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Neal Pollard

Many of us have laughed and spoofed those commercials that seem to have particularly hit their Renaissance period back in the ’70s and ’80s.  An “As Seen On TV” product for $9.99 or $19.99 would be showcased in a 30 or 60 second ad.  But, just when you thought they had told you everything that was part of the deal, they would add, “But, wait!  There’s more!”  Admit it.  Somewhere in your closet or in your Hall of Fame of yard sales you have (had?) one or more of these irresistible deals. USA Today reports that in 2008 30 percent of Americans ordered a product from an infomercial pitchman or woman, whose approach if not words was the proverbial “But wait” technique (cf. Seth Brown, 4-13-09). Don’t we love a bargain, the feeling that we are getting more bang for our buck?

This advertising ploy thought to date back to the 1950s may be the fodder for jokes and parodies, but when we think about the life of a Christian the phrase rings like pure gold rather than glitz and glitter.  Each day we live in Christ, there is a sense that there are more blessings as part of that relationship than we could have dreamed the day we made the decision to accept His grace through obedient faith.  As you grow closer to God through tragedies and triumphs, forged by prayer, Bible study, and experiencing His providence, the better life becomes and the greater your hope is.

When we stop to count our blessings, we usually fail to find all the material abundance God has lavished upon us–tap water, heat or air-conditioning, multiple automobiles, relatively safe, peaceful neighborhoods, plenty of food, adequate, durable clothing, etc.  But these come to all people, especially in the cornucopia of America (Matt. 5:45).  But, in Christ there is more!  Have you thought about the spiritual fellowship found in the church with Christians?  What about peace and joy?  What about guilt-free happiness?  What about God’s Word? What about feeling the special love proven at the cross?  What about the prospect of eternal bliss in heaven?

If anyone should be saying, “But wait! There’s more!,” it is you and me as Christians.  We should be telling our friends, co-workers, and neighbors about the unfettered joy we feel in Jesus.  Yes, it is unbelievable, but nothing has ever been truer!  Something this great is too good to keep a secret.  Let’s advertise it!

Neal Pollard

I have received several open rebukes, but I have never gotten an anonymous letter criticizing, condemning, or castigating me (nor is this a solicitation for one).   However, I recently learned that a brother who led the congregation in an act of worship received one in his church mail box.  That greatly shocked me!  My theory is that a visitor or non-Christian must have learned his name and found his box via the mailbox directory, since I cannot imagine one of our members capable of such an act.  It does give me the opportunity, though, to tell you my estimation of an anonymous letter.

An anonymous letter is cowardly.  To get a letter, especially of complaint or criticism, without benefit of knowing who your critic is must be deflating.  Every face you see might be of the one who sent the letter.  Matthew 18:15 is not fulfilled when one remains anonymous.  You give the recipient no way to respond in the way outlined by that passage.  Instead, you fire a nameless nuke at a spiritual relative.  If I stand behind my position or point, I am not afraid to put my name on it.  If I am so convicted about the matter, I should have the courage of my convictions.

An anonymous letter is powerless.  I cannot see how anyone could take such a letter seriously, except to be hurt at how little the sender thought of him or her.  No credence should be given to a letter the sender so lacked confidence in that he or she left it unsigned.  I would counsel anyone who receives such a letter to give it no more consideration than did the author who thought little enough of it not to stand behind it with his or her good name.

An anonymous letter is hurtful.  It is impossible to know the motive of the sender, but there is a predictable outcome to such a letter.  The recipient is going to be hurt.  The anonymity is unloving, cold, and impersonal (by definition and design).  What if the letter had discouraged the man from serving the Lord, tempted him to be bitter or angry, or in some way served as a stumbling block to him?

I am trying to imagine Christ showing His displeasure for a decision of Thomas’ or lesson of Matthew’s by firing off an anonymous letter for him to find in his satchel.  Someone may show poor judgment, make a weak argument, express an unfounded opinion, or the like, but we have not responded in a Christlike way through such a cowardly, important, and wounding way.  In bearing the fruit of the Spirit, let us consider what love, patience, and kindness look like.  It does not look like the writer of an anonymous letter.

Neal Pollard

I saw the most incredible display of respect and fraternity in all my years of preaching and participating in funerals.  After an overflowing crowd gathered to pay respects to Bill Snell, for the first 26 years of the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ’s history the minister of evangelism, it was time to drive over an hour for a military burial at the Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery in Amelia County.  The word came down from the Richmond city police department, where Bill served for 30 years, that there would be an escort to the cemetery.  What those of us in the procession did not know is that 6 motorcycle cops and two police cruisers would lead that cavalcade the entire way.  These officers completely stopped traffic on an interstate and three major state highways to allow us to proceed without stopping.  We were able to bypass tolls on a toll road.  Any vehicle trying to interlope on the procession was made to “stand down” by one of the motorcycle policemen.  Various law enforcement vehicles, a Virginia State Trooper, unmarked police cars, Chesterfield County and Amelia County police, all participated along the way in the stop of traffic and lead the procession.  At the end, when we were turning into the cemetery, they all stood at rapt attention and saluted the hearse as it made that final turn.  It was an incredible display, a fitting tribute to a man whose work was often unheralded and perhaps even under-appreciated.

