Good morning,

Tuesday,8 November, is Election Day. We will be exploring our five responsibilities as Christian citizens. They are to pray, register to vote, become informed, get involved, and vote.

3. Become informed 

The uninformed Christian cannot prevail against evil forces in the world of politics. Knowledge is essential to effective action. “The wise man is crowned with knowledge” (Proverbs 14:18). 

Gather information from the various ministries and organizations that provide summaries of current issues and pending legislation. Some ministries and organizations publish the voting records of office holders and voter guides showing the candidate’s stands on various issues of importance to Christian voters. This website will post a compilation of various voter guides before the November election. 

4. Get Involved. Help Elect Godly People 

Righteous rule brings rejoicing. “With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). The most effective way to restore righteous rule and rejoicing in America is to elect godly people to positions of authority. 

The Word of God gives us the basic qualifications of a good candidate. “Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and…let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times” (Exodus 18:21,22). 

Strongly urge, and, if necessary, personally assist all who favor Godly candidates to vote on Election Day. Do your part to Get Out The Christian Vote (GOTCV).

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

Good morning,

Tuesday, 8 November, is Election Day. We will be exploring our five responsibilities as Christian citizens. They are to pray, register to vote, become informed, get involved, and vote.

Your 5 Duties as a Christian Citizen 

William R. “Bill” Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, the world’s largest Christian ministry, is the author of the booklet entitled The Four Spiritual Laws, which has been printed in over 200 languages and distributed to more than 2.5 billion people. 

Bill Bright also authored Your 5 Duties As a Christian Citizen, outlining your relationship as a Christian Citizen with the great system of self-government that assures every Christian a voice in the affairs of the nation and enables us to bring a heavenly perspective to the earthly realm. 

America is one of the last strongholds of freedom on earth—and citizens who are dedicated to God are the only resource for the preservation of our freedoms… including the freedom to serve Him. 

Noah Webster said, “In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate—look to his character…It is alleged by men of loose principles, or defective views of the subject, that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness… 

“When a citizen gives his vote to a man of known immorality, he abuses his civic responsibility; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country.” 

Charles Finney, who helped introduce half a million Americans to Christ, wrote in 1835: “The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them… God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics.” Finney’s words are no less true for us today. The course of our nation, state and local governments are up to us. 

To protect His people, God warns against ungodly leaders. The rule of the wicked is a direct violation of His will. “The wicked shall not rule the godly, lest 

the godly be forced to do wrong “ (Psalm 125:3). Instead, God’s plan is for us to have leaders who know Him and will rule according to His Word. “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3 NKJ). 

Voting for and supporting moral candidates who support moral public policies is the minimum required of Christian citizens in a system of self-government. Godly people must vote for godly rulers. 

Your Five Duties as a Christian Citizen are: 

1. Pray 
2. Register to Vote 
3. Become informed 
4. Get involved 
5. Vote 

1. Pray…unceasingly.  

“If my people will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chron 7:14). 

Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment. Pray that God will change the hearts of, or remove from positions of public leadership, those officials who are godless, worldly, and disobedient to Him. As King Solomon said, “A wicked ruler will have wicked aides on his staff.” (Proverbs 29:12). 

Pray that men and women of God will be elected to public office at all levels of leadership—local, state, and national—so that righteous rulership is restored. Then our land will be healed and our country will experience the abundant blessings of God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12). 

Pray “for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness” (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray that leaders will be filled with godly wisdom and stand firm for what is right and true. 

2. Register to Vote 

Be registered as a qualified voter so you can practice your citizenship with accountability to God. 

Voting is a matter of stewardship under God, yet millions of God’s people throughout America are not even registered to vote. How can we as Christian Citizens expect God to restore righteous leadership through us, unless we take the few minutes necessary to register to vote? Only a registered voter will be in a position to help elect godly officials. 

3. Become informed 

The uninformed Christian cannot prevail against evil forces in the world of politics. Knowledge is essential to effective action. “The wise man is crowned with knowledge” (Proverbs 14:18). 

Gather information from the various ministries and organizations that provide summaries of current issues and pending legislation. Some ministries and organizations publish the voting records of office holders and voter guides showing the candidate’s stands on various issues of importance to Christian voters. This website will post a compilation of various voter guides before the November election. 

4. Get Involved. Help Elect Godly People 

Righteous rule brings rejoicing. “With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). The most effective way to restore righteous rule and rejoicing in America is to elect godly people to positions of authority. 

The Word of God gives us the basic qualifications of a good candidate. “Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and…let these men be responsible to serve the people with justice at all times” (Exodus 18:21,22). 

Strongly urge, and, if necessary, personally assist all who favor godly candidates to vote on Election Day. Do your part to Get Out The Christian Vote (GOTCV). 

