Religious Confusion

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 7:25-36

 

John 7:36

What is this thing that He said, “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come?”

(NKJV)

 

When we look around us and observe God’s wonderful creation it becomes clear that God is a God of order. The phases of the moon are twenty-eight days. The Earth orbits the Sun once every 365 and ¼ days. Scientists can precisely predict the location of the moon and planets at a future date making it possible to send men to the moon and probes to the other planets. This leads to the question of how there could be religious confusion regarding God’s Word. The answer to this question lies in differing interpretations of the meaning of passages in Scripture, something this text points out. The Pharisees and chief priests were confused by what Jesus said because they did not know who Jesus was.

 

Jesus has performed many miracles and signs, with some done on the Sabbath, causing many Jews to plot to kill Him. However, many who witnessed Jesus’ discourse with the Jews at the Feast of Tabernacles wondered why they did not kill Jesus when He was with them (John 7:25). These Jews also observed the boldness with which Jesus spoke and wondered if the failure of the religious leaders to kill Jesus meant they believed Jesus was the Christ (John 7:26). However, this brought religious confusion because even though Jesus spoke boldly and did many miracles, they knew where Jesus was from and believed one could not know where the Christ was from (John 7:27).

 

As He taught in the Temple, Jesus cried out saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.” (John 7:28). Adding to the confusion Jesus told them He knows God, is from God, and that God sent Him (John 7:29). This enraged the Jews, with them seeking to kill Him, but no one laid a hand upon Him because his time of crucifixion had not come (John 7:30). Many others believed in Jesus wondering that when the Christ came would He do more signs and miracles than Jesus had done (John 7:31).

 

Word of many coming to believe in Jesus caused the Pharisees to send officers to Jesus to take him (John 7:32). Jesus then spoke and added to the confusion by telling them He would be with them for a little while longer and then return to God who sent Him (John 7:33). Jesus then told them that they would seek Him but could not come to where He was going (John 7:34). This added to the confusion of the Jews with them now wondering where Jesus intended to go speculating that He would go to the Greeks to teach them (John 7:35-36).

 

Jesus said He came from God the Father and would return to Him causing confusion among religious leaders wondering if Jesus was the Christ, confused because they knew where He came from. The many signs and miracles done by Jesus were causing many to believe and follow Jesus, threatening the religious power the Pharisees and chief priests had over the people (John 7:31). Especially troubling to these leaders was Jesus' performance of miracles on the Sabbath, viewing this as work which was strictly prohibited during the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:3; Matthew 12:9-14).  Jesus then adds to their confusion by saying He is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). The Pharisees and chief priests abused the commandment to honor the Sabbath as a day of rest to prohibit any work on that day with Jesus threatening the religious power they had over the people. This is why they plotted to kill Jesus when he did miracles on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:14). Religious confusion prevented the religious leaders and many Jews from knowing who Jesus was and prevented them from following and believing in Him.

 

Many in the Church, and even Church leaders have academic knowledge of the Bible and know who Jesus was but do not have a relationship with Him. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that true worshippers of God worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). While academic knowledge of the Word of God is something one should aspire to achieve, it is dead if not accompanied by a relationship with the author of the Bible. Imagine if you were to have a relationship with your favorite author and could ask them why they wrote what they wrote. This would be especially true if something they wrote was confusing to you.

 

Knowing Jesus as one’s personal savior eliminates religious confusion because we know the author of the Bible and have the Holy Spirit within us to give interpretation (John 16:13). When we have the Holy Spirit within us through a relationship with God through Christ, the Word of God is illuminated in our hearts and the Word becomes a light guiding our lives (Psalm 119:105). The message of the Bible does not need to be confusing for it is simple. We are sinners (Romans 3:23) and live under the death penalty for our sins but Jesus came to give us eternal life (Romans 6:23). The gift of eternal life is free for us but came at a high price, the death of God’s only Son Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8). To receive this gift one has to confess Jesus as their Lord with their mouth and believe in their heart (Romans 10:9-10).

 

If you believe in your heart that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the grave but have not made a public confession of this belief, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I invite you to let someone know of your decision or to comment on this post about your decision. I also encourage you to become involved in a Church teaching the Bible and following through with baptism. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Shepherding the Flock Irresponsibly

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 34:1-10

 

Ezekiel 34:6

“My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, My flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.”

