Author: preacherpollard

Neal Pollard

Scott Balbin is doing a great job teaching Ezekiel and Daniel on Sunday mornings.  Yesterday, he briefly touched on what the class had seen in Daniel two the prior week.  It was my pleasure to sit next to our resident sage and my dear friend, Johnson Kell.  At the end of the class, he asked me the question, “How are we doing in the fifth kingdom?”  I knew exactly what he was asking.  Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and visions about the “last days” concerned a great image, which represented four great kingdoms.  Historically, these were the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires.  Daniel says that during the days of the Roman “kings,” another kingdom would be set up that would never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44).  That kingdom is clearly shown in Hebrews 12:23-29 to be the church of the firstborn.  This is the church Jesus promised to build (Mat. 16:18-19), a kingdom the establishment of which was imminent (Mat. 16:28).  A kingdom that came with power on the Day of Pentecost, at which time we see first reference made to that church being in existence (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 47).  That “fifth kingdom,” the church, will never be destroyed and nothing will bring about its utter and complete demise.

Yet, Johnson’s question is valid.  How are we doing in this “fifth kingdom”?  Some individual congregations are thriving, while others are languishing.  Some are growing and some are dying.  Some are being faithful to the New Testament pattern and are boldly proclaiming the whole counsel, but others have abandoned such an approach.

Beyond that, how is each congregation doing to educate, evangelize, edify, equip, entrust, and endow?  As we look at individual components of our congregation, how are we doing in church leadership, organization, involvement, outreach, benevolence, spirituality, morality, discipline, and the like?

We should never be satisfied that we are doing enough.  We can always grow and improve.  But, oh the wisdom in asking the question.  If we stop self-analysis and self-examination, we are in a dangerous place!  This starts with me asking, “How am I doing in the fifth kingdom?”  That is the area over which I have the most control!

Neal Pollard
Undoubtedly, one could find more contrasts than comparisons between Christ’s birth and death. Yet, a study of both reveals some interesting parallels. Both changed the world and have altered the impact of eternity. Consider the following:

1) At both, He was rejected of men (Luke 2:7; Mark 15:15).

2) At both, He was cast “outside” (Luke 2:7; Hebrews 13:12).

3) At both, Mary was there (Luke 2:7; John 19:26).

4) At both, myrrh was present for use upon Him (Matthew 2:11; John 19:39).

5) At both, there was darkness (Matthew 2:10,14; Matthew 27:45).

6) At both, His body was wrapped in clothing (Luke 2:7,12; Mark 15:46).

7) At both, a Herod becomes curiously involved (Matthew 2:7ff; Luke 23:7ff).

8) At both, there was worship-though the first was genuine and the second
mocking (Matthew 2:11 and Luke 2:13-14; Mark 15:19).

9) At both, wise men recognized His deity (Matthew 2:1ff; Mark 15:39 and
Luke 23:41)

10) At both, Jew and Gentile were there.

11) At both, He was hailed as King-though one was in earnest and the other
in jest (Matthew 2:2; Mark 15:26,32).

12) At both, an “honorable” man named Joseph was present (Matthew 1:19 +
Luke 2:16; Mark 15:43).

13) At both we find the chief priests and scribes involved (Matthew 2:4-6; Matthew 27:1ff).

Neal Pollard

Desdery Massawe, the preacher at Meru church of Christ, Charles Heberth, who works with the Andrew Connelly School, Michael Hite and I arrived at Mula Chini this morning to meet with a 22-year-old young woman we studied with on Monday.  We taught her about the one church and her need to obey Christ in order to have God add Him to it.  She had put off the decision to be baptized on Monday because she had to prepare food.  Today, when we asked her, she said she was not ready.  She told us she wanted to wait until Sunday!  We discussed this for a couple of hours.  She would seem very close to the right decision, but then she would say, “Sunday.”  We asked why Sunday was better than today.  We asked her what would be different on Sunday.  We asked what would happen if she did not make it to Sunday.  She never had an answer.  She would only flash her sweet smile. Two and a half hours later, when we discovered that she was slightly afraid of the water and very afraid of the disapproval of an older lady, she decided that she should resist the devil so that he would flee.  She said she was ready today!

