Repentance, the Gateway to God’s Mercy and Grace.

 By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 3:6-25

 

Jeremiah 3:9-11

Because she took her whoredom lightly, she polluted the land, committing adultery with stone and tree. ¹⁰ Yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to me with her whole heart, but in pretense, declares the Lord.”

¹¹ And the Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

(ESV)

 

Sadly, in many Churches, there is no mention of sin, and thus the need to repent of our sins.  This goes against what Scripture says for it says we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Thankfully, God the Father did not abandon humanity to rotting on death row but instead provided a path to redemption through the death of his sinless son, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8).  To receive this pardon of sin from God, all one must do is believe and confess their belief in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10).  Jesus said he is standing at the door, knocking and ready to deliver our pardon from sin (Revelation 3:20).  All anyone must do is open the door of their heart and accept the pardon for their sins from God.  I invite you to open your heart’s door now by taking a moment to pray 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 idea of repentance is a 180-degree turn or, using a military term, an about-face.  For those who have professed faith in Jesus Christ as their savior, this about-face is a decision to turn from their sinful lives and live a life in obedience to Christ and the Bible.  However, this is not a life of slavery but instead freedom for when one decides to live according to the truths of Biblical truth, the truth sets them free (John 8:32). 

 

Jeremiah 3:6-25 is a national call to repentance for Israel and Judea.  Jeremiah uses strong language accusing both of playing the whore (Jeremiah 3:6,8).  For Judah, the situation is worse for Jeremiah is offering this prophecy during the reign of Josiah when Judah was going through a spiritual restoration with the restoration of the Temple, the destruction of the pagan altars, and restoration of the observance of the Passover (2 Kings 22-23:30).  Upon hearing the Word of God contained in the Book of the Law found in the Temple, Josiah showed genuine repentance, desiring to bring reforms bringing the Judah back to obedience to God (2 Kings 22:11-13).  However, once Josiah died in battle, his sons gained the throne and immediately did what was evil in the sight of the Lord (2 Kings 23:31-32). 

 

The rapid return to evil by Judah indicates a lack of repentance and desire to return to Godly principles and instead surface compliance to King Josiah that vanished once someone else was on the throne.  The pretense of Judah (Jeremiah 3:10) was in putting on a show of righteousness by complying with King Josiah’s reforms while their heart was intending to follow Israel into playing the whore by worshipping other gods (Jeremiah 3:6-10).  This is hypocrisy, something Israel remained guilty of during the time of Christ (Luke 12:1-3; Mark 12:13-17; Matthew 23:27-28).   

 

However, there is hope in his prophecy from Jeremiah for it speaks of a time when Israel and Judah will unite and Jerusalem will be the throne of the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17-18).  During this time the nations will gather in Jerusalem, not for war following their evil hearts, but to worship the Lord (Jeremiah 3:17).  During this time Israel and Judah will no longer consider the Ark of the Covenant important for they will have the Lord Himself sitting on the throne (Jeremiah 3:16).  Jeremiah also reminds Israel and Judah of the mercy of God offered to those that turn back to Him and that God’s anger does not last forever (Jeremiah 3:12-14).  This prophecy of Jeremiah concludes with Jeremiah expressing God’s desire that Israel and Judah return to serving God with their whole heart or risk the loss of what their fathers labored for, flocks, herds, and even their sons and daughters (Jeremiah 3:24). 

 

The United States has just experienced four years of reforms that brought on prosperity and security for the nation under President Trump.  (1)  While President Trump did not die in battle, voter fraud politically assassinated him, removing him from office.  (2)   Like King Josiah, President Trump demonstrated genuine dedication to the country by bringing needed reforms to the United States, unlike most politicians who financially gain from their time in office (3), President Trump had nothing financially to gain for he was already financially successful before entering office.  If anything, President Trump lost wealth while in office.  (4) 

 

The question for believers is will they remain dedicated to praying for a revival that will bring people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ while functioning in an atmosphere of persecution from an evil and corrupt world.  The Church in the United States has never experienced hard persecution and has benefitted from constitutional protection, allowing it to function with persecution coming in the form of personal rejection by those not sharing their belief.  However, due to Covid19 and the censoring of people and organizations from social media and the internet, the church could face persecution from government regulations banning meeting in person and censorship from an online presence.  I pray the Church will not follow the example of Judah and abandon God when facing persecution and instead have a spiritual resolve to engage the enemy in spiritual warfare according to Ephesians 6:10-18.  I pray the Church, which is not the building but everyone professing faith in Jesus as their savior will,

 

1)      Search their hearts and repent of any unrepentant sin.

