Warning Against Idolatry

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22

 

1 Corinthians 10:14

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

(ESV)

 

In the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, there is a scene where they are about to make a human sacrifice to a statue of a pagan God. When we think of idolatry, this is the picture that usually goes through our minds. However, Jesus said that our hearts will be in what we treasure (Matthew 6:21). What we treasure is the idol in our lives and if it is not God, it is an idol in our lives that is of no use and will end up disappointing us. Paul’s warning to the Corinthians about idolatry can apply to every one of us.

 

Paul begins this text by telling the Corinthians that the Jews were under the protection of a cloud and miraculously passed through the Red Sea because God opened the sea for them to cross through (1 Corinthians 10:1). Not only did God protect them, but he also provided spiritual food for them to drink as well as water from a rock that followed them through the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:2-4). However, God was not pleased with them because of their idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:5).

 

The recording of the idolatry of Israel provides an example for us not to desire evil as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6). Paul then provides examples of Israel’s idolatry and the consequences (1 Corinthians 10:7-10). While these things happened long before the coming of Christ and the Corinthians coming to know Jesus as their Savior, Paul mentions them for instructional purposes, urging the Corinthians not to engage in idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:11). One must not think he or she can stand which is pride leading to a fall (Proverbs 16:18) but must flee the temptation to idolatry for God always makes a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

 

Paul urges the Corinthians to flee idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14). Paul believes he is speaking to sensible people and as such asks them to judge what he says (1 Corinthians 10:15). He then asks them to consider the Lord's Supper with the cup representing the blood of Christ and the bread the broken body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). Since the implements of the Lord’s supper represent the Body of Christ, partaking in them is symbolic of unity with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17). Likewise, the people of Israel were participants with the sacrifices offered on the altar (1 Corinthians 10:18). This does not imply that food offered to idols means anything for it is offered to demons and not God with Paul not wanting the Corinthians to participate with demons (1 Corinthians 10:19-20). Paul concludes this text by warning the Corinthians not to participate in duplicitous worship of the Lord and demons, provoking the Lord to Jealousy, believing they are stronger than the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:21-22).

 

Previously, Paul had written to the Corinthians regarding their freedom in Christ to eat food sacrificed to idols for an idol means nothing (1 Corinthians 3:4-6). However, the freedom to eat food offered to idols does have a limit. Out of love for fellow believers, one should abstain from eating such food in the presence of a believer who had former associations with the worship of idols because he or she may have the temptation to return to the worship of idols (1 Corinthians 8:7). However, there is no freedom to worship idols for God commanded us to have no other Gods (Exodus 20:1-3), something confirmed by Christ in the New Covenant (Matthew 22:34-40). Paul issues the warning in this text, so the Corinthian believers do not abuse the grace of God by believing they have the freedom to continue worshipping idols because God’s grace has forgiven them. Paul, one educated in the law and words of the prophets due to being a Pharisee knew that Judah engaged in duplicitous worship of God and Baal with the consequence of 70 years of exile (Jeremiah 2). Paul did not want the Corinthians to become spiritual whores, like Judah.

 

Most religions today do not require one to set up a shrine to a pagan god and bow down to it in worship, but this does not mean we cannot be guilty of idolatry. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, God evicted them from the Garden but more importantly, their sin caused spiritual death through spiritual separation from God, passed on from generation to generation (Genesis 3:22-24; Isaiah 59:2). This created a void in the human heart that people will fill with something. The people settling in the land of Shinar attempted to fill the void by building a tower to the heavens (Genesis 11:1-9). King Saul sought advice from a medium instead of inquiring of God because he was impatient (1 Samuel 28). Simon the magician, although a believer, trusted that his money could buy the gift of laying hands on people so they could receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:9-25). Jesus said our hearts will be in whatever we treasure (Matthew 6:21).

 

Believers should regularly check their hearts to determine if their heart treasures something other than God. Things that can come between us and God can be career, money, appearance, family, and even our service to God instead of our relationship with God. If we determine we have placed something above God in our hearts, we must surrender this idol to God and place Him back on the throne of our hearts. If you are reading this and have never prayed to accept Jesus as your Savior, placing Him on the throne of your heart, 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 Bible, the Yardstick for Truth.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 1

 

Ezekiel 1:1

In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

(ESV)

 

With this posting, we are beginning a verse-by-verse study of the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 1:1-3 sets the historical context of the prophecy as occurring during the exile in Babylon. Like most prophecies found in the Bible, it has specific application which in this instance are the people in exile but also has application in the lives of Christians today. Of most interest to Christians living today are the prophecies of Ezekiel 38-39:24 which foretell an attack by a coalition formed by Gog of the land of Magog against Israel. My prayer is that this study will challenge readers and give them hope in the chaotic times in which we live.

