Faith Study (Part 1): Overview

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

(ESV)

Faith is an important part of our relationship with God.  In fact, Hebrews 11:6 teaches us that it is impossible to please God without it.  The context of this verse contained in Hebrews 11 which is what some call the hall of fame of faith.  As we read this passage we see that everyone mentioned lived prior to the birth of Christ.  In other words, their faith was in the future coming Messiah.  Likewise, those of us following Christ today do so based upon a belief in Jesus who came to die for our sins based upon a belief of eye witness accounts recorded in scripture, coupled with a faith and belief that Jesus will return to establish his earthly kingdom on earth.

Unfortunately, there are some misconceptions about what faith is such as,

1)      Faith is some mystical force only possessed by an elite few – In the Star Wars movies one of the most famous lines is “may the force be with you.”  This line is in reference to some mystical force empowering people and holding the universe together.  While there is a miraculous component to faith that results in miracles of healing and deliverance, the true biblical definition of faith is a belief in God.  Initially for believers this is a belief that Jesus died for our sins and rose again providing salvation for fallen humanity (Romans 10:9-10).  This faith then grows as we learn to rely on the promises of God contained in scripture and learn to trust God for our needs.  The mystical force of our faith does not lie in the quantity of faith we possess but instead is a reliance on an all-powerful God that can supply our needs.  In other words, faith is available to anyone choosing to believe and trust in God. 

2)      Great miracles require large faith (Matthew17:20) – The violent eruption of Mount St. Helens essentially blew off one side of the mountain.  (1)  The movement of this mountain required a great amount of force estimated to be that of a nuclear bomb.  (2)  However, this great force only moved part of the mountain yet Jesus tells us that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move the entire mountain.  It is not the size or quantity of our faith that matters but who our faith is in for that is the force behind our faith.

3)      Giving increases our faith – Acts 8:9-25 contains the account of Simon the Magician coming to believe in Jesus as his savior.  Acts 8:14-24 records the account of Simon witnessing the receiving of the Holy Spirit by some new believers in Samaria.  Witnessing this miracle through the laying on of the Apostles hands moved Simon to offer the Apostles money so he too could perform this miracle.  Simon no doubt believed that what he had witnessed was some magic trick performed by the Apostles that he could purchase with money.  Unfortunately, throughout its history the church has had its share of charlatans who promise people a miracle if they send them some money.  Faith is not something anyone can purchase for it is a gift from God provided through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is a free gift only requiring a mustard seed amount of belief and trust. 

Instead faith,

1)      Provides us with a new identity – When we place our faith in Jesus as our savior we receive,

a.       Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1)

b.       A right standing with God (2 Corinthians 5:21)

c.       An identity as a child of God (1 John 3:1)

2)      Frees us from loneliness – The second portion of Hebrews 13:5 contains the promise that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.  Interestingly the first half of the verse contains a warning to free ourselves from the love of money, learning to be content with what God has given us.  In other words, feeling lonely and abandoned is not something satisfied with having more possessions or money but something attained through faith.

3)      Is based upon what we already have (1 Peter 1:3) – The power of faith is the divine power of God dwelling in us through the saving work of Jesus on the Cross. 

4)      Trusts God with the future (Jeremiah 29:11) – Even though in the middle of some trial it may not seem like it, all God’s plans for us are for our welfare and not evil.  We therefore must trust God with the future (Proverbs 3:5-6).

5)      Does not worry about difficulties ahead – With the knowledge that Jesus will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5), we can face any difficulties knowing we are not alone.  Romans 8:28 also teaches us that all the difficulties we may face have some good purpose for those choosing to love God. 

Over the course of the next 4 Saturdays, we will be looking at faith.  In this study we will,

1)      Define faith

2)      Discover the object of our faith

3)      Look at the struggle of faith

4)      Discover the product of faith

We all face struggles and challenges in our life here on earth.  My hope and prayer is that this study will help us through any struggles we are currently in or may face in our lives and find victory in Christ. 

1. Futurism. Earthquake Swarm Shakes Mount St. Helens. futurism.com. [Online] Futurism. [Cited: February 15, 2017.] https://futurism.com/earthquake-swarm-shakes-mount-st-helens/.

2. Huffman, Shea. The Eruption Of Mount St. Helens Was As Powerful As A Nuclear Bomb. www.allday.com. [Online] All Day. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.allday.com/the-eruption-of-mount-st-helens-was-as-powerful-as-a-nuclear-bomb-2180804606.html.

The Game is not Over: One More Move Remains

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 22:20

 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

(ESV)

As we scan the news it is easy to become discouraged believing all is over for humanity.  Jesus told his disciples that prior to his return there would be wars and rumors of wars but that when we hear of these things the end is not yet near (Matthew 24:6).  The good news is that the end Jesus is speaking of is not the end of humanity but the end of the reign of Satan in our world and the ushering in of the millennial reign of Christ.  In other words, the game for humanity is not over for one more important move remains. 

