LIVE PURE LIVES

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

GRASP Haggai's message of encouragement to press forward in rebuilding the Temple; REALIZE that reneging on promises to God yields catastrophic results; and DEVELOP ways to commit to doing God's work. 

FOCAL VERSES Haggai 2:10-19

KEEP IN MIND

"Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the promegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you" (Haggai 2:19)

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Lesson (Haggai 2:10-13)

2. The Indictment (vv. 14-17)

3. The Forward Press (vv. 18-19)

IN FOCUS STORY

The Church was finally complete and the first service was scheduled for the next day. As Deanna and Anita jumped rope in front of the new church, they laughed about what they had done. After helping clean the new building and prepare for the exuberant service, the girls made a mess in the kitchen and did not clean it up. They thought no one would notice, so they left the disaster they created. 

The girls were excited because they had been chosen to escort the pastor down the aisle for the service. However, their parents found out what they had done in the kitchen and refused to allow them to participate. At the service, the committee thanked the people who helped make the event successful, but omitted Deanna and Anita's names. The girls were very disappointed, and hoped helping clean the building would excuse what they had done. 

Sin always has consequences. Sometimes that punishment is not quickly obvious, but the punishment must run its course before blessing can begin. In today's lesson, we learn that God will bless His people when they recognize their sin, repent, and obey Him. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Cyrus. The most celebrated of the Achaemenid (a name for the first Persian empire) leaders was Cyprus the Great, who ruled Persia from 559-530 B.C. Coming to the throne at about the age of forty, Cyprus ruled Persia for about three decades. He is remembered as an effective leader and innovative administrator of the vast Persian empire, a leader who for the most part succeeded in gaining the trust and goodwill of his subjects. Persia's dominance in the ancient Near East was secured when Cyprus's forces captured the Babylonian empire. Cyprus sought to encourage and befriend his subjects by granting them considerable religious freedom. 

Darius. Darius I Hystapes came to power in Persian in 522 B.C. after first disposing of the perceived imposter, Gaumata. He was 28 years old at the time. Darius settled into what would be a long effective reign (522-486 B.C.). In addition to his military exploits, Darius is remembered for his contributions to the organization for the empire, the development of roads and postal service within the empire, the organizational structure of the Persian military, the revision of legal and tax systems, the expansion of building infrastructure, and innovation with regard to coinage. 

BACKGROUND

Haggai's previous sermon had been given in the second year of King Darius, or 520 B.C. In the Jewish calender, the twenty-first day of the seventh month was the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, when work was suspended to celebrate the time of the harvest (Haggai 2:1). The timing of that message was opportune because his audience had reason to be in Jerusalem and were available to gather. 

In addition to commemorating the experiences of the Israelites wandering the wilderness, the Feast of Tabernacles was also a time for celebrating God's provision through the harvest. But on this occasion, a dark cloud hung over what should have been joyous remembrance. A drought had reduced agricultural production to a fraction of what it should have been. Because of these recent crop failures, the people were probably less inclined to celebrate then they might have been in good times. 

Since the presentation of Haggai's first sermon, less then two months had passed. In that small amount of time, however, the people's outlook had changed significantly. Discouragement over the enormity of their task now threatened the success of the mission. Haggai's challenge was to address these issues and instill a vision of what the future held for the Temple structure and for the nation. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. Who told Haggai to ask the priests about the law (Haggai 2:11)?

2. Where did the blasting heat, mildew, and hail come from (v. 17)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. The Israelites understood that their current obedience did not wipe out their past sin and its punishments. That punishment had to run its course, but eventually God promised to bless the people with better harvests-even before they obeyed. What does this say about God's grace and expectations for His people? What does this say about the hardship we face?

