Genuine Christianity: Humility

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

(CSB)

A calling in Christ is not a selfish calling seeking fame, power, or financial riches but one of service to others through sharing the lifechanging benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  To achieve a heart of humility one must consider others and their interests above their own selfish ambitions.  To accomplish this, we must adopt the humble attitude Jesus demonstrated while ministering on earth. 

Jesus humility shows an attitude of,

1)      Self-abandonment (Philippians 2:6):  The idea of self-abandonment is foreign in a culture dominated by rugged individualism and individual rights.  However, the Biblical truth is that all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 2:23).  Not only have all people sinned, but there is nothing one can do to earn a right standing with God for all our good works are filthy to the Lord (Isaiah 64:6).  However, a right standing is available due to the Grace of God demonstrated in the greatest act of self-abandonment in history, Jesus offering Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, covering all our sins (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:8). 

2)      Service (Philippians 2:7):  When tempted by Satan to worship him, Jesus reminded him that people are to worship the Lord and serve Him (Matthew 4:10).  Jesus knew that submission to Satan’s leadership was the source of humanity’s fall and for him to compromise his leadership to Satan would do nothing to reconcile humanity back to God.  However, the Lord also humbly came to serve humanity.  Jesus demonstrated this type of service by ministering to the sick and oppressed with its ultimate demonstration, death for humanity’s sins on the cross (Luke 7:22; Philippians 2:5-11). 

3)      Submission to God’s will (Philippians 2:8):  When we make plans, we do so lacking knowledge of the future and what may happen to derail our plans.  While we should still make plans, we must learn to submit our plans to God, checking to see if they align with the will of God.  Unfortunately, oppressive leaders using those choosing to submit to their leadership for their own personal gain corrupts the idea of submission.  Submission to God does nothing to cause personal gain for God because He already has all he needs (Psalm 50:10).  Instead, submission to God’s will is submission to our creator who loves us and a God who also knows the future.  God’s plans for us are always good and for our benefit (Jeremiah 29:11). 

The result of Jesus’ humility is God raising him to a position of authority (Philippians 2:9-11).  Unlike worldly leaders who rise to power with great authority and power, Jesus rise to authority is a humble manger and death by crucifixion followed by resurrection from the dead.  As we begin the new year, I urge those reading this that have not already done so, to join those who have already accepted the humble Messiah of the manger and cross by praying 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.

Congratulations on beginning the new year with the decision to follow the example of humble leadership demonstrated by Jesus Christ.  I urge those that just prayed to begin a study of the Bible to find out more about the Lord of their lives, Jesus Christ.  I also urge you to find a church teaching from the Bible, so you can learn more and find friends who share your faith in Jesus as savior.  Once established in your new church and encouraged by new friends that share your beliefs, it is also important to share Jesus’ example of service by finding where you can serve. 

Humility does not mean reckless self-abandonment of any personal dreams or goals nor does service mean reckless volunteerism whenever asked.  Humility in service to Christ means alignment of personal ambitions with those of God and serving the Body of Christ wherever God directs.  A genuine Christian is one following Jesus in their lives and offering their personal ambitions to serving Christ and others. 

May God bless everyone’s new year.

Breaking News from Bethlehem: The Shepherds Speak

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Luke 2:10-12

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:^[f] 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

(CSB)

As Biff approached the shepherds, he realized he was not alone for the shepherds were quickly surrounded by reporters from every other news network.  Biff felt anger at the possibility of losing his exclusive story and confronted the other reporters.  “Hey everyone, back off.  This is my exclusive story for I have already interviewed the parents and need to follow up by interviewing these shepherds. 

Then, one of the reporters from Jerusalem Cable News (JCN) got in Biff’s face and said, “Biffy, we have been following these shepherds since the news of the choir of angels singing in the heavens occurred.  You may have an exclusive on interviewing the parents of the baby, but we have the exclusive on the story of the shepherds.”  Knowing they had a point, Biff backed off realizing they were right. 

Eli, the head shepherd, hearing the argument intervened and said, “Gentlemen, no need to argue for this is a momentous time in history.  Why don’t we all sit down and hear what we have to share for it is not a message for one network, but a message for the entire world to hear.”  With much reluctance, and some grumbling, the reporters sat down to hear what the shepherds had to say. 

