Archives for 2015

Good morning,

This week we will study the book of Amos. Today we will look at Chapters 4-8.

Chapters 4-8 Amos warns that Israel will be destroyed, and gives examples of this judgment. Amos comes, announces God’s coming judgment to the Northern Kingdom and uses the phrase, “the day of the Lord” referring to God intervening to punish and judge the wicked city, which would eventually be exile by the Assyrians.

• …yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. (Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11) Even though Israel had been punished through famine, no rain, disease and mildew, pestilence, and fire, they would not return to the Lord
• …seek me… (Amos 5:4, 6, 8, 14) For thus saith theLord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: (Amos 5:4)
• Seek good not evil (Amos 5:14-15) Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so theLord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
• God despises ceremonies without righteousness (Amos 5:21-27) Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith theLord, whose name is The God of hosts. (Amos 5:27)
• Judgment upon Israel (Amos 6:14, 7:16-17) But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith theLord the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness. (Amos 6:14) Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac. ¹⁷ Therefore thus saith the Lord; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land. (Amos 7:16-17)
• Famine of God’s Word (Amos 8:11-12) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: ¹² And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

God is a longsuffering. However, His longsuffering has its limits. When god continues to try and get our attention and we reject it, we are ripe for God’s judgment. God is looking for people with repentant hearts. He wants us to seek Him, return to Him, and seek good over evil. God promises life for those who will.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the book of Amos. Today we will look at Chapters 1-3.

Chapter 1-3 Amos came as the days of the wicked Northern Kingdom were winding down. The people were religious but it was sadly superficial. Amos announces that the neighboring nations would be punished. There were many of these wicked nations including Damascus, Gaza, Edom, and Tyre.

• Transgressions of Judah (Amos 2:4-5) Thus saith theLord; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: ⁵ But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.
• Transgressions of Israel (Amos 2:6-8) Thus saith theLord; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; ⁷ That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name: ⁸ And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.
• What God intends to do (Amos 2:14-16) Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: ¹⁵ Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself. ¹⁶ And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith theLord.
• Destruction of Israel (Amos 3:14-15) That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. ¹⁵ And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith theLord.

This lesson should remind us that even though Israel was part of God’s chosen people, He still punished them for their wickedness. God will do the same for the child of God, if we continue to rebel against God. Be careful what you say and do.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study the book of Amos. Who is Amos and what did he do? Glad you asked.

The prophet Amos was born in the territory of Judah but he prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel and the wicked King Jeroboam II. Amos prophesied against the nations around Israel and also condemned the northern kingdom of Israel for breaking God’s laws. He prophesied at the city of Bethel where King Jeroboam II resided, which had become a center for idol worship. He prophesied that the Israelites would be conquered by the Assyrians and removed from this place. Amos said that God could no more be in a relationship with the people of Israel that a man could be with an adulterous wife.

The purpose of the book of Amos was to announce God’s holy judgment on the Kingdom of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), call them to repentance, and to turn from their self-righteous sins and idolatry. God raised up the prophet Amos, as an act of His great mercy to a people who repeatedly shunned and disobeyed Him.

Tomorrow we will look at Chapters 1-3.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is thought provoking.

 Where are you going?

(Charles Orr, “How to Live a Holy Life”)

We have only one life to live–only one! Think of this for a moment.

Here we are in this world of time, making the journey of life. Each day we are farther from the cradle–and nearer to the grave! Solemn thought!

See the mighty concourse of human lives; hear their heavy tread in their onward march. Some are just beginning life’s journey; some are midway up the hill, some have reached the top, and some are midway down the western slope. But where are we all going? Listen and you will hear but one answer, “Eternity!” Beyond the fading, dying gleams of the sunset of life–lies a boundless, endless ocean called Eternity! There, you and I are daily traveling.

Time is like a great wheel going its round. On and on it goes. Some are stepping on–and some are stepping off. But where are these latter stepping? Into eternity! See that old man with bent form, snow-white locks, and tottering steps–his has been a long round, but he has reached his end at last. See the middle-aged man–his round has not been so long, but he must also step off. See the youth–he has been on only a little while, but he is brought to the stepping-off place. He thought his round would be much longer. He supposed that he was just getting started–when that icy hand was laid upon him and the usher said, “Come, you have made your round, and you must go!” The infant that gave its first faint cry this morning–may utter its last feeble wail tonight!

And thus they go. But where? Oh, where? ETERNITY!

If you were to start today and ask each person you met the question, “Where are you going?“ and, if possible, you were to travel the world over and ask each one of earth’s inhabitants–there could be but one correct answer, “Eternity!”

