Paul Arrested

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 21:26-40

 

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)

 

Paul received warnings that going to Jerusalem would result in his arrest (Acts 21:10-11). In this passage, we see that their warnings were valid, but does that mean Paul is wrong in ignoring their warnings? Paul believed that going to Jerusalem was part of God’s plan for his life, perhaps remembering that God’s plans for us are for our good, not our destruction (Jeremiah 29:11), understanding that death was not the end, but a new beginning (1 Corinthians 15:55).

 

Paul then took the four men taking a vow, and after their purification, went into the temple to announce the expiration of the days of purification so an offering could be made for each of them (Acts 21:26). Nearing the end of the seven days of purification, Jews from Asia see Paul in the temple, stir up the crowd, and lay their hands on Paul (Acts 21:27). Their accusations against Paul are that he teaches all men everywhere against the Jews, the law, and the temple. They also accuse Paul of defiling the temple by bringing in Greeks (Acts 21:28). This last accusation is based upon them seeing Paul with Trophimus, an Ephesian, in the city, assuming Paul had brought him into the temple (Acts 21:29).

 

These accusations disturbed all in the city with the people running into the temple, seizing, and bringing out Paul (Acts 21:30). As the mob was seeking to kill Paul, word came to the commander of the garrison that Jerusalem was in an uproar (Acts 21:31). The commander took soldiers and centurions, with the mob stopping their beating of Paul upon seeing the commander (Acts 21:32). The commander came near Paul and had him bound with chains, asking who he was and what he had done, with the mob giving differing stories (Acts 21:33-34). When the commander could not discover the truth because of the crowd's violence, he ordered Paul taken into the barracks. Because of the violence of the mob, who were asking that Paul be done away with, and the soldiers having to carry him up the stairs (Acts 21:35-36).

 

When they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked to speak to the commander who asked if Paul could speak Greek (Acts 21:37). The commander asked Paul if he was the Egyptian who some time before had stirred up a rebellion that led four thousand assassins out into the wilderness (Acts 21:38). Paul tells the commander he is a Jew from Tarsus, a citizen of no mean city, asking for permission to speak to the people (Acts 21:39). After being granted permission, Paul stood and motioned with his hand, and after there was great silence, he began to speak to them in Hebrew (Acts 21:40). Next week we will look at what he said.

 

Paul arrives in Jerusalem and joins four men in taking a vow to show he has not abandoned his Jewish roots. However, before he can complete the vow, Jews from Asia arrive on the scene and stir up the crowd, and they drag Paul out of the temple and begin to beat him (Acts 21:26-30). Obviously, the Jews from Asia do not believe Paul is genuine about his Jewish roots by joining men in taking a vow and even add accusations that he has brought Greeks into the temple. This accusation is based on Paul being seen with a Greek man in Jerusalem, but they never saw him with Paul in the temple. Fortunately for Paul, he is rescued from the mob before they beat him to death, placed in protective custody, and allowed to address the mob (Acts 21:37-40)

 

Being a disciple of Christ does not mean the absence of problems in life and can lead to false accusations, as it did for Paul. Many believe Christians are not allowed to have fun and are required to follow a strict set of rules, judging and accusing those who fail to follow the rules. While a disciple of Christ should lead a transformed life as their mind is renewed by the word of God (Romans 12:1-2), salvation is not based on one's works but God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Unfortunately, some Christians believe it is their duty to judge unbelievers instead of pointing them to Jesus, so they are drawn to him and forgiven of their sins (John 12:32). We must remember that Jesus did not judge those crucifying Him but forgave them (Luke 23:34).

 

Romans 10:9-10 says that anyone who confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus died, was buried in the grave, and resurrected from the grave will be saved. If you believe this in your heart but have never confessed it with your mouth, I invite you to do so 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.

 

I now encourage you to let someone know of your decision. I also urge you to find a church of truth that teaches from the Bible and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, so you can grow in your faith. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Praising the Holy, Sovereign Lord of Salvation and Judgment

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 97-99

 

Psalm 99:9

Exalt the Lord our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the Lord our God is holy.

(NKJV)

 

Our God is sovereign and rules over all the earth, but sometimes events occurring in our world cause us to wonder if this is true. These three psalms written by unidentified psalmists serve to remind us of the holiness, sovereignty, salvation, and judgment of our God. While we do not know the circumstances behind the writing of these psalms, we know the psalmists were taking time to praise their God.