After everything settled down, Eli began to speak, “Tonight began like any other night.  We had just fed our flocks and were preparing to settle down around the fire for the night to get some sleep.  I remember thinking how ironic it was that I covered up with a blanket made of the very wool provided by the sheep I tended.”

“I was almost asleep when I was startled by a loud noise and bright light in the sky.  My initial concern was for my sheep, so I got up ready to battle anyone threatening my sheep for this is the duty of a good shepherd.  However, as I looked up and saw a choir of heavenly angels, I realized my staff would be no match for any threat they presented to my sheep and instead bowed down realizing something bigger than myself was occurring.  However, before we make our announcement we need to go in and see the baby and parents that caused the angels to make this grand announcement.”

After spending time with the parents and baby, the shepherds came out of the stable.  Their faces seemed different after their encounter with them and made Biff begin to wonder the significance of what was really going on here.  Eli stood up in front of the reporters at which time Biff and the other reporters became quiet with anticipation at what they would hear. 

“While I, like yourselves was uncertain about what was happening here in Bethlehem, after spending time with Mary, Joseph, and their baby, things are becoming clear.  The fact that Mary is a virgin indicates this is a special birth and baby like the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their late years.  Isaiah 7:14 foretold of a virgin giving birth to a son and that his name would be Immanuel.  The angelic announcement to myself and my shepherds told us that the baby born in this stable was our savior and Messiah and that we would find him in a stable.  What we just saw in this stable confirms this announcement and why we believe Jesus, the baby born in this stable is the long-awaited Jewish savior and Messiah.”

Biff could no longer remain silent and had to speak up, “Wait a minute, how can you be sure, babies are born every day.”

“To a virgin?”

“You have a point there but aren’t we taking her and Joseph’s word on that?”

“That’s true but you are all reporters, so I would suggest you go to Nazareth their home town to find out what kind of people Mary and Joseph are.”

“Great idea,” said one of the reporters from JCN. 

Eli continued, “In fact, I would recommend each of you ask your bosses about keeping track of the growth of this baby for if what I believe Scripture says is true about this child, remarkable things are in store.”

Biff thought for a moment and quickly called his boss, requesting assignment to this task.  His boss agreed with the stipulation he still had to carry out his other assignments.  So intrigued was Biff at the events he saw in Bethlehem that he accepted the assignment. 

To be continued as we begin a Wednesday study of the Gospel of Mark starting January 2, 2019. 

Genuine Christianity: The Ultimate Win-win Situation

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 1:21

 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

(CSB)

Jesus boldly claims to be the way truth and life (John 14:6) and demonstrated His claim to life by resurrecting from the dead.  Jesus claim to be life is possibly what inspired Paul say that life is Christ (Philippians 1:21).  However, Paul goes on in the second half of the verse to state that to die is gain.  People rarely think of death as gain for from our limited perspective, death appears final and one ceasing to exist.  Therefore, this statement from the Apostle Paul appears confusing and indicates possible mental illness for the Apostle Paul.  Thankfully, Paul provides explanation of his position in letting readers know that he is in his right mind, a renewed and transformed mind (Philippians 1:21-30). 

While all believers receive complete forgiveness of their sins upon accepting Jesus as their savior, they continue living in a corrupt world full of temptations to sin.  Paul’s view of life as Christ is understanding that as long as he lived, he needed to serve Christ by taking the Gospel to the Gentiles.  The Apostle Paul understood this was his calling and purpose in life.  Death as gain stems from an understanding that death for a believer like him means immediate transport into the presence of God the ultimate win-win situation (2 Corinthians 5:8). 

Genuine Christianity consists in balancing the spiritual desire to be with Christ with the understanding of fulfilling our calling in Christ.  However, before continuing with this study we must determine what it is to have a calling in Christ and whether every believer has such a calling. 

1)      Every believer in Christ has a calling (2 Timothy 1:9):  When one thinks of a calling in Christ, we think of one having a calling to be a pastor, teacher, or evangelist.  The truth is that these are ministerial gifts given by God to equip, build up, and achieve unity of purpose in the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).  One’s calling is not due to one having some special ability but like our salvation, a result of God’s grace (2 Timothy 2:9).  Therefore, our calling accompanies our salvation and involves participation in the Great Commission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 29:19-20).  Therefore, any individual professing faith in Jesus as their savior has a calling from Christ.

