The Grace of God    Pastor A.W. Weckeman – December 2014

Two Facets of God’s Grace
In the Bible there are two primary definitions of grace; the first meaning relates to the “saving grace of God”, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men…” (Titus 2:11).

Grace in the form of unmerited favor, mercy, freedom from sin. Saving grace is a gift, whereby Christ’s righteousness is applied to the undeserving sinner; a perfect picture of God’s unconditional love.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph.2:8-9).

“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…” (Rom.3:24)

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps.103:10-12).

Upon conviction of guilt the sinner repents, calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, he doesn’t ask for help to get saved. There isn’t anything on the sinner’s part which he can do to be saved…it is all God’s grace and power.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost…” (Titus 3:5)

“…when he [Jesus] had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Heb.1:3b).

Nor, after salvation does the sinner ask the Lord to help him stay saved…those who have been “born again” are “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).

The same holds true regarding the spiritual understanding necessary to serve and please the Lord. We are just as dependent upon divine illumination to comprehend spiritual reality after salvation as we were before. Even as the sinner has no means, of his own, to gain or retain salvation, he is equally powerless to maintain a godly life. “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:3); which brings us to the second aspect of God’s grace:

The sanctifying grace of God: the illuminating power of God essential to sanctification and service. There is an indivisible union between God’s grace and His power. It is wholly “by the grace of God”, derived from our position “in Christ”, that we are transformed and empowered.

As followers of Christ we are commanded to “walk in newness of life” (Rom.6:4) to “put off concerning the former conversation [manner of living] the old man…and put ye on the new man (Eph. 4:22-23). God commands “…as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation…” (1 Peter 1:15). BUT HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? How can such weak creatures residing in sin-prone flesh ever hope to obey the Lord in these things?

The apostle Paul’s prayer for the saints at Ephesus provides the answer: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of WISDOM and REVELATION in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your UNDERSTANDING being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints…” (Eph. 1:17-18) [Emphasis added]  Keep in mind Paul’s prayer is for those who are ALREADY SAVED…indwelt with the Holy Spirit! He’s praying for additional spiritual revelation…” “Spiritual understanding” “wisdom that is from above” “supernatural enlightenment” all which illuminate the deeper teachings necessary to transform the life of the believer.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor.15:10).

“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power” (Eph. 3:7).

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Eph.3:20).

If human intellect, zeal, and natural ability are the moving forces responsible for living a holy life pleasing unto God then the apostle Paul, a man of great intellect, a former “Pharisee of Pharisees’ a zealous Jewish scholar, would have possessed the necessary knowledge and ability to accomplish God’s will in his life.

Yet, it is quite evident from the preceding scripture that Paul’s service to the Lord relied NOT on human abilities, wisdom or knowledge. Paul had learned firsthand the futility of attempting to serve God in the flesh:

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Rom.7:18)

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [Emphasis added]

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

Our outward conduct and manner of living, what the Bible refers to as our walk, is predicated upon our inward rest in Christ…learned reliance upon the indwelling power of the Person within “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col.1:27).

“Too many of us are caught acting as Christians. The life of many Christians today is largely a pretense. They live a “spiritual” life, talk a “spiritual” language, adopt “spiritual” attitudes, but they are doing the whole thing themselves.”

“The moment we see that fact we shall end our struggling and cast away our pretense. Nothing is so hurtful to the life of a Christian as acting; nothing so blessed as when our outward efforts cease and our attitudes become natural…when our words, our prayers, our very life, all become a spontaneous and unforced expression of life within.” Nee

When we cease trying to live the Christian life in our own strength and begin relying on Christ’s presence within, the spiritual struggle between two diverse natures outlined in Romans chapter six; that which had been seen “through a glass darkly” becomes clear.

The dual reality of John’s words in 1 John 3:14 is unveiled, “…we have passed from death unto life” …our walk has come up to our position “in Christ”

Our death “in Christ” takes on a double meaning; not only crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) in a spiritual sense but dead in our own ability to effectually love, serve and obey God.

“Without me ye can do nothing”
Suddenly the Saviour’s exhortation, “Abide in me” (John 15:1-5) are liberating words; no longer a duty but desire. A work for God is replaced with a work of God; the burden to do something God never intended us to do is lifted from our shoulders.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:4-5).