Tensions around our world are at a high rate as I write this.  The threat of a nuclear Iran providing nuclear weapons to radical Islamists with one goal, the elimination of all infidels that do not adopt their beliefs remains high.  (1)  While the world is yet to experience a nuclear terrorist attack, the world has witnessed the willingness of radical Islamists to carry out brutal attacks upon those not adopting their beliefs even when it means sacrificing their own lives.  In 2016 alone there were 1274 Islamic attacks in 50 countries resulting in the death of 11,774 people and the injury of 14,303.  (2)  The thought of these radicals coming into the possession of nuclear weapons is unconscionable.  

North Korea presents an even more eminent threat for they already possess nuclear capability and are performing missile tests in an effort to develop a delivery system capable of delivering a deadly nuclear weapon to any place in the world focusing mainly on targets in the United States.  (3)  North Korea already possesses medium range missiles capable of hitting targets in the Pacific such as Japan and South Korea which is why the U.S. has begun deployment of the Thaad Antimissile System in South Korea.  (4)  In addition to this antimissile system, the U.S. recently dispatched a nuclear sniffer in order to detect any nuclear testing or detonations in the region.  (5) 

Syria also presents another of a rumor of war.  There has been an ongoing civil war in Syria since 2011 that has resulted in the death of an estimated 400,000 Syrians.  (6)  While some may believe other countries should not interfere with internal struggles within a nation, when it was discovered the Syrian government allegedly carried out a chemical attack on innocent people, including children in a northern held area of the nation we must ask if civilized people can just sit back allowing such brutality to go unchecked.  (7)  Believing civilized people should act against this brutality, President Trump called for a missile attack against the base launching this brutal chemical attack.  (8) 

The wars and rumors of wars predicted in Scripture will continue and most likely escalate until the triumphant return of Jesus to establish his millennial kingdom on earth.  This, however, does not mean we as civilized people and especially the people of God should remain silent when brutal attacks against humanity occur but instead, have an obligation to speak out and act against those perpetrating such attacks.  For this reason, we must monitor nations like Iran seeking nuclear capability, North Korea that already possesses nuclear capability seeking an intercontinental delivery system, and maniacal dictatorial regimes like that in Syria having no remorse against murdering innocent citizens and children with illegal chemical weapons.   

Easter Sunday or Resurrection Day is the most momentous event that has ever happened in the history of humanity.  This is because in our fallen state due to Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden we were unable to be in the presence of God.  Thankfully, however, humanity was not left to suffer an eternal sentence of separation from God for God mercifully sent his only Son, not to condemn us but to provide salvation and a restored relationship with God (John 3:16-17).  While this event was the greatest event so far in human history, one more move remains but are you ready for this event?

John 3:16, the most quoted Bible verse, tells us that the path to eternal life is through belief in Jesus God’s only Son.  In Ephesians 2:8 we are reminded that salvation is a free gift from God and not dependent on our own works.  Romans 10:9-10 tells us that the path to accepting this free gift is believing and confessing or telling someone that Jesus rose from the dead. 

If you have not done so already, I invite you to make that confession 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.

Congratulations, you now have eternity with Jesus to look forward to.  You now have confidence, knowing that when you witness the escalation of wars and rumors of wars, it only means the return of Jesus to establish his earthly kingdom is at hand.  Now tell someone so they too can enjoy eternity with Christ in his earthly kingdom once he returns. 

1. Kantor, Moshe. The growing threat of nuclear terrorism. www.washingtontimes.com. [Online] The Washington Times, March 23, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/mar/23/nuclear-terrorism-a-real-threat/.

2. Thereligionofpeace.com. List of Islamic Terror: 2016. www.thereligionofpeace.com. [Online] Thereligionofpeace.com. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] https://www.thereligionofpeace.com/terror-2016.htm.

3. BBC News. North Korea's missile programme. www.bbc.com. [Online] BBC News, April 20, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17399847.

4. Gordon, Gerry Mullany and Michael R. U.S. Starts Deploying Thaad Antimissile System in South Korea, After North's Tests. www.nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, March 6, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/world/asia/north-korea-thaad-missile-defense-us-china.html?_r=0.

5. Burke, Dave. US sends its nuclear 'sniffer' plane on 'emergency sortie' in Korea amid fears of new nuke test by Kim Jong-un. www.dailymail.com. [Online] Daily Mail, April 20, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4429662/US-sends-nuclear-sniffer-emergency-sortie-Korea.html.

6. CNN Library. Syrian Civil War Fast Facts. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN, April 9, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/27/world/meast/syria-civil-war-fast-facts/.

7. Gordon, AnneBarnard and Michael R. Worst Chemical Attack in Years in Syria; U.S. Blames Assad. www.nytimnes.com. [Online] The New York Times, April 4, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/world/middleeast/syria-gas-attack.html.

8. Courtney Kube, Alex Johnson, Hallie Jackson, and Alexander Smith. U.S. Launches Missiles at Syrian Base Over Chemical Weapons Attack. www.nbcnews.com. [Online] NBC News, April 7, 2017. [Cited: April 22, 2017.] http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-launches-missiles-syrian-base-after-chemical-weapons-attack-n743636.