(NKJV)

 

We live in a time when the Church has tremendous tools at its disposal for spreading the Gospel. Through the internet and social media, even a small Church can have global outreach. While this is beneficial in rapidly spreading the Gospel, it can also bring celebrity status to pastors who have a calling to shepherd their flocks, a status bringing the temptation to use for personal gain. Pastors should heed the rebuke of Ezekiel 34:1-10 and avoid the temptation to use their positions for personal gain.

 

Ezekiel receives a word from the Lord, a word of woe against the shepherds of Israel (Ezekiel 34:1-2). The word of woe against the shepherds is that they eat the fat and clothe themselves with wool but do not feed the flock (Ezekiel 34:3). The Lord accuses the shepherds of not strengthening the weak, healing the sick, bounding up what was broken, bringing back what was driven away, or seeking what was lost. Instead, they have ruled by force and with cruelty (Ezekiel 34:4). The result is a scattered flock without a shepherd causing the people to become food for beasts of the field (Ezekiel 34:5). The saddest part is that the flock scattered over the face of the earth had no shepherd seeking or searching for them (Ezekiel 34:6).

 

Now the Lord delivers His word of woe for these irresponsible shepherds (Ezekiel 34:7). The Lord states the purpose of His word of woe is because His flock has become prey and food for every beast of the field with no shepherd to protect or search for them when they scattered (Ezekiel 34:8). The Lord then states the consequences of the irresponsible shepherd’s actions (Ezekiel 34:9). These irresponsible shepherds will no longer shepherd the flock or feed themselves upon them (Ezekiel 34:10).

 

The Lord’s rebuke lashes out against irresponsible shepherds using their office to feed themselves instead of the flock indicating they believed they were somehow entitled to wealth due to their high position in the Jewish society (Ezekiel 34:2-3). They did this while the flock was weak and sick (Ezekiel 34:3-4). Because the shepherds did not tend to the welfare of the flock which is the duty of a shepherd, instead, feeding the sheep or themselves (Ezekiel 34:10). The Lord elevated King David to the position of king from a shepherd not due to his great strength or stature, but because he had a heart after God’s own heart, a shepherd’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Instead, these irresponsible shepherds follow their own plans and the desires of their evil hearts (Jeremiah 18:12).

 

This warning applies to pastors in the pulpit of Churches who have a calling and responsibility to teach and spiritually lead their congregations. However, in the age of social media and the internet, pastors can find themselves elevated to celebrity status. This can bring the temptation to use this status for self-aggrandizement and forget their calling to shepherd their congregation. When the Devil tempted Jesus by telling him to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the temple. Satan was tempting Jesus to acquire celebrity status as the Son of God by people seeing God’s angels rescuing Him (Matthew 4:5-6). Thankfully, Jesus did not give in to this temptation (Matthew 4:7) for if He did, He would not have gone to the cross and we would not have Salvation by Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 10:9-10).

 

I pray that those in the Church with a calling to shepherd the flock of their congregations would like Jesus resist the temptation to use celebrity status for personal gain. Instead, I pray they would be like Jesus who was willing to leave the glory of heaven to come to us and die for our sins even though He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). I also encourage congregations to continually pray for their pastors, praying they are strong to resist temptation.

 

If you have never prayed to repent of your sins, seeking forgiveness from God, and to receive eternal life through believing and confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10), I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God bless, challenge, and convict everyone reading this post. 

Family Disbelief and the Heavenly Scholar

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 7:1-24

 

John 7:23-24

“If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? ²⁴ Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

(NKJV)

 

The holidays have passed, a time when some of us encountered family members who do not share our political beliefs or our faith, potentially leading to heated discussions at the dinner table. Jesus can relate to this for even his brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). Jesus did go to the Feast of Tabernacles but secretly, confronting Jewish scholars as the heavenly scholar sent from God (John 7:16). For revival to happen in our world, the Church must return to its calling from Jesus to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), knowing family members and religious leaders may not understand.

 

Due to threats in Judea from the Jews who sought to kill Him, Jesus walked in Galilee (John 7:1). The time of the Feast of Tabernacles was approaching and Jesus’ brothers asked Jesus to go with them to the feast so the disciples there could see His works (John 7:2-3). They tried to convince Jesus by telling Him that no one does anything in secret when he seeks to be known openly, a plea for Jesus to perform His works openly to the world (John 7:4). The truth was that even Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5).