2. What encouragement did God give Israel to help them press on? What encouragement does He give us?

3. In the In Focus Story, Deanna and Anita thought their disobedience would be overlooked. How might past disobedience in our lives play itself out in our current situations?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Some people seem to participate in every program or service at church, but that doesn't mean that their motives are always pure. What might be the purposes of their involvement? Does their constant presence and work exemplify holy living? Many good deeds are done, but what constitutes doing good for the Name of the Lord? How can we help new saints, young people, and others learn the importance of motive and intent when serving God?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

Works, good deeds, or outstanding accomplishments will not save our souls, but our salvation causes us to work for the glory of our Lord. If you have the Holy Ghost, it is not because of your good works, but it should spur you to do excellent service for Jesus Christ. If you are not yet saved, you opportunity is here - now to ask God to fill you with His Spirit. 

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

TRUST GOD'S PROMISE

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW God's promise to the Isralites linked to His command to rebuild the Temple; TRUST that God pledges assistance and prosperity in response to obedience to Him; and IDENTIFY ways that God seeks our obedience and how we can demonstrate it. 

FOCAL VERSES  Haggai 1:12-15, 2:1-9

KEEP IN MIND

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:9). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Fear of the Lord Restored (Haggai 1:12)

2. The Former Glory Revisited (2:1-3)

3. The Promise Reaffirmed (vv. 4-5)

4. The New Prophecy Revealed (vv. 6-9)

IN FOCUS STORY

James grew up in the projects in Nashville. His school was tough and his neighborhood was tougher. Still, James became a high school all-American athlete. He was aggressively recruited by some of the top collegiate teams in the country. James always dreamed of going pro and believed that God wanted to use him to help his family and community. He promised God that if God made a way, he would come back and do what God wanted him to do. 

A few years later, James reached his goal. He applied to, and was accepted by, one of the top-ranked programs, and worked hard. He was drafted in his junior. He signed a multi-million-dollar deal, and guest appearances and endorsement soon followed. James started a foundation and asked his mother to manage the day-to-day operations. They built a community center that was the fulfillement of a dream and a promise to God to give Him glory by giving back to others. 

God blesses our obedience in many ways. In today's lesson, we will see how God proclaimed His promise of restored glory to the returning exiles as they obeyed His command to rebuild His Temple. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Zerubbabel. The son of Shealtiel from the line of Judah; his name means "seed or offspring of Babylon." His Babylonian name was Sheshbazzar, and he was recognized as a prince while in captivity. He was believed to be a man of great influence in direct service to King Cyrus. He led the first wave of exiles from Babylonian captivity. Zerubbabel was given favor with the king to rebuild the second Temple and reestablish worship in Jerusalem.

 

Joshua. A common name among the Hebrews, he is distinguished as son of Jehozadak. The name means "Jehovah is his help" or "Jehovah the Savior." His father, who was also a priest, served while in exile, which means Joshua was probably born in exile. Appointed by King Cyrus in 535 B.C. after the captivity in Babylon, he and Zerubbabel led the first wave of exiles in returning to their homeland and rebuilding the Temple. 

BACKGROUND

In the previous lesson, we saw how the exiles were released from captivity and returned with great energy to rebuild their land and worship. However, a series of setbacks led them to stop rebuilding God's Temple. Through Haggai, God rebuked them for leaving the rebuilding of the Temple unfinished when faced with opposition. The Lord called on them to "consider their ways" (Haggai 1:5, 7) and realize the results of their irreverence when His commands were selfishly ignored-economic downtown, lost wages, and unfruitfulness (vv. 7-11). God called the political and spiritual leaders to direct the people away from their folly. With God on their side and the favor King Cyrus had given Zerubbabel and Joshua for rebuilding the Temple, they had no excuse (v. 1). 

The Temple was symbolic of God's presence and power; it was their place of worship. Leaving the Temple undone was not an option. God extended mercy by sending His prophet to show the people their sin and to help them return to God. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What did the people do in response to Haggai's message (Haggai 1:12)?

2. What did Haggai ask the elders to compare (Haggai 2:3)?

3. How did Haggai encourage the people and the leaders (vv. 4-5)?

4. What did God promise would happen to the nations (vv. 6-7)?

5. What blessing did God promise (vv. 8-9)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING 

1. Why was it necessary to encourage the leaders and the people? How often do we encourage our leaders? What can you do to encourage your pastor? 

2.What is the impact of corporate obedience on communities?

