Archives for January 2022

Good morning,

This week we begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we will look at the Introduction. It is important to understand the historical background. Then we will look at the Beatitudes. Finally, we will look at two character traits that should identify every Christian.

Sermon on the Mount

Introduction

The famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt 5-7) is best known for its beautiful spiritual and moral teachings. Indeed, it would be hard to beat a sermon that had the Beatitudes, the Our Father, and the command to love your enemy all packed into one!  

One thing, however, which is not commonly noted about the Sermon on the Mount is how explosive its message was and how Jesus’ words would have shaken the world of many who were listening to Him on the Galilean hillside that day. 

“Love your enemy.” “Blessed are the merciful.” “Turn the other cheek.” With these words, Jesus was not simply setting forth a brand new, lofty ethical standard. While Christ’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount certainly have great moral applications for Christians of all ages, we must see how Jesus was giving a very specific challenge to the people of His day. Jesus was offering a new vision—a new vision for what it meant to be God’s people. 

The Jews in Jesus’ day were living in hard times. They were facing a national crisis. Roman rulers controlled their land, took their money, and raped their women. Many of the Jewish priests and local leaders were assassinated and replaced by handpicked appointments from Rome or Herod. Thousands of Jews who tried to resist Roman rule quickly paid the severe price of death.  

This oppressive environment created numerous challenges for those who were striving to remain loyal to God’s covenant. According to the Torah, God alone was king and He would rule His people through a descendant of King David. No foreigner was to rule over the Jews (Deut 17:15). So what was a good Jew to do? Was it okay to go along with the Roman authorities, or would submitting to Caesar, Pilate, and Herod betray Yahweh’s lordship?  

Then came the question of taxes and tithes. With the Romans imposing heavy tax burdens, it would be quite difficult for many Jews to pay both the taxes to Caesar and the tithe, which their own law required them to give to God. So should one be faithful to Rome or to Yahweh?  

From the beginning, Jesus’ public ministry took off like lightning. People from all over Galilee and beyond flocked to see Him. Why was He so popular? His message and His actions said it all: The long-awaited kingdom was now arriving (Matt 4:17, 23-25). Jesus was offering a message the Jews were longing to hear. With eager anticipation, many Jews began to place their hopes in Him to rescue them from their enemies and restore the kingdom to Israel. No wonder Jesus’ fame spread throughout the region so rapidly!  

After attracting this large following, Jesus decided to lead the crowds up a mountain in Galilee for a special discourse about the kingdom. This action itself could have led some of His followers to ponder what might happen next. In those days, the hill country of Galilee was a refuge for Jewish revolutionaries who were plotting their assaults against foreign oppressors. The caves in those hills made for good hiding places. Not too long before this, a group of bandits had hidden in the Galilean hills during a fierce conflict with King Herod.  

So when Jesus led His followers up a mountain in Galilee, perhaps a few may have been wondering whether He was going to start some type of revolt of His own—like Judas the Galilean had done in the Galilean hillside one generation earlier. Was Jesus going to make a claim to be Israel’s king and lead the people in a fight for the kingdom? The crowd waited for Him to speak. 

Jesus then began to address His band of followers on the mountainside with a startling message. He introduced an unexpected lineup of people who would be blessed in the kingdom He was building: “Blessed are the merciful . . . Blessed are the peacemakers . . . Blessed are those who are persecuted” (Matt 5:7, 9-10).  

What a shock. What kind of kingdom movement was this? Jesus seemed to be blessing all the wrong people. The peacemakers, the merciful, and the persecuted were not the expected first-round draft choices for a kingdom-building team. Many would have preferred vengeance over mercy, vindication over persecution, and fighting for freedom over making peace.  

Consider a few other famous commands in the Sermon on the Mount, such as “love your enemy,” “pray for those who persecute you,” and the so-called “go the extra mile” (Matt 5:41, 44). Sometimes these teachings are misunderstood as practical instructions for becoming pushovers for Jesus. But in their first-century context, these challenges would have been much more intense. In these commands, Jesus was subverting the revolutionary and nationalistic tendencies which pervaded much of first-century Judaism. 

