Author: preacherpollard

Neal Pollard

I am aware of the financial crisis still gripping our nation, leaving so many of our brothers and sisters unemployed and facing grim prospects for finding a new job.  The moral downturn in our country continues its frightening slide, with homes disintegrating and values regarding sexuality, character, and community eroding.  War, atrocities, and even natural disasters are leaving a social, economic, and moral crater on the global landscape.

While not minimizing the reality of all of this, I could not think of a better time or brighter future.  This morning, Brian Wilkie is going to deliver, on behalf of the elders, the plan of work for this congregation as it relates both to the budget and our non-monetary commitments.  While what you will see will be radically different from our mode of operation in the past, you will leave this morning thinking that nothing could be more New Testament and, thus, biblical.  In fact, I suggest that what the elders challenge us with today will pave the way for such growth and opportunity as we could have only dreamed of in our most outlandish hopes.  This eldership is committed to shepherding the way outlined in scripture.  Our deacons are committed to carrying the workload and enlisting our aid as members.  We want to grow and we want to honor Christ’s authority and Lordship.  Because this is true and because the elders are outlining a tangible plan for this, we will embark starting today upon some incredibly exciting times!  I hope you are committed to making this journey as Brian, Clint, Mark, and Maynard lead us forward to a faith-filled, fertile future!

Neal Pollard

Paul says that in Ephesians 4:27.  It is a succinct imperative in the midst of several in the context, sandwiched between the call to control your anger and do not steal.  In a series of specific sins, there is this general principle.  But what a powerful principle it is.  We surely cannot give him a foothold, but Paul says not to even give him a toehold.  He will settle for any small crack where he can set up shop and do his thing.

While this command seems tied to the one on anger, it is a general rule needed in any circumstance.  If you let his worldview and mindset taint a single thought, color a single word, lace a single moment of anger, settle onto a single action, it can unleash an avalanche of consequences whether immediately or ultimately.  History has proven him to be patient and certainly wiley (cf. 2 Cor. 2:11), but undoubtedly he’s dangerous (1 Pet. 5:8).  Given even the slightest opportunity, he can wreak havoc in one’s life.  Do not give the devil an opportunity!

Neal Pollard

Villanova. Kansas. Kentucky. Syracuse. Duke. Ohio State.

Robert Morris. Montana. Wofford. North Texas. Oakland. Northern Iowa.

Mid-majors.  Bracket busters.  Automatic bids.  Giant killers.  Buzzer beaters.

It has its own vocabulary and persona.  The NCAA basketball tournament is one of the sports highlights of my year.  I especially love the potential upsets in the first and second rounds.  Sometimes, a Cinderella team will “dance” into the Sweet Sixteen or Elite Eight. Many of us will fill out brackets and try to predict all the winners and the ultimate winner.  There are so many fascinating team and individual stories along the road to the Final Four.

I cannot see where it is bad to have intense interest, even passion, for something like “March Madness.”  We may live vicariously through the younger, more athletic and skilled players we see on the screen.  We may enjoy the suspense, the intense, and the defense.

But, may our greater passion and pleasure be in serving our Lord.  May we never have our heads so stuck “down here” that we forget about what we should be doing “out there” and preparing to live “up there.”  Nothing should capture a bigger place in our heart that “the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).  It should be a daily madness, not confined to a calendar or a season.  Faithful, dedicated, and loyal service should dominate our interest and longing.  May our greatest zeal be in serving Christ, trying to get ourselves and others there with us (cf. Titus 2:11-14).

Neal Pollard

In Luke nine, the inspired doctor writes about a certain group of Samaritan villagers who would not show hospitality to Jesus and His disciples.  This did not sit well with James and John, who asked Christ, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (9:54).  They probably did not expect that the Lord would rebuke them for having such an idea, but He did.

What made these sons of thunder think of fire?  Earlier in the chapter, the brothers had met Elijah up on the mount of transfiguration (30-34).  There’s good reason to believe that the route they were taking back to Jerusalem would have put Mount Carmel in view on the horizon.  Recently, they had heard the discussion about who people thought Jesus was and the mention of Elijah (19).  Elijah could well have been very much on their minds!  Elijah was a man who you would associate with fire.  He prayed for God to send fire upon his evening offering to prove Jehovah to be the only true God (1 Kings 18:38; Elijah killed the 450 false prophets of Baal for good measure).  In 2 Kings 1, Elijah sat upon a hill and sent word back to Ahaziah that he would die of his illness since he prayed to Baal-zebub rather than the true God.  Ahaziah sent three companies of 50 soldiers up the hill to bring Elijah down to the wicked king, and Elijah called down fire from heaven to kill the first two captains and their fifty men.  In 2 Kings two, Elijah is carried to heaven by a chariot and horses of fire (11).

