Author: preacherpollard

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

THE ROAD TO UNIVERSALISM

Neal Pollard

 

Universalism is the idea that all are saved or that one is saved without his meeting any conditions whatever.  Merriam-Webster defines it as “a theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved” (www.merriam-webster.com).  What are the true , ultimate implications of this increasingly popular idea?  Is it not that impenitent mass-murderers, political despots (like Hitler, Hussein, and Khadafi), rapists and molesters, and the like will eventually be saved?  We are repulsed at the very idea!

 

However, how does one get to universalism in the first place?  May I suggest that it is incrementally, bit by bit.  It is also the case that some will not go as far as the illustrations above, but they will be willing to say that people will be saved who have not fully followed the Lord’s teaching.  We are not talking about following Scripture perfectly every time and in every regard.  That is the extreme, false idea of “perfectionism.”  Instead, we are talking about omitting conditions for salvation and/or conditions for the saved.

 

It might be easier to answer “why,” possibly, people want to widen the circle of supposed divine acceptance of people.  One reason could be that we tend to believe in “meritorious works.”  By this I mean the idea that if people are basically good, moral people (and this is often subjectively determined), then they will be saved based on their goodness.  But this denies the atoning work of Christ at the cross and shifts the power from His sacrifice to our goodness.  Paul says, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Rom. 3:10).  There are acts of obedience required of us to receive the benefits of God’s grace, but there are no substitute or partial plans.  Another reason might be the climate of “political correctness” that pervades our culture’s thinking.  We find it distasteful to exercise judgment or evaluate the content of another’s behavior (cf. John 7:24?). We do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings or be seen as condemning another.  Nobody likes to be the “bad guy.”

 

Most people do not begin by saying absolutely “all” will be saved.  Before that, they will say that all sincere, devout believers in Christ will be saved (but, Mat. 7:21-23).  They might say that generally good people will be saved (but, Isa. 64:6).  They might say that sincere people in all religions will be saved (but, Ac. 4:12; Jn. 14:6).  But to say this, “they” must try to take the place of Christ as the one having all authority in heaven and on earth (Mat. 28:18).  No, the road to universalism ends at an eternally frightening destination.  Let us remain on Christ’s way, the narrow way (Mat. 7:13-14).  As the song suggests, “There Is Just One Way To The Pearly Gates.”

“Keep Me From Exalting Myself”

Neal Pollard

There is no prayer in scripture where any person asked this specific thing of God.  Men asked, “Keep me from wicked hands” (Ps. 140:4), “keep me from harm and pain” (1 Chron. 4:10), and “keep me safe” (Ps. 17:8).  Instead, humankind suffers from an all-too common tendency of exalting self.  We want people to know what good people we think we are, what we have done for the Lord and for others, what talents and abilities we possess, what enviable people we are in any number of regards.  But to have the wisdom, humility and foresight to pray “keep me from exalting myself” is not a thing that will naturally occur.  However, may I say that nothing could be more necessary and helpful in any of our lives.

The words, “keep me from exalting myself,” are not only found in the Bible, they are found twice in one verse.  The verse is familiar to most Bible students and its context so widely known that secular people borrow a phrase from it to describe the difficulties in their lives, too.  The verse is 2 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul writes, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself!”  See, it is not a prayer of humility.  It is an acknowledgement of a fact.  Paul was undoubtedly a special person and probably one of the most special people who ever lived.  Beyond that, he was an apostle and the recipient of “great revelations.”  He wrote half of the New Testament.  He planted the church in Europe and throughout the Gentile world.  He preached to the king of the world.  What a VIP!  What an asset to the Lord’s cause.

Yet, what a wise man.  He knew what that “thorn in the flesh” was meant to do.  He notes what it did–it tormented him.  It hurt and burdened him.  But he also knew why it was there.  He says it twice.  “It’s to keep me from exalting myself!”

We have not achieved the greatness of Paul but we each have ample reason to pray, “Keep me from exalting myself.”  Wendell Winkler used to tell us preacher boys that we should pray before we stood to preach, “Lord, help me to hide behind the cross and so preach that people leave saying, ‘Oh, what a Savior’ and not ‘Oh, what a preacher.'”  May I suggest that no matter who we are, we must “hide behind the cross.”  We must be people wholly disinterested in thrusting ourselves out before the public eye in the hope of receiving the admiration, praise, and recognition of man.  May it not take a thorn!

MAKING EMOTIONS ACCOUNTABLE

anger

anger

Neal Pollard

James Dobson, in Emotions: Can You Trust Them?, wrote, “Emotions must always be accountable to the faculties of reason and will.  That accountability is doubly important for  those of us who purport to be Christians. If we are to be defeated during life’s spiritual pilgrimage, it is likely that negative emotions will play a dominant role in that discouragement” (11).  Now, emotions are God-given;  interest, joy, surprise, anger, contempt, disgust, distress, fear, guilt, and shame are listed by Dr. Carroll Izard as the ten most common emotions (cf. Development and Psychotherapy, 369ff).  He contends that only three of the top ten common emotions are positive and the other seven are negative.  In a world filled with violent crime, alcoholism, divorce, abuse, road rage, and the like, we can be persuaded by this finding.  But emotion is a powerful component of our lives, and some allow it to have too large a place.  That is Dobson’s point.