 

Psalm 97 begins with a declaration that the Lord reigns and for the earth to rejoice and the multitude of isles to be glad (Psalm 97:1). It continues by telling us that clouds and darkness surround the Lord and that the foundation of the Lord’s throne is righteousness and justice (Psalm 97:2). A fire goes out before the Lord that burns up His enemies with His lightning, lighting the world, causing the earth to tremble (Psalm 97:3-4). In the presence of the Lord of the whole earth, the mountains melt like wax, the heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory (Psalm 97:5-6).

 

Those boasting in carved images and idols are to be put to shame, with the psalmist calling on all gods to worship the Lord (Psalm 97:7). Zion hears and is glad with the daughters of Judah rejoicing because of the judgments of the Lord, who is most high above all the earth and exalted above all gods (Psalm 97:8-9). All loving the Lord hate evil, with the Lord preserving the souls of His saints, delivering them out of the hand of the wicked (Psalm 97:10). The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name, because light is shown for the righteous and there is gladness for the upright in heart (Psalm 97:11-12).

 

Psalm 98 begins with a call for the people of God to sing a new song because of God's marvelous works, as His right hand and holy arm gain victory (Psalm 98:1). The Lord has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness to the nations, remembering his mercy and faithfulness to the nation of Israel, with all the earth seeing the salvation of God (Psalm 98:2-3). The psalmist asks us to shout joyfully to the Lord and break forth in songs of rejoicing and praises with the harp, trumpets, the sound of a psalm, and a horn before the Lord, the King (Psalm 98:4-6). Let the sea roar in its fullness and the world and all dwelling in it, with the rivers clapping their hands and the hills joyful together before the Lord (Psalm 98:7-8). The Lord is coming to judge the earth with righteousness along with the world and all its people, judging with equity (Psalm 98:9).

 

Psalm 99 begins with the psalmist saying let the earth be moved, for the Lord reigns and the people tremble, because the Lord dwells between the cherubim and is great in Zion, high above the peoples (Psalm 99:1-2). Let the people praise the great and awesome name of the Lord, for He is holy (Psalm 99:3). The King’s strength loves justice and has established equity, executed justice and righteousness in Jacob (Psalm 99:4). Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool for He is holy (Psalm 99:5). Moses and Aaron were among the Lord’s priests with Samuel among those calling upon His name and the Lord answered them (Psalm 99:6). The Lord answered them in the cloudy pillar, and they kept the testimonies and ordinances He gave them (Psalm 99:7). The Lord answered them and was to them the God-Who-Forgives, even though He took vengeance on their deeds (Psalm 99:8). Exalt the Lord God and worship at His holy hill for the Lord God is holy (Psalm 99:9).

 

Although the identity of these psalmists is unidentified, their offering of praise to God for his sovereignty, salvation, judgment, and holiness reminds us to praise and worship these attributes of our God.

• Our God is sovereign – As the creator of all the earth and all that is in it, the psalmist tells us to offer our praise to God Almighty and not to worship idols, or carved images (Psalm 97:1,7).
• Our God provides salvation – God has revealed his salvation and righteousness to all the earth with the ultimate manifestation, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• Our God brings judgment – However, do not delay in accepting the salvation of the Lord, for He is coming to judge the world (Psalm 98:9).
• Our God is holy – Both John and Isaiah received a vision of the holiness of God, with it recorded in Scripture to remind us that our God is Holy (Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4:2-8).

 

In a chaotic fallen world, we can become distracted and forget to remember the sovereignty, salvation, judgment, and holiness of our God. In the parable of the sower, Jesus reminds us that the condition of the soil of our hearts determines how the Word of God is received.

• Soil in the wayside – The word is preached but soon forgotten (Mathew 13:4).
• Stony soil – The word is received with great enthusiasm but forgotten when the enthusiasm ends because it lacks root (Matthew 13:5-6).
• Soil with thorns and thistles – The word is received but forgotten when one takes their focus off Jesus and becomes worried over the cares of the world (Matthew 13:7).
• Good soil – The word is received, takes root in one’s life, bears fruit, and brings transformation to one’s life (Matthew 13:8).

 

The condition of the soil of our hearts is nourished by what we treasure in our hearts (Matthew 6:21). Ask yourself if you treasure God’s sovereignty or if you treasure other things in your heart. Do I know God is the only way to salvation (John 14:6), or do I look to other things to save me? Do I recognize God is my judge and live in accordance with His word, seeking forgiveness from Him should I fail? Do I recognize God as holy, as John and Isaiah saw in their vision of heaven (Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4:2-8)? If you find yourself deficient in any of these areas, ask God to forgive you and help you grow.

