Category: Uncategorized

“Were You Preaching To Me?”


Neal Pollard

Perhaps the most frequent question I have been asked through the years immediately after I have finished preaching is, “Were you preaching to me?”  Unfortunately, I have not always answered that as effectively as I should.  Then, one day while listening to a great lesson on leadership by James Rogers, I heard his response.  A young man asked him that question, to which he replied, “Were you here this morning?”  “Yes.”  “Of course I was preaching to you.”  The young man was glad.  It would not have made sense for him to come and the sermon not be preached to him.

I have always worked hard to never write a sermon with a specific individual in mind.  I may preach sermons that address certain personalities or characteristic traits, but I was wisely warned when training to preach that using the pulpit to address personal vendettas, grievances, or grudges was extreme cowardice.  Doing that is unfair and abusive!

However, I would say to every hearer of my every sermon, I am indeed preaching to you!  Please take each sermon to heart (as I do!).  As you inspect it for truth, accept it if it is truth, and inspect your life by that truth.  There are those who are too hard on themselves and beat themselves up with unnecessary guilt as they hear sermons.  Yet, others who need to apply the lesson fail to make (or fight against making) personal application.

If the sermon is on making the Lord most important in life by faithfully attending services and you allow sports, occupation, homework, company, or other things to persistently replace that, the sermon is being preached to you.  If it is on making an effort to know your brethren better or visit the sick, widows, orphans, and needy and you are not doing it, take the sermon personally!  In fact, whatever the subject, apply it to yourself.  A good brother once told me, “I always take the sermon personally because I could always be doing my Christian duty better.”  Amen, brother!  So could I!

Please take each and every sermon personally!  It makes me feel like the time studying and preparing it was worthwhile.  And, always respond to it—not publicly, unless you need to do so.  Let it help make you a better Christian and better prepare you for heaven.  Hopefully, we can come to appreciate that the preacher is always preaching to each one of us, including himself!

Since I Set Foot In Asia

Neal Pollard

Paul called for the elders of the Ephesus church of Christ, who met him at Troas.  Paul was concerned for them, the church, and the brotherhood.  He wanted them prepared to do their work, even in difficult circumstances.  In addressing them, he uses a figure of speech that we use to this day.  He had, literally, “set foot” in Asia.  The idea is that from the moment he arrived to do mission work there, he was characterized in certain ways.  Moved along by the Holy Spirit, Paul could describe himself in a way that any of us should strive to have ourselves described.  Notice several things that describe his faithfulness as a Christian and how it ought to describe us, too.

Paul was bolstering (18).  He was present in a way that was beneficial and reassuring to others.  He was with them serving the Lord in humility and tears.  Notice the connection between serving the Lord and being there for others.  All of us have failed in this and all of us need to do better at seeing the connection between these two.  As we succeed in it, we will strengthen others.

Paul was broken-hearted (19).  What a man cries about says much about him.  Paul’s tears were not connected to a sports championship, a sappy movie, or even a misfortune to an animal.  They were not selfish tears.  He cried because of spiritual things.  There should be a tenderheartedness about us in things pertaining to Christ.

Paul was burdened (19).  Being a faithful Christian involves trials.  Paul said as much (2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Cor. 11:28).  People will try you, even if you are a faithful Christian and sometimes because of that.  They will try your patience, your attitude, and your character.  Paul was tested and approved by testing.

Paul was bold (20).  Despite opposition and persecution, Paul would not back down from telling the truth.  He knew what was right, and he knew it was right to share that and wrong to keep it to himself.  He did not shrink back from profitable declarations, whether in a public setting or even in the intimacy of a private setting.  Both forums can challenge our boldness.

Paul was balanced (20, 27).  He told the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  He veered neither to the left nor the right.  He did not hold back the parts he found more difficult or unpalatable.  Biblical balance betrays a love for people that shares everything necessary for life and godliness.

Paul was braced (22-25).  He was ready, whatever he had to face for Christ.  Death was no threat to Paul, who had already faced Jews who stoned him, riots that revolved around him, or false accusations that persisted against him.  He would face more of the same, but he was undeterred and prepared.

Paul was blameless (26).  This is the most striking thing about Paul’s Christian walk.  He could call himself innocent from the blood of all men.  He shared Christ, no matter what and no matter who.  What an incredible state of affairs, to have always preached the kingdom, “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2).

CHALLENGES WITH CLIMBING

Neal Pollard

CHALLENGES WITH CLIMBING

Neal Pollard

Today is the first day of a big event for Colorado, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.  It will be historic for at least one reason.  The race will include two 12,000 foot passes–Cottonwood (12,126) and Independence (12, 085).  The first twelve miles up Cottonwood is on dirt!  It will challenge the more than 120 pro racers from 12 nations, chiefly because of an altitude most of these racers are unaccustomed to facing.  Performance in that thin of air is necessarily reduced.  Bicyclists have to guard against going too fast or too slow.  They must find that right “middle gear” and essentially stay in it consistently.

