Doubting Can Be Good

Gary Pollard

Today’s article will be a brief excerpt from Today’s Handbook for Solving Bible Difficulties (1990, D.E. O’Brien, pp. 18-19). I do not agree with everything this author wrote and have found some of this excerpt — read in the broader context of his own sometimes-narrow interpretations — to be ironic. If we read this excerpt out of context, though, it’s an excellent reminder to read scripture with the goal of finding truth rather than merely affirming existing beliefs. 

[In] all of Job’s questioning, he never doubted God’s existence or power. What Job couldn’t understand was how his lifelong friends could turn against him. Job didn’t doubt God; he doubted his own intellectualized framework for understanding God. I would paraphrase and condense Job’s argument like this: “If everything I believe about God is true, then what does He think He’s doing?” To understand Job, we need to focus on the incomplete and sometimes inaccurate understanding of God that Job shared with his friends. There was no disagreement among them over the commonly held theology of the day. The difference between Job and his friends was that they had not suffered (16:4-5). Their theology worked in the ivory tower, but not in the misfortunes of life. Job loved God and called out to Him as a bewildered friend (10:8-13), but received no answer. Job’s friends spoke only from the limited wisdom of their sterile lives, which reduced God and all His creation to predictable equations that they could manipulate for their own interests. 

When all the arguing had ended and Job had hurled all his questions heavenward like javelins, God appeared. As Job had affirmed, his redeemer did indeed live and came to take His stand on the earth (19:25) to utter His ringing vindication of His friend’s righteousness (42:7-9). Imagine the chagrin of Eliphaz when his theoretical, theological God appeared before him and said, “I am angry with you and your friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” At first, Job’s friends had all the answers and Job had all the questions. But when God appeared it was in response to questions, not unthinking certainty. 

George MacDonald wrote some time ago, “True and good and reverent doubts, springing from devoutness and aspiration — are far more precious in the sight of God than many so-called beliefs.” In the throes of his agony, Job intuitively turned to the only one with the answer to his questions. As the answer, God offered Himself. As with Abraham, Job’s doubts were the building blocks of deepened faith. Without the profound questioning that makes up so much of Job’s story, would he ever have been able to say, “My ears have heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You”? 

I don’t want to canonize doubt any more than I want to encourage continued silence. Just as we need to be free to ask genuine questions, we need to learn to recognize an answer when we see it. For many who call themselves Christians but reject the authority of biblical revelation, the perpetual quest for some spiritually impossible dream is the only goal of their faith. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck, they tell us. In the search for solutions to biblical problems the same holds true. If it looks like a solution, it probably is. 

Just as it dishonors the Lord for Christians to remain in continual ignorance because they are afraid to ask questions, so it dishonors Him when we ask questions for which we really don’t want answers. When we get to the place where we don’t want to be confused with any more information because our minds are made up and we are comfortable, we mire ourselves in spiritual mediocrity. Runners who finish a day’s run dripping with sweat, exhausted, and with their joints aching also feel exhilarated and strangely fulfilled. The Christian’s quest for more of the Lord, a quest that has to be undertaken with both heart and mind, can be like that. The habit of pushing ourselves to the limit of our mental endurance is missing from our American brand of Christianity. The most neglected of spiritual disciplines is a serious study of God’s Word. 

Answers follow questions. Growth follows struggle. Our goal in approaching Scripture is to seek and find, to ask and to have opened. Christians who fear study and questioning remain in darkness, but those who refuse answers are more profoundly darkened because their darkness is self-imposed. The goal of questioning in the Christian life is not to come up with answers, but to conformity with the image of Christ. George MacDonald capture the essence of this quest when he said: “A man may be haunted with doubts, and only grow thereby in faith. Doubts are the messengers of the Living One to the honest. They are the first knock at our door of things that are not yet, but have to be, understood…Doubt must precede every deeper assurance; for uncertainties are what we first see when we look into a region hitherto unknown, unexplored unannexed.” 

Did Giants Build the Great Stone Cities of Canaan? 

Dale Pollard

Across the ancient Levant you’d find some of the largest stone structures ever assembled. It boggles the mind to think these were built at a time before cranes or diesel engines. Even with their help, some of the stones used in and around Baalbek— still couldn’t be moved. 

If the ancient builders quarried, transported, and precisely positioned stones weighing hundreds of tons, the only logical conclusion is that giants must have done it. Or at least, some of these places. 

The Bible mentions that parts of Canaan were inhabited by some big boys. 

“The Emim… were a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim” (Deuteronomy 2:10). 

 “For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim… his bedstead was of iron… nine cubits was its length” (Deuteronomy 3:11).

 The spies sent by Moses also reported seeing the Anakim: 

“We saw the Nephilim… and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers” (Numbers 13:33). 

 Baalbek 

At Baalbek, the famous Trilithon consists of three limestone blocks weighing roughly 800 tons each. Nearby lie even larger stones, including one estimated to exceed 1,000 tons. These remain among the largest stones ever quarried by any ancient civilization— ever. 

Big stones in an area known for big people? Well— mystery solved! 

The Jewish historian Josephus referred to the descendants of the Anakim as a race of giants whose bones could still be seen in his day (Antiquities 5.2.3). 

The Phoenician historian Philo of Byblos, whose writings survive through Eusebius, preserved traditions about beings of extraordinary size and strength building the very earliest monuments. 

In fact, it was the Greeks who even coined the term “Cyclopean masonry” because they believed that only the giant Cyclopes could have constructed walls made from enormous, tightly fitted stones, like those found at Mycenae and Tiryns. 

 Can we say for certain which Canaanite fortifications were built by giants? Not entirely. But based on the evidence one could make some pretty good guesses.  Giants probably built the biggest ones. 

 Sources 

 • Antiquities of the Jews 5.2.3.

 • Fragments of Philo of Byblos in Eusebius, Praeparatio Evangelica. 

 • UNESCO documentation on Baalbek. 

 • Pausanias, Description of Greece (on Cyclopean masonry traditions)

God’s Instructions For Being Patient

Neal Pollard

Lately, I’ve put together toys and furniture that came with “instructions,” only they are a series of steps with pictures and illustrations and no words! As a lefty in a right-handed world, I find that doubly difficult. But, ultimately, even these instructions prove helpful enough to finish the job.

The Bible is a divine instruction manual, designed not only to reveal God’s sovereign, immutable will, but to give us guidance in how to improve our lives in this world. What Jesus calls the “abundant” life (John 10:10) is not primarily aimed at the financial, material, or even physical, but it applies to every sphere in which we operate. That includes disciplines and characteristics of our lives, like patience.

Most of us, if asked, would confess of the need to be more patient. So much tries our patience–traffic, deadlines, children, spouses, peers, expectations, failures (ours and others), sin (ours and others), unfairness, ineptitude, etc., etc. Impatience is not portrayed in a positive light in Scripture (see Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Saul, Esau, the Israelites when Moses was up on Sinai, Martha, the Prodigal Son, and others, some righteous and some evil, whose impatience cost them in some way).

Patience is commanded in the first part of James 5:7. It is said as a response to those whose patience was being inflamed by the sinful actions of those discussed in the previous six verses. In just a few words, James has some pretty exhaustive instruction on being patient.

He Addresses The WHO: “Be patient brethren.” There’s an ethic and morality expected of those in God’s family that exceeds that for everyone else. Almost every use of “brethren” in the New Testament is obviously addressed to Christians, and several times with the word “brethren.” As light-shiners and salt-spreaders, we must exhibit patience with each other and especially other Christians.

He Addresses The WHEN: This command has a duration (an expiration date): “Until the coming of the Lord.” How long are we to remember Christ in the Lord’s Supper? “Until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). How long was Thyatira to hold onto what they had? Until Jesus would come (Revelation 2:25). How long was Corinth to refrain from unrighteously judging one another? “Until the Lord comes” (1 Corinthians 4:5). You don’t encounter the phrase very often, but every time it regards a matter of significance. There will not come a point in time when you can cease being patient. It’s as long as you live or until Christ comes again, which ever comes first.

