Category: Uncategorized

HOW IS TRUTH DETERMINED?

Neal Pollard

Recently, I received some feedback on a recent article (Truth Is Truth, No Matter Who Disagrees With It). Negative feedback is not rare, but expected when we put ideas down on paper (or on electronic media like blogs). This feedback was not personal, nor unkind. Yet, it reflects the thinking of so many who shun the idea of absolute, objective truth. Consider the major arguments made by the one who wrote:

—No matter what you believe, the majority disagrees with you.
—You are no smarter or more sincere than those who disagree with you.
—Everyone is certain their religion is right, but this is a function of the brain and proof of nothing
—Conflicting views within the “Restoration Movement” shows the fallacy of being certain about truth
—Certainty is dangerous because it does not allow for change

The last three arguments seem more of a confrontation of certainty than arguments against truth, but consider each of these individually.

Does the inevitability of disagreement nullify the idea of absolute truth? If someone argues our answer that two plus two equals four, and were able to get a majority to side with them that the answer is five, does that nullify the truth of what two plus two equals?

If a person with demonstrable intellectual capacity and apparent sincerity nonetheless avers that two plus two equals five, do we rewrite the laws of addition and reprint the textbooks? If not, why not? Is it not because we can take two of something, add it to two more of the same something, like integers or apples or books, and find the inescapable, universal truth that now there are four?

Can any religion be certain that they are right, but be wrong? Universalists believe everyone will ultimately be saved. Those who believe that murdering those they deem “infidels” pleases their God and they teach others that this is truth. Cults often dub their leaders the Messiah. On what basis would we object or oppose any religious tenet, like these, without an objective standard of truth?

Does the imperfection of people in applying revealed truth impugn the reality of absolute truth? It will never be suggested that anyone is perfectly interpreting or applying the perfect standard of truth, including those trying to restore New Testament Christianity (which, incidentally, implies belief in a perfect, objective standard of truth). But, does that mean restoration can or should be rejected for ideas which clearly contradict what the New Testament says (i.e., “sinner’s prayer’ versus how the New Testament teaches people were saved)?

If there is a conflict between the certainty of New Testament teaching and the desire for change, which is to be preferred and chosen? The religious world has changed a myriad of things that the New Testament explicitly teaches must be done or taught a certain way. Isn’t it a faulty premise to choose change proposed by men, when it assaults a certainty revealed by God?

That there is religious confusion and division is indisputable. It is disheartening. The Bible warns that articulate, polished religious leaders would teach things contrary to the revealed truth of the New Testament (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11; Rev. 22:18-19). Let us never put confidence in man, but let us ever put confidence in the truth of Scripture.

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“I Praise, I Participate, I Proclaim”

Neal Pollard

Yesterday afternoon, the Bear Valley eldership stood before us one by one to talk about their priorities both for themselves and for us. They distilled them into five simple words that describe five profound concepts: (1) Worship, (2) Communication, (3) Fellowship, (4) Accountability, and (5) Leadership. They told us that as the religious world is growing more homogenous in their worship style (a la community church model; rock concert-ish), distinctive New Testament worship has a chance to stand out even more. Yet, we need to always be improving our efforts in leadership and participation. They emphasized that communicating news, ideas, and needs is a process that will always need work and priority. No church ever arrives in this regard. They spoke of the importance of building a closer church family, knowing each other through age-related opportunities and entire congregation opportunities. This happens when we’re all together, in the classroom, and away from the building. They stressed the importance of holding one another accountable, for faithfulness, commitment, and support. Otherwise, there is no way to move from ideas to action. They told us that all of us exert leadership in some area. There is formalized leadership positions, as outlined in the New Testament (elders, deacons, preachers, teachers). But, inasmuch as we all have a sphere of influence (cf. Mat. 5:14-16), God expects us to lead. Throughout their entire presentation, they were specific about strategies aimed at helping us be successful. I appreciated the great challenge this was for us to work and grow. There were so many quotable sayings from their collective lesson, but the one that struck me most was made near the end. As we have adopted three planks of emphasis as a church, based on Acts 2:42-47 (praise—worship, participation—fellowship, and proclamation—evangelism), we were challenged to think: “I praise,” “I participate,” and “I proclaim.” It can be so easy for us to approve the church’s need to grow and improve in these areas or to expect the elders to do these things. But, no matter who we are, we can and must ask, “What can I do?” The key to being a great church is the willingness of every member to make personal application. It’s not, “What are they doing?,” “what are you doing?,” or even “what are we doing?” No! It must always primarily be, “What am I doing?” I’m thankful that our elders spoke with confidence and clarity about the fact that there is plenty of opportunity to be involved in making Bear Valley a strong, relevant church, a city set on a hill shining a light in spiritual darkness. Thank God for strong leadership, which encourages me to say, “Here am I, send me!” (cf. Isa. 6:8).

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Selling Children

Neal Pollard

In March of 2007, in Owensboro, Kentucky, a couple tried to sell the woman’s 15-month-old daughter for $3000 and an SUV. The noble purpose behind this attempted transaction was “money to pay off [the boyfriend’s] fines for previous criminal charges.” Surprisingly, they denied the allegations and maintained their innocence, an effort that would eventually be unsuccessful.