3. What does it mean to rest on the promises of God? How can we do that today?

4. James, in the In Focus Story, completed a project that blessed the community. What obstacles do you think were in his way? What encouragement do you think God gave him? What made James follow through after he "made it big"?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

As saints of God, we can take a leadership role in helping our nation turn back to God- one neighborhood at a time. When opportunities arise, we can seek the guidance of the Lord to live, act, and reflect His love. Is He guiding you to help in the community? To reach out to a family in need? To give your resources and talent to make a difference in a way you've never tried before? Take the time to pray and then proceed trusting the Lord for success. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. This week, take advantage of daily opportunities to consciously obey God and reflect His character. Pray about particular situation He places on your heart. Find Scripture(s) that help you understand God's desires and promises. Write in a journal what the Lord speaks to you and record answered prayer. 

2. We were created to bring God glory. If you have been baptized in Jesus' Name and filled with the Holy Ghost, ask God to forgive your daily missteps and wanderings. Ask Him to let you appreciate His power so that you can glorify His Name in all you do. If you have not made Jesus your choice, today is the day that you can be saved. Be baptized in His Name and seek the Holy Ghost. He has promised to give you what you need to follow Him. Trust that He will. 

(Except from Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

OBEY THE LORD

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

EXPLAIN why God commanded Haggai to tell the Israelites to rebuild the Temple, INTERNALIZE the connection between the neglect of God's house and the poor results of the Israelites' selfish efforts; and LIST ways to carry out God's desires before attempts to satisfy our personal agendas. 

FOCAL VERSES HAGGAI 1:1-11

KEEP IN MIND 

"Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?"  (Haggai 1:3-4). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Call to Rebuild (Haggai 1:1-2)

2. Call to Reflect (vv. 3-9)

3. Call to Reap (vv. 10-11)

IN FOCUS STORY

Brain and Carmen were third generation Apostolic. They had been members of their home church since they were children, but over time things started to change. They noticed that the church was not an active part of the community anymore, and grew especially concerned about the church's lack of commitment to social justice. The pastor admitted he lacked the support of the congregation for giving care to a changing community. As the members grew more successful in their personal lives, they began to focus more on their own prosperity rather than helping others. 

Brain and Carmen were discouraged because it was not the church they had know growing up. They began visiting other churches and prayed about whether they should move their membership. Ultimately, they agreed not to move until they received clear direction from the Lord. 

There is nothing wrong with personal pursuits of success. When they interfere with following through with God's assignments, however, we ought not to be surprised if he corrects or disciplines us. In today's lesson, the prophet Haggai was sent to call the returning remnant back to God's business. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Prophet. As God's messenger, a prophet's responsibility was to represent, declare, and announce God's will to the people. A prophet was not primarily a "fore" teller but a "forth" teller. The prophets spoke about social, cultural, and political situations and gave moral and spiritual guidance to God's people. In particular, the prophets carried oracles from God directed at Israel, Judah, and surrounding foreign nations. The purpose of such oracles was to reiterate God's promises to their ancestors, give assurance of His presence, correct the people by expressing His displeasure, or give warning before judgement for wrongdoing. Interwoven in Israel's prophetic message before, during, and after the exile were foreshadows of the coming Messiah. 

Temple. Building erected and sanctified for the worship of God. King Solomon completed the first structure in the 11th year of his reign in 949 B.C., which mirrored the composition of the tabernacle-containing the outer court, inner court and most holy place. The Temple has great significance in Jewish history, as it housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God. The Levites (descendants of Levi) were designated caretakers of the Temple, and only the high priest was allowed to enter into the most holy place once a year, as he represented God to the people and the people before God. The Babylonians destroyed the first Temple in 586 B.C. when the southern kingdom was led into captivity (2 Kings 25:9). 