2)      Pray continually.

3)      And be bold.

 

May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

1. The White House. Trump Administration Accomplishments. trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov. [Online] The White House, January 2021. [Cited: January 30, 2021.] https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/trump-administration-accomplishments/.

 

2. The Heritage Foundation. Voter Fraud. heritage.org. [Online] The Heritage Foundation. [Cited: January 30, 2021.] https://www.heritage.org/voterfraud-print/search.

 

3. Kogod School of Business at American University. How Presidents Make Their Millions. onlinebusiness.american.edu. [Online] American University, 2021. [Cited: January 30, 2021.] https://onlinebusiness.american.edu/blog/presidents-net-worth/accessible/.

 

4. Cillizza, Chris. Donald Trump is a lot less rich today than when he was elected president. cnn.com. [Online] CNN, September 9, 2020. [Cited: 2021 January, 2020.] https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/09/politics/forbes-400-donald-trump-wealth/index.html.

Biblical Conflict Resolution

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 15:1-35

 

Acts 15:1-2

But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” ² And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.

(ESV)

 

Conflict is inevitable whenever groups of people come together.  The 2020 election in the United States had its share of conflict, climaxing in the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, while Congress voted to certify the election.  While some do not agree with the outcome of the election, one thing is certain, no matter who won this election, there was going to be conflict.  While we should expect conflict in our corrupt world, the Church is to be an example of unity with Jesus saying that the world would know we are disciples of Christ because we love one another (John 13:35).  The text in Acts 15:1-35 describes a theological conflict occurring at the Church in Antioch which if not handled, could result in the Church dividing and the disheartenment of the new Gentile believers. 

 

The foundation for the dissension is the circumcision of the new Gentile believers in keeping with the law of Moses (Acts 15:1,5).  Paul and Barnabas attempt to resolve the dispute by debating with the dissenters but make no progress and decide to bring the dispute to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem (Acts 15:2).  During the debate, Peter reminds them of when the Lord poured out his Spirit on the Gentile believers in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48).  James then builds upon what Peter said by quoting the prophet Amos who spoke of the Lord’s desire that Jews and Gentiles would seek and call upon the name of the Lord (Acts 15:15-17; Amos 9:11-12). 

 

While not involving sin per se, the process of conflict resolution used by Paul and Barnabas resembles the process of resolution taught by Jesus in Matthew 18:15-17.  The process begins with Paul and Barnabas debating those bringing dissension (Acts 15:2).  When this did not bring resolution, they take some of the others with them to Jerusalem to present their question to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:2).  The wisdom of this decision is the wisdom offered by Peter, who witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles (Acts 10), and James who refers to the prophecy in Amos 9:11-12 stating that all nations will be called by the name of the Lord.  The result was a letter providing guidance to the Gentiles in Antioch that caused them to rejoice and find encouragement. 

 

The Church today must learn to deal with something those in the early church did not have, social media and the internet which allow the sharing of information instantaneously.  While this has the advantage of sharing biblical truth with large amounts of people, it also allows dissension to spread rapidly.  It is therefore crucial that Churches in the information age include an administrator to monitor Church social media and websites, looking for dissenters and quickly involve Church leadership so they can,

 

1)      Engaging dissenters to resolve the situation amongst themselves.

2)      Engage elders, counselors, or consultants to mediate the situation.

3)      If this does not provide resolution, the Church must rid itself of the dissenters, including banning them from commenting on Church social media. 

 

While it is the will of God that the Church operates free of conflict, the people running the church are human, meaning conflict will occur.  Using the outline taught by Jesus (Matthew 18:15-17) and the example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:1-35, the Church can bring resolution to any conflict.  However, in the information age with the rapid spread of information, the Church must monitor online activity on Church social media sites and websites to quickly manage dissension.  In a divisive world, the Church must be an example of unity and can accomplish this as it unifies around its mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  I pray the Church will focus less on non-essential doctrinal differences and more on its mission of pointing people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  May God bless everyone reading this post.   

Discerning Truth from Lies

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 3:1-5

 

Jeremiah 3:4-5

Have you not just now called to me,
    ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth—
⁵ will he be angry forever,
    will he be indignant to the end?’
Behold, you have spoken,
    but you have done all the evil that you could.”