Isn’t that the way it goes?  Stay contented in a spiritual rut, traveling the low roads, and you can pretty well coast along.  But, strive to climb to new heights and the challenge really begins!  Pushing yourself out there to evangelize is uncomfortable and in some cases hard.  Being distinct and different from the world when such is demanded by the Bible is difficult.  Defending an unpopular Bible truth can be painful!  Being an active, involved father and devoted husband can be inconvenient and time-intensive. Involvement in church work, faithfulness to church services, self-discipline in personal spirituality, and the like produce stiff challenges in our “upward call” (Phil. 3:14). Bible terminology calls the “heavenward way” narrow and difficult (Mat. 7:13-14).  We need help to make it to that “rock that is higher than” us (cf. Ps. 61:2). The truth is that while climbing those new heights gets easier with practice and experience, it will always be more difficult to reach up to God than to remain content and comfortable in the valley of mediocrity!  Accept the challenge of true Christianity and go higher!

Happy Wicca Day?

Neal Pollard

The News Centinel, the Knoxville newspaper, reports that Vanderbilt has among its holidays a Wiccan holiday listed on the BBC Interfaith Calendar.  Vandy administration says it cannot know how many students officially adhere to the pagan or Wiccan “faith,” but those who claim to be will be freed from classes to dance around the maypole and whatever else one does on an official Wiccan holiday (from news item, 8/18/11, 7A).  While the columnist is questioning how honest everyone will be, given its observance will be on one’s “honor,” the greater question is how much such multiculturalism is trying God’s perfect patience.  The push to tolerate anything and everything in the name of religion will eventually make the popular policy to “co-exist” untenable, even for those either naive or biblically ignorant.  Jesus speaks in exclusive terms, calling Himself the only way, truth, and life (cf. John 14:6).  Others in the New Testament follow this religiously exclusive idealogy.  There is no other name under heaven whereby one must be saved (Acts 4:12).  You will find this “salvation is only in Christ” message in other passages (Acts 10:43; 1 Tim. 2:5-6; Mt. 1:21; etc.).  So many “faiths” attempt no answer for our origin (cf. Buddhism) or a purpose beyond self (cf. paganism) or for our destiny (cf. materialism).  Others have added or changed God’s message regarding one or more of these areas–Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Protestantism, Catholicism, et al.  Others’ belief in their deity run counter or contradictorily to the truths taught in the Bible (cf. Islam).  There is a sea of religious confusion that either fails to answer the great questions of life or give false answers.  Only in Jesus can one find the truth, and one can only find the teaching of Jesus in the Bible.  That is a strikingly narrow statement to make in this post-postmodern era, but it is a statement behind which all of us who truly follow Jesus must make–not hatefully, but lovingly and not spitefully, but urgently!

“Good News!”


Neal Pollard

In Jesus’ public ministry, He came to people filled with misery and all too aware of bad news and preached good news to them (Matt. 11:5).  As His hope-filled message must have seemed improbable to them, He was compelled to exhort, “repent and believe the gospel” (Mk. 1:15).  The Lord never intended that His good news should be a secret (cf. Mk. 16:15).  Everyone deserves to hear the good news!

The ancient disciples took Jesus’ command to make disciples by spreading the good news quite seriously.  Philip and many other saints took this exciting message throughout the Samaritan community (Acts 8:25).  Nearly 500 miles from there, it was told by Paul and Barnabas in Derbe and Lystra (Acts 14:6-7).  It would be told across two bodies of water and over 1000 miles from that region of Lycaonia in Rome (Rom. 1:16).  It is little wonder that Paul would soon exclaim, “…be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven…” (Col. 1:23).  The good news was too valuable and wonderful to tuck away and review only in the worship assemblies.

Why is the good news of the gospel so important?  It centers upon the grace of God (Acts 20:24).  This means that God did something for man that man needed and cannot provide for himself.  The good news is that God made Christ, who did no sin (cf. Heb. 4:15), to be sin for every person in this world so that any individual who goes where that grace can be found can be made right with God.

While sin is a weight (Heb. 12:1), the news lightens the burden (Matt. 11:28-30).  While sin causes heartache and grief (Psa. 31:10), the news brings joy (Rom. 5:11).  While sin destroys and separates (Isa. 55:8-9), the good news offers new life (Rom. 6:4).

Many people in desperate need of good news are out there anxiously waiting to learn that there is reason and purpose for their lives.  Aimless and hopeless, they need the gospel.  Christians have possession of that blessing, but the same gospel will bless the glad receivers who have the chance to hear it (Acts 2:41).

Bad news seems to be snowballing into an ever-threatening avalanche of terror and unrest.  Yet, much more powerful in this life and the one to come is the powerful good news of Jesus and His love!  When more and more people hear the good news of the gospel, less and less bad news will pervade.  Truly, the gospel brings lasting hope.  Many will reject it, but let us renew our aim of getting out the good news!  How many will find eternal joy because we did?

