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[TODAY’S BREAD comes from Thom Vaught, our deacon of missions and active member at Bear Valley, one who excels in the Bible classroom as well as behind the scenes.  You will enjoy this thought-provoking slice of bread from our guest “baker.”]

Thom Vaught

Shane Hamman was ready for competition on October 3^rd, 1996 in Philadelphia.  He loosened up approaching the bar with determination and confidence.  Because the bar was at chest level, Shane had to duck under it positioning himself bent slightly with the bar across the back of his shoulders.  As he lifted up the, the reinforced steel bar began to sag beneath the weight at each end.  Carrying the full weight, Shane stepped back from the barbell rests while the crowd watched on in anticipation.  He then executed an awe inspiring squat lowering until his upper legs were parallel to the floor then lifting the weight once again to shoulder height.  What made this so incredible is that Shane had just set a new powerlifting record by squatting 1,008 pounds.  That is more than the weight of two average refrigerators.  Often called “The Strongest Man in America”, many wanted to know the secret to Shane’s amazing strength.  After countless interviews, Shane continued answering questions about how he accomplished such a feat with the same response.

“the power of God flows through me and provides me with all of the strength I need.”

You see, even more powerful than the strength Shane’s body was the strength of his convictions.

However, as strong as Shane was, he could not manage to lift a single sin.  As a mater of fact, no man is able to lift the weight of their own sins.  David knew this well and makes a record of his spiritual struggle in Psalm 38.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; 

There is no health in my bones because of my sin. 

For my iniquities are gone over my head; 

As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me (3-4).

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I know exactly how David feels.  On several occasions I have found myself struggling in tears as the weight of my sin crushed down upon me.  No matter what burden of sin you are carrying on your shoulders right now you need to realize that there is hope.  Let’s look at how David ends this Psalm that starts off on such a sorrowful note.

Do not forsake me, O LORD; 

O my God, do not be far from me! 

Make haste to help me, 

O Lord, my salvation (21-22)!

Similar to David, it is because of both our weakness in temptation and desire for salvation that we put on Christ in repentance.  Only Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, was able and willing to take our burden of sin upon himself .  As we go throughout life, we need to reflect not in hopeless guilt, but in love and appreciation at the burden that has been lifted from your shoulders.  Remember that Jesus has done the Heavy Lifting.

Afterword

Further credit goes to Shane Hamman in that after retiring from weightlifting, he has continued good works by engaging in the Rachel’s Challenge program as a speaker.  This program was started in the wake of Columbine as a means for prominent individuals to deliver positive and compassionate messages to our nation’s teenagers.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,

Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995

by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Neal Pollard

I am currently reading a fascinating book by David Dary entitled, “The Oregon Trail: An American Saga.”  Though it contains a few factual errors, the gist of it is correct and it is well-written.  What originally piqued my interest in a book on this subject was a quick stop made with the Hites on our mini-vacation up to South Dakota a few years ago.  We stopped at Fort Laramie and Independence Rock, Wyoming, both spots integral to this famous American road.  We even stood on the trail, so well-traveled that there were actually ruts in the rock making up the portion of road where we stood.  The trail was blazed as the result of European explorers searching for a northwest passage to travel west from Europe to trade in the orient as well as by fur trading interests from several nations seeking an overland route to the northwest.  The Lewis and Clark expedition also contributed greatly to the formation of this road.  The blazing of this trail helped settle the west and give America its modern boundaries.  However, starvation, ambush, poverty, and natural hazards cost many their lives and their livelihood.  They would not give up, but rather traversed raging waters and withstood unthinkable adversity to open up one-half of this nation to settlement.

The old preachers used to say, “We are standing on the shoulders of pioneers.”  We sit in buildings we did not build or for which we did not pay.  We often are surrounded by Christians won to Christ or whose ancestors were so won through the efforts of brethren long since dead.  We are beneficiaries, in so many ways, of efforts made by Christians we will never meet until eternity.  The first Christians were part of the church persecuted, depicted apocalyptically by John in the book of Revelation.  The Christians in the next several centuries were driven underground and served “under the radar” (cf. Dan. 2:44; Mat. 16:18; Heb. 12:28).  Men and women influenced by the Reformation Movement made more public the cry and effort to return to “primitive Christianity.”  New Testament Christians in the 19th and 20th centuries made sacrifices to preach Christ and spread the message of unadulterated, New Testament Christianity.

To me, it is remarkable how often their efforts, methods, and message are scorned, ridiculed, and lambasted by men and women not worthy to tie their shoes.  These have converted few to none.  They have sacrificed scant to nothing.  They have endured no persecution, realized no meaningful hardship, and contributed no lasting gift to the perpetuation of the glorious body of Christ.  Yet, they deem themselves experts on where the church needs to go–even if it 180 degrees from the direction where these predecessors back to the first century went.  May we pray for the humility to appreciate the fact that we travel a well-worn path.  May it motivate us to follow, with dedication, the same road (cf. Mat. 7:13-14).

