We Must Not Allow Fear to Motivate Our Decisions

By:  Dale Weckbacher

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

NKJV

Decisions made in fear are usually bad decisions.  Since 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that fear is not from God, it is safe to say that decisions based upon any fear other than a reverential fear of God are not decisions made with soundness of mind.  We therefore must not allow fear to motivate our decisions. 

However, history is full of fear-based decisions that usually end up with disastrous results.  Even biblical history records fear based decisions with disastrous results. 

1)      Fear caused Abram to allow Pharaoh to believe Sarai was not his wife but his sister (Genesis 12:10-20).  He based his decision upon fear that Pharaoh would have him killed in order to take his wife.  This fear-based decision on Abram’s part may have protected Abram from death but it placed Sarai in danger for Pharaoh and his men might have slept with Sarai believing she was not married.  Thankfully for Sarai’s sake, God sent a plague upon Pharaoh and his men, preventing them from sinning with Sarai.  However, the decision had consequences for once Pharaoh discovered the deception, he ordered Abram and his people to leave Egypt, preventing Abram from finding refuge from the famine in the Egypt.

2)      Fear caused David to murder Uriah (2 Samuel11).  This is an instance where we see how one’s sin escalates into another sin.  This escalation of sin is rooted in the fear of being caught in ones sin.  This account begins with David committing the sin of adultery with Bathsheba resulting in her becoming pregnant with David’s son.  David then embarks on a cover up to conceal his sin.  First, he brings Uriah home to be with his wife in the hopes people will believe the child belongs to Uriah.  However, when Uriah refuses to sleep with his wife, David’s sin escalates into murder.  Once the prophet Nathan reveals David’s sin to him (2 Samuel 12:1-15), David repents (Psalm 51).  However, David’s fear based decision has consequences and results in his kingdom experiencing constant warfare (2 Samuel12:10), the loss of his wives (2 Samuel 12:11), and the loss of the son he conceived with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:16-23).

3)      Fear of rejection and his life caused Peter to deny Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75).  After witnessing the arrest and trial of Jesus, Peter had fear for his life if they discovered he was a follower of Jesus.  As a poor fisherman from Galilee, there was also the possibility Peter feared rejection by the religious leaders in Jerusalem that had just found Jesus guilty of the sin of blasphemy.  The consequences of Peter’s fear based decision was a fear of rejection by Jesus, the one he had proclaimed Lord (Matthew 16:16).  Thankfully, Peter’s fear of eternal rejection by Jesus was unfounded with his restoration in John21:15-19 with the prophecy that he would die for His Lord due to his refusal to reject Him. 

One thing that has not changed throughout history is the disaster of fear-based decisions.  In our recent history we have witnessed the decline in our culture especially the behavior problems in schools that began with the removal of prayer from schools.  (1)  This decision to take prayer and the Bible out of schools goes against the belief in the unalienable rights of citizens as expressed in the founding documents of the United States.  I believe the motivation behind the decision to remove prayer and the Bible from schools was fear of offending atheists.  Justices erroneously justified their decision by equating the permission of prayer and the Bible in school to the establishment of a religion. 

More recently, the Supreme Court in the United States has legalized same sex marriage.  (2)  Similar to the decision to ban prayer and the Bible from school, I believe this decision is also based upon a fear of offending the LGBT society.  Unfortunately, this fear-based decision has resulted in the persecution of those opposing gay marriage and causing some to lose their businesses (3) and others to lose their jobs.  (4) 

Finally, we have the fear-based decision to allow the borders of the United States to remain open out of fear of offending people seeking a better life in the United States.  Granted, most of us living in the United States are descendants of immigrants but for most of us, our ancestors entered the country legally after immigration officials determined they posed no harm to the citizens of the nation.  The danger of an open borders immigration policy is that not only does it allow well-meaning people to enter the nation, it also allows those seeking to commit crimes or even acts of terrorism to enter.  (5)  In this instance, a misplaced fear of offending those seeking to enter the nation illegally has created a genuine fear of an attack as occurred in Brussels or Paris occurring in the United States.  In fact, the terrorist attack in San Bernardino may have been a precursor of future events if our leaders continue to leave the border open out of fear. 

In this election we must elect leaders that will make decisions with a sound mind and not fear based decisions.  I believe the Bible represents the best foundation upon which to base sound-minded decisions and why I prefer candidates that are not afraid to base their decisions upon the sound principles of the Bible. 

1. Starr, Penny. Education Expert: Removing Bible, Prayer from Public Schools Has Caused Decline. www.cnsnews.com. [Online] CNSNews.com, August 15, 2014. [Cited: March 26, 2016.] www.cnsnews.com/news/article/penny-starr/education-expert-removing-bible-prayer-public-schools-has-caused-decline.

