Archives for October 2015

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Acts 14:1-7 the Rejection of Jesus by unbelieving Jews. During the time of Paul, there were many Jews who believed in Jesus as their Messiah. However, there was a group of unbelieving Jews who caused division and strife. They tried to kill Paul. Paul kept on preaching Jesus Christ to all who would hear.

We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. (Psalm 106:6)

Rejection of Jesus by unbelieving Jews Acts 14:1-7

1. a) Paul preaching at Iconium v 1
2. b) Unbelieving Jews caused division v 2
3. c) Paul preaches v 3
4. d) Persecution by unbelieving Jews v 4-6
5. e) Paul preaches the gospel in Lystra and Derbe v 7

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. ³ Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. ⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ⁵ And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, ⁶ They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: ⁷ And there they preached the gospel.” (Acts 14:1-7)

Here is a great example of perseverance.  Even through persecution, Paul continued to preach God’s word. When they tried to stone him, he went to Lystra and Derbe so he could continue to preach God’s word.

In the face of no real opposition, are we willing to tell others about Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension? If not, why not?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study John 19:4-13 the Rejection of Jesus by the Chief Priests. The leadership of Israel refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah. They determined that if Jesus was the Messiah, they would lose their positions of authority and wealth.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

Rejection of Jesus by the Chief Priests John 19:4-13

1. a) Pilate presents Jesus to the multitude v 4-5
2. b) The Chief Priests response: CRUCIFY HIM v 6-7
3. c) Pilate speaks to Jesus v 8-10
4. d) Jesus responds v 11
5. e) Pilate tries to release Jesus, but does not v 12-13

“Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. ⁵ Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! ⁶ When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. ⁷ The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. ⁸ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; ⁹ And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? ¹¹ Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. ¹² And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. ¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.” (John 19:4-13)

Although the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah seems senseless, it was ordained from God Almighty. Jesus had to go to the cross, shed His precious, perfect blood for the sins of all mankind. He had to die, then be resurrected, and eventually ascend to His Father in Heaven. It was all part of God’s redemptive plan.

He did this for each of us. We now have the same decision to make. Will we reject Jesus as the Chief Priests did or accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Literally your eternal soul lies in the balance.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Psalm 106:6-42 the Rejection of God’s Plan. This Psalm shows us the goodness of God and the sinfulness of the people.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

As you read this portion of Scripture, think about all the blessings God has given to you. Then determine if you are in the same position as the people rejecting God’s blessings.

Rejection of God’s Plan v 6-42

a) We have sinned v 6

b) Red Sea V 7-12

1) God’s mighty power made known v 8

2) Dries Red Sea v 9-10

3) Enemies destroyed v 11

4) Praised God v 12

c) Waited not for God’s Counsel v 13-15

d) Rebellion against Moses and Aaron v 16-18

1) Dathan and Abiram died

2) The wicked died

e) Worship of the molten image v 19-20

f) They forgot God their savior v 21-23

1) They forgot His wonderful works v 22

2) Moses pleads for the Israelites to be spared v 23

g) They murmured v 24-25

h) They provoked the Lord v 26-31

1) God lifts up His hand to overthrow Israel v 26-27

2) Baal-peor v 28

3) Plague v 29-31

i) Waters of strife v 32-33

j) They did not destroy the nations v 34-42

1) Mingled among the heathen v 34-35

2) Served their idols v 36

3) Sacrificed their children unto devils v 37-38

4) Turned away from God v 39

5) God’s wrath kindled v 40-42

k) God’s deliverance v 43-48

1) God hears their cry v43-44

2) God remembers His covenant v 45

3) God allows them to be captured v 46

4) People repent and praise God v 47-48

There were consequences to rejection and obedience. Death, plague, strife, and God’s wrath are all examples of the consequences of choosing to reject God.  Deliverance comes with obedience.

You choose!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Psalm 106:1-5 the introduction to Psalm 106. This Psalm shows us the goodness of God and the sinfulness of the people.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

However, as in Psalm 105 we start with giving of thanks, remembrance, and worship.

Praise the Lord Psalm 106 v1-5

1. a) Give thanks v 1-2
2. b) Keep His judgments and do right v 3
3. c) Remember me, O Lord v 4
4. d) See good, rejoice in gladness, glory with other believers v 5

“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ² Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? ³ Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. ⁴ Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; ⁵ That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.” (Psalm 106:1-5)

If we fail to do the above we will fall into the sin of the people. They failed to praise, thank, obey, remember the Lord. As we will see this week, rejection, rebellion, and sin have consequences.

Today begin to practice Psalm 106:1-5.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Come out from them and be separate!

(Arthur Pink)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Men of the world form their opinions of the gospel, from what they observe in its professors. There is nothing more dangerous and injurious, than when professors of religion conform to the world so far that no clear distinction can be observed between them and the worldling.