 

REFLECTING ON THE “DOUGHTERY GANG”

Neal Pollard

It sounds like pure fiction!  Three siblings seemingly rotten to the core.  What triggered their criminal rampage that took them from Florida to Colorado, leading them to shoot at multiple police officers, steal cars, rob banks, and involve themselves in multiple high speed chases with law enforcement?  At the end of the manhunt, the eldest, a 29-year-old woman who was a stripper by profession, repeatedly fired at officers on the scene until she was finally shot in the leg.  Their photos, splashed all across the media, reveal three normal-looking young people.  Yet, between them, they have 20 felony charges in their criminal history.  There is unwed pregnancy, sexual perversion of multiple kinds, and an arsenal of weapons and ammunition they used freely until their capture.

We want to know what happened to create such monsters?  What kind of home training (or seeming lack thereof) did these three receive?  What would make them embrace such reckless, dangerous anarchy?

May I suggest that these three have exhibited an extreme example of a popular mindset in our culture?  What was on display in this crime spree was utter, unadulterated selfishness.  The FBI implied there may be a disdain for law enforcement, but one does not need to be privy to their tweets and texts to see that.  Reports are that on a social media account, the sister said, “I love to farm and shoot guys and wreck cars.  I’m a redneck and proud of it” (ajc.com).  This was self-centeredness and disdain for authority at its most unabashed.

Their parents certainly take the pressure off of any of the rest of us in a contest for “worst parents of the year.”  But, let us consider that we are instilling values in our children, by example, by neglect, by intentional teaching, and by what we prize and value.  We are giving the next generation its worldview by the decisions we make and rationale we employ.

I am not saying that we are raising firearm-crazy rednecks, but we are raising our children to have certain values and priorities.  They will become what we are helping to make them.  That sobers me to no end.  What a great responsibility God has placed upon our shoulders!  He will hold us accountable for the direction in which we are setting them.  Many people will talk about our children in the years and decades to come.  What will they say about them?  May words like “godly,” “committed,” “faithful,” “spiritual,” “unselfish,” and “servant” modify others’ descriptions of them!  May we be modeling those very traits before their impressionable eyes.

AFFECTED BY A CREDIT DOWNGRADE

Neal Pollard

I know it is on your mind if you are a working adult.  What does it mean that the United States, which, according to Michelle Bachmann, has had a AAA credit rating since 1917 and “has endured the great depression, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the terrorist attacks on 9/11” but has been downgraded to AA-plus?  How will this effect present financial functioning and future economic opportunities, including things like retirement?  Has our nation become like that cliched bum uncle that is loaned $1000 but refuses to pay it back, calling himself unable while keeping premium cable and smoking three packs a day?  If the government is to blame, why must bill-paying, responsible citizens pay?

Perhaps such questions are futile in looking at our national economy.  However, there is one arena in which we will never have to worry about a “credit downgrade.”  The apostle Paul mentions this extensively in Romans four.  In fact, all nine times the word “credited” is used in the NAS version, it is found in this single chapter.  The word is an accounting term meaning “to enter in the account book” (Reinecker 357).  The crux of the discussion is how righteousness is credited. Paul indicates that righteousness is credited to our account, not based on our performance but rather by belief in the resurrected Lord (cf. 4:24).  That is not to discount the necessity of a faith that obeys and does the works commanded by Christ.  It is, however, to remind us that our salvation can be trusted because it is built upon the worth and soundness of the perfect Son of God.  Jesus ever was, is, and ever will be perfect and sinless (2 Cor. 5:21).  God, from eternity to eternity, cannot and will not lie (cf. Heb. 6:19-20).  Therefore, justification through Christ can never be devalued.  Especially on a day like today, such reassurance is timely!  Christ is the only trustworthy foundation upon which to build life (cf. Matt. 7:24ff).

RAH, RAH, REALLY?


Neal Pollard

It sounds like the beginning of a corny joke.  “A Texas fan and an Oklahoma fan in Applebee’s got into a fight about which football team was better.  The Sooner jumped the Longhorn in the lobby, pulled a knife and stabbed himself.”  Seriously, the fight went worse for the Oklahoma fan, who was charged with assault and was in critical condition.  They say the Texas fan was “stable,” but that might be debatable.  Given the late hour of the brouhaha, it has been speculated that alcohol might have been involved.  Hmm.

This San Antonio skirmish is an extreme and, thankfully, rare example of how people can expend inordinate emotion about things that ultimate amount to absolutely nothing!  Our response to the subject of their heated, sustained battle is, “Who cares?”  Appended to the first question is this follow up, “Why so worked up about something so eminently minor?”  I have heard of members of the church who rooted for rivals that allowed their athletics allegiance to cause a rift between them, refusing to fellowship or even speak with their antagonists.  Unbelievable!

