Defending God’s Grace

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 11:1-18

 

Acts 11:17-18

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

(NKJV)

 

Peter’s visit to the home of a Gentile comes under the scrutiny of some of the Jews. Peter responds by telling them what had happened and how he was working in obedience to what he had heard from God, which indicates confidence on his part. His confidence is not an arrogant confidence that he is right, but a confidence that he is ministering in accordance with the will of God and his plan to have the church take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). When ministering, one must always ask if they are ministering to bring glory to God or to self.

 

Without the benefit of media or social media, word has spread throughout Judea about the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius receiving the word of God (Acts 11:1). When Peter went up to Jerusalem, some men of the circumcision contend with him, saying he went into an uncircumcised man's house to eat (Acts 11:2-3). Peter then explains what happened from the beginning (Acts 11:4).

 

Peter begins by telling them of his vision while praying and in a trance while staying in Joppa. This is his vision of a sheet coming down from heaven (Acts 11:5). As Peter intently looked at the sheet, he saw that it contained four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air (Acts 11:6). Peter then tells them about hearing a voice that told him to kill and eat the animals he saw to which he replied with never having eaten anything common or unclean (Acts 11:7-8). The voice then told him not to call anything common that God has cleansed (Acts 11:9). These things happened three times, and then the sheet was taken up to heaven (Acts 11:10). At that very moment, three men stood at the gate of the house where Peter was staying who had come from Caesarea (Acts 11:11). The Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them, doubting nothing, which Peter did along with six of his brethren (Acts 11:12).

 

Upon entering the house of Cornelius, he tells them how he had seen an angel standing in his house who told him to send men to Joppa for Simon, whose surname is Peter (Acts 11:13). The angel told Cornelius that Peter would share words with them by which he and his household would be saved (Acts 11:14). Peter then shares that as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on those gathered just as it had on them at the beginning, bringing to mind the words of the Lord, saying that John baptized with water but that they shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-16). Peter then asks those contending with him that if God gave these Gentiles the same gift he had given them, how could he withstand God (Acts 11:17). When those contending with Peter heard what Peter said, they were silent and glorified God, now understanding that God has also granted to the Gentiles, repentance to life (Acts 11:18).

 

Peter is challenged for entering the house of an uncircumcised Gentile and must explain how he was operating in obedience to God. Since we are told these men are of the circumcision, they are Jews who still hold to the Jewish requirement of circumcision and not associating with uncircumcised men (Acts 11:2-3). While the scripture does not tell us if these men were believers, the fact that they had no answer for Peter after his explanation and came to accept that repentance to life had come to the Gentiles, we can assume they are believers (Acts 11:18). This is a game changer and turning point for the church because it can now take the gospel outside of Israel to the rest of the world, definitely a reason for glorifying God (Acts 1:8).

 

Sometimes, programs and methods to bring the Gospel to the lost may fall under contention from some in the Church. However, as long as the objective is to lift up Christ (John 12:32) and present the Gospel, allowing them to accept Jesus as Savior, they are fulfilling the Great Commission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, church leaders need to examine any new program to ensure it is Christ-centered and not someone’s idea that has self-centered motives. By self-centered motives, I mean motives of financial gain, fame, or to promote a book, podcast, or website. By Christ-centered motives, I mean motives designed to bring the lost to Christ.

 

If anyone is reading this post who has not prayed for the forgiveness of their sins and to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives, 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.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

A Prayer for Help When in Trouble

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 69

 

James 5:16

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

(NKJV)

 

Jesus warned us that in this fallen world we would have trouble, but then promised that He would overcome the world, which occurred when he arose from the grave (John 16:33). Therefore, having trouble in this world should not be a surprise, but how we handle trouble when it occurs will determine how we get through it. David had his share of trouble in life, with Psalm 69 giving us a glimpse into the heart of David and how he took his troubles to God in prayer.

 

The psalm begins with David crying out for God to save him from the floods of troubled waters that are up to his neck, making it impossible for him to stand (Psalm 69:1-2). His throat is dry, and he is weary from crying with his eyes failing as he waits for God (Psalm 69:3). David then tells God about the magnitude of his troubles, for his enemies hate him without cause, wrongfully accusing him of theft when he has stolen nothing (Psalm 69:4).

