Saul Sees the Light

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 9:1-19

 

Acts 9:3-5

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. ⁴ And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵ And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

(ESV)

 

Anyone who has stubbed their toe while walking in a dark room knows the dangers of walking in darkness.  One of the best ways to describe the year 2020 is a year of darkness.  It began with the Covid19 outbreak and an unprecedented shutdown of the nation’s economy destroying the prosperity that had occurred over the previous three years.  The darkness then spread to riots in the streets with cities defunding their police departments allowing those with evil intent free access to the cities to commit their riotous and murderous behavior.  The world around us is wandering around in darkness and needs of the light of the world, Jesus Christ (John 8:12). 

 

The Bible first introduces readers to Saul as the Pharisee holding the coats of those stoning Stephen (Acts 7:58).  Emboldened by the execution of Stephen, Saul begins to ravage the Church going house to house imprisoning believers (Acts 8:3).  At the beginning of this text, Saul goes to the high priest asking for letters to the synagogues at Damascus so he could imprison any believers in Damascus by bringing them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2).  Saul, like many of the Jewish religious leaders of his time, is in darkness, choosing not to recognize Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12).  Fortunately for Saul, God has a grander plan for his life.  

 

Saul was not seeking an encounter with God and thinking about rounding up Jewish believers in Damascus and bringing them to Jerusalem to face trial or even execution like happened to Stephen.  However, God is seeking Saul with the light of the world shining upon him from heaven with such intensity that it causes Saul to go blind (Acts 9:3-8).  In addition to a bright light, Saul hears from the Lord who asks why he is persecuting Him (Acts 9:4).  Saul’s response is asking the Lord for his identity to which the Lord says he is Jesus Christ, the one he is persecuting (Acts 9:5).  This is similar to when Moses asked God for his name with the Lord responding that He is the I Am (Exodus 3:14).  The only difference with Saul is God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ making things more personal (Acts 9:5). 

 

At this point, Saul’s thoughts might have flashed back to Stephen’s speech where he reminded the Jewish religious leaders questioning him of their history of disobedience and the murder of prophets foretelling the coming Messiah, Jesus, whom they also murdered by calling for His crucifixion.  Saul has had a personal encounter with the I Am, Jesus Christ, and now must contemplate what he should do, something he most likely did during his three days of fasting while waiting for Ananias (Acts 9:9). 

 

The text now switches to Ananias who does not have the benefit of witnessing the miraculous conversion of Saul.  The Lord asks Ananias to do the unthinkable and go to the house of Judas and pray for Saul, the man arresting Christians, so he can receive his sight (Acts 9:10-14).  The Lord responds by telling Ananias Saul was a chosen instrument with a calling to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and children of Israel (Acts 9:15).  The Lord also speaks of the suffering Saul will himself endure suffering for his new faith in Jesus as his Savior and Messiah (Acts 9:16). 

 

Ananias obediently does as the Lord commands him to do with Saul receiving his sight, receiving the Holy Spirit, and being baptized as a public profession of his faith (Acts 9:17-18).  Saul then receives food and is strengthened with him spending some days with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19).  This time with the disciples is where Saul received valuable teaching from Christ through those that walked with Him, preparing him for ministry. 

 

The conversion of Saul teaches us,

 

1)      Nobody is beyond receiving salvation from God.

2)      Others may have doubts about our salvation remembering our past life (Acts 9:14).

3)      One must have faith in God to save those that seem impossible to save. 

 

Saul was not seeking an encounter with God, but God was seeking an encounter with Saul and got his attention on the road to Damascus.  Perhaps you are reading this post and feel a tug on your heart to ask for forgiveness from sin by accepting Jesus as your personal savior.  This tug on your heart is the Lord getting your attention and while it may not be as dramatic as the conversion of Saul, it is God seeking you so He can have a relationship with you.  Please pray with me now and begin your personal relationship with God,

 

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 seeing the light of salvation through Christ and take a moment to celebrate with this video from David Crowder.  May God bless everyone reading this post and may God’s light shine brightly on you and through you in this dark world. 

The Enemy of Complacency

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 13:1-7

 

Matthew 9:37-38

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸ therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

(ESV)

 

Previous postings to this blog have emphasized the importance of history as a teacher teaching us what has succeeded and what has failed.  However, one must balance learning from history with the need to move forward in solving current issues, using lessons learned from history.  The election in the United States in November is more than a choice between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.  It is more than a choice between Republican and Democrat and who will hold power in the House of Representatives and the Senate.  The choice this election is clear and involves whether the United States will remain a constitutional republic that preserves the God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness or be transformed into a socialist type of government with a powerful and tyrannical centralized control structure.    

