Archives for April 2025

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

INTRODUCTION

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

Hearers receive salvation (2:37-40)

³⁷ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?³⁸ Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.⁴⁰ And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Peter preaches, the Holy Spirit convicts, and the people ask, ”…what shall we do?” Repent. They had to repent of their sins. A person needs to understand that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. They then repent, or acknowledge their sin, and ask God to forgive them. Then by faith they accept Christ as Savior and Lord.

Then they are baptized. Baptism does not save. Believer’s baptism happens after one has accepted Christ. The believer is identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection, of the Lord Jesus Christ.

All believers should be baptized as Jesus was by immersion. All of us should be willing to identify ourselves as believers by being publicly baptized.

I have. Have you?

Believers continue united (2:41-47)

⁴¹ Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.⁴³ And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.⁴⁴ And all that believed were together, and had all things common;⁴⁵ And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.⁴⁶ And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,⁴⁷ Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The result of Peter’s preaching and the Holy Spirit’s conviction was three thousand people saved. After they received the word, salvation, they publicly identified with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, through baptism.

These new believers then sat under the feet of the apostles and disciples and learned more about Christ.  They learned, prayed, and fellowshipped together. They witnessed and God increased the church daily.

This group of believers had a balanced approach to life. Study, prayer, worship, exhortation, and fellowship. They boldly took what they were learning to the streets so others would have the opportunity to receive Christ.

God did the work of convicting sinners.

God wants us to go. We do not see souls saved because we never tell anyone about Jesus Christ.

Tell someone today!

THINGS WE LEARNED

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was initially for the communication of the gospel

It changed the disciple’s lives from timid to bold

Three thousand souls were saved  

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

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

Peter preaching at Pentecost (2:14-36)

¹⁴ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:¹⁵ For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.¹⁶ But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;¹⁷ And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:¹⁸ And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:¹⁹ And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke:²⁰ The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:²¹ And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.²² Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:²³ Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:²⁴ Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.²⁵ For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:²⁶ Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:²⁷ Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.²⁸ Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.²⁹ Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.³⁰ Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; ³¹ He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.³² This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.³³ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool. ³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Peter, who was impetuous, denied Christ three times was now controlled, preaching the gospel of Christ with boldness! The Holy Spirit gave him utterance and he accused the people assembled of crucifying Christ.

The Holy Spirit worked in those who were listening, to convict them of their sins and of their need for Jesus. 

Do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives? We have the same gospel message Peter had, but we fail to communicate it effectively to others. Who is the Holy Spirit telling us to witness? Will we willingly go and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Peter did.

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

Good morning,

The resurrection has taken place. Jesus has walked among men for forty days and has ascended back to heaven. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas. 

So what happens next?

Next to the birth, ministry, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event is the baptism and indwelling all believers with the Holy Spirit. Not only did it change the lives of the apostles and disciples, but literally change all of mankind forever.

This week we will look at Acts 2, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, the result of that sermon, and what happens next.

POST RESURRECTION 

ACTS 2

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (2:21)

INTRODUCTION

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit (2:1-13)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.⁵ And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

First, we need to realize that the apostles obeyed Jesus. They were told to wait. They waited and suddenly they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Second, this enabled them to speak and understand other languages. They used this new ability to tell those assembled about Jesus and “…the wonderful works of God.” 

Third, some believed, but some doubted. So it is today. The message is still the same. The results are still the same. Some believe and some do not.

Why are we not as bold as the disciples? Has the power of the Holy Spirit diminished over the centuries? Or could it be that we fail to draw upon the power that the Holy Spirit gives us? We fail to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

We must obey God’s leading through the Holy Spirit.

Will we?

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

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

MATTHIAS CHOSEN TO REPLACE JUDAS (Acts 1:15-26)

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The disciples prayed, sought God’s will, and voted. Matthias won. God answers prayer.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Wait

Pray and ask

Do

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

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION (Acts 1:12-14)

¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zealots, and Judas the brother of James.¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Jesus told them to wait. They went and spent time praying and asking God for wisdom and direction. 

The only way we can discern God’s will in our lives is through prayer and the reading of God’s word, the Bible. God has revealed everything we would need to know through His word. 

