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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday March 27, 2015

PETER HEALS A CRIPPLED BEGGAR

Acts 3:1-11

In Acts chapter 2, after the HOLY SPIRIT came down from Heaven on Pentecost Day, we see Peter step forward and deliver the first sermon ever preached in a Christian church. And now, here in Acts chapter three, verses 1-8, we see Peter healing a man who had been crippled for forty years. The man had come to the temple every day, apparently, having “low expectations from GOD”, because he only sought after alms that would merely allow him to exist in his present condition for one more day.

Here we see Peter, along with John, in the name of JESUS, giving the man much more than he thought he could ever receive from GOD. Peter tells the man, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6) (KJV).

Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. As he did this, the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. The man got up and began to walk, and not only did he walk, he even began to leap and praise GOD, as he entered into the Temple with Peter and John.

This miracle fulfilled the prophesy of Isaiah, as it is recorded in Isaiah 35:6, where it says, “Then shall the lame man leap as an hart” (KJV). It was an undeniable miracle, because everyone, including the leading priests and Pharisees, had seen this cripple man sit at the gate called “Beautiful” and beg for alms for many years.

When all the people saw the once-lamed man walking and praising GOD, they were absolutely astounded. They all rushed over to “Solomon’s Colonnade” to take a closer look, where he was tightly clinging to Peter and John, who had given him the power and authority of JESUS to walk again into the Temple. 

PETER PREACHES IN THE TEMPLE

Acts 3:12-26

Now, as the crowd began to grow, Peter sees an opportunity to address those in the Temple who had just witnessed the miracle that was performed on the lame man. They too, like that man, had probably came to the church daily, having low expectations concerning what GOD could do for them. Peter asks them in verse 12, “Why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? (KJV)

Peter goes on to tell the crowd of people that it was “The GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and, the GOD of our fathers, WHO hath glorified HIS SON JESUS”, by allowing us to perform this miracle (Vs. 12-16). In other words, the very name of JESUS had, quite literally, healed this man. It was nothing more than faith in JESUS’ name that had caused this man’s healing right before their very eyes. We, as Christians, can all do a lot better in life if we will raise our expectations of what GOD can do for us, whenever we have faith, and trust in HIM.

As Peter began to “sermonize” his thoughts, he first tells them how he could relate to their rueful feelings about the things that they had said and done to JESUS out of ignorance, while HE lived and taught before them. He reminded them that even their leaders reacted in the same harsh and deadly way toward our LORD and SAVIOR. They all participated fully in rejecting JESUS, and turning HIM over to Pontius Pilate, who, wanted badly to release HIM. Peter tells them that they all chose instead to release a legitimate criminal (Barrabas), and kill “THE AUTHOR OF LIFE” (JESUS). 

However, through it all, it was really GOD’s Will being played out, as HE was merely fulfilling what HE had told HIS prophets to declare centuries ago, concerning the sufferings of the MESSIAH, HIS SON. Even Moses had spoken of JESUS when he declared in Deuteronomy 18:18, that, “The LORD your GOD will raise up a PROPHET like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything HE tells you” (NLT). Moses went on to say that, “Anyone who will not listen to that PROPHET will be cut off from GOD’s people and utterly destroyed” (Deuteronomy 18:19 - NLT).

From the time of Samuel, every prophet spoke about the things that were happening in the days surrounding the birth, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and post-ascension of CHRIST JESUS. And Peter reminded them that they were the children of those prophets, and were included in the covenant promise of GOD that was delivered by JESUS personally, and then, signed in HIS OWN blood. When GOD raised up CHRIST JESUS, HE sent HIM, first, to the children of Israel, and they failed to listen.

Peter then urges the crowd, that, with all being said and done, it was now time for them to repent and turn from their sins, and turn to GOD for spiritual healing. Then, and only then, will their souls be made fresh again, so that they can receive the MESSIAH upon HIS return. But until then, JESUS will remain in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of the FATHER, waiting on HIS new orders to return and restore all things back to perfection under GOD.