He Addresses The HOW: You’ve got to strengthen your heart. This speaks of being inwardly firm, committed, and stronger. James is saying, “Steel yourself because this will be hard sometimes.” When I think of people who have fallen away from the Lord, I think of conversations with people who say they gave up on the church or the elders or the preacher. These weren’t responsive enough, caring enough, were too nosy or not what they needed to have been. But, ultimately, this points to the wayward one not being firm or unchanging within. Strengthening the heart is something only we can do for ourselves!

He Addresses The WHY: “The coming of the Lord is near.” Don’t focus on a time element here, but on the need to endure for as long as the time is. It’s constantly drawing nearer, not in a chronological sense, but as an expectation and assurance that we expect it any time. I don’t want to be caught living in a state of impatience with my brethren. If I am, it means I’ve lost focus on Christ’s Second Coming.

I don’t know what you are facing in your Christian life, even at the hands of another Christian. But I know this. You won’t answer for their sin and misbehavior, but realize that you are accountable for your response.

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

Grace Is Not A Cover For Irreverence

Brent Pollard

 Imagine a man who has been fully pardoned by the king—sealed, signed, undeserved—who then strolls into the throne room, drops a bruised apple on the dais steps, and yawns his way through the royal anthem. He has mixed up mercy with permission.  He has mistaken the king’s kindness for the king’s indifference. There were men like this among the prophet Malachi. They were dressed in priestly robes.

“But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?” (Malachi 1.8, NASB). The question stings because it’s fair. The priests would never insult a Persian official with a lame lamb, but here they laid sick animals on the altar of the living God and called the transaction worship. God saw. God spoke. And what He said should still make us tremble.

When Worship Becomes Leftovers: The Warning of Malachi 1

Malachi’s generation never abandoned the temple. That’s the alarming part. They kept the schedule, they fanned the fires, they said the prayers—and God pronounced the whole show evil. Absence was not their sin. It was attendance wearing contempt. They gave God what was least costly to them, and He wasn’t going to pretend that gesture honored Him.

The irony was more than the priests knew, for their ancestors had suffered the Babylonian captivity because of the other side of this same coin. Israel continually worshiped the LORD before the exile, but they would not worship Him alone. They swore by the LORD and by Milcom in the same breath, bowing in His temple one week and burning incense on pagan high places the next (see Zephaniah 1.5), vacillating between two opinions until Elijah demanded a choice they would not make (1 Kings 18.21). They were driven into captivity by divided worship, and when they returned, God was met with diminished worship. Idolatry gives His honor to a rival; irreverence keeps the ritual and withholds honor—but both commit the same treason. Both deny Him the whole heart He demands. Both He rejects with equal fire.

We recognize the pattern because we carry it. The prayer mumbled while the mind is on tomorrow’s errands. The song mouthed without a single thought rising heavenward. The contribution calculated to pinch nothing.  Long before Malachi, David saw the danger and slammed the door on it. When Araunah offered him a threshing floor without charge, the king refused: “I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24.24). David knew what the priests of Malachi’s day had forgotten: that a free offering announces a worthless God. Our offerings show what we think He is worth.

Would You Offer It to Your Governor? The Insult of Halfhearted Honor

The argument is from the lesser to the greater, and it is sound. If a defective gift would put you to shame in the presence of a human ruler — a man of dust who rules for a season, and then gives up the office — how can you set it before the Lord of hosts, whose name is feared among the nations? The priests had turned the order upside down. They praised men and blasphemed God. Their best was for those who could promote them and their scraps for God.

This caution is expressed in the first pages of the Bible. Cain brought only an offering, and God disregarded it; Abel brought the firstlings of his flock and their fat portions (Genesis 4.3–5). Nadab and Abihu carried strange fire before the Lord, fire He had not commanded, and learned in a single terrible moment that “by those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10.3). God has never let us worship him the way we want to. He defines what is pleasing to Him, and He sees—always—when we swap the convenient for the commanded and the leftover for the firstfruit.

Why God Prefers Closed Doors to Empty Ritual

Then comes the verse that should make every casual worshiper stop in their tracks: “Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar!” (Malachi 1.10). Read it slowly.  God would rather the temple remain dark than host a charade. He has no love for ritual. He doesn’t care for being buttered up with attendance figures. Heaven doesn’t want our smoke; it weighs our hearts. The same God told Israel through Isaiah that He was fed up with sacrifices from people full of wrongdoings (Isaiah 1.11–15). He also said through Amos that He wouldn’t listen to their music while their lives dishonored Him (Amos 5.21–23).

Why is it so serious? Worship isn’t a tax that God takes; it’s a joy He calls us to. Fake joy offends Him more than silence. “Serve the LORD with gladness” (Psalm 100.2) is not decoration on the command. It is the command. The priests of Malachi’s day sniffed at the altar and sighed, “My, how tiresome it is!” (Malachi 1.13), and in that sigh they revealed everything. A bored worshiper delivers a sermon with each yawn: this God isn’t worth my delight. But those who see Him truly cannot stay bored, for “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4.24) — with the whole inner man ignited, and according to the pattern He has revealed.

Grace That Instructs: Reverence as the Fruit of Salvation

A critic will say Malachi thundered under the Old Covenant, but we live under grace. And that is precisely why the bar rises, not falls. Listen to what grace does: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2.11–12). Grace instructs. Grace disciplines. Grace trains the redeemed heart to revere, not to relax. Any concept of grace that encourages disregard for God has been imported from outside the Bible.

The writer of Hebrews, standing on this side of the cross, presses the point further than Malachi ever did: “let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12.28–29). Notice the order of things: gratitude, then acceptable service, then reverence and awe. Grace doesn’t lower the temperature of worship; it raises it. Indeed, we must live in fear while we are here on earth. We are redeemed not by perishable silver or gold, but by the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1.17–19). The more expensive our pardon, the greater our respect should be. Worship that is cheap disrespects a costly cross.

Giving God Your Best: A Call to Wholehearted Worship

Make these questions personal. When the Lord’s day comes, is your heart ready, or just your schedule? When the congregation sings, do you give melody with your heart to the Lord, or do you move your lips while your mind wanders the week? As the plate passes, is your offering like David’s expensive gift or Cain’s convenient one? When the Word is preached, do you lean in as one who hears from the throne, or do you endure it as one who waits for lunch? God demands nothing of us but what He has already given us. Paul arrives at the only reasonable conclusion: “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12.1). Not the leftover hours. Not the blemished remainder. Your mind, your body, your Monday and Sunday, all of them laid out on the altar.

Return to the man in the throne room, pardon in hand, apple on the stairs. And think of the opposite: a forgiven man walking in trembling joy, laying his very best at the King’s feet, because the pardon taught him what the King is worth. Be that man. Be that woman. Close the gates of empty ritual in your own soul, and light instead a fire God will not scorn — the whole burnt offering of a thankful life.

God’s grace is a gift. It is never an excuse to treat Him lightly.

When To Answer A Fool

Carl Pollard

Proverbs 26:4-5 sounds confusing at first “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.” So which is it? Do we answer the fool, or do we stay quiet? 

The answer is…yes.

Solomon isn’t contradicting himself. He’s teaching wisdom. There are times when answering a foolish person only drags you down to their level. If someone is being dishonest, hateful, petty, or just looking for a fight, you don’t have to jump in the mud with them. Some people don’t want truth. They want attention and a reaction. They want to pull you into their foolishness so they can make you look foolish too.

That’s why verse 4 says don’t answer him “according to his folly.” Don’t adopt his attitude. Don’t mirror his sarcasm. Don’t match his anger. Don’t let his foolishness turn you into the same kind of person.

