Archives for 2024

Good morning,

This truth should fill us with a profound sense of awe and reverence!

(Anonymous)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet delivers a powerful message from the Lord, that speaks to His sovereignty and authority of God over all things in His creation!

In Isaiah 45:7, we read these profound words:
“I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace and create calamity;
I, the Lord, do all these things.”

This verse reminds us of the absolute supremacy of our Almighty God, who is in complete control of everything that transpires in His universe. He is the source of both light and darkness, of peace and calamity. Nothing escapes His divine oversight and purpose.

As believers, this truth should fill us with a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Creator and Governor of our world. It means that even in the midst of life’s most difficult trials and tribulations, we can find solace in knowing that our sovereign God is orchestrating all things according to His perfect will.

The light may give way to darkness, and peace may give way to calamity–but through it all, we can trust that the Lord is working out His eternal plan.

This verse calls us to humbly submit to God’s authority, and to find our refuge in Him alone; for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End–the One who holds all things in the palm of His hand! As we cling to this truth, it will strengthen our faith, even in the darkest of circumstances.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word. 

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen, the High Priest, and the Rebellious

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

STEPHEN’S DEFENSE: The history of Israel

g) Moses reminds the people of their rebellion and idol worship v37-44

³⁷ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.³⁸ This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:³⁹ To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,⁴⁰ Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? ⁴³ Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.⁴⁴ Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

h) Joshua Promised Land till David v 45

⁴⁵ Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

i) David finds favor with God v 46

⁴⁶ Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

j) Temple built by Solomon v 47

⁴⁷ But Solomon built him a house.

k) God does not dwell in temples made by hands v 48-50

⁴⁸ Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,⁴⁹ Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?⁵⁰ Hath not my hand made all these things?

Stephen goes through the history of Israel and comes to verse 50 with this summation: “HATH NOT MY HAND MADE ALL THESE THINGS?” It was a rhetorical question. Of course God made it all. So then he rebukes his listeners in verses 51-53. 

Who are you following today? Are you God deniers or obedient lovers of the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ? Are you resisting the Holy Ghost or allowing the Holy Ghost to lead and comfort you? 

 l) Stephen’s rebuke for disobedience and death of Jesus v 51-53

⁵¹ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.⁵² Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:⁵³ Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

RESPONSE TO STEPHEN’S DEFENSE (Acts 7:54-60)

High Priest, people, elders, and false witnesses v 54, 57-60

a) They were cut to the heart v 54

⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

b) Stopped their ears v 55-57

⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

c) Cast him out of the city and stoned him v 58-59

⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Stephen’s response v 55-56, 59-60

a) Looked up to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God v 55-56

⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

b) Call’s unto God to receive his spirit v 59

⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

c) Cries to God saying “Lay not this sin to their charge.” v 60

⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Today we will look at the response to Stephen’s defense of the faith. Life presents us with choices. We can choose to follow righteousness or wickedness, God or Satan, God’s Son Jesus Christ or Satan’s demons outcasts from heaven. Ultimately our decisions determine our eternal destiny. The Jewish religious leaders refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah. That day they sealed their fate. Their wickedness caused them to choose death rather than life. However, if a person, who has led the wicked lifestyle described here, repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ they will be saved and enjoy fellowship with Jesus for all eternity.

CONCLUSION

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

OBEY GOD’S WORD

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

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word. 

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen, the High Priest, and the Rebellious

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

STEPHEN’S DEFENSE: The history of Israel

Exodus v 17-36

a) Pharaoh’s plan to destroy God’s people v 17-19

¹⁷ But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,¹⁸ Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.¹⁹ The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

b) Moses born and raised in Pharaoh’s court for 40 years v 20-22

²⁰ In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:²¹ And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

c) Moses visits his brethren v 23-28

²³ And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.²⁴ And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:²⁵ For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.²⁶ And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?²⁷ But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?

d) Moses flees to Midian for 40 years v 29

²⁹ Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

e) God calls Moses to deliver Israel v 30-34

³⁰ And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. ³¹ When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,³² Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.³³ Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.³⁴ I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 

f) God delivers Israel v 35-36

^“35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.³⁶ He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.”

