A Fork in the Road

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 24:14-28

 

Joshua 24:15

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

(ESV)

 

The chaos of the times in which we live today has complicated decisions that were once simple.  For example, the decision of whether I can go to my favorite restaurant, sporting event, concert, the store, or even to Church that were once simple with the only complicating factors being if I had the means to go there and pay for it.  Now people must decide if the venue is open and if they can leave their home.  Even the decision to follow the Lord God and freely worship Him is becoming more difficult in countries legally protecting freedom of religion as the government is beginning to unfairly prohibit Churches from freely gathering to practice their faith. 

 

The text of Joshua 24:14-28 begins with Joshua challenging the people of Israel to determine who they will serve after he is gone, affirming his decision to follow the Lord God (Joshua 24:14-15).  The people of Israel respond to the challenge by affirming their decision to serve and obey the Lord God three times (Joshua 24:16, 21, 24).  Joshua then establishes the covenant of the people of Israel by writing it down and setting up a memorial stone by the sanctuary of God as a reminder of their decision to follow the Lord God (Joshua 24:26-27). 

 

The founding documents of the United States established a Godly foundation for the United States.  To protect this Godly foundation, the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects the freedom to freely practice religion as well as the freedom of speech, freedom to peacefully assemble, and the freedom of the press.  However, Covid19 and violent protests have put these freedoms in jeopardy with restrictions on public gatherings and the free practice of Christianity which includes gathering together (Hebrews 10:25). 

 

However, even though there are restrictions on gathering, the government has not forbidden the worship of God and still allows teaching from the pulpit to occur online.  The challenge for the Church is how to promote fellowship among believers in an online environment.  Here are a couple of suggestions,

 

1)      Watch parties – The webcasting of services online makes them available on any device with internet access.  Smart TV technology has made it possible to stream video to a big screen TV so a group of people can watch.  Fellowship can occur through people opening up their homes to a limited number of people that wear masks and practice social distancing to a watch party to view either a live stream or recorded church service online.  The owner of the home can enforce safety protocols and ensure they sanitize their home both before and after the watch party.

2)      Small group Bible studies – Initially, the Church met in people’s homes where believers broke bread and had fellowship (Act 2:46-47).  Granted these believers also met in the Temple but what if the Temple moves online due to social distancing restrictions?  When this occurs, the importance of small group gatherings becomes even more important for not only fellowship but a deeper study of the Bible in a small group setting.  Many larger Churches already have some form of small group gatherings in place and should promote participation in these studies and add additional groups to ensure the groups do not exceed the governmental restrictions in the community. 

 

These guidelines apply for situations restricting Church group meetings, but what if governmental restrictions escalate to the point of making religious gatherings, including preaching online illegal.  At this point, the Church must remain focused on its Biblical mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Peter and John were told not to preach about Jesus (Acts 4:18-21), and disobeyed this command, remaining focused on the mission of the Church.  However, as situations change the Church may need to change strategies for fulfilling its mission like quietly sharing the news of Peter’s angelic jailbreak to other believers to avoid the rearrest of Peter and those gathered praying for him (Acts 12:17). 

 

The year 2020 has been a year when many Churches find themselves at a fork in the road.  For smaller Churches that could not live stream services, they either had to find a means of recording services for later uploading online or disband due to the failure to gather together.  For larger churches already live streaming or making recorded messages available, the fork involved helping their congregations move towards meeting online.  The challenge for these larger churches is in how to have fellowship occur when people are attending Church online.  The answer to this fork in the road is in watch parties and small group gatherings.  While the Church has not arrived at the fork of gatherings to worship God declared illegal, Churches should pray this day never comes and for guidance if it does.  My prayer is that God will continue to give guidance to the leadership of the Church so they can choose the right path during these unprecedented times. 

God is not Done with His Church

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 12:1-19

 

Matthew 16:18

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock^[a] I will build my church, and the gates of hell^[b] shall not prevail against it.

