Closer to God in 2022

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Matthew 11:28

 

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

(ESV)

 

Tomorrow is New Years Day, a day when we reflect on what occurred in the previous year and look forward to the next year. While we look forward to better things in 2022, the events of the last two years cause us to approach 2022 with caution. As believers in Jesus as our savior, we must remember that God knows the future and what will happen in 2022 and will not be surprised at what happens. Therefore, I am issuing a challenge in 2022 for everyone reading this to grow closer in their relationship with God. To draw closer to God, one must,

 

1)      Have a desire for intimacy with God (Psalm 42:1) – Deer do not normally pant for water and find water to drink before panting. When they a deer pants, it indicates an extreme thirst, providing a picture of one with an extreme thirst for intimacy with God. We just completed our celebration of the birth of Christ and soon will remember our savior’s death and resurrection for our sins during Good Friday and Easter or Resurrection Sunday. I encourage everyone reading this to take time to reflect on the great love of God the Father who sent his only Son (John 3:16), Jesus, to become one of us and suffer excruciating pain for our sins, even though he knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Why would one not want to draw close to a God showing this level of love?

2)      Have a desire to learn from God’s Word (Psalm 1:1-2) – John 1:1-5 refers to the Word being with God from the beginning. In John 1:14 Scripture goes on to tell us that the Word became flesh, a reference to Jesus, God, taking on humanity so humanity could witness the glory of God. Jesus is God and God’s Word in a fleshly form sinful humanity can relate to. While those of us living today have not seen Jesus face-to-face, God left us His Word and the Holy Spirit to help us understand it (John 14:26). It is this Word from God that lights our path and guides our feet as we discern it through the Holy Spirit (Psalm 119:105). Those desiring a closer intimacy with God must develop a desire to learn from God’s Word.

3)      Live in obedience to the Word of God (Joshua 1:8) – Jesus told the Samaritan woman true worshippers of God are not those worshipping in a certain place but those worshipping in spirit and truth (John 4:21-24). While it is important to know God’s Word, the truth, it is also important for one to live in the spirit of obedience to what the Word of God says. Joshua faced a daunting task, taking a group of people who had a rebellious streak in them across the Jordan to face the powerful Canaanites. God must have sensed fear in Joshua’s heart as he reminded him three times to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6,7,9). In Joshua 1:8 God tells Joshua to continually meditate on the Word of God and carefully do all that is written. Those desiring a closer intimacy with God must not only know the Word of God but live according to it.

4)      Serve and tell others about God (Acts 1:4,8) – Before departing to be with His Father, Jesus instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem to receive the promised Holy Spirit and once receiving this power, to be witnesses to what they had seen and learned from Jesus (Acts 1:4,8). As believers, we have received the most wonderful and powerful gift one can receive, salvation from our sins. Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and since sin carries with it a death penalty (Romans 6:23), sin represents humanity’s biggest problem. However, the good news of the
Gospel is that the sin problem was solved by God’s grace at the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). When we share this news with others, we are not surrendering our gift by giving it to someone else but allowing them to also receive the gift of salvation. One desiring closer intimacy with Christ receives great joy when they share the Gospel with others and see God transform their lives.

 

God sent Jesus to restore fallen humanity by dying for humanity’s sins. However, for one to enjoy a relationship with their creator, they must seek it for God stands at the door of our hearts knocking but we must open the door (Revelation 3:20). Closer intimacy in our relationship with God happens as we learn from God’s Word, live in obedience to its teachings, and share the gift of salvation we have received with others.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to receive the gift of salvation offered by God through Jesus, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

 

The challenge for 2022 is drawing closer in our relationship with God by the study of God’s Word, living in obedience to what God’s Word teaches, and sharing what we have learned with others. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

The Savior is Born

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Luke 2:8-14

 

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon^[a] his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called^[b]
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(ESV)

 

Merry Christmas everyone. I pray that everyone enjoys their time with family and friends today. I also pray for those that lost loved ones this year praying that the peace of God will fill your hearts. My challenge to everyone is to take time out today to remember the reason for the holiday, Jesus Christ our savior is born. May we remember that silent night when the Lord Jesus laid in a manger. May we offer him worship like the little drummer boy and declare to the world that the Savior has come.

 

Please take a moment to enjoy these videos by clicking on the links provided

 

Video Links

Little Drummer Boy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzEX3QMuVPM

Go Tell It on the mountain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyIN0kh7_Q0

Away in a manger https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s96m4Kk5BGU

Silent Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=093_hkkbK38

 

Merry Christmas!!!!!