We told her the first step would be the hardest, but that she would feel great joy and peace once she obeyed God’s plan of salvation.  After a long, bumpy ride from Mula Chini to the Arusha church building and drawing several huge tubs of water out of the well to pour into their baptistery, Glory received God’s grace through her obedient faith.  It was exciting to see her overcome her fear and excuses.  She knew what she needed to do.  She wanted what she saw scripture promise.  She just felt more comfortable waiting.

How many are like Glory, except they have not conquered their excuses, fear, or hardness of heart?  They wait–for a more convenient time, for a more agreeable feeling, for a change of circumstances–gambling that later will come.  They gamble with stakes too high.  Our soul is eternal, and it will be somewhere forever!  Don’t wait until Sunday.  Don’t wait another minute!

Neal Pollard
Someone shared this “anonymous” snippet with me a while back.  It is entitled, “Five tips for a woman.”

• It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

• It is important that a man makes you laugh.

• It is important to find a man you can count on and who doesn’t lie to you.

• It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

• It is important that these four men don’t know each other.

What is so funny about that, ladies?
I suppose that the punch-line of that is that no one such man exists.  That may be true.  However, despite the weak attempt at humor, there are some important nuggets contained in it.
There are some basic fundamental needs every man and woman have that marriage can supply.  While each marital partner should focus on how to give these to his or her spouse, every one needs these.

• Dependability–Someone who will help out and “pull their weight.”

• Humor–Someone who can dispense this heart medicine regularly.

• Honesty–Someone whose words and deeds can be trusted implicitly and without doubt.

• Affection–Someone who will genuinely desire them, body and soul.

• Spiritual Assistance–Someone who will help them grow closer to God and get to heaven.

It is interesting that most people value these even more than money, material things, a great social life and popularity.  Friends come and go.  Family passes into and out of one’s life.  Co-workers change constantly throughout our career.  The one constant for a married person, through all the stages of life, is one’s mate.  Only with one’s spouse can one have a friend, a lover, and a spiritual sibling.  If you are married, talk to your mate today.  Ask him or her what they think is truly important.  Then, get to work

Neal Pollard

I was last in Tanzania in March, 2007.  Kathy, Dale, and I came, and taught seminars and did evangelistic work.  Tanzania is not the first place I did short-term foreign missions, but it is the place to which I have come most often and no place is more dear to me.  Many years ago, Kathy and I gave very serious consideration to moving our family over here to work with the TZ 2000 mission team.  They are some of God’s wonderful people!

I have been looking forward to the sights and sounds of this country, an enchantingly beautiful land.  However, my greatest anticipation has been to see the people!  Michael Hite and I have been here for less than a day, and the first half of that was in a jet lagged stupor.  Yet, already I have seen Charles Heberth and Asher Mbasha.  My first trip was 2003, and I have known each of them since then.  I saw a man, Peter from Uganda, who is in the Master’s program.  I met him at Monduli in 2006. I will see Charles Ogutu, David Bayi, Christopher Mwackabunge, Josephat Massawe, and many others I have not seen for years.  These names and places probably mean little to most of you, but they are special to me because I have worked, worshipped, and spent time with them in the past.  Their sacrifice and service to God has made their impression on me and many others.  The work was still small and struggling when I first started coming, but now over 80 congregations have been established and a new school of preaching in Kenya is beginning from graduates at the Andrew Connelly school here. The Staffords, Gees, and Hochdorfs (from whose house I am typing this) are a great team, growing this work through the schools, congregations, and native preachers and members.  It is so wonderful to see them again!

Heaven will be inexpressibly wonderful for many reasons.  The reward, the rest, the glory and presence of God, the unmitigated joy, and the saints!  What a glorious, endless day we will experience there!  To visit with brothers and sisters throughout eternity, to share the thrill of fellowship that never gets interrupted by goodbyes–that will be glory!  Trips like this serve as an additional reminder of the profound pleasure so much a part of living the Christian life and serving God in ministry.

Neal Pollard

A little child with eyes so bright,
Looks to a big day coming.
Dreams big dreams with star-filled sight,
Can you hear the joyous humming?
Too often, the big event falls flat
Of all the child dared to hope
Or it quickly flies by with an eyelash’s bat
And with letdowns the li’l one must cope.