In marriage, you will not always feel in love.  You will not always want to do your duty or honor your commitment.  In your Christian life, you will be tempted to do what feels good or right in the moment regardless of what the Lord expressly desires.

We talk about feelings getting hurt.  Words like “vulnerable,” “afraid,” “stressed,” and “betrayed” are directly connected to our emotions.  Those feelings may be very real, but they can drive us to irrational behavior.  Marriages end.  Churches divide. Friendships are ruined.  People fall away from God.  All of these commonly occur because of unaccountable emotions.

It is significant that the Bible stresses knowledge, wisdom, judgment, discernment, and thinking.  Too, the teaching of self-control, self-discipline, self-denial, and the like suggest that with learning should come a healthy self-check.  That includes keeping emotions in their proper place.

McKinney mentions several traits that make for the emotionally mature personality, including heterosexuality, appreciation of others, capability of delaying his responses, and a point of view of life (solid convictions on matters such as ethics, morals, politics and the nature of the world and of man)(Psychology of Personal Adjustment, 467-468).  If we are to be socially and spiritually mature people, we must make our emotions accountable!  They cannot dictate our decisions.  They must be subservient, as Dobson says, to our reason and will.  And those things must be shaped and driven by a “thus saith the Lord.”

Don’t Be Overcome By Night

Neal Pollard

Gary, Carl, and I visited the United States Holocaust Museum today.  There is no experience with which to compare this harrowing, sobering, and unfathomable tour of one of the darkest periods of recorded history.  That one human being was capable of treating another human being the way the Jews were treated defies understanding.  We saw pictures and videos of the pogroms, boycotts, concentration camps, executions, and experimentations.  An entire ethnic group across an entire continent was seized with terror for over a decade.  To have witnessed such atrocities and survive must have scarred and wounded the psyche.  Perhaps no one who survived this genocide saw more than the Romanian writer Eliezer (Elie) Wiesel, who spent time in the Auschwitz, Buna, Buchenwald, and Gleiwitz Concentration Camps.  In fact, he only reluctantly became a writer to share his dark experience at the hands of the Nazis.  In his first book, Night, he wrote,

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky. Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity, of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.

I do not stand in judgment of Mr. Wiesel’s pain.  Who of us will ever know its depths?  But his words demonstrate how pain and suffering can undermine and even destroy faith.  Paul told the Romans, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).  We will not be cast in the throes of despair Wiesel has known, but when we encounter trials, difficulties, and suffering may we keep our faith in God strong.   It may be hard to love our enemies (Mat. 5:44), but may we maintain our love and fidelity to our God–no matter what!

Shanghaied By Bunco Kelly

Neal Pollard

There is a fascinating, if obscure, American figure from the era when ships ruled the waters of this land, carrying freight across the seas.  Apparently, ship captains relied upon men (often of “questionable” character) to fill their crew quotas.  In a tale of truth being stranger than even Pirates of the Caribbean fiction, there were unscrupulous men who scoured docks and seaport towns looking for incapacitated and inebriated men to serve as unfortunate conscripts for these vessels.  Among the dishonorable, Joseph Kelly stood out for unconscionable tactics.  He was legendary.  His nickname, “Bunco,” came from the time he took to the Portland, Oregon, dock a wooden Indian he covered in blankets and delivered for $50.  He kidnapped prostitutes and cut their hair, passing them off as sailors.  His most infamous deal may have been delivering at least 24 men to the British boat, The Flying Prince–bound with logs for China–that were found, to the captain’s chagrin, to be dead.  The men thought they had staggered into the Snug Harbor Saloon, but they missed it by one door.  They went into the basement of the neighboring Johnson and Sons Mortuary and downed a fatal amount of embalming fluid.  Such misfortune for ships’ captains were no concern to the ruthless and avaricious Kelly, who flouted the law and flirted with constant danger (http://www.naosmm.org/confer/port-or/history.html, http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2009/08/bunko_kelly_and_the_funeral_pa.html, and http://www.tourportland.com/joseph_bunco_kelly.htm).

Perhaps we have a hard time feeling sorry for the salty seamen shanghaied by Bunco Kelly.  The same is true of the ship captains. They were trying to impress men into service that were not cognizant or coherent, all too happy to pay the likes of men like Kelly.  Those who received men this way were as dirty and dishonest as these Shanghaiers.

