Courage Through Uncertainty

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 1:1-9

 

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(ESV)

 

I have a confession to make, typically I do not place much significance on New Years Day.  In reality, it is the calendar switching from one month to another with the unique thing being the year also changes.  However, the events of 2020 have made most of us happy to see 2020 coming to an end.  While 2021 represents new hope as it represents a blank slate, it also comes with uncertainty as the future always does.  It is therefore crucial for each of us to find courage as we face 2021, hoping it will be better. 

 

Similar to us standing at the beginning of a new year, Joshua 1:1-9 finds Joshua standing at the shores of the river Jordan facing the uncertainty of leading Israel into the Promised Land.  While scripture does not provide the thoughts that might have been going through the mind of Joshua, based upon the history of Israel’s wandering through the wilderness, we can surmise he might have had fear.  Joshua had also been to the Promised Land once before (Numbers 13) and seen the might of the Canaanites living in the land but also had faith God would help Israel defeat them (Numbers 14:6-9).  However, Joshua also knew he and Caleb were in the minority with the 10 other spies giving a fearful report (Numbers 14:1-4). 

 

Even though Joshua had faith in God bringing Israel success as they entered the Promised Land, he knew he was going into the land with the descendants of those who were afraid of going in.  Knowing what was going on in the heart and mind of Joshua, God tells Joshua three times to be strong and courageous so he can lead Israel by,

 

1)      Context:  God will be with Joshua as He was with Moses (Joshua 1:1-6) – Joshua is part of a historical context of God’s plan formed in the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible.  After the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden, God promised a savior (Genesis 3:15).  The fulfillment of this promise began with the promise given to Abraham that his descendants would form a great nation and that they would occupy the land promised to them by God (Genesis 12:1-9), a promise passed down to Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 26:3-5, 35:9-13).  The book of Exodus provides the account of God delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt where their population grew, Leviticus is the recording of the law given to Moses by the Lord with numbers providing an account of Israel’s struggles in the wilderness and God’s forbidding of that generation entrance into the Promised Land.  Deuteronomy summarizes the events for the next generation of Israel.  It is this next generation that Joshua is about to lead into the Promised Land.  God’s command to Joshua to be strong and courageous is God’s reminder to Joshua that God has promised this land to Israel and will be with him as they enter and occupy the land (Joshua 1:5).

2)      Compliance:  Obedience to the Book of the Law (Joshua 1:7-8) – There is a condition to God providing His strength and courage to Israel, obedience to the Book of the Law given to Moses.  While the laws of man often have the purpose of placing restrictions on people so they can be controlled, the laws of God are there to provide boundaries for maintaining a civil society.  When asked which of the 10 Commandments was the greatest, Jesus replied with the need to love the Lord God, and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40).  From this foundation, one can live a life in compliance with the other eight commandments.  Therefore, compliance with the Book of the Law is not restrictive but the establishment of boundaries promoting a civil society and why most civil societies in the world today set up laws using the foundation of the 10 Commandments. 

3)      Courage:  Knowing God will be with him wherever he goes (Joshua 1:9) – God knows there will be tough battles and formattable enemies as Israel crosses the Jordan to enter the Promised Land.  While having the proper context and being compliant with God’s established boundaries are important, God knew that Joshua needed the courage that would come from knowing God would be with him wherever he went.  Jesus told the woman at the well that true worshippers of God worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).  While context and compliance provide the truth of how Joshua can have strength and courage in facing the uncertainties of crossing the Jordan, he also needs the strengthening of his spirit by knowing God will be with him. 

 

As the year 2020 comes to an end and we face the uncertainty of 2021, we too must have the proper context, compliance, and courage.  Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble (John 16:33) but that He has overcome the world.  This places the year 2020 in the context of part of the troubles of this world with those choosing to follow Jesus overcoming the challenges of the world.  One advantage we have in facing 2021 is that we are can be cautiously skeptical, optimistic, and better prepared to face challenges based on what we learned from 2020.  As Christians, we have the advantage of knowing the Lord will always be with us (Matthew 28:20).  One of my favorite new Christian songs is from United.  Take a moment to watch this video of the song and remember, there is another in the fire that may come in 2021. 

 

Happy New Year everyone and make 2021 the year we stand strong and courageous. 

