A Different Type of Warfare

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Ephesians 6:12-13

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

NKJV

I recently heard a popular conservative commentator on the radio say that World War III had begun.  As we look at the state of our world today, it is easy to begin believing this to be true. 

History may record the month of November 2015 as the month of terror.  First, we had the downing of a Russian airliner in what we now know to be an act of terror in retaliation against Russian air strikes in Syria.  (1)  Then the horrific attacks in Paris against innocent individuals who only desired to have fun on a Friday night after a week of work.  (2)  These attacks were followed by the attacks in Mali.  (3)

As we look at the nations now involved in the war on terrorism, they look eerily similar to the players in World War I and II.  In addition, just like both world wars, the United States is hesitant to become involved.  However, unlike both world wars, the current conflict differs and therefore requires a different type of warfare. 

This is not a war between warring nations over territory as has been the case in past wars.  This war is a war of ideology and not only being fought on the front of the war on terrorism but is also being fought against people, businesses, and even government officials in our own country.  However, just like past wars, victory in this war requires proper identification of the enemy. 

Ephesians 6:12 defines the enemy as principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.  Let us now look at these enemies,

1)      Principalities – These can refer to governments but can also refer to spiritual principalities (Ephesians 3:10).  The good news however is that through Christ no principality shall be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39). 

2)      Powers – These principalities can appear to wield great power.  We see this evidenced by how many now fear going out in public places out of fear they may fall victim to some act of terrorism.  However, we who have placed our trust in Jesus Christ have the promise of 2 Timothy 1:7 reminding us that the power of fear is not from God and that from God we have power, love, and soundness of mind.

3)      Rulers of darkness of this age – The darkness and evil present in terrorist organizations like ISIS is obvious.  Only a heart full of evil could justify heinous acts of terrorism by claiming they are acting for god.  If they are acting for god, it is definitely not the God of love I as a Christian follow.  However, there are also rulers of darkness in our age that are not committing acts of terrorism but instead are attempting to change our culture from a culture based on Christian values and the rule of law into a culture based on the post-modernistic values of acceptance of truth as being what the individual believes it to be.  (4)  This new culture is acceptant of abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism and attacks anyone or any organization supporting Christian values speaking out against these acts. 

4)      Spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places – This is the true enemy, Satan and his host of demons.  This is the force behind the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness.  However, the good news once again is that Satan has already been defeated at the cross (Hebrews 2:14).  However, though defeated Satan continues to oppress and persecute those opposing his power.  This is why Jesus told us to expect tribulation in this world but also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). 

It is therefore foolish to believe we can achieve victory in this different type of war using the weapons and strategies used in previous wars.  We therefore must embark on a new strategy using new weapons to achieve victory. 

I have previously written about the armor of God or weapons we must use in this spiritual battle.  Now that we have properly identified the enemy, it is time to begin looking at strategies we must begin utilizing in order to achieve victory in our troubling times.  Over the next few Saturdays, we will begin looking at these strategies. 

1. Chance, Don Melvin and Matthew. Russia Says Bomb Brought Down Jet in Sinai, Offers $50 Million Reward. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN, November 17, 2015. [Cited: November 22, 2015.] www.cnn.com/2015/11/17/middleeast/russian-metrojet-crash-bomb/.

2. Moriarty, Erin. Paris Latest City Where Terrorists Target Crowds. www.cbsnews.com. [Online] CBS News, November 15, 2015. [Cited: November 22, 2015.] www.cbsnews.com/news/paris-latest-city-where-terrorists-target-crowds/.

3. goldman, Russell. What We Know and Don't Know About the Terrorist Attack in Mali. mobile-nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, November 20, 2015. [Cited: November 22, 2015.] http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/21/world/africa/terrorist-attacks-in-mali-what-we-know.html

4. Kellner, Douglas. Postmodernism as Social Theory: Some Challenges and Problems. tcs.sagepub.com. [Online] Sage Journals, 1988. [Cited: June 13, 2015.] http://tcs.sagepub.com/content/5/2/239.extract.

Giving Thanks to God

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

NKJV

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States of America.  It is a day set aside in our nation to pause and reflect on those things for which we as a people should be thankful.  For those of us professing a belief in Jesus Christ, thanksgiving is more than just a day, it is a way of life (Colossians 3:17).  For those reading this that do not live in the United States, I want to welcome you to join us in reflecting on things for which to be thankful. 

