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Neal Pollard

Dave Chamberlin gave me a copy of the latest Civil War Times.  On page 14, there is a story about two of my great-great-great grandfathers and a picture of one of them, Stephen Pollard.  Apparently, the photo of great-grandpa has been “widely publicized” and went unattributed for some time.  It was found in the Liljenquist collection of Civil War portraits in the Library of Congress.  This grandfather survived the war and farmed in Haralson County, Georgia, until his death in 1899 (Petranek, Ed., Vol. 51, No. 6, 12/12, p. 14).

It’s the story of the other grandfather mentioned in the article, John Rigby, of the 35th Georgia Infantry, that is so fascinating.  The authors, Linda Wheeler and Sarah Richardson, did not know this story.  My cousin, Paul Pollard, told me about grandpa Rigby.  While fighting in the battle of Gaines Mills in 1862, grandpa Rigby was wounded seriously enough to be discharged.  He walked from Mechanicsville, Virginia, back home to Haralson County, Georgia.  While he was recovering at home, he and grandmother conceived their first child. About two years later, he was well enough to rejoin the 35th as they fought in the Wilderness Campaign of 1864. Though he received only a flesh wound, grandpa was captured by Union Forces and imprisoned in the infamous Elmira Prison Camp in upstate New York.  He died shortly after the signing of the Appamattox Treaty in the Spring of 1865.  But, if grandpa Rigby had not been wounded in Mechanicsville (where I preached almost 12 years!), I would not be here! What seeming providence, as God’s hand preserved a lineage that has produced several preachers and may well produce several more!

One of the most faith-building exercises is to study the eternal scheme of redemption in Scripture.  God worked out His salvation plan historically, through time and events, to bring the Christ into the world (cf. Gal. 4:4).  There were times, such as Noah’s day, awaiting the birth of Isaac, the period of the judges, the divided kingdom, the Babylonian Captivity, and many other events or eras where that plan seemed imperiled.  Yet, more than merely a story of providence, God’s eternal plan involves the sovereignty and intentional grace of God.  Peter said Jesus was crucified as part of “the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23).  God announced it beforehand (Acts 3:18).  It was foreknown by God from before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20).  To see the people and events used by God to bring us Christ should excite us.  Be reminded that this same God is at work today, providentially bringing about His purpose through willing people like you and me.  Be a part of God’s unfolding history simply by being at work to accomplish His purpose!

Yesterday morning’s sermon:  “Change, Then Hope” (http://www.bearvalleycofc.com/storage/sermonaudio/2012_1111AM_Change.mp3)

Improving Foreign Diplomacy.

Neal Pollard

Being roundly criticized for its handling of the Benghazi embassy attack, facing the continued threat of “Arab Spring,” ongoing awkwardness in dealing with foreign powers like China and Russia, and now replacing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the new administration is going to be challenged by foreign affairs issues in the foreseeable future.  It is an important issue because how we handle ourselves with the rest of the world determines our strength and weakness as a nation.  Proper diplomacy is key!

Churches and Christians in them continually face a similar challenge in interacting with non-believers and that system of thought identified in Scripture as “the world.”  New Testament writers identify the Lord’s church as “a holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9), but we are also said to be “aliens and strangers” in this world (1 Pet. 2:11). Inasmuch as diplomats are those tasked with managing international relations and representing their country abroad, we must understand as mission as “ambassadors for Christ” (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).  Peter gives us insight into how to improve our “foreign diplomacy.”

First, share generously (1 Pet. 2:9). Because of the important role we fill, chosen, royal, holy, and “possessed by God,” we need to “come to the table” ready to share.  Whether the world realizes it or not, they are poor in the most dire way possible.  Peter tells us to “proclaim the excellencies of Him” to the world.

Second, humbly recognize the importance of your status (1 Pet. 2:10).  Instead of being pompous and arrogant, we will feel the weight of our responsibility.  We represent God to the world, which is spiritually blind, deaf, and ignorant of the Bible and its teaching.  We also realize that we were once in darkness (2:9) and we have a checkered past (2:10).  This should make us more vigilant and determined as we reach out to the world.