 

Lessons from the Christmas Tree

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Isaiah 9:9-7

 

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this

(ESV)

 

Christmas 2020 is in the past and I pray everyone reading this had a joyful Christmas despite some restrictions and took some time to remember the Prince of Peace and God coming to be with us on the first Christmas (Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14).  I also want to offer prayers for the city of Nashville and pray the authorities can find those responsible for the bombing.  As 2021 approaches there is hope for a year better than 2020 but 2021 will also have its struggles.  However, after what we have endured in 2020, we should be better prepared to face the struggles of 2021. 

 

Even though Christmas 2020 is over, many of us still have our decorations and Christmas tree up and do not plan to take them down till after New Years Day.  As I look at the Christmas tree up on our house, I see some red, green, and even purple bulbs, some lights, and a star on the top.  While the Christmas tree is not part of the Christmas story in the Bible, the decorations on the tree are symbolic of the significance of the Christmas story and what it means for us as we face life.  Each of the decorations seen on the Christmas tree in my house means,

 

1)      The red bulbs (1 John 1:7) – The red bulbs symbolize the blood of Christ which was shed to provide forgiveness of sin.  The baby humbly born in a manger, a feeding trough, has a life purpose of dying for the sins of humanity through death by crucifixion.  Crucifixion is a bloody and brutal way to die and thankfully Jesus willingly allowed the shedding of his blood to forgive the sins of humanity.

2)      The green bulbs (Romans 6:4) – The green bulbs symbolize newness of life made possible through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  Jesus reminded his followers that he was the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), making it possible for anyone choosing to believe in Him to have eternal life and escape the condemnation of sin (John 3:16-17; Romans 6:23).  The Christmas tree is also an evergreen tree, staying green throughout every season.  This brings hope for we too can have newness of life despite the circumstances life throws at us. 

3)      The purple bulbs (Revelation 17:14) – While purple is not considered one of the colors of Christmas, Jesus is the King of Kings (Revelation 17:14) and the one of the lineage of David remaining on the throne of Israel because he did not remain dead but arose from the dead (Luke 1:31-33).  He is also going to return to establish a kingdom of righteousness, absent the evil, sickness, and corruption present in our world today (Revelation 20:5). 

4)      The lights (John 8:12) – The struggles of 2020 have reminded each of us of the darkness present in the world today.  While Jesus reminds each of us to expect trouble in the world, he also reminds us he has overcome the world (John 16:33).  The lights on the Christmas tree take a dull tree with decorations and turns it into a vibrant tree as it reveals the beauty of the decorations hanging on the tree.  Jesus, the light of the world brings vibrancy to the life of a believer, even in the struggles of life, like those present in the year 2020.

5)      The star (Matthew 2:1-2) – It was the star that directed the Magi to Bethlehem to see Jesus (Matthew 2:1-2).  The star on the Christmas tree reminds each of us to seek guidance and direction through study and meditation on the Word of God (Psalm 119:105).  While we have hope for a better year in 2021, we also know it will come with struggle.  Through study and meditation on the Word of God, we prepare to find guidance through any struggle we may face in 2021. 

 

In this world, we will experience trouble, but Jesus overcame the world and is the Lamb of God whose death once and for all provides salvation from sin and newness of life.  Jesus is the King of Kings and the light of the world illuminating God’s Word to those believing in Him, providing guidance through life in an evil corrupt world full of trouble.  The year 2020 was rough and while there is hope 2021 will be better, it will also have troubles.  As we face 2021, we must do so by having a close relationship with God through Christ.  If you have not prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior, I invite you to do so 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

May God bless everyone reading this post and may God provide guidance through the struggles and challenges of 2021. 

Go Tell it on the Mountain That Jesus Christ is Born

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 13:44-52

 

Acts 13:46

And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you.  Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.

(ESV)

 

While this Christmas may be absent of many traditions like large gatherings together, live nativity scenes, and kids able to sit on Santa’s lap, there is one thing no one can take away, God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) and would later die for the sins of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8).  If you must stay home this Christmas, do not be depressed but instead rejoice for Christ our savior is born.  The song The Little Drummer Boy gives the perspective of Christmas from the eyes of a little boy with only one thing to offer, playing his drum.  Please take a moment to watch this video from For King and Country and let it bring joy to your heart. 