2)      This calling becomes part of all aspects of our lives (Colossians 3:18-25):  While all believers in Christ have a common calling, God has uniquely gifted each individual with talents.  It is these talents that normally determine an individual’s occupation.  While we often think of our occupation as our calling, it is the vehicle through which God provides for our financial needs through use of the talents God has given us.  Our calling is to live for Christ while performing our occupation as a witness and means of sharing the Gospel through how we live our lives.  Our calling in Christ is also to permeate our family relationships with our spouses and children (Colossians 3:18-21).  Awareness of our calling means we know God is watching how we conduct ourselves in our relationships with family and occupations.  However, it also means God is with us and wants us to seek His guidance and wisdom in our family relationships and occupations. 

3)      Carrying out our calling means struggling with the flesh (Philippians 1:24):  While the Apostle Paul’s greatest desire was being absent from his fleshly body and present with the Lord, he understood that being in the flesh was necessary to fulfill his calling (Philippians 1:24).  Like all of us, Paul struggled with the flesh (Romans 7:14-25).  Paul also had a thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7).  While scripture is unclear about the details of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, many theologians believe it was some physical ailment and why Dr. Luke went with him.  No wonder the Apostle Paul had such a fervent desire to escape these struggles with the flesh and be with the Lord. 

Christians physically appear no different than non-Christians.  Genuine Christianity is one learning how to fulfill their Godly calling to live for Christ while struggling with temptations of the flesh and its physical ailments.  Living for Christ involves one’s speech and conduct in life being Christlike demonstrating God’s love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).  Not only is God watching how we live our lives, but others are watching too and may turn to Christ through seeing how we live out our calling while enduring the same struggles they experience. 

Breaking News from Bethlehem: Interview with Mary

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Luke 1:26-28

 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin engaged^[a] to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”^[b]

(CSB)

The events in Bethlehem continue to draw attention with wise men from the east beginning their long journey to see what the cause of the great commotion in the sky.  Shepherds who had begun resting for the night suddenly see angels singing in the sky.  Meanwhile back in the humble stable, the baby now named Jesus begins to awaken.  Joseph then asks Mary, “a reporter came while you and the baby were asleep asking some questions.”

“Why would a reporter be asking us questions” answered Mary.

Joseph smiled and said, “Come outside.”

Mary bundled up and went with Joseph.  Joseph then said, “Look up.”

As Mary looked up, she saw the star and angelic choir singing.  Joseph then said, “The reporter wanted to know what was unusual about the birth of Jesus.  I told him about the angelic visitation I experienced.  He asked me if he could talk to you after you woke up.  Are you up to it?”

Mary thought for a moment and felt God telling her that she should for the world needed to hear the story.  “Sure” she replied.  Joseph went over to Biff and told him Mary was ready to which Biff eagerly got up and followed Joseph back to the stable.

Biff:  Hello my name is Biff with Wolf News.  The birth of your baby has caused quite a stir.  Joseph told me quite a story about how he is not the Father of the baby and that the baby’s actual father is God Himself.  Can you elaborate for me?

Mary:  Like Joseph, I had an angelic visitation where God told me I had favor among women.  I thought of all the great women in history like my distant relative Ruth and Esther who saved Israel from total annihilation.  I am a simple woman and never pictured myself being considered special like them. 

Biff:  So how did that make you feel?

Mary:  Humbled even though I could have been puffed up with pride. 

Biff:  So, what did the angel tell you that was special?

Mary:  That I would conceive and give birth to a son and to name Him Jesus but that is not the best part of the story.  The angel also told me my son would be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God (Luke 1:31-32).  This is what humbled me, the thought that I would give birth to the Son of God.

Biff:  Sounds amazing and almost unbelievable.  Is it possible the baby has an earthly father and that you are stretching things a bit for the cameras?

Mary:  I have never been with a man and besides that, look above you.  Does what you see ordinarily occur when a woman gives birth?

Biff:  You have me there, but how can you be certain your baby is the Son of God. 

Mary:  After I conceived, I went to my aunt Elizabeth’s home to tell her the news.  However, upon entering the house her baby leaped inside of her and she said the same words as the angel, that I was blessed among women.  She too was blessed at knowing that the Mother of her Lord had come to pay her a visit (Luke 1:41-45). 

Biff:  Well, I must admit the birth of your baby is creating quite a stir.  Did you know there are reports of wise men in the east seeing the star and coming to see what is happening and look, there is a group of shepherds coming over.  Thank you Mary for your time, I know you need to get back to your baby.