(ESV)

 

In nations like the United States, Christians have become comfortable resting behind their constitutional right to freedom of the practice of their faith.  However, court rulings in recent years against businesses like bakeries refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding, (1) and most recently in the age of Covid19, Churches more severely restricted when it comes to the numbers allowed in public gatherings.  (2)  The prospect of a Biden administration means the Church may be forced out of its comfort zone and need to learn to function differently while still maintaining a focus on its biblical mission (Mark 16:15: Matthew 28:19-20). 

 

The text of Acts 12:1-19 marks the beginning of state-sponsored persecution of the church at the hands of King Herod.  Before this incident, the persecution came from the Jewish leaders who believed the teaching that Jesus was Messiah was blasphemous (Acts 7).  Similar to Pilate’s allowing the crucifixion of Jesus to appease an angry Jewish mob, Herod saw that the murder of James and arrest of Peter pleased the Jews as justification for his actions (Acts 12:1-3).  However, God was not done with Peter or the Church and as Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18, the gates of hell will not prevail against the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-19). 

 

When we observe how the believers in Acts 12:1-19 reacted to this state-sponsored persecution, we see a pattern for the Church to follow today as it faces the prospect of state-sponsored persecution. This passage shows that the church,

 

1)      Offered earnest prayers to God (Acts 12:5) – The death of James the brother of John and the imprisonment of Peter could have caused to Church to further scatter out of fear but instead, the Church gathered in prayer for Peter.  The reaction of God’s people to any situation should be faith, not fear.

2)      Did not react in fear (Acts 12:1-5) – Fear is not from God and therefore not something the Church should give into (2 Timothy 1:7).  The threat of persecution does not mean the Church stops in its mission due to fear but that the Church must pray for Godly intervention and direction out of faith, not fear. 

3)      Failed to recognize a miracle had occurred until it was standing in front of them (Acts 12:12-16) – It has been said that coincidence is when God chooses to be anonymous.  Those in the house praying did not hear Peter at the gate knocking and had difficulty believing God had already answered their prayers for Peter’s deliverance.  The Church must have faith in these chaotic times, believing God is at work behind the scenes to protect the Church and provide direction on how to continue and thrive in an environment of increased persecution. 

4)      Did not loudly proclaim the miracle but remained silent, spreading the word of the miracle to James and the brothers (Acts 12:17) – Before this event, the Church would loudly proclaim the miracles of God.  However, this event required a change in strategy for had the believers gathered to pray for Peter loudly proclaiming his angelic jailbreak, Herod would have had him arrested again.  Instead, Peter recommended a strategy of quietly spreading the word of the miracle to the other believers for encouragement. 

 

By not acting in fear at the new tactic of state-sponsored persecution, The Church allowed the fear to transfer to Herod who had the guards executed and ran to his palace in Caesarea (Acts 12:18-19).  The fear of man lays a snare or trap that can paralyze the people of God from doing what God has called them to do.  Instead of acting in fear resulting in more persecution, the believers in this passage turned to prayer and faith in God to deliver Peter from jail.  However, this did not mean the believers became careless with Peter telling them to be silent over his miraculous deliverance from jail and instead quietly spread the word of his deliverance among the other believers, encouraging them to go on. 

 

The danger of Covid19 is real and everyone should take precautions to prevent contracting the disease but believers in Christ need not succumb to the paralysis of fear but instead move forward taking the necessary precautions.  This does not mean the Church should not stand up for its constitutional rights but instead, must not become distracted in carrying out its mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples.  The live streaming of services online makes it possible for pastors to continue teaching from the Word of God in areas where gathering together is restricted but does not allow fellowship among believers to occur.  To fill this gap, the Church should encourage their congregations to gather in small groups in people’s homes perhaps linked by video conference or even the promotion of small group gatherings to watch live-streamed and recorded services.  My Church also has growing notes in the bulletin to promote discussion during the week of the teaching from the previous Sunday services in small groups. 

