The Ministry Continues Along with Persecution

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 14:1-28

 

Acts 14:3-4

Therefore, they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

⁴ But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

(NKJV)

 

The Church, like any other human-run organization, can lose sight of its mission and how it became successful. In addition, new technologies can emerge that increase effectiveness and outreach but can become a distraction if depended on instead of depending upon God and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church in the Book of Acts turned its world upside down (Acts 17:6) without modern technology by depending upon God. Today’s church must do the same for revival to come.

 

This passage begins with Paul and Barnabas arriving at Iconium and going into the synagogue, speaking to a multitude of Jews and Greeks who came to believe (Acts 14:1). However, a group of unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, poisoning their minds against the brethren (Acts 14:2). This does not deter Paul and Barnabas who stay and speak boldly in the Lord who bore witness to the word of grace through signs and wonders done by their hands (Acts 14:3). This led to a multitude of the city becoming divided with some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles, turning to a violent attempt to abuse and stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4-5). They became aware of this plot and fled to Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region and preached the gospel there (Acts 14:6-7).

 

In Lystra, they met a man crippled from birth who was intently listening to Paul, with Paul observing he had faith to be healed (Acts 14:8-9). Paul then spoke to the man and, in a loud voice, told him to stand up on his feet, which he did (Acts 14:10). The people, seeing this, raised their voices and said the gods had come down in the likeness of men, calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes because he was the messenger (Acts 14:11-12). This led to the priests of Zeus, from the temple in front of the city, bringing oxen and garlands, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes (Acts 14:13). Not wanting to be the object of worship, Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes and tell the people stop for they are men just like them, preaching to stop worshipping their gods and to worship God the creator (Acts 14:14-15). Even though God has allowed all nations to walk in their own ways, He still provides good for them through rain, fruitful seasons, and hearts full of food and gladness (Acts 14:16-17). However, this did not restrain the multitude from sacrificing to them (Acts 14:18).

 

Jews from Antioch and Iconium came and persuaded the multitudes to stone Paul and drag him out of the city, supposing him to be dead (Acts 14:19). The disciples then gathered around Paul, and he arose, with him and Barnabas departing for Derbe the next day (Acts 14:20). After preaching the gospel in Derbe, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples in the faith, reminding them they must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:21-22). They then appointed elders in every church and with praying and fasting, commended them to the Lord (Acts 14:23). After passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia and, after preaching the word in Perga, went down to Attalia, where they sailed to Antioch, the place where they were commended by God’s grace for the work they were called to complete (Acts 14:24-26). They then gathered the church together and reported how the Lord had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles, remaining there a long time with the disciples (Acts 14:27-28).

 

Paul and Barnabas, out of obedience to God, have embarked on the work God has commissioned them to do. They experience much success, with many coming to believe, but they also endured much tribulation on the way. While many Jews and Greeks came to believe in Iconium, the enemy brought deception that poisoned their minds, bringing division in the city. In Lystra, the miracles done through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas were seen as their pagan gods coming to them, with the people planning to worship Barnabas as Zeus and Paul as Hermes. Even at the urging of Paul, the people insisted on worshipping them, opening the door for Jews from Antioch to persuade them to stone Paul and leave him for dead. However, God was not done with Paul, and he rose up and departed for Derbe with Barnabas. Despite all this, Paul and Barnabas returned to the church in Antioch with a good report and stayed there to be refreshed.

 

The mission of the Church today remains the same, but unlike Paul and Barnabas, the modern church has tools available like the internet, live streaming of church services, and social media. While these are useful and powerful tools, the mission remains the same. The Book of Acts reminds us of how effective the church can be, even without the modern tools the church now has available, turning their world upside down (Acts 17:6). While these modern tools can increase church outreach, we must not lose sight of the church mission to take the Gospel to the world like the church did in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). I pray we do not rely on the tools provided by modern technology and remember to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4; John 7:37-39).

