Archives for February 2016

Good morning,

The book of Colossians has a wealth of truths. Paul had to correct false doctrine being presented to the Colossian’s. Here is outline of the book.

BOOK OF COLOSSIANS INTRODUCTION

OUTLINE

DOCTRINAL CHAPTERS 1-2

PRACTICAL CHAPTERS 3-4

CHAPTER 1 THE PERSON OF CHRIST

CHAPTER 2 THE ANSWERS OF CHRIST

CHAPTER 3 THE STANDARDS OF CHRIST

CHAPTER 4 THE FELLOWSHIP OF CHRIST

HISTORY

The Epistle to the Colossians is one of the four prison epistles. It was written by the apostle Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome. Evidence suggests that Paul himself had never visited Colossae but that Timothy and Epaphras probably evangelized the city and founded the church during Paul’s three year stay in Ephesus while on his third missionary journey. Colossae was a town in Asia Minor about one hundred miles east of Ephesus and 12 miles south of Laodicea and Heirapolis.

OCCASION FOR WRITING

Epaphras either visited Paul in Rome or was imprisoned there with him. ln either case, he informed Paul of the dangerous theological error circulating in the churches of Colossae and Laodicea, in response to Epaphras’ plea for help, Paul writes the epistle to the Colossians, which is also to be read in the church of Laodicea, in an attempt to check the heresy’s influence. The heresy was syncretistic, that is, it was composed of elements drawn from paganism’, Judaism. and Christianity. The pagan element espoused a false philosophy that appears to have been an early form of Gnosticism. This movement viewed matter as evil, denied the divine creation of the universe, held to many angelic beings or spiritual intermediaries existing between God and men, advocated the worship of these angelic beings, and stressed secret “knowledge” (received when initiated into their cult) as the means of attaining salvation. The Jewish element was legalistic in nature, retained the Mosaic Law, imposed circumcision, followed dietary restrictions and calendar observations, and advocated asceticism. The heresy’s Christian component did not deny Christ, but dethroned Him. He was not regarded as divine or as Creator of the universe, and His death was thus deprived of any saving merit. The letter’s aim was to refute the Colossian heresy, to demonstrate the preeminence of Christ, and to confirm the addressees in the Christian faith.

Tomorrow we will look at chapter 1.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Delight in the fact that you are a child of God’s. Meditate on some of these great promises.

This one thought is a fountain of unfailing happiness!

(George Everard, “Up High!” 1884)

“He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ” Ephesians 1:5

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus!” Galatians 3:26

Here is one of the sweetest privileges of the Christian life. The Christian is a beloved child, and shares all the love and tenderness of the Father’s heart!

This one thought is a fountain of unfailing happiness! 
“I am at home with God!
Once I was far off–but now I am near.
Once I was a stranger–but now His beloved child!
Once the thought of His presence was fear and dread–but now it is life, and joy, and peace.
 He is my Father, and in this Name all heart-joys meet.
He knows me by name, and cares for me in all my cares.
 He pities me, and in tender compassion marks each tear I shed, and each sorrow that weighs upon my heart.
 He opens His hand, and each day gives me all that I need.
He bows down His ear and hearkens to each prayer I offer.
I have boldness and liberty to go at all times into His presence-chamber, and may tell Him every desire and ask of Him whatever is for my good.”

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Please take some time to meditate on the question below.

What is Christianity?

(George Everard, “Guidance and Help” 1874)

“Christ is all!” Colossians 3:11

What is Christianity?

Christianity centers in the glorious Person of Christ!

The aim and purpose of every Scripture truth, is to fix the eye on Christ Himself!
He is the Alpha and Omega of Christianity.
From Him proceeds every ray of light.
To Him all believing hearts are drawn.
The Christian finds consolation and strength only in Him.
Every motive for Christian living is from Him.
The glorious privileges which Christians possess can only be enjoyed from union and fellowship with Him.
Their highest standard of duty is to follow His footsteps, and to walk even as He walked.

Christianity, in fact, is Christ! It is . . .
Christ in the Scriptures;
Christ in the Manger;
Christ on the Cross;
Christ, the Risen One;
Christ, the Ascended One;
Christ, the Prophet, the Priest, the King;
Christ in His Glorious appearing, to be revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels!

All our trust, all our love, all our obedience, is due to Him!

The more the eye and the heart is turned fully towards Him–the more true and genuine is our Christianity.

Do not I love You, Oh my Lord?
Behold my heart and see,
And turn each cursed idol out,
That dares to rival Thee!

You know I love You, dearest Lord,
But oh, I long to soar,
Far from the sphere of mortal joys,
And learn to love You more!
Philip Doddridge

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will complete our study of Philippians. Chapter 4 is a book of rejoicing. The key verse is verse 4.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Today we see how God supplies Paul’s needs.

7. God supplies Paul’s needs (15-23)

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

CONCLUSION 

• Stand fast
• Be of the same mind
• Rejoice
• Moderation (self control)
• Pray
• Do what Paul instructed
• God will supply your needs

Paul ends the book of Philippians by telling of his faith in God. He clearly states that God supplied all his needs. That he has all and abounds. That he is full. He thanks the Philippians for their gift. He tells them that God will supply all their needs in Christ Jesus.

Paul challenges the Philippians to keep on, keeping on (stand fast).

That would the challenge for us. Stand fast in these days of wickedness and deceit. Continue to present the gospel, obey God’s word, pray, and rely solely on God.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will complete our study of Philippians. Chapter 4 is a book of rejoicing. The key verse is verse 4.

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Today Paul gives us a great lesson on contentment.

6. Paul’s contentment (10-14)

 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Christians are to be content in every area of their lives. Paul is writing this letter from jail. Paul led a hard life as he testifies to in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.