 

David then acknowledges his foolishness and sin to God, desiring that those waiting on the Lord are not ashamed or confounded because of him (Psalm 69:5-6). For the sake of the Lord, David has borne reproach with shame covering his face, becoming a stranger to his brothers and an alien to his mother’s children (Psalm 69:7-8). David finds himself eaten up with zeal for the house of the Lord, with the reproaches of the Lord falling upon him (Psalm 69:9). David has made his reproach the weeping and chastening of his soul with fasting (Psalm 69:10). David has become a byword to his enemies with sackcloth his garment, causing those at the gate to speak against him and his becoming a song of drunkards (Psalm 69:11-12).

 

Despite these troubles, David’s prayer is to the Lord who will in the acceptable time and in accordance with the multitude of God’s mercies, hear him in the truth of the Lord’s salvation (Psalm 69:13). David then asks for deliverance from the mire, from those who hate him, and from the deep floodwaters overflowing him, threatening to swallow him up (Psalm 69:14-15). David makes a plea for the Lord to hear him according to His tender mercies because his lovingkindness is good (Psalm 69:16). David pleads for the Lord not to hide His face from him because he is in trouble, wanting the Lord to hear him speedily, drawing near to his soul to redeem it and deliver him from his enemies (Psalm 69:17-18).

 

The Lord knows David’s reproach, shame, and dishonor with David’s adversaries before the Lord (Psalm 69:19). David’s heart is heavy and broken from his reproach, seeking someone to comfort or take pity, and finding none, with him instead, receiving gall for food and vinegar for drink (Psalm 69:20-21). David asks that the table of his enemies be a snare, with their well-being a trap, and that their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, with their loins shaking continually (Psalm 69:22-23). David then asks God to pour out His indignation upon his enemies with His wrathful anger taking hold of them, and for their dwelling places to be desolate, with no one living in their tents (Psalm 69:24-25). These enemies persecute the ones the Lord has struck and talk of the grief of those the Lord has wounded (Psalm 69:26). David asks the Lord to add iniquity to their iniquity and for them not to come to the Lord’s righteousness, asking the Lord to blot them out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous (Psalm 69:27-28).

 

David is poor and sorrowful, asking the Lord to set him on high by His salvation, promising to praise God with a song, and magnify Him with thanksgiving (Psalm 69:29-30). This song of praise shall please the Lord more than the offering of an ox or bull, with the humble seeing it and being glad, and those seeking God finding life (Psalm 69:31-32). The Lord hears the poor and does not despise His prisoners (Psalm 69:33).

 

David concludes by asking the Lord to let the heavens and earth praise Him, along with the seas, and everything that moves in them (Psalm 69:34). God will save Zion and build the cities of Judah with His people possessing it (Psalm 69:35). Also, the descendants of the Lord’s servants shall inherit the land with those loving His name dwelling in it (Psalm 69:36).

 

Again, we see David in trouble from his enemies who wrongfully accuse him, asking the Lord for help. In his plea to God, we see David,

• Telling God about his situation (Psalm 69:1-4) – In James 5:16, we are reminded to pray for one another because our fervent prayers are powerful. We are also reminded to cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). David was not afraid to let the Lord know his situation and how he felt, even though he knew the Lord already knew.
• Repenting for his foolishness and sins (Psalm 69: 5-12) – Even though David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), he was not perfect (2 Samuel 11). However, when David found out God knew his sin, he repented (2 Samuel 12:1-14). Deliverance from trouble begins with repentance of sin.
• He turns to God (Psalm 69:13-36) – David turns to God and boldly asks God to avenge him and to pour out wrath on his enemies. When Jesus yielded up His spirit, the veil was torn (Matthew 27:50-51), and all who choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior have direct access to God the Father. The question we must ask ourselves is, will we turn to God when in trouble?