 

While the message of the Gospel is one bringing hope, especially during challenging times, not everyone accepts the message of hope that Jesus, our Savior was born on Christmas morning.  After a warm reception of the message of the Gospel from the word of the Lord the previous Sabbath (Acts 13:42-43), a crowd has gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas speak again (Acts 13:44).  However, instead of excitement over the large crowd about to enter the synagogue, the Jews are full of jealousy (Acts 13:45).  Things get contentious when Paul and Barnabas boldly declare to the Jews that they needed to declare the word of the Lord to them first because they would thrust it aside (Acts 13:46), making themselves unworthy of eternal life.  For that reason, they turn their attention to the Gentiles, as part of taking the Gospel to the nations (Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

The Gentiles are joyful and glorify the word of the Lord with many becoming believers (Acts 13:48-49).  The jealous Jews, however, become angry, inciting the devout women and men of high standing in the city, bringing persecution upon Paul and Barnabas, driving them out of the district (Acts 13:50).  Paul and Barnabas react by shaking off the dust from their feet, indicating they are not affected by the persecution (Acts 13:51).  However, they leave the disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). 

Paul and Barnabas show obedience to God with their willingness to begin with sharing the word of the Lord with the Jews, knowing they will reject it.  They then turn to minister to the Gentiles in obedience to the great commission to share the Gospel with everyone, making disciples of the nations (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) knowing this will further anger the jealous Jews.  Paul and Barnabas also provide an example of how the Church should handle persecution.  Instead of giving in, Paul and Barnabas shake off the persecution (Acts 13:51), leaving the disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.  The persecution also leads to the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47; Isaiah 49:6).  Salvation is not just for the Jews but something God wants for all humanity. 

 

A divided world needs unification but for unification to occur, there must be a unifying message and force.  These divisive times are an opportunity for the Church to demonstrate unity by unifying around the message of the word of the Lord, presented under the power of the Holy Spirit,  The challenge for the Church is will it be willing to put aside its petty doctrinal differences and unify around the fact that Jesus came to the world, to save the world through His death, and gave us the Holy Spirit to present the life-changing message of the Gospel.  Please listen to this video from Zach Williams and let it encourage you to declare that Jesus Christ is born and wants to give everyone eternal life. 

 

Anyone reading this that has not prayed to have their sins forgiven and accept Jesus as their Savior, I encourage you to do so 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I want to thank everyone for reading this Bog and wish every reader a Merry Christmas, celebrating the birth of our savior.  I also want to encourage everyone to pray for strength and guidance in facing the challenges sure to come in 2021 remembering God will be with us.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

God with Us

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Matthew 1:18-25

 

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).

(ESV)

 

This Christmas will go down in history as one of the most unusual ones in history.  Normally there would be office parties and celebrations in people’s homes.  Churches would be busy planning Christmas services that include live nativity scenes and even groups of people going to assisted living facilities to sing Christmas carols, bringing Christmas cheer to people in the facility.  With the challenges of Covid19, these activities are illegal in many communities or cancelled in the interest of safety.  While these traditions may not be occurring, one thing is certain God came on the first Christmas with one purpose, to visit and redeem His people in fulfillment of prophecy.  If we view Christmas through the eyes of Joseph, we discover a man who confronted the theology of Christmas, God coming to be with humanity and thankfully for us, was obedient to an angel of the Lord’s instructions.

 

The text of Matthew 1:18-25 describes the dilemma faced by Joseph when his betrothed wife Mary is discovered to be pregnant before the consummation of their marriage (Matthew 1:18).  Even though Mary and Joseph were only engaged, engagement during that time could only end with divorce.  However, Joseph loved Mary and did not want her put to shame through a public divorce so intended to put her away through a quiet divorce (Matthew 1:19). 

 

While this was Joseph’s plan, God had other plans for Joseph and sends an angel of the Lord to let Joseph know the truth about what was occurring with his betrothed wife.  The angel tells Joseph not to fear taking Mary as his wife for the child she carries is the one spoken of in Isaiah 7:14 for Mary is still a virgin with the child conceived in her coming from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).  The angel goes on to tell Joseph that the child will be a son and to name him Jesus for the child will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  The child will also be called Immanuel meaning God with us (Matthew 1:22-23).  Joseph wakes up from his sleep and obeys what the angel commanded him with Mary giving birth to a son whom they named Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25). 

