Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

NEW TESTAMENT

GOSPELS

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Birth of the Jesus Messiah. Yeshua’s ministry. Falsely accused, beaten, crucified, risen from the dead, seen by many for 40 days, ascends to heaven.

ACTS

The church age ushered in Acts 2

The rest of the New Testament centers in on the church. However, Israel is not forgotten. Many references in each book speak of Israel.

REVELATION

God is again dealing with the nation of Israel. Beginning in chapter 4 to the end of the book, Israel is the center of attention.

(Spoiler alert)

God protects Israel and is not defeated by Satan!

CONCLUSION

The Bible is about Israel

Israel was in the mind of God before the world was made. God made a covenant with Abram and saw it through to the end of time. God never fails to keep covenant with Israel!

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

MAJOR PROPHETS

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

MINOR PROPHETS

Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Warned Israel of coming judgement, captivity, restoration, their Messiah, the millennial reign of Yeshua, and their eternal home in the new heaven

God chose these men about the future of the world. In some cases, they had no idea what they were writing about. But under the inspiration of God, they wrote what God told them.

Isn’t it great that these men were obedient to God?

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

MAKEUP OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

39 books

Pentateuch (First 5 books: Law-Redemptive-Historical)

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy

Last 12 books Historical

Joshua Judges Ruth 1-2 Samuel 1-2 Kings 1-2 Chronicles

Ezra Nehemiah Esther

5 Poetry (Experiential-personal, dealing with the human heart)

Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon

17 Prophetical (5 major 12 minor prophets)

Major Prophets: Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

Minor prophets: Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

HISTORY OF ISRAEL

ABRAHAM

Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-4, 15:18-21 (land), 13:14-18 Miracle Birth: Isaac Genesis 21:1-8 Offering Isaac Genesis 22:1-18    

ISAAC          

Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 24Birth of Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-24

JACOB (deceiver)

Buys Esau’s birthright Genesis 25:27-34 Deceives Isaac to receive Esau’s blessing Genesis 27:1-33 Esau’s anger and Jacob’s flight to Laban Genesis 27:34-46  Jacob deceived by Laban in marriage Genesis 29:1-35  Jacob leaves Laban after being deceived ten times Genesis 31 Wrestles with the angel of God and name changed to Israel Genesis 32:22-32

JOSEPH (dreamer)

First dreams Genesis 37:1-11 Brothers sell him to Midianite merchants Genesis 37:12-36  Prosper in Potiphar’s house Genesis 39:1-6 Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison Genesis 39:7-23 Interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker Genesis 40 Interprets Pharaoh’s dream Genesis 41:1-32 Pharaoh makes him ruler over Egypt Genesis 41:33-46 Saves two countries, Egypt and  Israel, during the famine Genesis 41:47-57

EXODUS

Moses birth, childhood, Hebrew recognition, murder, shepherd, burning bush, call of God, 10 plagues, the blood, Passover Exodus 1-12 Red sea Exodus 14

THE LAW and other instructions    

God meets with Moses and the people at Mount Sinai Exodus 19 Ten Commandments Exodus 20 The Law Leviticus 18-27

DEATH OF MOSES

Moses dies Deuteronomy 34

JOSHUA

Preparation for entering the promised land Joshua 1:1-5:15 The conquest of the promised land Joshua 6:1-13:33 The dividing of the land Joshua 14:1-21:45 Joshua dies Joshua 24:29-33    

JUDGES   

Failure to follow the Lord Judges 1-21

RUTH

Lineage of David and Jesus Ruth 1-4

1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles

The Kingdom age, rebellion, destruction of Jerusalem, captivity by Babylon

EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER

The return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The restoration of the temple, the city walls, and the worship of God at the temple.

BOOKS OF POETRY

JOB

Job’s suffering, God’s goodness

PSALMS

David appoints the Levites to make petition and to thank and praise the God of Israel

PROVERBS

The book of wisdom

ECCLESIASTES

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man

SONG OF SOLOMON

Picture of the bridegroom (Christ) and His bride (His gentile Church)

THE PROPHETICAL BOOKS

MAJOR PROPHETS

Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel

MINOR PROPHETS

Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

Warned Israel of coming judgement, captivity, restoration, their Messiah, the millennial reign of Yeshua, and their eternal home in the new heaven

NEW TESTAMENT

GOSPELS

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Birth of the Jesus Messiah. Yeshua’s ministry. Falsely accused, beaten, crucified, risen from the dead, seen by many for 40 days, ascends to heaven.

