Archives for July 2026

Good morning,

This week we will enjoy chapters 5-8 of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Chapter 8. Simple, Sloth and Presumption (SermonAudio.com, 2 minute video)

Chapter 8. Simple, Sloth and Presumption (YouTube, 2 minute video)

Christian encounters three men – Simple, Sloth, and Presumption – who represent spiritual dangers after conversion. Simple lacks wisdom and is easily led astray. Sloth is physically and spiritually lazy. Presumption is arrogantly self-reliant rather than dependent on God. Christian tries to warn them but they refuse his counsel, preferring to sleep rather than remain spiritually vigilant. 

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

Good morning,

This week we will enjoy chapters 5-8 of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Chapter 7. The Cross (SermonAudio.com, 4 minute video)

Chapter 7. The Cross (YouTube, 4 minute video)

Bearing his burden with great difficulty, Christian runs along the narrow highway, which is bordered by a wall called Salvation. He runs until he reaches a Cross standing on a small hill; below it stands a Sepulchre. Just as he reaches the Cross, Christian’s burden falls from his shoulders. The burden tumbles into the Sepulchre and out of sight.

Though Christian was saved by Christ when he entered by the Wicket-gate, it seems that he does not lose the subjective (mental and emotional) burden of his sins until he reaches the Cross, which symbolizes Christ’s sacrificial death for sinners. When he sees the sign of Christ’s death on his behalf, Christian realizes he no longer needs to feel guilty or troubled, because he has been forgiven and redeemed by Christ.

Immediately, Christian is filled with joy. He gazes at the Cross for a while, amazed at his newfound ease. He even begins to weep. Soon, three Shining Ones appear and greet Christian. The first angel tells him, “Thy sins be forgiven.” The second angel takes off Christian’s rags and puts new clothes on him. The third angel gives Christian a sealed roll, telling him to look at it as he journeys, and to hand it in when he reaches the Celestial Gate. Christian leaps three times for joy and goes on, singing of his salvation.

Now that Christian’s burden has fallen away, he is happy for the first time in the story. This suggests that, in Bunyan’s view, sin is the biggest impediment to joy. The angels’ gifts signify Christian’s redeemed status—a change of clothes (he’s no longer characterized by his sin but by his redemption) and a roll or certificate, which symbolizes assurance of the salvation he’s received. Also, the number three is always significant in Christian allegory, evoking the three persons of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

As Christian goes on his way, he comes upon three sleeping men with chained ankles. Their names are Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. Christian wakes them and warns them to beware of Satan, but the three men think there’s no danger, and they settle back to sleep.

Just then, two men scramble over the wall beside the narrow way: their names are Formalist and Hypocrisy. They explain to Christian that they’re taking a shortcut to Mount Zion. Christian argues that this violates the Lord’s expressed will. Formalist and Hypocrisy reply that this will be no problem—they can offer a testimony which an impartial judge will accept, and anyway, as long as they’re on the narrow way, does it matter how they got there? Christian warns them that they have entered without the Lord’s direction, and as thieves, they cannot expect his mercy at the end. Formalist and Hypocrisy go on their way, laughing. Christian goes on alone, often looking at the roll that one of the Shining Ones gave him for reassurance.  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

Psalm 105 is a song of praise, commemorating God’s deeds and miracles, displaying His faithfulness to the children of Israel. It serves as a constant reminder of His unwavering dedication towards His covenant with His chosen ones, highlighting His intervention during their times of need and despair. 

Psalm 105

Call to Remember and Praise (v1-6)

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.² Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.³ Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.⁴ Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. ⁵ Remember his marvelous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;⁶ O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen.

The psalm opens with an energetic summons: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations” (v. 1). Worship, testimony, and joyful song are woven together. Israel is urged to “remember the wonders He has done” (v. 5), and to see itself as the chosen offspring of Abraham and Jacob (v. 6). (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

God’s Unbreakable Promise (v7-11)

⁷ He is the Lord our God: his judgments are in all the earth.⁸ He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.⁹ Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;¹⁰ And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:¹¹ Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

The singer turns to God’s covenant. He “remembers His covenant forever” (v. 8), the oath sworn to Abraham, confirmed to Isaac, and established with Jacob as “an everlasting covenant” (v. 10). The land of Canaan is identified as the concrete pledge. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Patriarchs Protected (12-15)

¹² When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it.¹³ When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;¹⁴ He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;¹⁵ Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

While Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were “few in number, strangers” (v. 12), God protected them. He rebuked kings—Pharaoh in Genesis 12, Abimelech in Genesis 20 and 26—saying, “Touch not My anointed ones” (v. 15). (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Joseph Sent Ahead (v16-22)

¹⁶ Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.¹⁷ He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:¹⁸ Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:¹⁹ Until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.²⁰ The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.²¹ He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance:²² To bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.