 

Jesus responded to His brothers, telling them that His time had not yet come but that their time was always ready (John 7:6). Jesus continues by letting his brothers know that the world cannot hate them but that it hates Him because he says the works of this world are evil (John 7:7). Jesus tells them to go to the feast but that He is not going because His time had not fully come, and Jesus remained in Galilee (John 7:8-9)

 

However, after His brothers left, Jesus did go to the feast in secret (John 7:10). Due to much complaining about Him, the Jews at the feast sought Jesus. Some of the Jews thought Jesus was good with others believing He was a deceiver (John 7:11-12). However, no one spoke openly about Jesus out of fear of the Jews (John 7:13)

 

In the middle of the feast, Jesus went up to the Temple to teach with the Jews marveling at his knowledge without any formal training (John 7:14-15). Jesus explains, telling them that his doctrine is not His but comes from the one that sent Him, God the Father (John 7:16). Anyone seeking to do God’s will shall be able to discern if Jesus’ doctrine is from God or something of His authority (John 7:17). One speaking of his own will seeks to glorify himself, but one speaking God’s word seeks to glorify God who sent him (John 17:18). Jesus then reminds them that they do not keep the law given them by Moses and asks why they are seeking to kill Him (John 7:19).

 

The Jews accuse Jesus of having a demon asking who is seeking to kill Him (John 7:20). Jesus responds by telling them He did one work, and they marveled, and that Moses gave them circumcision and that they will circumcise a man on the Sabbath (John 7:21-22). Jesus then asks them why they are angry with Him for making a man completely whole on the Sabbath when they perform circumcision on the Sabbath to fulfill the law of Moses (John 7:23). Jesus concludes by telling them not to judge according to appearance, but to judge with righteous judgment (John 7:24).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

Jesus as God knew the hearts of the Jews at the Feast of Tabernacles and that they sought to kill Him, and to protect his unbelieving brothers did not go to the feast with them. However, Jesus did not fear these Jews knowing it was not His time to die on the cross as the sacrificial Lamb of God because it was not the Feast of Passover (Exodus 12:21-28). The issue of contention with the Jews was the healing of a man on the Sabbath, perhaps the man healed at the pool of Bethesda which occurred on the Sabbath (John 5:1-15). Jesus points out the hypocrisy of the Jews at the feast for they condemn Jesus for making a man whole on the Sabbath while having no problem with circumcising a man on the Sabbath. Jesus points out that we are not to judge on appearance, appearing holy through circumcision, but to judge righteously, someone becoming whole on the Sabbath (John 7:24).

 

There is a time and place to confront unbelievers and those condemning the message of the Gospel. The calling of the Church is to spread the Gospel which transforms lives (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 12:2). Unfortunately, with some, the Church has a pharisaical reputation of striving to put on an appearance of holiness through good works without following Jesus’ example of helping people become whole. The Church should be a place where sinners go to receive healing for their sick souls dying in sin and not a social club of people trying to appear holy.

 

Many are praying for revival in our world. For revival to occur, it must begin in the Church returning to its mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples. The Gospel message is not one of works but of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, the appearance of holiness in the Church through good works, while not bad and something the Church should do, is not sufficient to bring revival. If the Church connects its good works to lifting up Jesus, people will be drawn unto Jesus and find salvation (John 12:32). The purpose of good works is not to bring glory to the Church but to bring glory to God by pointing people to Jesus.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

A New Year of Revival

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Matthew 9:35-38

 

Matthew 9:37-38

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

(NKJV)

 

A new year has come. As with any new year, there is both hope and anxiety. Hope for happiness, joy, and peace but also anxiety something will go wrong that derails our hope. Those placing their hope in Jesus Christ will encounter problems (John 16:33) but can still have hope knowing Jesus is with them and able to take them through and silence the storms of life (Mark 4:35-41). The year 2025 can and should be a year of revival.

 

The year 2025 begins with much hope. There is hope,

 

·         Politically – The re-election of Donald Trump to a second term as President of the United States has brought much hope politically after four years of high inflation and weak leadership by the Biden administration. In fact, this hope is not just evident in the United States but has other countries in the world anticipating a stronger United States presence in the world, bringing fear to some and hope to others.