The grown-up marks the calendar
And scrimps and saves and researches
Counts down the days in wistful surrender,
As the dream vacation lurches.
But however fun and memorable,
It cannot last forever!
The memories may be quite durable,
But it’s soon back to mundane endeavors.

The worker plans for the big day,
When is punched the last time card
When leisure, travel, and general play
Can follow a career worked so hard.
But creeping age and health declines
Rubs some glitter off that gold
The end of life, however fine,
Reminds us that our tents we will fold.

The Christian’s hope from moment one,
That lives within the breast…
Does not disappoint with setting of sun,
It grows with each trial and test.
Let hurt or heartache or death impose,
Let age and sorrow disjoint,
We will go to the field of the fadeless rose,
Where hope does not disappoint!

Neal Pollard
Jesus said, “Unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3).  Paul preached that there is no spiritual healing unless one is converted (Acts 28:27).  To be converted means literally to twist, turn around, and reverse.  In spiritual application, the word means to leave one thing for another.  In evangelism, the attempt is to turn one from the world to Christ.  However, people have been known to turn from the world to something other than Jesus and His doctrine.  This is unfortunate, but true.  Consider a few deadly alternative to conversion to the Lord.
Some are converted to emotions.  Without question, emotion lies at the heart of a person’s makeup.  Emotion must play a prominent role in both becoming a Christian and living as a Christian.  The people present on Pentecost were pierced to the heart and cried out, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).  Tears are commonplace among godly Christians, contemplating the Lord’s Supper, pleading with the lost, and saying goodbye to another saint who is leaving the area or life.  Christians are joyful people, quick to smile and laugh.  There should be righteous anger at the display of unrighteousness.  Emotions are essential to Christianity, but some are overly enamored with emotion.  They are big on “feeling” something. The paramount gauge of a sermon’s success is if it made them laugh or cry, not if it was true or false.  “Touchy-feely” is preeminent, whether or not it rings true doctrinally.  One converted to emotion in such a way is converted to the wrong thing.
Some are converted to personalities.  The church is composed of people, and some folks are more likable than others.  Each Christian should so live as to be attractive, just as Christ was (cf. Matt. 4:25; 8:1; 12:15; etc.).  Yet, some are converted to people.  Their loyalty is to the preacher, an elder, or some family in the congregation.  When that preacher leaves, they cease coming.  Whatever that family believes or advocates, they blindly follow and mimic.  It is so easy to become blinded to human loyalties that it overshadows a concern for what is right and biblical.  Multitudes are loyal to false teachers, despite clear, multiplied errors in their teaching.  Paul said to follow him as he followed Jesus (1 Cor. 11:1), but he never wanted anyone to follow him instead of Jesus.  One converted to personality is converted to the wrong thing.
Some are converted to social programs.  Churches need to both edify and reach out.  Fellowship is vital, and socializing together can make us all stronger.  The first-century church did this (Acts 2:46).  Yet, some make a decision with eternal implications based on what that church has “going on.”  Becoming a member of Christ’s church is not the same as choosing a social club, civic organization, or health club.  Doctrine matters.  A church–even the Lord’s church–may scratch a million social itches and not accurately dispense the balm of Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.  One converted to social programs is converted to the wrong thing.
The church must not be or become emotionless.  It should be filled with people whose personalities draw all men to Christ, and are as such magnetic (cf. John 12:32).  Fellowship together, time spent in recreation and socializing together, should characterize us.  Yet, all of these are tools.  When they become the end rather than a means to an end, they have usurped their place.  With Paul, we must faithfully determine “to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).  He is the integral, not the incidental. He is pivotal and not peripheral.  He is essential rather than esoteric.  We must keep the first thing the first thing!  Be converted to the Lord!

Neal Pollard

Emmanuel P. Chaaca collected several Swahili proverbs from the peoples of northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya.  One of them that struck me was, “Nyani alimcheka nyani mwenzake.”  Roughly translated, it means, “Chimpanzees laugh at each other’s tail.”  The idea is that it is easy to look for and criticize the mistakes of others while forgetting or ignoring our own mistakes.  This is yet another example of how we may have different ways to express a truth to accommodate our culture, but human behavior is the same everywhere.  Of course, the chimpanzee cannot see his own tail, but that of his neighbor is in plain sight.