The Journey

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Luke 2:1-7

 

Luke 2:6-7

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

(ESV)

 

Mary and Joseph have received their calling from God to be the earthly parents of Jesus, the Son of God, and God Himself, but there is a paradox to the story, Jesus must be born in Bethlehem and not in Nazareth where Mary and Joseph live (Micha 5:2). While Mary and Joseph could have discerned from Scripture the need to go to Bethlehem so Mary could give birth there, God knew he needed to arrange circumstances in their lives, forcing them to go to Bethlehem. God used a decree from Caesar that all citizens go to the town of their birth for registration, which for Joseph meant going to Bethlehem.

 

Since I am not a lady, I cannot relate to the discomfort Mary must have felt as a decree from Caesar forced her to travel by donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. While this is a journey one can make by car in a couple of hours today. In the time of Mary and Joseph, the journey took several days. While the passage in Luke 2:1-7 does not go into details about how Mary felt during the journey, we can read between the lines of Luke 2:5 saying Mary was with child and discern the journey was one of pain and discomfort for Mary.

 

As circumstances would dictate, upon arriving in Bethlehem, the time for Mary came so Jesus could be born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of scripture. However, the challenges of the journey do not end there for due to the many people traveling to Bethlehem for the registration, there are no vacancies in the inns (Luke 2:6-7). Again, Scripture does not provide details, but we can imagine Mary was full of doubts and fears about where she would deliver her baby. Our modern nativity scene illustrates the paradox of the Son of God, God Himself being born in a barn and lying in a manger or feeding trough.

 

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan, or calling, for each of our lives and that this calling is for our good and not our destruction. However, the context of this passage of Scripture in Jeremiah is saying it to people living in exile. Jesus told his disciples that they would have trouble in their lives but also reminded them that he had overcome the world (John 16:33). For Mary and Joseph, The trouble of fulfilling the calling was a painful and uncomfortable journey from Nazareth and Bethlehem so they would be in the right location for Jesus’ birth to fulfill Scripture (Micha 5:2).                                                                                   

 

Discovery of one’s calling from God does not mean life will be easy and in fact, may come with pain and discomfort. This is where we must have faith and trust in God that his plan for us is not destructive but for our benefit despite some pain and discomfort (Jeremiah 29:11). Like the paradox of the nativity scene, this is a paradox in our lives requiring an eternal focus on God and not the pain and discomfort we may experience during our life’s journey. With a heavenly focus, the pain and discomfort we experience becomes temporary when compared to eternity with Christ.

 

However, for one to have a future of eternity with Christ. they must accept his gift of salvation. If you have never done so, I encourage you 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 to those that just prayed and begun their life’s journey serving Christ. While this journey will come with challenges, it has a reward of eternal life and freedom of condemnation from God (John 3:16-17). I challenge everyone reading this post to maintain a heavenly focus on the reward awaiting all who believe in Jesus as their savior and not let the challenges of life’s journey distract them, May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

The Calling

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25

 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare^[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

(ESV)

 

The changes of the last two years have made planning difficult because of all the uncertainty. Thankfully, the Lord is not bound by time and therefore is not surprised by what happens in the world. With this truth in mind, the wisest thing anyone can do is determine God’s plan for their life and follow it for as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God has a plan for us and that plan is for our good, not our destruction.

 

Both Mary and Joseph were ordinary people living in the city of Nazareth. Joseph was a carpenter with Mary his betrothed wife. They were most likely planning their wedding with Joseph building a house for them to live in after they were married. This was most likely their plan, but God had something grander in mind.

 

In Luke 1:26-38 Mary receives a visitation from the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-27), Gabriel begins his message by letting Mary know she has favor from the Lord (Luke 1:28). As a young teenaged woman, Mary was troubled at the words of Gabriel trying to discern what she could have possibly done to have the angel Gabriel tell her she was favored by God (Luke 1:29). Gabriel continues his message, telling young Mary she will conceive and have a son, naming him Jesus. Gabriel continues, letting Mary know her son would be called the Son of the Most High (the Son of God) and will ascend to the throne of his father David (Luke 1:30-32). Mary’s son Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever with a kingdom that will never end (Luke 1:33). If Mary were puzzled at an angelic visitation before, this was even more puzzling for Mary was a virgin (Luke 1:34).

 

Gabriel goes on to explain how a virgin can conceive letting her know that the child will be from the Holy Spirit and not a human man (Luke 1:35). As confirmation that the message from Gabriel is true, Gabriel lets her know that her relative Elizabeth has conceived in her old age, something Mary will validate once she visits Elizabeth (Luke 1:36, 39-45). Gabriel lets Mary know that nothing is impossible with God with Mary responding that she is a servant of the Lord. At this Gabriel departs (Luke 1:37-38).

