Which Judgment Will You Be Part of?

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 75

 

Psalm 75:1

At the set time that I appoint
    I will judge with equity.

(ESV)

 

Frivolous lawsuits brought before a court of law waste the court's time and can cost innocent people large sums of money, but they can also be humorous like the case of Chambers v. God in Nebraska. In the case, Chambers, a state senator, sued God for acts of terrorism against the state to protest the filing of frivolous lawsuits. The suit asked for God to cease and desist from causing floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, plagues, famines, droughts, wars, birth defects, and the like. (1) The court dismissed the case because God does not have an address, so the court was unable to issue God a summons. Chambers did have his day in court, alleging that since God is omnipresent, he is present in the courtroom, but the court still threw out the case because it could not issue God a summons. Psalm 75 reminds us that unlike human courts, God judges with equity.

 

The congregation singing this song begin with thanks to God, knowing He is near, recounting His wondrous deeds (Psalm 75:1). God then reminds us that at a set time appointed by God, God will judge with equity with this judgment occurring at a time when the earth totters along with its inhabitants with God keeping the pillars of the earth stable (Psalm 75:2-3). God then issues a warning to the boastful and wicked not to be boastful, lift themselves up, or speak with haughtiness (Psalm 75:4-5).

 

Lifting oneself up does not come from the east, west, or wilderness because it is God who executes judgment lifting one up and putting one down (Psalm 75:6-7). Asaph then refers to a cup of foaming wine in the hand of the Lord that the wicked drink completely (Psalm 75:8). This is perhaps a reference to the cup of wrath partaken in at the Passover dinner, something the wicked will have their fill of. Asaph concludes the Psalm with a declaration to forever sing the praises of the God of Jacob (Psalm 75:9). When judgment comes, the horns of the wicked will be cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up (Psalm 75:10).

 

With the knowledge of a future judgment by God lifting up the righteous and putting down the wicked, one must determine how to be on the side of the righteous. Revelation 20:11-15 is a prophecy about a future judgment, the White Throne Judgment. This judgment is to determine if one’s name is found in the Book of Life with those not found in the book thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). However, the Great White Throne Judgment is not a judgment of sin because sin was already judged by God on the cross where Jesus took the penalty of sin upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8, 6:23). Therefore, the Great White throne judgment is for those whose names have been blotted out of the book of life for not accepting God’s judgment of sin through Christ, receiving forgiveness from sin and becoming the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 3:21-22). 

 

Since the Great White throne Judgment has not occurred yet, there is still time for one to escape it through acceptance of the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross, taking the death penalty for sin upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23). Those choosing to accept God’s gift of salvation through Christ are those eagerly waiting for the appearance of Christ the second time not to deal with sin but to take His people home (Hebrews 9:27-28; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept God’s gift of salvation through 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.

 

1. Falsani, Cathleen. You can sue God, but you can't win. huffpost.com. [Online] Huffpost, November 21, 2008. [Cited: July 22, 2023.] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/you-can-sue-god-but-you-c_b_136453.

Belonging to Christ

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 3

 

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, ²² whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, ²³ and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

(ESV)

 

We live in a divided world and with this divisiveness comes hatred. Divisiveness in our modern culture over race, sexual orientation, and political affiliations leads to name-calling, separation of friends, and even violence. A culture so divided is an immature culture full of hatred and violence.

 

There was immaturity in the Church in Corinth and for that reason, Paul could not address them as spiritual people but as people of the flesh because of divisions in the Church. These divisions revolved around some believing they should follow a flesh and blood leader instead of following Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). To eliminate these divisions, Paul asks the question of who Apollos or Paul are, answering the question that they are servants of Christ through whom they came to believe (1 Corinthians 3:5). Each of these individuals had a role to play in the conversion of the Corinthians with Paul planting, Apollos watering, and God giving growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). The one planting and watering mean nothing with the need to focus on God providing the growth (1 Corinthians 3:7). Divisions in the Church over whether one follows the one planting or the one watering are not to occur for the Church belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:8-9).

 

The only foundation upon which the Church should build is a foundation built upon Christ as the Messiah the Son of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:10-11; Matthew 16:13-20). If anyone builds upon a foundation of gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, what they build will be tested by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). The worker will receive a reward for whatever survives the testing by fire and suffer loss for what does not survive but he will survive (1 Corinthians 3:14-15). We are the temple of God full of the Holy Spirit with God destroying anyone trying to destroy His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

 

Paul cautions the Corinthians not to fall into deception, believing they are wise in their mind of flesh but to instead become fools so they may become wise in the things of God (1 Corinthians 3:18). The fleshly wisdom of the world is folly to God, with God catching them in their craftiness, with God knowing the futility of their thoughts (1 Corinthians 3:19-20). Paul concludes this passage by telling the Corinthians not to boast in men like himself, Apollos, or Cephas but in Christ to whom they belong (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).