Human beings, more enlightened, sophisticated and intelligent than the animals and made in the image of God, still fall prey to the same sort of thing.  We can see what terrible parental choices our friends make.  We cringe at the wastefulness or poor judgment of those around us.  We shake our heads at the weaknesses or sin problems we perceive in others.  These things are so plain and simple to see, from our perspective.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:1-5).  Jesus is saying that we should spend far more time examining the areas of our own lives than taking the magnifying glass to others’.  I have never seen a chimpanzee without a tail or a person without problems and flaws.  May this encourage us not to monkey around about these things!

Neal Pollard

The article caught me off guard.  The title was, “No pay, no pray…” and the little tag line was “Fare Way To Heaven.”  It was about the German practice of placing a “surcharge” for being an “official” member of a religious institution, whether Catholic or Protestant.  Many people are telling the government that they are no longer members in order to avoid the tax.  A large percentage of members say they have not lost their “faith,” they just want to “save money” (Juergen Baetz, Denver Post, 9/29/12, 21A).

While the government gives the religious taxes straight to the churches, it still provoked this thought in me.  What if the government taxed me for declaring myself a New Testament Christian?  What if I had to pay for my faith?  Maybe some see the giving of their means as the equivalent of that, despite clear, repeated New Testament teaching that giving is a spiritual exercise that shows faith in God’s provision, the proof of our love, and a greater trust in Him and His work than in “riches” (cf. Mt. 6:19-21; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 6). But, what if the government levied a surcharge for your membership in the Lord’s church?  Would you remain?

This is a great reminder to me that I need to regularly “count the cost” of my faith.  Am I willing to pay the price of time, effort, energy, finance, and whatever else is required for me to live for Jesus?  Maybe I am avoiding the cost of commitment.  If I am, I want to repent of that and be willing to serve my Savior no matter the “expense.”  Paul, Peter, John, and others paid the price (2 Cor. 11:16-32; 1 Pet. 4:13; 5:9; Rev. 1:9) .  The New Testament records the cost for James and Stephen.  May I not get so comfortable in and with this world that I lose my sense of values!

Neal Pollard

P-articipate.  Don’t just sit there, sing!  Omitting a command is as wrong as adding to one.  Remember that being able to bring praise to the throne of God is a high honor and deserves our full participation.

O-pen your mind.  Think about what you are saying in song.  Avoid “remote control” singing.  May we never, in this “exercise,” be using our lips with hearts far from God.

W-orship.  Realize that the deliberate exercise of worship in song is as much an activity of worship as prayer, preaching, or observing the Lord’s Supper.  The Hebrews’ writer draws on the imagery of Old Testament worship, offering sacrifices, to show how singing is worship.  He exhorts, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise ot God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb. 13:15).

E-xpect results.  Worshipping God in song softens our spirits, sobers our mind, and fills our heart.  Singing teaches, reminds, admonishes, challenges, and comforts us.  It can produce peace, joy, hope, love, introspection, warning, and brotherly affection.  If we will invest, we will be rewarded.

R-aise your voice.  This is a lesson we often try to stress with our boys.  Mumbling, “lipping,” or whispering the words to songs will not teach or admonish or fulfill the command to “speak to one another” (cf. Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19).  Don’t think you have a pretty voice?  I say this in love, but “so what?”  Fortunately for many of us, that’s not what’s commanded.  Don’t scream, but let your voice be heard.

F-eel what you sing.  It seems that singing, by design, strikes a chord in the human spirit (see “expect results”).  That requires deliberate investment in the activity.  If we are audibilizing “Sing And Be Happy,” “There’s Sunshine In My Soul Today,” or “I’m Happy Today,” make sure to wipe off the scowl for at least those few verses.  If the song is an admonition, be taught.  If it is praise to God, pour out your heart to Him.  If it is about appreciating God’s love or the cross, let there be a commensurate emotional response.

U-nite.  While songs of praise are directed vertically, so many of our songs also have the added, horizontal dimension to them.  Singing is a God-given way we unite in fellowship during worship.  It is perhaps the most demonstrable way and certainly the most audible.

