Oppressed Yet Rejoicing in the Lord

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 64-65

 

Psalm 65:4

Blessed is the man You choose,
And cause to approach You,
That he may dwell in Your courts.
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house,
Of Your holy temple.

(NKJV)

 

In a troubled world, we will have struggles and need to find a way to get through them. These psalms give us a glimpse into how David got through the many struggles in his life. Although oppressed by many enemies, David rejoiced in the Lord, knowing He was the source of his salvation and provision. We must also learn to rejoice in the Lord in times of oppression, praising Him as our source of salvation through Christ, our source of provision.

 

Psalm 64 begins with David asking God to hear his voice in his meditation, preserving him from the fear of the enemy (Psalm 64:1). He gets specific, asking the Lord to hide him from the secret plots of the wicked workers of iniquity who sharpen their tongues like a sword and shoot arrows of bitter words (Psalm 64:2-3). These evil workers of iniquity shoot in secret at the blameless without fear (Psalm 64:4). They find encouragement in secretly laying snares, believing none will see them, and devise iniquities through the shrewd schemes of their evil hearts (Psalm 64:5-6).

 

However, God will suddenly wound them when He shoots them with an arrow that causes them to stumble over their own tongue, causing all who see them to flee (Psalm 64:7-8). Seeing this will cause all men to fear and declare the work of God, wisely considering His doing (Psalm 64:9). In the end, the righteous shall be glad in the Lord and trust in Him with all the upright in heart giving Him glory (Psalm 64:10).

 

Praise is awaiting God in Zion with vows made to Him performed with all flesh coming to God who hears prayer (Psalm 65:1-2). Iniquities prevail against David, but his transgression will be atoned for by the Lord (Psalm 65:3). A man chosen by God and caused to approach Him is blessed with him dwelling in the courts of the Lord and finding satisfaction in the goodness of His holy temple (Psalm 65:4). God answers us through awesome deeds in righteousness and is the confidence of the ends of the earth and far-off seas. (Psalm 65:5). The Lord establishes the mountains by His strength, stills the noise of the seas and the tumult of the people, with all dwelling in the farthest parts afraid of His signs (Psalm 65:6-8).

 

The Lord visits and waters the earth, with the earth enriched so it can prepare grain (Psalm 65:9). The Lord waters the ridges of the earth, settling its furrows, making it soft with showers, and blessing its growth (Psalm 65:10). The Lord crowns the year with His goodness with His paths dripping with abundance that drops on the pastures of the wilderness with the little hills rejoicing on every side (Psalm 65:11-12). The pastures are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are covered with grain, singing and shouting for joy (Psalm 65:13).

 

David can rejoice in the Lord even though he is oppressed by the wicked. He also praises God for His salvation and providence, giving us a glimpse into the heart of a man after God’s own heart.

• Psalm 64: Rejoicing in oppression – David cries out to God, asking Him to hide him from the secret plots of the wicked and workers of iniquity. While their plans are devised in secret using a sharp tongue and bitter words, God will suddenly wound them with an arrow of His own (Psalm 64:2, 7). God will cause David’s enemies to stumble over their own words or use their own weapons against them. This will cause all who see the enemy to flee and demonstrate the work of God. The righteous will see this and be glad and place their trust in the Lord.
• Psalm 65: Praise to God for salvation and provision – Despite his many enemies who wanted to kill him, David had a heart of praise to God for salvation and providence. David understood that the source of his salvation was the Lord, who provided atonement for sins. David also knew God was the source of his provision, for it is God who controls and enriches the earth (Psalm 65:9-10). God is the provider of our salvation and provision, and it is He who deserves our praise.

 

Jesus warned us that in this world we would experience trouble with the promise that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). However, when times of trouble come, will we buckle under pressure or be like David, who was able to rejoice in the Lord and praise Him for His salvation and provision? While David looked forward to salvation from God symbolized by the annual sacrifice of a spotless lamb at Passover, we can look back at the provision of salvation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). However, since we have never met Jesus face-to-face, we need faith that what Jesus did for us is true (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus said He was the way, not a way to salvation so I challenge everyone reading this to ask themselves if they have faith to believe Jesus provided salvation from sin with his death, burial, and resurrection (John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10).