Jewell, his wife, could not have bribed or cajoled that kind of response from these officers.  Bill’s perseverance and faithful duty earned that kind of send off.  To have done such a thing for a man who never served among them would have made no sense.

I could not help but relate this to the Christian life and our work on earth as Christians.  When we come to the end of the way, people, whether a handful or a room full, will gather to remember us.  If we have been generous, active, involved in people’s lives, and faithful, like Bill, we will have left a legacy and earned the appreciation and filled the hearts of others with memories of our work.  That is not why we serve the Lord, but it is an inevitable consequence of a life lived well if imperfectly.  Too many who wear the name Christian fill a pew, coast along without getting involved in the lives of others, never win a soul or tell a soul about Jesus, and come to the end of the row without fruit in their hands.  Tuesday night at the viewing and yesterday at the funeral reinforced the feeling for me that a Christian life spent serving and helping others, being involved in the Lord’s work, leads to an escort that cannot be bought.  Thank you, Bill.

Neal Pollard

As of this writing, 8 of the 33 miners of Chile have resurfaced and the work will continue until the last man, Luis Urzua, emerges.  Those miners really wanted to be rescued and some key personnel “up top” wanted them saved.  That combination of desire and perseverance have led to these dramatic moments.  Perhaps most significantly, the Chilean president was willing to risk his political capital to make it happen.  Sebastian Pinera did not listen to naysayers, did not obsess over the cost of rescue, and if he was concerned about how it would effect his popularity in office he did not show it openly.  The “makeshift tent city,” the place of vigil and waiting near the point of rescue, has been named “Camp Hope.”  Pinera was willing to give the families of these trapped men hope by expending the necessary effort and expense to help realize that hope.  He was quoted as saying, “We hope that with the help of God this epic will end in a happy way” (NYTimes.com).

I am not surprised that, given his dire, desperate situation, Job speaks frequently of hope even when he felt he had little (cf. 13:15; 17:15; 19:10; etc.). David, even when pursued by enemies or dogged by his own sins, wrote eloquently of hope.  Yet, hope is most poignantly a New Testament concept, enacted by the dogged determination of the Divine.  Because the One most able to cause hope wanted to rescue us, all of us who, through sin, find ourselves trapped and seemingly without hope can find salvation.  However, we must want to be rescued for hope to be realized.  It would be utter folly for one or more of those trapped miners to reject the rescue effort, to dash the hopes of family and friends and to act contrary to what should be the natural response.  Much more, spiritually, it is incomprehensible to reject the rescue efforts of those expending the time and effort to reach us.  May we not forget that, when we are in the spiritual depths in need of saving, there are others, especially God, who hope for us to want to be saved.

Neal Pollard

“A callus is an area of skin on the body that has become hard due to constant pressure or rubbing.  The callus is formed over time as the skin begins to toughen up to handle the repeated irritation.  Because calluses are toughened skin, they have no feeling and do not hurt” (ehow.com).  It is interesting that some people are embarrassed of their calluses, while others are indifferent to them if not even proud of them.

The writer of Hebrews pleads with his readers not to be like the Israelites in the wilderness, to not “harden their hearts” (3:8).  The word translated “do not harden” is from a compound Greek word, a medical or technical term, meaning to “harden, become thick” (Friberg, Analytical Lexicon of the Greek N.T., 351).  In its figurative use, the word means to “act stubbornly, refuse to change one’s attitude” (as in Heb. 3:8) or “be or become stubborn, refuse to yield” (as in Heb. 3:13) (ibid.).  It is possible, then, to become spiritually callused.  The Hebrews writer says that sin is the culprit that causes spiritual calluses.  Unlike calluses on the hands and feet, spiritual calluses on the heart are fatal!  What can be done to treat and prevent a callused heart?

Protection. Gloves and proper foot wear can prevent blisters and calluses from forming on the body.  Likewise, God has given us protection to prevent spiritual calluses from forming within us.  The whole armor of God, mentioned in Ephesians 6, equips us with protection for the mind, the heart, and the soul.  We must keep our hearts soft to the gospel, the will of God, our spiritual obligations, and the like.

Treatment. Creams, moisturizers, ointments, and such are often applied once a callus has formed.  Sometimes a pumice stone may be used.  In cases of severe and continuously painful calluses, one needs to see a physician.  Just so, a callused heart must be treated by the Great Physician.  He cannot help if we do not go to Him.  He has the balm that can soften and transform our hearts, but we must go to Him for it.