Avoiding the Devil’s Playground

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 68:6

God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

(NLT)

It has been said that loneliness is the Devil’s playground.  Perhaps this is the reason Psalm 68:6 reminds us that God places the lonely in families.  In Genesis 2:18, after creating the universe including man, God makes an interesting statement, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”  After failing to find a suitable companion for man among the animals of His creation (Genesis 2:19-20), God creates Woman (Genesis 2:21-22). 

Technology is wonderful for it makes it possible for people to stay connected over great distances.  It also makes it possible for someone to start a blog and share with people all over the globe.  While this increased connectivity over distances is nothing short of miraculous, it does not replace the need in all of us for one-on-one connectivity with others.  This is especially true for those of us that believe in Christ and serve as ambassadors in an ungodly world. 

In this world of high connectivity one would expect loneliness and depression to be on the decline.  However, this is not the case.  According to Johannah Cornblatt, while social media makes it seem like all 300 million of us living in the United States are friends on Facebook, the sad truth is Americans are lonelier than ever.  Between 1985 and 2004, the number of people claiming to have no one to discuss important issues with tripled to 25 percent.  (1)

This increase of social isolation has contributed to increased physical and mental ailments including, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of depression and suicide.  (1)  While there are more individuals living alone in the United States, the connection between this and increased loneliness is actually weak for some of the loneliest people are people that are surrounded with others.  While social media does make us more connected, connections via social media are superficial and do not provide lasting satisfaction and relief from loneliness.  Almost 2000 years ago, the author of the Book of Hebrews said it well when he cautioned people not to neglect meeting together but to meet together to provide encouragement for each other (Hebrews10:25).  In the first portion of Hebrews10:25, the writer writes “as some people do.”  This leads us to conclude that even at the time of the writing of Hebrews, a time when there was no social media, isolation and people not realizing the importance of meeting together was an issue. 

We all face challenges in our lives, something Jesus warned us about in John 16:33.  When we isolate ourselves from others in these times of trouble we enter the devil’s playground of loneliness and he begins to play with our minds, making us begin to believe our troubles are unique and greater than anything anyone else has ever experienced.  This isolation can also make us begin to believe God has forsaken us and does not love us anymore.  Staying in the devil’s playground of loneliness will then result in our losing faith in God contributing to depression and myriad of associated physical problems. 

The only way to escape this playground of the Devil is to have a trusted friend we can go to and openly share what is bugging us.  We all need a friend that will pray with us and for us.  However, we cannot wait till trouble starts to find this someone but must regularly associate with other believers so that when trouble comes we can pick up the phone or go over to talk with our trusted friend and have them pray for us.  In this instance, an ounce of prevention by knowing someone before trouble strikes is worth a pound of cure.  In this way, we can avoid the devil’s playground of loneliness. 

Many Christians today are part of large mega churches.  While there is nothing wrong with a mega church that has grown through spreading the Gospel, they are places where lonely people can go and blend in, unfortunately leaving as lonely as when they came in.  I therefore urge people attending these large congregations to become part of a small group if their church has such groups and if not to form one themselves. 

This can be done through Facebook by setting up an event and inviting your Facebook friends to gather together.  This event can be a Bible study, prayer group, a game night, or even just a social gathering over coffee or a meal.  Make sure people attending these small events understand that no one will judge them so they feel open to share any troubles going on in their lives. 

Meeting together in small groups is the best way to avoid the Devils playground of loneliness and something I want to encourage all my readers to begin doing. 

1. Cornblatt, Johannah. LONELY PLANET: ISOLATION INCREASES IN US. www.newsweek.com. [Online] Newsweek, August 20, 2009. [Cited: April 8, 2017.] http://www.newsweek.com/lonely-planet-isolation-increases-us-78647.

The Purpose of Walls

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Nehemiah 1:3-4

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”

⁴ When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.

(NLT)

On June 16, 2015, businessman Donald Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States with his main promise being increasing border security by building a wall along the southern border of the United States.  (1)  As expected, it did not take long for naysayers to cite reasons why the wall would not work.  According to an opinion piece by Robert Reich appearing in Newsweek, Trump’s wall will not work because,

1)      The U.S.-Mexican border is already well-defended, and a wall won’t improve the defenses.  (2)  Mr. Reich’s reasons are that we already spend $3.7 billion per year for border patrol agents along with $3.2 billion on inspectors at ports of entry.  However, despite these expenditures, the statistics tell us that the U.S. citizen is not receiving their money’s worth.  (3)  As a successful businessman, Donald Trump no doubt looked at the failure to secure the border despite spending billions and realized a wall was a better strategy.