A sudden famine is introduced, yet God “sent a man before them—Joseph” (v. 17). Betrayed, imprisoned, then exalted to rule, Joseph becomes the agent who “opened wide the prison doors” and “taught [Pharaoh’s] elders wisdom” (vv. 20–22). (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Israel Grows in Egypt (v23-25)

²³ Israel also came into Egypt; and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham.²⁴ And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.²⁵ He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.

Jacob’s family arrives in Egypt and “the LORD made His people very fruitful” (v. 24). A new Pharaoh rises, turning affection into oppression (v. 25). (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Mighty Deliverance (v26-38)

²⁶ He sent Moses his servant; and Aaron whom he had chosen.²⁷ They shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.²⁸ He sent darkness, and made it dark; and they rebelled not against his word.²⁹ He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish.³⁰ Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings.³¹ He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts.³² He gave them hail for rain, and flaming fire in their land.³³ He smote their vines also and their fig trees; and brake the trees of their coasts.³⁴ He spake, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and that without number,³⁵ And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground.³⁶ He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.³⁷ He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.³⁸ Egypt was glad when they departed: for the fear of them fell upon them.

God “sent Moses His servant, and Aaron” (v. 26). The psalm lists nine of the ten plagues—darkness, blood, frogs, flies, locusts, hail, and the death of the firstborn—culminating in the Israelites’ departure laden with Egypt’s silver and gold (v. 37).  (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Wilderness Gifts (v39-41)

³⁹ He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.⁴⁰ The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.⁴¹ He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.

A cloud for shade, fire for light, quail for meat, and water from the split rock showcase day-by-day care (vv. 39–41).  (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Promise Kept, Purpose Given (v42-45)

⁴² For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant.⁴³ And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:⁴⁴ And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;⁴⁵ That they might observe his statutes, and keep his laws. Praise ye the Lord.

The closing lines circle back: God “remembered His holy promise” (v. 42), brought Israel to the promised land, and gave it so “they might keep His statutes and observe His laws” (v. 45). Praise again crowns the story. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Covenant Themes

The covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), formally cut in Genesis 15 and reaffirmed in Genesis 17 and 26, fuels the psalm. God’s faithfulness to the land promise, the seed promise, and the blessing to nations is highlighted. Psalm 105 places emphasis on the land, while Psalm 106 (its companion) stresses the people’s failures—two sides of the same story. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

New Testament Resonance

Jesus is the ultimate keeper of the covenant (Luke 1:72-73). The miracles surrounding His ministry echo Exodus power—water to wine, feeding multitudes, calming storms—showing the same God at work. The call to “proclaim His deeds among the nations” (Psalm 105:1) foreshadows the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/105.htm)

Practical Takeaways for Today

– Gratitude is not optional; remembering fuels worship.

– History is more than facts; it’s evidence of God’s character.

– The same God who guided nomads and shook an empire still directs and defends His people.

– Blessing comes with purpose: “that they might keep His statutes” (v. 45). Obedience is the natural response to grace.

Psalm 105 invites every reader to step into Israel’s story, see the hand of God, and echo the closing word: “Hallelujah!”