2. Barnes, Robert. Supreme Court Rules Gay Couples Nationwide Have a Right to Marry. www.washingtonpost.com. [Online] The Washington Post, June 26, 2015. [Cited: March 26, 2016.] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/gay-marriage-and-other-major-rulings-at-the-supreme-court/2015/06/25/ef75a120-1b6d-11e5-bd7f-4611a60dd8e5_story.html

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. Ashburn, Lauren. Mozilla CEO Out for Opposing Gay Marriage. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, April 3, 2014. [Cited: March 26, 2016.] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/03/mozilla-ceo-out-for-opposing-gay-marriage.html.

5. Dinan, Stephen. Agents Nab Pakistanis With Terrorist Connections Crossing U.S. Border. www.washingtontimes.com. [Online] The Washington Times, December 30, 2015. [Cited: March 26, 2016.] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/dec/30/pakistanis-terrorist-connections-nabbed-us-border/?page=all

Fear Not, He is Risen and He is Coming Back

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 22:7

"Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book." 

NKJV

I have read the end of the book and we win.  Revelation 22:7 is a promise all believers in Jesus Christ look forward to.  However, the news brought to the disciples by Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, that Jesus was risen from the dead (Matthew 28:5-10) would have been equally as good to Jesus Disciples.  Granted, the disciples had doubts at first but their doubts vanished when they saw their risen Lord. 

Another interesting observation in this account of scripture is that Jesus chose to reveal himself first to two women after his resurrection.  For those believing Christianity is sexist towards women I must ask, why would the Son of God choose to reveal himself to two women.  Wouldn’t he have waited and revealed himself to one of the disciples?

Both the resurrection of Jesus from the dead after His crucifixion and his return are foundational to Christianity for both serve a purpose in reconciling fallen humanity with their creator.  In Genesis 3:15, scripture assures us that the seed of the women would come and bruise the serpents head.  Biologically, the man and not the woman carry the seed at conception.  However, in one special birth, prophesized in Isaiah 7:14, the woman did carry the seed. 

Jesus crucifixion on the cross fulfilled Genesis 3:15 by cancelling the debt of sin (1 John 3:5).  This cancellation of sin made peace with God by bridging the gulf of separation between God and Humanity brought about by the sin of Adam and Eve.  However, for each of us to bridge this gulf in our lives, we must believe (John 3:16) and accept the gift of salvation provided for us by the death burial and resurrection of Jesus (Romans10:9-10).  If you have not already done so, I want to invite you to accept this gift now by praying with me,

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

Another interesting observation from the account in scripture of the crucifixion is how quickly public opinion of Jesus changed from one of adulation on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11) to cries to crucify Him as He appeared with Pilate (Mark 15:13-14).  One reason for this change of opinion is possibly their failure to understand there must be two comings of Messiah.  One as the Lamb of God whose shed blood would cancel the debt of sin (1 John 3:4) and a second coming as the conquering King to Whom all people will bow (Philippians 2:11).  They most likely began to doubt Jesus was the promised Messiah after he failed to establish his earthy kingdom once entering Jerusalem.  However, Jesus could not allow humanity to live in His Kingdom while separated from God by their sin.  Jesus therefore had to die for our sins first, rise from the dead, go to the Father, and return to establish His Kingdom after giving all humanity an opportunity to accept His gift of salvation. 

Like many of you reading this, the degrading of the culture in our world causes concern.  However, this concern is good in a way for it shows that we share God’s disdain of sin.  However, it still brings sadness as we see friends, and even family continue to live in sin rejecting the gift of salvation given to the world by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

If you have friends or family still living in sin, continue to pray for them.  I also want to encourage you to invite them to church with you tomorrow for Easter Sunday is a day when many who do not normally attend church, attend church.  If necessary, invite them to a nice Easter dinner after church as an enticement to go with you. 

Between the first and second comings of Jesus Christ, there is time for everyone to accept God’s gift of salvation.  However, after Jesus returns the second time, God will separate the sheep from the goats and judgment will be final (Matthew25:31-46). 

The degradation of the culture is something Jesus spoke of as how the world would be prior to His second coming.  In Luke 17:26-27 Jesus speaks of the world being in the same state as it was just prior to the flood in the time of Noah.  Genesis 6:5-7 tells of how the wickedness of men in the time of Noah grieved Him to the point of vowing to destroy humanity.  Fortunately, for all of us living today, one man Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and the destruction of humanity was not total and complete.  However, in order to escape this destruction, they had to find shelter in the Ark.

In the time prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ, accepting Jesus sacrifice for our sins is our ark or refuge.  I therefore urge everyone with friends and family who have not accepted the gift of salvation to continue praying and when the opportunity comes, sharing the message of the Gospel.  In addition, continue to invite them to come to church with you or share posts like this one by email, Facebook, or Twitter so they can enter the ark of protection provided by Jesus on that first Easter. 

Happy Easter everyone and remember, HE IS RISEN!

Defining and Unifying the Conservative Movement.

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers,

For they shall be called sons of God.