Third, distinguish yourself in conduct (1 Pet. 2:11-12a).  According to these verses, that means avoiding what will lead us to self-destruct (“fleshly lusts”) and putting our best foot forward with the world (“keep your behavior excellent”).  You will be watched more closely, held to a higher, stricter standard, and criticized just for the “post” you hold.  You will even endure “slander…as evildoers.”

Finally, serve with honor and distinction (1 Pet. 2:12b).  Criticisms can be weathered. Accusations can be proven specious. Conduct is the key.  Because “of your good deeds, as they observe them,” they will “glorify God in the day of visitation.”  Stay true to what you know is right.  Jesus said, “Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Lk. 7:35).  In other words, time will tell through the fruit of your deeds, as you remain focused on your mission.

It is hard to say how the President and his cabinet will deal with their foreign diplomacy challenges.  Let us pray for them.  Meanwhile, let us stay focused on the indispensable role we have in that “holy nation” of the church!  That work impacts eternities.

THE LORD WHO LOOKS FROM HEAVEN.

Neal Pollard

The writer of Psalm 33 is unknown to us, but his words are powerful and poignant.  Particularly comforting is the heart of the psalm, verses six through seventeen.  From these verses, we are reminded about God’s position in the affairs of mankind on earth.

The Lord who looks from heaven created everything (Ps. 33:6).  He is neither caught off guard by nor unprepared for the things that happen over all the earth, in a single nation, or a single person’s life.  He preceded us under the sun He created, and, unless Christ comes again in our life, He will succeed us as we head to the grave.

The Lord who looks from heaven sustains everything (Ps. 33:7).  He even controls the weather, the water cycle, and every other facet of nature.  He has a firm grasp over all the things, nor’easters, tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards, and other storms, that threaten to overwhelm and eclipse us.

The Lord who looks from heaven controls everything (Ps. 33:8-12).  He controls the world and nature (8-9).  He controls what happens in nations (10).  His plans cannot be thwarted by men (11).  He blesses nations that serve and acknowledge Him (12).  That is never in doubt for even a single moment.

The Lord who looks from heaven sees everyone (Ps. 33:13-15).  He sees more than politicians and voters.  He understands complex matters like quantum physics and electoral colleges. His understanding goes infinitely deeper.  He knows all hearts and understands all works, at the most intimate level.

The Lord who looks from heaven saves everyone who follows Him (Ps. 33:16-17). It is not kings, mighty armies, warriors, great strength, horses, or anything else.  The rest of the Psalm reveals the comfort for any who look to the Lord for salvation.

He delivers the souls from death who fear Him and hope for His lovingkindness (18). He helps those who wait for Him (20).  Those who trust in Him rejoice in Him (21).  May we pray with the psalmist, “Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You” (22).

Neal Pollard

• Politics is not as important as civility.
• Politics is not as important as a spiritual opportunity.
• Politics is not as important as a soul.
• Politics is not as important as the Bible.
• Politics is not as important as righteousness.
• Politics is not as important as family.
• Politics is not as important as prayer.
• Politics is not as important as Sunday morning or Wednesday night Bible class.
• Politics is not as important as forming Christian relationships with all our spiritual family.
• Politics is not as important as the Lord’s church.
• Politics is not as important as unity in truth.
• Politics is not as important as faithfulness.
• Politics is not as important as Christianity.
• Politics is not as important as Christ.

We should do our civic duty and vote with a conscience guided by Scripture.  Unborn babies and biblical marriage are more important than any economic platform or energy plan.  But, inasmuch as Paul, Peter, Christ, and others were neither Republican, Democrat, or any other party affiliate (they declared no Roman political party, so far as scripture reveals), let us keep things in proper, spiritual perspective.  Outcomes of elections for president, house and senate may impact our national freedoms and direction, but what is most important is for Christians to be Christians all day every day, trying to win people to Christ and getting people to heaven.  Our greatest energy and emotion need to be for Christ and the church.  May we remember that, today and every day!