Stephen was well versed in the history of Israel. So far he was on common ground. No one could argue Israel’s past.

When witnessing to others about Christ, find common ground. This will help to get the conversation started. Then move to how Christ came to earth to redeem their sin.

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

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word. 

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen, the High Priest, and the Rebellious

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

Introduction Setting the stage, Stephen accused

Stephen accused Acts 6:8-15

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angels.” 

Note that Stephan was “…full of faith and power…” Note that it was false witnesses that accused him. The charges were false.

Today, we see much of the same thing happening. People are perverting what the Bible says for their own advantage. Some are in it for the money, some to change the gospel message, and others to totally deny Jesus Christ.

Stephen is given the opportunity to defend what he believes. Chapter 7 documents what he said.

So what about us? When people curse our God, promote false doctrine, or refuse to believe, what is our response? I hope we will learn some lessons from Stephen’s defense of the faith.

Stephen’s Defense: The history of Israel (Acts 7:1-53)

Then said the high priest, Are these things so? v1

Abraham (2-7)

a) Family history v 2-4

² And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,³ And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.⁴ Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

b) Inheritance v 5

⁵ And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

c) Bondage v 6-7

⁶ And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.⁷ And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Covenant of circumcision v 8

⁸ And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Joseph: Prison to Prince v 9-16

a) Joseph afflicted by his brothers, made governor by Pharaoh v 9-10

⁹ And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,¹⁰ And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

b) Famine v 11-12

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.¹² But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

c) Revelation to brothers and father v13-16

¹³ And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.¹⁴ Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.¹⁵ So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,¹⁶ And were carried over into Shechem, and laid in the sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Shechem.

Exodus v 17-36

a) Pharaoh’s plan to destroy God’s people v 17-19

¹⁷ But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,¹⁸ Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.¹⁹ The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

b) Moses born and raised in Pharaoh’s court for 40 years v 20-22

²⁰ In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:²¹ And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

c) Moses visits his brethren v 23-28

²³ And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.²⁴ And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:²⁵ For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.²⁶ And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?²⁷ But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?

d) Moses flees to Midian for 40 years v 29

²⁹ Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

e) God calls Moses to deliver Israel v 30-34

³⁰ And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. ³¹ When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,³² Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.³³ Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.³⁴ I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 

f) God delivers Israel v 35-36

^“35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.³⁶ He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.”

Stephen was well versed in the history of Israel. So far he was on common ground. No one could argue Israel’s past.

When witnessing to others about Christ, find common ground. This will help to get the conversation started. Then move to how Christ came to earth to redeem their sin.

g) Moses reminds the people of their rebellion and idol worship v37-44

³⁷ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.³⁸ This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:³⁹ To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,⁴⁰ Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.⁴¹ And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. ⁴² Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? ⁴³ Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.⁴⁴ Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

h) Joshua Promised Land till David v 45

⁴⁵ Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;

i) David finds favor with God v 46

⁴⁶ Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

j) Temple built by Solomon v 47

⁴⁷ But Solomon built him a house.

k) God does not dwell in temples made by hands v 48-50

⁴⁸ Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,⁴⁹ Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?⁵⁰ Hath not my hand made all these things?

Stephen goes through the history of Israel and comes to verse 50 with this summation: “HATH NOT MY HAND MADE ALL THESE THINGS?” It was a rhetorical question. Of course God made it all. So then he rebukes his listeners in verses 51-53. 

