Paul’s Journeys in Greece

By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 20:1-16

 

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)

 

When Jesus spoke the final words of Acts 1:8 to His disciples, they may not have realized the monumental task ahead of them. Many would, and still do, risk their lives to spread this message. Anyone believing that the message of the gospel is a fraud must consider the fact that millions have died, sacrificing their lives to spread that fraud. Either these people suffered from mass hysteria, or the message is true. Paul was one who once persecuted and ordered the execution of Christians and now tirelessly labors to spread the message he once thought was a fraud.

 

After things had quieted down in Ephesus, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed for Macedonia (Acts 20:1). Paul then went through the region of Macedonia and came to Greece (Acts 20:2). After staying in Greece for three months, the Jews plotted against Paul when he was about to sail to Syria, causing him to return through Macedonia (Acts 20:3). Some men accompanied Paul to Asia, going on ahead to wait for Paul in Troas (Acts 20:4-5). Paul and those with him sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread and after five days joined the men in Troas where they remained for seven days (Acts 20:6).

 

On the first day of the week, the disciples gathered together with Paul speaking until midnight, because he was ready to depart the next day (Acts 20:7). The room where the disciples gathered was well lit, and a man named Eutychus was overcome with sleep, falling out of a third-floor window and was presumed dead (Acts 20:8-9). Paul went down and fell on and embraced the man, telling the crowd not to be troubled because his life was still in him (Acts 20:10). Paul then went up to break bread with the disciples, talking with them till daybreak and then departed (Acts 20:11). Eutychus was brought in alive, giving much comfort to the disciples (Acts 20:12).

 

Those with Paul then went to the ship to sail for Assos, intending to take Paul with them, but Paul intended to go on foot (Acts 20:13). Paul met the men on the ship at Asos where they took him on board, coming to Mitylene (Acts 20:14). They arrived at Miletus after going through the region opposite Chios and after staying at Trogyllium (Acts 20:15). They took this path because Paul intended to sail past Ephesus, so he did not need to spend time in Asia because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16).

 

This narrative gives us a glimpse of Paul’s busyness while ministering. We must place all of this in context because Paul made these journeys on foot and by sailing ship and did not have the benefit of modern air travel. This glimpse begins with Paul departing Ephesus after a riot in which he was protected by the disciples and his friends (Acts 19:30-31). He then comes to Greece through Macedonia and remains there until the Jews plotted against him (Acts 20:2-3). Paul then goes through Macedonia instead of through Syria, possibly out of concern for the Jews plotting against him, finally arriving in Troas (Acts 20:4-6). In Troas, Paul teaches until midnight, and then leaves on foot and by boat, going past Ephesus so he would not spend time in Asia, so he could make it to Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost (Acts 20:16). Quite a grueling tour.

 

The calling to serve in ministry can be exhausting and grueling and definitely not for the faint of heart. While working on my doctorate degree, I interviewed someone in ministry who shared that ministry is not all rainbows and unicorns. Unfortunately, most people in the congregation only see the pastor on Sunday morning for around thirty to forty-five minutes. This may lead to some believing the job is easy, especially if they come to church after a hard week working at their jobs.

 

What the congregation sees on Sunday morning is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the work of a pastor. Underneath the surface of the water is time to study and prepare for the message. Time in prayer for direction on what the congregation needs to learn from God’s word. Praying for those who are sick or in need in the congregation. The pastor is also involved in the administration of the church, and if it is a small church, possibly holding down another job to support his family. This is hardly a cushy job, requiring the pastor to rely on strength from the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 4:13) to stay focused on the mission of the church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

Many generations of people have worked hard to bring the message of the Gospel to each of us. If you are reading this post and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus the Lord of your life, I invite you to do so by praying 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 it 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. 

