Good morning,

The evening of  18 September begins Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.

We will study this important Jewish holiday today.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Download (Yom-Kippur.docx, DOCX, 19KB)

Good morning,

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Yesterday began the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Barzillai and David: Physical help when needed

“And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,²⁸ Brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentils, and parched pulse,²⁹ And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.” (Samuel 17:27-29)

“And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.³² Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.”   (2 Samuel 19:31-32)

David was fleeing Jerusalem. Absalom rebelled against his father the King and had captured Jerusalem. David and his people were tired, hungry, and weary. They needed sustenance. Barzillai provided that for them.

Barzillai was a wealthy man who supported King David. Barzillai’s support allowed David and his people to escape.

Do we share our bounty with others? It is God that allows us to get wealth. It is our responsibility to use those resources to God’s honor and glory.

Do we? Barzillai did!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Barnabas and Saul: standing in the gap

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.²⁷ But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.²⁸ And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:26-28)

Saul was out to arrest, kill, or jail as many Christians as possible. On his way to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. He now wanted to tell others about Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. He did and many believed.

When he came to Jerusalem and presented himself before the disciples, they did not believe his conversion, and were afraid of him.

Standing in the gap for Saul was Barnabas. He testified to Saul’s encounter with Jesus, changed life, and his bold preaching in Damascus. Acts 13:1-5, record for us the calling of Barnabas and Saul to God’s work. Barnabas encouraged, mentored, and helped Saul in his early years.

We need to be able to mentor other young believers in their faith. Discipleship is crucially important. That was what Jesus was doing for three years with His disciples. Young believers need to be taught the foundational truths of Scripture.

Will we stand in the gap for someone today?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Paul and Onesimus: Unprofitable to profitable

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Download (PHILEMON.docx, DOCX, 14KB)

Good morning,

Helping others is important. Although not showy, it encourages, strengthens, and lifts up others.

We will look at four individuals who helped others. Ruth, Barnabas, Paul, and Barzillai. Their stories recall friendships, service, and commitment.

Ruth and Naomi: Undying devotion

“And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.¹⁵ And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.¹⁶ And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:¹⁷ Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.¹⁸ When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.¹⁹ So they two went until they came to Bethlehem.” (Ruth 1:18-19a)

Naomi was a Jew and Ruth was a Moabitess. A famine caused Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, and two sons to move to Moab from Bethlehem-Judah. In the course of time, the two sons married two women of Moab. Then Elimelech dies, followed by both sons, leaving Naomi a widow. Naomi admonishes the girls to go back to their parents. One does, but Ruth will not leave Naomi. The famine is over and Ruth follows Naomi back to Bethlehem-Judah.

This begins the love story of Ruth’s complete devotion and care for Naomi. Ruth was the only family Naomi had.

What was Ruth’s motivating motive for going with Naomi? Love! Ruth saw a need and met it. She was all in. No wavering, questioning, or doubts.

Ruth had also observed the God Naomi worshiped. God Jehovah, the true God, the all mighty God of creation. When the time came to make a choice, she chose to follow the God of Naomi.

Because of this bond, Naomi was strengthened and encouraged to carry on.

Have we ever been that kind of friend to someone?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Jonah and Jeremiah were prophets of God. They viewed their responsibilities in this capacity differently. Jonah was a half-hearted prophet. He was not interested in seeing his enemies get saved. Jeremiah, whole heartedly, prophesized God’s message of repentance to backsliding Israel.

This week we will look at other men who presented God’s word. Noah, Philip, Jonah, Peter, and Stephen. Were these men faithful to God’s call and how did it change the lives of others.

STEPHEN FIRST MARTYR FOR CHRIST

Stephen’s life was cut short because his bold witness for Christ. His sermon of Israel’s history, disobedience to the Law of God, idol worship, and persecuting and killing of the prophets who foretold of the coming of Jesus, caused the religious leaders to have him stoned.

“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.⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.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.” (Acts 7:51-56)

STEPHEN STONED

“Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,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.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.” (Acts 7:57-60)

It is unlikely that we will have the opportunity to be martyred for Christ. However, daily, hundreds die as martyrs for their belief in Christ. Christianity is still despised and ridiculed in many parts of the world.

So, when we are scared, afraid, or concerned what others will think about our witness, think about those who die for what they believe. Then boldly go and tell others about Jesus.

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

Jonah and Jeremiah were prophets of God. They viewed their responsibilities in this capacity differently. Jonah was a half-hearted prophet. He was not interested in seeing his enemies get saved. Jeremiah, whole heartedly, prophesized God’s message of repentance to backsliding Israel.

This week we will look at other men who presented God’s word. Noah, Philip, Jonah, Jesus, and the rich man and Lazarus. Were these men faithful to God’s call and how did it change the lives of others.

JONAH

Today we complete our study of Jonah.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Download (JONAH-4.docx, DOCX, 14KB)

Good morning,

Jonah and Jeremiah were prophets of God. They viewed their responsibilities in this capacity differently. Jonah was a half-hearted prophet. He was not interested in seeing his enemies get saved. Jeremiah, whole heartedly, prophesized God’s message of repentance to backsliding Israel.

This week we will look at other men who presented God’s word. Noah, Philip, Jonah, Peter, and Stephen. Were these men faithful to God’s call and how did it change the lives of others.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

“And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.²⁷ And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,²⁸ Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.²⁹ Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.³⁰ And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? ³¹ And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.³² The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:³³ In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.³⁴ And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.³⁶ And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?³⁷ And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.³⁸ And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.³⁹ And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.” (Acts 8:26-40)

Philip obeyed God. God said “Go” and Philip went. The Spirit of God led him. He knew the word of God. He was able to go from the passage in Isaiah and preached Jesus to the Ethiopian eunuch. He also understood the difference between salvation and baptism. Trusting Christ as Savior and Lord before baptism.

Are we willing to go, when and where God sends us? Are the souls of the lost important to us? Do we know our Bibles well enough to tell them how to trust Christ? Does this challenge us to learn how?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001