 

In obedience to the mission of the church, I want to reach out to anyone reading this who has not prayed to accept the gift of salvation offered by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you truly believe in your heart that Jesus came and died for your sins, was buried for three days in a tomb, and resurrected from the dead three days later, you can be saved. I urge you to pray with me now to confess that belief.

 

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. 

Remembering God’s Redemptive Works

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 77

 

Psalm 77:12

I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.

(NKJV)

 

Just because one accepts Jesus as the Lord of their life does not mean problems and troubles disappear from their lives (John 16:33). However, it does mean we have an advocate that is with us through the troubles of life (Psalm 23:4). In this psalm, we see Asaph struggling and wondering if God has forgotten him, but then he remembers the miraculous deliverances of God in the past and concludes with understanding how God has led His people.

 

Psalm 77 begins with Asaph crying out to God, with God hearing His cry (Psalm 77:1). In the day of his trouble, Asaph sought the Lord and stretched out his hand in the night without ceasing (Psalm 77:2). He remembered God and was troubled, with him complaining and his spirit overwhelmed (Psalm 77:3). The Lord held his eyelids open so he could not sleep, with him so troubled he could not speak (Psalm 77:4). Asaph considers the days of old and the ancient times, calling to remembrance his song in the night, meditating in his heart with his spirit making a diligent search (Psalm 77:5-6).

 

Asaph then wonders if the Lord will cast off forever, and no longer be favorable, wondering if His mercy has ceased and His promises failing forevermore (Psalm 77:7-8). He wonders if God has forgotten to be gracious, or if He in anger has shut up His tender mercies (Psalm 77:9). He then confesses to saying this in anguish, vowing to remember the years of the right hand of the Most High, and His works of old, meditating on all His works (Psalm 77:10-12). The way of God is in the sanctuary, or His holiness, with no God as great as our God (Psalm 77:13). God is the one who does wonders, declaring His strength among the peoples, with His arm redeeming His people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph (Psalm 77:14-15).

 

Asaph recalls how the waters saw God and were afraid and trembling (Psalm 77:16). He remembers how the clouds poured out water and the skies let out the sound of thunder, with arrows of lightning flashing about (Psalm 77:17). The voice of God’s thunder was in the whirlwind with His lightnings lighting up the world, with the earth trembling and shaking (Psalm 77:18). God’s way was in the sea, with his paths in the great waters, with His footsteps not known (Psalm 77:19). The psalm concludes with Asaph saying God has led His people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron (Psalm 77:20).

 

Asaph cries out to the Lord during a time of trouble in his life, wondering if the Lord’s mercies have ceased, his promises have failed, or if the Lord has forgotten to be gracious (Psalm 77:7-9). He then admits to wondering about these things in anguish and remembers the Lord's wonders of old. He remembers how the waters saw God and were afraid with the depths trembling, a reference to the parting of the Red Sea, allowing Israel to cross on dry land to escape the approaching Egyptian army (Exodus 14; Psalm 77:16). He remembers how the clouds poured out water, the sky sounded with thunder, and lightning flashed like arrows in the sky (Psalm 77:17), referring to God’s delivering Noah in the great flood (Genesis 7). Asaph concludes this psalm by remembering how the Lord led His people through the wilderness by the hand of Moses and Aaron (Psalm 77:20).

 

Jesus warned us that in this world we would experience trouble, but He also reminded us that He overcame the world (John 16:33). Trouble will come to those who know Jesus as their Savior because we are in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-12). When one chooses to make Jesus their Savior, they change sides from the team of Satan to the team of Christ and should expect opposition. While this may not be comforting to someone contemplating becoming a follower of Jesus Christ, one must realize that Jesus has won victory over Satan through his death, burial, and resurrection (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 5:17-18; Philippians 3:8-11; Romans 8:11) placing those choosing to make Jesus their Savior on the winning side.

 

In Romans 10:9-10, Scripture tells us that to be saved, one must believe in their heart that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. They then must confess this belief with their mouths. If you sincerely believe this in your heart, 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.

 

 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. 

