Jacob: The Deceiver Becomes He Who Prevails With God

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Genesis 35:9-10

Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel.

NKJV

Unlike in our time, names in the ancient world often reflected the character of the person.  The name Jacob means “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.”  (1)  As we look at the life of Jacob, it becomes clear that he lived up to his name by taking his brothers birthright (Genesis25:31-32) and through deception taking his brothers blessing (Genesis 27:1-29). 

However, the tables would turn on Jacob as he will be forced to leave his homeland and live with his uncle Laban (Genesis 28:1-5).  Jacob agreed to work for his uncle in return for his younger daughter Rachael only to be deceived (Genesis 29).  In essence, the deceiver or supplanter is deceived. 

However, after learning his lesson and preparing to return to his homeland, God appears to Jacob and changes his name from Jacob to Israel.  Israel means “God contended.”  (2)  God is in essence giving Jacob a new identity as one who contended with God and prevailed in reference to his wrestling with God and prevailing (Genesis 30:28). 

When we accept Jesus as our personal savior, we do not normally change our given name.  However, in the sight of God we do receive a new identity and name (Isaiah 62:2).  Just as when Jacob received his new name and his previous life as a supplanter and deceiver were left behind, when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive a new identity and our old identity of sin is forgotten by God (Psalm 103:12). 

However, this does not mean we will never sin again for even though Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, his descendants would commit grievous sins and come under Babylonian, Persian, and Roman captivity.  Their sins may have caused them to loose fellowship with God but did not change the fact they remain God’s chosen people through which Messiah came into the world (Genesis 12:3).  Now when we sin, we can confess that sin and receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9). 

This however does not give us permission to continue living in sin for as 1 John 1:6 tells us, to do that is to live a lie and a life lacking fellowship with God.  This is in essence living a life of self-deception or reverting to our previous sinful identity.  Our goal therefore is to sin less knowing we will not achieve a sinless life on this side of eternity. 

Deception has always been a tool Satan uses to trap people in the sin identity.  Prior to making Jesus our savior, we had the identity of Jacob and allowed ourselves to be deceived by Satan the deceiver.  However, once we became aware of Satan’s deception in our lives, we accepted Jesus as our savior and now have an identity of one who contended with God and accepted His free gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8).  Let us therefore not deceive ourselves by continuing to live in sin but instead strive to live lives committed to obedience to God and His Word. 

If in the course of reading this post you have become aware of the life of deception you have been living or become aware of Satan’s deception in your life, 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, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

If you prayed this prayer, your given name did not change but know that in the sight of God, you now have a new identity.  You now have a relationship with God and have become a son of God (Galatians 3:26).  Now, I urge you to enter into fellowship with God by reading His Word, the Bible, praying to Him, and attending a church that teaches the Bible in order to have regular fellowship with other believers for this is the best way to immunize yourself against deception. 

1. Behind The Name. Given Name: Jacob. www.behindthename.com. [Online] Behind The Name. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] www.behindthename.com/name/jacob.

2. Behind the Name. Given Name: Israel. www.behindthename.com. [Online] Behind The Name. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] www.behindthename.com/name/israel.

Cruzin with Cruz

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Samuel 9:2

And he had a choice and handsome son whose name was Saul. There was not a more handsome person than he among the children of Israel. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

NKJV

1 Samuel 16:11

And Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all the young men here?" Then he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep."

And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here."

NKJV

The best leader is not necessarily the tallest or the strongest.  This was especially true with the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David.  Saul was the people’s choice due to his tall stature and handsome looks whereas David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons and a shepherd was God’s choice.  The difference is that we as people tend to look only on the surface or someone’s appearance whereas God looks at the heart. 

In my opinion, the GOP nomination for President of the United States has come down to either Ted Cruz of Donald Trump.  Donald Trump has been able to establish the narrative and maintain a comfortable lead in the national polls.  (1) (2)  However, the race for the Iowa caucus shows a neck and neck race between Cruz and Trump.  (3)  There is also some concern that absent a solid ground organization in the Trump campaign, many professing support for Trump may not turn out at the polls or caucuses to vote for him.  (4)  The truth of the matter is that at this point, everything is based on polling data but that is about to change as voters begin voting and making their voices heard. 

With the race coming down to a choice between Cruz and Trump, I currently favor Cruz because,

1)      Cruz is not the most forceful or charismatic candidate but voting for the next leader of the United States should not be solely based on charisma or flamboyance.  Instead voting for President should be approached as hiring someone to do a job.  Whereas Trump has demonstrated success in the business and media world, Cruz is a rogue insider with a more intimate knowledge of what is wrong with government and has demonstrated an ability and willingness to stand up against the establishment, or Washington cartel as he puts it. 