Unfortunately, it has been a rough few weeks on our world and many may not have much for which to be thankful.  If that is you, I want to let you know many of those reading this and I are praying for you.  We are praying that God will grant you peace in your time of grief and sorrow.  If you already know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, we pray the peace of God, which already resides in your heart in the person of the Holy Spirit, will cover you and give you rest.  If you do not already know Jesus as Savior, take a moment to pray with me and invite the Prince of Peace into your life,

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, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

If you have prayed this prayer, know that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding now, dwells in your heart (Philippians4:7).  I pray that this peace will now rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15). 

Philippians 4:6 urges us to be anxious for nothing but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving.  This may seem simple to do but when we find ourselves in the middle of a world dominated by terrorism and fear, going to prayer with thanksgiving seems like the last thing we must do.  Instead, we tend to resort to fear, the very thing terrorists want us to do. 

I therefore urge everyone reading this to develop a prayerful and thankful attitude in these troubling times by,

1)      Worshipping God – When most of us think of worship, we think of singing or playing an instrument.  However, this limited view of worship excludes those with little or no musical talent.  Psalm 100:1-2 however tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord and to enter His presence with singing.  Psalm 92:1 goes further by telling us it is a good thing to sing praises unto the Lord.  In fact, God dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).  Therefore, whether you voice has a sweet melodic sound or more resembles a noise, sing out for it pleases God just to hear his people worship Him in song.

2)      Serving God – Serving God is not just reserved for those called to be pastors.  Ephesians 6:7 urges all of us to work with enthusiasm as though we were working for the Lord and not just for people.  I happen to work for a wonderful boss so doing what she tells me to do is no problem.  However, I work as an accountant so the enthusiasm part can be difficult.  What helps is to think of my work as working for the Lord knowing people are watching me and noticing my attitude of devotion and enthusiasm as I work.  God has us in the position he has us in now for a reason and I believe much of that reason is for us to be a light in a dark and fearful world.  I therefore want to urge everyone reading this to work with enthusiasm and devotion as if Jesus was your boss.

3)      Giving to God – When most of us think of giving, we think of giving money.  It is a fact that the giving of our tithe to the Lord is important and failure to give of our tithe is robbing God (Malachi 3:8).  Logically it makes no sense for us to give 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord especially if we are already having difficulty paying our bills, let alone be thankful doing it.  However, giving opens the portal through which God bless and takes care of his people’s needs (Luke 6:38).  This does not mean that giving to God guarantees we will become rich but rather that God’s people that give will not find themselves lacking for their basic needs.  Giving is therefore a means for us to express our trust in God and a means of saying thanks in advance in anticipation that our God will supply all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).  However, giving encompasses more than just the giving of our money and also includes the giving of our time in prayer, study of the Word and service to God and our fellow human beings. 

Please join me this Thanksgiving and the days that follow by living our lives in thanks to God who sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16).  A lost and dying world, living in fear and terror needs to see God’s people living lives of thanksgiving and devotion to God.  The question is, will you be one of those people?

Defining American Values

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Joshua 14:8-9

Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying,'Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.'

NKJV

Joshua was a great leader not because of his own abilities but because he wholly followed the Lord.  Joshua 14:8-9 implies that he valued his relationship with the Lord above being popular.  As I look at the dangerous world in which we live and leaders more interested in their own popularity, I yearn for a Joshua to rise up and lead our nation. 

As a reaction to the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris, many governors in the United States have vowed not to let any of the “refugees” from Syria into their states.  (1)  This reaction is due to the discovery of a Syrian passport on one of the terrorists in Paris.  These governors are demonstrating their desire to protect the citizens they lead from an attack similar to what occurred in Paris. 

Opponents to the decisions of these governors cite that turning away “refugees” somehow goes against the values of the United States.  (2)  Determining whether they are correct or not requires defining the values of United States, so, let us take a moment to determine these values.

The founding documents of the United States, The Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution, outline the values of the nation.  The opening of the Declaration of Independence says the following. 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  (3)

This statement in my opinion states the values of the founding of the United States so let us take a closer look at this statement.

1)      The founders believed in the equality of the creation of all mankind and that upon their creation, the creator endowed them with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  They did not believe government gave people their rights and explains why when they sat down to create the Constitution, they formed a federal government with divided and limited power.  The Constitution also assigned the federal government with the duty of protecting the aforementioned God given rights of the citizens.  (4)

2)      The rights stated here are not, in my opinion, in random order but in order of importance.  The right to life is foundational for if a society lives in fear for their lives, it cannot have liberty to pursue happiness.  In addition, if an oppressive government threatens the liberties of the society, the society cannot pursue happiness. 