 

When we find ourselves in trouble, the first place we turn is an indicator of where our heart is (Matthew 6:21). Some may turn to government or politics, only to be disappointed when politicians do not keep their promises. Some may turn to their own abilities or education only to find it insufficient to meet their needs. Still others may turn to career or business success to deliver them from trouble, only to be disappointed when it vanishes due to an economic downturn. If the first place we turn to when in trouble is not God, we will be disappointed. This psalm, like the other psalms of David, shows a man with a heart that seeks God for deliverance from trouble.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, giving you direct access to God, I encourage 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.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 10:24-48

 

Acts 10:44-45

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. ⁴⁵ And ^[g]those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

(NKJV)

 

 

In this passage, we see the result of the convergence of the angelic visions of Cornelius and Peter (Acts 10:1-16). The result of this convergence is a turning point for the Church with the Holy Spirit falling on Gentiles, indicating they too have a part in the Gospel. This opens the door for the Gospel to go to the uttermost parts of the earth, in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.

 

Peter arrives in Caesarea and finds Cornelius waiting for him, along with his relatives and close friends (Acts 10:24). Cornelius falls at Peter's feet in worship, and Peter tells him to stand up, saying he is also a man (Acts 10:25-26). As Peter talked with Cornelius, he found many gathered to hear what he had to say (Acts 10:27). Peter then told them that they knew it was unlawful for a Jew to associate with Gentiles, but told them that he was there out of obedience to a vision he received from the Lord, asking why they sent for him (Acts 10:28-29).

 

Cornelius then shares how he too had received a vision from the Lord, asking him to summon Peter in Joppa (Acts 10:30-32). Like Peter, Cornelius was also obedient to what the Lord told him to do and immediately sent for Peter. Cornelius then tells Peter they have gathered to hear the things commanded to him by God (Acts 10:33).

 

Peter begins to speak, telling them that he now perceives God shows no partiality, and that every nation fearing Him and working righteousness is accepted (Acts 10:34-35). The message of the gospel was first sent to the children of Israel, a message of peace through Jesus Christ, the Lord of all (Acts 10:36). Peter continues, telling them they know this word for it was proclaimed throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, a message of how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit, who went about doing good (Acts 10:37-38). As one of the twelve disciples, Peter was an eyewitness to what Jesus did, his crucifixion by the Jews, and his resurrection from the dead three days later (Acts 10:39-40). However, the resurrected Jesus was not revealed to all, but to chosen witnesses who were commanded to preach to the people, testifying that Jesus was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:41-42). All the prophets witness that through the name of Jesus, whoever will receive remission of sins (Acts 10:43).

 

As Peter was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those listening, astonishing the Jews present because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-45). Those present knew this was true because they heard the Gentiles speak with tongues and magnify God (Acts 10:46). Peter then spoke, asking if anyone could forbid water so that these Gentiles could be baptized (Acts 10:47). Peter then commanded that they be baptized in the name of the Lord and stayed with them for a few days (Acts 10:48).

 

In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissioned his followers to be witnesses of Christ not just to the Jews, but to people around the world. This would include Gentiles and is why this account is a turning point for the Church and its outreach. Both Cornelius and Peter have had visions from the Lord, with Cornelius asked to summon Peter in Joppa, and Peter told to go to the house of Cornelius. In that culture, a Jew would not go to the house of a Gentile, and a Gentile would not ask a Jew to do so. However, both men have received specific instructions from the Lord and are obedient. The result is Gentiles hearing the Gospel, the Holy Spirit falling on the Gentiles with them, then being baptized (Acts 10:44-48). This is a turning point for the Church, with the Gospel now spreading throughout the known world.

 

The commission of Acts 1:8 was not just for the church in the Book of Acts, but for the Church today. John 3:16 reminds us that God loves the entire world and all people in it. It reminds us that God sent the world his only son, announced by angels (Luke 2:8-10). Most importantly, it reminds us that whosoever, meaning anybody, who believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) and has commissioned the Church to take the message of John 3:16 to the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

This gift of salvation is not something one can earn but is received through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). To receive this gift, one must believe in their heart and confess with their mouth their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never accepted this gift from God, 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.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Praising God for His Goodness to His People

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 68

 

Psalm 68:35

O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places.
The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.

Blessed be God!

