The Heart of an Apostle: A Study of Thessalonians (Part 2)

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

⁷ But we were gentle^[a] among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. ⁸ So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

(ESV)

The Greek word translated apostle is apostolos.  It carries the meaning of “a messenger, envoy, delegate, one commissioned by another to represent him in some way, especially a man sent out by Jesus Christ Himself to preach the Gospel; an apostle.”  (1)  In other words, an apostle is a messenger sent by God to deliver the message of the Gospel.  Our modern day equivalent of an apostle would be a missionary. 

Only people with a special heart have the calling of an apostle or missionary.  They must exhibit a selfless desire to care for those they are sent to share the Gospel with.  Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that pride precedes a fall, something that could prove extremely dangerous for one in a foreign land sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  1 Thessalonians 2 provides a glimpse into the selfless prideless heart of Paul towards those he was called to share the Gospel with and provides a pattern for those of us having the calling on our lives to share the Gospel.

Paul’s coming to Thessalonica came with

1)      Courage in suffering (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2) – Paul’s service for the Lord was one full of suffering (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).  However instead of complaining and allowing these sufferings to stop him, Paul was courageous and before suffering a martyr’s death, declared he had run his race successfully (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

2)      Honoring the calling by pleasing God not men (1Thessalonians 2:3-6) – Psalm 1 tells us that someone that chooses not to follow the way of the wicked but instead chooses to delight and meditate day and night on the law of the Lord will be blessed.  Before his ascension, Jesus told his followers to go out into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:14-20,Acts 1:6-11).  This calling upon all of us is not going to please everyone.  In fact, many will resist us but we, like Paul, must remember that the purpose of the calling we have from God is not to please people, but God.  

3)      Gentle Strength (1 Thessalonians 2:7) – Jesus said it is the meek that shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).  The Greek word translated Meek in Matthew 5:5 is praus.  While the word can be translated meek, it does not mean weakness but the exercise of God’s strength under His control.  (2)  Paul’s heart was a heart dedicated to God, resulting in a gentle strength of endurance of suffering for God.    

4)      Love (1 Thessalonians 2:8) – In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul spoke of faith, hope, and love abiding and that love was the greatest of these three abiding qualities (1 Corinthians 13:13).  It was Paul’s love for those he shared the Gospel with that helped him press on through great suffering.  However, his love was not a shallow love but a reflection of the love of God that dwelt in his heart. 

5)      Diligence (1 Thessalonians 2:9) – Besides having to endure persecution for his faith, Paul also had some sort of physical ailment or thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7).  Scripture does not provide specifics as to what this ailment was but from Paul’s writing we can surmise it was a source of much discomfort to him.  However, there is no record in scripture of Paul taking a sick day or leave of absence due to this ailment.  Instead the heart of Paul was to diligently press on in spite of the great pain this ailment caused him.

6)      Righteous and blameless conduct (1 Thessalonians2:10) – Like Samuel before him (1 Samuel 12:1-5), Paul strove to serve his God in righteousness and conduct his life in a blameless manner after accepting Jesus as his savior.  However, just as with us, he was human and no doubt had his flaws.  However, in his heart he knew he had right standing with God through the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-31) and that in the eyes of God the Father, he stood blameless.  His heart’s desire was for others to also experience this righteousness in their own hearts.

7)      Fatherly encouragement (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) – As with any good father, Paul’s heart sought to encourage the new believers in Thessalonica. 

Paul then praises the Thessalonians because even during Paul’s brief time with them, they received the words Paul spoke not as words coming from him, but as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).  So ingrained in them was the Word of God that they became imitators of God in Christ Jesus in Judea and actually endured victoriously the same suffering Paul did (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16). 

I would like to encourage everyone reading this that is a believer in Jesus as their Savior to ask God to help you develop the heart of an apostle.  Ask God to help you develop courage in suffering.  Ask God to help you live a life pleasing to God and to stop worrying what other people think of you.  Ask God for His strength in your heart under His control by surrendering the desires of your heart to Him.  Be diligent in your faith and allow the love of God to shine from your life.  Be courageous knowing you possess the righteousness of God in your heart, not due to what you have done, but due to what Jesus has done.  And finally, be encouraged for we have eternal life with Jesus in our future (John 3:16) and know Jesus is coming back (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). 

1. Bible Hub. 652. apostolos. biblehub.com. [Online] [Cited: September 22, 2016.] http://biblehub.com/greek/652.htm.

2. —. 4239. praus. biblehub.com. [Online] Bible Hub. [Cited: September 25, 2016.] http://biblehub.com/greek/4239.htm.

Propping Up a Rock Star Goes Political

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:43-45

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

(ESV)

If we were to come up with a name describing this election cycle, we might label it the election of extreme passion.  The line of division is clear with people on both sides passionately standing their ground.  Then we have those unhappy with both candidates expressing their passionate desire not to vote for anyone. 

Jesus however had an extreme passion for everyone as demonstrated by his desire to die a brutal death by crucifixion for everyone (Romans 5:8).  In other words, Jesus died for Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, their supporters, and all those people either staying home this election or voting third party.  I therefore urge all by readers not to engage in passionate hateful rhetoric against their political enemies but to instead state your desire to vote for your candidate backed by thoughtful reasoning. 