 

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

 

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

 

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

Saul Changes Sides

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 9:1-19

 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

(NKJV)

 

Saul has great plans for his life and is emboldened by letters from the chief priests to round up and arrest disciples of Jesus in Damascus. However, God has other plans for Saul and encounters him on his way to Damascus. This encounter with the Lord Jesus causes Paul to change sides, from a persecutor of Jesus' disciples to an advocate for Christ to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. I pray that each person reading this will choose to follow Jesus when they have an encounter with Him.

 

Emboldened by the scattering of Christ's disciples following Stephen's martyrdom, Saul goes to the high priest and asks for letters granting him authority to arrest disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). However, on his way to Damascus, Saul encounters a light from heaven and hears a voice asking him why he is persecuting Him (Acts 9:3-4). Saul asks the logical question, asking who is speaking with him and is told it is Jesus (Acts 9:5). Trembling and astonished at what has happened, Saul asks the Lord what He wants him to do and is told to go into the city where he will be told what to do (Acts 9:6). Those traveling with Saul are speechless because they hear a voice but see no one (Acts 9:7). Saul gets up and since he is blind, must be led by those with him to Damascus where he remained three days without sight, eating and drinking nothing (Acts 9:8-9).

 

While this is happening to Saul, a disciple of Jesus in Damascus, Ananias, has a vision from the Lord (Acts 9:10). The Lord tells Ananias to get up and go to the house of Judas on the street named Stright and ask for Saul of Tarsus who is praying (Acts 9:11). The Lord continues and tells Ananias that Saul has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to him to lay hands upon him so he may receive his sight (Acts 9:12). Ananias is hesitant having heard how Saul has harmed the saints in Jerusalem and is coming with letters from the chief priests to do the same in Damascus (Acts 9:13-14).

 

The Lord tells Ananias to go because Saul is a chosen vessel of the Lord who will take the name of Jesus to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel, and that he will suffer many things for the name of Jesus (Acts 9:15-16). Ananias obeys the Lord and goes to the house of Judas, telling Paul that the Lord has sent him to pray that he receives his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). Immediately what appeared like scales fall from Saul’s eyes and he can see and is baptized (Acts 9:18). Saul receives food, is strengthened, and spends time with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19).

 

Saul has plans and the authority to go to Damascus to round up disciples, arresting them and bringing them to Jerusalem, but God has other plans for him. I imagine Saul is excited about his mission, believing he may put an end to this blasphemy and be promoted within the sect of the Pharisees, perhaps even being named high priest. God’s plans for Saul are different and involve him taking the Gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Ananias obediently obeys the Lord and prays for Saul to receive his sight, not knowing if he might be the first disciple arrested. Saul is baptized and spends time with the disciples in Damascus, the ones he intended to arrest, learning more about Jesus (Acts 9:17-19).

 

We may believe we have God’s plans for us figured out, but God may have other plans for us and need to confront us in a manner that gets our attention. As sinners, and we all are (Romans 3:23), we plan to continue our life of sin, but experience the light of the Holy Spirit, convicting us of our sin. When we are convicted of our sin, we have a choice: do I continue to walk blinded by my sin, or do I find salvation in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). Each individual must choose which way to go in life once convicted of his or her sin and consider the consequences of their decision. To remain in a life of sin results in death, but God offers us the gift of eternal life, a gift offered by the grace of God and not our own effort (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23).

 

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

 

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

 

This prayer is not 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’s Protection, Salvation, and the Joy of Fellowship with God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 61-63

 

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

(NKJV)

 

Like many of the psalms written by David, these three psalms come from times of great struggle in his life. When God chose David as King of Israel, he was seeking a man after his heart (1 Samuel 13:14). These three psalms give us a glimpse into the heart of David and how he trusted God for his protection, salvation, and found joy in fellowship with God even in trouble. I hope looking into these psalms will give everyone peace in a chaotic world.

 

David starts Psalm 61 by asking God to hear his cry and listen to his prayer, offered because his heart is overwhelmed, asking God to lead him to the rock that is higher than him (Psalm 61:1-2). God has been a shelter and tower of defense for David throughout his life, with him vowing to abide in God’s tabernacle forever, trusting in the shelter of God’s protection (Psalm 61:3-4). David knows God hears his vows and that he has the heritage of those fearing the name of the Lord (Psalm 61:5). God will prolong the life of King David, as David abides before the Lord forever in His mercy and truth (Psalm 61:6-7). David concludes by vowing to praise the name of the Lord forever as he performs his vows daily (Psalm 61:8).