James and John were probably, as good Jews, students of Old Testament history.  They knew how God had acted against the wickedness of those in Old Testament times.  It is not implausible that they were hoping for a similar showing from God.

It is interesting that Jesus, who came to earth to show us the Father (cf. John 14:9), did not share their desire for fiery vengeance on that occasion.  Why? He says, “The Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them” (9:56).  The Samaritans were part of those whom He came to save.  He tells the disciples to take the gospel to the Samaritans (Acts 1:8).  Ironically, John would go with Peter to the Samaritans to do “follow up” work with the new Christians there (Acts 8:14).

Maybe James and John wrestled with the nationalism that infected so many of their contemporaries.  Maybe they saw Samaritans as worthless people, worthy of fire for even the slightest slights and fractional infractions.  But, Jesus saw them as souls to be saved.

Do the atheists, false world religionists, and all others in error draw your ire and contempt as they flaunt God’s Word?  What would you have God to do with them?  I will tell you what He wants us to do with them.  Share the good news of grace and the hope of salvation.  Most will reject it, maybe even laughing you and God to scorn.  But some will change!  Through us, they can escape the fire (Matt. 25:41)!

Neal Pollard

On Sunday, March 8, Sandra Bullock won an Oscar as best actress for her role in the movie “The Blind Side.”  She turned in a riveting, convincing performance as a gritty, determined mom from the deep south (I say as the son of a southern mom).  The night before, however, she received the dubious distinction of earning a “Razzie.”  The Razzie  is given for awful performances or movies, and Bullock got hers for starring in the box office bomb, “All About Steve.”  Asked about being the only person in history to win an Oscar and Razzie in the same year, Bullock said, “You take the good with the not so good.”  She also said, “It probably means more because it happened at the same time, because it’s the great equalizer. Nothing ever lets me get too full of myself.”  She mentioned that she’d probably put both awards side by side, though the Razzie might sit  on a different, lower shelf (Bruce Kirkland, “Calgary Sun,” 3/8/10).

You and I will not likely find ourselves on as big a “stage” as Ms. Bullock.  Our work may not draw such public praise or put downs, but we are all subject to both.  Now, we may wish that all we ever drew was accolades and honors for what we do.  And, who gets warm and fuzzy about being criticized?  But, if you ever amount to anything or hope to contribute anything of significance to society, community, or the church, you will get some thumbs up and some thumbs down.  Don’t let that cripple you or move you to self-pity.  Don’t get angry and quit your involvement just because not every word is a word of commendation.  In this matter, Bullock is right.  It’s good to have the razzies to keep us humble, to build our determination to do better, and to keep us grounded.  While we all need recognition to keep encouraged (and should remember that in doing all we can to encourage others), life cannot consist of just that.  Jesus said, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way” (Lk. 6:26).  Build character and resilience when you are hero or goat.

Neal Pollard

An honest searcher.  A loving brother.  A diligent disciple, taking seriously and personally the Great Commission.  When that is taken together, the result is exciting and a tribute to why we must keep sharing the good news.

Kathy Phelan obeyed the gospel last night after services.  That is wonderful news, but you might ask “who” she is.  She was immersed in Denver, Colorado, a fact made more incredible when you consider that she makes her home in North Miami, Florida.  She boarded a plane with her 22 year old son to come see her brother and to put on Christ as her Lord in baptism.

She was searching for truth.  Her brother, Michael Hite, had been telling her about the profound difference Christ and His church has made in his life.  He had told her this a decade and a half ago, but she was not yet ready at that point in her life to accept what he had accepted.  Yet, through the marvels of the internet and Facebook, Mike and Kathy had reconnected on this matter.  She was open.  My wife, Kathy, began talking with her through Facebook.  Soon, they were studying by phone for a couple of hours each week.  Eventually, Mike’s sister came to an understanding of what she needed to do to be saved.  She also wanted to see the brother who had first told her about God’s plan of salvation, so she and her son got on a plane yesterday and came to Colorado.