 

While Christmas this year lacks many of the traditions, it still means God became one of us and died for our sins.  The importance of the virgin birth of Christ and the immaculate conception through the Holy Spirit is God demonstrating His love for humanity by becoming human to face the temptations and struggles of a fallen world without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).  This is the theology of Christmas and something no global crisis can change.    

 

Jesus has a unique identity as God in the flesh (John 1:14).  When one decides to follow Jesus, they are not just following a good man or prophet, they now have a personal relationship with God who became relatable to humanity by taking on human form.  God then does the unimaginable by taking the sins of humanity to the cross, fulfilling the death penalty for sin, and rising from the dead so humanity can have eternal life with God.  The role of the Church is declaring this truth, so people have the choice of eternal life with God or choosing to remain in condemnation (John 3:16-18; Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8).  When the Church declares the Gospel, it must not present the Gospel message to add members to the Church or increasing contributions but as a life-changing message of God redeeming and saving humanity in fulfillment of prophecy, so they escape eternal condemnation and have eternal life (Luke 1:68-70). 

 

Everyone reading this posting has a choice of accepting the gift of salvation from sins through Christ or remaining in the condemnation of sin.  If you have never prayed to accept the gift of salvation, I invite you to pray with me now to choose eternal 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

For those that just prayed, the baby Jesus, born on Christmas is more than just a baby and now your savior.  Even though this Christmas is unusual with the loss of many traditions, those that just prayed have something to celebrate.  I urge everyone to share this post with others, so they too have an opportunity to choose a relationship with Christ during this unusual Christmas season.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Joy Through Grace

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 13:13-43

 

Acts 13:43

And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

(ESV)

 

As the year 2020 thankfully winds down, there is a glimmer of hope as people are beginning to receive vaccines for Covid19.  The hope comes as the vaccine may allow people to develop an immunity to the disease without the risk of having to come down with it.  The hope is that the vaccine will slow the spread of Covid19 and make a path for a return to normalcy in people’s lives.  Unfortunately, there will be those that politicize this medical breakthrough to maintain the chaos in the interest of continuing a political agenda of fear.  Let us pray that God’s people will give in to fear and continue to have joy in the Lord because of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8; Nehemiah 8:10). 

 

The Apostle Paul and his entourage have gone to Antioch.  They are in the synagogue on the Sabbath hearing the reading of the Law (Acts 13:13-14).  The reading of the law on the Sabbath was normal but after the reading of the Law, the prophets and rulers of the synagogue ask Paul and Barnabas if they have any words of encouragement for the people (Acts 13:15).  This indicates that word of what occurred in Cyprus has spread to Antioch (Acts 13:4-12).  Not wanting to let an opportunity to share the Gospel pass, Paul stands up and begins to speak (Acts 13:16).

 

Like Stephen, Paul points to Jewish history and how it points to Jesus as the Messiah.  Paul who was present at the stoning of Stephen must have thought his declaration of the Gospel could also result in his stoning but is now a believer and knows that should he die he will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:1-10).  However, God has plans for the Apostle Paul with this only the beginning of his ministry for Paul would continue to spread the Gospel and would write most of the New Testament through his epistles, much of it while in prison for his faith.    

 

Paul’s reference to Jewish history involves God promising David an eternal kingdom (2 Samuel 7:16) however, since David saw death and corruption, it will not be him on the throne forever but one of his offspring who will not see corruption.  Jesus is that offspring since he rose from the grave after three days and never saw corruption.  Not only is Jesus the eternal offspring of David that will sit on the throne but he is also the Son of God who gives one eternal life if they believe (John 3:16; Romans 6:23) and God in the flesh (John 1:14). 