Abiding Safely in the Presence of The Eternal God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 90-91

 

Psalm 91:1

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

(NKJV)

 

Living in a fallen world means we live in a world full of chaos, hatred, and evil. With 24-hour news, the internet, and social media, we are constantly bombarded with what is happening in the world. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that perfect peace comes when we focus our attention on God, which is not easy to do when the world constantly bombards our minds with its agenda. This is why Disciples of Christ need discipline through daily study of the Word of God and prayer.

 

Moses begins this Psalm by declaring that God, the creator of all the earth, has been Israel’s dwelling place in all generations (Psalm 90:1-2). The Lord turns man to destruction while telling the children of men to return (Psalm 90:3). To God, a thousand years is like a day or a watch in the night (Psalm 90:4). The Lord carries the children of men away, for they are sheep or grass, which grows in the morning and is cut down and withers in the evening (Psalm 90:5-6).

 

The people have been consumed by the Lord’s anger, and are terrified by His wrath, with our iniquities before Him and the light of His countenance shining on our secret sins (Psalm 90:7-8). Our days pass away under God’s wrath, which are seventy years and eighty if one is strong (Psalm 90:9-10). We must learn to number our days to gain a heart of wisdom because who can know the power of the Lord’s anger as we fear His wrath (Psalm 90:11-12).

 

How long before the Lord returns to have compassion on His servants (Psalm 90:13). Oh Lord, satisfy us early with Your mercy so we can rejoice and be glad all of our days (Psalm 90:14). Make us glad according to the days You afflict us, the years in which we have seen evil (Psalm 90:15). Let the work of the Lord appear to His servants, His glory to their children, and let the Lord’s beauty be upon us, establishing the work of our hands (Psalm 90:16-17).

 

One who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, abides in the shadow of the Almighty, and has Him as his refuge and strength as he trusts in Him (Psalm 91:1-2). His God will deliver him from the snare of the fowler, one who catches birds, and from perilous pestilence (Psalm 91:3). This man shall be covered by the Lord’s feathers and find refuge under His wings with His truth as a buckler and shield, having no fear of the night nor the arrow that flies in the day (Psalm 91:4-5). He will also have no fear of pestilence that walks in the darkness, or the destruction that lays waste at noonday (Psalm 91:6).

 

A thousand may fall at his side and ten thousand at his right hand, but it will not come near him, with only his eyes seeing the reward of the wicked (Psalm 91:7-8). No evil or plague shall come upon him because he has made the Lord his refuge and dwelling place (Psalm 91:9-10). The angels of the Lord shall lift him up in their hands, keeping him in all his ways (Psalm 91:11-12). He shall tread upon the lion and cobra, trampling underfoot the young lion and serpent (Psalm 91:13). He has deliverance because he has decided to love the Lord and is set on high because he is known by His name (Psalm 91:14). He is honored and satisfied with long life and salvation, and when calling upon the Lord when in trouble, the Lord will answer him (Psalm 91:15-16).

 

The psalms are a collection of men offering heartfelt praise to God and pleadings to God when in trouble. Psalm 90 is a psalm of Moses contrasting the eternity of God with the frailty of fallen man. Psalm 91 is praise for the safety of abiding in the presence of God.

• Psalm 90 – The psalm begins with praise for God as the creator and the dwelling place for His people in all generations (Psalm 90:1-2). The psalm then turns its attention to the state of sinful man, whom God has turned to destruction, with a heart that seeks their return to Him (2 Peter 3:9). While a thousand years is like one day to the Lord, the life expectancy of man is seventy to eighty years, making our lives just a blip of time in God’s timeframe. However, frail and fallen man has hope because God has sent His only Son, with those choosing to believe in Him having eternal life (John 3:16).
• Psalm 91 – This psalm praises the safety of abiding in the presence of God. One choosing to live in the secret place of the Most High God lives under the shadow of His presence and has God as a refuge and fortress. In this position, one has deliverance from the snares and pestilences of life with God as his shield (Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 91:3-4). In this position, one need not fear terrors by night, the fiery arrows of the enemy, pestilence, or destruction (Psalm 91:5-6). God’s angels have charge over him, lifting him up so he does not dash his foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12). This man will enjoy long life and the salvation of God (Psalm 91:16).

