A Miracle in the Temple

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 3:1-26

 

Acts 3:11-12

Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. ¹² So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

(NKJV)

 

In this passage, we see Peter and John going to the temple at the hour of prayer, something they normally do, but this day would not be an ordinary day and would present an opportunity for them to point people to Jesus. This passage teaches us that the purpose of any miracle occurring in ministry is not to bring praise to the ministry, but rather to point people to Jesus. For genuine revival to happen in the Church, the purpose of any miracles occurring in ministry must be to point people to Jesus, not to garner lavish praise for the ministry.

 

Peter and John go together to the temple at the hour of prayer, along with a man lame from birth to beg for alms from those entering the temple (Acts 3:1-2). When the lame man sees Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asks them for alms (Acts 3:3). Peter and John tell the lame man to fix his eyes on them and he does, expecting to receive alms from them (Acts 3:4-5). However, it is not alms he will receive from Peter and John because they do not have silver or gold, and instead they tell the man to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 3:6). Peter then takes the man by the hand and strength was restored to his feet and ankle bones with him standing up, walking into the temple where he was leaping and praising God (Acts 3:7-8). The people at the temple were filled with wonder and amazement, knowing this man was the one they had seen begging for alms at the temple gate (Acts 3:9-10).

 

The once lame man held on to Peter and John at Solomon’s porch with the people running to them, greatly amazed (Acts 3:11). Peter and John were alarmed at the reaction of the people and asked them why they were amazed, thinking they had done the miracle by their own power (Acts 3:12). Peter then takes the opportunity to explain that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had glorified His servant Jesus Christ, the one they delivered and denied in the presence of Pilate when Pilate was going to let Jesus go (Acts 3:13). These people at the temple had denied the Holy One of God, the one God rose from the dead, something Peter and John had witnessed when they saw the risen Lord (Acts 3:14-15). Peter lets the crowd know it was not he or John that performed the miracle, but it occurred through faith in the name of Jesus Christ, giving the once lame man perfect soundness in the presence of them all (Acts 3:16).

 

Peter tells the crowd that he now knows they acted out of ignorance when they delivered Jesus up for crucifixion because the prophets foretold what happened to Jesus (Acts 3:17-18). Peter then tells the crowd to repent and be converted so their sins may be blotted out, so they can receive refreshing from the presence of the Lord through God sending Jesus to them (Acts 3:19-20). Jesus will remain in heaven until the time of restoration of all things spoken of by the prophets (Acts 3:21). Jesus is the one spoken of by Moses who would come from the brethren of Israel, whom they are to hear and obey, with those not hearing or obeying destroyed from among the people (Acts 3:22-23). Jesus is the seed of Abraham through whom all the nations of the world will be blessed (Acts 3:24-26).

 

Jesus had told his disciples that after he left them, they would perform miracles in His name (Mark 16:17-18). This is the first recorded occurrence of a miracle of healing after the ascension of Jesus. Like the miracles performed by Jesus during His ministry, this miracle caused quite a stir, with some witnessing the miracle wanting to worship Peter and John as if they performed the miracle. Peter and John would not allow the worship and credit for the miracle to fall on them; instead, they quickly pointed the crowd to the source of the miracle, Jesus Christ. Once again, Peter and John are taking a risk by accusing the crowd at the temple of sending Jesus to His crucifixion, but they tell them they did it out of ignorance (Acts 3:17-18). This incident did not lead to the crucifixion of Peter and John but will lead to their arrest, allowing them to address the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-12).

 

The promise of performing miracles in the name of Jesus was not just for the eleven disciples but for all who believe (Mark 16:17). However, the one through whom the miracle occurs must remember that the miracle comes from Christ and is performed in His name and not allow themselves to be worshiped in any manner. Sadly, there are many charlatans in the church who have profited from miracles in their supposed ministries. Whether these miracles are genuine or not comes into question because in many of these ministries, a miracle occurs, and people witnessing it are encouraged to contribute money to the ministry to receive their miracle. Miracles done in the name of Jesus are not for the benefit of the minister but a sign for the minister to use to point people to the source of the Miracle, Jesus Christ.