With this in mind I want to use the remainder of this post to address my concerns over Hillary Clinton’s health.  After many weeks of speculation after her numerous coughing incidents, (1) we witnessed her apparently fainting after leaving the 911 memorial early.  (2)  After the 911 collapse, we were told by her doctors that on the Friday before 9/11 she was diagnosed with as her doctors put it, “non-contagious bacterial pneumonia” (3) something some doctors claim is non-existent and not in any medical textbook.  (4)  Is it possible those around Mrs. Clinton that have much to gain from her becoming President of the United States are propping her up like has happened to rock stars in the past. 

I remember the day Elvis Presley passed away.  I was at work and heard the word on my radio.  Like many, I was shocked believing Elvis was in reasonably good health.  The official cause of Elvis’ death was “hypertensive cardiovascular disease with atherosclerotic heart disease,” heart attack for short.  However, the toxicology report revealed a codeine level 10 times the therapeutically normal level.  It was also revealed that Elvis doctor from January 1, 1977 to August 16, 1977 prescribed at least 8,805 pills, tablets, vials, and injectables.  (5)  In light of these new revelations, it is safe, in my opinion, to surmise those standing to profit from Elvis continuing to perform kept him going with drugs to insure their financial gravy train could continue moving down the tracks.  (6) 

Michael Jackson also died, in my opinion, for much the same reason.  In the case of the death of Michael Jackson, we have his doctor’s conviction of involuntary manslaughter due to his administering a deadly cocktail of medications.  (7)  Unlike Elvis where all we have is speculation, we actually have court evidence supporting the fact that Michael Jackson’s death was due to wrongfully administered drugs in an effort to keep the gravy train of money his brand could bring running. 

While Hillary Clinton is not a rock star like Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson, her election as President would be profitable to some on the world stage.  I base this opinion on the massive amounts of money contributed to her foundation from foreign dignitaries to gain access to her when she was serving as Secretary of State (8) and the massive speaking fees banks and other companies paid to her for speaking.  (9)  Is it possible that these donors have instructed those around Hillary to cover up her health issues and keep her going so they can cash in on their massive donations by gaining favor from a President Hillary Clinton? 

While such an allegation seems conspiratorial, pictures have recently surfaced showing a medical professional following Hillary during the 911 memorial.  The Daily Mail has now revealed that this person is actually a doctor, the same doctor making the diagnosis of non-contagious bacterial pneumonia.  (10)  While it is not surprising for a top political official to have medical staff close by, the close proximity of Hillary’s doctor to her during the 911 memorial lends us to believe they thought a serious medical incident was possible. 

I am not a Clinton supporter and have previously stated my intention to vote for Donald Trump.  However, I wish no harm to Mrs. Clinton and am concerned that in the covering up of her health issues we could have a tragedy similar to what we witnessed with Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.  While covering up emails on a private server or contributions to a private foundation are politically dangerous, covering up potentially deadly health issues in the interest of political gain is life threatening.  While this is the election of extreme passion, let us make sure it does not turn into a tragedy.   

1. RT Question More. #HackingHillary: Coughing fit causes concern over Clinton’s health, sparks sarcastic viral hashtags. www.rt.com. [Online] RT Question More, September 9, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] https://www.rt.com/usa/358447-hacking-hillary-health-questions/.

2. Fox News. WATCH: Hillary Clinton Collapses After Early Exit From 9/11 Memorial Service. insider.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, September 11, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://insider.foxnews.com/2016/09/11/twitter-video-appears-show-hillary-clinton-collapsing-911-memorial-service.

3. Kwan, Nicole. www.foxnews.com. Clinton's diagnosis: Is 'non-contagious bacterial pneumonia' real? [Online] Fox News, September 15, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/09/15/clintons-diagnosis-is-non-contagious-bacterial-pneumonia-real.html.

4. Datoc, Christian. Doctor: ‘No Such Thing As ‘Non-Contagious Bacterial Pneumonia”. dailycaller.com. [Online] The Daily Caller, September 15, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://dailycaller.com/2016/09/15/no-such-thing-as-non-contagious-bacterial-pneumonia/.

5. Rogers, Garry. Elvis Presley’s Death — What Really Killed the King? www.hufingtonpost.com. [Online] The Huffington Post, February 4, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/garry-rodgers/elvis-presleys-death-what_1_b_9157820.html.

6. The Guardian. Doctor Feelgood. www.theguardian.com. [Online] The Guardian, August 10, 2002. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2002/aug/11/features.magazine27.

7. Chaney, Jen. The full story on Michael Jackson’s tragic death. www.washingtonpost.com. [Online] The Washington Post. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-full-story-on-michael-jacksons-tragic-death/2016/06/14/5d9f74ee-3181-11e6-8758-d58e76e11b12_story.html.