 

The Church needs to follow the example of the early church facing persecution and pray, not succumb to fear, recognize God miraculously at work providing for His Church, and adopting new tactics to evangelize, encourage, equip, and empower believers.  I carry a card with me that has some words of encouragement from Max Lucado.  It says the following,

 

You’ll get through this

It won’t be painless

It won’t be quick

But God will use this mess for good

In the meantime, don’t be foolish or naïve

But don’t despair either

With God’s help, you’ll get through this (Hebrews 11:1; Jeremiah 29:11).

 

Please join me in praying for God’s direction as we go through these chaotic times and do not allow fear to influence the decisions we must make but instead make decisions of faith.  Help us recognize God’s power at work in our lives and godly wisdom to navigate through this mess.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

1. Brammer, John Paul. Court rules against Oregon bakers who refused to make gay wedding cake. nbcnews.com. [Online] NBC News, December 28, 2017. [Cited: November 24, 2020.] https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/court-rules-against-oregon-bakers-who-refused-make-gay-wedding-n833321.

 

2. Wilcox, Kyle. Nevada GOP accuses Gov. Sisolak of double standard for rallies in state. msn.com. [Online] MSN, September 10, 2020. [Cited: November 24, 2020.] https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/nevada-gop-accuses-gov-sisolak-of-double-standard-for-rallies-in-state/ar-BB18Un6w.

Thankfulness in a Chaotic World

 

It has been a busy couple of days at my household and while I normally have a posting on Wednesday, I was unable to complete the continuation of the study in the Book of Acts by Wednesday.  The plan is to complete that posting by Friday followed by the Saturday posting. 

 

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, a time set aside to give thanks.  It has been a rough time this year with many losing their jobs and businesses, dealing with illness, isolation, and the stress of a contentious election in the United States.  When viewed from this perspective, it is difficult to find anything to be thankful for but there is one thing we can all be thankful for.

 

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world,^[a] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

(ESV)

 

I am thankful Lord that you loved the world so much that you gave your Son to die for the sins of humanity that we can have eternal life.  God needed to send us the gift of His son since we have all sinned and live under the death penalty for our sins (Romans 3:23; 6:23).  While God could have abandoned humanity, he chooses to provide a savior, his sinless son to take the death penalty for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8).  However, God has given each person a free will to choose which means every person must decide to accept or reject the gift of salvation provided by God.  I want to invite anyone reading this who has not already accepted the gift of salvation offered by God 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.

 

Congratulations, you now have something to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day despite the craziness in the world around us.  I pray everyone has a blessed day and remembers what we have to be thankful for in a world full of chaos. 

From Obscurity to God’s Favor

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 24:1-13

 

Joshua 24:13

I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them.  You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’

(ESV)

 

One of my favorite presidents in United States history is Abraham Lincoln a man who came from the obscurity of a humble log cabin to election as President of the United States in 1860.  Lincoln was a self-educated man who had a life of electoral defeat until achieving election as the 16^th President of the United States.  As President, Lincoln faced a time of serious divisiveness in the nation resulting in a bloody civil war.  While the life of Lincoln was shortened by an assassin’s bullet, his leadership held the United States together during a time of serious divisiveness. 

 

The contentious election the United States continues to experience shows the United States has divided once again but this time the division is not territorial, north versus south, but philosophical.  The question that must be answered is will the United States continue as a free constitutional republic where individuals are free to pursue their dreams or become socialist with individuals having greater dependence on government.  The founding documents of the United States speak of the unalienable rights of each individual to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (1) with the role of government limited to the protection of these rights as stated in the Bill of Rights.  (2)  This makes the real question one of whether the role of government is the protector of individual rights as envisioned by the authors of the nation’s founding documents or the provider of rights, leaving God out of the equation. 