How heartbreaking that anyone could act so heinously. Truly, “Children are a gift of the Lord…a reward” (Psa. 127:3). Yet, while they are a gift from the Lord to us, in another sense they still belong to Him (cf. Ezek. 18:4). We cannot sell what ultimately does not belong to us.

What Charles Hope, Jr., and Amber Revlett did in Kentucky was certainly criminal, but they are far from salon among those trying to “sell” their children for one reason or another. In order to give their children popularity, gratification, or material success, some parents are encouraging their children to live a life of sin, worldliness, and selfishness. Secular courts would never convict them, but what they are doing is even more heinous than that attempted by those lowbrow schemers from the Bluegrass State. As Christian parents, we have an obligation to recognize this tendency and not “sell our children” out to anything that could replace their undivided loyalty to serve Christ. We want their hearts centered around Christ and His will (Mat. 6:33).

Let us both teach our children and realize ourselves their intrinsic value as ones made in the very image of God (Gen. 1:27). Within each of our children is a soul, every one of which is more valuable and important than the whole world (Mat. 16:26). May we never do anything that would lead them to exchange their souls. Whatever they gain, they will lose everything! To the extent we, as parents, can influence this, let us do with diligence. God has placed their training and spiritual wellbeing into our hands (cf. Deu. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:1-4).

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Recognizing And Resolving Ineffective Problem-Solving

Neal Pollard

FIGHT…WOUND…WITHDRAW…REPENT…REPEAT.

That has never worked, but it’s the way many people approach problems in marriage. And, it’s not only newlyweds. Some people live out a lifetime of handling conflict this way. The sad and dangerous thing is that such a methods of dealing with disagreements can destroy a marriage.

The point of contention arises, whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or physical. The couple argues. One, then the other personalize the issue, attack one another, and exhibit sinful anger. This can escalate to the point that hurting words or actions occur. Finally, exhaustion, hurt or anger stops the fight. Each returns to his or her corner. Each treats his or her wounds or maybe even plots the next move. Soon or later, guilt or remorse overcomes each of them. For either peace or relief, they eventually hit the “kiss and make up” stage. Life then goes on.

Perhaps it is at this juncture that the greatest damage occurs. What did not happen? The cause of the conflict wasn’t resolved. So, what happens? The disagreement about whatever is still a problem. Eventually, it will resurface. Then, the cycle will continue. There will be more FIGHTING, WOUNDING, WITHDRAWING, and REPENTING.

If this system is so agonizingly painful and counterproductive, why is it so commonly practiced? Pride, unwillingness to compromise, selfishness, or inflexibility all may factor in. How can we break this vicious cycle? The answer is easy to come up with, but it requires great discipline and patience to achieve. Consider.

  • Do not let conflict “sneak up on you.” Fatigue, stress, and illness can effect demeanor, even when we’re not conscious of it. Resolve not to react without careful consideration of what you will say or do.
  • Practice the golden rule. Never say or do anything you wouldn’t be happy to hear or receive (Mat. 7:12).
  • Give your mate due courtesy. The Mills Brothers sang, “You always hurt the one you love.” That may be the tendency, but we need to do better than that. Should you speak more harshly and impatiently to your mate than to your boss, employees, neighbors, friends, or attractive stranger? Don’t let familiarity breed contempt.
  • Swallow your pride. Do you feel the need to always be right, to always win? That’s not healthy or conducive to a happy marriage. Pride has damaged innumerable relationships (Prov. 16:18).
  • Act like Jesus. While He wasn’t married, He did interact with many people. Not all of those were friendly. Many were prone to be antagonistic. Jesus preached, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Mat. 5:9). He also urged conflict resolution as a high priority (Mat. 5:24). Jesus lived a perfect life (1 Pet. 2:22), a life of example for the rest of us (1 Pet. 2:21).

None of us will ever be sin-free and perfect! Disagreements will continually pop up between husbands and wives, simple because no two individuals see everything alike. But, the vicious cycle of fighting, wounding, withdrawing, repenting, and repeating is hurting more marriages than we want to admit. It’s time to get off the roller coaster. Let’s start today!

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“PRCHNG1”

Neal Pollard

The title above, PRCHNG1, was once the vanity tag on a truck I owned. When in 2004 I said a sentimental goodbye to the “Black Bullet” (as Kathy affectionately named my 1985 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe pickup, which I traded in on a “new” 1992 Dodge Dakota), I transferred the tags down at the DMV.

As I picked up a number at the front counter, I had my tags in hand, and the receptionist saw them. It launched an interesting conversation.

She said, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to try that. I bet that’s so fun. Is it scary?”

I was puzzled and said so.

She said, “Your tags. How long have you been parachuting?”

I guffawed.

You may have surmised by now that my tag stood for “Preaching One.” I worked with DMV originally to find something that gave that clue. “Preacher,” “Mr Preach,” “Preacher,” and several others were already snagged. So I settled on “PRCHNG1.”

I thought it was clear, but apparently my fellow motorists either thought I was in some airborne division or maybe purchased hand guns. I don’t know.

As Christians, we’re told to be salt, light, and leaven, to clearly point others to Jesus.