 

Israel is coming off a series of victories where they have removed powerful Canaanite kings and occupied land promised them by God (Joshua 10:29-12:24).  This historical record encourages as it illustrates victory over powerful opposition when Israel places their trust in God.  However, in Joshua 13:1-7, God reminds Joshua that there is still land left to occupy.  This passage is here to remind Israel not to bask and become complacent due to past successes but to continue moving forward, using these past victories as encouragement.  This account in scripture also tells us that Joshua was old and advanced in years indicating that it would not be Joshua who would lead Israel’s armies toward the conquest of the remaining land (Joshua 13:1).    However, Joshua does not name a successor leading us to consider whether this was a mistake on the part of Joshua or part of God’s plan for Israel.  Let us take a moment to study each of these possibilities.

 

1)      Joshua errored in not naming a successor – Joshua spent the forty years in the wilderness with Moses where he was groomed to become the one leading Israel into the promised land (Numbers 11:28).  Joshua would stand outside the tent of meeting as Moses would pray to God indicating his desire to be as close to God as he could get (Exodus 33:7-11).  Except for Joshua and Caleb, the generation of Israelites coming out of Egypt would not enter the Promised Land due to their refusal to have faith God would give them victory over the Canaanite kings in the land (Deuteronomy 1:19-33).  Instead, God commissioned Joshua to lead the next generation of Israelites into the Promised Land.  With land still left to conquer one could argue that Joshua errored in not naming a successor supported by the Book of Judges which illustrates a pattern of abandoning God during good times and returning to Him when times get tough.  However, it was not God’s intention that Israel places their trust in a succession of great men to lead them to victory but instead to place their faith in God to lead them. 

2)      It was not God’s intention for Joshua to name a successor – Now that Israel has occupied the Promised Land and witnessed great victory over powerful enemies with the help of God, God wants Israel to place their trust in God.  This generation not only witnessed great victories but also witnessed failure at Ai when the armies of Israel failed to consult with God first (Joshua 7).  However, these victories did not prevent Israel from vacillating between trusting God and their abilities.  To correct this vacillation God sent judges and prophets providing teaching that directed the people's focus back on God, the source of Israel’s historical victories over their enemies.  God then sent Jesus as Savior providing forgiveness of sin and establishing a path for everyone to have a personal relationship with God.  It was not God’s intention for His people to move from one great earthly leader to another but to learn to have faith in God through a renewed personal relationship with God through Christ. 

 

Joshua did not err in failing to name a successor but was getting out of the way so God could begin dealing with his people directly.  This does not negate the need for earthly leadership but establishes a role for earthly leadership that includes the protection of the God-given rights of individuals to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness which for Christians includes the right to worship God, the source of life, liberty, and happiness.  This emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election in the United States of not voting for leaders promising to supply our needs through government programs but leaders promising to defend the God-given rights of individuals so God can supply their needs. 

 

The greatest need any individual has is their need for a Savior so they can have forgiveness of sins and a restored relationship with God.  Jesus Christ who knew no sin died for sinners so that they can have forgiveness from their sins and escape the death penalty of sin and have eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23).  If you are reading this and have never prayed for God to fill this greatest need in your life, 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.

 

Congratulations on your decision to allow God to meet your greatest need, the need for forgiveness from sin, and a restored relationship with God.  However, this is not a time to become complacent for the world is full of others needing forgiveness from sin and a restored relationship with God.  This is what Jesus referred to in Matthew 9:37-38 when He spoke of a ripe harvest field needing workers.  The good news is that one does not need to be a great theologian to be a worker, just one that has experienced forgiveness from sin and a restored relationship with God. 

 

Everyone reading this blog is encouraged to vote for leaders who will protect the God-given rights of each individual to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  It is also important to keep in mind that no earthly leader is perfect and why it is important to consider the heart of a leader and whether they will lead from Godly principles.  Most importantly it is vital for God’s people to have the freedom to share the Gospel message of salvation and the making of disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) and not become complacent or cower in fear.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

The Word of God Comes Alive.

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 8:26-40

 

Acts 8:34-35

And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

(ESV)

 

When reading any piece of literature, it is always helpful to place the material in context.  This involves consideration of the historical context in which the literature is written as well as consideration of the audience the literature addresses.  For example, a piece of technical literature must be considered within the context of the technology available at the time of the writing of the literature, which may have advanced since the writing, and that the literature is written to a tech-savvy audience.  In contrast, a novel written to a general audience should receive historical consideration of the time in which it is written with the reader than using his or her imagination, placing themselves in the position of an observer. 