 

I encourage everyone reading this to make sure they take time out of their busy day to have time alone with God. This may require looking at what happens during the day and eliminating time wasters and distractions. It may also require getting up early and going to bed later to ensure time alone with God. I also want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed to ask God to forgive their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their lives to do so by praying with me now.

 

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

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know 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. 

Warnings, Urgings, and God’s Calling

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 21:1-25

 

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

(NKJV)

 

The transformation occurring in the Life of the Apostle Paul is a testimony of the mercy and Grace of God. Paul went from the extreme of one persecuting and killing believers in Jesus Christ to one willing to die for his belief in Jesus Christ. His commitment to his calling to take the Gospel to the Gentiles is foundational to the Gospel going to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). As we continue to pray for revival in the world, we must search our hearts to determine if we have the same level of commitment as the Apostle Paul.

 

After leaving the Ephesian elders, who were sorrowful at no longer seeing Paul (Acts 20:36-38), he begins his journey to Jerusalem, stopping at Tyre for the ship to unload its cargo (Acts 21:1-3). While in Tyre, Paul, and those with him sought out the disciples there and spent seven days with them, with them urging Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4). Then time came for Paul to leave, with all of the disciples in Tyre, including their wives and children, accompanying him outside the city, where they all knelt down and prayed on the beach (Acts 21:5). After saying goodbye to each other, Paul, and those with him boarded the ship with the others going home (Acts 21:6).

 

After leaving Tyre, they landed at Ptolemais, greeting the brothers and sisters there and staying for one day (Acts 21:7). They left the next day for Caesarea, staying at the house of Philip the evangelist who had four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9). After many days in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus came from Judea, took Paul’s belt, tied his hands with it, and prophesied that the man who owned the belt would be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:10-11). The people responded by pleading with Paul not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:12). Paul responded by asking them why they were weeping and breaking his heart for he was ready to be not only bound but to also die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). When they were unable to dissuade Paul, they gave up, asking that the Lord’s will be done (Acts 21:14). After this, Paul, and those with him departed for Jerusalem, accompanied by disciples from Caesarea, bringing them to the home of Mnason, a man from Cyprus and one of the early disciples (Acts 21:15-16).

 

Paul and those with him were received warmly upon arriving in Jerusalem, and the next day they went to see James and the elders (Acts 21:17-18). Paul then gave them a report on what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry (Acts 21:19). Upon hearing this James and the elders praised God and told Paul that many thousands of Jews have believed and are zealous for the law (Acts 21:20). These Jews have been told that Paul tells the Jews living among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to Jewish customs (Acts 21:21). Not knowing what to do when they find out Paul is in Jerusalem, they tell him that four men from among them have made a vow (Acts 21:22-23). The plan is to have Paul join them in their purification rites and pay their expenses as a way of showing them what they have heard reported is untrue (Acts 21:24). As for the Gentiles, they remind Paul that they were told to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, the meat of strangled animals, and sexual immorality (Acts 21:25).

 

After his conversion, Paul has been ministering in obedience to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit; he followed the leading of the Spirit in going to Macedonia after receiving a vision from the Lord (Acts 16:6-10). Now, the Holy Spirit compels Paul to go to Jerusalem, where he knows he will face prison and hardships. However, he considers his life worth nothing and only desires to finish the task the Lord Jesus has given him (Acts 20:22-24). Well-meaning people who love Paul in Tyre and Caesarea warn Paul not to go with church leaders in Jerusalem, urging him to take a vow in the temple to show he has not abandoned his Jewish roots. Paul loves those warning him and trying to protect him, but will not be deflected from carrying out his calling from God.

 

I want to urge everyone reading this to search their hearts and determine if they are like Paul, fully committed to the calling of God in their lives. What if our calling leads us to something unpopular with family or friends; will we remain committed? What if following God’s calling leads to leaving our financial security and stepping out in faith, trusting God to take care of us; will we remain committed to our calling? What if following God’s calling leads to something that places our lives in danger; will we remain committed? God’s calling in one’s life is part of His plan for them; it may not always lead to one being a pastor or teacher (James 3:1), but in that calling we can minister to others and be part of God’s plan.

 

God’s plan for everyone begins with them coming to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). I want to urge everyone reading this who has not repented of their sins to take this first step to fulfilling God’s plan for their lives by praying with me now.

