Author: preacherpollard

preacher,Cumberland Trace church of Christ, Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Praise Of Men Vs. The Praise Of God

Even among the Jewish leaders of Christ’s time, many believed—yet “for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess” Him (John 12.42 ESV). This demonstrated faith without bravery and conviction without the willingness to admit it openly. These men acknowledged Jesus was from God, but their understanding was superficial, held back by the fear of being excommunicated.

Brent Pollard

The Paralysis of Secret Faith

Even among the Jewish leaders of Christ’s time, many believed—yet “for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess” Him (John 12.42 ESV). This demonstrated faith without bravery and conviction without the willingness to admit it openly. These men acknowledged Jesus was from God, but their understanding was superficial, held back by the fear of being excommunicated.

What caused their faith to weaken? John offers a precise diagnosis: “For they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12.43 NASB95). They valued human praise more than divine favor, choosing the temporary security of their standing in the synagogue over the eternal approval of God.

Fortunately, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea eventually overcame their spiritual hesitation and publicly honored Christ during His burial. However, their initial reluctance serves as a reminder: faith that is too afraid to stand firm is too fragile to save.

The Tyranny of Human Approval

Christ Himself revealed this spiritual contradiction: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5.44 ESV). The question strikes at the core—those who are fixated on human approval cannot accept divine truth. They have selected their master, and it is not God.

This dependence on popular opinion turns aspiring followers into spiritual chameleons, altering their stance to fit the crowd. When religion is performed for applause, it becomes mere theater. God isn’t impressed by our polished public faith; He longs for genuine devotion that can stand alone if needed.

The “approval of men” that John describes acts as a demanding tyrant. It demands continuous performance, constant adjustment, and ongoing worry about how others see them. Those who serve this master often stay silent when the truth is unpopular and compromise their principles if speaking out risks their reputation.

How many souls have acknowledged Christ’s truth yet stay unbaptized, afraid of man’s reproach? How frequently do we modify our Christian beliefs to gain social approval? John 12.43, like Matthew 6.24, reminds us of a harsh truth: we cannot serve two masters. We must choose to live for either human praise or divine approval—never both.

The Liberation of Divine Focus

Scripture urges a complete reorientation. Paul exemplified this freedom by speaking difficult truths to the Galatians, even if it upset them: “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4.16 NASB95). He recognized that serving Christ involves giving up the desire to seek human approval (Galatians 1.10). At times, being faithful means facing unpopularity.

This isn’t just stubbornness; it’s a form of spiritual wisdom. Human approval is unreliable—today’s hero could be tomorrow’s villain. Public opinion is transient, like shifting sand, providing no steady ground for major life decisions. In contrast, God’s approval is constant, grounded in His unchanging nature and divine plans.

The Father honors those who honor His Son. Jesus assured that faithful followers will be acknowledged by the Father (John 12.26). This remarkable truth reveals that the Creator of the universe bestows His praise on those who support Him. No human commendation can match hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the King (Matthew 25.21 ESV).

The Practical Path Forward

This truth calls for action. We need to evaluate our motivations honestly: Are we content with a comfortable Christianity, or are we willing to confess Christ boldly, regardless of the cost? Do we choose which truths to speak based on their social acceptance?

The way ahead involves developing a divine preference—a heart that prioritizes God’s opinion above all else. This is achieved by meditating on God’s sovereignty, repeatedly reminding ourselves that He alone decides ultimate success or failure. It also develops through prayer, which aligns our hearts with His purposes instead of human expectations.

We should also keep in mind that opposition frequently indicates orthodoxy. When the world praises our faith, it’s essential to reflect on whether we’ve softened its firm edges. Christ assured us that following Him would attract reproach, not widespread approval.

The Eternal Perspective

Choosing between human and divine approval boils down to selecting the fleeting over the everlasting. Human praise, like morning mist, dissipates quickly, whereas God’s approval lasts forever. In John 12, rulers exchanged eternal recognition for temporary social security, resulting in an infinite loss.

However, those who seek God’s approval realize a freeing truth: His judgment is ultimately the only one that counts. When Judgment Day comes, the praise of people will fade away, but the Master’s “well done” will resonate forever.

Let us therefore eliminate the desire for worldly approval that stifles spiritual courage. Instead, let’s foster a love for God and His truth—a love that inspires holy boldness. While John’s rebuke is sharp (“they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God”), his underlying message is freeing: pursue the glory that only God can give.

His approval surpasses every worldly praise. His favor goes beyond all human admiration. Be discerning in choosing your audience—eternity is at stake.

The Truth

The most urgent question anyone can ask is, “What must I do to be saved?” Its answer determines your eternal destiny. Sadly, many people have believed false promises: good deeds, or a quick prayer, but Scripture speaks with unwavering clarity.

Carl Pollard 

The most urgent question anyone can ask is, “What must I do to be saved?” Its answer determines your eternal destiny. Sadly, many people have believed false promises: good deeds, or a quick prayer, but Scripture speaks with unwavering clarity. Baptism is God’s non-negotiable command for salvation, the moment sins are washed away and we call on Jesus’ name. Not a ritual or optional act, baptism is where God’s grace meets our obedience. This undeniable truth is seen in Paul, Peter, and Pentecost. 

Paul’s conversion in Acts 9, 22, and 26 sets the standard. As Saul, he hunted Christians, dragging them to punishment. On the road to Damascus, Jesus blinds him with a vision (Acts 9:3–6), telling him to wait in the city. Ananias finds Saul praying (Acts 9:11), but neither seeing Jesus, believing, or fasting for three days removed his sins. Acts 22:16 is unmistakable: Ananias commands, “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” Paul’s sins stayed until baptism, not his vision, faith, prayers or belief took away his sins. This breaks the lie of “faith alone.” Baptism is God’s chosen moment for forgiveness, where Paul’s obedience met divine grace.

Peter leaves no doubt in 1 Peter 3:21: “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Linking baptism to Noah’s flood, Peter says it saves, not by washing skin, but as our plea to God for forgiveness, empowered by Christ’s resurrection. Romans 6:3–4 confirms baptism is where we die to sin, are buried with Jesus, and rise to new life. To reject baptism is to reject God’s plan for salvation.

On Pentecost, Acts 2:38 shows the church’s birth. Peter’s sermon convicts the crowd for crucifying Jesus, and they cry, “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer is absolute: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” That day, 3,000 were baptized, added to the church (Acts 2:41). Baptism wasn’t a later gesture, it was where forgiveness and the Spirit were received, God’s ordained step for salvation.

