Power Over Deception

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 13:1-12

 

2 Timothy 4:3-5

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴ and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵ But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

(NKJV)

 

Paul wrote the epistle of 2 Timothy to his protégé, and it contains the warning of 2 Timothy 4:3-5, warning of a time that would come when people would not endure sound doctrine, falling for deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching and interpretations of God’s word have always been present, but in the information age in which we live, deception can spread rapidly. The good news, however, is that sound teaching can also spread rapidly.

 

The church at Antioch had many prophets and teachers, with Barnabas and Saul among them (Acts 13:1). One day, as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit told them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the ministry to which the Lord had called them (Acts 13:2). In obedience to what the Holy Spirit told them, they laid hands upon them and sent them away (Acts 13:3).

 

After being sent out by the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus (Acts 13:4). Upon their arrival at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, along with John their assistant (Acts 13:5). As they went through the island pf Paphos, they encountered a sorcerer and false prophet who was a Jew named Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6). Bar-Jesus accompanied the proconsul, an intelligent man who called for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God (Acts 13:7). However, Bar-Jesus did not want the proconsul to hear the word of God, lest he become a believer (Acts 13:8).

 

Saul, who was also called Paul, looked intently at Bar-Jesus and called him a fraud, deceitful, a son of the devil, and an enemy of righteousness, asking if he would cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord (Acts 13:9-10). Paul then told Bar-Jesus that the hand of the Lord was upon him and that he would be blind for a time, unable to see the sun. At saying this, a mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand (Acts 13:11). At seeing this occur, the proconsul believed, astonished at the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:12).

 

Barnabas and Saul, now known as Paul, are sent out to minister, and after preaching to the Jews in Salamis, encounter a sorcerer and the proconsul. The sorcerer was with the proconsul, possibly as a spiritual advisor who did not want the proconsul exposed to the truth of God's word. It is also possible that this sorcerer profited from spreading his deception and was seeking the proconsul's endorsement. This is because proconsuls at that time were usually governors over a province, having great influence. Barnabas and Paul were a threat to his plans, something the Holy Spirit revealed to Paul (Acts 13:9-10). The mighty hand of the Lord fell on the sorcerer, and he became blind, with this demonstration of God’s power causing the proconsul to believe (Acts 13:11-12). The word of God preached under the power of the Holy Spirit can accomplish great things and overcome deception.

 

In the information age in which we live, the Bible is readily available on many digital platforms with many translations and versions. However, one must use caution in selecting a translation or version to study, as not all of them present the genuine truth of God’s Word. Accuracy of a translation involves its adherence to the original Hebrew and Greek, translating it into readability into the language it is translated into. This translation is accomplished either through word-for-word accuracy or thought-for-thought accuracy. The New King James Version (NKJV) I use in these postings represents a word-for-word translation from the original Greek and Hebrew that attempts to preserve the feel of the original King James Version.

 

After selecting an accurate translation that truthfully presents Scripture from its original form, one must seek interpretation of Scripture from the counsel of the Holy Spirit and teachers full of the Holy Spirit. Bar-Jesus in this text encountered a Spirit-filled man exposing his deception, with the proconsul coming to believe upon hearing the word of God and witnessing God’s power at work. Our churches must present God’s truth from his word with the power of the Holy Spirit within them, for this will cause people to believe like the proconsul.

 

God’s word is indeed powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). If you are reading this and, like the proconsul, now believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead in victory over sin and death (Romans 10:9-10), I invite you to pray 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 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. 

Tragedy and Blessedness

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 73

 

Psalm 73:27-28

For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
²⁸ But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.

(NKJV)

 

One of the things about living in a fallen world is that evil is rewarded, while righteousness is looked down upon. The psalmist, Asaph, in this passage almost stumbled when he observed this. But when he entered the sanctuary of the temple, he realized the reward of righteousness outweighed the rewards of evil living. This is because the rewards in this world for living wickedly are only temporary, with the rewards of living righteously eternal.

