Archives for April 2021

Good morning,

How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.

Peter’s Preaching at Pentecost

The commitment of the new believers (2:42-47)

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.

So, did their decision have an impact on their lives? Yes it did.

There are six things that characterize their changed lives.

First, they obey God’s word. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” The apostle’s doctrine is the word God passed down to the apostles. These new believers were willing to learn and obey.

Second, they fellowshipped together.

Third, prayer. They learned to and then practiced prayer.

Fourth, they sold all they had and had all things in common. They were committed.

Fifth, they ministered to the saints.

Sixth, they praised God.

When they believed on God’s word, they turned away from their old lives and turned entirely to Christ.

Are we that committed? These were brand new believers. They came knowing nothing. They gave up everything. They turned their world upside down for Christ.

How about us? We have extensive years of Bible teaching, no real persecution, lavish churches in which to worship, ample transportation, and Bibles to transmit the word of God to whoever will listen.

But will we go?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.

Peter’s Preaching at Pentecost

The response to Peter’s preaching (2:37-41)

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.⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The Holy Spirit was at work convicting the hearers of their sin and need to repent.

Four things happen at the end of Peter’s message.

First, conviction. “…they were pricked in their heart…” The Holy Spirit used Peter’s message to convict the hearers that were sinners, in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Second, a question. “…what shall we do?” If an unbeliever is under conviction by the Holy Spirit, there will be a need to know what to do.

Third, the answer to the question. “Repent and be baptized.” All unbelievers must deal with their sin. God wants us to confess all our sin before Him. Repent means to turn in the opposite direction. Follow Jesus.

Fourth, decision. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The hearers could choose to accept or reject God’s message of salvation. Three thousand chose to accept.

Tomorrow, we will see if this decision had any impact on their lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.

Peter’s Preaching at Pentecost

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)

Prophecy of Joel (2:14-21, Joel 2:28-32)

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.

God raised up Jesus (2:22-24)

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.

David’s testimony of Christ (2:25-28, Psalm 16:8-11)

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.

Peter preaches Jesus’ resurrection (2:29-36)

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.

The response to Peter’s preaching (2:37-41)

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.⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

The commitment of the new believers (2:42-47)

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.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.

Peter’s preaching at Pentecost

David’s testimony of Christ (2:25-28, Psalm 16:8-11)

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.

David’s life is characterized by a close walk with God. Whether as a shepherd, servant, warrior, fugitive, adulterer, or King, David always sought God. He knew God was always near him. His heart rejoiced, was glad, he had hope, he knew God would not leave him in hell, and that God had made known to him the ways of life.

Do we live a life this close to God?

Psalm 16 is also a prophetic Psalm. Full disclosure, I do not understand how this is prophetic. However, my research, plus the understanding of Peter’s day, made this obvious. Included below is the question and a very good answer.

Peter preaches Jesus’ resurrection (2:29-36)

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.

Why does Peter proclaim that Psalm 16 applies prophetically to Jesus and not king David? 

1. David…is both dead and buried: Peter points out that this Psalm cannot be speaking of its human author, David – he is dead and remains buried. The Psalm must speak prophetically of the Messiah, Jesus.
a. “The Davidic authorship of the Psalm was common ground between Peter and his Jewish listeners. Peter argues, however, that the Psalm cannot be taken as referring to David himself. Since he died and was buried, and since for the Jews to be buried was the same thing as to suffer corruption and descend to Sheol, it followed that he himself was abandoned to Hades (the Greek word for Hebrew Sheol) and suffered physical corruption. Peter was entitled to make his point with confidence; after all, the proof of David’s burial was visible for all to see.” (Marshall) 

b. “If David was not speaking about himself, it followed that he must have been speaking prophetically. Two factors suggested this. First, David himself was gifted with prophetic powers. The same assumption is made in 1:16 and Mark 12:36, and is implicit in Jewish understanding of some of the Psalms as having a future reference. Second, David knew that God had promised faithfully that one of his descendants would sit on his throne. Here Peter has in mind Psalm 132:11. with its divine oath, ‘One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne’ (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12–16; Ps. 89:3., 35–37). To be sure, these references indicate that David would be the father of a line of kings; the throne would remain in his family and not be taken over by usurpers from some other family. Nevertheless, Peter takes it that one descendant in particular is in mind.” (Marshall)  

c. “He therefore claims that what David was doing in Psalm 16 was to utter a prophecy regarding the Messiah, who would be his descendant. Instead of being abandoned to Hades, the Messiah would be raised from the dead. The wording of Psalm 16:10 is slightly altered to fit its new context; the word flesh, which has been taken over from Psalm 16:9, refers to the person of Jesus as a whole, and does not suggest that a flesh/soul dualism is in mind.” (Marshall)

Jesus: The Way, The Truth, & The Life Systematic and Practical Theology (http://jesusisgod316.blogspot.com/2015/05/acts-225-36-peters-sermon-on-day-of.html)

The resurrection changes everything. Thursday we will see the results of Peter’s preaching.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.

Peter’s preaching at Pentecost

Prophecy of Joel (2:14-21, Joel 2:28-32)

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.

The prophet Joel prophesied that the Spirit of God would be poured out on all believers. The purpose was that believers would have the boldness to tell others about Jesus Christ. The end result being men and women, boys and girls, would call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.

The last days refers to the time from Christ’s resurrection all the way to the end of the church age.