Do we desire to know God’s will for our lives? Enough to read what God wrote to us outlining His plan? And then to obey it? There’s the rub. We want God to see things our way, answer prayer the way we want, and give us what we desire. That is not how God works.

God sees the big picture. He knows everything about us. His plan for us will help us to grow and mature in Him. His plan brings Him glory and us closer to Him. 

We have a choice to make. Follow God’s plan or reject it.

What will we do?

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

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

Jesus gives the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted.18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus walks among men for forty days (Acts 1:1-3)

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Wait (Acts 1:4-8) (Read Joel 2:28-29, Isaiah 44:3)

⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus walked among men for forty days. Reminding them of what He had said, why He came, and what was to come.

He told His apostles to wait for the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit prophesied in Joel 2:28-29.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:²⁹ And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”

The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was witnessing. It is God’s plan that believers in Christ tell others of what Christ has done for them and about what He will do for others. When we witness for Christ, we do not go alone. The Holy Spirit leads, guides, and convicts’ men of their sin. Also, it is not our purpose to lead others to Christ. We can’t. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to save the lost. All we do is tell them of their lost condition, why they need to be redeemed, and of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. 

But then Jesus tells them to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. Are we willing to wait on the Lord? We don’t like to wait. We want what we want and we want it now! Waiting, coupled with prayer and supplication, allows God to prepare us for what He has next. God is in no hurry. 

Are we?

ASCENSION OF JESUS (Acts 1:9-11)

⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Jesus leaves again. This time, His followers understood why He came, the purpose of the cross, their purpose of telling others about Christ. Then the two men tell those assembled that Jesus is coming again. 

Do we believe Jesus is coming back? It is the believers’ blessed hope. When He comes next, He meets believers in the sky, as we are raptured out of this world. “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.¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

That should be a tremendous comfort to each of us. God has not forgotten us. If we have trusted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, Jesus will come and take us home to live with Him forever! 

Hallelujah, come quickly Lord Jesus!

PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION (Acts 1:12-14)

¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zealots, and Judas the brother of James.¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Jesus told them to wait. They went and spent time praying and asking God for wisdom and direction. 

The only way we can discern God’s will in our lives is through prayer and the reading of God’s word, the Bible. God has revealed everything we would need to know through His word. 

Do we desire to know God’s will for our lives? Enough to read what God wrote to us outlining His plan? And then to obey it? There’s the rub. We want God to see things our way, answer prayer the way we want, and give us what we desire. That is not how God works.

God sees the big picture. He knows everything about us. His plan for us will help us to grow and mature in Him. His plan brings Him glory and us closer to Him. 

We have a choice to make. Follow God’s plan or reject it.

What will we do?

MATTHIAS CHOSEN TO REPLACE JUDAS (Acts 1:15-26)

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The disciples prayed, sought God’s will, and voted. Matthias won. God answers prayer.

WHAT WE LEARNED

Wait

Pray and ask

Do

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

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

ASCENSION OF JESUS (Acts 1:9-11)

⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Jesus leaves again. This time, His followers understood why He came, the purpose of the cross, their purpose of telling others about Christ. Then the two men tell those assembled that Jesus is coming again. 

Do we believe Jesus is coming back? It is the believers’ blessed hope. When He comes next, He meets believers in the sky, as we are raptured out of this world. “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.¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

That should be a tremendous comfort to each of us. God has not forgotten us. If we have trusted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, Jesus will come and take us home to live with Him forever! 

Hallelujah, come quickly Lord Jesus!

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

Post Resurrection 2025

Good morning,

The Lord Jesus has risen from the dead. What’s next?

Jesus gives the Great commission. He walks among men for forty days. He tells the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. He ascends into heaven. Matthias is chosen to replace Judas.

Jesus gives the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20)

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted.18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus walks among men for forty days (Acts 1:1-3)

The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Wait (Acts 1:4-8) (Read Joel 2:28-29, Isaiah 44:3)

⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus walked among men for forty days. Reminding them of what He had said, why He came, and what was to come.