Change Of Practice. If one’s goal is to be rid of calluses, one must stop doing what brings on the calluses in the first place.  We cannot hope for the callus to disappear if we intend to keep doing what formed it.  Certainly, this is true in the spiritual sense.  Until one is through serving sin, the callusing process will persist.  If anything, it will only get worse.  It certainly will not get better.  If one’s heart is hardened to stay away from the assemblies, the only hope is to begin assembling with the saints again.  If one’s heart is hardened in being in a sinful relationship, the way to overcome that is to leave.  Whatever sin hardens the heart, overcoming requires changing the practice.

Time. Calluses do not magically disappear the instant one treats them or changes the practice.  It takes time, which implies patience and perseverance.  That is certainly true with spiritually calluses!  While the adage, “time heals all wounds,” is not always right, time is a necessary part of becoming spiritual whole.  It takes time to form the right spiritual habits and to produce fruits of repentance.

Spiritual calluses are more than unattractive; they are a sign of grave danger.  They are a warning sign of something deeper that has gone wrong.  May we do whatever it takes to prevent them and may we have the humility to do what we need to do to treat them if they are already there!

Neal Pollard

With our congregation set to go through the terribly unpleasant process of withdrawing fellowship from some on Sunday, I have heard the usual concern and questions about the process.  Among the many things typically heard is, “I have never before seen it practiced.”  That is undoubtedly true, given my experience as one who has grown up in the Lord’s church and having seen it so rarely practiced.  I have some observations, in my experience, that suggest why it is so rarely practiced today.

• It Takes Uncommon Courage On The Part Of Elders
• It Takes So Much Time To Do Right
• It Takes Such Wisdom To Proceed
• It Takes An Extraordinary Measure Of Trust And Unity On The Part Of Members
• It Takes A Deep, Involved Study Of The Bible To Avoid Gross Misunderstandings
• It Takes Protracted, Passionate Prayer On The Part Of All
• It Takes Humble Submission To Scripture In An Age Of Rebellion
• It Takes Unpleasant Action Toward The Wayward Among Our Spiritual Family
• It Takes A Dedication To Stay The Course Amid Strong Emotion And The Disapproval Of Some
• It Takes Unwavering Impartiality
• It Takes A Willingness To Do The Unpopular
• It Takes A Preacher Willing To Give Vocal Support And Encouragement To Elders In And Out Of The Pulpit
• It Takes Profound Compassion And Transparent Love From Beginning To End
• It Takes A Clear Understanding Of What Follows The Last Step Of The Process

Perhaps if churches will begin to tackle some of these issues, church discipline will cease to be the forgotten commandment and stronger, more dedicated churches will result.

Neal Pollard

Omniscience, knowing all things, is something the Bible only attributes to God (1 Cor. 4:5; Heb. 4:13).  Since the Bible says that all things that exist were created by God (Col. 1:16-17), it follows that Satan is a created being. God cannot sin or cause to sin, so it is implied that Satan was created good and chose to do evil.  Many have defined evil as simply the absence or opposite of good. The Bible says nothing specifically about how Satan became evil, but it must have happened at some point. Throughout the whole Bible, Satan is depicted as one who tempts man to sin.  If Satan is not omniscient and cannot tell what we are thinking, how does he know how to operate in our individual lives?  Matthew four proves that he knows the Bible, and the Bible tells us the three major avenues of sin (1 John 2:15-17). He has had the advantage of thousands of years of observation of human behavior.  He knows mankind’s basic weaknesses.  He also has angels (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:9), and who knows what role they play in his having privy to our personal lives and in observing what we are each prone to do?

Yet, Satan does not ever make us sin, despite what the old comic, Flip Wilson, jokingly contended. We choose to sin based on our own fleshly desires (Jas. 1:13-15).  We sin, not as the result of Satan manipulating the mind, but as the result of giving in to sinful lusts. Satan can no more make us do wrong than God will make us do right.  We should simply remember that we never have to sin (1 Cor. 10:13). Satan does not whisper in our ears or play with our minds. However, he is actively seeking souls to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). The good news is that he cannot do anything unless we allow him.  James says we can make him flee from us by resisting him (Jas. 4:7).  Satan can not read your mind.  He cannot manipulate your mind.  He can only see what you reveal.  Let us be careful to reveal the right sorts of things and thereby protect ourselves from this roaring lion.

Neal Pollard

The Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, adopted the Eskimo methods of survival and travel. He was said to be a meticulous planner who minimized risks.  On December 15, 1911, Amundsen and four fellow countrymen reached the South Pole. They were the first. British Captain Robert Falcon Scott seems to have felt sure he would be the first. But, in addition to leaving the Ross Ice Shelf base camp 12 days after Amundsen, Scott’s journey to the pole was much more haphazard than his counterpart’s.  He and his team took animals and motor sledges that turned out to be more of a burden than a blessing. They did not plan their food and nutrition well. On January 17, 1912, Scott and four comrades reached the pole only to see the Norwegian flag already planted there. They were devastated. And, they were in danger.  The weather turned nastier.  All five men perished, their bodies, diaries, photographs, and last letters discovered by a search party that November (Forging The Modern Age, 128-129).