8. Durben, Tyler. Clinton Foundation CEO Admits To Pay-For-Play: "No Question" That "Courtesy Appointments" Were Made. www.zerohedge.com. [Online] Zero Hedge, September 15, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-09-15/clinton-foundation-ceo-admits-pay-play-no-question-courtesy-appointments-were-made.

9. Cook, Lindsey. Here's Who Paid Hillary Clinton $22 Million in Speaking Fees. www.usnews.com. [Online] U.S. News, April 22, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-04-22/heres-who-paid-hillary-clinton-22-million-in-speaking-fees.

10. Dailymail.com Reporter. Did Clinton bring her personal DOCTOR to 9/11 memorial where she collapsed? Woman seen 'checking Hillary's pulse' may be her physician. www.dailymail.com. [Online] The Daily Mail, September 12, 2016. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3786445/Is-Hillary-Clinton-s-undercover-nurse-Pictures-unnamed-woman-checking-candidate-s-pulse-performing-neurological-test-collapsed-9-11-memorial.html.

Victorious Living in Troubled Times: A Study of Thessalonians (Part 1)

By: Dale Weckbacher

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

² We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly^[a] mentioning you in our prayers, ³ remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ For we know, brothers^[b] loved by God, that he has chosen you,

(ESV)

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is believed to be the first letter written by the Apostle Paul.  The church in Thessalonica was a struggling yet vigorous church made up of new Christians.  This letter provides both a look at the heart of the Apostle Paul towards these new believers and also provides a look at the struggles present in the early church.  As we witness an increase in persecution in the church, even in countries with religious liberty like the United States, I believe this epistle provides guidance for us to live victoriously in these troubling times.   (1)

Even though we have a tendency to view early Christians as always victorious serving Christ with great vigor, these early Christians also had severe problems like the church has today.  We can therefore learn not only how to live victoriously in troubling times through the study of 1 Thessalonians but we can also learn how these early Christians were able to overcome the severe problems they faced.  (1)

Acts 17:1-10 tells us of the tumultuous founding of the church in Thessalonica.  After only three Sabbaths of teaching in the synagogue in Thessalonica, Paul was able to convince some of the Jews in the city along with a great many of devout Greeks and even some of the city’s leading women that Jesus was the Christ (Acts17:1-4).  While Paul’s custom was to remain in a city to help firmly establish the new believers in that city, his quick exit from Thessalonica (Acts 17:10) probably left him with some fear these new believers might fall from the faith.  This epistle is in response to the report of Timothy after visiting the church in Thessalonica at Paul’s request. 

As was his custom, Paul begins this letter by thanking God for them and reminding them that he mentions them constantly in his prayers.  He then commends them for their faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ (1Thessalonians 1:2-3).  He continues by reminding them they are chosen by God because the gospel came to them not only in word but also in the power of the Holy Spirit with great conviction (1Thessalonians 1:5). 

Paul continues by commending them for their imitation of both himself and those that accompanied him and their imitation of the Lord (1Thessalonians 1:6).  He commends their receiving of the word through great affliction, perhaps a reference to the circumstances surrounding the founding of the Church as recorded in Acts17:1-10, and informs them that their receipt of the word through great affliction had become an inspiration to believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians1:7).  In fact, word of their holding on to their faith through great affliction had gone beyond Macedonia and Achaia and spread everywhere (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9).  1 Thessalonians 1:10 concludes the first chapter with a word of encouragement reminding these new Christians that Jesus would return to deliver his people from the wrath to come.

As the church today faces troubling times once again, we must not allow these troubling times to cause us to drift away from or faith but to instead draw closer to God as the church in Thessalonica did.  Over the course of the next few Wednesday postings, we will be looking at the struggles the believers in Thessalonica endured and most importantly, how they were able to victoriously overcome these struggles.  My hope is that we in the church today will learn to apply these principles in our own lives and in our churches so we can be a beacon of hope in a lost and dying world. 

Next Wednesday we will look at the heart of the Apostle Paul towards the new believers in Thessalonica. 

1. Stedman, Ray C. 1 Thessalonians: Hope for a Hopeless World. www.raystedman.org. [Online] Ray Stedman.org Authentic Christianity. [Cited: September 17, 2016.] http://www.raystedman.org/bible-overview/adventuring/1-thessalonians-hope-for-a-hopeless-world.

Killing the Golden Goose Ends the Golden Eggs.

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Deuteronomy 8:17-18

¹⁷ Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ ¹⁸ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

(ESV)

In July of 2016, while campaigning for re-election, President Obama made his infamous statement “If you’ve got a business, you didn’t build that.”  (1)  With this now infamous statement, President Obama was expressing his belief that nobody can succeed in business without government intervention.  His logic was that without the infrastructure of roads and communication subsidized by government, business success is impossible.  The flaw in this logic is that prior to this infrastructure, people acquired wealth as evidenced by Deuteronomy 8:17-18.  Government is not the golden goose that lays the golden egg of wealth.  However, one’s own abilities are also not the goose according to Deuteronomy 8:17.  However, does Deuteronomy 8:18 tell us that God is the golden goose?