·         Economically – The energy policies of the Biden Administration caused energy prices to skyrocket causing prices of all goods to increase due to increasing shipping costs. Consumers, especially those on fixed incomes feel this pinch. This decrease in discretionary income is especially prevalent in the restaurant industry as people have less income to eat out leading to the closure of many restaurants. The hope is that President Trump will return to his energy policies and a reduction in energy costs leading to price reductions across the economy.

·         National security – During the four years of the Biden administration, the borders of the United States were wide open leading to an influx of illegal drugs, human trafficking, and dangerous criminals and even terrorists entering the country. Trump’s promise to close the border promises increased security for the country as these activities are curtailed due to a closed border.

·         For revival – During the Biden administration the woke culture in the United States was energized with the government condoning abortion on demand, the support of gay marriage, and transgenderism leading to men unfairly competing against women in collegiate sports. The hope is that a strong Trump administration will embolden the Church to speak out against these issues, pointing people to Christ and a personal relationship with Him.

 

While there is much hope, the Church must not fall into the trap of complacency because things are going okay, and learn from the cycle in the Book of Judges. The continual cycle of Judges was when the people turned to God, God blessed them, the people became complacent and turned from God, things went wrong, and the people returned to God. This is what I believe happened during the first term of President Trump with many Christians not turning out to vote, thinking voting was unnecessary since all was going okay. The Church must be diligent in repentance, prayer, spreading the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and continue to participate in the political process. The Church is the message of sanity and righteousness in a woke culture and must boldly speak out. The final words of the Book of Judges are “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6, 21:25). This must not be the final word for the Church in our time.

 

In 2025 it is vital for the Church to,

·         Not believe that fair winds politically are the answer. The Bible commands God’s people to pray for their leaders, leading to a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We should thank God for strong leadership that promotes the security and welfare of citizens but remain diligent in prayer for our leaders and nation.

·         Must thank God for good economic conditions but be wise stewards of what God has provided – Fair political conditions will lead to prosperity for many, including the Church. However, the Bible commands us to be good stewards, or managers, of what God has given us. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the theme is serving for God’s glory, reminding the Church to use what God provides for His glory, including our economic prosperity. While God freely gives His grace, spreading the Gospel comes at a price, including a financial cost. Wise stewardship of God’s financial blessing will lead to the efficient spreading of the Gospel message and the lifting-up of Christ.

·         Must remain diligent on the wall of prayer and engaged in spiritual warfare – After defining the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17, Scripture tells believers to pray always in the Spirit with watchfulness, perseverance, and supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18). It is easy to pray when things are going wrong going back to the cycle of the Book of Judges with God’s people praying to return to God when things went wrong. The challenge is to remain diligent in prayer when things are going well. Our enemy, the devil does not rest but is diligent in seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). This is why the Church must not become complacent in prayer.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

Silence is not Golden

 

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 33:21-33

 

Ezekiel 33:31

So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.

(NKJV)

 

In James 1:19, Scripture teaches us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to wrath. However, this passage does not say to be silent but to be slow to speak. Judah and Jerusalem fell due to their abominations against God and His word. As we observe the abominations of a woke culture occurring in the world we live in, it is not a time for silence but a time to speak up against these abominations. However, we must be slow to speak and not lash out in judgement, but speak in love, pointing people to Jesus, the source of their salvation.

 

Jerusalem has fallen and a man who escaped the destruction has come to Ezekiel to let him know of Jerusalem’s destruction (Ezekiel 33:21). Ezekiel had been unable to speak at this time but had received a word from the Lord opening his mouth so he could speak with the survivor of Jerusalem’s destruction delivered his message (Ezekiel 33:22). The Lord came to Ezekiel, telling him of the pride and arrogance of the people of Judah, believing they were mightier than Abraham because of their numbers (Ezekiel 33:23-24). The Lord then instructs Ezekiel to point out their abominations against the Lord and their reliance on their sword or strength in numbers, asking them if people like this should possess the land given to Abraham by God (Ezekiel 33:25-26). The Lord then instructs Ezekiel to tell them that those living in the ruins will fall by the sword, beasts will devour those in the open field, and those in the strongholds will die of pestilence (Ezekiel 33:27). The Lord will make the land desolate with no one able to pass through it with the purpose of showing His people that He is Lord (Ezekiel 33:28-29).  

 

The Lord then lets Ezekiel know that the people are talking about him and telling each other to come to him and hear what the Lord has to say (Ezekiel 33:30). While this may seem like the people are returning to the Lord, the Lord lets Ezekiel know that while they come to hear the word, they have no intention in their hearts to do what it says (Ezekiel 33:31-32). Now that the destruction of Jerusalem has come to pass, the people of Jerusalem and Judah will know that a prophet is among them (Ezekiel 33:33).  

