled exodus from Egypt.
Many legal terms are applied here, as it is in much of Old Testament literature, where it references the many “distinctive acts of GOD” that would soon occur. First GOD says HE will “redeem” HIS people, as would a “kindred redeemer” redeem a family member (Ruth, chapters 2-4) according to Hebrew Law. Then, GOD “named HIS people”, as would a parent, or legal guardian name their children. And finally, GOD says that HE will “ransom” them with Babylon, as HE had done earlier with Egypt, Ethiopia, and Seba, when HE gave those nations up as a ransom for Israel’s freedom (Isaiah 43:1-4). And so here we see, GOD saves us through HIS laws, as well as, through HIS distinctive acts.
In Isaiah 43:25-27 GOD invites us to appear in HIS court of law, a place we wouldn’t want to be without JESUS. GOD’s greatest distinctive act was to send us HIS only begotten SON, JESUS, and HE, by doing so, offered HIM up as a ransom for our sins against HIM. As our personal SAVIOR, one of the ways JESUS saves us is by speaking on our behalf in front of GOD the FATHER, WHO is the injured party, prosecutor, and judge in HIS court. When we choose JESUS, HE becomes our advocate in GOD’s court of law, and HE is the only ONE WHO is qualified to stand before GOD on our behalf. In biblical times, people involved in legal disputes had to appeal before an earthly king for justice, however, in the day of the LORD, our cases will be appealed before our Heavenly FATHER, WHO will only take appeals from one advocate, CHRIST JESUS.
And finally, GOD saves us by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO is the only ONE WHO can lead, counsel, and guide us into all righteousness, that is the righteousness of CHRIST. Apart from the HOLY SPIRIT we can’t even fully understand the word and laws of GOD enough to respect or obey them. It is the SPIRIT that opens up our minds to understanding and following our LORD (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). No man can come to CHRIST unless the HOLY SPIRIT draws them, and the HOLY SPIRIT doesn’t draw those who lack the desire to be in the family of GOD (John 6:44-47). GOD created all men, but all men are not children of GOD. Only those who earnestly believe and accept CHRIST as their personal SAVIOR, can ever be a child of GOD (John 1:12).
And so we can clearly see through this ancient passage of Isaiah that GOD, that is, the whole of GOD, GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON, and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT has long ago, committed to remain with us once we commit to remain with HIM. The “whole of GOD” is committed to the “whole of man” in the three spheres of time that a man has to travel through, the past, the present, and, the future. Man, has always been, is now, and, will forever be, in total need of GOD. We need GOD the FATHER for our daily protection and provisions (Isaiah 43:5), that’s the present. We need JESUS for the forgiveness of sins (Isaiah 43:25), that’s the past. And we need the HOLY SPIRIT for guidance, for counseling, and to lead us into an uncertain future on faith (Isaiah 43:18-19). And so the whole of GOD is made available to the whole needs of man, and apart from GOD, there is no SAVIOR.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-12-17T02:44:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 19, 2010

TRUE PEACE ON EARTH
(GOD brings true peace and justice)
(Isaiah 9:6-7 & 11:1-8)