L-ove to sing.  Surely, some must love it better than others.  Not everyone has a burning desire to go over to friends’ homes to sing or to come early to services for “singing practice.”  Some even stay home on nights when the congregation plans a “worship in song” service.  May it be suggested that loving to worship in song may well be an insulation against apostasy and a safeguard against sin.  David was the sweet singer of Israel.  Look at Deborah.  Consider Paul and Silas at midnight over at the jail.  Moses had his song.  The more you put your heart and mind into it, overcoming any self-consciousness or insecurity, the more you will love it, too.

Yes, how P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L is worshipping God in song.  He asks for it.  He pays attention to it.  He is honored and praised by it.  He blesses us through it.  So, then, as the song leaders say, “Let us sing.”

Neal Pollard

All people in the world are watching our words and deeds.  Jesus teaches, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).  Jesus is calling for a “walking confession,” a life which is an open book.

The Christian’s life is a manual, revealing what a Christian talks and acts like (Matt. 5:16).  It is a cookbook, showing the necessary ingredients which combine for a rich, full life (2 Pet. 1:5-11).  It is a code book, the reading of which will safely point others to the place of God’s acceptance (1 Tim. 4:12; Rom. 12:1-2).  It is a thriller in that it is bound by all the spiritual blessings that are to be had (Eph. 1:3).  It is a medical book in that it reveals the evidences of the Great Physician (Mark 2:17; Jer. 8:22).  It is a suspense because the best is yet to be for the Christian as “it does not yet appear what we shall be…” (1 John 3:2).  The Christian is read very carefully by “all men” (2 Cor. 3:2).  As our lives are read, what notes do the readers place in the margin?  If they were to label the book of our lives, what would they say?  “Couldn’t put it down!” (Titus 2:8)?  “This book contains error” (1 John 4:6)?  “Easy to follow” (1 Tim. 2:2)?  “Discard” (Rev. 3:14-19)?  “Pages missing” (2 Pet. 1:9)?

Peter found it very easy to confess the Lord before the other disciples.  He vowed, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33).  Before the next morning’s light hit his face, Peter had denied his Lord three times before men (Luke 22:54ff).  The camaraderie of other believers put Peter to no test, but out there in the world Peter failed the test.  Perhaps arrogance contributed to his denial.  Obviously, fear was involved.  The prospect of ostracism and rejection led to his cowardice.

If an apostle would stumble at confessing Christ before men, what about you and I?  Separated from the pull and pressures of the world when in the assemblies, we have no difficulty preaching (or hearing), singing, and praying our devout faith in Jesus.  But, when the support group disbands to address life’s daily affairs and the group becomes individuals scattered into different jobs, neighborhoods, schools, and homes, do our lives confess Him?  Do we tell others by our actions that Christ is our Lord?  Do we show them that He is first (Matt. 6:33)?  Out there (in the world) is where Jesus’ conditional statement in Matthew 10:32-33 applies.  If we “stick up” for Christ in the daily tests, then He will reward our triumph over temptation.  Out there is where Christ needs others to see our confession and read our lives.

Neal Pollard

Did you know that on this day in history, 1972, a young man was struck by lightning in Waldport, Oregon?  What makes it worse was that he was carrying 35 sticks of dynamite at the moment!  Living here in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, we are all too aware of the danger of being struck by lightning at high altitude.

But, can you imagine being Roy Sullivan? I was interested to learn about this park ranger from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.  He was struck by lightning seven times between 1942 and 1977, surviving them all.  In a book about the phenomenon of lightning, Out of the Blue, John Friedman talks about Sullivan’s traumatic experiences.  In order, he was struck in a lookout tower, while driving on a mountain road, walking in his yard, standing in a ranger station, getting out of his truck, checking a campsite near Skyline Drive, and fishing in a freshwater pool. He caught fire during one strike, singed his eyebrows, suffered chest and stomach burns, injured an ankle, and seared his left shoulder through these frightening experiences, but he never was seriously injured.  Was he “lucky”?  Apparently, he did not think so.  No one knows why he did it for sure, whether being rejected by a woman he loved or dreading future lightning strikes, but the big, burly lightning rod of a man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 1983 at the age of 71 (Friedman, 3-5).