Scripture’s pattern is simple: Paul’s sins were washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16), Peter says baptism saves (1 Peter 3:21), and Pentecost links it to forgiveness (Acts 2:38). Mark 16:16 Jesus says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Acts 8:36–38 shows the eunuch baptized immediately upon belief. No “sinner’s prayer” exists in Scripture, salvation requires hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17), believing Jesus is Lord (John 8:24), repenting (Luke 13:3), confessing His name (Romans 10:9–10), and being baptized. The world’s claim that baptism is optional is a lie; God’s Word demands it.

If you haven’t been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, your soul is at stake. Don’t delay, eternity hangs in the balance. That conviction in your heart is God’s call to obey. Repent and be baptized now before it’s too late. If you’re in Christ, proclaim this truth to others. Share it with loved ones, study with them, and lead them to Jesus. Baptism is God’s command to enter His family. Will you obey His Word today?

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 8.3-4)

The only ones who aren’t capable of evil are God the father, Christ the Word, and his Holy Spirit. God is the source of all goodness. Christ is the living form of Wisdom itself, and Wisdom cannot become foolishness. Christ is Righteousness, and Righteousness cannot become unrighteousness. He is the Word, which cannot become irrational; He is Light, which darkness cannot overcome. His Spirit is holy by its very nature, not merely by practicing holiness—holiness is inseparably built into his very nature, and he cannot be made somehow less holy.

Gary Pollard

[This is a continuing translation of Origen’s systematic theology in modern language]

In our understanding, there is no rational creature that cannot choose either good or evil. But this does not mean that every rational being has in fact chosen full pursuit of evil—it only means that they are capable of doing so. For example, every human being could in theory become a sailor, but not every human does. Or again, everyone could learn grammar or medicine, but not all become grammarians or physicians. In the same way, the fact that all rational creatures are capable of evil does not mean they have actually embraced it. Even the devil himself was once capable of good. Scripture tells us that he once lived in God’s paradise, walking among the cherubim. At that time, he was good. He could have pursued goodness, but he pursued evil with all of his power. In the same way, other created beings with the freedom to choose can either continue to do good or pursue evil instead.

The only ones who aren’t capable of evil are God the father, Christ the Word, and his Holy Spirit. God is the source of all goodness. Christ is the living form of Wisdom itself, and Wisdom cannot become foolishness. Christ is Righteousness, and Righteousness cannot become unrighteousness. He is the Word, which cannot become irrational; He is Light, which darkness cannot overcome. His Spirit is holy by its very nature, not merely by practicing holiness—holiness is inseparably built into his very nature, and he cannot be made somehow less holy.

Any other being that is called holy is holy not by nature, but by participation in the Spirit. This kind of holiness can be lost because it’s not intrinsic, but is a gift. The same applies to righteousness or wisdom in a person: these are not built in to our nature, but can be pursued and gained—or neglected and lost. But if we completely dedicate ourselves to wisdom and goodness, we will always enjoy those things to some degree, depending on how seriously we pursue them. God, in his goodness, calls and draws all created intelligences toward that blessed end where sorrow, pain, and grief will vanish forever.

From what we have already discussed, I believe it has been shown clearly enough that it is not by chance or some arbitrary decision that the “principalities” maintain their authority, or that other orders of spirits occupy their positions. Instead, they received their ranks according to their merits. What those specific merits were we do not know, and it isn’t our place to investigate. It is enough to recognize that God is impartial and just, arranging everything according to each being’s progress and merits, as Paul says: “There is no partiality with God.”

So the office that an angel has exists because of its merits. The “powers” exercise authority because of their moral progress. The “thrones” (those who judge and rule) administer justice because of their worthiness. The “dominions” rule not by chance, but by merit. In this way, that great order of intelligent beings in the heavens is organized into a variety of roles and ranks.

The same principle applies to opposing powers. They are usually called “principalities” or “powers,” “rulers of the darkness of this world,” “spirits of wickedness,” or “unclean demons”, and do not hold these offices because they were created evil. They obtained them through their own choices, advancing step by step in wickedness until evil itself became their pursuit and even their delight. These make up a second order of rational creatures—those so consumed by impulse that they are unwilling, rather than unable, to turn back.

A third order of rational beings is humanity itself. From among the human race, God elevates some to the order of angels, according to their progress in virtue. These are the ones who become “sons of God,” “children of the resurrection,” “children of light,” and “sons of peace.” They conquered in every struggle, killed the earthly nature within them, and defeated not only the impulses of the body but even the unstable movements of the soul. By uniting themselves to the Master, they become entirely spiritual, joined to him as one spirit, sharing his wisdom and discernment. At last, they reach a state of perfect spirituality, illuminated fully by God’s Word and Wisdom, and they themselves become indistinguishable in holiness.

We firmly reject, however, the idea put forward by some that souls can descend so far into sin that they lose their rational nature and become animals. Some point to supposed proofs in Scripture, such as the command that both a woman and an animal involved in bestiality should be stoned, or that an ox which gores must be killed, or even that Balaam’s donkey spoke with a human voice. But such arguments are baseless. We do not accept them, for they contradict both faith and reason. In due time, we will explain how those writings should rightly be understood.

From Kathy Pollard’s Bible-Marking YouTube Page

A DIFFERENT SPIRIT

Decades earlier, out in the wilderness, a young Caleb stood (nearly) alone. Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan to scout the land (Numbers 13), in the minds of the terrified ten– the land of giants was unconquerable. Only two men believed that God was bigger, Joshua and Caleb. They urged the rest to move forward and take what He had promised, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Dale Pollard

Decades earlier, out in the wilderness, a young Caleb stood (nearly) alone. Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan to scout the land (Numbers 13), in the minds of the terrified ten– the land of giants was unconquerable. Only two men believed that God was bigger, Joshua and Caleb. They urged the rest to move forward and take what He had promised, but it wasn’t going to happen. 

For his courage, God vows to Caleb: 

“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring him into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it” (Numbers 14:24). 

That promise wouldn’t be fulfilled for nearly half a century! By the time the land being divided among the tribes, Caleb was 85 years old. His spirit, however, was stronger than before. In Joshua 14, Caleb goes confidently to Joshua. He says,

 “I am 85 years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me… Now therefore give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day” (Joshua 14:10-12). 