 

Next Friday is Christmas, a time set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  The current events in the world have made this Christmas unique and one we will not soon forget.  However, the circumstances in the world do not change fact that Jesus came into the world as God in the flesh so we could have eternal life through forgiveness from sin that delivers us from death, giving us eternal life (Romans 3:23; 6:23).  What better time than the time of the celebration of Jesus’ birth to receive new life in Christ.  Please pray with me now to receive the greatest gift of all, eternal life in Jesus Christ,

 

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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a Church in their local community and to begin by attending their Christmas services.  However, it is crucial to attend services regularly either in person or online, so you gain knowledge of God through regular study of the Bible, the Word of God.  It is also crucial to regularly associate with other believers in Christ for encouragement because not everyone is receptive to the Gospel message, something Paul and Barnabas will discover in Acts 13:44-52.  May God bless everyone reading this post.   

The Three F’s of 2020: Frustration, Fear, and Faith

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Hebrews 11

 

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

(ESV)

 

With the computer issues in the rear-view mirror, I hope to be back on track with the regular Wednesday and Saturday postings to this blog.  As 2020 ends, we hope for a better year in 2021.  While it is great to have hope each new year, one lesson we should take from 2020 is the uncertainty of the future and the need to have faith in the unseen God who sent his Son to save us.  This has been a year of frustration, and fear requiring faith to get us through.

 

As 2021 approaches we must remember lessons from the three F’s of 2020, frustration, fear, and faith. 

1)      Frustration (Deuteronomy 28:20) – Deuteronomy 28:20 lists frustration as one of the consequences of disobedience.  This indicates that feelings of frustration in one’s life may be the result of disobedience.  Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), we could consider a lack of faith as disobedience for it is unpleasing to God.  Lack of faith is unpleasing to God because it indicates a lack of trust in God to care for us and to get things right.  Left unchecked, frustration can lead to anger as happened in the life of Moses with him striking the rock in anger brought on by frustration at the continued disobedience of the children of Israel (Numbers 20:2-13).  Everyone must guard against frustrations in life escalating into anger and instead take our frustrations to God. 

2)      Fear (2 Timothy 1:7) - Fear is not from God and serves as a barrier to intimacy with God.  When feeling frustrated we must take it to the Lord and not take it back out of fear.  1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our cares on the Lord because He cares for and loves us.  The Lord’s plans for us are also for our benefit and not our harm (Jeremiah 29:11).  If the Lord loves me and if His plans for me are for my good, why would I allow fear to come between me and God. 

3)      Faith (Hebrews 11:1) - Frustration and fear come from an uncertainty of the unknown.  Therefore, the only way to battle fear and frustration is through faith in God who knows about the unknowns in our lives, and because he loves us, He will cause the things bringing fear and frustration in our lives to work for our good (Romans 8:28). 

 

If you are reading this and have never made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to do so 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to regularly attend Church services, even if it is online, to equip you with knowledge of the Bible as you face the fears and frustrations of life.  You should also find a small group meeting safely to either watch church services online or studying the Bible for encouragement.  I also encourage you to share this post with other fearful and frustrated people you may know so they can overcome their frustration and fears through faith in God. 

 

The year 2020 has been a year full of frustrations and fear.  We have frustrations at not being able to go to a restaurant to eat, attend a sporting event in person, or gather together at church.  Fear of Covid19 has led to a mask becoming part of our routine when leaving the house along with our phone, wallet/purse, and keys.  While we must remain concerned about contracting and passing on Covid19, we must not allow fear to prevent us from living our lives or even going to a doctor when we feel sick as some have done.  We can battle frustration and fear through faith in God who loves us and has our best interests at heart (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 5:7).    May God bless everyone reading this post and grant everyone the faith to overcome any frustrations and fears entering our lives in 2021. 

Ministry in the Power of the Holy Spirit

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 13:4-12

 

Acts 13:4

 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 

(ESV)

 

I must apologize for not having a post this past Wednesday, but I have been having computer issues that have now been resolved.  This is just another aspect of 2020 that thankfully will soon be behind us, not that 2020 caused my computer problems, but that we all must press forward in Christ despite the chaos of 2020.  I also want to thank everyone for praying for my wife who is battling colon cancer and currently going through chemo treatments which will continue till March of 2021.  She is doing well and despite having cancer, the cancer is not spreading, but the process of the chemo can be painful and uncomfortable.  This leads me to ask everyone to pray for those who are battling non-covid19 health issues.  While I understand the focus on dealing with a new deadly virus, especially to those with other health issues, we must not neglect to pray for those dealing with other health issues.  Last week when I took my wife to her chemo treatment, I saw a waiting room full of people going in for chemo treatments which means that cancer, as well as Covid19, remain a serious health issue. 

