Author: preacherpollard

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

Kathy’s Latest Reason To Love The Church (You’ll Find It ENCOURAGING!)

52 Reasons to Love the Church

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (I)

Background To Paul’s First Letter To Corinth (Acts 18)

Neal Pollard

Paul leaves Athens for Corinth (Acts 18:1) near the end of his historic second missionary journey. He was taking seriously his Christ-given commission to bear His name “before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15). On this journey, he had taken the gospel to a continent it had not been and now he was taking it to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the first-century world. 

Corinth was a wealthy commercial city, and was at the time the capitol of Greece (Lange 334). “More than twenty times larger than Athens, Corinth officially counted only its free citizens—Greeks, Italians, Roman army veterans, business and commerce people, and Orientals including a large number of Jews. Corinth was also home to nearly a half million slaves, bringing its overall population to about 700,000” (Gangel, Vol. 5, 301).  It was renowned for its sexual immorality, an influence we will see in the Corinthian epistles. There was even a common term in usage for half a millennia, “to Corinthianize,” to describe sexual immorality among the Greek-speaking world (ibid.).

But we notice how Paul’s relationship with the city, so far as his work as a missionary, begin by reading Luke’s inspired account of his initial preaching in this city. This effort would be the foundation of the first epistle to the Corinthians. Notice what we discover in Acts 18:1-18. 

HIS COWORKERS (2-3,5)

When he first arrives, he finds a Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, whose secular profession was the same as his–tent-makers (3). The couple had been expelled, along with all other Jews, from Rome by the emperor Claudius (2; it is almost universally believed to have occurred around 49-50 A.D. The Roman historian, Seutonius, says Claudius “expelled all the Jews because of a tumult instigated by ‘Chrestus,’ Polhill, 382). Until his fellow missionaries join him in Corinth, Paul works his trade with Aquila and Priscilla and reserves his preaching to apparently his day off (4). Eventually, Silas and Timothy arrive from Macedonia and “Paul began devoting himself completely to the word” (5). He was still working, but the nature and type of work changed. He would go on to “teach the word of God among them” for 18 months (11). 

HIS CHALLENGES (4-6,9-10, 12-17)

Paul will later tell in graphic details all his challenges as a missionary and preacher (2 Cor. 11:23-33), and we get a glimpse of what would be relatively minor for this much-persecuted man. 

  • One challenge was trying to persuade Jews and Greeks (4)
  • Another challenge was the resistance and blasphemy of the Jews (5-6)
  • He was challenged by feelings of fear (9-10)
  • There was the challenge of the false accusations of the Jews before the Roman proconsul, Gallio (12-17).

He knew from experience what he would tell one of these coworkers, Timothy, that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12; cf. Acts 14:22). 

HIS CONVERTS (7-8, 18). 

His teaching resulted in the establishment of the church at Corinth. This would include possibly Titius Justus (7), Crispus, the leader of the synagogue and all his household (8), many of the Corinthians (8b), Ironically, it also included Sosthenes (Crispus’ successor or coworker), who was beaten by the Jews here (17) but called “a brother” in 1 Corinthians 1:1. Truly, the Lord had “many people in this city” (10). 

So, when you read along with me in this first epistle, don’t forget this vital background and the events that led to the church’s establishment in Corinth. While Paul will have much to say by way of correction and admonition, they were among the most receptive to the gospel we read about in Paul’s mission work. The second letter reveals a people who, despite their problems, were willing to work on them and overcome them. Their struggles, which we get clear insight into in the first epistle, are those we can all relate to today. Don’t lose sight of an important principle throughout, that God’s Word is the remedy to any and all such struggles. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXXV)

The Addendum (34:1-12)

Neal Pollard

There is no indication other than that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16). The question arises about whom God inspired to write the last twelve verses of Deuteronomy. Did God give him those words, to, in effect, write his own obituary? That is possible, even probable. Could it have been Joshua, his successor whom the narrator says “was filled with the spirit of wisdom” (9)? Neither answer (or an unnamed narrator) is implausible. What can we learn from these last twelve verses?

HE GOT TO SEE THE PROMISED LAND (1-5). Despite the hollowness he must have felt to be so close, yet so far away, he was able to lay his sharp eyes (7) on Canaan. That had to bring him some satisfaction, witnessing the very land he started from Egypt for. He has a panoramic view from his Pisgah vantage point (1-3). “The narrator mentions the extremity of Moses’ gaze: from Gilead a hundred miles north as far as Dan, at the foot of Mount Hermon, sixty miles west as far as the western sea (Mediterranean, NP), and fifty miles south as far as Zoar (near the Dead Sea, NP)” (Block, NIV Application Comm., p. 577). He would have seen the diversity of this amazing land in all its glory. God confirms that this is the place promised to Moses’ great patriarchal forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (4). 

HIS BURIAL PLACE WAS HIDDEN (6). Why was his burial place hidden? We cannot say for certain. Was it because God forbid Moses to go there, and, thus, his body was forbidden to rest and decompose there? Was it an intimate expression on God’s part, that God Himself buries Moses (rather than his family, as was customary) and that Moses was alone with God at his death? As it was, no Israelite could memorialize or enshrine his tomb. No one knew where it was. Perhaps this was the reason for the dispute over Moses’ dead body between Michael the archangel and the devil (Jude 9). 

HE DIED BECAUSE HE FAILED TO ENTER CANAAN; HE DIDN’T FAIL TO ENTER CANAAN BECAUSE HE DIED (7). I read that somewhere. Notice that he was in prime shape when he died, as “his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” Though 120 years old, he was still going strong. In other words, the cause of death seems supernatural rather than natural. God brought his journey to an end, shy of the promised land. 