Do you see what was needed?  Someone to search.  Someone to share.  Someone to teach.  If one is honestly searching, he or she will find someone to share.  If one is dedicated to sharing, he or she will help someone searching.  If one is willing to teach, he or she will reach someone searching.  Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matt. 5:6).  Ask Kathy Phelan how she feels today!  Paul said, “Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8).  Enjoy your reward, Kathy, Mike and Kathy.  To God be the glory!

Neal Pollard

It’s census time, 2010 version.  USA Today reports that “multiracial” is no longer a box choice for census takers to check.  While one can choose from “white, black, American Indian or Alaska native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and ‘some other race'” and there is a question about whether or not one is Hispanic, there is no longer a box for those who are multi-ethnic.  There are only two questions about ethnicity on the census.  Compared to previous censuses, this constitutes a decreased interest in such matters (3/3/10, A1-2).  As one with multiple multi-ethnic relatives, I appreciate that.  Christians are to be color-blind, so such distinctions should never matter to us.

Ephesians 2 said as much 2,000 years ago.  It does not matter if you are Jew or Gentile.  Such distinctions are erased in Christ (see also Gal. 3:24ff).  Christians all comprise one body in Christ, being reconciled by the same cleansing blood.  On the greatest day of reckoning, we can be certain that one’s race will not be a matter of importance to the King of kings.  What people have done in their bodies, whatever the color, is what will matter (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10).  While we still live in a world filled with racial strife and division, Christians should never pay attention to that.  Instead, we should be striving to win those of every race so that they can become part of the “chosen race” (1 Pet. 2:9).

Neal Pollard

No sooner had I told Kathy that flight travel was going smoother than usual than I boarded my plane from Minneapolis to Memphis only to find that the plane was grounded with mechanical issues.  What followed was a lengthy phone call to Delta, a rebooking on a later flight, and the knowledge that I was now going to get much better acquainted with the Minneapolis airport (my FINAL destination is Montgomery, AL).  I felt a brief twinge of aggravation at the change of my luck, especially since I was scheduled to speak to the students of Faulkner University at their campus wide devotion tonight.  That’s “iffy” right now.

We are not a culture accustomed to being made to wait nor one who pleasantly endures a change of plans and delays.  Instant gratification commands a quick and easy solution to our quandaries.  Perhaps it is the feeling of helplessness that we are powerless to change our circumstances, dependent upon the efforts of others to help us.  Perhaps it is our schedule-oriented nature, as we pack eighteen things into our twenty-four hours.  Perhaps it is the feeling that we are entitled to have things go smoothly, either because we work hard, we are doing something important, or we eschew inconvenience.  But, sometimes we have to wait.  At times, no amount or degree of complaining changes that.

What do you do when you are “stuck in a holding pattern”?  Make good use of the time (cf. Eph. 5:16) and the opportunity (Col. 4:5).  Shine the light (Matt. 5:14-16), making sure you do nothing to repel people from Christ but rather drawing all men to Him (John 12:32).  Be pleasant and cognizant of the transcendent peace you have by being in Him.  And always stick to the pattern of holding to Him!

Neal Pollard

The main runway at JFK International Airport was closed today and will remain closed for four months while it is repaved in more durable concrete.  This timeframe was selected because that is when New York typically experiences its driest weather.  Delays are already synonymous with this airport.  This is one of the longest commercial runways in the world, even serving as the backup landing spot for the space shuttle.  Being in the eastern time zone, delays at JFK often mean delays at airports from coast to coast.  The repair work will also mean a ten percent cut in number of seats sold through JFK, which will mean higher airfare.  It will cause a routing dilemmas for air traffic controllers at the huge airport not to mention complicating the work of those who create the various routes for the airlines.

Obviously, infrastructure repairs cannot wait and the plan being utilized is designed to do in four months what could take as long as two years.  However, that will be small consolation to those whose airport occupation will be complicated by the work or passengers experiencing lengthier delays at JFK.  It is a testimony to how that for every action, there is usually an excessive and opposite reaction.

So are the days of our lives!  We are leaving ripple effects by the decisions we make.  Poor influence, sinful choices, and selfish motivations negatively impact those whose lives we touch.  Likewise, kind words, encouragement, sharing the gospel, demonstrations of love and service, these things can have such a durable, profound impact for good upon those over whom we exert influence.  It can be so difficult to weigh out every word and action, but such introspection and self-examination can prevent undesirable ripple effects upon the lives of others.  Let us remember the inspired wisdom of Paul:  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal. 6:7-8).