2)      The cost of Trump’s wall would be a whopping $25 billion on top of this.  (2)  The fallacy of Mr. Reich’s reasoning here is that with a wall in place along the border, fewer border patrol agents and inspectors would be necessary.  In addition, a 2006 law passed with the help of Senators Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton has already allocated funding for construction of the wall.  (4)  Therefore, Donald Trump can with the simple stroke of a pen order construction of the border wall to begin, something he did on January 25, 2017.  (5) 

3)      There is no way Mexico will pay for it.  (2)  Whether Mexico pays for the wall or not, the primary constitutional duty of the Federal Government is the protection of its citizens from enemies foreign and domestic.  The massive influx of illegal immigrants across the southern border represents an invasion, (3) an invasion that a wall will decrease.  Therefore, we must build the wall.

4)      There’s no reason for the wall anyway, because undocumented migration from Mexico has sharply declined.  (2)  Mr. Reich cites statistics showing a decline in illegal border crossings since 2008.  However, Mr. Reich fails to consider evidence obtained by the House Judiciary Committee showing the Obama Administration “cooking the books” to show larger numbers of deportations.  (6)  With the books cooked showing more deportations, a decrease in illegal immigrants would be expected but with the “books being cooked,” the numbers cannot be trusted. 

5)      The decline isn’t because of rising border enforcement but because Mexico is producing fewer young people.  (2)  Once again, Mr. Reich’s numbers cannot be trusted because it only accounts for children born in Mexico and fails to consider the number of children born in the United States to illegal immigrants who are granted U.S. citizenship at birth, the so-called anchor babies.  In addition, these children are not counted as illegal immigrants.

6)      There’s little or no evidence undocumented immigrants take jobs away from native-born Americans, anyway.  (2)  My first Job when I turned 16 was working at a fast food restaurant for a whopping $1.95 per hour.  I never intended for this Job to become a career but went to work to afford my first car.  What this job did, however, is teach me the importance of showing up for work and doing what the boss told me to do.  It also taught me how to budget my pay check so I could afford a car.  Unfortunately, however, we see few teenagers working at these jobs today and are thus robbing our youth of their first job helping them develop a good work ethic and money management skills. 

The book of Nehemiah in the Bible is the account of a man called by God to rebuild the broken-down wall defending the ancient city of Jerusalem.  Walls were important for the defense of ancient cities from enemies for unlike today, enemies could not attack from the air.  However, the illegal immigrants flooding the southern border of the United States are not coming in by air, but crossing on the ground.  There is therefore no reason that a wall along the southern border of the U.S. will not provide protection.  In fact, modern Israel has a wall along the west bank (7) that has resulted in a decrease in terrorist attacks.  (8) 

The book of Nehemiah however also has a spiritual message teaching us the need to have walls of protection around our hearts as well.  In Ephesians 6:13-17 the Apostle Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God.  He is most likely observing the Roman guard watching him and equates each piece of the guard’s armor with something spiritual.  Except for the offensive weapon of the sword of the Spirit, each implement of the armor is defensive. 

These implements of armor can also be looked at as our spiritual wall of protection protecting us from the attacks of the enemy, Satan.  John 10:10 tells us that the thief, Satan, comes to kill, steal, and destroy but the second half of the verse reminds that Jesus came to give us abundant life.  Some interpret this to mean Jesus is promising his followers they will be rich but when taken in context of the entire message of the gospel, especially John 3:16, Jesus is referring to an abundant eternal life with Him. 

In addition, just as the proposed wall along the southern border of the United States will have a gate for people to enter legally, there is a door for anyone to enter into an abundant eternal life with Jesus.  That door is Jesus Christ (John 14:6) and the only documentation required is to believe.  If you would like to enter into an abundant eternal life with Jesus Christ, please pray with me now,

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

Now, do not neglect the wall of protection Jesus has provided around your soul as the Israelites did in the time of Nehemiah but instead maintain your solid wall of defense by finding a Church teaching the Bible, become part of a small group Bible study, and begin regularly studying the Bible yourself. 

May God bless everyone reading this.

1. Tims Staff. Here's Donald Trump's Presidential Announcement Speech. time.com. [Online] Time, June 16, 2015. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://time.com/3923128/donald-trump-announcement-speech/.

2. Reich, Robert. ROBERT REICH: SIX REASONS TRUMP’S MEXICO WALL IS A DUMB IDEA. www.newsweek.com. [Online] Newsweek, January 17, 2017. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.newsweek.com/robert-reich-six-reasons-trumps-mexico-wall-dumb-idea-543247.

3. Jens Manuel Krogstad, Jeffrey S. Passel, and D'vera Cohn. 5 Facts About Illegal Immigration in the U.S. www.pewresearch.org. [Online] Pew Research Center, November 3, 2016. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/03/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/.

4. Stoltzfoos, Rachel. Top Democrats Voted For The Border Wall Trump Is Building. dailycaller.com. [Online] The Daily Caller, January 25, 2017. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://dailycaller.com/2017/01/25/top-democrats-voted-for-the-border-wall-trump-is-building/.

5. Fox News. Trump orders construction of border wall, targets sanctuary cities. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, January 25, 2017. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/01/25/trump-orders-construction-border-wall-targets-sanctuary-cities.html.