“Abide” means to remain, stay, dwell or rest. Abiding in Christ describes an inner rest, a dependency which produces outward strength not of our own.

Victory from Defeat
If we are willing to see it, every defeat contains a step toward victory. The fact that spiritual realities are revealed by paradox is evidenced by the truth that defeat is actually preparation for victory; continual defeat leads to dependency which unleashes the power of God necessary for victory.

No one lives and enjoys the sweetness of victory more than those who have known the bitterness of disappointment and defeat.

As long as we abide in Christ and rely on our position therein we can be assured of the power necessary to “walk worthy” of Him. The minute we revert to our own devices and abilities…attempt to depend on our own strength and knowledge we quench the Spirit and become powerless!

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil.2:12-13).

Notice the words “work out” not work for; God has to put something in before it can work its way out. In reality “God puts into us all things He wants out of us.”

For the born again believer, there is no meaning, purpose or peace in a life lived independently of God’s leading. The Christian’s personal relationship with the Lord and the resultant sensitivity to the indwelling presence of Christ is the believer’s source of spiritual vitality. “Before I can speak openly for Him to others with real power I must first be habitually alone with Him in silence” Outside this vital lifeline, growth and fruit are impossible. “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim.2:1)

Summary
Salvation, service, and worship must be all of God’s grace; otherwise, God doesn’t deserve all the glory. “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Our attitude should be, give me the grace and I’ll give you the glory!

“There are three ways to do God’s work. We can plan and do our best; we can plan and ask God to bless our plan, or we can ask Christ to show us His plan and obey Him.”   James Hudson Taylor

The Doctrine of Dependancy    Pastor A. W. Weckeman – April 2015

Knowing that Jesus said, “…without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) how is it that we attempt to accomplish so much on our own?

Jesus commanded, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt.11:28-30).

If we can trust the Lord with our eternal souls, why is it so difficult to trust Him with the affairs of everyday life? Why is it so difficult to depend on the Lord…yield to the guidance of His yoke? Why do we try so hard to manage our lives; make our own plans, solve our problems, bear our burdens?

The answer in a word: SELF as in “self-willed”, “self-identity”, “self-reliant”. Salvation, as glorious as it is, does NOT remove our fallen nature; our inherited temperament, disposition, and sinful desires remain intact. These leftover self-centered tendencies and fleshly appetites continue to exert a powerful influence, setting the stage for an unrelenting struggle between two diametrically opposed forces; one born after the flesh, the other born of the Spirit.

Consider the Apostle Paul’s description of the inner battle found in Romans chapter seven:

“For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members” (Rom.7:15-23).

The above verses explain the constant tug of war which begins shortly after salvation…a refining process commonly referred to as sanctification. It involves an ongoing battle between self-will and God’s will; often a choice between that which naturally seems to make sense (our ways) and that which seems to make no sense (God’s ways).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa.55:8-9).

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov.14:12).

Obviously, learning to completely trust and obey are major issues for every child of God… essential to spiritual development. Ultimately, who we follow is a matter of who we trust…ourselves or God.

“Trust in the LORD with ALL thine heart; and lean NOT unto thine OWN UNDERSTANDING. In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5-6) [Emphasis added].

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isa. 26:3).

“Bear not a single care thyself, one is too much for thee; the work is mine, yea mine alone, thy work is to rest in me.”

The Other Side of the Coin

Does “…without me ye can do nothing” mean we are to do nothing? Are we to interpret this verse to imply total passivity on our part?

The confusion stems from the fact that the Lord seems to be simultaneously commanding trusting and doing…passivity and activity.

The same Lord, who informs us of our total inadequacy, assuring us that we, in and of ourselves, can do nothing, also commands us “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

“…put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” (Rom.13:14).

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry…” (Col.3:5)

If Jesus has declared, “without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5) and “the flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63) how then can He expect us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, subdue Adam’s nature and attain genuine personal holiness? Why would God command something unobtainable; would you demand the impossible for your children?

The explanation is found in one word, PARADOX [That which appears contradictory, yet is, in fact, true]. Different sides of the same truth; that which appears unreasonable and contradictory is actually paradoxical.

Because trusting and doing are contrastive the Lord’s commands seem contradictory. The contradiction disappears when we realize that sanctification (putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man”) is a joint effort; two parties at work, God and man.