 

The greatest miracle of the ministry of Jesus Christ was when he resurrected from the dead because this miracle makes it possible for us to be saved from our sins and have eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). To receive this miracle, one only needs to confess their genuine belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I encourage anyone who has not prayed to receive this miracle 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 just prayed, let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Blessing, Suffering, Yearning, and Distress

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 41-42

 

Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

(NKJV)

 

To believe that becoming a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior means a carefree life free from trouble is a deception and a lie. Even Jesus did not escape trouble in this world but overcame that trouble through His resurrection from the grave, something all believers in Christ will experience (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 16:33). The psalmists in these psalms also experienced struggles and suffering but had a deep yearning for God and experienced blessing with a hope in overcoming by trusting God.

 

David begins Psalm 41 by saying a man is blessed who considers the poor, with God delivering him in time of trouble (Psalm 41:1). The blessings this man will enjoy are preservation of life, blessings on the earth, deliverance from the will of his enemies, strength, and sustainment in illness (Psalm 41:2-3).

 

David then asks God to be merciful to him because he has sinned with his enemies speaking evil of him and wanting him to die (Psalm 41:4-5). Even when his enemies come to see him, they speak and spread lies, gathering iniquity upon themselves (Psalm 41:6). His enemies whisper against him, plotting his harm, saying he has an evil disease from which he will not get up from once lying down (Psalm 41:7-8). To make matters worse, even David’s familiar friend has joined his enemies (Psalm 41:9).

 

David then asks the Lord for mercy so he can repay his enemies (Psalm 41:10). God’s mercy is how David knows the Lord is pleased with him and why his enemies do not triumph over him (Psalm 41:11). As for himself, David knows the Lord will uphold him in his integrity, setting him before the Lord’s face forever (Psalm 41:12). The psalm concludes with David blessing the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 41:13).

 

Psalm 42 is a contemplation of the sons of Korah. It begins with the psalmist declaring his soul yearns for God like a deer panting for water, wondering when he will appear before God (Psalm 42:1-2). He has tears of anguish day and night, wondering where his God is (Psalm 42:3). These tears cause him to remember and pour out his soul, recalling the times when he attended the feasts in Jerusalem with the multitude, singing with a voice of joy and praise (Psalm 42:4).

 

After remembering these times of joy and praise the psalmist asks why his soul is cast down, reminding himself to place his hope in God (Psalm 42:5). He then tells the Lord he will remember Him because his soul is cast down (Psalm 42:6). Even though his soul is in deep distress he knows the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime and give him a song of joy in the night (Psalm 42:7-8).

 

His prayer to God wonders why God has forgotten him, allowing him to continue mourning because of the oppression of his enemies (Psalm 42:9). Like the breaking of his bones is the reproach of his enemies while they continually ask him where his God is (Psalm 42:10). The psalmist then reminds himself to hope in God for relief from his cast down and disquieted soul and vows to continue praising the Lord (Psalm 42:11).

 

In Psalm 41, David sings of the blessing and suffering of the Godly. David knew that the nature of the fallen world in which he lived meant he had enemies who spoke evil against him and wanted him to die, with even a familiar friend turning against him (Psalm 41:9). Such is the nature of suffering for David, but despite this suffering, David cries out to the Lord for mercy, knowing God is pleased with him and upholds him (Psalm 41:10-12). This gives David hope despite his sufferings.

 

In Psalm 42, the sons of Korah sing of their yearning for God in the middle of distress. The sons of Korah have a deep yearning to draw closer in their relationship with God, comparing it to a thirsty deer panting for water. This yearning has resulted in a desire to appear before God and escape the troubles of the fallen world in which they live (Psalm 42:1-2). They recall the tears and anguish of their present life but find hope in remembering the joy and praise of accompanying the multitude to Jerusalem for the pilgrim feasts (Psalm 42:4). Remembering these times of basking in the presence of God with other believers causes them to wonder why their souls are downcast. Instead of wallowing in their troubles, they remember God is their rock and that they can have hope in Him (Psalm 42:11). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

Living in a fallen world means there will be times of suffering (John 16:33) and blessings, for we are children of God (John 1:12). This means there will be times of distress in our lives, but as children of God, a yearning to be close to our heavenly Father will bring deliverance. Life in a fallen world brings suffering, but it also offers hope when we place our hope in God and offer Him praise (Psalm 42:11). While the Church needs to speak out against sin in the world, it must also offer hope of deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ. The Church must present truth with hope in the deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ, something everyone needs because all have sinned (Romans 3:23). What this world needs is a Church lifting up Jesus Christ (John 12:32).