 

The text of Acts 13:4-12 begins by telling us that Barnabas and Paul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.  This is in obedience to Jesus' instruction to His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before beginning to minister (Acts 1:4) and that the Holy Spirit is our source of empowerment as we share the Gospel (Acts 1:8).  As Paul begins his missionary ministry in Cyprus, Acts 13:4-12 illustrates how ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit brings a dynamic to ministry that overcomes resistance and causes people to believe.  Ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit involves,

 

1)      Waiting on God’s timing (Acts 13:4) – Jesus gave specific instructions to his believers in Acts 1:4 not to begin ministry until receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus knew those following Him who saw Him after His resurrection from the dead were excited and like the woman at the well (John 4:28-30), wanted to let the world the good news.  However, Jesus also knew there would be resistance and that many of those professing a belief in Jesus as the Christ would die for their faith.  We do not know how much time transpired from the conversion of Paul in Acts 9:1-19 and the beginning of his ministry in Acts 13:4-12 but Scripture clearly states that Paul and Barnabas went to Cyprus under the direction of the Holy Spirit.  The time between the conversion of Paul and him going to Cyprus was most likely a time of preparation for ministry.  As many reading this may be quarantined in their homes and unable to attend church services, I pray we use the time to prepare for what God has for us in 2021 and beyond.  This does not mean 2021 will be easy but that we can take this downtime to receive empowerment by the Holy Spirit in preparation for what lies ahead. 

2)      Going when the time comes (Acts 13:5-6) – Paul and Barnabas did not hesitate once the Holy Spirit sent them out.  Once the Holy Spirit sends someone to minister, there should be no hesitation for the Holy Spirit will empower the one sent (Acts 1:8).  The Holy Spirit empowering one to go as directed is also the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, bringing life to our mortal bodies.  Any hesitation indicates the presence of fear which is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7).  With the deaths of Stephen and James the brother of John, Paul and Barnabas had a reason for fear but under the empowerment of the Holy Spirit went knowing that if they were to die for their faith, they would immediately be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-9).  God empowers believers with the Holy Spirit to go and not just bask in God’s glory. 

3)      Boldly declaring truth when facing opposition (Acts 13:7-11) – Upon arriving at Paphos, Paul and Barnabas encounter resistance from a false Jewish prophet named Bar-Jesus who is accompanied by the proconsul Sergius Paulus.  The proconsul wants to hear the word of God from Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:7) but Bar-Jesus also known as Elymas has an ulterior motive of keeping the proconsul from faith in Jesus (Acts 13:8).  Since this is the first missionary trip of Paul, it is crucial that Paul remain firm in his faith and presents the message of the Gospel under the power of the Holy Spirit.  Paul does not back down and instead looks intently at Elymas saying, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?” (Acts 13:10) Paul then declares that the hand of the Lord is upon him and that Elymas will be blind for a time, which happens immediately (Acts 13:11).  God honors Paul’s boldness by rendering the opposition helpless. 

4)      Turning the tables on the opposition (Acts 13:12) – Instead of the proconsul abandoning the faith, he believes after seeing what happened to Elymas and is astonished at the teaching from Paul and Barnabas.  When one ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit and goes where the Holy Spirit directs, God can work powerfully and turn the tables on any resistance. 

 

The year 2020 has been challenging for all, including the Church.  The shutting down of churches could have been disastrous but instead, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, churches either expanded their online presence or found ways to live stream or show recorded sermons online.  While church online can never replace face-to-face gathering together which brings encouragement to people (Hebrews 10:25), it does expand the outreach of the Church in an affordable way.  Small churches gathering in small communities can now have a national and even a global outreach.  Going into all the world with the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) has never been easier but the Church must still ensure they minister in the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective.  Please join me in praying that the tables will turn on the enemy’s schemes to stop the Church using shutdowns and that instead the Church thrives and there is a revival in our world. 