(ESV)

 

One of the blessings and curses of living in the information age is the abundance of words available to us at our fingertips.  Included in this abundance of words is the Word of God now available on our devices, computers, and phones in a variety of translations.  However, there is also an abundance of evil, hate, pornography, other ungodly words.  In the information age, people must exercise Godly discernment regarding the words they feed into their minds with God’s Word provide the standard.  In the information age, it has never been more important to know God’s Word, using it to properly discern the information available at our fingertips. 

 

In Jeremiah 3:1-5, the theme is Israel and Judah playing the whore (Jeremiah 3:1-2).  These are strong words for a whore is a woman that sleeps around with any man with a commitment to none of them.  This is how God viewed Israel if they worship any God other than the one true God (Exodus 34:11-16).  Israel has committed a great sin for they know the one true God and the first commandment not to have any other Gods (Exodus 20:2-3) but have decided not to totally commit to God but instead to have divided loyalties by worshiping the pagan gods of the land.  So egregious is this sin that it will manifest in the climate causing drought (Jeremiah 3:3), but please do not interpret this as man-caused climate change but instead as God removing the blessing of rain, something vital in an agrarian society.  Israel and Judah speak good words calling God their father and the friend of their youth while doing all the evil they could (Jeremiah 3:4-5).  God’s people must be committed to truth and discern truth from lies by,

 

1)      Asking God for discernment (James 1:5) – The broken world of 2020 that continues into 2021 comes with confusion as the world faces unprecedented challenges.  Take Covid19 for example, While the disease began in China, our ability to travel the globe in hours caused the disease to spread globally, resulting in a pandemic.  Normally one escapes disease by running from any exposure to it but in this case, the virus has gone global leaving no safe place to escape to.  Therefore, health professionals and authorities recommend social distancing and the wearing of a mask, but the disease continues to spread despite these recommendations adding to the confusion.  The pros and cons of social distancing and masks is a popular subject on social media and the internet, but one should ask God for discernment regarding whether to wear a mask or social distance, especially those with health issues. 

2)      Seek reliable and relevant information based on truth (John 8:32) – Jesus reminds us that the truth shall set us free.  The other side of this coin is lies which hold one in bondage.  Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) with lying and distortion of the truth as his tactic beginning in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5).  While the information age makes massive amounts of information conveniently available, not all of it is true for anyone can post something online or on social media.  For us to discern truth from lies we must have something to measure truth.  God’s word is the measuring stick of truth and why God’s people must study and meditate on it daily, using it to discern the truth from lies of what they see online and in social media. 

3)      Ask God for discernment regarding any hidden agendas in the information (Matthew 22:15-22) – What we see written online and in social media usually has an agenda behind it, including this blog which has the agenda of viewing world events through the prism of biblical truth.  The agenda of information based on truth need not be a hidden agenda for since it is based on truth, it can stand up to any scrutiny.  However, the agenda of information based on lies and distorted truths must remain hidden for if revealed, the lies in the information would become known.  When the Pharisees approached Jesus with the question on taxes, they had a hidden agenda of wanting to entangle Jesus in his words.  Had Jesus answered do not pay your taxes, they would have turned Him over to the Roman authorities.  Had Jesus answered pay your taxes, they would have said that this would prevent them from giving to God.  Jesus’ answer told them they must do both (Matthew 22:20-21).  Jesus knew the hidden agenda of the Pharisees and gave them an answer they could not respond to, causing them to just walk away. 

 

We live in a time where information is readily available to everyone, but the information is unfiltered making it necessary for the reader of the information to use discernment to filter lies from truth.  One of the major areas of debate in the world recently has been the censorship of information by tech companies who manage the information.  Unfortunately, many of these tech companies have hidden agendas leading them to censor and remove any information contrary to that agenda.  The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants freedom of speech meaning that anyone should be free to post information on online forums and social media.  If the information is the incitement or commission of a crime, the tech company should alert the proper law enforcement authorities and then remove it from the forum.  The responsibility of filtering truth from lies does not lie with those storing the information but with the reader of the information.  For believers in Christ, this process involves praying for discernment from God, measuring the truth of the information against the Word of God, and asking God for discernment regarding any hidden agendas.  This Godly discernment will lead to the discovery of the truth which will set us free (John 8:32). 

Pressing on Through Persecution

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 14:19-28

 

Acts 14:21-22.

