Good morning,

Psalm 106 shows us the goodness of God and the sinfulness of the people.

Psalm 106

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

Call to Praise and the Blessed (1-3)

Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.² Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all his praise? ³ Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Psalm 106 begins with a call to praise the Lord, reminding us of His enduring love and faithfulness: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 106:1). This sets the tone for the entire psalm, encouraging us to reflect on God’s unwavering commitment to His people throughout history. By remembering His faithfulness, we can find strength and hope in our daily lives, knowing that He is always with us. Those who practice justice and righteousness are declared blessed right now, not just in the future. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

 Personal Plea for Grace (4–5)

⁴ Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;⁵ That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.

The writer moves from public praise to a private cry: “Remember me, O LORD…,” longing to share in the welfare, joy, and heritage of God’s chosen ones. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Rebellion and Redemption at the Red Sea (6–12) 

⁶ We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.⁷ Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.⁸ Nevertheless he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.⁹ He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.¹⁰ And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.¹¹ And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.¹² Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

The psalmist confesses the sins of the people, recognizing that we have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly (Psalm 106:6). This acknowledgment is crucial for repentance and restoration.

Israel’s long record of sin begins: “We have sinned with our fathers.” Even at the Red Sea they rebelled, yet God “saved them for the sake of His name,” parting the waters and destroying Pharaoh’s army. Faith briefly flared: “Then they believed His words; they sang His praise.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Cravings, Complaints, and Consequences (13–18)

¹³ They soon forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel:¹⁴ But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.¹⁵ And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.¹⁶ They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the Lord.¹⁷ The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram.¹⁸ And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

Quickly forgetting, they craved in the wilderness, tested God, and received their request “but sent leanness into their soul.” Envy of Moses and Aaron led to the earth swallowing Dathan and Abiram, and fire consuming the rebels. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

 The Golden Calf and Moses’ Intercession (19–23)

¹⁹ They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.²⁰ Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.        ²¹ They forgat God, their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;²² Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.      ²³ Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.

At Sinai they made a calf, “exchanged their Glory for the image of a grass-eating ox.” God threatened to destroy, but “Moses His chosen one stood in the breach” and turned back His wrath. 

The psalm highlights the role of intercessors like Moses, who stood in the breach before Him to turn His wrath away from destroying them (Psalm 106:23). This underscores the power of prayer and advocacy. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Refusal of the Promised Land (24–27)

²⁴ Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:²⁵ But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord.²⁶ Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:²⁷ To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.

Despising the pleasant land, they refused to trust God’s promise, grumbled in their tents, and were sentenced to fall in the desert while their children would enter Canaan. 

The people despised the pleasant land and did not believe God’s promise, leading to their wandering in the wilderness. “They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Baal Peor and the Zeal of Phinehas (28–31) 

²⁸ They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.²⁹ Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.³⁰ Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.³¹ And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

Israel yoked themselves to Baal of Peor; a plague struck until Phinehas “intervened, and the plague was restrained,” his zeal “credited to him as righteousness for endless generations.” (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Anger at Meribah (32–33) 

³² They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:³³ Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.

At Meribah they provoked God so severely that Moses “spoke rashly with his lips,” costing him entry into the land. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

 Compromise, Idolatry, and Child Sacrifice (34–39)

³⁴ They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them:³⁵ But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.³⁶ And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.³⁷ Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,³⁸ And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.³⁹ Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

They failed to destroy the nations, mingled with them, served idols, and even sacrificed sons and daughters to demons, shedding innocent blood. (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Judgment Yet Mercy (40-46)

⁴⁰ Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.⁴¹ And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.⁴² Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.⁴³ Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.⁴⁴ Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:⁴⁵ And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.⁴⁶ He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.

God’s anger burned, He handed them to their foes; yet time after time “He took note of their distress,” heard their cry, and “relented according to the greatness of His loving devotion.”  (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Prayer for Salvation and Final Praise (47-48)

⁴⁷ Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.⁴⁸ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.

The psalmist pleads, “Save us, O LORD our God…,” gathering His people for praise. The congregation answers: “Blessed be the LORD… Let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Praise the LORD!”  (https://biblehub.com/kjv/psalms/106.htm)

Conclusion

The psalm details the consequences of Israel’s disobedience, such as being scattered among the nations: “He handed them over to the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them” (Psalm 106:41). This theme underscores the seriousness of sin. 

Despite their rebellion, God shows mercy: “Nevertheless He regarded their affliction when He heard their cry” (Psalm 106:44). The Hebrew root “racham” (to have compassion) highlights God’s merciful nature.

The psalm reflects on the covenant relationship between God and Israel: “He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion” (Psalm 106:45). The Hebrew word “berith” (covenant) signifies this enduring bond.

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

Good morning,

They would pass by these glittering unrealities!

J.R. Miller

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

Proverbs 23:5, “Will you set your eyes upon that which is not? Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone–for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle!”

People are badly cheated in this world. They often imagine that gold, silver, houses, lands, and stocks are the real treasures. So they toil for these things and gather them into their possession, and pile up what they suppose to be wealth. Thus they live like princes in their fine houses, and call themselves rich.

But one day their supposed riches take to themselves wings and fly away like eagles to the skies. Or they may keep their wealth, perhaps, and die in the midst of it, and have a fine funeral. But then they find that they cannot carry a penny of it with them!

“How much did he leave?” was asked about a rich man who had recently died.

“He left all of it!” was the answer.

If men only knew that there are other things far more worth setting their eyes and hearts upon–things which will never fly away–they would pass by these glittering unrealities, to lay hold of the true riches!

“With Me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and My harvest surpasses choice silver.” Proverbs 8:18-19                                                 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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

Good morning,

Our great lesson!

(James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit”)

(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.
n.b. there are two small recording errors in the following.)

“I will instruct you.” Psalm 32:8

At best we know but little, and we are slow to learn.
But the Lord has promised to instruct us.

The Lord’s teaching always produces . . .
  humility,
  self-loathing,
  confidence in God,
  zeal for His glory,
  and heart-devotion to Him!

The Lord’s teaching always . . .
  brings us to the feet of Jesus, and
  delivers us from the present evil world.

Under Divine instruction we learn . . .
  the true nature of sin,
  the vanity of the world,
  the emptiness of creatures,
  and the fullness and preciousness of Christ!

Is God willing to instruct us?
Then let us be early and often at His throne of grace; praying, as the Psalmist did,
“Show me Your ways, O LORD,
teach me Your paths;
guide me in Your truth and teach me;
for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” Psalm 25:4-5

Then shall we exclaim, as Elihu did, “God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him!” Job 36:22
The Lord will teach us to profit, and sanctify us through the truth He imparts.

Christ is our great lesson, and to know Him rightly is life, peace and joy!

Is Jesus your Teacher? Then . . .
  sit at His feet,
  treasure up His Words,
  and show forth His praise!

He says, “Learn of Me.” Learn to . . .
  know Him,
  love Him,
  obey Him,
  and live upon Him!

“Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path!” Psalm 27:11

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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 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