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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday April 4, 2021

 

JESUS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:21-24

 

   I told you earlier that the Jews had a saying that, in the birth of every child there are three parents, the father, the mother, and the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and that, they believed that no child could be born without 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 child is born of a high calling or not, the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD is operative in that child’s birth, in a very special way. And as for men, while it may not make our life easier, whether we know it or not, childbirth has always been what makes men great. And as for women, the paradox of childbirth represents, perhaps, the greatest pain, followed immediately, by the greatest joy that she will ever experience in life.

    In Luke chapter 2, taking up at verse 21, we see that eight days after JESUS was born, HE was taken to Jerusalem for the “Naming and Circumcision Ceremony” according to the Jewish Rite and Covenant with GOD concerning all male children. Baby JESUS’ name, however, had already been given to HIS mother Mary by the archangel Gabriel before HE was even conceived, and so here, only the circumcision was needed (Luke 1:31).

    Now it was time for “the purification offering” that was also required by the Law of Moses after the birth of any child. However, the Law also says that, if a woman’s first child was a male, he would have to be dedicated to the LORD in a special “dedication ceremony” that required that they bring “animal sacrifices”. And in order that every family would be financially able to obtain an animal sacrifice, GOD only required parents to bring, either a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

 

 

THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON

Luke 2:25-35

 

   There was a righteous and devout man of GOD named “Simeon”, who was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, and who had waited patiently on the LORD for many years, just so he could see the MESSIAH WHO would come to rescue Israel, and indeed, the whole world, from the grip of their own sin. The HOLY SPIRIT had already revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the MESSIAH with his own eyes.

    On the day that Mary and Joseph came to the temple, the HOLY SPIRIT led Simeon there so that GOD’s promise would be fulfilled. Simeon took Baby JESUS into his arms and praised GOD and proclaimed the words of Scripture contained in Luke 2:29-32, that have come to be known as “The Nunc Dimittis” from the Latin Vulgate, which is interpreted, “Now let me depart”. There, Simeon declares,

 

“LORD, now I can die in peace! As YOU promised me, I have seen the SAVIOR YOU have given to all people. HE is a light to reveal GOD to the nations, and HE is the glory of YOUR people Israel!” (NLT)

 

    Joseph and Mary, of course, were amazed at what Simeon had proclaimed about their SON, JESUS. Simeon then blessed the couple and further said to Mary,

 

“This CHILD will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But HE will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul” (Vs34-35) (NLT)

 

    Here the Prophet Simeon is informing Mary that she would be emotionally torn by the coming opposition to her SON JESUS, by both, the professed Church, and, by the World. JESUS would later manifest HIMSELF as the very source of our salvation, and that salvation would be extended, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles of the world. JESUS would come to be known as “the SAVIOR of the whole world”, and not just the world of HIS earthly generation. HIS “salvation offer” would also extend to every generation, past, present, and future, who would ever live, in the history of this world.

 

 

THE PROPHECY OF ANNA

Luke 2:36-40

 

   “Anna” was a prophetess who, quite literally, lived in the temple of GOD at Jerusalem. She was the daughter of a man named “Phanuel”, a very old man at this time, who was a member of “the tribe of Asher”. Anna was also a widow whose husband had died seven years into their marriage. She had remained in the Temple since the time of his death, praying and fasting day and night, and was now herself, 84 years.

    While Simeon was still talking to Mary and Joseph, Anna came over and started praising GOD. She then went throughout the Temple witnessing to everyone she knew, who had been waiting in eager anticipation for the promised KING, JESUS, WHO was coming to save the whole world from its sins.

    After they had fulfilled all of the requirements of the LORD at the Temple, Joseph and Mary set out on their 65-mile trip back home to Nazareth in Galilee. It is there where JESUS grew up healthy and strong, filled with wisdom, well beyond HIS years. And GOD placed HIS special “favor” (“charis”, which means “grace”) on HIM.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday February 7, 2021

 

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

(Luke 2:1-20)

 

   Luke chapter two, verses 1-2, are the verses in Scripture that come closest to giving us the exact birth year of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST. In Luke 2:1-7, the author of GOD writes of the 90-mile trip, of Joseph and Mary, from Nazareth to Bethlehem to honor “the census decree” that had been imposed by the Emperor, Caesar Augustus.

    The decree was put into place for the purpose of “assessing taxes”, and, discovering those who were liable for “compulsory military service”. The Jews, however, were exempt from serving in the military, so basically, the census for them was taken expressly for “taxation purposes”. These census’ were periodical in nature, and the count came “once every 14 years”. Man has in his possession, actual documentation of every Roman census taken from A.D. 20 to A.D. 270.

    Luke 2:1-2, are the verses of scripture that are most reliable in actually determining the year of JESUS’ birth into this world as a 100% human being. Here Luke tells us that it was at the time of this particular census that was imposed by Caesar Augustus, that Joseph and Mary (who was quite far along in her pregnancy with baby JESUS), had to travel to Bethlehem, the home of Joseph’s ancestry, to be counted. Every person, by law, had to return to their original place of ancestry in order to register for this census count.