Neal Pollard

Love is one of the most misunderstood and abused words in the English language. Some of the more unloving things are done in its name. It is confused with lust, neglect, abuse, ignornace, and encouragement of evil. Even in religion, love is the banner of everything from hatred and terrorism to gross immorality and perversion. It is helpful to remind ourselves what constitutes love.
LOVE DOES NOT ENABLE WEAKNESS. Pretending that a loved one does not have a sin problem or character flaw is not loving. Protecting someone in a compulsive, addictive behavior from the consequences of their sin is extremely unloving. This is nurturing negative behavior.
LOVE DOES NOT EXCUSE SIN. Giving someone an out for sinful lifestyles may seem like the warm and fuzzy way to go, but God strongly condemns such validating (Rom. 1:32). We can go to incredible lengths to legitimize what transgresses God’s law.
LOVE DOES NOT ENCOURAGE PERVERSION. Jesus condemns sexual relationships that fall outside the original marriage grid (Matt. 19:4-5). Whether we are speaking of “shacking up,” “open marriages,” “gay marriages,” “alternative lifestyles,” or the like, we are referencing things which condemn the soul. That some would even push and promote such things in the name of love certainly disgusts our God (Hab. 1:13).
LOVE DOES NOT ENDORSE A LIE. Lies are of Satan (John 8:44). God is love (1 John 4:8). Therefore, lying and love are incongruous. They are from opposite sources. Telling someone who is not right with God that they are is a lie rather than an act of love. Leaving the impression that moral decadence is acceptable is disingenuous and thus unloving.
LOVE DOES NOT EXPECT PERFECTION. In fact, Paul says that love “does not take into account a wrong suffered” (1 Cor. 13:5). It “covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). In other words, love is not something we offer only on stringent conditions and unrealistic expectations. That is manipulation and not love. Thankfully, our loving God does not expect perfection from us. He knows we are incapable of it. If we, imperfect beings, cannot give a perfect God perfection, how could imperfect human beings give us, imperfect human beings, perfection? Think about it!
LOVE DOES NOT END RESPONSIBILITY. Love is not a substitute for performance. The abuser hopes that profuse profession of love will make his wife forget that he has beaten her. The liar hopes that verbal affirmation of love is enough to negate the hurt and anger of the one harmed by his or her dishonesty. The person who has yet to obey the gospel will freely confess, “I love the Lord.” That may well be, but it is an inadequate love that does not respond to God’s great love in humble obedience.
The world will never get love “right.” It is up to us to demonstrate it to them. We do this by loving one another (John 13:34-35). We do this by loving God enough to do His will (John 14:15). We do this by loving the world enough to show them the Light (Matt. 5:46; 28:19).

Neal Pollard

The modern definition of “pedagogue,” a strict teacher who gives meticulous, laborious assignments to the student, is a transliteration of the Greek word from which it comes.  The New Testament uses the word in multiple places.  In the first-century world, a pedagogue was a service whose job it was to take the children to school.  According to AMG’s annotated Strong’s Dictionary, it was “usually a slave or freedman to whose care the boys of a family were committed, who trained them up, instructed them at home, and accompanied them to the public schools” (2240).  He had general charge over a boy during the stage of life spanning about age 6 to 16 (Reinecker 510), a stage known in the Greek as “epheboi” (or, youth).  Once a Greek and Roman male reached adulthood, he no longer needed his pedagogue.  He was full-grown and mature.

Interestingly, Paul calls the Law of Moses our pedagogue.  In Galatians 3:23-24, he writes, “But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.”  That word “tutor” (NAS; “schoolmaster” in the KJV) is from the aforementioned Greek word, literally meaning “child-conductor.”

• The “pedagogue” served for a particular religious stage of life for mankind.  That stage is recorded for us in Old Testament history and spanned from the giving of the law at Sinai (Exo. 20) until it was taken out of the way at the cross (Col. 2).  It was in force throughout that time, though it was never God’s permanent solution to lead and instruct mankind.
• The “pedagogue’s” work existed until a later date when it was replaced by something else.  When Jesus took this pedagogue out of the way, He put a new, better law into effect.  We are led by His will (Col. 3:17).
• The “pedagogue” could not justify us to God.  Paul says as much, stating that it led us to Christ who justifies us by faith.  The writer of Hebrews speaks of a new and better covenant (Heb. 8:7ff).