Neal Pollard

 

It is the orchestra of the Almighty, the sacred symphony.  Often, in the mornings, I sit in Kathy’s refinished rocking chairs drinking coffee and listening to the euphonic euphoria of the birds singing their morning songs.  Knowing there are not an abundance of trees in our neighborhood, I am amazed at the deafening levels of their constant chirping.  In describing the intricacies of God’s creation, the psalmist declares, “Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they lift up their voices among the branches” (Ps. 104:12).  I think of the words of that beautiful song, that “this is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.”  It feels for all the world that those birds have gathered to perform solely for my enjoyment.

When it comes to counting cursings and blessings, how often do we forget those “little” things God gives us for our pleasure and happiness that we too often overlook or ignore.  That God made the birds is tribute to His and our aesthetic appreciation.  That He gave them color and physical beauty is more so.  But, that they also sing goes even further.  It is a reminder of the nature of the God we serve.

He does not do the bare minimum, whatever He might eke out or spare.  He is not sparing or stingy with His blessings.  The Bible describes His generous character.  He is the One who gives good and perfect gifts (Js. 1:17).  He pours “into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaking together, and running over” (Lk. 6:38).  He is “able to do far more abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).   The remarkable thing is that for all the extras God has provided in nature and on earth, they absolutely pale in comparison to what He has done spiritually for us and what He has in store for us eternally.  His salvation plan was in His mind from eternity (Eph. 3:9-11).  The eternal home He is preparing for us has been in the making 2,000 years (Jn. 14:1-4; compare that to the fact that this whole world was created in six days!).  Please enjoy the elegance of His earthly engineering, but remember that His greater emphasis is on the eternal!  Wow!  What a God!

Neal Pollard

In the 1970s, when I was a boy, “The Muppet Show” was one of my favorite TV shows.  There were many characters I really liked, Dr. Teech, Beaker, the Swedish chef, the Pigs in Space crew, and others, but Statler and Waldorf were probably my favorites.  Why? That’s a good question.  They sat up in the balcony, week after week, heckling and criticizing the jokes and performances.  The talent was always terrible, yet they kept returning for the next show.  They thought each other to be very witty.  They hyperbolized curmudgeonly, cranky, critical people that all of us have known.  It was such an intentional exaggeration that it was funny!

What is not funny, however, are the real life Statler and Waldorfs that too often populate our pews and fill our fellowship.  They may or may not be up in age.  They may or may not couch their criticism with humor, but either way they are not funny at all.  Like those two gallery grouches, some, appointing themselves as the church’s critics, sit, idly and oblivious to their own faults, and point out the shortcomings of the singing, sermons, Bible classes, programs, leadership, building use, and numberless other matters they feel need their “expert” opinion.  They see so many flaws, yet somehow they keep showing up week after week.  They point out others’ deficiencies, but they do not volunteer themselves to help everyone see how it could be done better.

One of the signs of worldliness in contemporary society is an increasing consumerism.  We are customers and, as such, critics.  The media has anointed us analysts, to, in Caesar-like fashion, give a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down.”  It takes no particular talent, nor does it demonstrate the spiritual fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).  New Testament writers often urge saying and doing what leads to edification (Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 14:12, 26; Eph. 4:29).  What passage anoints any of us as congregational critics?  I cannot think of a single person or group who tore down their brethren and were praised for it by the Lord!

It’s time to burn down the balcony and fire the fault-finders!  That way, we can all join hands and work together to build up the precious bride of Christ.  Certainly, this will draw the applause of heaven!

Neal Pollard

In the matter of giving money to needy, first-century saints, Paul makes the statement, “For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:21).  Every child of God needs the same desire to be and do what is honorable in the sight of men.  Often times, we do not stop to ask if the words we say, the information we share, the efforts we make, the ambitions we possess, or the actions we take are honorable.  Yet, intentions and motivations matter.

In fact, it is a matter of the heart.  Paul said to think on honorable things (Phil. 4:8).  This word means “worthy of respect and honor, noble, dignified, and serious” and is used of men who would be elders (1 Tim. 3:8), aged men (Ti. 2:2), Christian women (1 Tim. 3:11), and used by Josephus and Hermes to describe people of the highest quality (BDAG 919).  Inherent in the word is the idea of trustworthiness, being aboveboard, and not possessed of an ugly, hidden agenda.  It describes one who is exactly what he seems, and what he seems is righteous.  What a fragile quality, one so easily spoiled by indiscretion and intemperance!  Each of us needs to ask, concerning our thoughts, words, and deeds, “Is it honorable?”

The church is often hurt by those whose plans and motives are less than honorable.  It is important that our agenda never be selfish or our intent malicious.  Such vices as gossip, hypercriticism, greed, envy, railing, bitterness, and jealousy are many times driven by dishonorableness.  Cloaking one’s true feelings, in a hypocritical or two-faced manner, is not honorable.  Flattery and false praise is not honorable.  Leading people to believe something that is not true or the whole truth, to make ourselves look better or justified, is not honorable.  The list is nearly endless.