6. May, Caroline. New documents reveal Obama administration ‘cooking the books’ to achieve record deportation numbers. dailycaller.com. [Online] The Daily Caller, August 24, 2012. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://dailycaller.com/2012/08/24/new-documents-reveal-obama-administration-cooking-the-books-to-achieve-record-deportation-numbers/.

7. Rosner, Shmuel. What America can learn from Israel's West Bank security barrier. www.slate.com. [Online] Slate. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2006/06/fences.html.

8. Palti, Zohar. Israel's Security Fence: Effective in Reducing Suicide Attacks from the Northern West Bank. www.washingtoninstitute.org. [Online] The Washington Institute, July 7, 2004. [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/israels-security-fence-effective-in-reducing-suicide-attacks-from-the-north.

9. immigrationcounters.com. Immigration Counters. www.immigrationcounters.com. [Online] [Cited: April 3, 2017.] http://www.immigrationcounters.com/.

The Greatest Event in History

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 11:25

 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.^[a] Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.

(NLT)

Immortality is something humanity has strived for many years.  While many have believed for years that Ponce de Leon discovered Florida while in a quest for the Fountain of Youth, a closer look has revealed this to be something added later to the account by Spanish and U.S. writers as a means of adding folklore to the tale.  (1)  Whether this is true or not is unimportant for the very fact that the addition of a quest for a mythical fountain of youth adds to the story only emphasizes the allure of humanity for immortality. 

If there is some factual fountain of youth out there, it can be found in the words of Jesus contained in John 11:25.  The best part is that one does not have to travel to some distant land as Ponce De Leon did for Jesus told Nicodemus that all one must do is believe (John 3:16) wherever they happen to be.  In essence, God’s gift of salvation is available 24-7 from anywhere, even if there is no wi-fi connection. 

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday or what I like to refer to as Resurrection Sunday.  It is the day when Christians all over the world pause to remember the greatest event in human history.  It is the greatest event in human history because,

1)      Humanity lost its relationship with God (Genesis 3) – In 6 days God created the entire universe we now see.  The crown jewel of his creation was man and later woman for of all his creation, it was only man that God breathed his Spirit into (Genesis 2:7).  God then placed man and woman in the pristine Garden of Eden.  Man and woman would have lived on for eternity in paradise except they disobeyed God’s one and only command, not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:8-17).  Unfortunately for all of humanity, Adam and Eve disobeyed this one simple command after falling for the temptation of Satan the Serpent and were evicted from paradise with the sentence of death (Genesis 3:20-24).  Had the biblical account ended here it would have been a short and tragic story but in Genesis 3:15 God promises one who would come bringing redemption.

2)      God forms a nation from which the Messiah would be born – The biblical account however is not a short tragic story but instead a love story of a betrayed God paying the ultimate price, the life of his only Son to redeem his fallen creation (John 3:16).  However, the Messiah Jesus is also human and it was therefore necessary for God to raise up a nation from whom the Messiah would be born.  In hindsight, we now know this nation is the Nation of Israel.  The Bible records many attempts by Satan to prevent the birth of Messiah through the destruction of the Nation of Israel but as with all of God’s will, nothing can stop it.  The Bible also tells us that the nation of Israel was a concoction of imperfect sinful human beings and through their sin tried to prevent the birth of Messiah.  However, God’s grace prevailed and Messiah was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7). 

3)      Jesus demonstrates his divinity through signs and wonders (Matthew 11:1-6) – John the Baptist came preaching a message of repentance.  His message was to prepare people for the coming Messiah for one must repent or turn from their sin before receiving redemption.  However, even John while imprisoned wondered whether Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.  Seeking an answer to his question, John sends some of his disciples asking if Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.  Jesus then presents his calling card, the miraculous signs and wonders he performed as evidence he is indeed the Messiah. 

4)      Jesus dies on the cross and resurrects from the dead – God is a just God and as such requires that the sins of humanity be paid for by death.  However, in an amazing act of mercy and grace, God sends his sinless son (2 Corinthians 5:21) to take our death penalty, granting us eternal life.  However, Jesus did not remain in the grave but instead arose from the grave fulfilling the prophecy of Genesis 3:15. 

The greatest event in human history is the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, providing redemption and a restored relationship with God.  I therefore ask any of my readers that have not already done so accept this free-gift of salvation 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.

You have now achieved what humanity has searched for throughout history, immortality with God your creator because of the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.  Congratulations on your decision and may God richly bless you this Resurrection Sunday.  Now, tell someone the good news, especially anyone you know has been praying for you. 

Happy Resurrection Sunday.

1. Greenspan, Jesse. The Myth of Ponce de León and the Fountain of Youth. www.history.com. [Online] History.com, April 2, 2013. [Cited: April 14, 2017.] http://www.history.com/news/the-myth-of-ponce-de-leon-and-the-fountain-of-youth.

Call to Colors: Boldly Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Habakkuk 3:2

I have heard all about you, Lord.
    I am filled with awe by your amazing works.
In this time of our deep need,
    help us again as you did in years gone by.
And in your anger,
    remember your mercy.

