Psalms of Asaph: God Himself is Judge

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 50

 

Psalm 50:6

The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge! 

(ESV)

 

With this post, we begin a study of the Psalms of Asaph. While we typically think the Psalms were written by David, Asaph wrote twelve of the Psalms. Asaph was one of the Levitical singers present when the ark was brought to the Temple (2 Chronicles 5:12). In Psalm 50, the topic is God Himself is judge, judging both the wicked and God’s people.

 

Asaph begins the Psalm with a declaration of God as the mighty one who shines out of Zion, the perfection of beauty (Psalm 50:1-2). When God comes, he is not silent but comes like a devouring fire and mighty tempest (Psalm 50:3). God calls for the gathering of His people so He can judge them (Psalm 50:4-6). God is not judging Israel for their lack of offering sacrifices for they have been faithful in continually offering the required sacrifices (Psalm 50:7-8).

 

God then states that He will not accept a bull from them because every beast of the forest, the cattle on a thousand hills, the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field belongs to the Lord (Psalm 50:9-11). God does not need animal sacrifices for food and instead seeks His people offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving, performing their vows unto the Lord most high, and for them to call on the Lord in times of trouble (Psalm 50:12-15).

 

God’s judgment of the wicked begins with God asking them what right they have to recite God’s statutes or speak of His covenant (Psalm 50:16). The wicked hate discipline and ignore God’s Words (Psalm 50:17). The wicked are pleased when they see a thief and keep company with adulterers (Psalm 50:18). The speech of the wicked is deceitful and evil with them speaking against their brother and slandering their own mother’s son (Psalm 50:19-20). God has remained silent about what the wicked have done causing them to believe God is just like them, but God is now about to rebuke them (Psalm 50:21). God warns the wicked to mark His words lest He tear them apart with none to deliver them (Psalm 50:22). However, one who offers thanksgiving as his or her sacrifice glorifies God with God showing salvation to those who order their ways rightly (Psalm 50:23).  

 

When addressing the Church in Ephesus, God commended their works, toil, and patient endurance. God also commended their testing of those who call themselves apostles, finding them to be false. However, God had one thing against them, they abandoned their first love (Revelation 2:1-4). Similarly, the Jews in Psalm 50 are faithful in their religious practices which are the offering of sacrifices to God (Psalm 50:8). God, however, rebukes them by reminding them that he has no need for animal sacrifices for every animal on earth belongs to Him (Psalm 50:9-13). Instead, God desires a sacrifice of thanksgiving from his people and for them to call out to God when in trouble (Psalm 50:14-15). The wicked have no right to recite God’s statutes because they lack discipline and associate with evil instead of having a relationship with God (Psalm 50:16-21). The wicked will incur God’s judgment whereas one offering thanksgiving as a sacrifice and ordering his or her life by God’s Word will have salvation (Psalm 50:22-23).

 

While the practice of spiritual disciplines is important in the life of a believer, it is not what saves them for their salvation is from the grace of God and not their works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, this does not mean the spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, and association with other believers are not important for these disciplines help in the development of a closer relationship with God the Father. God made a path to a relationship with Him through the death, burial, and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and now desires a relationship with us. Bible study teaches us about God and prayer is our line of communication with God, something even Jesus did (Luke 6:12). Association with other believers encourages us as we learn from the experiences of others who are also building a closer relationship with God (Hebrews 10:25). If you are reading this and do not have a relationship with God, I encourage you to begin a relationship with God 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. 

Personal Greetings and Instructions

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 16

 

Romans 16:17-18

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. ¹⁸ For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,^[f] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

(ESV)

 

Romans 16 is the conclusion of the Book of Romans. In this conclusion, Paul tells the Roman believers to greet people who will be able to provide leadership until Paul can visit them in person. He also provides final instructions and greetings from other Church leaders. The book ends with Paul’s doxology or prayer for the Roman believers.