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, ²² strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

(ESV)

 

Today is Inauguration Day in the United States.  It is a day of celebration for those whose favorite candidate becomes President but this inauguration, like many other things since Covid19, is different.  The 2020 election was contentious with continued investigations of fraud, causing many to believe the wrong person is going to becoming President today.  Please pray for civility in Washington DC today, understanding that God is in control and that the truth about the 2020 election will come out.  Until then, God’s people must pray and remain strong wearing the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

 

The tables have turned on Paul and Barnabas, with the crowd at Lystra that once wanted to lift Paul and Barnabas up as gods (Acts 14:11-13) now stoning Paul and leaving him for dead (Acts 14:19).  Thankfully, God was not done with Paul yet and when the crowd gathered around Paul, Paul rose up totally healed and able to go with Barnabas to Derbe (Acts 14:20).  In hindsight, we know this was good for Paul would go on to start many Churches and pen much of the New Testament of the Bible.  This passage also demonstrates the tenacity of Paul and Barnabas for they did not leave Lystra in defeat but went on to Derbe where they preached the Gospel with many becoming disciples (Acts 14:21).  Paul and Barnabas were then gutsy enough to return to Lystra, the sight of Paul’s stoning, to strengthen and encourage the disciples there, saying that through many tribulations, they must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).  Paul and Barnabas then ordained elders for the Churches in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, to provide leadership and stability for the Churches (Acts 14:23).  Despite suffering rejection (Acts 14:1-7), an attempt to make gods out of them (Acts 14:8-18), and persecution resulting in the stoning of Paul (Acts 14:19-23), Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch and report to the Church (Acts 14:24-28).  When rejected, deified, and persecuted, Paul and Barnabas did not stop but pressed on, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples as they went.

 

This first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas provides an example the Church must follow today as it faces uncertain times that could result in rejection, deification, and persecution.  The church must remain focused on its mission of sharing the Gospel and making disciples and,

 

1)      Understand the Church functions in a world that rejects God – This means the Church is engaged in a spiritual battle and must remain diligent and prepared.  This means putting on the armor of God and remaining diligent in prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18).  While we, like Christ would like all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9) we must realize there will be rejection, and as Paul and Barnabas did move on. 

2)      Avoid pride (Proverbs 16:18) - Some may place a superstar status on the Church as miracles are performed in the ministry and the world sees the good the Church does for the community.  When this occurs, the Church can either become prideful, leading to a fall or give glory to God for what he is doing through the Church.  I trust those reading this will choose the high road of giving glory to God. 

3)      Be prepared to serve Christ even if it becomes dangerous – The Apostle Paul would later write about his willingness to surrender his life for Christ, viewing it as a victory for it meant he would be with Jesus for eternity (Philippians 1:21).  Most reading this post probably have a desire to live and continue serving Christ but must also be willing to give our lives for Christ as Paul was willing to do. 

 

These are unprecedented times for the Church but Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).  The Church, which consists of the people, not the building, also has the promise that no weapon formed against it would prosper (Isaiah 54:17).  This includes the weapons of rejection, pride, and persecution.  I pray everyone reading this will remain calm this inauguration day and face the uncertainty that lies ahead by dedicating themselves to serving Christ.  For those reading this who have never accepted Jesus as their savior, I invite you to do so now by praying with me,

 

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

 

One thing will remain certain no matter what happens in 2021, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), his plans for us are for our good (Jeremiah 29:11), and Jesus will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).  May God bless and keep everyone safe that is reading this. 

Repent and Return to God

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 2

 

Romans 12:1-2

I appeal to you therefore, brothers,^[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.^[b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,^[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

(ESV)

 

This week could be challenging and contentious for the United States and why I encourage God’s people to pray for peace and civility.  My concerns stem from the inauguration of the 46^th President of the United States and the belief by many that his election was illegitimate.  Instead of taking up arms in revolt, I encourage God’s people to put on the armor of God and pray without ceasing (Ephesians 6:10-18).  God’s people must have faith in God who will reveal the truth in His time and be the peacemakers who will be called the sons, and daughters, of God (Matthew 5:9).  God’s people must not conform to the world (Romans 12:2), which reacts in violence, and instead, fight the battle on their knees using the spiritual weapons God has provided. 

 

In Jeremiah 2, Jeremiah speaks the word of the Lord to Israel, calling out their forsaking of God and turning to other gods.  God gives Jeremiah two messages that tell God’s people to,

 

1)      Remember (Jeremiah 2:1-3) – Israel once had a devotion to God like a bride has for her groom.  This devotion led to Israel following God in the wilderness with anyone trying to harm them incurring the wrath of God.  This illustrates the importance of history for it provides a reference point showing how we have either grown or regressed.  For Israel and Judah, it was a process of regression. 