The New Testament mentions some spiritually unprepared people who were susceptible to religious “teachers” with the scruples of a Bunco Kelly.  In Romans 16:18, Paul mentions some who “by their smooth and flattering speech…deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”  Elsewhere, he speaks of others who were like children, “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Eph. 4:14). Jude spoke of certain ones who crept in unnoticed and turned the grace of God into licentiousness (Jude 4).  In these tragic cases, who is to blame?  The peddlers or the ones who “buy” these eternally rotten “goods”?  Yes!  God will judge, in strictest terms, false teachers (cf. Js. 3:1; Jude 4), but he holds each one of us accountable for what we choose to believe (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3-4).  Do not allow yourself to be “crimped” by unscrupulous men!  Get into God’s Word and know it.  It is your safeguard against the shady strategies of spiritual shanghaiers.

The Turbaned Tornado

Neal Pollard

The man with the unusual moniker, “The Turbaned Tornado,” is a remarkable man.  His real name is Fauja Singh, and on Sunday, October 16th, he became the oldest man to complete a full-distance marathon when he finished the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon!  He was a bit rusty, not having run a marathon since he was 92!  He runs 7 to 10 miles every day, a habit which paid off when he pulled off this unprecedented feat.  Through an interpreter, he said prior to the race, “I just keep going knowing that every step I take I am getting closer to the finish line — standing around is not going to get me there” (info via Sporting News and UPI.com).

I know a great many golden agers who may not have so cool a nickname, but who have the same philosophy regarding their spiritual lives.  Just because they are advanced in age does not mean that they are content to just stand (or sit) around.  Perry Cotham will be 100 years old on January 5th, if God grants him the time.  I was with him in California just a couple of years ago and witnessed him preach with such passion that he preached two non-Christian, middle-aged women “down the aisle” to be baptized.  Great gospel songwriter, Tillit S. Teddlie, lived to be 102 and led singing before a large group of Christians to commemorate his 100th birthday.  Coming up quickly behind these two greats is our own Johnson Kell, who remains an active force in the Bear Valley congregation even as he launches into his mid-90s.

The youth movement folks can keep their “diaper dandies.”  Nothing inspires me more than the aged soldier of the cross still valiantly battling the forces of evil.  As Moses urged the Israelites, “You shall rise up before the grayheaded and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:32).  A gray head, if found in the way of righteousness, is a crown of glory (Prov. 16:31).  Seeing Christians who have seen many decades of life–trials, hurts, temptations, and heartaches–but who have remained faithful to Christ are heroes.  They have successfully run the most strenuous marathon of all, running that long with endurance (Heb. 12:2) and in such a way as to win (1 Cor. 9:24).  Why not “pick out” an elderly Christian whose faith and works shine before you and thank them!  There is truly no greater accomplishment.

 

“Why Not Fast?”

Ethan Compton (guest Daily Bread baker)

Two Sundays ago, while doing my homework, a random thought occurred to me.  Why not fast?  I did some thinking and decided I wasn’t going to eat anything for 24 hours, starting that Sunday afternoon.

During my fast, my thoughts toward foods changed.  Any food I saw looked delicious.  Even a little cracker or tiny pieces of candy looked amazing and I just wanted to eat it!  And, obviously, when someone doesn’t eat anything for 24 hours, they get hungry.  Throughout my time fasting, I could constantly feel the hunger.

One of the reasons I decided to fast was to make 1 Peter 2:11 come alive and make more sense.  1 Peter 2:11 says, “Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.”  Most people eat every day.  No one can deny that the human body has to eat.  But, people of the world sin every day, with no sign of guilt or repentance. But as Christians, we should be fasting from all sin.

When I was staying away from food, simple foods offered to me, like candy, looked great!  Let’s be real here.  It’s candy.  Candy is full of sugar and other things that don’t help our bodies.  Sin looks good and it looks like you’re going to be having a great time doing it, but we’re only lowering our chances of getting to heaven.  The constant reminder of hunger was also a great reminder of how we should always be fighting and trying to stay away from sin.

We should be doing as Peter says and abstain from all fleshly lusts.  Each one of us has to eat food, but we don’t have to partake in sin.  Realize that every extra step we take to get sin out of our lives is more than worth the effort.

GAINING ENTRANCE

Neal Pollard

Many of you know that we have been on the proverbial pins and needles awaiting the status of Dale’s desired entrance into Cambodia.  Yesterday afternoon, from her first flight connection in Los Angeles, Kathy called me to share the dire warning expressed by Korean Air employees.  Dale’s passport is still valid, but it expires in December.  Entrance into Cambodia is usually refused if a person’s passport has less than six months’ validity.  Only after signing a waver with the airline were Kathy and Dale cleared to take the chance of getting into the country.  What followed was a 13-hour flight to Seoul, then another 5-plus hour flight to Siem Reap.  I emailed the US embassy, talked to our missionary, Phanat Ouch, by phone, and contacted the State Department.  I called the express passport renewal company recommended by the Wall Street Journal.  None of them were able to give me hope or assurance.  So, there was none for Kathy, Dale, or the rest of our group–except the awesome power of prayer.