(NLT)

On the battlefield of Gettysburg, there is a monument to a brave color bearer who became isolated from his company.  His company had retreated but the color bearer, just a boy, bravely remained.  When his commanding officer sent a messenger telling the boy to retreat and bring the colors back, the boy responded, “No, bring the regiment back to the colors.”  (1) 

We are ambassadors for Christ and just like an ambassador to a foreign country, our duty is to represent our nation, the Kingdom of God.  Unfortunately, however, we often find ourselves in enemy territory and experience persecution for our faith.  In many parts of the world this persecution means the lives of those choosing to place their belief in Jesus as their savior find their lives threatened.  In nations like the United States where there is constitutional protection of religious expression, this persecution is a soft-persecution or social rejection. 

Whether the persecution we experience is hard or soft, there is a temptation to retreat and take the colors of our faith into our church buildings where we have a sense of security.  However, Jesus last words to his followers were to take the Gospel message around the world (Matthew 28:16-20). 

Our greatest obstacle to sharing our faith is our own fear.  While 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that the source of this fear is not from God, fear can still cripple us, preventing us from sharing the Gospel.  As we begin sharing our faith we may experience,

1)      Fear of physical harm – Judges 6 introduces us to Gideon.  The scene is Israel doing evil in the Lord’s sight and thus being handed over to the cruel people of Midian.  The Midianites raided the crops and flocks of Israel.  In this context, we see Gideon hiding at the bottom of a winepress to thresh his wheat.  Gideon had reason to fear for without wheat to feed his family and sell for income, he would be a slave to the cruel Midianites.  In Judges 6:12 we see the Angel of the Lord appearing to fearful Gideon and saying, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you.”  In his current state of fear, I can imagine Gideon jumped a foot but what comforting words to someone full of fear.  Gideon’s answer however is something many of us have most likely thought in times of trouble and fear for he said, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us (Judges 6:13)?”  Gideon feared physical harm, loss of property, and income from the Midianites.  Around the globe, many risk life, loss of property, and income for sharing the Gospel, but interestingly the spread of the Gospel seems to thrive in these situations.  (2)  These persecuted Christians are like modern day Gideons who overcome fear and go on to serve their Lord (Judges 7). 

2)      Fear of rejection – Peter walked with Jesus during his 3 ½ years of ministry.  During this time, he would have witnessed the miracles and heard the teachings of Jesus.  However, even being an eyewitness to these momentous events did not exempt Peter from the power of the fear of rejection.  Matthew 26:69-75 records the account of Peter’s denial of Jesus.  Jesus is facing a cruel death by crucifixion and in his greatest time of need for support from his trusted friends.  However, instead of standing strong for his Lord and letting those asking him know he was one of Jesus disciples, we see Peter giving into the fear of rejection and physical harm and denying Jesus.  We too may face rejection from friends and even family members when we start sharing our testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives but just as with Gideon, we can be mighty heroes sharing the Gospel for Jesus is with us.  The good news for all of us is that even after denying Jesus, Peter boldly shared the gospel with many in Acts 2:14-41. 

3)      Fear of our own faults and weaknesses – We all experience times of inadequacy in our lives but when it comes to sharing the Gospel, the greatest story ever told, with someone we believe may reject or even harm us, we all feel inadequate.  Moses experienced these feelings of inadequacy at the burning bush (Exodus 3) but God reminded Moses that He would be with him (Exodus 3:12).  No one comes to Christ unless the Holy Spirit leads them (John 6:44).  This means that we need not fear our inadequacy for that is not what draws people to Christ.  None of us was adequate to receive the gift of salvation and likewise none of us is adequate to share the message of the Gospel but just as Jesus took the penalty for our sins, he will just like Moses and Peter, empower us to share the Gospel. 

Let us therefore like the brave color bearer at Gettysburg bravely and fearlessly carry the colors of the Gospel to a lost world in desperate need.  Let us not allow fear of physical harm, rejection, or our own inadequacies stop us and instead raise our colors drawing the lost to Christ (John 12:32). 

1. Civil War Times. Fighting and Dying for the Colors at Gettysburg. www.history.net. [Online] History.net, June 7, 2007. [Cited: April 1, 2017.] http://www.historynet.com/fighting-and-dying-for-the-colors-at-gettysburg.htm.

2. Smith, Kate. AS PERSECUTION RISES, THE CHURCH GROWS. iglworld.org. [Online] India Gospel League, May 19, 2015. [Cited: April 6, 2017.] https://iglworld.org/as-persecution-rises-the-church-grows/.