 

1)      Introduction to fellow believers in Christ (Romans 16:1-16) – This section provides the names of fellow believers in Christ known by Paul who would provide help for the believers in Rome. Not all of these people are from Rome like Phoebe from the church at Cenchreae which is in Greece (Romans 16:1). There is also Epaenetus the first convert to Christ in Asia (Romans 16:5). However, it does not matter where these individuals are from, just that the Apostle Paul believes it is important for the believers in Rome to interact with them.

2)      Final instructions and greetings from other believers (Romans 16:17-23) – Paul issues some final instructions primarily instructing Roman believers to watch out for false doctrines that cause divisions within the body of Christ (Romans 16:17). Paul instructs them that these divisive teachings are contrary to the doctrines they have been taught, and that those spreading these deceptive doctrines do not serve the Lord but have self-serving motives (Romans 16:17-18). However, the obedience of the believers in Rome is well known and commendable with Paul encouraging them to be wise to what is good and innocent to what is evil (Romans 16:19). Paul reminds the Roman believers that they will soon crush Satan under their feet (Romans 16:20). Paul tells them of Church leaders who greet them (Romans 16:21-23).

3)      Doxology (Romans 16:25-27) – Paul prays for the strengthening of the Roman believers according to the Gospel, preaching of Jesus Christ, and the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages (Romans 16:25). This mystery that was a secret has now had revelation in Jesus Christ, the Word become flesh (John 1:14) with Jesus bringing fulfillment to Messianic Prophecies (Romans 16:26). Paul ends the book of Romans by giving glory to God forevermore through Jesus Christ (Romans 16:27).

 

As Paul brings his letter to the Romans to a conclusion, he wants to ensure the believers in Rome have leaders in place to continue their discipleship by equipping them with knowledge of the truth until he can visit them in person. Paul also provides instructions designed to prevent divisions within the church as well as a caution against deception (Romans 16:17-18). The obedience of believers in Rome is well known and something Paul wants to continue (Romans 16:19). He also shares greetings from Timothy, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. Additional greetings come from Tertius the scribe writing the letter to the Romans, Gaius Paul’s host, Erastus the city treasurer, and Quartus (Romans 16:21-23), providing encouragement from leaders in the Church. The letter ends with a prayer asking for God to empower the believers in Rome in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Matthew 28:19-20 instructs the Church to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Sadly, however, many Churches fail in making disciples for Christ and instead operate like the Church of Laodicea, a lukewarm Church trusting in its riches and prosperity, not believing it needs the Lord (Revelation 3:15-17). Instead of giving a feel-good message of riches and prosperity, it is time for the Church to be about discipleship. Discipleship involves evangelism (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), equipping (2 Timothy 3:10-17), empowering (Acts 1:4,8), and encouraging (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Instead of giving into the temptation to present unoffensive doctrine to increase attendance and contributions, instead lifting up Christ for that is what draws people into the Church (John 12:32).

 

Discipleship begins with evangelism or one asking Jesus to be their Savior. This first step is necessary for all have sinned and are separated from God (Ephesians 2:12-13; Romans 3:23). If you are reading this and have never taken this first step of discipleship, 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.

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a Church in their area that teaches the Bible so they can continue the discipleship process in their lives. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Judah Exiled to Babylon

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 52

 

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)

 

Jeremiah 52 is the last chapter in the book of Jeremiah and provides a summary of the consequences of Judah’s duplicitous worship of God and Baal. The test of a prophet is whether what he or she says comes true (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The narrative of Jeremiah 52 indicates that Jeremiah has passed the test of a prophet. This narrative vindicates Jeremiah by showing that,

 

1)      Jerusalem fell (Jeremiah 52:1-11) – Jerusalem fell at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar as foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 21:7; 25:9).

2)      The Temple was destroyed and pillaged (Jeremiah 52:12-23) – Like Shiloh that was abandoned because of the wickedness of Israel, the Temple fell as foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 7:12-15; Psalm 78:60).