But verse 5 says there are also times when silence can be dangerous. If foolishness goes unanswered, the fool may become “wise in his own eyes.” He may think his argument is stronger than it is. Others may hear it and be influenced by it. A lie repeated confidently can sound convincing to people who don’t know better.

So sometimes wisdom says, “Leave it alone.”Other times wisdom says, “Say something.”

That’s what makes wisdom hard. It’s not just knowing the truth. It’s knowing when to speak, how to speak, and when to be quiet.

Jesus did both. Sometimes He answered His critics with brutal truth. Other times He stayed silent. He never let foolish people control Him. He didn’t answer every accusation, but He also didn’t allow falsehood to go unchallenged when souls were at stake.

That’s a lesson we need to learn quickly! Not every comment deserves a response. Not every argument needs your input. Not every foolish statement online needs you to become the defender of the universe. But there are moments when love for truth and concern for souls requires us to speak.

The key is the heart. Am I answering to help, or am I answering to win? Am I defending truth, or defending my pride? Am I speaking with wisdom, or just reacting? Proverbs 26:4-5 is basically saying, don’t become a fool to answer a fool. But don’t let foolishness stand when truth needs a voice.

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JOB’S WOOLLY RE’EM

Dale Pollard

The exact identity of the “wild ox” mentioned in Job 39 is unknown, but the text implies a powerful and strong beast whose strength was beyond human control.

One alternative theory is that it might just be referring to the extinct woolly rhinoceros—one of the largest mammals of the ice age.

God asks Job:

“Will the re’em be willing to serve you? Will he spend the night at your manger? Can you bind the re’em in the furrow (earthen trench made by plowing) with ropes?  …will you trust him because his strength is great?” (39.9-12).

Unlike oxen, rhinos have never been successfully domesticated, despite their tremendous strength. A modern rhino could easily pull half of its body weight, and they’ve used been known to use their sheer neck and shoulder strength to toss multi-ton objects, including hippos, water buffaloes, and entire cars—into the air (BBC Science Focus Mag., Top 10 Strongest Animals).

The woolly rhino was among the largest land mammals of the past. Fossil remains discovered in Russia, Germany, France, England, and Kazakhstan reveal that it grew to be 13 feet long and stood over 6 feet at the shoulder. It weighed in at around 8,000lbs and its prominent front horn has been measured at 4-6 feet in length. Preserved carcasses in the chilly permafrost of Siberia have even retained their reddish-brown fur, skin, and their last meals still sitting in their bellies. 

The Greek translation of the Old Testament– or Septuagint– translates the Hebrew re’em as monokeros, meaning “one-horned.” Jerome’s Latin Vulgate translated it as rhinoceros. The translators lived far closer to the biblical world than modern readers and evidently associated the re’em with a rhino-like creature.

No woolly rhinos have ever been uncovered in the region where Job was thought to have lived (modern Palestine), however several references in Job seem to indicate the right conditions that would allow our big-horned brute to feel right at home. Some theologians date Job towards the end of the ice age—here’s a few verses used as evidence.

 “Which is dark and turbid by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hidden” (6.16).

“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast” (37.10).

“From whose womb comes the ice? And the frost of heaven, who gives birth to it? The waters harden like stone, and the surface of the deep is frozen” (38.29-30).

Is the re’em really a giant woolly rhino? There’s no way to know for certain, and since there’s no definitive answer– it makes the theory a cool one (little pun there for ya, pilgrim).

Only The Good Die Young

Gary Pollard

My wife and I were talking about past and recent tragic deaths, which we seem to notice more as adults (especially now as parents). Some of them seemed inexplicable, and all untimely death is horrible. But some, with the benefit of hindsight, seemed like mercy in light of what eventually happened to the rest of the families and/or to the society they lived in. We wondered if perhaps, in some situations, God directly intervened to save the deceased from something much worse. Obviously we cannot and will not know in this life — but hindsight does often dispel the fog of past confusion. 

Moses, the Kings and Chronicles and Psalms, and the Prophets are very helpful resources when collating and corroborating historical accounts. My study had me in the 8th and 7th centuries before Christ, and Isaiah is a goldmine of inspired writing for that era (as are his fellow prophets). I came across 57.1 and was immediately reminded of our conversation: 

“Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come.”

This does not mean that all (or even most) untimely death is caused or allowed by God to protect that person from fates worse than death. As stated two paragraphs ago, we cannot know why, exactly, tragedies like this occur. But it does mean that God has allowed that to happen. It does suggest that God — who does not change — probably allows that to happen today. It does mean that God — who knows all things — sees more than we do. Grief is a crippling state that often clouds our vision, understandably so. It does mean, as in Isaiah’s day, that God has protected the righteous from being swept up in the awful punishment their culture soon experienced. “Now we only know partially,” but all will be made clear when Christ returns. Isaiah 57.1 could be a source of comfort when a loved one passes too soon — who knows? God does, and his perspective is infinite, as is his love and compassion. 

The Quality That Won The War For Independence

Neal Pollard

This week is the 250th anniversary of the birth of America, as July 4, 1776, was the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Because of this incredible milestone, I have been rereading David McCullough’s classic, simply entitled 1776. It is a captivating chronicle of one of the most monumental events in all human history. What this nation has achieved and the freedom and opportunity its citizens enjoy is unparalleled in so many ways.

As powerful, prosperous, and influential as the United States is on the world stage in 2026, the fledgling, ragtag people seeking its independence from the British was far different. McCullough writes that 1776 was “a year of far too few victories, of sustained suffering, disease, hunger, desertion, cowardice, disillusionment, defeat, terrible discouragement, and fear, as they would never forget, but also of phenomenal courage and bedrock devotion to country, and, that too, they would never forget” (294).

McCullough says this in the context of the leadership of George Washington, whom he describes as without brilliance as a strategist and tactician, not an orator or intellectual, and a general who had made “serious mistakes in judgment” (293). Yet, he preached “perseverance.” McCullough includes quotes from several of Washington’s letters to congress, officers, and general orders where he passionately admonished patience, courage, and perseverance. As McCullough informs us, “the war was a longer, far more arduous, and more painful struggle than later generations would understand or sufficiently appreciate. By the time it ended, it had taken the lives of an estimated 25,000 Americans, or roughly 1 percent of the population” (294).

Perseverance is “the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty” (BDAG, 1039). That quality helped a humble, tiny, and outmatched fledging nation emerge victorious against seemingly impossible odds. We still reap the benefits of their endurance.

Far greater than this nation and this world, the Christian must relentlessly fight for something that is literally timeless. Regarding this war, God through His inspired writers urges “perseverance” dozens of times. We must bear fruit with perseverance (Luke 8:15). We must do good in pursuit of eternal life by perseverance (Romans 2:7). Our proven good character is forged by perseverance (Romans 5:3-4). Our hope is shaped by perseverance (Romans 15:4). We are commended as servants of God through perseverance (2 Corinthians 6:4). We are strengthened with all power by perseverance (Colossians 1:11). Spiritual warfare is won by perseverance (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:4). The man of God pursues perseverance (1 Timothy 6:11). Perseverance is essential to receive what God has promised (Hebrews 10:36). We must run the spiritual race with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1). Through perseverance, we can be made perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4)–like Job (James 5:11). Perseverance is one of those Christian graces that will get us to heaven (2 Peter 1:6). Christ commends multiple churches of Asia Minor for having perseverance (Revelation 2:2-3, 19; 3:10).

The odds are stacked against us. We are Christian soldiers more apt to gaffes and missteps than brilliant tactics and strategies (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). At so many turns, our efforts seem futile and pointless. But, with God’s help and guidance, we are guaranteed victory (1 John 5:4). However, we must not quit!

I am proud to be an American, but I am also reminded by God that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). I cannot let physical and material blessings, even liberty and freedom, to keep me from pursuing “a better country” (Hebrews 11:13-16). The quality that makes the difference in our spiritual fight is perseverance!

Don’t give up the fight!