 

The discovery that Mary, Joseph’s betrothed wife is with child presents a problem for Joseph. In the Jewish culture at that time, a man espoused to his wife had to divorce her to end the engagement, something Joseph intended to do (Matthew 1:18-19). However, this was Joseph’s plan and not the plan of God so God sends an angel of the Lord to let Joseph know God’s plan using a dream (Matthew 1:20). The angel tells Joseph that Mary will have a son who will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). The passage then tells us that this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah foretelling that a virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Immanuel or God with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23). Joseph awakes from his dream and like Mary, does all that the angel told him to do (Matthew 1:24-25).

 

Mary and Joseph had plans for their lives together after their marriage but after an encounter with God through an angelic visitation, they both had their plans changed by God. Mary’s calling was to be the virgin of Isaiah 7:14 and give birth to the Son of God, Immanuel. Joseph also had a calling to be Jesus’ earthly father who would soon after his birth, move the family temporarily to Egypt for their safety (Matthew 2:13). While Scripture does not provide much about what Joseph did during Jesus’ childhood, we can presume that he continued his role of a provider and protector of his family. This account shows us how two ordinary people fulfilled a significant role in God’s plan of salvation because of their willingness to follow God’s plan for their lives.

 

Most of the people reading this post lead ordinary lives. We go to work, work our businesses to provide for our families. We take time with our families and have plans for providing a good life for our families. However, we must always be conscious and willing to allow God to change our plans for as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God has plans for us that are for our good and not our harm. Also, since God is not bound by time, he knows our future and since his plans are for our good, the wisest thing anyone can do is surrender to God’s plan for their lives.

 

However, the ultimate plan of God for everyone's life is accepting Jesus as their savior and entering into eternal life with Jesus (John 3:16). Accepting Jesus as one’s savior involves believing (John 3:16) and making a public profession of the belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 10:9-10). If you have never made this profession of faith, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

I encourage everyone that just prayed to share their decision to make Jesus their savior with others, especially with anyone that has been praying for them. I also encourage everyone to share this post with others so they can benefit from following God’s plan for their lives. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Discerning False Information

 By: Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 28

 

Jeremiah 28:9

As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.”

(ESV)

 

Today is Pearl Harbor Day, a day set aside to honor those that lost their lives in a vicious surprise attack by the Japanese on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor. I want to begin this post by remembering not only those that lost their lives at Pearl Harbor but also those serving in the military, law enforcement, and first responders. The last couple of years have been challenging for these individuals. Know that I and many others that read this blog are praying for you.

 

After his prophecy in Jeremiah 27, Jeremiah is confronted by the prophet Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:1). Hananiah claims his prophecy comes from the Lord and contradicts the word of the Lord from Jeremiah in that he says the Lord has broken the yoke of the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 28:2). Hananiah continues by telling the people the exile will only last two years with God not only returning the vessels from the Temple carried to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar but also the exiles and Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah (Jeremiah 28:3-4).

 

Jeremiah makes an interesting response in that he expresses his desire that the words of Hananiah would come true (Jeremiah 28:5-6). Possibly this initial response was an expression of Jeremiah’s heart, not wanting the people he loved to go into exile. Jeremiah then issues a word of caution to Hananiah in front of all the people by reminding him that the prophets preceding him also prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries (Jeremiah 28:8). When a prophet prophesies peace, the test of his or her word coming from the Lord is the prophecy coming to pass. Perhaps emboldened by Jeremiah’s initial response, Hananiah removes and breaks the yoke around Jeremiah’s neck to illustrate the Lord has broken the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 28:10-11).

 

After leaving the Temple, Jeremiah receives a word from the Lord, instructing him to confront Hananiah, telling him that he has broken a wooden yoke from his neck but put on an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 28:12-14). Jeremiah then tells Hananiah that the Lord has not sent him and that he has made the people believe a lie. The prophecy against Hananiah is that he will die within the year, something that happened in the seventh month (Jeremiah 28:15-17).

 

Having the benefit of hindsight, we know that the exile of Judah in Babylon lasted 70 years not just two years. Using the test of a prophet from Deuteronomy 18:22, we know that the prophecy of Hananiah that claims to be from the Lord was a false prophecy because it did not happen. However, the people in the Temple did not have the benefit of hindsight and must decide whether to believe the prophecy of Jeremiah offered in Jeremiah 27 or the prophecy of Hananiah offered in Jeremiah 28:1-6. Only two years of exile would have been more appealing for it meant less time away from the homeland but if the prophecy is untrue, it sets people up with a false expectation of a short-term exile. As a short-term test of a prophet, the Lord gives Jeremiah a word from the Lord for Hananiah that his prophecy is not from the Lord and that he will die within a year (Jeremiah 28:16). Jeremiah’s prophecy comes true with Hananiah dying in the seventh month of that year, indicating that his other prophecy about Hananiah’s prophecy not being from the Lord may also be true.