It was head start versus haste, preparation against pride. The contrast between the men’s methods predicted the outcome. Frankly, Amundsen adequately prepared for the journey and Scott did not. The price for second place was most high.

As we are on a journey to a place infinitely more mystifying and awesome than any point on this globe, we must adequately prepare.  What are our choices, methods, and decisions saying about our wisdom and forethought? So many go through this life either disbelieving that eternity lies on the other side of death or live as though they disbelieve. But, we will all reach that point and place of eternity. May we do all we must do to prepare (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10)!

Neal Pollard

I am still looking to hike my first “14-er” (that’s Colorado speak for a mountain 14,000 feet or higher in elevation).  However, if you count automobile climbs, I have done multiple 14-ers.  It is such a never-ending joy to look out and see those beautiful Rocky Mountains.  Often, I tell my family that they are “calling” me (that’s Pollard speak for, “I want to go hiking or get up in those mountains”).

The relatively little hiking I have done at higher elevation, however, reminds me of the fitness level and stamina needed to accomplish the task of mountain climbing.  While the thought of ascending them is enamoring, you cannot wish your way to the top.  Spiritually, it is fair to consider many aspects of our Christian life to mountain climbing.  People often speak of goals, struggles, and temptations as being a mountain to climb.  We can observe the rigors of literal mountain climbing and see similarities between that and the figurative.

Mountain climbing is strenuous.  It requires cardiovascular fitness and mental strength to climb a mountain.  The altitude gain and loss take their toll.  Terms like lung capacity and lactic acid build up depict hard work.  But, consider the figurative mountains we must climb.  Dealing with matters that have long been neglected leave one with a higher mountain to climb.  When one stops neglecting it and starts climbing it, he finds out what a challenge it is combatting fear, stress, opposition, criticism, and more.  Doing the right thing is seldom the easiest way to go; it is so often the hardest route.

Mountain climbing can be hazardous.  Yesterday, Colorado had its second hiking fatality on the same peak in the southwestern part of the state. There have been three fatalities on Longs Peak alone.  A ranger who works on that peak said, “Accidents can result from underestimating the difficulty of the climb, wearing the wrong footgear or simply having bad luck” (via eptrail.com).  People die of cardiac episodes, falling rocks, and hypothermia.  Yet, people in large numbers keep climbing.  That tells me that they feel the risk is worth the perceived benefit to these hearty hikers.  Likewise, the mountain climbs of our lives are often fraught with peril.  Like Caleb’s desire to take those literal mountains in Joshua 14:12, we undertake our climbs because we are after an inheritance.  What is threat, persecution, or worse compared to realizing the hope of heaven?  What sin, trial, or discouragement is worth foregoing the climb?

Mountain climbing is advantageous.  It puts one in a superior position.  That may be “bragging rights,” the satisfaction of achievement, or the quality of physical life through fitness.  Again, people would not struggle through the strain and hazard the hazards if there was no perceived advantage.  Those of us who climb the mountains present in church life, in relationships, in personal trials, and the like are seeking victory.  The greatest advantage we bring to our climbs is Christ!  Paul says we can make all things happen through Him (Phil. 4:13).  We can taste victory through Him (1 Cor. 15:57).

Neal Pollard

Jimi Heselden, a British business man who had just bought control of Segway Inc., tragically fell over a cliff to his death while riding his product.  He was riding the Segway near his West Yorkshire estate and a witness saw the device and its rider plunge to what would be the 62 year old man’s death.  Whether or not this raises concerns about the product’s safety, it is an ironic incident.

Heselden had owned a Segway for years before recently taking ownership of the company. It is only speculation concerning how he met his fate, but local law enforcement ruled out foul play.  Maybe it was careless or reckless behavior, inattention, or a momentary lapse of judgment.  But, the machine carried him from time to eternity.

How many have taken sin for a ride and met a similar, spiritual end?  David took hold of sin and he said, “My iniquities have overtaken me” (Ps. 40:12).  Peter spoke of arrogant individuals, consumed with fleshly desires, “promising (those who barely escape from error, NP) freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved” (2 Pet. 2:19).  These have confidence enough to buy into this spiritually impoverishing product, and they await a horrific end without repentance (cf. 2 Pet. 2:20-22).

Segways look pretty harmless, but former President George W. Bush nearly had a run-in with one.  Piers Morgan, then Daily Mirror editor who ridiculed the President for crashing on one, crashed on one himself and broke several ribs in August. Many have broken bones, citing it as unstable at times.