HE WAS A MOURNED LEADER (8). There seems to be at least some irony in this. The people whom he had dragged, often kicking and screaming, from the wilderness of Paran (Num. 13) to the plains of Moab (Num. 33:49-50), now lamented his death for a solid month. No doubt, some of this was ceremonial and prescribed. The benefit of hindsight can make a people appreciative of good leadership when it is gone. Joshua is a fitting, successful leader, but time would prove Moses to be peerless in this regard (10). What a reminder for us to appreciate our leaders now, while we can express our love and appreciation to them for the diligent work they do (1 Thess. 5:12-13). 

HE HAD A SUCCESSION PLAN (9). As to who would lead the people after himself, God commanded him to choose Joshua (Num. 27:18,23). Yet, walk back through the Pentateuch and see all the ways Moses entrusted, mentored, and assisted him as he developed him as a leader. Moses paved the way for him, enduring the complaints and grumbling for forty years. In this regard, Joshua would have a much easier task with the next generation. Indeed, “listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.”

HIS PLACE IN SACRED HISTORY IS SECURE (10-12). Moses was peerless in prophesy (10), proximity to God (10), performance (11-12), and power (12). Israel had a front row seat to this, from his dominance of Pharaoh to the great terror they experienced firsthand. Truly, well over a millennia later Peter would still revere him (Mat. 17:3-4). 

For over a century of time, Moses walked the earth and established a legacy that long outlived him. He was far from perfect (Exo. 2:12; Num. 20:9-13), but he had such attributes as humility (Num. 12:3) and intimacy with God (Exo. 33:11). He exemplifies the living legacy of faith we should be building while we walk the earth. To be like Moses’ many times, great uncle Abel, who “offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks” (Heb. 11:4). 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXXIV)

Moses Blesses The Tribes (33:1-29)

Neal Pollard

The very last words of Moses recorded in the Bible are his reassurance to Israel that God will take care of them. Smith puts it, “In Deuteronomy 31 Moses was the statesman, and in chapter 32 the singer; now in chapter 33 he is the seer” (Pentateuch, 531). The preamble to this prophetic projection concerning each tribe consists of his declaration of God’s power and love (1-3a). The people respond with an acknowledgement of God and pledge of submission to His revealed will through Moses (3b-5). The next 20 verses are devoted to blessings upon the individual tribes.

  • Reuben (6): A prayer that they continue to exist but be few in number (cf. Gen. 49:3-4).
  • Judah (7): A prayer that the tribe which was first to fight (Num. 10:14) and renowned for its military might would be successful in battle through God’s hand. He records the fuller blessing through the voice of Jacob (Gen. 49:8-12). 
  • Levi (8-11): First, note the absence of Simeon. He and Levi are the second and third sons of Leah. Where is Simeon? Eugene Merrill suggests, “Simeon had already become involved in idolatry at Baal Peor (cf. Num 25:6–15), a sin that brought such devastating population loss that the whole tribe eventually became assimilated into Judah (cf. Josh 19:1–9)” (NAC, 438). Levi is reminded of their forefather’s transgression, depriving them of a territorial allotment (8-9). Yet, Moses cries out for a blessing and protection on them as they discharge their God-given duties in leading worship (10-11). 
  • Benjamin (12): A simple prayer that God will protect and preserve them.
  • Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh)(13-17): A prayer for their prosperity and productivity of the land in mountains, hills, bushes, and pastures, and well as the multiplication of these tribes. 
  • Zebulun and Issachar (18-19): A prophesy that they will worship correctly and prosper generously from the mountains to the seas.
  • Gad (20-21): A call to this tribe to praise God for expanding their territory and rewarding them for their conquest.
  • Dan (22): Interestingly, this is an echo of the animal metaphors used by Jacob (Gen. 49:16-17). In both analogies, he springs on adversaries–here as a lion cub, in Genesis as a serpent. 
  • Naphtali (23): This tribe is affirmed and encouraged, as one satisfied with favor and full of blessing as they possess their territory. 
  • Asher (24-25): A foreseeing of prosperity, blessings, and peace for time to come. 

After the blessings upon the individual tribes, Moses sums up with an overarching blessing for the whole nation. What comes next for Israel will be wonderful. Why? They have a matchless, majestic God who helps with everlasting arms and impenetrable refuge (26-27). They will enjoy security and prosperity (28). They are chosen and saved by God, who will guard and protect them before their cowering enemies (29). The parting encouragement of Moses is that the future could not look brighter, but they must keep looking to the God who makes these conditional pledges to them.

Israel has nothing on the church. What lies ahead for us eclipses what they were told. Our task is to embrace God’s conditional promises in Christ, realizing we are a chosen people most blessed (1 Pet. 2:9-10). May we never reject our inheritance. 

Navigating the Complexities of Worship

Biblical Examples of Obedience and Error

Brent Pollard

 Comparing the post-exilic Jews criticized in Malachi, David, and Nadab and Abihu provides a holistic picture of the connection between human deeds and divine expectations in worship and obedience. Each scenario represents distinct facets of human engagement with divine decrees and religious rituals.

The Jews who returned from exile did not exert much effort in following God’s decrees during Malachi’s time. God accused them of robbing Him because they withheld their offerings (Malachi 3.8–12). Even when they did bring offerings, they only brought God their leftovers, which God considered disrespectful since it showed a lack of reverence and sincerity toward Him (Malachi 1.6–14). Consequently, their lack of reverence and sincerity undermined their worship and strained their relationship with Him.

It is essential to refrain from viewing worship as a mere duty and instead approach it sincerely, reflecting deeply on God’s holiness and His expectations.

David’s unauthorized census, influenced by Satan during a time of divine displeasure with Israel, exemplifies a grave judgment error by disregarding Exodus’s instructions for conducting censuses (Exodus 30.11–12). Despite his general Joab’s objections, David proceeded, only to recognize his sin swiftly. God presented three punitive options, with David choosing a three-day pestilence. At Araunah’s threshing floor, divine mercy stopped this pestilence. God instructed David to make a sacrifice there to atone for his sin. Araunah offered his livestock, crops, and farming implements as fuel for the sacrifice. However, David insisted on purchasing the necessary items for the sacrifice from Araunah, emphasizing that true sacrifice must come with a personal cost, reflecting his repentance and adherence to divine instructions (2 Samuel 24.24; 1 Chronicles 21.24).