3)      The people of Judah were exiled to Babylon (Jeremiah 52:24-30) – Judah went into exile as foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:6).

4)      Jehoiachin was released from prison (Jeremiah 52:31-33) – Jehoiachin was brought back (Jeremiah 28:4).

 

God has warned the people of Judah and Jerusalem about their duplicitous worship of God and Baal and its consequences both in Deuteronomy 28 and throughout the book of Jeremiah. However, rather than repenting of their sin, the people continue in sin and ignore the word of the Lord coming through Jeremiah. Seventy years of exile have begun and will end with the declaration of King Cyrus of Persia that not only allows the exiles to return but also provides what they will need to rebuild (Ezra 1). The exile of the people of Jerusalem and Judah is not for their destruction but their discipline which is for their good (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

Like the exiles in Judah, Christians can suffer consequences if they do not heed the warnings of the Word of God. While we commonly think of the book of Revelation as prophecy regarding the end times, Revelation 2-3 are letters to the angels of seven churches. In the letter to the seventh church, the church in Laodicea, the Lord told them they were neither hot nor cold but lukewarm with the Lord spewing them out of his mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). The reason for their lukewarmness is their trust in their riches and prosperity, believing they do not need anything when God sees them as wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17). God urges the Laodiceans to repent and turn to him because he is standing at the door knocking and ready for them to invite Jesus in (Revelation 3:18-20).

 

As the church finds itself in the last days spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24-25, we must not be like the Laodicean church but like the Church in Philadelphia that kept the Word of God and did not deny the name of the Lord (Revelation 3:8). The Lord has provided an open door for this Church through which they will escape the hour of trial coming upon the world, a reference to the rapture (Revelation 3:8,10). However, God has closed the door for the Laodicean Church, waiting for them to repent and reopen the door. This is a word of warning to the Church today, do not be like the Laodicean Church but like the Church in Philadelphia. We all need Jesus for we all have sinned (Romans 3:23). If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to do so by praying with me now for the Lord stands knocking at the door of your heart waiting for you to invite Him in,

 

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. 

Pride in Christ, not Self.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 15:14-33

 

Romans 15:18-19

For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, ¹⁹ by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.

(ESV)

 

Proverbs 16:18, cautions us against pride, mentioning that it precedes destruction and a haughty spirit going before a fall. In Romans 15:17 Paul mentions having pride in his work for God, leading us to wonder if the Apostle Paul is setting himself up for destruction and a fall. To answer that question, we must distinguish whether the source of Paul’s pride is self-centered or Christ-centered.

 

While Paul’s primary ministry was to the Gentiles, he also shared the Gospel message with fellow Jews wherever he went (Acts 9:20, 13:5, 14:1, 17:1). In his role of a minister to the Gentiles, Paul tells the believers in Rome how he is satisfied with them because they are full of goodness, knowledge, and able to instruct one another (Romans 15:14). However, in this letter to the Romans, Paul has written boldly on certain points as a reminder because of the grace given him as minister to the Gentiles (Romans 15:15-16). Paul’s mention of pride regarding his work for God is in the context of one humbly acknowledging he does not seek to speak of anything except what Christ has done through him to bring the Gentiles to obedience (Romans 15:17-21).

 

As part of his continuing ministry to the Gentiles, Paul plans to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Romans 15:22-24). However, he must stop in Jerusalem on the way to deliver an offering given to him in Macedonia and Achaia as gratitude for their sharing the spiritual blessings of Christ with them (Romans 15:25-27). After delivering the offering, Paul intends to come to Rome on his way to Spain knowing he is coming in the fullness of the blessing of Christ (Romans 15:28-29). Paul then asks for prayer from the believers in Rome for deliverance from unbelievers in Judea (Romans 15:30-33).

