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"They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus" (Acts 17:7).
This weekend we attended a wedding for a young lady who grew up in a church we pastored over 12 years ago. The officiating pastor gave a powerful Biblical charge to the couple and all in attendance that mightily reinforced the Biblical teaching concerning marriage that is so needed today. I had an opportunity to visit with him following the service. We both expressed the joy of conducting a wedding service and the fulfillment in regard to preaching Biblical truth to many who are not regularly exposed to it.
Today believers all around the world are in various ways defying Caesar (who represents the world system) and proclaiming another king, one called Jesus. I hope that includes you. But I especially want to consider and remember those who are paying a heavy price for it. Today some will suffer for that stand, others will be imprisoned and tortured and yes, some will die.
A cutting phrase in Hebrews regarding those who have suffered for their faith declares, "The world is not worthy of them." Here in America there is such an increase in opposition to those who boldly proclaim Jesus and the teachings of the Scripture. In doing so the decrees of Caesar may very well be defied. Although thus far it has not resulted in persecution I earnestly believe this could be coming soon. For in many ways taking a stand for Christ defies the decrees of the modern Caesar. This is especially true concerning a number of "hot button" issues such as our origins, sexuality and abortion.*
The daily text is a summary of the charges against the young believers in Thessalonica after the church was established in their city. Paul and his associates, Silas and Timothy, had faithfully preached the Word of God, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead and that this Jesus is Christ (v. 3). Although some believed, others opposed them. This led to persecution and Paul's expulsion. But the little church survived and the New Testament has two letters written to these believers, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
Defying Caesar's decrees wherever they violate God's and proclaiming "There is another king, one called Jesus" must remain the unashamed, unambiguous proclamation of earnest Christians. The Greek word used for "another" is interesting. The word "heteros" means "another of a different kind." Indeed, Jesus said, "I am not of this world." And He says of His followers, "They are not of the world." Paul reminded the Philippians that "Our citizenship is in heaven" (3:20).
Today let us, with renewed resolve, praise and live for King Jesus. If you have not already acknowledged that Jesus is King do so today. If you, like me, are a servant of King Jesus, let us serve Him faithfully and when necessary to avoid compromising God's truth let us be willing to defy Caesar's decrees.
All hail, King Jesus! All hail, Emmanuel!
King of kings, Lord of lords, Bright Morning Star.
And through all eternity I'm going to praise Him
And forevermore, I will reign with Him.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – Jesus, You've called us to be light in a world full of darkness. You've also enjoined us to be peacemakers. Sometimes when we take a stand for righteousness it does not bring peaceful resolution, but instead further conflict arises. Then we go through a surge of emotions and doubts begin to arise regarding our stand. Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word. May we not stand in our own strength or be led by aimless ambition. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to unapologetic in our stand and very consistent in our Christian walk. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this age, but we serve a King who is ageless and eternal. In Your strength alone we stand. Amen.
Personal Family Note – On Friday we admitted Stephen's mother, Georgia, to the hospital. The site where the shingles outbreak is visible needed extensive medical attention and her inability and unwillingness to walk made it impossible for us to continue caring for her in our home. She continues to be in extreme pain so she is on heavy doses of pain meds. Ester has been having heart difficulties for about ten days now. We need sound wisdom and good medical direction from the doctors to know how we can help her deal with continual episodes of flutter. Once again, we thank you for your interest and prayers on behalf of our family. We see God's faithfulness in the midst of our struggles and His provisions of mercy are renewed daily!
* I have encountered a number of examples of this in just the last couple of days.
"All Hail King Jesus" Moody, Dave © 1981 Dayspring Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306
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Monday, November 14, 2005
"Defying Caesar's Decrees"
"Defying Caesar's Decrees"
"They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus" (Acts 17:7).
This weekend we attended a wedding for a young lady who grew up in a church we pastored over 12 years ago. The officiating pastor gave a powerful Biblical charge to the couple and all in attendance that mightily reinforced the Biblical teaching concerning marriage that is so needed today. I had an opportunity to visit with him following the service. We both expressed the joy of conducting a wedding service and the fulfillment in regard to preaching Biblical truth to many who are not regularly exposed to it.
Today believers all around the world are in various ways defying Caesar (who represents the world system) and proclaiming another king, one called Jesus. I hope that includes you. But I especially want to consider and remember those who are paying a heavy price for it. Today some will suffer for that stand, others will be imprisoned and tortured and yes, some will die.
A cutting phrase in Hebrews regarding those who have suffered for their faith declares, "The world is not worthy of them." Here in America there is such an increase in opposition to those who boldly proclaim Jesus and the teachings of the Scripture. In doing so the decrees of Caesar may very well be defied. Although thus far it has not resulted in persecution I earnestly believe this could be coming soon. For in many ways taking a stand for Christ defies the decrees of the modern Caesar. This is especially true concerning a number of "hot button" issues such as our origins, sexuality and abortion.*
The daily text is a summary of the charges against the young believers in Thessalonica after the church was established in their city. Paul and his associates, Silas and Timothy, had faithfully preached the Word of God, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead and that this Jesus is Christ (v. 3). Although some believed, others opposed them. This led to persecution and Paul's expulsion. But the little church survived and the New Testament has two letters written to these believers, 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
Defying Caesar's decrees wherever they violate God's and proclaiming "There is another king, one called Jesus" must remain the unashamed, unambiguous proclamation of earnest Christians. The Greek word used for "another" is interesting. The word "heteros" means "another of a different kind." Indeed, Jesus said, "I am not of this world." And He says of His followers, "They are not of the world." Paul reminded the Philippians that "Our citizenship is in heaven" (3:20).
Today let us, with renewed resolve, praise and live for King Jesus. If you have not already acknowledged that Jesus is King do so today. If you, like me, are a servant of King Jesus, let us serve Him faithfully and when necessary to avoid compromising God's truth let us be willing to defy Caesar's decrees.
All hail, King Jesus! All hail, Emmanuel!
King of kings, Lord of lords, Bright Morning Star.
And through all eternity I'm going to praise Him
And forevermore, I will reign with Him.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's prayer – Jesus, You've called us to be light in a world full of darkness. You've also enjoined us to be peacemakers. Sometimes when we take a stand for righteousness it does not bring peaceful resolution, but instead further conflict arises. Then we go through a surge of emotions and doubts begin to arise regarding our stand. Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word. May we not stand in our own strength or be led by aimless ambition. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to unapologetic in our stand and very consistent in our Christian walk. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this age, but we serve a King who is ageless and eternal. In Your strength alone we stand. Amen.
Personal Family Note – On Friday we admitted Stephen's mother, Georgia, to the hospital. The site where the shingles outbreak is visible needed extensive medical attention and her inability and unwillingness to walk made it impossible for us to continue caring for her in our home. She continues to be in extreme pain so she is on heavy doses of pain meds. Ester has been having heart difficulties for about ten days now. We need sound wisdom and good medical direction from the doctors to know how we can help her deal with continual episodes of flutter. Once again, we thank you for your interest and prayers on behalf of our family. We see God's faithfulness in the midst of our struggles and His provisions of mercy are renewed daily!
* I have encountered a number of examples of this in just the last couple of days.
"All Hail King Jesus" Moody, Dave © 1981 Dayspring Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) CCLI License No. 2005306
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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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