NKJV

Recently I was attending an event at my church.  As we always do, we asked if anyone attending the event had any prayer requests and one woman raised her hand.  She shared how the tone of this presidential campaign was stressing her out.  We shared with her the need to find peace from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, which seemed to provide some peace in her heart.  However, her request caused me to begin thinking about how we can be peacemakers during this chaotic campaign season.

Unfortunately, much of the chaos this campaign season is due to divisions in the Republican Party and if these differences are not resolved, I fear we may assist in the election of either Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton as our next President.  This would be an unmitigated disaster for the United States and insure it declines into insignificance as a world power creating a vacuum most likely filled by radical extremists with little regard for life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness. 

In order to heal these divisions in the Party, the GOP must find common ground within its differing factions and unite to insure the removal of radical liberal and progressives from power.  To begin this process, let us look at these differing factions within the conservative movement. 

1)      Social Conservatives – These individuals lean conservative when it comes to social issues like assisting the poor, standing against abortion, and the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman.  However, many of these social conservatives are also fiscally liberal and support government programs that help the poor.  Some pastors such as Rev. Cabrera speak of a calling to politics to conservatively uphold social values while supporting liberal governmental programs of wealth redistribution to the poor.  (1)

2)      Fiscal Conservatives – In the other end of the conservative spectrum, we have individuals who are fiscally conservative but believe social issues should not be considered during the election or even support liberal social values.  These individuals believe the Republican Party should stop discussing social issues during campaigns believing this turns people away from the GOP and causes them to vote Democrat.  These Republicans rally behind men like Colin Powel who voted for Barack Obama twice lamenting how the GOP has lost its way by supporting conservative social issues and ignoring conservative fiscal issues in his opinion.  (2) (3) This view that somehow being socially conservative means abandoning fiscal conservatism is hogwash for it is possible to do both.  In fact, if fiscal conservatives dig deeper into social issues they will discover that liberal social values are behind much of the creation and expansion of the welfare state fueling the explosion of deficits and debt in the United States. 

3)      Evangelical Conservatives – These are conservatives drawing their values from the Bible, the Word of God, viewing government’s role as one of protecting the God given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  They are fiscally conservative because the Bible instructs them to be good stewards or managers of the earthly wealth entrusted to them by God (Luke 16:1-13).  They are also socially conservative for the Bible also values life in the womb (Isaiah 44:2) defines marriage as between a man and a woman (Matthew 19:5), and places the responsibility for caring for the poor on each individual and not some government program (Matthew 19:16-22).  Essentially, through the Bible, evangelical conservatives have achieved a balance between fiscal conservatism and social conservatism.

As an evangelical conservative, I believe the best way of unifying these differing factions of conservatism is to unify around the Bible.  However, this is a process each individual must determine to do on his or her own.  This is a long-term process and a process that will go on until the return of Christ leaving us with how to unify these factions of conservatism prior to the November election.  To accomplish this these varying factions must find common ground and unify behind this.  This is why I believe this election is as easy as ABC, anyone but Bernie or Clinton. 

The last eight years of the failed fiscal and social policies of the Obama Administration have demonstrated the failures of totally ignoring both social and fiscal conservatism.  The United States cannot afford another four or eight years of these policies and all factions of conservatism must unite behind the eventual GOP nominee who in my opinion will be either Donald Trump, a fiscal conservative, or Ted Cruz, an evangelical conservative. 

I call on social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and evangelical conservatives to unite behind either GOP candidate for failure to do so will insure no conservative fiscal or social issues are even considered for the next four or eight years.  Will you join me in being a peacemaker this election by helping me unify the conservative factions in the GOP in order to save our nation from going down the destructive path of liberal destruction? 

1. Veith, Gene. Socially Conservative but Economically Liberal. www.pathos.com. [Online] Cranach The Blog of Veith, August 6, 2013. [Cited: March 19, 2016.] www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2013/08/socially-conservative-but-economically-liberal/.

2. Goldberg, Jonah. Wake up, Socially Liberal Fiscal Conservatives. www.nationalreview.com. [Online] National Review, January 18, 2013. [Cited: March 19, 2016.] http://townhall.com/columnists/jonahgoldberg/2013/01/18/wake-up-socially-liberal-fiscal-conservatives-n1491729/page/full

3. Howerton, Jason. Colin Powell Reveals Why He Voted For Obama Twice in Contentious Interview With Bill O'Reilly. www.theblaze.com. [Online] The Blaze, January 29, 2013. [Cited: March 19, 2016.] www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/01/29/colin-powell-reveals-why-he-voted-for-obama-twice-in-contentious-interview-with-bill-oreilly/.

Bridging the Great Divide

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Luke 16:26

And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

NKJV

The context of Luke 16:26 is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).  Lazarus, a beggar used to beg at the rich man’s house for just the crumbs that fell off the rich man’s table.  In the parable both the rich man and Lazarus die.  Lazarus is carried off to Abraham’s bosom whereas the rich man is in torment.  The rich man looks up, sees Lazarus, and asks Abraham to just give him some water off Lazarus’ finger to provide relief for his torment.  Abraham’s reply is what is recorded in Luke 16:26.