 

The Corinthian Church was a divided Church with believers finding their identity in men instead of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4). This identification with men who are servants of God limits the spiritual growth of the Corinthians because the men they identified with had flaws (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23). Jesus knew no sin and was without flaws and despite having no flaws, he loved sinful humanity so much, he chose to die for their sins as a substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23). Paul is challenging the Corinthians to grow by finding their identity in Christ and not a messenger of Christ. The trials of life test the foundation upon which one builds their faith, like testing by fire. If the foundation of one’s faith is of gold, silver, or precious stones, it will withstand and have refinement by the fires of life. However, if the foundation is of flesh, made of wood, hay, or straw, testing by the fires of life will consume it. Paul wants the Corinthians to build their faith on the solid foundation of gold, silver, and precious stones, or Jesus Christ.

 

The Apostle Paul did not have social media or mass media to assist him in the spread of the Gospel and had to physically travel from place to place to spread the message of the Gospel. Despite this lack of tools to instantly spread the message of the Gospel, Paul achieved celebrity status with some in Corinth finding their spiritual identity in Paul and not Christ. In our present age of mass media, social media, and blogs, a minister of the Gospel can quickly achieve celebrity status with people identifying with them instead of Christ. Ministers of the Gospel must guard against their congregations viewing their minister as a celebrity or idol to worship and encourage them to find their identity in Christ as children of God (1 John 3:1). As believers in Christ, we must guard our hearts not to place those ministering to us on a pedestal as an idol. Instead, we should test their teaching as Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) testing the validity of what they heard against the Word of God. If you are reading this and have not entered into a personal relationship with Christ so you can identify as a child of God, 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 bless everyone reading this post. 

Rejecting the Fear of Man with the Truth

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 74

 

John 8:31-32

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

(ESV)

 

Living in the information age means that information is plentiful and readily available. Unfortunately, much of this information is lacking a valuable ingredient, the ingredient of truth. This ingredient is important because it is the ingredient of information that sets one free. Like the Bereans who daily examined Scripture, believers must daily expose themselves to the truth of God’s word to discern false teaching (Acts 17:10-11).

 

Asaph is in anguish asking God why he has cast off Israel forever and why His anger appears to smoke against the sheep of His pasture (Psalm 74:1). Asaph asks God to remember His congregation purchased of old and redeemed as the tribe of God’s heritage (Psalm 74:2). Asaph asks God to direct His steps to the perpetual ruins for the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary (Psalm 74:3).

 

Asaph then provides details of the plight of Israel. The foes of Israel have roared into God’s meeting place and set up their own signs (Psalm 74:4). Like those that swing axes in a forest of trees, the enemy has broke down all the carved wood with hatchets and hammers (Psalm 74:5-6). The enemy has profaned the Temple where God dwells, vowing to subdue Israel by burning all the meeting places of God (Psalm 74:7-8).

 

Adding to the anguish of Asaph is the fact Israel sees no sign from God with no prophets knowing how long the enemy will prevail (Psalm 74:9-10). Asaph then asks why God holds back His hand and does not destroy the enemy (Psalm 74:11). Asaph then remembers how God is from of old and works salvation amid the earth (Psalm 74:12). God’s might has divided the sea, broke the heads of sea monsters, and crushed the heads of leviathan, giving them as food for the creatures of the wilderness (Psalm 74:13-14). God split open springs and brooks, dried up ever-flowing streams, owns the day and night, and establishes the heavenly lights and the sun (Psalm 74:15-16). God has established the boundaries of the earth and made summer and winter (Psalm 74:17).

 

Asaph reminds God of how the enemy scoffs and foolish people revile God’s name (Psalm 74:18). Asaph then pleads with God not to deliver Israel’s soul to the wild beasts and not to forget the life of the poor (Psalm 74:19). Asaph asks God to have regard for the covenant because the land is full of habitations of violence and not to let the downtrodden turn back in shame but to let the poor and needy praise the name of the Lord (Psalm 74:20-21). Asaph concludes with a plea for God to defend His cause, remembering how the foolish scoff at Him all day (Psalm 74:22). He also pleads for God not to forget the clamor of His foes and the uproar of those that rise against God continually (Psalm 74:23).