 

While the Bible reminds us that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18), the proverb occurs in the context of one seeking wisdom, avoiding evil, with lowliness of spirit, and heeding instruction (Proverbs 16:16-20). The pride cautioned against in Proverbs 16:18 is pride from a haughty spirit seeking self-aggrandizement and not pride in the work of Christ through their ministry coming from a humble spirit. Paul mentions his intention to visit Spain after Rome, indicating he did not intend to pridefully rest on his accomplishments but that he believed the Lord had more for him to do. Paul was not self-seeking in his ministry but instead sought that the Holy Spirit’s power would have demonstration through his ministry (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

 

One of the greatest temptations in a ministry growing in numbers is to begin believing the growth in ministry is due to the minister’s abilities. This is why a minister must maintain a spirit of humility like that of the Apostle Paul to avoid destructive pride (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Proverbs 16:18). One having growth in their ministry must remember that it is the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit that brings growth to his or her ministry (1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Romans 15:18-19). An increasingly corrupt world does not need narcissistic self-seeking ministers touting their own abilities and accomplishments but needs humble ministers pointing people to a deeper personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus, the Son of God did not come in pride but instead came to suffer and die for the sins of humanity, including those nailing him to the cross. Like the Apostle Paul, Jesus demonstrates the humble spirit of a servant leader, more interested in providing a path to a personal relationship with God through his death on the cross than personal aggrandizement. If you are reading this and do not have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, 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. 

Babylon’s Utter Destruction

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 51:1-64

 

Jeremiah 51:6

“Flee from the midst of Babylon;
    let every one save his life!
Be not cut off in her punishment,
    for this is the time of the Lord's vengeance,
    the repayment he is rendering her.

(ESV)

 

A world becoming increasingly more hostile to Christians causes Christians to relate to Israel and Judah when in exile in Babylon. Besides not being able to gather during Covid, the culture asks Church leaders to perform Gay weddings and support a woman’s choice to have an abortion which is murder. They must be tolerant of gender change as a new normal, which is a slap in the face of God, telling Him that the gender they had at birth was a mistake by their creator God. However, just like the ending of the exile in Babylon, Christians in exile in an increasingly evil world will end when the Lord returns (Revelation 19:11-21).

 

1)      The Lord has declared His intention to stir up the spirit of a destroyer against Babylon from the kings of the Medes (Jeremiah 51:1-11) – The word of the Lord from Jeremiah not only warns Babylon of their pending destruction but tells them where the attack will be from and who the attackers are. Not only does this word warn Babylon of its destruction but tells the exiles from Judah and Israel to flee to escape the vengeance of the Lord (Jeremiah 51:6).

2)      The destruction is certain and complete (Jeremiah 51:12-23) – The Lord is taking vengeance on Babylon for its treatment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple (Jeremiah 51:11). Therefore, the Lord’s intention to destroy Babylon will be carried out for God’s intentions always come to pass.

3)      The certain and complete destruction of Babylon brings comfort to the exiles of Judah in Babylon (Jeremiah 51:24-64) – Even though Israel and Judah are in exile, they are not forsaken by God and will be redeemed. However, a lengthy time in exile comes with doubts but these doubts ease with this word foretelling the destruction of Babylon. The seventy-year exile of Israel is for Israel and Judah’s correction and not their destruction (Jeremiah 29:11).

 

Jeremiah 50 is about the judgment against Babylon and Jeremiah 51 is about the destruction of Babylon. While both passages call for the complete destruction of Babylon, Babylon’s mention in Revelation 18 indicates a possible contradiction in Scripture and the possibility Jeremiah’s prophecy is false, making him a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). However, the prophecy of Jeremiah does come true, just not until the last days. Jeremiah is not a false prophet because his prophecy regarding Babylon does come true, just not during the time of Judah’s exile. Even though the exiles would not see the total fulfillment of the prophecy against Babylon, the Lord chooses to give this word to Jeremiah to provide comfort to the exiles, letting them know the days of Babylon and their oppression is ending. Babylon will experience complete destruction, just not until the Lord returns.