 

One of the benefits of living in the information age is the abundance of information available at our fingertips. While this is a benefit with its convenience, not all the information available online is true, including teachings purporting to come from the Lord. Fortunately, unlike the people in the time of Jeremiah and Hananiah, we have the Bible, the word of God as a standard of truth. Believers also have the counsel of the Holy Spirit as our counselor (John 14:26). However, to use these tools of interpreting Scripture, one must study the Word of God and be a believer. If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Serving God with a Right Heart

 By: Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 2:1-11

 

Matthew 6:2-4

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

(ESV)

 

Court cases are intriguing to us because while judges take office swearing to judge based on evidence and the law, they are flawed humans and can error in their judgments. Since all humans have sinned (Romans 3:23), they can have a bias in their judgment based upon the sin in their lives. However, Jesus, the sinless Son of God has no such bias in His life and can judge according to righteousness with no sin bias. Jesus is also God and knows the hearts of people making it possible for Him to judge according to the Heart. God’s judgment is righteous because,

 

1)      There is only one righteous judge (Romans 2:1-5) – Romans 1:16-32 makes a comparison of the righteous living by faith versus God’s wrath on the unrighteous. Romans 1:26-32 describes the process of unrighteousness in one’s life leading to a life of sin. Romans 2:1-11 continues this thought with Romans 2:1-5 reminding those living in sin that they have no basis for judging others because they are guilty of the same sins they accuse others of committing. God’s judgment rightly falls on all who sin, but some use the grace and mercy of God as an excuse to continue in sin, believing God will forgive them (Romans 2:2-4). Those choosing to use the grace of God in such a manner continue to live enslaved to sin even though they are dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:1-11). Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23), there is no person qualified to judge others for only Christ lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus did not just live a sinless life, but he took the death penalty for our sins upon Himself (Romans 6:23).

2)      God judges the heart (Romans 2:6-11) – What one treasures in their heart indicates what is most important to a person (Matthew 6:21). The works God uses to render His judgment (Romans 2:6) are not works done to earn salvation for Jesus did that on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, the works used by God to render His righteous judgment are God’s judgment of the heart of one serving God. Those serving in a self-serving manner receive an immediate reward, potentially subjecting themselves to the wrath and fury of God and receive an immediate reward. Those serving to glorify God receive an eternal reward (Romans 2:7-10). God’s judgment is impartial and based upon what is in one’s heart (Romans 2:11).                   

 

Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23) no person is in a position to judge righteously. Only the one who knew no sin and chose to die for the sins of humanity has this position (2 Corinthians 5:21). From this position, Jesus as God can judge everyone according to his or her works. However, this appears to contradict Ephesians 2:8-9 that says salvation is a result of the grace of God and not one’s works. Paul is not speaking of one earning their salvation but the attitude one has in well-doing. For those doing good works in a self-serving manner, ignoring the truth of God’s Word in unrighteousness, the judgment is wrath and fury (Romans 2:8-9). However, for those with an attitude in well-doing that seeks to glorify and honor God, the reward is eternal life (Romans 2:10). Gold shows no partiality with his judgment rendered according to one’s attitude in well-doing.

 

We must each ask ourselves the question “why do I serve God?” If it is in a self-serving manner to look good to others, the reward is the wrath of the fury of God. We also do not serve God to earn our salvation but instead out of love for what God has done. Therefore, the attitude of a believer when serving God must be to give glory and honor to God. Those serving God with a self-serving agenda also receive an immediate reward (Matthew 6:2). Instead, one should serve God to bring glory and honor to God with an eternal reward (Matthew 6:3-4; Romans 2:7). One must serve God from a heart that treasures God (Matthew 6:21).

 

Having a right heart with God begins with one accepting the free gift of salvation offered by God’s free gift of salvation. If you have never accepted God’s gift of salvation, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.

The Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 27

 

Matthew 11:29-30

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

(ESV)

 

In an industrialized society, the term yoke is something people reading this may not understand. A yoke is an agricultural tool, a wooden crossbeam placed on the neck of two animals that attaches to a plow or trailer two animals are to pull. During a recent trip to Ohio and the Amish community in the state, I saw where a yoke is still in use. With this definition in mind, the yoke of the Lord mentioned in Matthew 11:30 symbolizes the crossbeam of the cross we as believers in Jesus as our savior are to bear (Matthew 10:34-39). The yoke of the cross is not a yoke of blessing and bliss but one of trouble (John 16:33; Matthew 10:34-38). The yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, while not the yoke of the cross, does promise peace to the people of Judah about to go into exile and something under which they should come.