    Luke also tells us in verse 2, that, it was during the time when Cyrenius (Quirinius) was serving as Roman governor to Syria. Roman records show that Cyrenius served in an official capacity on two separate occasions, first, from 10 B.C. to 7 B.C., and later, in A.D. 6-7. Roman records also show that Caesar Augustus served as Roman Emperor, from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14. What that tells us is, that, the census records that man now possesses, most likely begins with the third 14-year census count, and, that the first count must have been during Cyrenius’ first term in office (10 B.C.-7 B.C.).

    We also know, from Scripture (Matthew 2:13-17), that “Herod the Great”, who was king over Judea at that time, issued a decree to kill all infants in and around Bethlehem, up to the age of 2, in an attempt to kill baby JESUS. Since Roman records show that Herod died in 4 B.C., we know that JESUS had already been born. And if the 14-year cycle of the census count holds true, and, in light of all the Biblical and secular facts that we have, we can, with reasonable certainty, deduce that JESUS was born in 8 B.C., during that first census count.

    All of this information is something good and special for the serious Bible students to know, but the Good News of the birth of CHRIST JESUS is something good and special for everyone to know. The term “Hypostatic Union” is one that can only be used in reference to CHRIST JESUS. It refers to HIS unique “theanthropic personage” (both “divine” and “human” in nature and quality), being 100% perfect man, as GOD originally made Adam (without sin), and, 100% GOD, as GOD the FATHER HIMSELF is.

    HE served us here on earth, as 100% perfect man, to show us how we could live if we maintained a willingness to obey GOD at all times. Through HIS FATHER GOD’s mercy and grace, and HIS OWN obedience to GOD, JESUS died for us because HE knew we would not obey GOD. In fact, man has long ago, since the time of the Garden of Eden, convinced himself that he really can’t obey GOD completely, despite GOD sharing with us, the same “spiritual attributes”, or “divine nature”, that HE sent CHRIST to rescue us with.

    However, as I said earlier, because of GOD’s faithfulness, mercy, and grace, we can now rejoice in the knowledge that there does now exist, the “Christian Hope”. It is the Hope that arises out of the “New Covenant” that was ushered in, and is personified by, our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, which HE signed with HIS OWN blood. That is why no one will ever be able to go into the presence of GOD, except through JESUS. HE, alone, will forever be, the only way to the ONLY WISE SOVEREIGN GOD. We only need to repent of our sins and accept CHRIST with our mouth, and, more importantly, in our heart, as our LORD and SAVIOR.

    Luke’s clear and straightforward account of JESUS’ birth, goes a long way toward anchoring these events in history, and then, linking them to prophesy. He helps us to see that “Biblical history” is “World history”, and, that they will forever be inseparable and synonymous with each other because of GOD, WHO is the origin of both.

    The announcement of JESUS’ birth, from on High, came first to “the lowly Shepherds in the fields”, where they worked and kept watch over their sheep. In the first century, Shepherds were on the bottom rung of the “social” and “economic” ladder, and they were, by way of their meager lifestyles, the most humble, of people.

    In Luke 2:8-20, we once again get a glimpse of the “Three Great Revolutions of GOD”, and what their importance would be in the coming “Christian Movement”. We saw it first in the writings and utterances of the Old Testament saints (i.e. 1 Samuel 2:3-8). In the New Testament we see it in Mary’s song of praise, known as the “Magnificat” (which in Latin means “My soul doeth magnify the LORD”) (Luke 1: 51-53). There it says, in effect, that GOD will use the birth, life, and ministry of CHRIST, and, Christianity, to uphold and defend the lowly and the humble.

    First of all, those who truly understand Christianity know that it is designed to uphold “humbleness”, and by nature, means the death of “pride”. Secondly, Christianity is aimed at stamping out “social injustice”. Every Prophet of GOD that has come to us was a champion of the fight against social injustice. GOD is extremely interested in “justice” and “being just”. That is why we find the word “just” written in Scripture over 90 times and the word “justice” 28 times.

    And thirdly, Christianity is aimed at combating prejudices based on one’s “economic status”. Money, prosperity, and material things almost always turn a person’s heart away from GOD. So, it becomes quite clear, the appropriateness, of announcing the “good news” first to ordinary folks, rather than to the rich. 

    And so, during this coming, and every Christmas season to come, let us strive to stay focused on the real reason for our celebration, and also let us, once again, use that time to commemorate the coming of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, and, to celebrate the love, brilliance, largesse, and mercy, of the ONLY WISE GOD the FATHER, for sending to us, HIS only begotten SON, to save us from ourselves, and the wiles of satan.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

 

Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

 

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

 

Clinton Family Portrait - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday January 3, 2021

 

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

Luke 1:57-66

 

   The Jews had a saying that, in 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 borne without the SPIRIT.