5. Vote! 

Only when you cast your vote do you fulfill your Christian responsibility in government. Exercise the influence that God has give you through our unique system of self-government. If you fail to vote conscientiously for godly rule, evil will increase in our nation. “When rulers are wicked, their people are too” (Proverbs 29:16). 

It is commonly believed that decisions in America are made by a majority of the people. This is not so. Decisions are made by a majority of those who voted in the last election. 

In making your decisions, let the Word of God be your guide. “Godliness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34)., so it is important to prayerfully seek God’s will in all political decisions. 

Remember, a candidate’s principles are far more important than his party affiliation. To place confidence in unworthy candidates is a miscarriage of Christian stewardship. “Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot: (Proverbs 25:19). Therefore, vote your Christian convictions over your party loyalty. 

Do your Christian Duty. View your vote through God’s prism. Vote Biblical Values. Vote GOD! 

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

Good morning,

Tuesday, 8 November, is Election Day. We will be exploring our five responsibilities as Christian citizens. They are to pray, register to vote, become informed, get involved, and vote.

1. Pray…unceasingly.  

“If my people will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land (2 Chron 7:14). 

Pray for God’s wisdom and discernment. Pray that God will change the hearts of, or remove from positions of public leadership, those officials who are godless, worldly, and disobedient to Him. As King Solomon said, “A wicked ruler will have wicked aides on his staff.” (Proverbs 29:12). 

Pray that men and women of God will be elected to public office at all levels of leadership—local, state, and national—so that righteous rulership is restored. Then our land will be healed and our country will experience the abundant blessings of God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (Psalm 33:12). 

Pray “for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness” (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray that leaders will be filled with godly wisdom and stand firm for what is right and true. 

2. Register to Vote 

Be registered as a qualified voter so you can practice your citizenship with accountability to God. 

Voting is a matter of stewardship under God, yet millions of God’s people throughout America are not even registered to vote. How can we as Christian Citizens expect God to restore righteous leadership through us, unless we take the few minutes necessary to register to vote? Only a registered voter will be in a position to help elect Godly officials. 

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

Good morning,

Tuesday, 8 November, is Election Day. We will be exploring our five responsibilities as Christian citizens. They are to pray, register to vote, become informed, get involved, and vote.

William R. “Bill” Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, the world’s largest Christian ministry, is the author of the booklet entitled The Four Spiritual Laws, which has been printed in over 200 languages and distributed to more than 2.5 billion people. 

Bill Bright also authored Your 5 Duties As a Christian Citizen, outlining your relationship as a Christian Citizen with the great system of self-government that assures every Christian a voice in the affairs of the nation and enables us to bring a heavenly perspective to the earthly realm. 

America is one of the last strongholds of freedom on earth—and citizens who are dedicated to God are the only resource for the preservation of our freedoms… including the freedom to serve Him. 

Noah Webster said, “In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate—look to his character…It is alleged by men of loose principles, or defective views of the subject, that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness… 

“When a citizen gives his vote to a man of known immorality, he abuses his civic responsibility; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country.” 

Charles Finney, who helped introduce half a million Americans to Christ, wrote in 1835: “The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them… God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics.” Finney’s words are no less true for us today. The course of our nation, state and local governments are up to us. 

To protect His people, God warns against ungodly leaders. The rule of the wicked is a direct violation of His will. “The wicked shall not rule the godly, lest the godly be forced to do wrong “ (Psalm 125:3). Instead, God’s plan is for us to have leaders who know Him and will rule according to His Word. “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3 NKJ). 

Voting for and supporting moral candidates who support moral public policies is the minimum required of Christian citizens in a system of self-government. Godly people must vote for godly rulers. 

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

Good morning,

The time has come for my departure!

(James Smith, “The Better Land“)   Play Audio!  Download

“The time has come for my departure! I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day!” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Aged believer, the time of your departure will soon come! Do not let your mind be troubled as to . . .
  where you shall die,
  when you shall die,
  or how you shall die!
These are all minor matters, and ought not to affect you.

Simply look at death as Jesus did: “Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world, and go to His Father!“ John 13:1

Why should you regret to leave a poor world like this–where sin, sorrow, pain, grief, disappointment, and anxiety meet you at every turn? Why should you be reluctant to go HOME–to go to your Father?
Do you not want to see His face?
Do you not want to enjoy His company?
Do you not want to be perfectly happy in His presence?

“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

The Christian’s Walk

(James Smith, “The Christian’s Walk”)  Play Audio!  Download

Let us daily walk looking unto Jesus.
He is our adorable Redeemer.
He is our source of supply.
Looking to Him will . . .
   enlighten us in darkness,
   cheer us in solitude,
   strengthen us in weakness,
   fortify us in conflict,
   embolden us in danger,
   comfort us in sorrow, and
   render us more than conquerors over every foe.