The answer in my interpretation of this scripture is no for the passage does not tell us that God gives us wealth but gives us the power to get wealth.  This power lies dormant within us, like a light switch in the off position, unless we learn how to turn it on.  We therefore have a responsibility to use the God given power within us to acquire wealth. 

However, this scripture is not telling us that there is some magical power within us that when unlocked causes us to become millionaires as some teach.  The word wealth in Deuteronomy 8:17-18 is Lig which means strength, might, as well as wealth.  In other words, scripture is telling us that God grants us the ability and strength which can result in the creation of wealth.  We must therefore learn how to use our inner God given abilities to acquire wealth.  The golden goose is therefore learning how to unlocking our God given abilities.  Wealth, however, is not becoming a millionaire but having our needs met by God using our God given abilities (Philippians4:19).   

Unfortunately, when the President of the United States stands up and declares nobody can succeed in business without some government assistance, he is creating a dependency class of individuals who fail to unlock their own God given abilities.  In essence, this statement served to kill the golden goose God placed within these individuals, leaving them hopeless and dependent on government for their needs. 

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump differ on economic issues and provide a clear cut choice for voters this November. 

1)      Hillary Clinton – The Clinton economic recovery plan is to spend $1 trillion more on government public works programs, free day care, and college education.  Her plan falls in line with Obama’s belief that economic prosperity is the result of a government golden goose providing the golden egg.  Her belief is that by increasing the size of the golden goose of government, we will provide golden eggs for all.  However, to provide the additional $1 trillion in spending, her plan raises investment taxes and personal income tax rates.  While creating a larger mythical government golden goose, her plan kills the true golden goose of individuals tapping into their God given abilities through stifling of investment capital and individual wealth through confiscatory taxation.  Hillary Clinton’s economic plan is more of the same goose killing policies that created the current stagnant economic condition of the country.  (2)

2)      Donald Trump – In contrast, Donald Trump has outlined an economic program that has the potential of unlocking the God given golden goose in each of us.  He plans a cut in the corporate tax rate from the current 35% rate to 15%.  Not only will this reduction in the corporate tax rate serve as an incentive for companies to remain in the United States but also unlocks additional capital that will be used for innovation and growth.  He also proposed a 10% special tax rate for companies moving back to the U.S., bringing back the golden goose of these companies.  Mr. Trump also proposed a moratorium on regulation and easing of barriers to domestic energy production.  Today’s industrial and information economy cannot function without a sufficient supply of energy.  By increasing domestic energy production through reduction of regulatory barriers, Mr. Trump’s plan insures the golden goose has the energy it needs to thrive into the future.  (3)

This is why I cannot support Hillary Clinton’s golden goose killing policies and instead will vote for Donald Trump this election because his policies will take the golden goose off of life support and allow it to thrive. 

1. C-Span. Obama: If You've Got A Business, You Didn't Build That . www.youtube.com. [Online] YouTube, July 16, 2012. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKjPI6no5ng.

2. Moore, Stephen. Hillary Clinton’s economic agenda risks another recession. www.washingtontimes.com. [Online] The Washington Times, August 28, 2016. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/aug/28/hillary-clintons-faulty-economic-plan/.

3. Phillip Bump, Amber Phillips, and Callum Borchers. Donald Trump’s economic speech, annotated. www.washingtonpost.com. [Online] The Washington Post, August 8, 2016. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/08/08/donald-trumps-economic-speech-annotated/.

Spiritual Boot Camp (Part 15): Taking Action

By:  Dale Weckbacher

2 Timothy 4:1-5

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound^[a] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. ⁵ As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

(ESV)

Ask anyone that has served in the military and they will tell you about the rigors of boot camp.  The reason boot camp is so rigorous is that its purpose is to prepare the soldier for action in battle when that becomes necessary.  A soldier that successfully completes boot camp is a soldier prepared for action in battle. 

The instructions to young Timothy contained in 1 and 2 Timothy are spiritual boot camp designed to prepare Timothy for spiritual battle.  Even though these instructions were written specifically to Timothy, they provide instruction for all of us who find ourselves engaged in spiritual battle to save our culture.  Now, having come to the last chapter in our study, it is time for action.

As we prepare to take action we must,

1)      Be ready to take action at any time (2 Timothy 4:1-2) – The door may open to share the Gospel at any time.  Many are perplexed at what they see occurring around them in our world today.  We live in the information age with instantaneous access to information, including bad news.  For those lacking the hope of eternity with Christ, the receipt of bad news through some news alert on their smart phone can leave them hopeless and in despair.  As we strive to live our lives for Christ and let His light shine in our lives, they will see a hope in us that they want in their own lives.  This is why we must be ready to share our faith at any time for we do not know what may happen that causes a friend, co-worker, or neighbor to ask us how we cope with the world around us. 