Who are you following today? Are you God deniers or obedient lovers of the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ? Are you resisting the Holy Ghost or allowing the Holy Ghost to lead and comfort you? 

 l) Stephen’s rebuke for disobedience and death of Jesus v 51-53

⁵¹ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.⁵² Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:⁵³ Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

RESPONSE TO STEPHEN’S DEFENSE (Acts 7:54-60)

High Priest, people, elders, and false witnesses v 54, 57-60

a) They were cut to the heart v 54

⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

b) Stopped their ears v 55-57

⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ⁵⁷ Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

c) Cast him out of the city and stoned him v 58-59

⁵⁸ And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Stephen’s response v 55-56, 59-60

a) Looked up to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God v 55-56

⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,⁵⁶ And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

b) Call’s unto God to receive his spirit v 59

⁵⁹ And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

c) Cries to God saying “Lay not this sin to their charge.”

⁶⁰ And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Today we will look at the response to Stephen’s defense of the faith. Life presents us with choices. We can choose to follow righteousness or wickedness, God or Satan, God’s Son Jesus Christ or Satan’s demons outcasts from heaven. Ultimately our decisions determine our eternal destiny. The Jewish religious leaders refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah. That day they sealed their fate. Their wickedness caused them to choose death rather than life. However, if a person, who has led the wicked lifestyle described here, repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ they will be saved and enjoy fellowship with Jesus for all eternity. 

CONCLUSION

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

OBEY GOD’S WORD

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

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word. 

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen, the High Priest, and the Rebellious

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

STEPHEN’S DEFENSE The history of Israel (Acts 7:1-53)

Then said the high priest, Are these things so? v1

Abraham (2-7)

a) Family history v 2-4

² And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,³ And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.⁴ Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

b) Inheritance v 5

⁵ And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

c) Bondage v 6-7

⁶ And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.⁷ And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.

Covenant of circumcision v 8

⁸ And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

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

Good morning,

Stephen was a mighty man of God. He was faithful and never backed down in the face of opposition. He died proclaiming God’s word. 

Who was Stephen? Who opposed him? What was Stephen’s message? What was the response to Stephen’s message?

Stephen, the High Priest, and the Rebellious

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. (Acts 7:51)

Introduction Setting the stage, Stephen accused

Acts 6:8-15

“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angels.” 

Note that Stephan was “…full of faith and power…” Note that it was false witnesses that accused him. The charges were false.

Today, we see much of the same thing happening. People are perverting what the Bible says for their own advantage. Some are in it for the money, some to change the gospel message, and others to totally deny Jesus Christ.

Stephen is given the opportunity to defend what he believes. Chapter 7 documents what he said.

So what about us? When people curse our God, promote false doctrine, or refuse to believe, what is our response? I hope we will learn some lessons from Stephen’s defense of the faith.

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

Good morning,

Pithy gems from Matthew Henry! 

LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio
 

We cannot expect too little from man, nor too much from God!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

A life spent in the service of God and communion with Him,
is the most pleasant life that anyone can live in this world.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The Bible is a letter God has sent to us.
Prayer is a letter we send to Him.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

We should take heed of pride, it is the sin that turned angels into devils!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

God is either your best friend, or your worst enemy.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Knowledge is vain and fruitless, which is not reduced to practice.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Out of Christ, God is a consuming fire.
In Christ, God is a reconciled Father.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Our temptations, if not yielded to, are not sins; they are afflictions only.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Sin is the sickness, disease and torment of the soul!
Christ came to take away sin, and so to heal the soul.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

A man may go idle to Hell; but he who will go to Heaven must be diligent.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

It is the duty of Christians to desire, and aim at and press towards perfection in grace and holiness.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Pride is a subtle sin–it creeps into our pious duties before we are aware!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

If God does not give His people what they ask for, it is because He knows they do not need it, and that it is not for their good.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Even the richest of men are indebted to the mercy of God for their daily bread.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

We cannot alter the disposals of Providence, therefore we must humbly submit and resign ourselves to them.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

No guilt is so great, but there is a remedy in Christ’s blood which atones for it.
No corruption is so strong, but there is a remedy in His grace which can subdue it.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Those who are passing with Christ over the ocean of this world, must expect storms.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The great intention of the blessed Jesus in the redemption He wrought, is to separate our hearts from sin.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

In the gospel there is a salve for every sore, and a remedy for every malady.
There is no spiritual disease, but there is power in Christ for the cure of it!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

I am with you always!