While this produces an opportune time to remind us to never let anything, sports, politics, or the like, to become a higher priority than our unity in Christ, reflect for a moment on a common, if less dramatic, occurrence.  Do we ever allow minor things, things that are not matters of eternal consequence, to escalate and grow into rifts and even skirmishes?  Sometimes, such rifts are caused by assumptions, presumptions, innuendos and intimations.  Before you know it, these create camps and schisms.  Look how it started at Corinth.  Paul wrote, “Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, ‘I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ” (1 Cor. 1:12).  Paul references “fruitless discussions” in 1 Timothy 1:6 and “worldly and empty chatter” in 1 Timothy 6:20.  How wise we are to keep the main things the main things and relegate these other things to the discard pile!

HE PUTS THEM IN OUR PATH

 

Neal Pollard

Something happened yesterday that makes me ashamed.  Before I share that, consider a prayer that we pray–or should pray–with frequency.  We say in public prayer and many of us in private prayer, “Lord, please open a door of opportunity.”  That’s scriptural and it follows the great example of Paul, who said, “Praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ…” (Col. 4:3).  God opened a “door of faith” for Paul and Barnabas to evangelize (Acts 14:27).  Spiritual healthiness involves wanting opportunities to serve the Lord, especially in making His kingdom grow.  If we believe that it is right to pray to God for this and we believe that God answers those prayers, what happens in our lives?  There are people He providentially places in our path for us to reach with the gospel.

Yesterday, in a BeauJos restaurant in Idaho Springs, I had such a moment.  Dale, my middle son, excitedly told me as I was returning from washing my hands, “Dad, that couple was praying for their food!  You should go talk to them!”  I told him something like “if the time is right, I’ll do that, son.”  Yes, I realize how “lame” that was.  I repented before Dale, and now ask your forgiveness, for such rationalization.  When could there be a better time?  Yes, I know what I would say next time.  It dawned on me as I was praying last night.

Dale is so gracious.  He told me, “That’s all right, dad.  It’s not like you only get one chance.”  Isn’t that a wonderful truth?  What a motivator!  God is the God of the second chance.  Not only that, if I prayed for an opportunity and he sent that one in BeauJos, won’t He do it again.  Next time, I resolve to be ready.  I must be.  If I am to trust prayer and God’s provision, He will put someone in my path.  May I be ready and willing to share Christ with them!

THE DAY WE HIT JOYCE

Neal Pollard

I have told this story to several individuals in the last seven-plus years, but have never mentioned it in a sermon or in print.  It was a remarkable event, one my son, Gary, and I shared with five other people right outside Boma Ngombe, Tanzania.  Gary was 10 years old and it was the first full day for one of our sons to be out of the country on a mission trip.  One of the American missionaries was driving us back from Moshi, where I had taught Bible class and preached that morning.  We were on our way back to Arusha, nearly halfway, when a teenaged orphan girl on a bicylce darted from behind a Coaster bus attempting the impossible feat of crossing the road despite automobiles going more than 50-miles per hour both ways.  Our driver did everything he could to avoid hitting her, but the embankment where we were was sheer and steep.  When she hit the windshield directly in front of me, I remember the feeling of horror that went though my head hit the dashboard almost as soon as we hit her.  Gary was sitting in the second row, behind me, and watched the whole thing.  I saw her continue to roll after hitting the road several feet behind our SUV.

As a Christian and human being, I felt anguish and disbelief at the girl lying there. As a father, I felt much guilt for exposing my son to such trauma and danger.  As a brother, I felt great empathy for the young man who had to cope with the knowledge of what had just happened and how it might effect him.  As a fellow passenger, I felt fear and shock.

To allay any apprehension you might feel, the girl survived the accident.  She broke her hip and suffered substantial abrasions.  Yet, I think of that day often.

That day, I saw how zealous some are to evangelize.  Elly Martin accompanied the missionary, who drove the orphan, Joyce, and her adopted mom to the hospital back in Moshi.  By the time they had driven the distance, Elly had gotten the woman police officer from Boma Ngombe into a Bible study and had taken the opportunity to teach Joyce’s “mom,” too.  Could there have been a better object lesson about the uncertainties of life than that?  What gave him the presence of mind to try and win the souls of the officer, the mother, and the orphan?  He appreciated his own salvation.

That day, I saw how quickly things can change.  One moment, we are thinking about lunch at the Meru Game Reserve.  The next moment, and for many moments after, we thought about the suffering of that girl, the devastation of our driver, and how it might impact the work there.  What was Joyce thinking about as she started her day?  Did she have plans?  What was she looking forward to in the days to come?  All of that changed in an instant.

That day, I saw the fragility of life.  I am still amazed that she survived that encounter.  Many, especially on that highway, have not.  My son would tell you that moment helped clarify the importance of his being ready to meet Christ.  Life, that precious gift from God, can be recalled at any moment.  While the whole episode happened in a seeming flash, the Bible refers to the end of time and earth as a mere “twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:52).

How I wish that never happened!  But, how instructive it has been for me since that day.  Hopefully, undesirable moments like these can be our teachers, guiding us to look past here and now and ponder that which lies beyond, Him who is above, and those that are all around us.