 

The people of Judah and Jerusalem had been warned many times of their destruction and now, with the fall of Jerusalem are beginning to see it happen (Jeremiah 14:12, 24:10, 29:17-18; Ezekiel 7:15). However, they still put on the appearance of obedience by gathering around Ezekiel to hear the word from the Lord but still do not intend to do what the Word tells them to do, repent (Ezekiel 33:31-32). The word of God is more than just pleasant words to hear but a pathway for living a godly life (Psalm 119:105). God’s people must repent of being hearers of the word of God who have much academic knowledge of the word and live in obedience to what the Word tells them to do. The people of Judah and Jerusalem were not ignorant of the word of God but unwilling to apply it in their lives.

 

Like the people of Judah and Jerusalem, the Church has been given the privilege of receiving salvation by the grace of God and a mission to share that message with the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20). However, instead of being an agent of change in a lost world, the Church remains silent about the abominations of a woke culture like abortion (Psalm 139:13-14), gay marriage (Matthew 19:4-6), and the mutilation of transgender reassignment surgery (Deuteronomy 23:1). The Church must repent of its silence and disobedience and speak out against the abominations occurring in the world. The church must not allow fear which is not from God and a trap to stop the declaration of God’s truth to a world desperately needing salvation (Proverbs 29:25; 2 Timothy 1:7).

 

Jesus, the Son of God endured the excruciating pain of crucifixion, taking our judgment for sin upon Himself even though he did not sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus then resurrected from the dead in mastery over sin and death and has given the Church the mission of sharing that truth to a sinful world (Romans 3:23, 8:2; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus told us that if the Church lifts Him up, He will draw all people unto him (John 12:32). Revival will come when the Church repents of its silence and returns to its mission of lifting up Jesus by spreading the Gospel.

 

If you have never prayed to repent of your sins, seeking forgiveness from God, and to make to receive eternal life through believing and confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-10), I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God bless, challenge, and convict everyone reading this post.

God’s Breaks His Silence

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Luke 2:8-14

 

Luke 2:10-11

 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

(NKJV)

 

Four hundred years have passed since the prophecy of Malichi with no new revelations coming from God. However, the silence of God has ended with God speaking through His angels to Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, and a group of shepherds. One would think that God would have broken His silence by speaking to the religious leaders of the day but instead, we see Him breaking His silence by speaking to normal people going about their lives. However, this should not surprise us for the message of the Gospel is God came to sinful humanity to provide salvation from sin. The announcements after four hundred years of silence indicate something grand and glorious is about to happen.

 

1)                              Zacharias (Luke 1:5-25) – Zachariah was a priest of the division of Abijah. His division was on duty with Zachariah selected to enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense (Luke 1:8-9). While performing his priestly duties, an angel appears to him bringing great fear because of God’s silence for many years (Luke 1:10-12). The announcement of the angel tells Zachariah that he and his wife will have a child in the old age who will in the power of Elijah prepare the way for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:13-17). Zachariah is unable to speak due to not believing what the angel told him (Luke 1:18-23). The word of the angel comes true, and Zachariah’s wife conceives a son.

2)                              Mary (Luke 1:26-38) – An angel then appears to a young virgin in Nazareth. Mary who was engaged to Joseph making the message given by the angel disturbing to a young woman raised in the Jewish culture. She is told she has found favor with God with the disturbing part of the announcement that she will have a child (Luke 1:30-31). I am sure she began to hear the rumors in her head but also must consider that the angel told her the child she would have would be great and called the son of the Highest (Luke 1:32). Mary tells the angel to let it be to her according to his word.

3)                              Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25) – After hearing that his fiancé was with child, Joseph considers putting her away secretly for what appears to be her immorality (Matthew 1:18-19). However, Joseph too has an angelic visitation telling him that the child Mary is carrying is not due to her immoral behavior but a special child conceived of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). Like Mary, Joseph also agrees to do as the angel commanded (Matthew 1:24).

4)                              The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-21) – The final announcement comes to a group of shepherds tending their sheep. It should not surprise us that the announcement of the birth of Jesus, the great shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), would be given to a group of shepherds tending their sheep outside of Bethlehem. While initially afraid, the shepherds decide to go into Bethlehem to see what has happened (Luke 2:15). When they arrive in Bethlehem, they find things just as the angels said they would (Luke 2:20).