 

If you are reading this and are discouraged by your circumstances, believing all is hopeless, I have good news for you, Jesus Christ was sent by God to give everyone eternal life (John 3:16). However, you must unwrap this gift to be able to enjoy it (Romans 10:9-10). If you would like to have hope by unwrapping this gift, 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 just prayed, rest assured that God has totally forgiven you and that you are a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:12). Find a Church where the truth of the Bible is taught so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Spirit Empowered Boldness

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 2:14-47

 

Acts 2:14

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 

(NKJV)

 

After the miracle of receiving the Holy Spirit and the crowd gathered for the feast of Pentecost, hearing the 120 praise God in their own language (Acts 1:5-12), Peter stood up to address the crowd. This represents a new boldness for Peter with no fear of rejection, which led to him denying Jesus three times (John 18:15-18, 25-27). All believers have a mission from Jesus to share the Gospel with others, but many lack the boldness to do so. In this post, we will explore how Peter gained the boldness to share his faith, so that we too can possess this same boldness.

 

Peter comes out of the upper room and begins to address the crowd outside, beginning with addressing those who believe the apostles are drunk by reminding them it is only 9:00 in the morning (Acts 2:14-15). Peter then refers to Joel 2:28-32 and lets the crowd know they have just witnessed the fulfillment of this prophecy (Acts 2:16-21).

 

Peter then builds upon this scriptural foundation by attesting to Jesus of Nazareth whom God attested through miracles, wonders, and signs done through Him by God (Acts 2:22). Peter then boldly lets them know this is the same Jesus they crucified and handed over for death, but who resurrected from the dead because death had no power over him (Acts 2:23-24). Peter then adds to the scriptural foundation of truth by quoting a prophecy from David regarding the Messiah not remaining in Hades with his body decaying in corruption (Acts 2:25-28; Psalm 16:8-11). David is not speaking of himself because his tomb is not far away in Jerusalem and is therefore speaking one of his offspring (Acts 2:29-30). Therefore, the words of David are prophetic, foretelling the resurrection of Jesus, something Peter had witnessed (Acts 2:31-32). Peter and others also witnessed the ascension of Jesus to sit at the right hand of God the Father, where God gave Him the gift of the Holy Spirit to give to the apostles, the event they had just witnessed (Acts 2:33).

 

David himself did not ascend to heaven, but in Psalm 110:1, points out that the Lord said to His Lord to sit at the right hand of God until His enemies are underfoot, which occurred when Jesus resurrected from the grave (Acts 2:34-35). This is the foundation of truth from which Peter boldly declares Jesus, the one they crucified is both Lord and the Christ (Acts 2:36). This leads those hearing Peter to have conviction in their hearts, asking what they should do (Acts 2:37). Peter responds by telling them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so they too can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). This promise of the Holy Spirit is not only for those in the crowd, but their children and those afar off in future generations (Acts 2:39). This led to three thousand souls added to the Church (Acts 2:40-41).

 

Those added to the Church continued steadfastly in the apostle’ doctrine and had fellowship in breaking bread and prayer (Acts 2:42). There was also great fear upon every soul as they witnessed wonders and signs done through the apostles (Acts 2:43). The believers were together and had all things in common, selling possessions and goods to distribute to those in need (Acts 2:44-45). The believers continued daily in one accord in the temple and the breaking of bread from house to house, having gladness and simplicity of heart (Acts 2:46). They were seen praising God, gaining favor with all the people, with the Lord adding to the church daily (Acts 2:47).

 

Joel had foretold of a time when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, with those in Jerusalem at Pentecost just witnessing the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophecy (Joel 2:28-32). The once timid Peter who denied Christ three times is now bold and no longer timid and even tells the crowd Jesus, whom they crucified is both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). The crowd could have become angry with Peter, making him the next one crucified, but instead they had conviction in their hearts and asked Peter what to do (Acts 2:37). This leads to the question, what has happened to Peter to give him such boldness.