2)      Our sound teaching may be rejected (2 Timothy 4:3-4) – In the information age in which we live, it is easy to find teaching suiting our own passions instead of truthful teaching that may challenge us.  Unfortunately, some churches, in the interest of increasing membership, can water down the truth contained in the Word of God so as not to step on anyone’s toes.  We too, in the interest of not losing friends or offending family members can water down our sharing of the Gospel with others.  Let us instead be like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that has thrived for 66 years preaching the truth of the Gospel, refusing to water down the message.  (1)  However, in many churches today instead of preaching the Word they,

a.       Entertain (2)  – I enjoy worship at my church and understand that there is an entertainment factor that creates an interest and anticipation for the message that is to come.  However, in many churches today, that anticipation is disappointing when the message is watered down.  Instead of simply being entertaining, our worship should be something preparing our hearts for the message from the Word to come. 

b.       Sharing instead of preaching the Word of God (2)  – The purpose of preaching the Word is to challenge the congregation to live their life in a Christ like manner in a world needing Christ. 

c.       Wooing (2) – In the interest of not offending anyone, many have watered down to message of the Gospel.  After feeding the 5000 and walking on the water, Jesus delivered a message foretelling his crucifixion and the need for us to share in His suffering.  This message ends with many leaving and Jesus turning to the twelve and asking them if they were going to leave as well (John 6).

d.       Intellectualizing (2) – While intellectually digging deeper into scripture is beneficial, if the message does not also stir the heart of the listener to either accept Christ as their savior or live a more Christ like life, the message is empty.

e.       Abbreviating (2) – Many churches today start up by meeting in rented facilities.  These churches have a time schedule they must adhere to.  However, instead of abbreviating the message, maybe they should do one less song or shorten the announcements by encouraging people to read their bulletins. 

3)      Be prepared for a fight (2 Timothy 4:6-8) – We all have the desire in our lives to live at peace.  When we accepted Christ, the peace of Jesus Christ entered our lives giving us the assurance of eternity with Christ.  However, Jesus cautioned us in John 16:33 that even though in Him we have peace with God, in this world we will have tribulation or trouble.  This tribulation may take economic form as it did with bakers in Oregon.  (3)  It may take the form of loss of friends on Facebook or Twitter.  It may take the form of rejection by co-workers, friends, or even family viewing us as some religious extremist.  It may even eventually take on the form of government oppression viewing Christians as some sort of terrorist organization.  (4)

As the Apostle Paul faces death for his faith, instead of complaining, he finds satisfaction in fighting the good fight and looks forward to his Heavenly reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  Paul is someone who suffered greatly for his faith and is a role model for all of us to take action sharing the Gospel during times of opposition (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).  Let us therefore like Paul engage in spiritual battle wearing the armor of God (Ephesians6:10-20) remembering that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.  Let us also remember to spend quality time studying and learning the Word of God, praying to our Heavenly Father, and spending time with other believers. 

1. Chismar, Janet. ‘We Will Never Water Down the Gospel’. billygraham.org. [Online] Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, August 18, 2010. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] https://billygraham.org/story/we-will-never-water-down-the-gospel/.

2. Walk in The Word. 5 Things We Do Today Instead of Preaching the Word. jamesmcdonald.com. [Online] Walk in The Word, January 10, 2012. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] http://jamesmacdonald.com/blog/5-things-we-do-today-instead-of-preaching-the-word/.

3. Fox News. Oregon bakery owners pay more than $135G in damages over refusal to make cake for gay wedding. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, December 29, 2015. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/29/oregon-bakery-owners-pay-more-than-135g-in-damages-over-refusal-to-make-cake-for-gay-wedding.html.

4. Starnes, Todd. Pentagon Classifies Evangelical Christians, Catholics as “Extremists”. radio.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News. [Cited: September 10, 2016.] http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/pentagon-classifies-evangelical-christians-catholics-as-extremists.html.

The Rise of Abusive Behavior in Our Time

By:  Dale Weckbacher

2 Timothy 3:1-2

 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud,arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

(ESV)

Children are the future of any nation and is why civilized nations have laws protecting these innocent children that will grow to be the nation’s next leaders.  However, while this makes sense to most people, we are beginning to see nations, including the United States, cheapening the lives of these future leaders by aborting them before their birth. (1) Radical Islam justifying the use of their children as suicide bombers convincing these innocent children that their death will be rewarded. (2) In other nations, Including the United States, children are sold as sex slaves for profit.  (3) 

Children are not the only individuals subjected to abuse in these last days for women also find themselves abused in much of the world.  In Muslim nations functioning under Sharia Law, Women are treated as second class citizens.  James M. Arlandson has compiled a top 10 list of rules from the Quran that demonstrate the abuse of women under Islam.  His list consists of,

1)      A husband has sex with his wife, as a plow goes into a dirt field (Sura 2:223)

2)      Husbands are a degree above their wives (Sura 2:228)

3)      A male gets a double share of the inheritance over that of a female (Sura 4:11)

4)      A woman’s testimony counts half of a man’s testimony (Sura 2:282)

5)      A wife may remarry her ex-husband if and only if she marries another man, they have sex, and then this second man divorces her (Sura 2:230)

6)      Slave-girls are sexual property for their male owners (Sura 4:24)

7)      A man may be polygamous with up to four wives (Sura 4:3)

8)      A Muslim polygamist may simply get rid of one of his undesirable wives (Sura 4:129)

