Archives for 2019

Good morning,

This Friday is Passover and Sunday we will the resurrection of Jesus.

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The preparation for the Passover, preliminary meal before Passover, the institution of the Lord’s supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, concluding with Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)

“And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.⁵⁸ But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;⁶⁰ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,⁶¹ And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.⁶² And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?⁶³ But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.⁶⁴ Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.⁶⁵ Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.⁶⁶ What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.⁶⁷ Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,⁶⁸ Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?”

The religious leaders tried to get false witnesses to accuse Jesus. They could not. But when Jesus was asked directly are you the Son of God, He told the chief priest, He was. In their eyes Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death. Unfortunately for them, they could not carry out the execution of Jesus. They needed help from Rome.

Jesus was going to the cross because He was God’s Son, sent to redeem mankind through His precious holy blood. We were and are guilty of not following Jesus. We have a better way than Jesus gave us through the Bible.

If you do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord, repent now. Confess your sin and ask Jesus to take residence in your life. Allow Him to have complete control of all areas of your being.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This Friday is Passover and Sunday we will the resurrection of Jesus.

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The preparation for the Passover, preliminary meal before Passover, the institution of the Lord’s supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, concluding with Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:46-56)

“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.⁴⁷ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.⁴⁸ Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.⁴⁹ And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.⁵⁰ And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.⁵¹ And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.⁵² Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.⁵³ Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?⁵⁴ But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?⁵⁵ In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

The disciples are a fine lot. Three fell asleep in prayer. One betrays Him openly. One cuts off the ear of the servant to the high priest. The rest forsake Him and flee. The reason why, so the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.

How do we forsake Jesus? Do we faithfully read His word, witness about Him, pray, worship? Unfortunately, we are no better than the disciples. However, when the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, convicts us, we have the opportunity to get back into a right relationship with Jesus.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This Friday is Passover and Sunday we will the resurrection of Jesus.

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The preparation for the Passover, preliminary meal before Passover, the institution of the Lord’s supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, concluding with Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46)

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.³⁷ And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.³⁸ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.³⁹ And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.⁴⁰ And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? ⁴¹ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.⁴² He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.⁴³ And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.⁴⁴ And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.⁴⁵ Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.”

Jesus prayed for God’s will to be done. The cross, shed blood, and resurrection was the only way. God the Father could not look on sin. Jesus was to become sin for all mankind. Father and Son would be separated for the first time.

The disciples are like us. We are asked to pray for something and we either forget or fall asleep while praying.  

Watch and pray!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This Friday is Passover and Sunday we will the resurrection of Jesus.

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The preparation for the Passover, preliminary meal before Passover, the institution of the Lord’s supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod Antipas, concluding with Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The preparation for the Passover meal (Matthew 26:17-19)

“Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?¹⁸ And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.¹⁹ And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.”

This was a preparation day. All leavened bread was to be removed. The lambs had not yet been slain. Jesus would be crucified at the precise time the Passover lambs were being slain.

The preliminary meal before Passover (Matthew 26:20-25)

“Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.²¹ And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.²² And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?²³ And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.²⁴ The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.²⁵ Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.”

Jesus announcement that one of them would betray Him, caused grief to 11 of the 12. Judas knew he would betray Jesus.

The institution of the Lord’s supper (Matthew 26:26-29)

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. ²⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;²⁸ For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.²⁹ But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Jesus gave us a picture to remember. The bread symbolizes the broken, beaten, body of Jesus. The cup symbolizes the blood shed by Jesus to take away man’s sin.

This week please reflect on what Jesus came to do and what that means to you.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Oh! what earthly honors can be compared to these! 

(William Nicholson, “Pearls of Great Price!”)

A Christian is . . .
  a sinner saved by sovereign grace,
  admitted to fellowship with the Most High God,
  guarded by the strength of Omnipotence,
  guided with infallible wisdom,
  borne up amid the swellings of Jordan,
  conveyed by angels to the celestial paradise,
  there to receive the crown of immortality, and a palm of eternal victory! 