Blessing and Conflict at Antioch

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 13:42-52

 

Acts 13:51-52

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and came to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

(NKJV)

 

As Paul and Barnabas begin their ministry in Antioch, they have spoken to the Jews in the region at the synagogue. The next Sabbath, a great crowd comes wanting to hear more, but this makes the Jews in the region envious, leading to Paul and Barnabas leaving the city. However, this opposition did not take away their joy in the Holy Spirit.

 

After speaking to the Jews in the synagogue, the Gentiles want to hear Paul speak the next Sabbath (Acts 13:42). Many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas and when they spoke with them, they were persuaded to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:43). When the next Sabbath came, almost the entire city came together to hear the word of God (Acts 13:44).

 

When the Jews saw this great multitude, they became envious, contradicting and blasphemous, contradicting what Paul spoke (Acts 13:45). This caused Paul and Barnabas to become bold, telling those contradicting them that the word of God needed to go to them first, but since they rejected it, they had judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life. For this reason, Paul and Barnabas will now turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46). This fulfills Isaiah 49:6, with the Jews becoming a light to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ (Acts 13:47).

 

While this angered the Jews, the Gentiles were glad and glorified the word of the Lord with those appointed to eternal life believing (Acts 13:48). This caused the word of the Lord to spread throughout the region (Acts 13:49). The contentious Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and chief men of the city who raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, expelling them from the region (Acts 13:50). Paul and Barnabas shook the dust of the city off their feet in a testimony against them and went on to Iconium (Acts 13:51). The disciples continued with Joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52).

 

There is blessing as the gospel is shared with many coming to believe, but this also causes envy, bringing persecution. The church in the book of Acts was laser-focused on taking the gospel to the world in fulfillment of Acts 1:8. They accomplished this without the benefit of social media, advertising, billboards, or email campaigns. All they had was word-of-mouth and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. While the media tools available today are useful and should be used for the glory of God, we must learn from the church of the Book of Acts and make sure we have the power of the Holy Spirit and the word of God behind our ministries. We are in a spiritual battle that requires the power of the Holy Spirit and the foundation of the truth from the word of God to stand against opposition.

 

Since we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of fallen humanity, when the gospel is spread and people come to Christ, we should expect and prepare for opposition. In Ephesians 6:10-18, we are given the weapons needed to engage the enemy in spiritual warfare, which are different than the conventional weapons of war. The enemy we face in spiritual warfare is not an enemy we can see, but an unseen enemy doing battle in the spiritual realm. We wear the belt of truth, the truth of God’s word, and the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14), not our righteousness (Isaiah 64:6) but the righteousness of God through Christ (Romans 3:21-22). With our gospel shoes on, taking the gospel with us wherever we go (Ephesians 6:15). The shield of faith to deflect the opposition and oppression of Satan (Ephesians 6:16). Finally, we have the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). The helmet protects our mind against doubts of our salvation which is through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, which is our offensive weapon against the enemy. We use this armor by praying always in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

 

Satan does not want anyone to be saved but has the objective of killing, stealing from, and destroying people (John 10:10). Jesus does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), so the battlefield is for the souls of lost men and women. If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation through His grace, 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. 

God the Righteous and Majestic Judge

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 75-76

 

But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

(NKJV)

 

We live in a New Covenant of grace with God that began after Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. However, while God is gracious in saving sinners like us, He remains a righteous judge. One’s relationship with God after they are saved is both gracious and righteous, something praised by Asaph in these two psalms.  

 

In Psalm 75, Asaph begins by giving thanks to God because His wondrous works declare His name is near (Psalm 75:1). When God chooses the proper or appointed time, He will judge uprightly (Psalm 75:2). Even if all the inhabitants of the earth are dissolved, God will correct things, setting up firm pillars (Psalm 75:3). The boastful must not deal boastfully, nor the wicked lift up themselves on high with pride and speak with a stiff neck (Psalm 75:4-5). Exaltation does not come from the east, west, or south, for God is the judge, putting down one and exalting another (Psalm 75:6-7). In His hand the Lord has a cup of red wine that He pours out with the wicked drinking down the dregs (Psalm 75:8). Asaph will forever declare the praises of the God of Jacob, with the horns of the wicked cut off, and the horns of the righteous exalted (Psalm 75: 9-10).

