Rosh Hashanah

Head of the Year

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. (Leviticus 23:24-25)

On the evening of 15 September 2023, begins the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes[TS1]  of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

“Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord.”

The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.

This would be a great time to wish all our Jewish friends a hearty Happy New Year. It would also be a good time to reflect on our own lives. Are we keeping short accounts with God? When He reveals sin in our lives, do we confess it (1 John 1:9) and move on serving God? What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)? (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) What does it mean that God is sovereign?

What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?

Yesterday, I referenced the Shofar and asked the question, “What does the blowing of the trumpet mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus)?” The answer is it signals the Rapture of the Church. Verse 16 references the ”…trump of God…”

Paul explains the Rapture to the Church at Thessalonica.

Comfort in light of the Rapture (13-18) This is the most extended and most important description of the Rapture in all of Scripture.

The Hope of the Rapture (13)

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

The Confidence of the Rapture (14)

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

The Order of the Rapture (15)

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

 The Person of the Rapture (16a)

¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,

The Resurrection of the Rapture (16b)

with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The Catching up of the Rapture (17a)

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up

The Intimacy of the Rapture (17b)

 together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Encouragement of the Rapture (18)

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Ultimately the Rapture is a comfort to a needy people. We are to serve God till He returns. We are to watch expectantly and persistently.

God’s Sovereignty

Rosh Hashanah’s religious services focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty. God does rule in the affairs of men. Today we will look at the sovereignty of God. 

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY means that He is the Supreme Ruler who immanently and personally rules over all the affairs of the universe—and this includes our personal lives both as individuals and as a local body of believers. God’s sovereignty is a place of rest for the child of God.

                A.  GOD REIGNEST OVERALL (1 CHRON 29:11-12) V12

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.

12 Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

          B.  THE WORLD IS GOD’S (PSM 50:10-12)

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

          C.  GOD CREATED (GEN 1:1) V1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 

          D.  GOD CHOOSES ISRAEL DOES WHAT HE PLEASES (PSM 135:4-6)

For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.⁵ For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.⁶ Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

          E.  GOD IN CONTROL (1 SAM 2:6-9)

The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.⁷ The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.⁸ He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.⁹ He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

          F.  GOD CONTROLS RULERS (PSM 75:6-7) V7

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.⁷ But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

          G.  GOD DOES HIS PLEASURE (IS 46:9-10)

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

          H.  CAN NOT FLEE FROM GOD (PSM 139:7-10) V10

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

          I.  GOD’S WORD WILL NOT RETURN VOID (IS 55:11)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

          J.  GOD REIGNS OVER DEATH (JOHN 5:21)

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

          K.  GOD ‘S COUNSEL (EPH 1:11)

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

These verses show why God has the right to rule in our lives. Please look up the verses and see what they say. You might be surprised what you find.

God has given each one of us a free will to make choices. He has given us His precepts in the Bible to guide us through this life. We choose to follow God by faith or rebel against God and serve Satan. Satan is the enemy of God. There are consequences for following or rebelling against God. God rules over both Godly believers and wicked unbelievers.

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

Good morning, 

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life. 

God gave man a free will to obey Him or disobey Him. Adam chose to disobey God’s one and only command.  The command is found in Genesis 2:16-17. “¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:¹⁷But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 3:6 states, “⁶And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” 

At that moment sin entered into the world. Romans 5:12-21 focus in on the consequences of Adam’s decision. 

Sin vs. Righteousness (12-21) 

¹²Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ¹³(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. ¹⁴Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. ¹⁵But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.¹⁶And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ¹⁷For if by one man’s offence death reined by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) ¹⁸Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ¹⁹For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ²⁰Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: ²¹That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 

“Romans 5:12–21 compares the work of Adam with the work of Christ to show how sin and death came into the world, and how God made a way to escape them. Adam, specially created by God, became the first lawbreaker when he ate from the restricted tree. He brought sin and death to all who came after him. Jesus, hung on a tree—a phrase implying crucifixion—paid for our sin, making it possible for all who believe to reign with Him in eternal life.” 