 

The Ethiopian eunuch is in his chariot studying Isaiah 53 and having difficulty understanding who Isaiah is speaking about in Isaiah 53:7-8.  As a court official, the Ethiopian is most likely a well-educated man who understands the passage speaks of someone being led to his death but wants to know if the prophet is speaking about himself or someone else (Acts 8:27-34).  While the passage does not say so, we can surmise that the Ethiopian may have prayed for God to send someone who could interpret the Scripture for him.  Whether he prayed or not, God instructs Philip to go down to Gaza and in God’s perfect timing, Philip encounters the Ethiopian and joins him in his Chariot as he studies the Scripture (Acts 8:26-29). 

 

As a well-educated man, the Ethiopian understood the historical context of the writing of Isaiah and the Jewish audience it addressed but is seeking to understand how the passage applies to him, a Gentile (Acts 8:34).  Philip who had walked with Jesus as one of the twelve (Matthew 10:1-4) had the answer the Ethiopian was seeking and from the foundation of Isaiah 53:7-8, shares the Gospel with him (Acts 8:35).  Philip makes the passage in Isaiah come alive in the heart of the Ethiopian, with him believing in Jesus as his savior and being baptized (Acts 8:36-38).  Instead of allowing Philip to remain in Gaza with the Ethiopian man, the Spirit of the Lord carries Philip away to Azotus so he can continue sharing the message of the Gospel with people in the cities between Azotus and Caesarea (Acts 8:39-40).   

 

This passage teaches us that,

 

1)      Obedience to the Lord creates opportunities for ministry (Acts 8:26-29) – Philip does not hesitate in obeying the angel of the Lord directing him to head south and by doing so encounters an Ethiopian studying Scripture.  While this might appear as a coincidence, it is God working in His perfect timing with Philip’s quick obedience opening the door to ministry.

2)      Using what we have available to share the Gospel (Acts 8:30-38) – Philip did not have the New Testament, a smartphone, or the latest book on evangelism or theology to help him teach the Ethiopian.  All he had is the passage in Isaiah the Ethiopian was reading and his testimony as a Disciple who walked with Jesus during His ministry.  Philip was also one of the 120 who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:13-15) empowering him to minister effectively.  Even though this would not seem sufficient to explain the Gospel especially to an educated court official, it was all Philip needed. 

3)      Do not bask in past success but continue ministering under the direction of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:39-40) – The Spirit of the Lord does not allow Philip to remain with the Ethiopian but immediately carries him away to Azotus with Philip preaching the Gospel in the cities he passed through on his way to Caesarea. 

 

Ministry today has tools Philip could not have even imagined.  We have smartphones that fit in our pocket containing the Bible in several translations.  We have the completed canon of Scripture as well as teachers and books to aid in interpreting the Bible and placing Scripture in its proper context.  However, these tools are ineffective unless the sharing of the Gospel comes from the heart of the one sharing.  A world in chaos needs to see God’s people at peace through an intimate personal relationship with God.  During this crisis, my family and I are dealing with not only the global crisis of Covid19 but a major family health crisis.  The only thing getting my family through the crisis is our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  I encourage anyone who has not entered into a personal relationship with Christ to do so now so they can find strength and peace in the middle of this crisis by praying with me to receive forgiveness from sin that separates you from a relationship with God,

 

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.

 

Like the Ethiopian who needed someone to help him understand what he read in Scripture, I encourage those that just prayed to find a Church or Bible study teaching the Bible.  I also urge those that just prayed to be baptized as soon as possible as a public profession of faith in Jesus as Savior.  I also encourage you to share this post and other posts in this blog with others who need strength and peace to get them through this crisis.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Reflecting on Historical Victories

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 12:1-24

 

Psalm 78:5-6

He established a testimony in Jacob
    and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
    to teach to their children,
⁶ that the next generation might know them,
    the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,

(ESV)

 

When in high school, history was not one of my favorite classes.  Instead, I liked math, science, and music because I saw these classes as providing something useful and applicable in my life.  As I have matured, I have seen what can occur in the world through not understanding history allowing opportunistic politicians an opportunity to twist the truth of history and promote a political agenda.  Lies like the 1619 (1) project that claim the founding of the United States did not occur in 1776 with the drafting of the Declaration of Independence (2) but instead with a slave ship bringing slaves to the Colonies helps support a dangerous political agenda of systemic racism in the United States.  From this false historical foundation, opportunistic politicians can claim systemic racism in the United States since its founding and the need to scrap the system of government that built the United States into the powerful nation it has become into a socialist and even communist nation destined for failures like all experiments in socialism and communism have done in the past.  (3) (4)