Which mountain? That would be Hebron. A mountain that was still inhabited by the Anakim– giants descended from the very people who melted the hearts of those ten spies years ago. To anybody else Caleb’s inheritance seemed like an impossible one. It would have appeared more like a curse– certainly not a blessing.  

But up the mountain he went. God and Caleb secured that territory (Joshua 15.13-14), and the mountain that covered the people in a shadow of their previous shame now serves as a reminder. Between Faith and fear, the former is the more formidable force. 

Four Quick Lessons:

  1. Faith will always outlast fear.
  2. Waiting is not wasted. Caleb looked forward for 45 years, but never became bitter or gave up on God.
  3. Strength is spiritual. That “different spirit” that Caleb possessed sounds similar to that of the saints (Romans 8.9-11, I Corinthians 3.16). 
  4. Excuses are useless, God uses the toothless (Caleb was 85). 

More Than A Dinner

One of the most endearing, beautiful features of the Lord’s church is the “one another” aspect of it. Have you seen it at work when someone comes forward during the invitation song, pleading for help with something in their life?

Neal Pollard

Florida Gators’ quarterback D.J. Lagway had just endured a terrible game the week before, throwing five interceptions against the LSU Tigers. That included a “pick six,” as safety Dashawn Spears returned his third pick for a touchdown. In a post-game interview, Lagway confessed, “I played horrible football today,. I’ve never had a performance like that in my life, so it’s kind of hard to process it, but at the end of the day, it’s all about how you bounce back’ (alligator.org).

Lagway’s teammates sensed that this was crushing for the young signal caller, so they made a decision. About 40 of them, the following Wednesday, took him to dinner. Head Coach Billy Napier explained that it was to “just to put their arms around him and move past it” (hailfloridahail.com). College Gameday’s Kirk Herbstreit saw this as a positive sign about where the team culture was. While Florida fans, witnessing the Gators’ atrocious 1-3 start, may see the positive culture as little more than a “moral victory,” it is the gesture that merits closer attention.

One of the most endearing, beautiful features of the Lord’s church is the “one another” aspect of it. Have you seen it at work when someone comes forward during the invitation song, pleading for help with something in their life? People will rally on the front pew with them. Scores more will come put their arms around them afterward. Even more will text, send cards, and otherwise make contact to check on them. Here is someone who may have failed or struggled in a way much more significant than a game, who confesses to failure or weakness. They feel defeated, weak, or overwhelmed, and, in vulnerability, they make that known.

What does the rest of the spiritual team do? They put their arms around them and move past it! It is significant that the Bible talks to us about this. James writes, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (5:16a). Think back to the proverb which says, “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion” (Prov. 28:13). The parable of the Prodigal Son not only shows how God responds when a sinner “comes home,” but it is the right response of the spiritually healthy to the spiritual struggler (Luke 15:22-32).

Let’s keep our eyes open for those who are limping along the road of life or even sitting there with their head in their hands. They may be ready to give up, but for a boost of encouragement from a brother or sister who cares. Your compassion might make all the difference!

Trust In God

Faith is not a fleeting emotion or a vague hope; it is the foundation of a life surrendered to God. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This is not a blind leap but a resolute trust in the unseen promises of a God who never fails.

Carl Pollard

Faith is not a fleeting emotion or a vague hope; it is the foundation of a life surrendered to God. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This is not a blind leap but a resolute trust in the unseen promises of a God who never fails. Faith is what steadies us when life’s uncertainties threaten to unravel our peace. After all that has happened recently, faith has never been more essential for Christians. 

Scripture offers countless examples of faith in action. Take Abraham, called by God to leave his homeland for a place he did not know (Genesis 12:1-4). He had no map, no clear destination, only a promise from God. Yet he obeyed, not because he saw the outcome, but because he trusted the One who spoke. This is the essence of faith: moving forward when the path is hidden, anchored by confidence in God’s unchanging nature.

Jesus Himself taught that faith doesn’t need to be grand to be powerful. In Matthew 17:20, He said faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains. This is the truth: God does not demand perfect or unshakeable faith, but simply a heart willing to trust Him one step at a time. Whether facing loss, uncertainty, or fear, faith is the quiet resolve to believe that God is sovereign, good, and working all things for His purpose (Romans 8:28).

In a world that prizes what can be seen and measured, faith sets us apart. It’s not ignorance or denial but a deliberate choice to rest in God’s truth over visible circumstances. When trials come, when the job is lost, the diagnosis is grim, or the future feels uncertain, faith is the anchor that holds us fast. It reminds us that we do not walk alone, because the One who holds all things together is with us (Colossians 1:17).

Faith, then, is both our shield and our strength. It is trusting God’s promises when doubt whispers and hope seems distant. It is the courage to say, “I cannot see the end, but I know the One who does.” And in that trust, we find the peace and power to endure.

Don’t Wait To Say “Thank You”

received word this morning of the passing of one of my mentors and heroes, David Sain. I have known about this man and his great family since I was a boy, having watched a VHS video series by him entitled, “The Time To Get A Divorce.”

Neal Pollard

I received word this morning of the passing of one of my mentors and heroes, David Sain. I have known about this man and his great family since I was a boy, having watched a VHS video series by him entitled, “The Time To Get A Divorce.” When I moved to work with the Cold Harbor church of Christ at the age of 24, I got to meet David and get to know him better. He was preaching for the Wood Avenue church of Christ in Florence, Alabama, which congregation provided support for Cold Harbor.

From the beginning of this relationship, David encouraged me. He invested in me as a young preacher, counseled me, and even defended me in situations where he stood nothing to gain by doing so. He told me something early on that I have quoted repeatedly for over 30 years, including last Sunday morning in Bible class: “It’s not a matter of ‘who’s’ right, but ‘what’s’ right.” It has been so helpful in dealing with difficult and controversial topics. He blessed my local work whenever he came and preached. He appeared on a TV program in my local work, resulting in many Bible studies and 14 baptisms from the community. He was always a class act, who acted out of the good of others and for the strength and growth of the church. He was a builder.

In later years, he continued to email, write, and call me, ostensibly to encourage me. He did so, modeling a humility that did not negate my estimation of his greatness. It only enhanced it. He seemed to always have the right thing to say at the right time, a continual class act. He always appeared to “have it together,” yet he never claimed or affected perfection. He loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren in a doting and devoted way. Yet, he was courageous and compassionate, embodying as well as anyone I ever knew the principle of Ephesians 4:15!