When Caesar Lives Rent-Free in the Christian’s Mind

Praying for Nero, Submitting to Authority, and Keeping Christ on the Throne

Brent Pollard

Roman Emperor Nero is a deeply fascinating core figure in ancient Roman history. Suetonius, an ancient Roman historian, included Nero’s life and deeds in his chronicle of the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty: Nero’s father, Domitius, was of extremely poor moral character; when Nero was born, his father made an ill-omened prophecy, saying nothing good could be produced from his union with his wife, Agrippina. Nero lost his father at the age of 3; his mother, Agrippina, was exiled and only regained imperial favor after Claudius ascended the throne.

Via careful planning, Nero was adopted by Claudius, tutored by Seneca, and married to Octavia, Claudius’ daughter, to link his lineage to the imperial royal bloodline. He ascended to the throne at age 17 following Claudius’ death. In the early period of his reign, he governed using Augustus as a model, and according to Suetonius’s records, his acts of benevolence correspond to the timeframe of Paul’s Chapter 13 of the Book of Romans.

The initially promising start to Roman Emperor Nero’s rule collapsed abruptly. He indulged heavily in vain, ostentatious displays, public entertainments, and musical pleasures. The ancient Roman historian Suetonius recorded that Nero slid from youthful missteps into outright vice; the monarch who was supposed to uphold order was instead dragged into ruin by his own desires and the flattery of those around him.

The cruelty of Roman Emperor Nero earned him an unspeakably infamous legacy. According to records from the ancient Roman historian Suetonius, Nero murdered his adoptive father Claudius, his stepbrother, his mother, his wife, and his tutor; he plundered wealth to build his lavish Golden Palace, persecuted Christians, and was also accused of deliberately setting fire to destroy the city of Rome.

The Roman Empire then turned against Nero, and revolts broke out across its territory one after another. General Galba was acclaimed as the new emperor. Nero, who had lost all his trusted personal guards, fled and hid in the residence of a freedman. Left with no escape route, he committed suicide with the assistance of his secretary Epaphroditus. Having spent his entire life pursuing acclaim as an artist, he ultimately met a lonely, frightened, and disgraced end. It was a fate that stood in marked contrast to his harsh and oppressive rule.

Every generation has its own Caesar. People hold a range of attitudes toward him: admiration, fear, ridicule, hatred, defense, justification, or even excessive obsession. But the question is simpler and sharper: Is this illegitimate usurper of the mind, who holds no land deed and pays no rent, occupying territory that rightfully belongs to Christ?

The Apostle Paul lived under the rule of Nero, the Roman tyrant infamous for his vanity, cruelty, and persecution of Christians; yet he taught believers to submit to governing authorities and to pray for sovereign rulers. Therefore, today, we must never allow transient political figures to disrupt our personal peace, fellowship, and inner serenity.

Submitting to Governing Authorities Without Worshiping the Ruler

Paul wrote Romans 13 within the context of the Roman Empire’s rule. The opening verse of that chapter requires submission to the office of authority, rather than to the individual who holds that authority. This authority is a grace ordained by God, intended to curb chaos in the world.

Here’s a distinction the angry heart overlooks: We may honor the office without approving the officeholder. We can pay our taxes, obey just laws, respect public order, and soberly admit that the show of governance is often vain or corrupt, or cruel. Nero is the proof in the pudding. He was not a pious person, but Paul never let Nero become the focus of Christian identity. The believer bows to the structure God established, not to the sins of the one within it. That’s no failure; it is the calm strength of a soul whose genuine allegiance lies elsewhere.

Praying for Kings and Rulers Instead of Raging at Them

Then Paul makes the point, and his words indict our reflexes: “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). He does not just say endure kings. Pray for them, he says. The first Christian response to a ruler should not be mockery, panic, or tribal applause. It should be intercession.

Think what such a prayer does to the one who prays it. It is a strange and holy difficulty to plead honestly for a man while nursing hatred against him; the two cannot long inhabit one heart. We can ask God to restrain the ruler’s power, to give him wisdom and repentance, to protect the innocent under his rule, and to open a door for the gospel in his land. The reason goes all the way to heaven, because it is pleasing to “God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The man you want to hate is the man God would save. Pray like that, and watch the poison ooze out of your own soul.

When Political Obsession Becomes Idolatry of the Heart

Now we need to speak plainly. The believer on the right who can’t stop talking about one president, and the believer on the left who can’t stop talking about another, suffer the same disease from opposite ends. The names are not the same, but the slavery is. When a Christian talks more of Caesar than Christ, fears the ballot box more than the judgment seat, and finds warmer fellowship in party than in the body of the Lord, politics has quietly become a rival religion.

A ruler who has only reigned for a few years should not occupy more of your heart than the eternal King. Your heart was made for a higher throne. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we earnestly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “Keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). The true joy of believers has never been the rise or fall of earthly governments, but the unshakeable sovereignty of Christ, who sits above all parliaments and palaces. Caesar cannot fill your soul. Quit expecting him to.

Obeying God Rather Than Men: Submission Is Not Surrender

If you think submission means you have to be spineless, Scripture specifies the line. Peter answered, when the council forbade the apostles to preach, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Biblical submission was never blind obedience. When the state demands what God forbids or forbids what God commands, the Christian’s higher loyalty is spoken – and it is spoken unapologetically.

But listen to the warning from the other side. Not all political frustrations are Acts 5:29 moments. We are very good at baptizing irritation as courage, rebranding contempt as discernment, and stubbornness as conviction. Even Pilate, who held Christ’s life in his hands, was told, “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). The throne above all thrones never threatened the seat of power in Judea. And today, no other earthly authority is in danger. So discern the difference between a hill worth dying on and a mood worth indulging in.

Christ Reigns Forever: Keep the King on His Throne

As recorded in Daniel 2:21, “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings.” Solomon reminds us, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). Worldly rulers are merely clay in the potter’s hand, and He is “the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Nero’s ignoble death and the fall of the Roman Empire are clear proof of this, and only the reign of Christ endures forever.

Each person’s heart is like a throne room. Believers should remove anger that has taken the place of Christ’s sovereignty, reaffirm His lordship, and avoid elevating secular rulers to the throne of their hearts. The lesson is clear: pray for governing authorities you disagree with, speak the truth without hatred, and express criticism without anger.

Volunteer Fatigue

Carl Pollard

One of the greatest blessings in the church is people who willingly serve. Every congregation depends on Christians who quietly teach classes, prepare communion, clean the building, visit the sick, organize events, lead singing, mow the lawn, and do a hundred other jobs that often go unnoticed. The church couldn’t function without servants.  But there’s a danger that every congregation faces, volunteer fatigue.

Volunteer fatigue happens when faithful workers become physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or spiritually discouraged because they have carried too much responsibility for too long. The problem isn’t necessarily that people stop loving the Lord, rather that they simply become tired.

Even Jesus recognized the reality of human limitations. After an intense period of ministry, He told His apostles, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). If the Son of God understood the need for rest, we shouldn’t feel guilty acknowledging our own limitations.

One of the clearest biblical examples is found in Exodus 18. Moses spent all day judging disputes among the Israelites. From morning until evening, everyone depended on him. His father-in-law, Jethro, saw what was happening and gave him some advice. 

“What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.” (Exodus 18:17-18)

Notice that overwork didn’t just hurt Moses, it hurt the people as well. Jethro told Moses to appoint qualified men to share the workload. God’s work was never intended to rest on the shoulders of one person or a handful of faithful servants.

Acts 6 records another example. As the church in Jerusalem grew, the apostles found themselves overwhelmed by the daily distribution to widows. Instead of trying to do everything themselves, they delegated responsibility to seven qualified men.

When responsibilities were shared, the apostles remained devoted to prayer and the ministry of the word, the physical needs of the widows continued to be met, and “the word of God continued to increase” (Acts 6:7)

Healthy churches don’t rely on exhausted people. Healthy churches develop more servants. Galatians 6:9 days, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Paul knew that doing good can become exhausting. He didn’t say Christians never become weary. He encouraged them not to quit because weariness is a real battle.