 

Asaph begins this psalm by declaring God is good to Israel and to those who are pure in heart (Psalm 73:1). Asaph then confesses to almost stumbling upon observing the boastfulness and prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:2-3). Asaph observed that the wicked had no pain in their death but had firm strength without being troubled or plagued like other men (Psalm 73:4-5). The wicked wear pride as a necklace, and violence as a garment, with eyes bulging with abundance, possessing more than a heart could wish (Psalm 73:6-7). Their speech is lofty, with them scoffing and speaking wickedly regarding oppression, speaking against the heavens as they walk through the earth (Psalm 73:8-9).

 

The wicked return to Israel, draining it of its full cup, asking “How does God know?” questioning if there is knowledge in the Most High (Psalm 73:10-11). These are Asaph’s observations of the wicked, with them always at ease and increasing in riches (Psalm 73:12). From these observations, Asaph concludes that he has cleansed his heart in vain and washed his hands in innocence, because he continues to be plagued all day long and chastened every morning (Psalm 73:13-14). However, Asaph knows that if he had spoken this way, he would have been untrue to the generation of Israel’s children, with understanding that this too painful for him (Psalm 73:15-16). Then Asaph went into the sanctuary of God and understood the end of the wicked (Psalm 73:17).

 

Asaph now understood that God sets the wicked in slippery places, casting them down to destruction, with their destruction coming in a moment, and them consumed with terrors (Psalm 73:18-19). When the Lord awakes, He will despise the image of the wicked (Psalm 73:20). Knowing this, Asaph is grieved of heart and vexed in his mind, now understanding that he had been foolish and ignorant, like a beast before the Lord (Psalm 73:21-22). Asaph is continually with the Lord who holds him in His right hand, guiding him with His counsel and afterward receiving him into glory (Psalm 73:23-24).

 

Who does Asaph have in heaven but the Lord with none upon the earth that he desires besides the Lord (Psalm 73:25). His flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of his heart and his portion forever (Psalm 73:26). Asaph now knows that those far from the Lord shall perish with Him destroying those who desert Him (Psalm 73:27). Asaph now knows it is good to draw near to God and put his trust in the Lord God so he can declare the good works of the Lord (Psalm 73:28).

 

We live in a fallen world where it appears evil succeeds and righteousness fails. Asaph struggled when observing this until he went into the sanctuary of God and gained understanding of the end state of the wicked. In the account of Jesus walking on the water, we must remember that Jesus was not the only one walking on the water, with Peter also walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). However, Peter’s time of walking on the water was shortened when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the turmoil around. Asaph almost sank when he saw the prosperity of the wicked in his world but gained understanding when he observed that their prosperity was only temporary (Psalm 73:17). While he saw them prospering in this world, he now realized their end was destruction (Psalm 73:18-19). Asaph learned the importance of maintaining his focus on the Lord.

 

Like Asaph, we live in a fallen world where the wicked seem to prosper, and the righteous seem to struggle. Jesus even tells us that in this world we will experience trouble, but with the promise that he overcame the world (John 16:33). Add to this the presence of social media where one can quickly be put down for his or her faith, and tempted to either remain silent or abandon their faith altogether. This emphasizes the vital importance of spiritual disciplines and spending daily time with the Lord in prayer and study of the word of God. Remember, we have an eternal reward in heaven that far outshines any reward of prosperity on this earth. While God may bless us with prosperity on this earth, treasures in heaven are eternal and what we must focus on (Matthew 6:19-21).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept the greatest reward one can receive, eternal life with the Lord (John 3:16), I urge 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 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. 

Herod’s Violence and Peter’s Deliverance

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 12:1-25

 

Acts 12:24

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

(NKJV)

 

In this passage, the persecution of the church comes not from the Jews, but from a government official, Herod the king. He begins with the execution of James, the brother of John, and since this gains political points for him with the Jews, he arrests Peter, intending to execute him as well but after the Passover. This new source of persecution for the church requires determination of whether it is time to back off until the heat blows over, or to continue preaching the Gospel in obedience to the Lord (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).