 

The United States and the rest of the world need something they can unify behind.  The mention by the authors of the Declaration of Independence of God-given unalienable rights indicates they believed the unifying force to be a belief in God with the role of government being the protection of the right to worship God without government interference.  This right to freely gather to worship God is presently under fire in some states with lockdown orders restricting religious gatherings while allowing other gatherings.  The question for God’s people is whether they will remain unified in Christ while functioning in the context of restrictions on gathering or divide.  Jesus gave the Church clear instructions to spread the Gospel and make disciples under the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Therefore, the Church must seek God’s guidance on how to remain unified behind its God-given mission in a safe manner so as not to spread Covid19. 

 

The history lesson of Joshua 24:1-13 illustrates what an obscure group of people can accomplish through dependence on God’s power.  The Egyptians did not view the Israelites as a threat and pursued them through the Red Sea, only to be destroyed by the power of God (Exodus 14).  The Amorites believed they could easily defeat the ordinary Israelites, only to suffer defeat through God’s empowerment of Israel’s army as Moses prayed in intercession (Numbers 21:21-30).  The Canaanites beginning with Jericho also underestimated the power of a group of ordinary people who have the power of God behind them (Joshua 6).  Today’s world underestimates the power of the Church, a group of ordinary people, to bring unity to a divided nation and world. 

 

The challenge for God’s people is will they rise up to promote unity in Christ by calling for the nation to return to the Godly principles upon which it was founded or remain silent.  The history lesson provided by Joshua in Joshua 24:1-13 is a story of God using obscure people, beginning with Abraham and transforming them into people used by God to depose the evil Canaanites from the land promised to Abraham.  It illustrates a journey from obscurity to mightily used by God to rid the land of Canaan of the evil people living in the land.  The Church has a similar opportunity to move from a group of obscure people to a might force used by God to bring unity, not through condoning or accepting evil practices like abortion on demand or gay marriage, but unity in Christ. 

 

To accomplish this, the Church must put aside its non-essential theological differences like when the rapture will occur, and instead focus on the fact that Jesus is returning for His bride and that the bride must be ready for Christ’s return (John 14:1-3).  The Church must stop the bickering over what style of music to allow in worship and instead focus on the object of worship, Jesus Christ (John 12:27-36).  The Church must put aside its division over whether people are born predestined to accept Christ or not and instead focus on presenting the Gospel through Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict individuals of their sin so they can choose to accept Christ or not (John 16:4-15). 

 

To return the United States to its once great and united position of greatness as a world power requires God’s people returning to Godly principles in their own lives and showing unity within the Church.  Jesus taught His Disciples that the world would know they are His disciples by their love for each other (John 13:34-35).  However, throughout Church history, the Church has shown the same divisiveness seen in the world.  My prayer is that Churches across the world would put aside their differences and unify around the Godly mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples.  The Church must unify and focus on lifting up Jesus Christ so He can draw people to him through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.  I challenge the Church and all believers to focus on lifting up Jesus Christ. 

 

1. National Archives. The Declaration of Independence. archives.gov. [Online] The National Archives. [Cited: November 21, 2020.] https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration.

 

2. —. The Bill of Rights. archives.gov. [Online] The National Archives. [Cited: November 21, 2020.] https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights.

Unity in Christ

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 11:19-30

 

Acts 11:19-21

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.  ²⁰ But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists^[a] also, preaching the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

(ESV)

 

The world has no shortage of divisiveness and lack of unity.  There is political divisiveness resulting in hotly contested and close elections.  Cultural divisiveness leading to groups of individuals believing they are somehow superior.  Racial divisiveness has resulted in riotous behavior on the streets of major U.S. cities.  Political leaders run for office claiming they have a plan for bringing unity, only to fall short.  However, humanity is not without hope for there is a possibility for unity in Christ. 