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

Good morning,

This week we will enjoy chapters 5-8 of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Chapter 6. The House of the Interpreter (SermonAudio.com, 26 minute video) 

Chapter 6. The House of the Interpreter (YouTube, 26 minute video)

The House of the Interpreter in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is a vital spiritual waypoint representing the Holy Spirit. It teaches Christian—and the reader—how to discern spiritual truths, avoid worldly traps, and understand the lessons needed for his journey to the Celestial City. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Interpreter guides Christian through several rooms, revealing distinct allegorical scenes:

• The Portrait of the Minister: A portrait of a “very grave person” with eyes lifted to heaven, the best of books in his hand, and the world behind his back. This represents a true minister who is focused on spiritual realities rather than earthly things.
• The Fire Against the Wall: A fire that burns brightly despite someone continuously pouring water on it. It symbolizes the life of grace in a believer’s heart, which stays lit because Christ continuously adds His grace (the oil) behind the wall. [1]
• Passion and Patience: Two boys representing two mindsets. Passion throws a tantrum demanding all his good things now, while Patience sits quietly waiting for his reward. This illustrates the difference between those who live for the present world and those who wait for eternal rewards.
• The Valiant Man: A man who fights his way through heavily armed guards to enter a beautiful palace, symbolizing the courage and determination required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. [1, 2]
• The Iron Cage: A man trapped in despair because he grieved the Spirit, turned his back on God’s word, and lost his faith. This serves as a stern warning against spiritual apathy. [1, 2, 4]
• The Dream of Judgment: A man whose bed shakes as he dreams of the terrifying return of Christ, which teaches the importance of being spiritually prepared and keeping one’s conscience clear. [1, 2]

These lessons are designed to train Christian’s mind and strengthen his faith before he proceeds toward the cross. [1]

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

Good morning,

This week we will enjoy chapters 5-8 of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Chapter 5. The Narrow Gate (SermonAudio.com, 8 minute video)

Chapter 5. The Narrow Gate (YouTube, 8 minute video) 

In John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, the Narrow Gate (often called the Wicket Gate) represents Jesus Christ and the start of the true path to salvation. It signifies that entering eternal life requires the deliberate, singular choice of faith and repentance, which can be difficult to find and follow. [1, 2, 3]

Here is how the event unfolds:

The Warning: Before reaching the gate, Christian encounters Evangelist, who points him toward the distant shining light of the gate to escape the destruction of his hometown. [1, 2]

The Attack: As Christian approaches the Wicket Gate, he faces a terrifying threat. Beelzebub (representing the devil) has a castle nearby and sends his archers to shoot at approaching sinners to destroy them before they can be saved. [1, 2]

The Gatekeeper: Despite his fear, Christian persists and knocks on the gate, reading the sign: “Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” A grave and graceful figure named Good-will answers the door, quickly pulling Christian safely inside. [1, 2]

No Rejection: Good-will assures Christian that despite his past misdeeds and sins, he will never be cast out, and no past faults are held against him once he is inside. [1]

The Burden Remains: Christian asks for immediate relief from the massive, physical “burden” of sin weighing him down. Good-will tells him he must continue carrying it further down the road until he reaches a specific place of deliverance (the Cross). [1, 2]

The Direction: Good-will points Christian onto the straight and narrow path, warning him that it is difficult, and sends him to the House of the Interpreter for further instruction. [1, 2]

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

Good morning,

The Dangers of Christian Celebrity Culture

Various authors

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.

In recent years, the rise of celebrity culture within the church has become increasingly troubling. Christian leaders are often elevated to near-idol status–celebrated not for their Christlike humility, but for their charisma and communication skills. This trend poses real spiritual dangers, both to the church at large and to individual souls. Scripture offers no support for elevating men to such heights; rather, it warns against boasting in man and reminds us that all the glory belongs to God alone: “So then, no more boasting about men.” (1 Corinthians 3:21)

The first danger is that Christian celebrity culture subtly undermines the supremacy of Christ. When believers flock to conferences to hear a man, rather than to meet with God; when they rally around personalities, instead of truth–then Christ is robbed of His rightful place as Head of the church. The apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their party spirit: “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos”–insisting instead that it is “God who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:4–7). No man, regardless of gifts or influence, should be allowed to eclipse the glory of Christ.

Secondly, celebrity culture creates an unhealthy dependence on personalities rather than on the Word of God. Many Christians do not know their Bibles well, because they are content to have others think for them. But God’s Word commands believers to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and to be like the Bereans, who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). We must never replace Spirit-taught discernment, with passive admiration of gifted men.

Furthermore, celebrity status can be spiritually destructive to the leaders themselves. Pride is subtle and deadly. Even the apostle Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from becoming conceited (2 Corinthians 12:7). Many gifted pastors have fallen morally or doctrinally after being elevated beyond biblical accountability.
Fame breeds flattery,
  and flattery breeds folly,
and folly breeds sin.