When others see your works (cf. Mat. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:12), do they conclude that you are a Christian? Or does the general tone and slant of your life lead people to contrary conclusions?

Be careful! Others are watching us, and they make assumptions about our character and lives by what they see. Let us make it plain (cf. Hab. 2:2)!

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Enlightening Journey

Neal Pollard

I have been preaching full-time for 26-plus years, and made my first attempts over three decades ago. I’ve taught Bible classes about the same length of time and taught in a preacher training school for a dozen years. I’m a preacher’s son and feel like a fairly diligent student. But, this trip has been enlightening in many ways.

I’ve learned more about the physical features of the land. Today is just a sampling of that. Going to the Shephelah, the Judean foothills or lowlands, we looked at ruins of the Old Testament town of Tel Beit Shemesh. It was a fertile, strategically important area and the site of conflict between particularly the Israelites and Philistines.  The valley of Elah, also a famous location of conflict between Israel and Philistia, was a playing field surrounded by two stadiums, those Judean foothills where each army camped. We got to walk in the creek bed where David retrieved his five smooth stones. But far to the south, where we ended up in the afternoon, we reached the arid, though surprisingly green, area at the very south of the nation–Beersheba. It is south of the mountains of Jerusalem, at the northern edge of the hot, flat Negev desert. Each day, we’ve been surprised and enlightened by the secrets of this land unlocked with our GeoBasics book, an expert guide, and an extremely knowledgeable tour group leader.

I’ve learned more about the people I’m traveling with. Each day, I’ve said something about them, but the blessing continues with every new day. You can’t travel with anyone for this long without learning new and interesting and unexpected information.

I’ve learned something about the religion of the land I’m in. I know far less about Judaism than I do areas of Christendom, but tonight we had a rabbi speak to us after dinner. He is a conservative rabbi that grew up an Orthodox Jew. He shared with us the viewpoint of at least a portion of the Jews in Israel and the rest of the world. When I heard him, it showed me how much there is for us to share with so many people in this world. It also told me something of the unique hope found in the New Testament.

Ive learned more principles about the Word of God, especially as viewed through the lens of Bible Geography. Wes Autrey gave a powerful lesson overlooking the valley of Elah, where David defeated Goliath. Adeptly using that story, he urged us to see the stone fired by David as faith in action. Donnie Bates, at Bersheva, related how the God revealed there is literally the living God who sees me. In the wilderness, God was there to be with His people. Masterful! Every day, the lessons have tied the geographical location to a spiritual lesson that has helped me in my relationship to God, His Word, and this land. I’ll never forget it.

I’ve learned more about me.  These days have exposed those areas in me that need more work. They’ve shown me what touches my heart and how. They’ve shown me what I should be doing more effectively and why. It seems strange that a place would help do this, but it has done exactly that.

The journey still has about three days left. The days are long and tiring, but thrilling, too. And, as today perfectly represents, they are so enlightening.

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A Joyful Journey

Neal Pollard

One thing becomes more clear each day as this trip unfolds, and that’s the bond and enjoyment among the travelers this trip is producing. No trip is without it’s bumps and bruises, but the days have brought us closer together as we collective experience the often “overwhelming” moments of the day. It’s wonderful to love and like the people you travel with. There’s lots of laughing and talking, perhaps accentuated by the incredible things we see each day. That’s the result of leadership, and John and Carla Moore have done an incredible job setting a happy tone. But there’ll be more to say about that later.

This day started at an incredible site, uncovered only about a decade ago. After spending the night in Bethlehem (it’s so cool just to type that!), we went down from Bethlehem toward the biblical city of Tekoa. There, we saw the Herodium, one of the palaces of Herod the Great and the place he was buried. Michael Hite contrasted his opulence and extravagance, destined for ruin and decay, with the living stones that make up God’s spiritual house (cf. 1 Pet. 2:9-10). Afterward, we enjoyed a few hours at the Israel Museum, seeing so many artifacts collected from various archaeological sites–including many tels we have visited on this trip.

From there, we went into the old city of Jerusalem for the first time. We went to the presumed site of the city of David, then down into Hezekiah’s tunnel. This wet tunnel goes for over 1700 feet with water as high as the thigh. It was an incredible engineering feat that protected Jerusalem’s water supply when the Assyrians laid siege during Hezekiah’s reign. We sang our way through much of the tunnel, and laughed a lot, too. Several Israeli teenagers were just ahead of us and enjoyed our singing so much they asked for an encore when we arrived at Siloam’s pool. Tyler King shared a great lesson with us from John 9.

After dinner, several of us went down to the old city at night. We walked in through the Damascus Gate in the Muslim quarter and eventually wound our way over to the western wall. We were treated to a hoard of sights and smells, then wearily returned to our hotel rooms. Every day is thrilling, educational, and overwhelming, but the people continue to bring as much joy and enjoyment as the places we are going (cf. Isa. 52:8-9).