Neal Pollard

Hooray for the good guys!  I am excited for Scott Phillips and Frank Rodriguez and the door of opportunity God seems to be opening to them.  For Bread readers who don’t know, Scott is one of our Bear Valley deacons.  Frank serves the Lord with the Castle Rock, CO, congregation.  Individually, they are great, productive servants of God with loving, supportive, and active families.  Together, they are:  “FRANKY AND MR. SCOTT.”  They have worked in our Bible Discovery Days the last few years and do the same with congregations in this area each year.  Mr. Scott is the straight man, carrying the story lines along.  Franky, a pint size puppet with big ideas and unanticipated takes on Mr. Scott’s Bible stories, is the funny, um, “kid.”

Since last year, they have been sharing their talents via You Tube and their website (www.frankyandmrscott.com).  Now, in 2010, Focus Press is replicating and distributing their first DVD: “Night, Night With Franky.”  It is being sold for $12 per copy, making it an absolute bargain.  Since Barnes and Noble now carry “Think” magazine, Scott and Frank will have the opportunity to impact and reach non-Christians and even unbelievers along with members of the Lord’s church.  You can order directly from focuspress.org.

What is your dream?  Scott and Frank are Christian men who have been successful out in the secular world, but they have wanted to use their talents to serve the Lord in some way.  Who knows the good they will ultimately do because they dared to dream, then pursue it!  Men, thank you for the example and for your great faith.  We pray that your success will multiply and that souls will be added to the church through these efforts.  Let us all focus on our dreams for helping to build a great church and reaching out to the lost.

Neal Pollard

They say it was chilling shades of Columbine 11 years ago, when a scruffy looking 32-year-old man with black, stringy hair opened fire at Deer Creek Middle School and wounded two junior high students.  While suspect Bo Eastwood was reloading, Dr. David Benke, a long-time math teacher who was on after school bus and playground patrol, tackled him.  It was an unfair match, though Benke is considerably older than Eastwood.  He also towered over him, a former basketball player and almost six and a half feet tall.  Benke remained calm, humble, and very matter of fact about the whole thing as he was interviewed by the media.  Some Chatfield High School students created a Facebook page entitled, “Dr. David Benke is a hero!!!!”  As of this writing, about 20,000 people have joined less than 24 hours after the shooting.  People want heroes and Benke is a good fit.  There’s the gentle, sure demeanor that quickly restored calm in a terrifying situation.  There’s the willingness and ability to sacrifice himself to save others.  As one of the page creators put it, “There was a shooting at deer creek middle school and Dr. David Benke, a math teacher there, tackled the shooter.  He has my respect all the way.”

Though it is awful that such a shooting occurred, it is hopeful and refreshing to see especially young people targeting a man like Benke as a hero.  With the Tiger Woods scandal still fresh on our minds, with sports stars, actors, models, politicians, and the like all too often disappointing and antiheroic, Benke is a great stand in for what qualifies for heroism–selflessness, loyalty, determination, and right actions.

It also reminds me of a song that was in the Songs of the Church songbook, written by Claude T. Lynn.

Why should I not love Jesus? Jesus who died for me!

Why should I not adore Him, Hero of Calvary.

Why should I not love Jesus? Lost and alone was I;

In His great love He saved me, lifted my soul on high.

Why should I not love Jesus? One day He’ll come for me;

Oh, I shall share His glory for all eternity.

While I am grateful for earthly heroes, how I am reminded that as a Christian I have a completely perfect, powerful, and pure hero in Jesus.  May I never neglect to look up to Him.

Neal Pollard

I have collected baseball cards since I was a boy.  I own a Mike Kekich and a Fritz Peterson baseball card; at least I will until I get home and thrown them in the garbage.  Over the weekend, I heard on ESPN news that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are doing a movie to portray the story of the two pitchers’ decision to “swap lives” during the 1973 baseball season.  Apparently, they exchanged wives, children, houses and cars.  I am not old enough to remember anything that happened in 1973 and somehow I had managed to remain blissfully ignorant of this black eye in sports and societal history.  Now, Hollywood is going to make a movie about it.  I cannot help but be concerned that the story will be sympathetic and nonjudgmental in tone and message.  There is much renewed interest in the 37 year old scandal as Peterson released a book last year, “Mickey Mantle Is Going To Heaven,” which is, ironically, very religious in tone and discusses several things including the famous “trade.”