 

• Peter witnessed the risen Lord (John 20:19-29) – Peter was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room on the day He resurrected, and a week later, with Thomas present. He also saw the Lord on the shore from the boat (John 21:7)
• Peter received forgiveness (John 21:15-19) – At breakfast on the shore with Jesus, Peter received forgiveness for his sin of denying Jesus.
• Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4) – Seeing the risen Lord and receiving forgiveness of sin solidified truth in the life of Peter, but the power source of his boldness was receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 

The promise of the Holy Spirit was not just for the apostles and those in Jerusalem at Pentecost, but for those afar off, which includes us (Acts 2:38-39). This is the power source spoken of by Jesus in Acts 1:8, but this power is sadly missing in the Church today. Instead of being a transformative force in society (Acts 17:6), the Church today is often weak and willing to compromise in order not to offend anyone. Churches do not speak out against sin for it might offend someone, forgetting that we all have sinned and need forgiveness through Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The world needs to see a Church full of true worshippers of God who worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Knowledge of the Bible is abundant in the information age, but when it lacks the power of the Holy Spirit, it lacks the power to bring about heart transformation. Please pray with me for a genuine empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the Church so the Church returns to its transformative role in the world.

 

If you are reading this and, like those who heard Peter on the day of Pentecost, feel convicted 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.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Wisdom, Forgiveness, and Perseverance

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 39-40

 

Psalm 40:16

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
Let such as love Your salvation say continually,
“The Lord be magnified!”

(NKJV)

 

We live in a world full of violence, hatred, and evil. In such an environment, it is easy for fear to creep in, causing us to lose faith and trust in God. David experienced the full spectrum of evil during his life on earth, but in the psalms of this text, he asks for wisdom and forgiveness so he can persevere in the trials of life. We can learn much from these psalms and find what we need to persevere in our lives.

 

David wrote Psalm 39 for the chief musician, Jeduthun. It begins with David vowing to guard his ways, especially his tongue (Psalm 39:1). David remained mute and silent, holding his peace, even from good, but when his heart burned within him, he spoke (Psalm 39:2-3). David asks the Lord to reveal his end and the number of his days so he can know how frail he is, knowing that his life is but a handbreadth and a vapor (Psalm 39:4-5). Every man is like a shadow, busying themselves in vain, gathering up riches without knowing who will gather them (Psalm 39:6).

 

David then asks himself what he is waiting for because his hope is in the Lord (Psalm 39:7). David asks the Lord for deliverance from his transgressions, not wanting to be a reproach to the foolish (Psalm 39:8). David remained silent and mute until the Lord opened his mouth (Psalm 39:9). David asks for the Lord to remove the plague of sin from him with him consumed by the blow of the Lord’s hand (Psalm 39:10). When the Lord rebukes in correction of a man’s iniquity, his beauty melts away for surely a man is a vapor (Psalm 39:11). The psalm concludes with David asking the Lord to hear his prayer and to remove his gaze so he can regain strength before going away and being no more (Psalm 39:12-13).

 

David also wrote Psalm 40 for the chief musician. It begins with David waiting patiently for the Lord and having Him hear his cry (Psalm 40:1). The Lord has delivered David from a horrible pit of miry clay and set his feet upon a rock, putting a new song of praise to God in his mouth that many will see and fear, putting their trust in the Lord (Psalm 40:2-3). David knows that one is blessed who places his trust in the Lord, not respecting the proud nor turning to lies (Psalm 40:4). The works of the Lord are numerous with His thoughts toward us innumerable (Psalm 40:5).

 

It is not sacrifice or offering that the Lord desires or requires, but He delights in one delighting in doing the will of God with his law written on his heart (Psalm 40:6-8). David has not been silent in the great assembly, boldly declaring the Lord’s righteousness, which is not hidden in his heart but boldly declared by David’s lips (Psalm 40:9-10). Innumerable evils surround David, with him overtaken by his iniquities, causing his heart to fail (Psalm 40:11-12). David asks the Lord to quickly come to deliver him, asking that those seeking his destruction be driven backward, confounded, and brought to dishonor (Psalm 40:13-15). The psalm concludes with David asking for those seeking the Lord to rejoice and be glad, magnifying the Lord (Psalm 40:16). David is poor and needy, yet the Lord thinks of him and is his helper and deliverer, with David asking the Lord not to delay (Psalm 40:17).

 

David was a great king who faced many trials in his life. In Psalm 39, he asks for wisdom and forgiveness, while in Psalm 40, he asks for faith and perseverance in trials. Psalm 39 begins with David asking the Lord to guard his ways and his tongue. James 3:1-12 teaches that the tongue is untamable, defiling the whole body and setting on fire the course of nature (James 3:6). This is why David remained silent until the fire burned in his heart to speak out (Psalm 34:3). This burning in his heart was the Lord, with the Lord speaking through him when he opened his mouth (Psalm 34:9).

