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. 

Emotional Extremes Found in the Psalms

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 87-88

 

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)

 

As we read and study the psalms, we are exposed to raw emotion. The extremes of these emotions are joy and elation and fear and despondency. The psalms in this text are both psalms of Korah and give us a glimpse of a man having elation and joy regarding the city of God and despondency. As we study these psalms, most of us can relate to times in life when we experienced both extremes.

 

In Psalm 87, the sons of Korah offer up praise for the glories of the city of God, or Zion, the city of the foundation of God (Psalm 87:1). The Lord loves the gates of Zion even more than the dwellings of Jacob, or Israel, with glorious things spoken of Zion (Psalm 87:2-3). The psalmist makes mention of Rahab, or Egypt and Babylon, places of exile, and beholds Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia with him born there (Psalm 87:4). People will speak of those born in Zion, with the Lord recording that they were born there (Psalm 87:5-6). The singers and musicians will say all their springs are in Zion (Psalm 87:7).

 

In Psalm 88, the emotions of the sons of Korah shift from joy and elation to praying for help in despondency, with the psalmist crying out day and night to the God of his salvation (Psalm 88:1). He pleads with God to let his prayer come before Him and to incline his ear to listen (Psalm 88:2). He acknowledges his soul is full of troubles and his life drawing near to death, believing he is counted among those going down to the pit, and being like a man with no strength (Psalm 88:3-4). He feels adrift among the dead like the slain lying in the grave whom the Lord no longer remembers and who are cut off from His hand (Psalm 88:5).

 

The psalmist feels like a man laid in the lowest pit, in darkness, and in the depths, with the Lord’s wrath heavy upon him by affliction from the Lord's waves of wrath (Psalm 88:6-7). The Lord has put away his acquaintances far from him, making him an abomination to them, with him feeling shut up and unable to get out (Psalm 88:8). His eyes were wasting away from affliction, with him calling out and stretching out his hands daily to the Lord (Psalm 88:9).

 

He then asks if the Lord will work wonders for the dead and if the dead will arise to praise Him (Psalm 88:10). He continues asking if the Lord’s lovingkindness will be declared in the grave and his faithfulness in the place of destruction (Psalm 88:11). He continues asking if the Lord’s wonders will be known in the dark and His righteousness in the land of forgetfulness (Psalm 88:12). However, it is to the Lord that he cries out with his morning prayer coming before Him (Psalm 88:13).

 

The psalmist then asks if the Lord will cast off his soul, hiding His face from him, because he is afflicted and ready to die from his youth, suffering terrors and distraught (Psalm 88:14-15). The Lord’s fierce wrath has gone over him like water, with His terrors cutting him off, coming around him all day long like water, engulfing him altogether (Psalm 88:16-17). Loved ones and friends have been put far from him by the Lord, with his acquaintances thrown into darkness (Psalm 88:18).

 

The psalms record people crying out to the Lord in praise and in need of help. Psalm 87 is a short psalm of praise for the glories of the city of God, Zion, with Psalm 88 a prayer for help from one in despondency. Both are psalms of Korah, showing a man praising God for his presence in the city of Zion and yet a man who is distraught (Psalm 88:15). Such is the range of emotions felt by people following God, ranging from praise at the divine presence of God in their lives to the despondency of living in a fallen world. Thankfully, our time of trouble in a fallen world is temporary, with eternal life with God in our future (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

 

In John 16:33, Jesus told the disciples that in this world they would experience trouble, reminding them that He overcame the world through His resurrection. This warning from the Lord indicates that life will have times of need when we must cry out to the Lord for help, and times of praise as we remember Jesus overcame the world. This is why a disciple of Christ must be disciplined through practicing the spiritual disciplines of studying the Bible (Acts 17:11), prayer (Ephesians 6:18), and fellowshipping with other disciples of Christ (Hebrews 10:25). Studying the Bible equips us with the truth in all the situations of life. Prayer empowers us by letting us know God is there to help us. Fellowship with other disciples encourages us through struggles.