It is important that we care about being honorable.  It is important in business dealings, interacting with the opposite sex, and in promises made.  It is also important in how we treat one another in the family of God.  Like Paul, may we have regard for what is honorable in the eyes of God and men.

 

Neal Pollard

As one of our United States legalizes same-sex marriage and one of our state’s openly gay politicians announces his upcoming plans to become a parent with his partner, homosexuality makes an often-traveled trip to center stage in American politics and sociology.  It brought to mind Paul’s writing to the church at Rome.  After discussing the sin of women committing homosexuality, Paul says that “men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion” (1:27).  To read Edward Gibbons and others’ writings on the rampant practice of homosexuality of an empire that eventually fell certainly calls to mind the ancient writer’s axiom that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34).  The prophets repeatedly foretold the doom of heathen nations due to their immorality.  Thus, nations pay the price for the immorality of its citizens.  But, there is something more specific seemingly intended by Paul in the words afore-quoted.

What is the due penalty for the perversion described by Paul?  Some have pondered whether or not, at least in modern times, AIDS is such a penalty.  Yet, though F. LaGard Smith acknowledged it might be (Sodom’s Second Coming 12), he also notes, “thousands of drug-using adults, as well as innocent children, are dying of the disease as well; and, of course, lesbians are hardly touched by it” (ibid.).  Certainly, promiscuous sexuality, whether homosexual or heterosexual, exposes one to the risk of disease and sickness.  However, Paul’s focus seems on the spiritual consequences of practicing this sin.  First, it is perversion.  It changes God’s natural design for sexuality and the family structure.  Second, it is punishable.  Paul says that those who practice this behavior subject themselves to a “due penalty.”  Contextually, that penalty extends to the eternal (32).  Third, it is prurient.  Paul’s exact wording is “indecent acts,” a word which in literal usage meant “deformed,” “unattractive,” and “unpresentable” (cf. 1 Cor. 12:23).  So, acts modified by such a word present God’s view concerning their immoral nature.

The bottom line is that there is a spiritual price to pay for sin, and this extends to homosexuality!  It is a due penalty, exacted because the acts are indecent and perverse.

Mounce calls these verses the clearest New Testament teaching on homosexuality, adding that Paul herein describes it “‘shameful,’ ‘unnatural,’ ‘indecent,’ and as a ‘perversion.’ By contrast, the Greco-Roman society of Paul’s day tolerated homosexuality with considerable ease. Among some advocates it was viewed as superior to heterosexuality. Barclay notes that “fourteen out of the first fifteen Roman Emperors were homosexuals” (Vol 27: Romans 82).  No matter how accepting of sin a society is, God’s immutable law of sowing and reaping will come to fruition.  May we respect that and revere Him.

 

Neal Pollard

Mike Ripperton passed along an excellent article out of the Wall Street Journal, an interview Brian Bolduc had with my favorite secular author, David McCullough.  Mr. McCullough has long bemoaned the state of historical illiteracy in our society.  That is, so many of our children are fed so much political correctness while receiving little to no education on important historical facts and their significance in the development of our nation.  The latest release from the Department of Education’s 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress estimates “only 12% of high school seniors have a firm grip on our nation’s history.”  McCullough lists the culprits.  One is a personnel problem, with history teachers often not in possession of a specific degree in history and not lovers of history themselves.  As he put it, “You can’t love something you don’t know anymore than you can love someone you don’t know.”  Another is a method problem, as history is often taught categorically rather than chronologically.  Another is an agenda problem, where political correctness trumps historical accuracy.  The last problem he specifies is a curriculum problem.  In essence, the history books are boring!  It is of no small concern to me how ignorant we are of our own national history! (cf. http://online.wsj.com, 6/18/11).

The spiritual parallel is striking, at least to me.  The home is the frontline of defense and offense in the spiritual equipping of our children.  Their knowledge, or lack thereof, is foremost the responsibility of the home.  The church’s Bible School program is to be a dependable supplement and reinforcement of the home’s biblical education of its children.  How are we doing?  Are we giving our children what they need to function in today’s world.  Knowledge and application are both vital.  As teachers, we need to know the Book.  As we do, we will come to love it and the One it proclaims.  We need to be wise when it comes to the methods we use, not relying solely on topical studies to the neglect of covering all the Bible’s material.  Certainly, we should avoid an eisegetical approach to scripture, reading into the Scripture what we already believe.  Any agenda must be checked at the door when teaching God’s Word, with an honest desire to glean from it God intended to say.

Biblical ignorance could not be more costly (Hos. 4:6)!  Let us return to placing such a premium on knowing God’s Word that we once again earn the reputation of being people of the book, those who know and cite “book, chapter, and verse.”  McCullough’s reaction to historical ignorance was to simply say, “It’s shocking.”  To fail to know the Bible is more than that.  It’s tragic!  Let us be like the blessed man, whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:2).