 

Disciples of Christ serve as ambassadors in a fallen world and will come to grips with the frailty of their flesh while placing their hope in the eternal God. Our hope while on this earth is the assurance of living safely in the presence of God. Not only will these disciples have safety on earth, but also a blessed hope in the return of Jesus in the air to rescue them from the Great Tribulation, and unto life in the millennial reign of Christ, and an eternal residence in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 20:4-6, 21:9-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:17). As ambassadors, our mission is to declare this message to the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

The first step to becoming a disciple of Christ is to make Him the Lord of your life, done by confessing a heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never taken this important first step to becoming a disciple of Christ, 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.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know that 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 Riot in Ephesus

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 19:21-41

 

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you ^[a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

(NKJV)

 

Jesus reminds us that He spoke so we may have peace, but in the world, we will have tribulation, but we need not fear because Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33). The riot in Ephesus in this text is an example of how persecution can come because of the message of the gospel threatening someone’s trade from the selling of pagan shrines. In today’s world, it may not be pagan shrines but can be the message of the gospel going against someone’s political agenda. For revival to come, the Church must not back down from its message of spreading the truth of the gospel.

 

After the working of miracles by the hands of Paul and the exposing of those who thought they could do similar miracles by using the name of Jesus, Paul purposed in his heart to go to Jerusalem and then Rome (Acts 19:21). Paul then sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he remained in Asia for a time (Acts 19:22). Then a great commotion arose about the way, what Christianity was called at that time (Acts 19:23).

 

The source of the commotion was a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who profited from the making of silver shrines to the goddess Diana (Acts 19:24). He assembled his craftsmen along with others in the trade, reminding them of how they profit from their trade, and how Paul’s preaching is persuading some to believe Diana is not a god (Acts 19:25-26). Not only does this threaten their trade, but it also threatens the temple of Diana, which all in Asia worship (Acts 19:27).

 

At hearing this, the crowd was full of wrath, praising Diana, causing the whole city to rush into the theater, seizing Gaius and Aristarchus along the way (Acts 19:28-29). When Paul wanted to go to the people gathered in the theater, the disciples would not allow it, with some of the officials of Asia who were friends of Paul pleading with him not to go (Acts 19:30-31). The multitude gathered in the theater was in confusion, with many not even knowing why they were there (Acts 19:32). Alexander was drawn out of the crowd by the Jews and motioned with his hand to speak, but when the crowd found out he was a Jew, they cried out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” (Acts 19:33-34).

 

After quieting the crowd, the city clerk told the men of Ephesus that all knew Ephesus was the temple guardian of the great goddess Diana and the image that fell from Zeus (Acts 19:35). Since no one can deny these things, the clerk advised not doing anything rash, because the men brought before him were neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of Diana (Acts 19:36-37). He then told Demetrius and his craftsmen to take their complaint to court where a proconsul can hear it (Acts 19:38). He also told them that if they have any other inquiries, to let them be heard in a lawful assembly, because they were in danger of being called into question for their disorderly gathering (Acts 19:39-40). After saying these things, the clerk dismissed the assembly (Acts 19:41).

 

Preaching the Gospel threatens those who profit from the worship of other gods. Those profiting from this attempted to silence Paul and those with him through intimidation. The same tactic of intimidation was used against Peter and John in Acts 4:1-22; they did not cower in fear but instead prayed for boldness (Acts 4:23-31). Even Paul once joined with the intimidators trying to silence Stephen, but Stephen too was not intimidated, being stoned to death for his belief (Acts 7:54-60). Jesus Himself told us that in this world we would have tribulation but also reminded us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).

 

The preaching of the Gospel by the church is still a threat to those with an agenda to propagate a woke agenda. This is because the Bible, the Word of God clearly speaks out against this lifestyle. Disciples of Christ must choose whether to remain silent about the advancing woke agenda or speak out against it as going against God’s Word. The Church has a clear and simple mission: lift up Christ and make disciples (John 12:32; Matthew 28:18-20). While this mission is simple, carrying it out can become difficult when we endure persecution. The question disciples of Christ must ask is will we cower in fear and remain silent when facing persecution, or remain bold and determined to carry out our godly mission? I pray for boldness.