The Jews of the first century eagerly anticipated a time when the much talked about MESSIAH would show up and physically free Israel from Roman domination, and set up a physical kingdom that would eventually reach the ends of the earth, as they knew it at that time. They expected HIM to come and restore their nation to even greater heights than those of the United Kingdoms of David and Solomon of years gone by. In fact, they took the words of Isaiah 9:7 quite literally.
Strangely, however, when the MESSIAH did finally come, even the Jewish leaders were so far detached from GOD spiritually, that they couldn’t even recognize the exact character of GOD in the flesh. And so, they rejected JESUS, never being able to accept the repeated spiritual emphasis that HE presented to them, as a requirement, to become a part of the kingdom that GOD promised them. Sure! They wanted the kingdom, but they wanted it the way that they perceived it their mortal minds, and to them, that did not include having JESUS as the king of their lives.
Mankind has never seen itself as a spiritual prisoner of sin, but rather, we always see ourselves as being oppressed by some type of physical enemy, usually another person, race, or nation. And despite scripture telling us over and over again that our enemy is not flesh and blood, but rather, evil spirits from on high, we continue to fight each other while satan runs roughshod over our lives, and our families lives, stealing from us, killing us, and destroying us in ways that wreck eternal havoc. We never seem to stop searching for physical answers, to problems, that have always been, spiritual. We find ourselves running from relationship to relationship, over-indulging in food, trying to spend our way to happiness etc., never realizing that, only a relationship with GOD, can bring peace and justice to us here on earth.
The prophet Isaiah referred to the HOLY SPIRIT more than did any other prophet (four times) in the annals of Old Testament history. Here in chapter 11 he writes of how the HOLY SPIRIT would act upon, and characterize a future MESSIAH, that would come through the line of King David, the son of Jesse. He tells us that, after GOD the FATHER has cut down all of the foreign kings and nations that HE HIMSELF would allow to conquer Israel and Judah, HIS beloved chosen people would rise again, out of the loins of David’s family, to lay claim to a throne and a kingdom, that would rule forever. JESUS, the true branch of GOD, would bear an everlasting fruit (Salvation) that would benefit all people who choose to abide in HIM, for all time.
Throughout JESUS’ life on earth, the HOLY SPIRIT rested on HIM and empowered HIM day by day. The work of the HOLY SPIRIT, which is characterized by the GODly attributes of wisdom, understanding, council, power, knowledge, and the fear of the LORD, abided with JESUS for the duration of HIS first advent.
Like JESUS, we humans, here on earth, can benefit from the work of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives. For, we cannot argue the fact that we all, if we are in our right mind, long to have peace and justice as a mainstay to our existence. However, the help of the HOLY SPIRIT is a benefit that is available to us, only by first accepting JESUS CHRIST as our LORD and SAVIOR. There is no other way available to man that can provide us with the peace and justice that we need in this life, and the only ticket that can deliver us into GOD’s OWN glorious presence in the eternal life to come.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-12-10T02:41:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 12, 2010

NOT FORSAKEN
(GOD forever dwells with HIS people)
(Isaiah 41)

One of the more frequent images in Old Testament literature is that of a courtroom scene, or trial, whereby the LORD, is not only the injured party, but HE is also the prosecutor and the judge. In Isaiah chapter 40, we found the prophet Isaiah speaking for the LORD, in regards to HIS holy intentions toward the Israelites, however, here in chapter 41, we find GOD speaking for HIMSELF. This divine depiction of a courtroom trial is brilliantly used by GOD to present HIS case against HIS beloved Israelites, who had by now, reduced their behavior before HIM, down to the level of the pagans. It is a setting staged for the announcement of a divine sentence of judgment against the evildoers of Judah.
Here in chapter 41, verses 2-3, GOD pre-announces the emergence of the great Persian king, Cyrus, whom HE would later use to overthrow King Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian Empire, after HE has used them, to destroy Jerusalem and take Judah into a 70-year captivity in Babylon. However, these coming events are not to spell the end of the people that GOD calls HIS OWN. Tomorrow’s wars can hold no terror for those who choose GOD. Eventually, all of Israel’s enemies will be put down, and her needs met, for that is the eternal promise from GOD, that is backed by all the honor of HIS name (Psalm 138:2b).
We can see that promise of hope quite vividly here in 41:8, as GOD continues to refer to Israel as “MY servant”. Here, the term “servant” underscores two things; “divine choice”, and “fulfillment of a divinely ordained task”. Even though Israel has always been GOD’s servant, she has also, always fallen miserably short of completing her assigned mission. And as Isaiah will reveal in the following chapter (Isaiah 42:1-7), GOD would eventually send another servant, HIS only begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST, and as we all know now, JESUS would successfully complete the mission that GOD gave HIM to do. HE would redeem all mankind, not just Israel, back into a personal relationship of friendship with GOD, if they choose to accept and be a part of HIS Kingdom, through JESUS the REDEEMER.
This passage serves to show us that GOD will not discard us when we fail, but rather, HE will remain committed to us in love, despite our failures. HE will help us to dig our way out of the seemingly hopeless situations that we find ourselves in, because of the poor choices that we make, trying to find physical answers to spiritual problems. GOD is committed to strengthening HIS people, and, as a result, we can take solace in the fact that the awesome power of GOD will always be available to us, through CHRIST JESUS.
Throughout this passage, GOD speaks comforting words that go a long ways toward allaying the fears of HIS people, and thereby, building up their faith so that they can earnestly rely on HIM for all of their needs.
In verse 26, the term “in the beginning”, in the King James Version of scripture, stresses the purposeful aspects of Creation, as they unfold through the process of time. However, GOD did not set the world as if HE was setting time on a “windup watch”, and then, sit back and wait on it to wind down. From the beginning, HE had a plan and a purpose that must be carried out by every person, down through the annals of time, and, it all must work out, according to HIS divine and eternal design.
GOD is the writer, producer, and director of the story of our lives, and HE knows exactly, how, and when the drama will end. And, inherently, the enigmas of life will become less baffling, when we come to rest in the thought, that this life is not the final act of the human drama. GOD will never forsake us, nor will HE abandon us to the grave (Psalm 16:10-11), and not one of our modern-day idols (people, money, houses, cars, etc) can make us that promise.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-12-03T03:03:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday December 5, 2010