9)      Husbands may hit their wives even if the husbands merely fear highhandedness in their wives (quite apart from whether they actually are highhanded—as if domestic violence in any form is acceptable) (Sura 4:34)

10)   Mature men are allowed to marry prepubescent girls (Sura 65:1,4)  (4)

This list is hardly something one would promote to some feminist organization in the civilized world but we currently have a presidential candidate who has received contributions form nations supporting this treatment of women.  That candidate is Hillary Clinton, causing us to question her commitment to women’s issues in the United States.  (5) 

Granted the contributions are to the Clinton Foundation and not directly to the Clinton campaign but the very fact that the foundation accepted this money brings Mrs. Clintons commitment to women’s issues into question.  The main reason that outsider candidates, like her GOP opponent Donald Trump, are resonating with voters is the disgust of these voters with the hypocrisy they see in Washington D.C. 

Jesus was at odds with the religious leaders of his time.  His main complaint was their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13).  One definition of hypocrisy is “a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.”  (6)  In other words, hypocrisy is saying one thing and doing another. 

If Hillary Clinton wants to stop being a hypocrite when it comes to women’s issues, she must cease accepting money into the Clinton foundation from nations supporting abusive behavior of women through the practice of Sharia law.  She also must pay women the same as men (7) another demonstration of the hypocrisy of Hillary Clinton.  Hillary Clinton also has to answer to the hypocrisy of throwing women abused by her husband under the bus in order to protect her political interests.  (8)

Abuse is a serious issue and something we must as a civilized society take a stand against.  However, when we have leaders supporting the abuse of killing the unborn, religions that abuse children by encouraging them to commit suicide in the name of their God, and those selling young girls into sex slavery for profit.  We also must stand against hypocrisy in our leadership that claims to be against abuse but whose actions support it by either taking money from abusive nations or covering up for abuse in the interest of protecting their political positions. 

1. Severino, Jamie Bryan Hall and Roger. Disentangling the Data on Planned Parenthood Affiliates’ Abortion Services and Receipt of Taxpayer Funding. www.heritage.org. [Online] The Heritage Foundation, September 30, 2015. [Cited: August 13, 2016.] http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2015/09/disentangling-the-data-on-planned-parenthood-affiliates-abortion-services-and-receipt-of-taxpayer-funding.

2. Kemble, Harry. Inside the 'Caliphate Cubs': ISIS grooming kid suicide bombers to wreak havoc in Europe. www.dailystar.co.uk. [Online] Daily Star, August 27, 2016. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/540450/ISIS-child-suicide-bombers-Turkey-Syria.

3. Thorn. CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING STATISTICS. www.wearethorn.com. [Online] Thorn. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] https://www.wearethorn.org/child-trafficking-statistics/.

4. Arlandson, James M. Top ten rules in the Quran that oppress and insult women. www.answering-islam.org. [Online] Answering Islam. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/women_top_ten.htm.

5. Chozick, Amy. Hilary Clinton Faces Test of Record as Womsn's Advocate. www.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, March 8, 2015. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/09/us/politics/hillary-clinton-faces-test-of-record-aiding-women.html?_r=0.

6. Dictionary.com. hypocrite. www.dictionary.com. [Online] [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hypocrite.

7. Kelleher, Seamus. Hillary Clinton Demands Equal Pay But Doesn’t Put Her Money Where Her Mouth Is. ijr.com. [Online] Independent Journal. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://ijr.com/2015/02/257200-hillary-clinton-paid-female-staff-28-percent-less-men/.

8. Giuliani, Rudy. Giuliani: Clinton Headed ‘Bimbo Squad’ to Attack Women for Bill. www.bloomberg.com. [Online] Bloomberg, July 21, 2016. [Cited: August 31, 2016.] http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-07-21/giuliani-clinton-headed-bimbo-squad-to-attack-women-for-bill.

Spiritual Boot Camp (Part 14): Know the Enemy’s Tactics

By:  Dale Weckbacher

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,³ heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, ⁴ treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

(ESV)

It would appear the Apostle Paul was reading the present day news when he wrote these words to Timothy.  However, the truth is that human nature and the tactics of the enemy, Satan have not changed.  Perhaps the greatest tactic Satan uses is pride and selfishness. 

As is the case with any battle, it is imperative to understand the layout of the battlefield as we enter into spiritual battle.  In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul is warning Timothy about the attitudes of people in the last days.  We therefore must determine when the last days began or will begin.