Unfortunately, in our pleasure seeking society, people often focus on the pursuit of happiness while ignoring threats to their life and liberties.  This is why we must not, in the pursuit of happiness ignore the threat to life posed by allowing Syrian refugees who may include terrorists into our nation for they represent a real threat to the right to life of citizens.    

President Obama has recently stated that allowing these individuals into the nation is in line with the values of the nation.  (2)   His reasoning is that the United States is a nation of immigrants and should open its arms up to anyone desiring to enter the nation in order to escape oppression in their homelands.  However, before allowing any immigrant into the nation, we must insure they are not a threat to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of citizens already living in the country. 

We now have discovered that the perpetrators of the horrific attacks in Paris entered the country posing as refugees from Syria.  (5)  In addition, ISIS has stated its intention to enter the United States posing as refugees.  (6)  In addition, the FBI director has stated that it is impossible to vet those entering the United States from Syria due to a lack of information to enter into any database.  (7) 

I therefore conclude that to open up our arms and let these individuals into the United States presents a threat to the lives of U.S. Citizens and as such threatens their liberties and pursuit of happiness.  In other words, to let these individuals into the country is not in line with the values of the United States, but is in violation of these values. 

I urge everyone to contact his or her representative, his or her senators, and the President of the United States expressing your concerns on this issue.  Tell them that they must not allow this issue to become politicized, making it a serious threat to our national security. 

Let us as a nation learn from the French and not allow a slaughter like the one we saw in Paris to happen in a U.S. city. 

1. Byrnes, Jesse. More Than Half of US Governors Oppose Refugee Resettlement. www.thehill.com. [Online] The Hill, November 17, 2015. [Cited: November 19, 2015.] thehill.com/policy/national-security/260388-more-than-half-of-us-governors-oppose-refugee-resettlement.

2. Aljazeera. Obama: Blocking Syrian Refugees Goes Against US Values. www.aljazeera.com. [Online] Aljazeera, November 18, 2015. [Cited: November 19, 2015.] www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/11/obama-blocking-syrian-refugees-values-151118050322637.html.

3. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] Ushistory.org. [Cited: July 19, 2015.] www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/index.htm.

4. OnPower.org. The Constitution and Bill of Rights. www.onpower.org. [Online] [Cited: September 10, 2013.] http://www.onpower.org/crises_constitution.html.

5. Yahoo. Some Attackers Used Refugee Crisis to Slip into France. news.yahoo.com. [Online] Yahoo. [Cited: November 19, 2015.] news.yahoo.com/attackers-used-refugee-crisis-slip-france-pm-200055808.html.

6. Hohmann, Leo. ISIS Smuggler: 'We Will Use Refugee Crisis to Infiltrate West'. mobile.wnd.com. [Online] WND Front Page, September 4, 2015. [Cited: November 19, 2015.] mobile.wnd.com/2015/09/isis-smuggler-we-will-use-refugee-crisis-to-infiltrate-west/.

7. Datoc, Christian. FBI Director: It's 'Impossible' To Vet Every Single Syrian Refugee (Video). dailycaller.com. [Online] The Daily Caller, November 19, 2015. [Cited: November 19, 2015.] http://dailycaller.com/2015/11/19/fbi-director-its-impossible-to-vet-every-single-syrian-refugee-video/.

Time to Put Away Childish Things

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

NKJV

Walking with the Lord is an ongoing process consisting of study of the Bible, prayer, and association with other believers.  In his discourse with Nicodemus, Jesus spoke of the need for someone to be born again (John 3:3).  Jesus is not speaking of being physically born again but a spiritual birth (John 3:5-6). 

Just as a newborn baby needs nurturing, those recently born again need spiritual nurturing as well.  Sadly, however, our churches have many believers who have been believers for some time that are still in the infant stage of their spiritual development.  That is why it is imperative for our churches to not only have the mission of spreading the Gospel but also helping equip believers in the church to grow and put away childish things. 

Not only is this concept important in our spiritual walk with God, but it is important for individuals to grow in our society as well.  Unfortunately, there is much childish behavior in our society and we all suffer for it.  Here are a few examples,

1)      Fear of Halloween costumes that may offend some students.  (1)

2)      Fear of a flag.  (2)

3)      Fear of people with a different skin tone.  (3)

College is to be a place preparing young people to be productive adults with talents to contribute to improving our society.  Instead it appears universities are stoking fears, which will result in adults unprepared to function in the real world.  It is time for our institutions of higher learning to focus on moving students away from childish behaviors to adulthood.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that the source of fear is not from the Lord.  Spiritual maturity is learning that our God has the power to defeat and protect us from anything causing us to fear.  I therefore want to urge everyone reading this that has fallen prey to the aforementioned fears to give their fears to the Lord and ask The Prince of Peace to fill their hearts with peace instead of fear. 