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 March 13, 2016

THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES

Acts 2:1-13

In Acts chapter 2 Luke chronicles events that took place during the “Pentecost” observance, which was celebrated fifty days following the resurrection of CHRIST JESUS, or traditionally, seven weeks after the final day of “Passover” (Leviticus 23:15-22). Pentecost, which means, “fiftieth”, is also known as the “Festival of Harvest”, and the “Feast of Weeks”. In New Testament times, Pentecost also commemorated Moses’ receiving and giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.

In Acts 2:1-4, as Christians met in a house somewhere in Jerusalem, we see three great phenomenal occurrences unfolding, which will forever serve to make the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT, on that Pentecost day, an unmistakable and unique event;

·        First we see the “roaring of a mighty windstorm” come down and fill the house that the Apostles and the others occupied (Acts 2:2).

·        Secondly, we see the “flames of fire” appear and settle on each person in the house (Acts 2:3).

·        And finally, we see that they began speaking in “other tongues” (“heterais glossais” in the Greek), which means “various learned languages or dialects”, as the HOLY SPIRIT instantly gave them these abilities (Acts 2:4).

Here in this passage, we see GOD’s offer of salvation is to be extended to all people, Jews and Gentiles, who were willing to believe and put their faith and hope in CHRIST JESUS. At the time of this miraculous event there were GODly Jews and foreigners (Gentiles) from many different nations who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Pentecost. And so on this wonderful occasion they were able to hear the new Gospel of CHRIST being taught and spoken in their own language or dialect, no matter where they came from, to Jerusalem that day. These “visible signs” are unique in that, in all of recorded Scripture, this is the only time when these three things occur together during a distinctive act of GOD. 

 Since that day, the HOLY SPIRIT has come to indwell every person that believes in their hearts in CHRIST JESUS, and we, as a result, can belong to the family of GOD. GOD has bought us at a high price by sacrificing the life of HIS only begotten SON as a ransom for our release from the bondage of sin and death. As we live in fellowship with GOD, HE will fill us and keep us filled, and when HE does, we will be able to serve and grow, and conform more fully to HIS Word and will.

The HOLY SPIRIT adds “supernatural power” to the “shared nature of GOD” that we have in us already from birth, and HE enables us to win the battles within ourselves, between “reason” and “passion”, that, without HIM, we would not otherwise win, a great deal of the times. HE further enables us to resist the temptations of life, that, without HIM, we’ve already proven to be too weak spiritually to resist. In fact, HE actually makes us more aware of those times when we are about to move out of the will of GOD, and will prevent us from doing so, IF we listen, or heed to HIS prompting.

PETER’S PENTECOST SERMON

Acts 2:14-36

Taking up at verse 14 the Apostle Peter steps forward along with the eleven other apostles, and he begins to preach the good news using several references from the Old Testament Scriptures, explaining in his “kerugma style” how they foretell the first advent of JESUS CHRIST, and the HOLY SPIRIT. He tells them that the people in the assembly were not drunk with wine, as many on the outside of the temple were suggesting, but rather, what they were witnessing instead had actually already been foretold by the Old Testament prophet, Joel, for example, who said, “In the last days, GOD said, I will pour out MY SPIRIT upon all people” (Joel 2:28), and also that, at that time “anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Joel 2:32).

Peter goes on to tell the crowd that GOD publically showed HIS endorsement of JESUS by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through HIM, and that they had all, Jews and Gentiles, followed GOD’s prearranged plan by nailing HIS SON to the cross. GOD then released HIM from the horrors of death and raised HIM back to life again, and so we see, death could not keep JESUS in its grip (Vs.14-22).

In verses 25-33 Peter cites the first of two Psalms by King David (Psalm 16:8-11) to prove his doctrinal point about GOD’s promise to raise CHRIST JESUS from the dead. In verse 27 of this passage Peter cites these words from King David, where he himself is prophetically referencing JESUS’ resurrection. There David says, “For YOU will not leave my soul among the dead or allow YOUR HOLY ONE to rot in the grave”.