Mary:  Thank you and may God bless you and your crew.

Biff:  Well there you have it folks.  It appears something incredible has happened in Bethlehem tonight, but we must find out why this group of shepherds is coming over.  Let us go back to the studio and check on the status of the wise men’s journey from the east while I go speak with the group of shepherds. 

Thank you Biff.  We have reporters going out now to speak with the wisemen and as soon as they arrive, we will speak with them. 

Next Wednesday’s posting will be on Christmas or Tuesday where we will discover the shepherd’s perspective. 

Genuine Christianity: Advancing the Gospel in Adversity

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 1:12-13

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, ¹³ so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ.

(CSB)

The final words of Christ laid down the mission of the Church, spreading the Gospel or good news about forgiveness of sins and the making of disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Therefore, the advancing of the Gospel is not an option for the church but a missional command from the Lord and should be the main focus of all aspects of the ministry.  However, the method of advancing the Gospel message must adapt to the circumstances of the culture in which the Church operates.  For the Apostle Paul, these circumstances were being in prison for preaching the Gospel. 

The Apostle Paul could have reacted with anger at the injustice of being in prison for spreading the good news about Jesus.  He was not preaching a message of sedition calling for the overthrow of the government or storming the halls of government in an attempted coup.  Instead, he was just going around the empire speaking in synagogues and establishing churches consisting of a diverse group of both Jews and Gentiles.  Instead of being imprisoned one would think the Roman Government would praise his efforts to unify Jews and Gentiles who were often at odds with each other. 

However, instead of demanding justice and release from prison, we see Paul using the opportunity of his imprisonment to spread the Gospel among the guards and officials holding him in prison (Philippians 1:12-13).  His tenacity for spreading the Gospel is also contagious, emboldening others to also spread the Gospel (Philippians 1:14).  However, advancing the Gospel can occur with many different motivations that impact how the message is perceived (Philippians 1:15-17).  Some preach the Gospel out of, 

1)      A sense of social justice (Philippians 1:15) – While the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul was unjust, Paul viewed it as part of God’s plan for making disciples of the nations (Matthew 28:19-20).  Therefore, he did not react with complaints about the social injustice of what was happening to him and instead looked for individuals around him needing to hear the Gospel message.  We may find ourselves working or living among ungodliness and injustice and be tempted to react with anger or complaints.  Rather than having this reaction, I would like to challenge those reading this, including myself, to pray for those around us and take advantage of the opportunities for sharing the love of Christ in our words and deeds with those around us.  God has placed us in our present situation for a reason and our role is fulfilling the mission of sharing and more importantly living for Christ in that situation. 

2)      A sense of opportunistic ambition (Philippians 1:17) – Sadly, throughout church history people have used the Gospel message to profit personally and continues to occur today.  Paul must have observed the same situation and feared these charlatans would take advantage of his imprisonment to fleece the generous believers at the Philippian Church.  The purpose of the Church must be the mission of bringing the Gospel message to as many as possible.  The motivation for doing so must, however, remain solidly in obedience to the commands of Christ (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), and bringing glory to God and not profit to the person or organization spreading the message. 

3)      A sense of love and service (Philippians 1:16) – As Christians, we serve Christ.  Jesus told his believers that they must take up their cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23).  While we view the cross today in a positive way, at the time Paul was writing this, Christians were being crucified for their beliefs.  To them, Jesus command to take up their cross meant a willingness to suffer ridicule, suffering, imprisonment, or even death for their belief.  Those choosing to continue spreading the Gospel in this atmosphere of adversity were doing so out of denial of self and complete surrender of their lives to Christ. 

Ironically, the Apostle Paul ends this section of his writing with not caring about the motivation for spreading the Gospel message, only that the message is spread.  This indicates that even spreading the Gospel with a sense of social justice and moralism or profiting from spreading the Gospel is not necessarily wrong but a word of caution to guard the attitude with which we carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel message.   My prayer is that whether in adversity or times of prosperity, the Gospel message goes out in an attitude of love and service to Christ. 

Breaking News from Bethlehem: Interview with Joseph

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 1:19-20

So her husband Joseph, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, decided to divorce her secretly.