 

In Psalm 76, Asaph declares that God is known in Judah with His name great in Israel (Psalm 76:1). In Salem of Jerusalem is His tabernacle with His dwelling place in Zion, where He broke the arrows of the bow and the shield and sword of battle (Psalm 76:2-3). The Lord is more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey where the stouthearted are plundered and where they have sunk into their sleep, with none of the mighty men finding the use of their hands (Psalm 76:4-5). At the rebuke of the Lord, both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep (Psalm 76:6).

 

The Lord Himself is to be feared with no one able to stand in His presence once He is angry (Psalm 76:7). The Lord caused judgment to be heard from heaven with the earth fearing and remaining still (Psalm 76:8). When God arose in judgment, the oppressed of the earth were all delivered (Psalm 76:9). Surly the wrath of man shall praise the Lord with the Lord girding Himself with the remainder of His wrath (Psalm 76:10). Asaph says to make vows to the Lord our God and to pay them with all who are around the Lord bringing presents to Him who should be feared (Psalm 76:11). The Lord shall cut off the spirit of princes, with Him awesome to the kings of the earth (Psalm 76:12).

 

These two psalms are songs of Asaph written for the chief musician. Psalm 75 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment, with Psalm 76 a song praising the majesty of God in judgment.

 

• God’s righteous judgment – In this psalm, Asaph states that at the proper or appointed time, God will judge uprightly (Psalm 75:2). In Psalm 75:3, Asaph gives us an idea when this judgment will occur, a time when the inhabitants of the earth are dissolved with firm pillars set up. God’s judgment is righteous, rewarding the righteous while condemning the unrighteous. (John 3:16-18).
• God’s majestic judgment – God’s judgment is also majestic, something to be feared, but also praised (Psalm 76:7-10).

 

In this dispensation of grace, the love and mercy of God are extolled, for it is through God’s grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, we must not forget that God is still a God of judgment, but that His judgment is righteous and majestic. Since one is not saved because of what they have done but in accordance with their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus in their hearts, Judgment from God is based on belief, not works. There are two judgments that will occur, one for those choosing to believe and one for those choosing not to believe.

 

·         Judgment of believers – This judgment is referred to in scripture as the judgment seat of Christ, which will occur for those raptured when the Lord takes his church to heaven (2 Corinthians 5:9-11). Those participating in this judgment will spend eternity with the Lord, with this judgment to determine the rewards they will receive for the work they have done in serving the Lord.

·         Judgment for unbelievers – This judgment is referred to in Scripture as the Great White Throne Judgment, occurring at the end of the Millennial reign of Christ for one thousand years (Revelation 20:11-15). Those participating in this judgment are those choosing not to believe in Jesus as their Savior, accepting his gift of grace (Romans 6:23). This judgment is a sentencing of death for those choosing not to believe, or what is referred to as the second death.

 

Everyone reading this post is encouraged to escape the Great White Throne Judgment by accepting the gift of salvation through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23). If you have never made this decision, I encourage you to do so by praying 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.

 

 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.  

Paul Preaches Jesus to the Jews First

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 13:13-41

 

Acts 13:23

From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a^[d] Savior—Jesus—

(NKJV)

 

Paul and his entourage have arrived in Antioch, with Paul going to the synagogue on the Sabbath and invited to share with those there. He takes this opportunity to share with them by sharing their history and how Jesus is the promised Savior and Messiah. This is a custom Paul would practice wherever he went and would often be rejected by the Jews and share the Gospel with the Gentiles.

 

Paul and those with him set sail from Paphos and arrived in Perga in Pamphylia, with John departing from them and returning to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13). After departing Perga, they arrived in Antioch in Pisidia and sat down in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14). After the reading of the law, the prophets and rulers of the synagogue asked Paul and those with him if they had a word of exhortation for the people (Acts 13:15).

