Sunday School - March 22, 2009

Sunday School - March 22, 2009

Death embodies the void of existence and the absence of essence; its manifestation leaves only a memory of a past life, a vapor of a former journey, a journey for which there is no return. Death is the destination we all must take, for sin has condemned all mankind to such; death is a price we all must pay to meet the demands of justice required by a Just God.

Romans 5:12. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned

Death of the unjust removes not the stain of sin, such would lead to a second death, a more painful permanent separation from the blessings of a holy God. However, the Just God has given His Son (who is Just) to die in our stead, such would fulfill His demand for Justice, the death of the Just for the unjust.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit

The God of Justice is also the God of Grace, for that which His judgment demands (for our sins), He has also provided. God has given us a priceless gift of unlimited value, the death of His righteous Son to atone for the sinful acts of man; A free gift of grace through faith to man, yet a tremendous price, paid in full by God.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

If our faith resides in Jesus, His death on the cross took care of our sins and reconciled our relationship with God. When Jesus rose three days later, we too will rise again to a life in eternity, for through Jesus we will have an eternity of fellowship with God.

Romans 4:24:25
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 5:10-11
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

This week's lesson is again from the book of Ezekiel. For those who follow the International Sunday School Lesson Plan (aka: The Standard Sunday School Lesson), this Sunday's lesson (March 22, 2009) comes from Ezekiel 37:1-14.

The hand of the Lord continue to be upon Ezekiel as the Spirit of the Lord sat him down in the midst of a valley full of bones. Many bones, void of moisture, dry bones, remnants of past lives. Ezekiel a priest was never to be in the presence of the dead, unless the dead were of his immediate family (Leviticus 21:1-2), such made this encounter an extraordinary event. The Lord asked Ezekiel, “can these bones live?” Ezekiel replied, “God, thou knowest”; such was a safe and correct answer to a rhetorical question, for wisdom and knowledge has no bounds to an all knowing and all powerful God.

Romans 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

The Lord again said to Ezekiel, “Prophesy upon these bones”; even that which is dead must adhere to the word of God. Ezekiel prophesied as he was commanded and there was a noise and shaking, and bones came together, bone to his bone. The sinews and flesh came upon them. Then skin covered the flesh but there was no breath in them. Then God told Ezekiel “say to the wind..O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live”. God can cause that which is dead to live again, for in God is the redeemer, even to whom sin has left for dead. Such can be an exceeding great army to a nation with no hope; such can be our savior in our battle against sin.

Again the Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy to His people that He will cause them to come out of their graves and bring them into the land of Israel. Then they will know that He is the Lord; a Lord not of mine or sight, the Lord of Lords, their Lord to follow. The Lord will put in them His Spirit and place them is a land that will be there own. Then they will know that the Lord has spoken and performed it, for He has also given them His Spirit as a witness. Such is His promise to redeem a remnant of Israel; such (in part) has been given to the Church.

John 14:26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Upon the return of Christ, those who are dead will be quicken (raised from the dead) first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). We will know that He is our Lord, for he has spoken it and performed it.

Death has no rule to those who Know God, for “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:32b).

If you are not a typical Sunday School attendee, Go and surprise the teacher. If your Church does not follow the Standard Sunday School Lesson and you are not aware of the topic of discussion, take on the attitude of "positive anticipation". I am sure you will like it; there is nothing like reading and discussing God's Word.

FYI: Sunday School is not just for Kids, it is also for the Humble (
those who wish to be redeemed from death) at heart.

Good Day and God Bless
 
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