No doubt, the many prayers were answered.  An official met our group, asking in broken English for “James Pollard” (Dale’s first name).  He was smiling and explained the situation.  He was going to write a letter, explaining the brief duration of Dale’s visit and vouchsafing for Dale.  With the full itinerary Wes Autrey had the presence of mind to bring, the letter gave Dale sufficient proof to be allowed to stay and engage in the mission trip.  To call us relieved is to sorely understate it!  It turns out that Korean Air had contacted the general manager of its airline operations in Cambodia, J.P. Hong.  Mr. Hong was the friendly, smiling, and helpful man who met them.

If Dale had not been able to stay, two team members would have had to make that long flight back home.  Money would have been wasted, the trip would have been dampened, and the return flight would have been grueling with no rest in between flights!  It was a potential nightmare.

It made me think.  All of us are on a journey to an ultimate, eternal destination.  Regarding heaven, few will gain entrance while the majority will be denied (cf. Mat. 7:13-14).  What is lost by failing to enter far, far exceeds what Dale faced in being refused entrance.  Will we have one to “plead our case” there?  In that case, it will be a matter of whether or not we have confessed Him with our lives (Mat. 10:32-33).  He longs to serve as our Advocate and Helper (1 Jn. 2:1; Heb. 13:6), but He will not force Himself upon us.  We must seek Him (Heb. 11:6).  Are you prepared for that journey or journeys?  Will you have Jesus to plead your case?

Balancing Doctrine With Discernment


Neal Pollard

The doctrine of Christ is indispensable!  Timothy was told, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16).  On the “soul-saving” front, too many have attempted to water down the message.  Sadly, some members have sought to defuse a gospel sermon or Bible class, taught kindly but firmly, by apologizing to their non-Christian visitors for the distinctive message of the New Testament. If one is baptized who must be won through conniving, coddling, or coercion, that one will be converted to the wrong person or thing.

Let it also be observed that doctrine must be balanced with an intelligent, sensitive approach to soul-winning.  By sensitive is meant, not the paranoid fear of offending which has given us “political correctness,” but a clear awareness of those whom we are trying to win to Christ.  By intelligent is meant particularly common sense in reaching out to people.

We need to use discernment to “get them in the door.”  This requires being approachable, friendly, and exemplary.  If you try to mow them over with doctrine before you lay a foundation of trust and genuine concern, they will “turn you off” on the subject.  You must also “use hospitality” (1 Pet. 4:9). Put an “open door” upon the hinges of your home–a warm and welcoming place to attract them to the idea of Christian entertainment, Christian family, and Christian living. “Clean fun,” genuine concern, and agape love demonstrated before them will get them in the door.

We need discernment while they are “inside.”  Have a desire to make visitors feel at home. This may not initially be comfortable for you. But, let no one blame God for not making contact with visitors.  Too many say, for instance, “It is not in my personality to ‘go up’ to others.” If that is so, modify your personality. Shy, quite people who love souls have moved out of their “comfort zones.” Preachers and teachers should speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).  It is never necessary to be insulting or belligerent in plainly, firmly presenting the gospel. Watch how you interact with others!  An obnoxious comment or rudeness, to whomever it is directed, may forever shut the door.  Use more self-control in your dealings with everyone (2 Tim. 3:3).

We need discernment after they become part of the family.  Remember, babies cannot eat meet.  There needs to be classes for spiritual babes (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2).  Exercise patience liberally (1 Th. 5:14).  There should be much more intolerance for moral and doctrinal sins by those who have been in the church for a long period of time than for those young in the faith.

The lost are just that–lacking direction as they walk in darkness (1 Pet. 2:9).  After Paul asked for prayers for wisdom in speaking to the lost, he charged us to conduct ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders (cf. Col. 4:4-6).  Let not one iota of doctrine suffer in that, but use common sense in imparting it!

THERE, BUT NOT AVAILABLE

Neal Pollard

Several people have forwarded emails to me with a link to the United States Geological Survey website.  The news article on the site claims that there is a place where there is between three and 4.3 billion barrels of oil that could be taken from the ground and used as fuel for cars and other systems and machines using petroleum.  Where is it?  In North Dakota and Montana’s Bakken Formation.  It is interesting that America imports a net of 9.4 million barrels of oil every day from 42 different countries (U.S. Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs).

This is not an article on politics.  It does, however, make a dramatic illustration.  We do not fail to drill domestically because there are no resources.  For a variety of reasons, many of which are political, we are not drilling.  It should be obvious that gas prices and energy prices would drop dramatically were these resources to be recovered.  One might assume that economic relief or improvement would follow.

In the final analysis, regarding things eternal, this will not matter to us.  Yet, I am amazed that the majority of the world has a resource infinitely more valuable that it has left untapped.  That resource is a relationship with God.  People can be surrounded by Christians, examples of righteous living, evidence of the joy and happiness in the lives of God’s people.  They see their faith and sense of purpose, and may even, on some level, envy and desire it for their own lives.  But, they fail to access it.  They remain “out” of Christ.

Paul reveals that all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3).  Peter speaks of our unparalleled inheritance, our protection, our joy, and our future (1 Pet. 1).  John tells us to look and see the love the Father has shown us (1 John 3:1).  A wealth of resources and resources of spiritual wealth abound in living the Christ-life.  How could anybody know about this and not tap into such blessings?  Indeed, how?