 

1)      Coming under the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 27:1-7) – The word of the Lord given to Jeremiah in this passage instructs the people to serve Nebuchadnezzar until the time of his reign comes to an end (Jeremiah 27:7). While this does not seem right because the people of Judah are living in the land the Lord has given them, they have been living in continual rebellion against God and practicing duplicitous worship, worshipping both Baal and the Lord. The consequences of this rebellion are in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 which include captivity and exile. Therefore, the people of Judah should not be surprised that they would come under the authority of their captors.

2)      Warnings (Jeremiah 27:8-22) – God issues three warnings to the nations, the king of Judah, the priests, and all the people.

a.       Warning to the Nations (Jeremiah 27:8-11) – This warning begins with a question of why a nation would choose death by the sword, famine, or pestilence instead of choosing life (Jeremiah 27:8). Unfortunately, there are false prophets in these nations who are telling the people they will not fall into Babylonian captivity. God’s warning to these nations is to ignore these lying prophets and come under the authority of the king of Babylon where they will be allowed to remain in their land (Jeremiah 27:9-11).

b.       Warning to Zedekiah king of Judah (Jeremiah 27:12-15) – Zedekiah, the king of Judah is given the same warning as the other nations (Jeremiah 27:12-13). The Lord also warns Zedekiah to ignore the lying prophets who are also saying Judah will not serve the king of Babylon (Jeremiah 27:14). The Lord warns King Zedekiah that He has not sent these false prophets and that following their prophecies will result in exile and death (Jeremiah 27:15).

c.       Warning to the priests and the people (Jeremiah 27:16-22) – The Lord also warns the priests and all the people

d.       about the vessels of the Temple that were carried off to Babylon (Jeremiah 27:16-18). The lying prophets are saying that these vessels will soon be returned which is a lie for not only will these vessels remain in Babylon, but the vessels remaining in Jerusalem will also go to Babylon until the Lord visits them (Jeremiah 27:19-22).

 

The people of Judah have continually rebelled against the Lord and failed to obey the Lord’s call to repentance. As such they must endure the consequences of their sin and go into exile, serving the king of Babylon. Fortunately, God is a merciful God and is providing safety while in exile in Babylon, and why he is warning the people not to listen to the lying prophets saying they will not serve the king of Babylon and instead subject themselves to the Yoke of Nebuchadnezzar. In addition, the warning to the priests and all the people indicates the vessels of the Lord are no longer going to be in Jerusalem, indicating that the presence of the Lord will not be in Jerusalem but Babylon (Jeremiah 27:19-22). Since there is safety in the presence of the Lord, the priests should encourage all the people of Judah to go to Babylon and dwell in the presence of the Lord there.

 

Under the New Covenant, the presence of God dwells in every believer in the person of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). However, we can become so caught up in our situation and the daily struggles of life that we forget about the presence of God in our lives. The challenge for all reading this is to live their lives with an awareness of the presence of God in their lives. We are God’s children and should live our lives with full awareness of the love of our Heavenly Father (1 John 3:1; Psalms 1:1-2). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

A Life Changing Choice.

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 1:16-32

 

Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith,^[a] as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.

(ESV)

 

The text of Romans 1:16-32 occurs in the section of Romans dealing with the guilt of humanity. Humanity is born into guilt from sin (Romans 3:23) and under a death sentence for their sins (Romans 6:23). Fortunately, our loving God sent His son Jesus to die for our sins so we can have a choice. In this section, Paul contrasts the consequences of one choosing the path of righteousness through faith in Jesus as Savior or rejecting God’s gift of salvation and continuing in the guilt to sin.

 

1)      The path of righteousness (Romans 1:16-17) – Paul had an encounter with Christ that would have been hard to ignore or reject. Most reading this did not see a blinding light hearing an audible voice of the Lord when they accepted Christ. Instead, most reading this experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit and a realization that they needed a savior. This conviction gives one a choice of remaining in the guilt of their sin of taking a path of righteousness provided by the work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2)      The path of unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-32) – The path of unrighteousness leading to God’s wrath is a default choice requiring no action since every individual is born into sin and in need of a savior. However, it is not God’s desire that anyone choose this path (2 Peter 3:9). While each person has the right to choose the path of unrighteousness, God’s creation gives them no excuse when it comes to God’s existence (Romans 1:18-20). However, continued rejection of God as one’s savior has consequences,

a.       God made us to worship something and if it is not God, it will be something in His creation (Romans 1:21-23). Paul is speaking to Romans who were pantheistic, believing in many gods. Rome was full of statues and temples built to worship these gods. Therefore, the choice of whether one chooses righteousness or unrighteousness is a choice of who one will worship.