In verses 34-36 peter makes the third and final point of his, now famous, Pentecost Sermon by again referencing King David. Here he cites the words of “the man after GOD’s OWN heart” in Psalm 110:1 where he prophetically states, “The LORD said to my LORD, sit in honor at MY right hand until I humble YOUR enemies, making them a footstool under YOUR feet”. And so if GOD said this, through David, as a clear reference to JESUS, then the Scriptures themselves testify that JESUS is both LORD and MESSIAH.     

In Acts 2:37, we see the HOLY SPIRIT convicting those members of the first Christian Church, through Peter’s words to them, regarding the wrong that was perpetrated on JESUS, by way of their role in HIS death on the cross. Peter goes on to tell them, that, the promise of the HOLY SPIRIT was not only for those present in the room that day, but it is a promise that extends to all who come to know CHRIST, and answer the call of GOD, in all future generations.

In Acts 2:41-47 we see quite vividly, the spiritual characteristics of the early Christian Church on display. We see quite clearly a picture of what the term “United by the SPIRIT” really means, and, we can see that the power of the HOLY SPIRIT transcends race, gender, and nationally, and, HE unifies us with GOD, through CHRIST JESUS. Here in this passage lies, perhaps, one of Scripture’s greatest examples of “Christian Unity” actually being lived out by the original Christian Church through their behavior. Here we see spotlighted, their;

(1). “teaching and learning”- (verse 42)

(2). “prayer and fellowship”- (verse 42).

(3). “fear and reverence for GOD”- (verse 43).

(4). “sharing in the Church”- (verse 44-45).

(5). “worshipping GOD together daily”- (verse 46-47).

(6). “being filled with joy”, - (verse 46).

(7). All in all, they were a church where “good things were happening constantly”,

      and, “new people were receiving Salvation daily”- (verse 47).

What a wonderful example for modern-day churches to emulate. We see here in this passage, an example of “Christian Unity” that has been placed before us, and available to us, since the very birth of the Christian Church in Jerusalem. And even though this all first occurred on that memorable day of Pentecost, way back in the first century A.D, still, to this very day, in a very real sense, we’ve never shown an ability to duplicate GOD’s great example that we see here.  In fact, we have failed, as GOD’s greatest creation, to follow suit in too many other biblical examples also, simply because, too often, we only seem to place value on our own “human ingenuity”, and thereby, we de-value the things of GOD, even in “the Church House”.

I’ve often stated that, it seems as if GOD has placed a hunger and thirst inside of each of us, innately from birth, and the only way to satisfy that hunger or thirst is by seeking and ultimately finding HIM. It is for the purpose of GOD that mankind was ever created in the first place, and just as no man has ever created anything that wasn’t for his own purpose or benefit, so it is with GOD. Man was created to serve GOD, and until we are able to grasp and understand that, we’ll just continue to meander around, looking for physical answers, to problems, that have always been spiritual.  

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 28, 2016

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acts 1:1-5

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles is written by Luke, and is more or less, a continuation of his Gospel account. In this book, he attempts to enlighten us about the beginnings of the Christian Church, and its gradual spread to nearby and distant lands. His book of Acts chronicles the sudden explosion of missionary activities, led by the Apostle Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and other prominent early Church workers.

In Luke’s Gospel account, he emphasized the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT in the life of CHRIST JESUS. However, in the Book of Acts, he emphasizes the role of the HOLY SPIRIT, in the growth and development of the early Christian Church in its infancy.

In the first century, the world was rife with myths, mystery religions and magic, and it was probably because of these confusions that Luke set out to more accurately record the facts of the origins of Christianity. He was intent on proving, through his Gospel account, and through this Book of Acts, that Christianity is not rooted in such myths and fables, but rather, has its roots in history, beginning with the birth of the Messiah in Palestine.

Perhaps more than any of the other Gospel writers, Luke proves to us most successfully, that JESUS was both 100 percent human, and 100 percent GOD (the Hypostatic Union). He also wanted the world to know that CHRIST’ Gospel was actually being spread by eyewitnesses of HIS life, who actually saw HIS miracles performed, and, who actually heard HIM speak on many occasions. And shortly after their quest to spread the Gospel began, those early followers and eyewitnesses became widely known, first, as “Adherents of the Way”.