2)      Reflect (Jeremiah 2:4-37) – Israel’s regression from their devotion to God at the beginning has consequences, their conquest, and exile from the land God has given them (Deuteronomy 8:11-20).  However, Israel and Judah have ignored this warning and now face exile due to their rebellion against God.  The word of God given to Jeremiah illustrates God’s grace and is a final warning to God’s people to repent and turn back to God. 

 

Our modern world is not much different from Israel and Judah during the time of Jeremiah.  In the United States, we have the abortion of millions of unborn babies with those favoring abortion claiming it is the right of the mother to abort the baby, ignoring the rights of the unborn child.  Most recently we have the justification of violence that destroys people’s property and kills innocent victims because it supports a racist political agenda.  While the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution does give people the right to peacefully protest, it does not condone the violent riots in the U.S. Capital on January 6.  I call upon the people of the United States, and the world to heed the words of the Lord given to Jeremiah and,

 

1)      Remember the Godly foundation of the United States as expressed in the declaration of independence.  (1)

2)      Repent of our abandonment of God and dependence on government to provide the answers to our problems causing the nation to turn its back on God.  We must remember that a nation whose God is the Lord is a blessed nation (Psalm 33:12). 

 

Just as God was gracious and merciful at Israel’s and Judah’s abandonment of God, there comes a time when God can no longer condone sin, leaving it unpunished.  While we now live under a new covenant of grace, we must not use God’s grace to justify a life of sin for Scripture tells us not to conform to sin but to experience transformation through the renewing of our minds through God’s Word (Romans 12:2).  Scripture also warns us that continuing to live in sin, claiming we have no sin due to God’s grace is a lie (1 John 1:8-10).  Instead, God’s people are to live lives of repentance remembering that God is faithful and just in forgiving our sins.  Instead of reacting with violence, I want to encourage God’s people to join me in prayer,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I repent and confess my sins to you and ask for Your forgiveness.  I also repent and confess the sins of our nation and pray for revival in the land, in Jesus' name, amen.  

 

Remain diligent in prayer this week, knowing that God is in control and that his plans for us are not for our destruction but our good (Jeremiah 29:11).  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

 

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

 

Worshipping the Message, Not the Messenger.

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Acts 14:8-18

 

Psalm 29:4

The voice of the Lord is powerful;
    the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

(ESV)

 

The voice of the Lord is indeed powerful and majestic and as the world plunges into darkness, the light at the end of the tunnel (Psalm 119:105).  God’s Word is also a message of hope in times of darkness (Psalm 119:49).  Even though the Christmas season has passed for another year, this is not the time to remain silent but a time to shout from the mountain tops that Jesus Christ is born, bringing light to a dark world (John 14:6). 

 

The Apostle Paul and Barnabas move on to Lystra and instead of the rejection they encountered in Iconium (Acts 14:1-7), encounter a crowd of people believing they are gods and wanting to worship them (Acts 14:11-13).  This resembles the desire to worship Peter and John after a miracle at the Temple (Acts 3) and something Paul and Barnabas must stop. 

 

It begins when a man crippled from birth sitting to listen to what Paul is speaking.  The Holy Spirit gives Paul discernment with Paul discerning the man has faith to be made well (Acts 14:8-9).  Based on this Holy Spirit discernment, Paul loudly speaks to the man and tells him to stand to his feet.  The man then springs up and begins walking, something he had never done in his life (Acts 14:10).  While this is a great miracle, the crowd does not have the same Holy Spirit discernment as Paul and instead of praising God for the miracle, seeks to worship Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:11-13). 

 

When they hear of this attempt to worship them, Paul and Barnabas follow the example of Peter and John in Acts 3 and run into the crowd tearing their clothes declaring that the miracle they just witnessed is a miracle from God and not due to them being gods (Acts 14:14-17).  However, even these words could scarcely restrain the crowd’s desiring to worship Paul and Barnabas (Acts 4:18).  While rejection, as occurred in Iconium, is hurtful to one personally, allowing the worship of a messenger of God due to a miracle occurring under their ministry is dangerous for it constitutes pride leading to a fall (Proverbs 16:18). 

 

Paul and Barnabas are not gods, but messengers sent from the one true God, pointing those that choose to listen to Christ.  The crippled man understood this and received healing from God.  To have intimacy with God, the crowd must understand that Paul and Barnabas are not gods but messengers of words from the one true God and listen as the crippled man did.  The Apostle Paul understood he was a messenger given a calling to declare Christ to the Gentiles and reminds us that our boasting is in the Lord (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).  This aligns with Jesus who reminds us that when we lift Him up, He will draw men unto Him as He did with the crippled man (John 12:32). 