 

Paul then stood up and asked the men of Israel who fear God to listen, beginning by telling them the God of Israel chose their fathers and exalted the people while they were strangers in Egypt, bringing them out with His mighty arm (Acts 13:16-17). God put up with their ways for about forty years in the wilderness and then destroyed seven nations in Canaan, distributing the land to them by allotment (Acts 13:18-19). Judges then ruled Israel for about four hundred and fifty years, after which they asked Samuel for a king, and God gave them Saul for forty years (Acts 13:20-21). After the removal of Saul, David became king, a man after God’s own heart who would do God’s will (Acts 13:22). From David’s descendants, God raised up a Savior, Jesus, coming after John first came preaching the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel (Acts 13:23-24). As John was finishing his ministry, he asked those following him who they thought he was, telling them he was not the one and that the Savior would come after him and that he was unworthy to loosen His sandals (Acts 13:25).

 

Paul then addresses the sons of the family of Abraham, telling them that the word of salvation is sent to them but that they have fulfilled the words of the prophets by condemning Jesus to death (Acts 13:26-27). Even though there was no reason to execute Him, they asked Pilate to crucify Jesus, fulfilling all that was written about Him. Then they took His body down and laid it in a tomb (Acts 13:28-29). However, Jesus did not remain in the tomb, but resurrected from the dead, with many witnesses seeing Him for many days (Acts 13:30-31). Paul then declares the good news to these Jews that the promise of God to their fathers is fulfilled in Jesus in fulfillment of Psalm 2:7 (Acts 13:32-33). In raising Jesus from the dead, Jesus is the holy one of the lineage of David who will not see corruption (Acts 13:34-37; Isaiah 55:3; Psalm 16:10).

 

Paul then concludes by letting these Jews know that through Jesus, the forgiveness of sins is preached, providing justification with God that could not be done by the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39). Paul then warns these Jews to beware lest what was spoken by the prophets come upon them, that they would not believe even though one would come and tell them (Acts 13:40-41).

 

Paul arrives in Antioch and begins his ministry by starting something that will become his custom when entering a new city; he goes to the Jews first and shares Christ (Acts 14:1, 17:10, 17:17, 18:4, 18:19). In this passage, we see Paul, a Pharisee, telling the Jews in the synagogue that.

 

• They are chosen of God (Acts 13:16) – As children of Abraham, this is promised in Genesis 12:1-7, 15, and 17.
• Delivered from Egyptian bondage (Acts 13:16-17) – Paul then reminds these Jews of how God sent Moses to them as a deliverer to be used by God to free them from the oppression of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1-14).
• They were established in the land of Canaan (Acts 16:18-22) – The book of Joshua records the crossing over of the Israelites into the Promised Land, recording the conquests of the Canaanites through Joshua. The book of Judges records the tumultuous establishment of the people in the land, with the people asking for a king in 1 Samuel 8.
• They were promised an eternal kingdom through David’s seed (Acts 13:22) – While David was not the one to build the temple, God does promise an eternal kingdom through his descendants (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
• Jesus is their promised Messiah (Acts 13:23-26) – The descendant of David that will rule for eternity is Jesus Christ, the one who died and resurrected from the grave (Matthew 28:1-8). Jesus is the one sitting at the right hand of God making intercession for God’s people (Acts 7:55). Jesus is the one who is coming back to reign for eternity (Revelation 20:4-6).

 

As Paul was sharing with the Jews in Antioch, he did not have access to the gospels or epistles in the New Testament of the Bible, so he shared what he knew as a Pharisee. This is like what Stephen shared in Acts 7, minus the stoning. Like the Jews in the time of Paul, the church often needs a reminder of what Jesus did to save us from our sins, and why we should often observe communion. Communion reminds us that,

 

• Jesus’s body was broken for us – The breaking of Jesus’s body was severe through a beating (Luke 22:63-65), severe head wounds from a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29), and piercing of nails.
• Jesus’s blood was shed for the remission of our sins – Scourging with a cat of nine-tails, bleeding from a crown of thorns, and the piercing of his hands and feet with nails would have caused severe blood loss.