Neal Pollard

Charles Mercer’s short book, The Way of Alexander the Great, chronicles the path of this great king of Asia to world domination.  He had led his Macedonian army of less than 50,000 men from Iran to Uzbekistan, then on to Afghanistan and now headed to India.  By this time, they had covered almost 9,000 miles, including arduous treks over mountains and snow and unbearable heat.  As they approached the Khyber Pass to enter India, Alexander noticed how slowly his troops were moving.  While the terrain was partially to blame, the bigger culprit was “the staggering weight of the booty they had with them” (98).  They were about to face “fierce mountain warriors” who would contest “nearly ever mile of their progress” (99).  Early one morning, Alexander did what must have been considered unthinkable.  Mercer writes,

Alexander set fire to his own baggage wagon and then commanded that his soldiers’ wagons be burned too.  Surprisingly few men protested this action.  Plutarch says that ‘most of the soldiers, as if they had been inspired, uttering loud outcries and warlike shoutings, supplied one another with what was absolutely necessary and burnt and destroyed all that was superfluous’ (ibid.).

While Alexander was no doubt driven by conquering the world, he understood that anything that hindered that goal must be discarded, no matter how seemingly valuable it was.  His men eagerly followed his leadership, regarding the battle more important than the bounty.  With the benefit of hindsight, we know that such decision-making led Alexander to indeed overcome all enemies.

Alexander, though far from a moral bastion, nonetheless illustrates the spiritual challenge confronting Christians living in this world.  Paul teaches that God’s people are in a spiritual battle with Satan and his dark forces (Eph. 6:10ff).  It is a battle against forces equipped with “flaming arrows” (Eph. 6:16), “roaring lions” (1 Pet. 5:8) and formidable “schemes” (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 2:11).  In addition, we can be beset by our own lusts (cf. Js. 1:13-15).  The writer of Hebrews adds that we can get burdened with encumbrances and entanglements (12:2).  God has given us impenetrable spiritual armor to face the enemy’s offensive, but we also may have to burn our baggage wagons.  Whatever holds us back and keeps us from successfully navigating the narrow way is an ever-present hazard that may be everlastingly costly!

If only we will see what we stand to gain by shedding the weight of the world!  We are not attempting world domination, like Alexander was.  We are trying to overcome this world (1 John 5:4)!  Are you prepared to keep only what is “absolutely necessary and burn and” destroy all that is superfluous?  Do we need to burn some baggage wagons?

Neal Pollard

I passed her in the hall, 
and she frowned as clear as could be,
I thought, “What utter gall 
that she would so look at me,
I’ve always thought her haughty, 
old Sister So N So,
She’s mean and cold and naughty, 
and snooty from head to toe.”
But I didn’t know the rest of the story, 
as I looked her up and down,
I assumed she was full of vainglory 
and that was the cause of her frown,
But at home was a non-Christian spouse,
 they had bills and much infirmity,
They were close to losing their house, 
and they suffered so incredibly.
“He did a poor job on his class, 
his song leading, his presiding over the table,
It’s a surprise what the elders let pass, 
someone so ill-equipped and unable.
He doesn’t even want to serve, 
he just likes all the notice and glory,
He soaks up the spotlight with such nerve, 
yep, it’s that same old sad story!”
“She’s so prejudiced.” “He doesn’t like me.” 
“What is it she has so against me?”
“They’re cliquish, self-righteous, persnickety, 
a standoffish, uncouth family.”
Why do we indulge in such conjecture, 
assuming a bad motivation?
Guilty ’til proven innocent, in need of a lecture! 
We are bloated with insinuation!
Let’s err on the side of charity, 
assume that they’re trying their best,
Give up conjecture, seek verity, 
and not put them to such an austere test.
For such harsh and judgmental rating 
says more about us than of them,
It says we’re not loving, we’re hating, 
when so quickly we rush to condemn.
Were we to put the very best construction 
on the words, deeds, and hearts of another,
We’d avoid the broad path of destruction, 
as we look for the best in our brother!

Neal Pollard

A Massachusetts mother of two middle-school daughters filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against Memorial Middle School for a sex survey that included questions of a nature too graphic to repeat here.  The school principal asserts that the questions administered to the seventh graders were mandatory to receive a federal grant though the Center for Disease Control (CDC) denies the requirement, saying only seven states have school districts that even ask the question.  What is worse, the test was administered without parental consent.  These questions were part of a national “youth risk behavior study” that includes more matters than just sexual behavior (information via Foxnews.com).

While it is admirable for agencies to identify and seek to help children who are at risk of harm through drug use, abuse, and other legitimate risks, it seems rather risky and not a little risque to expose young minds to concepts and ideas much too mature for their comprehension and which creates an unnatural interest in sexual terminology and concepts.  Those who love God and His Word realize that such exercises as these can create thoughts and stimulate curiosities that were not already there.  Such understand the powerful truth taught by Solomon:  “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23).  What shows up in the life begins in the heart.  How reckless for adults to pollute the hearts of children, potentially contributing to a pathway toward degeneracy and sexual immorality through such volatile questions.  It seems that the survey itself has real potential to create risky behavior in youths.