The 1960s ushered in some moral changes that still negatively impact our culture today.  Sexual degradation was definitely a hallmark trait of the times and the bar continues to be lowered.  While Peterson and Kekich’s wife have remained married for 35 years (the other pair did not remain together long), it is a poignant reminder that time and reformation of life without true repentance does not equal forgiveness.  It also is a reflection on what kind of things are the object of fascination with worldly institutions like the media.  Perhaps there was a time in the national consciousness where the nation’s conscience would not have been so seared as it is today.  There was moral outrage among the average person when this news originally broke, but so much polluted water has gone under the bridge since then that it may be hard for a significant percentage of people to blush about the wickedness of such an act.

God has unchanging standards and principles about matters that govern such things as marriage, sexual purity, and chaste behavior.  Matthew 19:9 still reads, essentially, “One husband, one wife, for life, except for fornication.” Romans 7:1-4 would had the additional exception of the death of one’s mate freeing the survivor to remarry so long as the one to remarry is marriageable in His eyes.  The Bible still says, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4).  Galatians 5:19-21 still says that those who practice fornication and adultery will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.  The wrath of God will still come upon those guilty of the disobedience of fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (Col. 3:5).  Sexual immorality is still “deserving of death” at the judgment (Rom. 1:29,32).  Up to the present, we are still to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (13:14).

May we never idealize, glamorize, or immortalize sin.  May we disdain it and not rationalize it.  May we take pity on, embrace, and love sinners while maintaining a spiritually healthy distaste for sin in any form.

(Facts from New York Times online article, 9/18/09)

Neal Pollard

That was Phillip Woolley’s Facebook status last night at 9:39 PM.  I knew what he meant because I was watching the Olympics.  The incredible thing is that Phillip posted it after White had completed his first halfpipe performance in which judges awarded him a score of 46.8 out of 50.  By the time the other 11 boarders had finished their second run, White’s gold medal was secure.  He had no reason to do a second run.  He had no reason except something called a “Double McTwist 1260,” a White creation.  He was seen conferring with coaches about whether or not he should go back out there, and in the end he did.  Risking nothing but his health, White hit the halfpipe.  The last move at the end of the run was an attempt at that signature, never-before-executed (in formal competition) move.  When he came down intact and slid out of the culvert, he was the undisputed king of his sport.  Judges agreed, giving him a nearly perfect score of 48.4.

What motivates you?  Certainly, some are moved by fame and glory.  Others simply have a tangible, challenging goal and they drive themselves relentlessly toward its realization.  But it is uncommon for someone who has nothing to prove to pursue the goal of getting closer to perfection.

The church is blessed with some high-achieving people, five talent men and women who have done much in evangelism, edification, giving, missions, and service to help the church grow in strength and number.  In the last 50 to 100 years, brethren have achieved great heights in preaching, Christian education, soul-winning, media outreach, and much more.  It is thrilling to be part of a divine organization on earth ever reaching toward new heights.  What will motivate us to do more and greater things?  Let it be a desire to move toward perfection and maturity (Heb. 6:1).  Let it be a drive for growth in every good way (2 Pet. 3:18; Eph. 4:15; Col. 2:19; etc.).  Let it be a dissatisfaction with anything less than our best (Col. 3:23).  We are not after fame and glory on this earth.  We are after the crown of life (Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10).  Christian living.  Nuff said!

Neal Pollard

God wants positive preaching, doesn’t He? Truly, preachers are to affirm the truth of the gospel.  They must “explicitly express” what God says.  Their preaching must not be doubtful or speculative.  It must be certain and real!  Clear affirmations and certain, confident stands concerning the Bible prove one “positive.”  Is God pleased with anything else? Please allow me to suggest three things positive preaching is not.

It Is Not Preaching That Dodges The Issues! When the pulpit is silent on moral and doctrinal issues, negative preaching is the result.  Some church members have grown up and grown old without hearing moral lessons about Christian distinctiveness regarding clothing, sexuality, speech, acceptable relationships, and the like.  Whether the issue is homosexuality, immodesty, euthanasia, fellowshiping denominations, salvation by grace only, instrumental music, or any other sin problem or error, God’s preacher will  address and take a biblical stand on such matters.  A man may please his fellowman in preaching morally and doctrinally neutral sermons, but he cannot gain the Lord’s approval.  Obviously, this must be done with patience (2 Tim. 2:24-26) and love (Eph. 4:15).  But, let no preacher ever shy away from it.  Positive preachers face, define, and answer the critical issues of the day!