ACTS

The church age ushered in Acts 2

The rest of the New Testament centers in on the church. However, Israel is not forgotten. Many references in each book speak of Israel.

REVELATION

God is again dealing with the nation of Israel. Beginning in chapter 4 to the end of the book, Israel is the center of attention.

(Spoiler alert)

God protects Israel and are not defeated by Satan!

CONCLUSION

The Bible is about Israel

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

Good morning,

Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.

Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.

It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is about Israel

BOOKS OF POETRY

JOB

Job’s suffering, God’s goodness

PSALMS

David appoints the Levites to make petition and to thank and praise the God of Israel

PROVERBS

The book of wisdom

ECCLESIASTES

Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man

SONG OF SOLOMON

Picture of the bridegroom (Christ) and His bride (His gentile Church)

These books are experiential-personal, dealing with the human heart. God uses these books to challenge, encourage, motivate, and comfort us. We see God’s hand as He teaches us how to be victorious in our walk with Him.

Next, we will see a group of men God entrusted with telling us the future, warning Israel of the present, and telling us of the Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus.

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

Good morning,
Genesis 12:1-4 God made an unconditional covenant with Abram. So begins the story of the nation Israel and the Messianic line, which led to Jesus.
Week four of the “Bible Is” series focuses in on Israel. The Bible is about Israel. Beginning in Genesis 12 and going through the rest of the Old Testament, the central theme centers around Israel. Its beginnings, time in Egypt, the Exodus, wandering in the dessert forty years, entering into the promised land, their obedience, rebellion, their prophets, and kings. It tells us that when they obeyed, they were blessed and when they disobeyed, they were cursed, just as God had told them. We see how their walking away from God caused them to fall into the captivity of the Assyrians and Babylonians. And how repentance caused God to restore them and allow them to go back to Jerusalem rebuild the temple, walls of the city, and worship God.
It seems as we enter the New Testament, God is through with Israel and the church had taken their place. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH! The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the coming Messiah. They prophesied of how the nation of Israel would come back to their land. That God had not forgotten His covenant with Abram. The gospels all tell of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus, coming to earth, to pay the sin debt for all mankind. Then in the book of Revelation, God deals with Israel again. Twice Satan had Israel on the ropes and was ready to destroy them and twice God step in to thwart Satan’s plan. No, God is not done with Israel.
Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!
The Bible is about Israel
History of Israel
ABRAHAM
Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-4, 15:18-21 (land), 13:14-18 Miracle Birth: Isaac Genesis 21:1-8 Offering Isaac Genesis 22:1-18
ISAAC
Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 24 Birth of Jacob and Esau Genesis 25:19-24
JACOB (deceiver)
Buys Esau’s birthright Genesis 25:27-34 Deceives Isaac to receive Esau’s blessing Genesis 27:1-33 Esau’s anger and Jacob’s flight to Laban Genesis 27:34-46 Jacob deceived by Laban in marriage Genesis 29:1-35 Jacob leaves Laban after being deceived ten times Genesis 31 Wrestles with the angel of God, name changed to Israel Genesis 32:22-32
JOSEPH (dreamer)
First dreams Genesis 37:1-11 Brothers sell him to Midianite merchants Genesis 37:12-36 Prosper in Potiphar’s house Genesis 39:1-6 Falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and cast into prison Genesis 39:7-23 Interprets the dreams of Pharaoh’s butler and baker Genesis 40 Interprets Pharaoh’s dream Genesis 41:1-32 Pharaoh makes him ruler over Egypt Genesis 41:33-46 Saves two countries, Egypt and Israel, during the famine Genesis 41:47-57
EXODUS
Moses birth, childhood, Hebrew recognition, murder, shepherd, burning bush, call of God, 10 plagues, the blood, Passover Exodus 1-12 Red Sea Exodus 14
THE LAW and other instructions
God meets with Moses and the people at Mount Sinai Exodus 19 Ten Commandments Exodus 20 The Law Leviticus 18-27
DEATH OF MOSES
Moses dies Deuteronomy 34
JOSHUA
Preparation for entering the promised land Joshua 1:1-5:15 The conquest of the promised land Joshua 6:1-13:33 The dividing of the land Joshua 14:1-21:45 Joshua dies Joshua 24:29-33
JUDGES
Failure to follow the Lord Judges 1-21
RUTH
Lineage of David and Jesus Ruth 1-4
1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings, 1-2 Chronicles
The Kingdom age, rebellion, destruction of Jerusalem, captivity by Babylon
EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER
The return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The restoration of the temple, the city walls, and the worship of God at the temple.
Tomorrow, the books of poetry.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

BENEFITS OF OBEDIANCE
6. VICTORIOUS LIFE

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

We have victory through what Jesus did for us on the cross at Calvary.