 

All reading this have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard and face a death penalty for their sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23). However, we can have an acquittal from our penalty by confessing our heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our sins (Romans 10:9-10). Our good works cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-9), but only the grace of God demonstrated on the cross. If you are reading this and have never made a heartfelt confession in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, 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 Plea for Relief from Oppression

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 74

 

Psalm 74:1

O God, why have You cast us off forever?
Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?

(NKJV)

 

When facing a struggle or oppression, most of those reading this can probably relate to Asaph wondering if God has forgotten them, and how long He will allow the struggle of oppression to continue (Psalm 74:1). One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Isaiah 40:31, which reminds us that as we wait upon the Lord, our strength is renewed. We also find comfort in knowing that while in a struggle or oppression, the Lord is with us (Psalm 23:4). However, Psalm 74 can also be viewed as a warning of oppression if one is disobedient to the Word of God or falls away from following the Lord.

 

Asaph begins this psalm with a plea to God, wondering why it appears he has cast them off and is angry with them (Psalm 74:1). He then pleads with God to remember His congregation He has purchased, the tribe of His inheritance that He has redeemed, and Mount Zion where He dwells (Psalm 74:2). He then asks the Lord to come to the sanctuary because the enemy is there damaging everything and has set up his banners for signs (Psalm 74:3-4). The enemy appears like men with axes among thick trees, using axes and hammers to break down the carved work of the temple (Psalm 74:5-6). The enemy has set fire to the Lord’s sanctuary, intending to destroy all the meeting places of God in the land (Psalm 74:7-8).

 

The children of Israel no longer see their signs and no longer have any prophet to let them know how long the oppression will last (Psalm 74:9). Asaph continues his plea to God, wondering how long the adversary will reproach and blaspheme, asking why the Lord has withdrawn his right hand, asking Him to take it out of his bosom and destroy the adversaries (Psalm 74:10-11). Asaph praises God as his King from of old who works salvation in the midst of the earth (Psalm 74:12). God is the one who divided the sea by his strength, who broke the heads of sea serpents, and broke the heads of leviathan in pieces, feeding them to the people living in the wilderness (Psalm 74:13-14). God also broke open the fountain and flood, drying up mighty rivers with the day and night belonging to Him, having prepared the light and the sun (Psalm 74:15-16). God also sets all the borders of the earth, making summer and winter (Psalm 74:17).

 

Asaph then continues by asking the Lord to remember that the enemy has reproached, with a foolish people blaspheming the name of the Lord (Psalm 74:18). He continues by asking the Lord not to deliver the life of His turtledove to the wild beast, and not to forget the lives of His poor forever (Psalm 74:19). He asks the Lord to respect the covenant, because the earth is full of dark places, the haunts of cruelty, and not to allow the oppressed to return ashamed and to let the poor and needy praise His name (Psalm 74:20-21). Asaph concludes by asking God to arise and plead His cause, remembering the daily reproaches of foolish men, and not to forget the voice of His enemies, because the tumult of those rising up against the Lord increases daily (Psalms 74:22-23).

 

Psalm 50 and Psalms 73-83 are attributed to Asaph, so to place their writing in context, we must determine who Asaph was and when he lived. Asaph is believed to have lived around the 10^th century BC. He was a Levite from the family of Gershon (1 Chronicles 6:39), serving under King David as a chief musician and worship leader (1 Chronicles 15:16-19). He was appointed to lead music before the Ark of the Covenant, and recognized as a seer or prophet, who provided spiritual insight along with his musical duties (2 Chronicles 29:30). Since he lived well before the Babylonian invasion of Israel and the destruction of the first temple, his mention of the breaking down of the carved work of the temple and its burning it down are likely prophetic warnings (Psalm 74:6-7).