It Is Not Preaching That Never Calls Names. In a congregation filled with those who have escaped the world’s pollution (2 Pet. 2:20-22), the doctrines of men (Matt. 15:6-9), and religious bodies for which Jesus did not die (Eph. 4:4), there are sermons and points of sermons which are bolstered and made clearer (i.e., positive) when one comes out of the realm of the abstract by giving concrete examples.  There are situations where a denomination needs to be called by name, a specific, denominational practice needs denounced, and a denominational personality must be identified as a false teacher (2 Pet. 2:1). The same applies to error in the church, especially when it is a problem causing damage in a local area.  There are times when names, ideas, and actions must be explicitly (i.e., positively) addressed.  Every time? No! To the exclusion of comforting lessons?  No!  With a sour, acrimonious attitude? No! But a preacher afraid ever to call a name in any sermon may be too afraid (cf. Rev. 21:8)!  Common sense will help the preacher know when the need exists to pinpoint a name, a congregation, or specific sect, and thus his tone, attitude, and demeanor will reflect sadness, genuine horror, and sobriety rather than crudeness, delight, and abrasive bitterness!

It Is Not Preaching Only What An Audience Wants To Hear. God’s messengers have been warned (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Some are not satisfied unless the preacher turns them away “feeling good about themselves.” There may be congregations who will cull out any preacher except one who gives them only soothing words. Prophets and priests once assured a people of peace even as God’s righteous anger was kindled against their sinful ways (cf. Jer. 8). Those who hear preachers declare the whole purpose of God (Acts 20:27) may not know that there are some lessons which are harder for the preacher to preach than others. If every preacher were polled about whether he preferred preaching on heaven or hell, most would express preference for the former.  It is difficult to stand before a group and reveal an unpopular truth. It’s emotionally draining to preach on a sensitive subject that affects a number in the congregation. It takes greater love and concern to warn a man lying on the tracks of an oncoming train than to smile and wave at him as the tragic moment looms!

One never has to be hateful or belligerent in standing for truth. But one too afraid to engage the devil and his army in spiritual warfare is a distracted, unreliable, and traitorous soldier (cf. Eph. 6:10ff). Paul gave advice to Christians that is quite applicable to preachers: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).

Neal Pollard

I hear his voice several times en route to Terminal C at Denver International Airport, telling me, “Hold on please.”  He will be the PA announcer for hockey in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.  He has been the PA announcer at the past few Super Bowls.  He has done PA announcing for the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche. You can hear him most mornings on 850 KOA if you live in Colorado (the station can be heard in 28 states).  He is the identification voice for many radio stations around the country and has done quite a bit of commercial voiceover work.  It is likely that if Alan Roach came up to you and starting talking, you would be sure that you had heard his voice somewhere.  He has a pleasant, familiar, but distinct, voice.  It is a gift that has given him a career and a comfortable livelihood.

All four gospels introduce the work of John the immerser, noting him as the fulfillment of prophesy, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight” (Mat. 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23).  Was his tonal quality, voice inflection, cadence, and general speech as distinct and enthralling as a professional audio personality?  No, instead it was his message that was so clear and distinct.  He was telling people the Messiah was about to appear and His kingdom was about to be established.  He preached the absolute necessity of repentance.  He introduced the important place of baptism as part of God’s plan.  Luke indicates that he preached the gospel to the people with many exhortations (3:18).  People could pick out John’s message from the other speakers of his day because of what he had to say.

The world has never had greater need to hear a clear, distinct voice from you and me in a sea of doubt and error.  You may not be a golden-tongued orator.  Most of us are not.  Yet, what we have to say about Christ, His church, His will, and His plan is clear and distinct.  It will “sound” unique among a cacophony of religious voices because it will come only from scripture and call people to follow only what is found there.  Let your voice be heard!

Neal Pollard

When the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai opened on January 4th, I admit to having thought how cool it would be to go to the top of it.  The observation deck sits 124 stories and 2717 feet above the ground.  The Burj Khalifa is now the tallest building in the world.  Apparently, a good number of tourists share my fascination.  However, a little over a month after opening to the public, 15 people got an experience of a lifetime.  They were stranded in the elevator for 45 minutes due to what has been speculated to be electrical problems.  Those stuck in the lift spoke of hearing a small explosion.  Tower staff dropped a ladder into the shaft and helped them climb back onto the observation deck (information gleaned from http://www.thetimesonline.uk/) .

Acrophobia, the fear of heights, can cause your heart to race, your breathing to get heavy, profuse sweating, and claustrophobic feelings.  You can feel trapped.  But, even if you don’t suffer from acrophobia, you would have been a bit nervous dangling nearly 3000 feet above the ground in a wounded elevator.

