Good morning,

Paul opens the letter to the Thessalonians with thanksgiving. He is thankful for their faith, love, and patience. This was not easy for the Thessalonians. They were new believers, under persecution, and Paul had to leave. Timothy was now in charge of teaching them the things of Christ. Timothy returned to Paul and relayed to him the growth of the believers in Thessalonica. This letter was Paul’s reply.

Thanksgiving and prayer for the Church at Thessalonica (1-4)

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.² We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; ³ Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; ⁴ Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

Paul begins by telling the Thessalonians’ who is writing this letter and to whom it is addressed. He then blesses the church.  He prays that grace and peace would be on the church from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He is thankful for the church at Thessalonica and prays for them.

So why is Paul so pleased? They responded to the call of God. The evidence was seen in their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Can that be said of us? Are we willingly submitted to God? We live in a time and culture where there is little or no persecution. So are we actively ministering for Jesus? We need to. People are still not saved, believers still do not know the word of God, and the ones that do fail to obey God’s truth. Now is our time to act.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

During Paul’s second missionary journey he spent three Sabbaths in Thessalonica. Acts 17:1-10 tells how the church got started. This week we will begin a study of First Thessalonians. So let’s start with an introduction.

Thessalonica lies near the ancient site of Therma on the Thermaic Gulf at the northern reaches of the Aegean Sea. This city became the capital of Macedonia (ca. 168 B.C.) and enjoyed the status of a “free city” which was ruled by its own citizenry (Acts 17:6) under the Roman Empire. Because it was located on the main east-west highway, Via Egnatia, Thessalonica served as the hub of political and commercial activity in Macedonia, and became known as “the mother of all Macedonia.” The population in Paul’s day reached 200,000 people.

Paul undoubtedly had multiple reasons for writing, all coming out of his supreme concern for the flock from which he had been separated. Some of Paul’s purposes clearly included: 1) encouraging the church (1:2–10); 2) answering false allegations (2:1–12); 3) comforting the persecuted flock (2:13–16); 4) expressing his joy in their faith (2:17–3:13); 5) reminding them of the importance of moral purity (4:1–8); 6) condemning the sluggard lifestyle (4:9–12); 7) correcting a wrong understanding of prophetic events (4:13–5:11); 8) defusing tensions within the flock (5:12–15); and 9) exhorting the flock in the basics of Christian living (5:16–22).

Five major themes are woven together in 1 Thessalonians: 1) an apologetic theme with the historical correlation between Acts and 1 Thessalonians; 2) an ecclesiastical theme with the portrayal of a healthy, growing church; 3) a pastoral theme with the example of shepherding activities and attitudes; 4) an eschatological theme with the focus on future events as the church’s hope; and 5) a missionary theme with the emphasis on gospel proclamation and church planting.

Tomorrow we will begin our study of 1 Thessalonians 1. Please read Acts 17:1-10 as your introduction to the study.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

When was the last time you read your Bible? After reading today’s devotional, I hope you will begin reading it daily.

The one book for all ages and all nations, for all classes of men and all states of society, for all capacities of intellect and all necessities of the soul!

(Daniel March, 1868)

The Bible is the oldest and the newest of books. It surveys the whole field of time–and it looks farthest into the infinite depths of eternity. It lends the most vivid and absorbing interest to the scenes and events of the past–and it keeps us in the most active sympathy with the time in which we live. It gives us the most reliable record of what has been–and it affords us our only means of knowing what is yet to be. It is strict enough to denounce the very shadow and semblance of sin–and it is liberal enough to save the chief of sinners. It is full of God—and must therefore be read with a pure heart or its true glory will not be seen. It is full of man–and must therefore always be interesting and instructive to all who would know themselves.

The Bible is the plainest of books–and yet it has depths of wisdom which no created mind can fathom! It is set up as a beacon to show all wanderers the safe way–and yet its light shines forth from thick clouds of mystery and from abysses of infinite darkness. It describes all conditions of life, and it gives utterance to all desires and emotions of the soul.

It sparkles with the fervor and gladness of youth, it celebrates the strength and glory of manhood–and it bewails the sorrows and infirmities of old age. It sympathizes with the poor and lowly, it lifts up the fallen, it delivers the oppressed, and it breathes the blessing of peace upon the quiet homes of domestic life. It describes with startling clearness the seductions of temptation, the conflicts of doubt, and the miseries of skepticism. It searches the secret chambers of the heart, and brings to light its purest love and its darkest hate, its highest joy and its deepest grief. It compasses the utmost range of thought and feeling and desire–and it sounds the utmost depth of motive and character and passion.