b.       Succumbing to the lusts of the flesh (Romans 1:24-25). Disengaged from the worship of the God of truth, one begins to succumb to the lusts of the flesh seeking pleasure to fill the void in one’s life from the absence of God.

c.       Engaging in dishonorable passions (Romans 1:26-27). The only passion that can bring satisfaction to the soul is the satisfaction one receives from a personal relationship with God their creator. This disappointment with lusts of the flesh leads to one engaging in dishonorable passions as they continue to attempt fill the void in their lives with pleasures of the flesh.

d.       A debased mind (Romans 1:28-32). As one continues to experience disappointment with seeking pleasure from the flesh, they can become bitter and engage in a list of evil activities listed in Romans 1:28-31. Paul’s teaching concludes by stating that those continuing to follow the path of unrighteousness deserve to die (Romans 1:32).

 

Life is full of choices with the most important choice any individual makes is how they respond to the Gospel. Will they accept God’s gift of salvation provided by His grace through the work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9), or reject it, continuing in their unrighteousness. Those continuing in unrighteousness have no excuse for creation illustrates the invisible attributes of God (Romans 1:18-20). Continued living in unrighteousness results in idolatry, according to the perversions of the flesh, and engagement in sinful behaviors. This section of Romans occurs in the section on guilt with Paul establishing the difference between a life of righteousness by accepting Christ contrasted by an unrighteous life devolving into perversion and sinful behaviors (Romans 1:16-32)

 

People today have the same choice as the Romans Paul is addressing. Since Romans 3:23 says we all have sinned, the choice of unrighteousness is the default choice. Therefore, for one to change direction, one must choose to change direction. This is the role of the Gospel, a change of direction that leads to eternal life (John 3:16). There is no reason for anyone reading this to remain in his or her sin for while we were sinners, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:8). If you are reading this and have never prayed to make Jesus your savior, I encourage you to do so now by praying with me.

 

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

 

Congratulations to those who just prayed because you have decided to spend eternity with God and escape His wrath. I encourage you to find out more about God, the one you will spend eternity with, by regular attendance in a Church teaching from the Bible. May God Challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

The Confident Prophet

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 26

 

Jeremiah 26:13-15

Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you. ¹⁴ But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. ¹⁵ Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”

(ESV)

 

We live in an age of entitlement with people claiming victimhood to receive preferential treatment when it comes to government assistance for their plight. What is lacking from this line of thinking is courage like  the Lord told Joshua to have before entering the Promised Land (Joshua 1:9). Jeremiah also had the courage and did not fear death when declaring the Lord and must have had the same level of courage as the Apostle Paul who knew absence from his earthly body meant he would be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6).

 

Jeremiah 26 has three sections that demonstrate the courage of the Prophet Jeremiah which are,

 

1)      Declaration of the Word of the Lord to the people (Jeremiah 26:1-6) – The Lord gives Jeremiah a word and instructs him to boldly speak this word to all the people from the cities of Judah coming to worship in the House of the Lord, and not to hold back (Jeremiah 26:1-2). The purpose of this word is to give the people of Judah one more opportunity to repent of their ways and receive forgiveness from God (Jeremiah 26:3). The word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah in the House of the Lord was that the House of the Lord would become like Shiloh (Jeremiah 26:4-6). While Scripture does not provide the details of the destruction of Shiloh, Scripture does not mention it as the center of worship after 1 Samuel 4.

2)      Death Threat (Jeremiah 26:7-15) – The priests and prophets hear the words of Jeremiah and after hearing the words, they laid hold of Jeremiah, telling him he shall die (Jeremiah 26:7-8). Their issue with Jeremiah is with him declaring the destruction of the House of the Lord (Jeremiah 26:9). Hearing this, the officials took their seats at the New Gate of the House of the Lord to make judgments (Jeremiah 26:10). The priests and prophets state their case with the officials (Jeremiah 26:11). Jeremiah then makes his case stating he is declaring the word of the Lord given to him (Jeremiah 26:12). Jeremiah, the confident prophet does not fear death for speaking the Word the Lord has given him and declares the word again to the officials and tells them if this means he will die, to do what they think is good and right. However, he reminds them that if they execute him for speaking the Word of the Lord, they will be bringing innocent blood upon themselves (Jeremiah 26:13-15).

3)      Deliverance (Jeremiah 26:16-24) – After Jeremiah’s defense and warning, the officials and all the people tell the priests and prophets Jeremiah does not deserve death because he has spoken to them in the name of the Lord (Jeremiah 26:16). This caused certain of the elders to rise, reminding the people of Micah who spoke words like those of Jeremiah, and how he was not put to death (Jeremiah 26:17-19). They also remind them of Uriah the son of Shemaiah who was put to death after prophesying against the city (Jeremiah 26:20-23). Jeremiah is delivered because the hand of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, deli8vering him from a sentence of death (Jeremiah 26:24).