I did tell him “thank you” more than once, but I never had the chance to articulate to him the things I’ve shared with you here. I reflected earlier today about that fact. Who else do I need to thank for their spiritual influence in my life? Who has planted seeds of success and strength in the garden of my life? Who do I need to seek out today? Somebody needs to be thanked for the good they have done to us and for us! Tell them now, while you can. They may not know you think that, and they will certainly be encouraged by it (Rom. 13:7).

A lesson from David in the last few months of his life.

Origen’s “On First Principles”: Book 1, Chapter 8.1-2

Gary Pollard

[This is a continuing translation of Origen’s systematic theology in modern language]

We need to approach the subject of angels in the same way. It isn’t by chance that certain tasks are assigned to specific angels. For example, Raphael is entrusted with healing, Gabriel with carrying out wars, and Michael with presenting the prayers and petitions of mortals.1 These roles were not given randomly. They were assigned according to the angels’ own merits—the zeal, effort, and excellence each one demonstrated before the world was created. Based on this, some were placed in the order of archangels, each given a specific responsibility. Others were assigned to the lower ranks of angels, serving under particular archangels or leaders. 

All of this was arranged by God—not randomly, but with perfect justice, according to what each angel deserved. So, for example, one angel was entrusted with the church in Ephesus, another with the church in Smyrna. Peter had an angel assigned to him, Paul had his own, and so on for all the “little ones” in the Church—for as Scripture says, their angels see God’s face every day. Likewise, “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.” These things are not the result of chance, nor are they due to the way the angels were created—otherwise we might accuse God of favoritism. Instead, God, the just and impartial ruler of all, distributed these tasks according to the worth, goodness, and strength of each individual spirit.

Let us now address those who claim there are different kinds of spiritual natures, so we can avoid the foolish and irreverent myths of people who imagine that heavenly beings and human souls were created by different makers. They think it absurd that one Creator could have made rational beings of such different kinds. But in saying this, they fail to understand the real cause of the differences. They argue that it would be unfair for the same Creator to grant authority to some without merit, while making others subject to rulers. But as we explained earlier, the real reason for diversity among rational beings was not divine favoritism but the conduct of each being—whether they acted with diligence and goodness, or with negligence and sin.

Let’s use examples from human life. Paul and Peter are certainly recognized as men of spiritual character. Yet Paul persecuted God’s church, and Peter, when questioned by a servant girl, denied Christ with an oath. How could these men—who according to those who claim “different natures” must have sprung from a purely spiritual root—commit such serious sins? Didn’t Jesus say that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit? And if that is true, how could Peter and Paul, coming from a “good tree,” produce such evil fruit? Some try to escape the problem by saying it wasn’t really Paul who persecuted, but some other being within him, or it wasn’t really Peter who denied Christ, but another acting through him. But then why did Paul confess, “I am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s church”? Why did Peter weep bitterly after his denial? They knew they had sinned, and this shows that the theory of “different spiritual natures” is groundless.

1 This comes from Tobit 3.17, 12.18; Enoch 9, 20.1-7; Dan 8.16, 10.13, 21; Rev 12.7

Don’t Be Fooled

The real battle we face is not flesh and blood (Ephesians 6.12). We shouldn’t be surprised to find that the world is filled with people who are…

Dale Pollard

In the Screwtape Letters, written by C.S. Lewis, there’s an interesting part in the fourth letter. Uncle Screwtape is a demon writing to his nephew, Wormwood. He’s giving him advice on how to ensure the spiritual failure of his “patient” which is the term used for the human that each demon is assigned. He tells Wormwood,

“Be sure that the patient remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serve as an excellent distraction from advancing in personal virtue, character, and the things the patient can control. Make sure to keep the patient in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards the rest of the human race to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing. Ensure the patient continues to believe that the problem is ‘out there’ in the ‘broken system’ rather than recognizing that there is a problem within himself. Keep up the good work,
Uncle Screwtape.”

Though Lewis wasn’t quoting the Bible, he certainly ties in biblical principles. The real battle we face is not flesh and blood (Ephesians 6.12). We shouldn’t be surprised to find that the world is filled with people who are “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Timothy 3.1-5). Don’t forget who the enemy is and don’t let the distractions of the world convince you that the fight is anything other than a spiritual one.

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Snakes, Saraphs, and Salvation

Herodotus casually mentions that there were snakes that would fly from Egypt every year from the Sinai wilderness (Herodotus 2.75-76). This may strike fear in the heart of any snake-fearing person, but it sure is interesting. Marco Polo would also write in his travel log about flying venomous “birds” as well as snakes of gigantic proportions as he explored Asia. 
The Bible records several strange serpents and one passage in particular is especially fascinating.

Dale Pollard

Herodotus casually mentions that there were snakes that would fly from Egypt every year from the Sinai wilderness (Herodotus 2.75-76). This may strike fear in the heart of any snake-fearing person, but it sure is interesting. Marco Polo would also write in his travel log about flying venomous “birds” as well as snakes of gigantic proportions as he explored Asia. 

The Bible records several strange serpents and one passage in particular is especially fascinating. 

In the book of Numbers there’s an account that’s made many readers scratch their heads as they wonder what these fiery serpents are (6-9) that God sent to plague the Israelites. 

“The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people so that many people died in Israel. So the people came to moses and said “we have sinned because we have spoken against the Lord and you; intercede with the Lord, that He may remove the serpents from us. And Moses interceded for the people. Then the Lord said to Moses make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard, and it shall come about that everyone who is bitten when he looks at it he shall live. And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard and it came about that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked at the bronze serpent he lived.”

Some commentators have suggested that perhaps the strange description is of a particular kind of venomous snake. Others have made the observation that the Hebrew word for serpent here (Saraph) could be symbolic to indicate their color since it means “burning ones.” Interestingly enough there are bronze colored serpents around today in Australia that are incredibly poisonous. Perhaps there’s something to this based on the Lord’s instruction to Moses to fashion a serpent made of brass. Of course this description could also literally be taken to mean snakes which either breathed fire, or were somehow on fire. God was, after all, punishing a people who had complained of their miraculous meals of manna. 

Though the identity of these fiery serpents may always be a mystery, the lessons taught to us through this event are powerful. The connections John will make (Jn. 3.14-15) as well as the Hebrew writer (12.2) focus on the crucifixion and the concept of looking to Jesus for our salvation. 