The rich man then asks Abraham to send Lazarus to convince his brothers by telling them about the torment in their future if they do not change their ways.  Abraham’s reply is no and that his brothers have the teachings of Moses and the Prophets to convince them just as he had.  In other words, all one needs to know to insure they are on the right side of the great divide or gulf between good and evil is already recorded in scripture.  All we need to do is read it and follow the instructions (Luke 16:27-31).

Once again it is an election year and the divide in our culture is on full display.  The exposure of this divide is normal and occurs in all elections.  In fact, the exposure and debate that occurs because of this divide is healthy and how society deals with its differences.  The danger in exposing these divisions lies in how they are dealt with.  Peaceful yet rigorous debate is healthy but if the debate turns violent, we are all in danger.

The canceling of the Chicago Trump rally demonstrated how a peaceful political rally turns violent when people are led to believe the only means of addressing their grievances are through violence.  However, pointing fingers solves nothing and actually fuels potential violence.  Instead of pointing fingers, I urge everyone to take a moment to look below the surface to determine the true cause of the violent reactions to divisions in society and begin addressing these causes.  In my opinion, the causes of these violent reactions stem from,

1)      A lack of a moral foundation in our society – I am a fan of classic movies, TV, and music.  Okay not exactly classic music like Beethoven but classic rock and country.  However, when we compare the content of these programs with what we are exposed to today, it quickly becomes evident that our culture lacks any moral foundation.  Without any moral foundation to stand on, people can justify violence and resort to it when they do not get their way instead of engaging in peaceful debate to convince others to their side.  

2)      A media seeking to sensationalize issues for ratings – One of the major changes in media the last few years is reality television.  I believe the term reality television is misleading and we should refer to this genre as sensationalized television for what occurs on these programs does not reflect reality for most of us.  Journalism has also changed from just reporting facts about events to sensationalizing events in the effort of achieving high ratings.  Twenty-four hour news networks are great for they make it possible for citizens to have almost instantaneous access to news.  However, the competition for ratings among these networks encourages sensationalizing news in order to achieve ratings.    

3)      An education system encouraging radical dissidence – There are many good teachers in academia but unfortunately, their voices are often quieted by those in academia with an agenda to indoctrinate students to advance a nefarious political agenda instead of educating them to think on their own.  The Chicago Trump rally was on a college campus leading me to believe that many of the protesters may have been stirred up by some of their agenda driven instructors.  

4)      Political opportunists creating crisis to advance a nefarious agenda – The current mayor of Chicago has been quoted as saying, “We cannot let a good crisis go to waste.” (1)  Our political climate is full of opportunists who profit from crisis, quite often the crisis they create.  Void of any moral foundation, people following these opportunists can quickly be stirred up to violence believing it is the only way to address their grievances. 

The real cause of this great divide however lies in the sinful nature in the hearts of men and women.  The only solution to this nature is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and accepting His free gift of salvation.  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to pray with me now to accept this gift. 

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.

Jesus Christ is the great bridge builder whose death and resurrection built the only bridge capable of bridging the great divide in our world.  This bridge is the only way to build a solid moral foundation in the hearts of men and women.  With this moral foundation in place, individuals will not fall for sensationalized media, indoctrinating educators, or opportunistic politicians interested in advancing their nefarious agendas. 

In this election season let us be traffic directors pointing people to the bridge of Jesus Christ, which bridges the great divide. 

1. Yandle, Bruce. Rahm's Rule of Crisis Management: A Footnote to the Theory of Regulation. fee.org. [Online] Foundation for Economic Freedom, February 11, 2013. [Cited: March 12, 2016.] http://fee.org/articles/rahms-rule-of-crisis-management-a-footnote-to-the-theory-of-regulation/

The ABC’s of Voting

By Dale Weckbacher      

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

NKJV

Praying for leaders that we agree with is easy just as praying for those that like or love us.  However, to pray for our enemies or for leaders we disagree with or maybe even despise requires the intervention of the love of Christ in our hearts (Luke6:32-36).  1 Timothy 2:1-2 is therefore a double-edged sword that can cut right to our hearts. 

The last four election cycles in the United States have been a roller coaster ride with Democrats prevailing in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and Republicans prevailing in the 2010 or 2014 off year elections.  In order for Republicans to return to winning presidential elections they must determine what differentiates their off year election strategy from the presidential election cycle strategy.  The answer I believe lies in looking at the ABC’s of voting. 

A)     Always vote – Those in leadership over the citizens of any country have the power to determine how the citizens of that country conduct their lives.  The Declaration of Independence of the United States says that the purpose of government is the protection of the citizens’ inalienable God given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  (1)  The authors of the Declaration of Independence went on to craft a Constitution establishing a limited federal government with power divided among three co-equal branches with a system of checks and balances to help insure the co-equal status of the branches of government.  (2)  In the United States, the citizens have an opportunity to elect their leadership but unfortunately many voters, including evangelical Christians do not vote because neither candidate meets their expectations of a godly leader.  When voters do this, the electoral victor is often the greater of two evils, not the lesser of two evils and the country suffers.