Oh! what earthly honors can be compared to these! Earthly honors! name them not–they are laid in the balance, and found lighter than vanity! But, Christians, your honors are not shadowy, but substantial. Therefore, forget them not. Enjoy them. They are wells of salvation–drink of them freely. They are the dews of Heaven–let them refresh your soul! They are clusters of fruit from the cross, and streams from the ocean of heavenly felicity! “Eat, O friends–drink abundantly, O beloved!” 

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!” Psalm 16:11 

   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Such a friend!

(Thomas Brooks, “Apples of Gold” 1660)

Proverbs 18:24, “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  Such a friend is the Lord Jesus. 

He is so a friend to every one of His people–as if He were a friend to none besides. 

Jesus is . . . 
  an omnipotent friend,
  an omniscient friend, 
  an omnipresent friend,
  an all-sufficient friend, 
  a sovereign friend,
  an immutable friend, 
  a watchful friend, 
  a loving friend, 
  a faithful friend, 
  a compassionate friend, 
  an intimate friend, 
  a friend in all cases and in all places,
  our best friend!

“Whom He loves, He loves to the end!” John 13:1

    ~  ~  ~  ~

Is Jesus your friend? He can be!

Call me and I will tell you how.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

New year, new challenges. The first 66 chapters of the Bible give us the foundation stones of our faith.  Exodus 12 Passover is the final Foundation Stone. Today we will look at the Passover. Remember Passover begins on the evening of 19 April 2019.

PASSOVER

EXODUS 1-12

INTRO:  The Hebrews in Egypt (1:1-12:36) 

A. Progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves (1:1-22) 

1. The tribes of Israel identified (1:1-7) 
2. Pharoah (King of Egypt) who knew not Joseph (1:8)  (READ)
3. Growth of Hebrew population (1:9-10)  (READ)
4. Harsh treatment of Hebrew slaves in Egypt (1:11-14)  (READ)
5. Plan to destroy the Hebrews (1:15-22) (READ)

B. Preparation for deliverance of Hebrew slaves (2:1-4:31)

1. Moses born and saved from destruction (2:1-10)  (READ)
2. Moses kills an Egyptian and forsakes Egypt (2:11-14) 
3. Moses in the land of Midian (2:15-22) 
4. God takes knowledge of Israel’s sad plight (2:23-25) 
5. God calls Moses at a burning bush (3:1-4:17)  (READ3:1-10, 4:18)
6. Moses agrees to go back to Egypt (4:18-26) 
7. The Hebrews believe Moses and accept his leadership (4:27-31) 

C. The Israelites delivered from Egyptian bondage (5:1-15:21) 

1. Moses demands the release of the Israelites (5:1-4)  (READ)

    “Let my people go…” used 8 times
2. Pharaoh’s answer: Hebrews denied straw with which to make bricks (5:5-23) 
3. Moses demand certified by miracle (5:23-7:12)  (READ7:1-9)
4. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13-14) 
5. First plague: Blood (7:14-25) 
6. Second plague: Frogs (8:1-15) 
7. Third plague: Lice (8:16-19) 
8. Fourth plague: Flies (8:20-32) 
9. Fifth plague: Disease on Livestock (9:1-7) 
10. Sixth plague: Boils (9:8-12) 
11. Seventh plague: Hail (9:13-35 
12. Eighth plague: Locusts (10:1-20) 
13. Ninth plague: Darkness (10:21-29) 
14. Death announced (11:1-10) (READ)

D. Israel redeemed by the blood of a lamb — Passover. (12:1-13:16) Christ is our sacrifice Hebrews 10:4-10 (READ)

1. Beginning of the year is changed (12:1-2)  (READ)
2. Passover instituted (12:3-20)  (READ)
3. Procedure for Passover ceremony (12:21-30)  (READ)
4. Unleavened bread (12:31-39) Also called the feast of matzah-7 days
5. Death of the firstborn (12:40-42) 
6. Passover to be observed annually (12:43-50) 
CONCLUSION:

• And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)
• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:                     (1 Corinthians 5:7)
• FOUNDATION STONE: The blood.  It covered but did not take away the sin of Israel.  Jesus blood takes away the sin of those who repent and come to Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

New year, new challenges. The first 66 chapters of the Bible give us the foundation stones of our faith.  Exodus 12 Passover is the final Foundation Stone. Today we will look at the results of the Passover. Remember Passover begins on the evening of 19 April 2019.