 

While with the exiles in the Chebar Canal, Ezekiel receives a vision from the Lord. The vision begins with him seeing a stormy wind coming out of the north accompanied by a great cloud surrounded by brightness and fire with gleaming metal in the fire (Ezekiel 1:4). In the fire Ezekiel sees four living creatures with human likenesses but based upon Ezekiel’s description of the creatures, these are not like any creature seen on earth (Ezekiel 1:5-14).

 

Each living creature had a wheel on the earth beside them with the appearance of the wheels like the gleaming of beryl (Ezekiel 1:15-16). The four creatures had the same appearance of gleaming beryl, appearing like a wheel within a wheel (Ezekiel 1:16). The creatures could go in any of their four directions without turning with the wheels going wherever the creatures went and rising as the creatures rose (Ezekiel 1:17-19). The creatures went wherever the spirit wanted to go for the spirit of the creatures was in the wheels (Ezekiel 1:20-21).

 

The next part of Ezekiel’s vision lets us know that the vision is heavenly for he sees an expanse above the creatures with the creatures standing still and letting down their wings when a voice comes out of the expanse (Ezekiel 1:22-25). Above the expanse, Ezekiel sees the likeness of a throne with one of human appearance seated on the throne (Ezekiel 1:26). However, the human likeness on the throne was gleaming and bright with the appearance of a rainbow (Ezekiel 1:27-28). Ezekiel realizes he is having a vision of the glory of the Lord and falls on his face and hears a voice speaking to him (Ezekiel 1:28).

 

Ezekiel was a priest living among the exiles in Babylon by the Chebar Canal. Since the hand of the Lord was upon him, he was not among the priests who had sinned by serving other gods but had remained true to the one true God. However, while living in exile, he might have had feelings of uselessness with no temple in which to serve God or offer sacrifices. God gives Ezekiel a vision of God’s glory as confirmation that even when in exile, God is still with him. However, one receiving a vision from God must question if the vision is from God or just one’s imagination. One could also argue that Ezekiel was copying what Isaiah had previously written (Isaiah 6). However, there are differences between the two visions.

 

Isaiah saw Seraphim but did not tell us how many, only that they had six wings covering their feet with two, their face with two, and flying with the other two (Isaiah 6:2). Isaiah also saw the creatures offering praise to God (Isaiah 6:3). Isaiah also saw the Lord with the seraphim above him (Isaiah 6:1). The creatures seen by Ezekiel are below the glory of God (Ezekiel 1:26-28) and cherubim something confirmed by Isaiah in Isaiah 37:16. Therefore, we conclude that both Isaiah and Ezekiel saw a vision from God since both saw different creatures, seraphim for Isaiah and cherubim for Ezekiel. In both cases, God is preparing the prophets for their ministry as a prophet of God, a high calling since it requires one hundred percent accuracy under the penalty of death (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). With this requirement for a prophet in mind, Ezekiel and Isaiah needed assurance that their vision was from God, before putting it in writing knowing discovery of any falsehood would result in their death.

 

Believers can still have visions for the prophet Joel told us that visions would occur in the last days (Joel 2:28), something fulfilled when the Holy Spirit fell on the 120 in the upper room (Acts 2:1-4,14-21). However, when we hear someone in ministry claiming to have a word or vision from God, we must test the word or vision against the Word of God. While we do not physically put false teachers to death in the New Covenant, God does warn believers not to fall for their deceptive visions or words from the Lord (2 Peter 2:1-3). This may seem simple but these deceptive teachers are often experts in stirring up emotions so we must be like the Bereans, detaching ourselves from emotional sensationalism, and remaining true to the Word of God (Acts 17:10-11).

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed to receive Jesus as your 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.

 

The word of God is the yardstick believers must use to test the validity of teaching from one declaring the Word of God. I encourage everyone reading this to remain diligent in their study of God’s Word so they can test teaching from the Bible and not become caught up in emotional sensationalism without testing teaching against God’s Word. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post.