Have you ever felt like you were receiving more than your fair share of adverse, difficult circumstances?  Like you were going from being hit by one bad situation after another?  What do you do when bad things keep happening to you?

Interestingly, Sullivan did not view this as God’s punishment.  He astutely told a TV audience that if God had wanted to do him in, He could have easily done so with only one strike!  What we should not do is look at suffering and trials as something with which God is trying to punish us.  All of us need character refinement and discipline (Heb. 12:5ff), but dare we say that those we see suffering need more refining.  Job and his friends, as well as people in Jesus’ day (John 9:1f), automatically saw suffering as divine punishment.  But, bad things happen to good people.

A series of unfortunate events may befall us at times in life.  But, we are not alone.  Others are hurting. And, we can grow from these pains.  Most of all, remember that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Neal Pollard

“World” is one of those words with multiple meanings.  It can refer to the earth, to all the people on that earth, or a philosophy or system of thought.  When John says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world” (1 John 2:15), he is referring to the last of those three ideas.  The behavior and philosophy of the world follows that of the prince of this world (Eph. 2:2), characterized by trespasses and sins, fleshly lusts, desires of the flesh and mind, and the like (Eph. 2:1-3).  That is what we are not to love.

Paul warns against approving of those who do worldly things in Romans 1:32.  Those things include all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness…evil-mindedness… inventors of evil things” and more, including homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-31).  The Bible must be consulted to help determine what of the things in culture fit into the category of things like we read in Ephesians 2, Romans 1, Galatians 5, Colossians 3, 2 Timothy 3, and the like.  Some things, in and of themselves, are neutral.  Other things, inherently, are sinful and, thus, “worldly.”

Christians set on defending, praising, promoting, or excusing things that are sexually suggestive, immodest, debauched, perverse, and depraved find themselves militating and working against the very Christ they profess to follow.  To praise sin is to love the world.  To defend immorality or excuse those who do it is to love the world.  To see things through worldly eyes, with worldly values, is to love the world.  Scripture is unequivocal about the matter.  John continues, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15b-17).  Before we choose our heroes, role models, habits, hobbies, diversions, and desires, we do well to review John’s God-breathed words and make sure we are not in love with the world!

Neal Pollard

No, I don’t!  I hate them.  But, I imagine that statement both caught your attention and led you to do an armchair assessment of my sanity (or lack thereof).  There are so many reasons not to love them.  First is content.  Every candidate makes vague, pie-in-the-sky promises that are hard to measure and quantify.  Second is tone.  The mud content of most is thick and dirty, and their razor-sharp rhetoric about the other guy pushes the mental pain threshold of the most patient listener.  Third is repetition.  Certainly, the same commercial will air repeatedly, but the proliferation of such ads in general is so great that it seems to be every other commercial.

I love gospel preaching!  That is the truth.  I love to hear the old, old story faithfully told through the medium of different men with different styles, personalities, and perspectives.  Short or tall, young or old, experienced or less so, well-educated or less so, I glean at least something from most lessons I hear.  Content, tone, and balance can   make or break the message, though the message rather than the man should be the focus.  Truth should be told, and it should be told in love!  It should never be that we should turn off the listener by changing the message or using methods that are unkind and even unscrupulous.

The relief is that political ad season is relatively short-lived (it only seems otherwise).  The joy is that we get to hear God’s Word proclaimed whenever we assemble to worship God.  The more we fill those lessons with Bible, properly parsed and presented, the more proper feeding and nourishing will occur among those who properly listen.  Perhaps thanks to the Jule Miller Filmstrips, one of my favorite songs says, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.  Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.” Amen!

(P.S.–That’s a big reason why I am so excited about our lectureship this week!  What a theme and what great speakers to thrill our souls with the matchless story!)