BEWARE “BUILDING-OLOTRY”


Neal Pollard

Until the Babylonian Captivity, God’s people were repeatedly guilty of worshipping idols.  Since New Testament Christianity was corrupted, many have become reliant upon relics and tactile objects like crosses, beads, and pictures–mere idols that in some way supplement or replace the worship of God.  But, in Bible times, people seemed to have an unhealthy reverence for the place of worship irrespective of their own conduct (cf. Jer. 7:4ff).

Is it possible to overly revere or exalt the church building today?  It is helpful to understand that in the New Testament there is no clear indication of a “meeting house” beyond individual Christian homes.  It is certainly permissible for the church to own and use a church building, as there is generic authority for establishing a place for the saints to meet the Lord’s command to assemble (cf. Heb. 10:25).  Wise are the congregations who utilize their building frequently and fully, providing facilities and equipment to expedite doing the Lord’s work.  Yet, while good stewardship is biblical and taking care of our facilities is wise and good conduct, there have been those who have elevated the building overly much.

Beware having greater emotions for “building matters” than “soul matters.”  Some will shed more tears, show more passion, kindle greater indignation, and invest more energy on that which will not survive the judgment (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10) than upon those who will (Mat. 25:46).  Certainly, we should care about and care for our facilities, but infinitely greater care must be shown for souls for whom Christ died!  I wonder how many hours of disputes, arguments, and business meetings have been devoted to “building matters” versus plans, strategies, and efforts to win souls.

Beware spending more money on “building matters” than “soul matters.”  Some have a “Field of Dreams” philosophy: “Build it and they will come.”  Some think that a grand and modern enough campus is the trick to church growth.  While we should put our best foot forward in whatever we do, including building buildings, we should realize that imbalance toward the material over the spiritual is not consistent with God’s desire (1 Tim. 2:4; Acts 17:24).

Beware setting a double standard of behavior, one for in the building and another for away from the building.  Some have followed denominational thinking, making the auditorium a “sanctuary.”  Could revering the building cause us to subconsciously think we should act one way in the building but can act another when away from it?  God has no greater, fuller presence in the church building than anywhere else.  After all, each of us is a “temple” of God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19-20).

Let us take care of and have wholesome pride in our facilities.  Let us treat it as if it were our own and make it last as long as we can.  But, let us never misplace our priorities, putting it above people or the will of Christ.

SEE PEOPLE THROUGH YOUR EYES

Neal Pollard

Have you ever had someone you trusted and admired tell you about a speaker of whom he or she either thought highly or poorly?  Perhaps it colored your thinking of that one’s lesson, even if only subconsciously.  Have you ever had someone speak ill of a person, castigating their character or maligning their motives?  Maybe, whether it was apparent to you or not, it influenced your view of that person.  We human beings can have such an influence on one another.  Our view and estimation of someone or something can be an overlay over another person’s point of view.  That has powerful potential for good or evil.

Each of us has an obligation to think for ourselves, to evaluate people, preaching, programs, positions, problems, and the like.  It is intellectual laziness to let another do our thinking for us.  All individuals deserve to be evaluated by us based on what we observe first-hand.

It seems the Jews who dogged Paul’s missionary steps were trying to “poison the water” in every place Paul went (Acts 14:2,19;17:5). Demetrius did this to Paul in Macedonia (Acts 19:24ff). Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, in part, to dispel the untrue reports made against him that tainted some of the brethren’s view of him.  What drove these men to try so hard to destroy Paul’s work and influence?  It does not matter.  It was indefensible behavior.

It is a mark of spiritual maturity for one to ignore the gossip, slander, and smearing of another.  Each person is owed the charity of our unprejudiced acceptance before we draw our own conclusions.  It is an exercise in which we would wish others to engage when considering us.  May we have the grace to return the kindness (Luke 6:31).

A Prize Worth Cherishing

Neal Pollard

In front of my desk, to the left of my book shelves and to the right of that weird alien in a jar that I inherited when I moved here, sits a trophy.  It has the year “1992” rising out of the base and has an Olympic-like figure holding up outstretched arms and holding a wreath-like crown.  The base also contains an inscription that reads: “Athlete Of The Year, Neal Pollard, Faulkner University 91-92.”  Just so you know, I paused for symbolism while you laughed.  Yes, the same Neal Pollard you know.  It was awarded to the intramural competitions’ participant who had the highest score at the end of the year.  Certainly, if you played each of the sports with your social club, you received automatic points.  There were other manly competitions, checkers, foosball, ping pong, and the like, that earned you points for signing up and playing.  In individual competitions, you scored higher the better you did.  The only individual competition I won was the free-throw contest.  A big reason I won was because I participated in every possible event.  I was rewarded for involvement and a few times for showing up when no one else did.

While I still have that trophy two decades later, I understand its relative value (or lack thereof).  But, each day I live, from the time I rise and pray and read my Bible throughout the day in thoughts and words and deeds, I am striving for an unparalleled prize.  I will not receive this for being the most notable preacher to live in my generation.  I will not receive it for the most prominent Christian in my community.  I will not receive it for being the most popular Christian in my congregation.