BACKGROUND

After seventy years in captivity in Babylon, the Israelites were allowed to return to their native land. King Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonians in 538/9 B.C., and he then decreed that the exiled people could return to their land, reestablish worship of their God, and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-8; cf. Isaiah 44:28). The first order of business was to record an account of the first wave of people returning from captivity. Their first goal was building an altar on the Temple site and the re-institution of the sacrificial system (Ezra 2-3). In 535 B.C., plans were underway to rebuild the Temple as the foundation was laid, but work stopped in 520 B.C. due to political and economic struggles with neighboring nations who were "adversaries of Judah and Benjamin" (Ezra 4:1). Sixteen years passed. It wasn't until the second year of King Darius' reign that the release was given to resume work in 520/1 B.C. God called both Haggai and Zechariah to usher in revival by imploring His people to honor Him by finishing what they started. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What were the people doing that displeased God (Haggai 1:3)?

2. What did God direct the people to do in order to please Him

 (v. 8)?

3. How did God show His displeasure with the priorities of the people (vv. 6, 9-11)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Why do you think God specifically called out Zerubbabel and Joshua? How can saints hold our political  and spiritual leaders respectfully accountable? Should we?

2. What does it mean for us to "consider our ways"? Should our socioeconomic conditions influence our response to that command?

3. Re-read verse 6. Why didn't these results lead the people to "consider their ways"? Are there examples of this lack of success in our lives and churches today?

4. In the In Focus Story, Brain and Carmen have noticed a difference in their church that has taken the focus away form doing the work of the Lord. What advice would you give them? Is their issue unique or is it a trend in Apostolic churches today?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

It is easy for us to get caught up in our own world and not consider what is happening around us. Our love for God and others demonstrates ways in which we may honor God in our daily lives. In fact, Jesus stated that all the commandments and prophetic passage of the Old Testament hang on those two concepts-loving God and loving our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). God's heard for justice and righteousness has not changed. In what ways are you personally and the Apostolic church collectively reaching our to families in your community-and across the world-who can use your support? How important is it to go beyond the walls to do the work that is pleasing to God?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

This week, take to heart Haggai's message to "consider your ways." Consider the purity of your motives; is God truly the head of your life and at the center of it all? Do you hold the things of God in high esteem or have you started to give more attention to your personal comfort and agenda? Allow the Holy Ghost to show you the areas where your commitment to God need improvement-those things you know the Lord has tugged on your heart to start or complete. Seek to promptly obey the Lord when He gives you instructions to move, not so you can receive but so His glory and blessings can be shown to others. 

(Except for the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL;

EXPLORE the biblical and spiritual principles behind loving God and our neighbors; DESIRE to genuinely express kindness to those we meet; and PRAY for forgiveness for not universally applying God's love. 

FOCAL VERSES Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-34

KEEP IN MIND

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31). 

AT-A-GLANCE

1. Love Defined (Leviticus 19:18)

2. Love Commanded (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

3. Love Lived (Mark 12:28-34)

IN FOCUS STORY

The fact that Darrin was in the car alone did not stop him from talking and mumbling under his breath. "I am so sick of this. This guy had better not come up to my car asking my to by some homeless newspaper. It's at the point where you can't stop at a light or pull into a gas station without someone begging."

Darrin wished the light would change. He kept his gaze ahead. He didn't even want to feel sorry for this jerk. For some reason, however, his gaze drifted to the man. That's when he recognized the man's disfigured ear. It was Clyde.

He and Clyde had grown up together in the projects. Clyde's family had always had problems. His dad was in jail and his mom had overwhelming mental issues. His grandmother took care of them. He had been with Clyde during the accident; Darrin had come out unscathed, but Clyde's ear was badly damaged and he lost his hearing in that ear. His family couldn't afford the plastic surgery or any other medical attention, so Clyde bore a disfigurement and disability for life. When Darrin's family moved, he lost touch with Clyde.

Ashamed, Darrin pulled his care over and got out. "Wow," he said this time. "I went on with my life. I should have loved my neighbor enough to find him before now." He walked to Clyde and extended his hand. 

In today's lesson, we can discover what it means to love God with all of our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Scribes. The scribes were more than just copiers. During the time that Israel was captive in Babylon, they became interpreters and preservers of the Scriptures. They knew ancient and contemporary law in depth and functioned in society as judges and lawyers. Although they were often associated with the Pharisees, they were separate group. In the Gospels, they were usually arguing with Jesus over legal matters. 