Bible teachers teach one of three positions for when the last days began.  (1)

1)      The last days began when Israel became a nation – Matthew 24:34 states that the generation that sees these things will not pass away.  To determine what Jesus means by these things, we must look at the context of the preceding verses (Matthew24:3-33).  Jesus teaching is in response to a question by the disciples asking for signs that would tell them when Jesus was returning and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3).  Bible scholars have attempted to define a generation as 40 to 70 years.  When Israel became a nation again in 1948, many believed the 70^th week covenant of Daniel was eminent.  When this did not occur in 1988, they cited that the generational clock began in 1967 when the Jews took over Jerusalem.  However, Jesus is telling his disciples to take a lesson from the fig tree, something he had cursed earlier for not producing fruit (Matthew21:18-19).  In this context we could interpret Jesus to mean the generation that witnesses Israel accept the Messiah as a nation will not pass away.  (2)

2)      The last days started during the ministry of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-4) – The author of Hebrews clearly states that in these last days God has spoken to us through His Son.  However, is scripture speaking of “The Last Days” or simply referring the days of the writing of the Book of Hebrews.  The fact that scripture tells us that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, something no earthly priest ever did when ministering in the presence of God, tells us that Jesus is waiting for the call to return.  This lends credence to this position and tells us that we are indeed in the last days and that the return of Christ could occur at any time.  (2)

3)      The last days have not begun yet but will start soon – If we are to believe that Hebrews 1:1-4 refers to the last days when it addresses the people alive when it was written, this theory is false.  However, those interpreting the scripture to be referring to the time when Hebrews was written and not the actual Last Days could lend credence to this view.  Those adopting this view believe there are world events, possibly the appearance of Antichrist that must occur before the “Last Days” begin.  (2)

I personally believe the second position is the most scriptural and therefore believe that Jesus first coming ushered in the Last Days.  Paul was therefore cautioning Timothy about attitudes present in His time, attitudes still prevalent in our world today.  With this in mind, there is actually very little difference between the battlefield of the time of Paul, and what we as Christians today face. 

Paul lists numerous attitudes of people during the Last Days.  We could take time to dissect each of these attitudes but I believe this would make defining the battlefield we face today difficult and confusing.  To simplify the defining of the battlefield, let us group these attitudes into categories,

1)      Pride – Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride precedes a fall.  Individuals full of pride are individuals full of selfishness.  This pride also creates arrogance, abusive behavior, disobedience to parents etc.  The only answer to ending prideful behavior is for one to surrender their lives to Jesus and live in submission to the will of God for their lives and lives of obedience to God’s Word.

2)      Ungratefulness – People today, especially those living in prosperous countries like the United States have much to be grateful for.  I live in Arizona, a state that borders Mexico.  Illegal immigration is a problem in the United States but when one travels to the U.S. Mexico border and observes the stark difference in lifestyle between the U.S. and Mexico, we should realize those of us living in the United States have much to be grateful for.  However, instead of gratefulness, we observe much ungratefulness in the world today.  Granted, there are problems in the world today, but that has always been the case.  Christians are to live grateful lives giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  When we realize that we have received the greatest gift anyone can receive, eternal life (John3:16) why wouldn’t we be grateful for no matter what we face, we have the eternal reward of living with Christ to look forward to.  In the battlefield of this world we must learn to live lives grateful to God for our salvation and share the Gospel with those ungrateful so they can have the opportunity to live lives of gratefulness to God.

3)      Unholy living – In free countries like the United States, it is easy to believe one can live life in any manner they desire.  While this is constitutionally true to some extent, the total removal of any moral restraint is like driving on a road without lane markings or guardrails.  My family and I visited Yellowstone National Park several years ago.  We were driving on a mountain road overlooking what is referred to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The road also has no guardrails to prevent you from driving over the cliff into the canyon.  My family told me the view was beautiful, but I did not enjoy the view much for I was totally focused on keeping the car on the road and not falling over the edge.  Society that lives without any moral restraint is a society without guardrails that is going to drive over the cliff to its destruction.  Instead of viewing holy living as a boring life absent of fun, view it as a life protected by God.  Christians can live lives of holiness and joy out of love for the gift of eternal life they have received from their Lord.  When an ungrateful, angry, and unholy world sees our joy while living holy lives under God’s protection, they will want to have what we have.

4)      Greed – 1 Timothy 6:10 tells us that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  Greed is an extreme love of money and causes much grief in our world.  However, this does not mean money itself is evil, just loving it more than God.  God has promised to meet all the needs of His people (Philippians4:19).   Instead of living a life of greed, God’s people can live by faith giving generously of their wealth knowing their needs will bring met. 

We are in a spiritual battle.  We fight on a battlefield mined with pride, ungratefulness, unholy living, and greed.  However, armed with the armor of God we can and will victoriously win this battle.

Next Wednesday, the power of our greatest weapon, the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

1. The Interactive Bible. When did the last days begin? www.bible.ca. [Online] The Interactive Bible. [Cited: August 29, 2016.] http://www.bible.ca/auto-lastdays.htm#top.

2. Montgomery, Ted. How does Jesus' use of "generation" in Matthew 24:34 fit into end-time prophecy? www.tedmontgomery.com. [Online] [Cited: August 29, 2016.] http://www.tedmontgomery.com/bblovrvw/emails/generation.html.

A Gift for Labor on Labor Day

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Colossians 3:23

 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

(ESV)

Monday is Labor Day in the United States, a day when the nation honors the contributions made by workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the United States.  (1)  While many states had established state holidays to honor labor, it was not till 1894 that President Grover Cleveland established a federal Labor Day on the first Monday of September.  (2)  In presidential election years, Labor Day has become the official start of the final push by candidates running for President of the United States.

