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Archives for 2021

Daily Devotion 21 October 2021 John 1:35-39 Behold the Lamb of God

October 20, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will study John 1:1-51. The Apostle John gives us several descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. He tells us He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, and Rabbi. He gives us John the Baptist’s eye witness account of Jesus. Then he concludes with an account of the beginning of Jesus ministry.

Jesus ministry (35-39)

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God. This phrase is prophetic because this would be the passover sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

How does our world recognize Jesus, the Lamb of God? They see Him in our church’s, our ministers, and our evangelistic meetings. However, the most visible ways of recognizing Jesus are in His disciples. That would be those who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, many of those believers show no outward signs of a relationship with Christ. Worse than that is the person who says they are a believer, but lives like the world. They openly disobey God’s word.

What does the world see in us? A believer with a commitment to Christ or one who is not recognizable?

Live for Jesus!

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 20 October 2021 John 1 The Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, the Rabbi

October 20, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will study John 1:1-51. The Apostle John gives us several descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. He tells us He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, and Rabbi. He gives us John the Baptist’s eye witness account of Jesus. Then he concludes with an account of the beginning of Jesus ministry.

The Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, the Rabbi

John 1:1-51

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (1:14)

The Word (1-5)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John the Baptist (6-8)

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

The True Light (9-14)

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John’s witness (15-34)

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Jesus ministry (35-51)

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jonah: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, the Rabbi

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 19 October 2021 John 1:15-34 John’s witness

October 18, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will study John 1:1-51. The Apostle John gives us several descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. He tells us He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, and Rabbi. He gives us John the Baptist’s eye witness account of Jesus. Then he concludes with an account of the beginning of Jesus ministry.

John’s witness (15-34)

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

John the Baptist gives an eyewitness account of his ministry and the person of Jesus Christ. He heralded the coming of Jesus. He made it very clear that he was not the coming one, the Messiah of Israel. He pointed to Jesus.

When we minister for Christ, where does the honor go? Are we looking for the praise of men or giving all the glory to God? Remember, nothing we do is possible without the power of God.

Give all the glory to God!

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 18 October 2021 John 1:1-14 The Word and True Light

October 17, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will study John 1:1-51. The Apostle John gives us several descriptions of Jesus and His ministry. He tells us He is the Word, the Light, the Lamb, the Messiah, and Rabbi. He gives us John the Baptist’s eye witness account of Jesus. Then he concludes with an account of the beginning of Jesus ministry.

The Word (1-5)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

John the Baptist (6-8)

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

The True Light (9-14)

9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The word of God is eternally true. Why? Because Jesus Christ is the Word. Every recorded word found in the Scriptures came from Jesus.

Jesus created all things. This refutes the theory of evolution.  Jesus created all things during the six days of creation found in Genesis 1.

Jesus is the Light of the world. He brought light to those who walked in darkness. This Light pointed the lost to the Savior. Some believed the message of Salvation but many rejected His offer of a new life.

God allowed His son, Jesus, to dwell among men. So they could hear the message of salvation straight from God. So that they could hear His preaching, see Him work miracles, and ultimately to see Him die for the payment for their sins. The righteous dying for the unrighteous.

This should challenge us to live for Jesus. In Jesus we are overcomers. God has given us His word, instructions, and protection. All we must do is execute God’s plan.

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 15 October 2021 1 Peter 1:8 They will never be weary of gazing on His lovely face!

October 14, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Someday, very soon, we shall see our Savior Jesus Christ face to face.

We are longing for this and we will never grow tired of seeing Him.

Let this devotion be an encouragement to you.

They will never be weary of gazing on His lovely face!

(Archibald Alexander, “Love to an Unseen Savior!” 1772-1851)

“Whom having not seen, you love!” 1 Peter 1:8

If we here love the Savior whom we have never seen, and whom we can only approach by faith–then how strong will our love be when we shall see Him face to face, and find ourselves not only in His actual presence, but forever enclosed in His loving embrace!

Here our love to the Savior is feeble, on account of the dimness of our faith, and often interrupted by dark clouds and earthly affections which draw us away from the contemplation of the matchless character of our Redeemer. But in Heaven there will be no interposing obstacles to veil His glory, or counteracting affections to enfeeble or interrupt our perfect love for Him.