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An Emotional Journey

Neal Pollard

This being the only Sunday in Israel on this journey, it’s not surprising that this day would be so highly emotional. We began the day at the Dead Sea, where we worshipped together (being several hours away from the Nazareth congregation). The songs we sing are always profound, but something about looking out a window at the landscapes of the Holy Land honestly evoked even more feelings as we sang “How Great Thou Art,” “He Could Have Called 10,000 Angels” or “Surround Us Lord.” The tight bond of fellowship with other New Testament Christians was (and is) intense. Dan Owen challenged us not just to know the Word of God, but to do it! What a challenging gap between the two! Then, we saw and explored the grounds of perhaps the greatest discovery of the 20th Century, the caves of Qumran. We heard that just this past week a scroll containing text from the book of Esther found in one of the caves, marking the fact that the entire Old Testament was discovered in them (read this interesting article). Such thrilling, faith building facts, pointing to the faithful transmission of copies of the original autographs of the biblical canon.

From there, we went to the Jordan River to the approximate place where Jesus obeyed the will of God being baptized by John. Watching particularly those of the Russian Orthodox religion being baptized en masse, this was a site of faith for so many people. As John Moore said, “It shows the great challenge to faithfully declare the Word of God to the world.” Despite the misguided beliefs of the crowds at this hallowed spot, how encouraging to see so many who believe in God, His Son, and the importance of His coming.

We moved along to Jericho for an incredible experience, standing at the oldest city in the world. It was the place where the greatest generation of Israel began their conquest of the land promised by God to their forefather Abraham. It was also the site of so many important events in Jesus’ ministry, from Zaccheus to Bartimaeus. It was also one end of the journey made by the unfortunate man in Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan. A place we’ve studied about since we are little children, Jericho lay out before us as a marvel our eyes could behold. Donnie Bates brought it vividly to life, speaking to us there with the admonition that when we do things God’s way there’s victory but when we go our own way there’s defeat. What a feeling of awe and excitement, being soldiers of Christ!

Then, oh the emotion of making the initial drive into Jerusalem. Stopping at the Ma’ale Adummim, imagining the Jews en route to Jerusalem and singing the songs of Ascent (Psalm 120-134), we were mesmerized by the grandeur of the wilderness even as we were surrounded by Bedouins extra eager to hawk their wares and baubles to us as we read Scripture and prayed. The initial view of the Mount of Olives and the walls of Jerusalem brought exclamations from people all over the bus. It’s hard to describe the well of emotion kindled by such views. A stop at Mt. Scopus, with an exceptional view of the Temple Mount, part of which we recognize as Mt. Moriah, intensified so many feelings.

Today, there were so many smiles, songs, and tears, but also many moments of solemn silence. How better to describe it than emotional? It makes the needed feelings of dedication and diligence raw and real, I’m so thankful I got to experience it and to experience it with such wonderful people.

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Cave Four, Qumran (photo by Kathy Pollard)

Journey To The Top Of The Lowest Place On Earth

Neal Pollard

Today marked a slower paced day filled with significant stops. One of our group, Melissa Herbelin, would later say that she was not excited about the prospect of our first stop before she arrived but afterward was thrilled to have been there. We woke up at the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. But our first stop, Masada, was over 1300 feet up from the ground. It was home to a fortress and palace built by Herod the Great as a place of refuge were he to need it for political reasons in the often tenuous times of the Roman Empire with its intrigues and alliances. Accessed today by a cable car, the steep mountain detached from the rest of the Moab Mountains was thought impregnable. It was there that the last of the Jewish zealots and rebels against Rome, 960 of them, withstood the great Roman legion until finally committing suicide. The remains are impressive, from Herod’s three-tier palace to the deep cistern and other edifices like the synagogue, storehouses, and the ingenious aqueduct system the king put in place. Herod never lived there, but the insurrections held up there until their deaths signaled the end of the revolt. Many have wondered if David wrote some of the psalms from this impressive spot before Herod build his stronghold there. Dan Owen chose to focus us on the tenacity of the Jewish zealots and Roman army as each fought to defeat the other, and he told us their cause was not eternal. He encouraged us to fight with that intensity for our eternal goals.

About ten miles north of Masada, we arrived at En Gedi. This is an oasis of incredible lushness in the midst of the dry, brown Negev desert. Home to the rock badger, Nubian ibex, and endangered starling, among other creatures, it is home to two large and several smaller waterfalls. Ron Crawforth led us to consider events, like Saul’s pursuit of David (1 Sam. 24) and some of David’s Psalms, like Psalm 37, that could well have occurred in this precise oasis location. Not many other places would fit the description so well.

Finally, we came back to the Dead Sea to see one of God’s great marvels. It is pondered that this area was part of the grazing area seen by Lot and part of the choice land he took for himself and his herds, an area later destroyed by God with fire and brimstone (cf. Deut. 29:23–“brimstone and salt”). Several of our group floated or stood in the water of this unique, mineralized sea. They played and marveled at the lowest place on earth.

We continue to make this journey as a group bound by Christ and being bound closer to one another. Very little complaining is heard and a general spirit of joyful fellowship wins each day. Thank God for the times in which we live and the opportunity we have to journey in the footsteps of Christ.

Looking across at the Dead Sea from the David Waterfall at Ein Gedi (photo: Neal Pollard)
The BV group at the Dead Sea (photo: Neal Pollard)
Looking across the Negev desert from the top of Masada (photo: Neal Pollard)

The Ambition Of A Burmese Python In The Everglades

preacherpollard's avatarThe Preacher Pollard Blog

Neal Pollard

No, I have not gone geographically goofy!