Our pedagogue served its purpose.  The Old Testament pointed ahead to Christ.  The New Testament shows that Christ was known, foretold, and prophesied in the Old Testament.  All history centered around Christ, and that pedagogue sees to it that we learn that essential truth!

Neal Pollard

A historic storm is bearing down on the east coast.  Many forecasters are claiming that the impending weather phenomenon poised to hit the Mid-Atlantic and northeast, called a nor’easter, is the largest in history.  Coupled with that is the surging, strong category one hurricane, Sandy.  The two will clash together in a super storm being called “Frankenstorm”–due to its proximity in time to October 31st.  It will bring hurricane-force winds, storm surges, blizzards, tornadoes, possible tidal waves, and more.  The dramatic nature of this event was expressed this way by Stu Ostro, meteorologist for the Weather Channel: “”History is being written as an extreme weather event continues to unfold, one which will occupy a place in the annals of weather history as one of the most extraordinary to have affected the United States” (Doyle Rice, USA Today online, 10-29-12).

Events like this give perspective to who we are in contrast to the living God!  We are small, dependent, and relatively fragile, as events like this prove.  Arrogance and defiance are exchanged for humility and dependency.

The Christian’s confidence is in Christ, who proved Himself the Master of winds and waves (Mat. 8:26-27).  As the One who created everything that was made, including the elements of nature (Col. 1:16), His power exceeds anything that it can demonstrate.  As tens of millions face power outages, as property damages will be in the multi-billions of dollars, and as lives will be endangered by the unprecedented storm, this fact becomes more incredible and reassuring.  When the storms of life rage, He is our shelter.  If the physical storms threaten, we can rest in His eternal protection.  When that great event comes that ends it all (2 Pet. 3:10), we can be safe from eternal harm!  The Master of the winds and the waves mastered a problem even bigger than Sandy.  He mastered the sin problem.  If we make Him our Master, we need fear nothing this life may throw at us.

 

Please pray for the millions of people threatened by this storm, including a great many of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  –NP

Neal Pollard
I believe Hugh Stowell, many years ago, penned one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The song, “From Every Stormy Wind That Blows,” reads…

From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat,
‘Tis found beneath the mercy seat.
There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads,
A place than all besides more sweet;
It is the blood-bought mercy seat.
There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy seat.
There, there on eagle’s wings we soar,
And sin and sense seem all no more,
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy seat.

To fully appreciate this song, one must understand what the mercy seat is. We are introduced to the mercy seat in Exodus 25, after the Lord had made the covenant with Moses and Israel upon Mt. Sinai. The people were voluntarily to give of their means for the building of the tabernacle and its furniture (Ex 25:9). The pattern for the ark was given first (:10-16), followed by instructions for the mercy seat (:17-22).
The mercy seat covered the ark of the testimony in the holy of holies (cf., Ex 26:34). God told Moses, “There I will meet with you…” (Ex 26:22). It was a place of holiness, fellowship, righteousness, and instruction. Not even Aaron, the High Priest, could come before the mercy seat without offering a sin sacrifice for himself (Leviticus 16:2ff). God was there, appearing in a cloud over the mercy seat. The ritual Aaron had to follow to approach the holiness of God there was extensive (read Leviticus 16:3-14). Included in that was the placing of blood upon the mercy seat to make “atonement” for himself and his household. The same thing was done to the mercy seat to make atonement for the people (Leviticus 16:15). Later on, when the temple was built, a place was reserved for the mercy seat (1 Chronicles 28:11).
When the New Testament speaks of the mercy seat, the primary audience is the Jews. The mercy seat is figuratively used to represent the importance and significance of what Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross does in taking care of our sin problem. We depend on the mercy of God to save us from the guilt of our sins, and the symbol of the mercy seat is designed to help us see both the ugliness of our sin and the complete holiness of God. He absolutely will not receive us and forgive us without an “atonement” for our sins.
Therefore, when you come to New Testament verses speaking of “propitiation,” “atonement,” and “reconciliation,” take into consideration their Old Testament background. These words describe God’s justice and wrath being satisfied in some way. The “some way” is Jesus’ blood sacrifice on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:19 explains this by saying, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them…” Jesus, our High Priest (Heb 9:11-12), offered up His own blood, not for His sins but for our sins. By that sacrifice, we are made alive and right with God (Rom 5:11-21). But we must go to the designated place to receive the benefits of Jesus’ shed blood. The Bible says both that the blood (Revelation 1:5) and baptism (Acts 22:16) wash away our sins. So, Jesus’ blood washes away our sins at the point of baptism, submitted to by a repenting believer who is being baptized in order to have his or her sins forgiven (Acts 2:38).
It was certainly a relief to God’s Old Testament people to have their sins atoned for by the High Priest. But, each sacrifice each year was a reminder that the debt had not been fully satisfied (Heb 10:3-4). Thank God that what those sacrifices could NOT do, Jesus’ sacrifice did once for all time (Heb 7:27). When we do what God says to be saved, the debt against us is canceled and fully satisfied. If we continue to live faithful to God, that blood continues to save us (1 John 1:7). Because of this, no matter the hurts and heartaches we face in this life, we can have the peace and fellowship of God to hold us up “beneath the mercy seat.” What comfort!