Simply stated, man’s part is to trust and God’s part is to perform that which has been entrusted. The believer doesn’t “grow up into him [Christ] in all things” by self-efforts; sanctification is not merely the fruit of self-disciple; but the by-product of faith and trust in God’s word.

Once we grasp the crucial difference between a “work for God” as opposed to a “work of God” it becomes apparent that everything He commands can only be accomplished by believing and trusting His word; yielding to His power. He then accomplishes the work IN us and THROUGH us.

To answer the former question: How do we “Mortify therefore your members which are upon earth…”? The answer, “through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body…” (Rom.8:13)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us…” (Eph.3:20)

Illumination regarding the paradoxical nature of spiritual truth provides the crucial insight to see the inner struggle and inevitable defeat for what it really is; the liberating means to an end…the end of self-life. Once the implied passivity of Jesus’ declaration of our inadequacy (John 15:5) is truly understood, our weakness becomes His strength…what appears to be passivity is actually learned dependency.

No longer relying on our own understanding, feelings or emotions…we simply take God at His word; truly trusting and joyfully obeying. Fleshly, self-motivated activity is then exchanged for Spirit guided activity. “Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Col.1:29).

A common misunderstanding

The doctrine of total dependency is widely challenged on the grounds of impracticality; often misunderstood to imply inertia, ceasing from all outward activity. However, in reality, the principle is not advocating idleness; but rather serves as a vital counterbalance to carnal, self-motivated activity. The only activity it is intended to prevent is that which is rooted in the flesh; empowered by the “old man”

Total submission to the Lord doesn’t release us from our responsibility to diligently apply ourselves to the things which He commands; but rather dispels the “myth of self-sufficiency”; reminding us “…our sufficiency is of God” (2 Cor. 3:5) and to “…have no confidence in the flesh” (Phil.3:3). Surrender prevents us from the inherent tendency of getting ahead of God; disarming all attempts to do the Lord’s work in our own strength and abilities.

The conclusion of the whole matter

Only God can make us what He wants us to be. Our part is to put ourselves in the hand of the Divine Potter, allowing Him who first created us, to recreate us in the image of His Son. By a continuous exercise of faith allow Him to gradually mold us into “…a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2 Tim.2:21). “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Eph.2:10). In reality, “He puts into us all that He wants out of us.” “Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Col. 1:27)

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I LABOURED more abundantly than they all: YET NOT I, but the GRACE OF GOD which was with me.” (1 Cor.15:10) [Emphasis added]. That which the apostle Paul achieved was not in his own strength or ability…so it must be with all who desire to “bear much fruit” and please the Lord of glory.

Whatsoever we do in word and deed must be done in accordance with Romans 11:36, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

The greatest hindrance to spiritual growth is the lack of spiritual understanding and the greatest obstacle to spiritual understanding is often expressed in the form of paradox.

Signs and Wonders During the Church Age        Pastor A. W. Weckeman – May 2015

Natural Signs

The first mention of the word “signs” in the Bible is found in Gen.1:14, where the sun and the moon are said to “be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years…” as the sun gradually appears lower in the noon sky the days begin to shorten…a sure sign indicating the coming winter. So signs indicate, reveal, and manifest. Besides pointing to something, signs can also confirm or authenticate.

Supernatural Signs

The second mention of “signs’ is found in Exodus 4:9…in the middle of a discourse between God and Moses concerning Moses’ fear of rejection by the Jews in Egypt. God then gives Moses a personal demonstration of miraculous signs to assure him that He will authenticate the fact that the LORD had sent him through signs and wonders.

So we see that the first time signs show up in the Bible in reference to people; the people are Jews.

When studying the Bible, it is of utmost importance that we apply the basic rules of “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim.2:15). To gain a complete understanding of a passage of scripture, apply the rule of “five Ws”: Who, What, Where, When and Why.

By applying this simple method to the verses discussed in Exodus chapter four, we can conclude:

Who? Moses Aaron and the Jews.

What? Signs and wonders.

Where? Egypt.

When? Just before the deliverance of the Hebrews from bondage in Egypt.

Why? Authentication; so the Hebrews would believe God.

So, as a result of applying the 5Ws to the verses in Exodus, we learn that supernatural signs and wonders accompanied the birth of the Jewish theocracy.

The LORD’S will is that His people would, by faith, take him at His word; however, Israel’s history confirms that was not the case. Instead, most Hebrew people constantly sought signs and wonders to confirm God’s workings among them; this has always been an integral part of their heritage.