7. WALK WITH THE LORD

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Although this is another choice, it should be our desire to walk with the Lord. We should try and pattern our lives after that of our Savior.

8. HEAVEN

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation 21:1-4, 6, 8 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The greatest benefit, after salvation, is the knowledge that we will spend eternity with Jesus, in heaven. No more pain, suffering, or sin. No tears. Jesus is preparing our eternal right now.

CONCLUSION

We choose to obey

We choose to receive a blessing or a curse

We are commanded to obey

We receive benefits for obedience

Will we choose to obey the Bible’s commands and reap its benefits?

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

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

BENEFITS OF OBEDIENCE

3. FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

We are forgiven. When Jesus Christ went to the cross, shed His blood for our sin, rose the third day, and forty days later, ascended back to heaven, we were forgiven. Jesus paid our sin debt with His blood.

4.  LOVE

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We are loved. The very God of creation loves us. The God who spoke all things into exitance loves us. The God who is all knowing, ever present, and all powerful loves us. That is amazing!

5.  WISDOM

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

We are wise. Not wise guys, but wise. When we became believers in Christ, the Holy Spirit resides in us. The third person of the trinity indwells each believer.

These benefits are a result of making a decision to follow what the Bible says.

Are we willing to obey the Bible?

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

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

CHOOSE TO OBEY

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:5)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. (Psalm 119:60)

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. (Genesis 26:4-5)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

BLESSING AND CURSING

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:²⁸ And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. (Deuteronomy 11:27-28)

COMMANDS TO OBEY

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 22:31)

Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. (Deuteronomy 6:17)

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (Deuteronomy 8:6)

BENEFITS OF OBEDIENCE

1.  SALVATION

John 1:12 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:

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

2.  ETERNAL LIFE

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

3. FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

4.  LOVE

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

5.  WISDOM

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6. VICTORIOUS LIFE

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

7. WALK WITH THE LORD

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

8. HEAVEN

John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation 21:1-4, 6, 8 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

CONCLUSION

We choose to obey

We choose to receive a blessing or a curse

We are commanded to obey

We receive benefits for obedience

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

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

BENEFITS OF OBEDIENCE

1.  SALVATION

John 1:12 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:

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

2.  ETERNAL LIFE

1 John 5:11-13 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. There are several benefits associated with obeying God’s word. The most important is our salvation. We can make the choice to be saved and go to heaven, or choose not to be saved and go to hell. It is exclusively our choice.

However, If we choose salvation, that also gives us eternal life. We will be with God forever. There are other benefits we will looking at this week. These are the blessings rather than the curses.

The choices we make today, last for eternity.

What choice will we make?

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

Good morning,

The Bible is series continues. This week the Bible is to be obeyed.

We have seen that the Bible God’s word. Last week we determined that the Bible is practical. The next logical step is to obey the Bible. God has given us a free will. We may choose to obey or disobey God’s commands, guidance, and will for our lives.

Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!

The Bible is to be obeyed

O B E D I E N C E,

obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.

CHOOSE TO OBEY

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. (1 John 2:5)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³²And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. (Psalm 119:60)

And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. (Genesis 26:4-5)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

Obedience is a choice. No one can make you obey. The words whosoever, if, He that, and I, make it clear that a choice had to be made. The last two verses show a choice was made and the results.

BLESSING AND CURSING

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day:²⁸ And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. (Deuteronomy 11:27-28)

Although this was written to Israel, it is applicable to us today. If we obey God, we will be blessed, and if we disobey God we will be cursed. That just means the opposite of a blessing.

COMMANDS TO OBEY

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. (Joshua 1:8)

Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 22:31)

Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. (Deuteronomy 6:17)

Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (Deuteronomy 8:6)

It is God’s desire that we obey His word. All of it. All the time. The question for us is why we don’t. Many times, we know what is right, but choose to go counter to what God’s word says. Then we wonder why God chastens us. This is called sin and must be dealt with.

We must repent and ask God’s forgiveness. The Bible states, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Choose to obey God!

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