 

Psalm 40 begins with David waiting patiently for the Lord, with the Lord inclining His ear to listen to him (Psalm 40:1). David has a new song in his mouth, a song of praise unto the Lord that many will hear and put their trust in the Lord. David knows that the Lord does not desire burnt and sin offerings, but our praise and worship. David has the boldness to declare the righteousness of God in the great assembly (Psalm 40:9-10). David can have this boldness despite the innumerable evils surrounding him (Psalm 40:12). David demonstrated perseverance in the numerous great trials in his life.

 

Like David, the fallen world in which we live presents trials and tribulations, with even Jesus reminding us of this (John 16:33). While this is not encouraging, it is encouraging to know that God is with us through them all. The world is full of chaos and evil, with temptations everywhere. This can cause great fear, which is a weapon of Satan and not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Satan used fear to cause King Saul to lose patience in waiting for Samuel, going ahead, and making the sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:1-15). Fear that God was withholding knowledge from them is what led to Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden (Genesis 3:1-5). Fear of rejection led to Peter’s denial of Jesus (John 18:15-18). To persevere in our faith, we must place our total trust in the Lord and not allow fear to keep us silent.

 

In boldness and without fear, I want to invite everyone reading this to experience forgiveness of sin and eternal life 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 just prayed, rest assured that God has totally forgiven you and that you are a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:12). 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 Church is Born

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 2:1-13

 

Acts 2:12

So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

(NKJV)

 

Like the announcement by an angel and heavenly choir to the shepherds at the birth of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit is with great and miraculous fanfare. It comes with wind, fire, and the miracle of people speaking a language they do not know. The question that has caused division in the Church throughout its history is whether these signs, or at least the sign of speaking in tongues, must occur as an indication that one has received the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this post is to lend biblical clarity to this debate.

 

It is the day of Pentecost, one of the Jewish feasts requiring that all come to Jerusalem. As such, Jews from all over the known world have gathered in Jerusalem. The 120 disciples of Jesus are in the upper room when they hear the sound of a rushing mighty wind enter the room where they are praying (Acts 2:1-2). Then they see tongues of fire sitting on each of them (Acts 2:3). They are then filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in other tongues, or languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).

 

This sound must have been loud because it got the attention of the multitude gathered for Pentecost, confusing them because they heard these people speaking in their own language (Acts 2:5-6). The crowd was also amazed because those speaking in tongues were not among the highly educated and elite of Jerusalem but people from Galilee (Acts 2:7-8). Adding to the miracle was that the people hearing the Galileans speak in their language were from many diverse places, hearing people praise God in their native tongue (Acts 2:9-11). Some among the crowd were amazed and perplexed, wondering what this sign meant, with others mocking the Galileans, saying they were drunk with some new wine (Acts 2:12-13).

 

The Church is the bride of Christ and functions in a fallen world. In this environment, it needs the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective (Acts 1:4, 8). This power source has come with a glorious entrance involving.

• A rushing wind (Acts 2:2) – Like any guest coming to the house, the Holy Spirit enters the room like a wind. Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be born of the water and Spirit to be part of the kingdom of God, with him comparing those born of the Spirit to the wind (John 3:5, 8). In nature, wind is unseen but powerful, causing damage or generating power through a wind turbine. It is the wind from a jet engine that produces the thrust to propel a large airliner into the air. The Holy Spirit has made His presence known to the 120 in the upper room.
• Tongues of fire (Acts 2:3) – The tongues of fire rest on everyone in the room, an indication that the Holy Spirit is for everyone in the room. John the Baptist told his followers that he was not the Messiah, for he baptized with water, but that the Messiah would baptize them with fire (Luke 3:16; Matthew 3:11). The tongues of fire resting on everyone is the fulfillment of this prophecy and indicates it is for them all.
• Speaking in tongues (Acts 2:4) – Speaking in tongues is a sign indicating the empowerment of the Spirit to share the Gospel. While those filled with the Spirit did not know all the languages of those gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost, they were able to praise God in all the languages spoken (Acts 2:7-8). The sign occurs two more times in the Book of Acts. First, as a sign to Peter that the Gentiles had been saved (Acts 10:44-46), and second as a sign that a group of people baptized in John’s baptism had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6).