 

When this Psalm is viewed as a prophetic warning of coming oppression for Israel, and that scripture warns of oppression for disobedience, its warning applies to the church today. Scripture warns of a great falling away or apostasy in the last days (2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1). Therefore, Psalm 74 has application in the church age as a warning of the oppression that comes with disobedience to the Lord and why the Church must remain true to the principles of the Bible. Granted, methods of delivering the Gospel message change as technology advances and more tools for delivering the message are available, but the church must adhere to biblical principles when using these new methods. My prayer is that the church does not forget its mission from the Lord to spread the gospel message to the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) and adopt new methods of doing so when they are available.

 

This blog represents a modern method of spreading the Gospel message, so I invite anyone reading this who has never prayed for the forgiveness of their sins 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.

 

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.  

Power Over Deception

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 13:1-12

 

2 Timothy 4:3-5

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

(NKJV)

 

Paul wrote the epistle of 2 Timothy to his protégé, and it contains the warning of 2 Timothy 4:3-5, warning of a time that would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, falling for deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching and interpretations of God’s word have always been present, but in the information age in which we live, deception can spread rapidly. The good news, however, is that sound teaching can also spread rapidly.

 

The church at Antioch had many prophets and teachers, with Barnabas and Saul among them (Acts 13:1). One day, as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit told them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the ministry to which the Lord had called them (Acts 13:2). In obedience to what the Holy Spirit told them, they laid hands upon them and sent them away (Acts 13:3).

 

After being sent out by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus (Acts 13:4). Upon their arrival at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, along with John their assistant (Acts 13:5). As they went through the island pf Paphos, they encountered a sorcerer and false prophet who was a Jew named Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6). Bar-Jesus accompanied the proconsul, an intelligent man who called for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God (Acts 13:7). However, Bar-Jesus did not want the proconsul to hear the word of God, lest he become a believer (Acts 13:8).

 

Saul, who was also called Paul, looked intently at Bar-Jesus and called him a fraud, deceitful, a son of the devil, and an enemy of righteousness, asking if he would cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord (Acts 13:9-10). Paul then told Bar-Jesus that the hand of the Lord was upon him and that he would be blind for a time, unable to see the sun. At saying this, a mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:11). At seeing this occur, the proconsul believed, astonished at the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:12).

 

Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul, are sent out to minister, and after preaching to the Jews in Salamis, encounter a sorcerer and the proconsul. The sorcerer was with the proconsul, possibly as a spiritual advisor who did not want the proconsul exposed to the truth of God's word. It is also possible that this sorcerer profited from spreading his deception and was seeking the proconsul's endorsement. This is because proconsuls at that time were usually governors over a province, having great influence. Barnabas and Paul were a threat to his plans, something the Holy Spirit revealed to Paul (Acts 13:9-10). The mighty hand of the Lord fell on the sorcerer, and he became blind, with this demonstration of God’s power causing the proconsul to believe (Acts 13:11-12). The word of God preached under the power of the Holy Spirit can accomplish great things and overcome deception.

 

In the information age in which we live, the Bible is readily available on many digital platforms with many translations and versions. However, one must use caution in selecting a translation or version to study, as not all of them present the genuine truth of God’s Word. Accuracy of a translation involves its adherence to the original Hebrew and Greek, translating it into readability into the language it is translated into. This translation is accomplished either through word-for-word accuracy or thought-for-thought accuracy. The New King James Version (NKJV) I use in these postings represents a word-for-word translation from the original Greek and Hebrew that attempts to preserve the feel of the original King James Version.

 

After selecting an accurate translation that truthfully presents Scripture from its original form, one must seek interpretation of Scripture from the counsel of the Holy Spirit and teachers full of the Holy Spirit. Bar-Jesus in this text encountered a Spirit-filled man exposing his deception, with the proconsul coming to believe upon hearing the word of God and witnessing God’s power at work. Our churches must present God’s truth from his word with the power of the Holy Spirit within them, for this will cause people to believe like the proconsul.

 

God’s word is indeed powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). If you are reading this and, like the proconsul, now believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead in victory over sin and death (Romans 10:9-10), I invite you to pray 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.