 

After the stoning of Stephen, Saul began to ravage the church leading to the scattering of believers throughout Judea (Acts 8:1).  This scattering of believers spread from beyond the borders of Judea to Cyprus, Phoenicia, and Antioch (Acts 11:19).  However, these believers continued to limit their outreach to Jewish believers, except for some men coming to Antioch who reached out to the Hellenists (Acts 11:20).  While scattered from their homes in Israel, these believers did not lose their Christ-centered focus and were,

 

1)      On the move (Acts 11: 19-21) – Persecution scattered the Church, but they did not cower in fear and instead took the Gospel message with them.  The weapon of persecution formed against the Church did not prosper for the believers were empowered with the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Isaiah 54:17).   In this age of social distancing and the wearing of masks, believers must continue to serve God in the power of the Holy Spirit and remember Isaiah 54:17 remembering that no weapon, including social distancing and masks, will succeed in stopping the spread of the Gospel message. 

2)      Sharing the Gospel with all (Acts 11:20-21) – The men coming to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene had no problems taking the Gospel to the Hellenists.  It is uncertain if these men had heard of Peter’s vision and the events at Caesarea with the family of Cornelius (Acts 10) but what is certain is that these men, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, understood the Gospel message was for all (John 3:16).  The unity of the Gospel message is that it places all humanity in the same fallen state (Romans 3:23) with all needing Jesus as Savior, for Jesus is the only path towards reconciliation with God (John 14:6; Romans 6:23). 

3)      Teachable teachers (Acts 11:26) – As these scattered believers moved from place to place, they served as teachers, teaching about Jesus wherever they went.  They were also teachable and took time to sit under the teaching of Saul for one year, a man who once persecuted believers (Acts 11:25-26).  These people were excellent teachers because they were teachable and open to receiving new knowledge.  During these challenging times, God’s people must be bold in declaring the truth of the Word of God but to do this they must remain teachable as the method of spreading the Gospel may change. 

4)      Generous to anyone in need (Acts 11:27-30) – The Church in Antioch not only believed in unity in Christ with the message of the Gospel being for all, but they also practiced unity by responding to the needs of believers in Judea without any regard to whether they were Jewish or Gentile.  Jesus said the world would know believers are disciples by their love for one another (John 13:34-35).  A divided world needs the Church to put aside differences and unify around Jesus, providing an example of a diverse group of individuals unifying around a message of love and not hate. 

 

The Gospel message begins with a unified foundation stating the fallen state of all humanity and the death penalty all humanity is under (Romans 3:23, 6:23).  The dividing line of the Gospel is whether one receives the loving message and unifies with God or continues a life of separation from God due to sin.  Jesus is coming back and when he does, he will separate those that believe from those that do not (Matthew 25:31-46).  The position nobody should desire is a goat who will live in eternal separation from God the creator.  I encourage everyone who has not done so to pray with me now to receive forgiveness from their sins and eternal life,

 

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

 

Humanity’s hope for unity rests in unity in Christ who came and died for the sins of all humanity.  Before leaving to be with the Father, Jesus commissioned his bride the Church to share the message of salvation through Christ and the making of disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Jesus is returning for His bride the Church so it is important that the Church put aside its differences and unify around Jesus to give all the opportunity to accept Jesus as Savior and be with Christ when He returns for His bride. 

Joshua’s Charge: A charge of obedience to God.

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 23:1-16

 

Joshua 23:6-8

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, ⁷ that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, ⁸ but you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day.

(ESV)

 

The election in the United States illustrates how quickly earthly leadership can change and how leadership connects with events occurring in the world and not solid constitutional and legal foundations.  Granted, nations have Constitutions and a rule of law their leaders swear to uphold and obey but history has showed the propensity of earthly leaders to abandon these foundations.  To gain support for their plans to abandon the foundations of constitutions and rules of law, leaders often resort to fear either through tyranny or using a crisis to bring fear upon the population and the proposal of unconstitutional policies, promising that these policies will rid the people of what they fear. 