2)      As an evangelical Christian Cruz shares the same Christian values as myself and other Christians and can energize the evangelical GOP base that has not been showing up to vote.  (5)  In a close election as this election may be, turnout is critical.  Even though Trump has been able to excite the public this election cycle, it is yet to be seen if he is able to turn out the vote. 

3)      As a Harvard debate champion, Cruz has a talent for winning the debate over issues.  (6)  Politics is about convincing a majority of people to support your policies.  Whereas flamboyant bombastic speech may excite some, it also causes others to dig in their heels.  I believe as a debate champion, Cruz will be better equipped to use the bully pulpit of the Presidency to convince reluctant leaders in the House and Senate over to his side, similar to how Ronald Reagan was able to convince Democrats in both the Senate and House to adopt his economic and national security policies. 

However, let me make this perfectly clear, if Ted Cruz does not win the GOP nomination for President of the United States, I will support the eventual nominee, which I believe would be Donald Trump.  This is because the United States as we know it will not survive a Hillary Clinton Presidency which will be a third and possibly forth Obama term. 

This primary season I have decided to cruz with Cruz just as I support my favorite sports team when they are competing in the playoffs with the understanding that should my team be eliminated, I will remain loyal to the conference of my team and support them in the big game.  I urge everyone else to support their favorite candidate in this primary season but to also remain loyal to the eventual nominee so our team can win the big game, the November election, and the White House. 

1. Whalen, William. It's Down to Trump vs. Cruz Plus Four More Things We Learned at 2016's First GOP Debate. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, January 16, 2016. [Cited: 17 2016, January.] http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2016/01/15/its-down-to-trump-vs-cruz-plus-four-more-things-learned-at-2016s-first-gop-debate.html.

2. Condon, Stephanie. Donald Trump Maintains Strong Lead Among GOP Voters Nationwide. www.cbsnews.com. [Online] CBS News, January 5, 2016. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] www.cbsnews.com/news/donald-trump-maintains-strong-lead-among-gop-voters-nationwide/.

3. Ward, Mike. New Poll: Trump, Cruz Neck-And-Neck in Iowa. m.chron.com. [Online] Houston Chronicle, January 13, 2016. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] m.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/New-poll-Trump-Cruz-neck-and-neck-in-Iowa-6755714.php.

4. Straker, Ed. Serious Problems With Trump's Iowa Grounmd Game. www.americanthinker.com. [Online] The American Thinker, January 14, 2016. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] www.americanthinker.com/blog/2016/01/serious_problems_with_trumps_iowa_ground_game.html.

5. Gabriel, Trip. Ted Cruz's Diligent Courting of Evangelicals pays Off in Iowa. mobile.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, January 10, 2016. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] mobile.nytimes.com/2016/01/11/us/politics/ted-cruz-rises-in-iowa-on-tide-of-evangelical-support.html?referer=&_r=0.

6. Zimmerman, Sacha. I Watched Ted Cruz Debate in College Don't Count Him Out. www.nationaljournal.com. [Online] National Journal, August 6, 2015. [Cited: January 17, 2016.] www.nationaljournal.com/s/70470/i-watched-ted-cruz-debate-college-dont-count-him-out.

Isaac: Letting God Lead

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Luke 22:42

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

NKJV

In 2008 when visiting Israel, one of the places we visited was the Garden of Gethsemane.  There are still olive trees growing in the garden but unlike in the time of Christ, the site now has a beautiful church.  The garden is a serene quiet place, which is most likely why Jesus chose this spot to pray.  However, as serene as this spot is, on the night when Jesus uttered the words of Luke 22:42, the feeling in Jesus soul would have hardly been serene.

As Luke 22:43-44 tell us, he was in such agony that an angel came to comfort him and his sweat became like great drops of blood, something medically known as thromboi haimatos.  (1)  Jesus, as God himself (John 10:30), knew what was about to happen.  As a man, Jesus knew he was about to experience agony unlike any man before him, making it easy to understand him experiencing thromboi haimatos. 

As God, Jesus could have simply stopped his captors from capturing him or came down from the cross and ended his physical agony.  Fortunately for us however, Jesus chose to obey and be led by His heavenly Father, making it possible for everyone to enjoy eternal life with the Lord.  Jesus obedience to God the Father makes him the epitome of great love for us all by laying down His life for everyone (John 15:13). 