(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Matthew” 1856)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

It is impossible to conceive words . . .
  more comforting,
  more strengthening,
  more cheering, and
  more sanctifying than these.

Though left alone, like orphan children in a cold, unkind world–the disciples were not to think they were deserted. Their Master would be ever “with them.” Though commissioned to do a work as hard as that of Moses when sent to Pharaoh, they were not to be discouraged. Their Master would certainly be “with them.”

No words could be imagined more consolatory to believers in every age of the world. Let all true Christians lay hold on these words and keep them in mind.

Christ is “with us” always.

Christ is “with us,” wherever we go.

He came to be “Emmanuel, God with us,” when He first came into the world. He declares that He is ever “Emmanuel, God with us,” when He comes to the end of His earthly ministry and is about to leave the world. He is . . .
  with us daily, to pardon and forgive;
  with us daily, to sanctify and strengthen;
  with us daily, to defend and keep;
  with us daily, to lead and to guide;
  with us in sorrow, and with us in joy;
  with us in sickness, and with us in health;
  with us in life, and with us in death;
  with us in time, and with us in eternity.

What stronger consolation could believers desire than this? Whatever happens, they are never completely friendless and alone. Christ is ever with them. They may look into the grave, and say with David, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” They may look forward beyond the grave, and say with Paul, “we shall be with the Lord forever!”

We could ask nothing more. None have . . .
  such a King,
  such a Priest,
  such a constant Companion,
  and  such an unfailing Friend,
as the true servants of Christ.

He has said it, and He will stand to it, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!” Hebrews 13:5

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

In the midst of life’s darkest moments!

(Anonymous)  LISTEN to audio!  Download Audio

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:1-3

In these comforting words, we are reminded of the unwavering love and protection that our Heavenly Father extends to all of His redeemed people.

When we feel overwhelmed by the crashing waves of life’s difficulties, these verses speak a resounding message of hope and reassurance. God declares that He has ransomed us, claiming us as His own, and promising to be ever-present as we navigate the turbulent waters and raging fires that may threaten to consume us. No matter how deep the valley, or how scorching the flames of trial, we need not fear, for our Almighty God walks alongside us. He is the Holy One, our Savior, who will not allow the rushing torrents to sweep us away, or the blazing furnace to burn us up.

Just as a loving parent shields their child, so does our Heavenly Father wrap us in His protective embrace, shielding us from harm and carrying us through every storm.

These words are a steadfast anchor for our souls, reminding us that we belong to the King of kings, who has called us by name and will never abandon us, no matter what challenges we face.

In the midst of life’s darkest moments, we can cling to the unshakable truth that our God is with us, and that nothing can separate us from His unfailing love!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

The redeeming love of Jesus for His people

(Anonymous) LISTEN to audio! Download Audio

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

Ephesians 5:2, “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God!”

The redeeming love of Jesus for His people, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. His dying love is so costly and unfathomable, that it transcends all understanding. In order to save us from our sins, Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself on the cruel cross, to redeem and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father.

This incomprehensible act of mercy and grace, demonstrates the depth of Christ’s compassion. For while we were yet sinners, He died for us, pouring out His life’s blood in order to cleanse our souls from all sin, and bring us to His glorious heavenly home.

Through His wondrous sin-atoning sacrifice, Jesus conquered the powers of sin and death, opening the door of salvation for all of His chosen people. His redeeming love is both a beacon of hope, and a wellspring of joy–for the weary and sin-laden believer!

No matter how many and monstrous our sins have been, Jesus forgives each one–as He embraces us, His beloved children, in His arms of mercy and unfailing tenderness!

The transformative power of the Savior’s redeeming love, takes undeserving, ill-deserving, Hell-deserving broken-hearted sinners, and makes them as pure as the driven snow!

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep His love is! May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” Ephesians 3:18, 19

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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