 

However, the first step of becoming a disciple of Christ is to pray for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus the Lord of your life through a heartfelt belief in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 10:9-10). If you are reading this and have never taken this first step of becoming a disciple of Christ, 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 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 Corinth

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 18:1-17

 

Acts 18:9-10

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; ¹⁰ for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.”

(NKJV)

 

Paul's ministry has been in motion. He enters a city, speaks in the local synagogue, and persuades some of the Jews that Jesus is the Christ and their Messiah. However, other Jews accuse Paul of blasphemy, and he is forced to move on. In Corinth, the outcome is different, with him finding work to sustain himself there and receiving a vision promising protection. When in ministry, a disciple of Christ must follow the path directed by the Holy Spirit, whether it means staying somewhere for a short or longer time. Paul’s ministry is an example of both.

 

Paul leaves Athens and goes to Corinth, where he meets a Jew named Aquila who had recently come to Corinth from Italy (Acts 18:1-2). Since Paul and Aquila were both tentmakers, Paul stayed with him and his family, and they worked together (Acts 18:3). Paul also reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded both Jews and Greeks (Acts 18:4). After the arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul was compelled by the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:5). However, after the Jews opposed and blasphemed him, he shook his garments, telling them their blood is on their own heads, and that from now on he will go to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). Paul then departed and entered the house of Justus, a worshipper of God whose house was next door to the synagogue (Acts 18:7). Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with many of the Corinthians also hearing, believing, and being baptized (Acts 18:8).

 

Then the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision by night, telling him not to fear, but to speak and not keep silent, because the Lord is with him and no one will attack or hurt him because He has many people in the city (Acts 18:9-10). Paul continued teaching the word of God in Corinth for a year and a half (Acts 18:11). As a test of this word from the Lord, the Jews revolt against Paul, accusing him of persuading men to worship God in a manner contrary to the law (Acts 18:12-13).

 

When Paul was about to open his mouth in his defense, Gallio, the proconsul, speaks up, telling the Jews that if these accusations were of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, he would judge the matter (Acts 18:14). However, the accusations against Paul are a question of words, names, and the Jewish law, so he tells them to investigate the matter themselves, driving them from the judgment seat (Acts 18:15-16). The Greeks then took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat, with Gallio taking no notice (Acts 18:17).

 

After being run out of Thessalonica and spending time in Athens, Paul arrives in Corinth where he finds work to sustain him financially (Acts 18:3) and divine protection so he can teach (Acts 18:9-10). However, even though Paul spent a year and a half in Corinth, after leaving the city, the Church drifted from the truths of his teachings. Instead of unity in the church, there were divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). There was also immorality in the church with no effort made to correct it (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). In addition, the honoring of the Lord’s Supper had turned into a drunken, gluttonous feast (1 Corinthians 11:17-22). The church in Corinth did not have the complete canon of Scripture as we do, which includes the letters to the Corinthians, but they did have Paul’s teachings for a year and a half and forgot them when he was gone.  

 

Being a disciple of Christ who stands firm on the truths declared in the Bible will bring persecution, but we can depend on God’s provision and protection. However, when we lose sight of this, we can, like the Corinthians, become detached from Biblical teaching, resulting in divisions, immorality, drunkenness, and gluttony. This is why disciples of Christ must be like the Bereans and daily study the Bible (Acts 17:11). Disciples of Christ must also put on the whole armor of God and pray without ceasing (Ephesians 6:10-18). Failure to follow these spiritual disciplines opens us up to deception, something rampant in the Church today.

 

If you belong to a church that does not teach biblical truth or does not practice prayer as a foundation, you should leave and find one that does so you do not fall for deception. If you are a church leader and have drifted from Biblical truth, I ask you to repent and return to it before the church you lead falls into deception.

 

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.