²⁰ But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

(CSB)

When we hear the term breaking news, we stop what we are doing and pay attention, believing something momentous or tragic has appeared.  Unfortunately, with the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, the term is used to get the attention of viewers, so they stay tuned to maintain high ratings.  Sadly, this means viewers, listeners, or readers of news may miss something important, believing it is just more hype to boost ratings.  Even though there was no media or 24-hour news at the time of the birth of Christ, it would be interesting if it did and how reporters would have reported on the events.  What would the interviews of Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds have been like if media microphones and cameras would have been present in Bethlehem 2000 years ago.  We begin with an interview with Joseph.

This is Biff Barnes reporting for Wolf news in Bethlehem reporting on unusual astronomical events occurring in the skies over the city.  Interestingly, the events appear to revolve around a stable in the city.  My crew and I have traveled to the stable and were amazed to find a couple and a newborn baby the woman just gave birth to.  I am about to enter the barn and interview the man whose name is Joseph to find out why they are sleeping in a barn and why the astronomical events are making this event something special.

Biff:  Hello Joseph, how are the baby and mother doing?

Joseph:  Thank the Lord, they are both doing fine.

Biff:  That is good to hear but why did you need to come to bring Mary to a barn to give birth instead of a hotel or hospital?

Joseph:  As a reporter, you are probably aware of the census and the need for everyone to come to their home town to be counted and pay taxes.  We have family in Nazareth who were willing to help us with the birth, but things did not work out for us to be there when Mary gave birth.  We hoped to find a vacant room at one of the inns but with the census, all the rooms were taken so here we are.  We are just thanking God that Mary and the baby, Jesus, are okay.

Biff:  My viewers and I are also glad everyone is well.  I’m not sure if you have looked outside but there is a star pointing down to the stable, we are in and reports of angels singing in the sky in the shepherds’ fields outside the city.  Is there something special about the birth of this baby that viewers must know about?

Joseph:  First, I am not the biological father of the baby. 

Biff:  So, are you some good Samaritan offering to help a pregnant lady in distress?

Joseph:  No, not exactly.  I’m engaged to Mary, so she came with me to Bethlehem for the census, but before accusing Mary of unfaithfulness to me as her future husband, Mary is still a virgin and never been unfaithful to me.

Biff:  Joseph, viewers are going to find that difficult to understand, can you explain.

Joseph: Isaiah 7:14 foretold of a miraculous virgin birth of a child whose name would be Immanuel or God with us.  While I thought of divorcing Mary when I found out she was pregnant, I received an angelic visitation telling me the child Mary would give birth to was special (Matthew 1:20-21).  I have had nine months to think about what the angel said and now believe the child you see is the one Isaiah foretold of and so in obedience to God did not divorce Mary.  While many believe I should still distance myself from Mary because staying with her does not appear good, I am thrilled that God has selected Mary to give birth to the Son of God and entrusted me, a simple carpenter from Nazareth to be His adopted father. 

Biff:  So, you believe the astronomical events are some divine announcement of the birth of what you believe to be the Son of God? 

Joseph:  Exactly.

Biff:  Thank you Joseph, that is an incredible story and as you might understand, I will need to do some further investigation.  As you might understand folks, Mary is exhausted at the moment and sleeping along with the baby.  If it is okay with you Joseph, I would like to interview her as soon as she is able?

Joseph:  Not a problem.  I’m sure she will add some more credibility to the story.

Biff:  Thank you Joseph I sure hope so.  Now back to our studios for reports about a group of magi who have seen the star and are on their way to Bethlehem to find out what is behind these unusual astronomical events. 

Next Wednesday we will interview Mary to get her perspective on the event in Bethlehem. 

Genuine Christianity: Lessons from Philippians (Part 1)

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Philippians 1:6

I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you^[a] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

(CSB)

Paul wrote the letter to the Church at Philippi during his first Roman imprisonment (AD 60-62).  Nine years prior, the Apostle Paul planted the church in Philippi in AD 51.  Philippi was a predominantly Gentile community, so few Jews lived in the city.  Named after the father of Alexander the Great, Philip of Macedon, the city served as the capital of the Greek empire.  Besides being predominantly Gentile, the Church at Philippi characterized women having significant roles along with their generosity and deep loyalty to the Apostle Paul. 