 

Asaph is in anguish at seeing the destruction of everything in the sanctuary and the foes of God setting it on fire (Psalm 74:3,7). In addition, there are no longer any signs from God or prophets to tell them how long God will allow His foes to scoff and refile His name. In his anguish, Asaph questions God regarding how long before He will destroy His enemies. However, instead of giving up on God, Asaph remembers how God has delivered His people in the past and how He created the stars and sun, fixed the boundaries of the earth, and made summer and winter. Empowered by this knowledge, Asaph asks God to remember His covenant with his people not to leave them but to be with them forever (Deuteronomy 4:31). Asaph’s anguish finds comfort in God’s promise not to leave His people defenseless.

 

Jesus warned His Disciples that in this world they would experience tribulation but promised He overcame the world (John 16:33). Even though Jesus warned His believers of tribulation, this does not lessen the anguish believers can feel when the world rejects them because of their faith. Faith for salvation comes to us by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17), but faith by hearing the word of God does not end with salvation but is the truth that sets one free (John 8:32). To be free from the snare of the fear of men (Proverbs 29:25) and the anguish of tribulation and persecution from man, one must regularly expose him or herself to the truth of God’s word that that sets us free.

 

The initial receiving of faith through hearing the word of God brings one to salvation for the truths of Scripture are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). If you are reading this and have not prayed to receive forgiveness from sin by accepting 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Wisdom from the Spirit

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 2

 

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

(ESV)

 

In the process of going through old items in my home, my wife and I ran across an old set of encyclopedias. For my younger readers, these were books containing information, the Google of the time. While there was a time lag waiting for the latest editions of the encyclopedias, this lag time made it possible for editors to review the information for accuracy before publication, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information. Information on the internet is instantaneously available but lacks an editing process ensuring accuracy, leaving the review process to the reader of the information. The apostle Paul was more than qualified to teach from Scripture but did not want people to depend on his wisdom but the wisdom of the Spirit of God.

 

As a Pharisee, Paul could have made a lofty argument for Jesus as Messiah when he approached the Corinthians but instead decided to know nothing and proclaim Jesus Christ crucified to them (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). His reason for this was his desire to have the faith of the Corinthians rest not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:3-5). Among the mature, Paul imparts wisdom, but it is not the wisdom of men which will pass away but a hidden wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 2:6-7). This hidden wisdom is unknown by the rulers of Paul’s time because if they had known it, they would not have crucified Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8-9).

 

Paul receives wisdom through revelation from the Spirit of God who knows everything, including the depths of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). The power of what Paul proclaims is not from the spirit of the world, but from the Spirit of God, helping humanity understand the things freely given to humanity by God (1 Corinthians 2:12; Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul’s teaching is not from human wisdom but from the Spirit of God who interprets spiritual truths to those who are spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13; John 14:26).

 

The wisdom of the Spirit is not something understood by a natural person because it is foolishness to him or her, and he or she cannot understand it because it is spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). A spiritual person possessing the wisdom of the Spirit judges all things but judged by no one due to his or her lack of understanding of the wisdom of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:15). One must possess the mind of the Lord through the Spirit of God to understand the mind of the Lord. Therefore, Paul who has the Spirit of God within him has the mind of Christ and has the wisdom of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:16).

 

Paul as a Pharisee could have dazzled the Corinthians with his vast knowledge of the Scriptures but instead shared the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2). The reason for this decision was the encounter Paul had with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Paul knew Scripture but lacked an encounter with the risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. After his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul’s knowledge of Scripture, which did not recognize Jesus as Messiah, turned to wisdom from the Holy Spirit and knowledge of Jesus as Messiah.

 

A believer in Christ must study to show themselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15), and like the Bereans, conduct a daily examining the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). However, Jesus told the Samaritan woman that true worshippers of God worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:23). While we commonly think of worship as singing to God, study of the Word of God to discover more about God our Savior is also a form of worship. However, worship through the study of Scripture, acquiring knowledge without the counsel and power of the Spirit is empty and can lead to false theology like Paul not seeing Jesus in Scripture prior to his Damascus encounter.

 

Access to knowledge of Scripture has never been easier than it is in the information age in which we live, but sadly this knowledge lacks the power of the Spirit and has led to many deceptive theologies. The Laodicean Church of today has a vast knowledge of Scripture but is using this knowledge in a self-serving manner, focusing on their prosperity (Revelation 3:17) instead of the mission of the Church to take the message of the Gospel to the world (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Like the Apostle Paul, the Church needs an encounter with God through the Spirit to receive power to take the Gospel to a world in desperate need (Acts 1:8). Paul did not use his knowledge of Scripture for his self-interests and instead boldly shared the Gospel, suffering for it (2 Corinthians 11:16-33). Please join me in prayer that everyone reading this would experience an encounter with God through the Spirit, empowering them to share the Gospel. If you are reading this and have not taken the first step in having an encounter with God through accepting 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post. 