The history of the Jewish people is a history of miraculous signs and wonders; these are the hallmark of the nation Israel.

A small sample of scripture to substantiate:
Exodus 4:30-31 And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

Num.14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Deut.6:22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

Josh.4:6 That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?

Josh. 24:16-17 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:

Judges 6:16-17 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.

2 Kings 20:8-9 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day? 9 And Isaiah said, This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?

Ps.74:9 “We see not OUR signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long” [Emphasis added].

Ezek.4:3 “Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city: and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged, and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.”

Ezek.12:6 “In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel.

Hence the apostle Paul’s declaration in 1 Cor.1:22: “…the Jews require a sign...”

1 Cor.14:21-22 “In the law [of Moses] it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. [Emphasis added]

The simple fact is that the Jewish people REQUIRE signs and wonders to SEE and thereby BELIEVE:

John 6:30 “They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?” Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” 

Jewish Signs which Accompany the Offering of the Kingdom to Israel
Many Old Testament prophecies foretell supernatural signs that will accompany the preaching of the “gospel of the Kingdom” to Israel. The signs are of two types:

First, miraculous physical healings: Isa. 35:5-6 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.”

Second, the removal of idols and false prophets from the land along with the casting out of devils and unclean spirits:

Zech. 13:2 “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.”

This speaks to Jesus’ specific mandate to His disciples found in Matthew chapter 10:

Matt. 10:1, 5, 6, 7, 8 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, GO NOT INTO THE WAY OF THE GENTILES, and into any city of the SAMARITANS ENTER YE NOT: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” [Emphasis added]

This is NOT to say that the Lord never used signs and wonders in dealing with Gentiles…consider:
Rom 15:18-19 “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders,by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” This verse, on the surface, seems to indicate the necessity of signs and wonders regarding the Gentiles. However, the contradiction disappears when we consider the makeup of Paul’s audience in his early missionary efforts. Consider the following:

Paul’s Missionary Journeys’ Concerning the Jews & Signs
Paul’s commission was to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15, Rom.11:13 & 15:16, Gal.2:2 & 8) yet, in obedience to the command of Acts 3:25-26 & Romans 1:16, he always began his ministry efforts in the synagogue among the Jews (Acts 9:20, Acts 13:5, 14-16 & 46-47, Acts 14:1, Acts 17:1-2 & 10-7, Acts 18:5-6, 19:8-12, 26:20, 28:17-28. This accounts for the necessity of signs, miracles, and healing during Paul’s missionary journeys “For the Jews require a sign…” (1 Cor.1:22).

In every town and city Paul entered, he would seek out the local synagogue, where he would use the scriptures (Old Testament Messianic prophecies) to convince the Jews that Jesus was indeed the Christ. Then, when the Jews resisted the gospel and judged themselves “unworthy of everlasting life,” Paul would turn to the Gentiles  (Cf. Acts 28:26-29)

“There are three turning points in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit turns from dealing with the Jews to dealing with the Gentiles, the first turning point in Acts 13:46 (Jews in Asia). The second turning point is in Acts 18:6 (Jews in Europe). The third turning point is Acts 28:28 (Jews in Rome, representing the rest of the world).”

During the transitional period of the book of Acts, while the gospel was still preached to the Jews first, the Gentiles enjoyed the incidental benefit of these miraculous events just as during Jesus’ ministry to the Jews in the gospels.

Whenever God used signs and wonders to deal with the Gentiles, it always concerned the Jews: Moses and the Egyptian plagues, Exodus 4; Jesus and the “woman of Canaan” Matt. 15:21-28; Peter and the household of Cornelius Acts 10:34-48. Signs and wonders This will also be the case during the coming “time of Jacob’s trouble,” the Tribulation.

However, it is essential to remember that Gentiles do NOT REQUIRE signs; we are told to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor.5:7). Regarding apostolic signs and wonders, “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” Acts 28:28 is pivotal concerning the Jews. Also, the turning point for signs and wonders; from then on, miraculous events diminish and finally cease. *See the chronological order of Pauline Epistles (Addendum at the end of the lesson).

Signs and Wonders Regarding the Church

What part do signs and wonders play in the life of a born-again Christian? Should we, as Israel, require miraculous signs and wonders to confirm the Lord’s presence and working among us?

What saith the scriptures regarding the Body of Christ and signs and wonders?