Let us daily walk leaning on Jesus. He will be at our side, He will lend us His arm–yes, His bosom! The posture of the Church should be ours, “Who is this coming up out of the wilderness, leaning on her Beloved?“ As we get nearer to Jesus–-we get further from the world! The world loses its attractions, and old sinful habits lose their power.

Let us daily walk communing with Jesus. He loves to converse with us. Let us tell Him of our foes, fears, afflictions, privations, griefs, and woes. Let us tell Him everything that tries or troubles us. He says, “Let Me hear your voice!” Yes, O Savior, You shall hear me; for I will bring all my sorrows and joys, all my trials and triumphs, all my doubts and deliverances–to You!

Let us daily walk imitating Jesus. He has left us an example, that we should follow in His footsteps. In the family, in the world, and in the church–let us endeavor to imitate Jesus. And may we receive grace to conform our conduct to His, that all who see us may take knowledge of us, that we have learned of Him who is “meek and humble in heart;” who was “holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.”

May our spirit, temper, course, and conduct–all conspire to bear testimony that we are walking with Jesus!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

This week we will look at a summary of the book, author, date, recipients, distinctive characteristics, and outline.

Summary of the Book of James

This summary of the book of James provides information about the title, author, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of James.

Author

The author identifies himself as James (1:1); he was probably the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Four men in the NT have this name. The author of this letter could not have been the apostle James, who died too early (a.d. 44) to have written it. The other two men named James had neither the stature nor the influence that the writer of this letter had.

James was one of several brothers of Christ, probably the oldest since he heads the list in Mt 13:55. At first he did not believe in Jesus and even challenged him and misunderstood his mission (John 7:2-5). Later he became very prominent in the church:

• He was one of the select individuals Christ appeared to after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7).
• Paul called him a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9).
• Paul, on his first post-conversion visit to Jerusalem, saw James (Gal 1:19).
• Paul did the same on his last visit (Acts 21:18).
• When Peter was rescued from prison, he told his friends to tell James (Acts 12:17).
• James was a leader in the important council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
• Jude could identify himself simply as “a brother of James” (Jude 1:1), so well known was James. He was martyred c. a.d. 62.

Date

Some date the letter in the early 60s. There are indications, however, that it was written before a.d. 50:

• Its distinctively Jewish nature suggests that it was composed when the church was still predominantly Jewish.
• It reflects a simple church order — officers of the church are called “elders” (5:14) and “teachers” (3:1).
• No reference is made to the controversy over Gentile circumcision.
• The Greek term synagogue (“synagogue” or “meeting”) is used to designate the meeting or meeting place of the church (2:2).

If this early dating is correct, this letter is the earliest of all the NT writings — with the possible exception of Galatians.

Recipients

The recipients are identified explicitly only in 1:1: “the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” Some hold that this expression refers to Christians in general, but the term “twelve tribes” would more naturally apply to Jewish Christians. Furthermore, a Jewish audience would be more in keeping with the obviously Jewish nature of the letter (e.g., the use of the Hebrew title for God, kyrios sabaoth, “Lord Almighty,” 5:4). That the recipients were Christians is clear from 2:1; 5:7-8. It has been plausibly suggested that these were believers from the early Jerusalem church who, after Stephen’s death, were scattered as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Syrian Antioch (see Acts 8:1; 11:19). This would account for James’s references to trials and oppression, his intimate knowledge of the readers and the authoritative nature of the letter. As leader of the Jerusalem church, James wrote as pastor to instruct and encourage his dispersed people in the face of their difficulties.

Distinctive Characteristics

Characteristics that make the letter distinctive are: (1) its unmistakably Jewish nature; (2) its emphasis on vital Christianity, characterized by good deeds and a faith that works (genuine faith must and will be accompanied by a consistent lifestyle); (3) its simple organization; (4) its familiarity with Jesus’ teachings preserved in the Sermon on the Mount (compare 2:5 with Matthew 5:3; 3:10-12 with Matthew 7:15-20; 3:18 with Matthew 5:9;5:2-3 with Matthew 6:19-20; 5:12 with Matthew 5:33-37); (5) its similarity to OT wisdom writings such as Proverbs (see essay, p. 970); (6) its excellent Greek.