The Book of Acts takes us from Jerusalem, into many cities within the Roman Empire, including Asia Minor and Europe. Luke gives us vivid and dramatic depictions of the trials and triumphs in the lives of these early missionaries. We can see very clearly that GOD is with these missionary teams as they traveled throughout the world as it was known at that time, spreading the Gospel.

In the three decades that are covered in the Book of Acts, we see the Christian message being spread diligently and vigorously, as Christian churches (mostly House Churches) begin to pop up in every major population center in the Roman Empire. The locations of these house churches were secretly guarded as to prevent their discovery by the Emperor Nero and those antichrist opponents, who vigorously sought to destroy the work of the believers, and eradicate the very idea of Christianity from civilization.

This book also stresses the fact that, whenever GOD gives us a task to do, HE always gives us the “power” (“exocea” – authority) necessary to carry out and complete that task, to HIS OWN satisfaction, not ours. Oftentimes, GOD has already prepared us, long in advance, for the work HE will call us to do at some future date.  However, part of the human struggle, is that, we are often unaware of GOD’s plan for us, and, when HE makes it known to us, we then, either have a problem in the “waiting to get started” and often find ourselves getting ahead of GOD, or straying from HIS plan, or, we have “a fear of taking the steps that are necessary” (going with HIS plan), to move into the unknown, where JESUS is.

Remember, Samuel anointed David King, while he was still a shepherd boy, and long before he actually got to sit on the throne of Israel (15 years). And then there is Moses, who was called by GOD to free Israel from bondage in Egypt, 40 years before he was actually instructed to re-enter Egypt to begin the exodus of HIS people from their miseries.

Here we see, in the opening lines of the Book of Acts (Acts 1:4), JESUS instructing HIS Disciples not to leave Jerusalem until GOD had sent them the HOLY SPIRIT, with which, they would be spiritually baptized and empowered. The HOLY SPIRIT would forever be their Protector, Comforter, Counselor, and Guide, as they moved forward to fulfill the commission of CHRIST, while, at one and the same time, fighting the great spiritual battle that JESUS also fought with satan. The HOLY SPIRIT would forever represent the power of GOD that HE would infuse into every Christian who believed and desired to do HIS will, and HIS works in the world (Acts 1:8).

 JESUS’ ASCENSION BACK INTO HEAVEN

Acts 1:6-11

The Disciples expected JESUS to immediately set up the “Earthly Kingdom” that had been spoken of by the ancient Prophets since the dawn of creation. In verse 7, we see that JESUS does not deny the Prophets’ visions, but rather, diverts their attention back to the task at hand. HE tells them that GOD will keep HIS Old Testament promises, in HIS own time, but right now, they were to concentrate on bringing CHRIST’s message to the world.

It is still the duty of every Christian today, as “Adherents of the Way”, to carry out the “Commission of CHRIST”, by spreading the Gospel to any and everyone who is willing to listen. And JESUS promises us that, when we do, “lo, I AM with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20b - KJV).

Shortly after this final meeting with HIS disciples, JESUS was taken up into Heaven while they were watching, and HE soon disappeared into the clouds. As the group of stunned men strained their eyes to see what was taking place before them, two white-robed men suddenly stood in their midst, and delivered one of the greatest promises from GOD of all times. The men said to them in unison, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? JESUS has been taken away from you into Heaven. And someday, just as you saw HIM go, HE will return!” 

THE DISCIPLES REPLACE JUDAS ISCARIOT WITH MATTHIAS

Acts 1:12-26

After the apostles left the Mount of Olives where they had watched JESUS ascend back into Heaven, they all went back to “the upper room” where they had sat with JESUS to receive HIS private teachings, and to eat the final Passover meal, during HIS last week of life here on earth. They all assembled together continually for the next several days, with several of the faithful women who served JESUS during HIS ministry, including Mary, the mother of JESUS, and also JESUS’ brothers (Vs.12-14). And just as men always do, they soon started to inject their own “human thinking” (human ingenuity) and “emotions” into the plan of GOD where they are not needed.