It is sometimes alleged by professors who thus accommodate themselves to the fashions and amusements of the world, that they hope by this means to render religion attractive. But this is a weak pretext, for such conformity always tends to confirm the ungodly in their carelessness. When they see professors at the theater, or in the ballroom, their conclusion is that there is no reality in Christianity.

“Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5)

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105. Today’s focus will be on the United States. God has blessed the United States through protection, Scriptures, and provision.

God blesses the United States 

•  God allows Europeans to flee spiritual persecution
•  Original settlements were governed by Scriptural principals
• God protected the settlers
•  God provided for the settlers

Conclusion 

• God blesses Israel
• God blessed the Israel and the Church by allowing Jesus to be born and fulfill many Old Testament prophecies
• God blessed the original settlers to our land with spiritual freedom, protection, and food

 Can you think of how God has blessed the United States? Commit those to prayer and thanksgiving.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5)

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105. Today’s focus will be on the Church. God has blessed the Church through the birth of Jesus Christ.

God blesses Israel and the Church Luke 1:26-35, 2:1-7

Christ’s birth announced 1:26-35

Gabriel appears to Mary v 26-30 Key verse 30

Gabriel announces Jesus birth v 31-33 Key verse 31

Virgin birth foretold v 34-35 Key verse 35

Christ’s birth 2:1-7

1) Caesar Augustus decrees all the world to be taxed v 1-5

2) Jesus is born v 6-7 Key verse 7

The greatest blessing God ever gave to mankind was His only Son Jesus Christ. Jesus came to be the blood sacrifice for man’s sin. He was the perfect Lamb of God.

Man sins but Jesus saves!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; (Psalms 105:5)

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105. Today’s focus will be on Israel, tomorrow the Church, and the next day the United States. Psalm 105 centers on the blessings of God.

God blesses Israel Psalm 105

1. a) Praise and remembrance

1) Praise v 1-4 Key verse 1

2) Remembrance v5-8 Key verse 5

b) God blesses Israel

1) Abrahamic Covenant v 9-11 Key verse 11

2) God’s protection v 12-15 Key verse 15

3) Famine and Joseph v16-22 Key verses 21-22

4) Israel enters Egypt and increased His people v23-24

5) God’s signs to Egypt through Moses v 25-38 Key verses 37-38

6) God leads His people v 39

7) God provides food and water v 40-41

8) God keeps His promise to Abraham v 42-45 Key verse 42

These Psalms always begin with praise to God. Then the Psalmist tells us to remember what God has done for Israel.

Lest you think God is done with Israel, please read God’s covenant promises to Abraham in Genesis 12, 15, and 17. God does not lie. When God makes a covenant, He keeps it.

Israel and those that stand with Israel are blessed!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Salvation begins the great adventure of the Christian life. Octavius Winslow tells us about what Jesus is doing for us.

It is utterly impossible!

(Octavius Winslow, 1852)

It has been the distinctive aim, and the sincere desire of my ministry–to make known and to endear the Savior to your hearts.

Oh, how worthy is He . . .
of your most exalted conceptions,
of your most implicit confidence,
of your most self-denying service,
of your most fervent love!

When He could give you no more–and the fathomless depths of His love, and the boundless resources of His grace, would not be satisfied by giving you less–He gave you Himself!

Robed in your nature,
oppressed with your sorrows,
laden with your curse,
wounded for your transgressions,
and slain for your sins–
He gave His entire self for you!

His redeeming work now finished–He is perpetually engaged in meting out blessings to His people, from the exhaustless treasures of His love! He constantly woos your affection–invites your grief–and bids you to come with your daily trials to His sympathy, and with your hourly guilt to His blood. You cannot in your drafts upon Christ’s fullness, be too covetous; nor in your expectations of supply, be too extravagant! You may fail, as, alas! the most of us do, in making too little of Christ–but you cannot fail, in making too much of Him!

It is utterly impossible to know Christ, and not become inspired with a desire . . .
to love Him supremely,
to serve Him devotedly,
to resemble Him closely,
to glorify Him faithfully here,
and to enjoy Him fully hereafter!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people!

(Arthur Pink, “The Doctrine of Sanctification” 1937)

“You are complete in Him!” Colossians 2:10

The poor Christian, conscious of his weakness, his ignorance, his poverty, his vileness–is sorely tempted to be envious of others, for they seem to have “more than heart could wish”–while the longings of his heart are denied him, and that which he pursues so eagerly continues to elude his grasp.

God’s children are oppressed, sorely oppressed . . .
by their indwelling corruptions,
by their innumerable failures,
by the hidings of the Lord’s face,
by the accusations of Satan,
over the workings of unbelief,
over the coldness of their hearts,
over the insincerity of their prayers,
over their vain imaginations.

The great mistake made by most of the Lord’s people is in hoping to discover in themselves, that which is to be found in Christ alone.

“By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001