Neal Pollard

• Are willing to lead you to do what’s right and biblical, even if unpopular and uncomfortable.
• Want the Bible classrooms and pulpit to stay on biblical center, veering neither to the left or right (cf. Josh. 1:7)–regardless of what the churches down the street do.
• Are kind and friendly, even if at times without polish or oratorical articulation.
• Expect the best from you, but ask you to do nothing they themselves are not doing (1 Pet. 5:3).
• Are among you rather than above you or aloof from you (1 Pet. 5:1).
• Obviously love you, even if they occasionally have to correct or admonish you (1 Th. 5:12).
• Prioritize the work with spiritual objectives taking precedence over material objectives and with evangelistic goals over an internal focus.
• Ask the church to do for others rather than try to cater to our whims and desires (Heb. 13:17).
• Are impartial rather than prejudiced or cliquish.
• Are driven by “what does the Bible say” rather than “what do the people want?” (Acts 20:28).
• Stand behind and commend even difficult lessons that move us to obey God.
• Show commitment to their task through time, effort, and zeal rather than being those who go through the motions (Heb. 13:7).

For these and many more reasons, I am thankful for the Bear Valley eldership!  They are numbered among the “all” who sin and fall short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23).  They each have strengths and weaknesses.  Yet, these are men so driven by God’s will and God’s Word, and I am thankful to preach and attend under the oversight and authority of such men.  My heart aches for those who are not afforded such a pleasure, and it thrills for those who do.  Have you thanked God for your elders today?  Have you thanked your elders (1 Th. 5:13)?  They do not serve for recognition or accolades, but they just as surely will not rebuff your appreciation!  May we be grateful sheep!

Not to frustrate the patriotic, but this is not a piece about the United States, politics, or cultural commentary.  The caption is from the headline on the top fold of today’s USA Today in a story about the 9/11 attack on the American Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans.  It is likely the work of al Qaida and Muslim extremists in the ever-volatile middle east, but it speaks to the tenuous, unpredictable relationship of the “west” with the “east.”  Libya receives hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from the U.S., was helped by this nation to topple the Khadafi-led regime that led to the new, fledgling government, and America led the efforts in the United Nations to repeal a 40-year-old resolution to allow the new government to receive assets.  As Secretary of State Clinton posed it, “How could this happen in a country we helped liberate, in a city we helped save from destruction?” (Lynch, Dorell, and Jackson, USA Today, A-1, 9/13/12).

Lives were lost and upheaval seems inevitable now!  More American lives are likely at stake, in Egypt and who knows where else?  How could they “turn” on their “benefactors”?

As a wealthier, more stable, and “more civilized” nation, we may see ourselves as superior to our attackers.  But, the current crisis is but a mild illustration of the way man often treats God.  He created us in His image, sent His only begotten Son to die in our place, shows through His Word, His providence, and His sustaining blessings that He loves us, wants us to be His children, wants us to live an abundant life, and wants us to be with Him in heaven forever.  But, the vast majority of mankind shows disdain for and disobedience toward God!  Some say the words, but others show God contempt through ungodliness and self-centered disregard for Him.  This is not only even more audacious, but it is more costly.

Jesus says not only to call Him Lord, but to show it (Lk. 6:46)!  Choosing anything above God is to tell Him we hate Him (cf. Lk. 16:13).  Loving less is not an option!

Neal Pollard

Philosophical types revel in “not knowing.”  They like to challenge and undermine the faith of believers, asserting that we cannot really know anything.  It is a sort of insanity, really.  Can you imagine going through life confident only of the belief that nobody can truly know anything?  Yet, that is where a great many stand, including some who would profess to be Christians.  They say, “Objective truth is unknowable,” “God is unknowable,” and only fools and simpletons say otherwise.

Poor John.  He missed that memo.  It was not because he lived in the time before philosophy was born.  He wrote that masterful, Divinely-inspired first epistle bearing his name at the front end of a movement that would come to be known as “gnosticism.”  While gnostics would consider themselves an elite spiritual force who alone had special knowledge, they and their predecessors to whom John writes enjoyed trying to knock the mental legs from beneath those who were trying to hold onto assurance.  The more things change, the more they stay the same.

How could John say things like, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (2:3). “…We know that we are in Him” (2:5).  “…You know that He is righteous” (2:29).  “…You know that He was manifested to take away our sins” (3:5). “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us” (3:16).  “We know that we are of the truth” (3:19, a particularly galling statement to some).  “By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (4:6).  “You may know that you have eternal life” (5:13).  About 20 more times in this short letter, John asserts something that we know or that can be known.  Maddeningly simple, but stubbornly confident!  Why would John try to move away from the esoteric and enigmatic?  Why would he boost his readers’ confidence in what they could and should know?