Isaac, Abraham’s son of promise, is also one who lived his life being led by God.  Genesis 22:1-24 records the account of the test of Abraham’s faith.  However, we usually view this account from the eyes of Abraham, so let us take a moment to view this from the eyes of Isaac for in doing so, we will see a great picture of obedience to God.

In this account in scripture we see Isaac demonstrating,

1)      Faithfulness (Genesis 22:3) – Isaac did not hesitate to go with his father to offer the burnt sacrifice.  Granted this is most likely not the first time Isaac went with his father to help with a burnt sacrifice, but this does demonstrate faithfulness to his father in doing the routine things.  In my church, as with the churches of many reading this, we have those faithful saints who are there every Sunday and Wednesday.  Many of them faithfully serve as ushers or sing with our church’s worship teams or choir.  These people understand that being led by God means faithfulness in doing the routine things for the Lord.

2)      Willingness to serve (Genesis 22:6) – Isaac did not hesitate to carry the wood on his shoulders for the sacrifice, a beautiful picture of Jesus carrying the cross to Calvary for our sins in obedience to His Father.  Like Jesus in Gethsemane, Isaac did question what his father was doing but in the end, Isaac obediently obeyed his father.

3)      Willingness to sacrifice his life (Genesis22:9-10) – Imagine being Isaac and seeing your father laying you down on an alter and coming at you with a knife.  Most of us, including myself, would have struggled and ran away, but we see no mention in scripture of Isaac struggling or attempting to get away.  Like Jesus who willing allowed Himself to be led as a lamb to the slaughter for our sins (Isaiah 53:7), Isaac was obediently prepared to be the lamb for sacrifice.  Fortunately for Isaac, and for us, God provided a substitute lamb, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins.

Isaac went on to marry Rebekah and had twin sons Jacob and Esau.  Isaac, like us, was imperfect and played favorites with his two sons, favoring Esau over Jacob.  This is the direct opposite of what God intended for Genesis 25:23 tells us that it was God’s intention for Esau, the first born, to serve his younger brother Jacob. 

God was not about to allow Isaac’s favoritism to get in the way and essentially allowed Rebekah and Jacob to trick Isaac into giving Jacob Esau’s blessing.  Once Isaac discovered the deception, he did not scold his son Jacob for deceiving him but allowed God’s will to be done.  Even in his imperfections, Isaac remained a man willing to be led by God.

In these challenging times for the world in which we live, we must follow Isaac and Jesus’ example and allow our lives to be led by God.  This may seem like a simple decision to make but we must also remember that this decision to be led by God may entail doing something uncomfortable, or even potentially life threatening.  However, just as Jesus rose from the dead and Isaac went on to father Jacob who would father the fathers of the 12 tribes of Israel, following God will lead to victory not only for us but for future generations. 

Jesus is coming back to establish a world free from evil, but until then we must allow God to lead our lives knowing there will be moments when our faithfulness is tested, we may become uncomfortable, or we may even face danger.  Will you surrender your life to God and allow Him to lead you? 

1. D, Dave Miller Ph. Did Jesus Sweat Blood. www.apologeticspress.org. [Online] Apologetics Press. [Cited: January 10, 2016.] www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=1086.

The Constitution, a Living but not Evolving Document

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

NKJV

Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Word of God as a living document working like a two-edged sword.  The word translated as living in this scripture is the Greek word zaw.  This word carries the meaning of living or not lifeless.  For those of us professing a belief in God, we view the Word of God as a living document upon which we base our lives.  However, the Word of God is not an evolving document and therefore must be studied in its entirety without deleting or adding to it (Revelation 22:18-19). 

President Woodrow Wilson referred to the U.S. Constitution as “Darwinian in nature” and that “society is a living organism and must obey the laws of life, not of mechanics; it must develop.”  (1)  Wilson’s view of the U.S. Constitution was not that it was a rule of law or as he put it, mechanics which society must obey, but a living document, which must evolve with the laws of life that change with what is currently popular with society as a whole. 

The U.S. constitution is a living document in that its structure of limited government with separation of powers is the best model developed by men for structuring government.  Evidence for this belief comes from the United States growing from a fledgling nation winning its independence from Great Britton to a world super power in less than 200 years.  However, I disagree with Woodrow Wilson’s view of the Constitution as a living document for his view is of the Constitution as an evolving, and not a living document. 