 

I used to believe that Joshua errored in not naming a successor but have changed my belief.  Joshua 23:1-16 is Joshua’s charge to Israel on what to do after he is gone.  Moses also offered a charge to Israel in Deuteronomy 31 but these two charges differ.  Moses charged Israel to follow Joshua, thus naming a successor while Joshua charged Israel to follow and obey God.  Joshua’s charge is to,

 

1)      Reflect on what God had done (Joshua 23:3) – Times of unprecedented crisis like the world finds itself in today are stressful and fearful as people face challenges they have never faced and are unprepared to handle.  Joshua knew once he was gone, Israel would face challenges as they settled in the land and would need the means to cope with these challenges.  His charge begins with a reminder for Israel to reflect on what God had done for them in the past.  Israel had no shortage of things to reflect upon beginning with how God parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14).  God provided Manna to eat and water (Exodus 16-17) and took down the walls of Jericho with just a shout from the people (Joshua 6).  For Christians, reflection on what God has done involves reflecting on God sending his only Son to die for our sins, providing salvation and eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:16; Romans 5:8).   

2)      Israel still had enemies to conquer (Joshua 23:4-5) – Advances in medical science have made many diseases once fatal, curable.  A diagnosis of cancer used to mean one only had a few months to live but now has treatment with surgery and chemo.  However, medical professionals practice medicine because they know there is always the potential of encountering something new, like Covid19.  Joshua reminded the Israelites that there were still enemies in the land of Canaan and would be temptated to mix with these people and their way of life which included the worship of pagan gods (Joshua 23:6-7).  Instead, the charge of Joshua is for Israel to remain strong, courageous, and obedient.  The shutting down of Churches has led to the loss of fellowship among believers that would occur during weekly services.  Granted, the teaching from the pulpit still happens online but there is a need for fellowship among believers, especially during chaotic times like we live in today.  This is why the Apostle Paul urged believers not to forsake gathering together (Hebrews 10:25).  In the Covid19 environment, churches may need to meet in smaller groups but should not let this deter them from continuing on the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). 

3)      Be strong and obedient (Joshua 23:6-13) – Joshua points out the benefits of obedience to the children of God, and the consequences of disobedience.  Christians face many challenges in this chaotic environment including calls from the secular world to accept abortion on demand and gay marriage.  Add to this the shrinking of many Church congregations due to the failure to meet together regularly due to Covid19, and there is a temptation for churches to become accepting of abortion and gay marriage to attract new members.  However, this comes with the consequences of compromising the truths in scripture condemning these practices (Matthew 19:14; Psalm 139:13).  The Church must remain strong in its resolve to adhere to Biblical principles. 

 

The challenges of Covid19 have changed lifestyles for everyone.  We need to add a mask to everything else we must take with us when going out.  We need to practice social distancing when in public and no longer attend sporting events in person, relegated to watching them on a screen.  Churches too face challenges, losing the ability in many communities to meet in large groups or in-person at all.  Like the early Church that had to adapt to persecution and martyrdom, the Church today can adapt to these new standards through teaching online and meeting in small groups.  The charge for the Church today is to remain strong, courageous, and obedient to the Word of God in a rapidly changing world while remaining focused on the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  My prayer is that the Church stays strong and obedient to its biblical mission.   

Unity in the Gospel

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 11:1-18

 

Acts 11:17-18

 If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?” ¹⁸ When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.”

(ESV)

 

World leaders often speak of unifying their countries, but few have accomplished unification.  The major obstacle to unification is a belief by each group of individuals within the nation or community that their group, and its ideas,  are somehow superior to other groups.  To achieve unity a leader must rally those he or she leads around an idea or movement they can believe in that enhances their lives.  All philosophies and ideas of humanity fall short in this area for they are based upon the ideas of men and women who fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).  However, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide a universal and unifying message people can believe in and be saved with the reward of eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).  The best news is that receiving this message of salvation is available to all because it is not based upon the works of any man or woman but the work of the sinless Son of God, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8). 

 

The reports of Peter's encounter with Cornelius in Caesarea have received attention throughout Judea causing criticism from the circumcision party (Acts 11:1-2).  This circumcision party is also mentioned in Titus 1:10 in the context of those who are insubordinate, empty talkers, and deceivers (Titus 1:9-11).  The theology of the circumcision party was that Gentiles coming to a belief in Jesus as savior must be circumcised as a demonstration of their faith in Jesus as their savior.  This is in direct contradiction with the teaching of salvation through grace based upon the completed work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Despite the errancy of their theology, this group had power with Peter even backing down from being with Gentiles when men came to him from James, out of fear of the circumcision party (Galatians 2:12). 