 

Psalm 62 starts with David saying he waits for God because salvation comes from Him (Psalm 62:1). David knows God is his rock, salvation, and defense, knowing he shall not be moved (Psalm 62:2). David’s enemies attack but will be slain like a leaning wall or tottering fence because they delight in lies, blessing with their mouths while cursing inwardly (Psalm 62:3-4). David continues to wait silently for God with expectation of salvation and defense, providing a rock of stability from which he will not be moved (Psalm 62:5-7). David urges the people to always trust in God, pouring out their hearts before Him for He is a refuge for us (Psalm 62:8). David issues a warning to men of low and high degree who are lighter than a vapor, weighed on the scales (Psalm 62:9). David also warns against trusting in oppression, hoping in robbery, or setting our heart on riches if they increase (Psalm 62:10). David has twice heard that power and mercy belong to God and that God will render or reward each person according to their work (Psalm 62:11-12).

 

Psalm 63 begins with David praising God as his God, vowing to seek him because his soul thirsts and his flesh longs for Him in a dry and thirsty land with no water (Psalm 63:1). David seeks to see God’s power and glory in the sanctuary (Psalm 63:2). David vows to praise God, lift his hands to Him, and find satisfaction in Him (Psalm 63:3-5). Because God has been his help, David remembers Him on his bed and meditates on Him in the night watches, rejoicing in the shadow of God’s wings, with his soul following close behind as God’s right hand upholds him (Psalm 63:6-8). Those seeking to destroy David will go into the lower parts of the earth, falling by the sword, becoming food for jackals (Psalm 63:9-10). David vows to rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 63:11).

 

Saul’s kingdom has failed, with God seeking a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), with David anointed as king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). These three psalms of David give us a glimpse into the heart of David, showing us,

• David’s assurance of God’s eternal protection (Psalm 61) – David finds a source of eternal protection in the Lord, which is why he cries out to God when overwhelmed, finding shelter under the wings of the Lord. In Psalm 91, the psalmist elaborates on the safety we find by abiding in the presence of God.
• David’s resolve to wait for the salvation of God (Psalm 62) – When this psalm was written, Jesus had not been born, died, or resurrected from the dead to provide salvation. However, David was familiar with the many prophecies regarding the coming Messiah (Genesis 3:15). David also had God's promise that he would eternally be on the throne of Israel and knew that it would not be him personally, but an heir. This psalm expresses David’s faith and expectation of salvation from God (Psalm 62:5).
• David’s joy in fellowship with God (Psalm 63) – At the time of writing this psalm, David is in the wilderness of Judah with King Saul trying to hunt him down and kill him. He may have been alone, fearing for his life, and believing everyone had deserted him. In this psalm, David finds joy in knowing that he has fellowship with God night and day (Psalm 63:6-8).

 

Romans 12:2 reminds us that we are to have hearts not conformed to the world, but to experience transformation through the renewing of our minds. Like David, we can know that we have,

• Eternal protection – Like David, we can have peace in a chaotic and evil world by trusting in God’s protection. Fear is an enemy of faith and a tool used by Satan to paralyze us, which does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear also causes worry, bringing doubt that God will provide and protect us, and something Jesus told us not to do (Matthew 6:25-34).
• Salvation from God – Unlike David, who was waiting for salvation, salvation is available for us through God’s grace and the work of Jesus on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). We do not need to look forward to salvation like David did but can look back at what Jesus did on the cross. Salvation is a gift we receive when we genuinely confess our heartfelt belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
• Have joy in fellowship with God – The joy of the Lord is our strength, and what greater joy can there be than knowing we will be with Jesus for eternity (Nehemiah 8:10). David found joy in knowing he had fellowship with God night and day when in the wilderness of Judah (Psalm 63:6-8). Our joy is not only knowing we have fellowship with God night and day, but that we will be with God for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, bringing protection, salvation, and eternal fellowship with God, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

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

 

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

Guided by the Spirit and the Word of God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 8:26-40

 

Acts 8:26-27a

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is ^[a]desert. ²⁷ So he arose and went. 