 

The beginning of Herod’s harassment of the church begins with the execution of James, the brother of John (Acts 12:1-2). Since this execution is pleasing to the Jews, Herod arrests Peter during the Days of Unleavened Bread, intending to bring him before the people after Passover (Acts 12:3-4). However, while imprisoned, constant prayer is offered by the church for Peter (Acts 12:5).

 

On the night before Herod was going to bring Peter out, Peter was sleeping, chained to two guards with guards watching the door (Acts 12:6). Then an angel of the Lord stood by Peter with a light shining in the prison. The angel struck Peter on the side, telling him to arise quickly with the chains falling off his hands (Acts 12:7). The angel told Peter to get dressed, put on his sandals, and follow him, which Peter did, but he thought he was seeing a vision and that what was happening was not real (Acts 12:8-9). After getting past the first and second guard post, they came to the gate leading to the city, and it opened. Then they went down the street, and the angel immediately departed (Acts 12:10).

 

Peter now realized this was not a vision and went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, where many were gathered praying (Acts 12:11-12). Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhonda answered, but when she recognized Peter’s voice, she got excited and went in to tell everyone without opening the door for Peter (Acts 12:13-14). Those inside told Rhonda she was crazy, and as she kept insisting it was Peter, they told her it was his angel (Acts 12:15). Peter continued knocking. When they opened the door, they realized it was Peter and were astonished (Acts 12:16). Peter then motioned with his hand to keep silent, explaining how the Lord had delivered him from the prison, and instructed them to tell James and the brethren. Peter then departed for another place (Acts 12:17). Then there was quite a stir among the soldiers, wondering what had happened to Peter, and when Herod could not find him, he questioned the guards and had them executed, then departing for Caesarea (Acts 12:18-19).

 

Herod had been angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Still, they came to Herod, having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, asking for peace because they received food from the king (Acts 12:20). Herod came out, arrayed in royal apparel, and sat on his throne, giving the people an oration (Acts 12:21). The people kept shouting he was the voice of a god and not a man, with an angel of the Lord striking him dead because he did not give glory to God. Still, the word of God grew and multiplied (Acts 12:22-24). Meanwhile, Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem after completing their ministry, taking John, surnamed Mark with them (Acts 12:25).

 

Out of anger and to appease the Jews, Herod the king begins persecuting the church, executing James, the brother of John, and imprisoning Peter. After a miraculous angelic deliverance of Peter from prison, Herod executes the guards but suffers a violent death when he allows the people to elevate him to the status of a god. In this passage, we see persecution of the church shift from something done by the Jews (Acts 4:1-3, 5:17-18, 6:8-12) to something coming from a government official (Acts 12:1-4). This passage also shows the delivering power of God with the freeing of Peter from prison, where he waited for a sure death like what happened to James. We also see the justice of God with the violent death of King Herod because of his pride (Acts 12:21-23).

 

Even though there is religious freedom in countries like the United States, a day may come when this liberty disappears. The question the church must ask is: will it stand strong, continuing to preach the gospel, trusting God to deliver it and judge the persecutors, or cower in fear? I pray the church will learn from the church in the Book of Acts share what is true from the word of God, knowing fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). To accomplish this, we must be like the Bereans, daily searching the scriptures (Acts 17:11), allowing the word of God to be a light to our feet and a light guiding our path (Psalm 119:105).

 

The dark world in which we live needs the light of the one who said He was the light (John 8:12). If you are reading this and want to have a relationship with the one who said He was the light, I encourage 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. 

The Glorious Reign of Messiah

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 72

 

Psalm 72 :18-19

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
Who only does wondrous things!
¹⁹ And blessed be His glorious name forever!
And let the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen and Amen.

(NKJV)

 

 

In 1 Thessalonians 4:18, we are reminded to comfort one another with anticipation of the return of Christ. In Revelation 19:11-21, John sees a vision of what this return of Jesus on a white horse will be like and how the Antichrist and his armies will be defeated. Unfortunately, many in the world do not know or believe this, which is why the Church must be diligent in bringing the gospel to the world.