In an age that seems intent on prematurely exposing children to sexual content, whether in provocative advertising, entertainment venues, video games, music, web sites, and even agencies with a decided, unrighteous moral agenda, we need to go the second mile to protect the hearts, minds, and lives of our youth!  They must know that the things, like fornication, adultery, wickedness, sensuality, and similar evil things “proceed from within and defile the man” (cf. Prov. 7:21-23).  We need young and old minds set on pure thoughts (Ph. 4:8; Mt. 5:8).  Let us not put them at risk, but rather protect them!

Neal Pollard

What does evil and depravity look like?  As the prosecution rests in the Casey Anthony case in Florida, one may have a difficult time looking at Anthony, a well-dressed, attractive young woman, and concluding that she could be capable of vicious, premeditated murder.  None of us are intimately familiar with the case, but the circumstantial evidence is said to be overwhelming that Anthony brutally murdered her innocent, beautiful two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

It may be difficult to look at frail, elderly people and see that these individuals have lived contrary to the law of Christ and are readying to enter eternity without His blood applied to their sins.  They seem gentle and meek.  They certainly do not appear to be “lost.”

The sick and infirm, those in third-world nations racked with disease and malnutrition, the poor, and the victims of disaster and privation all should draw our sincere concern and pity.  Yet, their outward condition, however horrible, is secondary to their inward condition.  Just as goodness and good works cannot merit our salvation, appearances, whether young and fresh, elderly and fragile, or poor and needy, cannot offset the sin problem all mankind has (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Ec. 7:20).

When we look at the people who cross our paths each day, we must look “soul deep.”  The physical counts for nothing.  The question of greatest consequence is, “Are they redeemed by the blood of Christ?”  The old adage is true, that “looks can be deceiving.”  Our optimistic nature does not like to look at anyone, especially those described above, as lost.  Yet, the sober reality is that the majority is lost (Mat. 7:13-14).  Throughout human history, that reality has persisted.  Noah learned this.  So did Abraham and Lot.  It was true in the annals of Israel’s and Judah’s history, as captivity demonstrated in both cases.  It was true in Christ’s day.  May we renew that sense of urgency that looks beyond skin deep and reaches out to meet the inner, spiritual needs of the people we encounter each day!

Neal Pollard

Bear Valley reminds me of a characteristic of Israel present in the fundraising for the tabernacle in Exodus 35-36.  Many times throughout the year, this congregation proves it is filled with people longing to show their generosity even beyond the “regular contribution.”  Whereas elders and preachers in most places often find themselves berating, cajoling, and otherwise pleading with members to give more, this congregation continually humbles and amazes by their inclination toward sacrificial giving.  Future Preachers Training Camp has once again reminded me of the blessing of preaching among a people so prone to give from the heart.  How the Lord loves such an unselfish disposition.

How heartening it must have been for Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel to witness such an outpouring among them.  Stirred hearts and spirits filled the camp, and contributions began to flow like water from a bursted dam (cf. Ex. 35:20ff).  Their hearts moved and their pursestrings opened wide (cf. Ex. 35:26,29).  People put their talents to work with their treasures, too, using their abilities to do the Lord’s work. The climax of this account comes when the skilled men came each from their work stations with a similar report, that “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform” (Ex. 36:5).  Moses had to command the people to stop giving, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary” (Ex. 36:6).  The Bible actually says, “Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more” (Ex. 36:7).  Incredible!

Too many times, churches may have heard their leaders and ministers try to restrain them from moral, attitudinal, or doctrinal sins.  Israel was restrained from giving any more.  Imagine what could be done in evangelism, missions, benevolence, advertising, audio-visual technology, and general church growth if the church caught this spirit of relentless giving!  So, how does that start?  Doesn’t it begin with each of us having our hearts and minds stirred by a conviction about how important the Lord’s work is and how tangibly we can play a part through our giving?

Thanks to this church’s boundless generosity, many young men have had their hearts turned to full-time missions and preaching.  Churches around this country and the world have been blessed by their efforts and eternity will no doubt be filled with people reached by these men who were encouraged by the heartfelt, unrestrained giving of brothers and sisters in Christ!   It is amazing to see what God can do with the open hearts, hands, and wallets of generous Christians!

Neal Pollard

She might call it “Thessa ‘Moany,'” the chagrined German girl who accidentally invited 15,000 to her private birthday party via Facebook.  She certainly will have quite a story to tell her children and grandchildren.  Thessa intended to mark the invitation as private, but nearly 1,500 showed up at her Hamburg-Bramfeld home.  In fact, she had to leave her own party.  Revelers lit a few fires and alcohol flowed freely, as it so often does even among minors in western Europe.  Police described the spontaneous event as mostly peaceful.

To me, it is amazing that a social media tool announcing such a relatively insignificant event could have such an impact and draw such a crowd.  Certainly, there may be factors at play, not publicly known, that prompted such a showing, but it demonstrates how quickly “the word” can spread.