The composition of the Bible was extended through a long course of years; it was carried on under a great variety of circumstances; it bears the impress of every diversity of individual character. And yet the spirit of inspiration speaks with equal fullness through all the times and circumstances and characters. Thus in the Bible, God and man, earth and Heaven, time and eternity–speak with one voice and teach the same truth. Thus the Bible is made to be the one book for all ages and all nations, for all classes of men and all states of society, for all capacities of intellect and all necessities of the soul. It sets forth the most spiritual and heavenly truths–in the lights and shadows of earthly scenes and human characters.

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This life is very complex and challenging. Understanding God’s perspective takes prayer, reading, study, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit of God. I would suggest you begin in Genesis. It is very hard to understand the New Testament without understanding, at a minimum, chapters 1-11 of Genesis. The doctrines of creation, sin, redemption, the flood, languages, and migration of people are all found in these chapters.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Yesterday we looked at the gospel repackaged. Today we will see the gospel ignored. Few churches today still preach the uncompromised gospel message. This would be funny if it were not so sad. People’s lives are at stake. Many will perish.

The striped candy technique!

(A.W. Tozer)

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Without Biblical authority, or any other right under the sun—carnal religious leaders have introduced a host of attractions that serve no purpose except to provide entertainment for the retarded saints!

It is now common practice in most evangelical churches to offer the people, especially the young people, a maximum of entertainment–and a minimum of serious instruction. It is scarcely possible in most places to get anyone to attend a meeting where the only attraction is God. One can only conclude that God’s professed children are bored with Him, for they must be wooed to meeting with a stick of striped candy, in the form of religious movies, games and refreshments.

This has influenced the whole pattern of church life, and even brought into being a new type of church architecture, designed to house the golden calf. So we have the strange anomaly of orthodoxy in creed–and heterodoxy in practice. The striped candy technique has been so fully integrated into our present religious thinking that it is simply taken for granted. Its victims never dream that it is not a part of the teachings of Christ and His apostles!

~  ~  ~  ~

This is what our churches have become, places of entertainment where the lost come to die.

Thankfully, there are still good Bible believing, Bible preaching, no frills churches committed to presenting the gospel to lost souls. Their concern is seeing the lost get saved and go to heaven.

Please prayerfully consider the church you go to. What is the emphasis of the church? Is it to make you feel good or to look into the mirror of God’s word to convict your soul?

Your choice has eternal consequences.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Compromising the gospel message started long before our current generation. Today we see the gospel repackaged. Tomorrow we will see the gospel ignored.

What a shame to see the message of Jesus trampled upon because the hearers do not want to hear and obey. There is coming a time of judgment.

Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it

(J.C. Ryle, “Knots Untied” 1896)

Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.

The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.

The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.

Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers–is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise–are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them–because their spiritual taste is diseased.

This was written in 1896. It has gotten progressively worse over the years. Pastors, teachers, church workers do not have the authority to change the God’s clear message of salvation.

Pray for pastors, teachers, church workers that they present the gospel simply and clearly.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This is a powerful devotion. Pray with thanksgiving for all the things God has done for you. He is willing to help whenever there is a need.

If there were an ant at the door of your granary!

(Charles Spurgeon)

“Do not be afraid–for I Myself will help you–declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:14

Today, let us hear the Lord Jesus speak to each one of us: “I Myself will help you! It is but a small thing for Me, your God, to help you. Consider what I have done already. What! not help you? Why, I bought you with My blood. What! not help you? Why, I have died for you! And if I have done the greater–will I not do the lesser? Help you? Before the world began–I chose you. I laid aside My glory and became a man for you. I gave up My life for you! And if I did all this–I will surely help you now. If you had need of a thousand times as much help–I would give it to you. You require little, compared with what I am ready to give. It is much for you to need–but it is nothing for Me to bestow.

What! not help you? Fear not! If there were an ant at the door of your granary, asking for help–it would not ruin you to give him a handful of your wheat! Just so, you are nothing but a tiny insect at the door of My all-sufficiency!”

“I Myself will help you!” O my soul, is not this enough? Bring your empty pitcher here! Surely this well will fill it. Hasten! gather up your needs, and bring them here–your emptiness, your woes, your troubles. Behold, this river of God is full for your supply. What more can you desire? The Eternal God is your helper!

“The Lord is with me–He is my helper!” Psalm 118:7

~  ~  ~  ~

God can supply all your needs. He created you, keeps you, watches over you, provides for you, and protects you. What a blessing.

Thank God for all He does on your behalf.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week our church has special meetings where we will be studying God’s word. The theme is prophecy taught from the Bible. God calls believers workman. We need to read, study, pray, and then teach God’s word to others. The Bible tells us what to do.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. ⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. (Proverbs 4:4-5)

Are you doing these things? Begin NOW!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

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

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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