We each must make a choice to follow Adam or Jesus. Adam is synonymous with death while Jesus with life. Adam chose to disobey God. Jesus obeyed God, coming to earth, spending 33 years, preaching and teaching to a sin sick, wicked world, and ultimately dyeing for the sins of all mankind. The result of our allegiance to Adam is death and eternity in Hell. Allegiance to Jesus means everlasting life with Jesus in Heaven.  

What will your choice be? 

If I can be of help in making that decision, please contact me. 

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

Good morning, 

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life. 

If this day you find yourself discouraged in your walk with the Lord, rejoice in the things God has done for you through His Son Jesus Christ. 

ROMANS 5 

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

INTRODUCTION Recap of Romans 1-4 

Benefits of being justified by faith (1-5) 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ⁴And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

Christ died for the ungodly (6-11) 

⁶For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

“Romans 5:1–11 describes the amazing benefits that come with being declared righteous before God by faith in Christ’s death for our sin. God has made peace with us. We stand in His grace, and we rejoice in the sure hope that we will share in His glory. Our suffering brings growth, which leads to even more potent hope. God has proven His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are saved from God’s wrath and reconciled to God in Christ.” (BibleRef.com) 

God means for His word to be an encouragement, refreshing, and challenge to us. To know God’s heart for each of us and what He did on our behalf, should put new energy and urgency behind all that we do. 

Tell someone what God has done for you. 

Good morning, 

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life. 

God gave man a free will to obey Him or disobey Him. Adam chose to disobey God’s one and only command.  The command is found in Genesis 2:16-17. “¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:¹⁷But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 3:6 states, “⁶And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” 

At that moment sin entered into the world. Romans 5:12-21 focus in on the consequences of Adam’s decision. 

Sin vs. Righteousness (12-21) 

¹²Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: ¹³(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. ¹⁴Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. ¹⁵But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.¹⁶And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. ¹⁷For if by one man’s offence death reined by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) ¹⁸Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. ¹⁹For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ²⁰Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: ²¹That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. 

“Romans 5:12–21 compares the work of Adam with the work of Christ to show how sin and death came into the world, and how God made a way to escape them. Adam, specially created by God, became the first lawbreaker when he ate from the restricted tree. He brought sin and death to all who came after him. Jesus, hung on a tree—a phrase implying crucifixion—paid for our sin, making it possible for all who believe to reign with Him in eternal life.” 

We each must make a choice to follow Adam or Jesus. Adam is synonymous with death while Jesus with life. Adam chose to disobey God. Jesus obeyed God, coming to earth, spending 33 years, preaching and teaching to a sin sick, wicked world, and ultimately dyeing for the sins of all mankind. The result of our allegiance to Adam is death and eternity in Hell. Allegiance to Jesus means everlasting life with Jesus in Heaven.  

What will your choice be? 

If I can be of help in making that decision, please contact me. 

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

Good morning, 

Romans 5, contrasts the love of God against the sin of man. The man of sin, Adam, contrasted to the God of love, Jesus. How Adam brings death while Jesus brings eternal life. 

If this day you find yourself discouraged in your walk with the Lord, rejoice in the things God has done for you through His Son Jesus Christ. 

Benefits of being justified by faith (1-5) 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; ⁴And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ⁵And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

Christ died for the ungodly (6-11) 

⁶For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 

“Romans 5:1–11 describes the amazing benefits that come with being declared righteous before God by faith in Christ’s death for our sin. God has made peace with us. We stand in His grace, and we rejoice in the sure hope that we will share in His glory. Our suffering brings growth, which leads to even more potent hope. God has proven His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We are saved from God’s wrath and reconciled to God in Christ.” (BibleRef.com) 

God means for His word to be an encouragement, refreshing, and challenge to us. To know God’s heart for each of us and what He did on our behalf, should put new energy and urgency behind all that we do. 

Tell someone what God has done for you. 

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

Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself! 

(Charles Simeon)  LISTEN to Audio!  Download Audio 
 
“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself!” Psalm 4:3 
 
Who are the special objects of God’s favor?  
 
The world is divided into only two kinds of men–the godly and the ungodly. 
 
The godly are to be distinguished from the ungodly, by a great variety of marks: 
 
1. The godly fear God.  

The generality of people sin without any shame or remorse, Ephesians 4:18-19. But the godly can no longer proceed in such an evil course, 1 Peter 4:2-3. 
They humble themselves before God for their past offences. 
They guard against sinning against Him, even in thought! 2 Corinthians 10:5. 
 