Finally, Christian celebrity culture divides the body of Christ. It fuels competition, cultivates envy, and tempts some to build personal empires, rather than Christ’s kingdom. True ministry is not about being seen or celebrated–it is about faithfully proclaiming Christ and making Him known. “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).

The church does not need more celebrities. It needs more faithful servants who point away from themselves, and to the crucified and risen Savior. Let us remember that “we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5), and let us not seek the applause of men, but the approval of God.

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

Good morning,

Should it be according to your mind?

(James Smith, “Important Questions!” 1858)

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

“Should it be according to your mind?” Job 34:33

We are prone . . .
  to be fretful,
  to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence,
  and to reflect harshly upon the Lord’s dealings with us.

We want our own way.

We wish to carve for ourselves.

We would be treated as God’s favorites.

We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And . .  .
  if this does not appear to be done,
  if our wills are crossed,
  if our schemes are frustrated,
  if our purposes are broken off,
then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.

Under these circumstances, God comes to us as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols, and puts this question to us: “Should it be according to your mind?“

  Are you wiser than God?

Are you kinder than God?

  Are you holier than God?
Are you more just than God?

  Are you better informed than God?

May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish?
Should it then be according to your mind?

Should you reign–or God?

Remember that . . .
  God acts in the highest wisdom,
  His motives are grace and justice,
  and all His purposes are worthy of Himself.

The least the Christian can do is to submit, and to prefer God’s perfect wisdom, ways, and works–to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people–they, at least, should daily say, “Father, may Your will be done!”

O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence, but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted; your best interests are secured. Soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness–have marked out every step of your road!

“Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing, but someday you will.” John 13:7

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

Good morning,

Psalm 104 is a profound hymn of praise that acknowledges the sovereignty and majesty of God as Creator. It explores the interconnectedness of creation and the dependence of all life on God’s provision and sustenance. This psalm invites the reader into a deep appreciation for the world around us and provides a unique perspective on our place within God’s creation. 

Psalm 104

Praise to the Majestic Creator (V 1–4)

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.² Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:³ Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:⁴ Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

The psalm opens with the worshiper stirring his own soul to bless the LORD, picturing God clothed in dazzling light, spreading out the heavens like a tent, riding on the clouds, and commanding the winds and flames. Creation is described as God’s servant, carrying out His purposes with effortless power. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

Foundation and Flood Boundaries (V 5-9)

⁵ Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.⁶ Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.⁷ At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.⁸ They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.⁹ Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

God establishes the earth on secure foundations so that it “should never be moved.” He allows the primeval waters briefly to cover the mountains, then speaks, and the waters flee to the boundaries He sets. The memory of the Flood lingers—yet the psalmist highlights that the Lord has fixed limits the waters “may not pass again.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

Provision for All Living Creatures (V 10-18)

¹⁰ He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.¹¹ They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.¹² By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.¹³ He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.¹⁴ He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;¹⁵ And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.¹⁶ The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;¹⁷ Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.¹⁸ The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

Springs pour water into valleys; every beast drinks; birds sing among the branches. Grass grows for livestock, and plants for people “to bring forth food from the earth,” including wine, oil, and bread. Even lofty cedars and rugged crags teem with life because the Lord provides safe habitats for every creature. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

Celestial Order and Human Work (V 19-23)

¹⁹ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.²⁰ Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.²¹ The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.²² The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.²³ Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

The moon marks seasons, the sun keeps its appointed time. Nightfall releases the prowling beasts; dawn sends them back to their lairs while humans rise to work “until evening.” Heavenly bodies and earthly rhythms are woven together for the good of all. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

Manifold Works and Sustaining Breath (V 24-30)

²⁴ O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.²⁵ So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.²⁶ There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.²⁷ These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.²⁸ That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.²⁹ Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.³⁰ Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

With joyful wonder the psalmist exclaims, “How many are Your works, O LORD!” Earth and sea overflow with creatures great and small—“Leviathan” frolics in the vast ocean. Every life waits for God’s open hand; when He hides His face, they panic. When He “sends forth” His Spirit, new life springs up and the ground is renewed. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

 Eternal Glory and Personal Devotion (V 31-35)

³¹ The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works.³² He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.³³ I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.³⁴ My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.³⁵ Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord.