Do you ever feel that loss of control and helplessness in circumstances of your own life?  You might not trade places with those stranded Dubai tourists, but maybe you can relate to how they must have felt.  Maybe you feel hung out to dry, stranded, and alone.  You may wonder where God is in the midst of your hurt.  You desire rescue, but you are unsure whether help will arrive.  If you hung onto your faith through those trials, you know the relief that follows your elevated troubles.  What can you do when your troubles are elevated?

• • • • • • Pray! Talk to God about your fears and worries.
          • Trust in God’s providence.
          • Make a plan of action.
          • Seek aid from resources that can help you relieve the issue (whether books, professionals, friends, etc.).
          • Find someone to serve.
          • Research passages of scripture that relate to our troubles.
          • Quit behaviors or habits that contribute to the troubles.
          • Find the peace that comes in depending on God’s help and fight worry.

Those suggestions are not a panacea or cure-all.  They can, however, work like that ladder thrown to those stranded riders.  Once back on the deck where all is much clearer, relief can return.  Sometimes it simply requires taking some needed steps.  I hope you are never stuck in a situation like those poor souls in Dubai, but you will meet trouble.  Make us of all that God gives to help in times of trouble and enjoy the rescue He provides.

Neal Pollard

“Spiritual agnosticism” is a fitting term to describe a worldview of a growing number of perspicacious pupils.  I started wondering about the term as I read the philosophical rants of academic gudgeons and gowks who eagerly regurgitate what the religious anti-establishment is most recently positing. At first glance, it appears the most cozy of positions.  From this seemingly impervious trench, these self-assured scholars-in-waiting snipe at everything that resembles the traditional, absolutist, or propositional.  Many of these trenches in which they cower look much like ivory towers in which said snipers lay gorged from their intellectual comfort foods laced with the poison of unequivocal uncertainty and absolute ambiguity.  Up there, without the inconvenience of much, if any, life’s experience, they wistfully wallow in pits of doubt and skepticism.

Translation: We have some young men and women pursuing higher education who are being fed so much doubt and ridicule that they no longer know if they believe anything except that nothing at all is absolutely true or knowable.  They are told, then tell others, that the Bible could not have been accurately delivered and preserved from the mind and will of God through God-inspired men.

I confess to being almost completely ignorant about the latest positions held by the erudite philosophers of the world, with their complex and obtuse ideas about God, scripture, doctrine, and theology.  They seem able to come up with a new angle or reason for why what we see in the Bible should not be taken at face value.  They revel in planting seeds of doubt, cynicism, ridicule, and condescension in their tangled gardens.  While most dismiss these philosophical farmers as riding roughly on trackless tractors, there are, tragically, those as gullible as themselves ready to “believe a lie.”  They seek an advantage by trying to remain on the offensive, leaving poor, undereducated or uninitiated elders, preachers, and members, as they scornfully see them, scrambling to defend their faith in the face of their gnostic jargon and concepts.

Perhaps by staying on the offensive, they distract themselves from a flurry of questions that might do more damage to their crops than the seventh plague did to Egypt’s. Do they believe God incapable of revealing Himself through the medium of the written word in a way that would stand the test of time and be void of confusion?  If He does not desire to communicate guidance to His creation, what explanation is offered for this? Is there a heaven? How do we know?  Why be faithful to one’s spouse; i.e., is there a moral imperative for this? Will there be a judgment?  If not, what motivation is there for man not to yield to his baser nature?  Does one need to worship or assemble together?  How? Why?  How does one determine what moral or religious actions to take?  What content is there to ever make a moral judgment?  Is there right and wrong? What does one say to a person who has suffered the loss of a loved one?  What would one say to a grieving family at a funeral?  What would one say to a happy, hopeful couple at a wedding?  What moral guidance would one use in rearing one’s precious children? Would there be absolutes for them? Why be honest or self-controlled?

If only we could live out life up in that ivory tower, free from that mundane, ordinary place called “real life.” If only everyone could spend their entire lives loading their rational rifles, taking shots at what they disdainfully deem “orthodox” and tradition.  Somewhere, some time, their spiritually agnostic theories will be thrown into the refiner’s oven.  Its white heat will burn out all the dross and it just might be that all that will be left is ashes.  And misguided lives.

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

I want to warn you that “the preacher” who “responded to the invitation” was me.  I cannot remember the exact date, but it was in the early 2000s.  I made the decision that I needed to respond during the middle of my sermon (talk about dealing with distraction when you preach).  I was addressing a very personal, soul-affecting subject, and I knew that a public response was in order.