 

Psalm 72 begins with the psalmist asking God to give the king His judgments and His righteousness to the king’s son (Psalm 72:1). The king will judge the Lord’s people with righteousness and His poor with justice (Psalm 72:2). The mountains and hills of the land will bring peace by righteousness, with the king bringing justice to the poor, saving the children of the needy, and breaking the oppressor in pieces (Psalm 72:3-4).

 

The people shall fear the Lord throughout all generations as long as the sun and moon endure (Psalm 72:5). The Lord shall come down like rain on the grass, like showers watering the earth, with the righteous flourishing and an abundance of peace until the moon is no more (Psalm 72:6-7). The Lord shall have dominion from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth, with those in the wilderness bowing before Him and His enemies licking the dust (Psalm 72:8-9). The kings of Tarshish and the isles will bring the King presents with the kings of Sheba and Seba offering gifts, and all kings falling down before Him and all nations serving Him (Psalm 72:10-11).

 

The needy, poor, and those with no helper will be delivered and the poor and needy spared and their souls saved (Psalm 72:12-13). The Lord will redeem their lives from oppression and violence because their blood is precious in His sight (Psalm 72:14). The Lord shall live and the gold of Sheba will be given to Him with prayer made for Him continually and with Him praised daily (Psalm 72:15). There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, and on the mountains, with its fruit waving like Lebanon, and those in the city flourishing like the grass of the earth (Psalm 72:16).

 

The name of the Lord shall endure forever with His name continuing as long as the sun, with men blessed in Him and all nations calling Him blessed (Psalm 72:17). The psalmist then blesses the Lord God of Israel who only does wonderous things with His glorious name blessed forever, and the whole earth filled with His glory (Psalm 72:18-19). The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended (Psalm 72:20).

 

This is believed to be the last prayer of David in the psalms and offers a prayer for his son Solomon who will ascend to the throne (Psalm 72:1-4) but also gives glory to the coming Messiah (Psalm 72:5-20). As David nears the end of his life, his son Solomon is about to take over as king. Since the word king is not capitalized in Psalm 72:1, this is not speaking of God as King but instead a prayer for an earthly king. Since it mentions the kings Son, it is probably a prayer for Solomon who will be king after David’s death. From verse five forward, the references to the king are capitalized like the word You in Psalm 72:5, leading to the belief that the psalmist is shifting gears to the Messiah. These passages also speak of a King who rules the world and not just the king of Israel, offering a glorification of the reign of Messiah.

 

The glorification of the Messiah offered in this psalm speaks of Jesus’ second coming, something the disciples of Christ should still anticipate. However, we are impatient individuals and with the ascension of Christ almost two thousand years in the past, the preaching of the return of Christ is not mentioned in some churches today. This is sad and a failure to offer hope to people as the church is instructed to do in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. It is also important to understand that a thousand years to God is like one day (2 Peter 3:8), and that the Lord is giving people an opportunity to choose Him (2 Peter 3:9).

 

However, God does not expect his church to sit around anticipating his return, but to be diligent in sharing the gospel with the world (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 29:19-20). As ambassadors for Christ, we must extol the benefits of becoming a citizen of the Kingdom of Christ by sharing the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). If you are reading this and are not yet a citizen of the Kingdom of Christ, I invite you 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 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 Brings Church Growth

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 11:19-30

 

Acts 5:41-42

So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

(NKJV)

 

The Bible reminds us that fear is not from God in 2 Timothy 1:7. However, out of fear, many Christians fail to share their faith, fearing persecution. This persecution may come in the hard form of threats to life, injury, or property, or a soft persecution leading to loss of friendship or relationship. Jesus commanded us three times to share our faith with others (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), so we must not allow fear to prevent us from obeying this command from our Lord.

