Archives for September 2016

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:13-25.

The promise realized through faith (13-25)

¹³ For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.¹⁴ For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Remember our introduction. The Law was given many years after Abraham lived. It is not the Law that makes us righteous, but faith in God and His promises.

¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

God chose Abraham to be the father of all of us. Gentiles and Jews. The promise God made to Abram in Genesis 15 was carried out by allowing Abraham to be father to both the Gentiles and Jews. The conflicts we have today in the Middle East are the result of this sibling rivalry.

¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Do women conceive at the age of 90? No. Abraham believed God could do whatever He said. Do we have that kind of faith?  

²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

And yet we have believed the impossible. Who would believe that God would send His only Son to die on a cross, shedding His perfect blood to pay our sin debt, be buried, and three days come out of the grave alive? WE DID! We did it by faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Abraham’s act of faith changed the world, so does ours. When our faith is put in Jesus, the result is a changed life, and one ready to reach others for Christ, ultimately changing the world.

“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Go do the same.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Today we look at Romans 4:1-12.

Abraham an illustration (1)

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

God does not impute sin against a justified man (2-8)

² For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.³ For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.⁴ Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.⁵ But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,⁷ Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.⁸ Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Abram trusted in the promise of God and it was counted unto him for righteousness. God promised him a seed from his own body. He was 85 years old at the time. Yet he believed.

3) Abraham’s salvation a pattern for both Gentiles and Jews (9-12)

⁹ Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.¹⁰ How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.¹¹ And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:¹² And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

We learned in the Introduction that the promise was given before the covenant to be circumcised. At that point he had not been circumcised. So Abram/Abraham could not have been justified by circumcision.

Righteousness does not come from works but in believing God’s promises. Today it is through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His blood to pay our sin debt.

Tomorrow we will look at Romans 4:13-24.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 4 illustrates the concept of faith through the life of Abraham. To correctly interpret this chapter we must read Genesis 15:1-6 and Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24. Then we must factor in when and to whom was the Law given. When we have all these reference points clear, then we see how Paul makes his argument that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and not by the Law or Circumcision.

Genesis 15:1-6

After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.² And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?³ And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.⁴ And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.⁵ And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.⁶ And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Abram (Abraham) believed God’s promise.

Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.² And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.³ And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,⁴ As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.⁵ Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.⁶ And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.⁷ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.⁸ And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.⁹ And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.¹⁰ This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.¹¹ And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.¹² And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.¹³ He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.¹⁴ And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

²³ And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.²⁴ And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.

When was Abram declared righteous, before or after the command to be circumcised?

Who was the Law given? Israel. At the time of Abraham was the nation of Israel established? No. If the Law was given to the nation of Israel how could Abraham been justified through the Law? He could not.

Abram’s faith in the promise of God made him righteous.

Understanding these principles we can now study Romans 4.

Tomorrow we will look at the first 12 verses.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplai

Good morning,

Grace, ’tis a charming sound–harmonious to the ear!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“By grace are you saved through faith–and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God–not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9

“Grace, ’tis a charming sound–harmonious to the ear!“

Grace pitied us in our guilty, helpless condition–and provided a Savior for us.

Grace instituted the ministry of gospel reconciliation–and brought the tidings of divine mercy to our ears.

Grace opened our blind eyes–and led us to see and feel our need of the precious blood of Christ.

Grace led us to cast away the filthy rags of our own righteousness–and to receive with thankfulness and joy, the spotless robe that Jesus wrought for us.

Grace brought us to the footstool of mercy, with the cry of the publican, “God be merciful to me a sinner!”

Grace enables us to live a life of dependence on Jesus alone, for all spiritual supplies.

Grace has begun a good work within us–and grace will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

By grace we are saved! “We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus!” Romans 3:24

‘Tis not by works of righteousness
Which our own hands have done.
But we are saved by sovereign grace,
Abounding through His Son!

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

I like to bring you devotionals that will encourage, challenge, and stretch your understanding of how God operates. Today is one of those devotionals.

The path by which He will conduct you will not always be smooth and pleasant

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“He led them forth by the right way–that they might go to a city of habitation.” Psalm 107:7

Just so will the Lord will lead you, beloved reader, by the “right way”–if you truly yield yourself to His guidance. The path by which He will conduct you will not always be smooth and pleasant. You will have some “Hill Difficulty” to climb, and some “Valley of Humiliation” to walk in. You will have some thorny steps to tread–and occasionally you may have to pitch your tent by Marah–the waters of bitterness.

As you are led by a mysterious and circuitous way amidst perplexity and conflict–you may be ready to think that you are traveling by a needlessly painful and trying path, and that you may safely walk by some smoother one to the home of eternal rest. Do not yield to the temptation of turning aside from the path which the Lord plainly marks for you in His Word, and by the footprints of Christ. Still follow as He leads. He designs to exercise your faith, and patience, and self-denial. The way to the crown–is by the cross!

Trust, then, your All-wise Leader–and depend on His faithfulness and grace. He will surely bring you by the right way . . .
to the city of habitation,
to the home of the redeemed,
to the abode of endless rest, and peace, and love!

“Jesus, on You our hope depends,
To lead us on to Your abode,
Assured our Home will make amends
For all our toil while on the road!”