 

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

 

 

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. 

A Call to Worship, Obedience, and Praise for Our Coming King

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 95-96

 

Psalm 96:12-13

Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice
¹³     before the Lord.
For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth.

(NKJV)

 

Disciples of Christ live in a fallen world and are not immune from struggle and tribulation, but we worship and serve Jesus, who overcame the world through his resurrection from the dead (John 16:33). We also have the blessed hope of the return of Jesus to take his disciples home (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18). The psalmists who wrote these psalms lived before Jesus' birth, but they encourage us by living lives of worship and obedience to God, anticipating his coming to judge the world.

 

Psalm 95 begins with a call for the people of God to sing joyfully to the Lord, the rock of their salvation, with a shout (Psalm 95:1). They come to the presence of the Lord with thanksgiving, shouting joyfully to Him with palms, because He is a great God and the great King above all gods (Psalm 95:2-3). In the hands of the Lord are the deep places of the earth along with the heights of the hills and the seas which He made, with His hands forming the dry land (Psalm 95:4-5). Oh, come and worship, bowing down before the Lord our Maker, for He is our God, and we are the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:6-7). The psalmist then cautions them not to harden their hearts like their fathers did in the wilderness where they tested the Lord, even though they had seen his works (Psalm 95:8-9). They grieved the Lord for forty years, going astray in their hearts, not knowing the ways of the Lord, and why they did not enter into the Lord’s rest (Psalm 95:10-11).

 

Psalm 96 begins with a call to sing to the Lord and bless His name, proclaiming the good news of His salvation day to day (Psalm 96:1-2). God’s people are to declare His glory among the nations and his wonders to all people, for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised and feared above all gods (Psalm 96:3-4). Gods made by human hands are idols, but the Lord made the heavens with honor and majesty before Him and strength and beauty in His sanctuary (Psalm 96:5-6). The families of God’s people are to give the Lord glory and strength, giving the Lord the glory due His name, bringing an offering into His courts (Psalm 96:7-8). God’s people are to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness with all the earth trembling before Him (Psalm 96:9). Declare to the nations that the Lord reigns with the world firmly established and unmoved as the Lord judges the people righteously (Psalm 96:10). Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, while the sea roars in all its fullness (Psalm 96:11). Let the fields be joyful and the trees of the woods rejoice before the Lord, for the Lord is coming to judge the world with righteousness (Psalm 96:12-13).

 

While the context of the writing of these psalms is not identified, they are a reminder to worship and obey the Lord, for he is coming to judge the world in righteousness and truth.

• Psalm 95: A call to worship and obedience: Worship of the Lord should be joyful, loud, and full of salvation, for He is the great God and King above all gods (Psalm 95:1-3). He is also the creator of all we see, so why would we not bow down and worship, and listen to the God who also made us (Psalm 95:4-7). We must not rebel or harden our hearts, or we risk not entering into the rest of the Lord.
• Psalm 96: Praise to God who is coming in judgment: In addition to worship and obedience of the Lord, we must remember that he is returning, not to die for our salvation, but as Judge, who will judge in righteousness and truth. This psalm ties in with Psalm 95, calling us to worship and obey the Lord who is coming to judge the world with righteousness and truth.

 

While our salvation is not based upon our works (Ephesians 2:8-9), to enjoy an abundant life in Christ, one must live in obedience and worship of the Lord God. However, complete surrender of one’s life can be difficult in a fallen world full of temptation. We live in a noisy world with social media, 24-hour news, videos, and podcasts. While these are not all bad, they can rob us of time in solitude with God. Jesus was incredibly busy in His ministry on earth without these distractions, and even though He was God, he took time to be alone in prayer with God His Father (Matthew 14:13-14; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed to take time for solitude with God the Father, how much more do we?

 

I encourage everyone reading this to make sure they take time out of their busy day to have time alone with God. This may require looking at what happens during the day and eliminating time wasters and distractions. It may also require getting up early and going to bed later to ensure time alone with God. I also want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed to ask God to forgive their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their lives, to do so by praying with me now.

 

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

 

If you meant what you just prayed, know 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. 

Exhorting the Ephesian Elders

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 20:17-38

 

Acts 20:36-38

And when he had said these things, he knelt and prayed with them all. ³⁷ Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, ³⁸ sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

(NKJV)

 

The Apostle Paul calls the elders of the Church together to give them a word of exhortation. Paul is leaving for Jerusalem, where he anticipates having many trials. His exhortation tells of the work Paul has been able to accomplish for the Lord, encouraging them to continue the work, but then he drops a bombshell, telling them they will not see him again. Sorrow will occur in everyone’s life, but it is how we handle it that is important.