Outline

Chapter 1

1. Greetings (1:1)
2. Trials and Temptations (1:2-18)
3. The Testing of Faith (1:2-12)
4. The Source of Temptation (1:13-18)
5. Listening and Doing (1:19-27)

Chapter 2

1. Favoritism Forbidden (2:1-13)
2. Faith and Deeds (2:14-26)

Chapter 3

1. Taming the Tongue (3:1-12)

2. Two Kinds of Wisdom (3:13-18)

Chapter 4

1. Warning against Worldliness Quarrelsomeness (4:1-3)

2. Spiritual Unfaithfulness (4:4)

3. Pride (4:5-10)

4. Slander (4:11-12)

5. Boasting (4:13-17)

Chapter 5

1. Warning to Rich Oppressors (5:1-6)

2. Miscellaneous Exhortations (5:7-20)

3. Concerning Patience in Suffering (5:7-11)

4. Concerning Oaths (5:12)

5. Concerning the Prayer of Faith (5:13-18)

6. Concerning Those Who Wander from the Truth (5:19-20)

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

Good morning,

The Lord’s care of His people

(James Smith, “Daily Bible Readings for the Lord’s Household”)  Play Audio!  Download

“He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land.” Hosea 6:3

The Lord’s care of His people is incessant.

No parent was ever so vigilant over a precious and only child.

No gardener was ever so attentive to a delicate and favorite plant.

God visits, He watches, He supplies.

He studies our needs, and provides for each of them.

He says, “I, the LORD, watch over it; I water it continually.” Isaiah 27:3

God’s SUPPLY will be constant, in every season.
It will be suitable, like refreshing moisture to a thirsty plant.
It will be in small portions, as the gently falling rain.
It will be imperceptible, like the morning dews.
It is by these divine ‘supplies’ that our graces are kept alive.

If the Lord would cease to water, we would soon wither and die!

Our dependence on Him is absolute!

Our obligations to His love are infinite!

Let us not imagine that we are not watered, because we do not sensibly feel it. The constancy, and the gentle gradual manner in which we are supplied, render His loving care virtually imperceptible.

   ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

The glorious effects produced by it!

(James Smith, “Paul’s Determination” 1861)  Play Audio!  Download

Most men have some favorite subject, and Paul had his. Many subjects were embraced in his ministry–but one fixed his eye, filled his heart, and occupied most of his attention. We may be sure, from the wisdom he generally displayed, and the abundance of grace that he possessed, that it was an important and worthy subject. It was “Christ Crucified!” Therefore alluding to his first visit to Corinth, he said, “I determined to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2. What a wondrous subject! What a wondrous Savior! Paul had seen glorious effects produced, by preaching it elsewhere. He knew that if this doctrine would not win them, and bring them back to God–nothing could.

We have been preaching and writing about Christ crucified for many years.
We have also seen the glorious effects produced by it. We have seen . . .
  the hardened, melted down into penitence and love;
  the miserable, made happy;
  the sorrowful, filled with comfort;
  the guilty, put in possession of pardon;
  the filthy, made pure and holy;
  the troubled, made calm and peaceful;
  and the cruel, made kind and gentle!

What an honor God confers upon you, by sending a message to you at all, especially such a message. It is . . .
a message of mercy, to miserable sinners;
a message of grace, to unworthy sinners;
a message of provision made, for very poor and needy sinners;
a message of comfort, for desponding sinners;
a message to alarm, for careless sinners;
a message to solemnly warn, for obstinate sinners;
an invitation to backsliders to return, that they may once more be happy and holy;
a message of encouragement, direction, and winning love–to those who believe in Jesus.

“I determined to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

    ~  ~  ~  ~

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

Good morning,

James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

Prayer for the Sick (5:14-16)

^“14 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.¹⁶ Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

It is the privilege and responsibility for every Believer to pray for the sick. We should have the faith to believe that God can heal anyone, of any sickness or disease, at anytime. BUT, we must also understand that God is not bound to bend to our desires. There are reasons unbeknownst to us, God may choose to allow a person to suffer or die. Our part is to pray and accept God’s perfect will in each situation.

Prayer for the Nation (5:17-18) (Israel)

^“17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. ¹⁸ And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

James takes us back to 1 Kings 17 and 18. King Ahab was a wicked Baal worshipper. He set up pagan shrines called groves to his god. God was not pleased. He sent Elijah to proclaim that no rain would fall for a period of time. (1 Kings 17:1) Then 3 ½ years later the word of the Lord came to Elijah and God caused it to rain. (1 Kings 18:1) The nation of Israel was being punished for failure to follow God. Their wicked leaders drew the nation to idol worship. God sent Elijah with judgment. Only God could withhold rain and then produce it. It was a sign to Israel that the God of creation, the Almighty God, was more powerful than Baal and the other false gods. Prayer changes things.

Effective prayer comes from knowing God. So we must be Believers in God. We must be saved. Then we must understand the way God thinks. To understand how God thinks we must understand His word. We must be willing to read it, study it, and apply God’s word into our lives. 

Prayer for the Backslidden (5:19-20) (Restoration)

5:19-21 Our call to help restore the stray sheep (Matt. 18:15)

¹⁹ Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;²⁰ Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

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