 

If 2020 taught us anything, it should be that the people in leadership do not provide all the answers to our problems and therefore are not who we should worship.  Likewise, economic systems and systems of government created by people are imperfect and not something to worship.  While people yearn for some person of flesh and blood to appear on the scene with the power to solve their problems, the answer to their problems lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who solved their greatest problem, separation from God due to sin.  Once the problem of sin is resolved and we have a restored relationship with God, we can begin to trust God to solve the other problems in our lives.  If you are reading this and have not made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ to forgive your sins, 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.

 

Congratulations to those who just prayed for you now have a restored relationship with God the creator because the separation of yourself from God is eliminated.  I now encourage you to grow closer in your relationship with God by regularly attending Church, in person if possible or online, and associating with other believers in Christ at Church or in a small group Bible study either online or in-person if possible.  Most importantly, however, we must remember to worship God and the message from His Word, the Bible, and not the messenger sent from God.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Repent and Turn to God

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text:  Jeremiah 1:4-19

 

Jeremiah 1:19

“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.”

(ESV)

 

This week, the United States and the world saw the ugly side of frustration turned to anger.  While it is yet to be determined who was behind the breaching of the U.S. Capitol, it will most likely be determined that it was a group of individuals frustrated at the state of the world lashing out in anger.  While the media focus is on the few that breached the Capitol in anger, we must also focus on the thousands that had gathered to peacefully voice their frustrations without lashing out in anger.  God’s people must lead the way during these chaotic times by taking their frustrations to God in prayer and not lashing out in anger (Matthew 5:9). 

 

The heading for the passage in Jeremiah 1:4-19 in the English Standard Version (ESV) is “The Call of Jeremiah.”  While Scripture does not provide the age of Jeremiah, it does tell us he is young for Jeremiah uses this as an excuse for why he cannot be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:4-6).  God’s response to Jeremiah’s excuse by reminding him that God will be with him and not to be afraid (Jeremiah 1:7-8).  God knows Jeremiah is experiencing feelings of fear similar to Moses at the burning bush and Joshua standing on the shores of the Jordan (Exodus 3:1-4:17; Joshua 1:9).  God then places His hand on Jeremiah’s mouth, reminding him that the words he will speak are not the words of an inexperienced youth but the words of God (Jeremiah 1:9-10). 

 

God then speaks to Jeremiah, giving him the vision of an almond branch (Jeremiah 1:11).  Many of those reading this, including the one writing it, may have never seen an almond branch and do not have any basis of interpretation as to what the almond branch symbolizes.  However, the Hebrew word for almond in the original text sounds like the Hebrew word for watching.  In Jeremiah 1:12, God reminds Jeremiah that He will watch over His word to perform it so God’s vision of an almond branch is a visual reminder to Jeremiah that God will watch over the words He gives to Jeremiah. 

 

God then gives Jeremiah a second vision of a boiling pot facing away from the north (Jeremiah 1:13).  God then tells Jeremiah about disaster coming upon the land from the north (Jeremiah 1:14-15).  This prophecy foretells the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon due to the forsaking of God by the people and their worship of other gods (Jeremiah 1:16; 2 Kings 24:10-17).  God had warned Israel of the consequences of forsaking God and worshipping other gods in Leviticus 26:14-46 so they have no excuse.  God’s word to Jeremiah is to dress for work, indicating carrying on as usual, speaking the words God has commanded him to speak (Jeremiah 1:17).  God ends his word to Jeremiah with a reminder God will make Jeremiah strong and fight for him so his enemies do not prevail against him (Jeremiah 1:18-19).    

 

While Jeremiah is a young man, fearing rejection due to his youth, there is an urgency for Jeremiah to speak out against the sin in the land for kingdoms from the north are about to invade the people of Judah and send them into exile.  Judah has become comfortable in their forsaking of God and the worship of other gods and oblivious to the threat coming from the north.  God is calling Jeremiah to speak God’s words to Judah, giving them an opportunity to repent and avoid the consequences of their sin.  Judah is experiencing great reformation under the leadership of Josiah (2 Kings 22:1-23:27), but their heart is still set on forsaking God by the worship of other gods.  However, God is gracious, giving Judah one more opportunity to change their hearts and turn back to God. 