We Need More Joshua’s

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 24:29-33

 

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

(ESV)

 

It has been an unprecedented rough year for everyone in the world, including the Church.  The Church faced shutting down with some churches now allowed to gather in limited numbers and Churches in other locations still unable to gather.  While larger churches were able to have congregants view teaching from the pulpit online, this did not replace the need for the church to gather together (Hebrews 10:25).  Smaller churches that did not have an online presence before the shutdown had to come up with an online presence to both teach and collect contributions or disband as some have done.  (1)  However, this is not the first time the Church has faced challenges to its existence and must remain focused on the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

Joshua provided extraordinary leadership for Israel during his life with Israel never straying from obedience to God during his tenure as Israel’s leader (Joshua 24:31).  In fact, under his leadership, Israel continued to serve God while the elders outliving Joshua were still alive.  The foundation of Joshua’s obedience to God came from his commitment to follow God (Joshua 24:15) and being with Moses in the wilderness by getting as close to God as possible, accompanying Moses as he went up the mountain of God (Exodus 24:12-13).  This foundation of obedience to God gave Israel victory as they entered the Promised Land on dry land with the stopping of the Jordan (Joshua 3), the miraculous fall of the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6), and God’s intervention in the defeating of the Canaanites (Joshua 24:11).  The world needs more leaders like Joshua

 

For the Church, Joshua is symbolic of Jesus Christ.  Jesus, the Son of God, left the safety and glory of Heaven to come to our dangerous and evil world (John 1:14).  Although the ministry of Jesus was limited to Israel and primarily the region of Galilee, the teaching is still relevant today.  Jesus then does the unthinkable for even though he was without sin in his life (2 Corinthians 5:21), he willingly takes on the sin of the world and fulfills the legal requirement of a blood sacrifice to cover sin (Hebrews 9:22).  Because of this, all anyone must do to receive forgiveness from sin is to confess their belief that the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ provides forgiveness from sin (Romans 10:9-10). 

 

I want to pause from the teaching for a moment and give those reading this who have not confessed a belief in the shed blood of Jesus providing forgiveness from sin an opportunity to do so 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

The role of the Church during these unprecedented times is the making of disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).  The process of discipleship is a four E process consisting of,

 

1)      Evangelizing – Sin separates us all from God and carries with it the penalty of death (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  Left in this state, humanity would have no hope with life relegated to vanity without any purpose (Ecclesiastes 1:14).  Thankfully, there is hope for humanity for God sent Jesus to die for our sins, fulfilling the death penalty (Romans 5:8), so we can be saved and have eternal life by confessing our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10). 

2)      Equipping – Once one accepts Jesus as their Savior, the Church must equip them for life in a fallen world through sound teaching from the Bible (Ephesians 4:11-12).  God has also equipped his people with the armor of God, spiritual armor to protect them against the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:10-18).  Traditionally this equipping has occurred through regular meetings in a church building to hear teaching from the pulpit.  During this unprecedented time, teaching has moved from the pulpit to teaching online.  However, this change does not mean the Church cannot equip God’s people but that the method of equipping has changed. 

3)      Encouraging – Hebrews 10:25 reminds the Church of the importance of meeting together for this is where God’s people receive encouragement when facing challenges in their lives.  This represents the greatest challenge to discipleship within the church as shutdowns restricts interaction between believers within the church.  Encouraging in the Church during these times can still occur through small group meetings in peoples homes for Bible study and fellowship or watch parties to watch live streamed or recorded messages online. 

4)      Empowering – When Jesus was preparing to return to His Father, he commanded his followers to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit so they would be empowered to minister (Acts 1:4,8).  The Holy Spirit is a person, the third member of the Trinity possessing the qualities, attributes, and emotions of a person (1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 12:14; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:26; Romans 8:14,26).  Unfortunately, throughout Church history many have portrayed the Holy Spirit as a force, leading to the Church engaging in weird activities, turning many off from any association with the Church and the people of God.  The Apostle Paul teaches about the importance of order in how the Church worships God in 1 Corinthians 14 so that the worship of God is not portrayed as something weird, but something done with order.  The Church needs the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to effectively minister but must use this power in an orderly manner to evangelize a lost world, while equipping, and encouraging the Body of Christ. 

 

The Church as an organization stands at the crossroads and must remain focused on its mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples in a changing world.  Jesus taught that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the Church (Matthew 16:18) which would include shutdowns due to Covid19.  At this crossroads it is even more crucial for the Church to rely on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit to discover new methods of evangelizing the lost in the world, equipping, and empowering the body of Christ.  Please join me in praying for the Church to thrive in this environment. 

 

1. Graham, Ruth. Small Churches Are in Particularly Big Trouble Right Now. slate.com. [Online] Slate, May 8, 2020. [Cited: December 5, 2020.] https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/05/small-churches-struggling-coronavirus.html.

 

 

Thriving in Adversity

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 12:20-13:3

 

Isaiah 54:17

no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

(ESV)

 

I collect coffee cups from places my family and I have traveled providing memories of my time at these places while I am drinking my coffee.  I was watching a commercial on TV and saw a commercial with a man drinking coffee from a mug that had 2020 on it and only one star.  I have to disagree with the commercial for I would not even give 2020 one star and instead would draw a red circle around the year with a red line through it. 

 

While we would all like to place 2020 behind us, we cannot do that and must go through it.  However, for God’s people, 2020 does not need to be destructive for no weapon formed against the people of God shall succeed.  2020 has had an impact on most of us but its impact does not need to be destructive and instead lead to the discovery of better and more efficient ways of doing what must be done.  For God’s people and the Church this includes taking time to pause and search our hearts and return to the missional focus called for by Jesus in Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; and Matthew 28:19-20.  For the early Church, the persecution that started with the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7), and escalated with state-sponsored persecution (Acts 12:1-5) led to the expansion of the missional focus of the Church to people living outside of Israel. 

 

Like the early Church facing religious and state-sponsored persecution, the church today faces challenges from the government with the shutting down or potential shutting down of Church facilities.  Live streaming and the podcasting of services online have allowed the Church to continue teaching and worship from the pulpit with the ability to give online providing a financial channel for the Church to continue financially.  However, an online presence does not provide the needed fellowship of gathering together (Hebrews 10:25).  Acts 12:20-13:3 is a pivotal point in time for the early Church where it was able to thrive with the delivery of the message in the Word of God expanding despite increased persecution.  The Church functioning in the context of Covid19 and increased civil unrest can learn from the early church by understanding that,

 

1)      The enemies of God may have their time of success but will be rendered powerless (Acts 12:20-23) – The killing of James the brother of John and the imprisonment of Peter by Herod indicate a desire by Herod to eliminate the Church and the spread of the Gospel message (Acts 12:1-4).  However, the Church unleashed a powerful weapon on Herod, the power of prayer (Acts 12:5).  After the miraculous jailbreak of Peter, Herod retreats to the safety of his palace in Caesarea (Acts 12:6-19).  Herod then emerges due to a dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon where he offers an oration that causes the people to declare that his words were the words of a god and not a man.  Herod is immediately struck down dead because he did not give glory or credit to God.  The enemies of God may have their time of success, but God will make them powerless. 

2)      God’s Word will multiply and increase despite attacks against its spread (Acts 12:24-25) – Herod’s scheme to stop the Church and the spreading of the teaching about Jesus fails and the spreading of the Word of God continues and multiplies.  The scheme of Herod to stop the spread of the message of God’s Word not only failed but may have contributed to its spread and multiplication as men like Saul, Barnabas, and John/Mark continued to serve the Lord.

3)      God will call up and send out people to carry out His work (Acts 13:1-3) – The pivotal point in Acts 12:20-13:3 is the sending out of Saul and Barnabas from the Church in Antioch.  This marks the beginning of the spreading of the message of God’s Word beyond the borders of Israel as stated by Jesus in Acts 1:8.  As situations change, God will call up people to use in fulfilling his plan.  The question we all must ask is will we be willing participants in God’s plan. 

 

From this understanding of what happened in the early Church, the Church today can rest assured the gates of hell cannot stop the Church, neither can Covid19 or civil unrest.  However, just as the Church fleeing due to persecution led to the Word of God spreading outside of Israel, the shutting down of church facilities can lead to revival as the Church spreads through an online presence and believers have more intimate fellowship in small groups.  My prayer is that the Church will use what is happening this year as a pivotal point in preparing the Church, the bride of Christ, for his return and that the spread of the gospel message will bring others into a belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  May God bless everyone reading this post.