The relationship between belief and action here are also telling. Those Israelites that believed were led by that same belief to look— then were healed. If we believe Jesus can and will heal us of our sins, then that belief must lead us to the water (Act 2.38, Mk. 16.16). 

The Anger Of The Lord

The Word of God provides so much comfort, consolation, encouragement, strength, hope, and excited anticipation. It is food and drink for the soul. David describes it as beautiful and beneficial (Psa. 19:7-10). It makes us alive and saves our soul (1 Pet. 1:22; Js. 1:18). It sanctifies (Jn. 17:17). 

Neal Pollard

The Word of God provides so much comfort, consolation, encouragement, strength, hope, and excited anticipation. It is food and drink for the soul. David describes it as beautiful and beneficial (Psa. 19:7-10). It makes us alive and saves our soul (1 Pet. 1:22; Js. 1:18). It sanctifies (Jn. 17:17). 

Yet, the Word, consistent with God’s perfect character, contains warnings, rebukes, and threats all backed by the unlimited power and perfection of God’s nature. Back when God instituted His special covenant with the Jews at Mt. Sinai, He made it clear that His promises and blessings were conditional. Moses reviews this promise of God at the end of his life, saying, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known” (Dt. 11:26-28). 

At the end of 2 Kings, the remnant of the Jews still in the land (remember, Israel was destroyed and carried off into captivity in chapter 17) had drifted into the curse Moses spoke of. The prophets, like Jeremiah, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, had warned Judah, but the kings, priests, false prophets, elders, and the people, shunned the message. After His perfect patience had been repeatedly tried and finally exhausted, He displays His wrath.

Wicked Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, mounted the throne in his father’s place. Though he only reigned three months, the record shows that “he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had don” (2 Ki. 24:9). The Babylonian Emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, carried Jehoiachin captive “his mother and his servants and his captains and his officials” (12), all the temple and king’s treasures (13), ” all Jerusalem and all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths” (14–leaving only the poorest people in the land), and “all the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all strong and fit for war” (16). Nebuchadnezzar put a puppet king on Judah’s throne, Jehoiachin’s uncle, Mattaniah, who Nebuchadnezzar renamed “Zedekiah” (17). He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his nephew had done (18)! Even in the face of such punishment and defeat, Judah’s leadership refused to humble itself and repent. In fact, Zedekiah was not only rebel against God but also the instrument of punishment in His hand (Babylon’s king, Jer. 25:9)(20).

Why would God allow this to happen to His chosen people? The writer of 2 Kings explains it this way: “For through the anger of the Lord this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence” (20). Perhaps the people convinced themselves that since God had not acted in punishment against their parents and grandparents, He didn’t care about how they were acting and they were going to get away with it. Peter tells us how that is part of human nature. Using the past (the days of Noah) as an illustration of the end of time, Peter says that mockers with their mocking will ask where the promise of God’s coming is. They’ll say, “Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Pe. 3:4). They ignore what happened in Noah’s day (5-6). They ignore that God spares or destroys this world according to the word of His power (5-7). They ignore that God is not bound by time (8). They ignore that God’s perfect patience is at work right now, as He wishes for all to come to repentance (9). But, the day of the Lord will come (10a)! He will deal out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Th. 1:8). 

But, let us be convinced of this. God wants to pour out His blessings, approval, and incredible love upon all of us! Yet, He leaves the ball in our court. He wants nothing more than to hold us close to Him and have us spend our eternity with Him (2 Pe. 3:11-15). If we respond to that love in submissive obedience, we will feel the full force of His kindness. If we don’t, He’s loved us enough to show us what that will mean for us! May we be wise enough to avoid “the anger of the Lord”! 

Overcoming Evil With Good

On Wednesday, an assassin shocked the world by killing Charlie Kirk, a man known for his traditional viewpoints. Although he faced accusations of holding objectionable views, his actual offense was his effectiveness in conveying conservative and Bible-based concepts. Unable to defeat him in debates, his opponents resorted to silencing him with a bullet.

Brent Pollard

On Wednesday, an assassin shocked the world by killing Charlie Kirk, a man known for his traditional viewpoints. Although he faced accusations of holding objectionable views, his actual offense was his effectiveness in conveying conservative and Bible-based concepts. Unable to defeat him in debates, his opponents resorted to silencing him with a bullet.

Thursday commemorated 24 years since the 9/11 attacks that profoundly impacted our nation and altered countless lives indefinitely. For those of us who can recall, those feelings remain vivid. The haunting images of the smoldering World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and that desolate Pennsylvania field remain etched in our memories. Unease lingers in the pit of our stomachs when we hear the audio from that day: the radio chatter of first responders and the frantic calls to loved ones from the cellphones of those trapped on doomed planes or in the World Trade Center towers from which there was no escape.

Occurrences such as these deeply affect us and lead us toward hopelessness. If we are not cautious, they may also lead us to feelings of anger, a desire for retaliation, or a sense of hopeless withdrawal.

In moments like this, the words of the apostle Paul resonate: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12.21). These words serve as a vital reminder, encouraging us to go beyond mere resistance to evil and to face it with the goodness of Christ actively.

Evil’s Real Power—and Its Limit

Evil exists, and the Bible presents it plainly. Paul had witnessed persecution, political corruption, and violence up close. Nevertheless, he refuses to let evil prevail in the end. Why?

Because Christ has already achieved victory through the cross and resurrection, the most formidable weapon of Satan—death—has been rendered ineffective. Evil may inflict pain, but it cannot prevail against the people of God.

Responding to hate with hate allows darkness to take root in our hearts. Responding with retaliation might seem instinctive, yet it merely compounds the damage. As Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, drawing inspiration from the words of John 1:5, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Paul articulates the same concept in a compelling, Spirit-inspired statement: “overcome evil with good.”

Goodness as an Active Weapon

This call does not constitute passive avoidance. Paul’s instruction serves to motivate. In the lines of the surrounding context of Romans 12.21, he clearly articulates it:

• “Bless those who persecute you…” (v. 14).

• “Repay no one evil for evil…” (v. 17).

• “…if your enemy is hungry, feed him…” (v. 20).

Kindness transcends mere courteous expressions. This love, filled with the Spirit, nourishes, forgives, and serves, even when faced with mistreatment. This type of goodness illuminates a realm that transcends our earthly existence. According to the latter part of verse 20, such actions can “heap burning coals” upon the heads of those who wrong us. While vengeance ultimately belongs to God (Romans 12.19), we can find solace in the understanding that our goodness serves as a formidable weapon against evil.