 

God’s people in today’s world may not build altars to pagan gods and offer sacrifices on them but we can have things in our lives that take the place of God.  Therefore, we must ask ourselves the question, where do we turn when times get tough?  If it is not God, we have identified a god in our lives that takes the place of God.  While things like the government, education, career, and family can be good and are necessary, we must not place them in a position of god in our lives for they will disappoint us.  Our reaction when tough times come must be turning to God and pointing others to God during tough times. 

 

One’s initial turning to God happens when someone decides to make Jesus their savior by accepting his forgiveness from sin.  If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept Jesus as your savior, I want to invite you to do that 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 taking the initial step of turning to God.  I encourage you to now find a church and attend services, either in person or online, to learn the truths contained in the Bible.  As we learn these truths, God will reveal areas of our life that we need to turn over to Him so we can grow spiritually strong during these chaotic times.  I also encourage everyone to share this post with others so they too can experience the benefits of life turned over to God.  May God bless everyone reading this post. 

Who are they Rejecting?

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Acts 14:1-7

 

Act 14:1-7

When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, ⁶ they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, ⁷ and there they continued to preach the gospel.

(ESV)

 

During a period of downtime on the New Year weekend, I had a chance to watch the Sugar Bowl game between Clemson and Ohio State.  Since I was born in Ohio, I was going for the underdog, Ohio State, and was glad to see them win and have a chance to play for the national championship.  As the game wound down and it became obvious that Ohio State would win the game, the camera showed the quarterback of Clemson.  This was only the second game he had lost during his career in college football and as I looked into his eyes, I could see that he was not taking the fact of losing very well.  While none of us likes to lose or suffer rejection, they are a part of life and something we all need to learn to deal with.  Should the quarterback of Clemson read this post I would tell him he is an extremely talented quarterback with a promising career in the NFL and hope he bounces back from this defeat to become even stronger. 

 

The text of Acts 14:1-7 has a pattern similar to what we observed in Acts 13:13-52 with Paul and Barnabas entering the city and going to the synagogue to declare who Jesus was based on Scripture.  Like what happened in Antioch, many Jews and Greeks initially believed followed by non-believing Jews stirring up trouble by poisoning the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers (Acts 14:1-2).  However, Paul and Barnabas did let this rejection stop them and continued speaking boldly for the Lord, with the Lord bearing witness of their bold declaration for the Lord through signs done through the hands of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:3).  Unfortunately, the animosity between the believers and non-believers caused division in the city leading to a plot to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:4-5).  Thankfully for Paul and Barnabas, they learned of the plot against them and fled to Lystra and Derbe where they continued to preach the Gospel (Acts 14:6-7).   

 

Even though the people at Iconium rejected Paul and Barnabas and even contrived a plot to mistreat and kill them, they did not let this rejection stop them from carrying out their mission of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).  To deal with rejection we must understand that,

 

1)      We are accepted by Christ (1 John 3:1) – Choosing to believe in Jesus as our savior has the benefit of adoption into the family of God.  For those experiencing rejection from family or close friends, this brings comfort.  This acceptance into the family of God comes not because we deserve it for it happened while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).  We have no reason to doubt our acceptance into the family of God for it is due to the grace of God and not our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2)      Rejection of the Gospel is a rejection of Christ, not us (2 Corinthians 5:20) – As children of God living in a fallen world, we are ambassadors for Christ.  This makes believers in Christ foreigners with an obligation to represent their home country in a foreign land.  When an ambassador speaks of his home country in a foreign land, he is either accepted or rejected like Paul and Barnabas speaking of Christ in Iconium.  When rejection occurs, it is not due to the rejection of the ambassador but his or her home country.  Believers must not take rejection due to their faith personally but instead pray for those rejecting them so the Holy Spirit can do His work of convicting them of their sin.

3)      When sharing the Gospel, we are planting seed (Matthew 13:1-9) – Jesus did not command the Church to save the world for that is what Jesus did by his death on the cross but told us to share the Gospel and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).  Not all the seeds of the Gospel that believers share will have acceptance and instead rejection.  Like Paul and Barnabas, we must not allow this rejection to stop us and instead move on.    

 

The Church must remain focused on the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples in 2021 and not slow down due to rejection by the world.  The Church must remember that the world is not rejecting the Church but Jesus due to conviction of the sins.  May the Church not back down on preaching against sin due to rejection by the world but lift up Christ so the world is drawn to Christ to receive forgiveness of sin (John 12:32).  Since Jesus came to die for and forgive people of the sins (Romans 5:8, 6:23), the Church cannot carry out its mission of sharing the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) without preaching on sin.  The Church must not take rejection by the world personally but instead follow the example of Paul and Barnabas and shake the rejection off and move on (Acts 13:50-52, 14:6-7). 