If a Halloween costume or Confederate Flag offends you, nobody is forcing you to look at it, just walk away.  Instead of fearing someone with a different skin tone than yourself, remember that God created every human being with unique talents and potential.  Instead of fearing these individuals, try to learn from them and help them discover their God given talents. 

Unfortunately, in light of the recent horrific terrorist attacks in Paris we must address another very real fear, the fear that we may fall victim of a horrific attack.  Unfortunately, in our world today the possibility of falling victim to terrorism is very real.  However, this does not mean we must live our lives in fear for even this fear pales to the power of God.  We must not shut ourselves in the bunker of our homes but remain diligent by,

1)      Paying attention to our surroundings – all of the victims in Paris was engaging in activities where their guard may have been down.  Whether they were eating at a restaurant, attending a sporting event, a concert, or shopping, they were most likely focused on enjoying themselves on a Friday night after a hard week at work.  I am not against having a good time but as we are having a good time, we must be on the lookout for people or things that appear out of place.

2)      Carry some form of protection – This is simple if you are in an area that allows you to carry a gun but is more difficult if you find yourself in a gun free zone.  When in a gun free zone we may need to find creative ways of protecting ourselves such as carrying a can of pepper spray in order to temporally blind an attacker giving us some time to escape.  Of course, we can always avoid places that are gun free zones and in light of the recent shootings and attacks in Paris, urge places that are gun free zones to change their policies. 

3)      Being aware of where the exits are and having a plan of escape if we find ourselves attacked.

4)      Have a charged up cell phone available to call for help as man y of the hostages were able to do attending the concert in Paris. 

These are challenging times and require us to face them as adults.  We must not allow petty fears of Halloween costumes, flags, or our differing skin tones distract us from being diligent, looking out for those with intentions of brutally murdering us as the terrorists did in Paris.  Instead, it has never been more important for us to band together insuring the real dangers to or freedoms and liberties are dealt with. 

1. Johnson, Kirk. Halloween Costume Correctness on Campus: Feel Free to Be You, but Not Me. mobile.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, October 30, 2015. [Cited: November 17, 2015.] mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/31/us/cultural-appropriation-halloween-costumes.html?referer=

.

2. soopermexican. Mizzou Prof Says Black Students Are Unsafe From Just Seeing Trucks With Confederate Flags. therightscoop.com. [Online] The Right Scoop, November 10, 2015. [Cited: November 17, 2015.] therightscoop.com/mizzou-prof-says-black-students-are-unsafe-from-just-seeing-trucks-with-confederate-flags/.

3. Shalby, Colleen. Fear Over Racism Grips Mizzou Campus, Sparks #PrayForMizzou and #BlackOnCampus. www.pbs.org. [Online] PBS, November 11, 2015. [Cited: November 17, 2015.] http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/fear-racism-grips-mizzou-campus-sparks-prayformizzou-blackoncampus/.

The Luke Warm Church

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 3:16

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

NKJV

Coffee is a beverage enjoyed either hot or cold.  I know I enjoy a piping hot cup of coffee first thing in the morning.  For me it seems to help me get going so I can focus on my day.  Since I live in the hot desert of Phoenix Arizona, I sometimes also enjoy a cold mocha frapachino from Starbucks from time to time.  However, I have never tried, nor do I plan to try, a lukewarm or room temperature cup of coffee.

Situated southeast of Philadelphia in the Lycus River valley we find the ancient city of Laodicea.  The congregation of the church of Laodicea, possibly along with the church Ephesus, received communications from both the Apostle Paul and John.  (Colossians 2:1, Revelation 3:14-22).  (1)  Paul spoke of his desire that the hearts of those in Laodicea be encouraged (Colossians 2:2).  However, the warning in Revelation leads us to conclude something occurred which caused the church to grow lukewarm. 

Even though scripture does not tell us specifically what occurred that made the church lukewarm, Revelation 3:17 provides a hint and a warning to us in the church today.  It seems that unlike Christians in the other churches addressed in Revelation, the Christians in Laodicea had prospered.  Revelation 3:17 implies that the people in the church boasted that they had become wealthy and were in need of nothing.  Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride goes before a fall.  Perhaps the boastful pride of the church in Laodicea had caused them to believe they could succeed on their own abilities and no longer needed to depend upon God. 