However, since Woodrow Wilsons writing, Democrat and Republican Presidents, Representatives, Senators, and most importantly Judges have adopted Wilsons evolving Constitutional view giving us

1)      Abortion on demand through Roe v. Wade – The U.S. Supreme Court in essence created the right to abortion on demand citing a right to privacy.  Roe v. Wade cited that a woman’s right to an abortion, covered under her right to privacy under the Due Process Clause of the 14^th Amendment of the Constitution.  (2)  The problem with this interpretation is that the U.S. Constitution contains no express “right to privacy.”  However, Supreme Court Justices holding to the philosophy of an evolving Constitution, created the right to privacy, believing this to be a rule of life society had evolved to in its Darwinian nature. 

2)      Gay Marriage ruled legal through Obergefell v. Hodges – Marriage is not specifically addressed in the Constitution making the legality of marriage a state issue under the 10^th Amendment to the Constitution.  It is therefore not the duty of the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on any issue regarding marriage.  However, once again justices viewing the Constitution as an evolving document have created the legality of gay marriage nationally due to the evolution of society and its rule of life viewing gay marriage as acceptable in their opinion.  For those of us basing our lives on the Word of God, this ruling has presented a conflict resulting in people losing their businesses (3) and their wealth (4) for going against the evolution of society as perceived by five justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. 

3)      Gun control through executive order in violation of the 2^nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution – Most recently, citing the inability of Congress to act, we have regulatory restrictions on the sale of firearms by President Obama.  (5)  In 2001 Barak Obama described the Constitution as having “deep flaws” and that the Founding Fathers had “an enormous blond spot” when they wrote it.  (6)  Apparently, this belief in a flawed Constitution is a basis for his belief that he can with the stroke of his pen, nullify the second Amendment of what he views as a “flawed” Constitution. 

The Word of God is a living document upon which people can base their lives.  The U.S. Constitution is also a living document upon which to structure government.  However, neither of these documents is an evolving documents changing with the ever-changing norms of society.  Civil society and civility in our daily lives require something upon which society and individuals can anchor their lives.  We therefore must preserve the structure of the U.S. Constitution and the Bible, the Word of God and not allow either of these documents to evolve with the changing norms of society. 

This is precisely why I prefer candidates who have anchored their lives around the Bible and do not believe in an evolving Constitution. 

1. Washington, Ellis. Mark Levin on President Woodrow Wilson. www.wnd.com. [Online] WND, January 11, 2013. [Cited: January 10, 2016.] www.wnd.com/2013/01/mark-levin-on-president-woodrow-wilson/.

2. Life, Americans United for. Why Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton are the Most Unconstitutional Decisions of All Time. www.aul.com. [Online] Americans United for Life, September 17, 2010. [Cited: January 10, 2016.] www.aul.org/2010/09/why-roe-v-wade-and-doe-v-bolton-are-the-most-unconstitutional-decisions-of-all-time/.

3. Smith, Samuel. Oregon christian Bakers Ordered to Pay $135K After Refusing to Work Gay Wedding; Told to Stop Speaking About 'ObeyGod, Not Man'. www.christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, July 3, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2015.] www.christianpost.com/news/oregon-christian-bakers-ordered-to-pay-135k-after-refusing-to-work-gay-wedding-told-to-stop-speaking-about-obeying-god-now-man-141137/.

4. Starnes, Todd. Costly Beliefs: State Squeezes Last Penny From Bakers Who Defied Lesbian-Wedding Cake Order. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, December 29, 2015. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/12/29/bakers-forced-to-pay-more-than-135g-in-lesbian-cake-battle.html.

5. Fox News. Obama Announces Gun Control Actions, Expands Background Checks. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, January 5, 2016. [Cited: January 10, 2016.] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2016/01/05/obama-announces-gun-control-actions-expands-background-checks.html.

6. Platten, David A. Obama: Constitution is "Deeply Flawed". www.newsmax.com. [Online] Newsmax, October 27, 2008. [Cited: January 10, 2016.] www.newsmax.com/t/newsmax/article/326165.

Abraham: A Man of Obedient, Patient, and Willing Faith

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Genesis 15:6

And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD, and He (God) accounted it to him for righteousness.

NKJV

Imagine, God himself telling you that your belief in the Lord makes you righteous with God.  Even though this may appear to be a farfetched idea, because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross, we can all experience having God see us as righteous (2 Corinthians5:21).  We therefore have a right standing with God through Christ. 