Whole Burnt Offerings and Sacrifices. A whole burnt offering was the whole of an animal, usually a lamb or a bull. The whole animal carcass was placed on the altar, burned, and consumed with fire. The offerings were placed on the altar daily in the temple courts, and their smoke could be seen on a daily basis. This offering symbolized complete and total dedication to God and His will. Those who offered it saw giving of this offering and other sacrifices as and act of religious devotion to God. 

Kingdom of God. The kingdom of  God was understood to be the rule and reign of God over His people and the whole earth. This was to be accomplished through the Messiah, who would defeat the enemies of God's people and establish a kingdom of peace and justice. It became the hope and dream of the Jews, and expectation was that God would expel the Romans and establish a Jewish king. This was the desire of the Jewish population living in Palestine. Jesus infused this term with spiritual meaning as well, and it became synonymous with the working of the Holy Spirit and righteousness in the life of God's people. 

BACKGROUND

The scribes often argued with Jesus about the correct way to interpret the law. Jesus was questioned on a topic that was currently debated by many rabbis and priest in Israel-which commanded was the greatest. At the time, rabbis, such as Hillel, did not think that all the commandments held equal importance. The idea was to find the "parent" commandment from which all the other commands could be reduced. Jesus responded with two passages familiar to His audience, defining His understanding of the law what is means to truly follow God's commands. 

The command to love was prominent in the Jewish Scriptures and in the religious life of Israel. Love was given first to God. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 states the loyalty that the Israelites were to give God and God alone by loving or desiring Him with all their hearts, minds and strength. This passage is called the Shema. The words of the Shema were to be worn on the hands and head and placed on the doorpost in order to remind faithful Jews of the obligations. Jesus stated that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all of our being. 

The next passage that Jesus cited has to do with love on a social relational level. This command first appears in Leviticus 19:18. In this verse, the Israelites were commanded against holding grudges or taking revenge one each other, but instead to love their neighbors as themselves. This command was given in the context of fostering love between fellow Israelites. Later on, it was widened to include others outside of the nation of Israel. Jesus made this command the second greatest command in the whole Bible. Together, both of these commands constitute what it means to express and experience the kingdom of God. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. What actions are in opposition to love (Leviticus 19:18)?

2. What are the indicators of the importance of teaching children to love according to the command of God (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)?

3. Why did the scribe ask Jesus  which commandment was greatest (Mark 12:28)?

4. Explain why we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (v. 30). 

5. What does it mean to be "no far from the kingdom of God" (v. 34)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. How can we make loving God and others a priority in our lives?

2. How do these three passages expand the understanding of what it means to love our neighbor?

3. Deuteronomy goes to great length to describe how Israel was to teach children the command of God to love Him and its neighbors. How can we pass the principles of love to our children today?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

In a global world, our neighbors are limitless. How can we bring love to our neighborhoods and our cities? As the Apostolic Pentecostal church, what responsibility do we have to carry out the commands of Leviticus and Deuteronomy? How can we bring the love of Jesus to a dying world?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

1. Every day we have the opportunity to love God as our highest priority, and to love our neighbor wholeheartedly. Loving our neighbor as ourselves is a sign that God is working in us. Examine your innermost emotions and identify those people you have not loved as you should. Regardless of what hinders your love for them, make the first step-a call, a letter, a text, a tweet. Do whatever it takes to move toward loving as you should. 

2. In order to love God with all of our being. we must commit to setting aside time daily for prayer and meditation on His Word. Commit to memorizing Scriptures. Make it a habit think of Him throughout the day. Give practical attention to loving your neighbor as yourself. Ask God to help you learn to speak encouragement to others. Make a plan now to live our the Word daily. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Inc.)

JESUS' TEACHING ON THE LAW

AIM FOR CHANGE

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

IDENTIFY how this lesson clarifies the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law; REFLECT on the impact of traditions on our faith; and CONSIDER whether we have kept traditions without regard to their spiritual significance or truth. 