2 Cor. 5:6-8 “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” [Emphasis added].

1 Peter 1:7-8 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having NOT SEEN, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, YET BELIEVING, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”

John 20:29 “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast SEEN me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have NOT SEEN, and yet have believed.”

Heb.11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN.”

Faith, the catalyst of spiritual growth
Rom. 1:17 “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Our walk with the Lord begins, progresses, and finishes by faith. A person seeking evidence from signs and miracles (instead of taking God at His word) will be greatly hindered in developing personal faith. Trusting God versus seeking signs and miracles is at opposite ends of the spectrum. Faith isn’t faith until it has been tried. The more signs and wonders one pursues (or expects), the less faith one needs to exercise.

1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

Rom.8:24-25 “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Faith is like a muscle; to grow it must be exercised.

“whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer”
Matt.21:21-22 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

The above verse seems to indicate (our prayers) regarding things such as signs, wonders, and miracles solely depend upon the strength of our faith. However, no matter how strong our faith is, the requests must align with God’s will for our lives!

James 4:3 “Ye ask, and RECEIVE NOT, because ye ASK AMISS, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” [Emphasis mine]

If we don’t receive what we pray for, that doesn’t necessarily mean we lack faith! Lack of faith is not the only reason we may not receive our requests.

Three answers to prayer: yes, no, not now
1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

Our requests must be in line with His will. “Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer, except that which lies outside the will of God.”

1 John 3:22 “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

Rom.8:26-27 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

True faith accepts that sometimes things asked for may not be God’s will for their life, including being healed. The apostle Paul, a man of great faith, asked three times to have the thorn in his flesh removed; God’s answer:

2 Cor. 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

In reality, a genuine faith that has been tried and proven eliminates the need for signs and wonders.

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

In the “Church Age,” God doesn’t usually use outward signs… Instead, he uses inward signs to convict and convince; consider Rom.8:16, Eph.3:20, etc.

Appendix: The Chronological Order of the Pauline Epistles

The first six of Paul’s epistles, referred to as the “Missionary Epistles,” were written in the time frame of the Book of Acts (which was written in AD 65, covering approximately 30 years, AD 33-63). They are as follows: 1 Thessalonians AD 54, 2 Thessalonians AD 54, 1 Corinthians AD 59, 2 Corinthians AD 60, Galatians AD 60, and Romans AD 60.

In this first group of epistles, the term “signs” is found 11 times, “wonders” 12 times, “miracles” 10 times, “healed” 7 times, and “healing” 4 times. At this point, Paul was reaching out to the “Jewish remnant” (Romans 11:5) in obedience to (Romans 1:16).

The second group of Epistles, the “Prison Epistles” written AFTER the Book of Acts, Philemon AD 64, Colossians AD 64, Ephesians AD 64, *Philippians AD 64, *1 Timothy AD 65, Titus AD 65, *2 Timothy AD 66.

In this second group, the terms: “sign,” “signs,” “wonder,” “wonders, ” miracle,” “miracles,” “heal,” “healed,” “healing,” “tongue,” “tongues” NEVER MENTIONED ONE SINGLE TIME!  Exception, “tongues” (Philippians 2:11 n/a).

*Philippians 2:27, “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” 1 Timothy 5:23,  “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” and 2 Timothy 4:20, “Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.”…Paul no longer exercising the gift of healing.

The reference source for dates is Scofield Study Bible.

The Key of David       Pastor A. W. Weckeman – June 2015

The Mysterious Term “Key of David”

Rev 3:7-8 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the KEY OF DAVID, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” [Emphasis added]

The Philadelphian Church, the sixth of the seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation( Chapters 2-3), represents the church period from 1500-1900. The Philadelphian Church is called the church of the “open door.” During this time, missionary activity reached its pinnacle, the Gospel being preached to the ends of the earth. The “Reformation” and the greatest revivals ever to occur broke out during this period. The Philadelphian Church is the Church that published the “King James Bible” and believed it to be the very word of God.

The Philadelphian church is the only one, among the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation, to which God said, “hast kept my word” also the only one to mention the phrase, “key of David.”

In the context of the Lord’s exhortation to the “church of Philadelphia,” the mysterious term “the key of David” obviously refers to something which God uses or grants to open doors (“of utterance”) which no one can shut (1 Cor.16:9 & Col. 4:3). Why is this supernatural key referred to as the “key of David”? Why not the key of Peter or Moses or Abraham or Paul?