Paul Surrenders His Rights

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 9

 

1 Corinthians 9:17-18

For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. ¹⁸ What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

(ESV)

 

In a free society like the United States where there is constitutional protection of one's freedom to speak, bear arms, and practice religion, the thought of surrendering these rights is unthinkable. The theme in the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible translation for 1 Corinthians 9 is “Paul surrenders his rights.” However, Paul is not surrendering his right to preach the Gospel but speaks of his right to receive compensation for his work in ministry. The fact that Paul speaks of receiving compensation for ministry as a right indicates there is nothing wrong with one receiving pay for his or her work in ministry, but Paul has chosen not to receive compensation and, in this chapter, provides his reasons. While it is not wrong for a minister to receive compensation, he or she must make sure they have the right attitude when they minister.

 

The text of 1 Corinthians 9 begins with Paul asking if he is free, an apostle, and one having seen Jesus with the Corinthian believers his workmanship and the seal of his apostleship in the Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1-2). Paul then begins the defense of his apostleship (1 Corinthians 9:3). He begins by asking if he has the right to eat, drink, and take along a believing wife like the other apostles (1 Corinthians 9:4-5). Paul then asks if it is only he and Barnabas who do not have a right to work for a living instead of receiving compensation from ministry (1 Corinthians 9:6). He then reminds his detractors that one serving as a soldier does not do so at his own expense, plant a vineyard without eating its fruit, or tend a flock without drinking some of the milk (1 Corinthians 9:7).

 

Paul is not saying these things by human authority for the law says not to muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain (1 Corinthians 9:8; Deuteronomy 25:4). The law regarding not muzzling the ox is not for the ox’s benefit but the farmer who has a right to receive financial benefit from his crop (1 Corinthians 9:9-10). Those in ministry that sow spiritual seed among their congregation also have a right to reap material things for their work with Paul and Barnabas also having this right (1 Corinthians 9:11-12). Paul and Barnabas have decided to surrender the right to compensation, so their compensation does not become an obstacle to furthering the work of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12). To further support one’s right to receive compensation for preaching the Gospel, Paul reminds them that those working in the temple shared in the sacrificial food and offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13). In similar fashion, those called to proclaim the Gospel have a right to compensation for their work (1 Corinthians 9:14).

 

Paul has surrendered his right to compensation and says he is not bringing up the topic to secure compensation, stating he would rather die than give up his right for boasting (1 Corinthians 9:15). Paul is not only abstaining from receiving compensation but is not boasting about preaching the Gospel without compensation but states he does it because it is a necessity due to the calling he has received from the Lord (Acts 13:44-47; 1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul’s choice to preach the Gospel free of charge is his choice with his reward the presentation of the Gospel and the fruit it produces like those finding Christ in Corinth (1 Corinthians 9:17-18).

 

By receiving no compensation for ministry, Paul becomes a servant to all to win some to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19). In his ministry, Paul becomes all things to all people not by compromising with their sins but by becoming relatable to them while ministering (1 Corinthians 9:20-22). In becoming relatable to others like those in Corinth, Paul has the reward of sharing in the blessing of seeing their lives changed (1 Corinthians 9:23).

 

Paul concludes with a comparison of ministering to a runner running a race (1 Corinthians 9:24). Athletes exercise self-control and discipline for a perishable prize but Paul for an imperishable prize, lives changed for eternity (1 Corinthians 9:25). Paul has a purpose in his ministry and does not minister aimlessly but does so for the eternal reward of seeing lives changed through the grace of God (1 Corinthians 9:26-27).

 

Paul preaches the Gospel without compensation so as not to place a stumbling block on the Corinthians by having their contributions to the Church used to pay his wages. Paul views his ministry as a stewardship granted to him in Christ due to his calling to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:44-47). Paul’s boasting is not him reverting to his pharisaical pride which led to his persecution of Christians but his desire to preach the Gospel in fulfillment of his calling from Christ and not for financial gain. Paul preaches the Gospel in the same manner as a runner running a race but not to win a perishable wreath but instead the prize of seeing both Jews and Gentiles saved by the blood of Christ. Paul’s purpose is not for personal gain but for people experiencing a life change like he did on the road to Damascus.