Abraham also provides an example of a faith that is,

1)      Obedient to the calling of God – Upon receiving a calling from God, Abram left Ur to journey to the land God promised him (Genesis 12:1-9).  Ur, a flourishing city was a place in which Abram and his family could have stayed probably enjoying a comfortable life.  (1)  However, Ur was also a place of pagan worship, most likely the moon-god.  (2)  As a man of God, Abraham was not comfortable in this atmosphere and obediently obeyed God’s call to go to the land God promised him.

2)      Patient waiting for the fulfillment of the promise of God – God’s promise to Abram was that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:2).  A nation consisting of himself and Sarai would hardly be considered a great nation so Abram knew God was promising him and Sarai children.  However, in what some may consider a cruel twist of fate, Sarai is barren and without child (Genesis 11:30) and even though Abram was a man of righteous faith (Genesis 15:6), he was also human and grew impatient.  This led to the birth of Ishmael.  Abram’s impatience however did not prevent God from fulfilling his promise to Abram and at the age of 100, the promised son Isaac was born (Genesis 21:5). 

3)      Willing to obey God even when it makes no sense – In what could be considered another cruel twist of fate, God then asks Abram to do the unthinkable, offer up Isaac, the son Abram waited so long for, as a sacrifice to God (Genesis 22:1-2).  When asked by Isaac on the way up the mountain where the lamb for the sacrifice is, Abram replied, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”  (Genesis 22:8).  Hebrews 11:17-19 tells us that even if God did not provide a substitute lamb for sacrifice, Abram believed God would raise his son from the dead if necessary.  So strong was Abraham in his faith that he willingly obeyed God even when it made no sense.  This willingness of Abram to offer up Isaac now provides a beautiful picture of God offering up His only Son Jesus as the substitute lamb for our sins.

We too must develop an obedient faith like Abrahams in these last days.  We must obediently follow the call of God on our lives.  However, this does not mean we run when we feel some urge on our hearts to go for before going we must be sure it is the will of God and not just some whimsical idea of our own.  I urge everyone to prayerfully seek God’s will for their lives and before taking any giant leap of faith like Abram did, seek counsel from church leadership.  

We must be patient in our faith as Abram was, knowing that Jesus’ promise to return is true and that he only delays so everyone has an opportunity to accept his free gift of salvation (2 Peter 3:9).  While waiting for the Lords return, we must be busy sharing the Gospel with those God places in our path instead of growing impatient. 

We must be willing in our faith as Abram was.  We will not be asked to sacrifice one of our children for the only sacrifice necessary for salvation from our sins was offered when God offered up His only Son Jesus (John 3:16).  However, God may ask us to do something uncomfortable or even dangerous, of course seek counsel before doing anything dangerous to insure it is the will of God.  Our willingness to become uncomfortable or take a risk may be just what is needed to bring someone to accept Jesus, the Lamb provided by God, for salvation from his or her sins. 

In 2016, the United States will have an election.  However, as we see the culture in our world degenerate into something resembling the culture in Sodom and Gomorrah, we must be willing to be uncomfortable or even take some risks in order to stand strong in our faith.  Let us pray we are like Abraham, obedient, patient, and willing in our faith. 

1. Biblicaltraining.org. Ur of the Chaldees. www.biblicaltraining.org. [Online] biblicaltraining. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] https://www.biblicaltraining.org/library/ur-chaldees.

2. BibleStudyTools.com. Ur of the Chaldees. www.biblestudytools.com. [Online] BibleStudyTools.com. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] www.biblestudytools.com/encyclopedias/isbe/ur-of-the-chaldees.html.

Solid Values and Advanced Decision Making

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

NKJV

Daniel 1:8-9

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

NKJV

Joshua was the man chosen by God to lead the nation of Israel into the Promised Land.  After leading them into the Land and, with the help of God, achieving many victories, Joshua is about to die.  Joshua 24:15 is part of his final words to the nation of Israel and expresses Joshua’s decision to serve the Lord, urging the others to follow his lead. 

As we study the book of Joshua, we realize that this decision to serve the Lord was not a deathbed decision, but one Joshua made prior to entering the Promised Land.  In Joshua 1:1-9 we see the account of God commissioning Joshua to lead His people into the Land God gave them to possess.  I believe it was at the time of receiving his commission from the Lord that Joshua made the decision to serve the Lord for as soon as he received his commission, he ordered the people to prepare to cross the Jordan in three days (Joshua 1:10-11).  Joshua’s decision to serve God was a decision of faith solely based on the promise of God to give Israel the land. 