 

While there is a country of Babylon, Babylon also represents a world system of immorality and greed destined to fall (Revelation 18:9-21). Christians living in this world today can relate to the exiles in the time of Jeremiah and like these exiles seek deliverance from the system of Babylon we live in. Like the Jewish exiles, we have hope in the destruction of Babylon and its system of immorality and greed foretold in Revelation 18. God instructed those in exile to flee before the Lord unleashed his vengeance on Babylon (Jeremiah 51:6). Believers in exile today will also escape the vengeance of the Lord through the rapture of the Church (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Revelation 4:1). Until that day, the Church must focus on fulfilling its mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). If you are reading this and have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins so you can escape His vengeance, I invite 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Christ, the Example of Hope for Jews, and Gentiles

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 15:1-13

 

Romans 15:8-9

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, ⁹ and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

(ESV)

 

 

Jesus demonstrated selfless leadership because He is God who left the glory of heaven to take on flesh and suffer an excruciating death on the cross to pay for the sins of all humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8). Not only did Jesus provide an example of selfless leadership but his sacrificial death for the sins of humanity means salvation is available to all for it is a gift and not something earned through good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, like any gift, one must accept it and open it up for it to have any value to the recipient.

 

Christians should bear with the failings of those weak in the faith, not to please ourselves by lording over them with religious superiority but to build them up (Romans 15:1-2). Jesus did not please himself by lording over others but instead took on the reproaches or sins of others, including those putting him on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21; Luke 23:34; Romans 15:3). Scripture reminds us that what was previously written was done for our instruction and encouragement giving people hope (Romans 15:4). Paul’s prayer is that the God of endurance and encouragement may grant us to live in harmony with one another in accord with Jesus, glorify the God and Father of Jesus, and welcoming one another like Christ has welcomed us (Romans 15:5-7).

 

Christ became a servant of the Jews to show His faithfulness and confirm the promises given to the patriarchs so the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy (John 10:16; Psalm 18:49; Romans 15:8-9). Jesus also provides hope for the Gentiles so they can rejoice and praise the Lord (Isaiah 11:10; Psalm 117:1; Romans 15:10-12). The passage concludes with Paul praying that the God of hope will fill his readers with all joy and peace in believing so they can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).  

 

In this section of Romans, Paul teaches how believers are to live for Christ. In Romans 15:1-7, Paul teaches how Jesus provided the perfect example of selfless leadership by making himself a reproach, even though he knew no sin, so sinners could have forgiveness from sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8). This forgiveness is available to all, Jews and Gentiles because it is not dependent on one’s works but the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). This fulfills Isaiah 11:10 with the root of Jesse, Jesus, as the one all nations shall inquire of, providing a resting place of His glory for all.

 

Everyone reading this needs a savior for all of us have sinned and missed the mark with God (Romans 3:23). To make matters worse, this missing the mark is a capital crime with God (Romans 6:23) but Jesus came to die for sinners so they can have forgiveness from sin and eternal life (Romans 5:8, 6:23). This gift of salvation is also available to all for it is not dependent on one’s good works or ones heritage but a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you have never done so, I invite you to pray with me now and receive this gift of God’s grace,

 

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

 

I encourage those that just prayed to find a church teaching the Bible so they are equipped with the truth which sets people free (John 8:32). Believers also need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live a transformed life like Peter who went from a denier of Christ to one boldly preaching the Gospel (Acts 2; Matthew 26:69-75). Believers also need encouragement from the Word of God, knowing Jesus is coming back, and through fellowship with other believers (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Acts 27:36; Romans 15:4). May God challenge and bless everyone reading this. 

Ambassadors With a Mission

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Jeremiah 50

 

Jeremiah 50:2

“Declare among the nations and proclaim,
    set up a banner and proclaim,
    conceal it not, and say:
‘Babylon is taken,
    Bel is put to shame,
    Merodach is dismayed.
Her images are put to shame,
    her idols are dismayed.”