 

My pastor shared something with the congregation that occurred early in his ministry. He asked the senior pastor at the Church in which he worked why he worked in ministry. The answer concerned him for he said it was a living. My pastor learned a valuable lesson which he shared with the congregation that one in ministry must ensure they are not in ministry for personal gain but in fulfillment of their calling from Christ.

 

One in ministry does not minister for Christ, like an employee working for their employer but ministers to Christ as a steward of a high calling from God. When we minister to those in need, Jesus told His disciples they were giving food and drink to Him (Matthew 25:31-40). When we minister, we must remember we are not ministering for the Lord, taking pride in being a worker for the Lord but we minister to the Lord as stewards of the Gospel, out of love for what Jesus did for us.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to receive Jesus as your savior, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

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

 

I encourage anyone reading this, involved in ministry, to search their hearts to determine if they are ministering for the Lord as an occupation or to the Lord as a steward of the Gospel. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

God Answers Prayer but Will We Like the Answer?

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 83

 

James 5:16

 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

(ESV)

 

Prayer is a vital part of serving the Lord because it is how we communicate with God but God answers prayer according to His will and in His time. God’s answer to our prayers is yes, no, or wait. Since we can only see what is occurring now, we have no problem with an immediate yes but struggle with an answer of no or wait. In Psalm 83, Asaph has not received an instant yes answer to his prayer and struggles with waiting for an answer.

 

The Psalm begins with Asaph wondering why God keeps silent (Psalm 83:1). Apparently, Asaph has made his plea to God regarding the plans of Israel’s enemies against them before. He then presents his case by, reminding the Lord that these enemies are in an uproar and have raised their heads against Israel, laying crafty plans and collaborating with each other (Psalm 83:2-3). They are working together to completely wipe out Israel as a nation and the complete removal of the memory of them as a nation (Psalm 83:4-5). Asaph then lists the names of Israel’s enemies (Psalm 83:6-8).

 

Asaph then moves on to tell God what he would like to see happen to these enemies by reminding God of how he handled enemies of Israel in the past. He reminds the Lord of the defeat of Midian as to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon (Judges 6-7; Psalm 83:9-10). He then asks God to make the nobles of Israel’s enemies like Oreb and Zeeb and their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 7:25, 8:1-21; Psalm 83:11-12).

 

Asaph then makes a heartfelt plea to destroy Israel’s enemies. Asaph wants to see the enemies of Israel become like a whirling dust or like chaff before the wind (Psalm 83:13). He wants them destroyed like a fire consumes a forest and sets mountains ablaze (Psalm 83:14-15). Asaph wants the enemies of Israel put to shame so they may seek the Lord (Psalm 83:16). He wants them put to shame and dismay forever and to perish in disgrace that they may believe the Lord is the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:17-18).

 

This Psalm once again has Asaph in anguish of heart over the threat of attack on Israel by her enemies (Psalm 83:3-8). While the text does not provide the historical context of the writing of this Psalm meaning we do not know the specifics about when this occurred but based upon the number of nations attacking Israel, we know the situation is serious. Asaph believes God is keeping silent but still offers up another prayer to God. His prayer asks for God to deal with Israel’s enemies as He did in the past to Midian, Sisera, and Jabin at the river Kishon (Psalm 83:9). While God does not need a reminder of His past actions, Asaph does need a reminder to provide comfort to his anguished heart. Asaph concludes with his desire that the nations attacking Israel would know that the Lord alone is the Lord and the Most High over all the earth (Psalm 83:18).

 

When we pray to God, he hears us (Psalm 139:4; 1 John 5:14–15; 1 Peter 3:12) and will answer us but, will we like the answer? God’s answer to our prayers is Yes (Joshua 10:12-14), No (Matthew 26:36-46), or wait (Genesis 12:1-4; 17:1-4,19-21; 21:1-3). When the answer is wait, like it was for Asaph, we can begin to believe God did not hear us but in hindsight, we know God heard Asaph for Israel did return to their land and lives in it today. However, Israel still has enemies seeking to remove them from the land but has the promise of restoration with the promise of a descendant of David on the throne for eternity (Ezekiel 20:33-49; Jeremiah 33:17).

 

The text of Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that as we wait on the Lord, we gain renewed strength, mount up on wings like an eagle, run without weariness, and do not faint. Asaph provides an example of what to do while waiting,

 

1)      Be genuine with God, letting him know you believe he is silent, reminding Him of the situation (Psalm 83:1-8).