Sin is deceptive.  It can seem so harmless and benign.  But, if we take hold of it, we are setting ourselves for great pain or worse.  We do not want to make the segue from time to eternity still embracing and clinging to sin.  Let us cling, instead, to our Savior.

Neal Pollard

A man with one of the softest, kindest hearts I have ever known called me less than an hour ago, telling me he wanted to talk to me.  Honestly, I was not sure what was on his mind and I was curious.  I was not prepared for what he shared with me.

He told me that as he was driving Steve Higginbotham, one of our lectureship speakers, back to the Denver airport, he brought up the matter of baptism with Higginbotham.  He told him that he was only five or six when he was baptized and that the baptism was in the Southern Baptist Church.  What triggered the man’s concerns was a question Steve had answered during the Open Forum of the lectureship about when one should give consideration to being “baptized again.”  Steve answered the question marvelously.  That night, in his keynote lecture, Steve hit on the matter again during the course of his lesson.

But, our newest brother in Christ had been concerned about relying on what he had done as a small child in a denomination for some time.  What really first heightened his insecurity over that prior act was Dave Chamberlin’s Monday night class on “The Godhead.”  I knew from talking to Dave that he was teaching that class evangelistically, knowledgeable that this group had a non-Christian woman in it.  I am not sure Dave was aware of this man’s religious history.  But, Dave drove the point home about the essential nature of baptism throughout this class on God.

So many things have raced through my mind over the last few minutes.  First, I thought about the 1 Corinthians 3:6 principle.  Dave planted, Steve watered, and God gave the increase.  Second, I thought about the Luke 8:4-8 principle.  To this point, the other person of whom Dave was aware has not been immersed for the forgiveness of sins.  But, this man proved to be good ground upon which the seed, the Word of God, could be sown.  Third, I thought about the James 1:21 principle.  He laid aside anything that would have prevented his obedience and he showed great meekness in receiving the word implanted.  Consequently, it saved his soul.

I already knew that we just completed the greatest lectureship in which I have ever had a direct part.  But, the fruit of it continues to be borne.  It never gets old, dull, or boring to welcome someone new into the kingdom.  Thanks, Dave.  Thanks, Steve.  Thank you, too, Steve Swann.  We will not soon forget your humble obedience!

Neal Pollard

My boys were listening to an old Who song and thought the first lyrics were, “Happy Jack was attacked and he didn’t care.”  Back in the earlier part of their career before they got too edgy for me to listen to them, John Boy and Billy, two Charlotte, NC, classic rock DJs whose morning show became syndicated throughout the southeast, regularly made me laugh until I hurt.  One shtick they had was a supposed CD collection of John Boy mis-singing lyrics of different songs, like Boston’s “All I want is to have a piece of pie” (actually, “All I want is to have my peace of mind”).  We get tickled at this kind of faux pas.

How about in church services?  As a little kid, did you think they were singing, “Bringing In The Sheep” or “Bringing In The Cheese”?  How about, “Are you sowing the seed of the King, dumb brother?”  One of my late uncles, whether in ignorance or mischief, would sing, “At the fence, at the fence, where I tore my Sunday pants, and the quarter in my pocket rolled away.”

Most, if not all, of these are instances of the miscomprehension that followed mishearing something.  It seems to me that gossip often works this way.  So often, we practice propagation without investigation or adequate information.  It is how Sister Sue’s broken toe is soon body traction or Brother Bob’s cold quickly becomes a coma.  It is less humorous when our tongues are a weapon that perpetrates reputation wounding or character assassination.  Remember, the tongue is unruly and hard to tame (James 3:1ff).  A gossip separates friends (Prov. 16:28), betrays a confidence (Prov. 20:19), fans the flames of quarrels (cf. Prov. 26:20), and practices malicious behavior (cf. 3 John 10).  Even if they get their info right but their motives and intentions are wrong, they do harm and should be avoided.  We are talking about something more risky than the childhood, playful game of “telephone.”  The good name of a person is on the line.  Let us not only get it right, but strive to simply be right.  That includes taming our tongues.

Neal Pollard

There is a fascinating object at a site considered holy by many that has seriously divided six religious groups.  Actually, the ladder does not divide all of them and is only an example that highlights the division.  In Jerusalem, there is a church building most likely built by Constantine in 326 A.D. around what Israeli scholar Dan Bahat and the Oxford Archaeological Guide to the Holy Land, among others, suggest could be the tomb where Jesus was buried.  This building, known variously as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or Church of the Resurrection, is claimed and overseen by the Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox, and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. The Ottoman Empire, which controlled the city in 1757, made a firman (decree) to establish a status quo defining the rights of each of these religious groups to the building.  Apparently, just before the decree was issued,

Someone placed a wooden ladder on a window ledge above the church entrance.  And it has been there ever since. It must not be moved.  According to one account the window belongs to the Armenians.  The cornice on which the ladder rests, however, has been assigned in the status quo to the Greek Orthodox.  As a result the ladder must not be removed because it sits on property of the Greek Orthodox (and only the Greek Orthodox can go there and change anything on it) but leans on property of the Armenians (and only Armenians can alter something that touches the window).  Neither group therefore controls the ladder, nor may either remove it (Danny Herman, “Who Moved The Ladder,” Biblical Archaeological Review, Jan/Feb 2010, 14).