 

I just spent a week in Ohio visiting with family. It was a refreshing time with family which included a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If we were to build a courage hall of fame, Jeremiah may be one of its charter members, along with Joshua. These men of God did not fear death for they understood that should death come, it means they would be in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). Jeremiah’s qualification for inclusion in a courage hall of fame is his standing firm in declaring the Word of the Lord given to him even under a threat of death.

 

People of courage are needed to provide role models of courage. This does not mean we turn our backs on victims but instead help them find courage. The greatest source of courage is courage in the Lord. Joshua had this courage, went into the promised land, and followed the instructions of the Lord and the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6). Jeremiah stood firm when facing death and was willing to die (Jeremiah 26:13-15). Even Jesus courageously went to the cross, enduring excruciating pain so we could be saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus's courage in going to the cross means victims of sin, which includes us all (Romans 3:23) can have deliverance from sin. If you are presently a victim of sin, I urge you to seek deliverance from victimhood 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.

 

Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17). Jesus made a path for everyone who is a victim of sin to escape. Those that just prayed have escaped the victimhood of sin. My prayer is that those that just prayed would continue to grow in courage as they find A Church or Bible Study teaching God’s Word. In Jesus there is no need to be a victim for those in Christ are children of God (John 1:12). May God bless and challenge everyone reading this post. 

The Heart of an Apostle.

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 1:1-15

 

Romans 1:5

Jesus was kind to me and chose me to be an apostle,^[c] so that people of all nations would obey and have faith. 

(ESV)

 

Today is Halloween, a day of ghosts, Jack-O-Lanterns, and haunted houses. While this could cause one to fear, God has not given us a spirit of fear but love, power, and soundness of mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Much has happened in our world that could cause us to fear so on this night of fear, I want to remind my readers not to fear but to have faith in God to take them through any situation in their lives.

 

The Apostle Paul is ministering in Corinth but has a heart’s desire to minister in Rome. While this is the Heart’s desire of the Apostle Paul, something has always come up preventing him from going to Rome (Romans 1:13). Paul eventually does arrive in Rome and is finally able to minister in Rome fulfilling his heart’s desire (Acts 28:17-31). Paul expresses his heart’s desire by,

 

1)      Greeting with his mission statement to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-7) – This powerful greeting by the Apostle Paul states his foundational heart's desire to serve God. Paul begins this discourse by stating his calling as an Apostle, one set apart for the Gospel of God (Romans 1:1). Paul then declares the source of the Gospel for which he was called as the prophets of God and the Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2). The message of the Gospel is all about Jesus Christ who was in the flesh a descendent of David (Matthew 1:1-16), declared to be the Son of God at His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), and demonstrated by his resurrection from the dead (1 Peter 1:3; Romans 1:3-4). Since there could be no resurrection without crucifixion and death, The grace and mercy given to all choosing to make Jesus his or her Savior should invoke obedience of faith so all nations can experience the saving grace of God, including those in Rome (Romans 1:5-6). Paul then prays for the Grace of God and His peace for those in Rome (Romans 1:7). The heart of Paul is a solid connection with God, the foundation of his belief and calling as an Apostle.

2)      Thanks to Jesus Christ for the believers in Rome (Romans 1:8-15) – Paul then moves on to the horizontal focus of his heart, which is the people of Rome for this epistle. Paul has heard of the faith of the believers in Rome as it has been proclaimed in all the world (Romans 1:8). Paul’s gratitude for the believers in Rome is not just words, but action as he continually prays for them and that somehow God may clear a path for him to visit them (Romans 1:9-10). However, Paul does not have a selfish purpose for wanting to go to Rome, but to impart some spiritual gift to strengthen them (Romans 1:11). This impartation of a spiritual gift to strengthen the believers in Rome does benefit Paul as the encouragement is mutual (Romans 1:12). Paul restates his heart’s desire to come and visit the believers in Rome (Romans 1:13). Paul’s calling in Christ is to share the Gospel to Greeks and barbarians, the wise and foolish, which is his heart’s desire to also preach to the Romans (Romans 1:14-15).

 

Paul takes his calling as an Apostle seriously. His calling is not just his job, but the result of a radical transformation occurring in his life through his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). This encounter with Christ radically transformed Paul from one persecuting those of the way, believers in Jesus Christ, to one with a calling from God, although he was not aware yet what that calling was. However, even though Paul does not know the specifics of his calling, he now has a vertical connection with God through the redemptive mercy and grace of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). The horizontal calling of Paul to take the Gospel message to the Gentiles would come through Ananias when he would pray for Paul to regain his sight (Acts 9:13-19). Paul experienced a radical transformation in his life through an encounter with Jesus Christ, radically transforming both his vertical and horizontal heart’s focus.