Three Gospel Tasks Reframed

Considering Romans 12.21, the church’s mission takes on renewed urgency:

Evangelism: Proclaiming the ultimate good.

The goodness we provide transcends mere humanitarian efforts; it embodies the message of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and has risen from the dead. As the world grows weary of violence and retribution, individuals seek hope that evil cannot extinguish. Our testimony of forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ serves as a powerful act of overcoming evil.

Edification: Strengthening the saints.

It is not uncommon for believers to feel disheartened or frustrated as troubling news continues to accumulate. Romans 12 encourages us to uplift one another in maintaining a gentle spirit. By engaging in worship, study, and fellowship, we nurture goodness and stand against cynicism.

Benevolence: Doing tangible good.

Addressing needs—nourishing the hungry, providing solace to the grieving, assisting neighbors in distress—is not a secondary endeavor. We are fighting a battle of the spirit. Each act of compassion proclaims that darkness does not hold the ultimate authority.

Living the Verse Today

How can we apply Romans 12.21 today?

• Pray for enemies and victims alike. Name them before God.

• Guard your words. Refuse to spread hatred online or in conversation.

• Share Christ. Offer the gospel as the deepest good, the cure for sin’s root cause.

These actions may seem insignificant in the face of widespread evil, yet they hold great power because God amplifies them. The kingdom flourishes through small, Spirit-inspired acts of kindness.

Hope That Overcomes

When Jesus confronted the greatest evil—an unjust cross—He triumphed not by summoning legions of angels but by surrendering His life and rising again. His resurrection demonstrates that goodness is not a sign of weakness, but rather the unstoppable power of God.

The anniversary of 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for strength in our world. Let us stand firm against the shadows of this time. With our hearts anchored in Christ, let us overcome evil with good—making the most of our time through evangelism, edification, and benevolence until His return.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12.21).

All Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), © 2001 Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A New Heart From Jesus

Carl Pollard

As fall’s soft breeze turns to unexpected warmth, we feel the stir of change. But pain and loss are felt by many. These tragedies of the past week show our world needs Jesus, badly. Without Him in our homes and families, we see brokenness. Ezekiel 36:26 gives hope: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel spoke to God’s people in exile, far from home because they turned to idols. Their hard hearts led to trouble (Ezekiel 36:16-20). But God promised mercy, a new heart and His Spirit to help them obey (v. 27). This promise comes true in Jesus and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6). Charlie Kirk was a young father and husband, killed at a school event over political disagreement. This shows us what hard hearts can do. Yet, God can soften our hearts, filling them with His love. 

Change starts inside. We give our hearts to Jesus, and He makes them new. John 16:33 says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”That’s our peace, when the world is knee deep in anger and despair, Jesus wins over death. No matter the pain, we can trust Him and stay steady.

Romans 12:21 tells us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Evil, like the violence that took innocent lives comes from Satan (John 10:10). But we’re called to love, forgive, and share Jesus’ hope. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus met Jesus and changed, giving generously, fixing wrongs. His new heart showed. We’re to shine like that, letting our lives point to God (Matthew 5:16).

Our country needs Jesus. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Without God, we get chaos. But 2 Chronicles 7:14 shows the way: pray, humble ourselves, seek God. Healing starts in our hearts and homes.

Come, Lord Jesus. Let’s let Him change our hearts, rest in His promises, and do good to fight evil. When we put Jesus in our families, we bring His hope to our nation, one new heart at a time

Origen’s On First Principles: Book 1, Chapter 7.3-4

Gary Pollard

[This is a continuing translation of Origen’s systematic theology in modern language]

Now we need to ask whether those beings we have suggested to be living and rational—the sun, moon, and stars—received their souls at the same time their bodies were created. Scripture says, “God made two great lights, the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night, and the stars also,” which supports this first option. Or, did their spirit come from outside of them, being implanted after their bodies had already been made? It is my personal opinion that their spirit was not created at the same time as their bodies, but was given afterwards. But this needs to be shown from scripture, because it is easy to make claims by conjecture, yet much harder to confirm them with biblical testimony.

Consider this line of reasoning: If a human soul — which is certainly lower than that of heavenly beings — was not created along with his body, but was implanted from without, then how much more must this be the case with those beings in heaven? We will give some examples. How could the soul of Jacob, who won in the struggle against his brother in the womb, have been formed along with his body? What about John, who leapt in his mother’s womb and rejoiced when Mary’s greeting reached Elizabeth’s ears? How could his soul, or its faculties, have been formed along with his body? Or Jeremiah, who was said to have been known by God before he was formed in the womb, and sanctified before his birth?

Some might argue that God fills people with His Spirit and sanctifies them not according to justice or merit, but arbitrarily. How could that be true since scripture says, “Is there unrighteousness with God? By no means!” and again, “There is no favoritism with God.” That defense belongs only to those who claim souls come into being with bodies. So, if we compare humanity’s condition with heavenly beings, I believe we must hold that the same truth applies to both: their souls were not created with their bodies, but given to them from without, as reason and scripture alike suggest.

Let’s see if scripture gives us any clues about these heavenly beings. Paul writes, “Everything God made was allowed to become like something that cannot fulfill its purpose. That was not its choice, but God made it happen with this hope in view: That the creation itself would be made free from ruin — that everything God made would have the same freedom and glory that belongs to His children.” So, what does this mean? What is the “ruin” that creation was subjected to? What specific “creation” is Paul talking about? What does it mean “not willingly”? What does it mean “in hope”? And how is creation “freed from the bondage of corruption”? Elsewhere Paul says, “Creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.” And, “Not only we, but the whole creation groans together and suffers until now.”

We need to ask: what are these groanings? What are these sufferings? But first, what is this “ruin”? I think it is nothing other than the fact of having a body. Even though the bodies of the stars are celestial (ethereal), they are still material. That’s why Solomon describes the whole physical world as a burden that weakens the soul’s strength, saying, “Everything is so meaningless. The Teacher says that everything is ruined.”

So, the stars are subject to ruin because they have bodies — even though glorious ones — and because they’ve been assigned the task of giving light to the human race. Paul says, “This creation was subjected to ruin not willingly.” In other words, they didn’t choose this service for themselves. They were subjected by God’s command, but also with the promise that when their ministry was complete, they would be freed from this bondage to corruption and ruin at the time of the glorious redemption of God’s children.