 

While in Miletus, Paul asked the elders of the church in Ephesus to come to him (Acts 20:17). When they arrived, Paul exhorts them, telling them how he lived among them and served with all humility, many tears, and trials coming at the hands of the Jews plotting against him (Acts 20:18-19). Paul kept nothing back from them, teaching publicly and from house to house to both Jews and Greeks about repentance towards God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:20-21). The Holy Spirit now binds Paul to go to Jerusalem without knowing what will happen there, only that the Holy Spirit has testified that chains and tribulations await him (Acts 20:22-23). Chains and tribulations do not move Paul, who desires to finish his race, or ministry he has received from the Lord, with joy, testifying of the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24).

 

Paul then drops a bombshell on them, telling them they will not see him again (Acts 20:25). Paul then declares that he is innocent of the blood of all men and has not shunned in declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27). Paul then exhorts them to take heed of the flock entrusted to them by God, to shepherd the church of God which Jesus purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Paul then warns them that after he leaves, savage wolves will come in who do not spare the flock (Acts 20:29). There will also be those among them who will speak perverse things to draw people into following them, and then reminding them how he had warned them of this during his three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:30-31).

 

Paul then commends the Ephesian elders to God and the word of His grace which builds up and provides an inheritance among all who are sanctified (Acts 20:32). While in Ephesus, Paul coveted no one’s silver, gold, or apparel, providing for the needs of himself and those with him through his labors (Acts 20:33-34). By ministering in this manner, Paul showed them the importance of supporting the weak, remembering the words of the Lord who said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

 

After speaking to them, Paul knelt and prayed with them all (Acts 20:36). All the elders wept freely, falling on Paul’s neck and kissing him (Acts 20:37). The cause of their great sorrow was Paul telling them they would not see him any longer; then they took Paul to the ship (Acts 20:38).

 

Paul calls the elders of the church in Ephesus together for a final word with them before departing for Jerusalem. His exhortation contains sorrow as he tells them they will not see him again. Paul has ministered in Ephesus through his teaching of truth (Acts 20:27) and his example of not doing it for personal gain (Acts 20:33-34). Paul will go to Jerusalem, where he will be arrested (Acts 21:26-36) and, after appealing to Caesar, go to Rome (Acts 28:16). Paul will be martyred in Rome for his faith but will also have the opportunity to minister to Caesar, something he wanted to do (Acts 19:21), but not as a prisoner. God may call us to minister somewhere, but we do not know how it will happen.

 

When there is a commitment to declare truth in the Church, there will be times of exhortation and feeling encouraged, but there will also be times of sorrow. Sorrow over the death of a fellow disciple, or when someone moves from the church to pursue a new calling from the Lord. In the persecuted church, Sorrow abounds as word spreads of another disciple being martyred for his or her faith. For those dying either through natural causes or through martyrdom for their faith, it is the comfort of knowing we will be reunited with them when Jesus takes us to heaven, through death or rapture (2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:17); for those moving on to a calling from the Lord elsewhere, we can rejoice that the message of the gospel proclaimed in our church is spreading elsewhere. While we sorrow over these losses, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

 

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 Is Loving, Faithful, Eternal, and Our Refuge

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 92-94

 

Psalm 92:1-2

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
² To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night,

(NKJV)

 

The three psalms of this text offer praise for our loving, faithful, eternal God who is our refuge in times of trouble. As ambassadors for Christ who serve in a fallen and evil world full of hatred and chaos, we can find comfort in knowing our God has these attributes. I pray everyone reading this post will find comfort and strength in the Lord.

 

Psalm 92 offers praise for the Lord’s love and faithfulness. It begins with a declaration of how good it is to sing praises to the Lord Most High, declaring His lovingkindness in the morning and His faithfulness every night (Psalm 92:1-2). Musical instruments accompany this praise, providing a harmonious sound because the Lord makes us glad by His works with us triumphing in the works of the Lord’s hands (Psalm 92:3-4). So great are the Lord’s works and his thoughts are so deep that a senseless man cannot know, with a fool unable to understand (Psalm 92:5-6). When the wicked spring up and flourish, it is so they may be destroyed forever, with the Lord on High forevermore (Psalm 92:7-8). The enemies of the Lord shall perish, with the workers of iniquity scattered, but the horn of God’s people is exalted with them anointed with fresh oil (Psalm 92:9-10). The psalmist has seen his desire for his enemies and heard his desires on the wicked come to pass (Psalm 92:11). The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree and grow strong like a cedar in Lebanon, with those planted in the house of the Lord flourishing in the courts of God (Psalm 92:12-13). The righteous shall be fruitful in old age, remaining fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright and a rock, with no unrighteousness in Him (Psalm 92:14-15).