Neal Pollard

A “straw man,” by definition, is “a sham argument set up to be defeated.”  If the term needs further defined, some examples should help.  Consider a few common, recognizable “strew men.”

• “…Even in the case of rape and incest.”  This is a straw man used by proponents of abortion on demand, a practice that will incur the wrath of God in keeping with His timeless, sovereign nature and character (Prov. 6:16-17; Ezek. 16:21).  Beyond that, consider the hard facts.  It is impossible to find any credible reporting agency that would assert a number higher than one percent of all abortions being for these reasons (between 1987-2004, the Alan Guttmacher Institute never found a statistic above one percent).  On the other hand, Dr. David C. Reardon writes that “in the only major study of pregnant rape victims ever done, Dr. Sandra Mahkorn found that 75 to 85 percent chose against abortion” (“Pregnancy and Sexual Assault,” 55-69, as quoted on abortionfacts.com).  A sinful practice, most often exercised for socio-economic and birth-control reasons, is shielded behind a straw man.
• “…But there are hypocrites in that church.”  This is a straw man used by some who have abandoned the assemblies.  They muster up examples of shallow or hollow Christianity to justify their own forsaking.  Their argument is that they are no worse off staying away than some who faithfully attend, but whose examples nullify any good in their attending.  Hypocrisy is an ancient evil (Mat. 23:28; 1 Pet. 2:1).  Preachers, elders, and deacons can even be guilty.  Yet, to cite such to justify rebelling against God’s will (Heb. 10:25), to defend that which jeopardizes our own soul, and to practice something that will have eternal consequences for ourselves and those we influence is incredibly weak and flimsy.  There are hypocrites among co-workers, fellow parents on our kids’ teams and activities, civic organizations, and anywhere else there is group dynamics.  Yet, we stick with those. One’s own disobedience cannot be hidden behind this straw man.
• “…Serving God is about love, not law.”  This is a straw man usually pulled out when obedience to God’s commands is stressed, even in uncomfortable, trying circumstances.  It is trotted out to oppose lessons with doctrinal “teeth,” that take a stand and come to an absolute conclusion.  With it, the idea is espoused that commands that might offend, disturb, and challenge (like church discipline, God’s law for marriage, divorce, and remarriage, the essentiality of baptism, or the singular nature of the church) should be avoided, that love and grace should be promoted instead.  Such a fallacy fails to see the biblical connection between love and obedience (John 14:15,21; Rom. 13:10).

May we reason well the foundation of our faith.  May we stand upon the rock solid foundation of Scripture.  It is unstable to lean upon a straw man.

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10) At both, Jew and Gentile were there.

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

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

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

 

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

• It is important that a man makes you laugh.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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