Archives for June 2021

Good morning,

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Week five of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Jesus and salvation. The Bible is about Jesus and salvation.

Who is Jesus? God’s son, the second person of the trinity, the Savior, Redeemer, and our Reconciler to God.

Why did He come? “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Jesus and Salvation

Jesus and Salvation

The way, truth, life

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Salvation only in the name of Jesus

 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.¹¹ This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

What must I do to be saved?

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.²⁹ Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,³⁰ And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?³¹ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:23-31)

There is only one way to God. That is through Jesus Christ.

There is only one name whereby we must be saved. Jesus Christ.

There was only one way the Roman jailor could be saved. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. He did and he was. He then told his family and they also believed.

How simple it is to go from sinner to saint. Just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have you? Will you?

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

Good morning,

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Week five of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Jesus and salvation. The Bible is about Jesus and salvation.

Who is Jesus? God’s son, the second person of the trinity, the Savior, Redeemer, and our Reconciler to God.

Why did He come? “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Jesus and Salvation

Who is Jesus?

The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.² The same was in the beginning with God.³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3) Jesus is the Word.

God’s Son

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

Saviour

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31)

The Redeemer

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

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;¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Unchanging

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus and Salvation

The way, truth, life

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Salvation only in the name of Jesus

 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.¹¹ This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.¹² Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

What must I do to be saved?

And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:²⁴ Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.²⁵ And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.²⁶ And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.²⁷ And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.²⁸ But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.²⁹ Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,³⁰ And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?³¹ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:23-31)

God loved, gave, sent Jesus that the world would be saved

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

God raised up Jesus to be Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.³¹ Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.³² And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:30-32)

Conclusion to the Bible IS series

The Bible is:

Word of God

Practical

To be obeyed

About Israel

About Jesus and Salvation

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

Good morning,

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Week five of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Jesus and salvation. The Bible is about Jesus and salvation.

Who is Jesus? God’s son, the second person of the trinity, the Savior, Redeemer, and our Reconciler to God.

Why did He come? “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Jesus and Salvation

Who is Jesus?

Saviour

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31)

The Redeemer

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13-14)

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;¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Unchanging

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus came to earth to be the Savior and Redeemer for mankind. To save us from our sins and redeem us from all iniquity. How? Through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Everything that was true about Jesus from before the beginning of time is true about Him today. Jesus never changes. That should be comforting to all believers.

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

Good morning,

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Week five of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Jesus and salvation. The Bible is about Jesus and salvation.

Who is Jesus? God’s son, the second person of the trinity, the Savior, Redeemer, and our Reconciler to God.

Why did He come? “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10) “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Jesus and Salvation

Who is Jesus?

The Word

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.² The same was in the beginning with God.³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:1-3) Jesus is the Word.

God’s Son

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

Jesus Christ is God. He was at creation with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus made all things. God the Father spoke, Jesus the Son made all things, and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

God so loved the world, that He gave Jesus to pay our sin debt. Jesus was perfect. He never sinned. Jesus became sin for us. He bore our sin on the cross. Now, when we believe on Jesus, we do not perish but have everlasting life.

The Gospel of John was written for the express purpose that people might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and by believing get saved. 

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

NEW TESTAMENT

GOSPELS

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Birth of the Jesus Messiah. Yeshua’s ministry. Falsely accused, beaten, crucified, risen from the dead, seen by many for 40 days, ascends to heaven.

ACTS

The church age ushered in Acts 2

The rest of the New Testament centers in on the church. However, Israel is not forgotten. Many references in each book speak of Israel.

REVELATION

God is again dealing with the nation of Israel. Beginning in chapter 4 to the end of the book, Israel is the center of attention.

(Spoiler alert)

God protects Israel and is not defeated by Satan!

CONCLUSION

The Bible is about Israel

Israel was in the mind of God before the world was made. God made a covenant with Abram and saw it through to the end of time. God never fails to keep covenant with Israel!

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

MAJOR PROPHETS

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

MINOR PROPHETS

Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Warned Israel of coming judgement, captivity, restoration, their Messiah, the millennial reign of Yeshua, and their eternal home in the new heaven

God chose these men about the future of the world. In some cases, they had no idea what they were writing about. But under the inspiration of God, they wrote what God told them.

Isn’t it great that these men were obedient to God?

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

MAKEUP OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

39 books

Pentateuch (First 5 books: Law-Redemptive-Historical)

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

Last 12 books Historical

Joshua Judges Ruth 1-2 Samuel 1-2 Kings 1-2 Chronicles

Ezra Nehemiah Esther

5 Poetry (Experiential-personal, dealing with the human heart)

Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon

17 Prophetical (5 major 12 minor prophets)

Major Prophets: Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

Minor prophets: Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

HISTORY OF ISRAEL

ABRAHAM

Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-4, 15:18-21 (land), 13:14-18 Miracle Birth: Isaac Genesis 21:1-8 Offering Isaac Genesis 22:1-18    

ISAAC          

Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 24Birth of Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-24

JACOB (deceiver)

Buys Esau’s birthright Genesis 25:27-34 Deceives Isaac to receive Esau’s blessing Genesis 27:1-33 Esau’s anger and Jacob’s flight to Laban Genesis 27:34-46  Jacob deceived by Laban in marriage Genesis 29:1-35  Jacob leaves Laban after being deceived ten times Genesis 31 Wrestles with the angel of God and name changed to Israel Genesis 32:22-32

JOSEPH (dreamer)

First dreams Genesis 37:1-11 Brothers sell him to Midianite merchants Genesis 37:12-36  Prosper in Potiphar’s house Genesis 39:1-6 Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison Genesis 39:7-23 Interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker Genesis 40 Interprets Pharaoh’s dream Genesis 41:1-32 Pharaoh makes him ruler over Egypt Genesis 41:33-46 Saves two countries, Egypt and  Israel, during the famine Genesis 41:47-57