 

Every individual responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, making a profession of faith to God of Jesus as his or her Savior, experiences a similar transformation. We may not be blinded by a light and hear a voice from heaven, but our encounter with Jesus is just as real for all that call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). However, believers can become weary in ministry and lose sight of their first love, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:2-4). This represents one who has lost their vertical connection with God through Christ, trying to maintain a horizontal connection with the lost in the world around them. Others have a vertical connection with God but lack any horizontal connection with the lost in the world around them as they have become self-focused, using God to bring personal gain (Revelation 3:15-17).

 

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that true worshippers of God, worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This true worship represents a balance of a heart vertically connected with God in spirit that connects horizontally with the lost in the world through the declaration of the truth of the Word of God. The heart of the Apostle Paul is a model of one establishing a vertical and horizontal balance in his heart, and an example to follow. I now want to invite anyone reading this who has not prayed to make Jesus their Savior to pray with me now and establish a vertical connection 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.

I encourage those that just prayed to find a Church teaching from the Bible or Bible study so they can strengthen their vertical relationship with God through Christ. I also encourage you to begin establishing a horizontal connection with those around you who do not know Christ by sharing what Jesus has done in your life. You can also share this post with them. May God challenge and bless those reading this post. 

The Cup of the Lord’s Wrath

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 25:15-38

 

Jeremiah 25:32

“Thus says the Lord of hosts:
Behold, disaster is going forth
    from nation to nation,
and a great tempest is stirring
    from the farthest parts of the earth!

(ESV)

 

When most people think of the wrath of God, pictures of lightning bolts and judgment come to mind. However, as the people of Judah discovered when going into exile, it is more a picture of invading armies, exile, and abandonment by God due to not making Him their only god of worship (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). The passage of Jeremiah 25:15-38 tells of nations drinking the cup of God’s wrath but we as individuals can choose to escape the need to drink of the cup of God’s wrath because this is the cup Jesus drank at the crucifixion (Luke 22:41-42).

 

The text of Jeremiah 25:15-38 tells us who will incur God’s wrath, what the consequences are for drinking the cup of God’s wrath, and why denial of the cup of God’s wrath is unacceptable.

 

1)      Who will drink of the cup of God’s wrath (Jeremiah 25:15-26) – The text of Jeremiah 25:15-26 provides a listing of nations subject to the wrath of God. Included in this list are Jerusalem, the cities of Judah, the armies that will invade Judah and Jerusalem but also all the nations of the World. This inclusion of all the nations of the world means the prophecy goes beyond the scope of the situation in Jerusalem and Judah during the time of Jeremiah’s writing and speaks of a future pouring out of wrath by God upon the world. Therefore, all nations will drink of the cup of God’s wrath with Jesus returning to establish His righteous kingdom on earth (Revelation 20:1-6).

2)      What are the consequences of drinking the cup of God’s wrath (Jeremiah 25:27) – Jeremiah 25:27 speaks of one being drunk and sick from drinking this cup. The cup acts as a sword in the hands of God, causing nations to fall and rise no more. The good news for those in Christ is they are citizens of the Kingdom of God and will reign with Christ for one thousand years.

3)      Why denial of the cup of God’s wrath is unacceptable (Jeremiah 25:28-38) – The prophecy of Jeremiah is certain with denial of its consequences unavoidable. The nations of the world will incur the wrath of God, but this is not the end of the world but a new beginning as the world comes under the reign of Christ. The cup of the wrath of God is a cup of judgment but also a cup of cleansing because it purges the ungodly reign of nations, replacing it with the reign of Christ.

 

When praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked God the Father to remove this cup from him (Luke 22:41-42). When viewed without context, this statement is strange because Jesus did not have a cup with Him. The context here is that Jesus had just completed the Passover dinner with His disciples and during this meal, they would have drunk cups of wine that symbolize various aspects of a walk with God, including the cup of God’s wrath. Jesus as God knew the full measure of God’s wrath was about to be unleashed upon him, for he had the prophecies of Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 that graphically describe the unleashing of God’s wrath upon Him by crucifixion. We must also keep in mind that Jesus, who knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), did not need to do this and only did it out of His deep love for humanity.

 

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, there is no need for anyone to drink the cup of God’s wrath for that was not the purpose of Jesus coming to earth (John 3:17). Drinking the cup of God’s wrath is a decision one makes by rejecting Jesus as his or her savior (John 3:18). I encourage those who have not prayed to accept Jesus as Savior, escaping the cup of God’s wrath 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.