While it is sad that many wish to venerate material objects and give special significance to material relics, there is something sadder still and something that is a problem broader than Catholicism and Orthodoxy.  Have you ever seen anything insignificant and non-essential cause strife, hurt, hardship, and division in a congregation?  Too many times, matters equally as trivial and pathetic as a ladder on a ledge of a building has broken fellowship between God’s people.

Mankind is so incredibly divided over a multitude of matters of truth.  Man has instituted his own doctrines and beliefs where Jesus was crystal clear.  There should not be division over our worship, how to be saved, or who is the saved because Jesus has clearly spoken on these matters.  While these manmade divisions will cost millions their souls, what about other incidents which do not constitute a situation of faith versus opinion.  What about when our division is over a matter of opinion versus opinion, judgment against judgment, and feelings facing feelings?  Too often, the differences that causes individual congregations to feud and even divide amount to little more than a ladder propped against a window.  When one asserts his window and another his cornice, are we not walking like mere men (cf. 1 Cor. 3:1-3)?  Strife and jealousy do not belong among the people of God.  May we strive for the spiritual maturity to see and practice that.

Neal Pollard

From July 1-19, 1903, 60 bicyclists were willing pawns of one Henri Desgrange, editor of L’Auto sports newspaper, trying to win a circulation war with Le Velo.  The Tour de France, suggested as a sales promotion, was such an instant hit that L’Auto ran Le Velo out of business.  A race day could take as much as 17 hours to complete, and it is not surprising that only 21 of the 60 finished the entire inaugural bike race.  The finishers went about 2500 kilometers (nearly 1600 miles), and the winner was Frenchman Maurice “Chimney Sweep” Garin.  Within five years, the race distance would nearly double.  Competition was fierce from the beginning, with fans tossing nails in front of the tires of their favorite’s competitors.  There were allegations of riders being poisoned.

The heartiness of the racers is what seems most impressive.  A column written in memorial to Garin just after his death said of him that “In that era, Garin rode a bike as heavy as lead, which demanded enormous strength, power and will. He rode more on pure strength than suppleness. His almost inexhaustible energy let him win the toughest races” (Woodland, The Unknown Tour de France, Van der Plas Pub., San Francisco, 9).   They raced through night, stomach cramps, falls, flat tires, sabotage, cheating competitors, and falling asleep from exhaustion.  Racing at the height of the industrial age, they were held in fascination by especially Europeans almost as if they were machines, part of the steel-framed bikes they pedaled.

These athletes had a high price to pay for competing in this now renowned race.  The Bible compares the Christian life to a race (cf. 1 Cor. 9:24).  It indicates that it is a race requiring endurance (Heb. 12:1), self-control (1 Cor. 9:25), success (Gal. 5:7), and purpose (1 Cor. 9:26; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16).  Many have paid the ultimate price in the process of running (Acts 7:59-60; 12:2; Rev. 6:9) and just standing up for one’s Christianity has proven costly in the past (Heb. 10:34).  Jesus affirmed that following Him comes with a price, but look at the price He paid for us (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23).

We are called to complete this race, enduring and overcoming whatever difficult obstacles arise.  It takes focus and desire to stick with it!  Just remember that prize we receive for winning far exceeds anything we can even imagine now (2 Tim. 4:8).  Whatever rises to meet you on this road, keep going until you reach the end of the course!

Neal Pollard

Dave Chamberlin, whose knowledge about vehicles I trust as much as anyone I know, went with me to look at a prospective new truck for the Pollard household.  It was a beauty in its own way, a 1969 Ford F-100, 300 cube inline six with four on the floor.  Dave had already done a pre-inspection on it the night before, concluding that the front end was aligned and the shocks were in good shape.  It was rusty in spots, but consistent with the age and nothing too troubling about the exterior.  When we arrived at the owner’s house, he fired it up and it sounded pretty good.  The asking price, which I was sure I could shave a few hundred dollars from, was right.  No, it did not have a horn or emergency brake, but neither of these was a deal killer.  Dave got in the passenger’s side and I took my place behind the wheel.  The truck was parked on a downward incline, and I started it up and we started going the half block toward the stop sign at the intersection.  When I plied the brakes, there was no response.  So, feeling a concern I am sure Dave shared, I started pumping them.  Just in time, they grabbed and we stopped.  Pulling out roughly in what Dave called the “stump pulling gear,” I shifted to second.  Going into a curve, I noticed that the steering wheel was a bear to control.  The owner said that the truck never had power steering, but the steering column performed as if power steering had gone out on it.  I wrestled that truck about a mile down to the next major intersection.  After a couple more (difficult!) turns, I asked Dave to drive and tell me what he thought.  Sure enough, the concerns were confirmed.  This truck had major steering and braking issues.  Great engine.  Nice body for the age.  Good suspension and alignment.  Terrible steering and brakes!  That was enough to kill the deal.  The thought of Gary (or me) trying to fight the steering wheel or brakes, especially when quick or immediate response was necessary, terminated my interest.