(NKJV)

 

Psalm 68:35, along with Nehemiah 8:10 and Philippians 4:13, reminds us that our source of strength is the Lord. However, we are human and when in the middle of a struggle, can forget these biblical truths, leading to stress, worry, and even despair. Psalm 68 is a song written by David, reminding us of the glory of God in His goodness to His people and giving us a glimpse into David's heart.

 

This psalm of David offers his seeing the glory of God in His goodness to Israel. It begins with David asking God to arise. For His enemies to be scattered with those hating God fleeing from His presence (Psalm 68:1). This scattering of God’s enemies will be like smoke driven away by the wind or like wax melting in a fire, but the righteous will be glad and rejoice (Psalm 68:2-3). The righteous are to sing praises to God with rejoicing to God, a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows in his holy habitation (Psalm 68:4-5). God sets the solitary in families, leading those in bondage into prosperity, but the rebellious remain in a dry land (Psalm 68:6). When God went out before His people in the wilderness, the earth shook, the heavens dropped rain, and Mount Sinai was moved (Psalm 68:7-8). God’s goodness sent plentiful rain with confirmation of His inheritance to the weary, and provision for the poor with the congregation dwelling in His goodness (Psalm 68:9-10).

 

When the Lord gave the word, a great company proclaimed it with the kings of armies fleeing and those remaining at home dividing the spoils (Psalm 68:11-12). Even though the people lie down among the sheepfolds, they will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver and gold (Psalm 68:13). When the almighty scattered kings in the land, it became white as snow (Psalm 68:14). The mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan, with other mountains envious because the mountain of Bashan is where God dwells (Psalm 68:15-16). The chariots of God are twenty thousand with the Lord among them as He was at Sanai (Psalm 68:17). The Lord has ascended on high, led captivity captive, and received gifts among men, even from the rebellious, so that God may dwell in the Holy Place (Psalm 68:18).

 

The Lord loads His people with benefits and is the God of our salvation, escaping from death (Psalm 68:19-20). However, God will wound the head of His enemies, bringing His enemies back from Bashan and the depths of the sea so that His people may crush them with blood (Psalm 68:21-23). God’s enemies have seen the procession into the sanctuary, with singers and players on instruments following after (Psalm 68:24-25). They bless God in the congregations and the Lord from the fountains of Israel (Psalm 68:26). Benjamin is their leader along with the princes of Judah, Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali (Psalm 68:27).

 

God has commanded the strength of Israel, with David asking God to strengthen what He has done for them, with kings bringing presents to the Lord because of the temple in Jerusalem (Psalm 68:28-29). David asks the Lord to rebuke the beasts of the reed along with the herds of bulls with the calves of the people until everyone submits with pieces of silver, scattering those delighting in war (Psalm 68:30). Envoys will come out of Egypt with Ethiopia stretching her hands to God (Psalm 68:31).

 

David asks the kingdoms of the earth to sing to God, singing praises to the Lord, the one who rides on the heaven of heavens, sending out His mighty voice (Psalm 68:32-33). David asks the people to ascribe strength to God, whose excellence is over Israel with His strength in the clouds (Psalm 68:34). God is more awesome than His holy places and the God who gives strength and power to His people, blessed be God (Psalm 68:35).

 

Under David’s leadership, Israel had many enemies and troubles. While we do not know the specific incident that led to this psalm, it could be a song of praise to God for His goodness to Israel amid their many troubles. Reference is made in the psalm to the mountain of Bashan (Psalm 68:15, 22). It is believed this is a reference to Mount Hermon or the rugged volcanic peaks of the Golan Heights. Its biblical symbolism is abundant prosperity and power. In Psalm 68:18, we also see a messianic prophecy of Jesus ascending on high (Acts 1:9-11), and leading captivity captive (Ephesians 4:7-10). It is easy to picture this Psalm being sung by the congregation during times of struggle.