 

One way for disciples of Christ to speak out loudly is to vote so we elect Godly leaders who will lead with Godly values. In the United States, Christians will show up to vote in a new Congress and Senate. Many will also be voting for governors for their states and local leaders in their cities. However, this is an off-year election, which means the President is not up for election. Unfortunately, many stay home during off-year elections, which is a mistake. I want to urge all disciples of Christ reading this to show up and vote this November, so we have more Godly leaders in office.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this who is not a disciple of Christ to pray with me now and know they will have eternal life with God.

 

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.

 

Just as the name of Jesus is not some magical word, this prayer is not some magical prayer, but it 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 Has Not Forgotten

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 89:30-52

 

Psalm 89:52

Blessed be the Lord forevermore!
Amen and Amen.

(NKJV)

 

In times of struggle, when we are waiting on the Lord to meet our need, it can seem that God has forgotten us. It is at these times we must turn to the Word of God and have faith in his promises to his people, knowing He has not forgotten us. In this psalm, the psalmist Ethan laments the appearance that God has forgotten his covenant with David but concludes by praising the Lord forevermore (Psalm 89:52).

 

The Lord will punish the sons of David if they forsake God’s law, do not walk in His judgments, break His statutes, or do not keep His commandments (Psalm 89:30-32). However, God will not take His lovingkindness from him or allow his faithfulness to fail (Psalm 89:33). The Lord will not break His covenant or alter His Word nor lie to David since he has sworn to him in His holiness (Psalm 89:34-35). David’s seed shall endure forever along with his throne, just like the sun with it established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky that reflects the sun (Psalm 89:36-37).

 

However, the Lord has been furious with His anointed, abhorring and casting him off (Psalm 89:38). He has renounced the covenant of His servant and profaned his crown by casting it to the ground (Psalm 89:39). The Lord has broken down all his hedges and brought his strongholds to ruin so that all who pass by plunder him, and he has become a reproach to his neighbors (Psalm 89:40-41). The right hand of his adversaries has been exalted, causing his enemies to rejoice (Psalm 89:42). The Lord has also turned back his sword and no longer sustains him in battle (Psalm 89:43). The Lord has made his glory cease, casting his throne down to the ground, with the days of his youth shortened, covering him with shame (Psalm 89:44-45).

 

Ethan then wonders if the Lord will hide Himself forever, and if His wrath will burn like fire (Psalm 89:46). He then asks the Lord to remember how short his time is, and for what futility he created the children of men (Psalm 89:47). He continues by asking what man can live without seeing death and if a man can deliver himself from the power of death (Psalm 89:48).

 

Ethan concludes his lament by asking the Lord where his former lovingkindness is that he swore to David in His truth (Psalm 89:49). He then asks the Lord to remember the reproach of His servants, and how he bears the reproach of all the people (Psalm 89:50). He then reminds the Lord that David’s enemies are guilty of the same reproach and have reproached the footsteps of His anointed (Psalm 89:51). However, Ethan concludes on a positive note, declaring that the Lord be blessed forevermore (Psalm 89:52).

 

After remembering the covenant of God with David (Psalm 89:1-29), Ethan has sorrow for lost blessings (Psalm 89:30-52). While he laments these lost blessings, he gives no context for what may have led to their loss. In Isaiah 40:31, the prophet Isaiah tells us that those who wait on the Lord shall have renewed strength, wings like eagles, and walk without fainting. This verse reminds us to be patient with the Lord, knowing he has heard us and will answer our prayer in His time and according to His will. During this waiting period, it may seem to us that God has forgotten us, but he has promised never to forsake or leave us (Psalm 23:4). Isaiah also reminds us to fear not, reminding us that God will strengthen us and uphold us with his righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10).