In an article appearing October 30, 2015 in the Christian Post, the Rev. Billy Graham issued a warning to America’s churches to prepare for persecution.  In the article, Rev. Graham speaks of how the church in America has been largely unfamiliar with persecution and that this immunity from persecution is unusual.  (2)

Rev. Graham continues by saying that the church in America does not know what privation is, what sacrifice is, or what suffering is.  He postulates that if persecution were to come to America, it is likely many would deny Christ under persecution’s pressure and that perhaps those shouting the loudest about their faith may be among the first to surrender.  (2)

As a means of inoculating ourselves against buckling under persecution, Rev. Graham proposes a five-step program of fortification that includes,

1)      Making sure of our relationship with Christ.  (2)  Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).  The only way for one to have salvation from the sin that separates them from God is a personal relationship with Christ, which involves making Jesus Christ Lord of your life.  Our good works (Ephesians 2:8) do not achieve salvation with God for our good works are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah64:6).  If you have never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life or if you are unsure of your relationship with God, Please take a moment 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, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

2)      Walking with God.  (2)  Once we have assurance of our relationship with God, it is important that we walk with God.  This does not mean we will physically see God and take a walk with him as we would take a walk with someone on earth.  What it means to walk with God is to strive to live our lives in a manner that pleases Him remembering that we are still imperfect beings and as such will have to seek forgiveness from time to time (1John 1:9).  We live in a world governed by sin and evil and as such, walking with God makes us different.  This difference may actually bring on persecution but as we remain steadfast in our faith when we face persecution, we may cause some to believe after seeing our dedication to Christ as happened with Stephen in Acts 7:54-60

3)      Regularly reading scripture.  (2)  Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) and said His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27).  Even in Israel today, shepherds call out to their sheep and they came running at the sound of their shepherd’s voice.  (3)  The sheep recognize their shepherd’s voice by regularly hearing the voice of their shepherd.  The Bible, the Word of God is the voice of God speaking to us and when we regularly spend time reading scripture, we are able to hear the voice of our shepherd as he calls us and run to him when persecution comes instead of denying him.  It is not those speaking out loudly for Christ that will be strong when persecution comes but those that have spent time with their shepherd through scripture.  They are the ones that will recognize the voice of the shepherd and remain strong by running towards Him.

4)      Praying always.  (2)  Whereas the Bible is how we hear from God, praying is how we speak to God.  No relationship remains strong without regular communication.  Since communication involves both listening and speaking, a strong relationship with God is one involving regular prayer and study of the Bible.

5)      Meditating on Christ.  (2)  When most of us think of meditation, we picture someone sitting cross-legged on the floor chanting some mantra.  Psalm 1:2 speaks of one that delights in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.  The word translated meditate is the Hebrew word daw-gaw, which means to ponder, imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, speak, study, talk, or utter.  (4)  Meditation on Christ means not to just superficially read scripture but to take time to ponder, study and even utter the Word of God.  In essence, meditation on scripture takes the words on the page and makes them part of our lives. 

The church in Laodicea had grown complacent and comfortable in their worldly success.  In many ways, churches in America have also grown complacent and comfortable.  However, we must constantly be on guard not to grow complacent as Christians for when we do, we too can become lukewarm and sickening to God. 

Jesus warned us that in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus also reminds us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33).  However, in order to prepare for coming persecution, we must apply the five steps outlined by Rev. Graham so we will run to the one that has overcome the world instead of denying Jesus the overcomer. 

1. BibleGateway. The Message to Laodicea. www.biblegateway.com. [Online] BibleGateway. [Cited: November 8, 2015.] https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Rev/Message-Laodicea

2. Gryboski, Michael. Billy Graham's Warning to American Churches: 'Prepare for Persecution.'. m.christianpost.com. [Online] The ChristianPost, October 30, 2015. [Cited: November 8, 2015.] m.christianpost.com/news/billy-graham-warning-american-churches-prepare-persecution-148764/?m=1.

3. youtube. The Good Shepherd & His Sheep. www.youtube.com. [Online] You Tube. [Cited: November 8, 2015.] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Coq_grSFlNs.

4. Strongs Concordance. daw-gaw. www.godrules.net. [Online] Godrules. [Cited: November 8, 2015.] www.godrules.net/library/strongs2a/heb1897.htm.