 

Just as a cell phone with a low battery needs to be plugged into its charger, the Church becomes weak without plugging into the power of the Holy Spirit. However, some have turned the signs that occurred at Pentecost into a show to gather large crowds, especially the sign of speaking in tongues. Unfortunately, this has turned some off from believing in the power of the Holy Spirit in ministry, resulting in a weak Church. These are two extremes of worship, with the first group worshipping in spirit, not necessarily the Holy Spirit, without any regard for biblical truth for what they are doing. The other group does not want to go into non-biblical worship and ignores the need for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in ministry.

 

Jesus warned his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until receiving the empowerment of the Holy Spirit with the Church today also needing this empowerment. The Church functions in a fallen world with persecution, something the Church should expect (John 16:33). A weak Church without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit will go dead and give in to persecution unless it plugs into the power source of the Holy Spirit for charging. The Church needs to wordship in both Spirit and Truth (John 4:24). The sign one has the Holy Spirit in their life if their life has the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

If you are reading this and have never made a public profession of faith in Jesus as your savior, 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.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church of truth, teaching from the Bible with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.

 

Continue Telling It on the Mountain

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Luke 2:8-20

 

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)

 

The Bible has many examples of Jesus using ordinary people, and even people viewed as outcasts, to accomplish his purpose. A young shepherd boy becomes King of Israel and part of the lineage of the Messiah. A Samaritan woman, people viewed as outcasts by the Jews, meets Jesus, and there is a revival in her town. At the Savior’s birth, God chose to announce the birth to a group of shepherds, people few wanted to associate with. God does not choose the strongest, most attractive, or the most popular to conduct His work, just those who are willing.

 

Just outside of Bethlehem are grassy fields known as the shepherds’ fields where shepherds allow their flocks to graze even today so it would not be unusual for a group of shepherds to be out there at night (Luke 2:8). However, on the night of Jesus’ birth, the unusual happened with an angel of the Lord appearing to shepherds causing them to fear (Luke 2:9). The angel quickly relieves their fears by announcing the birth of Jesus with them the first, besides Mary and Joseph, to know of the birth (Luke 2:10-11). The angel also gives the shepherds a detailed description of the baby so they can go there and find Him (Luke 2:12). Then the night turns even more unusual with a heavenly choir singing and praising God (Luke 2:13-14).

 

Knowing they had just experienced something divine and miraculous, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see what had happened (Luke 2:15). They found that what the angel told them was true, and upon seeing Jesus do not hesitate to tell everyone about it (Luke 2:16-17). Everyone marveled at what they heard from the Shepherds with Mary still pondering it in her heart (Luke 2:18-19). The shepherds return from telling everyone and go back to tending their sheep glorifying and praising God (Luke 2:20).

 

The high priest and Jewish religious leaders at the time were only five miles away in Jerusalem, so the angel could have announced Jesus’ birth to them. However, as we would find out during the ministry of Jesus, these men would not have believed their Messiah would come in such a manner, seeking a sign (Matthew 12:38-42). Instead, God has an angel of the Lord make a grand entrance and announce the birth of the Messiah to shepherds who do not seek a sign but come to Jesus and believe (Luke 2:15-18). God can and will use anyone willing to go.

 

A new year begins tomorrow, and as with any new year, it brings both hope and uncertainty. Unfortunately, the problems of the old year do not end with the start of the new year but carry forward. The hope is that solutions for these problems may be found. For those of us having faith in Jesus Christ as our savior, with hope found in the truth of God’s Word, promising the return of Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth. However, until that time occurs, Jesus commanded His Church to do as the shepherds did and tell everyone about Him (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). There is a ripe harvest field of lost souls waiting for workers to go in (Matthew 9:37-38) and bring in the harvest by sharing Jesus as the shepherds did. The question is, will you be one of them?

 

Perhaps you are reading this and are one of those lost souls who are seeking answers in the coming year. The good news is that you can make this next year a year of change in your life by praying to profess your belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). If that is you, 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.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church teaching from the Bible so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Preparation for the Birth of the Church

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 Text: Acts 1:1-26

 

Acts 1:8

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

(NKJV)

 

The Book of Acts is a historical account of what occurred over the first thirty years of Church history. While the early Church had its difficulties, it did gain a reputation for turning its world upside down (Acts 17:6). This historical account provides an example of how the Church today can bring transformation to a world in dire need of returning to Godliness.