God will give it to me because, once I was washed in the blood of Christ through baptism (cf. Heb. 13:12 + Eph. 5:26-27), I was an active participant.  I was involved, despite the presence of sin in my life, striving to walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:7-10).  I was trying to abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).  I offered my life as a living sacrifice for Jesus (Rom. 12:1-2).  I tried to flee worldliness (1 Jn. 2:15-17; 2 Tim. 2:22).  I look forward to the day of His appearing, when I receive this peerless prize (2 Tim. 4:8).

Who knows how long I’ll keep that cute little trophy for “athleticism”?  Who cares?  I long for a “trophy” that is fadeless (1 Pet. 1:4), that will be enjoyed in a “time” that is endless (Mt. 25:46) in a “territory” that is matchless (Rev. 22:1ff).

COMPLICATING TRUTH

Neal Pollard

A philosopher called the office today and wanted to discuss the function of words in a particular text.  He was absolutely fascinated with syntax, structure, literary devices, and the like, but almost seemed to avoid personal application and rational conclusion like it was the plague.  He seems to represent in an extreme way what is often seen in too many people who approach scripture.  Many seem to come to scripture the way the Athenians approached things, spending “their time in nothing other than telling or hearing some new thing” (Acts 17:21). They seem to prefer esoteric, obscure, multi-layered meanings.  The idea that God in His power is able to communicate to all cultures and all times in a way the common man can understand repulses many of those enamored with philosophy, academia, and intelligentsia.  It cannot be that simple.  Like Gnostics, they believe only an elite few can truly understand the Bible and what is meant overall and in individual Bible books.  Sadly, too many do not understand because they do not study the Bible.  However, those who make the attempt will be rewarded with knowledge and understanding.

Thankfully, God has not reserved His truth for a small academic caste.  In fact, Jesus says how one must become child-like to receive kingdom truth (Mark 10:13).  To Corinth, Paul contrasted the Greek’s fascination with (worldly) wisdom with the seeming foolishness of God’s Word in man’s eyes (1 Cor. 1:22-23).  But, Paul says, “Consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Cor. 1:26-27).

Yes, there are some things hard to understand (2 Pet. 3:16).  But, for all of that, whatever ultimately matters for living life here and preparing for eternity there (2 Pet. 1:3) can be understood by the humblest, simplest accountable soul. God is not a snob.  He wants “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4).  Remember that Jesus assures us that “you will know the truth” (John 8:32).  Let’s not unnecessarily complicate it!

THE HUMAN HEART (Poem)

You Don’t Want To Miss The Start Of The Bear Valley Lectures!  If You Have Never Heard DAVID SHANNON of Mt. Juliet, TN, Speak, You Are In For A Treat.  First Session Is At 7 PM.

Neal Pollard

That part of each man crafted by God

but unseen by mortal observation,

The figurative place of our emotions and thinking,

helping our spiritual station.

A place we alone can nurture and tend,

to work to better or embitter

That directs our whole body and life on a path

That makes us a winner or quitter.

God put in place ways to help our own hearts

stay in tune with His perfect intentions.

To mold us and make us like Him in our thinking,

to stave off man’s wicked inventions.

The Bible, as His mind, He has given to mankind,

a heart monitor as well as a mirror.

It gauges our true selves and guides our footsteps,

if used it will make His will dearer.

He has given us singing, a wide world of nature,

and people as living examples,

So much that exists we can see and by seeing

can resist Satan’s slick sinful samples.

Yes, true, human hearts can be darkened and hardened,

becoming a frightful container.

That holds in the worst, the depraved, and perverted,

that becomes such a wicked retainer.

But such is the work of neglect and of lust,

a struggle that fights a higher objective.

For when in human hearts there’s willing submission,

they become more spiritually selective.

So spiritual battles are lost or they’re won

In a place where no other can see,

Keep your heart, you alone with heavenly help

Will determine your soul’s eternity.

“He Heard My Voice…”


Neal Pollard

Do you ever feel like nobody’s listening, or that you have no one to whom to tell your troubles?  Isolation seems to be more characteristic of our society.  We are surrounded by lonely people, even as the country’s population rises, even in the middle of crowded cities, stores, and subdivisions, and even though we are in the “information age.”  Information does not mean intimacy or communication.

Yet, even when we do have friends and loved ones in our lives, there are some circumstances where their shoulders and ears are not enough.  David faced times like that.  He recalls some of those times near the end of his reign as second king of Israel.  In 2 Samuel 22, he remembers times with Saul and other enemies when he was surrounded, afraid, confronted, and distressed.  Have you ever felt that way?  What did you do?

David says, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears” (22:7).  Even when we have the attention of someone on earth, we do not have access to the wisdom and power of heaven.  God can do what no mortal can.  Notice the progression.