B)      Best candidate – No candidate for office will ever be perfect for we are all imperfect individuals (Romans 3:23).  One of the differences between voting for President and voting for members of Congress in the off year elections in the United States is that presidential elections come down to a choice between the Democrat and Republican nominee.  Granted, there are often third party candidates on the ballot but they usually do not win and a vote for one of them represents a denial of a vote for the Democrat or Republican nominee who will most likely win.  When neither the Democrat nor Republican candidate fails to meet the expectations of individuals, they often stay home on Election Day or vote third party.  In the last two presidential elections, those staying home or voting third party most likely cost John McCain and Mitt Romney victory.  (3) (4)  The path to victory this presidential election cycle is for voters in the GOP to vote for the best candidate.  In my opinion the choice this election is as simple as ABC, anybody but Bernie or Clinton.

C)      Call, connect, and convince – We all have but one vote.  However, we have a voice and that voice has never been louder with the advent of email, texting, and social media.  Bloggers like me can also start a blog for free using Google and promote that blog using social media and email.  In essence, this allows us to multiply our one vote legally by encouraging others to vote for the best candidate like us.  We can also take a page out of the Democrat’s often-successful get out the vote effort by taking others with us to the polls or even bussing them in if we have that ability. 

The 2010 and 2014 election victories by the GOP demonstrated that with the right strategy, Republicans could win national elections.  The excitement of the tea party movement in 2010 and the possibility of taking control of both houses of Congress in 2014 in order to block the Obama agenda excited the GOP base, creating a massive turn out leading to victory.  To begin winning presidential elections, the GOP must excite their base to vote for the eventual nominee.  However, how does the GOP accomplish this when the party goes through a brutal primary process dividing the party? 

This is where we as evangelicals must depend on the power of prayer.  No matter who the eventual victor is in this election, we are called by 1 Timothy 2:1-2 to pray for that leader.  Therefore, if we as Christians are called to pray for that leader, why not vote for the best of the Democrat or Republican candidates and then pray for God to cause that person to lead according to Godly principles.  This strategy does not represent a violation of a Christian’s deeply held beliefs for no one is asking anyone to deny Christ.  Instead this strategy is wise and in line, in my belief, with 1 Timothy2:1-2. 

I welcome your comments to this post. 

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

2. UMKC. Separation of Powers. law2.umkc.edu. [Online] [Cited: September 10, 2013.] http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/separationofpowers.htm.

3. Collins, Dr. Kevin "Coach". Evangelicals Plunge America Into Darkness, Stay Home on Election Day. www.westernjournalism.com. [Online] Western Journalism, November 8, 2012. [Cited: March 11, 2016.] www.westernjournalism.com/evangelicals-plunge-america-into-darkness-stay-home-on-election-day/.

4. 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/.

David: A Godly but Imperfect Leader

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Acts 13:22

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'

NKJV

Acts 13:22 Eternity records King David a man after God’s own heart.  Under David’s leadership, Israel did indeed prosper and grew into a great nation.  Scripture not only mentions David as a man after god’s own heart but also promises that an heir of David will continually be on the throne of Israel on the condition that they follow the Word of God (1Kings 2:1-4).  This promise to David ultimately found fulfillment in Jesus Christ the perfect Lamb of God and coming King.  However, David was also human and an imperfect man.  2 Samuel 11 records the low point in David’s rein as King of Israel, his sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah.  We must ask how God can remember a man capable of such great sin as a man after His own heart for sin does not dwell in the heart of God.  The answer to the question resides in the grace of God towards sinful men and women and is not a contradiction in scripture at all, but a source of great hope.   

Romans 3:23 reminds us that we all have sinned and if not for the grace of God, we all, including David would face certain death (Romans 6:23).  Fortunately for us all, our salvation is not dependent on our own works or accomplishments but is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).  The total work of our salvation was accomplished by the eternal heir to David’s throne, Jesus Christ, through his death, burial, and resurrection and is therefore available to us all for the asking (Romans 10:9-10).  If you are reading this and have not already done so, I want to invite you to take a moment and accept this free gift of salvation from your sins by praying with me,

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and know that the penalty for my sin is death.  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John1:9).  I believe you died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

Elections in the United States provide an opportunity for citizens to choose those that will lead them.  Even though we seek a standard of excellence in leadership, perfection is not possible.  However, in elections, candidates for office are quick to point out improprieties and imperfections in their opponents in an effort to win a majority of votes.  The result of this is negative campaigning which can actually turn off many voters as they begin judging candidates using a standard of perfection that no candidate can achieve. 