 

The Book of Acts begins with Luke referring to his gospel, which was about the life and ministry of Jesus, ending with Jesus taken up to God after giving the apostles commandments (Acts 1:1-2). Jesus also appeared to the apostles after the resurrection, providing infallible proof He had risen from the grave (Acts 1:3). Jesus also gave the apostles specific instructions to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised Holy Spirit, telling them that John baptized with water but that they would be baptized by the Holy Spirit in a few days (Acts 1:4-5). This prompted the apostles to ask if that would be the time when He would restore the kingdom to Israel, with Jesus reminding them that it was not for them to know that time, only God the Father (Acts 1:6-7). Jesus then tells them that when they receive the Holy Spirit, they will receive power to be witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

 

After this, Jesus was taken up in a cloud, and as they looked up into heaven, two men appeared by them and asked why they just stood there looking up because Jesus would return someday, just as he went up (Acts 1:9-11). Out of obedience to Jesus ' command to wait for the Holy Spirit, they went to the upper room where they were staying to wait (Acts 1:12-13). While waiting, they began to pray in one accord with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (Acts 1:14). Peter then took a leadership role and stood up to speak to the group numbering 120 (Acts 1:15).

 

Peter lets them know that what happened to Judas was foretold in Psalms 41:9 (Acts 1:16). Judas was part of the ministry of Jesus, but out of guilt for what he did, purchased land upon which he killed himself (Acts 1:17-19). Peter also reminds them that the Psalms said the land where Judas killed himself would be desolate with no one living on it and that another would take his place (Acts 1:20; Psalm 69:25, 119:8). Those in the upper room then begin the process of selecting a replacement for Judas, deciding it must be someone that was with Jesus from his baptism until seeing Him after His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22). Two men are nominated, and after prayer, they cast lots and select Matthias (Acts 1:23-26).

 

The book of Acts begins with the ascension of Jesus, which is where the Gospel of Luke ends (Luke 24:50-53). The Gospel of Luke records Jesus’ time on earth, whereas the Book of Acts records the first 30 years of Church history. In Acts 1, a foundation is laid for the birth of the Church, the Bride of Christ, whom He redeemed from sin by offering Himself (Ephesians 5:25-27). This foundation consists of,

• Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit and command to be witnesses after receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4, 8) – Jesus knew the persecution that would come to the Church from both Jews and Gentiles would lead to the martyrdom of many Christians. Since Jesus knew he would be leaving to be with the Father, He did not want the disciples to venture out into ministry without the power of the Holy Spirit within them (John 14:15-18).
• Jesus’ ascension to heaven with the promise of His return (Acts 1:9-11) – Jesus did not ascend to the Father to do nothing until His return, but sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His Church (Mark 16:19; Romans 8:34). As our intercessor, Jesus hears our prayers and gives them to the Father.
• Meeting for prayer (Acts 1:12-14) – After seeing Jesus ascend to heaven and receiving the promise that He will return, the disciples return to the upper room where they had been staying. The difference this time is that they are not there cowering in fear (John 20:19), but they are assembled in prayer, awaiting the promise of the Holy Spirit.
• Choosing a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:15-26) – Peter reminds those assembled in the upper room that there is some unfinished business regarding who will replace Judas. Two men were proposed, and they chose Mathias. There is no mention of Mathias after this, and since there is no mention of the disciples praying to select the nominees, we must wonder if God’s chosen replacement was Paul, chosen on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9).

 

Although not perfect, during the first 30 years of Church history, the Church gained a reputation of turning its world upside down, or right side up depending on one's perspective (Acts 17:6). The mission of the Church given by Jesus (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) has not changed but we must ask if the Church has maintained its world transforming reputation? While there have been times of revival in the Church, there have also been schisms or divisions that have weakened the Church's effectiveness. One major point of contention within the Church has been regarding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, with some believing it is no longer needed because we have the complete Bible. This overlooks what Jesus told the Samaritan woman: true worshippers of God worship in Spirit and Truth.

 

Persecution in the Church remains, with some of it a soft and non-violent persecution and some a violent persecution. In either case, a believer needs both the truth of the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective. The Church in the Book of Acts is an example of a Church armed with Truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

 

If you are reading this and have never publicly professed your belief in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection for salvation (Romans 10:9-10), 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.

 

Let someone know of your profession of faith or comment on this post. I also urge you to find a church teaching from the Bible so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.