Good morning,

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)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. This week we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith from Acts 7.

Today we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith. He walks his listeners through the history of Israel.  He begins with Abraham, the covenant, his family, Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, Promised Land, and David and Solomon.

STEPHEN’S DEFENSE

The history of Israel (Acts 7:1-53)

Abraham v 2-7

a) Family history v 2-4

b) Inheritance v 5

c) Bondage v 6-7

Covenant of circumcision v 8

Joseph: Prison to Prince v 9-16

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

b) Famine v 11-12

c) Revelation to brothers and father v13-16

Exodus to the Cross 17-53

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

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

c) Moses visits his brethren v 23-29

d) Moses flees to Midian for 40 years v 29-30

e) God calls Moses to deliver Israel v 30-35

f) God delivers Israel v 36

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

h) Joshua Promised Land till David v 45

i) David finds favor with God v 46

j) Temple built by Solomon v 47

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

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

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.  Verse 51-53 states, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 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:  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

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, guide, and comfort you?

Tomorrow we will see the response of Stephen’s listeners.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

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)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. This week we will look at Stephen’s defense of the faith from Acts 7.

Today we back up to Acts 6:8-15. Stephen is accused of blasphemy against Moses, God, the holy place, and the law. We need to understand this passage to fully appreciate Stephen’s defense of the faith in Chapter 7.

“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 angel.” (Acts 6:8-15)

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 lean some lessons from Stephen’s defense of the faith.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study God’s goodness in the United States and some concluding remarks.

God showed His goodness to the United States by protecting us, allowing the Bible to be taught as the curriculum of choice for over 300 years, and giving us wisdom to honor and support Israel.

God’s goodness in the United States

1. Revolutionary War We did not have the resources, expertise, or manpower to defeat the British. God gave us the ability to defeat the enemy.
2. God allowed our country to be governed by the Bible for nearly 300 years. The Preachers preached it, the schools taught from it, and local governments invoke the power of God on their communities.
3. God allowed us to reap the blessings from having close ties with Israel.

Conclusion 

• God’s goodness comes from obedience to God
• God’s goodness comes from praise, thanks, and worship to God
• God’s goodness comes from repenting of known sin and crying out to God
• God’s goodness comes from Jesus our Good Shepherd
• God’s goodness comes from Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection
• God’s goodness comes from knowing that Jesus is the way, truth, and life
• God’s goodness comes from the Bible
• God’s goodness comes from honoring and supporting Israel

 This study has shown us that God is good to those who put their trust in Him.  Believers, if we believe this, we should be telling everyone about the goodness of God. Unbelievers, hopefully this study has convinced you that God is good and that you would like to know more about how to have a personal relationship with His Son Jesus Christ.

Please contact me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study God’s goodness in the church age.
God showed His goodness to the church by sending the good shepherd, with the good news, Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

God’s goodness in the church age

a. Jesus is the Good Shepherd John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
b. The Gospel- The Good News 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”
c. Jesus is the way, truth and life John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Three questions. First, is Jesus your good shepherd? Second, have you ever believed on Christ? Third, do you know Jesus as the way, truth, and life?
The answers to these three questions will determine where you will spend eternity. If you have any doubts, please call me.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Psalm 107 and God’s goodness.

When bad things happen to us, how do we react? In today’s study we will examine several different scenarios and see how the people reacted and what God did.

God’s goodness to His people v 4-42

1. God delivers from their distresses v 4-7
2. Wandering in the wilderness v 4
3. Hungry and thirsty and crying out to the Lord v 5
4. God delivers them from their distresses v 7
5. God satisfies the longing soul v 8-9
6. God saves from their rebellion v 10-14
7. Condemned for rebellion against The Most High God v 10-12
8. Cried to the Lord and He saved them v 13-14
9. God is good v 15-16
10. God saves the fools from their transgressions v 17-20
11. Fools transgress v 17-18
12. They cry unto the Lord and God saves, sends His word, heals them and delivers them v 19-20
13. God exhorts man to praise the Lord v 21-22
14. God calms the storm v 23-30
15. Life at sea v 23-27
16. They cry unto the Lord and God calms the storm v 28-30
17. God exhorts men to exalt and praise God v 31-32
18. God creates living habitation out of wilderness v 33-38
19. God turns fruitful land into wilderness because of the wickedness of the people v 33-34
20. God turns the wilderness into a fruitful land and blesses the righteous v 35-38
21. God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous v 39-43
22. God brings low the wicked v 39-40
23. God raises up the poor and righteous v 41-42
24. God’s challenge to observe these things v 43

I hope you see in this passage the frailty of man and the goodness of God. We find that when the people rebel and are willing to cry out to God, He hears them and saves them. First John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

God wants us to come to Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Have you called on Jesus to save you? If not, please call on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Need more information? Give me a call.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 107:1)

We are doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. This week we will study Psalm 107 and God’s goodness.

When we come before the Lord to worship, we should begin with thanksgiving. Thank Him for all the wonderful things He has done. The acronym ACTS is helpful. A is for adoration. C is for confession. T is for thanksgiving. S is for supplication. Our God is worthy to be praised.

Psalm 107:1-3

Exhortation to praise God v 1-3

1. Give thanks unto the Lord v 1
2. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so v 2
3. God gathers the redeemed from their enemies v 3

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ² Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; ³ And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.”