To “Let The Cat Out Of The Bag”

Neal Pollard

Apparently, in medieval times, unscrupulous merchants would advertise a pig for sale.  Less than savvy shoppers would buy one and the merchant would give them a bag, with wriggling creature inside, and instruct them not to open it until the creature was calmer.  When these duped ones finally opened the bag, there would be a cat rather than a pig in the sack.  Smart shoppers, on the other hand, would not fall for this trick but rather “let the cat out of the bag.”  This is also where the phrase, “pig in a poke,” originated.  One was advised not to buy a pig in a sack or they might find out they had been tricked.

Today, letting the cat out of the bag is equated with telling a secret in untimely fashion or gossiping or spreading news without approval or authorization (via “The Phrase Finder”).

While there are some things we should be anxious to tell, no matter the cost–like matters related to evangelism and the saving of souls, we need to be careful not to be known as the type who is prone to “let the cat out of the bag.”  People should be able to trust that what they tell us stays with us and goes no further.  Christians with proper ethics and character know when to keep things to themselves, to be discreet and trustworthy.  In Proverbs, this point is repeatedly made.  In Proverbs 11:13, we read, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.”  Again, “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; therefore, do not associate with a gossip” (Prov. 20:19).  Once more, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles” (Prov. 21:23).  These are words of wisdom to govern us the next time we are tempted to “let the cat out of the bag.”

THE DEBT DEBATE

Neal Pollard

As you know, the current debt debate has been raging for some time.  It is a tedious process, filled with emotion and causing no small concern.  So many have opinions about how it can be resolved, yet the resolution of the problem is actually clear and simple.  People simply do not want to do what is necessary to resolve it.  It requires sacrifice, hard choices, and not a little faith.

The implications of this debate cannot be overstated.  Consider for a moment the sides involved in this debate over the debt.  Some deny the debt exists.  Others dejectedly assert that there is no way to pay the incredible debt.  Frankly, some who suggest a solution to this debt crisis are misguided and even ignorant.  May I suggest that there is a debt problem, it is solvable, but there is only one way to rid ourselves of it.

God informs us repeatedly of the debt.  Through Solomon, He informs us, “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and does not sin” (Ecc. 7:20).  More succinctly, David and Paul say, “There is none righteous, not even one” (Ps. 53:3; Rom. 3:10).  Paul follows that up, saying, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23) and “all sinned” (Rom. 5:12).  While the Bible does not explicitly call our sin problem a debt, the idea is firmly implied (see Lk. 11:4; Mt. 18:27ff; Col. 2:14).  By sinning even once, we found ourselves in a debt we could not pay.  The Bible says Jesus, offering Himself at the cross, gave His life a ransom for all (Mk. 10:45; 1 Tim. 2:6).  He paid the debt!

Some deny a debt exists (1 Jn. 1:8,10).  Some, filled with guilt, believe their debt is too large to be paid (Lk. 5:8; Heb. 2:15).  So many offer “solutions” that do not suffice to eradicate the debt.  Some plans are incomplete–stressing the essentially of grace and/or faith, but omitting repentance and baptism (cf. Ac. 2:38).  Some plans are humanly devised and different from God’s plan–sprinkling for immersion, babies instead of those who are mentally accountable, baptizing for the dead, a Holy Spirit-induced conversion rather than an operation of free will.  Jesus is emphatic, saying there is only one way (Jn. 14:6).  We are not talking about defaulting on loans.  We are talking about an eternal destiny here.  The New Testament is plain.  There is one, heaven-authorized plan.  Following that eradicates the debt!  Debating that is futile and utterly counterproductive!

Strife Spreaders

Neal Pollard

Who couldn’t use more of any number of things–money, time, opportunities, friends, etc.  Our families would be blessed with an increase of precious memories, traditions, vacations, and even those glorious, ordinary moments together?  The nation could use more politicians with courage, public figures with proper, moral convictions, and ordinary citizens whose believe in and love for the God of the Bible were strong enough to turn the tide.  The church could use more volunteers, more holiness, more qualified elders, more preachers with backbone and compassion, more programs to accomplish God’s purpose on earth, and that list could go on for a while.  But, the church does not need more “strife spreaders.”
“Strife spreaders” are those who spread strife.  They may do so openly or clandestinely.  They may do so directly or even through innuendo and insinuation.  They may do so by peddling their side of a two-sided story.  They may do so by stirring up the discontent or dissatisfaction of other members.  They may do so through gossip or lying.  They may do so through assassinating the character of others, whether elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, or other members.