(NKJV)

 

Life is full of appointments and meetings. We have work appointments, meetings, and doctor's appointments. We meet friends and even strangers as we go about our daily routine. However, in this passage, we see Philip having a divine meeting arranged by the Holy Spirit. Philip is prepared for this meeting because of his knowledge of the Word of God. We must ask ourselves if we are living lives led by the Holy Spirit and prepared for such divine meetings.

 

An angel of the Lord speaks to Philip and tells him to rise and go down from Jerusalem to Gaza, a desert (Acts 8:26). Philip is obedient and goes, while an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority who had charge of the queen's treasury is also in Jerusalem worshipping (Acts 8:27). The Ethiopian man is returning and sitting in his chariot reading from Isaiah the prophet when the Spirit of God tells Philip to go near and overtake the Ethiopian’s chariot (Acts 8:28-29).

 

Philip runs to the man, and discovers he is reading from Isaiah, asking him if he understands what he is reading (Acts 8:30). The man tells Philip he needs someone to guide him in his reading and invites Philip to come and sit with him (Acts 8:31). Philip discovers the man is reading from Isaiah 53:7-8, foretelling the crucifixion of Jesus (Acts 8:32-33). The question the Ethiopian man has for Philip is whether the prophet speaks of himself or someone else (Acts 8:34). Philip begins with this passage of Scripture and shares Jesus with the man (Acts 8:35).

 

As they continue down the road, they come to a body of water, and the man asks Philip if anything is hindering him from being baptized (Acts 8:36). Philip then asks the man if he believes in his heart that Jesus is the Son of God, and he says he does (Acts 8:37). The Ethiopian man commands the chariot to stand still while both he and Philip go into the water where Philip baptizes the man (Acts 8:38). After they came out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord takes Philip away, and the Eunuch never sees him again and goes away rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Meanwhile, Philip is found at Azotus and passes through preaching in all the cities until arriving at Caesarea (Acts 8:40).

 

As believers scatter after the death of Stephen, Philip is led by the Spirit to an Ethiopian eunuch, a Gentile, and has an opportunity to share Jesus with him. In this text, we see,

• Philips Obedience (Acts 8:26-27) – Philip is one of those who did not flee from Jerusalem and is told by the Holy Spirit to go to Gaza. Philip has no idea why the Spirit has told him to go, but he goes in obedience to the Spirit's leading. We learn in Acts 8:27 that an Ethiopian eunuch is also there, setting up a divine meeting.
• Philip understands the Word and shares it (Acts 8:35) – After confronting the eunuch, Philip finds out he is reading from Isaiah 53:7-8 and that he wants someone to explain who the passage is referring to (Acts 8:30-34). Because of his knowledge of the Word, Philip can explain the passage to the eunuch. Philip is not only obedient to the Spirit's leading but is also armed with knowledge of the Word of God and who is referred to in Isaiah 53.
• No hesitation to be baptized (Acts 8:36-38) – Philip and the eunuch continue on their way and come to a body of water. The eunuch points out that there is water and asks Philip if anything is hindering him from being baptized. Philip confirms that the eunuch has come to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and they go down to the water where Philip baptizes him.
• The Holy Spirit leads Philip to other ministry opportunities (Acts 8:39-40) – Instead of being able to stay with the eunuch or even accompany him to Ethiopia, the Spirit catches Philip up and takes him to Azotus, where he preaches in all the cities until arriving in Caesarea. The Eunuch goes on his way rejoicing, leaving us to wonder if he was not influential in bringing the Gospel to Ethiopia, with Philip continuing his ministry in Israel.

 

As we live our lives guided by the Spirit of God, God will lead us to opportunities to share Christ with others. Philip gives us an example of how to act when these opportunities arise.

• Let the Word and the Spirit guide (Psalm 119:105; Romans 8:14) – Believers in the Church must be like Philip and obediently follow the leading of the Spirit of God. When we do, God will arrange meetings with people who need to hear the truth of the Word of God. These are not chance meetings, but divinely appointed meetings like the one Philip had with the Eunuch.
• Know the Word of God (Acts 17:11; John 8:32) – In preparation for these divine meetings, we must be diligent students of the Bible like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, so we are prepared to be used by God. The truth of God’s word not only sets us free but will set others free as we share it.
• Do not allow fear to cause hesitation (Matthew 28:19-20) – The Church has a divine mission to take the Gospel to all the world. As part of the Church, every believer must live their lives led by the Holy Spirit and not allow fear to prevent us from sharing the Gospel with those God places in our lives.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

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

 

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, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Judgment of the Wicked and the Restored Favor of God

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 59-60

 

Psalm 59:16-17

But I will sing of Your power;
Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning;
For You have been my defense
And refuge in the day of my trouble.
¹⁷ To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises;
For God is my defense,
My God of mercy.