While we may not be able to define the mystery of the key conclusively, one thing is certain; the key has an intrinsic connection to David, the second King of Israel. Common sense dictates there has to be something exceptional about David connecting him to this unique term.

I am convinced that it has something to do with the twice-mentioned phrase “hath kept my word” (vs.8 &10) in our text. I believe the key is connected to David’s heart attitude toward God and His Word, and nowhere is that passion more evident than in Ps. 119 (found in the heart, center) of the scriptures. Consider:

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, totaling 176 verses, out of which only six do not mention the word of God in one form or another: vs.3, 37, 84, 90, 122, and 132. Psalm 119 defines the “key of David.”

Like all of us, David had his assets and deficits, strengths and weaknesses; yet the one outstanding thing which most characterized his life was his heart attitude toward God and His word (as extolled in Ps.119). Such was the depth of David’s personal relationship with God that even the gross sins of adultery, lying, and murder could not sever his heart from God.

When the prophet Nathan, being led of the Lord, confronted David and exposed his heinous sin, instead of becoming defensive (as did his predecessor Saul), David’s heart was broken (consider Ps.51). He immediately acknowledged his sin, repented, and sought forgiveness. Then humbly accepted the consequences, and continued to love and seek the Lord with ALL his heart. Hence, in spite of everything the Scriptures declare:

“…I have found David the son of Jesse, A MAN AFTER MINE OWN HEART, which shall fulfil all my will.” Acts 13:22 [emphasis mine].

Consider the revealing terms used by the Lord when testifying to Solomon concerning his father, David:

“And if thou will walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt KEEP my statutes and my judgments.” (1 Kings 9:4). [Emphasis added]

Compare: (1 Kings 11:4 & 6) “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD is God, as was the heart of David his father.”

“And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” Half-hearted, lukewarm. Contrast, (Ps.119:2 & 2 Chron. 25:2).

“The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart.” Everything begins and ends with your heart attitude toward God and His word. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matt. 22:37

Because Solomon’s heart was not perfect with the LORD, he went not fully after the LORD. Solomon’s deficit, a lack of love for God’s word, was manifest by his disregard and failure to keep it. So then, so now!

John 14:21  “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

John 14:23  “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” [emphasis added]

The fact that love is mentioned six times in these two verses reveals it to be the motivating force behind this “keeping” of God’s words.

 Prov. 22:17-21 “Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.  For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightiest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?”

 From the context of the above verse, we learn that “keeping God’s word” goes well beyond outward obedience. The exhortation speaks of an inward essential, keeping in the sense of retaining or internalizing.

Prov. 4:20-21 “My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.”

As we saw in David’s life, keeping God’s word is a thing of the heart. For God’s word to become effectual in our lives, desire must take precedence over duty.

There can be no genuine change on the outside until something changes on the inside. Before attempting to keep God’s commandments with our head we must first learn to love them with the heart. Making scripture an integral part of our lives is what renews our minds (Rom.12:2), changing our perspective and attitude toward sin, self, and “this present evil world.”

Ps. 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 Ps. 119:97-104 “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.”

 Ps. 37:31 “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”

1 John 2:14 “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

1 John 2:5  “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.”

 Eph. 6:17 “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”

 Ps. 119:2  “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”

 In the above verse, David equates true happiness with keeping God’s testimonies; stating that genuine happiness, to be blessed of God, is the result of a correct heart attitude toward His Word. If you are saved, you are truly blessed, for “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Ps. 32:1.

 

 Without the key of David?

The opposite of keeping is losing. If keeping God’s Words with your whole heart results in true blessing, what happens when you fail to do so? The obvious answer is that you lose true happiness in your life. However, happiness is not the only thing we forfeit when we disobey God and His Word.

(To be continued)

Pastor A. W. Weckeman – July 2015

“A time…to keep silence, and a time to speak…” (Eccl.3:7)

The Bible has much to say about speaking and listening.

SPEAKING: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Prov.25:11)

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Prov.15:23) Right word, rightly spoken at right time.

“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” (Prov.10:32)

“Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Prov.29:20)

“…a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” (Eccl.5:3)

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Prov.29:11)

“He can never speak well who cannot hold his peace.”

“As a man grows older and wiser, he talks less and says more.”