God’s standard for calling David a man after His own heart was not a standard of perfection on David’s part but instead David possessing a heart desiring to do all the will of God (Acts 13:22).  This heart was demonstrated by David’s swift repentance after the prophet Nathan revealed his sin to him (2 Samuel 12).  I therefore urge voters this election to support candidates with a godly heart that,

1)      Supports Godly values – This does not necessarily mean the candidate must be a Christian although that is preferable  in my opinion but that they vow to fulfill their role of protector of religious freedom as stated in the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 

2)      Vows to protect people of faith from attack – This includes attacks from outside the country as well as attacks from within.  As we look at current events, we are witnessing the martyring of Christians for their faith in foreign countries.  (1)  We are also witnessing persecution of Christians in the United States resulting in the loss of businesses and jobs due to their faith.  (2) (3)  We need leadership in the United States vowing to control the border of the United States to insure those beheading Christians in other parts of the world do not come across the border.  We also need leadership that will allow Christians, Jews, and people of other faiths to practice their faiths as long as it does not threaten the safety of other citizens in the country. 

I currently support Ted Cruz in the GOP race for the nomination to run for President of the United States.  Ted Cruz, like all of us, is not perfect but at this point, I view him as the best candidate to protect the religious, as well as the other liberties of citizens in the United States.  However, if Ted Cruz fails to earn the nomination, I will not pout and stay home and instead give my support to the candidate left that will best support the religious liberties of citizens of the country. 

These elections, instead of using a standard of perfection, a standard reserved only for Jesus the Son of God, let us use the standard or excellence similar to the standard used by God for David. 

1. Blair, Leonardo. ISIS 'Systematically Beheading Children' in Iraq; They Are 'Killing Every Christian They See,' Says Chaldean Leader. www.christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, August 10, 2014. [Cited: August 14, 2014.] http://www.christianpost.com/news/isis-systematically-beheading-children-in-iraq-they-are-killing-every-christian-they-see-says-chaldean-leader-124594/.

2. 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/.

3. Hannity, Sean. Was Mozilla CEO Ousted For Stance on Gay Marriage. nation.fox.com. [Online] Fox News, April 8, 2014. [Cited: August 26, 2015.] http://nation.foxnews.com/2014/04/08/was-mozilla-ceo-ousted-stance-gay-marriage.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 13:34-35

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 

NKJV

A strategy of divide and conquer has been effective throughout history in warfare.  Even the mightiest of armies can be defeated through this strategy and has recently manifested itself in U.S. history since World War II.  (1)  Since the great victory of World War II, the United States has failed to achieve victory by allowing the nation to become divided politically and pulling out of engagements before victory is complete. 

Unfortunately, a similar strategy of divide and conquer has occurred in spiritual warfare, rendering the people of God ineffective in battling evil in the world and hindering the advancement of the message of the Gospel.  This division has caused the world to fail to see the Church as disciples or followers of Christ and instead caused the world to see the Church as an obstruction to the furtherance of the establishment of utopia.  Therefore, we as a Church body must unify.  However, there are things behind which we as a Church will not unify.

1)      Love of the World – In John 13:34-35, Jesus is not calling for his disciples to unify by accepting the evil of their world.  Instead, He is calling for unity among themselves by loving one another.  Unfortunately, many churches today have embarked on a strategy of acceptance of abortion and same sex marriage as a means of demonstrating unity with secular culture.  (2)  The facts, however, show that the adoption of this strategy of love of the world is actually resulting in a decline in church membership.  (3) 

2)      Love of Socialism – On the surface, the governmental system of socialism may appear to be compassionate since it calls for the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor of the world.  However, the Bible calls for voluntary wealth redistribution through people giving to God out of their love for Him and having that money used to further the Gospel which includes giving to the poor and needy in our world.  Socialism fails because it represents forced wealth redistribution through government coercion and is not based on love towards the poor by those whose wealth is confiscated.  2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that God loves a cheerful giver, something missing with forced wealth redistribution through socialism.

Instead, I believe God wants his church to unify behind,

1)      A love for Jesus Christ and The Gospel – In John13:35, Jesus tells us that the world will know we are Disciples of Christ by our love for one another.  We, however, are all human and will have differences of opinion and even political views.  However, when we as a church unify behind our love for Jesus Christ and what he did for us all on the cross, we are able to put these petty differences aside and embark on the mission Jesus has for his Church, the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark16:14-18). 

2)      A love for the Word of God – While we as a church body await the return of the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, to take us home to be with him, we have the promises of the Bible, The Word of God, to cling to.  Unfortunately, the loud voices of media and political correctness in the world can drown out the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and The Word of God.  It is therefore imperative for the Church to develop a love for The Word of God and allow it to drown out the loud voices of media and political correctness. 

The world culture is on a swift rate of decline.  The only hope for people caught up in cultural decline is a Church unified behind a love of Jesus Christ, the Gospel, and the Word of God.  We therefore, as a church body must not cave in to political correctness and current cultural norms and instead stand strong in our love for one another, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His Word. 

Jesus is returning soon.  Will we be part of a compromising church allowing itself to be divided in its loyalty with the world and Christ or will we be part of a church showing the way to salvation through loving one another and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As for me, I choose the later.  What about yourself? 