Godly v. Secular Values

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 18:36

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”

(ESV)

Our world and culture finds itself in a war of values that makes even the most brutal MMA fight look like child’s play.  On one side, we live in a world dominated by a philosophy of post-modernism which believes truth is whatever one believes it is.  The Encyclopedia Britannica provides the following definition for post-modernism

There is an objective natural reality, a reality whose existence and properties are logically independent of human beings—of their minds, their societies, their social practices, or their investigative techniques. Postmodernists dismiss this idea as a kind of naive realism. Such reality as there is, according to postmodernists, is a conceptual construct, an artifact of scientific practice and language. This point also applies to the investigation of past events by historians and to the description of social institutions, structures, or practices by social scientists.  (1)

With postmodernism’s denial of absolutes such as Jesus being the only way to salvation, this philosophy stands in complete opposition to the truths taught in the Bible.  However, this philosophy dominates our culture, especially in academia (2) and the media which no longer entertains but provides a cornucopia of shows dealing with differing issues that are believed to be truth by someone.  (3)  The domination by this philosophy in education and media is most likely the reason many young people raised in Godly homes stray from their faith after attending college.  (4) 

On the other side of the battle, we have a kingdom that is not of this world, the Kingdom of God (John 18:36).  In the abridged version of the Beatitudes contained in Luke 6:20-23, Jesus presents a picture of Godly values that stands in contrast to what most value in the secular world.  Jesus picture of Godly values includes,

1)      The Kingdom of God belongs to the poor (Luke 6:20) – In our materialistic world where success is measured by the size of one’s bank account or how many worldly possessions they have the thought of the poor inheriting anything, let alone the Kingdom of God is foreign.  However, what scripture is referring to in this passage is not poverty in a material sense, but poorness of spirit.  Regardless whether a person has great material wealth or is materially poor, those that belong to the Kingdom of God are those who have surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and thus became spiritually poor.  This involves abandoning pride and the thought that we are fully capable of running our lives. 

2)      Hunger now will be satisfied (Luke 6:21) – In Psalm 42:1 the psalmist compares his hunger for God to that of a deer longing for water.  I have been to Israel and witnessed the aridness of the Judean dessert.  There are deer living in this arid land so the psalmist most likely saw their desperation and joy upon seeing a stream of water.  Once again whether one is fully satisfied or hungry physically is not what Jesus is referring to but Jesus is referring to a hunger of one’s soul or spirit which can only find satisfaction in a relationship with God. 

3)      Sorrow on this earth is temporary and will turn to laughter (Luke 6:21) – We do not have to look hard to find things in this world that bring sorrow.  As a follower of Jesus Christ my heart is sorrowed at the statistics on abortion.  (5)  I am also sorrowed at the acceptance in our culture of gay marriage, something explicitly condemned in scripture and contrary to godly values (Genesis 19:3-15, Romans 1:26-27).  I am equally sorrowed at the decline of Christianity in some parts of the world and the rise of deception disguised as religion.  (6) In fact, even Allah is described as being the best deceiver in Suras 8:30 and 10:21 in the Quran.  (7)  However, my sorrow turns to joy when I think of the fact that my Lord is returning to establish his earthly kingdom on earth, a kingdom absent of sin and sorrow. 

The question we all face is whether to build our lives on secular or Godly values.  In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus speaks of two home builders.  The first builder built his house on a solid foundation that could withstand floodwaters and stood strong because it was built on a solid foundation.  The second homebuilder, however, built on ground without a foundation and his house collapsed in a heap when the floodwaters came. 

Many in our world today are building their lives on the philosophy of postmodernism, lacking a foundation of truth.  Is it any wonder we are seeing a rise in depression and anxiety in our society?  I therefore urge those reading this to begin building their lives on the solid foundation of Godly values by becoming poor in spirit, giving control of their lives to Jesus Christ.  I urge my readers to begin developing a hunger to know more about God the creator through study of His Word, the Bible and regularly gathering together with other believers in Christ.  I also urge my readers to not let the sorrow of what they see happening in our world overwhelm them but to instead look forward to the hope of the return of Jesus Christ to establish the Kingdom of God on earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 

May God bless everyone reading this.

1. Dulgnan, Brian. Postmodernism Philosophy. www.britannica.com. [Online] Encyclopedia Britannica, October 31, 2014. [Cited: March 31, 2017.] https://www.britannica.com/topic/postmodernism-philosophy.

2. Sanbonmatsu, John. POSTMODERNISM AND THE CORRUPTION OF ACADEMIC INTELLIGENTSIA. socialistregister.com. [Online] Socialist Register. [Cited: March 31, 2017.] http://socialistregister.com/index.php/srv/article/viewFile/5851/2747.

3. Saugstad, Andreas. Postmodernism and the Media. bolesblogs.com. [Online] November 20, 2000. [Cited: March 31, 2017.] https://bolesblogs.com/2000/11/20/postmodernism-the-media/.

4. Admin. Why are college students straying from their faith? www.renewalchristiancare.com. [Online] Renewal: Christian Treatment and Recovery, September 24, 2015. [Cited: March 31, 2017.] http://www.renewalchristiancare.com/why-college-students-are-straying-away-from-their-faith/.

5. abort73.com. U.S. Abortion Statistics. abort73.com. [Online] Abort73.com. [Cited: April 2, 2017.] http://abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics.

6. Breitbart London. Gatestone Institute: 423 New Mosques, 500 Closed Churches in London. www.breitbart.com. [Online] Breitbart News, April 2, 2017. [Cited: April 2, 2017.] http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/04/02/gatestone-institute-423-new-mosques-500-closed-churches-london/.