Daniel was a young man who found himself living in a time when his nation came under the rule of the Babylonian empire.  As such, he finds himself relegated to living in captivity as a government worker.  His training included not only the learning of the literature of the Chaldeans (Daniel 1:3-4) but also eating of the king’s delicacies, some of which included eating of foods not allowed under Jewish Law.  Daniel 1:8 tells us that Daniel had purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s delicacies.  Like Joshua, Daniel had already settled the matter in his heart and made his decision to serve God and not defile himself long before the king’s edict. 

In the interest of not offending some group or political correctness, Christians in the United States today are being asked to abandon their deeply held beliefs and values by being asked to,

1)      Actively participate in same sex marriages, – I have previously written about the plight of the Oregon bakers who have now had their wealth confiscated to pay court fines and costs, not for breaking some law, but for simply not actively participating in a gay wedding.  (1)

2)      Endanger ourselves by catering to transgendered individuals – We now have young girls asked to undress in front of a trans gendering individual who still has male genitals.  (2)  This not only presents potential physical harm to these young girls but also leaves an emotional scar at a time in these young girls’ lives when they are facing many changes. 

3)      Supporting radical Islam in the interest of religious freedom (3)  – Perhaps this is the most hypocritical thing Christians and Jews are asked to do for while society asks Christians and Jews to support and try to understand radical Islam, Christians, and Jews are asked to curtail their own religious expressions.  Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah are no longer politically correct for they might offend atheists and people of other faiths, such as Islam.  (4)  Instead of asking me as a Christian to try to understand radical Islam, I want to invite those in Islam, atheists, and those of other faiths to make an effort to understand why keeping the name of Christ in the Holiday by saying Merry Christmas is important to my fellow Christians and me.

2016 is an election year.  I urge everyone reading this to become actively involved in the electoral process and support candidates supporting traditional Christian values.  However, we must also understand that one election alone will not change what is wrong with the United States or our world.  We therefore must determine in advance that we as Christians will serve our God and live in obedience to His Word no matter what society may ask us to do. 

                                                                                                                        

A lost and dying world must see men and women like Daniel and Joshua standing strong in obedience to God and His Word despite suffering persecution for their beliefs. 

1. Starnes, Todd. Costly Beliefs: State Squeezes Last Penny From Bakers Who Defied Lesbian-Wedding Cake Order. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, December 29, 2015. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/12/29/bakers-forced-to-pay-more-than-135g-in-lesbian-cake-battle.html.

2. Harkness, Kelsey. Why These High School Girls Don't Want a Transgender Student in Their Locker Room. dailysignal.com. [Online] The Heritage Foundation, December 21, 2015. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] dailysignal.com/2015/12/21/why-these-high-school-girls-dont-want-transgender-student-a-in-their-locker-room/.

3. Grider, Geoffrey. 40 Mind-Blowing Quotes From Barack Hussein Obama on Islam and Christianity. www.nowtheendbegins.com. [Online] Nowtheendbegins, October 2, 2016. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] www.nowtheendbegins.com/40-mind-blowing-quotes-barack-hussein-obama-islam-christianity/.

4. Silverman, Rosa. Don't Say 'Merry Christmas' it Might Offend Someone, Says Whatehall Guidance. www.telegraph.co.uk. [Online] The Telegraph, December 18, 2014. [Cited: January 3, 2016.] www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11300717/Dont-say-Merry-Christmas-it-might-offend-someone-says-Whitehall-guidance.html.

How can a loving God allow Evil?

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Gen 3:15

And I will put enmity

Between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel."

NKJV

One objection often incurred when sharing the Gospel with a nonbeliever is why a loving God would allow evil in the world.  This is a tough question and I admit I do not have a complete answer.  Fortunately, since the Gospel is accepted through faith, having a complete answer to the question is not necessary for us to be saved.  However, a nonbeliever asking this question may genuinely want an answer to the question so in this posting, I am going to attempt to come up with an answer to the question that may help remove this obstacle for some.

When I encounter a difficult question, I find it helpful to find the source of the problem.  For the question of how God could allow evil to exist in the world we must therefore first determine the source of evil.  The good news is that the Bible, the Word of God makes that easy for the entrance of evil into the world occurred at the very beginning. 