For example, “love your enemy” (Matt 5:44) was not simply an abstract principle to be applied when you had to face someone who wanted to do you harm. Rather this command had a specific, concrete meaning for the Jews who heard His teaching that day. For those original listeners, “love your enemy” would have sounded something like: “Love the Romans who persecute you. Love Herod and His illegitimate, violent monarchy. Do not join the revolt movements.”  

Similarly, the command “[I]f any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matt 5:41) was not simply a lesson on being generous. Roman soldiers often forced civilians to carry their gear for one mile. Using this image, Jesus challenged the Jews to go above and beyond the call of duty and generously serve even their cruel Roman oppressors. He was exhorting them not to view their foreign enemies as adversaries to be overcome, but as brothers and sisters who are to be loved and won over for God.  

In fact, that was Israel’s mission from the very beginning: to be light to the world and salt of the earth (Matt 5:13-14; Isa 42:6, 49:6). Jesus challenged the people to return to their roots and to be what Israel was always meant to be—not an exclusive, nationalistic religion isolated from the other nations, but a priestly kingdom serving the Gentiles and leading them to worship the one true God (Ex 19:5-6). 

Dr. Edward Sri is professor of theology and Scripture and Vice President of Mission at the Augustine Institute, Vice President of Formation of FOCUS, and a St. Paul Center Fellow. He is the author of numerous books on Catholic theology and Scripture study.

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

Good morning,

The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)

This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.

To understand a proverb (6)

“To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.”

The purpose of the book of Proverbs is “To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” Remember the meaning of understanding? Understanding, capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most, and what does not matter at all.

So, as we study the Proverbs, we will be distinguishing between truth and error, good and bad, and what matters most and what does not matter at all. We will come away with a greater appreciation of God, His Son Jesus, and His word.

Proverbs is a practical book. We must take the things that we read and apply them to our lives. That was what Solomon was doing for his son.

Enjoy the Book of Proverbs. Enjoy the Bible.

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

Good morning,

The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)

This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.

Wise man (v5)

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:”

Do we desire to be wise? If so, we will hear what the proverbs tell us. The result is increased learning. As we reflect on the previous verses, we learn the definition of wisdom and how it impacts our lives. A wise man is also a man of understanding. This man will attain wise counsel.

So, we can be wise if we allow God to teach us from His word, the Bible. Follow its commands, examples, avoid its pitfalls, and pattern our lives in the image of Jesus.

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (Matthew 7:24)

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. (Proverbs 8:33)

Choose wisdom!

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

Good morning,

The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)

This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.

To Give (v4)

“To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”

Subtilty, wisdom, discretion, or prudence. Simple, naïve young people open to any influence. Knowledge, the apprehension of reality, including an experiential knowledge of God. Discretion, the power of formulating and carrying out the right measures.

The Proverbs are to give wisdom to naïve young people and experiential knowledge of God and the power to formulate and carry out right measures to the young men.

Having “received”, the Proverbs now provide us with wisdom, knowledge and discretion.

Each of these verses build on the other. The more wisdom we have, the more we mature in our relationship to God. We are God’s workmanship.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6)

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.⁶ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

God continues to give us His wisdom. He is the one who is continuing working in our lives. 

The question is, will we let Him?

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

Good morning,

The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)

This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.

To Receive (v3)

“To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;”

It is foundational “To Know”. Knowledge needs to be received. We must implement what we know into our lives.

Wisdom, wise behavior, wise dealing, good sense. Justice, righteousness, conformity to God’s law. Judgement, legal term used of a judge’s verdict and refers to right behavior. Equity, fairness of one’s dealings with others.

We are to “Receive” instruction on how to conduct ourselves.

Do our lives exhibit wise behavior, wise dealing, good sense, righteousness, right behavior, and dealing fair with others? Would other people think so? Would God think so?