7. Christian Debator. Deception in Islam. www.muslimhope.com. [Online] Muslim Hope. [Cited: April 2, 2017.] https://www.muslimhope.com/DeceptionInIslam.htm.

Contending for Truth and Faith

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Jude 3

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

(ESV)

In this time of political and economic uncertainty, many seek protection by investing in commodities.  In fact, Vic Sperandeo, President and CEO of EAM partners and the developer of the Trader Vic Index recommends a 5 to 15 percent exposure to commodities in one’s portfolio.  (1)  What makes commodities such as Gold valuable, and even more valuable during economic uncertainty is the scarcity principle.  (2)  This is because rare metals such as gold have a limited supply and during times of uncertainty when investors are seeking a hedge to protect their portfolios experience increased demand, increasing the price for these commodities.  This is good news for those already owning these assets but unfortunately bad news for those seeking to invest when prices are high.  Unfortunately, we are also witnessing the decrease in supply of another important commodity, the commodity of truth.

Jude 3 urges us to contend for our faith.  This appeal is in the context of Jude warning believers about certain people that had crept into the church who were perverting the grace of God into sensuality, denying our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jude 4).

While it is uncertain who Jude was referring to as false teachers, many theologians believe them to be Gnostics.  (3)  Gnosticism is a belief that is mutually exclusive of Christianity for it believes,

1)      A dualism exists regarding spirit and matter.  This leads to the belief that anything done in the body, including the grossest or most perverse sin has no meaning for real life exists in the spirit realm.  (4)

2)       Claims to possess an elevated knowledge.  Gnostics believe they are among a select few that have attained this knowledge not through the Bible but through some mystical higher plane of existence.  (4)

It is possible Jude was concerned that believers could be deceived into believing gnostic dualism and believe the grace of God permitted them to continue in their sins since things done in the flesh are meaningless.  He also might have had concerns that believers might become puffed up with pride believing they were part of a select few.  Either one or both would have meant disaster for the early church. 

We must continue to be on guard against Gnosticism creeping into our churches today as well.  For example, in the interest of building a church instead of breaking a heart, being politically correct at the expense of being biblically correct, and coddling and comforting the congregation instead of stirring and convicting, many pastors water down the message so as not to offend.  This robs the flock of the totality of the truth of God’s Word and is most likely the reason many in the church actually feel discouraged and beaten down.  (5) 

We also see Christians acting holier than thou when speaking about what they see in our culture instead of pointing them to Jesus Christ, the source of their salvation.  Granted part of contending for our faith is speaking out against the perversion and sin in our culture but we must be careful to judge the actions and not the sinner who needs the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  I heard a caller on the radio share some wise advice today.  When telling someone she was a Christian, they did not believe her because she never judged them for their sin.  Her answer was that the high standard she had chosen to live according to was to judge her and not others.  We therefore as believers must follow the appeal of Jude and contend for our faith but we must temper it with the truth of God’s Grace contained in Scripture and instead of judging, bring others to Christ. 

In the information age, there is no shortage of information.  However, there is a shortage of truth.  Jesus reminds us that knowledge of the truth sets us free (John 8:32).  However, to discern truth from lies, one must possess some standard of truth from which to judge.  The Bible, the Word of God, is the source of truth by which myself, and thousands of other believers have decided to live their lives.  I therefore urge everyone reading this to invest in truth by making Jesus the Lord of their lives and studying the truth of God’s Word for failure to make this investment makes us vulnerable to destructive lies and deception. 

I now invite you to begin the truth process by praying with me and making Jesus Lord of your life,

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

Now I pray you will increase the value of your investment in truth by regularly studying God’s Word, the Bible and find a church teaching the totality of the Bible in order to increase your knowledge of truth. 

May God bless everyone reading this.

1. Whittaker, Mark. How to Hedge Against Inflation With Commodities. money.usnews.com. [Online] U.S. News Investing, August 19, 2016. [Cited: March 29, 2017.] http://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/2016-08-19/how-to-hedge-against-inflation-with-commodities.

2. Investopedia. Scarcity Principle. www.investopedia.com. [Online] Investopedia. [Cited: March 29, 2017.] http://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/scarcity-principle.asp.

3. Elder, Gregory. Jude: Warning against false teachers. www.redlanddailyfacts.com. [Online] Redlands Daily Facts Lifestyle, September 23, 2009. [Cited: March 30, 2017.] http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/article/ZZ/20090923/NEWS/909239986.

4. Got Questions.org. What is Christian Gnosticism? www.gotquestions.org. [Online] Got Questions.org. [Cited: March 30, 2017.] https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-gnosticism.html.

5. Idleman, Shane. Joel Osteen: Preach God's Truth; Don't Avoid Sin, Repentance. www.christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, May 29, 2016. [Cited: March 30, 2017.] http://www.christianpost.com/news/joel-osteen-truth-sin-repentance-160365/.