Archives for June 2016

Good morning,

Yesterday we looked at the gospel repackaged. Today we will see the gospel ignored. Few churches today still preach the uncompromised gospel message. This would be funny if it were not so sad. People’s lives are at stake. Many will perish.

The striped candy technique!

(A.W. Tozer)

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Without Biblical authority, or any other right under the sun—carnal religious leaders have introduced a host of attractions that serve no purpose except to provide entertainment for the retarded saints!

It is now common practice in most evangelical churches to offer the people, especially the young people, a maximum of entertainment–and a minimum of serious instruction. It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God’s professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of striped candy, in the form of religious movies, games and refreshments.

This has influenced the whole pattern of church life, and even brought into being a new type of church architecture, designed to house the golden calf. So we have the strange anomaly of orthodoxy in creed–and heterodoxy in practice. The striped candy technique has been so fully integrated into our present religious thinking that it is simply taken for granted. Its victims never dream that it is not a part of the teachings of Christ and His apostles!

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This is what our churches have become, places of entertainment where the lost come to die.

Thankfully, there are still good Bible believing, Bible preaching, no frills churches committed to presenting the gospel to lost souls. Their concern is seeing the lost get saved and go to heaven.

Please prayerfully consider the church you go to. What is the emphasis of the church? Is it to make you feel good or to look into the mirror of God’s word to convict your soul?

Your choice has eternal consequences.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Compromising the gospel message started long before our current generation. Today we see the gospel repackaged. Tomorrow we will see the gospel ignored.

What a shame to see the message of Jesus trampled upon because the hearers do not want to hear and obey. There is coming a time of judgment.

Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it

(J.C. Ryle, “Knots Untied” 1896)

Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.

The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.

The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.

Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers–is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise–are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them–because their spiritual taste is diseased.

This was written in 1896. It has gotten progressively worse over the years. Pastors, teachers, church workers do not have the authority to change the God’s clear message of salvation.

Pray for pastors, teachers, church workers that they present the gospel simply and clearly.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is a powerful devotion. Pray with thanksgiving for all the things God has done for you. He is willing to help whenever there is a need.

If there were an ant at the door of your granary!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Do not be afraid–for I Myself will help you–declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14

Today, let us hear the Lord Jesus speak to each one of us: “I Myself will help you! It is but a small thing for Me, your God, to help you. Consider what I have done already. What! not help you? Why, I bought you with My blood. What! not help you? Why, I have died for you! And if I have done the greater–will I not do the lesser? Help you? Before the world began–I chose you. I laid aside My glory and became a man for you. I gave up My life for you! And if I did all this–I will surely help you now. If you had need of a thousand times as much help–I would give it to you. You require little, compared with what I am ready to give. It is much for you to need–but it is nothing for Me to bestow.

What! not help you? Fear not! If there were an ant at the door of your granary, asking for help–it would not ruin you to give him a handful of your wheat! Just so, you are nothing but a tiny insect at the door of My all-sufficiency!”

“I Myself will help you!” O my soul, is not this enough? Bring your empty pitcher here! Surely this well will fill it. Hasten! gather up your needs, and bring them here–your emptiness, your woes, your troubles. Behold, this river of God is full for your supply. What more can you desire? The Eternal God is your helper!

“The Lord is with me–He is my helper!” Psalm 118:7

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God can supply all your needs. He created you, keeps you, watches over you, provides for you, and protects you. What a blessing.

Thank God for all He does on your behalf.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week our church has special meetings where we will be studying God’s word. The theme is prophecy taught from the Bible. God calls believers workman. We need to read, study, pray, and then teach God’s word to others. The Bible tells us what to do.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. ⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:4-5)

Are you doing these things? Begin NOW!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

What is Bible doctrine? It is the teachings of God’s word. Today we will learn why doctrine is important.

Our doctrine is utterly meaningless!

(Don Fortner)

“Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:10

The study of the Bible should always be practical and applicable to our lives day by day. That is to say, we are to set forth in our lives as well as in our doctrine–the beauty, glory, and attractiveness of the gospel of Christ. We must have our lives regulated and governed by the gospel.

Let us take great care to conform our lives to our doctrine. Doctrine and duty cannot be separated. Every truth discovered in the Word of God ought to be applied to our lives. If our character and conduct does not reflect the grace and glory of God revealed in the gospel, our doctrine is utterly meaningless!

Gospel preachers are responsible to pointedly apply the gospel to the daily affairs and responsibilities of men and women in this world. It is every pastor’s responsibility to faithfully to teach people how to live in this world for the glory of Christ, applying the Word of God to every area of life. It is the responsibility of God’s saints to obey the gospel, applying it personally to every area of their lives.