 

Joshua 12:1-24 is a historical account of both the kings defeated by Moses east of the Jordan and the kings defeated by Joshua west of the Jordan.  The defeat and occupation of land east of the Jordan would become the inheritance of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Joshua 12:1-6).  However, there was a condition to these tribes taking possession of land not included in the land promised to Israel, involving the need for the fighting men of these tribes accompanying the other Israelites into the Promised Land to fight to depose the nations occupying the land, something they promised to do (Numbers 32:16-23).  Joshua 12:7-24 is the historical account of the defeat of the kings west of the Jordan that would become the inheritance of the remaining nine and one-half tribes of Israel. 

 

The importance of these historical accounts are the provision of encouragement for Israel as they would continue to incur opposition to their occupation of the land God promised to them, opposition that continues to this day.  For example, while not specifically referenced in Scripture, accounts like this one in Joshua might have contributed to David’s courage when facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:26).  Jesus did not promise that following Him would be a life of ease or some utopia but instead a life of struggle with the reminder that Jesus overcame the world through his death and resurrection (John 16:33).  Scripture also stresses the importance of teaching future generations the historical accounts, so they receive encouragement (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 78:1-6).  Historical accounts can also remind us of past mistakes and their consequences, reminding future generations not to repeat these mistakes.  This is what Stephen did with his history lesson in Acts 7:1-53.  However, instead of taking this historical lesson and repenting of these past sins, the people of Israel listening to Stephen stone him to death, committing yet another sin (Acts 7:54-60).    

 

While this is said in each election, the election in 2020 in the United States represents a fork in the road for the United States and the world.  Voters have two choices this election,

 

1)      Socialism and its promised utopia – The Democrat Party and its promise of free education, healthcare, guaranteed income.  (5)

2)      Restoration of the American Dream through a rebirth of constitutional government.  (6)  While this is the same platform adopted by the Republican Party in 2016, the party is readopting it because before the shutdowns due to Covid19, these policies were producing results and will do so again. 

 

Voters in the United States must learn from the failures of utopian socialism which sounds appealing but fails when implemented as occurred in the former Soviet Union and Venezuela (3) (4) and return to the pre-Covid19 economic policies providing results with the addition of health safety protocols to ensure safety against another economically devastating pandemic.  (7)  Over the past four years of the Trump Administration, the policies of restoration of the American Dream and the rebirth of constitutional government with the reduction of taxes and government regulation resulted in unprecedented economic growth and job creation across all demographics.  (8) 

 

The historical account illustrates why voters in the United States must vote to continue the successful policies of the Trump Administration and reject the utopian promises of the Democratic Party which have a historical record of failure.  It is also crucial that voters elect Senators and Representatives supporting the policies of President Trump so he can implement the remainder of his agenda.  Voters must not fall prey to emotions and vote for what sounds good but has a historical record of failure and instead vote for policies and candidates favoring policies with a historical record of success.  Therefore, this Blog endorses the reelection of Donald Trump for President and the election of Republican candidates for the House of Representatives and Senate that support his agenda. 

 

1. The New York Times Magazene. The 1619 Project. nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times Magazene, August 2019. [Cited: July 3, 2020.] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html.

 

2. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] [Cited: October 30, 2016.] http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.

 

3. San Jose State University. The Economic Collapse of the Soviet Union. sjsu.edu. [Online] San Jose State University. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/sovietcollapse.htm.

 

4. Barreto, Juan. How Venezuela Fell From the Richest Country in South America into Crisis. history.com. [Online] History.com, May 9, 2019. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://www.history.com/news/venezuela-chavez-maduro-crisis.

 

5. Democratic Party. 2020 Democratic Party Platform. demconvention.com. [Online] Democratic Party. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://www.demconvention.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-07-31-Democratic-Party-Platform-For-Distribution.pdf.

 

6. Republican Party. Resolution Regarding the Republican Party Platform. prod-cdn-static.gop. [Online] The Republican National Committee. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://prod-cdn-static.gop.com/docs/Resolution_Platform_2020.pdf.

 

7. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Opening up America Again. whitehouse.gov. [Online] CDC. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.