Balance and self-control.  These are just two aspects of life, but vitally important ones.  You can have some great qualities, but lack these two and your life is in trouble.  Your effectiveness is undermined. You cannot enjoy great success in drawing others to Christ without them.  They may seem unrelated to one another, but they are both integral parts of the whole we must strive to be.  Swerving to the left or right of biblical center, getting obsessed with one or a few issues to the neglect of other duties or teaching, is dangerous.  Marry that with a lack of desire or ability to keep oneself in proper check and disaster awaits!  May we regularly do a check up on our character, our habits, our thoughts, and all the “major systems” (prayer, Bible study, service, etc.).  May we also make sure our lives are in proper balance and governed with self-control!  The alternative is unpleasant for ourselves and those around us!

–See Joshua 1:7; Acts 20:27; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Galatians 5:22-24; James 3:1-12

Neal Pollard

Driving back a few weeks ago from Polishing the Pulpit on a Wednesday night, two of my sons and I decided to attend Bible classes with a congregation en route to the airport from which we would fly home the following morning.  It was a congregation about the size of Bear Valley.  The class was well-taught, biblical, and interesting.  After the class, there was a brief intermission before a devotional period.  After the closing prayer, the boys and I stood and smiled at several, three extroverts looking for the opportunity to greet brethren before we had to get back on the road.  A great many of the members were making a dash for their cars to get home.  Several were swimming past us.  Only as we were making our exit did one brother half-heartedly, after we made a very deliberate approach toward him, greet us.

Fortunately for this congregation, I was not a non-Christian or struggling or sensitive Christian.  For whatever good this church may accomplish, they flunked in welcoming the outsiders who were among them.  Churches, like people, may have bad days, but the stakes are high and the impression made upon us was lasting.

It also left me mortified at the thought that anyone would ever be among us for one of our assemblies and leave with the same bad taste in his or her mouth.  I know the excuses we may use–“I had people to see and things to accomplish,” “I didn’t know they were a visitor,” “I wouldn’t know what to say,” “that’s not my ‘job,'” “that’s not my talent,” and the like.  But balance those sentiments with the potentially harmful, lasting, and negative impression we may leave on one in need of a connection that may lead to their salvation or much-needed encouragement.  Did you know we had a young man visit with us last night, a Christian brother who is in town taking a short course toward his engineering degree?  Dave Chamberlin spotted him standing alone in the back of the auditorium, in the middle of a crowd many of whom we both watched just walk past him.  Did you know he will be back at services on Wednesday night, before returning to a neighboring state to continue his higher education?  Dave spent quite a while talking with him, as did Michael Sharp.  How wonderfully this commends their warm-hearted spirit.  Maybe others met and visited with him, but why not let us set our minds to being a congregation renowned for bombarding our visitors with time and attention?  Next week, we have a golden opportunity through our lectureship–a time in which we will be inundated with “outsiders.”

Clint Stephens is the master at this.  He never assumes others will greet our visitors.  As a shepherd, he’s responsible for the flock but he has no greater responsibility than anyone else for greeting visitors.  If you will seek out and welcome our visitors, it will be the means of your spiritual growth and a tangible way to be a servant of Christ.  Let us be resolved that, on “our watch,” no one will leave one of our assemblies feeling invisible!

Neal Pollard

A couple of years ago, Ralph Williams and I were left in a parked, older model SUV in downtown Chittagong, Bangladesh, while a couple of local Christians and the driver went to get us some luchi frybread and Coca-Colas for breakfast.  It was morning rush hour, and the streets were filled with Muslims including not a few clerics and imams.  I admit that the sight and experience was unsettling.  I have heard the harrowing Muslim calls to prayer in such cities as Banderban, Nairobi, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, and I cannot agree that it is either comforting or beautiful.  Many of the world’s trouble spots and areas of conflict center around at least one side adhering to Muslim ideology.  In its fundamental form, Muslims who are true to their book will read encouragement to be violent and oppressive.  For example, Qu’ran (8:12) says, “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them.”  Later, one reads, “So when the sacred months have passed away, then slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them captives and besiege them and lie in wait for them in every ambush, then if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, leave their way free to them” (Qu’ran 9:5).  Some (see http://www.religionofpeace.com) say at least 109 verses in the Koran call for Muslims to war against those they regard as infidels (unbelievers).