~  ~  ~  ~

Today follow the path God has made uniquely for you. He is watching and guiding you on your way. Don’t take your eyes off Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

The weekend is upon us. This is a timely devotional that might help us to determine this weekend’s activities. Satan wants to draw us away from the things of God. He would love for us to compromise our Christian virtues. Don’t let him.

Everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle!

(Charles Spurgeon)

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

“This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did!” 1 John 2:5-6

“But,” says one, “are we not to have amusements?” Yes, such amusements as you can practice in the fear of God. You may do whatever Jesus would have done.

I have nothing to say against recreation in its proper place. Certain forms of recreation are needful and useful–but it is a wretched thing when amusement becomes a lifestyle! Amusement should be used to do us good like a medicine–it must never be used as the Christian’s food.

From early morning till late at night, some spend their time in a round of frivolities–or else their very work is simply carried on to furnish them funds for their pleasures. This is wicked. Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure, so called, is the murderer of thought!

This is the age of excessive amusement–everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle!

~  ~  ~  ~

Let us spend this weekend in wholesome, encouraging, God honoring entertainment. Remember God is watching.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is that all have sinned and are in need of redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.

THE SOLUTION: Faith in Jesus Christ

Justification by faith (21)

²¹ But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

The law is established by Christ’s righteousness (22-31)

²² Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³ For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵ Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶ To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ²⁷ Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ²⁹ Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: ³⁰ Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ³¹ Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)  ^“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

The abode of believers in Jesus is Heaven.  Revelation 21 describes it. Revelation 21:27 states that the names of these people are written in the Lamb’s book of life. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

We now have a clear choice, heaven or hell. Peace or torment. Cool refreshing water or fire.

CHOOSE LIFE!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is that all have sinned and are in need of redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.

THE PROBLEM: All are sinners (9-20)

⁹ What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; ¹⁰ As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹ There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. ¹² They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. ¹³ Their throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: ¹⁴ Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: ¹⁵ Their feet are swift to shed blood: ¹⁶ Destruction and misery are in their ways: ¹⁷ And the way of peace have they not known: ¹⁸ There is no fear of God before their eyes. ¹⁹ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Remember earlier God said He was no respecter or persons. That point is made clear in relationship to sin. All are under sin, none are righteous, none that understands, none that seeks God, none that does good.

Sin separates us from God. If man’s sin is not dealt with, he will be eternally separated from God. Some may not see this as a problem until they understand what that entails.

Hell is the abode of those who will not deal with their sin and turn to God. Hell is described as “torments”, “tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:19-31), “lake of fire and brimstone”, “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:7-10).

Revelation 20:11-15 refers to these people as dead. Judgment day has come and those who chose not to repent of their sins stand before God. When the book of life was opened their names did not appear. The consequence is “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

That is where those who choose not to deal with their sin go.

HOWEVER, there is a solution to the problem of sin.

Tomorrow God’s solution to the problem of sin is revealed.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 3 tells God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. The problem is that all have sinned and are in need of redemption. The solution is Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice to pay man’s sin debt.

First though, God speaks to the Jews through the Apostle Paul. The Jew had an advantage because they were given “…the oracles of God.” They had the opportunity to know God’s plan, promise, and covenants. They also were aware of the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience. They really believed that because they were Jews they were above the judgment of God. They were wrong.

Romans 3:1-8

God’s special blessing to the Jews (1-8)

Three questions

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? ² Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

³ For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? ⁴ God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

⁵ But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) ⁶ God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? ⁷ For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? ⁸ And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.

It is one thing to know the Word of God and quite another to act upon what you know. As Israel failed to act on what God had revealed to them, Christians, in good Bible believing church’s, are ignoring the clear revealed will of God. Unbelievers see no difference in the believers lives than in their own. So they ask “Why do we need to become a Christians?”

Obeying God’s word is critical to the furtherance of the gospel outreach and salvation of lost souls.

OBEY and be part of God’s solution.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Never allow Satan to tell you, you are not able to serve God. This devotional reminds us that we are all servants of God.

The humblest laborers in His vineyard!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am–My servant also will be.  My Father will honor the one who serves Me!” John 12:26

What an honor it is to be a servant of the Lord Jesus! It is an honor that is not confined to any particular condition in outward life. Not only are ministers and missionaries Christ’s servants–but also the humblest laborers in His vineyard! Nor is service to Christ confined to direct efforts in spiritual work:

the mother in the midst of her family, endeavoring by her spirit and example to train her children aright;

the servant in the kitchen, doing her work heartily as to the Lord;

the hard working laborer in the field;

the attentive mechanic in the shop;

the honest clerk in the office–not rendering eye-service as men-pleasers, but doing their work faithfully and well, as the Lord’s redeemed people.

All of these are as truly Christ’s servants–as those who are occupied more exclusively in spiritual work!

All who serve Jesus faithfully here–will dwell with Him hereafter. All who follow Him on earth in the path of self-denying love and obedience–will share His glory in Heaven.

Servant of Christ, called now to suffer reproach and shame–let the assurance of your Savior cheer you: “Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am–My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me!”

~  ~  ~  ~

Every day we have the opportunity to be servants for Jesus Christ. Our homes, work areas, schools, and places of leisure allow us to minster for our Savior.

When others look at our lives do they see the reflection of Jesus?  Do they see something different in us as opposed to those who do not name the name of Christ?

We must be obedient followers of Jesus and His word to serve Him well.

Will we be those servants today?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001