2)      Ask God to bring complete destruction to the situation troubling your heart (Psalm 83:9-17).

3)      Acknowledge God as the Most-High God over all the earth (Psalm 83:18).

 

If you are reading this and have not made a profession Of Jesus as your savior, receiving complete forgiveness of sin, 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.

 

We must remind ourselves that God always hears and answers our prayers, but the answer may be to wait. While waiting we must be genuine and honest with God, remind ourselves of how God has helped us in the past, and remember our Lord is Most High over all the earth. May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Build up With Love.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 8

 

1 Corinthians 8:1

Now concerning^[a] food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.

(ESV)

 

Individuals in the Church are at varying levels of spiritual maturity based upon their knowledge and application of the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds us that knowledge, even of the Word of God can puff one up with love building one up. The Apostle Paul is familiar with how one possessing a vast knowledge of Scripture can become puffed up and full of hatred against anyone challenging this knowledge as a Pharisee. However, on the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the love of God with the calling to bring the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles in love to build them up and not puffing them up with knowledge bringing others down.

 

In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul states that all in Corinth possess knowledge concerning food offered to idols with the caution that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Anyone imagining they know something does not know what he ought to know with one loving God known by God (1 Corinthians 8:2-3). The knowledge Paul is speaking of is the knowledge that an idol has no real existence because of their knowledge there is only one God, the God of the Bible (1 Corinthians 8:4). The gods represented by idols in Corinth were numerous but those in Corinth professing their love of God are known by God, the creator of all (1 Corinthians 8:5-6).

 

However, while the knowledge of the insignificance of idols was common, not all in the Church in Corinth possessed this knowledge without a weak conscience that could tempt them to sin. Those possessing this knowledge who had former associations with food offered to idols could have weak consciences that are easily defiled by eating food offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:7). Paul reminds the Corinthians that while eating food offered to idols does not make them better than anyone else nor are they worse off if they do eat (1 Corinthians 8:8). However, this right to freedom in Christ should be exercised with caution so as not to become a stumbling block to those with weak consciences that may become defiled (1 Corinthians 8:9-10). In this instance, the exercise of our freedom in Christ based on knowledge can puff us up, leading to our exercise of this freedom in the presence of a weak believer who may be tempted (1 Corinthians 8:11). This exercise of freedom in this instance becomes a sin against our brother or sister by wounding their weak conscience, causing the one possessing the knowledge to sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:12). Paul, therefore, concludes by saying if food offered to idols makes a brother, or sister, stumble, he will abstain from eating such food in his or her presence (1 Corinthians 8:13).

 

In previous chapters in 1 Corinthians, Paul addressed problems of division, immorality, and marital issues within the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 1 Corinthians 5). Now Paul moves on to food offered to idols and begins by stating that knowledge puffs up while love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). In Christ we no longer live under condemnation and have complete freedom from sin (Romans 8:1). While this knowledge was true, the Corinthians were using this knowledge to eat food offered to idols based upon Peter’s vision of the legality of all foods (Acts 10:9-16). Based on Paul’s writing, the Corinthians had become puffed up with the knowledge of their freedom in Christ, eating food offered to idols in the presence of weaker believers tempting them to return to their previous worship of idols. Paul’s lesson to the Corinthians is to be sensitive to the conscience and spiritual maturity of other believers and abstain from eating food offered to idols in their presence (1 Corinthians 8:7-13).

 

While the issue of eating foods offered to idols is not common in our modern society and thus not an issue that could become a stumbling block to a weaker believer, other issues could. For example, the consumption of alcohol by a believer. While Romans 8:1 does tell us that believers who do consume a drink are not under condemnation, it does advise doing so in moderation and not to become drunk (Ephesians 5:18; Titus 2:3). However, when in the presence of a believer saved out of alcoholism, one should not drink in his or her presence for doing so may result in their temptation to consume an alcoholic beverage, falling back into alcoholism. We must not become puffed up with the knowledge of our freedom in Christ but be sensitive to other believers in love, abstaining from activities that could cause them to sin.

 

If you are reading this post and have not prayed to make a profession of faith in 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.