One of the things we can be thankful for is God’s mercy. Without His mercy we could not be saved. Once we have received His mercy through His Son Yeshua (Jesus), we should proclaim this good news to whoever will hear it. So many people are in need of God’s mercy. God delivers His redeemed out of the hand of the enemies.

Are you redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed his precious blood on the cross? If so, have you told others of God’s mercy, love, and redeeming power? We all need to tell others about Jesus our Savior and Lord.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study the Rejection of Jesus in the United States. The first settlers that came to this continent came to escape religious persecution. The first settlements were governed by the principles of the Bible. God honored their faithfulness with food, shelter, and the opportunity to be free from religious persecution. Then men began to reject God. It began in the pulpits, where false doctrines were being preached. Schools no longer taught from the Bible. Prayer was expelled from schools. The government sanctioned the murder of innocent babies and rejected their ties to God’s chosen people in clear rebellion to God’s covenant with Abraham.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

Rejection of Jesus in the United States

1. a) False doctrines
2. b) Evolution
3. c) Abortion
4. d) All forms of moral sins
5. e) Expulsion of prayer from schools
6. f) Removal of Ten Commandments from courthouses

Conclusion

• Rejection of God will incur punishment from God
• Everyone has rejected God at some point
• Repentance restores a right standing with our God

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Acts 14:1-7 the Rejection of Jesus by unbelieving Jews. During the time of Paul, there were many Jews who believed in Jesus as their Messiah. However, there was a group of unbelieving Jews who caused division and strife. They tried to kill Paul. Paul kept on preaching Jesus Christ to all who would hear.

We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly. (Psalm 106:6)

Rejection of Jesus by unbelieving Jews Acts 14:1-7

1. a) Paul preaching at Iconium v 1
2. b) Unbelieving Jews caused division v 2
3. c) Paul preaches v 3
4. d) Persecution by unbelieving Jews v 4-6
5. e) Paul preaches the gospel in Lystra and Derbe v 7

“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. ² But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. ³ Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. ⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ⁵ And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them, ⁶ They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: ⁷ And there they preached the gospel.” (Acts 14:1-7)

Here is a great example of perseverance.  Even through persecution, Paul continued to preach God’s word. When they tried to stone him, he went to Lystra and Derbe so he could continue to preach God’s word.

In the face of no real opposition, are we willing to tell others about Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension? If not, why not?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study John 19:4-13 the Rejection of Jesus by the Chief Priests. The leadership of Israel refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah. They determined that if Jesus was the Messiah, they would lose their positions of authority and wealth.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

Rejection of Jesus by the Chief Priests John 19:4-13

1. a) Pilate presents Jesus to the multitude v 4-5
2. b) The Chief Priests response: CRUCIFY HIM v 6-7
3. c) Pilate speaks to Jesus v 8-10
4. d) Jesus responds v 11
5. e) Pilate tries to release Jesus, but does not v 12-13

“Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. ⁵ Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! ⁶ When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. ⁷ The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. ⁸ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; ⁹ And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰ Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? ¹¹ Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. ¹² And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. ¹³ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.” (John 19:4-13)

Although the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah seems senseless, it was ordained from God Almighty. Jesus had to go to the cross, shed His precious, perfect blood for the sins of all mankind. He had to die, then be resurrected, and eventually ascend to His Father in Heaven. It was all part of God’s redemptive plan.

He did this for each of us. We now have the same decision to make. Will we reject Jesus as the Chief Priests did or accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Literally your eternal soul lies in the balance.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

We will be doing a historical study of Psalms 105, 106, 107, and Acts 7. Our focus will be on Israel, the Church, and the United States. Today we will study Psalm 106:6-42 the Rejection of God’s Plan. This Psalm shows us the goodness of God and the sinfulness of the people.

“We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.” (Psalm 106:6)

As you read this portion of Scripture, think about all the blessings God has given to you. Then determine if you are in the same position as the people rejecting God’s blessings.

Rejection of God’s Plan v 6-42

a) We have sinned v 6

b) Red Sea V 7-12

1) God’s mighty power made known v 8

2) Dries Red Sea v 9-10

3) Enemies destroyed v 11

4) Praised God v 12

c) Waited not for God’s Counsel v 13-15

d) Rebellion against Moses and Aaron v 16-18

1) Dathan and Abiram died

2) The wicked died

e) Worship of the molten image v 19-20

f) They forgot God their savior v 21-23

1) They forgot His wonderful works v 22

2) Moses pleads for the Israelites to be spared v 23

g) They murmured v 24-25

h) They provoked the Lord v 26-31

1) God lifts up His hand to overthrow Israel v 26-27

2) Baal-peor v 28

3) Plague v 29-31

i) Waters of strife v 32-33

j) They did not destroy the nations v 34-42

1) Mingled among the heathen v 34-35

2) Served their idols v 36

3) Sacrificed their children unto devils v 37-38

4) Turned away from God v 39

5) God’s wrath kindled v 40-42

k) God’s deliverance v 43-48

1) God hears their cry v43-44

2) God remembers His covenant v 45

3) God allows them to be captured v 46

4) People repent and praise God v 47-48

There were consequences to rejection and obedience. Death, plague, strife, and God’s wrath are all examples of the consequences of choosing to reject God.  Deliverance comes with obedience.

You choose!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001