Until then, creation shares our burden, groaning and suffering with us out of love, while it waits in hope. Think about Paul’s words: “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” The sun could say something similar: “I want to be released and be with Christ, which is far better. But to remain in this bright heavenly body is necessary for the sake of the children of God.” The same could be said of the moon and stars. Now, what is the freedom of creation, the end of its bondage? When Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father, then those living beings—having been first made part of Christ’s kingdom—will also be handed over to the Father. Then, when God is “all in all,” they will be, too (since they are part of creation). They will have God fully within them, just as He is in all things.

NOTE: While Origen is an early Christian writer, he is not inspired and his thoughts should be examined by Scripture

LET IT NOT BE SAID OF ME 

Dale Pollard

Saul is dead. 

David has just been appointed king. 

Who but the leader of Sauls army, Abner, wages war with David at Gibeon. 

It was a fierce battle and many died on both sides. David defeats Abner and the Israelites and at the end of the battle an interesting event unfolds. 

There’s an oddly brief mention of a man named Asahel among the many men in David’s army. 

Not much is really known about the man— expect that he was as quick as a gazelle! He attempts to chase down Abner but Abner spears him through and kills him (2 Sam. 2:18). We don’t know much, but we know he was fast. 

What will we be remembered for above all else? 

The judge, Abimelech (Judges 9), captures the city of Thebez. Inside the city is a strong tower and all the women and children hid inside. Abimelech tried to burn it down but just moments before the fire is lit, a woman drops a millstone on his head. Abimelech calls out to his armor bearer “run me through so that it can’t be said of me that a woman has slain me!” 

To this day It is said of Abimelech— that a woman slew him. 

When we pass from this life, we’ll be remembered for something. Let’s make it something good. Let’s make it something godly!

No Ordinary Man, No Ordinary Story

Neal Pollard

The tribune (commander), in charge of the Roman regiment posted at Jerusalem, rescues Paul from the Jewish mob in Acts 21. He proves an interesting character, exposed to the local plots and intrigues and familiar with the temperamental behavior of the local Jews. He could have been a foreigner in the eyes of the Empire who earned the right of citizenship through military service, or perhaps he was a slave freed by his owner and given opportunity to buy his citizenship. His story must have been pretty interesting. We learn that his name is Lysias (23:26; 24:7,22). 

But the man he found even more interesting whose story is equally intriguing is the apostle Paul. He was surprised when he heard this controversial Jewish man speaking Greek (21:37), and he mistook him for an Egyptian revolutionary (21:38). If he understand Hebrew, Lysias would have also heard Paul say that he was highly educated (22:3) and a former persecutor of the way he now preached and promoted (22:3-5). He would have discovered that Paul had a supernatural encounter with Jesus on Damascus Road (22:6-9), instructed by Him to go to the city and wait until ultimately a man named Ananias came and told him what Jesus wanted him to do: (1) Immediately arise and be baptized to wash away his sins (22:16) and (2) Be Jesus’ witness to everyone, but especially to the Gentiles (22:15,17-21). The Jewish mob, who understood everything Paul was saying, threatened to attack Paul upon hearing he was offering salvation to Gentiles (22:22-23). So, Lysias had to isolate Paul from the crowd in the barracks (22:24). Seeing Paul as this huge enigma, Lysias decides to chain Paul, flog him, and beat information out of him (22:24-25). This is when Paul tells a centurion that what he was about to do was illegal. He was a Roman citizen (22:25-26). Then, Lysias finds out that Paul was a free-born citizen, meaning his parents were citizens before him. That obviously impresses and frightens the tribune, since he had acted illegally against Paul. What we read next (22:30ff) shows us that Lysias is extremely curious to get the root of this riot and know more of this fascinating man’s story.

But as fascinating as Lysias was and even more fascinating as Paul surely was, the truly extraordinary man with the extraordinary story was the man Paul was persecuted for declaring–the Son of Man! This “Jesus of Nazareth” (22:8), “Lord” (22:8,10), and “Righteous One” (22:14) had changed a man so accomplished and impressive as Paul, and Paul had been transforming lives and saving souls by preaching and teaching Him throughout the known world. The story of God in the flesh, living among His creation, dying for them, and being raised for their justification, who now was back in heaven, is the most extraordinary of all. Its implications are eternal! 

Perhaps you have lived a fascinating life and can wow people with your story. But, God has you here to share His story and to help transform the life and change the story of people destined to stand before Him some day. It’s a story too good to keep to ourselves! 

On the Mountain or on the Plain? A Clear Understanding of Jesus’ Sermons in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.20-49.

Brent Pollard

Throughout human history, there are moments when eternity meets time—when the divine voice breaks through earthly noise with clarity that future generations will recognize. One such moment was when Jesus of Nazareth, the Word made flesh, ascended the hills of Galilee to deliver a profoundly transformative sermon.

Picture the scene in first-century Palestine, where a diverse crowd gathers—not only to observe but to seek truth, find solace from the burdens of religious facades, and heal from the pain of Roman oppression and spiritual emptiness. They long for what their scribes and Pharisees cannot provide: genuine hope, fundamental transformation, and a direct message from God.

The Setting: Mountain and Plain as One Theater

Skeptics may view this as a contradiction, while thoughtful believers see it as the intricate beauty of divine revelation through human witnesses. Matthew mentions a mountain, and Luke describes a plain. This illustrates that divine wisdom offers us not a single rigid narrative, but a range of perspectives that together provide a fuller understanding.

Imagine the hill country of Galilee, where the mountains are gentle slopes topped with flat plateaus—ideal natural amphitheaters for a teacher. Jesus, a master communicator, seeks out this setting. He stands with His disciples on level ground, allowing His voice to reach the gathered crowd.

Deeper factors are at play here. It is fitting that the One who connects heaven and earth, making the lofty accessible to the humble, would share His kingdom manifesto from a place that symbolizes both mountain and plain. This setting is not just a coincidence; it is a deliberate symbol. Christ’s message is both elevated—rooted in divine insight—and open to all who wish to listen.

The Message: One Truth, Multiple Tellings

Let’s pause to reflect on an essential aspect of divine revelation. Are we discussing a single sermon or two distinct ones? This question shows our tendency to view God’s revelations as a unified whole. For example, when musicians perform a grand symphony in different concert halls, are they presenting one symphony or separate performances? The answer is both.