First, God heard (7).  God is not disinterested when it comes to His children.  His ears are open to the righteous (1 Peter 3:12).  David had that same confidence at other times in his life (cf. Psalm 65:2).  The only thing restricting God’s ability to hear the faithful Christian’s prayers is that Christian’s lack of faithfulness to pray to Him.  “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”  God intently waits for our prayers.  Marlin Connelly once spoke of God’s presence with the faithful in Revelation 8:1-4.  In explaining the meaning of the silence in heaven for half an hour (1), Connelly commented that it is as if God is saying, “Hush!  I’m listening to the prayers of the saints!”  What a thought!

Second, God reacted (8-14).  God is not neutral when it comes to His children.  Think about it.  If you are a parent, are you neutral when it comes to your children?  If they are being harassed, if they have problems, or if they are hurting, how does it make you feel?  Notice how vividly David, by inspiration, poetically describes God’s reaction to how David is being treated.  The earth shook and the foundations of heaven quaked.  Smoke went up from His nostrils and fire from His mouth. He thundered from heaven, sending out lightning bolts.  Why?  “Because He was angry” (8).  He was angry at how His son David was being treated.  Will you remember that God cares that much about you?  Such knowledge should make us confident that we can weather any trial that comes!

Finally, God acted (15ff).  God is not passive when it comes to His children.  He rescued David (17-20) and punished His enemies (15-16).  David says he took me, drew me, delivered me, supported me, rewarded me, and delighted in me.  Through providence and answered prayer, God acts on our behalf.  And think about what He has already done to show He cares (cf. Romans 5:8).  Remember a cross?  Or a big event on Pentecost (cf. Acts 20:28)?  If we pay close attention, God constantly proves His love and concern for us.

Let us not miss David’s part in all this.  David understood that God’s hearing, reacting, and acting on David’s behalf was tied to David’s manner of life and response to God’s love.  David heard God (22:21-23).  David also acted obediently (22:24-25).  Our relationship with the Father cannot be shallow or one-sided.  But, what joy to know that even at the lowest, hardest times, if no one else knows, He hears our voice!

 

WHEN YOU GO TO WORSHIP, ACT LIKE A LAME BEGGAR

Neal Pollard

When you go to worship this Lord’s Day, will you act like a lame beggar? Not just like any lame beggar.  Not exactly imitating the lame beggar to which I refer.  Instead, consider the man in Acts 3 and the effect Christ’s power had on him.  He thought he had his list of needs properly prioritized–he wanted a few coins to help his subsistent life.  He met a couple of men and thought they could oblige, but then he learned they were broke.  Rather than coins, Peter and John gave Him Christ!  And, it is the reaction that Luke makes so striking and startling!  He leaped (8), began to walk (8), went “walking and leaping and praising God” (8), and people “saw him walking and praising God” (9).  Where did this happy man go in this condition?  “The temple” (9). People took note of him, remembering what he was but seeing what he now is (10).

 

I am not advocating a literal leaping into the church building doors this week, but this man had an exuberance and enthusiasm that should get our attention.  Where are we going on the Lord’s Day?  What are we getting to do when we assemble together?  What has He done in our lives and with our sins?  How has that effected and changed us?  Your reaction truly cannot be contrived or manipulated!  It must come from a genuine understanding and gratitude for Christ saving us!  It must come from a daily “walk” that is getting closer and closer to this awesome Savior!  Without Jesus, we are more crippled than the lame and poorer than the most abject beggar.  With Him, we should be filled with joy and excitement!  Let us make sure this shows up on our faces and in our demeanors when we sing, pray, commemorate, and listen, as we worship, this Sunday!

“Man’s Python Eats His Pit Bull”

Neal Pollard

No kidding!  This is the report out of Merced, California, dated October 9, 2001, and released by Reuters.  Apparently, the northern California man owned two pets, the snake and the dog.  The 200-pound Burmese python ate the 30-pound pit-bull.  Pit-bulls, whether fairly or not, are known for their ferocity.  They annually rank in the top ten breeds of dogs for number of bites administered.  However, this Fido got on the wrong side of a reptile whose appetite and body outweighed his own.

How this situation is reminiscent of Galatians 5:15 and situations that still play out today among God’s people.  “Bewitching” influences (3:1) troubled the Galatians, gospel-changing (1:6-9) and Judaizing (4:21) brethren whose attitude was apparently as much a problem as their false teaching.  They inflamed and agitated (5:12), seemingly lacked love (5:13-14), and were guilty of biting and devouring “one another” (5:15).

Even in this circumstance, Paul warned of consequences these theological terriers might reap from one another.   He writes, “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (NKJ).  Two of the brotherhood’s more rabid editors, in their respective journals, continue to sink their teeth deeper into the other, accusing the other of ever-mushrooming heresy and false teaching.  With their pens, they have assaulted the innocent as well as the guilty in the past.  Perhaps, lest the other be thought to be a mightier “defender” of the truth, each now seems to have whetted their appetites anew on one another.