Honoring Those That Serve

By:  Dale Weckbacher   

Matthew 23:11-12

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 

NKJV

Today is Veterans Day in the United States.  It is a day our nation sets aside to honor those that have served in the defense of the nation.  Jesus reminds us in Matthew 23:11-12 that those that humble themselves in service to us are people whom we should hold in high esteem.  If you are reading this and among those that have humbled yourself to serve your nation in the armed forces, let me express my gratitude for your humble service and I pray God will bless you. 

Even though the original intent of Veterans Day was a day for the nation to pause and honor those that have served to defend the nation, the day has unfortunately become just like any other day for some.  I for one have to work today, as do many who do not work for the government.  However, if not for the humble sacrifice of veterans who have protected my nation from its enemies, I may not have the freedom to go to work today so, even though I must work today, I once again want to thank the many veterans who have served and protected my freedoms.

The idea of servant leadership is foreign to many in our society today, including many holding political office.  Instead of honoring our veterans by insuring they are cared for in reward for their service, we open our border, allowing foreigners who have done nothing to serve the citizens of our nation access to entitlement programs such as free health care, food stamps, refundable tax credits etc.  Meanwhile we subject veterans to a VA system with long waiting lists and inferior care. 

Warfare is a bloody violent business and those that nations send into battle experience atrocities unlike most civilians will ever experience.  As such, these men and women return from the battlefield with serious and even debilitating physical injuries.  However, perhaps the most serious of injuries these individuals return with are the mental issues they must deal with.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition affecting many of our returning veterans.  Left untreated, PTSD can be as debilitating as losing a limb.  This is why it saddens me when politicians give criminals, illegally entering my nation, preference over men and women they sent into battle who return with serious injuries.  Our nation must get its priorities straight and honor those that serve it instead of those illegally coming in looking for a handout.

The 2016 Presidential Election in the United States is less than a year away and the first primary is less than 90 days away.  As with any election, the nation faces many serious issues this election.  However, on this Veterans Day, let us consider ways that the next President and Congress can improve our treatment of veterans by,

1)      Giving our brave veterans a choice when it comes to their health care.  Many of those reading this either have some form of private insurance of are on Medicare of Medicaid.  Most people insured under these programs have the liberty to choose their doctor.  Shouldn’t we give those that humbly served to preserve our liberty the same option.

2)      Stop making the defense budget the ATM machine politicians use to fund their pet projects by cutting the defense budget.  Not only do these cuts relegate our brave veterans to inferior health care, but it also endangers the nation by hampering the ability of the military to defend the citizens of the nation.  It is a dangerous world today and the United States and many of the other nations of those reading this have many enemies, enemies the military must be prepared to defend citizens against. 

3)      Taking time today, and every day, to pray for those that have served, and are currently serving our nations.  These brave men and women engage extremely evil people with one purpose in mind, destroying the citizens of our nations.  We therefore must pray for God’s protection over them constantly. 

In this election, we will have candidates for office that believe our nation spends too much on defense and that they should take some of this money and spend it on other social programs.  On the other side, we will have candidates that believe it is important for the nation to honor those that humbly serve it and support programs that will honor their service.  Therefore, when we enter the ballot box this election, let us insure we vote for candidates supporting the military for it is they who are exalting those humbly making the sacrifice to serve us by defending us.  I believe this is the most compassionate act we as voters can do to exalt those serving us.

The Faithful Church

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 3:8

"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

NKJV

The sixth church addressed in the Book of Revelation is the church in Philadelphia.  The ancient City of Philadelphia was founded in the second century B.C. by Attalus king of Pergamum.  He named it Philadelphia in honor of his predecessor Eumenes Philadelphia.  The city was strategically located in a fertile river valley on the main road from Sardis to Laodicea.  (1)

God commends this church for keeping His Word and not denying the name of Jesus.  Jesus tells them that He knows their works and that He has set before them an open door that no one can shut (Revelation 3:8).  However, Jesus also acknowledges they have little strength.  The Greek word translated as little is mikros, which sounds like micro a something very small.  (2)  The word translated strength is dunamis, sounding much like dynamite or dynamic meaning something very powerful.  (3)

If we were to use the literal translation of these words, we would arrive at the conclusion that Jesus is condemning this church for its weakness and lack of power.  However, we must also take scripture in its context.  In Revelation 3:7, Jesus tells this church that he opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens.  He then in Revelation 3:8 tells them that He has set before them an open door.  The passage goes on in Revelation 3:9 to promise that those of the synagogue of Satan will be made to come and worship before their feet. 