 

Remember, knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. My prayer is that my fellow believers not become puffed up in their knowledge of the Word of God but lovingly build each other up with the Word of God, being sensitive to others' spiritual maturity. May God Challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Taking Care of Children, the Neediest in Society.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 82

 

Psalm 82:3-4

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
    maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
⁴ Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

(ESV)

 

This is not a good time to be a child in this world. First, I want to congratulate all the children that were born and not aborted but those that were born face many challenges from the woke culture. There is gender confusion as children have the option of surgery to change their gender even without parental permission in some states. Gay marriage is legal with gay couples adopting children raised without the influence of a father and mother. In addition, Critical Race Theory (CRT), taught in many public schools, pits one race against another making some children feel superior while others feel inferior. With children among the neediest individuals in society, the words of Asaph in Psalm 82 are applicable in our time.

 

Asaph has observed how the wicked afflict the weak and needy in his community and addresses God who sits in His place in the divine council (Psalm 82:1). God seems to show partiality to the wicked and is not executing just judgment (Psalm 82:2). Asaph then pleads with God to give justice to the weak and fatherless and to maintain the rights of the afflicted and destitute (Psalm 82:3). He also pleads with God to rescue the weak and needy, delivering them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:4). He reminds God that the wicked lack knowledge and understanding, walking in darkness with the foundations of the earth shaken (Psalm 82:5). However, Asaph realizes the wicked believe they are gods, sons of the Most-High God, but will die and fall like all men (Psalm 82:6-7). In the end, it is God who will judge the earth and inherit the nations (Psalm 82:8).

 

Asaph is concerned with the treatment of the poor and needy by the wicked in the world. While we do not know the historical context of Asaph’s writing, it could have occurred either before or after Israel and Judah went into exile. If this were the context, the wicked referred to in the psalm could be the Persians and Babylonians who invaded Israel and Judah, but Asaph could also be referring to the rulers and priests who were rebelling against God. With this context, I believe Asaph refers to the wickedness of the rulers and priests in Israel and Judah since he refers to them as sons of the Most-High (Psalm 82:6). However, Asaph could be referring to the wicked leaders of the nations invading Israel and Judah since he concludes by saying God will judge the earth and shall inherit all the nations (Psalm 82:8). Regardless of who Asaph is referring to as the wicked, all the wicked end in death (Psalm 82:7).

 

The absence of a historical context in Psalm 82 means it has application in any historical context. Therefore it has application in the current political and religious state of our society. The neediest people in our society are children who have total dependence on their parents, or in many cases one parent, to take care of their basic needs of food, shelter, and health care. In addition, parents who believe in God have a spiritual obligation to pass on their Godly heritage to the next generation (Psalm 145:3-7). Asaph emphasized the importance of passing on Godliness to the next generation in Psalm 78:4,6.

 

Out-of-control government spending is contributing to the high rate of inflation occurring in economies all over the world. Add to this, energy policies that prevent the drilling of oil domestically, making it necessary to import high-priced petroleum, which contributes to exorbitantly high gas prices. All of this makes it increasingly difficult for parents to pay for food and shelter for their children and gas to go to work. This problem is amplified for single parents having to meet the needs of their children with only one income. These wicked economic and inflationary policies are afflicting the poorest and neediest individuals in our society.

 

However, the most wicked policy in our society is the promotion of an ungodly woke culture in our society. For example, the bible explicitly states that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of all humanity, not just one particular race of people (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). CRT, taught in many public schools, teaches that some races of people deserve preferential treatment over others. Children of Christian parents subjected to CRT in school and told Jesus died for all races at home can be confused, having to decide whether their parents or the teacher are right. Children are not mentally or spiritually mature enough to make these decisions with the Bible giving this responsibility to parents to avoid confusion during the mentally and spiritually formative years of youth.

 

Unfortunately, the religious state of the Church in our modern society is lukewarm teaching either a works-based righteousness teaching salvation is dependent on one’s good works or free grace teaching God will save someone regardless of his or her sin. Jesus told the woman caught in adultery that she was forgiven and to go and sin no more (John 8:10-11) providing the balance in one’s life of salvation by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9) with one than growing in the knowledge of the Lord to sin less in their lives (Colossians 1:9-10).

 

If you are reading this and have not made a profession of faith 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. 

The Unmarried and the Married.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

 

1 Corinthians 7:26-27

 I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. ²⁷ Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.