 

After four hundred years of silence, God speaks through four angelic visitations to a priest, a young girl, Joseph a carpenter, and a group of shepherds. The announcements by these angels are to announce a new covenant, not like the old covenant of the law but a new covenant of God’s love and provision of salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-17). Christmas is more than the celebration of a baby humbly born in a manger but of God coming to humanity in flesh and blood. Christmas is about when the word of God became flesh (John 1:14). Jesus mission for coming in the flesh was to bring salvation to the world by taking upon himself the judgment for humanity’s sin even though He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the greatest gift of love ever given (1 John 3:1).

 

Before departing earth to return to His Father in Heaven, Jesus gave the Church one simple mission, to take the message of salvation to all the world and to make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). When I speak of the Church, I am not speaking of a building or organization but people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal savior. As we begin a new year, my prayer is that each person placing their faith in Jesus as their savior would share the truth of the Gospel with others. Jesus is coming back to take his Church to be with Him for eternity, I pray many will be able to answer that call because of the many disciples the Church has made.

 

If you are reading this and have not unwrapped the greatest gift of love given to humanity, I urge you to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May everyone reading this have a Merry Christmas and a New Year of blessing and revival in the Church. 

Many Turn Away

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 6:60-71

 

John 6:66-67

From that time many of His disciples went ^[d]back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

(NKJV)

 

Christmas is a time of great joy. It is a time when we spend time with those we love and exchange gifts in expression of our love. However, let us not get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and take time to reflect on the greatest Christmas gift of all, the gift of God’s only Son (John 3:16) who while born humbly as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, would die for the sins of humanity providing reconciliation to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I pray knowing this will draw us closer to God and not offend us into falling away as those in this text did.

 

The disciples following Jesus found his teaching regarding eating His flesh and drinking His blood difficult to understand (John 6:60). This prompted  Jesus to ask them if what he said offended them (John 6:61). Jesus then asked them what if they should see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before, a reference to his coming ascension (Acts 1:9-11; John 6:62). Jesus then teaches that it is the Spirit of God that gives life and that the flesh profits nothing with the words Jesus speaks bringing life (John 6:63). Jesus then tells them that some do not believe because He knew some did not believe and would betray Him (John 6:64). This prompts Jesus to say no one can come to Him unless the Father grants him or her permission (John 6:65).

 

Many disciples left Jesus due to this with Jesus asking the Twelve if they too planned to leave (John 6:66-67). Peter responds by asking Jesus to whom they should go because Jesus has the words of eternal life with the disciples believing He is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:68-69). Jesus replies by telling them that He chose them but that one of them was a devil, speaking of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, who would betray him (John 6:70-71).  

 

Jesus had amassed a large following due to the miracles he performed (John 6:1-14). However, when Jesus begins to teach about his purpose for coming, to offer His body and shed His blood to forgive their sins, they find it hard to understand. Some may also have thought Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His was condoning cannibalism (John 6:53-58), something forbidden in Jewish law that does not include human flesh in what is permissible to eat (Deuteronomy 14:4-5). Interpreted as promoting cannibalism, one might have interpreted Jesus’ teaching as offensive. However, Jesus is not speaking of one consuming His flesh or drinking his blood but speaking as the Lamb of God who would through his sacrifice on the Cross provide the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity (John 1:29). Peter, when asked by Jesus provided a spiritual interpretation when he told Jesus He had the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

 

In the modern age of mass and social media, it is easy for pastors and Church leaders to amass large followings. While this helps spread the Gospel message, it also brings the temptation to avoid controversial or hard teaching that people may not understand or find offensive. However, controversial issues like sin and how it separates one from God are part of the Gospel for it is why Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth. Failing to teach on these issues cheats people of the knowledge of why Jesus came to us and how much Jesus loves us.

 

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-20), may we not forget that this baby would die for our sins and then resurrect from the dead in victory over sin which separates us from God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I want to encourage ministers of the Gospel not to shy away from speaking out against sin out of fear of offending some in the Church. Jesus experienced a falling away when He spoke of his purpose for coming but out of His deep love for humanity, fulfilled His purpose as the Lamb of God. A lost and dying world needs an encounter with the Lamb of God and forgiveness from sin.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.