Archives for 2019

The only saint He ever loved!

(Charles Spurgeon) 

“The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastens every son He receives.” Hebrews 12:6 

Bear patiently the rod for a season, and under the darkness–still trust in God, for His love burns towards you. God loves His redeemed people with a love too deep for human imagination. He loves them with all His infinite heart!

God has not forgotten you, because He smites. His blows are no evidences of lack of love. You may fear that the Lord has passed you by–but it is not so! He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own redeemed children! He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made–or the only saint He ever loved!

“Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget, but I will never forget you!” Isaiah 49:15

“I have loved you, My people, with an everlasting love.
 With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself!” Jeremiah 31:3 

“Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end!” John 13:1 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Let me tell you a little secret!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law!” Psalm 119:18

Let me tell you a little secret: whenever you cannot understand a text, open your Bible, bend your knee, and pray over that text; and if it does not split into atoms and open itself, then try again. If prayer does not explain it, then it is one of those things that God does not intend you to know at present, and you may be content to be ignorant of it.

Prayer is the key that opens the cabinets of mystery. Prayer and faith are sacred pick locks that can open secrets, and obtain great treasures! There is no college for holy education like that of the blessed Spirit, for He is an ever-present tutor, to whom we have only to bend the knee, and He is at our side–the great expositor of truth!

You will frequently find fresh streams of thought leaping up from the passage before you, as if the rock had been struck by Moses’ rod! New veins of precious ore will be revealed to your astonished gaze as you quarry God’s Word and use diligently the hammer of prayer! 

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth!” John 16:13 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Gone so soon without a trace!

(Thomas Watson, “The Godly Man’s Picture Drawn with a Scripture Pencil“)

“We were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow!” Job 8:9 

“My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass!” Psalm 102:11 

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.” Ephesians 5:16 

How you spend your time is a matter of great importance. Many people fool away their time–some in idle visits, others in recreations and pleasures which secretly bewitch the heart, and take it away from holy things. What are our golden hours for–but to attend to our souls? 

Time misspent is not time lived–but time lost!

Time is a precious commodity. As salvation is to be worked out in time, and a place in Heaven depends on using it well–time is of infinite concern!

Think of your short stay in the world. “We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a shadow—gone so soon without a trace!” 1 Chronicles 29:15

There is but a span between the cradle and the grave! Solomon says there is “a time to be born and a time to die“–but mentions no time of living, as if that were so short, it was not worth naming! 

Time, when it has once gone, can never be recalled. “My life passes more swiftly than a runner. It flees away, filled with tragedy. It disappears like a swift boat, like an eagle that swoops down on its prey.” Job 9:25-26

This Scripture compares time to a flying eagle. Yet time differs from the eagle in this: the eagle flies forward and then back again–but time has wings only to fly forward–it never returns! Time flies away irrevocably!

The serious thoughts of our short stay here in this world, would be a great means of promoting godliness. Whoever considers how flitting and winged his life is–will hasten his repentance.

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes!” James 4:14 

“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life!” Psalm 39:4 

“So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

A diligent pupil in the College of Contentment

(Charles Spurgeon)

“I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. Grumbling, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man–as weeds are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and weeds; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth. Just so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education.

“Ill weeds grow quickly.” But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener’s care.

Now, contentment is one of the flowers of Heaven, and if we would have it–then it must be cultivated, as it will not grow in us by nature. It is the new nature alone which can produce contentment–and even then we must be especially careful and watchful, that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us.

Paul says, “I have learned… to be content;” as much as to say, that he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mastery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained unto it, and could say, “I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content,” he was an old, grey-headed man, upon the borders of the grave–a poor prisoner shut up in Nero’s dungeon at Rome.

We might well be willing to endure Paul’s infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him–if we too might by any means attain unto his high degree of contentment. Do not indulge the notion that you can learn contentment without discipline. It is not an ability that may be exercised naturally–but a grace to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Brother, hush that murmur, natural though it be–and continue a diligent pupil in the College of Contentment.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

We should be content with His daily allowance!

(Charles Spurgeon) 

“Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes–and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king–a portion for each day, for the rest of his life.” 2 Kings 25:29-30

Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king’s palace with a ‘supply’ to last him for months, but his provision was given to him as a daily pension. 

Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord’s people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow’s supplies; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June–does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive–we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day–is all that we can enjoy. 

We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day’s supply of food and clothing; a surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them!” Matthew 6:31-32 

One staff aids a traveler–but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast–but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy.

Enough is all that we should expect–a craving for more than this is ungrateful. 

When our Father does not give us more—we should be content with His daily allowance.

Jehoiachin’s case is ours–we have . . .
  a sure portion;
  a portion given to us by the King;
  a gracious portion;
  and a perpetual portion. 
Surely here is ground for thankfulness. 

Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of grace. Day by dayyou must seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance–that a daily portion is provided for you. In the Word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God–you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance!

Never go hungry–while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy! 

“Give us each day, our daily bread.” Luke 11:3 

“As your days–so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25 

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ 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.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

“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.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.”

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

INTRODUCTION

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

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.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ 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?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ 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.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 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.

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ 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.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ 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.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

^“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ 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.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 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, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus.

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally changed all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

“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.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ 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?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.”

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001