He told His apostles to wait for the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit prophesied in Joel 2:28-29.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:²⁹ And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”

The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was witnessing. It is God’s plan that believers in Christ tell others of what Christ has done for them and about what He will do for others. When we witness for Christ, we do not go alone. The Holy Spirit leads, guides, and convicts’ men of their sin. Also, it is not our purpose to lead others to Christ. We can’t. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to save the lost. All we do is tell them of their lost condition, why they need to be redeemed, and of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. 

But then Jesus tells them to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. Are we willing to wait on the Lord? We don’t like to wait. We want what we want and we want it now! Waiting, coupled with prayer and supplication, allows God to prepare us for what He has next. God is in no hurry. 

Are we?

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

Good morning,

God saves us, but does not leave us. Good encouragement in this devotion.

“Hold me up–and I will be safe!” Psalm 119:117

Various authors

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)

Every true believer knows the danger of . . .
  their own deceitful heart,
  their tendency to wander,
  the pull of the flesh,
  and the constant assaults of the world.

Were it not for God’s restraining grace, we would surely fall into flagrant sin. That is why the psalmist pleads, “Hold me up–and I will be safe!”

It is one thing to be saved by grace, but another to be kept by grace. Just as a child walking along a dangerous path needs the firm grip of his father’s hand, so too do we need the steadying grasp of God’s upholding grace to keep us from stumbling. We are prone to pride, self-reliance, and every other sin–but God, in His mercy, restrains us from going where our sinful nature would lead.

Consider Peter–how easily he fell when he boasted, “Even if everyone falls away, I will not!” (Mark 14:29). And left to himself, he denied his Savior three times. But when Jesus prayed for him (Luke 22:32), his faith did not ultimately fail. This is God’s gracious, omnipotent, upholding hand–preventing His redeemed people from utterly falling away.

How often have we been spared from sin, not because of our own wisdom and strength, but because the Lord upheld us? Perhaps we were tempted by a sin that would have ruined us, but were providentially hindered by God’s restraining grace.

Christian! We continually need God’s upholding grace, as we have a heart that is able to commit every sin that was ever committed in Heaven, Earth or Hell! (Jeremiah 17:9)
Paul reminds us, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12). True safety lies not in our resolve, but in God’s upholding power. Like a sheep that would stray without the shepherd’s oversight, we constantly need the Lord’s guidance, and loving interventions, to keep us safe.

We must daily pray as the psalmist did: “Hold me up–and I will be safe!” This is a humble acknowledgment that we cannot persevere by our own strength and wisdom. It is a confession that, apart from God’s upholding hand, we would rush headlong into ruinous sin.

May we walk in daily dependence, not trusting in ourselves, but in the almighty hand of our sovereign God. His grace is not only sufficient to save us, but also to sustain us until we stand before Him in glory!

  “Father, I acknowledge my weakness and my need for Your restraining grace. Left to myself, I would stumble and fall. Hold me up, O Lord, and I will be safe. Keep me from sin, uphold me by Your mighty hand, and let my confidence rest in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“Unto Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now, and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 24-25

    ~   ~   ~   ~

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

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the resurrection.  

Next week we will look at what happens after the resurrection.

“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:23-26

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.²⁴ Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.²⁵ Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:²⁶ And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:23-26)

When Martha told Jesus her brother would not have died if He had come to Lazarus sooner. Jesus told her something very deep that should bring us comfort when our loved ones die. In essence, Jesus was telling Martha that it didn’t matter that He wasn’t there when her brother was sick because standing before her at the very moment, He was the resurrection and the life.

We know the rest of the story surrounding this statement in John 11:25. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in the presence of those who doubted Him.

Some think Jesus wept (John 11:35) over Lazarus’ death, but He wept over Martha’s and the others’ unbelief. Jesus knew He was the resurrection and the life. His raising His friend from the dead proved it to those who didn’t believe.

Death is not the final word for those in Christ.

Do we believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?

Our future depends on it. Raising Lazarus from the dead was a notable miracle. However, Lazarus died again. Jesus died, but three days later resurrected, and is seated on His throne in heaven. Christ was resurrected and all the believers in Christ will also be resurrected at the rapture of the church. Then we will have everlasting life.

Jesus truly is the resurrection and the life!

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