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” (Eccl.10:12)

“The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.” (Eccl. 9:17)

Silence yields wisdom and it is the “still small voice” that often speaks truth.

“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Prov.17:27-28).

“Talking comes by nature; silence by understanding.”
The man who is secure in “the wisdom that is from above” (James 3:17) will not have a need to constantly speak, nor be driven by the natural desire to continually express himself. Learned receptivity to the “excellent spirit” has liberated him from the urge to impress; he doesn’t have to do all the talking…he is much more willing and able to listen. He’s too preoccupied with trying to listen (yield) to the Lord to be constantly speaking. He has learned the secret “of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:4)

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Prov.21:23)

LISTENING: “Learn to listen and listen to learn.”

Learn to be a wise listener: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak…” (James 1:19).

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Prov.10:19).

“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” (Prov.17:27-28).

Everyone wants to be heard, yet very few know how to listen. One of the most grating and difficult things to deal with is someone who loves to talk but doesn’t know how to listen.

“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Prov.18:13)

People tend to purposely avoid conversation with those who are poor listeners; few things are more obnoxious than a person who constantly commandeers the conversation. When someone goes on and on we listen with bored inattention, enduring until the end.

In order to hold a conversation, you need to know when to let go. Conversation is to be a give and take; consider the definition of “Dialogue” 1 talking together; conversation: 2 Interchange and discussion…mutual communication.

Learn to be patient and wait for the other person to finish speaking before you take your turn. Resist the urge or tendency to dominate the conversation. The truth is most people don’t truly listen…they just wait for the other person to finish so they can continue speaking. While the other person is speaking, instead of listening they are formulating their thoughts for the next opportunity to speak.

Ironically, I have found that the secret of being heard hinges upon hearing; simply learning to truly listen. If you want to be heard learn to be a good listener…listen intently. When people sense that you are truly listening to what they are saying, most of the time they will return the courtesy. In order to be effective, a conversation must be an orderly exchange…not a verbal wrestling match.

Truly understanding what needs to be said, is one of the most important rules of communicating.

To avoid being misunderstood communicate clearly, honestly and effectively; learn to listen carefully and intently…practice being a good listener.

Listen to discern the person’s feelings, not just words.

It not only matters what you say but more importantly what the other person understood you to say (or mean). “The true art of listening is to hear what was not said.”

People should say what they mean but don’t always know how to. Just as silence is more than the absence of sound, listening involves more than understanding words. Observe the non-verbal signals being sent out by the speaker. Make an effort to understand the emotional as well as the intellectual meaning of what is being said. Sometimes countenance speaks as loud as words; in order to truly hear learn to pay attention to body language and tone. Listen to the sound of people’s voices to fully understand what was meant, rather than merely which was spoken.

Listening to another’s heart
In the early years of my fire department career, one of the men in my company lost his wife to cancer, leaving behind a grief-stricken husband and three children. At the funeral, I wanted to offer some words of comfort to Jack but didn’t know what to say…words seemed so inadequate.

While standing in the back of the funeral parlor with a group of fellow fireman I noticed Bill, a member of our house, walk up to the front row and sat down next to Jack. Although I couldn’t see their faces there was obviously some conversation. After about fifteen minutes or so Bill put his arm around Jack and gave him a hug.

When Bill returned to the rear of the room I asked him what he said that had such a positive effect. I’ll never forget his answer… “I didn’t say much, I just listened.” “Listening only happens with an open heart and a closed mouth.” A conversation should be a two-way street but it’s important to know when to just listen; sometimes lending an ear says so much more than words. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Listening is said to be the smallest measure of self-sacrifice. Christians need each other; together, we’re not so lonely. “Iron sharpeneth iron…”

Communing with the Lord. When we read God’s word He speaks to us…when we pray He listens to us.

More importantly than learning to listen to one another, is that we learn to listen to the Lord. “Be still and know that I am God…” (Ps.46:10). Before we can truly listen to one another we must first learn to listen to the Lord. “A word fitly spoken…” is the outcome of years of listening to God.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isa.30:21).

If we, as followers of Christ, are to share real wisdom, it must come from the Lord; true wisdom is born out of a relationship with God.

“A quiet life is usually a fragrant life. If we speak less, what we speak will be more powerful. Talkativeness is a point of leakage in one’s spirituality.” Nee

Pastor A. W. Weckeman – August 2015

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any PRIVATE INTERPRETATION. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST.” (2 Peter 1:20-21) [Emphasis added].