 

8. Li, Yun. This is now the longest US economic expansion in history. CNBC.com. [Online] CNBC, July 2, 2019. [Cited: September 19, 2020.] https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/02/this-is-now-the-longest-us-economic-expansion-in-history.html.

 

The Gospel Takes Wings: The Missional Church in Action

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 7:54-8:25

 

Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

(ESV)

 

In the State of Nevada, a double standard exists with Casinos, restaurants, bars, theme parks, and gyms allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity while churches are limited to 50 persons no matter the size of the venue.  (1)  Churches in Nevada continue to legally challenge the double standard but the state seems to be unwilling to lift the double standard.  (2)  At the center of this matter is the premise that all people are created equal with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness stated in the Declaration of Independence of the United States.  (3)  There is also the legal protection of the practice of religion in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that states the Government shall not pass any law restricting the free practice of religion.  (4)  The judges in Nevada upholding this double standard, who are most likely lawyers, need to read their constitution or go back to law school and learn how to constitutionally interpret the law. 

 

These judges most likely know their ruling violates the premise of equality and constitutional law but instead of an interest in equality, they have an interest in preserving state tax revenue by allowing businesses that provide tax revenue to the state 50 percent occupancy and restricting Churches not providing tax revenue to 50 people.  What these judges are failing to consider is the toll Covid19 is taking on mental health (5) and an increase in substance abuse.  (6)   Religion has demonstrated a positive effect on mental illness (7) indicating the impact of the church on a world in crisis goes deeper than an economic impact and to the wellbeing of the human spirit and soul.   

 

Religious leaders in Jerusalem had previously questioned the Apostles regarding their preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:1-22; Acts 5:17-42), ordering them not to preach in that name any longer (Acts 4:18; Acts 5:40).  However, it is not until Stephen, a non-apostle shares the Gospel with a Jewish history lesson pointing out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders (Acts 7:1-53) in Jerusalem that the persecution turns deadly with the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60).  The stoning of Stephen brought on great persecution resulting in the scattering of believers from Jerusalem with Saul dragging believers from their homes and arresting them (Acts 8:1-3). 

 

Among the believers that scattered with the persecution was Philip who went to the city of Samaria, proclaiming Christ (Acts 8:5).  The people of Samaria paid attention to what Philip said when they heard him and witnessed the signs the Lord performed through his ministry (Acts 8:6-8).  Among those coming to believe in Jesus Christ in Samaria was Simon a magician who had captured the attention of the people of Samaria through his magic (Acts 8:9-13). 

 

Upon hearing of the volume of new believers in Samaria, Peter and John come to solidify the faith of the new believers by praying with them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14).  When Simon sees Peter and John lay hands upon the people of Samaria and they receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he equates it with a magic trick and offers Peter and John money for their gift.  The intention of Simon’s heart is not right with him still placing a higher value on earning money from magic rather than offering himself up in service to God (Acts 8:20-23).  Simon’s wrong intentions are not much different than the wrong intentions and priorities of the state of Nevada that values increased tax revenue over opening churches in the interest of the mental and spiritual welfare of the citizens of Nevada whom they serve. 

 

Like persecution leading to the spreading of the Gospel in the early church, the shutting down of Churches due to Covid19 has led to many smaller churches now having an online presence out of necessity.  Even though many of these churches have now reopened, they still maintain an online presence that provides greater outreach beyond their local communities.  Once again, a weapon formed by the enemy designed to stop the spread of the Gospel has backfired as churches of all sizes now have a powerful tool for global outreach (Isaiah 54:17). 

 

This blog also represents an opportunity for global outreach and I would be negligent if I did not offer readers who have not made a profession of faith in Jesus as Savior an opportunity to do so 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 Church plays a vital role in preserving the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of individuals and must be allowed to function within safety protocols like any other organization in society.  To single out the Church for greater restriction like is occurring in Nevada is an attempt to silence and stop the Church from carrying out its vital role in society.  While the Church must speak out and fight this unconstitutional attack on its right to function as an organization in society, it must also continue to carry out its mission by seeking other methods of delivering its vital message, like an online presence.  The Church will thrive in the environment of Covid19 just as it thrived in the environment of persecution in Acts 7:54-8:25.  May God bless the Church and everyone reading this post. 

 

1. Head, Timothy. Why is Nevada allowing more people into its casinos than its churches? christianpost.com. [Online] The Christian Post, August 4, 2020. [Cited: September 14, 2020.] https://www.christianpost.com/voices/why-is-nevada-allowing-more-people-into-its-casinos-than-its-churches.html.