Taking up at verse 13, on an occasion when about 120 believers were meeting together, the Apostle Peter stood up and addressed the assembly. With the best of intentions, an emotional Peter took it upon himself and decided that they needed to replace the fallen apostle, Judas Iscariot, with another man of their own choosing. He even cited a scripture that he thought would justify his actions, the one we now know as Psalm 109:8.

He talked of how Judas had betrayed JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane, and had received 30 pieces of silver as payment for his treachery. He then used the money (or rather the Pharisees did) to buy a potter’s field (“Akeldama”, which means “Field of Blood”), where, ultimately he hanged himself in a misguided attempt to extricate himself from his guilt and misery.

Peter felt so, and he apparently convinced the others that, it was incumbent upon them to elect a replacement using their human ingenuity and efforts to try and do what only GOD is qualified to do for HIMSELF. JESUS never instructed HIS avid followers to choose anyone to replace Judas as HIS disciple, but here in this passage we see them first choosing two men from among them, and then, after praying, they cast lots to see who would win the position in JESUS’ inner circle.

This was all for naught, however, and as history now shows us, JESUS, just like HE had chosen them to be HIS closest disciples, would later HIMSELF, choose the Apostle Paul, a bold and relentless figure of the tribe of Benjamin, to be perhaps, HIS most prominent disciple of all. HE would later use Paul to tirelessly organize and spread the idea of Christianity, even to the Gentiles nations, and throughout the Roman Empire in the first century. And now, through his biblical writings and Church instructions given to him by CHRIST, he is still able to reach “the lost” today, even in the far corners of the modern world.

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 14, 2016

EVIDENCE OF FAITH

(Looking out for others)

Hebrews 13

The book of Hebrews concludes with a series of exhortations to Christians, and indeed, to all mankind, concerning how we should live a life of faith, here on earth. We are called to love and trust in GOD, and to continue to listen to, and respect those leaders who first introduced us to the LORD.

Here believers are called to live a life of love for their fellowman (verse 1). Christians should not forget to show hospitality to everyone, because you never know when you might be entertaining an angel (verse 2). We should even remember and pray for the freedom of those who have been incarcerated because of their zeal and work for CHRIST, with the same passion and frequency with which we pray for ourselves. And finally, we must bear each other’s burdens, as so to fulfill the command of CHRIST JESUS.

The epilogue of this letter to the Hebrews is distinguished from its body, in that, it contains specific admonitions that we should adhere to. It contains not only the writer’s personal comments, but also gives specific instructions suggesting how we can worship GOD in a more acceptable manner than we’ve become accustomed to. Verses 1-6 contains moral directions for us to follow, that would reflects our personal kindness to our brothers, to strangers, and, to those who are imprisoned. This passage also calls for sexual purity in marriage, and, for us to avoid monetary greed, being content with what the LORD is blessing each of us with, personally. Even if we have little on the material level, we still have GOD’s daily help, just as HE promises us.

These moral instructions are followed by some religious directions in verses 7-17. Here the writer reminds us that we are to not forget those religious leaders who first taught us the word of GOD, and, we are to always remember and consider all of the good that has come to us from their lives, and then finally, we are to trust GOD just as they do.

CHRIST JESUS is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, and we should not be distracted by any other strange, new ideology, or theology that comes down the pike. JESUS affords us with an altar from which no earthly priest can eat, and then, HE died outside the gates of Jerusalem to make us holy by the shedding of HIS OWN blood. HE was then raised from the dead by GOD the FATHER, so that HE could carry HIS OWN blood back to the Temple in Heaven, and then offer it, as a sacrificial payment for our sins.

We must therefore go out and be willing to suffer the same kind of disgrace and persecution that JESUS suffered for us, in route to, and on, the cross at Golgotha. The apostle John wrote in his third letter, which was a personal note to his friend Gaius, that, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4).