This amazing technology is a tool we must use to spread the best news and biggest event the world will ever know!  Whether social media like Facebook or Twitter, the internet as a whole to stream audio and video, podcasts, blogs, or any other technological tool, God’s people need to utilize the very frontier where Satan is active and busily working.  Should pornographic, violent, hateful, false, and harmful messages be the only ones to which people are exposed?

No doubt, it can be done!  We can get the Word before everyone in this world and there is no sin in taking shortcuts that move so much quicker than horseback or even ocean liners and steam ships.  Though the world population was so much smaller in the first century, there means of spreading the gospel was also, proportionately slower.  Yet, they took the gospel, at least representatively, to “every creature under heaven” (Col. 1:23).  They went “everywhere” preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

How hungry are people for the gospel in Namibia? Nepal? Chile? Cambodia?  What about Stumptown, West Virginia? Honey, Pennsylvania? Cuba, Alabama? There are honest hearts all over the world and in the communities where we live.  Let us use every legitimate means to get the word to them, extending them the opportunity to accept the Lord’s invitation and celebrate something better than a 16th birthday–their “new birth” day!

(photo of Warren’s last sermon, 6/17/09)

Neal Pollard

A great many people know that our late, beloved Warren Wilcox, “Mr. Preacher Training,” delivered his last sermon at our 2009 Future Preachers Training Camp that June Wednesday night.  He was already rapidly succumbing to the disease that would take his life before Labor Day.  What you may not know about the man who stood and preached only with great difficulty had made an entry in his day-timer for that June 17, 2009.  He wrote, “Speak no matter what it costs.”  Anyone who happened to be present that night has some idea that it cost him, physically and emotionally, to stand there and speak.  I imagine none of us knows the full extent.

Warren epitomizes the attitude of the faithful preacher and teacher.  “In season” preaching is easy to do, in the fair weather of friends and favorable response.  “Out of season” preaching is a differently-colored horse.  There are a great many Bible subjects one should feel great joy and enthusiasm for speaking–grace, hope, peace, heaven, salvation, fellowship, love, and forgiveness.  Others do not elicit such a happy emotion.  They are “hard to hear” and “hard to speak.”  They challenge one’s courage and conviction to the core.  One, facing the need to present such lessons, can easily count the cost and feel unwilling to pay.  Yet, such a one cannot be counted or considered faithful.  The faithful proclaimer says, “I will ‘speak no matter what it costs.'”  Our biblical examples, men like Nathan, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Paul, and Christ, were of that ilk.  Those who populate heaven, in response to Christ’s Great Commission, are those who adopt this philosophy.  Those who edify, reprove, and rebuke the people of God are the ones who take this mindset to heart.  May you and I be so dedicated as Warren and “speak no matter what it costs.”

Neal Pollard

Some people believe that work is a curse, drawing from the punishment meted out by God to Adam in Genesis 3:17-19.  Others, missing Solomon’s bigger point, call work “vain” and useless (cf. Ecc. 2).  Instead, in this fallen world, work is a tremendous blessing as it lends to our purpose and influence.  Several passages extol the value of work.  “In all labor there is profit” (Prov. 14:23). Elders who “work hard” at preaching and teaching are due “double honor” (1 Tim. 5:17).  Like the virtuous woman, our works “praise” us (Prov. 31:31).  In the context of the church, “proper working…causes the growth of the body” (Eph. 4:16).

It has been my experience that the idle and uninvolved within the body of Christ seem generally less happy and fulfilled in their Christian walk.  That is perfectly logical because spiritual inactivity seems to cut against the grain of what it means to be a Christian.  Consider what Paul says in Romans 12:11 about the Christian being “fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”  That word “fervent” means to boil or seethe, and is used to describe the great preacher, Apollos (Acts 18:25).  Here, Paul urges us to put our heart and soul into what we do (cf. Col. 3:23).  When you have that kind of disposition toward the church’s work, your happiness is guaranteed!

Watch the workers!  Not always, but ordinarily you see a lift in their step, a gleam in their eye, and a deep-settled contentment in their deportment.  You see it in the guys who use their hands to build, repair, and install.  You see it in the women busily cooking and cleaning in the kitchen.  You see it in the men and women buckled down and teaching in the Bible classes.  You see it on the faces of the brothers and sisters at the workday, the door-knocking, the yard-raking, the nursing-home singing, the communion-preparing, the pew Bible and songbook repairing, and the like.  They’re moving too fast and working too hard to engage in gossip, back-biting, and self-pity.  They’re too engaged in the Lord’s business to be in everybody else’s business!

Do you want to get happy?  Get busy!  It’s heaven’s way to a happy heart!

Neal Pollard

The word is maligned by some, especially by those to the right of biblical truth who believe any attempt at it is “soft.”  The word is misunderstood by others, especially by those who believe avoiding difficult, hard truths constitutes the concept.  Yet, in this age of extremism, the need for it has never been greater.  While balance takes in a great many things regarding both one’s life and teaching, many seem to have forgotten the importance of pursuing it in following Christ.