In Genesis 2 the Bible describes the Garden of Eden and life in that garden.  Scripture describes the Garden of Eden as a place containing every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.  Also in the middle of the Garden, we find the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Four rivers flowed through the garden providing abundant water for sustaining all life in the garden.  Adam and Eve had the job of tending the garden and had only one restriction, they could eat of any tree in the garden, including the tree of life, but were forbidden from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

Had Adam and Eve obeyed this command, God would have continued protecting them from evil and provided for every one of their needs.  Unfortunately for us all, Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God and evil entered the world (Genesis 3).  This disobedience led to Adam and Eve being evicted from the pristine Garden of Eden not just due to their disobedience but also to prevent them from eating of the tree of life which would have sentenced Adam and Eve, and all future humanity to an eternity separated from God by sin (Genesis 3:22-24).  However, God evicted Adam and Eve with the promise of Genesis 3:15, a promise that a redeemer would come and destroy the tempter, Satan, but only after Satan bruises the redeemer’s heal. 

We now have the benefit of hindsight and know that Jesus Christ, the promised redeemer, came and died on a cross.  Part of the process of crucifixion is the driving of a nail through the feet of the person being crucified.  This nail driven through the feet of Jesus who never sinned (2 Corinthians 5:21) allowed Satan to bruise his heal and three days later Jesus bruised Satan’s head by rising from the grave and thus conquering death. 

The answer to the question of how a loving God can allow evil in the world is that evil is the result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve.  God did not create humanity to be robots slavishly obeying his every command but instead gave them freedom of choice.  Adam and Eve made the wrong choice and God would have been justified in just destroying them and starting over.  

However, God is a loving and merciful God and instead evicted Adam and Eve from the Garden before they partook of the tree of life and were eternally slaves to their sin.  Before their eviction, God promised redemption, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.  This means we, like Adam and Eve, have a choice.  We can continue living in sin or we can choose to accept the redeemer promised in Genesis 3:15 and be saved.  The choice is ours.

If you have not done so already, please take a moment and 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, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Unfortunately, we still live in a world dominated by evil, and accepting Jesus as our savior does not transport us out of this world.  However, John 3:16 does promise us eternal life, not in this sinful world, but eternity with Jesus Christ.  The reason Jesus does not transport us out of this world is that he wants us to share the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ with others. 

I therefore encourage everyone reading this to accept Jesus as their redeemer and then share this good news with others so they too can spend eternity with God in a future world absent of evil.  

Surviving the Election Year Roller Coaster

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Kings 19:1-3

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying,"So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

NKJV

After a great demonstration of God’s power over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:20-40), Elijah runs fearing for his live (1 Kings19:1-3).  Elijah is human and even though God had just worked through him in a mighty way, his human fears have now taken over.  Most of us reading this can relate and in this election year, there will no doubt be ups and downs or a wild roller coaster ride ahead.  This event in the life of Elijah however, provides lessons on how we can survive this wild roller coaster ride.

1)      Taking care of our physical needs (1 Kings19:4-8) – Once Elijah stopped running, he came to rest in the wilderness under a broom tree.  He then asked the Lord to take his life claiming not to be any better than his fathers were.  Instead of granting Elijah his wish, the Lord sent an angel to tend to his physical needs of food and rest for forty days and nights.  Those of us actively involved in the electoral process can easily become caught up in the work and neglect our physical needs of food, exercise, and rest.  Neglecting these physical needs can result in us becoming fearful and discouraged as Elijah did.  I therefore urge everyone involved in the electoral process to make a conscious effort to address his or her physical needs.

2)      Listening to direction from the Bible, the Word of God (1 Kings 19:9-15) – Even if you are not a believer, the Bible contains wise words that can bring encouragement and wisdom into our lives.  Elijah did not have the written Word of God as we do today so needed to stand at the entrance to the cave at Mount Horeb and hear the low whisper of the voice of God.  Interestingly, Mount Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai where God gave Moses the 10 Commandments.  Elijah was most likely aware of his location and therefore understood that the instructions he received from the quiet whispering voice of God were important and something he must obey.  As well as addressing our physical needs while on the electoral roller coaster ride this year, we must also address our spiritual needs by taking time to daily read the Word of God.  However, the Bible is a large book and can be intimidating to us, especially those of us with busy lives.  I therefore encourage everyone to find a daily Bible reading plan online, or purchase a good daily devotional book to assist in the daily study of the Bible.  In addition, I recommend reading a chapter in Proverbs and Psalms each day.  The Book of Psalms is the songbook of the Bible.  I like many of you reading this like music and find a good song encouraging and inspiring during those times when I am on the low end of the roller coaster ride of life.  Proverbs is a book of wisdom and helps us refocus during the low times as well.