RECEIVING COMFORT AND STRENGTH
(GOD’s inexhaustible strength renews HIS people)
(Isaiah 40)

Isaiah chapter 40 marks the beginning of the second of two major segments that comprise the makeup of this divinely prophetic book. While chapters 1-39 dealt mostly with GOD’s measurements and judgments upon the nation of Israel, chapters 40-66 speak of the promise of restoration and deliverance of Israel, back into GOD’s grace, comfort, and strength.
When Isaiah wrote these prophesies of restoration, Judah still had more than 100 years of struggle ahead of them, because of their rebellious lifestyle against GOD, before they were to begin their 70 year sentence of punishment, that was to be handed down by GOD, in the form of kidnap and captivity at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar and his powerful Babylonian army in 586 B.C. GOD called on Isaiah to speak these words of comfort to those who had been paying attention to the warnings of the eighth century prophets, and, who were trusting in GOD for leniency and forgiveness.
Chapters 40-55, in particular, exhibit a remarkable unity of style and theology, and here in the opening lines of this chapter, we see an announcement of their main theme of “restoration for Judah”. As it always is with GOD, in the midst of our sins, HE is faithful to forgive us. However, HE is also faithful to discipline us by allowing us to suffer with the consequences of our iniquities. The sufferings of Israel in Babylon, that were foretold in the previous chapters of this book are over, and now, GOD is letting the people know that it can all be summed up as divine punishment for their sins (vs. 1-2).
Following the Israelites 70-year punishment in captivity in Babylon, GOD had already orchestrated a plan by which HE would bring HIS people home, restore the nation, and rebuild it back to its splendor. In verses 3-5, we find that a voice, other than Isaiah’s, is calling out to the people to begin preparing the way for the LORD and HIS glory. In the New Testament, each of the four Gospel writers apply these verses to John the Baptist, the desert prophet who prepared the way for JESUS CHRIST at the beginning of the first century A.D. However, here in the pages of Isaiah, the entire nation of Judah had been lingering on a spiritual desert for hundreds of years, and they desperately needed to ready themselves for the “distinctive act of GOD” that would be forthcoming, and, that would restore them back to their homeland circa 538 B.C under the leadership of Zerubbabel and others (Ezra 2).
In verses 6-8, a second voice, that is likely the voice of GOD, commands Isaiah to cry out. The voice instructs him to contrast the difference between GOD and man. In a nutshell, the voice tells Isaiah to remind the people that they are temporal, and are always changing, like grass that soon dies away. GOD, on the other hand, is eternal, and always the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, HIS word will endure forever.
Just like back in Isaiah’s day, we today, who call ourselves by HIS name (Christian) need only to turn to GOD and forsake our own modern-day idols (people, houses, cars, money etc.), those things that put us in captivity to sin in the first place. GOD, will then renew us and revive us, after the consequences of our iniquities has run their course.
GOD is the only ONE WHO can give us new strength, the kind of strength that will allow us to soar like eagles, to run and not grow weary, and to continue on in our Christian walk, and not faint. We have no power in ourselves, except what GOD can grant us through HIS HOLY SPIRIT when we accept CHRIST JESUS. Only in HIM can we find the strength that we need to carry out the “Great Commission” that CHRIST has charged us with, and, at one and the same time, be able to resist, the gravitational pull of this world.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-11-24T02:44:00.001-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 28, 2010