Paul describes the church as a body in 1 Corinthians 12. Every member has a different function, but every function matters. Problems arise when only a few parts of the body are doing all the work while everyone else watches. Imagine a human body where one arm had to do everything while the rest of the body remained inactive. That arm would eventually fail. The same principle applies to the church. God never intended for 20 percent of the members to accomplish 80 percent of the work. Every Christian has been gifted to serve (1 Peter 4:10)!

If you’re one of those servants who always says “yes,” thank you! The Lord sees your labor even when others don’t (Hebrews 6:10). Your work matters. But remember that even faithful servants need encouragement, help, and rest. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Allow others the opportunity to grow by sharing the work with them.

Volunteer fatigue is often a symptom of another problem. Too few people are serving. If you’ve been content to let others carry the load, perhaps you need to ask, “Where can I help?” You may never stand in a pulpit or lead singing, but there are countless ways to strengthen the Lord’s church. Every act of service, no matter how small, glorifies God when done with the right heart.

The healthiest congregations arent the ones with a handful of exhausted and burnt out workers. They are congregations where every member understands that ministry belongs to all of God’s people. When burdens are shared, servants are encouraged. When servants are encouraged, ministries flourish. And when ministries flourish, God is glorified.

May we never take our volunteers for granted! 

How Can Evil And A Loving God Coexist?

Gary Pollard

Stephen Fry is a well-known actor, activist, humanist, and athiest. When asked what he would say to God in a face-to-face, he replied, “Bone cancer in children, what’s that about? … How dare you create a world where there is such misery that is not our fault?” There’s more to the quote, but this sums it up. 

“How can evil and a loving God coexist?” At some point, we have to confront this question in our own faith. Some can accept the problem of evil as being a byproduct of a fallen world. Others – especially those who have experienced evil firsthand – have a hard time justifying the two. 

Most answers offered sound something like this: “The creation groans with the pains of childbirth up to now. Man, as a free moral agent, transgressed God’s law and brought the consequences of sin upon humanity. God cannot look upon evil, and certainly does not cause it. Every good thing and every perfect gift comes down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” 

While the principles in this explanation are correct, it fails to address the question on at least two levels. One, it does not answer how God could allow evil to affect humans. We exist, technically, against our will. Two, it utilizes jargon. It’s easier to say religious-sounding things to answer difficult questions, but anyone struggling with this problem knows how frustrating this answer can be. It doesn’t address the question, and sometimes comes across as avoiding it altogether. 

The following is based on personal study, as I’d wrestled with this problem, too. To be very clear: God loves us, and the existence of evil does not change that at all. This question was answered for me through an unrelated study that put a few things into perspective. Here’s the condensed version: 

God created reality, and it was flawless (Gen 1.31). In fact, Jesus described heaven as being a return to this flawlessness (Matt 19.28). The code of reality was intact. God didn’t force us to love him, he gave us freedom to choose for ourselves. According to Romans eight, nature was fundamentally affected by the choice we made. This choice essentially introduced a bug into the code of reality. God didn’t create evil, we did. 

Even though our choice has consistently been rejection – and we’re solely responsible for messing everything up – he still gave up everything to give us a second chance. Yes, Jesus sacrificed himself on a cross. This was extremely selfless and loving in itself. But this was NOT the only sacrifice he made. 

Jesus – the one who designed and built reality (John 1) – permanently demoted himself for humans. He gave up his status to die for us (Heb 2.7). He’s in the father’s chair right now, but will step back down after the end of time (Heb 1.14; 2.8-9). He is still God, but permanently lower because he’s still human, too (I Tim 2.5; I Cor 11.3; I Jn 3.1-3; Heb 2.11-18). 

So, how can evil and a loving God coexist? We’re stuck with the way reality is now, but he fundamentally changed himself to give us a second chance. He works full-time to get his family home (Rom 8.27; I Tim 2.5; I Jn 2.1-2). We changed the terms, but he changed the consequences. The most powerful entity in the universe stepped down – forever – knowing most of us would ignore it. When we look at it that way, it puts our own culpability into perspective and demonstrates God’s infinite capacity to love. 

Jonah’s Monster: A Historical and Biological Investigation 

Dale Pollard

The biblical account of Jonah being swallowed by a “great fish” (often called a whale) has long been under scrutiny by biblical skeptics. This short investigation hits a few  different areas that may give the reader some more food for thought. 

We’ll cook up a theory using— 

  1. Some historical maritime context of ancient seafaring practices
  2. A sprinkle of marine biology
  3. A pinch of paleontology
  4. A tad of textual linguistics
  5. A ladle of literary evidence

With all that we’ll explore some plausible candidates for the big fish.

Potential Location of the Storm and Jonah’s Route

The Mediterranean stretch between Rhodes and Cyprus was notoriously treacherous. Jonah sailed from Joppa (modern Jaffa, Israel) toward Tarshish (likely Spain), covering approximately 430 oceanic miles from Rhodes to Joppa or a neighboring Phoenician port. The route passed close by Rhodes and Cyprus, exposing vessels to sudden violent storms. 

This seems to be a decent area to focus on. While other parts of the Mediterranean are known to be more dangerous, they’re closer to Spain. No marine animal capable of swallowing a human could make that swim in just three days. While it could have been a specialized super-swimmer designed by God— for the purpose of this article we’re going to stick with candidates that were currently aware of. 

Candidate Creatures

1. Sperm Whale 

Probably the most common theory, for good reason. Sperm whales have

•  Large sinus air chamber and integrated blowhole allowed any gobbled prophets to breathe. 

•  Massive throat capable of swallowing large prey whole instead of crushing or suffocating 

2. Fin Whale (Detailed Physiology)

From the Christian Research Journal (Vol. 48, No. 03, 2025), the fin whale’s lunge-feeding allows it to engulf enormous volumes of water (60–82 m³). Its forestomach can hold ~500 L of fluid, but the narrow esophagus (~10 cm) suggests Jonah was likely held in the expandable oropharynx (“belly”). Survival challenges include trauma, hypothermia, slippery surfaces, and air supply (mitigated by frequent surfacing every 5–15 minutes). 

3. Basilosaurus (extinct) 

•  Fits biblical themes of large serpentine sea monster (Amos 9.3) 

•  Fluid-filled bones for near-surface swimming

•  Elbow-like fins for shallow-water maneuverability, ideal for expelling prey onto beaches.

•  Ancient artwork in the region resembles it. This is perhaps the coolest point that we’ll revisit. 

4. Megalodon (Otodus megalodon)

•  Largest known shark in the ancient Mediterranean, up to 50 feet long.

Was It a Whale, a Fish, or a “Ketos”?

Hebrew dag gadol (“great fish”) and Greek ketos (used in the Septuagint and Matthew 12:40) are general terms for a large sea creature or monster, not precise biological categories. Historian Bill Cooper and others note that ketos consistently referred to a dog-headed sea-dragon or serpent in ancient Mediterranean mind. Dr. Henry Morris notes its “mega-sized” connotations. 

Ancient writers used specific terms for such creatures, while New Testament authors employed broader language.

Ancient Literary and Artistic Evidence for the “Ketos”

Historical evidence from authors and historians who best knew the Mediterranean Sea consistently used ketos to mean “a sea serpent.”

 This is supported by:

•  Literary sources (from ca. 700 B.C. onward): Homer (9th–8th century B.C.), Euripides, Aristophanes, Lycophron, Aristophanes (various dates), Manilius, Marcus Terentius Varro, Diodorus Siculus, Claudius Aelianus, Oppian of Apamea, Pausanias, Eustathius, Hesychius, and Johannes Moschus, among others.