Therefore, when taken in context, we cannot conclude that Jesus is condemning the Church in Philadelphia for its weakness.  Instead, I believe Jesus is reminding them that even with their little strength, their faithfulness to God and His Word are more than enough to open up doors for the church as well as bringing victory over the synagogue of Satan. 

Another reference to the synagogue of Satan is found in Revelation 2:9 the letter to the church at Smyrna, the persecuted church.  This synagogue is a reference to unbelieving Jews standing in opposition to Christians.  (4)  In the Church at Smyrna, the synagogue of Satan became a source of persecution.  However, in the letter to the Church at Philadelphia, Jesus promises that they will one day bow at their feet.  This is most likely in reference to when everyone shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ and everyone shall bow before Christ (Romans 14:11).

The Church in Philadelphia was likely experiencing persecution from the unbelieving Jews in their city and feared persecution like the church in Smyrna.  Perhaps they believed they were weak and could not overcome them.  Taken in this context, Jesus reference to their little strength is not a condemnation for their weakness but a promise that even their little strength or faith was more than enough to overcome the powerful forces against them (Matthew 17:20). 

Just as the ancient Church in Philadelphia might have feared the powerful forces posed against them by the Synagogue of Satan, the church today faces powerful opposition.  Christians in many parts of the world today face the threat of death for their faith from radical Islamists like ISIS.  Other Christians face the threat of death from tyrannical governments like that in North Korea and parts of China. 

In nations like the United States where there is Constitutional protection to freely practice ones religion, there is a soft persecution brewing.  Even though this persecution does not threaten death to believers, believers still live in fear that their expression of faith may result in a financial penalty or loss of livelihood or property. 

The threat of persecution can make us feel weak and powerless like the Church in Philadelphia but with only faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20), even mountains of persecution.  It was this small amount of faith, imparted to us when the Holy Spirit convicted us of our sin, which resulted in the moving of mountain of sin that separated us from God.  It is therefore no problem for the mountain of the fear of persecution that holds us back from being moved as we exercise our seemingly small amount of faith. 

Join me in praying that the body of Christ will grow and become aware of the power it possesses with its seemingly small level of strength.  Pray that we will begin to mightily use the weapons of warfare afforded us in Christ (Ephesians 6:10-20) for a lost and dying world, a world believing it possesses all the power, needs to be brought to the realization that Jesus is Lord.  Pray that these lost individuals, many of whom are our friends and family, will come to this knowledge before it is too late so they can join us for eternity with Christ and escape the judgment of Christ. 

Finally remember that where we are weak, Jesus is strong (2Corinthians 12:10).  Also, remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ facing persecution.  Pray they will remain strong and faithful knowing that in the end, the Kingdom of God will reign. 

1. BibleGateway. The Message to Philadelphia. www.biblegateway.com. [Online] BibleGateway. [Cited: November 1, 2015.] https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Rev/Message-Philadelphia.

2. Biblehub. 3398. mikros. biblehub.com. [Online] Bible Hub. [Cited: November 1, 2015.] biblehub.com/greek/3398.htm.

3. BibleHub.com. 1411. dunamis. www.biblehub.com. [Online] Bible Hub. [Cited: November 1, 2015.] biblehub.com/greek/1411.htm.

4. biblestudytools.com. Smyrna. www.biblestudytools.com. [Online] BibleStudyTools. [Cited: September 30, 2015.] www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/smyrna.html.

Not a Purest, I Am a Man of Faith

By:  Dale Weckbacher   

Matthew 17:20

So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

NKJV

In the heated GOP nomination battle for President of the United States, the word purest has been mentioned.  The term refers to members and candidates in the party considered pure idealists.  On the other side of the party, we have pragmatists who weigh candidates against a perceived electability standard.  (1)  These pragmatists, many of whom are in the GOP leadership and work as consultants, parade their favorite candidate, a candidate many purists in the party have major disagreements with, telling voters this is the only candidate that can win.

In the last two elections, many of the so-called purists, including myself, voted for the GOP pragmatic nominee.  However, both Senator McCain and Governor Romney lost, thus disproving the claims that these candidates were the only ones capable of winning.  Many believe part of the reason for these losses is that even though many of the so-called purists held their electoral noses and voted for McCain and Romney, many stayed home.  (2)

However, once again the GOP leadership seems to be ignoring the electoral facts and once again, they are parading candidates like Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, or John Kasich claiming they are the only candidates capable of beating presumed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.  However, this election cycle has a twist that was missing in the last two presidential elections, Donald Trump.