    William Barclay once wrote about childbirth, that, “First, it is the greatest privilege which life can offer a man and wife….Second, it is one of life’s supreme responsibilities…”. With the newborn child, there arrives into the world, a person with almost endless possibilities. Afterwards, it becomes incumbent upon their parents and teachers, as far as how these possibilities will, or will not be, realized in their lifetimes.

    Our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST, once said of John the Baptist, that, “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John…” (Luke 7:28 - NLT). Shortly after Mary returned home, Elizabeth gave birth to a baby boy, and she and Zachariah would give him the name John (which means “Jehovah’s gift”, or, “GOD is gracious”), just as the archangel, Gabriel, had commanded him in his message from GOD (v.13).

    And so, eight days later everyone gathered around Zachariah and Elizabeth’s home for “the naming and circumcision ceremony”. Most of the people who gathered around wanted them to name the baby after his father. However, Elizabeth insisted on naming him John. Then the people turned to the, now mute, Zachariah, who motioned to them for a writing pad, and he wrote the name John on it.

    Instantly, Zachariah regained his ability to speak and he began to praise GOD repeatedly. The crowd who assembled there marveled at what had taken place, and they begin to spread the news about what they had witnessed happening to Zachariah, all over Judea. Everyone who received the news of this event couldn’t help but wonder what Zachariah and Elizabeth’s child would turn out to be, as they all felt that the LORD had a special calling upon him. 

 

ZECHCARIAH’S PROPHECY

Luke 1:67-80

 

    Luke chapter 1, verses 67-80, comprises the prophetic “psalm of Zechariah” that has come to be known in the Christian Church, as “The Benedictus”. The term “Benedictus”, just like the term, “Magnificat” (Mary’s song of praise), finds its origins in the “Vulgate”, the first Latin translation of the Bible that was written by Jerome in the latter half of the third century, and it is translated “blessed” in English. This passage is filled with Old Testament quotations and allusions, as Zechariah expounds to us, four great Christian ideas of theology;

 

      (1). An exaltation of praise to GOD (v.68a)

      (2). The reason that GOD should be praised (v.68b)

      (3). A prophetic description of the deliverance of Israel through the coming MESSIAH

       (Vs.69-75)

      (4). He foretells the ministry of his own son, John the Baptist, as the one chosen to go before

             the MESSIAH, and indeed, prepare the way for HIM (76-79)

 

    This stretch of passage is clear evidence that Zechariah had finally come to understand the message of the archangel Gabriel (Luke 1:5-25), and he was now ready to proclaim that message to the entire nation of Israel. He understood that his son John would be a prophet of “the Most-High GOD”, and, that he would preach the same message of “human repent” and “divine forgiveness of GOD” that would be later preached by the coming CHRIST.

    As John grew, he became “very strong in human spirit”, and he possessed “a GOD-given vitality and fortitude” that would certainly come in handy throughout his ministry. He would choose the lifestyle of the prophet Elijah and dwell in the desert until it was time for his public service to GOD and mankind to begin. And for a brief space in time, his ministry would catapult him into the highest prominence of anyone, except CHRIST, in the annals of New Testament literature. He “bore witness to the SAVIOR”, and he proclaimed HIS message of “repent”, “forgiveness” and “salvation” to the world, even before the world had heard it from the lips of CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF.

    We too, as Christians, are called to proclaim and convey the message of CHRIST JESUS to the world. And besides, who else will do it, if we don’t. Zechariah’s prophetic poem praises GOD for the MESSIAH, and, for the role of his own son, John the Baptist. Our praise to GOD should be for the same reason, and, for the realization of the benefits that we receive, just by believing “the Good News” that they each delivered.

    Luke has been successful in focusing our attention on “the atmosphere of hope and expectation” that GOD was beginning to create among the people of that era, and we can vividly espy, through his writings, just how they were being prepared for the first advent of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.

    We, on the other hand, are called to, and must, proclaim and prepare the world for the second coming of CHRIST, and even though the world of today is much more populated, than the world of the first century, just as it did in that era, it will still take all of our hearts, and all of our minds, and all of our hands to accomplish this same divine task.

However, we can rejoice in the second coming, just as the dedicated men and women of GOD rejoiced in that day, because our position with GOD is still being elevated by way of JESUS’ restoring power of Salvation, through HIS vicarious sacrifices during HIS first advent.

    Today, no man for whom CHRIST JESUS has died can be called worthless. And HE died for all mankind in general, and for all Christians in particular. HE restored our lost relationship of friendship with GOD, and enabled us to overcome, an otherwise, saddened and doomed state of existence. At one and the same time, HE also helped us to understand and become what we ought to be, which is quite simply, “a servant and child of GOD”. And now, we must go and proclaim, precisely that message.

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

 

Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

 

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website

 

Clinton Family Portrait - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia