Missional Focus on the Real Enemy

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 10:16-28

 

Ephesians 6:12

 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

(ESV)

 

The year 2020 has been a year of crisis from the global Covid19 crisis to the crisis of unrest in the streets in the United States, but it could also be viewed as a year of distractions.  While Covid19 and civil unrest are real events requiring our attention, Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that the real enemy is spiritual and the force behind what is occurring in the world.  For this reason, we must learn to address pressing issues like Covid19 and civil unrest while not allowing them to distract us from taking up the armor of God and engaging our spiritual enemy (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

 

Israel has honored its covenant with Gibeon with God’s intervention by throwing the Amorite armies into a panic, throwing down large hailstones from heaven upon them, and causing the sun to stand still giving the army of Israel time until they could take vengeance on the Amorite armies (Joshua 10:1-15).  During the panic of the Amorite armies, the five Amorite kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah (Joshua 10:16).  This act of cowardice by the Amorite kings did not go unnoticed and was brought to Joshua’s attention (Joshua 10:17).  Joshua could have allowed the discovery of the hiding place of the Amorite kings to distract him from God’s command to occupy the Promised Land (Joshua 1:2-3).  However, instead of allowing the discovery of the king’s hiding place to distract him, Joshua orders his men to roll large stones in front of the opening to the cave, set men to guard the cave, and continued pursuing their enemies, not allowing them to return to their cities (Joshua 10:18-19).  Israel successfully defeats the Amorite armies and occupies their cities with the remnant left entering the fortified cities (Joshua 10:20-21). 

 

It is not until Joshua fulfills God’s mission for Israel to occupy the Promised Land, which in this instance meant occupation of the Amorite cities, that he returns to deal with the Amorite kings held captive in the cave at Makkedah (Joshua 10:22-23).  As the Amorite kings are presented to Joshua, he has the chiefs of the men of war who had just defeated the Amorite armies put their feet on the necks of the Amorite kings.  Joshua did not have his men place their feet on their necks to kill them but to illustrate how the Lord would give Israel victory over all their enemies and to remain strong and courageous (Joshua 10:24-25).  Joshua then strikes the Amorite kings to death, hanging them on trees till sundown and then burying them in the cave at Makkedah (Joshua 10:26-27).  Joshua then strikes down the king of Makkedah, devoting to destruction every person in the city just like he did at Jericho (Joshua 10:28). 

 

The parallel in this passage is Jesus' defeat of sin in our lives.  Jesus has totally defeated sin, holding it captive in the tomb (Romans 7:6).  However, we can become distracted by the enemy and go into the cave and bring out the sin God defeated on the cross.  Instead of going in and dredging up past sins, we must place rocks over the opening to the cave and guard our hearts against dredging up past sins by putting on the helmet of salvation, knowing that our sins are totally forgiven (Ephesians 6:17).  From this knowledge we can focus on the mission of the Church, taking the message of salvation in Christ to the world and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

Like Israel’s mission to occupy the Promised Land, the Church has a mission to share the message of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.  Like the potential distraction of finding the Amorite kings secluding themselves in the cave and Makkedah, crises like Covid19 and civil unrest can consume our attention and distract us from the mission of sharing the Gospel.  Instead of becoming consumed with news of these crises, we must focus on sharing the Gospel for Jesus Christ is the answer to how to handle crises.  A world in crisis and despair needs Jesus and the message of the Gospel to bring hope.  The challenge for the church is to remain focused on its mission of bringing this hope to the world.  The church must put on the whole armor of God, defeating the enemy behind evil in the world.  The challenge for the Church is will it be the messenger bring hope to a world in despair or remain in despair itself. 

Outgrowing the Pastor

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 6:1-7

 

Acts 6:1

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists^[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 

(ESV)

 

The Lord's “Great Commission” to the Church (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) to take the Gospel around the world means the Lord intends for the church to grow.  However, the pastor of the Church is still human and must be aware of when the Church has outgrown his or her ability to do every task in the church.  While the disciples did not hesitate in delegating the care of the Hellenist widows to other disciples in the Church, some pastors may hesitate to let go of duties in the Church, placing the future growth of the Church in jeopardy.  Pastors in the Church must guard against,

 

1)      Pride (Proverbs 16:18) – As a Church grows, a pastor must guard against beginning to believe the growth of the Church is due to their great oratory skills, great programs, or entertaining music.  What is most dangerous about engaging in this type of pride is it relegates God to the second place, elevating the pastor to a prominent position.  To guard against this destructive pride, a pastor must devote themselves to prayer and ministry of the Word and delegate other aspects of the ministry to volunteers and staff like the disciples did with ministering to the Hellenistic widows. 

2)      Excessive busyness leading to loss of focus (Philippians 3:14) – It is not how hard one works in ministry that counts but how much the ministry lifts up Christ (John 3:13-15).  John 3:13-15 is the preamble to the most memorized verse in the Bible, John 3:16.  As the Church grows, there will be many more pressing issues than were there when the Church was small and could fit in someone’s living room.  These pressing issues can become distractions taking the pastors focus off prayer and ministry of the word and on to managing issues, church facilities, and church programs.  Both the disciples and Moses experienced a Jethro moment where they were trying to do it all only to have the people suffer (Exodus 18:18; Acts 6:1-7).  Pastors of growing churches will experience a Jethro moment and hopefully will delegate aspects of ministry to people of faith in the church who are full of the Holy Spirit.

3)      Weariness in ministry (Galatians 6:9) – An outsider looking into a Church service might believe the Pastor has an easy job, only seeing the finished work of a sermon lasting 30 to 45 minutes.  While the Sunday sermon is an important aspect of ministry, there are usually hours of study and prayer during the week in preparation for the sermon.  If a pastor also becomes excessively busy with the day-to-day affairs of the Church, he or she can become weary doing good (Galatians 6:9).  Instead of becoming weary doing good works, pastors must devote themselves to prayer and study of God’s Word and delegate the operational affairs of the Church to others.

 

Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that the Church functions as a body with many diverse members having different functions.  However, when this body unifies with the goal of lifting up Christ, it has the potential to impact the world and bring about positive and eternal change (Acts 17:6).  Eternal and positive change in the world will not occur through government programs, technological inventions, or new economic systems for these are things made by flawed people.  Through focusing on lifting up Christ and pointing people to Him, the Church has an opportunity to facilitate lasting and eternal change, not through its programs or elaborate facilities but by lifting up Christ and pointing people to the cross.

 

I want to take this opportunity to invite anyone reading this who has not made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior to do so 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, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

This is the first step in bringing about eternal and lasting change in your life for according to John 3:16, you now have a new future of eternal life with Jesus Christ.  I challenge those that just prayed to lift up Christ by sharing this post with others so they too can experience salvation and eternal life with Christ.  I also encourage you to let your Christian friends and family members, who have been praying for you, know about your profession of faith.  May God bless everyone reading this post.   

Honor and Diligence

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 10:1-15

 

Joshua 10:6-8

And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp in Gilgal, saying, “Do not relax your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites who dwell in the hill country are gathered against us.” ⁷ So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. ⁸ And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” 

(ESV)

 

In the middle of a constant barrage of news regarding Covid19, violence, and campaign ads promising to fix the problem, there was good news this past week that could have long-term and even biblical significance.  The good news is news of a peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  (1)  This is the first peace treaty by Israel with an Arab country in 25 years and could help facilitate further treaties, normalizing relations in the Middle East over the long-term.  While we might see this as the beginning of continual peace in the Middle East, Ezekiel 38 tells of a future attack on Israel by a coalition of nations to the north and east of Israel that will be destroyed in a miraculous manner similar to the kings of the Amorites (Joshua 10:1-15).  All this indicates that the day of the Lord’s return is drawing closer and even though we do not know the specific day, we know each day brings the world closer to the return of Christ.  The return of Christ is something the Church must find comfort in during these chaotic times as we find our hope in our relationship with God through Christ and share this hope with a world in despair (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). 

 

Joshua 9 provides the account of Israel entering into a covenant agreement with Gibeon.  While this agreement came because of deception, Israel is obligated to honor the agreement for it was made in the presence of God (Joshua 9:18).  In honor of this agreement, Israel does not destroy Gibeon and allows them to live peaceably with Israel (Joshua 9:26-27), but Israel’s dedication to keeping this agreement is about to be tested.

 

The Amorite kings are living in fear because of what God did to Jericho and Ai through Israel and are also angered at Gibeon for entering into a peace agreement with Israel (Joshua 10:1-2).  Out of this fear and anger, they decide to form a coalition to go up against Gibeon to take it back from Israel (Joshua 10:3-5).  When Gibeon sees this army at their gates, they send messengers to Joshua at the camp of Gilgal asking for help in defeating the armies coming against them (Joshua 10:6), testing Israel’s commitment to their agreement.  While Scripture does not specifically say that Joshua sought the Lord, it is implied in Joshua 10:7-8 with God speaking to Joshua as he sets out from Gilgal.  As Joshua and the armies of Israel suddenly come up against the kings of the Amorites at Gibeon, fear takes over and the Lord throws the armies of the Amorites into a panic, causing them to flee Gibeon (Joshua 10:10).  As the Amorite armies flee, God sends large hailstones down on them from heaven with more men killed by the hailstones than the sword of the Israelite army.  However, the Lord is not done with the Amorite armies and at the words of Joshua to the Lord, causes the sun and moon to stand still for a day, allowing Israel to take vengeance on the Amorite kings (Joshua 10:11-15).  Israel acts with diligence and honor towards Gibeon with God miraculously intervening as Israel, 

 

1)      Acts quickly (Joshua 10:7-9) – Israel does not hesitate to come to the aid of Gibeon in honor of their agreement but acts diligently by marching all night to take the armies of the Amorites by surprise. 

2)      Follows God’s direction (Joshua 10:8) – While Scripture does not specifically state that Joshua sought the Lord, the fact that the Lord spoke to Joshua as he stepped out in faith to protect Gibeon indicates he may have sought the Lord’s direction.  After an embarrassing defeat at Ai and falling for the deception of the Gibeonites, it appears Joshua and Israel may have learned a valuable lesson by seeking the Lord’s guidance before acting. 

3)      Experiences God’s miraculous intervention (Joshua 10:10-15) – Israel already has a history of miraculous intervention by God beginning in Egypt, continuing as Israel wandered through the wilderness, and now manifesting itself as Israel occupies the promised land.  The biblical prophecy in Ezekiel 38 represents a future miraculous intervention by God to protect Israel in the last days. 

 

These unprecedented times require the Church to act like Israel did with Gibeon and the Amorite kings.  The Church must act quickly in coming to the aid of hurting individuals, taking a stand against ungodliness and sin, and ungodly decisions by leaders while praying for these leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and step out in faith knowing God will intervene on the Church’s behalf.  The Church has a covenant with God who did not immediately take His Church out of the world but gave it a mission to take the Gospel message to the lost living in the world.  Therefore, the Church must act diligently in honoring its covenant agreement with God by not ceasing to take the Gospel message around the world, expecting God to intervene, miraculously if needed.  May God bless everyone reading this post.

 

1. Lahav Harkov, Omri Nahmias. Israel, UAE reach historic peace deal: ‘We can make a wonderful future’. jpost.com. [Online] Jerusalem Post, August 14, 2020. [Cited: August 22, 2020.] https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/israel-and-uae-reach-historic-peace-deal-638524.

The Forgiving Blood of Jesus is Upon us

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 5:27-42

 

Acts 5:42

And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.

(ESV)

 

When watching a sporting event where I do not have a favorite team, I like to cheer for the underdog.  This is because the underdog has the odds stacked against them and must persevere if they are going to be victorious.  As Christians living in a secular world, we are the underdog and must learn to persevere like an underdog to prevail.  However, different from the underdog in a sporting event who is favored to lose, Christians already have victory over sin because of what Jesus did on the cross but must prevail in continuing to live for Christ in a world full of temptations and distractions trying to pull us away from intimacy with Christ.  The ministry of the apostles in the early Church provides an example of perseverance in persecution through their ability to remain focused on Jesus Christ and their mission of sharing the Gospel with the world and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

Acts 5:27-42 begins with the apostles once again brought to the council for questioning by the high priest.  This is the second time they are summoned to the high priest for questioning with their last time ending with a charge from the high priest not to speak in the name of Jesus again (Acts 4:18).  During this initial time before the council, the apostles told them the council must judge whether it is right for them to follow their charge or God (Acts 4:19).  With the apostles continuing the teach about Jesus even after their arrest for doing so at the temple (Acts 4:12-26), it has become obvious the apostles intend to obey God by carrying out the mission of spreading the Gospel and being witnesses of the resurrected Lord (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  These apostles have also received the empowerment of the Holy Spirit which compels them to be witnesses for Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8). 

 

During questioning by the council, the council gives a hint as to why they have issues with the apostles and their teaching about Jesus by believing they have an agenda of bringing Jesus’ blood upon them (Acts 5:28).  The council is right in believing their teaching brings the blood of Jesus upon them for without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22).  The writer of Hebrews only had the teachings of the Old Covenant and when writing the words of Hebrews 9:22 and might have been thinking of the words of Leviticus 17:11.  The life of the flesh of the spotless sacrifice offered on the altar is in its blood which is offered to make atonement for our souls through the sacrifice of its life (Leviticus 17:11). 

 

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were animals, standing in as symbols of the ultimate sacrifice to come, the sacrifice of the Son of God, the spotless Lamb of God who knew no sin yet willingly died for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 10:1-4; Romans 5:8).  It is this truth that the apostles are witnesses to (Acts 5:32) for they witnessed the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross, his death, and saw him resurrected from the dead, demonstrating His mastery over sin and death.  Therefore, the bringing of Jesus’ blood upon us, including those from the council is not for condemnation but salvation (John 3:17). 

 

This message of salvation by the blood of Christ had to be declared not only in Jerusalem, but beyond into Judea, Samaria, and around the world (Acts 1:8), so the lives of the apostles were spared through the intervention of Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-39).  While Gamaliel was not intervening as a believer, he was someone respected by the other members of the council, so they followed his advice.  Gamaliel was also Saul’s teacher (Acts 22:3).  Scripture does not tell us if Gamaliel ever became a believer as the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and around the world with one of Gamaliel’s students the main person spreading the message around the world. 

 

If you are reading this know that the blood of Jesus is upon you.  It is His saving blood offered sacrificially for your sins but to receive that forgiveness you must accept the free gift of salvation from God (Ephesians 2:8).  Please take a moment and pray with me to receive this gift. 

 

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

 

The challenges the Church and our world face today are unprecedented but there are also similarities between what the Church faces today and what the Church faced in the book of Acts.  As Covid19 cases and deaths decline, businesses and churches can reopen with restrictions.  However, in some jurisdictions, Churches are singled out for greater restrictions with the Supreme Court allowing tighter restrictions on Churches as opposed to restaurants and casinos in Nevada.  (1)  There is no logical health reason for these added restrictions, so it is safe to conclude this is an effort by some to silence the Church.  I recommend anyone attempting to silence the church read Acts 5:27-42 and pay special attention to the warning by Gamaliel with the added historical context of the Church surviving attempts to silence its message over nearly 2000 years.  A word of caution to anyone with an agenda to silence the Church, it is not the Church you are fighting against, But God Himself.  Today’s Church must persevere and remain focused on spreading the Gospel and making Disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) despite attempts to silence it.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

1. Wolf, Richard. Supreme Court says Nevada can impose tighter virus limits on churches than casinos. usatoday.com. [Online] USA Today, July 24, 2020. [Cited: August 18, 2020.] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/24/supreme-court-nevada-covid-rules-can-favor-casinos-over-churches/5454128002/.

Do not be Deceived

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 9:1-27

 

Joshua 9:3-5

 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, ⁴ they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, ⁵ with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly.

(ESV)

 

The year 2020 is two-thirds complete and based upon the events that have occurred, I believe we can use the acronym FNN (Fearful Negative News) to describe the year.  While technologies like the internet, social media and 24-hour news keep the public informed in a manner never before realized in history, when the news is a barrage of FNN, the result is a population full of fear.  While it is wise to practice social distancing, wear masks, covering sneezes or coughs, and wash our hands during a pandemic, we must guard ourselves against FNN to avoid making decisions and unwise choices due to fear.

 

Joshua 9:1-27 records the account of Israel’s deception by Gibeon that resulted in Israel entering an unwise covenant.  Once again Israel is coming off of a great victory at Ai that coupled with the victory at Jericho, has led to fear of suffering a similar defeat among the remaining nations in the Promised Land, leading to their decision to unite and fight against Israel (Joshua 9:1-2).  The inhabitants of Gibeon decide to use a different tactic than the other nations, a tactic of deception (Joshua 9:3-5).  This tactic of deception against God’s people is nothing new for it was introduced in the Garden of Eden and used to deceive Adam and Eve into sinning against God, leading to the separation of humanity from God (Genesis 3). 

 

The deception in the Garden of Eden created distrust by Adam and Eve that God had their best interests in mind when he commanded them not to partake of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17).  Through deception, Satan convinces Eve that Adam and she will not die if they eat the forbidden fruit but instead will have their eyes opened and be like God knowing good from evil (Genesis 3:5).  Sadly, Adam and Eve fall for the serpent’s deception and partake of the forbidden fruit causing God to evict them from the Garden of Eden, separating humanity from God until Jesus would restore it at the cross (Genesis 3:22-24).

The progression of the deception of Israel by Gibeon is,

 

1)      Deceptive evidence – To appear to be from a far-off land, the Gibeonites present worn-out sacks for their donkeys, worn-out wineskins, Worn-out sandals and clothes, and dried provisions (Joshua 9:12-13).  Upon presentation of these worn-out items to Joshua, the men of Israel take some of Gibeon’s provisions but fail to seek the counsel of the Lord who would have revealed the deception before Israel entering into a covenant with Gibeon (Joshua 9:14-15).  In a time when information is readily available, we must use discernment to determine the truthfulness of the facts.  We must not make the mistake of Israel and consider the source of evidence presented and weigh it against Biblical truth and common sense.  For example, the initial predictions for Covid19 based upon computer models were 2 million deaths.  (1)  This dire prediction was a worst-case scenario that did not consider mitigation procedures like social distancing, masks, hand washing, and covering sneezes and coughs in our elbows or sleeves.  Decisions to shut down and harm the economy, shut down schools depriving children of an education, important social interactions, and the shutting down of Churches that provide hope for people in fear were done based upon FNN using deceptive evidence.

2)      Historical facts providing the appearance of godliness – The Gibeonites claim to come from a far-off country because of the name of the Lord having knowledge of what God had done for Israel (Joshua 9:9-10).  There is a distinct difference between knowing of God, for even Satan and his demons know of God and shudder (James 2:19) and knowing God as personal savior through Jesus' death on the cross.  In the Garden of Eden, Eve told Satan that God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree in the middle of the garden lest they die (Genesis 3:3).  Satan then demonstrated to Eve his knowledge of what God said by saying that the tree was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and twists this knowledge to mean God is holding out on them (Genesis 3:4-5).  We must weigh Biblical facts coming from anyone against the entirety of Biblical truth and sound doctrine to determine if the facts are being presented to deceive rather than demonstrating Godliness. 

3)      Deceptive intentions – While scripture does not specifically reveal the intentions of Gibeon in deceiving Israel, once caught in their deception, the people of Gibeon tell Joshua their deception came out of fear of Israel destroying them since God commanded Moses to destroy all the inhabitants of the Promised Land (Joshua 9:24).  However, their true intentions, before being caught in deception, may have been the destruction of Israel from within through making a covenant with them.  Opportunistic politicians operate with the philosophy of never allowing a crisis to go to waste and using a crisis to promote their political agenda.  The quote was popularized by Rahm Emanuel with his clarification that what he meant was, “an opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.”  (2)  While the sudden spike in unemployment (3) and a record drop in GDP (4) appear to present evidence increased free market activity has failed, indicating a need to adopt a more socialist economic system, this is the use of the Covid-19 crisis as an opportunity to transform the successful capitalist economy into a socialist economy.  The economic decline was not a failure of the capitalist system but the needless shutting down of much of the economy based on deceptive evidence from computer model data predicting a worst-case scenario that did not occur.  (1)  Instead of panic fueled by FNN using a medical crisis to call for the abandonment of free-market capitalism in favor of a socialist economic system, economic decisions should be based on actual scientific evidence indicating a decline in Covid19 deaths while testing has increased from 100,000 tests per day to 600,000 tests per day.  (5)

 

It is important for us not to be deceived for deception leads to bad decisions and entering harmful covenants, treaties, or contracts that could do long-term harm to a nation.  While the outcome of Israel’s covenant with Gibeon based upon deception was good due to Israel discovering Gibeon’s deception three days later, the outcome could have been the destruction of Israel from within.  In the United States, there is a crucial decision coming on November 3, 2020, the election of a President, representatives in the House of Representatives, and senators in the Senate.  The decision of who to vote for must not depend on campaign ads which are designed to present the candidate in a positive light deceptively hiding any hidden agendas or evidence of corruption, including voting solely based on information on the candidate's website.  Instead, we must vote based on the candidate's background, history of past accomplishments in positions of leadership, and any deceptive practices in the candidate’s past.  Christian voters must also determine the values of the candidate and vote for candidates mirroring Biblical values.  Voters must not fall for deception this election and seek Godly counsel before voting. 

 

1. Tufekci, Zeynep. Don’t Believe the COVID-19 Models: That's not What They're for. www.theatlantic.com. [Online] The Atlantic, April 2, 2020. [Cited: April 12, 2020.] https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/04/coronavirus-models-arent-supposed-be-right/609271/.

 

2. Goodreads. Rahm Emanuel Quotes. goodreads.com. [Online] Goodreads. [Cited: August 14, 2020.] 2020. https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/717228-you-never-want-a-serious-crisis-to-go-to-waste.

 

3. Jones, Charisse. Layoffs: 1.3M workers file for unemployment as COVID-19 spikes and businesses close again. usatoday.com. [Online] USA Today, 9 2020, July. [Cited: 14 2020, August.] https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/09/coronavirus-1-3-m-file-unemployment-benefits-amid-covid-19/5397132002/.

 

4. Brown, Matthew. Fact check: U.S. GDP drop in 2020's second quarter is the worst in modern history. usatoday.com. [Online] USA Today, August 8, 2020. [Cited: August 14, 2020.] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/08/08/fact-check-u-s-quarterly-gdp-drop-worst-modern-history/5569089002/.

 

5. Wu, Katherine J. U.S. Coronavirus Cases Are Rising Sharply, but Deaths Are Still Down. nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times, July 22, 2020. [Cited: August 14, 2020.] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/03/health/coronavirus-mortality-testing.html.

Lifting up Christ

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 5:17-26

 

Acts 5:17-20

But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy ¹⁸ they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. ¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

(ESV)

 

Matthew 6:21 teaches that our heart is where our treasure is.  We can discover much about what someone’s treasures by listening to what they talk about because we tend to lift-up and praise the things we treasure in our lives.  One of the challenges we face during the Covid19 crisis and violence in U.S. cities is the loss of treasured items.  Those treasuring the ability to attend a live sporting event or concert are now relegated to watching these events on TV.  Those treasuring the ability to go out for dinner or lunch at their favorite restaurant with friends and family are now relegated to take out, delivery, or hitting a drive-thru.  Those valuing a job or career that was very promising at the beginning of the year now face the reality that their treasured job or career may go away due to the shutting down of the economy.  Even those treasuring fellowship at their Church were relegated to attending services online and even when the Churches could open, they are limited on how many can attend.  The only treasure we cannot lose is our treasure of a relationship with Christ for it is not based on what we or someone does or our circumstances but on what Jesus has already done (Ephesians 2:8). 

 

The healing of the lame man at the temple led to the religious leaders issuing an order to Peter and John not to speak of Jesus any longer (Acts 4:18).  The choice faced by Peter and John was, do they avoid conflict by obeying the order not to speak of Jesus or listen to God who commanded the Church to spread the Gospel message and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Their choice was to continue speaking of Jesus even though it would cause trouble in obedience to God over their religious leaders.  In fact, after sharing their experience with the other apostles, they all prayed for boldness, with God filling them with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:29-31). 

 

This boldness and empowerment of the Holy Spirit led to the performing of many signs and wonders at Solomon’s Portico, leading to the addition of many believers (Acts 5:12-14).  This led to the high priest and a party of the Sadducees becoming jealous and the arrest of the apostles to a public prison (Acts 5:17-18).  The high priest and Sadducees believed that the spread of the message would stop because the apostles are in jail and unable to go to the temple, but God has other plans for the apostles.  During the night an angel visits the prison, freeing the apostles with instructions to stand in the temple and speak at daybreak (Acts 5:19-21). 

 

In the morning when the council sent officials to bring the apostles in for trial, the officials discovered they were not in the jail with the jail doors still shut and the guards standing at the doors (Acts 5:21-23).  To add to the perplexity of the high priest is the fact that the apostles are found at the temple continuing to speak about Jesus (Acts 5:24-25).  This once again led to the arrest of the apostles but this time without a show of force out of fear the crowds starting to follow the apostles would stone and kill them (Acts 5:26). 

 

The apostles had spent three and one-half years with Jesus hearing his teaching.  They had seen Jesus die by crucifixion on the cross but also saw Jesus after he had risen from the dead as proof, he was the Messiah.  They had also experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13) and received empowerment to speak with boldness in answer to their prayer for boldness (Acts 4:31).  These empowered apostles are not about to remain silent and would willingly face death for their faith except for John who was tortured and imprisoned allowing him to write the last book of the Bible. 

 

The Church in countries like the United States does not seem to have the same level of boldness to share the Gospel as the early church did when facing persecution.  Instead, Church focus is on programs designed to attract people through entertaining music and soft messages designed to encourage without any conviction through the mention of sin and the need for salvation in Christ.  The worship song of Petra asks the question of when will the world see that we need Jesus.  Please take a moment to listen to this link for the song. 

 

The answer to the question posed by the song is found in the example of the apostles who prayed for boldness and then continued to declare Christ even though they faced arrest, and eventually death.  In John 12:32 Jesus taught that if we lift Him up, He will draw men to him.  This is exactly what was occurring as the apostles ministered at the temple and what will occur as the church focuses on lifting up Christ.  My prayer is that Churches across the world during this global crisis would lift up Jesus and draw desperate people to Him. 

Second Chances

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 8:1-29

 

Joshua 8:1

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.

(ESV)

 

Chaotic times like what the world is experiencing at this time make planning difficult because foundational things we have taken for granted are changing all around us.  For example, I went to a store last weekend and had to spend five minutes waiting outside in 110-degree heat because the store had reached its 50 percent occupancy limit.  While I understand the need to limit store occupancy in the interest of social distancing, the trip to the store took longer than I had planned.  The scriptural account in Joshua 8:1-29 and the fall of Ai reveal the importance of eliminating sin, seeking godly guidance in strategizing plans, and giving God glory when plans carried out according to His plan succeeds.   The fall of Ai represents a second chance for Israel and a contrast between doing things our way versus God’s way. 

 

Israel’s first attempt to take Ai ended in defeat due to unrepentant sin and a failure to seek Godly direction and guidance before moving forward.  Achan had sinned by taking items God had devoted for destruction from Jericho and hiding them in his tent (Joshua 7:1,21).  This meant Achan’s sin was hidden from everyone but God whose anger burned against the people of Israel because of Achan’s sin.  After Israel’s defeat at Ai, Joshua seeks the Lord with the Lord revealing Israel’s sin as the reason for the defeat (Joshua 7:6-12). 

 

Perhaps if Joshua had inquired of the Lord first, God would have revealed the sin of Achan so Israel could deal with the sin before suffering defeat.  However, if they had then arrogantly attacked Ai with only two to three thousand men (Joshua 7:3) instead of waiting for a strategy for victory from the Lord.  While repentance from sin is the beginning, it must be accompanied by obedience and a willingness to follow God’s direction in our lives.  The turn around in Israel’s fate with Ai illustrates the importance for believers to first inquire of the Lord so the Lord can,

 

1)      Reveal any sin that prevents God from bringing victory – An omnipresent and omniscient God knows all about our sin.  Achan may have been able to temporarily hide his sin from the people of Israel, but God knew, revealing it to Joshua after Israel’s defeat at Ai.  Seeking God before moving on with our plans allows God to reveal any sin presenting an obstacle to victory. 

2)      Reveal a godly strategy and plan for success and obediently following it to victory (Joshua 8:3-29)  - God’s plan for victory at Ai was clear, leaving little possibility for misinterpretation.  In studying scripture, it is important to

a.       Make observations by reading the passage asking the questions,

                                                               i.      Who are the people involved in the text and the audience it addresses (i.e. believers or non-believers)?

                                                             ii.      What is happening considering the passage's historical context?

                                                           iii.      When?  Consideration of when the event occurred provides additional historical context.

                                                           iv.      Where The event occurred can also provide additional historical context.

                                                             v.      Why is the passage in scripture?  This can be difficult for passages like the stoning of Achan and his family in Joshua 7:25 of Ananias and Saphira dropping dead in Acts 5:1-11.  Read outside of scriptural context, these passages of scripture appear to make God seem cruel but Israel was about to occupy the land God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and after elimination of sin, can achieve victory at Ai.  The Church was about to experience dynamic growth in numbers with new believers added daily.  The account of the death of Ananias and Sapphira is followed by an account of the signs and wonders done among the people by the apostles, leading to Church growth (Acts 5:12-16). 

                                                           vi.      How does this apply to my life?  After making observations by reading the text and answering the questions who, what, when, where, and why, we can make interpretations about the meaning of the passage and most importantly how it applies to our lives.  Sadly, many often make observations about a passage of scripture and from these observations make interpretations regarding the passage’s meaning but fail to follow-through by applying the scripture to their lives.  For one to truly experience transformation through study and meditation on the Word of God, they must apply the truths learned in scripture to their daily lives. 

3)      Reveal his glory through leading his people to victory (Joshua 8:30-35) – Joshua follows the victory at Ai with a renewal of the covenant by giving God Glory.  Next Saturday’s posting will go deeper into the importance of giving God glory for the victories he brings into our lives. 

 

God is a God of second chances demonstrated by His sending His Son, Jesus to die for the sins of humanity, giving everyone a second chance to escape the death penalty of sin (Romans 6:23).  I want to take this opportunity to invite anyone who has not already done so to receive a second chance in life by praying to accept Jesus as their personal savior. 

 

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.

 

Congratulations on receiving a second chance from God.  I pray that you now find a Church or Bible study to learn God's strategy and direction for living and live obediently to His plan for your life.  I also urge everyone reading this to give God glory or credit for the victories in life.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

The Hands and Feet of Jesus

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 5:12-16

 

Acts 5:12

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 

(ESV)

 

Mobs rioting and threatening innocent people is not a new thing for even Paul and Silas caused one in Thessalonica when they brought the Gospel message to the city (Acts 17:1-5).  The Jews were jealous because the Apostle Paul was gaining attention through his teaching that persuaded some Jews and Greeks that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 17:4).  The devout Greeks feared suffering financially because they might have profited from the sale of idols used to worship the Greek Gods like Demetrius in Acts 19:21-41 which resulted in a riot at Ephesus.  Riots can cause fear that paralyzes people, so they fear speaking out against evil and injustice in the world.  The riots occurring in the world today coupled with Covid19 are causing people to fear speaking out against lies and ungodliness in a world that desperately needs Jesus.  Paul would later instruct his protégé Timothy that fear is not from God for God has given His children a spirit of love, power, and soundness of mind.  Believers in Jesus as Savior who comprise the Church have a duty to fearlessly declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Church is the hands and feet of Jesus on earth.    

 

The ministry of the Apostles in Acts 5:12-16 is a continuation of what began at the Temple in Acts 3.  Even though this ended with the arrest of Peter and John by the priests, captain of the temple, and the Sadducees with their commanding them not to speak any longer in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:3,18).  Peter and John responded to these religious leaders by stating that they intended to listen to God and not them and would only speak of what they had heard (Acts 4:19-20).  After telling the other believers the story, they prayed for boldness in speaking the Word of God (Acts 4:23-29) with god answering their prayer with the room shaken and the Holy Spirit filling these believers with boldness to speak the Word of God.    

 

These empowered and emboldened apostles are now the hands and feet of Jesus continuing his ministry of healing, deliverance, and salvation (Acts 5:12) in fulfillment of Jesus' words in Mark 16:17-18.  Word of the ministry of the apostles now begins to spread outside of Jerusalem in fulfillment of Acts 1:8.  Unfortunately, such outpourings of God’s power are rare in the Church today with Churches more focused on facilities management, entertaining programs, and politically correct messages so as not to offend government officials or visitors to the Church.  For revival to occur, the Church must become the hands and feet of Jesus by finding R.E.S.T in the Lord.  The Church needs,

 

1)      Repentance – We have all sinned and need God’s forgiveness (Romans 3:23).  Sin was what separated humanity from God in the first place.  God gave his law, to let us know his standard of holiness but our efforts to live up to this standard on our own fall short and why we need God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8).  Part of living for Christ is having a repentant heart that asks for God’s forgiveness when God makes them aware of sin in their lives so there is nothing between them and intimacy with God. 

2)      Empowerment from the Holy Spirit – The boldness the believers prayed for in Acts 4:23-31 is now demonstrated with signs and wonders being done by the apostles.  Not only are these signs and wonders a fulfillment of Mark 16:17-18 but also a demonstration of God’s power in the lives of these believers.  However, those through whom the power of the Spirit of God works must guard against pride and humbly give glory to God as Peter and John did in Acts 3:11-12. 

3)      Spirit Leadership – When believers in Christ are led by the Holy Spirit, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).  This makes believers in Christ heirs of God and fellow heirs of Christ (Romans 8:17).  Those without Christ in this world look around them and wonder what they will inherit as they see their wealth shrinking and any sense of earthly security fading away due to an unseen virus and chaos in the world.  Those in Christ, led by the Spirit of God, have an inheritance of eternal life with God (John 3:16). 

4)      Truth and the boldness to declare it – Jesus taught that those that know the truth shall be set free.  In a chaotic world where people fear the loss of freedom, knowing that there is freedom in knowing the truth should make us pursue truth.  The issue is what is the source of truth.  Jesus told Pilate that he came to declare truth with those of the truth listening to Jesus’ voice (John 18:37).  The Word of God is the source of truth (Psalm 119:160) with Jesus the Word of God in flesh (John 1:14) giving people forgiveness from sin and a powerful message of hope to declare to a world in chaos.   

 

Survival in a chaotic world requires one finding rest.  When we try to find rest in the things of this world, they will disappoint us especially if some unseen virus or civil unrest takes them away from us.  Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and called on His followers to be lights that give glory to God (Matthew 5:16).  Those finding rest in the Lord will be beacons of light shining brightly in a dark world with those living in darkness attracted to the rest we have found.  I encourage everyone reading this to seek rest in the Lord through having a repentant heart, seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead them, and learning the truths contained in the Word of God and boldly declaring it through how they live and what they say.  May God bless everyone reading this post and may you find rest in the Lord so you can become the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Letting go of Devoted Things

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 7:10-26

 

Joshua 7:10-11

The Lord said to Joshua, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face? ¹¹ Israel has sinned; they have transgressed my covenant that I commanded them; they have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.

(ESV)

 

One of my favorite characters in the movie Up is the dog that is distracted by squirrels.  While we can laugh at this dog's distraction by squirrels, we all have squirrels in our lives that can captivate our attention and distract us from where our attention needs to be, God and His Word.  Unfortunately, when things of this world captivate our attention and distract us from God, it is not just us that suffers, but those around us.  Living for Christ is about letting go of sinful things devoted to destruction and devoting our lives to Christ. 

 

After the victory at Jericho, Israel has suffered an embarrassing defeat at Ai (Joshua 6-7:9).  So devastating was this defeat that Joshua fell on his face before the ark and questions why the Lord has brought Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 7:6-7).  After hearing his complaint, it is now time for the Lord to speak and reveal the reason for Israel’s defeat to Joshua (Joshua 7:10-12).  Through a process of elimination, God reveals the source of Israel’s defeat, the sin of Achan (Joshua 7:13-18). 

 

Like the dog in the movie up, Achan allowed himself to become captivated by a cloak from Shinar, 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels.  These items represent squirrels in the life of Achan that captivated his attention, distracting him from being obedient to God who instructed Israel not to take any of the items in Jericho devoted to destruction (Joshua 6:18).  Achan fesses up to his sin but only after he is singled out by the Lord (Joshua 7:20).  In obedience to the Lord’s instruction Joshua sends men to uncover the devoted things in Achan’s tent and bring them out to him (Joshua 7:22-23).  Joshua and all Israel then bring Achan, the devoted things, Achan’s family, and his possessions to the Valley of Achor where the people are stoned and burned along with their possessions, and the devoted things (Joshua 7:24-26). 

 

Like the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11, we are faced with the question of whether God’s death sentence for Achan and his family was too severe.  For Ananias and Sapphira, the sin was believing they could receive the accolades of Barnabas by appearing to sacrifice the proceeds from the sale of a piece of property while keeping back some of the proceeds for their own use (Acts 5:2).  For Achan, the sin was becoming captivated by worldly things and allowing them to make him disobedient to God’s command not to take things devoted to destruction from Jericho (Joshua 6:18).  Achan, Ananias, and Sapphira have disobeyed God by hanging on to things of the world that are destined for destruction instead of devoting themselves to God and obedience to Him.  While they believed they could hide their sin, nothing is hidden from God with God revealing and dealing with their sin.  The severity of the sentence in both accounts is God demonstrating to Israel and the Church the consequences of disobedience to God at the beginning of their missions.    

 

All sin carries a death sentence (Romans 6:23) so the sentence issued by God on Achan, Ananias, and Sapphira was righteous and just.  Sin, however, has been not only destined for destruction with the promised Messiah (Genesis 3:15), but was destroyed on the cross (Colossians 2:13-14).  When we take possession of things destined for destruction by God, like sin, we subject ourselves to becoming objects of destruction (Joshua 6:18).  Sin has no power over the life of a believer unless they open the door and allow it in.  My prayer is that everyone reading this would search their hearts and rid themselves of any devotion to sinful things in their lives devoted to destruction and devote themselves to God through prayer, the study of God’s Word, service to God, and fellowship with other believers. 

 

The first step to this devotion is making a public profession of faith in Jesus as Savior who brought destruction to sin and its power over individuals.  Please pray with me now and make this profession,

 

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 follow through on their profession of faith by living a life of devotion to Jesus Christ and not going back and picking up the sin God has destroyed in their lives.  Follow through on your profession of faith by finding a church or Bible study so you can learn more about living a life pleasing to God.  May God bless everyone reading this post.