 

As part of fulfilling the mission of sharing the Gospel, I want to invite those reading this who have not accepted Jesus as Savior 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 that just prayed for you are now accepted into the family of God and will never experience rejection from God (John 3:17).  May God bless everyone reading this post and may revival come in 2021 as we share and live for Christ. 

Jeremiah: A Prophet for the Times

 

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Text:  Jeremiah 1:1-3

 

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 year 2020 was unprecedented and carries forward many unresolved issues from 2020.  Covid19 is still an issue with many states and communities still shut down.  If the Covid19 numbers continue to rise more states and communities may shut down.  While the economy shows signs of recovery from the shutdowns, the prospect of continued and even more shutdowns are a drag to necessary economic recovery affecting many industries, and those working in these industries.  Continued violence in many U.S. cities along with cuts in law enforcement budgets needed to end the violence threaten the lives and economies in these communities.  There is also the issue of the social development of children lacking the social interaction of attending class because they must attend class online. 

 

Something rarely mentioned in the media is the spiritual health of a nation in chaos.  The Church is crucial for the spiritual health of the nation but with limitations on the size and numbers allowed to gather, and some communities still banning churches meeting at, it has become difficult for the Church to function as a place restoring spiritual health.  While many churches can make services available online, this does not provide social interaction between believers, something deemed necessary in Scripture (Hebrews 10:25).  Watch parties to watch live-streamed or recorded services and small group Bible studies can fill the role of social interaction between believers in Christ but some communities even place limitations on these gatherings. 

 

The Saturday postings for the year 2021 will begin with a verse-by-verse study of the book of Jeremiah.  One of the most well-known verses in Jeremiah is Jeremiah 29:11, reminding Israel that God’s plans for them were for their good and not their destruction.  What makes this verse applicable for the world today is it was written during a time of exile for Israel bringing the nation hope that God would make things work for the good of God’s people (Romans 8:28).  This makes Jeremiah the right messenger for that time in Israel’s history, something the Church must become in the year 2021, and why a study of Jeremiah is crucial. 

 

Jeremiah 1:1-3 placed the prophecies of Jeremiah within their historical context.  Jeremiah is the son of Hilkiah, a priest in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin.  Jeremiah began receiving prophecies from the Lord during the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah.  Josiah was one of the few good kings in Judah and brought many needed reforms to Israel including repairs to the Temple (2 Kings 22:3-7).  After the discovery of the book of the Law during Temple renovations (2 Kings 22:8-20), Josiah implemented reforms that eliminated pagan worship with the destruction of pagan shrines and even the burning of pagan priests on the altars they built (2 Kings 23:1-20).  Josiah also restored observance of the Passover (2 Kings 23:21-27).  Unfortunately, king Josiah died in battle (2 Kings 23:28-30) handing the kingdom down to his sons who did not share their father’s dedication to the work of the Lord, leading to the captivity of Jerusalem and the exile of Israel (2 Kings 23:31-25:21). 

 

This historical context of the book of Jeremiah is a time of the political, economic, and spiritual deterioration of the nation.  The nation has gone from the high of the reforms of Josiah to the low of exile due to a lack of obedience to God and His Word.  With this context in mind, the underlying theme of Jeremiah is the need for repentance and reliance on God’s mercy and grace (Jeremiah 3:12-14, 29:11).  Jeremiah 29:11, written during a time when Israel was in exile in a foreign nation is a promise of hope for tomorrow and strength for today.  As a demonstration of his hope in God’s restoring Israel to their land, Jeremiah even purchases land in Israel to demonstrate his faith God will restore Israel to their land (Jeremiah 32:1-15). 

 

The study of Jeremiah will remind us of is that,

 

1)      The majority opinion is not necessarily God’s will (1 Corinthians 1:18; Romans 12:2)

2)      Punishment for sin is severe but there is hope in the mercy of God (Romans 5:8, 6:23)

3)      God does not accept empty and insincere worship (Jeremiah 16:11)

4)      Serving God does not guarantee earthly security (John 16:33)

 

The world finds itself in a similar situation to Israel as it has gone from a period of prosperity to exile due to a pandemic.  However, God remains in control with his plans for his people and the Church for their benefit and not their destruction (Jeremiah 29:11).  I pray that this study of the book of Jeremiah will bring hope and remind everyone that God is in control no matter what challenges the year 2021 brings.