FOCAL VERSES Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20

KEEP IN MIND

"This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men"

(Matthew 15:8-9).

AT-A-GLANCE

1. The Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 15:1-9)

2. The Crowds (vv. 10-11)

3. The Disciples (vv. 15-20)

IN FOCUS STORY

Carl always thought part of being a good Christian was the ability to pay tithes. When he lost his job, he found him self  in an awkward situation, having to choose between paying tithes and using his unemployment checks to pay for basic necessities. He began to feel bad about his inability to tithe. 

One day he decided to talk to his pastor about how guilty he felt. "Pastor, since I've been unemployed, I haven't been paying my tithes. I feel terrible about it. I know I'm required to do this and that it's an obligation, but living off unemployment gives men so little to work with. Julia and I still have two kids to feed and since the economy tanked, our house note has gone up along with our taxes. She's working, but she does't make much and nothing new is coming along for her either. I fell like God won't forgive men for not being able to tithe. What should I do?"

In this lesson, Jesus challenges the Pharisees and scribes regarding their practice of honoring traditions over the truth God's Word. 

THE PEOPLE, PLACES, and TIMES

Pharisees. As one of the largest groups of Jewish religious leaders in the New Testament, they transformed the focus of Judaism from sacrifice to law. They accepted the Scripture (our Old Testament) as the authority because they believed the way to God was obedience to the law. Problems arose, however, because over the years they added hundreds of religious traditions to the law and thn made those traditions as important as the law. They were fierce opponents of Jesus because He refuted their interpretation of the law and many of their traditions. 

Hypocrite. A Greek word, the original meaning was to five an answer. The meaning later shifted to describe one who is pretentious or believes he is a better person then he really is. The Synoptic Gospels describe Jesus' opposition to the religious leaders who acted like hypocrites (see Matthew 6, 15, 22-24; Mark 7; Luke 11-12).

BACKGROUND

As the first book of the New Testament, Matthew introduced Jesus Christ: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1, NKJV). Presented as a proclamation of Good News, the Gospel of Matthew establishes Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah of Israel, and the world's Savior. 

The Gospel of Matthew records the birth of Jesus to Mary, who was a virgin; her subsequent marriage to Joseph; the wise men who came to visit the infant Jesus; and the fleeing of Joseph and Mary to Egypt after an angel of the Lord warned Joseph to take his family there for protection. The Gospel of Matthew describes the birth of Jesus as fulfilling prophecy. "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel'" (from vv. 22-23, NKJV). 

Jesus taught His disciples and, through the Word of God, teaches us how to live and then how to share with others the way to become His followers. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (from 28:19-20, NKJV). 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1. How were the religious leaders using a tradition to excuse breaking God's law (Matthew 15:3-6)?

2. What prophecy by Isaiah does Jesus say fits the hypocritical actions of the religious leaders (vv. 7-9)?

3. What sins does Jesus say come "from the heart" (v. 19)?

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. Instead of immediately responding to the accusation regarding ceremonial hand washing, Jesus took the opportunity to discuss the hypocrisy behind the religious traditions. Relate this to the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law. 

2. Jesus' teaching was His response to the question about hand washing. His answer, however, was addressed to the multitude, not the leaders. Why?

3. Are there any traditions practiced by Apostolics that have been give precedence over or have no clear basis in God's Word? If so, what are these traditions? What is the result of holding traditions above spiritual truths?

4. What is your response to Carl (In Focus)? Support your response with Scripture. 

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

Our culture hold traditions high. Everything from school colors to "lucky baseball socks" can represent traditions that are accepted without knowing their meaning. People sometimes hold their traditions on the same level as their faith. Make a list of the good, bad, and suspicious traditions that have crept into religious practices. Is there any spiritual significance or danger in any of the  traditions you have listed? If so, what should be done?

MAKE IT HAPPEN

What traditions in the church or your family have been a help or hindrance to your spiritual walk? Create a list of steps to either return the negative traditions to their proper point of reference or rid yourself of them. 

(Except from the Apostolic Light Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.)