 

It is interesting that Peter feared the circumcision party when in Antioch and stood up to them in Jerusalem after witnessing the Holy Spirit falling on those in the household of Cornelius (Acts 11:4-17; Galatians 2:12).  Perhaps Peter was caught up with feelings of euphoria after the events in the household of Cornelius at Caesarea, later succumbing to fear in Antioch after the feelings of euphoria wore off.  Consistency of faith comes not through feelings but through transformation by the renewing of one's mind with knowledge from the Word of God (Romans 12:1-2).  This is why it is imperative, especially in the chaotic times in which we find ourselves in 2020, to practice the spiritual disciples of prayer, the study of God’s Word, and meditation on God’s Word so we can apply it to our daily lives and remain consistent. 

 

The world needs revival or a return to living according to the Godly principles contained in the Word of God for this is the unifying message that all humanity needs for all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23).  The Gospel dispels any feelings of superiority as it places all humanity on equal ground as sinners under a death penalty for their sins (Romans 6:23).  However, God universally makes salvation available to all who accept it through the death of His son Jesus (Romans 5:8).  I want to invite anyone reading this who has not accepted the gift of salvation to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

 

I now urge everyone reading this to share this post on social media and with those on their contact list by text and email so they too can unify around the life-transforming message of the Gospel.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Engaging in Spiritual Warfare

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Ephesians 6:10-20

 

Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 

(ESV)

 

To say these are challenging times would be an extreme understatement.  As we approach the Christmas season and the beginning of a new year, we have hope that in our savior born on Christmas day and hope the year 2021 will be better.  However, God’s people are in a constant spiritual war and as Ephesians 6:10-11, must wear our armor as we enter into battle.  An interesting observation of this passage of scripture is that it never tells God’s people to take it off.  While we must have hope in Jesus as our Savior and can have hope 2021 will be a better year, God’s people must not let their guard down in spiritual warfare but remain diligent.

 

Diligence in spiritual warfare involves,

 

1)      Prayer (Ephesians 6:18) – Since we cannot physically see what is occurring in the spiritual world, prayer may seem like a passive activity.  Daniel may have begun to believe his prayer and fasting were useless after 21 days of no answer (Daniel 10:1-3).  However, God sends a messenger to Daniel who pulls back the curtain, giving Daniel a peek into the spiritual world (Daniel 10:12-14).  This messenger tells Daniel that his prayer was heard the instant he prayed but that the delivery of the answer was delayed due to resistance offered by the spiritual prince of Persia (Daniel 10:13).  Likewise, our prayers are heard the instant they are given but will encounter resistance and why we must remain diligent using the armor of God.

2)      Correctly identifying the enemy (Ephesians 6:12) – Since we are unable to see what is occurring in the spiritual world, we cannot see the spiritual forces behind much of the evil prevalent in the world.  This can lead to God’s people attacking those committing and supporting evil practices like abortion and gay marriage.  This does not mean we should not confront those supporting and practicing evil but to remember the source behind the evil they support, and that their evil practices are demonic.  Diligence in spiritual warfare involves confronting those practicing and supporting evil with truth and love while praying for the defeat of the spiritual forces behind evil. 

3)      Never taking off the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17) – The spiritual forces behind the evil in the world never take a rest.  Ephesians 6:11 tells God’s people to put on the whole armor of God so they can stand against the schemes of the Devil and never tells us to take it off.  This does not mean God’s people should never take time to rest for we must not grow weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9) but means we must be ready to confront evil by remaining prepared through wearing the armor of God. 