Artistic depictions: 

First-century paintings from a Roman catacomb show Jonah being thrown into the sea monster with a dog-like head, flexible neck, and often coiled body. Numerous artifacts (carvings, coins, ivory, wood, stone) depict the ketos with a dog-like head, prominent teeth, plume-like flaps or frills above the head and neck, and a slender, coiled form. These consistent renderings across Rome, Africa, Turkey, and elsewhere strongly identify the ketos as a sea serpent.

The visual and textual tradition closely resembles creatures like Basilosaurus and supports a naturalistic but still divinely orchestrated interpretation of the biblical “monster.”

BONUS: 

Interesting Historical Sighting 

Strabo records Poseidonius’ eyewitness account (ca. 130–51 BC) of a massive “fallen dragon” (~30 m / 100 ft long) on the northern Levant coast with enormous jaws. It was so big that two riders on horse back couldn’t see each other if they were on either side of its belly. 

Bonus Notes: 

Clues from Jonah’s Prayer (Jonah 2) 

•  Repeated references to depth and deep water.

•  “Moors or roots of the mountains” — possibly the Eratosthenes Seamount near Cyprus.

•  Calypso Deep is the deepest point, Jonah might be referring to it. 

Travel Feasibility

A blue whale’s comfortable speed of ~5 mph could cover ~360 miles in the relevant Rhodes-area voyage, making that in distance in 72 hours (three days). 

References: 

•  Christian Research Journal, Vol. 48, No. 03 (2025).

•  Brian Thomas, Ph.D., Institute for Creation Research.

•  Bill Cooper, The Authenticity of the Book of Jonah (2012/2013).

•  Dr. Henry Morris on ketos.

•  Strabo, Poseidonius, and the extensive list of classical authors cited.

What Gets You Up In The Morning?

Dale Pollard

In Romans one we find that Paul feels a great debt to the lost in the world around him because he’s got a message from above that people need to hear from him. He’s strongly convinced that if he doesn’t speak up, he hasn’t only failed spiritually but he’s failed the people who pass him by. Later in his letter he’ll write, 

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” – Roman’s 10.1-4

From these verses we can learn a thing or two about the life of Paul and it serves as a mirror that reflects back to us our own priorities. 

His heart: It’s filled with a desire to spread the message of salvation to others. 

Paul is motivated by the amount of people walking around in darkness. What motivates us? What provokes us to action? For Paul, it was simple. There’s a great number of lost people in the world and we’ve been given an uncertain amount of time to make that number smaller. 

His eyes: They’re looking for those who might be saved. 

Paul is looking for those with a zeal for God, but who aren’t following Him correctly. There are people who are on fire for God, but their fire is misdirected. In other words, we should be looking for that fertile soil. 

His mind: Understands that there’s only one law and one path that the saved are walking. 

Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. The righteous are the only people who truly believe. That belief is in the singular way to God. Paul was an effective soul winner because he was convinced that there are lost people who will remain lost if he doesn’t act. He was convinced that God’s way is the only way, and he is responsible for the opportunities to share that message with those God places in his life. 

If our motivation isn’t to seek and to save the lost, our priorities must be rearranged. 

What makes you get up in the morning? 

Grieving The Holy Spirit

Neal Pollard

Paul contrasts the “old man” of sin, before conversion, and “the new man” who is striving to live a right and holy life (Ephesians 4:20-24). As such, he gives a list of old and new behaviors:

Screenshot

In some of these contrasting behaviors, he highlights the fact of spiritual warfare, a theme he returns to in chapter six. For example, by giving in to sinful anger, one gives the devil an opportunity (27). By having a godly attitude, we imitate God’s grace in forgiving us (32). Yet, to me, as sobering as anything Paul says in this paragraph is a warning he issues in verse 30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

The Sin. The word “grieve” (“bring sorrow,” NLT) is an intense word, meaning “to cause severe mental or emotional distress” (BDAG, 604). Elsewhere in the New Testament, it describes Herod’s reaction when the daughter of Herodias asked for the head of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:9), the apostles’ reaction when Jesus predicts His death (Matthew 17:23), and the Christian’s response to the loss of a loved one (1 Thessalonians 4:13) and persecution (1 Peter 1:6). But, the cause of such anguish is our actions, specifically our speech. The word “and” closely ties what Paul says in verse 30 to the admonition in verse 29. Truly, willful, habitual sin of any sort would have the same effect, but Paul ties grieving the Holy Spirit to “unwholesome speech.” Zodhiates says that word “unwholesome” (“corrupting,” ESV; “foul or abusive,” NLT) was used to describe spoiled or rotten vegetables, meat, fish, or fruit (Matthew 7:17; 13:48; etc.)(np.). The idea is rotting, decaying, and offensive (TDNT, Vol. 5, 94-95). While Paul doesn’t use the graphic illustrations James does in warning about sins of the tongue (James 3:1ff), his warning is no less intense! We are wise to think about the wholesomeness (or lack thereof) of our words! Words that fail to meet the standard Paul sets in the second half of the verse have to be suspects on the list of unwholesome! Words that are destructive, demeaning, dirty, and the like leave the lasting effect of the intense feeling of sorrow and grief to God Himself! Refusing to stop such speech perpetuates this pain for Him!

The Seal. They made Jesus’ tomb secure with a seal (Matthew 27:66). The Christians in Revelation were said to be marked for identification with a seal (Revelation 7:3). The idea of sealing is to mark, set apart, acknowledge and prove (Newman, 177). Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit indwells us as a sign or acknowledgment that we are in Christ (Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 1:22). Let us revisit the idea that the all-knowing, omnipresent Spirit of God is grieved by the unwholesome speech of a Christian. How much more grievous must that be for Him dwelling within us as we think the thoughts that precipitate such speech! Furthermore, how long will He remain in one who continuously, hardheartedly engages in such “old man behavior” (1 Samuel 16:14; Psalm 51:11; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31)?

The Salvation. Thankfully, each of us gets to choose! We do not have to succumb to the practice of sin, whether unwholesome words, the other old man behaviors in Ephesians 4, the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, or any other sinful practice disclosed in the New Testament. We have the option to live the Spirit-led life revealed in God’s Word! Nothing will drive us to do so any more than “the day of redemption.” This should be the ambition that wakes us up each day and drives us through the ups and downs of life. However we are pushed, pressured, and tempted, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit that will lead us to be found in Him (Philippians 3:9).

Do you struggle with taming the tongue (see James 3:1ff)? What will motivate you to put that away? How about remembering that God’s Spirit is in you between now and the day of redemption? Won’t this help you think more carefully about what you say and how you say it? Won’t it allow you to use those words which build up and bring grace to those who hear?

The Classroom Nobody Asks To Enter

Brent Pollard

No one ever really wants to come to this school. They never looked at a promotional pamphlet about it. They didn’t circle the first day of school on their calendars with excitement. Yet, God keeps a watchful eye on this ancient classroom. Even after thousands of years, its curriculum hasn’t changed. One of the earliest lessons it teaches is want.

Attendance at this school would never be something we would choose. Left to our own devices, we would design a curriculum brimming with abundance: every prayer answered swiftly, every door welcoming us at the first knock. However, that is not a school; it is a nursery. God doesn’t want to coddle individuals who stay stuck in their growth (see Hebrews 5.11-14).

In the tough times we face, there’s a unique gentleness to be found: the pauses, the imperfections, and the obstacles, which resemble the desks in a classroom, representing our journeys. At these desks, we uncover unique insights that you won’t find anywhere else. Comfort allows us to see the blessings we receive from God, but difficulty is the teacher who helps us grasp our profound need for God Himself. When all comforts are stripped away, the only lesson that endures is the one learned at the desk of deprivation.

Paul’s Diploma from the School of Want

Paul didn’t simply earn his diploma from this “school of want” by focusing solely on theory. He earned it through real struggles: scars, shipwrecks, feelings of emptiness, and even time spent in a prison cell (see 2 Corinthians 11.23-28). From one such cell, he wrote, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4.11). The term “learned” carries weight and meaning. Finding contentment wasn’t a simple task; it required patience and nurturing, much like mastering a new language. Initially, it was a bit uncomfortable and uncertain, but over time, with patience and practice, it became more natural and easier for Paul. Paul’s journey shows how facing challenges can lead to genuine happiness.