 

As the bride of Christ, the Church has a covenant with God through the blood of Jesus Christ, but that does not mean life will be free from trouble. However, God cannot break His covenant or alter His Word (Psalm 89:34). The Word of God is the solid foundation upon which to build one’s faith and not the shaky sand of the world (Matthew 7:24-27). The world is working overtime trying to separate the Bride of Christ from her bridegroom Jesus Christ. The mission of the church is not to entertain people or make them feel good by behaving in a certain manner, it is to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). A disciple of Christ is one genuinely saved through making Jesus their Lord, one who is growing in his or her relationship with Christ through study of His Word. They are giving people, giving of their time and money to serve God, people not hesitating to go wherever the Lord leads. And most importantly, they do all this for the glory of God.

 

The first step to becoming a disciple of Christ is to make Him the Lord of your life, done by confessing a heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never taken this important first step to becoming a disciple of Christ, 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.

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know that 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. 

Do You Belong to Jesus?

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 19:11-20

 

Acts 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

(NKJV)

 

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the world has been engaged in spiritual warfare, but God promised a savior in Genesis 3:15. This savior is Jesus Christ, and those who have surrendered their lives to Him can resist the devil (James 4:7), having access to the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Some Jewish exorcists, seven sons of Sceva, and a Jewish chief priest learned this lesson the hard way.

 

God began to work unusual miracles through Paul, with handkerchiefs or aprons that Paul had worn being brought to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits leaving them (Acts 19:11-12). Seeing these miracles prompted some itinerant Jewish exorcists to call the name of Jesus over those with evil spirits, saying to them that they exorcise them by the name of Jesus that Paul preaches (Acts 19:13). Seven sons of Sceva and a Jewish chief priest also joined with them (Acts 19:14). In response to their attempts to exorcise the demon, it told them that it knew Jesus and Paul but asked them who they were (Acts 19:15).

 

Then the possessed man leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, causing them to flee the house naked and wounded (Acts 19:16). Word of this event became known to all Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, causing them to fear but also causing the name of the Lord to be magnified (Acts 19:17). Many who came to believe came confessing and telling their deeds (Acts 19:18). Many who had practiced magic brought their books and burned them in the sight of all, with the value of the books totaling fifty thousand pieces of silver (Acts 19:19). The word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed (Acts 19:20).

 

While there is power in the name of Jesus, it is not some magic word anyone can use to heal the sick or cast out demons. Unfortunately, these Jewish exorcists, the seven sons of Sceva, and a chief priest thought they could just throw the name of Jesus around and achieve the same results as Paul. The demon in this account was correct in stating that it knew Jesus (James 2:19) and Paul (Acts 19:12) but did not know them (Acts 2:19). This is why, instead of leaving the man he possessed, the demon was able to overpower and humiliate the Jewish exorcists. While Scripture does say that in Jesus’s name people could cast out demons (Mark 16:17), this sign is for those that believe. Paul had expressed his belief in Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9) and therefore had the authority to use the name of Jesus. The problem with these Jewish exorcists, the seven sons of Sceva and the chief priest, is that they believed the name of Jesus was some new magic incantation. They soon found out that the power in the name of Jesus was when it came from one having a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.

 

Television and theaters are inundated with programs and movies dealing with the paranormal. The word paranormal covers any event, power, or phenomenon that current science cannot explain. This includes ghosts, hauntings, ESP, psychokinesis, cryptids, and UFOs. This differs from the supernatural, which refers to events outside the laws of nature tied to belief in something supernatural. Those dabbling in searching for ghosts and hauntings do not understand that they are engaging in spiritual warfare, a battle that is not against flesh and blood but wickedness in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). The weapons of this battle are not electronic gadgets, but the armor of God and prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Disciples of Christ are also to resist the devil (James 4:7) and not actively go out seeking demons to cast out. Even Jesus did not actively go out seeking demons to cast out, only doing so when he encountered them.