Exodus 12

Foundation stone: Death of the first-born

Key word: Smite or smote v.12, 23, 27, 29

Key verse: Exodus 12:31

Death of the first-born of Egypt v.29-30

29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Pharaoh compels Israel to leave v.31-33

31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

Israel leaves v. 34-36

34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:36 And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

Journey begins v.37-42

37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children.38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle.39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual.40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.42 It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of the Lord to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

Key phrase…go, serve the Lord…v.31

Observation: The greatest way to protect yourself from needless death and destruction is to obey God.  Pharaoh learned that firsthand.  He continued to rebel and destroyed his nation, Egypt.  His own people finally realized this in verse 33.

Israel was to use the Passover as a teaching tool to their children. On the 19th of April, Jews and Messianic Jews around the world will recount the Passover story to their children.  My wife and I conduct this service each year and invite people to come and learn about the Passover.  It is a meaningful evening as we tie together the things that happened that night to what happened thousands of years later on a cross at Calvary. Whether in the old or new testaments, a blood sacrifice was required for the sin of man. Here it was spotless lamb and later it would be Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb of God. Salvation has always come by faith in God. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

If you have not asked Christ to be your personal Lord and Savior, I would encourage you to do it right now.  Do not be rebellious like Pharaoh. I would love to talk to you about this matter.

Have a blessed day.

Tom Stearns
WASI Chaplain
907 715-4001

Good morning,

New year, new challenges. The first 66 chapters of the Bible give us the foundation stones of our faith.  Exodus 12 Passover is the final Foundation Stone. Today we will look at the details of the Passover and tomorrow we will conclude with the results of the Passover.

Exodus 12

Foundation stone: Passover v.1-28

Key word: Blood v.7, 13, 22-23

Key verse: Exodus 12:13

God’s Passover v.1-13, 22-23

1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,2 This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.8 And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.10 And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.23 For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Feast of Unleavened Bread v.14-20

14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Key phrase: …when I see the blood, I will pass over you…v.13

Observation: The blood protected the children of Israel. Christ’s blood on the cross bought our salvation.  Each had to take a step of faith.  Israel had to obey God, sacrifice a perfect lamb, and put the blood on the lintel and doorpost. We must by faith, repenting of our sin, put our trust in God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Israel lived and God freed them from their bondage in Egypt and eventually allowed them to enter into the Promised Land He promised Abraham. We live and will be eternally with the Lord here on earth and in heaven.

Tomorrow we will conclude the Foundation Stone series.

Have a blessed day.

Tom Stearns
WASI Chaplain
907 715-4001

Good morning,

Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection are all rooted in one concept, forgiveness. We are sinners who owe a debt we cannot pay. Jesus, perfect, sinless, blameless, paid our sin debt with His blood on the cross.

This week we will look at that forgiveness.

What is the result when we forgive? Reconciliation.

“Then Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” (Genesis 33:4) Jacob and Esau.

“So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.¹⁸ And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.¹⁹ And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?²⁰ But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” (Genesis 50:17-20) Joseph and his brothers.

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:26-28) Saul and the disciples/apostles.

The most important question is are we reconciled to God through Jesus Christ?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

Forgiveness begins with God reconciling Himself to us through Christ Jesus.

Please contact me if you would like to know more.

CONCLUSION

Jesus forgave us

We should forgive others as many times as needed

Reconciliation is the end state of forgiving others

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001