1. Mack, Andrew. Why Big Nations Lose Small Wars: The Politics of Asymmetric Conflict. journals.cambridge.org. [Online] Cambridge Journals, January 1975. [Cited: March 5, 2016.] journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7663356&field=S0043887100017408.

2. Griswold, Alexander. How to Shrink Your Church In One Easy Step. thefederalist.com. [Online] The Federalist, August 21, 2014. [Cited: March 5, 2016.] thefederalist.com/2014/08/21/how-to-shrink-your-church-in-one-easy-step/.

3. 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/.

Learning from Ancient Israel

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Exodus 1:8-10

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 And he said to his people, "Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; 10 come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land."

NKJV

The book of Exodus begins 400 years after the end of Genesis.  At the end of Genesis, we find the people of Israel, numbering around 70, escaping to Egypt in order to escape almost certain death due to a massive famine.  While Genesis ends with Pharaoh gladly accepting Joseph’s family into the country, 400 years later under a different Pharaoh, the now large Israeli population living in Egypt find themselves living under the oppression of Egyptian slavery.  After petitioning Pharaoh for permission to leave to worship their God, God plagues Egypt with 10 plagues climaxing with the killing of the first born in Egypt. 

After the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the army of Egypt, Israel receives the law from God at mount Saini.  After wandering in the wilderness 40 years, Israel finally enters the Promised Land and prospers while living in obedience to the law of God, given them on Mount Saini.  Unfortunately, however, their obedience was short lived and the nation began its downward slide, climaxing with the nation living under Babylonian and Persian captivity. 

After returning to the land under the edict of Cyrus the King of Persia, the Nation of Israel once again finds itself under Roman rule.  The nation of Israel has historically had a pattern of prospering under obedience to God and suffering when they do not live in obedience. 

The United States was established when the authors of the Declaration of Independence declared their belief in the unalienable God given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  These men went on to establish a Constitutional limited government with the role of protecting these God given rights and not as the granter of these rights. 

Throughout its relatively brief history, the United States has thrived as long as it adhered to the principles of the Declaration of Independence, by taking on the limited role of protector of the citizen’s God given rights.  Unfortunately, however, the United States has little-by-little began abandoning these godly principles, taking on the role of granter of rights, and now finds itself in a state of cultural and national decline. 

Even though the United States is not living under oppression from a foreign oppressor, the citizens of the nation sadly find themselves living under oppression from their own government.  The government no longer limits itself to the role of protector of citizens’ God given rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness and instead views its role as one of promoting equality.  Under this role, government has established programs designed to bring equality by oppressing producers of the nation through progressive taxation and redistributing it to those deemed less fortunate. 

Through promotion of political correctness, people deemed by government to be of a privileged class, race, or gender are oppressed, threatened, or even sued in an effort to bring equality with those government deems to be of an oppressed class, race, or gender.  This is in complete contrast to the Declaration of Independence which states the belief that all men, and at the time of the writing of the Declaration this meant mankind, including women, are created equal.  

This effort of government to achieve equality has failed leaving the nation with massive debt due to costly failed government programs and economically destructive regulations and taxation.  However, I believe it is not too late for the nation to reverse this destructive trend. 

Elections are a time when the citizens of the nation have an opportunity to determine the direction the nation will take.  Many issues face the United States this election but the real issue at stake is will the nation continue its current decline brought on by big government continuing its efforts to achieve the illusive utopia of equality or will we end this failed trend and return to the Godly principles which made the nation great. 

Currently, I am supporting Ted Cruz for the GOP nomination to run against the Democrat nominee for President.  However, should candidates like Donald Trump or Marco Rubio win the nomination I will support them over either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.  This is because both of these candidates firmly believe in government’s role to achieve equality through bigger government.  With any of the GOP candidates, we have an opportunity to return to what made the United States great.  I also support the Article 5 Convention of States provision as a firewall to stop and reverse an out of control oppressive federal government. 

Please join me in supporting the eventual GOP nominee for President of the United States so we can begin the return to what made the United States great before it is too late.  

Peace in Troubled Times

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 14:1-3

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.   3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

NKJV

Election years can be troubling.  This seems to be especially true this election year in the United States as the hope and change promised during the 2008 election cycle has turned into change full of hopelessness.  Record numbers of able-bodied individuals are no longer counted as part of the workforce.  (1)  This failure to count everyone out of work is leading to reductions in the U3 unemployment rate (2) , but for those suffering from chronic unemployment, the dropping unemployment rate is just meaningless numbers. 

Centuries old societal norms like marriage and gender identity are turning upside down in favor of a perverted view permitting same sex marriage (3) and allowing gender identity to change from biological anatomical differences to allowing an individual to choose what identity they believe is right for them.  (4)  Those daring to stand against these changes in societal norms find themselves labeled as racist, sexist or simply ignored.  (5)  Ironically, this is occurring in a society dominated by secular post-modernist thinking that supposedly allows each individual to determine his or her own definition of truth.  I guess any belief that truth involves holding to scriptural and long held societal values is not allowed.  In these troubling times, it is easy to just throw up our hands in hopelessness.  However, before simply giving up, I want to invite everyone reading this to pause and take a moment to meditate on the words of Jesus in John 14:1-3. 