FOLLOW YOUR CREATOR
(Invite GOD to lead you in HIS way)
(Psalm 139)

Psalm 139 reminds us of how well GOD knows us and cares for us as HIS special creation. HE knows the thousands of thoughts that go through our heads on a daily basis, and, HE knows them before we think them. HE knows what we are going to say, even before the words roll off our tongues and lips, and HE knows also, the motivation, be it pure or impure, behind what we say.
King David meditated often upon the sovereignty and power of the ALMIGHTY GOD he served, and he often called on GOD to apply HIS truth to the wicked, as well as to himself. He was a man after GOD’s OWN heart, and so he often petitioned GOD to examine his heart, and to lead him into all righteousness.
Psalm 139 is one of those times of meditation by David on GOD’s greatness. In it, we find David sharing with us, his thoughts and his reverence for GOD’s omniscience (all-knowingness) in verses 1-6, HIS omnipresence (ability to be everywhere at the same time) in verses 7-12, and HIS omnipotence (all-powerfulness) in verses 13-18. This psalm has four distinct strophes, or stanzas that contain six verses each, and its overall message progresses significantly from one stanza to the next. Walk with me now as we examine each stanza a little closer in an attempt to increase our spiritual growth and knowledge.
In verses 1-6, David writes of GOD’s penetrating advance knowledge of everything that a man thinks and does, and how GOD knows it, even before he thinks about it, or, actually does it. Here David expresses the same attitude that Hagar did, after she had fled from Abraham’s house, and then realized, while sitting at the well, that was later called Beer-lahairoi (located between Kadesh and Bered), that her GOD is “the GOD WHO sees me” (Genesis 16:13). David also realized that the knowledge of GOD is far too great for human comprehension, or, for the human mind to contain.
In verses 7-12, David shifts gears, as he begins to meditate on GOD’s ability to be all places at all times. Here David gives us a vivid description of GOD’s inescapable presence. He tells us that no place is high enough or low enough, to escape GOD’s presence. No place is deep enough, or wide enough to overreach the SPIRIT of the ALMIGHTY GOD, and, not even darkness can hide us from HIS presence.
In verses 13-18, David shifts yet again as he ponders on GOD’s breathe-taking, life-giving power to create the human existence, and then, allow it to be procreated and duplicated, through the miracle of childbirth, and, have the life of each individual already planned out, minute by minute, before, they are ever conceived in the womb. GOD then remains with us, and sustains us through the life that HE has given us.
In verses 19-22, David petitions GOD to destroy his wicked enemies, who are also enemies of GOD HIMSELF. Apparently, these enemies of David had been taking the name of the LORD, his GOD, in vain, and David believed that he should have nothing to do with those who hated GOD. He then ends this, now famous, psalm with what are perhaps, its most famous verses. They are the words contained in verses 23-24, where David writes, “Search me, O GOD, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (KJV).
Rick Warren wrote in his book “The Purpose Driven Life” that, “While life on earth offers many choices, eternity offers only two: Heaven and Hell. Your relationship to GOD on earth will determine your relationship to HIM in eternity. If you learn to love and trust GOD’s SON, JESUS, you will be invited to spend the rest of eternity with HIM. On the other hand, if you reject HIS love, forgiveness, and salvation, you will spend eternity apart from GOD, forever”.
GOD knows us, and HE loves us, and, HE wants us to get to know and love HIM. If we take the time to do that, while here on earth, HE will grant us time eternally to be with HIM in Heaven. And remember, GOD does not send anyone to Hell, but rather, it is by our rejection of HIM, through our failure to accept CHRIST, in our hearts, that we ourselves, choose to go.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-11-19T02:55:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 21, 2010

GOD DELIVERS AND PROTECTS
(GOD protects those who look to HIM for security)
(Psalm 91)