 

Psalm 93 offers praise for the eternal reign of the Lord. The Lord reigns and is clothed with majesty and girded with strength, establishing the world so it cannot be moved (Psalm 93:1). The throne of the Lord is established with the Lord everlasting (Psalm 93:2). Even though floods have come and lifted their voice and waves, the Lord is mightier than the noise of many waters and the sea (Psalm 93:3-4). The Lord’s testimonies are sure with holiness adorning His house (Psalm 93:5).

 

Psalm 94 praises God as the refuge of the righteous. It begins with the psalmist asking the Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, to shine forth and judge the earth, rendering punishment to the proud, wondering how long the wicked will triumph (Psalm 94:1-3). He then tells of the actions of the wicked, saying insolent things, boasting in iniquity, breaking and afflicting the Lord’s people, slaying widows and the fatherless, claiming the Lord does not see or understand (Psalm 94:4-7). The psalmist then calls out their foolishness, reminding them that the Lord who formed the ear and made the eye sees and hears all things (Psalm 94:8-9). Should not the Lord who teaches men knowledge instruct, knowing that the thoughts of man are futile (Psalm 94:10-11).

 

A man instructed by the Lord and taught from His law will have rest from the days of adversity until the pit is dug for the wicked (Psalm 94:12-13). The Lord will not cast off His people or forsake His inheritance, but judgment will return to the righteous with the upright in heart following it (Psalm 94:14-15). The psalmist then asks who will rise up for him against evildoers or who will stand for him against the workers of iniquity, because unless the Lord had been his help, his soul would have settled in silence (Psalm 94:16-17). The psalmist knows the Lord will hold him up if his food slips and comforts him in the anxieties within him (Psalm 94:18-19). He then asks if the throne of iniquity devising evil has fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 94:20). Workers of iniquity gather against the life of the righteous and condemn innocent blood, but the Lord is their defense and rock of refuge (Psalm 94:21-22). The Lord has brought the iniquity of the wicked upon them, cutting them off in their wickedness (Psalm 94:23).

 

The authors of these three psalms are unidentified, but the psalms praise the loving, faithful, eternal God who is our refuge from the wicked.

• Psalm 92: Our loving and faithful God – In this psalm, the psalmist extols and praises the lovingkindness of the Lord and His faithfulness. He praises the great works of the Lord, works the world does not understand, with them foolishness to them (Psalm 92:5-6). The psalm concludes with the psalmist declaring that the Lord is upright, his rock, with no unrighteousness found in Him (Psalm 92:15).
• Psalm 93: Our Eternal God – While this psalm is short, it is powerful, reminding us of the eternal reign of the Lord. All disciples of Christ live in a fallen world full of evil but have a blessed hope of the return of Christ to take his people home (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
• Psalm 94: God, our refuge from the wicked – Living in a fallen world comes with anxieties and fears. However, in these times, a disciple of Christ has a refuge in the Lord. While it may seem wickedness reigns in the world, its reign if only temporary, with the Lord providing a refuge for His children, cutting off the wicked in their wickedness (Psalm 94:23). Jesus taught us not to worry, looking at how he cares for the sparrows and flowers of the field (Matthew 6:25-34). This psalm reminds us to seek refuge in God in a fallen world.

 

The psalms are heartfelt expressions that provide comfort as God’s people live for God in a fallen world. Even the Lord Jesus was not exempt from experiencing trouble in a fallen world, suffering death by crucifixion even though he committed no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). They are like the soundtrack to a movie, reminding us that the story has a happy ending. This is because not only did Jesus die for our sins, but he overcame death by resurrecting from the grave three days later (John 16:33). Now the same Spirit that raised Jesus up from the grave lives within all who choose to make Jesus the Lord of their life (Romans 8:11). We need not fret when trouble comes, for no weapon formed against God’s people shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).

 

I urge anyone reading this who has drifted away from the Lord to ask God to forgive them and return to living a life of devotion to God. I also urge anyone reading this who has never prayed to make Jesus the Lord of their life to do so 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. 

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.