It’ll take more than a sack lunch to go from Florida to southern Asia, but because some pet owners have deposited their no-longer-wanted pythons into the Everglade Swamp there have arisen some interesting ecological dilemmas. The most spectacular one I have seen had pictorial documentation to prove itself. There, in the black and white of the newspaper, was a Burmese python that had burst in its attempt to swallow…an alligator!

What about you? Do you have big goals and dreams? Where do you see yourself this time next year? By retirement time? In eternity? What tangible things are you “biting off” to make those goals reality? Do you have soul-winning and other spiritual goals? Would you like to be a “lighthouse Christian” whose example motivates many to be like Jesus?

How big are you thinking? How big can you think?

Remember…

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Journey To The Sea And To The South

Neal Pollard

Today was a day about the Changeless and change. As we got on the bus to depart, we sang to John Moore who saw a change from one year to the next as we celebrated his birthday. Our tour started at the Jordan River at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus’ baptism signaled a change in His life and the beginning of His public ministry. We rode a boat on the Sea of Galilee, which led our thoughts (as Michael Hite spoke to us) to a life-changing experience for the apostles as they watched their Teacher show His miraculous power over winds and waves. Just the stiff westerly breeze we experienced helped us appreciate what a violent,east driven storm would have done to change courage to fear in an instant. We went to Beit She’an, where Saul’s body was nailed after his violent death in battle. This signaled a change in Israel’s leadership. In New Testament times, the city was one of ten cities known as the Decapolis where Jesus did miracles and brought His message of eternal change (Mark 5:20; 7:31ff). Ken Dawdy spoke to us of this city as we sat in the well-preserved theatre. Then, we made the two-plus hour journey southeast to the Dead Sea. We watched the gradual change of terrain and topography, going from lush, hilly and green to arid, dry, brown and accented by the dramatic contrast of the Dead Sea. All along the way, I thought of the words, “Change and decay in all around I see; Oh Thou who changes not, abide with me.” Thousands of years of rich history reside in this hallowed land. Change aptly describes the land. We passed through territory claimed by dozens of nations through time. Overseeing and ruling over it all is the God who changes not! Praise God for His steady, unchanging hand, a hand we count on to hold, protect, and comfort us whatever changes come into our lives!

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View of Beit She’An (Photo: Neal Pollard)

Journey To Jesus’ Hometown

Neal Pollard

The last two days have been full of interesting events, We went to Nazareth to see where Jesus grew up. In the place He learned Joseph’s trade and where Jews hearing Him open the door to the Gentiles wanted to throw Him off the brow of the hill, we visited the only known congregation of the Lord’s church in the whole nation. They served us lunch, We sang, prayed and fellowshipped with them. We saw the spot where it’s posited that Mary received news that she would conceive a child. We visited Mt. Precipice, thought by some to be the place where the Jews angrily tried to throw Jesus down. Wayne Burger shared some tremendous truths from Luke four. It was a surprisingly emotional day, especially because of the deep connection I felt with the family of Christ I was able to share it all with,

This morning, we woke up at the Sea of Galilee. Keith Kasarjian and I went for a run and then I nearly sliced off my finger with a cheese knife (on cheese I never got to eat). But the day was eventful again, visiting two cities where we know Jesus walked. The towns and synagogues of Capernaum, where Denny Petrillo shared some interesting facts and applicable truth, and Chorazin hold so much history in them, We went up to the ancient city of Dan, which even earlier than the conquest period was a Canaanite city almost certainly visited by Abraham. It became infamous as one of the two cities set up by Jeroboam as a center of idolatrous worship. We then were able to travel to Caesarea Philippi, where Jesus and the disciples stood amid unbelievable pagan idolatry and affirmed the truth of His Deity. Tyler King told us how precious the truth of His Lordship is.

Amid all these startling scenes and thoughts, as John Moore reminded us near the Israeli-Syrian U.N. controlled buffer zone, we serve a Christ who came to bring unity and peace in a divided world. We came close enough to see across into both Lebanon and Syria, both of whom have been enemies of Israel for some time. Israel itself is a nation not friendly to foreign missionaries preaching New Testament Christianity and evangelism is difficult among the Orthodox Jew and Muslim populations. But we visited places where Jesus started everything, not just a movement that changed the world but THE movement of all movements. It’s what has us moving from place to place in this beautiful country and what moves our hearts so deeply,