This isn’t a blend of stoicism and faith. Stoicism dulls its desires; Paul acknowledges his. He expresses, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4.12). He experienced hunger. He experienced a deep sense of humiliation. He just wouldn’t allow either of them to have the last say over his spirit.

Then Paul shares a little secret, almost casually: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4.13). This line, situated between hunger and abundance, highlights that genuine strength comes not from ambition but from Christ’s support. Here, the “strength” isn’t about conquering the world; it’s about remaining authentic and steadfast as you journey through the tough lessons that accompany desire. The metaphor emphasizes a profound faith in God that transcends the world’s temporary victories.

This is the central idea that the message of contentment centers on. Contentment isn’t just about having all our wishes fulfilled; it’s about understanding that even when we face shortages, the goodness of God is always present and unwavering. Paul didn’t just experiment with this while among the safety of his brethren; he put it into practice in a Roman cell, and it really worked.

The Lie That Wealth Whispers

Examine Paul’s testimony alongside his warning to reveal a distinct difference. He shares with Timothy about those “who want to get rich” and who find themselves “in temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires” (1 Timothy 6.9). Money itself isn’t the enemy, but the obsession with it—the idea that adding another zero will somehow bring happiness—definitely is.

Wealth brings dreams that can sometimes feel just out of reach. It’s often said that security is something we accumulate, that we’re always just one transaction away from feeling safe. It’s the enduring charm of attraction, now presented in a portfolio instead of a serpent’s skin. The impact extends far beyond mere financial loss. Paul notes that some people have wandered away from their beliefs, chasing after them and bringing upon themselves “many griefs” (1 Timothy 6.10). You cannot devote yourself to a deity that does not reciprocate your affection.

This is the reason the well-known verse is positioned exactly where it is. It is supported on both sides by the reminder: “Godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment” (1 Timothy 6.6). Seeking gain has always been a valid ambition. We simply searched for it in the wrong field. True gain isn’t about accumulating more possessions. It reflects the soul’s deepening ability to find peace in God, regardless of circumstances.

Christ, the Believer’s Undiminishable Portion

What should you do when a lesson feels like it’s holding on to you? What happens if the job doesn’t materialize, the diagnosis remains unchanged, and our prayers seem to fall silent? Even in those moments, remember that you are not alone—hope awaits you beyond the pain. Don’t force a smile and pretend that pain feels good. Scripture doesn’t make that request. Instead, look beyond your empty hand to the Hand that has always held on.

This is the gentle reassurance found in Scripture: God is the refuge for those who have nothing else. “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup,” the psalmist sang, long before Paul came along (Psalm 16.5). Not divine blessings. God Himself. God. Even without any blessings, the believer still possesses the one true Blessing.

There’s an incredible tenderness in this moment. A divine being, enveloped in radiant light, humbles themself to become the treasure for those who possess nothing. We were created, in the innermost part of our hearts, for nothing less than Him. Every desire He permits is an act of love, purging that space and making room for only Him to occupy it. It isn’t joy that we seek, but rather the joy that ultimately reveals itself—much like a famine that shows us that bread was never the true goal. He was the center of it all. He was always the center of attention.

Living in the Classroom Today

How do you handle a no in the moment of truth?

Begin with small steps. Communicate honestly and express your desires openly in the presence of God. Do not pretend to have the peace you do not possess. Rely on Philippians 4.13 not just for lofty ambitions but also to find strength when facing challenges. Keep in mind the lesson from 1 Timothy 6: the things you pursue often fall short of what they promise. Finally, return to the intended portion. Whisper it softly until it resonates within you, just as it did for Paul: Lord, I may not have what I desired, but I have You. That is not insignificant. It’s a huge gain.

No one actively seeks to enter this school, yet everyone finds themselves walking its halls and eventually graduating—some with a sense of bitterness, others with a feeling of blessing, some with clenched fists, and others with contented hearts. Christ stands as the enduring guide in this ongoing journey of desire, sharing the essential truth that mere comfort cannot provide: He is, and has always been, enough.

God Shall Wipe Away All Tears

Carl Pollard

Tears are a very interesting and important part of the human anatomy. Tears are produced by the tear gland, which are small glands that are in our upper eyelid. Tears keep the surface of your eyeball clean, and help protect your eye from damage. But there’s another function of tears. They appear when we experience heartache and sadness. They form when we encounter joy, heartbreak, and sometimes for no reason with some people.

When we cry because of something emotionally painful, most of the time we wish that the problem never would’ve happened In the first place. Tears are a natural part of life. It’s going to happen, no matter how tough we claim to be. At some point we are going to break under the pressure of this world. That’s why I’d like to spend a few moments in one of the most encouraging passages of scripture in the Bible, Isaiah 25:8-9. In these two verses we will notice three painful types of tears that will be wiped away.

It reads, “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

The first type of tears that will be wiped away are tears of death (v. 8). Every human on earth will experience death. Our lives will end in death, and scattered all throughout our days on earth we will lose those we love. Death is terrible. It tears us apart– we feel like we are drowning in heartbreak– that this pain will never end. We have to watch as mothers and fathers lose their children, children lose their parents, and spouses lose each other. Death is inevitable and something none of us ever want to go through. But there will come a day when we will never have to shed a tear over a loved one. We will never stand at a graveside again. God will make sure that his children never have to experience this heartache ever again. I long for heaven because the tears of death will be wiped away.

He will wipe away the tears of disgrace (8b). We can all agree that this world is full of evil. There is murder, rape, liars, gossip, and broken homes. This world is a place full of tears over the pain that comes from evil. Homes are torn apart and hearts are broken over the sin of others. A day will come when Christ will wipe away all tears (Rev. 21:4).  A day will come when Christ will mend the hearts of the broken. David spoke of his Joy in God. He says, “Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness” (Psa. 30:10-11). As Christians we can turn to God with hope, knowing that He is our helper and strength. We don’t have to face the evil of this world on our own. God can turn our heartache into Joy. He can wipe away the tears that sin has placed in our eyes. A time will come when the tears of disgrace will be wiped away.

God will wipe away the tears of distance and discouragement (9). It is common after a tragedy has occurred to hear someone pray, “Jesus come quickly.” We say this because we know that Christ is our way of escape from this world. Christ is our hope. We want Him to come back, to help us escape the sin that is around us. Sometimes this distance from God can cause us to become discouraged and to think that He isn’t coming back to save us. God will wipe away the tears of discouragement.

And on that day we will say, “This is OUR God.” The God that we have placed all hope and faith in. “This is OUR God that we have waited on to save us.” “This is OUR God that has brought us salvation.” The day will come when God will wipe away the tears that have been formed by the distance and discouragement we encounter on earth.

The day will also come when we will be judged for how we lived on earth. Can we say that we have waited on God? Can we rejoice in His return? Can we truthfully say that we have placed our faith and hope in God? On that day our tears will either be wiped away, or they will continue on into eternity. The question we must ask ourselves is this:  “Will God wipe away my tears?”

Stones Of Barad

Gary Pollard

Of the plagues in Exodus, the one most interesting to me is the hailstorm. According to that account, hail mixed with fire and thunder was responsible for the deaths of cattle, servants, and the total destruction of fields (c.f. The Ipuwer Papyrus 9.2-3 for the Egyptian perspective of this event. Orthodox scholars consider this papyrus to be simple propaganda, not an eyewitness account of the events of Exodus. I’ve read it many times over, and it’s not very good propaganda [if that’s what it’s supposed to be], and its events mirror those leading up to Israel’s escape quite nicely. E.g. “grain has perished on every side” in Ipuwer is “every living thing in the field was destroyed, even the trees” in Exodus 9.25).  . This hail was said to have been mixed with fire (Ex 9.24; The LXX may suggest that the “hailstones” themselves were on fire — …και το πυρ φλογιζον εν τη χαλαζη) and accompanied by “thunderings”. Ice does not usually mix well with fire, and the word used here for “thunder” would be better understood to mean “loud noise”. 