 

This is not to belittle the presence of demonic forces in our world, as evidenced by the level of senseless evil in the world, but a call for us to arm ourselves with the armor of God. However, this armor is not available to just anyone, but only to those submitting their lives to God (James 4:7). We live in an evil world, and I advise everyone reading this not to leave home without having the armor of God on. If you are reading this and would like access to the armor of God but have never prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and to submit your life to God, 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.

 

Just as the name of Jesus is not some magical word, this prayer is not some magical prayer, but it 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 the Covenant of David

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 89:1-29

 

Psalm 89:1

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;
With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

(NKJV)

 

David, the second king of Israel, was promised an eternal covenant with God (2 Samuel 7:1-17). Even though David died, God’s covenant with him is eternal, with the covenant having an eternal existence through Jesus Christ, who conquered death by resurrecting from the grave. Jesus is the Son of David but also the Son of God, and why we can, with confidence, put our faith in Him to save us from our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

Psalm 89 begins with Ethan the Ezrahite declaring that he will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever and speak of his faithfulness to all generations (Psalm 89:1). He has also said that mercy shall be built up forever with the Lord’s faithfulness established in the very heavens (Psalm 89:2). He then mentions how God has chosen His servant David, promising to establish his seed forever and to build up his throne to all generations (Psalm 89:3-4).

 

Ethan continues by declaring that the heavens will praise the wonders of the Lord, with the saints praising his faithfulness, because no one in the heavens can be compared to the Lord, with none of the mighty likened to Him (Psalm 89:5-6). God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and held in reference by those around Him for who is mighty like the Lord (Psalm 89:7-8). The Lord rules the raging sea, stilling its rising waves (Psalm 89:9). The Lord has broken Rahab into pieces as one slain and scattered His enemies with His mighty arm (Psalm 89:10).

 

The heavens belong to the Lord along with the earth and the world because He founded them (Psalm 89:11). The north and the south were created by the Lord, with Tabor and Hermon rejoicing in the name of the Lord, for He has a mighty arm, strong hand, and a high right hand (Psalm 89:12-13). Righteousness and justice are the foundation of the Lord’s throne with mercy and truth before His face (Psalm 89:14). Those knowing the joyful sound are blessed as they walk in the light of the Lord’s countenance, rejoicing in His name all day long, exalted in His righteousness (Psalm 89:15-16). The Lord is the glory of their strength, and in his favor, their horn is exalted (Psalm 89:17). Their shield belongs to the Lord with their king, the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 89:18).

 

Then the Lord spoke to his holy ones in a vision, telling them He has given help to one who is mighty and exalted, one chosen from the people (Psalm 89:19). The one chosen is David, who has been anointed with His holy oil, the one His hand shall establish, and His arm shall strengthen (Psalm 89:20-21). David’s enemies shall not outwit him, nor shall the son of wickedness afflict him, for the Lord shall beat down his foes and plague those who hate him (Psalm 89:22-23).

 

The Lord’s faithfulness and mercy shall be with David, and in the name of the Lord, his name shall be exalted, setting his hand over the sea and his right hand over the rivers (Psalm 89:24-25). David shall cry out to the Lord, calling Him his Father, God, and the rock of his salvation, with the Lord making him His firstborn and the highest of the kings of the earth (Psalm 89:26-27). The Lord’s mercy will keep him forever, with his covenant standing firm with him, and his seed enduring forever and his throne as the days of heaven (Psalm 89:28-29).   