Having an Eternal Focus

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 73

 

Psalm 73:27-28

For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
²⁸ But for me it is good to be near God;
    I have made the Lord God my refuge,
    that I may tell of all your works.

(ESV)

 

I support a woke culture but not the one promoted in our modern culture. The woke culture I support is a revival of people waking up to the message of the Gospel and the grace of God saving humanity with Jesus, God in the flesh, offering Himself for the sins of humanity even though He did not sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). I urge everyone reading this to continue praying for revival in our Church, country, and world.

 

Asaph finds himself in a quandary. While maintaining a belief that God is good to Israel, he is envious of the prosperity of the arrogant and wicked (Psalm 73:1-16). Fortunately, his focus changes after going to the sanctuary of God and discerning the end of the arrogant and wicked (Psalm 73:17). God helps Asaph discern the slippery slope of the arrogant and wicked and their fall to ruin (Psalm 73:18-22). The focus of Asaph changes from envy of the life of the arrogant and wicked to the benefits of remaining near to God and not perishing but having acceptance into the glory of God, vowing to tell of all of God’s works (Psalm 73:23-28).

 

Even though Asaph knows God is good to Israel, he almost stumbles when he sees the life of ease for the arrogant and wicked. Asaph’s problem is he has taken his eyes off the Lord and instead focuses on the world. This is like when Peter walked on the water with Jesus but began to sink when he looked at the storm instead of keeping his eyes on the Lord. Fortunately for Peter, he cried out to the Lord for help and the Lord saved him (Matthew 14:28-31). Fortunately for Asaph, he went to the Temple and returned his focus to the Lord as he discerned the end of the arrogant and wicked (Psalm 73:17). While the life of the arrogant and wicked in this world may seem a life of ease, it is only temporary for they are receiving their reward in this world while God’s people have an eternal reward in heaven (Psalm 73:23-26).

 

The corruption and evil in our world seem to be accelerating at a dangerous pace. Abortion became legal in the United States with the Supreme Court ruling in favor of abortion in the Roe v. Wade decision, claiming a woman’s right to choose to abort an unwanted child was constitutional, ignoring the murder, for convenience, of innocent life. Fortunately, the Supreme Court reversed this decision, but this reversal returned the issue to states, many of which have made abortion legal in their states.

 

Marriage, is biblically between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:6-8). The perversion of homosexuality is spoken against in Romans 1:24-32 with those participating in homosexuality having a debased mind full of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. Individuals and Churches taking a biblical stand against same-sex marriage are viewed as hateful, unloving, and enemies of a woke cultural revolution.

 

Adding to the sexual perversion is the condoning by the world of one believing they were born with the wrong gender, encouraging them to medically change their gender through surgery and hormonal therapy. This is not only a slap in the face of God, claiming he made a mistake in creating them with the gender assigned at birth but medically ignores the potential mental and physical danger of gender reassignment surgery and the injection of hormones at levels God did not create them to have. The culture views individuals and Churches taking a stand against transgenderism as hateful, unloving, and enemies of the woke culture.

 

The culture asks Churches and individual believers to be tolerant of individuals supporting abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender reassignment to avoid being viewed as hateful, unloving, or even a terrorist group. Churches and individual believers can also face legal action for taking a stand against these issues if they do not remain silent in their opposition. Fortunately, the Book of Acts provides a biblical example of how believers and the Church must respond to the temptation to remain silent.

 

1)      Acts 4:1-31 – After the miraculous healing of a lame man at the Temple and Peter's subsequent message giving credit for the miracle to Jesus, the one the Jews handed over to the Romans for crucifixion (Acts 3), Peter and John are arrested and must testify before the council of the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees (Acts 4:1). After charging Peter and John not to speak again in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:18), Peter and John respond with only speaking of what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20). Upon returning to their friends, they do not complain about what had happened to them but instead praise God and ask for boldness to continue speaking in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:21-23).

2)      Acts 5:12-42 – Because of the many signs and wonders performed in the name of Jesus by the Apostles, the high priest, and Sadducees come against them, filled with jealousy. They arrest the apostles and put them in prison, but God arranges a divine prison break (Acts 5:12-19). However, instead of running and hiding from their accusers, the apostles return to the temple to preach, in obedience to God (Acts 5:20-21). The Apostles once again appear before the council and are reminded of the council's charge not to speak in the name of Jesus but once again tell them they must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:27-29). The council wanted to deliver the apostles to death but after a word of caution from Gamaliel, they beat the apostles and charge them not to speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:33-40). However, instead of cowering in fear, the apostles rejoice at being counted worthy of suffering dishonor for the name of Jesus and continue every day in teaching in the temple and from house to house (Acts 5:41-42).