Trump seems to be defying traditional political logic.  (3)  As such, the traditional logic of political consultants that a candidate for president supported by the so-called purists of the GOP cannot win may be changing.  However, the true purists in this election cycle may actually be the pragmatists who continue to cling to their belief that a candidate appealing to the purists of the party absolutely cannot win.  This leads us to ask why these pragmatists continue to ignore the fact that their strategy has lost three of the last five presidential elections and four of the last five popular votes. 

I believe we must go back to the election of 1964 when the GOP nominated a conservative, Barry Goldwater.  They look at the drubbing he received in this election only winning 52 electoral votes and 38.47% of the popular vote.  (4)  Since this election, GOP consultants believe that a conservative candidate scares off independents, leading to a sure electoral defeat. 

However, this logic totally ignores the two electoral landslides of conservative candidate Ronald Reagan.  Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent Jimmy Carter winning 489 electoral votes to Carter’s 49 and winning 50.75 percent of the popular vote.  (5)   In 1984, Ronald Reagan won by an even larger margin winning 525 electoral votes to only 13 by Mondale and taking 58.77 percent of the popular vote.  (6)

Since these two historic landslides, we have witnessed only three GOP electoral victories, four GOP defeats, and only two GOP popular vote electoral victories with five GOP popular vote defeats.  Perhaps instead of going back to the GOP defeat of 1964 as evidence a conservative cannot win, GOP consultants should go back to 1980 and 1984 to see what a decisive victory, a victory by a conservative, looks like. 

I am an evangelical Christian conservative.  However, I do not consider myself a purist for that would be claiming to be pure and perfect, something I am not (Romans3:23).  I am, however, a man of faith that believes Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6), and one that believes in the inerrancy of the Bible, the Word of God. 

Therefore, when deciding on which candidate to vote for, I weigh the candidate’s values against the standard of the Word of God.  This does not mean, however, that I refuse to vote for a candidate that does not share my Christian beliefs, only a candidate that does not support programs violating my Christian beliefs, and a candidate vowing to protect my first amendment protection to freely practice my faith. 

I therefore urge the GOP establishment and consultants not to ignore persons of faith with a devout faith in the Bible but instead to support candidates that support the biblical standard of marriage, life, and truth.  Persons of faith like myself belief marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5).  We believe God is concerned with every individual, including those still in the womb (Psalm 22:10).  We believe in the standard of truth Jesus came to bear witness of (John 18:27) and as such want candidates that will do what they promised to do and not candidates that will say one thing to get our votes and another when in office. 

Even though the number of those professing Christianity is declining in the United States, a recent Pew Poll discovered that there are still 70.6 percent professing Christianity.  (7)  This represents a massive majority, a majority I urge the GOP establishment not to ignore.  I also urge the GOP establishment to heed to words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20 for even though the faith of people of faith may be as small as a mustard seed, it is a mountain moving faith. 

1. Benen, Steve. Purists vs. Pragmatists. www.washingtonmonthly.com. [Online] Washington Monthly, June 30, 2011. [Cited: October 30, 2015.] www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal/2011_06/purists_vs_pragmatists030607.php.

2. Griffin. What went wrong in 2012? The case of the 4 million missing voters. www.redstate.com. [Online] Red State, November 14, 2012. [Cited: July 12, 2015.] http://www.redstate.com/diary/griffinelection/2012/11/14/what-went-wrong-in-2012-the-case-of-the-4-million-missing-voters/.

3. Gorenstein, Colin. Anderson Cooper is Dumbfounded by The Donald: "Trump defies all laws of political gravity". www.salon.com. [Online] Salon, August 12, 2015. [Cited: October 30, 2015.] www.salon.com/2015/08/12/anderson_cooper_is_dumbfounded_by_the_donald_trump_defies_all_laws_of_political_gravity/.

4. USelectionatlas.org. 1964 Presidential General Election Results. www.uselectionatlas.org. [Online] uselectionatlas.org. [Cited: october 30, 2015.] uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/national.php?year=1964.

5. uselectionatlas.org. 1980 Presidential General Election Results. www.uselectionatlas.org. [Online] uselectionatlas.org. [Cited: October 30, 2015.] uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/national.php?year=1980.

6. —. 1984 Presidential General Election Results. www.uselectionatlas.org. [Online] uselectionatlas.org. [Cited: October 30, 2015.] uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/national.php?year=1984.

7. Pew Research Center. America’s Changing Religious Landscape. www.pewforum.org. [Online] Pew Research Center, May 12, 2015. [Cited: May 17, 2015.] http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/.