(ESV)

 

In a culture supporting the death of unborn babies, gay marriage, and gender reassignment or telling God He made a mistake with the gender He gave us at birth, Christians can experience feelings of exile like that experienced by Israel and Judah in the time of Jeremiah. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells Christians they are ambassadors for Christ or representatives of a nation living in a foreign, and often hostile land. In the role of ambassadors, Christians have a mission, spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Part of discipling people for Christ is bringing encouragement or hope which for Christians is the hope of Jesus returning in the air to take His Church or bride home to be with him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). For Judah, the encouragement is Jeremiah 50, foretelling the destruction of Babylon.

 

The passage begins with a declaration to the nations that Babylon has been taken along with her gods, images, and idols either dismayed or put to shame (Jeremiah 50:1-2). The reason for this destruction is an invasion by a nation from the north (Jeremiah 50:3). At the same time as this declaration of Babylon’s destruction, the people of Israel and Judah come together and seek the Lord (Jeremiah 50:4-5). God’s people have lost their way and find themselves in exile for their sins but are now told to leave Babylon, the place of their exile because judgment is coming to Babylon (Jeremiah 50:6-16).

 

Israel and Judah have been driven away from their land by lions and are now like hunted sheep, but God will pardon those He left as a remnant (Jeremiah 50:17-20). The Lord commands the invading army from the north to go up against Babylon, leaving the land in utter destruction (Jeremiah 50:21-27). God’s people escape from the land of Babylon to declare in Zion that this is the vengeance of the Lord and for his temple (Jeremiah 50:28-32). God’s people have a strong redeemer with the power to rescue the oppressed people of Israel and Judah from their oppressors (Jeremiah 50:33-38). The destruction of Babylon is so extensive, comparable to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, that no one shall dwell there (Jeremiah 50:39-40). The invaders of Babylon have no mercy and are cruel (Jeremiah 50:41-43). This is the plan of God for Babylon with Babylon’s fall heard among the nations, causing the earth to tremble (Jeremiah 50:44-46).

 

Jeremiah 50 appears in the context of the Book of Jeremiah, leading the reader to believe the destruction foretold in the passage concerns judgment from God occurring during or soon after the 70-year exile of Israel and Judah. The Medes and Persians did conquer Babylon during the exile of the Jews (Daniel 5:30-31), leading to Babylon’s loss of national sovereignty, indicating the fulfillment of this judgment during the exile. However, The Persians did not completely destroy Babylon, for Babylon is mentioned again in Revelation 18, indicating Babylon was not completely destroyed during the exile but will be destroyed in the last days (Revelation 18:21). Babylon the Great from Revelation 18:2 also symbolically speaks of the fall of the secular world system full of immorality and luxurious living without God (Revelation 18:1-3). The complete fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah 50 and the complete destruction of Babylon does not occur until the last days and the return of Christ (Revelation 18). The word of warning in Jeremiah 50 would have not only warned Babylon of God’s coming judgment but also provided comfort to the exiles.

 

As Christians living in an ungodly world, it can feel like we are living in exile. We live in a world of immorality, perversion, greed, and ungodly leadership. What people once considered unlawful is now acceptable with those living by the law and enforcing the law considered evil. This is the system of Babylon the Great, destined for destruction when Christ returns (Revelation 19:11-21). Until Christ’s return, the Church has a mission to spread the Gospel, make disciples, and be ambassadors for Christ in a foreign land the secular world of Babylon the Great (2 Corinthians 5:20; Mark 16:15; Mathew 28:19-20). My prayer is that the Church would focus on its mission and role as ambassadors, not compromising with Babylon the Great. If you are reading this and have never accepted 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.

Discipleship Not Legalism

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 14:13-23

 

Romans 14:13

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 

(ESV)

 

Many in the secular world view Christianity as a set of legalistic rules one must follow to earn forgiveness of sin in their life. This is a lie for salvation is a gift from God, given to humanity by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, Christianity is about discipleship or developing a close personal relationship with God who loves us so much that he sent His son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus commanded his followers to make disciples and not hinder people with a set of legalistic rules and regulations.

