Good morning,

What is Bible doctrine? It is the teachings of God’s word. Today we will learn why doctrine is important.

Our doctrine is utterly meaningless!

(Don Fortner)

“Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:10

The study of the Bible should always be practical and applicable to our lives day by day. That is to say, we are to set forth in our lives as well as in our doctrine–the beauty, glory, and attractiveness of the gospel of Christ. We must have our lives regulated and governed by the gospel.

Let us take great care to conform our lives to our doctrine. Doctrine and duty cannot be separated. Every truth discovered in the Word of God ought to be applied to our lives. If our character and conduct does not reflect the grace and glory of God revealed in the gospel, our doctrine is utterly meaningless!

Gospel preachers are responsible to pointedly apply the gospel to the daily affairs and responsibilities of men and women in this world. It is every pastor’s responsibility to faithfully to teach people how to live in this world for the glory of Christ, applying the Word of God to every area of life. It is the responsibility of God’s saints to obey the gospel, applying it personally to every area of their lives.

Always be prepared to give up any doctrine or practice that is not found in Holy Scripture and to embrace anything revealed in the Book of God, no matter what the sacrifice, no matter what the consequence.

“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The challenge for us as believers is to take God’s word and apply it to our lives. God gave us His Word specifically so we would know who He is, how the world was created, what sin is, who Jesus is, why He came, and what He did.  Also, we are taught what is expected of us, how we are to perform His teachings, what the desired outcome will be, and future events.

All we have to do is OBEY.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The Holy Spirit is our teacher and guide. Today’s devotional will show us how.

His teaching makes practical Christians!

(James Smith)

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name–He will teach you all things!” John 14:26

The Holy Spirit is the Teacher of the church. To Him the promise refers, “All Your children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.”

He taught the apostles all things necessary for their office and work.

He teaches the true ministers of Christ, leading them into the truth as it is in Jesus.

And He teaches every believer–all that is really necessary for him to know!

The Bible is the lesson-book,
the believer is the scholar,
the blessed Spirit is the teacher, and
experimental religion is the education!

No one teaches like Him!
He teaches us . . .
gradually,
silently, and
always effectually!
For only what the Spirit teaches us–do we really know!

He teaches us . . .
  what God requires in His Word,
what He has provided in His gospel;
what Christ is to His people,
what His people are to Him.

His teaching makes practical Christians–for He always teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world!

We need to yield ourselves to the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today Jesus reiterates his direction to John to write what he sees in a book. Jesus also reveals the mystery of the seven stars and seven golden candlesticks.

John Writes of Future Events (19-20)

¹⁹ Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; ²⁰The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

We are in the last days. The rapture of the Church is very near. Besides receiving a blessing for reading the Book of Revelation, it helps us enlighten non-believers of the upcoming judgment and how to avoid it. Revelation is a book of warning. May God help us to teach believers and warn the unbelievers.

CONCLUSION

• JESUS WILL RETURN
• JESUS RETURN IS IMMINENT
  
• JESUS RETURNS IN GLORY
• JESUS RETURNS AS JUDGE
• JESUS COMES WITH WARNING TO THE CHURCHES

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today John is given instruction by the Lord Jesus Christ to write in a book what he sees and send it to the seven churches. Again, look for the pictures of Christ.

Salvation to the Churches (7-18)

⁷ Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.⁸ I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.⁹ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,¹¹ Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.¹² And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;¹³ And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ¹⁴ His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; ¹⁵ And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.¹⁶ And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.¹⁷ And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: ¹⁸ I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

How is Jesus portrayed today? The Alpha and Omega, beginning and the ending, which is, was, and is to come, Almighty, one like the Son of man, hair white as wool, white as snow, feet like brass, voice like the sound of many waters, out of mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, He that liveth, was dead, and is alive for evermore, and He has the keys of hell and of death.

That is all John’s earthly mind could comprehend. It was much more glorious than words could describe.

Jesus tells John to fear not. When we obey the Lord Jesus we have nothing to fear.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Revelation 1 is the gateway to a book containing challenges for the present and the future. This week’s Scripture song comes from verse 18. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Today God gives us the who, what, when, where, and why for the Book of Revelation.  There is also a blessing to those who will read, hear, and keep the prophetic word.

Revelation of Jesus Christ to John (1-3)

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:² Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.³ Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

To the Seven Churches in Asia (4-6)

⁴ John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;⁵ And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,⁶ And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As we continue on, watch for different references to Christ. Today Jesus was called the “faithful witness”, the “first begotten of the dead”, and the “prince of the kings of the earth”. It is said that He “loved us” and “washed us from our sins in his own blood”.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

These two devotions complement each other. Spurgeon tells us about God’s wisdom in salvation and Tozer tells us about man’s wisdom in evangelism.

The matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her!” Ephesians 5:25

The more I consider the doctrine of substitution–the more is my soul enamored of the matchless wisdom of God which devised this system of salvation. As for a hazy atonement which atones for everybody in general, and for nobody in particular–an atonement made equally for Judas and for John–I care nothing for it. But a literal, substitutionary sacrifice, Christ vicariously bearing the wrath of God on my behalf–this calms my conscience with regard to the righteous demands of the law of God, and satisfies the instincts of my nature which declare that, as God is just, He must exact the penalty of my guilt!