 

Please join me in praying for boldness to speak out against the non-Biblical woke movement supporting abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism and the temptation to succumb to pressure to remain silent on these issues. Pray for boldness to fulfill the great commission of Jesus to preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) for when we lift up Christ, people are drawn to make Jesus their savior (John 12:32). If you are reading this and have not prayed to accept 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.

 

May God challenge and bless everyone reading this post and may the Church and individual believers maintain an eternal focus.

Corinthian Identity Crisis

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 1 Corinthians 1

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers,^[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

(ESV)

 

With this posting, we begin a study of the book of 1 Corinthians. The Church in Corinth was a troubled Church. In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul addresses the problem of divisions in the Church with a reminder of Christ as the wisdom and power of God.

 

Individuals can find their identity in many things. We can find our identity in our race, gender, sexual preference, or our political party. The problem with finding one’s primary identity in race, gender, or political party is that they tend to become divisive with one believing they are superior to others (Romans 12:3). One finding his or her identity in sexual preference can lead to sexual promiscuity if their sexual preference is contrary to the Biblical principle of marriage between a man and a woman within the context of marriage (Genesis 1:27, 2:24). One can also experience disappointment when they find their primary identity in good things like their children, spouse, career, and even religion. Only one having an identity in Christ will experience eternal life free from condemnation (John 3:16-17).

 

Paul begins his letter to the Corinthians with a greeting praying for grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). Paul then gives thanks to God for the grace God has given the Church in Christ Jesus with the Church enriched in all speech and knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:4-5). The Church lacks no gift as their testimony about Christ is confirmed among them while they wait for the return of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:6-7). Paul reminds the Church that God is faithful and will sustain them to the end, guiltless in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8-9).

 

Paul then addresses the problem of divisions in the Church, brought to his attention by Chloe’s people. The divisions are the result of some in the Church claiming to follow Paul, others following Apollos, others following Cephas, and others following Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-12). To address this issue, Paul asks them whether Christ is divided, whether Paul was crucified for them, or if they were baptized in the name of Paul (1 Corinthians 1:13). Paul then reminds them that the only members of the Church he baptized were Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 1:14-16). Paul reminds the Church that he was not called to baptize but to preach the Gospel with salvation coming through the power of the Cross of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:17).

 

Paul reminds the Church that the message of the power of the cross of Christ is foolishness to the lost but the power of God to those saved by its power (1 Corinthians 1:18-19). Salvation is not found in the wisdom, scribes (authors), or debaters in the world with God saving people through the folly of the preaching of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:20-21). The stumbling block for the Jews and folly for the Greeks is the message of Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). However, this message is not folly to those that believe but the power and wisdom of God, wiser and stronger than the wisdom of men (1 Corinthians 1:24-25).

 

Paul asks the Corinthians to consider their calling. While they are not wise by worldly standards or of noble birth, God has chosen them to proclaim what is foolish and weak to the world to declare the wisdom and power of God (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). God has chosen what is considered low and despised in the world so no human being can boast in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 1:28-29). The believers in Corinth are in Christ Jesus possessing wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption so they can boast not in themselves but in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:30-31).

 

There are divisions in the Corinthian Church based upon their finding their identity in those preaching the Gospel to them instead of Christ Jesus. The Gospel is possible through the death burial and resurrection of Christ with men like Paul and Apollos, messengers preaching the message of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:11-17). Salvation is not the result of our works or the works of any person other than the person of the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, and God’s grace (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9). The identity of one placing their faith in Jesus as their Savior is not in the messenger presenting the Gospel to them but in the sinless Lamb of God who offered his life to forgive their sins.

 

The world is in an identity crisis, seeking its identity in created things of the world instead of the creator. God created Adam and Eve, breathing his Spirit into Adam with Eve sharing in the indwelling of the Spirit through her creation from the rib of Adam (Genesis 2:7, 21-22). Unfortunately, Man lost his Godly identity through disobedience (Genesis 3). Fortunately, God graciously sent His son, the spotless Lamb of God to die for their sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Belief in Jesus as Lord of our lives and profession of our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ saves and restores our identity in Christ. This restoration of a Godly identity is what a world in darkness needs. If you are reading this and do not have a relationship with Christ, I urge you to pray with me now to resolve your identity crisis through a personal relationship with God through Christ

 

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. 

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.