  2. The godly love God.  

They are not actuated by a merely slavish fear. 
They have the Spirit of adoption given to them, Galatians 4:5. 
They sincerely delight to do their Father’s will, Romans 7:22. 
They account the enjoyment of His favor to be their highest happiness, Psalm 4:6-7. 
 
   3. The godly serve God.  

Their religion does not consist in mere ineffectual feelings. 
It is obvious to all that they are God’s servants. 
They perform even their civil and social duties with a reference to God, Romans 13:5-6. 
They do everything with a view to God’s glory, 1 Corinthians 10:31. 
 
What are the special honors which God confers upon the godly?  
 
God has “set them apart,” as distinct from those who perish. 
 
  1. He has set the godly apart secretly, in His eternal purpose.  

His regard for them did not commence after they became godly. Their godliness is the fruit of His love to them, and not the cause of His love! Jeremiah 31:3, 2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 1:4, and Romans 8:29-30. He loved them and set His heart upon them, from eternity past! 
 
  2. He has also set the godly apart openly, when He effectually calls them by His grace.  

In time, God effectually calls and converts all whom He chose in eternity past. 
He inclines and enables them to come out from the world, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. 
He causes them to devote themselves to His service, 1 Peter 2:9. 
 
3. He has also set the godly apart, for Himself.  
 
He makes their souls His own habitation, 2 Corinthians 6:16. 
He sheds abroad His love in their hearts by His Holy Spirit. 
He preserves them as living monuments of His power and grace. 
He regards them as His own treasured possession, Psalm 135:4. 
 
“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself!“ 
 
“You are: 
  a chosen people, 
  a royal priesthood, 
  a holy nation, 
  a people belonging to God, 
that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 

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

Good morning,

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

Today we look at Romans 4:13-25.

The promise realized through faith (13-25)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go do the same.

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

ROMANS 4 

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 

INTRODUCTION Genesis 15 and 17 

1) Abraham an illustration (1) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4) The promise realized through faith (13-25) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go do the same. 

CONCLUSION 

• We are saved by faith 
• Abram was saved by faith 
• Place Abram/Abraham historically 
• ASK: How many Jews were living in Abram’s day? 
• ASK: How long had the Law been in effect during Abraham’s life? 
• ASK: What is faith? In whom do we place our faith? 

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

Good morning,

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

Today we look at Romans 4:1-12.

Abraham an illustration (1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good morning,

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

Genesis 15:1-6 Abram (Abraham) believed God’s promise.

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

Genesis 17:1-14, 22-24

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding these principles we can now study Romans 4.

Tomorrow we will look at the first 12 verses.

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

The more I see of Jesus!

(Mary Winslow)  LISTEN to audio!  Download audio

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

“My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You!
 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6

The more I see of Jesus, the more He opens to me His loving heart–the deeper is my sorrow for sin. I lie down in the dust at His feet closer than ever I did before. I can truly say I abhor myself in dust and ashes before Him. My heart seems ready to melt into contrition in view of the ten thousand thousand sins, willful and aggravating–that I have committed against Him who loved me with an everlasting love, and with loving kindness drew me to Himself.

So eternal and deep, so sovereign and boundless is the love of Jesus, that angels cannot fathom it! He is nothing but sincere, constant, and unabating love–to the weakest and most unworthy of all His little flock.

I feel such a weariness of this world that nothing here gives me anything more than a momentary, passing pleasure–and it is gone at a glance.

Oh, to have such a Friend as Jesus, who feels all our sorrows, carries all our burdens; and has promised to bring us safely through this trying world, and place us at last at His own right hand, where neither sickness nor sorrow shall ever come!

Oh for Heaven! Nothing else will satisfy my longing soul, but the sight of Him it loves!

Jesus is all in all to me, and He will be all in all through eternity!

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name!
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Something to ponder:
“Pray against that thirst for light and trifling reading–that strange and sinful inconsistency of so many, the certain tendency of which is to starve the life of God in the soul, to engender a distaste for spiritual nourishment–for the Word of God, for holy meditation, and for Divine communion and fellowship.” Octavius Winslow
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com