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep!” John 10:11

The evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity!

(A.W. Tozer)

Any objection to the evangelistic methods of our present golden-calf Christianity, is met with the triumphant reply, “But we are winning the lost!”

And what are you winning them to?

To true discipleship?
To cross-carrying?
To self-denial?
To separation from the world?
To crucifixion of the flesh?
To holy living?
To nobility of character?
To a despising of the world’s treasures?
To total committal to Christ?

Of course, the answer to all these questions is NO!

When we evangelize the lost, it must be more than 5 verses and a prayer. It is the responsibility of the evangelist, soul winner, and church to take the newly converted and teach them about Jesus. Salvation is step 1. Then begins the life long process of helping the new believer become more like Jesus.  This would not be accepted by many churches.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Interpersonal relationships can sometimes be difficult. The believer in Jesus Christ has the Bible to lead them when dealing with other people. Proverbs 3:27-35 is one of those passages.

It deals with how believers should treat others.

How to deal with others (27-35)

²⁷ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.²⁸ Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.²⁹ Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.³⁰ Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.³¹ Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.³² For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.³³ The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.³⁴ Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.³⁵ The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

CONCLUSION

• Trust in the Lord
• Be wise
• Rest in the Lord
• Treat others with wisdom

Proverbs 3 has given us tools to be successful in our Christian life. How well are we doing?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The book of Proverbs is a teaching on wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-26 tells us the benefits of wisdom, the Lord by wisdom…, to keep wisdom and discretion, and the result of wisdom is God’s safety.

Please meditate on the benefits, work of God, keeping sound wisdom, and the fact that we are safe when we have God’s wisdom.

WISDOM (13-26)

Benefits of Wisdom (13-18)

¹³ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.¹⁴ For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.¹⁶ Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.¹⁷ Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.¹⁸ She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

The Lord by Wisdom… (19-20)

¹⁹ The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.²⁰ By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

Keep sound Wisdom and Discretion (21-22)

²¹ My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: ²² So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

Wisdom results in God’s Safety (23-26)

²³ Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.²⁴ When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.²⁵ Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.²⁶ For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

Thank God today that He gave us the Bible that has all the wisdom that we need to live successfully in this world.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will be studying Proverbs 3. The Scripture song comes from verses 5 and 6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Proverbs 3:1-12 describe how to live the Christian life. God lists seven things that will make us successful in our walk with the Lord.

As God speaks to us may we be sensitive to the moving of God’s Spirit.

SUCCESSFUL LIVING (1-12)

The Law (1-2)                                                                                      

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: ² For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.

Mercy and Truth (3-4)

³ Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:⁴ So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord (5-6)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Fear the Lord (7-8)

⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.⁸ It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Honour the Lord with your Substance (9-10)

⁹ Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase:¹⁰ So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Chastening of the Lord (11-12)

¹¹ My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:¹² For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Did you notice that the odd numbered verses were God’s commands, while the even numbered verses were the promises that will result if we obey the command. All God is looking for is obedience in His children. When we do, He pours out His blessings!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Today’s devotional is helpful because it reminds us that to live successfully in this life we must yield control to Christ. Although many of us have tried living the Christian life on our own, we have eventually found that we have failed. Then we turn it over to Jesus and He helps repair what we damaged.

Go to Him in your emptiness, and receive daily out of His fullness!

(Ashton Oxenden, “The Christian Life” 1882)

“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord–so walk in Him!” Colossians 2:6

We are apt to think that all we need is to look to Christ as our Sin-bearer; and that, having once gone to Him in faith, and obtained forgiveness, the work is done. But the believer now needs the same Savior who pardoned him–to be ever with him, to help him on his way, and to keep his soul alive. He must ever run his Christian race, ‘looking unto Jesus.’ He must ‘come out of the wilderness, leaning on his Beloved.’ In himself, the believer is powerless. Christ is both the Life and Strength of the renewed soul.

The believer needs daily strength. He cannot fight by his own power. He cannot even walk alone. If he hopes to resist temptation, and to lead a holy life of service to his heavenly Master–if he wants boldly to come out from the world, and to stand forth as a decided follower of Christ–he must look to Jesus for daily grace to strengthen him.

It is living upon Christ, which alone can make us growing, thriving, vigorous Christians!

To be ever looking to Christ for grace, to be constantly stretching out the hand and heart to Christ for help, to be daily feeding upon Him–this is the secret of all our spiritual life, and of all our spiritual well-being.

Never suppose that you can become strong enough to do without Christ. Never imagine that you can reach such a point, that you are anything more than a poor, helpless being. As you humbled yourself beneath His cross at the first–so continue to feel your place to be in the dust before Him, your righteousness to be as filthy rags, your strength as utter weakness!

Go to Him in your emptiness, and receive daily out of His fullness!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001