Psalm 91 is a wonderful testimony about the security and protection that mankind can find, only in GOD. There are several terms that seem to link psalms 90-92, and this may suggest that they are a unit of sorts, and, may have been written by a common author, which, in this case, would be Moses. However, there is not too much other evidence that can help substantiate this theory, and so psalm 91 and 92, at least for now, remains in the category of “unknown human author”.
In verse 1 of this psalm, the terms “the ALMIGHTY” and “the MOST HIGH” emphasize GOD’s power as the sovereign ruler of the universe. Also, the use of the metaphors of “shelter”, or, “secret place”, and “shadow”, depict GOD as a safe refuge for anyone who trusts in HIM. They vividly portray a divine protection, or hiding place from all kinds of hurt and harm, even when being surrounded by it.
To be “under the wings of”, in verse 4, implies a certain degree of comfort, as well as shielded protection, during times of trouble. GOD and HIS angels will guard and protect us from frightening attacks, pestilence and diseases, or any other attempts on the lives of those who trust in HIM, and the LORD HIMSELF, promises this protection through HIS written word (vs. 3-13). The psalmist tells us that no harm or danger will come to those who find for themselves, refuge in the LORD ALMIGHTY.
One of the great biblical examples of how GOD protects those who trust in HIM can be found in the pages of the book of the prophet Daniel. In Daniel chapter 3, taking up at verse 16, in the, now famous, story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the “fiery furnace”, we find one of the greatest declarations of faith in all of scripture. There we see the three courageous young men of GOD, making this profound statement of defiance to greatest king of that era, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon; “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the GOD WHOM we serve is able to save us. HE will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if HE doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (NLT). Then we see a furious King Nebuchadnezzar commanding his soldiers to heat up the palace furnace to 7 times its normal temperature. And because the three had refused to bow down and worship the king’s idols, he then orders his strongest men to bind, and then, throw the three young believers into the blazing inferno. The flames were so hot that they leaped out and killed even the soldiers, who threw the young men in.
A few moments later, while the king was watching, looking into the furnace to see the men burn, he instead sees, not three, but four figures, with the fourth looking like a divine being, walking around in the furnace. The king then asks Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace, and when they did, not only were they not burnt, they didn’t even smell like smoke!
The great lesson to be gleaned from this story of these three courageous young men is that we can place our faith in two aspects the ALMIGHTY GOD’s sovereign power: One aspect is “HIS ability to do all things”, and the other is “HIS willingness to do all things that fall within the confines of HIS will”. We can always place our trust in the hands of a sovereign GOD WHO is surprised by nothing, and is in control of everything.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-11-12T02:48:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday November 14, 2010

GLAD FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
(GOD can make us glad all our days, starting right now)
(Psalm 90)