Balance is threatened when we equate our opinions, judgment, proclivities, and personal beliefs with divine truth.  This is especially of great concern when those with heightened influence among us press these matters to the point that they are portrayed as matters of faith and fellowship.  Several issues of late have emerged as such tests–that dating is sinful, that homeschooling is the only biblical means of educating our children, that having a special program or even Bible classes for youth in a congregation is wrong, and the list seems to keep growing.  Often, the old “anti” argument is made: “Where is your authority for that?”  Yet, like our non-cooperation brethren, there is a glaring lack of understanding about how God authorizes (especially as regards “generic” and “specific” authority).  Can we be opposed to dating, public schooling, homeschooling, and the like?  Certainly.  Can we be in favor of those matters?  Certainly.  Can we be divisive or draw lines over them in the Lord’s body?  Never!  God is as condemning of law-making as law-breaking (Rev. 22:18-19; Mat. 23:2ff).

Balance is threatened through compromise with the world.  Balance is not blending in with the world, as a chameleon in its environment.  Balance is certainly not conformity (cf. Rom. 12:2).  Some preachers never touch hot-button-issues like modesty, marriage, divorce, and remarriage, instrumental music, the sinfulness of denominationalism, and more through a misguided sense that such avoidance is balance.  While one must avoid making any of these subjects “hobby horses” that are ridden endlessly and exclusively, these are all biblical matters part of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).  Often, they are avoided out of fear or favor.  Such is not balance!

Extremism, especially noised angrily and vociferously, looks more like the culture than the Christ.  Let those of us who teach, write, and otherwise publicly communicate beware of the higher standard to which the Lord holds us (Js. 3:1ff).  Let us stand firmly and courageously upon the foundation of Christ while being careful not to press what He has not taught or suppress what He has.

Neal Pollard

To me, it is encouraging to know that there are several organizations, both local and national, calling themselves “People Helping People.”  One is a denominational organization that coordinates relief efforts all over the country.  Another is a community food pantry program.  Another organization by that name is dedicated to helping people conquer debt and financial mismanagement.  It seems that whatever need an individual may have, there are people ready to help.  In a day and age where everything is portrayed as dim and dismal, it is encouraging to see so many groups trying to help others.

The same phenomenon can be seen in response to natural disasters like the tornados in the southeast and, more recently, the midwest.  My sister-in-law, Kristy Woodall, has made several trips to Joplin, Missouri, to help in the aftermath of the nation’s single worst tornado in terms of fatalities.  She joins thousands of people, including many members of the church, whose hearts go out to those in need and are moved to help.  There is a chord in the heart of most people touched by the hardship and need of others that motivates this spirit of volunteerism.

It is that heartstring the Lord needs struck deep down in the hearts of His people with regard to the work of His church.  Whether it be the benevolent, educational, or evangelistic works necessary for the church to reach the world, God needs us to have open hearts.  It is incredible to watch what God’s people will do when they first give themselves to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:1-5).  And, what blessings follow those whose hearts are so inclined–he “will be prosperous” (Pr. 11:25), “will be sought after” (Pr. 19:6), and “will be blessed” (Pr. 22:9).  As that is true concerning helping the needy, certainly it follows those who roll up their sleeves and get involved in the church’s work.  In nearly every congregation, terms like “teacher shortage,” “need for personal workers,” “help in following up,” and more point out the need for God’s people to stand alongside Nehemiah’s neighbors and have “a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6).

(article in today’s Bear Valley church bulletin)

Neal Pollard

In Lynn Montross’ epic book, War Through the Ages, the former Denver resident wrote, “From the time of Alexander it had been an axiom that a commander could not hold the respect of his men without sharing to a reasonable extent their perils and hardships” (729).  Montross contrasts generals like Grant, who wore a private’s uniform and made personal reconnaissance and Moltke, whose headquarters were “far back in the rear” (ibid.).  Think of the difference these two philosophies must have had on those they led, the difference of empathy and commiseration and heartless ignorance.  We respect those we feel know that through which we ourselves go.

While this is an incredibly important principle to consider in leadership, it is most important in the matter of our Great Shepherd, Jesus.  The writer of Hebrews says, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15-16).  God did not consider our sin problem from some aloof and distant position, as deists would say.  He came down to us, dwelling among us (Jn. 1:14).  Hebrews 2:18 adds, “For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”

Memorial Day started out as “Decoration Day,” a day from the beginning meant to reconcile the division resulting from the Civil War.  Flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington Cemetery.  It has become a day to remember those who gave their lives to preserve our liberty and freedoms.  This should be a time to show gratitude and remembrance for those who were “in the trenches” for us.  Louetta Smith and several ladies at Bear Valley participate each year in a remarkable tribute each Memorial Day.  They and so many here appreciate the price paid for us by these soldiers.