(NKJV)

 

In a world of hatred and violence, those of us professing a belief in Jesus as our savior can become impatient and have doubts. We can become impatient, wondering when Jesus will return to judge evil and establish His kingdom on earth. We can also doubt our salvation when we sin, believing we are no longer saved. David experienced impatience and doubt, which he expresses in this text.

 

Psalm 59 is a michtam of David seeking assurance of God’s judgment of the wicked. It begins with David asking the Lord for deliverance from his enemies and workers of iniquity, asking God to defend him from those rising against him and for God to save him from bloodthirsty men (Psalm 59:1-2). David asks God to look because his enemies gather and lie in wait for him, and not because of anything he has done (Psalm 59:3-4). David wants the Lord God of Hosts to punish all nations and not show mercy to wicked transgressors (Psalm 59:5). In the evening, his enemies reappear, growling like dogs as they go about the city, belching with their mouths and swords in their lips, asking who hears (Psalm 59:6-7).

 

Despite his circumstances, David knows God shall laugh at his enemies, holding them in derision (Psalm 59:8). David will wait on the Lord, his defense and source of strength, knowing God shall meet him with mercy and that he shall see his desires come upon his enemies (Psalm 59:9-10). David then asks that the Lord not slay his enemies, but scatter them and bring them down so the people do not forget (Psalm 59:11). David asks that they be taken down for the sins of the mouth. For them to be taken in their pride for what they speak (Psalm 59:12). David wants his enemies consumed in wrath. Hence, they know God rules in Jacob and to the ends of the earth (Psalm 59:13). While his enemies return in the evening, wandering about the city, David will sing of God’s power and mercy for God is his defense and refuge (Psalm 59:14-16). David will continue offering praise to God, his strength, defense, and his God of mercy (Psalm 59:17).

 

Psalm 60 is a michtam of David, praying for God's restored favor. It begins with David knowing God is displeased and has cast them off, brought them down, asking God to restore them (Psalm 60:1). God has made the earth tremble and broken it, showing His people hard things, and bringing confusion (Psalm 60:2-3). God has given His people a banner to display because of truth, bringing deliverance and salvation by God’s right hand (Psalm 60:4-5).

 

David rejoices, divides Shechem, and divides out the Valley of Succoth because God has spoken in His holiness (Psalm 60:6). David touts the victories given to him by God, asking who will lead him to the strong city and lead him to Edom (Psalm 60:7-9). It is the God who cast them off and did not go out with their enemies who will bring him to the strong city and Edom (Psalm 60:10). The psalm concludes with David asking God for help from trouble, understanding that the help of man is useless (Psalm 60:11). Through God, David will do valiantly with God the one who shall tread down their enemies (Psalm 60:12).

 

As with many of the Psalms written by David, these psalms come out of times of trouble for David and represent emotional cries out to God. In these two psalms, we see David crying out to God for,

• Assurance of judgment of the wicked (Psalm 59) – Saul is seeking to kill David, with him stalking his home (1 Samuel 19:11-17). This is the beginning of Saul's many attempts to kill David, with this psalm letting us know David's emotional and mental state in this situation. The main things that stand out are that David continued to sing of God’s power and mercy. He also praises God for being his defense and refuge in this time of trouble (Psalm 59:16-17).
• The restored favor of God (Psalm 60) – The context of this psalm is a time of great conquests for David (1 Chronicles 18:1-13; 2 Samuel 8:1-14). However, there was a surprising setback with Edom that was rectified by Joab and possibly Abishai, who killed eighteen thousand Edomites (1 Chronicles 18:12-13). Perhaps David believes Israel needs restoration from God for not trusting God to defeat Edom, offering this psalm as a prayer affirming his faith in God.