 

Like David, who wrote this psalm, we live in a world full of trouble. We can dwell on our troubles and become depressed, bitter, or even live in despair, or we can, like David, offer praise to God for his goodness to us. While scripture contains many reasons why the Church should offer praise to God, this psalm is one that we can refer to when we may become depressed, bitter, or even have feelings of despair. We can also find comfort in knowing that Jesus is returning to take His Church out of this troubled world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and is coming back to establish His kingdom on this earth (Revelation 19:11-21).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, believing in faith that Jesus died to atone for your sins, I encourage you to do so and escape feeling depressed or in despair 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.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

The Gospel Includes the Gentiles

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 10:1-23

 

Acts 1:8

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be ^[a]witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

(NKJV)

 

 

In this text, two men receive angelic visions from the Lord, one a Gentile Roman official and one Peter, an apostle of Christ. The two visions will lead to a divinely arranged meeting of the two men in Caesarea. This meeting will be a turning point for the Church, leading to the gospel going out from Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).

 

A devout Roman official, Cornelius, a man who feared God and gave generously to those in need, and who prayed to God always received an angelic vision (Acts 10:1-3). After asking the Lord what He wants, the Lord tells him his generosity and prayers have come before the Lord as a memorial (Acts 10:4). The Lord instructs Cornelius to send men to Joppa, sending for Peter, who is lodging with Simon, a tanner in a home by the sea, where Peter will tell him what he must do (Acts 10:5-6). Cornelius is obedient to the Lord and sends two servants and a devout soldier to Joppa after explaining everything to them (Acts 10:7-8).

 

The next day the men depart for Joppa and about the sixth hour Peter who is in Joppa goes up on the housetop to pray (Acts 10:9). Peter was hungry and while they prepared a meal for him, he fell into a trance (Acts 10:10). While in the trance, Peter sees a vision of a great sheet coming down, containing all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds with a voice telling him to kill and eat (Acts 10:11-13). Peter responds to the voice by saying he has never eaten anything common or unclean (Acts 10:14). The voice answered Peter, telling him that what God has cleansed is not common (Acts 10:15). This happened three times, with the sheet going back up to heaven (Acts 10:16).

 

While Peter was wondering what the vision meant, the men sent by Cornelius arrived at the house and were standing at the gate, asking if Peter was staying there (Acts 10:17-18). While Peter continued to contemplate the meaning of his vision, the Spirit told him that three men were asking for him and to go, doubting nothing because they had been sent by God (Acts 10:19-20). Peter meets the men and asks why they have come, and it is told that Cornelius has had an angelic vision and is to invite Peter to his house to hear words from him (Acts 10:21-22). Peter asks the men to stay with him for the night and leaves with them for Caesarea the next day (Acts 10:23).

 

In Acts 1:8, the disciples are asked to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth. At this point, the church is predominantly Jewish, but the visions given to Cornelius and Peter are going to change this. Since Jews and Gentiles seldom got together to discuss their belief in God, Cornelius was most likely hesitant to call for one of the apostles to teach him. However, an angelic visit that tells him to call for Peter and bring him to Caesarea changed that. Peter was also hesitant to be seen going to the house of an unclean Gentile, that is, until an angelic vision changed what he viewed as unclean. The divinely arranged meeting of Peter and Cornelius will become a turning point in the Church, laying the foundation for taking the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.

 

When a church becomes like a social club or self-help organization, it can begin to cater only to a niche group of individuals with similar interests and demographics. This is not what Jesus had in mind with the great commission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The Lord delays his return so that the church has time to take the message of the Gospel to everyone, giving them a choice of where they will spend eternity (2 Peter 3:9). The church is not a social club or a self-help organization, but a lighthouse shining with the light of Jesus Christ to a dark and fallen world. For revival to come, each of us must serve as ambassadors for Christ, lifting Him up wherever we go (2 Corinthians 5:20; John 12:32).

 

Jesus Christ is certainly coming back with those choosing to make Him their savior, spending eternity with Him. If you are reading this and have never prayed to ask for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus Christ your savior, 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.

 

This prayer is not some magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Praise to God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 66-67

 

Psalm 67:5

Let the peoples praise You, O God;
Let all the peoples praise You.

(NKJV)

 

In a world full of struggles and troubles, one can become bogged down in these struggles. For those who do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the only places to turn are the things of the world, government, work, sex, drugs, or alcohol, all of which will disappoint us. However, those with a personal relationship with God through Christ can remember what he has done and the promise of his second coming to set the record straight. This makes it possible to offer praise to God.