David’s insistence on offering to God only what costs him personally emphasizes the value of sacrifice and personal investment in worship. Similarly, our worship and offerings to God must be meaningful and require personal sacrifice. David’s actions demonstrate the value of sincerity, individual responsibility, and acknowledging God’s worthiness in worship. We should not assume God expects less of us.

In Leviticus 10.1, we read about Nadab and Abihu, who offered a “strange” fire that God had not authorized. Their lack of sober judgment might have made things worse. The story serves as a warning about the significance of following God’s commands regarding worship. The severe punishment given to Nadab and Abihu shows how seriously God takes obedience and the dangers of presumptuous or innovative worship practices.

What comparative insights can we glean from examining these three examples of worship?

David sincerely adheres to divine commands, while Nadab and Abihu and the post-exilic Jews act presumptuously or complacently.

David demonstrates a profound reverence for God and deeply understands His nature. He acknowledges the importance of making meaningful sacrifices. Nadab and Abihu, on the other hand, failed to show reverence or a complete understanding of the sacred nature of God’s specific instructions. The actions of the post-exilic Jews imply a detachment from the importance and meaning of their worship practices.

The narrative of David underscores the crucial value of genuine and heartfelt worship. Nadab and Abihu’s story warns those who disregard God’s commands. Additionally, the account in Malachi calls for reevaluating our approach to worship. It urges us to move away from complacency and towards a more heartfelt and obedient practice. These stories emphasize the consequences of our actions and highlight the valuable lessons we can learn from them.

The central theme derived from these examples underscores the importance of approaching God with sincerity, reverence, and unwavering obedience. Worship transcends mere human actions for personal satisfaction; it is a divine mandate that demands meticulous adherence to God’s commands and a heart devoted to honoring Him. Each of these narratives offers valuable perspectives on the nature of worship, the significance of obedience, and the consequences of diverse attitudes and actions in response to divine directives.  

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXXIII)

The Song Of Moses (31:30-32:52)

Neal Pollard

John sees a sign in heaven which he calls “great and marvelous,” a sign involving angels, a sea of glass mixed with fire, victorious saints standing beside that sea, “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Rev. 15:1-2). Then, in Revelation 15:3 he quotes Deuteronomy 32:2-3. In one of our hymns, “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks,” there is a line that anticipates that as we rest in that fair and happy land, we will “sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, by and by.”

This song comes from God (cf. 31:19) and is first spoken by Moses (31:30) and then, of course, ultimately written down. It reminds us that Moses was not only familiar with Hebrew poetry, but he was the first to write it down (cf. Psa. 90). What can we learn from this inspired song, composed for Israel’s good?

It praises (1-4).  He proclaims the Lord’s name, and calls for others to ascribe greatness to Him (3). He calls God “the Rock” (cf. 15,18,30,31), indicating His steadfastness and dependability. He upholds God’s character as perfect, just, faithful, righteous, and upright (4). How many songs have followed this pattern, declaring to God in song in many different words, “How great Thou art!”?

It admonishes (5-6). Given the integrity and greatness of God, we certainly should not act corruptly, deny our heritage, and become crooked and perverse (5). Yet, this song charges, or at least warns, that such a response is never far away from us. This kicks off a big part of this song that could not have left the singers feeling warm and fuzzy. Notice the admonition: “Do you thus repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is not He your Father who has bought you? He has made you and established you” (6). For being a great and giving God, how could we repay Him with anything less than gratitude and obedience?

It reminds (7-14). The song is historical, looking back to an event that is still in the future for the first singers of it. The lyrics were for their descendants, to remember the giving of Canaan. This part of the song carries them through the deliverance and provision in the wilderness all the way through the conquest. It also contains a reminder of how choice and plentiful the resources are in this land. Don’t we need reminded, not only of the Lord’s substitutionary sacrifice through events like the weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper? Don’t we need reminders of past blessings, especially our salvation from the wilderness of sin? As the song urges, “Roll back the curtains of memory now and then, show me where you brought me from and where I could have been; Remember, I’m human, and humans forget, so remind me, remind me dear Lord.”

It warns (15-27). The largest portion of this song is borne of divine love. It is a warning against forgetting! It foreshadows future apostasy and God’s inevitable response to it, in keeping with His perfect nature and character. The warning centers around the folly and destructiveness of idolatry, how God would respond to it with omnipotent punishment. We do not like warnings, but we benefit from them. They are deterrents from a God who supplies all our needs (cf. Phi. 4:19). 

It laments (28-33). Following this lengthy rebuke, there is the emotional response of a fallen, punished people. Note the lyrics, “Would that they were wise, that they understood this, That they would discern their future!” (29). The future defeat of apostate descendants was not the result of a God who lacked ability (31), but because they chose to plant and harvest unrighteousness (32-33). Weeping always follows wickedness, whether in this life or the next! 

It hopes (34-38). How does one respond and rebound from such a grim picture? Focus on God! The song shifts from earth to heaven. After their reaping the harvest of their unrighteousness, Israel could anticipate divine intervention: “For the Lord will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free” (36). In His deliverance, He would point out the futility of serving any rival (37-38). He points out that hope is only found in Him, and these singers would audibly say so. 

It highlights (39-43). From the hope springs the ending that connects back to the beginning. Remember the character of that praiseworthy God? He is unique (39)! He is able (39). He is eternal (40). He is just (41-42). He brings joy (43). He atones (43). What better way to end this momentous song than by pointing the worshipper to heaven? 

Following the song which followed the preceding instruction (essentially, the first 31 chapters, as we know it), Moses ends it this way: “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess” (46-47).  The song was to touch their emotions, put their guard up, guide their descendants, bring them life, prolong their days, and fuel their mission. 