The letters contribution to Scripture is teaching about genuine Christianity with a focus on how it impacts life.  In addition, the Book of Philippians increases understanding of Christian commitment and what it means to be Christ-like.  A biblical demonstration of Paul’s Christ-likeness comes from his struggle with desiring separation from the flesh and being with Christ but understanding his present role was one of teaching those in the churches he planted (Philippians 1:21-26).  Since Paul wrote the letter while imprisoned, he must have understood that continuing to preach the Gospel came with the threat of death but did not allow that to stop him.  Similarly, Jesus left the glory of heaven to be with humanity and did it willingly even though it meant suffering pain, rejection, and death. 

The four structural parts of the book are,

1)      Living a Christ-like life of worthiness to the Gospel despite struggles and persecution (Philippians 1:12-30).

2)      Humble unified service to Christ following his example (Philippians 2:1-30).

3)      Understanding that Christ is the source of righteousness (Philippians 3:1-21).

4)      Standing together for the Gospel while rejoicing in faith (Philippians 4:1-23).

Paul begins the book in his typical manner with a greeting reminding the readers he is a servant of Jesus Christ.  He then offers a prayer of thanksgiving for the generosity of the church in its financial support of his ministry.  He also expresses hope that the good work of God that began in the church would continue until Jesus’ return.  This should be the prayer and hope for all Churches.  Unfortunately, many churches today act as if they are in competition with each other instead of members of the same team contributing to making disciples and spreading the Gospel until Christ returns. 

The Apostle Paul understood that his imprisonment could not stop the advance of the Gospel and why he wrote this letter of instruction and encouragement to the Church at Philippi.  One thing is for certain, struggles and obstacles to spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the mission of the Church will occur but help the church overcome and perseverance through living of a genuine Christ-like life.  My hope and prayer are also that through this study, the body of Christ will unite to fulfill the missional role of the Church.

Next Saturday we will begin our verse by verse study of this book.  Please invite your friends to follow along by sharing the link to this blog through email, social media, or by text.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Resisting Complacency in a Spiritually Thriving Culture

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Revelation 2:4

 But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.

(CSB)

The book of James reminds us that the struggles we experience in life have a purpose (James 1:2-4).  While not providing comfort to one experiencing a major trial in life, these Words in Scripture are true and applicable in our lives.  However, another role of struggles in life can be in avoiding complacency when we find ourselves in a culture that is spiritually thriving. 

While on the surface the Church in Ephesus was thriving as evidenced by its good works and taking a stand against the evil prevalent in its community, it had left its first love (Revelation 2:2-4).  Despite the good works of the Church at Ephesus, God views this leaving of its first love as falling away and needing repentance (Revelation 2:5).  The Church at Ephesus had fallen prey to spiritual complacency while appearing to thrive in its good works. 

The birth of the mega-church has led to the appearance of the church thriving in its community.  However, as we see the degradation of the culture with acceptance of murder through abortion, the perversion of gay marriage, and transgenderism leading to confusion over which public bathroom to use, it would appear the mega-church is not missionally thriving.  Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the to the things of the secular world around us but to act as a transformative agent in the world.  I believe the Lord has this against many mega churches today,

1)      Declare the truth even if it is hard:  The mega church appears successful in our culture because of its large numbers.  While an arena sized venue filled every Sunday is impressive, God is not interested in big numbers but what is occurring within the heart of each person in that arena.  When pastors of these mega-churches lack the desire to preach hard truth, such as the hell, sin, or damnation the teaching misses the need for the Gospel and reconciliation to God.  (1)  Sure, as Pastor Joel Olsteen said in an interview, people feel beaten down in life, but their beaten down status is often the result of sin in their lives.  When this is the case, all the feel-good messages from the pulpit will do nothing to bring them up like confronting their sin and asking God for forgiveness.

2)      Focus on discipleship not numbers:  While encouragement and empowerment are part of the discipleship process, evangelism and establishment precede them.  Encouraging and empowering people through glitzy programs and eloquent words may attract big numbers but does not secure the eternal status of people with God by providing a biblical anchor in times of struggle.  People all over the world serve Christ under threat of death.  While the church in thriving cultures should encourage and support these people, the strength that keeps persecuted believers going is the security of their reconciliation with God through Christ and their foundation in the truth of God’s Word. 