But, they that do so, do so at a tremendous price!  Solomon describes a worthless person as one who spreads strife (Prov. 6:14).  Then, he follows that up by speaking of “the seven deadly sins,” things done by man that are hated by God.  Last in the list is “one who spreads strife among brothers” (Prov. 6:19).  Solomon strikes hard at “strife spreaders.”  It is fueled by hatred (Prov. 10:12).  It is fed by pride and arrogance (Prov. 13:10; 28:25). It is fired by a hot-temper (Prov. 15:18). It is a feature of perversity (Prov. 16:28).  It flies from a fool’s lips (Prov. 18:6; 20:3 says, “Any fool will quarrel”).  It is a feature of sinful anger (Prov. 29:22; 30:33).  None of those verses mentions adultery, fornication, murder, theft, or false teaching, but strife will have done much harm to the souls of men when all is said and done.  It is easy enough to spread strife, but it is exceedingly and eternally unwise.  Paul warns that those who practice the spreading of strife will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Gal. 5:20-21).  That should be enough warning for all of us to continually be on guard against spreading strife, instead choosing to be those who sow the seed of peace and produce the fruit of righteousness (Jas. 3:18).

“Your Dress Is Ugly. LOL”


Neal Pollard

Since the advent of texting, various text-speak abbreviations have arisen into the general vocabulary–such as BTW, TTYL, FYI, BRB, etc.  Perhaps no abbreviation is used more than “LOL.”  From what I understand, that means “laugh out loud.”  It may be used to reply to something funny written by the one with whom you are corresponding.  It might accompany something funny that you wrote.  Often, it appears with no apparent provocation and rationale.  All of this is harmless.  I have noticed it being used a different way.  Kathy calls it, “Lash out language.”  Someone will say something cruel, derogatory, insulting, or otherwise demeaning, only to cover it with an “LOL.”  Apparently, that is supposed to “offset” the sting of the putdown or dig.

Of course, we understand that harsh and biting words cannot be neutralized that easily.  What is needed is forethought and restraint.  Paul reminds us that our speech is to always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6).  Too often, we may want to retaliate or wound with our words but also “cover our tracks” lest we be called on the words we use.  Who hasn’t seen a husband or wife insult a spouse’s weight, cooking, intelligence, or the like, but couch it with laughter or even a blithely stated, “Just kidding, dear.”  It doesn’t matter, does it?  The damage has been done.

Let us be careful to examine very carefully our choice of words.  Each of us has such power through our communication, for good or ill.  As Solomon put it, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).

WHEN YOU ASSEMBLE THIS SUNDAY

Neal Pollard

Not every one who comes to worship comes with proper motives or attitudes.  The mother of James and John, after falling down to worship Jesus, asked Him to give her boys the positions of highest honor in His coming kingdom (Mat. 20:20).  She had come to get something rather than give it.  So, today, one may make their top priority in searching for a “church home” one that has the most or the most diverse programs.  They are looking to get rather than give.  Actual worship is, to such a one, incidental.

The ancestors of the Samaritan woman at the well went as families to worship God in the mountain, but their worship was vain (John 4:20,22).  People routinely go, with good attitudes and intentions, to worship with groups that have no right to exist or who teach for doctrine the commandments of men.  They assemble with those whose worship is a departure from Scripture. Sadly, no matter how often they say “Lord, Lord,” it will do their souls no good (Mat. 7:21-23).

Stephen remembered a time in the family ancestry of his fellow Jews where idol worship was a plaguing problem (Acts 7:43). They had the tabernacle (and later the temple), but they had a difficult time putting away the gods of their daily lives (read Jer. 7:17,18).  Even wise King Solomon foolishly worshipped the “strange gods” with his wives (1 Ki. 11:4). Today, families may assemble to worship God on Sunday, but the gods (of wealth, material things, pleasure, recreation, entertainment, job, etc.) are always within reach before which they can bow.

But, the person faithfully assembled for true worship is blessed. Such a one is properly responding to what God wants. Jesus, in the above mentioned context concerning the Samaritan woman, informs us that “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).  True worship is spiritual, with acts done accurately by divine authority and with anticipation and proper attitude. The true worshipper wants to offer worship as often as he can as enthusiastically as he can.  He also wants what he offers to be what God wants.  When you assemble this Sunday, plan to place yourself in this last category!

Learning From The Church’s First Recorded Sin

Neal Pollard

The world likes to record and memorialize its “firsts”–the first airplane flight, Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color barrier, Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile, Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, and so forth.  There are some firsts no one relishes.  Oklahoma City was the site of the first federal building bombed by U.S. citizens.  Nevada was the first state to legalize prostitution.  Hawaii was the first state to legalize gay marriages.  Andrew Johnson was the first president impeached.  The 1919 Chicago White Sox was the first professional team caught losing on purpose for money.

Acts 5:1-4 records the first sin in the church.  It was a sin concerning money.  This sin, committed by Ananias and Sapphira, was written to warn us.  It contains many lessons we need today.  Consider a few of them.

The church was imperfect in the days of the apostles.  The church was, is, and always will be imperfect on the “human side.”  It is inevitable because we are all sinners (cf. Rom. 3:23).  Yet, the divine side of the church was, is, and always will be perfect, as perfect as God is.  The New Testament instructions and teaching about what the church is to be and do is not subject to change, for its Designer is divine.  Yet, we will never find a “perfect church” here because it is filled with flawed humans like us.