 

2. Sonner, Scott. Nevada church renewing challenge of virus attendance cap. APnews.com. [Online] AP News, June 12, 2020. [Cited: September 14, 2020.] https://apnews.com/530eb5e5099f06be2a7b4ba9590cbdf1.

 

3. ushistory.org. The Declaration of Independence. www.ushistory.org. [Online] [Cited: October 30, 2016.] http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/.

 

4. constitutioncenter.org. The Constitution of the United States. constitutioncenter.org. [Online] [Cited: September 15, 2020.] https://constitutioncenter.org/media/files/constitution.pdf.

 

5. Vaughn, Adam. Mental health toll of the coronavirus pandemic is now becoming clear. newscientist.com. [Online] NewScientist, July 16, 2020. [Cited: September 14, 2020.] https://www.newscientist.com/article/2249230-mental-health-toll-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-is-now-becoming-clear/.

 

6. Valentic, Stephanie. A Pandemic within a Pandemic: Substance Abuse Rises Amid COVID. ehstoday.com. [Online] EHS Today, June 18, 2020. [Cited: September 14, 2020.] https://www.ehstoday.com/health/article/21134240/a-pandemic-within-a-pandemic-substance-abuse-rises-amid-covid.

 

7. Archer, Maria. The Positive Effects of Religion on Mental Illness. ifstudies.org. [Online] IFS, July 28, 2017. [Cited: September 14, 2020.] https://ifstudies.org/blog/the-positive-effects-of-religion-on-mental-illness.

 

Fearless Faithful Followers of Jesus Christ

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 11:1-23

 

Joshua 11:23

So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war.

(ESV)

 

The Church has a simple and clearly stated mission, spread the news of the Gospel message about, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to provide forgiveness from sin and making disciples or other followers of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  While this message seems simple and straight forward, it is destructive to Satan and will meet with opposition.  Before leading Israel into the Promised Land, God reminded Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9).  It would behoove the Church to learn a lesson from Joshua and his courage in leading Israel as they defeated opposition to their occupying the land God promised to them during these chaotic times.  Israel’s defeat of the attack from the kings of the northern nations occupying the Promised Land provides lessons on how the Church can remain on its mission during these chaotic times. 

 

Joshua 11:1-23 teaches us to,

 

1)      Follow God’s Word (Joshua 11:1-6) – Hearing the word of the victories of Israel against the southern kings, Jabin, king of Hazor forms a coalition of kings to battle Israel (Joshua 10:29-11:3).  This was a massive coalition numbering like the sand on the seashore with many horses and chariots.  God’s Word to Joshua was to not fear because God would deliver the enemy to Israel with the army of Israel hamstringing the horses and burning the chariots of the enemy (Joshua 11:6).  While the passage does not specifically say Joshua sought the Lord first, the fact the Lord spoke to Joshua indicates Joshua was conversing with the Lord.  While the massive army assembled against Israel seemed daunting, we see Joshua learning once again from the defeat at Ai and inquiring of the Lord before going into battle.  The early Church turned its world upside down (Acts 17:6) by focusing on its mission of spreading the Gospel message and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  The only Scripture these early believers had were the Old Testament scriptures, letters from the Apostles that were circulated through the Churches, and the eyewitness accounts of those that had been with Jesus.   The Church today has no excuse for it has the completed canon of scripture, conveniently available in book form and digitally on our devices.  The challenge for believers is will they follow the instructions contained in the Word of God so easily available.

2)      Fearlessly confronting the enemy (Joshua 11:7-9) – Joshua obeys the instruction of the Lord not to be afraid and comes quickly upon the enemy assembled at the waters of Merom.  True to His Word God empowers Israel to defeat the massive army amassed against them, including the hamstringing of the enemy’s horses, and burning their chariots.  Ephesians 6:12 reminds the Church that its enemy is not a flesh and blood enemy but a powerful spiritual enemy requiring the spiritual armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17).  Using the implements of the armor of God means no weapon formed against the Church will prosper (2 Corinthians 10:4).  Covid19 and increasing violence are new challenges for the Church in the United States that threaten to take the Church off its missional focus of spreading the Gospel and making disciples.  The Church must like the early church remain focused on its mission and not operate in fear. 

3)      Faithfulness to God (Joshua 11:10-23) – Five times in Joshua 11, scripture says Joshua did as the Lord had commanded Moses.  Joshua had spent his 40 years in the wilderness being taught by Moses and now when in a crisis, remains faithful to the instructions from the Lord passed down to him by Moses.  With the full canon of Scripture available to it, the Church has no excuse for not remaining faithful to God. 