The chapter ends with God’s instructions that Moses ascend Mount Nebo, reminding him that he could not enter the Promised Land with the people because he “broke faith” with God and did not “treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel” (51). That mountain would be the place of his death after he had glimpsed that Promised Land (52). Though this is the fate of the great leader of Israel, this song is a vital part of his lasting legacy. We do well to study this song and be reminded of how God wants us to think when we worship Him in that way today. Our song service should be filled with all these elements, and our hearts should be tuned in to the God described in this powerful song! 

The Power Of The Resurrection

Carl Pollard

We read of several men and women in scripture who died and were brought back to life. Elijah raised a widow’s son in 1 Kings 17. Elisha raised the son of a Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4. Jesus saw a funeral procession in Luke 7, He felt compassion towards the widow who had lost her only son and He brought him back to life. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after three days in John 11. He also raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Coming back from the dead wasn’t unheard of when Jesus rose from the grave. 

The power of His resurrection is found in the fact that He rose to never die again. With His death, He defeated the grip that death has on us. Elijah raised the widow’s son, but that son eventually died. It’s the same with the son in Luke 7, with Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus. They were raised through the power of God, but they died again. 

The Son of God came to be killed, to die in our place. Never to die again! Christ has saved us, there is power in His sacrifice because He continues to live today! He lives to Intercede for us! Muhammad is dead. Joseph Smith Is dead. Buddha is dead. But Christ, the author of our faith, is ALIVE. 

We sing a song with these lyrics, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world TODAY!” Do you truly believe that? His Resurrection gives us eternal life. At least, that’s what scripture tells us. How certain are you that Jesus came back from the dead? Did you see it happen? For many, The Bible’s an old book, a lot has happened since then. Is Jesus really at the right hand of God today? 

How can we know this is the truth? 

The Power of the cross is only life changing because of Who died on it. Christianity focuses on the cross but Jesus was one of many who were killed by the Romans. The symbol of our faith is just an instrument of torture. The Resurrection is what gives the cross its meaning. If Jesus would’ve died on the cross and stayed in the ground, our faith is worthless. What happened after the cross is what gives us eternal life. 

The Bible is clear in teaching that Jesus rose from the dead. Matt. 28:6 tells us the few words that changed the course of history. Words that changed the world. “He is not here. He has RISEN.” The power of the gospel is grounded and built on 4 essential facts. If just one of these is wrong, there’s no point in being a Christian. No point in coming together to worship, no need to change the way you live, and no eternal life. 

We know from Scripture as well as secular history that He lived, He died, He rose, and one day He is coming back! The next four weeks we will look at these more in depth as we look at the Truth of the Gospel!

Deuteronomy: the Second Giving of the Law (XXXII)

The Lord (31:1-29)

Neal Pollard

Moses has reached the end of the line. He’s 120 years old, immobile, and unable to cross the Jordan (1-2). So now, as the one who is about to become their erstwhile leader, Moses tackles his last items of business. It is a series of reminders about God.

  • The Lord will go before you and destroy the nations of Canaan (3-4)
  • The Lord will deliver them up for you (5)
  • The Lord goes with you and will not fail nor forsake you (6,8)
  • The Lord will fulfill His vow to your fathers (7)
  • The Lord will meet with them at the tabernacle in Canaan (11-12)
  • The Lord will be feared by their children (13)

These constitute the words of motivation by which Moses sums up his life’s work. He’s about to pass the baton (3) and go no further (2). The Lord tells Moses that his time to die has come (14), to bring Joshua to the tent of meeting to be commissioned as Israel’s new leader. There, God previews what will come next (15-21). He instructs Moses to write a song of remembrance that would serve as a witness to them (19). It is not a feel-good, toe-tapper. It is a way for them to memorize God’s Word and have a testimony against themselves if they fulfill the things God warns against. That song is recorded in chapter 32. But verse 22 says Moses wrote the song the day God told him to.

All that is left for Moses to do is formally commission Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you” (23). At this point, we have a powerful picture about how the canon of Scripture developed. No one voted on which books were inspired. These five books of Moses were God-breathed (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16). When Moses finished them, he instructed the Levites to place them alongside the ark of the covenant. It is true, “The ark of the covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, resided in the holy of holies of the tabernacle, that sacred place that marked the focal point of the Lord’s residence among his people (cf. v. 9; Exod 25:16; 26:33). It was fitting that the central text of the Horeb covenant be housed there and fitting likewise that ‘this Book of the Law’ be delivered over to the Levites and placed beside the ark, for this was a covenant renewal document, one appropriate to the new generation and to life in the land of promise to which they were headed” (Merrill, NAC, 404). But more than that, its placement in the most holy place indicated that it was not merely Moses’ words. These were God’s words written down by Moses.

The Lord’s hand in this process is clear. He punished the disobedient, but preserved a new generation. He was patient with all of them, but Moses’ record shows us that His perfect patience can be exhausted (2 Pet. 3:9-10). Yet, through these words and the song which follows, we are reminded of God’s promises! He wants to bless. He wants us to be close with Him. He tells us how, much as He did with Moses on this day recorded in Deuteronomy 31. 

Secrets!

Gary Pollard

The greatest secret in the universe has been revealed to humanity: Jesus himself (Col 2.2-3). This is perhaps a hint that the groups harassing the believers at Colossae were Gnostic as well as Jewish. Gnostics were all about secret knowledge and asceticism (at least in this group, cf. 2.18). Paul addressed the Jewish elements in this section too. I’m certainly not dogmatic about this, but it does seem possible that at least elements of Gnostic thought were influencing Colossae, on top of the pervasive traditionalism of the Jewish Christians. 

Either way we should pay attention to an important point — all of humanity from the dawn of civilization has been trying to figure out what a specific something is. We’ve always been impressed with a sense that something bigger than us is out there. Since we’ve recently been able to take a crude glimpse into the cosmos itself, we’ve only been more impressed with how powerless we are on this little blue marble. Cosmic scales are something we can’t even wrap our minds around. There’s so much raw power that can only be viewed from distances so vast that we could never hope to travel them physically (eg. supernovas). But a simple cometary fragment could wipe out our little rock, if God willed it! 