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Adjustments On The Journey

Neal Pollard

We encountered a delay in Newark, New Jersey, that slowed down our journey. Our plane had made the long haul from Hong Kong and needed some maintenance work before we could take off. This meant that we arrived in Tel Aviv over an hour behind schedule. Between that and the lengthy customs process, we were a couple of hours behind schedule. John and Carla put together such an incredibly thoughtful itinerary. Because of the delay, however, we had to eliminate the first stop from the planned journey. Aphek, where Joshua apportioned the tribal inheritance, where the ark was stolen, and where Israel fought Syria. Instead, we journeyed up to the an amazing city, with its harbor, the place where Paul was interred and transferred to Rome (Acts 21-25), where Pilate stayed, and which Herod the Great built. Caesarea Maritima, with its impressive colosseum and hippodrome, with its engineering marvel, the aqueducts, and with its ingeniously designed harbor, sits at the Mediterranean Sea. Philip preached here (Acts 8:40). Peter saw his vision calling him to preach to the Gentiles here (Acts 10:1ff). Herod died his gruesome death here (Acts 12). While we had to hurry through this incredible site, we sat and listened to John Moore deliver a powerful devotional lesson about the blessings God gave Israel, the testing ground of faith and trust in God’s leadership, and the challenge to us to trust in Him and receive His blessings today. How incredible that we got to do this on the day of our arrival, jet lagged and fatigued as we all were. Even in our mental fog and physical exhaustion, what a blessing to be able to share in all of this with so many of our Bear Valley family members. There are 39 of us on this journey, experiencing the expected and unexpected, soaking in the powerful places and principles that seem to be as fruitful as the orange, fig, avocado, fig, date palm, and banana trees we saw along the journey from Tel Aviv to Caesarea. Not everything will go smoothly. With about 40 people moving from place to place, flexibility will be the name of the game. Each new day, we will adjust yet we will appreciate every detail!

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On A Journey

Neal Pollard

We’re at B20 at the Denver International Airport, waiting to take off for Israel. We’ve been looking forward to this trip and in some ways more than any other trip we’ve been on. There are at least two reasons why. First, we’re going to the Holy Lands. When we were there last summer, we felt sure that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to God’s blessings, a generous benefactor, and our kind elders, we’re able to go back and see the places where Bible events occurred and walk again in the footsteps of our Savior. Second, we’re going with so many special people. As people walk up to our gate, it’s exciting to see them and know that we’ll be experiencing this with my Bear Valley brothers and sisters. We have elders, deacons, teachers, students, and wonderful members who we will experience this with. To see these sites and feel these feelings is wonderful enough, but to do so in the fellowship of friends and spiritual family is even greater.

I believe that I will be reminded throughout each day of the blessing of the church. To be able to connect that to the place where the church began will be special and thrilling. Having Kathy by my side is always my chiefest blessing, but to associate with so many other people with whom we share faith and life will stay with us for the rest of our lives. With your permission, I will be sharing observations and facts from the various places on our journey. Thank you for coming along with us, if only in a virtual sense. We’d appreciate your prayers over the next several days. I leave you with the thoughts of Jeremiah, who said, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (29:11). May God bless us all on the grand journey we’re making from this world to eternity.

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Looking at the Mediterranean Sea from Ashkelon, Israel. 

Grocery Bag In A Bush

Scott Phillips

My girls recently modified the game of Slug Bug in order to make it more exciting and faster-paced. A couple of months ago, with the whole family in the car, we were introduced to it when we heard the words “gocery bag in a bush” shouted three times in rapid succession followed by “wow! three in a row” from one of the other girls.

The modification was simple. Instead of calling out VW Beetles, we all began to call out grocery bags that were snagged up in a bush alongside the road. We would also accept “tree.”  A grocery bag caught in a tree was also acceptable. Turns out, “Grocery Bag In A Bush” is much more exciting and fun than Slug Bug. Tons more action! I’ve never seen so many grocery bags in my life! And you should hear the squeals and laughter when one was spotted so far up in a tree that we all knew that it wasn’t coming down until the tree did.

Good times.

I’ve thought about Grocery Bag In A Bush many times since that day, and have made many observations about it. I’d like to share three of them.

Observation #1
The grocery bags have always been, and will always be, there. I just never “saw” them before. I don’t recall seeing a single slug bug while playing Grocery Bag In A Bush, even though they were probably there.

Conclusion #1
I will see that which I look for. Matthew 7:7-8 says,  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

Observation #2
Grocery Bags don’t belong in a bush or a tree. It’s not what they were created for, but somehow they have found themselves hopelessly ensnared. They will most likely remain ensnared until someone cares enough to pick them up, or a violent storm rips them away from the unreachable limb where they are trapped. And if no one stops and picks them up, they will most likely drift away until they find themselves ensnared in another bush.

Conclusion #2
While we may excel at “stopping to say hello” when a brother is in the way, we should not let the business of “rolling our gospel chariots along” keep us from our responsibility to the lost to “stop and pick them up”.

Observation #3
We all financially support a vast army of sanitation workers through taxes and fees. We even personally pay for these services out of pocket so that they will come by our house each week to take our trash, and grocery bags, to where they belong. And yet, the grocery bags are everywhere.

Conclusion #3
Christianity cannot be outsoursed. It’s not enough to pay for, or support others, to do the work for us. This world is not our home, but it becomes a more beautiful place when each of us can see those around us who are ensnared in sin, and gently help them get to where they belong.

Feel free to make your own observations from this parable. It’s not perfect, and I’m certainly not equating those trapped in sin with trash. But before we start asking God to provide us with more opportunities, we might first ask ourselves if we are really in the  game. Because once you know what to look for, the opportunities are everywhere.

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[Scott Phillips serves as a deacon at the Bear Valley church of Christ. He and Tammi have a son and 7 daughters!]

Are You Grateful?