 

After the martyrdom of Stephen, many disciples scattered, traveling to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word as they went, but to Jews only (Acts 11:19). However, some of the men were from Cyprus and Cyrene who went to Antioch, preaching the Lord Jesus to the Hellenists (Acts 11:20). The hand of the Lord was with these men with a great number turning to the Lord (Acts 11:21).

 

When news of what was happening in Antioch reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch (Acts 11:22). Upon his arrival in Antioch, Barnabas saw the grace of God and was glad, encouraging the disciples there to have purpose of heart and to continue with the Lord, because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith with a great many people added to the Lord (Acts 11:23-24). Barnabas then departed for Tarsus to find Saul and, upon finding him, brought him to Antioch, where they spent an entire year, teaching many disciples, with the disciples first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).

 

Then, Abagus, one of many prophets, came to Antioch from Jerusalem, and stood up, showing by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout the world, which happened during the reign of Claudius Caesar (Acts 11:27-28). This prompted the disciples to send relief to the brethren living in Judea, with each disciple contributing according to his or her own ability (Acts 11:29). Barnabas and Saul were then commissioned to deliver the relief to the elders in Judea (Acts 11:30).

 

Persecution has come to the church and could have silenced the disciples, but instead, as they scattered, they took the gospel with them (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 6:15). In this passage, we see the disciples taking the gospel with them as they scattered to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch (Acts 11:19). Instead of stopping out of fear and sheltering in place, the disciples venture out in boldness as they scattered. While the church's outreach at this time was predominantly to the Jews, we also see the beginning of the ministry of Saul and Barnabas, who will be instrumental in taking the gospel to the Gentiles. The church in this passage also demonstrates its love for each other by sending relief to fellow disciples in Judea during a worldwide famine (Acts 11:27-30).

 

Persecution is not a thing of the past for the church, but is alive and well, coming in two forms.

·         Hard Persecution – According to Opendoors.org, 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution, with 4,473 killed between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. For Christians living in these areas, being a disciple of Christ can mean losing business, property, or even one's life. Yet, like the church in the Book of Acts, the churches in these areas thrive, perhaps because these disciples see this as an opportunity to testify about Jesus to their persecutors (Mark 13:9).

·         Soft Persecution – Those who do not live in an area of hard persecution do not escape persecution but instead suffer a more deceptive form of soft persecution. This is persecution that leads to loss of friends or even relationships with family members. The reason I say this is deceptive is that if someone really is our friend, would they unfriend us due to our faith? Even Jesus was alienated by family, but they came around after his resurrection, with his two half-brothers writing the books of Jude and James (Mark 3:30-31, 6:4). Jesus did not let this soft persecution stop him and continued to be obedient to his heavenly Father. We should also remember to pray for those unfriending us for our faith.

 

I urge everyone reading this not to alienate themselves from a relationship with Jesus Christ but to join me now in prayer for the forgiveness of sin and to enter into a relationship with God through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for your sins.

 

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.

 

Relief and the Rock of Salvation

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 70-71

 

Psalm 71:13-14

But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
¹⁵ My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.

(NKJV)

 

Adversities in life occur to both Christians and non-Christians, so one may ask why one would become a Christian by accepting God’s gift of salvation. Jesus answers this question in both John 10:10 and John 16:33. In John 10:10, Jesus reminds us that we have an enemy with the purpose of stealing, killing, and destroying us, with Him coming to bring abundant life. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us we will have trouble but reminds us he overcame the world. Jesus is our source of salvation and relief in this world, and why one can have hope and an advantage in this world.

 

Psalm 70 is a psalm of David and a prayer for relief from adversaries. David begins his prayer with a plea for God to make haste in providing deliverance and help (Psalm 70:1). He then asks that those seeking his life be ashamed and confounded with those desiring to hurt him turned back and confused (Psalm 70:2). He wants those who say “Aha, aha,” an expression of scorn, turned back because of their shame (Psalm 70:3). However, David wants those who seek the Lord to rejoice and be glad, with those loving His salvation continually magnifying the Lord (Psalm 70:4). David then admits to being poor and needy, once again asking God to make haste and not to delay because the Lord God is his help and deliverer (Psalm 70:5).