In Hebrews 13:17-19, the author of GOD lays down the duty and responsibility of the Christian congregation to its leaders, whom GOD has chosen. Obedience to its leaders is a duty of the congregation. And while a Christian church is a democracy, it is not a democracy that is taken to extremes. Obedience is not given to its leaders in order to gratify their sense of power and prestige, but rather, it is given so that, we who trust in GOD, can allow them to shepherd and care for those souls which GOD has appointed to them.

A true man of GOD recognizes his responsibility to GOD, and is accountable for his actions, right or wrong. Our obedience to our leaders is not a blind one however, and nor is it a surrender of our responsibility to obey CHRIST as LORD of the Church. We must, however, remain responsive to those, whom GOD has given us as guides, and allow ourselves to be influenced positively by them. Our getting to know GOD personally through HIS word gives us the ability to distinguish true men of GOD from those who are frauds.

Looking out for each other entails watching out and praying for others in the congregation in general, as well as for those on the leadership tier in the Church. In the spiritual sense, we truly are our brother’s keeper, and we are called to help each other guard against going astray. It is appropriate that leaders are called to watch over us, and, in the end, they must give an account to GOD, regarding how they fared as shepherds. But, in the same way, we are called to watch over each other, and, must also give an account to GOD, for our reactions concerning the needs of our fellowman, especially within the Church.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

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BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday January 24, 2016

GOD’S DISCIPLINE PROVES HIS LOVE

(A call to listen to GOD)

Hebrews 12

In Hebrews chapter 12, the author of GOD gives us a remarkably vivid description and summary of the Christian life, and, shows us the attitude we should have, as we aspire to obtain our goal of becoming more like CHRIST. In the Greek, the word used for “discipline” is “paideia” (pahee-di-ah), and it is “education or training”. It also means “to nurture, instruct, or chasten”.

The Christian life can be likened to a relay race. The people of faith, like the ones mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, who have run before us, have passed on the baton, and now, they anxiously wait to see how we will carry on in the discipline that Christianity demands. As we run, we can look back and see how JESUS ran HIS race, and, at one and the same time, we can also look ahead, and see HIS exaltation at the finish line.

JESUS, is our supreme example, and, HE is the “Author and Finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). A life that is void of testing from GOD is most likely going to be a life void of prayer, humility, holiness, and appreciation of what GOD has done for us. Tests from GOD are not made to make us fail, but rather, are made to make us better representatives of CHRIST, and Christianity, here on earth.

Trials are what GOD uses to refine us, and prepare us for a life of eternity with HIM, in HIS kingdom. It takes a certain amount of discipline to become, and remain successful in the Christian race. When we take into account how much JESUS endured, we can realize that suffering and hardship are no excuse for us to give up and drop out of contention (Hebrews 12:3-15).

If we fail to understand the love and purpose of GOD’s discipline, we are likely to become bitter, and miss out on GOD’s graceful intent. If we see our trials and difficulties in the perspective provided by GOD’s grace, we will be better able to understand and accept HIS discipline in our lives. Remember, Esau, who saw no value in spiritual things, ended up selling his birthright to GOD’s covenant promise, for a mere a bowl of stew. If we value only material things as he did, we too, are in danger of missing our blessings in the end (Hebrews 12:16-17).

We, as Christians, are not people who meander along the paths of life in a totally oblivious manner. We are not like tourist, who, each night, return to the point where we started that previous morning. The Christian life is about going somewhere, and at the end of each day, we’ll do good to ask ourselves, “Have we gotten any closer to our goal of being more like CHRIST?” That should be the aspiration of every Christian, to, each day, become more and more like CHRIST.

However, the Christian also has another inspiration. It is the inspiration of the “cloud of witnesses”, who have gone before us, and witnessed their confession to CHRIST, and now witness our performance from way on high. They are those people mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, who personified faith during their Christian walk here on earth. They are those people like Moses, Abraham, and Noah, who have already claimed their crowns of victory.