The church is right, though some in it are wrong.  There are some hypocrites in the church, as there are anywhere.  There are liars in the church, as there are anywhere.  There are covetous and greedy people in the church, as there are anywhere.  These things are wrong!  But it is not a refection on the purchaser or purchase price of the church.  A church can have members who are less than they should be without such being the grounds for us rejecting Christ and His church.

It is wrong to cover up sin.  God did not cover up their sin.  He advertised it in Acts five.  Sometimes, we are prone, when we see someone practicing sin, to look the other way or make excuses for it.  How consistent is it for us to preach against the sin of those “outside,” then ignore that which occurs “inside.”

One can commit sin while doing good.  This couple was giving to support the displaced saints in Jerusalem.  They had a part in it, but they lied and thus sinned.  The Bible reveals others who sinned while doing good–Nadab and Abihu were worshipping (Lev. 10:1-3).  Today, there are good people who sin in their teaching and worship.  What about those who sprinkle for baptism, add instruments to their singing, place women in positions of authority and leadership, teach salvation by faith alone, etc.?

There are many other lessons to be learned from this infamous couple.  May we so live and labor that we will be remembered by the Lord on the last day, but may it be a remembrance for righteousness and not wickedness.  Let us do right and for the right reasons!

(I believe these main points came as the result of a conversation I had with Flavil Nichols at least fifteen years ago).

 

SIDNEY, THE WORLD SNAIL RACING CHAMPION

 

Neal Pollard

Congham, England, was home to this year’s riveting race between arguably the world’s fastest snails.  Sidney, the winner, traveled 13 inches in a scorching 3 minutes, 41 seconds.  For the feat, he was awarded a silver tankard full of lettuce (via UPI).

Do you ever feel like a contestant in a snail race?  Does it ever seem like the faster you go, the further behind you get?  Perhaps you find yourself, at times, a jackrabbit observer helplessly watching others move at a snail’s pace, unwittingly testing and trying your patience as the wheels of progress seem, if turning, to be doing so imperceptibly.

There are times the Bible tells us to be swift.  James says to be quick to hear God’s Word (Js. 1:19).  Jesus says to quickly reconcile with our enemies (Mt. 5:25).  Ananias urged Saul to wash away his sins in baptize without delay (Acts 22:16).  There are also times the Bible tells us to be slow or to go slower.  Back in James one, we are to be slow to speak against or be wrathful against the Word of God (Js. 1:19).  Solomon wrote, “Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God” (Ecc. 5:2a).  He also lauds those “slow to anger” (Prov. 16:32). Hurriedness can amount to sloppiness (Pr. 19:2).  Quick-tempered behavior is roundly condemned (Pr. 14:17, 29).

Certainly, there are times when being slow, spiritually, can be costly or even catastrophic.  Jesus called those men slow to believe God’s Word “foolish” (Lk. 24:35).  Felix put off a response to the gospel, likely never getting around to the salvation of his soul (Ac. 24:25).  How many were going to get around to obeying the gospel, but will have been eternally too slow?  How many Christians were going to be restored to faithfulness, were going to get more involved, or were going put away sinful habits and lifestyles?  While growth is a protracted process, it is a detectable one.

Are you dragging your feet regarding something vitally important?  Are you traveling at a snail’s pace when you should be moving with haste?  Say with David, “I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart” (Ps. 119:132).

Why Do Preachers Wear Neckties?


Neal Pollard

Of course, not all preachers wear ties anymore.  Some among denominational preachers wear robes and collars, but that is an article for a different time.  Why do preachers wear neckties today?

To answer this requires some knowledge of the origin of neckties.  It is said that early Roman orators wore neckerchiefs to keep their vocal chords warm. Military members of ancient nations and civilizations, like China, Croatia, and France, wore them as visual accessories.  They have long been tied, pun intended, to status and wealth, and early predecessors were even used to mop up perspiration.  For many years, though, it has become a component of fashion that goes with the button-down shirt and suit or slacks and blazer.  It has come to signify dignity, formality, and solemnity, a recognition of the importance of an occasion.  Grooms typically adorn formal wear, including a bow tie, for the wedding.  People, though not as often as in days gone by, wear such apparel to funerals.  Galas and formal events, charities or other organized functions, are occasions where suits and ties are found.  Though society grows increasingly informal, many still recognize occasions where such attire, including the tie, is fitting.

As one who sat at the feet of Wendell Winkler, I will likely never preach without wearing a tie–outside of Bible camp, foreign mission trips, and similar situations.  A balanced, reasonable man, brother Winkler helped us see that the occasion of preaching commands as much dignity, respect, and reverence as we could muster.  This included a coat and tie.

We do not wear a tie for our vocal chords, but it is no doubt a visual accessory.  We do not don them as a symbol of wealth, and we should not be seeking status.  Most wear them out of respect, some out of habit, and others still out of a sense of others’ expectations.