 

Ethan remembers David's eternal covenant. The covenant of David is eternal; even though David died, the lineage of his kingdom is eternal through Jesus Christ. The Gospels refer to Jesus as the Son of David in several places. The genealogy of Jesus begins by referring to Jesus as the son of David (Matthew 1:1). Two blind men seeking healing from Jesus referred to Him as the Son of David (Matthew 9:27). Two blind men who were sitting by the roadside as Jesus went by cried out to Him, calling Him Lord and Son of David, asking for Him to have mercy on them (Matthew 20:30). However, unlike David, Jesus is also the Son of God, something He did not deny (Matthew 26:63-64), and without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

 

When we take communion, we are remembering God’s eternal covenant He established through His Son Jesus Christ. While Jesus is the Son of David and Son of God, all who believe in their hearts that He died and rose from the dead to forgive their sins, and confess with their mouths that He is their Lord, are saved (Romans 10:9-10). Jesus is not just a Jewish God but can be anyone's savior, giving them eternal life if they will just believe (John 3:16). This is the eternal covenant of God that we remember when taking communion.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to have the Lord forgive you of your sins and to make Him the Lord of your life, 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 that 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 in Ephesus, Apollos in Corinth

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 18:18-19:10

Acts 19:9-10

But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. ¹⁰ And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

(NKJV)

 

Paul had been in Corinth and could have remained there in comfort, but he knew his calling was to the Gentiles. As a Pharisee, he also wanted to reach out to his fellow Jews as well. Therefore, Paul left the comfort of Corinth for Ephesus to reach out to more Gentiles. We also see him taking time out in Ephesus to attend a Jewish feast in Jerusalem, to maintain his witness and testimony to the Jews. Paul is an example of one obediently obeying his calling from God, even when it meant leaving his comfort zone.

 

Paul stayed a good while, a year and a half, in Corinth and then left for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. In Cenchrea, he had his hair cut off because he had taken a vow (Acts 18:18). Paul came to Ephesus and left Priscilla and Aquila there while he entered the synagogue to reason with the Jews, and when they asked him to stay longer, he did not consent (Acts 18:19-20). His reason for not consenting was that he needed to keep the coming feast in Jerusalem, promising to return to them (Acts 18:21). When Paul landed at Caesarea, he greeted the church and went to Antioch, and after some time there he went to the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples (Acts 18:22-23).

 

A certain Jew named Apollos, an eloquent man who was mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus (Acts 18:24). Even though Apollos only knew the baptism of John, he had been instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in spirit, spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord (Acts 18:25). Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue and when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside, explaining the way of the Lord more accurately (Acts 18:26). When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brethren exhorted the disciples there to receive him, with him greatly helping them when he arrived (Acts 18:27). Apollos also refuted the Jews publicly, showing them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28).

 

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus and found some disciples, asking if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed, and they responded that they did not know there was a Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-2). Paul then asked them into what baptism they were baptized and they said John’s baptism (Acts 19:3). Paul explained that the baptism of John was a baptism of repentance, and that John told them to believe on Him who would come after him, Christ Jesus (Acts 19:4). Upon hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul laid hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied, about twelve men in all (Acts 19:5-7). Paul then went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of God (Acts 19:8). However, when some were hardened and did not believe, speaking evil of the Way, Paul departed, taking the disciples with him and reasoned daily in the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). This continued for two years so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:10).   

 

Paul could have remained in Corinth, where he was well received but knew he had a mission to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). Paul leaves Corinth for Ephesus but does not stay so he can attend a feast in Jerusalem, leaving Priscilla and Aquila behind. However, while his mission is to minister to the Gentiles, he is still a Jew and wants to maintain his status with the Jews so that when he has an opportunity to minister to his fellow Jews, he can. In Acts 18:18, Paul also has his hair cut off, indicating he took a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21). Paul does return to Ephesus as promised, continuing his mission of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

 

When one has a calling from the Lord, he or she must be willing to leave their comfort zone and go where God leads. Like Paul, the Lord may call us to leave the comfort of our Corinth and go where He leads. For us to do this, we must have faith in God and trust that His plans for us are for our good, even if it does not appear so (Jeremiah 29:11). One must have the tenacity of Job, who lost everything but his life and his wife and remained faithful to his God (Job 13:15). To persevere in ministry, a minister must remain obedient and faithful to God in times of struggle and persecution and be willing to leave his or her comfort zone.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed for forgiveness for your sins and to make Jesus the Lord of your life, 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 it 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.