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15)

Our challenge is to receive God’s instruction and implement it in our lives.

Our we willing to make that commitment?

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

Good morning,

The book of Proverbs is about wisdom. It is Solomon, King of Israel, instructing his son. Wisdom means how to live wise or skillfully.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;² To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;³ To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;⁴ To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.⁵ A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:⁶ To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” (Proverbs 1:1-6)

This week we will look at the purpose for the book of Proverbs in chapter 1:1-6.

The Proverbs of Solomon (v1)

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;”

The author of Proverbs is Solomon. Solomon takes the life lessons God has taught him and teaches his son.

To know (v2)

“To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”

Solomon wants his son to know wisdom, instruction, and understanding. Wisdom, skill to live life successfully. Instruction, moral discipline of one’s life, not to classroom instruction. Understanding, capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most, and what does not matter at all.

As we reflect on our lives, do we know God’s wisdom, instruction, and understanding? We must take the time to learn God’s word. His wisdom, instruction, and understanding are found in the pages of Scriptures.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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

The only way “To know…” is to read and study God’s word.

Are we willing to commit ourselves to reading and study of God’s word?

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

Good morning,

John Newton was a slave trader, then a slave, and then God change his life forever. The song “Amazing Grace” is Newton’s testimony. God called him to preach, and preach he did.

This week we will read devotionals from John Newton.

A plain book designed for plain people   

(Letters of John Newton)

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness–so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work!” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“When the Spirit of truth comes–He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:13

A few minutes of the Spirit’s teaching will furnish us with more real, useful and experimental knowledge–than toiling through whole folios of commentators and expositors! It will be our wisdom to deal less with the streams–and be more close in applying to the fountain-head. The Scripture itself, and the Spirit of God–are the best and the only sufficient expositors of Scripture. Whatever men have valuable in their writings–they got it from Scripture; and the Scripture is as open to us–as to any of them. There is nothing required but a teachable, humble spirit; and academic learning, as it is commonly called, is not necessary in order for this.

Psalm 25:14, “The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them”–not notionally, but experimentally. We learn more, and more effectually, by one minute’s communication with God through the medium of His written Word, than we could from an assembly of divines, or a library of books!

As a minister, I endeavor to avoid all panaceas, singularities, ‘hidden truths‘ and ‘new discoveries‘ in Scripture. I wish to advance nothing which I cannot maintain upon the authority of the Bible in our English language–which I deem sufficient to make us and our hearers wise unto salvation.

The New Testament is a plain book designed for plain people. The gospel is to be preached to the poor and simple, who are just as capable of receiving it as the educated–and in some sense more so. I therefore lay little stress upon any academic learning–which depends upon a knowledge of original Greek and Hebrew languages, or requires a larger degree of capacity and genius to be understood.

“From a child, you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus!” 2 Timothy 3:15″Unless our souls are living in communion with God, the Scriptures will not yield us their strength and nourishment!” (R.C. Chapman)

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

John Newton was a slave trader, then a slave, and then God change his life forever. The song “Amazing Grace” is Newton’s testimony. God called him to preach, and preach he did.

This week we will read devotionals from John Newton.

Is this all I get–after so much trouble?

(Letters of John Newton)

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“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
 But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Dear Brother,
Blessed be God for the news of a better world, where there will be no sin, trouble, nor defect forever!

What shall it be–when the Lord shall call us up to join with those who are now singing before the eternal throne!

What shall it be–when all the children of God, who in different ages and countries have been scattered abroad; shall be all gathered together, and enter into that glorious and eternal rest provided for them!

What shall it be–when there shall not be one trace of sin or sorrow remaining; not one discordant note to be heard, nothing to disturb or defile, or alleviate the never-ceasing joy!

Many a weary step we have taken, since the Lord first drew us to Himself; but we shall not have to tread the past way over again. Some difficulties may remain, but we know not how few. Perhaps before we are aware, the Lord may cut short our conflict and say, “Come up hither!” At the most, it cannot be very long! He who has been with us thus far, will be with us to the end. He knows how to cause our consolations to exceed our greatest afflictions!