Happy, happy condition of those who love a Savior whom they never saw–when they shall see Him as He is, and be like Him. They will never be weary of gazing on His lovely face! They will never cease to give Him thanks and praise for His unparalleled, unspeakable love, to which they will forever acknowledge their indebtedness for salvation!

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.
 We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is!” 1 John 3:2
   ~  ~  ~  ~
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 14 October 2021 John 3:3 I belong to the church; I suppose I am a Christian

October 13, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

Church attendance, baptism, or membership does not save anyone. Yet our churches are filled with people that “suppose” they are a Christian. They are not.

Their lifestyles, associations, and speech make it clear they do not have a relationship with Christ.

Our devotion today deals with their attitude toward sin.

One is saved by repenting of their sins, by faith accepting Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and allowing God to have complete control of their life. (John 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9 John 1:12, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8)

I belong to the church; I suppose I am a Christian

(J.C. Ryle, “Are You Born Again?“)

Are you born again? This is one of life’s most important questions. Jesus Christ said, “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God!” John 3:3

It is not enough to reply, “I belong to the church; I suppose I am a Christian.” Thousands of nominal Christians show none of the signs of being born again which the Scriptures have given us in the First Epistle of John.

“No one who is born of God will continue to sin” 1 John 3:9

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin” 1 John 5:18

A person who has been born again, or regenerated, does not habitually commit sin. He no longer sins with his heart and will and whole inclination. There was probably a time when he did not think about whether his actions were sinful or not, and he did not always feel grieved after doing evil. There was no quarrel between him and sin; they were friends. But the true Christian . . .
  hates sin,
  flees from sin,
  fights against sin,
  considers sin his greatest plague,
  resents the burden of sin’s presence,
  mourns when he falls under sin’s influence,
  and longs to be completely delivered from sin.

Sin no longer pleases him, nor is it even a matter of indifference to him; it has become the horrible thing which he hates. However, he cannot eliminate its presence within him.

If he said that he had no sin, he would be lying, 1 John 1:8. But he can say that he hates sin, and that the great desire of his soul is not to commit sin at all. He cannot prevent bad thoughts from entering his mind, or shortcomings, omissions, and defects from appearing in both his words and his actions. He knows that “we all stumble in many ways,” James 3:2. But he can truly say in the sight of God, that these things cause him grief and sorrow, and that his whole nature does not consent to them. What would the apostle say about you? Are you born again?

“No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.” 1 John 3:6-7
   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 13 October 2021 Malachi 1 The object in putting these verses in the Bible

October 12, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

What do we give to God? Is it our very best? Or is it what we don’t want anymore?

Todays devotional will challenge our thinking.

The very first, the very best, the most sacred, is the Lord’s.

The object in putting these verses in the Bible

(J.R. Miller, “Devotional Hours with the Bible”)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

(You will find it helpful to listen to the audio above, as you read the text below.)

Malachi 1:
The LORD Almighty says to the priests: “You have despised My name!”
    But you ask, “How have we ever despised Your name?”
“You have despised My name by offering defiled sacrifices on My altar!”
    Then you ask, “How have we defiled the sacrifices?”
“When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong?
 When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong?” says the LORD Almighty.


The Jewish law required that every sacrifice offered unto God must be without blemish. No lame, blind, or diseased animal would be accepted. It was an insult to God to bring to His altar anything that was maimed, blemished or worthless. Yet the people had been taking the best of everything for themselves, and then bringing the refuse–the blind and lame animals, as offerings to God!

Well, how is it with ourselves? The object in putting these verses in the Bible, was not to get us to condemn the people who lived twenty-three hundred years ago! It was to make us think whether WE are doing this base thing ourselves!

Do we give God the best of all we have–our best love, our best gifts, our best service?
Or do we take the best of all for ourselves, and then give God the blind and the lame?

How many people in the church, when the collection plate is being passed, pick out the smallest bit of money to put in the plate! We give our strength to our own work or leisure, and then have only our weariness to bring to God. We save our best things for ourselves, and then have only worthless things to offer our wondrous King! What kind of service are we giving to our glorious Lord?