 

The author of Psalm 71 is unknown and is a psalm praising God as the rock of salvation. The psalmist acknowledges his trust in the Lord, asking that he never be put to shame (Psalm 71:1). He then asks the Lord to deliver him in His righteousness and cause him to escape, asking that the Lord incline His ear to hear and save him (Psalm 71:2). He asks the Lord to be his strong refuge to which he can resort to, knowing the Lord has given the commandment to save him and is his rock and fortress (Psalm 71:3).

 

The psalmist continues by asking God to deliver him from the hand of wicked, unrighteous, and cruel men, because the Lord has been his hope since his youth (Psalm 71:4-5). The Lord has upheld him since his birth, with the Lord bringing him from the womb, and his praise continually to the Lord (Psalm 71:6). The psalmist has become a wonder to many, but it is the Lord that is his strong refuge, wanting his mouth filled with praise to the Lord and to be filled with His glory all day (Psalm 71:7-8). He then asks for the Lord not to cast him off in his old age nor forsake him when his strength fails (Psalm 71:9). He knows that if God were to forsake him, his enemies would speak against him and conspire to take his life, believing God has forsaken him with none to deliver him (Psalm 71:10-11). The psalmist asks God not to be far from him, making haste to help him, with those seeking his life confounded and consumed, covered with reproach and dishonor (Psalm 71:12-13).

 

The psalmist will hope continually in the Lord and praise Him more and more (Psalm 71:14). The psalmist’s mouth shall tell of the Lord’s righteousness and salvation all day, for he does not know their limits, and will continue in the strength of the Lord God, making mention of only His righteousness (Psalm 71:15-16). God has taught him from his youth, with him declaring His wondrous works, with him asking God not to forsake him when old, so he can declare the Lord’s strength to the next generation (Psalm 71:17-18).

 

The Lord has done great things with no god like Him with His righteousness very high (Psalm 71:19). The Lord, who has shown the psalmist great and severe troubles, will revive him and bring him up from the depths of the earth, increasing his greatness and providing comfort on every side (Psalm 71:20-21). The psalmist will praise the Lord and His faithfulness with the lute and sing to Him with the harp as the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 71:22). The psalmist’s lips will sing unto the Lord, along with his soul which the Lord has redeemed (Psalm 71:23). The psalm concludes with the psalmist speaking of the Lord’s righteousness all day long because those seeking to harm him are confounded and brought to shame (Psalm 71:24).

 

In Psalm 70, David asks the Lord for relief from his adversaries. It begins with David asking the Lord to make haste in delivering and helping him from his adversaries, asking the Lord to make them confounded and confused (Psalm 70:2). David contrasts this desire with that of the people of God experiencing gladness and rejoicing.

 

The author of Psalm 71 is not listed and praises God, the Rock of Salvation. It begins with the psalmist declaring his trust in the Lord, seeking deliverance and escape to God as a strong refuge (Psalm 71:1-3). He then tells the Lord his reason for seeking deliverance because some seek his harm. Interestingly, he asks for the Lord not to forsake him in his old age until he can declare the Lord’s strength to the next generation (Psalm 71:18). The psalm concludes with the psalmist declaring his intention to praise the Lord and his faithfulness with the lute and sing with the harp to the Holy One of Israel (Psalm 71:22). This unknown psalmist understands the source of salvation from his troubles.

 

These two psalms teach us important lessons as we continue to live for Christ in an evil, fallen, and chaotic world. Psalm 70 is a prayer by David for relief from adversity. Adversities are a part of life for everyone, but Christians have an advantage for they have a relationship with the one who overcame the world (John 16:33). Jesus also reminded his disciples that the thief, Satan, comes to steal, kill, and destroy with Him coming to provide abundant life (John 10:10). This abundant life is not a life free from trouble, but a life having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 

Psalm 71 is similar, praising God as the rock of salvation. When Jesus asked Peter to say who He was, he replied with “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded by telling Peter that on that rock He would build His church. With this declaration, Jesus is setting Himself up as the rock of our salvation, something Hell cannot stop (Matthew 16:15-19). The psalmist did not have the benefit of Jesus dying for his sins and becoming the rock of his salvation, but we can look back at the Lord’s finished work on the cross. However, both of us must accept the Lord as the rock of our salvation through faith since neither of us has seen Jesus face-to-face.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation, making Jesus your rock of salvation, 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. 