Always be prepared to give up any doctrine or practice that is not found in Holy Scripture and to embrace anything revealed in the Book of God, no matter what the sacrifice, no matter what the consequence.

“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1

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The challenge for us as believers is to take God’s word and apply it to our lives. God gave us His Word specifically so we would know who He is, how the world was created, what sin is, who Jesus is, why He came, and what He did.  Also, we are taught what is expected of us, how we are to perform His teachings, what the desired outcome will be, and future events.

All we have to do is OBEY.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. Today’s devotional will show us how.

His teaching makes practical Christians!

(James Smith)

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name–He will teach you all things!” John 14:26

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher of the church. To Him the promise refers, “All Your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

He taught the apostles all things necessary for their office and work.

He teaches the true ministers of Christ, leading them into the truth as it is in Jesus.

And He teaches every believer–all that is really necessary for him to know!

The Bible is the lesson-book,
the believer is the scholar,
the blessed Spirit is the teacher, and
experimental religion is the education!

No one teaches like Him!
He teaches us . . .
gradually,
silently, and
always effectually!
For only what the Spirit teaches us–do we really know!

He teaches us . . .
  what God requires in His Word,
what He has provided in His gospel;
what Christ is to His people,
what His people are to Him.

His teaching makes practical Christians–for He always teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world!

We need to yield ourselves to the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today Jesus reiterates his direction to John to write what he sees in a book. Jesus also reveals the mystery of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks.

John Writes of Future Events (19-20)

¹⁹ Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ²⁰The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

We are in the last days. The rapture of the Church is very near. Besides receiving a blessing for reading the Book of Revelation, it helps us enlighten non-believers of the upcoming judgment and how to avoid it. Revelation is a book of warning. May God help us to teach believers and warn the unbelievers.

CONCLUSION

• JESUS WILL RETURN
• JESUS RETURN IS IMMINENT
  
• JESUS RETURNS IN GLORY
• JESUS RETURNS AS JUDGE
• JESUS COMES WITH WARNING TO THE CHURCHES

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today John is given instruction by the Lord Jesus Christ to write in a book what he sees and send it to the seven churches. Again, look for the pictures of Christ.

Salvation to the Churches (7-18)

⁷ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.⁸ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.⁹ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,¹¹ Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.¹² And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;¹³ And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ¹⁴ His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; ¹⁵ And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.¹⁶ And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

How is Jesus portrayed today? The Alpha and Omega, beginning and the ending, which is, was, and is to come, Almighty, one like the Son of man, hair white as wool, white as snow, feet like brass, voice like the sound of many waters, out of mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, He that liveth, was dead, and is alive for evermore, and He has the keys of hell and of death.

That is all John’s earthly mind could comprehend. It was much more glorious than words could describe.

Jesus tells John to fear not. When we obey the Lord Jesus we have nothing to fear.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today God gives us the who, what, when, where, and why for the Book of Revelation.  There is also a blessing to those who will read, hear, and keep the prophetic word.

Revelation of Jesus Christ to John (1-3)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.³ Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

To the Seven Churches in Asia (4-6)

⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;⁵ And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,⁶ And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As we continue on, watch for different references to Christ. Today Jesus was called the “faithful witness”, the “first begotten of the dead”, and the “prince of the kings of the earth”. It is said that He “loved us” and “washed us from our sins in his own blood”.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

These two devotions complement each other. Spurgeon tells us about God’s wisdom in salvation and Tozer tells us about man’s wisdom in evangelism.

The matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her!” Ephesians 5:25

The more I consider the doctrine of substitution–the more is my soul enamored of the matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation. As for a hazy atonement which atones for everybody in general, and for nobody in particular–an atonement made equally for Judas and for John–I care nothing for it. But a literal, substitutionary sacrifice, Christ vicariously bearing the wrath of God on my behalf–this calms my conscience with regard to the righteous demands of the law of God, and satisfies the instincts of my nature which declare that, as God is just, He must exact the penalty of my guilt!

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep!” John 10:11

The evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity!

(A.W. Tozer)

Any objection to the evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity, is met with the triumphant reply, “But we are winning the lost!”

And what are you winning them to?

To true discipleship?
To cross-carrying?
To self-denial?
To separation from the world?
To crucifixion of the flesh?
To holy living?
To nobility of character?
To a despising of the world’s treasures?
To total committal to Christ?

Of course, the answer to all these questions is NO!

When we evangelize the lost, it must be more than 5 verses and a prayer. It is the responsibility of the evangelist, soul winner, and church to take the newly converted and teach them about Jesus. Salvation is step 1. Then begins the life long process of helping the new believer become more like Jesus.  This would not be accepted by many churches.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001