The biblical collection that comprises the book of Psalms, actually, consists of five separate books. Book one is Psalm 1-41, book two 42-72, book three 73-89, book four 90-106, and book five is psalm 107-150. Psalm 90 is believed by most scholars, to be a prayer by Moses, the mighty man of GOD. It is the first psalm of the fourth book in the collection, and if Moses truly is the author, that makes this psalm the oldest one in the psalter.
Psalm 90 contrasts the eternal qualities of GOD, against the frailties of man, which are, quite frankly, a consequence of our sins against GOD. For we must always remember that it is sin that brought physical death into the world, and now, GOD, through HIS mercy, in the person of JESUS CHRIST, grants us a second chance at a relationship with HIM, and a second chance at re-obtaining the “eternal life status” that was lost through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
This psalm also reminds us of how GOD, through that same mercy and unfailing love for us, is also willing to bring joy to our brief, but unstable and unfaithful lives here on earth, that is, whenever, and, if ever, we decide to accept HIS salvation gift, “take on JESUS’ task” (take the gospel message to others), and “take up our own cross” (resist the temptations of sin, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT in us).
Moses forfeited his opportunity to enter into the “Promised Land” (Numbers 20:12 & Deuteronomy 3:23-27) when he lost his temper because of his people’s disobedience, and then, failed himself, to follow the exact instructions of the LORD. As a result of his own anger and disobedience, he was left with the choice of either drowning in self-pity for what he had done, or, he could continue on with his work and help the next generation, namely Joshua, to make better decisions than he did, when faced with similar situations as leaders.
Moses, first of all, wanted young Joshua, for instance, to stay focused on GOD’s very presence, in times of trouble. It is a natural human reaction for us to focus on “self” by throwing a pity party whenever things don’t go our way, however, time is short for us, and unlike GOD, WHO has no beginning or end, we, on the other hand, all come into this world with an expiration date on us (Psalm 90:1-6). And so, it is in those times of trouble when we should most of all, trust GOD. GOD will always give us the ability to refocus on HIM and HIS presence during times of despair, so that we can continue on with our life work, and not linger in doubt and pity for too long.
Secondly, we see in Moses’ prayer, that he understood that it is extremely important for us to use GOD’s time wisely, so that we may grow in wisdom (Psalm 90:24). Each of us needs to cogitate seriously on what time we have left in this world, and on how we can better use it to glorify the LORD, WHO created us expressly for HIS OWN purpose and use.
And then finally, we need to finish well! Moses asked GOD to give him insight on how to use the remainder of his life. He realized that he had already wasted too much time on foolish anger, and now he sought only to repent, and to petition that GOD, through HIS mercy and benevolence, would extend to him joy and peace, and make all of his work successful, for the rest of his life. He asked for gladness in proportion to his former misery, and that he be able to pass on a legacy of faith, so that the children who followed him, would be able to see and experience GOD’s wonderful glory at work in their lives, for generations to come (Psalm 90:13-17). Moses wanted GOD to grant him joy, and the beauty of life, even though he would never see the fruition of the work that GOD had called him to do (entering the “Promised Land”), in his lifetime.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

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Larry D. Alexander WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

2010-11-05T02:55:00.003-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday November 7, 2010
____________________________________________

GOD IS AWESOME
(And HE is faithful to forgive us when we earnestly repent)
(Psalm 66)

When we can see GOD’s hand of protection even in our times of pain, suffering, and troubles, it is sign that we are finally becoming mature Christians. We can then, more clearly understand, the goodness and care that GOD incorporates in HIS judgment, testing, and shaping of our character. Each of us, as individuals, can thereby be moved to heartfelt worship, and we begin honoring GOD more sincerely than we ever have before.
Psalm 66 is one of the great psalms of thanksgiving to the LORD for what HE has done in our carnal lives, as HE helps us get ready for a time when we will share in a future, eternal and glorious life, in HIS OWN presence.
In this psalm, verses 1-12 are written in the first person plural, (i.e. “us”, “our”, & “we”) and in verses 13-20, the psalmist switches to first person singular (i.e. “I”, “me”, & “my”). This literary shift speaks to the fact that we must not only worship GOD in a corporate manner, but we must also worship GOD in our private individual lives as well. This is particularly true for those who are considered to be leaders in the church. Not only must they lead in corporate worship services, but they must also hold themselves accountable in worshiping and adhering to the ways of GOD in their own private lives, and in their household (Joshua 24:15).
A community of faith praises GOD joyfully, and a family of faith, or, an individual of faith, will likewise do the same. And even though GOD has tested us with all kinds of oppressions and burdens, ultimately, whenever we pass those tests, GOD will always bring us to a place of blessings and favor, and it will be because we have accepted HIS shaping for the task that HE needs our bodies, hearts, and minds to perform, here on earth (Psalm 66:10-14).
In Psalm 66:16-20 the psalmist gives us a personal testimony of what GOD did for him. He wrote of how he himself had cried out to GOD in a time of difficulty and GOD did deliver him from his troubles. However the psalmist reminds us that we cannot skip the first step in forming a right relationship with GOD, and that first step is to “repent” for the sin in our heart (sins we have carried out, or, are thinking about carrying out).
In the Greek, the word used for “repent” is “metanoia” (met-an-oy-ah), and in its most basic root biblical sense, it means to “reconsider”, or to “think differently” about. It means “to develop a strong compunction for, or a strong feeling of uneasiness that is brought on by a sense of guilt, or sting of the conscience”. And all these feelings of GODly sorrow must take place in the thinking stages, BEFORE we sin. It is, “a change of mind” in advance of acting out.
As Christians, the HOLY SPIRIT is embodied in us by GOD so that we do not continue to sin. The HOLY SPIRIT helps us to defeat sin while it is still in the thinking stages, and is not intended to be used to rebuke us after we sin, by saying “AHA, I caught you!”. The HOLY SPIRIT is given to us that we may not sin in the first place. JESUS says in Matthew 5:28, for example, that, “Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eyes has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NLT). And that my friends, is sin in the thinking stages, where JESUS says, it must be addressed.
When we become caught up in our sin, it is impossible for the human mind to distinguish weather we are sorry about the sin itself (repent), or, are we sorry because we got caught (regret). True repent is “a change of mind”, but it is a “change of mind BEFORE we sin, not after”. If we do it after we sin, we didn’t change our mind, we went through with it. GOD wants us to feel remorse about sinful thoughts, which are the prelude to actually acting out our transgressions.
If we wait until after we sin to feel remorse, the feeling that we are left with is not repent, but rather, it is likely, just regret, and we haven’t really addressed the heart issue. It’s like the psalmist proclaims here in Psalm 66, verse 18, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my LORD would not have listened” (NLT).
When we cry out first to GOD in earnest repent, GOD will always listen to our petitions for help. HE will not ignore our prayers, and, HE will not withdraw HIS unfailing love from us. HE is a GOD WHO will answer the prayers of those who righteously seek HIM (James 5:16), by first, earnestly repenting of the sins of their heart, which are those sins that we are still thinking about committing, or those that may be hidden in our heart and can be brought to our minds later, because of our continuing struggle with our own sin nature.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2010-11-05T02:55:00.001-07:00