The Lord’s answer to the arrogant defense of the priests is startling: “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not at all pleased with you, and I will not accept your offerings!”

What do WE bring to God . . .
  when we go through the forms of prayer,
  when we sing the sacred words of our hymn,
  when we give our offerings,
  when we sit down at the Lord’s table?
If there is only words, words, words in all our worship–no heart, no love, no real presenting of ourselves to God, no laying of our best on the altar–then God has no pleasure in us and will not accept our offerings at our hand!

“Now these things occurred as examples to keep US from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.” 1 Corinthians 10:6

   ~  ~  ~  ~


Something to ponder

Thomas Watson, 1620-1686: “There is more evil in a drop of sin, than in a sea of affliction!”

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 12 October 2021 Psalm 119:127 Do we love the Word?

October 11, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

The greatest book ever written is the Bible. It is the very word of God, telling us how to live life. It explains what God wants us to and what not to do.

So, as believers in Christ, what value do we give to the Bible?

Today’s devotion will help us to answer that question.

Do we love the Word?

(Thomas Watson, 1620-1686, “The Godly Man’s Picture Drawn with a Scripture Pencil“)

A godly man is a lover of the Word of God. Christ is the fountain of living water, the Word is the golden pipe through which it runs!

A godly man diligently reads the Word of God. The noble Bereans “searched the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). The Word is the field where the Pearl of Great Price is hidden. How we should dig for this pearl! A godly man’s heart is the library to hold the Word of God; it dwells richly in him (Colossians 3:16). By diligent conversing with Scripture, we may carry a Bible in our heads!

A godly man frequently meditates on the Word of God. “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97). A pious soul meditates on the truth and holiness of the Word. He not only has a few transient thoughts, but leaves his mind steeping in the Scripture. By meditation, he sucks honey from this sweet flower, and ruminates on holy truths in his mind.

A godly man delights in the Word of God. It is his recreation. “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight” (Jeremiah 15:16). Never did a man take such delight in a dish that he loved, as the prophet did in the Word. And indeed, how can a saint choose but take great pleasure in the Word? All of his eternal hopes are contained in it. Does not a son take pleasure in reading his father’s will and testament, in which he bequeaths his estate to him? “I delight in your commands because I love them! (Psalm 119:47)

A godly man hides the Word of God. “Your word have I hidden in my heart” (Psalm 119:11)–as one hides a treasure so that it should not be stolen. The Word is the jewel; the heart is the cabinet where it must be locked up. Many hide the Word in their memory–but not in their heart. And why would David enclose the Word in his heart? “That I might be kept from sinning against You.” As a man would carry an antidote about him when he comes near an infected place, so a godly man carries the Word in his heart as a spiritual antidote to preserve him from the infection of sin. Why have so many been poisoned with error, others with moral vice–but because they have not hidden the Word as a holy antidote in their heart!

Do we love the Word?
When we need direction, do we consult this sacred oracle?
When we find corruptions strong, do we make use of this “sword of the Spirit” to hew them down?
When we are disconsolate, do we go to this bottle of the water of life for comfort?
Then we are lovers of the Word!

“I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold!” (Psalm 119:127)

   ~  ~  ~  ~


Something to ponder

“Think of Christ as the very substance, marrow, soul, and scope of the whole Scriptures!” Isaac Ambrose, 1604-1664

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 8 October 2021 Acts 10:34-46 I perceive that God is no respecter of persons

October 8, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will explore Acts 10.

We will see how the Holy Spirit gave visons to both a gentile and a Jew. Those visions changed how and to whom salvation was available.

The key players are Cornelius and Peter.  

Peter preaches Christ (34-43)

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Holy Ghost fell on all of them (44-46)

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

Daily Devotion 7 October 2021 Peter meets Cornelius

October 6, 2021 By Tom Stearns Leave a Comment

Good morning,

This week we will explore Acts 10.

We will see how the Holy Spirit gave visons to both a gentile and a Jew. Those visions changed how and to whom salvation was available.

The key players are Cornelius and Peter.  

Cornelius servants meet Peter (17-22)

17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Peter goes to Cornelius’ house (23-27)

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

Cornelius explains why he summoned Peter (28-33)

28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

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

Filed Under: The Chaplain's Perspective

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