Neal Pollard

Jesus asked a lone, appreciative soul, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine–where are they? Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18). They were terrified (13), terminal (12), transformed (14), but they were not thankful. They were saved, but to what end? They were selfish and not spiritual. God made them whole, and what did they do? They blended into the world when they should have blessed The Word.

Ingratitude increasingly characterizes man’s interaction with man–the etiquette of thank you cards is rarer, the feelings of loyalty and appreciation for the American military and first responders is waning, and many have forgiven themselves of the debt owed to generations past whose sacrifice has led us to national plenty. This is not all-inclusive and at times there are spikes of improvement and pleasant, positive change toward greater thankfulness.

Yet, since the time when Christ’s sandals kicked up dust in Palestine, people have failed to show gratitude to Him. that the ingratitude comes from those whom He saved from the devil’s disease and death is remarkable! Yet, we all struggle with that sin.

New Testament writers point out how grave an error ingratitude is. Paul warned about the “ungrateful” (2 Tim. 3:2) who would ultimately make no spiritual progress. God rejects as foolish and futile those who “glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Rom. 1:21). Someone may ask, “Why make such a big deal about something so seemingly minor?”

Is it minor? If we’re not thankful to God, one or more things have occurred. (1) We are convinced there is no eternity and it’s all about here and now. (2) We have forgotten how it felt to be forgiven. (3) We believe that everything is about us and nothing is about anyone else, let alone God. (4) We have come to believe that sin is just no big deal. (5) We think we owe everything we have and are to no one but ourselves. No doubt, more answers could be postulated, but here is the bottom line. A failure to thank God for His abundant blessings makes one in more dire condition than any leper ever was. We may not be losing our extremities, our hair may not be turning bleach white, we may not have painful sores, and we may not be social outcasts. But, here is what has happened. Our heart is cold, our soul is endangered, we’re in denial, and we’re blinded to the realest of realities.

Won’t you say with David, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100:4-5)? Stop and think how much you owe to God. Translate that gratitude into godly servitude. Give Him your best. Give Him yourself. Give Him your thanks. 

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The Christian And Government 

Neal Pollard

There is a passage that can be so disturbing because it is so adamantly clear. That passage is Romans 13:1-7. The early church fathers had a lot to say about this passage. They lived at a time when the government sponsored and led persecution and even execution of Christians simply for being Christians and sharing Christ with others. Nobody living in our country today has any experience with what this is like. Despite the pain and price inflicted by the Roman Empire on them, over and over the early Christians defended Paul’s words in Romans 13.

  • Basil—It is right to submit to higher authority whenever a command of God is not violated thereby
  • Ambrosiaster—Those who believe cannot play fast and loose with the law
  • Apollinaris—To disobey rulers is condemned as a mistaken way of thinking
  • Chrysostom—There should be rulers and ruled and…that things should not just lapse into anarchy is the work of God’s wisdom (Ancient Christian Commentary, Vol. VI, Oden, ed.).

Whether you long for the Obama administration or love the Trump administration, whether you love or loathe your governor, senators, and congressmen, Romans 13 applies to us today.  Whatever your feelings about law enforcement or our judicial system, Romans 13 applies to us today. No one should be more conscientious about their relationship to the Civil Government than a Christian. What does this text reveal to us about “the earthly powers that be?”

  • The government has a Divine source (1). They are “from God” and “established by God.”
  • The government is a divine statute (2). Paul calls their ruling “the ordinance of God” and he warns against opposing such.
  • The government is comprised of Divine servants (3-6). The term Paul repeatedly uses of those within such earthly institutions is “ministers of God” (“servants of God,” 6) bearing the sword, bringing wrath, and devoting themselves to maintaining divinely-ordained order on earth.
  • The government carries Divine stipulations (7). God calls for Christians to render them what is due to them, namely taxes, customs, fear, and honor.

The limit to this is if they command us (forbidding or making us) to do what would cause us to disobey God (cf. Acts 5:29). That is not the same as commanding us to do something that restricts our “rights,” “freedoms,” or “liberties.” There may be privileges we enjoy in a free nation which contribute to our comfort, happiness, and enjoyment. They may even be dubbed “unalienable rights” in our national constitution. May we never confuse earthly privilege with divine precept. The inspired Paul makes it clear that God is behind government for the reasons seen above. Peter, in a context about civil government, reminds us that we are “aliens and strangers” on this earth (1 Pet. 2:11; cf. 13ff). As we loudly, lustily sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through…”  “For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet. 2:15). May God give us the strength and wisdom to this end!

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“Vain Jangling”

Neal Pollard

The English language has done some changing in the 400-plus years since the King James Version was made available. Within its pages, you’ll find phrases like “straitened in your own bowels” (2 Cor. 6:12), “superfluity of naughtiness” (Jas. 1:21), “bloody flux” (Acts 28:8), “filthy lucre” (Ti. 1:7), and “the thick bosses of his bucklers” (Job 15:26). There is a beauty and picturesqueness to the Elizabethan English, though. One example of this is in 1 Timothy 1:6, which warns against “vain jangling.” To me, that’s a vivid way of translating a compound Greek word translated elsewhere as “fruitless discussions” (NASB), “idle talk” (NKJV), “vain discussion” (ESV), “meaningless talk” (NIV), and “empty talk” (MEV). Have you ever heard anyone jangling keys or coins in their pockets? It’s usually a nervous tic and mindless habit, but it can loud and annoying. In the 17th Century, the word meant to “talk excessively or  noisily, squabbling” (Apple Dictionary, 2.2.2).