3)      We are on the same team and not competitors:  I worked for nine years with one of the large tax preparation firms in the United States.  Income tax preparation in the United States is a lucrative business because every citizen earning income must file a return.  However, it is also a highly competitive business with each firm claiming to have more highly qualified preparers.  Unfortunately, in the quest to grow membership rolls, the church can also become competitive going against the words of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-23.  It makes no difference if a church has thousands of members filling arenas or a few members filling someone’s living room, the purpose of the church is to evangelize, equip, encourage, and empower their community.  Working as a team, the church can once again engage the culture in a transformative manner (Acts 17:6). 

The biggest danger of success in the church is the belief that it is somehow due to its beautiful facilities, glitzy and entertaining program, or its powerful and successful pastor.  This is dangerous for it introduces pride which starts an individual or church organization down the path to a fall (Proverbs 16:18).  Instead of allowing pride to enter due to success, the Church must continue to focus on its mission (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) and attribute growth in numbers to adherence to this mission of God.  A culturally deprived world does not need mega-churches preaching a soft truth but churches preaching biblical truth and making disciples who engage with others making more disciples. 

1. 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/.

Strength in Spiritual Warfare

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Ephesians 6:10

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

(ESV)

To persevere in a world full of struggles and challenges requires strength.  Western cultures stressing individuality and success, view strength as something one is born with or acquires through experiences in life.  However, Ephesians 6:10 reminds us to find strength in the Lord and the power of His might.  The passage in Ephesians goes on to teach why having strength in the Lord is vital to survival in culture. 

The warfare for culture is not a war fought with conventional weapons or training because the enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual (Ephesians 6:12).  Therefore, as spiritual warriors for the Lord, Christians must put on their armor prior to engaging with culture to be prepared when spiritual battle ensues.  I have written previously about each implement of the armor of God and urge everyone to find them in this blog.  However, here is a little review,

1)      Belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14) – The soldier’s belt is what holds the uniform together and also what holds the sheathe of the soldiers sword.  This is symbolic of the need for biblical truth in Christian engagement with culture.  The greatest of these biblical truths is the fact that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14), the Son of God and died for the sins that separate humanity from God.  It is this truth that is the gateway that opens a personal relationship with God and without this truth, everything falls apart in spiritual warfare.

2)      Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) – Righteousness is a right standing with God and not something we are born with (Isaiah 64:6).  We therefore need help with this implement of armor just like we need the Word of God’s truth to hold our armor together. 

3)      Gospel shoes (Ephesians 6:15) – Shoes are typically worn to provide protection and warmth for our feet.  However, the shoes of a Roman soldier also had cleats in them to provide traction when walking uphill.  The church is the feet for the Great Commission mission of the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  The Gospel shoes of the armor of God provide protection for the feet of those in the church engaging in spiritual warfare.  However, the Gospel of salvation is also the theological traction when the spiritual soldier is engaged in spiritual battle. 

4)      Faith shield (Ephesians 6:16) – Everyone has faith in something but if that faith is in something other than God the creator, the shield of that faith has holes in it allowing the arrows of the enemy to get through.  The shield of faith carried by the spiritual soldier for Christ has no holes for it is a shield of faith in God almighty. 

5)      Salvation helmet (Ephesians 6:17) – The soldiers helmet protects his head.  This protection of the brain of the soldier is symbolic of protection of thoughts.  The assurance of salvation protects the thoughts of a spiritual soldier through knowledge of the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Since we all have a history of sin in our lives, our minds require protection from thoughts of doubts about our standing with God.  Without this protection of thought, a spiritual warrior could have doubts about their qualifications to engage in spiritual warfare and withdraw from battle.  Since the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37), the church cannot afford soldier withdrawal due to erroneous thoughts of unworthiness. 

6)      Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) – The sword is the only offensive weapon in the soldiers arsenal.  The spiritual warrior’s sword is the inerrant Word of God and powerful.  It was the power of this Word that Jesus used when tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11).  It was this word of truth that Ezekiel spoke over the dry bones of Ezekiel 37, bringing them to life.  However, a soldier cannot use this offensive weapon without proper training.  Training for use of the sword of the Word of God is regular study of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) a spiritual discipline all disciples of Christ must practice for the devil is always seeking to destroy (John 10:10). 

However, even the best equipped soldier can lose in battle without regular communication with his or her commander.  Therefore, the soldier must also regularly practice the spiritual discipline of prayer to stay connected with their commander.  Also, there is strength in numbers in battle stressing the importance of the soldier staying in contact with other soldiers and not go out as a lone wolf.  Next Saturday we will begin a study based upon another prison epistle, the Book of Philippians.