Try living life without that assurance.  Many do.  Not coincidentally, many are unequivocally miserable!

Neal Pollard

Do you remember when Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable?” (1 Cor. 15:19). The context is the reality of the resurrection. Consider the misery, if not for the resurrection.

• No victory over Satan. Satan is still our only choice of master, if there is no resurrection (Heb. 2:14ff). His power exceeded God’s (cf. Psa. 16:10; Gen. 3:15).
• No hope in death. The chronically ill, impoverished, deeply betrayed, persecuted, martyred, ridiculed and sacrificial Christians who faithfully endured are hopeless. Death’s stinger remains embedded and grave’s victory is secured (cf. 1 Cor. 15:57). Without the resurrection, we drop in the dirt in no way different from the wicked.
• No reunion with those who die in Christ. David’s hope was deluded concerning his dead son (2 Sam. 12:23). Unborn babies, infants, and innocent children, who die at those stages, are not lost (Ezek. 18:20; Isa. 59:2). We are separated by sin (Rom. 6:23; 1 Jn. 1:8-10). Without the resurrection, there is absolutely no prospect of seeing them again.
• No incentive to live righteously. What keeps us from being anarchistic, animalistic, and anthropocentric, if we have no hope in the ressurection? We can do whatever is in our power. The fact of the resurrection controls and affects our conduct (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14).
• No reason to serve God. If there is no hope or chance of heaven, what’s the use? Why do anything “in His name” (cf. Mk. 9:41)? Why use any opportunities to do good to anyone (cf. Gal. 6:10)? Why be found sacrificing self (Rom. 12:1)? Why help others (Matt. 25:35-36)? Why faithfully assemble (Heb. 10:25)? Why put on the Christian graces (2 Pet. 1:5-7) or bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24)? Why shine a light or spread any salt (Matt. 5:13-16)? Offering service to God, without the resurrection, will never be acknowledged or rewarded!

Ah, “But now is Christ risen from the dead…” (1 Cor. 15:20)! By such, He gives us assurance (Acts 17:31). Accepting the resurrection is a test of faith (Rom. 10:10), but I plead with you to pass that test! Believe in the resurrection of Christ. Otherwise, you will be most miserable living the Christian life!

Neal Pollard

Paul’s inspired illustration about the church is so rich and powerful that Ephesians 5:22-33 is a text that has been used to preach many a sermon about marriage.  What the writer of Hebrews does with Divine discipline is just as compelling.  In urging the Christians to remain faithful despite persecution (Heb. 12:4), he tells them they had forgotten the biblical exhortation about God’s discipline of His children.  The writer goes on to use the illustration of earthly parents disciplining their children.

You have seen the fruit of undisciplined children.  It is both rotten and smelly, whether it’s a toddler’s tantrum, an adolescent’s attitude, or a teenager’s “‘tude.”  Seeing undisciplined children is enough to appreciate the wisdom of statements like “a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Prov. 29:15).  It is unattractive in youth, but destructive in adulthood.

In Hebrews 12, the writer uses the word “discipline” eight times in seven verses (plus one time inserted by translators in verse 10).  That makes it vital to the context of this paragraph.  Discipline proves love to children (6), provides legitimacy to children (7-8), produces loyalty from children (9), and perfects pure lives in children (10) though it prompts lamentations in children when it is administered (11).  Yet, in showing how He interacts with His faithful ones, God reminds us how He wants us to parent our children.  He wants us to teach them discipline.

How do we do that?  The writer uses words like “reprove” (5) and “scourges” (6) “as seemed best to them” (10) in a way that “for the moment” is “sorrowful” for the child (11).  If you ever had a parent who failed to “spare the rod” of correction, you can relate.  We do well to remember that “foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him” (Prov. 22:15).

“Experts” tell us that all corporal punishment will warp and frustrate the recipients.  Violent, uncontrolled hitting may well do so, but not loving, measured spankings meant to teach right from wrong.  Likewise, having rules and restrictions, consistently enforced, gives a child structure and boundaries.  Children actually want to know their limits, and they (and God) expect parents to spell them out to them.  Look down the road at the consequences of that kind of parenting.  What will your children reap?  The inspired writer calls it “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (11).  There are few gifts as precious and meaningful as that!