Most early civilizations deified some element or other natural force on this planet, or they deified what they could observe with the naked eye in the heavens. Many ancient cultures worshipped powerful or beautiful animals, stars, or even political/military celebrities (sometimes all of the above). They were searching everywhere, desperate to find the source of infinite cosmic power, wisdom, and guidance that they instinctively knew existed, but could not identify. Since God is invisible (cf. 1.15), he had to be revealed to us. This great mystery was solved once and for all with the arrival of Jesus on the planet he created (2.16-17). He is that power, and he cares about us! That means he wants to take us with him when this earth is destroyed (2.18-20). The mystery is far more profound (and practical and humbling) than we thought. What is that thing every ancient culture has tried to identify and worship? The Great Mystery of the Eons — Jesus: Creator, Teacher, Civilizer, Rescuer, God.

This message is the secret truth that was hidden since the beginning of time. It was hidden from everyone for ages, but now it has been made known to God’s holy people. God decided to let his people know just how rich and glorious that truth is. That secret truth — which is for all people — is that Christ lives in you, his people. He is our hope for glory (2.27). 

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“The Temple: Then And Now”

Deuteronomy: the Second Giving of the Law (XXXI)

Choosing Life (30:1-20)

Neal Pollard

What better way is there to preach a climactic conclusion than to put a powerful emphasis on God? In these last 20 verses, Moses mentions “the Lord your God” a stunning 15 times (“Lord” 19 total times and “God” 17 total times). He makes a full court press for these travel-worn wanderers to be totally committed to “return” (2), “obey” (2,8,10,17,20), “love” (6,16), “observe” (8,12-14), “keep” (10,16), “turn” (10), “walk” (16), “choose” (19), and “hold fast” (20). This is the divine expectation. He punctuates it with the repeated use of the word “all”–all your heart (2), all I command (2,8), all your heart and all your soul (6,10)!

Yet, in response to their commitment, look at what God would do. He would “restore” (3), “have compassion” (3), “gather” (3,4), “bring” (4,5), “prosper” (5,9), “multiply” (6), “circumcise their hearts” (6), punish their enemies (7-8), “rejoice over you” (9), and “bless” (16). He wanted this for them and their descendants (6, 19). 

In the absence of obedience, Moses has repeatedly reminded them of how painful, counterproductive, and defeating life would be. Serving a substitute god would be unfulfilling, and its end would be divine rejection. In the humble practice of obedience, God would bless them beyond their comprehension. Through Moses, God encourages them to see this choice as one they were fully capable of making. In the heart of this chapter, Moses says these commands to obey were not out of reach or too difficult (11-13). It was near to them (14)! They could do this!

So, what’s the bottom line? Much like Joshua will do at the end of his tenure as Israel’s leader, Moses says “choose.” But understand what you are choosing between– “life and prosperity” or “death and adversity” (15), “life and death” (19), and “the blessing and the curse” (19). In case it was not abundantly clear, Moses final word is, “So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them” (19b-20). The blessings of choosing God, when summed up, are life, legacy, love, length of days, and a land of promise. While the particulars have changed under Christ, it is only because they are better. They are parallel to these, only superior! We face the same contrasting choices, framed by New Testament writers as the world or the Lord (Js. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). It’s really not much of a choice, is it? 

“Solomon Says…”

Dale Pollard

In each chapter of Ecclesiastes one can expect at least two kinds of verses. While one verse might make you wonder what Solomon is talking about at first, another will hit you in a profound way. It turns out that humans really haven’t changed that much over the years. Our current experiences and lives share many similarities— that fact is elucidated further in the Bible’s Old Testament books of wisdom. 

Here are twelve truths found in Ecclesiastes book. 

1.4-8 

Some things never change. 

2.24-25 

Pleasing God will bring you more joy than chasing the things that bring momentary pleasure. 

3.9-11 

God has given us a desire to know the future. Because of this, we understand that while we don’t know the future we’re better off serving a God who does. 

4.9-12

It’s by design that we can accomplish more with help. God can do more with us when we are team players. 

5.19-20 

There’s joy to be found in hard work and that too is by design. Satisfaction is a natural feeling produced by the work of our hands. 

6.6

If you don’t find joy in life then life will drag on and feel slower. 

7.13-15 

When life is good, enjoy it. When life is hard— remember that it’s like that for everybody. Ups and downs are part of living. 

8.16-18 

This world is not just but don’t let that fool you into thinking that God isn’t just. We can’t understand how God’s mind operates in every circumstance. 

9.11-12 

Not everything happens for a reason! God might have a hand in any event, Satan may have something to do with it— or maybe it’s all a coincidence.

10.8-15 

Every job has its dangers but wisdom can make a job run smoother just as a sharp knife can make a task easier. 

11.7-8

It’s good to be alive! It’s nice to see the light from the sun. You should enjoy the life you live with eternity on your mind. 

12.11 

You can put your trust in any wisdom and teaching that comes from God. 

Each chapter of Ecclesiastes is filled with wisdom and life changing words. What Solomon says is not only wise, but the Spirit led and guided each word. That alone is reason enough to immerse ourselves in the greatest book ever written. 

Hope To See You At EQUIPPED (4/18-4/21)

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXX)

Moses’ Last Sermon (29:1-29)

Neal Pollard

The sermon actually spans two chapters, ending at 30:20. It is delivered “in the land of Moab” (1). It bears the concluding remarks you would expect from a man who is summing up all that he’s already said. Notice the “you have” statements (2,6,17) and the “I have” statement (5) which serves to review where they have been under the steady hand of Moses’ leadership. 