I coped with the normal concerns one faces when he or she anticipates making a public response.  “What will people think?” “Will they talk about me?”  “Will they make judgments or wonder what else lies beneath the surface?”  “Will I be chastised or piled on by some ‘older brother’ (cf. Luke 15) who meets me up front?”  “What will my children think?”  “What will my wife think?”

The closer it got to the invitation, the faster my heart raced.  Of course, being in control of delivering it, I may have been tempted to prolong it.  I can’t recall now.  But, finally I swallowed hard and said something like, “If you need to respond, why not do so now as we stand and sing.”  With that, I stepped out from behind the pulpit and down onto the front row.  I am sure I heard some people stop singing, maybe even a whisper or two.  I was embarrassed and in tears.  But, in a moment’s time, I also remember hearing the sniffles of some shedding tears.  Quickly, an elder’s arm was around me, consoling me, and assisting me.  He shared my confession with the church, prayed a loving, emotional prayer.  After the last amen, I was swarmed by spiritual family offering encouragement and support.

Did I get special treatment because I was the preacher? Maybe, in a few instances.  But, that cuts two ways.  At times, preachers are held in too high a regard and at times to a much higher standard.  What I anticipated and what I received were two different things.

Every congregation has those “older brother” members who risk losing their own souls for their suspicious, judgmental, hypercritical behavior.  But, the overwhelming majority are like those who faced and embraced me the day I responded to the invitation.

How would you have responded if you were there the day I went forward?  Would you have wondered why I responded when I first sat on that pew?  Would you have loved me and encouraged me?

You may wonder why I answered my own call to respond that day.  You may think you have a pretty good idea.  That says as much about you as it does about me.  My sermon was, “The Need To Be More Evangelistic.”  At the time, I felt I was falling short in that area and I wanted both forgiveness and prayers that I might do better.  But, if it had been a personal, moral, or doctrinal shortcoming, I would have needed the same kind of response that I got the day I made my response.

Every other person assembled every time an invitation is offered needs and deserves the same assurance.  No matter what drives my need to respond, I need love, acceptance, and assurance of help and forgiveness.  You know what I learned that day I responded?  There’s almost an entire church out there eager to give it!

Neal Pollard

Several years ago, a listener to our TV program called me at the church building.  He said, “Man, I just watched your program on television. I can’t believe it, man.  You must be from the dark ages somewhere.”  That’s all he said.  He hung up the phone.

A mark of proclaiming the truth of the gospel, even if its presentation is seasoned with kindness, is that it will inevitably draw those kind of remarks.  Because true Christians stand upon the unchanging and unchangeable gospel, they will often have such ridicule hurled at them.  But, what about the charge this man made? Is it true? Are we from the “dark ages”?
Of course, he apparently didn’t know what or when the “dark ages” were.  That arose many centuries after Christ established His church on Pentecost. When the Catholic Church took the Word of God out of the hands of the masses and empowered only a select group of those within their group to control it, counterproductivity permeated every facet of life.  The “dark ages” would continue until the Bible could be restored to the common reader.

I know the point he was trying to make, though.  He disagreed with the biblical conclusion we drew in that particular program.  It ran contrary to his thoughts and rationale. He, therefore, rejected its relevance.

He’s right, though. Christians are from the dark ages!  Did you know that the Bible even teaches that?

Christians are turned from darkness to light (Acts 26:18).  Christians have come from the dark world of sin.  They are delivered (1 Pet. 2:9) to be God’s chosen peole by the marvelous light of Christ.  Paul said, “You were sometimes darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).  Children of God are commissioned to wrestle against the darkness of this world (Eph. 6:12), since we are no longer characterized by it.

Christians cast off the works of darkness (Rom. 13:12).  Christian service is not properly described as “works of darkness.”  In fact, Paul warned Christians, “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).  Faithful Christians do not love and cherish dark works of sin (Jas. 4:4).

Christians are free from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13).  The dark sentence of spiritual death was revoked by the grace of God at Calvary for everyone who obeys Him (Col. 1:14). The day of Judgment will “overtake” those under the power of sin’s darkness (1 The. 5:4), but not Christians!  Sin no longer has dominion over the truly converted (Rom. 6:14).

Paul wrote that, “You are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night nor of darkness” (1 The. 5:5). The man on the telephone that day was precisely correct.  Oh, that more people would be free from the dark ages!