Private interpretation forms a bias in favor of our “own understanding” (Prov.3:5); a personal viewpoint or erroneous teaching which has the tendency to solidify over time.

“Well that’s what I have always been taught and have come to believe.” “The great Dr. so and so says…or I heard on Christian radio or read on the internet”

Always be ready to change whatever you have been taught or have come to believe when it is contrary to what the Bible teaches. Avoid the trap of attempting to make the Bible line up with what you believe, instead, always line yourself up to what the Bible teaches. Be careful not to allow your pride or intellect to close your mind and rob you of the truth.

“Deception has all to do with the mind, and means a wrong thought admitted to the mind under the belief that it is truth. Assumed knowledge is as dangerous as ignorance, since it closes the mind to truth.” Jessie Penn Lewis

People generally approach the subject of Bible interpretation from three different perspectives: First, “I sincerely want to know what it means.” Second, “I know what I think it means.” Third, “I know what I want it to mean” (to line up with my own preconceived ideas).

In reality, the second and third methods are based upon private interpretation; someone’s opinion derived from their own personal point of view. The first approach humbly acknowledges the inadequacy of human intellect, choosing rather to rely on illumination from God’s Word and Spirit.

“…God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5).

The three diverse attitudes are rooted in two contrary types of understanding; “intellectual understanding” (Prov.3:5) and “spiritual understanding” (Col.1:9).

The greatest obstacle to “spiritual understanding” (prerequisite to correct interpretation) is that it is often expressed in the form of paradox. Spiritual realities are paradoxical (just the opposite of what we think); therefore many times what we think we know just isn’t so. Consider:

Calvary, life from death, (John 12:24).

Surrender equals victory, (Phil.4:11).

Weakness becomes strength, (2 Cor.12:9).

Humility is power, (1Peter 5:5).

Evil is overcome by good, (Rom.12:21).

To lose your life means to save your life, (Luke 9:23-24).

Fortunate to have misfortune, (Ps 119:67, 71, 75).3

God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, (1 Cor. 1:27).

The Power of Paradox
The power of paradox confounds pride and human intellect, rendering “the wisdom of this world” (reason, logic and deduction) foolishness; while at the same time unveiling key truths absolutely essential to “spiritual understanding” to the humble truth seeking heart. Providing “spiritual wisdom”, without which, sound interpretation and doctrine are unobtainable.

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD is foolishness with God. For it is written, He  taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours…” (1Cor. 3:18) [Emphasis added]

Intellectually gifted people are rarely humble people; they pride themselves in their intellect; therefore the natural tendency is to interpret the Scriptures through their own inadequate abilities. 

Pride produces men of high self esteem; contemporary Pharisees and Sadducees mysteriously oblivious to the truth of (1 Cor.1:25-29). Sadly, many of the recognized “scholars” (Christian academia) of today have fallen into the same trap as their secular cousins, believing their “intellectual knowledge” to be illuminating power. The power of paradox has left them blind to spiritual realities…“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim.3:7).

This is not to imply the human intellect of no value; it is a wonderful gift of God (1 Cor.4:7) to be used for His glory. However: “Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit human intellect is not only vain but dangerous because it often confuses right and wrong” (therefore a powerful means of deception). “Assumed knowledge is as dangerous as ignorance, since it closes the mind to truth.” Jessie Penn Lewis

The Heart of the Problem
Pride is an insidious heart problem which darkens the mind and hardens the heart.

“The pride of thine HEART hath deceived thee…” (Obadiah 1:3). [All emphasis mine].

“For as he thinketh in his HEART, so is he…” (Prov.23:7).

“…the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the HEART.” (1 Sam.16:7).

“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your HEART” (Jer. 29:13)

God is infinitely more interested in the heart than the head.

Which translation is the actual Word of God?
Hundreds of differing versions of the Bible are not the fruit of “spiritual understanding” (Holy Spirit) but rather the product of so called “Christian scholarship”, (textual criticism) a pernicious amalgamation of intellectual understanding and assumed spiritual understanding.

Upon comparing the genuine humility, obvious depth of “spiritual understanding” and reverence by which the King James translators approached God’s word with those who translated the “New International Version” or any other modern perversion  it’s not hard to discern the source of subversion.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” The Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 24:35).