They were delivered by God’s power (2-3), preserved and provided for by God’s benevolent hand (4-5), and protected by God’s wisdom (6). They were enabled to defeat their enemies by God’s help (7-8) and endowed with the privilege of entering covenant with God from their greatest to their smallest citizen (9-13). God is establishing this covenant not only with those present, but for those who would come to know of it who were not there that day (14-18). Moses warns that no one could coast on the righteousness of the nation, being stubborn in heart, without facing the wrath and judgment of a God who would not forgive such rebelliousness (19-21).

In fact, future generations were going to need to have this covenant refreshed for their understanding (22-29). If they lived in the wake of Israel’s unfaithfulness and felt the brunt of the curses outlined in Moses’ previous sermon, then this sermon would provide the answer to their questions: “Why has the Lord done thus to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?” (24). They would have to say, “Because they forsook the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods whom they have not known and whom He had not allotted to them. Therefore, the anger of the Lord burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and in fury and in great wrath, and cast them into another land, as it is this day” (25-28). 

It is in this context that we read a passage often-quoted out of its context, that the secret things belong to God and the things which are revealed are to be observed and obeyed (29). Only God knows the future, but He has revealed the Law for them. Predictably, if they keep what God has revealed they would enjoy blessings unimaginable. If they rebelled against God’s written revelation, they should anticipate wrath and punishment that they could not predict or fully anticipate. It is true that we should not overly speculate about things God has chosen not to reveal to us, but Moses’ point here is that the future is foreknown only by God (Isa. 46:9-10). We have no reason to fear it because of what God has revealed. There are no surprises on the final exam! 

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Five Things Jesus Teaches Us About Temptation

Neal Pollard

Jesus knew temptation. The writer of Hebrews makes that point about Him in assuring us He, as our High Priest, knows just what we are going through in this life (2:18; 4:15). His suffering allows Him to sympathize. I am comforted to know that He understands, since He is like me (Heb. 2:17). Luke records this significant and pivotal moment in Jesus’ life before He begins His public ministry (Luke 4:1-13). It gives me necessary insight into who Jesus is, and it helps me fight the common battle against the enticements of my flesh, my eyes, and my pride.

TEMPTATION STRIKES THOSE IN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. To be clear, temptation strikes “every man” (Heb. 4:15). But, sometimes we conclude that it’s not so bad or so frequent for the spiritually strong. Here is the perfect Son of God, described as full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit (1), who encounters the tempter (2). Being spiritually strong can help make navigating temptation easier than it is for those who live according to the flesh (Rom. 8:5-14), but no one was closer to God and more spiritually healthy than Jesus as He walked the earth. How helpful to consider Paul’s warning here: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). 

TEMPTATION STRIKES IN PREDICTABLE AREAS. John classifies temptation into three major categories: “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life” (1 Jn.2:16). Methodical Luke lists Jesus’ temptation in that very order (cf. Mat. 4:1-11). The serpent, approaching Eve, must have appealed to these very areas at the beginning (Gen. 3:6). The devil does not have to get more complicated than that because these avenues are overwhelmingly effective for him. Though this and other passages reveals the evil one’s intentions and efforts, we are fully accountable for how we respond to temptation (Jas. 1:13-15). We must take responsibility for how we handle temptation. 

TEMPTATION STRIKES WHEN WE ARE VULNERABLE. Jesus has gone an unfathomable 40 days without food when He encounters the devil (2ff). The devil goes straight for this susceptible area. Think back to times when you haven’t gotten proper rest, you faced stress and pressure, you were sick or felt poorly, and other trying times. These can easily become doors we open to sin. All of us will experience physical and emotional weakness. We must be aware that these lead to spiritual exposure. 

TEMPTATION CAN MAKE US CALL WHAT WE KNOW INTO QUESTION. Twice, the devil uses conditional statements to try and create doubt. First, he says, “If You are the Son of God” (3). He called Jesus’ identity into question. Then, he says, “if You worship me” (7). He seeks to get Jesus to question His loyalty. It was not a matter of what Jesus intellectually knew, but Jesus dwelled in the flesh (John 1:14; Heb. 2:14). Be aware that temptation will cause us to question things we know, too. That includes our exalted identity and our true motivation.

TEMPTATION IS THWARTED BY AN OMNIPOTENT TOOL. Jesus wins His battles with the devil and temptation by leaning on truth. There are 86 quotations of Deuteronomy (the second giving of the Law of Moses) in the New Testament, and Jesus quotes this book in reference to each of the devil’s temptations (8:3; 6:13; 6:16). Proper knowledge and handling of Scripture helps even when enemies of truth, even the devil, try to misuse Scripture against us (as he does with Jesus, misapplying Psalm 91:11-12). Scripture is God’s own weapon, given to us not to cut and maim others but to fight off temptation and fend off the biggest threats to our faith and soul (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). 

It is wonderful to contemplate a day in which temptation will be permanently past-tense (cf. Rev. 21:1ff; 1 Cor. 15:55-58). Until then, we benefit so much from seeing how Jesus coped with the bane of temptation. It also helps us appreciate what He endured in order to give us salvation. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXIX)

The Blessings And Curses (28:1-68)

Neal Pollard

The end of the blessings and curses sermon is more brief on the former and more voluminous on the latter. This is not because serving God is more about threats and warnings than promises and enjoyment, but because in His love and foreknowledge God knew what was in man (Gen. 8:21). He has been seeing the heart of this people turn from Him during the 40 year wandering and He knew what lay ahead from the period of the judges all the way to the end of the northern kingdom and the 70 year captivity of the southern kingdom. 

But in both sections, the point is the same. Israel was to diligently obey and carefully do all that God commanded (1,15). To bring this point home, Moses specifies 14 blessings accompanying obedience (1-14) followed by 32 curses (16-48). Yet, the blessings were as powerful and the curses were dreadful. Moses describes the blessings as overwhelming (2), and “this vivid language portrays the blessings as living and active; for the second verb has ‘and take effect,’ and ‘and light on you.’ Perhaps something like ‘come and remain with you’ or ‘will always be yours'” (Bratcher and Hatton, UBS, 444). 