This Saturday, September 11, 2010, marks the ninth anniversary of the attack by Muslim terrorists on New York City, Washington, D.C., and another target thwarted in western Pennsylvania.  To mark this infamous date, a community church pastor named Terry Jones is going to burn a few hundred copies of the Koran.  Should we commend this response that has drawn international attention and caused many in Iraq and Afghanistan to burn this man in effigy?  Is that courage and conviction,  and is it that with which our Lord would be pleased?

While I certainly cannot speak for Him, I can look at His Words and follow His example (1 Pet. 2:21; see context).  I can read the writings of His disciples whom the Holy Spirit inspired to record His will and teaching.  I can see how John and Paul dealt with Judaism and proto-gnosticism, two of the most pervasive, troubling, and rival religions of the day.  They attacked and addressed ideas and doctrines, but they did not burn their books or their idols. While Jesus turned over the money changers table, He did not do so as a member of a different world religion but rather as a practicer of that religion correcting corruptions He saw within it (Matt. 21:12ff).  When books were burned in Acts 19:19, it was done by people who were converted to Christianity and felt convicted in their repentance to graphically get rid of books they now knew should hold no sway over them.  Paul did not burn those books in anger or in vengeance.

By the power of the gospel and providence of God, I have been able to sit down and study with Muslims in this country and overseas.  Through His Word, I have had the joy of watching men and women leave that religion to follow Christ.  Never have I found it effective to try to persuade someone or reach their heart by affronting, offending, and provoking them.  We serve the Prince of Peace (cf. Isa. 9:6).  He has shown us the way to mature, heavenly love (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4ff).  We are to be wise as serpents, but harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16).  Jones’ action seems neither wise nor harmless.  Nor will it advance the cause of Christ or implant the word of Christ in the hearts of the lost.  We need to reach those outside of Christ, including those of the Muslim faith, but this is not the way to do it!

Neal Pollard

Many a drop-by visit, phone call, hospital or home visit, or foyer conversation have yielded unusual moments permanently burned into my memory.  This would include a series of phone calls I received from a man apparently employed by the Richmond Times Dispatch in Virginia.  The calls were usually spread apart by many months.  I had caller ID, so I had the number.  The  man sounded professional and intelligent, and he always said he was struggling with a problem and wanted to talk to a preacher.  So I would listen.  Every time, unexpectedly, the man would suddenly launch into using some of the raunchiest, foul language you could imagine.  I was baffled as to his motivation.  Some folks get a kick out of “shocking” a Christian.  Maybe he suffered with mental illness.  He was definitely troubled.  The phone calls ended when after he called me, I used the caller ID to call him back to tell him that I had his number and would not hesitate to come down and settle the matter personally or speak to someone in authority there.  It was unbelievable audacity for this member of the media to so freely spew vulgarities and profanities to someone he knew followed Christ.

If we are not careful, we are allowing media representatives to do the same to us!  They are spewing vulgarities and profanities at us in the name of entertainment.  Whatever their motives do not matter–money, personal ideology, or anti-Christian beliefs.  However, it should offend us and we should take it personally.  Spiritually, something is not right with this situation.  No unwholesome word is to come out of our mouths (Eph. 4:29).  Why?  It’s not right!  Is it better for us to entertain ourselves with unwholesome words?  If so, why?  If improper speech does not belong on our tongues (Col. 3:8; Tit. 2:8), let us keep it out of our ears, too!

Neal Pollard

The Bible says that “children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Ps. 127:3).  That verse reminds us of the stewardship of the eternal souls we partner with God in bringing into this world and immediately begin pointing toward eternity.  Weighed down with the thought of that prospect, Lee Fisher wrote this poem:

I have appreciated that poem ever since the day my dad gave it to me as a gift, the day my oldest son was born.  The plaque had hung in his office, and I have looked at it for most of the days since it has belonged to me.  As the years of fatherhood have added up for me, I pondered where the sequel to Mr. Fisher’s poem was.  Not having found it, I attempted to write one of my own.  Here it is:

That little chap grew big and tall,
No longer is he quite so small,
He’s got facial hair,
He drives a car,
He plays point guard
And steel guitar.
I look into his eyes and see
A deep imprint put there by me.
His tone of voice, his emphases,
All things he listened and learned from me.
He’ll soon leave home
Make his own way,
And more than once I’ll hear him say,
“I am today in all I do,
What all these years I’ve seen in you.”
–NP

For good or for ill, I am leaving a legacy by my parenting.  If the realization of that does not help me, I will likely live to have it haunt me.  How well can I lead my family to be where they need to be if I am not where I need to be.  If I am, they are more likely to get there, too!