But, unfortunately, we Christians also have “a handicap”, and it is “the handicap and weight of our own sins”. It is very difficult to run a race, when you are carrying excess baggage. If we wish to travel far, it is much better to travel light. The burden of sin can weigh heavily on a person, who is trying to run the Christian race, or walk the Christian walk. It is paramount that we first discard the unnecessary things that hold us back, and what holds man back is sin. If we are to endure the Christian race to the finish, we must first learn to lighten our load of “sinful cargo” (behavior), and move away from our carnal desires (sin nature) (Hebrews 12:1).

Our supreme example of faith and discipline is CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF. HE is also our companion along the way, and, HE is our goal at the end of the race. Remember, GOD’s kingdom will remain when the universe itself is shaken, and this old world itself will ultimately disappear. That is when one will truly appreciate how good it will be to be a citizen in the kingdom of Heaven.

We should also remember that our trials, can and will, both refine us, and, help prepare us to dwell in eternity in the presence of THE ALMIGHTY GOD in Heaven, at the end of our Christian race. The motivation for pursuing holiness here and now, is the realization that, without it, no one can see GOD, or stand in the presence of GOD in the spiritual life that follows our stay here on earth. In other words, Christians must be, and will be, sinless when they see the LORD in Heaven.

A person’s perception of GOD in this present life is the true measure of his or her holiness. In order to help us reach the state of holiness we need to achieve, GOD whips us into condition with his Holy discipline, and testing. When we fail to understand the love and purpose of GOD’s discipline, we are likely to become bitter towards HIM, and thereby, miss HIS unfailing grace. However, when we are able to see our trials and difficulties in the perspective of GOD’s grace, we are better able to accept HIS chastening.

In Hebrews 12:14-29, the author calls for a renewed spiritual vitality among GOD’s people. It is a call to listen to GOD with a renewed interest in how HE wants us to live our lives here on earth. He also urges us to begin by trying to live in peace with one another, being a good example for those who have not yet reached your own stage of spiritual awareness, so that not even one of us will miss out on GOD’s special favor.

We can also help others guard against going astray by being accountable to one another, making sure that the bitter root of immorality does not infiltrate the lives of ourselves, and, of those whom we are close to. Beginning in verse 18, the author of Hebrews gives us a final warning, as he vividly depicts with his writing, a clear picture of the situation on Mount Sinai, where the Old Covenant was given to the people in an awesome way that only GOD could stage.

Here he describes the scene of that event as a place of flaming fire, darkness and gloom, and a whirlwind, as GOD delivered HIS laws to the Israelites. And they could hear an awesome trumpet blast accompanied by a voice with a message so terrible that they begged GOD to stop speaking. Even Moses was admittedly terrified by this awesome display of GOD’s power.

However, in verse 22, the writer reminds the people that, that was then, and this is now. Now we fall under the protection of the New Covenant, which was ushered in by CHRIST JESUS, and the realities pertained to in it are even more impressive because they are Heavenly, and not only is there a Heavenly city, but there is also, both, angels, and, the spirits of those who have been redeemed and made perfect by the LORD.

Ultimately, all created things will be removed by GOD. When Moses gave the law at the foot of Mount Sinai, the mountain itself burned with fire, and the surrounding plains shook uncontrollably. The fear that was felt by those who were present at that event will be nothing compared to what will be felt by those who cannot see spiritual realities through faith, and as a result, fail to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven is all that will remain after the universe itself is shaken apart, and all of creation disappears. We must see to it that we obey GOD, the ONE WHO is speaking to us. If the people of Israel didn’t escape the wrath of GOD when they refused to listen to Moses, GOD’s earthly messenger, then, how much more terrible it will be for those of us, in this day, who refuse to listen to CHRIST JESUS, WHO came directly from Heaven to warn us.

And since GOD, through HIS tender mercies, has given us a choice to be redeemed, and spend eternity with HIM in Heaven, let us be thankful and begin worshipping HIM in spirit, and, in truth, with holy fear and reverence, because our GOD is truly a consuming fire.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

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