God wanted to bombard them with blessings that would stay and never leave. But note the conditional, “If you obey” (2). The blessings were not for Israel to selfishly consume in earthly pleasure, but to use as a tool in their keeping covenant with God. Every aspect of their individual and community life would be blessed (1-14). God establishes this with three “if, then” statements (2,9, 13-14). Moses punctuates the blessings portion with a reminder of how matchless God is compared to any rival (11-14).

But what if they breach their covenant with Jehovah? In minute detail, Moses speaks of the consequences of disobedience. With six conditional statements, noted in English with either “if” or “because” (15,20,45,47,58, and 62), God drives His point home. Contemporary documents, whether Hittite or early Assyrian treaties, follow the same formula of being heavily weighted toward the curses over the blessings. “The reason presumably (as here in Deuteuteronomy) was to underscore the seriousness of covenant violation by describing its consequences in long and graphic detail” (Merrill, NAC, 357). 

The last 20 verses serve as a warning, foreseeing a time in which Israel would indeed turn away and through disobedience place themselves under the weight of these curses (49-68). Notice that he actually precedes the prediction of captivity by writing, “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the lack of all things; and He will put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you” (47-48). He then proceeds to describe what that would look like. 

The enemy would eat their food and oil, drink their wine, besiege their cities, and cause severe famine reducing them to animalistic behavior (49-57). The Lord would cause plagues and diseases (58-62). They would be scattered among the nations, uncertain about their lives, corrupted in their worship, despairing of their living conditions, and desperate for survival (63-68). God could not have painted a grimmer picture, all in the hopes that Israel would take warning and never turn from Him. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXVIII)

Commandments And Curses (27:1-26)

Neal Pollard

This chapter constitutes the start of the third discourse of Moses, a short sermon covered only in chapters 27-28. Moses’ third sermon, to the delight of homiletics’ teachers, has three points: (1) Covenant Renewal (27:1-26), (2) Blessing And Curses (28:1-48), and (3) The Threat Of Captivity (28:49-68) (Smith, 526). Here, Moses tells God’s people to write the law of God on large stones and coat it with lime (plaster) (2,5). Why? “The specific instruction here was to set up a large stone monument once Canaan had been reached, a stele coated with plaster on which “all the words of this law” could be inscribed (v. 3). Such techniques are well attested in the ancient world. The monumental form and size were to provide ready public access, a rallying point around which the community could gather to more easily recall its commitment as a people” (Merrill, NAC, 342). 

Assembling At Mt. Ebal (1-13).  Merrill divides this section into three parts: (1) Instruction (1-8), (2) Exhortation (9-10), and (3) Preparation (11-13)(ibid.). The people are told to gather at Shechem to set up the stones (1-5,8) and the altar (6-7).  One would be for perpetual remembrance and recall while the other would be for perpetual reverence and rejoicing. God is setting them up for spiritual success, commanding to put in place those matters that would keep their hearts and minds bound to Him.

The exhortation, led by Moses and the priests, was to listen, understand, and obey (9-10). Knowing who they were and who God was should make this a natural consequence. He was giving them a “land flowing with milk and honey…as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you” (3b). 

The preparation for the ritual or ceremony on the mountains of blessing (Gerizim) and cursing (Ebal) is outlined in verses 11-13. The tribes were to be divided in half, with Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin on Gerizim and Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali on Ebal. Why divide the tribes in this way? It has been suggested that the tribes on the mount of blessing are Rachel and Leah’s natural born sons, while those on the mount of blessing are their concubines’ sons (Driver, Deuteronomy, 298). There are obvious flaws in that supposition. What makes better sense is a division based on where the territories are in the promised land. The map below shows that the southwestern tribes are those responsible for gathering on Gerizim and the northwestern and eastern tribes are those responsible for gathering on Ebal. If the map is enlarged, one can see those mountains situated in West Manasseh northwest of the Dead Sea. 

(Via LOGOS Biblical Places Map)

Twelve Curses (14-26). It is not hard to connect the number of curses with the number of tribes (15-26). It has been suggested that these curses are also tied to sins outlined in the law and already condemned (notice Spence-Jones’ analysis, The Pulpit Commentary, 421):

Ver. 15.—(Cf. Exod. 20:4; Lev. 26:1.)
Ver. 16.—(Cf. Exod. 21:17.)
Ver. 17.—(Cf. ch. 19:14.)
Ver. 18.—(Cf. Lev. 19:14.)
Ver. 19.—(Cf. ch. 24:17.)
Ver. 20.—(Cf. Lev. 18:8; ch. 22:30.)
Ver. 21.—(Cf. Lev. 18:23; 20:15.)
Vers. 22, 23.—(Cf. Lev. 18:9, 17.)
Ver. 24.—(Cf. Exod. 20:13; Numb. 35:16, etc.)
Ver. 25.—(Cf. Exod. 23:7, 8.)
Ver. 26.—(Cf. ch. 28:15; Jer. 11:3, 4.)

The last curse is a general and summary one, while the others strike at specific behaviors leveled against God and man. This ceremonial act, which we will see practiced first in Joshua 8:33-34, had to have been a sobering act of warning and reminder about the power of God and His law. They were submitting themselves to divine curse if they committed these transgressions. 

God has no such tactile or tangible ceremony to remind us of our obligations to Him and His Word today. Or maybe He does. Doesn’t worship, including the weekly memorial to Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, serve as an anchor point and highlighting of the blessings of obedience and the curses of apostasy? That is certainly not its sole function, but it is a part (1 Cor. 11:26-29). We are priests positioned in the assembly to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25). Thank God that He keeps us grounded through the assemblies as well as the other touch points we have throughout the week (Acts 2:42; 1 Pet. 4:9)! 