 

In Psalm 66, the Psalmist begins by telling the people to make a joyful shout to God, singing out the honor of His name (Psalm 66:1-2). The praise offered is praise for the Lord’s awesome works done by the greatness of His power that causes His enemies to submit to Him (Psalm 66:3). This will lead to the whole earth praising and worshipping the Lord (Psalm 66:4). The psalmist then invites the people to remember the awesome works of God to the sons of men, reminding them of what He did at the Red Sea (Psalm 66:5-6). God rules by His power forever with his eyes observing the nations, with the psalmist asking God not to let the rebellious exalt themselves (Psalm 66:7).

 

The psalmist continues by telling the people to bless their God and to let His praises be heard because it is He who keeps their souls among the living and does not let their feet be moved (Psalm 66:8-9). God has tested His people, bringing them through many afflictions, but He has brought them out to rich fulfillment (Psalm 66:10-12). Therefore, the psalmist will go into the House of the Lord with burnt offerings, paying his vows to the Lord (Psalm 66:13-14). His offerings will be fat animals, with the sweet aroma of rams, along with bulls and goats (Psalm 66:15).

 

The psalmist then invites all who fear the Lord to declare what He has done for their souls (Psalm 66:16). The psalmist will cry to the Lord with his mouth and extoll Him with his tongue (Psalm 66:17). The psalmist knows that if there is iniquity in his heart, the Lord will not hear him but also knows God has heard him and addressed his prayer (Psalm 66:18-19). The psalmist concludes by offering blessings to God, who has not turned away from his prayer, nor turned His mercy from him (Psalm 66:20).

 

In Psalm 67, the psalmist offers an invocation and doxology of praise unto the Lord. It begins with the psalmist asking God to be merciful and bless the people, making his face to shine upon them (Psalm 67:1). Through this demonstration of mercy, the way of the Lord and His salvation are known among all nations (Psalm 67:2). The psalmist wants all the peoples to praise God and to let the nations be glad and sing for joy because the Lord judges the people righteously and governs all the nations (Psalm 67:3-4). Again, the psalmist urges all the peoples to praise God so the earth shall yield its increase, and God can bless His people (Psalm 67:5-6). The psalmist concludes by saying God shall bless His people and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him (Psalm 67:7).

 

This unknown psalmist has no doubt experienced some of the troubles and struggles of the nation of Israel. However, rather than focusing on troubles, the psalmist offers praise to God.

• Psalm 66, praise to God for His awesome works – As a reminder of the Lord’s awesome works, the psalmist reminds us of how God parted the Red Sea, allowing the people of Israel to cross on dry land while drowning the Egyptians pursuing them (Exodus 14:1-31). The crossing of the Red Sea is a reminder of how God rescues his people by His power. The people of Israel are not to remain silent about the good works done by the Lord, but are to declare these good works and make offerings to the Lord. The psalmist also has confidence that the Lord will hear his prayer and have mercy on him.
• Psalm 67, an invocation and doxology – This psalm begins with the psalmist asking God to be merciful and bless His people, causing his face to shine upon them. This will demonstrate to the whole earth the way of salvation from the Lord. Again, the psalmist urges the people not to remain silent about the mercy and blessing of God but to be vocal. This vocal declaration of the mercy and salvation of God will cause the ends of the earth to praise the Lord.

 

We live in a fallen world, just like the psalmist in these psalms, and can become bogged down in the struggles of life, leading to depression and even despair. These psalms are a reminder to focus on the goodness of God during these times. While we can still look back at how God delivered the people of Israel by parting the Red Sea, we can also look back at the work of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10). Just as the psalmist told the people of Israel not to be silent about the good works of God, Jesus commissioned His Church not to be silent but to let the world know (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus also told his disciples that if they lift Him up, He will draw men unto Him (John 12:32). For revival to come, this is the message the Church must focus upon.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, believing in faith that Jesus died to atone for your sins, I encourage 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.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Saul’s Ministry Begins, the Church Prospers, and Peter Goes to Joppa

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 9:20-43

 

Acts 9:31

Then the ^[c]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified.^[d] And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

(NKJV)

 

Saul has had a dramatic conversion from persecutor of the Church to one converted to Christ. The believers in Damascus remain skeptical, fearing this may be a scheme to gather them in one place so Saul can arrest them. However, as Saul begins to preach Christ and suffers persecution himself, he finds acceptance. When others begin to see the change in our lives after accepting Jesus as our savior, some may want to know what has happened in our lives, allowing us to share Christ with them.