2010-10-29T03:20:00.000-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 31, 2010
____________________________________________

SURVIVING THE DARK TIMES
(GOD’s power and glory satisfies us in desperate times)
(Psalms 63 & 2 Samuel 15:13-26)

It is believed, perhaps by most scholars, that, Psalm 63 was written by David during the time when he was chased out of Jerusalem, as a result of a takeover attempt by his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 15). After being separated from the “Ark of the Covenant” and his place of worship in Jerusalem, David tries to satisfy his longing for worship by praising GOD for HIS loyal love, while he was still lingering in a stressful situation in the wilderness.
Here David cries out because of his deep longing to experience GOD’s presence, which, over time, had come to be symbolized in the “Ark of the Covenant”, in Jerusalem. While in the wilderness, GOD causes David to realize that his soul can find satisfaction, through praise, from anywhere he may be, not just in Jerusalem, and not just in the presence of the Ark. GOD wanted to, once again, remind David, and his Israelite followers, not to worship HIM in a superstitious manner. GOD does not want us to treat HIM like a good luck charm, or, as idol god worshippers do, but rather, GOD wants us to see HIM as HE is, the omni-potent, omni-present, all-knowing, sovereign GOD of the universe.
Over the years, David and the Israelites had developed a habit by which they were treating the “Ark of the Covenant” like a common everyday idol. They had become very superstitious and wouldn’t even go to war without taking it with them, and on one occasion the LORD allowed them to suffer defeat at the hands of the Philistines because of the way they treated the Ark (1 Samuel 4:3-11). The Israelites kept changing their focus of worship from GOD HIMSELF, to the “Ark of the Covenant”.
On this occasion, however, while fleeing from Jerusalem, David seems to have finally learned the lesson that GOD was trying to teach them, and here (2 Samuel 15:25-26) he instructs Zadok to turn around and take the Ark of the Covenant back into the city, as this time he would trust in the LORD HIMSELF to save him, not the presence of the Ark.
During this dark hour, David finds a renewed confidence, and experiences a unique joy in the LORD, WHO always sees him, and knows his needs, wherever he may be. He once again becomes confident and even starts to anticipate a time when the LORD would rid him of enemies as HE always had in the past. And, even though his relationship with his family and the people of Israel was a bit strained at that time, his more important, personal, experiential relationship with GOD was not.
David realized that his confidence in GOD was based on his past experiences with GOD, and had nothing to do with the Ark. He learned that GOD’s love and care for him was something he could count on no matter what the circumstances were. And what GOD provided for him, in the form of spiritual sustenance, was much better than anything that life had to offer, in the form of physical riches.
In 2 Samuel 15, after ordering that his priest take the Ark back to Jerusalem, David says, “If the LORD sees fit, HE will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. But if HE is through with me, then let HIM do what seems best to HIM”.
David responded to his confidence in GOD with praise, and he expressed it here in Psalm 63, in two ways. First, he reacted verbally by telling GOD how much he appreciated HIM. Then, he accompanied his words with a physical expression of thanks, by raising his hands in a visual display of worship (Psalm 63:4). He chose also to dwell not on what he lacked, but rather, on what he had. He decided to be content in the midst of his difficulties, and to enjoy the rich “spiritual food” that GOD was providing to him, even there in the darkened wilderness, during the darkest of times.
A close personal, experiential relationship with GOD is what causes GOD to, not only bless us, but show us favor. It has nothing to do with Big Mama’s ring, or bible, that, we hold on to, because “she” had a close relationship with GOD. The Apostle Paul calls that kind of faith, in the Greek, “deisidaimonesteros” (dice-ee-dahee-mon-es-ter-os), which means “religiously superstitious” (Acts 17:22-23).