Let us give the hard working people of the United States a great gift this election year by electing a President whose policies, and not words, will provide our hard working citizens good paying jobs by electing candidates supporting,

1)      The repeal of job killing Obamacare – The Obamacare mandate only applies to employers with 50 or less full-time employees.  (3)  While this excludes small businesses of 50 or less employers, it also limits future potential growth.  Many now large corporations, such as Amazon, Apple, Disney, Google, and Harley Davidson once started as small businesses.  (4)  Would these companies have been able to expand from 50 to 51 employees when faced with the prospect of having to pay outrageous health insurance premiums for their employees or face severe fines.  The answer is possibly yes for by maintaining 50 or less full-time employees and filling the gap by hiring part-time employees working less than 30 hours per week they could have grown.  However, while this would create new jobs, they would be low paying part-time jobs and not well paying jobs that many working in these companies have enjoyed throughout these companies’ histories.  By repealing Obamacare, these restrictions are lifted and future small companies will once again enjoy the opportunity to grow into the next Apple while creating good paying full-time positions for those currently out of the labor force.  (5)

2)      The infusion of job creating expansion capital into businesses – Most start-up businesses fail due to lack of capital.  Capital is how a business obtains key infrastructure for operations such as plant and equipment as well as providing sufficient cash flow to fund day-to-day operations.  (6)  Profit increases capital for a company, capital it can use for expansion and growth.  The average combined corporate federal and state tax rate is 39.1 percent.  (7)  This is 10.8 percent higher than the average rate of 28.3 percent for the other 33 countries in the study.  (7)  In essence, 39.1 percent of the increase in capital companies gain through profit is confiscated by federal and state governments through excessive taxation and unavailable for job creating expansion.  By reducing the rate to around 15 percent, we would infuse 24.1 percent of additional job creating capital into the U.S. economy as well as making U.S. based companies more profitable.  This increased profitability will also be an incentive for more of these companies to remain in the United States instead of moving to more tax friendly nations. 

3)      The removal of the regulatory brakes on economic growth – In a town hall meeting in Columbus Ohio, Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton vowed that if she becomes president, she is going to “put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business.”  (8)   Clinton went on to promise these unemployed coal miners jobs in the clean renewable energy business.  We must ask ourselves if she is referring to the same types of renewable energy startups that failed under the Obama Administration which left taxpayers with a $2.2 billion hole.  (9)  In other words, Clinton promises to take coal miners out of thriving coal mining jobs that have thrived for decades and move them into risky jobs with a high record of failure.  Not to mention the need for these people to be trained most likely at their own expense.  We must stop excessive regulations like those proposed on coal companies for these regulations act as a brake on these companies’ potential for growth and even threaten to put them out of business, in essence bringing them to a total stop. 

I urge everyone to take a break from the barbeques and celebration this Labor Day and consider which candidates will do the most to insure those working in the United States can find work and be rewarded for that work.  I urge you to consider which candidate will do the most to put the millions currently out of the labor force who want to work back to work. Our great nation was built upon the labor of its hard working citizens and these hard working people deserve a much needed break from the sluggish economy they have had to work in for far too many years.

This election let us vote for the gift of more good paying jobs for the hard working people of the United States.  Happy Labor Day everyone.   

1. United States Department of Labor. History of Labor Day. www.dol.gov. [Online] U.S. Department of Labor. [Cited: August 25, 2016.] https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history.

2. History.com. History of Labor Day. www.history.com. [Online] [Cited: August 25, 2016.] http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day.

3. Obamacare.net. Obamacare Employer Mandate. obamacare.net. [Online] [Cited: August 26, 2016.] https://obamacare.net/obamacare-employer-mandate/.

4. Dunlop, Michael. 10 World Famous Companies that Started in Garages. www.retireat21.com. [Online] Retire@21. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://www.retireat21.com/blog/10-companies-started-garages.

5. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey. data.bls.gov. [Online] United States Department of Labor, August 26, 2016. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS11300000.

6. Quora. The Top 5 Reasons Startups Fail. www.forbes.com. [Online] Forbes, March 6, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2015/03/06/the-top-5-reasons-startups-fail/#24f513c3a1b9.

7. Sullivan, Martin. The Truth About Corporate Tax Rates. www.forbes.com. [Online] Forbes, March 25, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://www.forbes.com/sites/taxanalysts/2015/03/25/the-truth-about-corporate-tax-rates/#5754b34d20a5.

8. Leahy, Michael Patrick. Hillary Clinton Promise: ‘We’re Going to Put a Lot of Coal Miners and Coal Companies Out of Business’. www.breitbart.com. [Online] Breitbart News, March 14, 2016. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/03/14/hillary-clinton-promise-were-going-to-put-a-lot-of-coal-companies-and-coal-miners-out-of-business/.

9. Dinan, Steven. Obama clean energy loans leave taxpayers in $2.2 billion hole. www.washingtontimes.com. [Online] The Washington Times, April 27, 2015. [Cited: August 26, 2016.] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/27/obama-backed-green-energy-failures-leave-taxpayers/.