EXODUS

Moses birth, childhood, Hebrew recognition, murder, shepherd, burning bush, call of God, 10 plagues, the blood, Passover Exodus 1-12 Red sea Exodus 14

THE LAW and other instructions    

God meets with Moses and the people at Mount Sinai Exodus 19 Ten Commandments Exodus 20 The Law Leviticus 18-27

DEATH OF MOSES

Moses dies Deuteronomy 34

JOSHUA

Preparation for entering the promised land Joshua 1:1-5:15 The conquest of the promised land Joshua 6:1-13:33 The dividing of the land Joshua 14:1-21:45 Joshua dies Joshua 24:29-33    

JUDGES   

Failure to follow the Lord Judges 1-21

RUTH

Lineage of David and Jesus Ruth 1-4

1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles

The Kingdom age, rebellion, destruction of Jerusalem, captivity by Babylon

EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER

The return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The restoration of the temple, the city walls, and the worship of God at the temple.

BOOKS OF POETRY

JOB

Job’s suffering, God’s goodness

PSALMS

David appoints the Levites to make petition and to thank and praise the God of Israel

PROVERBS

The book of wisdom

ECCLESIASTES

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man

SONG OF SOLOMON

Picture of the bridegroom (Christ) and His bride (His gentile Church)

THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

MAJOR PROPHETS

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

MINOR PROPHETS

Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Warned Israel of coming judgement, captivity, restoration, their Messiah, the millennial reign of Yeshua, and their eternal home in the new heaven

NEW TESTAMENT

GOSPELS

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Birth of the Jesus Messiah. Yeshua’s ministry. Falsely accused, beaten, crucified, risen from the dead, seen by many for 40 days, ascends to heaven.

ACTS

The church age ushered in Acts 2

The rest of the New Testament centers in on the church. However, Israel is not forgotten. Many references in each book speak of Israel.

REVELATION

God is again dealing with the nation of Israel. Beginning in chapter 4 to the end of the book, Israel is the center of attention.

(Spoiler alert)

God protects Israel and are not defeated by Satan!

CONCLUSION

The Bible is about Israel

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

BOOKS OF POETRY

JOB

Job’s suffering, God’s goodness

PSALMS

David appoints the Levites to make petition and to thank and praise the God of Israel

PROVERBS

The book of wisdom

ECCLESIASTES

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man

SONG OF SOLOMON

Picture of the bridegroom (Christ) and His bride (His gentile Church)

These books are experiential-personal, dealing with the human heart. God uses these books to challenge, encourage, motivate, and comfort us. We see God’s hand as He teaches us how to be victorious in our walk with Him.

Next, we will see a group of men God entrusted with telling us the future, warning Israel of the present, and telling us of the Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus.

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

Good morning,
Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.
Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.
It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.
Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!
The Bible is about Israel
History of Israel
ABRAHAM
Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-4, 15:18-21 (land), 13:14-18 Miracle Birth: Isaac Genesis 21:1-8 Offering Isaac Genesis 22:1-18
ISAAC
Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 24 Birth of Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-24
JACOB (deceiver)
Buys Esau’s birthright Genesis 25:27-34 Deceives Isaac to receive Esau’s blessing Genesis 27:1-33 Esau’s anger and Jacob’s flight to Laban Genesis 27:34-46 Jacob deceived by Laban in marriage Genesis 29:1-35 Jacob leaves Laban after being deceived ten times Genesis 31 Wrestles with the angel of God, name changed to Israel Genesis 32:22-32
JOSEPH (dreamer)
First dreams Genesis 37:1-11 Brothers sell him to Midianite merchants Genesis 37:12-36 Prosper in Potiphar’s house Genesis 39:1-6 Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison Genesis 39:7-23 Interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker Genesis 40 Interprets Pharaoh’s dream Genesis 41:1-32 Pharaoh makes him ruler over Egypt Genesis 41:33-46 Saves two countries, Egypt and Israel, during the famine Genesis 41:47-57
EXODUS
Moses birth, childhood, Hebrew recognition, murder, shepherd, burning bush, call of God, 10 plagues, the blood, Passover Exodus 1-12 Red Sea Exodus 14
THE LAW and other instructions
God meets with Moses and the people at Mount Sinai Exodus 19 Ten Commandments Exodus 20 The Law Leviticus 18-27
DEATH OF MOSES
Moses dies Deuteronomy 34
JOSHUA
Preparation for entering the promised land Joshua 1:1-5:15 The conquest of the promised land Joshua 6:1-13:33 The dividing of the land Joshua 14:1-21:45 Joshua dies Joshua 24:29-33
JUDGES
Failure to follow the Lord Judges 1-21
RUTH
Lineage of David and Jesus Ruth 1-4
1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles
The Kingdom age, rebellion, destruction of Jerusalem, captivity by Babylon
EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER
The return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The restoration of the temple, the city walls, and the worship of God at the temple.
Tomorrow, the books of poetry.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

BENEFITS OF OBEDIANCE
6. VICTORIOUS LIFE

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

We have victory through what Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary.

7. WALK WITH THE LORD

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Although this is another choice, it should be our desire to walk with the Lord. We should try and pattern our lives after that of our Savior.

8. HEAVEN

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation 21:1-4, 6, 8 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The greatest benefit, after salvation, is the knowledge that we will spend eternity with Jesus, in heaven. No more pain, suffering, or sin. No tears. Jesus is preparing our eternal right now.

CONCLUSION

We choose to obey

We choose to receive a blessing or a curse

We are commanded to obey

We receive benefits for obedience

Will we choose to obey the Bible’s commands and reap its benefits?

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