Even more than we do these men, let us appreciate the Son of Man who is also the “Captain of our salvation” (Heb. 2:10, NKJ).  As we remember Him each Sunday, let us remember Him not only as One who was willing to die for us but who voluntarily left His home to share our human experience (cf. Phil. 2:5ff).  He is our Commander (Josh. 5:14-15), but He is not tucked back way to the rear away from us.  He did His reconciling work among us, doing more than reconciling man to man but more importantly reconciling man to God (Rom. 5:9ff). Let us never forget the kind of Savior we serve, One who dwelt among us!

 

 Montross, Lynn.  War Through the Ages (New York: Harper & Row, 1960).

 www.usmemorialday.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neal Pollard

On May 10, 1869, a telegraph operator who had watched a golden spike driven into the last, connecting track on the Transcontinental Railroad, sent a one-word message from Promontory, Utah, that simply read, “Done!”  The Government-induced race between two railroad companies was filled with suspense and drama, keeping a spellbound nation captive through daily newspaper headlines.  One of the most dramatic subplots involved Central Pacific’s desperate decision to employ Chinese immigrants to lay track. Central and Union were paid for every mile of track laid.  It was very interesting to notice something about these unsung, Asian heroes of this grand expedition.  First, they were distinct from all the other workers, in looks, habits, and diet.  Second, they were willing to risk their lives to complete a variety of difficult tasks and life-threatening hazzards.  Third, they were diligent, relentless workers whose ethic astounded their bosses and bystanders.  Finally, they did their work without benefit of automated, hydraulic, or powered tools of any kind.  A pickaxe, hammer, wheelbarrow, and nitroglycerin were all they had to build tunnels and roadbeds through the highest, fiercest mountain ranges of the continental United States.
There is much in this fascinating story to remind us of the more important, spiritual achievements of the early church.  They labored for something of eternal consequence.   They faced greater risks.  As a direct result of following the doctrine of Christ, they stood out distinctly from others around them (1 Pt. 1:15-16; 4:4; Acts 4:13;  .  The difference was not ethnic or necessarily dietetic.  They lived holy lives, abstaining from fleshly lusts that would war against their souls (1 Pt. 2:11).  They were also relentless in taking the gospel to the world (cf. Col. 1:23).  They faced imprisonment, persecution and death (Acts 8:3; 2 Cor. 11; Rev. 2:10a).

Yet, they had a profound influence on the entire world and that without benefit of modern transporation or technology (Acts 6:7; 8:4; 17:6).  Ordinarily, they were not the biggest, wealthiest, or most prominent citizens of their respective communities.  What they had going for them was God’s power, God’s precepts, and God’s plan!  They planted and watered, and God gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:6).

Can we do such amazing things in today’s world?  We can, but we must be willing to imitate the dedication, work ethic, faith, and commitment of our ancient and primitive counterparts.  Only then can we, like them, “Turn the world upside down.”

Much of this information gleaned from:  Greenberg, Morrie.  American Adventures: True Stories From America’s Past, 1770-1870 (Northridge, CA: Brooke-Richards Press, 2002). 

Neal Pollard

As a youth intern in Alabama while a student at Faulkner University, I heard the local preacher tell me something that time has proven correct.  He said, “Most church problems could be avoided if people were willing to say two things: ‘I was wrong’ and ‘I’m sorry.'”  That seems an utterly simple thing to do, but many people struggle with that.  Why?  Some apparently feel they have done nothing wrong, despite evidence to the contrary.  Others are quick to rationalize their actions, choosing the path of self-justification rather than the path of humility.  There are those who think that admitting wrong displays weakness.  Still others refrain, stating that those on “the other side” did wrong, too, and “the other side” should go first.  Frankly, the reasons why people struggle with saying those two simple statements are as numerous as there are people unwilling to say them.  Yet, if there is a common denominator in all of them, that factor would be pride.

The frightening thing about pride is not just how prevalent and engrained in us it is, but how God responds to it.  Pride is as worldly a trait as there is, significant enough to be mentioned by John as one of three main areas proving we love the world.  He calls it “the boastful pride of life” (1 Jn. 2:16).  In His earthly ministry, Jesus calls pride an evil thing that proceeds from within and defiles the man (Mk. 7:22-23).  Twice in the New Testament, inspired writers quote from the poetry section of the Old Testament, saying, “God is opposed to the proud” (Js. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5).  In fact, the Old Testament roundly condemns pride, over and over again (see Job 40:11-12; Ps. 31:23; 94:2; Pr. 15:25; Pr. 21:4,24; etc.).  Citing one sample from this section should suffice. Proverbs 16:25 says, “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.”  That should arrest the attention of everyone!  God could not speak in clearer language about how detestable pride is to Him!

Individual sin struggles, church problems, and brotherhood issues too often have pride underlying them!  People get so concerned with winning, being right, carrying the day, and showing up others that their pride leads them to do great harm to the cause of Christ and His precious bride.  It takes uncommon spiritual strength and maturity to swallow pride, soften the heart, and speak those infinitely profound and universally healing words:  “I was wrong” and “I’m sorry.”  May each of us resolve to let nothing, especially self-interest and self-preservation, keep us from saying those words when they are needful!