Jesus, the most remarkable Teacher in history, recognized that to share a meaningful truth, He must repeat, adapt, and present it anew for each audience. As He spoke to congregations across Galilee, He consistently revisited His core messages, tailoring them to resonate with different hearts and diverse needs in the unique moments of His ministry.

This is a remarkable gift! Matthew addresses Jewish believers by echoing Moses’ proclamation of the law from Mount Sinai, presenting Jesus as the new and greater lawgiver who fulfills sacred promises rather than abolishing them. In contrast, Luke, with his compassionate focus on the marginalized and Gentile readers, highlights God’s unique care for the forgotten and forsaken.

The Heart of Both Accounts: Revolutionary Love

Whether we examine Matthew’s detailed account or Luke’s brief narrative, a common transformative message shines through, resembling the dawn illuminating the hills of Galilee. This is not just a moral lesson or a philosophical debate; it is the proclamation of a kingdom that operates on principles distinctly different from the kingdoms of this world.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus proclaims, shaking the foundations of the established order. In a society that values power, achievement, and independence, Christ highlights the significance of a humble spirit. This humility isn’t about material poverty; instead, it’s the fortunate acknowledgment of our deep need for God, which He sees as essential for His kingdom.

“Love your enemies,” He commands, highlighting a tension between divine principles and human justice. This profound truth reveals that loving those who hurt us embodies God’s essence, as He bestows blessings on both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reflect on the profound reasoning behind this idea. If we only love those who love us back, what value does that hold? Even tax collectors, the most despised individuals in Jesus’ time, practice this fundamental reciprocity. Kingdom love, however, mirrors our heavenly Father; it offers grace to the ungracious, mercy to the unmerciful, and blessings to those who curse us.

The Foundation That Cannot Be Shaken

Jesus masterfully concludes His profound sermon with a timeless image that has both haunted and comforted believers for two millennia: the story of two builders. One builds on solid ground, while the other builds on unstable terrain. When storms inevitably arrive, only one house withstands the test.

Now is the time to show genuine compassion. Many of us have built our lives on seemingly solid foundations—career achievements, personal relationships, financial security, and religious beliefs—only to see them collapse when faced with life’s inevitable challenges. A divorce can shatter our faith in lasting commitment, job loss can expose our reliance on worldly resources, and a health diagnosis reminds us of the fragility of our carefully constructed lives.

The hope presented in this timeless parable is remarkable. There is an unshakable foundation, a rock that withstands any storm—Jesus Christ. His words hold the creative power that formed the universe, and His promises resonate with the weight of eternity.

Living the Great Reversal

Jesus’ teachings from the hillside—whether delivered on one occasion or many, on a mountain or on flat land—reveal the profound transformation of His kingdom. The last will become first, the humble will be lifted, the grieving will find comfort, the hungry will be satisfied, and those who show mercy will receive mercy in return.

This is not merely sound advice; it reflects the reality seen by God, illustrating how things truly are in His kingdom, both now and in the future. Embracing principles like loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, giving generously, and forgiving freely does not make us unrealistic idealists. Instead, it keeps us practical, aligning our lives with the true nature of existence in God’s universe.

The Call That Echoes Still

The crowds that once gathered on the hillside in Galilee may have faded into dust, but the words of Jesus endure. Each generation faces the same choice: Will we build our lives on the shaky foundations of worldly wisdom, or will we ground ourselves firmly in the solid rock of Christ’s teachings?

The skeptic wrestles with the differences between Matthew’s mountain and Luke’s plain, questioning whether Christ spoke once or multiple times. In contrast, the disciple sees something more profound: the steadfastness of grace, the reliability of truth, and the enduring nature of the One whose words remain timeless.

It’s uncertain whether Jesus conveyed these truths on a single occasion or throughout His ministry. However, this ambiguity enriches our understanding, regardless of whether His teachings are found in one account or multiple instances, their transformative power remains constant.

The exact location of Jesus, whether on a hillside or flat ground, matters less than our openness to listen to His voice and follow His guidance. His kingdom continues to transform the world for all who are willing to believe.

Come now, weary builder. Bring your broken foundations and lost aspirations. The Rock continues to provide a reliable foundation. The Teacher continues to call. The kingdom continues to embrace the downtrodden, offers solace to the grieving, and fulfills the desires of those yearning for justice.

His words endure. His promise remains. His love never gives up.

Build on the Rock.

I Am The True Vine

Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity. So, how do we abide?

Carl Pollard

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses presented a song to Israel, a powerful reminder of God’s justice, power, and mercy, urging the nation to live faithfully to receive His promises. After the song, Moses declared in verse 47, “These words aren’t just empty words, they are your life.” Today, every opportunity to worship and study God’s Word offers us not just empty stories but the words of life. In John 15:1-8, Jesus teaches a powerful message about connection, urging us to “abide” in Him. The word “abide” appears repeatedly in this passage, emphasizing the need to remain connected to Jesus, especially as He spoke these words during the Last Supper, preparing His apostles for a world about to be turned upside down.

Jesus illustrates this connection by calling Himself the True Vine, a familiar image to Israel, where a branch relies on the vine for water and nutrients. Similarly, we must stay connected to Jesus, our source of life. This is His seventh and final “I AM” statement in John, underscoring its significance. Without this vital connection, we face eternal consequences. Jesus warns in John 15:4, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” An independent branch withers and dies, just as a soul disconnected from Christ becomes fruitless and spiritually dead. Jesus emphasizes in verse 5, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” A fruitless branch is cut off (verse 2) and thrown away (verse 6). Without Jesus, we cannot fulfill our purpose—to bear fruit that glorifies God.

But on the flip side, abiding in Jesus leads to a fruitful life. John 15:5 promises, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” This connection transforms our prayers, aligning our desires with God’s will (verse 7). By bearing fruit, we glorify God and prove to be His disciples (verse 8). Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity.

So, how do we abide? First, meditate on His Word. Personalize Scripture to move it from head to heart. Second, obey His commands, particularly to “love one another” (verse 12). Third, pray continuously about everything, maintaining a constant conversation with Jesus. Finally, rest in His love, as He assures us in verse 9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

Abiding in Jesus, the True Vine, brings life, fruitfulness, and joy while glorifying God. As Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Are you connected to the Vine? If not, now is the time to put your faith in Him, obey the gospel, and live for Jesus!