 

In the unprecedented time in which we live, the Church has an opportunity to be a light of hope to a fearful world in crisis.  However, to do this the Church must be faithful followers of Jesus Christ and His Word.  Becoming a faithful follower of Jesus Christ begins with making a profession of faith believing that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10).  If you are reading this post and have not made a profession of faith in Jesus as 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.

 

Those that just prayed have taken the first step towards becoming a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  I now encourage you to find a Church or Bible study teaching the Bible so you can gain an understanding of God’s Word.  I also encourage those that just prayed to study the Bible themselves.  I also encourage you to make your profession of faith public by commenting to this post, calling a friend who is a believer, or sharing this post with someone letting them know about your profession of faith, encouraging them to become a fearless, faithful, follower of Jesus Christ.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Rejecting the Truth of History

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 7:1-53

 

Acts 7:51-53

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, ⁵³ you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

(ESV)

 

Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.  This statement is often equated with people not learning from negatives in history and instead, trying to forget them and even destroying monuments that remind people of these events.  However, history also contains positives like the Revolutionary War where the colonists took a stand against the tyranny of England, establishing the United States and a constitution with a Bill of Rights protecting the people from tyranny.  There is also the bloody Civil War that ended slavery after failed attempts to abolish slavery through the political process.  Failure to learn from the historic events of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War could lead to a failure to remember the importance of standing against tyranny and settling differences peacefully through political debate and the legal process to prevent violence and bloody civil wars.    

 

The high priest confronts Stephen, asking if the accusations leveled at him by his accusers are true.  The accusations revolve around Stephen quoting the words of Jesus regarding the temple and rebuilding it in three days.  The error in their belief this statement is blasphemous is their believing Jesus spoke of destroying the temple building containing the most holy place where God dwelt among humanity instead of realizing Jesus was speaking of his death, burial, and resurrection (John 2:18-22).  They also accused Stephen of attempting to change the customs of Moses possibly referring to Jesus’ response regarding the custom of Deuteronomy 25:5-8 where Jesus reminded the Sadducees of the existence of the resurrection as God is the God of the living and not the dead.  This would not be possible unless there is a resurrection since God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who were physically dead at the time Jesus spoke (Matthew 22:23-33). 

 

Stephen could have answered the high priest with a simple yes or no but knew he was speaking with a man who had studied scripture and was familiar with the history of Israel (Acts 7:1-53).  Therefore, instead of a simple answer, Stephen embarks on a history lesson perhaps with the belief the high priest will realize Jesus was Messiah.  However, instead of becoming a believer, the high priest and the mob are enraged at the lesson delivered by Stephen and stone him to death (Acts 7:54-60).  However, the history lesson delivered by Stephen is heard by a young man Saul who would soon have an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus leading to his accepting Jesus as his Savior, perhaps remembering some of what Stephen taught. 

 

Stephen’s lesson begins with a foundation of Abraham stepping out in faith to leave the comfort of his homeland in Mesopotamia to go to an unknown land promised to him and his offspring by God (Genesis 12:1-2).  Abrahams offspring flourished during their captivity in Egypt (Exodus 1:7) with Pharaoh viewing this growth in the Jewish population as a threat and begins to deal harshly with the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-11).  However, the Israelites continued to thrive even under this oppression (Exodus 1:12).  God then raises up Moses who leads Israel to freedom through miraculous signs and wonders with the climax the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army (Exodus 14). 

 

However, Israel soon forgets their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and rejects the law given to them by the Lord through Moses and build a golden calf to worship instead of God due to their impatience in waiting for Moses to come down from Mount Saini (Exodus 32).  Israel has also rejected the words of the prophets sent by God, pointing them to Jesus like Isaiah 53 describing in great detail death by crucifixion, something those listening to Stephen had witnessed, including the crucifixion of Jesus.  The greatest rejection of God by Israel is their betrayal and murder of the Messiah Jesus Christ and a statement of truth from Stephen that the high priest and those listening would reject, leading to the stoning and death of Stephen (Acts 7:52-60). 