Are we willing to allow the Spirit of God to work through us to lead unbelievers to Christ? Please remember, it is our responsibility to tell others about Christ, the Spirit of God’s responsibility to convict unbelievers of their need for salvation, and Jesus’ responsibility to bring them to salvation. We do not win souls. God does.

God raised up Jesus (2:22-24)

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.

Peter now expounds on Joel’s prophesy. He explains who Jesus is, a man approved of by God, who did miracles, wonders, and signs, in their presence. How these evil men had Jesus crucified and how God raised Him from the dead. Peter always brings them back to the resurrection.

God is still in the business of doing the miraculous. Every soul won to Christ since Pentecost is a miracle in itself. The very fact that, believers in Christ, go to heaven when we die, instead of hell, is a miracle of God.

I fear we take these acts of God for granted. Yet we do not deserve the breath we breathe apart from the miraculous blood sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for us. We live today because of what Christ did for us. But Jesus didn’t just give us life, He empowered us to live life. He baptized us with the Holy Spirit of God. We have the Spirit of God living within us. The Spirit of God leads us, guides us, and comforts us.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and comfort you today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So, what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

All hear in their own language (Acts 2:5-13)

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 Galilaeans?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.”

The 120 now descend on Jerusalem. They began to preach and the people understood them in their own language. The city was made up of many different ethnic groups, which spoke different languages. What was happening was amazing.

There is a two-fold reason God allowed the residents of Jerusalem to understand in their own language.

First, it confirmed the message was from God. Only God could allow the residents of Jerusalem to hear the gospel message in their own language.

Second, it authenticated the messenger was from God. God was the one who filled the 120 with the Holy Ghost. These messengers were God’s witnesses.

We have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us. It is one thing to be indwelled with the Spirit and quite another to be controlled by the Spirit. How often does the Spirit of God move us to do something and we say no. When the Spirit shows us clear Bible teaching and we reject it. This is called quenching the Spirit.  God wants us to be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants the Spirit of God to be in control of our lives.

Will we let Him?

Next week we will look at Peter’s preaching at Pentecost. His life was dramatically change from the night he denied Christ three times to standing before a great group and preaching about Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The Holy Ghost fills the 120 (Acts 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.”

Picture in your mind. You are involved in prayer meeting. All of a sudden, a hurricane force wind, (rushing mighty wind), blows through. You are frightened because of the wind, when “…cloven tongues like as fire…”, sits on you. Nothing like this has ever happened before and you are scared out of your mind. Then you are filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and begin speaking in languages you have never spoken before. For most of us, this would freak us out.

This surreal picture is what happened to the 120 believers in the upper room. They had been patiently waiting for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This probably shocked them, as it would us.

That moment changed their lives forever. They left that room bold witnesses for Jesus Christ.

What happens next will be tomorrows devotional.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The Ascension

Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:1-11

Ascension of Jesus

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.⁵² And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:⁵³ And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:49-53)

“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.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.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.⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.” (Acts 1:1-11)

The upper room (Acts 1:12-14)

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. ¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

Replacement of Judas (Acts 1:15-26)

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. ²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:15-26)

The Holy Ghost fills the 120 (Acts 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.“

All hear in their own language (Acts 2:5-13)

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 Galilaeans?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.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The upper room (Acts 1:12-14)

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. ¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

The disciples obey Jesus’ command to wait for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were accompanied by the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the brethren.  They spent their time praying and asking God for direction.

Where do we go when things fall apart? When we pray and God says, “wait”, are we willing?

Replacement of Judas (Acts 1:15-26)

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. ²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:15-26)

God gives us the number of those gathered in the upper room. One hundred twenty. Since Judas death, a replacement was needed. Two were appointed, Barsabas and Matthias. One was chosen. Matthias.

The person selected must have been with the apostles from the beginning of Jesus ministry, seen what Jesus did, and witnessed Jesus resurrection.

The process was not by a vote of those gathered. They prayed to the Lord requesting He choose who would best fill this role. They cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias.

When we have a decision to make, do we first go to the Lord in prayer? Do we ask counsel from others? Do we search the Scriptures for God’s wisdom? Do we allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to make the decision? Then are we willing to follow God’s decision?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So, what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:1-12)

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.⁵² And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: ⁵³ And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:49-53)

“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.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.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.⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.” (Acts 1:1-12)

Jesus has died, been buried, has resurrected, and has been seen by the disciples and over 500 hundred people.

What happens next? During the forty days, Jesus has been preparing his disciples for what comes next. First, Jesus tells them not to leave Jerusalem. He tells them to wait for the promise of the Father. What promise? The baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Second, He answers the question of the disciples concerning the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. “…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” (1:7)

Third, He explains by what power their lives are to be changed. “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.” (1:8) These were the disciples who were questioning, unbelieving, impertinent, rebellious, and struggling to determine who Jesus is and why He came. The Holy Spirit would completely change their lives.

Fourth, He ascends back to heaven. They return to Jerusalem.

Jesus never leaves us alone. He knew He was leaving and made sure His disciples were equipped to carry out His instructions.

He has done the same and more for us. He has given us the Bible as our instruction manual on how to live the Christian life. The same Holy Spirit promised to the disciples, is each believers from the time they receive Christ. We too have the Holy Spirit power to turn our world upside down for Christ.

The question is, Will we appropriate that power and tell others about Jesus?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskasenior.com