But, here is the point.  A sound gospel preacher is not measured by what he puts around his neck.  Such a man is identified by what comes out of his mouth.  Such a man is determined by his thoughts, his character, and his fruits.  Far better is an honest truth-teller with his top button unfastened than a slick, deceptive orator who nonetheless is adorned with coat and cravat.  It is unlikely that Peter, Paul, or Jesus wore a tie.  It is fine and for many preferred for the preacher to have on a tie.  Just let him be sure that His heart is fastened to the Lord and His will (cf. Titus 2:10).

CUES FROM A CANDLE

Neal Pollard

My mother-in-law makes them.  There are usually a few in my office.  They have been used to light the way for centuries.  They are such simple devices, still a staple amid our technologically advanced age.

A candle requires a functioning wick.  This is the catalyst for the candle to burn.  That wick must be sufficiently long to hold and carry the flame.  If the wick is too short, the flame dies.  No wick and it’s useless.  Likewise, I need to be sure that my “wick” is fully functional, too.  Too many have a “short wick” or seemingly none at all.  They are quick-tempered, flying off the handle and into a rage (cf. Pro. 12:16; 29:11) .

A candle requires wax.  It is pretty hard before it is heated, but then is softens and melts.  Scented candles emit an aroma, too.  From this, I am reminded of the need I have to let God’s Word, which is like a fire (cf. Jer. 23:29), soften my heart and melt it.  As a child of God, as that Word works on my life it should cause me to emit an aroma pleasing to God (cf. 2 Cor. 2:14). It should also work to draw others to Him.

A candle is molded.  Even if it does not have a glass or other container, it is preformed and shaped by the candle maker.  That candle is designed to keep the shape given it by its creator.  Just so, I remember that God wishes to mold and shape my life.  If I let Him, He can change and transform me into something useful (cf. Rom. 12:2).  I must be true to His design for my life, pursuing a higher purpose than just earthly matters (Col. 3:1).

A candle’s color does not effect its ability.  If you have been by a candle display, you have seen how diverse the color spectrum is.  The color of the wax does not determine whether or not the candle works.  What a reminder for man, so prone to prejudice.  God, who created us all, gives no preference or priority to one race over another.  Thanks to Christ, such distinctions have been erased (Gal. 3:28).

A candle eventually is spent.  Manufacturers tout long-life candles, slow-burning candles, and the like.  Yet, if used, the candle will come to an end.  May I never forget that this body is not engineered for eternity, that this physical life will come to an end (Heb. 9:27).  May that come after a long and productive life used for His purpose.

CHEER UP THE LONELY

Neal Pollard

July 11th is National Cheer Up The Lonely Day.  I know that some of these observances are unworthy and meritless–July is also the month for “Disobedience Day,” “World UFO Day,” “Video Games Day,” “Embrace Your Geekness Day” (that’s today for any wanting to broadcast their nerdiness), “Yellow Pig Day,” and “Take Your Pants For A Walk Day.”  Almost every day on the calendar is national something day.  Yet, I appreciate very much the sentiment behind “Cheer Up The Lonely Day.”

Francis Pesek of Detroit, Michigan, is apparently the founder of this holiday.  The “Holiday Insights” website only says that Mr. Pesek “was a quiet, kind, wonderful man who had a heart of gold. He got the idea as a way of promoting kindness toward others who were lonely or forgotten as shut-ins or in nursing homes with no relatives or friends to look in on them” (click here).  Syndicated columnist Kerby Anderson writes, “The baby boom generation is headed for a crisis of loneliness.”  A Gallup study reported more than one in three Americans are lonely.  There are some more apt to suffer from long-term loneliness, such as those with chronic illness, the disabled, married people isolated from each other, widows and widowers, single adults, pessimists, and those who tend toward reclusiveness.  It leads to stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, negative relationships, and several health complications.

Most experts say that to a significant degree, the lonely person himself or herself plays the most key role in overcoming the loneliness.  Paying attention to others, serving and helping them, is key to defeating it.  There is also the need to focus, perhaps to an even greater degree, on faith and one’s relationship with God.  They may benefit from reading and other resources to improve relationship-building.

Yet, God has given us, as Christians, a responsibility to reach out to the lonely.  The Hebrews writer (12:12) quotes Isaiah, who urges God’s people to “encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble” (35:3).  Our task is to help those who are overcome by life’s troubles and temptations (cf. Gal. 6:1-2).  We are to visit those, like widows, in their “distress” (Js. 1:27).  Christ calls on those who wish to be saved to be engaged in visiting those having a variety of needs (Mt. 25:36).  Certainly, in principle, God calls on us to do what we can to ease the hurt and burden of loneliness.

It is encouraging to read how God feels about the lonely.  “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).  Jesus said He was sent to such as these (Lk. 4:18).  If God has such tender feelings for people such as the lonely, shouldn’t we?