²³ Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. ²⁴ Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. ²⁵ Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. ²⁸ Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

After all this he states in Philippians, “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Have we learned to be content? Personally, and through my own observation, I do not believe the body of Christ is content. We are striving for the next, best, greatest thing. We want the better job, better car, better home, or better life in general. No pain, no heartaches.

He then explains to the Philippians why he is content. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” His total reliance was on the Lord. He understood that the Lord Jesus Christ was in charge of his life. He submitted to God’s plan and went forward. This is what God wants us to do. Submit to His plan and follow His lead.

That’s our challenge.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

This week we will complete our study of Philippians. Chapter 4 is a book of rejoicing. The key verse is verse 4.

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

 INTRODUCTION

Paul completes his letter encouraging the Philippians to “stand fast”, “be of the same mind”, “rejoice”, “moderation”, “pray”, “do” what Paul did, and that God will take care of your needs.

 1. Salutation (1)

 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

 2. Unity and encouragement (2-3)

 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

 3. Rejoice (4)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

4. Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving (5-7)

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

5. God’s peace (8-9)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Let’s do a little review. Where is Paul as he writes this letter? Why was he there? If you were there, would you be writing letters of joy, encouragement and challenge?

Paul challenges the Philippians to encourage others, rejoice, pray, ask, give thanks, and rest in Jesus loving arms. If we could experientially get a hold of the truths found in verses 8 and 9, it would transform our personal lives, our churches, and our ministries.

Let’s ask God how He would like to implement these characteristics in our lives.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

May this encourage and challenge us to be more like Jesus.

Reading Christians!

(George Everard, “The Yoke of Christ!” 1882)

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle and humble of heart” Matthew 11:29

“Leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

I must not only learn the secrets of divine truth from Christ’s Word–but I must learn the secret of a holy life, by walking as He walked. Among all lessons, none is better than this.

I must copy Christ’s humility.

I must imitate His gentleness, His forbearance, His willingness to stoop even to the cross. 

I must cast to the winds all haughtiness and self-conceit–and be content to be nothing, if only He may be glorified.

And where there is true humility, self-sacrifice and loving charity–purity of heart and life will not lag far behind. For Christ Himself dwells with the humble; and where Christ and His Spirit abide, every Christian virtue will spring forth and grow.

Let the Christian ever remember the strong encouragement which the Master gives to all who take His yoke. It is a yoke lined with love. He who lays it on you is no hard man, no cruel tyrant–but the meek and lowly One, the Savior, the Friend, the Brother, the Bridegroom of His redeemed people.
In love, He bids you take His yoke.
In love, He fits it to the neck of each who bears it.
In love, He stands by you and helps you to carry it, and gives daily grace for daily need.

One, who was an utter unbeliever, was asked why he held infidel views. “Through reading Christians instead of reading the Scriptures,” was his reply.

Oh that Christ might be seen in every one who bears His name! Oh that we might all so learn of Him, that the outside world would see the mighty reality of His grace through us!

“Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.” 1 John 2:6

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. From the time Paul was saved, until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today watch for Christ’s coming.

5) Watch for Christ’s coming v20-21

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. V20-21

Finally Paul reminds the Philippians that their conversation (manner of life) is in heaven, that they need to be looking for their Savior and that when He comes, He will take our current bodies and give them glorious bodies.

Do we live our lives like we are citizens of heaven? We are. The Bible calls us ambassadors for Christ. Our home is heaven. God has posted us here temporarily to proclaim his kingdom and glory.

Do we look for the coming of Jesus or do the things of this world so entice us, that we are comfortable here? The next prophetic event on God’s calendar is the rapture. First Thessalonians 4:16-17 states, “¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” It is imminent. Will we be ready? Do we care?

The bodies that we have today will be changed from vile and corruptible to glorious. No more aches and pains. No blemishes. That in itself is worth looking forward to.

Please review what we have learned this week. Spend part of your weekend meditating on who God is and your part in His plan.

CONCLUSION

• KNOW CHRIST
• PRESS FORWARD
• BEWARE OF THE ENEMY
• LOOK FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST
• LAY ASIDE SIN

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. From the time Paul was saved, until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today we will look at the following Paul’s example.

Follow Paul’s example v17-19

a) Be followers of Paul v17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. v17

b) Enemies of Christ v18-19

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) v18-19

Paul exhorts the Philippians to follow his example. That meant to give up all for Christ, verses 7-9. It meant to know Christ in the power of His resurrection, to fellowship in His sufferings, and be made conformable to His death in verse 10.

Is this the commitment we have? Are we willing to give up all for Christ? Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Would we be willing to go to the cross for what we believe?

He then encourages the Philippians to press on in Christ Jesus in verses 13-14.

The challenge Paul gave to the Philippians almost 2000 years ago is the challenge God is giving us today. What is our relationship to Jesus Christ really worth to us? Are we at least willing to go and serve Him? Tell someone about Jesus? And when the persecution comes to this country will we be willing to stand for Jesus in the face of death?

These are tough questions that deserve a prayerful answer.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

Good morning,

This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. When Paul was saved and until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.

Today we will look at the excellency of Christ and knowing Christ.

2) Excellency of Jesus Christ v 7-9

a) Paul counts gains as loss for Christ v 7-8

⁷ But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, v 7-8

b) The righteousness which is of God v 9

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: v 9

3) Know Christ Jesus v 10-16 

a) Know Jesus, the power of His resurrection, fellowship of His suffering, an made conformable unto His death v 10

¹⁰ That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; v 10

b) Attaining unto the resurrection of the dead v 11-12

¹¹If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. ¹² Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. v 11-12

c) Press toward the mark… v 13-16

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.¹⁶ Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. v13-16

Meditate on these verses and ask yourself if knowing Christ is your number one priority.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001