The Duty Of Courage And Strength

Brent Pollard

The Book of Joshua is a powerful account of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan and subsequent settlement in the Promised Land under God’s leadership. This account is woven with a resounding call for courage and strength as God exhorts Joshua and the people five times (Joshua 1.6-7,9,18; 10.25). These admonitions emphasize the importance of these virtues in a life of faith, obedience, and service to God.

Though Christianity emphasizes the virtues of humility, gentleness, and forgiveness, it does not minimize the importance of courage and strength. On the path of faith, we must exhibit courage and strength to confront the inevitable challenges and adversities. Our responsibility is to be resilient and brave in the face of these hurdles.

Believers consider fear a greater sin than non-believers because faith provides them with greater motivation for courage (1 John 4.18). Thus, discouraging fear is a comfort and a call to action, encouraging believers to confront danger, responsibility, pain, loss, and even ridicule without succumbing to fear. Avoiding the path of risk may lead us astray from our divine calling while shying away from duties that appear daunting and fail to honor our commitments.

Therefore, strength is a desirable trait and a requirement for overcoming sin and fulfilling our mission. Believers must confront their inner sinful desires and external evils by facing and overcoming moral weakness, which often stems from spiritual deficiencies. Believers, like the Israelites in Canaan, must deal with these and life’s general uncertainties. 

Grave dangers and the completion of difficult tasks emphasize the importance of bravery and strength. To claim their spiritual inheritance, resist sin and temptation, and expand God’s Kingdom, believers must actively engage and struggle, just as the Israelites confronted their enemies.

Fortunately, Joshua’s pages contain the secret to courage and strength. We must recognize that these characteristics are divine gifts that, through faith and reliance on His power, even the most naturally timid can obtain. As Moses handed over the reins to Joshua, he told the people, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31.6 NASB95).

Personal and communal victories serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and power. They strengthen our courage to face future challenges. For example, the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites not only reinforced their faith in God’s promises but also empowered them to confront future battles. Nevertheless, the journey of developing courage and strength is ongoing, demanding the active application of divine grace. We can expand our capacity for these virtues by stepping out in faith and obedience. While developing courage and strength requires practice, individuals can enhance these traits through dedication and effort, becoming stronger and more courageous. The synergy between courage and strength equips believers with the spiritual armor needed to face life’s battles with resilience confidently.

Viewed through the Book of Joshua, God reminds us that courage and strength are virtues for the battlefield and integral aspects of the Christian life. These virtues require our continual attention and cultivation as we maneuver through the intricacies of faith, obedience, and service. Likewise, as God equipped Joshua and the Israelites for their challenges, He provided us with the same divine resources to be courageous and strong in our spiritual journey.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9 NASB95)

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XXVII)

Giving With Gratitude (26:1-19)

Neal Pollard

Moses further prepares Israel for the post-conquest life and responsibilities they would soon experience. Something that would be so important to God (and, thus, them) was their offering to Him. This chapter addresses two distinct opportunities for the Israelite: (1) Giving of the first of their produce (1-11) and (2) the third-year tithe (also called the “triennial tithe,” 12-15). It is after his instruction regarding these two offerings that Moses concludes this speech section that began back in chapter 12, filled with specific covenant stipulations containing a total of fourteen distinct requirements:

  • Proper worship (Deut. 12:1–32)
  • Threats of idolatry (Deut. 13:1–18)
  • Clean and unclean foods (Deut. 14:1–21)
  • Tithes (Deut. 14:22–29)
  • The sabbatical year (Deut. 15:1–18)
  • Firstborn animals (Deut. 15:19–23)
  • Feasts (Deut. 16:1–17)
  • Leaders (Deut. 16:18–18:22)
  • Protecting life (Deut. 19:1–21:14)
  • Protecting sexual morality (Deut. 21:15–23:14)
  • Various laws protecting property (Deut. 23:15–24:22)
  • Laws on justice, marriage, and business (Deut. 25:1–16)
  • Amalek (Deut. 25:17–19)
  • Firstfruits and tithes (Deut. 26:1–19

(Mark Dever, TGC, Introduction to Deuteronomy)

This last stipulation was to be borne of gratitude for deliverance from Egypt (5-9) and of a feeling of responsibility for their less fortunate, fellow brethren (13). They were to regard their prosperity as an opportunity to thank God and bless the lives of those who had not shared their degree of material success. As Jesus later teaches, though not specifically related to monetary matters, “Freely you received, freely give” (Mat. 10:8).

God gives Israel a ritual in the firstfruits offering (1-11). They were to acknowledge their inheritance (3), their heritage (5), their emancipation (7-8), and their blessings (9). Their giving response was an acknowledgement that God was the source of all of this. When we consider the fact that God has given us a better inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4), a better heritage (Eph. 1:11), a spiritual emancipation (Rom. 6:7,18,22), and all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3), how should we respond? Shouldn’t our life be a total reflection of our gratitude, and wouldn’t this include our giving? Won’t we want to consider what to give back to Him, before we consider any earthly obligation or want?

God gives Israel a ritual in the triennial tithe (12-15). Again, there is a mantra for them to repeat in this special tithe. Here, they are pledging that they have tithed with integrity. That means they had given it to those for whom it was intended (12-13), they had not transgressed God’s will in the matter (13), they have not misused or taken from it (14), and they had listened and obeyed God completely in the matter (14). Having done so, they could boldly ask God to bless them and fulfill His promise to them (15). While Christians are not commanded to tithe, but instead to give as prospered (1 Cor. 16:2), we are told to be generous (2 Cor. 8:2; 9:6), ready (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:2), and cheerful (2 Cor. 9:7). Having a better covenant based upon better promises (Heb. 8:6), we surely would not want to be exceeded by the Israelites who lived under an inferior covenant! 

Regarding all the commandments in this entire section, notice how Moses sums up. In essence, he says, “Be careful (16), wholehearted (16), and faithful (17).” In so doing, be assured that God would be their protection (18) and their source of abundant blessings (19). Be assured, God wants the same from us and wants to do the same for us!