The psalm closes with a prayer that the Lord’s glory endure forever and that His own joy in what He made never fades. The singer vows lifelong praise, asking that sin and wickedness vanish from the earth. The final line echoes the start: “Bless the LORD, O my soul. Hallelujah!” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/104.htm)

Practical Applications

Cultivate Awe and Wonder

Take time to observe and appreciate the beauty of creation around you, recognizing it as a reflection of God’s glory.

Trust in God’s Provision

Remember that just as God provides for the needs of His creation, He is faithful to provide for you.

Embrace God’s Order

Acknowledge the order and purpose God has established in the world and seek to align your life with His design.

Live Sustainably

Consider how you can care for the environment as a steward of God’s creation, reflecting His love and care.

Praise Continually

Make a habit of praising God for His creation and His ongoing work in your life 

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

Good morning,

Your best day!

Charles Spurgeon

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Revelation 1:18, “I hold the keys of death and the grave.”

All the issues of of your death, are at the disposal of your loving Savior. You cannot die, unless Jesus opens the door of death. It is our comfort, that our dissolution is entirely in the hands of Him who bled on the accursed tree for us.

In the midst of fever and pestilence, you shall not die a moment before Jesus has purposed it. The place, the circumstance, the exact second of our departure–have all been lovingly and wisely appointed by Him.

Since Jesus has the keys of death, you need never fear it. Rather, let us rejoice at the approach of death, since it comes at our dear Bridegroom’s bidding! Jesus shall come to our dying bed and say, “Arise My love, My beautiful one, and come away!” Song of Solomon 2:10

You shall find it sweet to die. Depend upon it, your dying day will be the best day you have ever known! “Better is the day of one’s death, than the day of one’s birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” Psalm 23:4

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

“My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better!” Philippians 1:23

“Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on!” Revelation 14:13

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

Good morning,

Salvation Summed Up in Nine Letters

Charles Spurgeon, et al.

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Titus 3:5, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”

1. HE
Salvation begins with God. The glorious subject of this verse is none other than the sovereign Lord of Heaven and earth. He–the eternal, omnipotent, all-wise, and perfectly holy God–has taken the initiative. It was not man who sought God, but God who sought man. Left to ourselves, we were “foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved” (Titus 3:3), utterly without hope. But God, in His infinite mercy and loving-kindness, moved toward us. This great act of salvation is not the product of man’s desire, decision, or deeds–but of God’s own purpose and grace. “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). He alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith. What a humbling truth: the One most offended by our sin, is the very One who provides the remedy!

2. SAVED
What a word! Not helped. Not improved. Not rehabilitated. But saved! This is a strong word that speaks of deliverance from danger and destruction. In the biblical sense, it is a rescue from the wrath of God, from the penalty of sin, from eternal damnation. Salvation is no minor adjustment to our behavior or character–it is a radical deliverance from guilt, corruption, and condemnation.

And what is the cause? “Not because of righteous things we had done.” No amount of good works, religious rituals, or moral efforts could ever earn this salvation. It comes because of His mercy. Grace flows from mercy. Mercy is God’s heart of compassion toward those in misery and ruin; and grace is the action that flows from it–redeeming, restoring, and raising us from death to life. To be saved is to be made a new creation in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and kept by His power.

3. US
This salvation is not impersonal or theoretical–it is personal. “He saved us.” Who are the “us”? Not the worthy or the wise, but sinners–helpless, hopeless, Hell-deserving sinners. Those who were once enemies, rebels, and strangers–have been brought near by the blood of Christ. This word reminds us that salvation is not just a theological truth to admire, but a divine gift to receive. If you can say from your heart, “He saved me,” then all glory belongs to Him alone. And if He has saved us, then our lives must now be lived for His glory. We are not our own–we were bought at a price. Let us walk in humble gratitude, praising the God who loved us, chose us, and saved us by His mercy.

Conclusion:
Salvation is summed up in nine letters: HE SAVED US.
Three simple words, yet they contain the depths of the gospel.

The Source: He.
The Act: Saved.
The Objects: Us.

May this truth stir your soul, crush all pride, and ignite fresh praise for the God of mercy who did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

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