3)      Associating with others of like values and vision (1 Kings 19:15-18) – God’s final instruction to Elijah is to journey to Damascus and meet with others who have not bowed their knees to Baal.  In fact, in 1 Kings 19:18, God tells Elijah there are actually seven thousand who have not bowed to Baal.  During this electoral roller coaster ride, there will be times when we may feel all alone and the only ones interested in returning the United States back to its Constitutional roots and greatness.  This is why I encourage everyone actively involved in the electoral process to make an effort to gather together with others supporting our values and vision for the country.  This will help us realize we are not alone and renew our strength to go on when the going gets tough.

As we look at the issues facing our nation and world, we can easily become fearful and discouraged like Elijah.  However, by following the process God used with Elijah we can survive the wild roller coaster ride of this election year.  I will be regularly posting encouraging articles to this blog and tweeting encouraging tweets during this election on @polavenger during this election year in an effort to let everyone know they are not alone and that there are many others sharing your values and vision.  I encourage others to also use social media as a means of helping others survive this wild ride.

I especially want to encourage everyone to vote this election and not let fear of discouragement make you stay home.  So buckle your seat belts and prepare for a wild ride to victory this election.  

Noah: Solitary Obedience to God.

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Genesis 6:9

Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

NKJV

Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was just and perfect in his generations.  However, the generation of Noah was hardly one that was just and perfect.  Genesis 6:6-8 tells us that God looked saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth and as such vowed to blot out man and all animals in His creation.  However, one man, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.  For this reason, Noah became God’s choice to save the human race from total extinction. 

God’s plan for rescuing the human race through Noah involved the construction of an ark (Genesis 6:14).  The Ark God told Noah to build was massive (Genesis 6:15-16) and not something one could easily keep concealed.  Therefore, I believe it is safe to assume those living close to Noah would have asked what he was doing.  Since we also know Noah as a righteous man, we know he would have answered these questions honestly.  Since we also know nobody other than Noah and his family entered the ark, they did not believe him and most likely scoffed at him.  However, Noah persisted in building the ark out of solitary obedience to God and him, his family, and all humanity were saved. 

Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to this world but to instead be transformed through the renewing of our minds.  Even though the book of Romans was not written at the time of Noah, Noah demonstrated nonconformity to the world and was renewed by obedience to the calling God placed on his life in spite of the fact this meant living a life of separation from those in his community. 

Today, unlike any other time in our lives, we are beginning to see the world turn against Christians even in supposedly free countries like the United States.  Today a Christian baker can be fined and lose his business, not for breaking some law, but simply for not baking a cake for a gay wedding out of support for his deeply held, and constitutionally protected, Christian belief in traditional marriage.  (1)  Each Christmas nativity scenes depicting the birth of Christ are ordered taken down due to the fact they offend someone.  Interestingly no one is ever concerned about Christians offended at the removal of the nativity scenes, which are simply an expression of their belief in Jesus Christ.  During these times of increased persecution of Christians in the United States, it is easy for us to feel isolated and alone, as Noah must have felt at times. 

Jesus commanded all His followers to go out into all the world and share the Gospel (Matthew 28:15-16).  Therefore, just like Noah, we have a calling, and must exercise solitary commitment to our cause.  However, unlike Noah, we are not alone for Jesus promised to always be with us (Hebrews13:6).  We also can know we are not alone by gathering regularly each week with others that believe as we do (1Thessalonians 5:11). 

However, even the knowledge that Jesus is always with us and the knowledge there are many others sharing our values does not prevent us from feeling alone at times.  It is at these times we must serve the Lord in solitary obedience as Noah did when building the Ark. 

Noah’s solitary obedience to God resulted in all humanity being saved.  Our solitary obedience to God will also result in many others being saved through the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I therefore, out of solitary obedience, want to take a moment to offer an opportunity for anyone reading this that has not accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior 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, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

If you prayed this prayer, you have now entered the ark of God’s protection.  You no longer need fear judgment from God for you have now been judged righteous by God because all your sins have been forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John1:7).  This, however, does not mean we have become perfect and is why John goes on to remind us in 1 John 1:9 that when we become aware we have sinned, we can confess it to our Lord and he is faithful and just to forgive us. 

I encourage everyone reading this to be like Noah, obedient to God’s calling in your life even if it means we become isolated from others in our society. 

1. Smith, Samuel. Oregon christian Bakers Ordered to Pay $135K After Refusing to Work Gay Wedding; Told to Stop Speaking About 'ObeyGod, Not Man'. www.christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, July 3, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2015.] www.christianpost.com/news/oregon-christian-bakers-ordered-to-pay-135k-after-refusing-to-work-gay-wedding-told-to-stop-speaking-about-obeying-god-now-man-141137/.