Defending God’s Grace

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 11:1-18

 

Acts 11:17-18

If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

¹⁸ When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

(NKJV)

 

Peter’s visit to the home of a Gentile comes under the scrutiny of some of the Jews. Peter responds by telling them what had happened and how he was working in obedience to what he had heard from God, which indicates confidence on his part. His confidence is not an arrogant confidence that he is right, but a confidence that he is ministering in accordance with the will of God and his plan to have the church take the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8). When ministering, one must always ask if they are ministering to bring glory to God or to self.

 

Without the benefit of media or social media, word has spread throughout Judea about the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius receiving the word of God (Acts 11:1). When Peter went up to Jerusalem, some men of the circumcision contend with him, saying he went into an uncircumcised man's house to eat (Acts 11:2-3). Peter then explains what happened from the beginning (Acts 11:4).

 

Peter begins by telling them of his vision while praying and in a trance while staying in Joppa. This is his vision of a sheet coming down from heaven (Acts 11:5). As Peter intently looked at the sheet, he saw that it contained four-footed animals, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air (Acts 11:6). Peter then tells them about hearing a voice that told him to kill and eat the animals he saw to which he replied with never having eaten anything common or unclean (Acts 11:7-8). The voice then told him not to call anything common that God has cleansed (Acts 11:9). These things happened three times, and then the sheet was taken up to heaven (Acts 11:10). At that very moment, three men stood at the gate of the house where Peter was staying who had come from Caesarea (Acts 11:11). The Holy Spirit told Peter to go with them, doubting nothing, which Peter did along with six of his brethren (Acts 11:12).

 

Upon entering the house of Cornelius, he tells them how he had seen an angel standing in his house who told him to send men to Joppa for Simon, whose surname is Peter (Acts 11:13). The angel told Cornelius that Peter would share words with them by which he and his household would be saved (Acts 11:14). Peter then shares that as he began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on those gathered just as it had on them at the beginning, bringing to mind the words of the Lord, saying that John baptized with water but that they shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-16). Peter then asks those contending with him that if God gave these Gentiles the same gift he had given them, how could he withstand God (Acts 11:17). When those contending with Peter heard what Peter said, they were silent and glorified God, now understanding that God has also granted to the Gentiles, repentance to life (Acts 11:18).

 

Peter is challenged for entering the house of an uncircumcised Gentile and must explain how he was operating in obedience to God. Since we are told these men are of the circumcision, they are Jews who still hold to the Jewish requirement of circumcision and not associating with uncircumcised men (Acts 11:2-3). While the scripture does not tell us if these men were believers, the fact that they had no answer for Peter after his explanation and came to accept that repentance to life had come to the Gentiles, we can assume they are believers (Acts 11:18). This is a game changer and turning point for the church because it can now take the gospel outside of Israel to the rest of the world, definitely a reason for glorifying God (Acts 1:8).

 

Sometimes, programs and methods to bring the Gospel to the lost may fall under contention from some in the Church. However, as long as the objective is to lift up Christ (John 12:32) and present the Gospel, allowing them to accept Jesus as Savior, they are fulfilling the Great Commission (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). However, church leaders need to examine any new program to ensure it is Christ-centered and not someone’s idea that has self-centered motives. By self-centered motives, I mean motives of financial gain, fame, or to promote a book, podcast, or website. By Christ-centered motives, I mean motives designed to bring the lost to Christ.

 

If anyone is reading this post who has not prayed for the forgiveness of their sins and to make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives, 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.