(ESV)

 

Commitment is a rare commodity in our culture as evidenced by the high rate of divorce. Many avoid this commitment by either choosing to remain single or cohabitating together without any marriage commitment. The latter option is dangerous, especially in a relationship where children are involved because without any commitment to marriage, one can easily leave when the going gets tough, leaving the children without one of their parents. 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 provides guidelines for marriage from Paul which are wise guidelines to follow to preserve the sanctity of marriage and the value of the marriage commitment.

 

Paul begins the passage by letting us know what he is about to share is not a commandment from the Lord but his judgments that are trustworthy by the Lord’s mercy (1 Corinthians 7:25). Paul’s judgments begin with the statement that due to the present distress it is best if one remains in the marital state he or she is currently in (1 Corinthians 7:26-27). However, if a man or a betrothed women marries they have not sinned but will have worldly troubles Paul wishes to spare them from (1 Corinthians 7:28). Paul then makes what could be interpreted as a contradictory statement for he says men with wives should live as if he has none because the appointed time has grown short (1 Corinthians 7:29). He continues his thought by saying that those mourning should live as though not mourning, those rejoicing as if they were not, and those who buy as if they had no goods (1 Corinthians 7:30). Paul concludes this thought by saying that those dealing with the world should live as if they had no dealings with it for the present form of the world is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31).

 

Paul desires that the Corinthians be free of anxiety such as the anxiety of an unmarried man or a betrothed or unmarried woman having anxiety about how to please the Lord. He also wants married people to be free from the anxiety of how to please their spouse with their interests divided between pleasing the Lord and their spouse (1 Corinthians 7:32-34). Paul says these things for their benefit not to lay a restraint on anyone but, to promote good order and undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:35).

 

Anyone unable to restrain their sexual passions and not behaving properly toward his betrothed should marry, with it not sin (1 Corinthians 7:36). However one who has his passions under control and the determination to keep his betrothed as his betrothed also does well (1 Corinthians 7:37). One who marries does well and one able to refrain from marriage does better (1 Corinthians 7:38). A wife whose husband dies is free to marry another but in Paul’s judgment is better off if she remains a widow with Paul believing his judgments are from the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 7:39-40).

 

The Corinthians culture was a culture full of immorality with some of that immorality infiltrating the Church (1 Corinthians 5; 6:12-20). In the context of this immoral culture, there were probably questions regarding whether one who now believes in Jesus as his or her savior should remain married or unmarried and if betrothed, whether to marry. However, in this text, the Apostle Paul makes it clear he is not giving a commandment from the Lord but offering his judgment on the matter based on his knowledge of Corinthian culture.

 

One puzzling statement in this text is what Paul says in the second part of 1 Corinthians 7:29 where he tells men with wives to live as though they had none. One could interpret this to mean it was okay for men to divorce their wives but that contradicts what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:27 where he told married men not to seek freedom from their wives. Addressing perceived contradictions in scripture requires looking at the context of the scriptures. Both scriptures occur in the context of Paul offering his judgment regarding questions about the best marital status for believers in the immoral culture of Corinth. In 1 Corinthians 7:28, Paul states that those choosing to marry will have worldly troubles, troubles Paul wants to spare them of.

 

Paul then states that the appointed time has grown short in the first half of 1 Corinthians 7:29. The appointed time spoken of by Paul could be the same appointed time spoken of by Peter in Acts 3:19-21, which refers to the return of Christ to restore all things. Paul urged the Church in Thessalonica to comfort one another with the word of Jesus's return to take the Church to heaven with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul is not telling married men it is okay to divorce their wives but when viewed in the context of the return of Christ for His Church, urging married men to, along with their wives, act like the Lord is returning soon, focusing their lives on serving Christ while remaining married.

 

The current culture is immoral like that in Corinth but in the information age and the easy access to pornography, the temptation to commit adultery by looking at another woman is easily available. Not only is the easy access to pornography a temptation to commit adultery but it is also a time robber, robbing a believer of time they could and should spend in prayer and study of the Word of God. Therefore, the Church should apply the judgment of Paul regarding the unmarried and married in an immoral world. In addition, if the appointed time for the return of Christ was close in the time of Paul, it is even closer now, so I urge both married and unmarried believers to find comfort in the return of Christ and focus on serving Christ.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept Jesus as your personal savior, I urge 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.