And when we get safely Home, we shall not complain that we have suffered too much along the way. We shall not say, “Is this all I get–after so much trouble?” No! When we awake in that glorious world, we shall in an instant be satisfied with His likeness. One sight of Jesus as He is, will fill our hearts and dry up all our tears!

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us!” Romans 8:18

“In Your presence is fullness of joy! In Your right hand there are pleasures forever!” Psalm 16:11

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

John Newton was a slave trader, then a slave, and then God change his life forever. The song “Amazing Grace” is Newton’s testimony. God called him to preach, and preach he did.

This week we will read devotionals from John Newton.

Like coins from the same mint!

(Letters of John Newton)

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My dear sir,
I could write a long note indeed, upon your very great mistake in considering me as a great man. If we could have a personal interview–I think you would be quickly undeceived! Ah! how different I am, from what perhaps I appear to be to others when in the pulpit.

Your mistake, however, has done me good. A whole quire of invective from an enemy could hardly have given me so keen a sense of shame. The Scriptures assure us that our hearts by nature, like coins from the same mint–are all alike. I hear my fellow-Christians complain of evils similar to what I feel. Otherwise I would have reason to conclude that there could not be one believer upon earth–so inconsistent, so evil, so vile beyond expression, as myself!
 
Ah, dear sir! what would you have thought of me, had you seen me when I lived among the slaves? The sight of me would have been offensive to your eyes, and my vile speech would have struck you with horror! I was miserable and despicable in every view–the common mark of scorn and insult! My whole wretched amusement and pleasure seemed to lie in blaspheming the name and person of Jesus, and in feeding my imagination with schemes of wickedness!

Some of my unhappy companions have perished in their sins, who have just cause to charge the ruin of their souls to my account! For Satan himself, had he been upon earth in a bodily shape–could hardly have been more industrious in tempting to infidelity and profligacy than I was!

There is seldom a day of my life, in which my thoughts are not led back to my former state of estrangement from Him, and that pre-eminence of wretchedness into which my sins plunged me!

Yet, it is of grace that my poor story is not much worse. The Lord is my keeper–therefore I am still preserved.

“By the grace of God–I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15:10

I am, dear sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
John Newton, 1778

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me;
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see!

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home!

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine!

 ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

John Newton was a slave trader, then a slave, and then God change his life forever. The song “Amazing Grace” is Newton’s testimony. God called him to preach, and preach he did.

This week we will read devotionals from John Newton.

Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing!

(Letters of John Newton)

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“Do not cast me away when I am old;
 do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”
    Psalm 71:9

I am drawing nearer and nearer to the season which the Psalmist either expected or felt. Many reasons teach the aged believer the need of this prayer. As his graces are still imperfect–so his powers are feelingly upon the decline. It was but little he could do at his best–and now less and less!
 
 He feels other props and comforts dropping off apace. When he was young, he had warm spirits and pleasing prospects; but now, what a change of the friends in which he once delighted! In some he has found inconstancy–they have forsaken and forgotten him; and others have been successively taken away by death. They have fallen like the leaves in autumn–and now he stands almost a naked trunk. If any yet remain, he is expecting to lose them likewise–unless he is first taken from them.
 
 Old age abates, and gradually destroys the relish of such earthly comforts as might be otherwise enjoyed. Pains, infirmities, loss of sleep, the failure of sight and hearing, and all the senses–are harbingers, like Job’s messengers arriving in close succession, to tell him that death is upon his progress, and is not far away!
 
 If youth has no security against death–then old age has no possibility of escaping the grim monster. But though . . .
   friends fail,
   cisterns burst,
   gourds wither, strength declines,
   and death advances
 ––if God does not forsake me, then all is well.
 
 “Even to your old age and gray hairs–I am He who will sustain you.
  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you!”
     Isaiah 46:4

 ~  ~  ~  ~

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