 

In a chaotic and fallen world, we may become impatient and wonder when Jesus will return to bring judgment upon the wicked. We may also begin to doubt if we still have the favor of God in our lives. Like David, if we have Jesus as our Savior, we know,

·         Jesus is coming back to judge wickedness (John 5:24-30) – This passage in John assures us as believers in Jesus as Savior that we will not come into judgment because the penalty for our sins was paid by Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Those who do not believe and do evil will incur the judgment of condemnation (John 3:18, 5:29). Rest assured, Jesus is coming back to judge evil and bring it to an end.

·         We are forgiven and part of the family of God (1 John 3:1) – Those that have accepted Jesus as their savior, are not subject to condemnation and are children of God (1 John 3:1; John 3:17). This is a fact that cannot be changed for those having a genuine belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Romans 10:9-10), but the devil likes to cause doubt in this when we slip up. Instead of listening to his lies, causing doubt, confess your sin to God and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation and the complete forgiveness of sin, I encourage you to do so 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. 

Persecution and the Spread of the Gospel

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 8:1-25

 

Acts 8:25

So when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

(NKJV)

 

In John 16:33, Jesus reminds those following Him that, in the fallen world in which we live, there will be trouble or persecution, but He promises that He has overcome the world. This is what Jesus demonstrated by resurrecting from the dead, conquering sin, and death. After Stephen's martyrdom, the church is about to face persecution, but this does not deter them from carrying out the mission Jesus gave them (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The question asked of the church in our times is, will we have the same tenacity when persecution comes?

 

Saul, who was present at the stoning of Stephen, consented to his death. Great persecution arose against the Church, causing disciples to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles (Acts 8:1). While devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him, Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:2-3). However, instead of cowering in fear, the scattered believers went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them, accompanied by miracles, causing them to heed the things spoken of by Phillip, bringing great joy to the city (Acts 8:5-8).

 

In Samaria, there was a sorcerer named Simon who astonished the people of the city with his sorcery, claiming to be someone great, with the people saying he was the great power of God (Acts 8:9-11). However, when the people began to heed the teachings of Phillip, they were baptized, including Simon, who was astonished by the miracles Philip performed (Acts 8:12-13). Word of this got the attention of the apostles in Jerusalem, with Peter and John paying them a visit (Acts 8:14). Upon arriving in Samaria, Peter and John prayed that the new believers might receive the Holy Spirit, for as of yet, they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:15-16). When Peter and John laid hands on the new believers, they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17).

 

When Simon saw this miracle, he was astonished, like he was with the miracles he saw by Phillip, and offers Peter and John money so he could also have this power (Acts 8:18-19). Peter rebukes Simon, saying that his money should perish with him because he believed he could purchase the power of God with money (Acts 8:20). Peter continues his rebuke by saying Simon will have no part in the matter because his heart is not right with God (Acts 8:21). Peter tells Simon to repent of his wickedness and pray God will forgive him of the thought of his heart (Acts 8:22). Simon’s heart is poisoned with bitterness, and he is bound by iniquity (Acts 8:23). Simon asks Peter to pray none of the things Peter said to him will come upon him (Acts 8:24). After preaching the word of the Lord in the city, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).

 

The efforts to silence the preaching of the Gospel only succeeded in scattering believers, who then preached the Gospel as they went. The early believers were missional-focused and, as they scattered, actually took the message of the gospel outside of Judea to Samaria (Acts 1:8). The remainder of the mission outlined in the Great Commission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) will begin to have fulfillment after the conversion of Paul and continues today.

 

Each of us who professes faith in Jesus Christ as savior must search our hearts to determine whether we will continue to share the Gospel when persecution comes. Believers in Jesus Christ today must ask themselves if they will have the courage of Peter and John, who believed it was an honor to suffer persecution for the Lord (Acts 5:41-42). In nations like Iran, where believers suffer hard persecution for their faith, the Church thrives because believers have the tenacity to press on. However, in places where there is no hard persecution, but only a soft persecution from friends and family with no threat to life, we must search our hearts. As the coming of the Lord draws near, there will be hard persecution as foretold by Jesus (Matthew 24:9-10). There will also be a rise in false prophets spewing deceptive theology, deceiving many (Matthew 24:11; 2 Timothy 4:3). Because of the rise in lawlessness, the hearts of many will grow cold, but the gospel will be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:12-14). As we continue to pray for revival, let us search our hearts and grow in the steadfastness of our faith and not grow weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive forgiveness of your sins and make Jesus the Lord of your life, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

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

 

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, teaching from the Bible that is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.