The context of John 14:1-3 is Jesus speaking to his disciples the evening before his crucifixion.  Jesus knew his followers would be troubled in heart at seeing the one they believed was their Messiah suffer a cruel death.  He knew they would once again experience joy at the discovery He had risen from the dead, only to have their hopes dashed once again when he left.  Jesus knew His followers were about to experience a roller coaster ride in their hearts. 

As a means of providing comfort, Jesus tells them not to let their hearts be troubled because they believed in God and Him.  I know that when I am distressed, having someone tell me not to be troubled can sound like empty words.  In addition, to tell me just to have more belief in God and Jesus can seem like I am being judged for my unbelief or lack of faith.  However, with the words coming from Jesus the Son of God, they are something in which we can place our faith.  In addition, the Jewish disciples would have had a different view of these words and actually would have found great comfort in them.  To understand this, we must look at the words from the context of a Jewish person.

The church, which is not a building but the people choosing to believe in Christ, is often referred to as the bride of Christ in scripture (John 3:29, Revelation 18:23).  A look at the traditions of Jewish marriages provides an interesting perspective into the meaning of Jesus’ words in John 14:1-3.

Jewish marriages in the time of Christ were prearranged.  Initially the father of the groom would send his son to his bride.  This began the betrothal process, which was binding and could only be undone through divorce.  The groom would come to the bride with a Ketubah or marriage contract (or covenant).  Included in this covenant was the “Bride Price.”  (6)

To determine if the proposal was accepted, the groom would pour a cup of wine for his beloved and wait to see if she would drink it.  This cup represents a blood covenant and if she drank the cup, the proposal was accepted and the couple was betrothed.  (6)

The groom would then leave his beloved with these words, “Let not your heart be troubled, I am going to prepare a place for you and I will return for you when it is ready.”  When hearing the words of Jesus in John 14:1-3, the Jewish disciples would have interpreted it to mean Jesus offering a proposal of betrothal to them to be their Messiah.  The very next day when Jesus would pour out his blood on the cross, they would have viewed it as the offering of a blood covenant.  Upon accepting this blood covenant they also would have understood Jesus must go away to prepare a place for them and that He would return to take them to heaven to live with him for eternity. 

Just like the disciples, Jesus shed blood on the cross represents an offer of proposal to become spiritually betrothed to Him as savior and Messiah.  Along with this betrothal comes a promise that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven and when that place is ready, Jesus will come back for His bride, the church, to live with Him for eternity. 

Unfortunately, when we find ourselves in the middle of struggles, or elections, we can lose our focus on heaven and the fact that Jesus is coming back for his church.  Instead, our hearts can become troubled as we try to make this corrupt world heaven on earth. 

I therefore want to encourage everyone reading this to not become overwhelmed in this election year but to instead find peace by focusing on the Prince of Peace, remembering that He is preparing a wonderful place for us in heaven and that he will return for his bride, the church when it is ready.  In the meanwhile, we must prepare to meet our groom by praying, studying the Bible, associating with other people of faith, and sharing our source of peace with others.  We also must be good examples by voting for the best, although not perfect, candidate in each election. 

1. www.epi.org. Missing Workers: The Missing Part of the Unemployment Story. www.epi.org. [Online] February 5, 2016. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] www.epi.org/publication/missing-workers/.

2. Oak, Robert. Unemployment Rate Drops Due to Almost Half a Million More Not in Labor Force. www.economicpopulist.org. [Online] The Economic Populist, January 9, 2015. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] www.economicpopulist.org/content/unemployment-rate-drops-due-almost-half-million-more-not-labor-force-5654.

3. Lutzer, Dr. Edwin W. The Great Divide: Same-Sex Marriage and the Evangelical Christian. www.moodymedia.org. [Online] Moody Church Media, 2015. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] www.moodymedia.org/articles/great-divide-same-sex-marriage-and-evangelical-chr/.

4. Becker, Amy Julia. Four Questions I Have About Transgender Identity. www.christianitytoday.com. [Online] Christianity Today, July 14, 2014. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] www.christianitytoday.com/amyjuliabecker/2014/july/four-questions-i-have-about-transgender-identity.html#bmb=1.

5. Cooper, Brittney. Evangelical Church's Ugly Truth: "Duck Dynasty" and Christian Racists. www.salon.com. [Online] Salon, December 24, 2013. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] http://www.salon.com/2013/12/24/evangelical_churchs_ugly_truth_duck_dynasty_and_christian_racists/.

6. Wildolive. Jewish Weddings. www.wildolive.co.uk. [Online] Wildolive. [Cited: February 28, 2016.] http://www.wildolive.co.uk/weddings.htm