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2010-10-22T03:26:00.001-07:00

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday October 24, 2010
____________________________________________

GOD RULES OVER THE NATIONS
(The Most High GOD reigns over all the nations)
(Psalm 47)

Psalm 47, like psalms 93 & 95-99, is an enthronement psalm that celebrates the universal reign of GOD, WHO is the CREATOR of the heavens and the earth. It depicts GOD’s coming kingdom, and it also calls for all people, believers and unbelievers, to pay special homage to GOD. And just like we give standing ovations to sports figures and entertainers, this psalm says loud and clear that we should give GOD a loud, roaring standing ovation, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
Today, many people talk about GOD, but few ever give GOD the credit for their success and accomplishments. Successful people believe in self-effort for the most part, and in fact feel, that the more successful they are, the less they need GOD. That is because, with every measure of success, comes an equal measure of pride.
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 we came about it”, and two, “how we use it”. The question then comes to this, “Will we use it as if we have undisputed possession of it”, or, “Will we remember that we hold it in stewardship to GOD”?
Here in this passage of worship, the psalmist calls on all the nations of the world to not only give homage to GOD, but to do so, joyfully and willingly. GOD is the king over all the earth, not just parts of the earth. He subdued the nations with HIS awesome power, and then HE chose a “promised land” for HIS people to abide in as an inheritance.
The prophetic statements of verses 7-9 are expressions that are not at all uncommon to the Psalms. They speak of an eschatological certainty that every knee will bow, and that every tongue, believer and unbeliever, will eventually confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD over all kings and kingdoms. And it gives a special confidence to current believers, that the truths of this psalm will be fulfilled in the process of time.
Psalm 47, along with 46 & 48 provide us with three consecutive poetic expressions that well emphasize the role that GOD has as our king and protector. For instance, the theme of Psalm 46 is that GOD’s people can have a sense of peace when trouble looms all about, “GOD is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The focal point here in Psalm 47 is on the importance of celebrating GOD’s benevolence and goodness to those who believe, and are committed to HIM. And finally, in Psalm 48, we see a reminder of how GOD extends HIS protection to the people, and, to the community that HE calls, HIS OWN, “GOD is in her citadels; HE has shown HIMSELF to be her fortress” (Psalm 48:3).
Psalm 47 is one of the scriptures that are included in the Jewish celebrations of “Rosh Hashanah”, the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the “Feast of Trumpets”, which finds its origins in the book of Leviticus chapter 23, verses 23-25. It is observed in our month of September.
The psalmist envisions a time when the LORD will ascend to HIS throne, perhaps on the temple mount in Jerusalem, to begin HIS millennial reign here on earth, following the “Day of the LORD”. Our response, as a believing people, should be one of adoration and praise, accompanied by the blowing of trumpets, as we express our honor and reverence for JESUS, the ONE WHO came and saved us from ourselves, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2010-10-15T03:08:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-08T03:16:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-24T03:22:00.001-07:00

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

2010-09-17T03:26:00.001-07:00

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