So what were these avney habarad (stones of barad) that brought great destruction in a desert land, that were mixed with fire, that caused frighteningly loud booming throughout Egypt, that slaughtered 1,000+ pound bulls, killed humans, leveled buildings, and obliterated fields? This was no ordinary hail. Joshua 10.11 says that these meteorites killed more of the enemy than their own swords did. Exodus 9.25 begins with, “It left all of Egypt in ruins…” I wonder if the destruction at Tanis was caused by this event? Can hail — even massive hail — level extremely heavy, granite-cased limestone structures? 

God did some pretty incredible things all over the planet around this same time. Egypt was not the only land to have water turned to blood, extended periods of darkness (on the other side of the world, the sun wouldn’t go down), flaming stones from heaven, plagues, and severe flooding. Records from all over the world claim that the length of the day changed, the length of the month changed, the positions of some of the constellations changed, and many other catastrophes that point to a divine source.

So what did God use to cause the destruction this plague brought? What it did, how it sounded, and its fiery nature all point to a source higher than the troposphere. More than likely, these “hailstones” were actually meteorites. The Exodus, contrary to how many in the secular world view it, was not a fanciful origin story or poetic propaganda to establish Moses’s leadership. Exodus was an eyewitness account of the events that lead both to the demise of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom and the securing of Israel’s freedom. We look with wonder at the great destruction all over Egypt, massive statues broken as if they were toys, buildings that look like they were put in a blender, huge single-piece granite pillars broken and strewn across courtyards, and Moses has likely held the answer to this mystery for 3,500 years.  

A Story You Don’t Hear In Vacation Bible School

Dale Pollard

Civil war has broken out in the kingdom after Saul’s death. David is a patriot who loves his people so he offers to treat Saul’s followers well after Judah crowns him as king. However, a man named, Abner, takes matters into his own hands and he defies God’s chosen king. He sets up Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, as their new ruler instead. Abner, who was the general of Saul’s army, along with the servants of Ish-bosheth, make their way to the pool of Gibeon. This was a large pool carved out of rock by Saul’s father. Once they arrive they sit down. On the opposite side of the pool, Joab, David’s nephew, and his servants meet them and sit as well. Behind them, two armies stand in formation, ready for war— brother against brother. Abner, perhaps to prevent the death toll that a larger battle would bring, suggests that their servants fight for them. Joab agrees, but this idea quickly leads to a slaughter. Each servant grabs the other by the head, clinching hair in a tight fist, and cuts each other down simultaneously. This short altercation doesn’t provide a victor, so both armies charge each other. It’s a battle that is fought with so much passion, but God grants David’s army with the win. I imagine the Man After God’s Own Heart did not take joy in this victory. The chaos of war has already taken so much from him, including the life of his best friend, Jonathan.

After the battle of Gibeon has ended, David’s nephew, Asahel, takes off after the fleeing Abner. Asahel was known for his speed and agility, with it being likened to that of a gazelle. This speed allowed him to pass the others that were also in pursuit and he finds himself on the heels of Abner in no time. His swiftness will bring him a swift death. While Abner is not as quick, he is older with more experience. Twice Abner asks Asahel to stop this foolish attempt to take his life, but Asahel doesn’t take this advice. This is when Abner thrusts his spear behind him and the butt end of the spear goes through Asahel’s stomach and out the other side, killing the young warrior. 

This is probably an account you never heard in Vacation Bible School, but there is so much we can learn from this event found in 2 Samuel 2:12-24. We notice how deadly pride can be. First, there is the pride of Abner in rejecting David as king, and then there’s the pride of Asahel. He was famous for being quick on his feet, but clearly slow in thought. Preachers and teachers can become well known for their ability to speak and proclaim God’s word. This fame can also be their own spiritual downfall if they begin to think more of themselves than they should. When we post scriptures, baptisms, or other good deeds on social media for our own praise and admiration, God may be the only One that sees your heart. Those are the only eyes that matter since they belong to the One that will be our final Judge.

We also learn from this story that serving a dead king is futile. As Christians we serve the King of Kings, God’s anointed son. Those standing with Him will always win. Those that chose to take matters into their own hands are fighting a losing battle.

When we read about events like this in the Bible it should also make us thankful for the day when we will enjoy a place where there is no heartache, bloodshed, or wickedness. Even David had to endure his share of trials, but now he’s with the God he modeled his heart after— and, we can assume, Jonathan. No matter what struggle we may find ourselves tangled up in, let’s place our focus on that heavenly reunion. 

Learning To Fight Stress From Jesus

Neal Pollard

Christ was busy while on earth, even to the point of depriving Himself (Mat. 8:20). He lost friends and followers (John 6:66-67; Mat. 26:31). He was constantly hounded and threatened (Mat. 22:15; John 5:18).  He was rejected by family and neighbors (Mark 6:4-5).  Jesus knew something about stress.

Luke four records the stressors that came with the beginning of His public ministry. News about Him spread all over the place (14). He taught with authority and was praised by all (15). People spoke well of this powerful preacher (22). His teaching brought angry opposition and an assassination attempt (28-30)!  Then He came to Capernaum, teaching (31), exorcising (35), and healing (39).

Luke four summarizes what life must have been like for Jesus. He was tending to many people’s needs (40), facing people making demands on His time (42), and enduring people trying to interfere with His schedule (42). To a degree, we can relate with the same issues today–people need us, drain our time, and interfere with our schedule.  All of this creates stress.  So, how did Jesus cope with this?

HE TOOK TIME TO HELP EVERYONE (40). That may not sound stress relieving, but it was.  He came to serve (Mat. 20:28). Rather than fret, wring His hands, or succumb to feelings of being overwhelmed, Jesus put His nose to the grindstone. He expended His energy to help “each one of them.”

Sometimes, we compound our pressures not by doing something about them but by wasting time worrying over them.  Such an exercise can quickly turn into self-pity. Give yourself wholeheartedly to your tasks and you will find it fulfilling and even therapeutic.

HE TOOK TIME FOR SOLITUDE AND PRAYER (42; Mark 1:35). Jesus knew the value of taking a break. He got away from the crowds, the work, the requests, and the problems. In His humanity Jesus had to have been emotionally drained and physically exhausted. To keep up the most productive life ever lived, Jesus needed retreat. Notice how He spent that “down time,” in solitude and supplication!

Idleness is not a viable stress reducer. On the other hand, solitary meditation and devotion are key to winning over stress.  Communicating with God can calm the most raging sea in the vast ocean of the mind. It reinforces one for the new stress that inevitably comes.

HE WOULD NOT BE DISTRACTED OR DETERRED FROM HIS PURPOSE (43). When He reconnected with public life, the demands continued. But, Jesus never lost sight of the bigger picture. His life was not solely about helping the needy folks in that one place. It encompassed infinitely more. He helped these folks, but He needed to go further.

Most of us face circular and cyclical tasks, responsibilities and routines that are repeated on a regular basis. Even in that repetitious work, we can be distracted from the big picture by bogging down in the details. We can consume all our energy putting out little fires while our purpose and opportunities go up in smoke.  We must stay focused on why we are here (Ecc. 12:13), letting that impact every area of our lives.

HE RESUMED HIS TASKS (44). Jesus kept on preaching in the country of the Jews (44).  He kept on doing what He was here to do.

It can seem impossible to get everything done, but determination and organization can help us do great, multiplied good. Jesus “kept on” doing what He was here to do. That will help you, when life casts long shadows over you. Just keep going! At the end of the day, you will feel satisfaction for a job well done!