 

This ultimate rejection led to the exile of Israel from the land promised to them from 70AD until 1948 and persecution that continues to this day.  However, the Children of Abraham can have a promising future by accepting their Messiah, Jesus Christ as their personal savior, saving them from their sins.  Whether you are Jew or Gentile and have read Stephen’s history lesson in Acts 7:1-53 and now realize Jesus is the Messiah who died and rose from the dead to provide forgiveness from sin, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

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

 

History is a valuable teacher and for those that just prayed a teacher leading to the discovery of salvation from sin.  Unfortunately, our culture is attempting to alter history so it no longer teaches valuable lessons that could save individuals but instead lies to promote a political agenda like the 1619 project in the United States.  (1)  My prayer is that those reading this post would become students of history, so they do not fall for lies like the 1619 project or people twisting scripture to support a non-biblical religious agenda.  Jesus reminded us in John 8:32 that knowing the truth is what sets us free.  We must pursue the truth to be free. 

 

1. The New York Times Magazene. The 1619 Project. nytimes.com. [Online] The New York Times Magazene, August 2019. [Cited: July 3, 2020.] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html.

God Fights for His People

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 10:29-43

 

Romans 8:31-32

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be^[i] against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

(ESV)

 

During these chaotic times, it is easy to begin feeling down-in-the-dumps.  Using this cliché does date me so I might need to explain what it means.  During these times of Covid19 and civil unrest in the streets, the best definition for the cliché might be a feeling of defeat, depression, and even despair.  Romans 8:31-32 reminds us that when we choose to have God on our side, no one or nothing can be against us, including feeling down-in-the-dumps due to feelings of defeat, depression, or despair, providing total and complete victory over these enemies in our lives (Joshua 10:29-43).  The children of God can battle the enemies of defeat, depression, and despair by,

 

1)      Reminding ourselves of our victory in Jesus (Colossians 2:6-15) – The entirety of God dwells in Christ in bodily form (Colossians 2:9).  We too are filled with the entirety of God when we profess our faith in Jesus as our savior and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts (Colossians 2:10).  We must also remember that struggles in life are normal, but that Jesus overcame the world and its struggles (John 16:33).  When feelings of defeat come, we must remind ourselves of the complete victory we have in Christ. 

2)      Finding joy in our relationship with Christ and not our circumstances (Nehemiah 8:10b) – In James 1:2-3, Scripture teaches us to count it as joy when we meet various kinds of trials.  While this represents biblical truth, it is not a passage providing comfort for one in the middle of some trial or struggle in life.  This is because we interpret the passage to mean finding joy in the struggle instead of joy in our relationship with Christ being with us through the struggle.  Jesus warned us that we would have struggles in this world with the promise that He has overcome the world as evidenced by his resurrection and conquest of death (John 16:33).  Jesus also promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), providing us with a source of joy in the struggles of life.  It is this joy that helps us defeat the enemy of depression trying to rob us of victory in our walk with the Lord as we encounter the circumstances of struggles and trials in life.  I find that depression flees when I take time to worship the Lord with a song like the song “This is what we live for” by Big Daddy Weave. 

3)      Placing our hope in the creator and not created things (Romans 5:1-2) – The Promised Land in Israel entered was not a land without enemies and struggles.  Israel first encountered Jericho where they had victory as they followed the Lord's instructions (Joshua 6).  Israel initially suffered defeat at Ai because they did not first inquire of the Lord’s counsel but later had victory as they inquired of the Lord (Joshua 7,8).  Israel has learned a valuable lesson that when they engage the enemies occupying the promised land with the Lord’s help, they experience victory (Joshua 10:29-43).  As believers in Christ, we live in the Promised Land of the hope of eternal life with Christ freed from condemnation (John 3:16-17).  However, this Promised Land has spiritual enemies we must encounter with the armor of God and not a hope in some program or earthly leader that can lead to despair (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

 

The enemies faced by Christians and the Church today are not flesh and blood enemies but powerful spiritual enemies that hinder the advancement of the message of the Gospel.  Christians and the Church must guard against allowing feelings of defeat, depression, and despair from hindering our walk with the Lord and the advancement of the Gospel message.  Instead, Christians must put on the helmet of salvation as a reminder to think about the total and complete victory they have in Christ.  Christians must put on the breastplate of righteousness to battle depression knowing they have the righteousness of God through Christ in their lives.  Christians must battle despair by using the shield of faith to deflect the fiery arrows of the enemy that attempt to bring despair or feelings of hopelessness.  However, to have access to this spiritual arsenal one must enter into a personal relationship with God through Christ through a profession of faith in Jesus as their Savior.  If you have not done this, I invite you 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.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a church teaching the Bible so they will receive the training they will need as they enter they encounter the enemies in the Promised Land of a relationship with God.  You now have access to the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) but require training on how to use these spiritual weapons.  My prayer is that we remember the complete victory we have in Christ as we battle the enemies of feelings of defeat, depression, and despair.  May God bless everyone reading this post.