In context, Paul gives the culprits, the creed, the consequence, the contrast, and the cause of this “vain jangling.” The culprits are “certain men” (1:3) or “some men” (1:6). Their creed is “strange doctrines” (1:3), “myths and endless genealogies” (1:4), and this “fruitless discussion” (vain jangling). The consequences are dire, as such will “give rise to mere speculation” (1:4). The contrasts are “the administration of God which is by faith” (1:4) and “instruction (in) love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1:5). The cause is revealed in verse 7, that “they want to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.” Paul had a particular circumstance in mind, but is there an application to us today?

In 2018, there are numerous platforms and avenues to communicate. It can be easy to forget that James’ warnings about the tongue are not limited to words which are audibly heard, but whatever we speak. I need to be cautious about being a religious noisemaker, banging and clanging with reckless abandon. My words have meaning, and they hold the power of spiritual life or death within them (Prov. 18:21). Thus, great restraint, copious forethought, and thoughtful execution ought to permeate my speech, wherever it is “heard.” Otherwise, I may simply be declaring my thoughtless ignorance, both uninvited and unwelcome, and come off sounding like three dollars of pennies churning in the pocket of a champion fidgeter.

Paul speaks of Christians as “ambassadors” for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We must represent Him righteously and accurately. We may be the first and only megaphone through which Christ is proclaimed, so let us speak accordingly. Let’s make Him proud, for His message is “words of sober truth” (Acts 26:25), not vain jangling.

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Truth Is Truth, No Matter WHO Disagrees With It

Neal Pollard

Today, one of the most famous preachers of modern times died just short of his 100th birthday. Not only did he achieve longevity, his name was almost synonymous with American religion in the 20th Century. He reached hundreds of millions of people through live crusades, radio, and television. He was regularly listed as one of the “Ten Most Admired Men in the World.” His website claimed that he preached to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history (info via FoxNews.com).  His influence on society is unmistakeable.

However, this much loved and now much lamented man used the weight of his name and influence to oppose something which Scripture seems very clearly to teach. In the answer section of his website, he addresses the question, “Is baptism necessary for salvation?” While answering that he believed it to be important and that he had done it himself, he also said, “If baptism were a requirement for salvation, we would certainly say that.” His answer makes clear that one becomes a saved convert before baptism, the thief on the cross being used as proof of that claim. Many of those who left comments under his answer shows how deeply influential and popular his teaching on this was.

I believe in the vitality of the saying, “It’s never a matter of ‘who’s right,’ but ‘what’s right.’” Something is never right because I say it, some other preacher, or even the most famous preacher of the 20th Century says it. Something is right because Jesus and His apostles and prophets said it. Here is what they said:

  • “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Jesus)
  • “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins” (Peter)
  • “Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Ananias)
  • “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Paul)
  • “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Paul)
  • “ Corresponding to that (Noah and family brought safely through the water, 20, NP), baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (Peter)

I feel the loss of this renowned preacher is sad and tragic.  I appreciate his vast influence and the way he tried to use that for good in so many regards. Yet, if the Bereans found it necessary to compare the great apostle Paul’s preaching and teaching with Scripture, any of us who preach and teach today should want people to do the same. That’s the only way we will be able to determine what’s right!

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“What’s Your Passion?”

Neal Pollard

Most of us, repeatedly throughout our lives, get asked or ask ourselves the question, “What’s your passion?” The word, defined as “a strong and barely containable emotion,” is one we may use for ourselves but one as likely to be used by others to describe us. Thanks to social media, we can see people’s interests, hobbies, and diversions whenever we choose. They post pictures, make comments, and talk about them with great frequency. However, there are some people whose focus is so intent on some topic that their emotion spills over. If anyone else brings it up, they cannot refrain from jumping in “with both dogs.” Yet, they themselves are always finding and sharing relevant material that supports or upholds their views. Maybe it’s guns (for or against), race (black, white, or hispanic), politics (R or D), illegal immigration (for or against), or some equally charged issue. Have you ever noticed someone whose passion seems to be for being argumentative and disagreeable? Passion is unmistakeable.

Not only through social media, but through my every social interaction, my life is declaring what my passion is. Those closest to me are best equipped to reveal what that is, but everyone who is exposed to me for any period of time can figure it out. What a sobering thought! I know what I would want that to be. Paul said, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). In Philippians 3:10, he simply says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings…” We have the corpus of Paul’s inspired writings, and it is filled with his expressing that passion. We have eyewitnesses to his ministry, especially Luke, who verify that this is what drove him and ignited his passion.

A lot of people know that I enjoy dark roast coffee, all things Georgia Bulldogs, running, peanut butter, traveling, and my family, but do they see passion for Christ in my life? I don’t get to say what my passion is, simply by thinking about what it should be in some moment of reflection. It is what my life shows that it is. When all is said and done, what will have been the great passion of my life? What about you?

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