 

These are troubling times full of worry and fear.  Jesus tells us not to worry or let our hearts be troubled but to focus on Him as our source of peace, strength, and power (John 14:27; Matthew 6:25-34).  The battlefield of spiritual warfare is our hearts and minds with the enemy using fear and circumstances in life to remove our focus from Jesus, the source of our peace.  As we look at each of the implements of the armor of God, we see that each of them is designed to keep our focus on God.  The armor of God provides,

 

1)      Truth to combat lies (Ephesians 6:14a).  The truth of the Word of God providing light for our path and a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105). 

2)      The breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14b).  Not our righteousness which is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but the righteousness of God in Christ (Philippians 3:9-11). 

3)      Shoes of the Gospel (Ephesians 6:15) – The image of the Gospel as shoes means the message is not to be contained within the walls of a Church building but something we take with us wherever we go.

4)      The shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) – The enemy will continually shoot his flaming darts at God’s people and why we must always have our shield of faith ready to deflect these attacks.

5)      The helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17a) – We are not perfect individuals and will slip up but that does not mean we lose our salvation but that we must seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9).  The helmet of salvation is there to continually remind us that we are saved by the grace of God and not our works (Ephesians 2:8).

6)      The sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 2:17b) – The only offensive weapon of the armor and a weapon we must learn to use.  As with any good soldier, a soldier in spiritual warfare must continually study God’s Word so that when attacked they can use it against the enemy.  Jesus provided an example of the power of this weapon by using it against the Devil when tempted (Matthew 4:1-11).

 

Take a moment to watch this video as a reminder to allow Jesus to speak peace to our hearts in these troubled times.  For this to happen in our lives, we must take time to be still in prayer, study, and meditation in the Word of God so we can know that God is in control (Psalm 46:10).  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

Courage or Fear, You Decide

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Joshua 1:1-9

 

Joshua 1:9

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

(ESV)

 

We will resume our study in the book of Acts next Wednesday and wanted to use this post to share some thoughts on this day after the election in the United States.  As of my writing of this post, the results of the Presidential election remain uncertain.  We should not be surprised at uncertainty during the presidential election of 2020 for the entire year has been one of uncertainty.  Times of uncertainty in life cause us to sit at the crossroads of either responding in fear or responding with courage.  The text of Joshua 1:1-9 indicates that God wants his people to react with courage for the text tells Joshua to be courageous three times (Joshua 1:6; 7; 9).  In 2 Timothy 1:7, The apostle Paul reminds Timothy that fear is not from God with God giving us power (Acts 1:8), love (John 3:16), and self-control or soundness of mind. 

 

I find it sad to see the United States, a nation that stood up to Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor, that stood up to radical terrorism after 911, now cowering in fear of a virus and condemning President Trump.  who had this virus and courageously fought it with the help of his doctors encouraging people and giving hope just like Roosevelt did after Pearl Harbor and President Bush after 911.  What saddens me the most is to see many condemning the courageous leadership of President Trump and giving their vote to a man who ran for president from his basement in fear.  I want to challenge my fellow Americans to find hope in courage and not live lives of despair dominated by fear for fear is a liar. 

 

The United States and the world face many challenges.  Joshua too faced many challenges and most likely had some fear as he began leading Israel into the Promised Land.  He most likely remembered his last trip into the Promised Land and the fear of the 10 spies returning with a bad report (Numbers 13).  Joshua was at the side of Moses during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness and witnessed the rebellion of the people, perhaps wondering if this next generation accompanying him would succumb to fear like their parents.  This is why God told Joshua three times to remain strong and courageous. 

 

No matter how the election turns out in the United States, God’s people must remain courageous.  This does not mean the abandonment of wisdom in taking precautions against sickness, injury, or death, but that we remain courageous while taking these precautions.  If I must wear a mask while going to work to provide for mine and my family’s needs, I will do so with courage.  I will courageously take precautions while going to the store, taking my family out for a meal, and worshiping my Lord at Church and not imprison myself in fear at home.  These are perilous times and not a time to cower in fear, but a time to stand in courage.  May God bless everyone reading this post.