 

Immediately after his conversion, Saul began preaching about Jesus, preaching that He is the Son of God (Acts 9:20). All who heard Saul preach were amazed because they remembered he had come to Damascus to round up Christians and arrest them (Acts 9:21). Saul became stronger with his teaching confounding the Jews by proving Jesus is the Christ, leading to plotting by the Jews to kill him (Acts 9:22-23). The Jews plotting to kill Saul would wait day and night at the gates to kill him, but Saul learns of their plot and is let down by night through the wall in a large basket (Acts 9:24-25).

 

Saul then goes to Jerusalem and tries to join with the disciples there, but he meets with resistance because they did not believe his conversion was genuine (Acts 9:26). Barnabas then takes Saul to the apostles and tells them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus and preached boldly about Jesus in Damascus (Acts 9:27). After this, Saul was able to come and go with the disciples in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of Jesus, disputing with the Hellenists who tried to kill him (Acts 9:28-29). The brethren then sent Saul out to Caesarea and then out to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). The church has peace and multiplies, with the disciples walking in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).

 

The scene now shifts to Peter who is going through all parts of the country, going down to the saints in Lydda (Acts 9:32). When in Lydda, Peter found a man named Aeneas who had been bedridden eight years and who was paralyzed (Acts 9:33). Peter told Aeneas that Jesus the Christ heals him and told him to arise and make his bed, which he did immediately (Acts 9:34). When those living in Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas, they turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35).

 

Meanwhile, in Joppa, a disciple named Tabitha, a woman who did many good works and charitable deeds, became sick and died (Acts 9:36-37). Since Lydda was near Joppa, they sent men to get Peter, telling him not to delay in coming to Joppa (Acts 9:38). Peter immediately arose and went to Joppa and was taken to the room where they had laid Tabitha (Acts 9:39). Peter told the widows mourning her death to leave, knelt down, and prayed, and then told Tabitha to arise with her opening her eyes and sitting up (Acts 9:40). Peter then took her and presented her alive to the saints and widows (Acts 9:41). When this miracle became known, many believed on the Lord and Peter remained in Joppa for many days, staying with Simon, a tanner (Acts 9:42-43).

 

Many are skeptical of Saul's conversion, but as he begins to preach about Jesus, he finds acceptance. Understandably, the believers would be skeptical at first because Saul had a history of persecuting Christians. His sudden conversion could have been viewed as a deception designed to bring everyone together so he could round them up and take them to Jerusalem. However, as he began to preach about Jesus (Acts 9:21-22) and confounded the Jews, causing them to plot to kill him (Acts 9:23), they began to believe his conversion was genuine and rescued him (Acts 9:24-25). Peter also thrived in his ministry, performing miracles of healing (Acts 9:32-35) and even raising the dead (Acts 9:40). Peter is now in Joppa, where he will receive a vision from the Lord, and the gospel will go out to the Gentiles (Acts 9:43).

 

While the message of the gospel is life-transforming, not everyone who hears it will be receptive, but we must not allow that to hinder our carrying out the mission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). As the time of Christ’s return nears, Jesus told us there would be deception, wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes (Matthew 24:3-8). Since God does not want any to perish (2 Peter 3:9), it is even more vital that the church stay on its mission of spreading the Gospel so more people come to Christ and do not perish.

 

Each person reading this post has a decision to make: do I reject the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and continue in my life of sin, or do I do as Paul did and accept Christ? If you are reading this and choose to follow Jesus Christ in your life and turn from your sins, 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.

 

This prayer is not a magical prayer, but must be a genuine expression of your heart. If that is why you prayed, rest assured, your sins are completely forgiven, and you have eternal life. I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.