 

Building upon the teaching of Romans 14:1-12, Paul urges the Roman believers not to pass judgment but to replace judgment with deciding not to place any hindrance in the way of another believer (Romans 14:13). Paul continues his thoughts with his persuasion that in the Lord nothing is unclean but only unclean when one thinks it is (Romans 14:14). For this reason Paul says that to eat what another brother deems as unclean in his or her presence is not walking in love, cautioning us not to destroy the one Christ died for (Romans 14:15). We must avoid what we may deem as good but spoken of by others as evil because the kingdom of God is not about what one eats or drinks but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:16-17). It is when one serves Christ focusing on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit that one’s service is acceptable to God and approved by men (Romans 14:18). Therefore, the Church should pursue what makes for peace and building up disciples (Romans 14:19).

 

Paul continues by telling us not to destroy the work of God who has declared all things clean and make another brother or sister stumble by what we eat (Romans 14:20). It is good to abstain from certain food or drink if it prevents a brother or sister from stumbling (Romans 14:21). We should keep the faith we have regarding what we can eat or drink between us and God with one blessed when he or she has no reason to pass judgment upon him or herself for what he or she eats or drinks (Romans 14:22). If one eats and has doubts as to whether he or she can eat it, bringing condemnation upon him or herself for they are eating from faith for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

 

Romans 14:13-23 is a continuation of Romans 14:1-12 regarding why Christians are not to judge one another. Using the example of judging someone for eating foods forbidden by Jewish law. It is probable that the judging of new Gentile believers by Jewish believers was a significant issue and threatened to cause the new Gentile believers to abandon the faith. This is not the first discussion of this topic in Scripture for Peter had a vision of unclean animals with the Lord telling him to eat (Acts 9:9-16). Peter is reluctant but obediently goes to Caesarea with Cornelius and his family saved and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:34-48). Would God have given Peter this vision if He intended that Gentile believers needed to obey the dietary regulations of Jews? The answer is no because the mission of the Church is not to police a set of legalistic standards but instead to share the message of the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20), telling people they need to repent of their sins and accept the gift of grace that God sent his son, not to condemn the world but to save the world (John 3:16-17). This gift of grace is not something one earns, but freely given by God because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9).

 

For many in the secular world, becoming a Christian means one must follow a set of rigid rules and no longer have fun. While this is not biblical (Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8), it is sadly a reputation many believers promote when discipling others. While the mission of the Church is to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), discipling others is not about placing a rigid set of rules on people to follow for that system existed before the coming of Jesus. If one could be saved by following  b the rules as outlined in the Old Testament, there would have been no need for Jesus to come and die on the cross. There are four E’s of discipleship,

 

1)       Evangelism – All people have sinned and live under the death penalty (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The good news of the Gospel is that God has provided a gift of Salvation because Jesus came to die for sinners (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:8; 6:23). All one must do to accept this gift is confess their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10).

2)      Equipping (2 Timothy 3:10-17) – When teaching his protégé Timothy, Paul taught that all scripture comes from God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. While Paul directed these words at Timothy, they are beneficial for Christians today who live in a world dominated by lies. The truth contained in the Word of God sets people free (John 8:32).

3)      Empowering – Jesus knew the persecution His Disciples would encounter and why he told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4,8). The transformation in the life of Peter demonstrates the importance of this empowerment with Peter going from a denier of Christ (Matthew 26:69-75) to one preaching an evangelistic message about Jesus with 3000 coming to believe (Acts 2:14-47).

4)      Encouragement – Believers in Christ have a calling to encourage one another with the truth that Jesus is coming back (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Not only this, but we also have encouragement in knowing that absence from our bodies by death ushers a believer into the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Encouragement also comes through association with other believers in Christ and why one should regularly attend Church services (Hebrews 10:25).

 

If you are reading this and have not begun the discipleship process by accepting God’s free gift of Salvation, 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.