At times, jealousy in the church has led one or some to set their fangs on their prey.  Together, the pack devours their isolated victim.  Beware!  The predator can become the prey.  More than one pit-bull has been swallowed by a python.  This same thing can happen to backbiters in the local church, attacking others viciously and leaving gashes on the reputations of undeserving, if not innocent, brothers and sisters.  It is hard to highly esteem gossips and petty-minded folk, and soon they are in the cross hairs of others.

Remarkably, the Lord’s remedy, when applied, works wonders and avoids such ghastly attacks.  Paul writes, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (6:1).   He also concludes, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (6:7b).  For those who dog others unwarrantedly, look closer.  That gaping and fanged opening is not the doghouse door.

 

ARNOLD PALMER AND DUANE SOLIDAY

(we chased Arnold back to his golf course, but he was already inside)

Neal Pollard

I had a couple of hours this week, during the day, to see a few places near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, where I am holding a gospel meeting.  There are some places of national significance in this vicinity.  Ligonier itself is home to an important fort from during the French and Indian War.  In close proximity, however, are some other notable places.  Just a few minutes down the road is Shanksville, where Flight 93 went down in a field on 9/11.  The memorial being built by the National Park Service has a solemnity comparable to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Today, Steve Lucas, the local preacher at Ligonier, took me a few minutes up the road to Latrobe.  Latrobe is the home of Arnold Palmer.  Steve actually took me to Arnold Palmer’s relatively modest home.  As I was getting ready to take a picture, Arnold Palmer himself drove past us on the fastest golf cart I have ever seen in motion.  Though I did not get a picture, I can say that I made eye contact with the golfing legend.  I thought that would be the highlight of my day.  However, Steve took me up to Johnstown, also close by, the town demolished by the great flood of 1889.  David McCullough has written a compelling book chronicling that catastrophe caused, in great part, by careless men.  In the visitor information center, I met 85-year-old volunteer Duane Soliday.  He was a talker.  After telling about the three floods that have struck the beleaguered city, he proceeded to tell me his life’s story.  He said much, much more than I can include here, including how his grandfather, abused by his step-father, ran away, worked for a timber company in the northwest, came back home riding the rails, was caught by the conductor and was told that he would not turn him into the railroad police if he would manage his farm.  Eight years later, in 1889, he responded to newspaper ads in nearby Johnstown to clean up after the flood.  The man, fearful his stepfather would learn of his return, changed his name from James Felix Keister to James Soliday.  Duane is a World War II and lung cancer survivor, a newly-widowed man who lost, as he said, “the love of my life” after 58 years of marriage.  He raved about four children, the oldest of which just turned 60.  He was steady and solid in the community and in his home.  He was a likable man and a conscientious one.  While this man has probably contributed more to the overall good of his community and nation than even Arnold Palmer has, one thing struck me about Mr. Soliday.  I hope he is a New Testament Christian.  He believes in God, does good things, and was so engaging and worthy of respect.  Yet, he will not be able to point to his civic heroism, his long and happy marriage, or his apparently success parenting to cover his sins.  We often think that if people live good, clean, and productive lives, surely God will save them.  However, the only thing that will suffice for our sins when we stand before Christ on that great day is the blood of Jesus.  If we have not done what it takes to have the blood applied (cf. Matt. 26:28+Acts 2:38; Rev. 1:5+Acts 22:16) and live in such a way as to have it continually applied (1 Jn. 1:7), none of us on earth is good enough to stand before Christ based on our goodness.  May this break our hearts for good people whose goodness cannot save them–it did not save Cornelius (Acts 10:1ff).  May we care enough to share the good news with them.

HEIGHTENED SENSITIVITY

Neal Pollard

Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of the largest act of terrorism against our nation, better known to the world as 9/11. Today’s newspaper in Pittsburgh was filled with news items and articles surrounding this ominous anniversary. Among these were several items regarding security scares at various airports and flights. In New York, a flight from Los Angeles was escorted by two F-16 fighter jets because three passengers would not leave a plane bathroom. In Detroit, a flight from Denver had three passengers who did the same thing. In Dallas, a rental truck was parked too long at DFW airport prompting suspicion and fear. In Kansas City, an ex-NYC police officer was detained for having suspicious items in his carry-on bag that he refused to let TSA screeners examine. Nothing serious has yet come of any of these incidents, but the nation was on edge yesterday. The anniversary probably brought out the neurotic in search of 15 minutes of fame, but the country was taking extra precautions. It was probably the worst day to try these shenanigans (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 9/12/11, A8).

Paranoia is detrimental and abnormal. None of us should be guilty of such. Seeing things that are not there is unhealthy. Yet, there is a sense in which all of us should live with heightened sensitivity. Peter says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:8-9). Sobriety, alertness, and firm resistance are acts of heightened sensitivity. Knowing the strength and influence of our opponent, we must stay keenly aware of his tactics and attempts. One cannot be too guarded with this enemy. Earlier, Peter writes for Christians to “prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit” (1 Pet. 1:13). Paranoia involves perceiving what is not a real threat. Vigilance involves perceiving what is. Such is our daily task!