“Oh, eternity, Long eternity!
Hear the solemn footsteps of eternity!”

Only one life to live! Only one life–and then we must face vast, endless eternity! We shall pass along the pathway of life but once. Every step we take–is a step that can never be taken again.

This world is not a play-ground–or a place to trifle with time. Life is not given us to squander nor fritter away. To trifle away time, is indeed, to be the greatest of spendthrifts. If you squander a dollar–you may regain it; but a moment wasted–can never be regained. God gives us all the time we need to accomplish all that He purposes us to accomplish–but He does not give us one moment to trifle away.

We have only one life to live–only one!

This is a sobering thought wherever you are in life. No guarantees for tomorrow.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Holy Ghost played an important part on the day of Pentecost. We will be looking at Acts1 and 2 this week. Today we conclude our study of Acts 1 and 2. The church grew rapidly and continued to grow because of the teaching of the apostles.

The church grows (2:41-42)

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. ⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Conclusion:

• Jesus fulfilled His promise that the believers would be baptized with the Holy Ghost
• When the believers were filled with the Holy Ghost they did receive power and were witnesses
• The ability to speak and be understood in many languages was for the purpose of proclaiming salvation in Jesus Christ
• Peter preached with the power of the Holy Ghost and 3000 people were saved

Verse 42 tells us how the new believers grew in their relationship to Jesus Christ. They continued to study the things of Christ, fellowshipped around God’s word, ate together, and were in a constant state of prayer.

The church is that place of study, worship, fellowship, and prayer. Please attend and become involved in your local church this weekend.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Holy Ghost played an important part on the day of Pentecost. We will be looking at Acts1 and 2 this week. Today we see the response to Peter’s message.

The people respond: “…what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37-38)

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? ³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When we witness, teach, or preach God’s word, the desired outcome should be to repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Did you see what the Holy Ghost did? First, He made them able to hear what Peter preached in their own language. Second, He convicted them so they were “…pricked in their heart…” or smitten in their conscience.  Third, He allowed them to see their need and ask “…what shall we do?”

The Holy Ghost (Spirit) is still convicting men and women of sin today. Pray, go, tell, others of the Good News of Jesus payment for our sin, through His blood sacrifice on the cross, burial in the grave, resurrection the third day, and ascension to Heaven.  Then watch what the Holy Spirit will do.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The Holy Ghost played an important part on the day of Pentecost. We will be looking at Acts1 and 2 this week. Today we will look at the answer to the three previous questions and then Peter’s message and conclusion. Tomorrow we will see how the crowd reacted to Peter’s message.

The answer: the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:16-21, Joel 2:28-32)

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; ¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: ¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: ¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: ²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: ²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Peter proclaims Christ (Acts 2:22-36) Key: Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter cites Joel 2:16-21 and Psalm 16:8-11 to explain to the people about pouring out of God’s Spirit and what was prophesied about Christ. He concludes by stating that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.

Is that who Jesus is to you? If not, allow Jesus to be Lord of your life. If He is Lord of your life, live for Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

The Holy Ghost played an important part on the day of Pentecost. We will be looking at Acts1 and 2 this week. Today we will look at what happened when the believers were filled with the Holy Ghost.

Filled with the Holy Ghost (2:1-4)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Three questions (2:6-8, 12)

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? ⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

The answer is found in an Old Testament prophet. Can anyone tell me which one? We will find out tomorrow.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

The Holy Ghost played an important part on the day of Pentecost. We will be looking at Acts1 and 2 this week. Today we will look at Jesus promise and purpose for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

1) Jesus promise of the baptism with the Holy Ghost (1:1-5)

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: ³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: ⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. ⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

2) Purpose of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (1: 8)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The baptism with the Holy Ghost was for the purpose of evangelism, winning people to Jesus Christ. When the Holy Ghost came upon the believers they had a bold and powerful witness.

Since all of today’s believers receive the Holy Ghost at the time of salvation, we too have that opportunity to be a bold and powerful witness. The Great Commission is not complete. There are still souls who need to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Will we avail ourselves of the opportunity?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm. There are references to the Lord Jesus Christ. We will study the rebellion of the heathen, the response of the Lord God, the declaration of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the Psalmist counsel to the kings of the earth.  Today we will look at the Psalmist counsel to the kings of the earth.

Psalmist counsel (v 10-12) Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

• To kings and judges (v 10-11) Be wise, be instructed. Serve the Lord with fear. Rejoice with trembling
• To them and all (v 12)

Kiss the Son lest He be angry.

And you perish from the way.

When His wrath is kindled but a little.

Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Conclusion:

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (v 11)

We need to follow the counsel of the Psalmist. “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” Let that be us.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001