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Neal Pollard

There is no better New Testament chapter for showing us the power of forgiveness than Romans 5.  One of the concepts Paul uses to teach forgiveness is “justification” (5:1,9, 16, 18; see also “reconciled,” “saved,” and “made righteous” in this chapter).  One source illustrates justification by referencing a supposedly true story centering around the ringing of the bell in London’s St. Paul Cathedral.  It is said this bell saved a sentinel soldier’s life.  The man was on duty at distant Windsor Castle and accused by the guard who relieved him of sleeping at his post. He was tried by court martial and condemned to death.  The man denied his guilt, saying that on the night in question he heard the bells of St. Paul ring 13 times at midnight.  The court did not believe he could hear the bells from so far away, but eventually the testimony of many people supported the claim of this condemned man.  The mechanism on the bell malfunctioned that night.  The king pardoned the soldier, who supposedly lived to be 100 years old.  He was justified after he was condemned.

The word translated “justified” in Romans 5:1 means “acquitted, put right with, and set free” (Louw & Nida, Vol. 2, Gk.-Eng. Lex. of the NT, 64). It means to be declared righteous with God (Friberg & Miller, Vol. 4: Anal. Lex. of the Gk. NT, 117).  Paul mentions three things we get to enjoy, being justified by Jesus’ blood, death, and life (5:9-10).

Because we are justified by Jesus’ blood, we have peace with God (5:1), we get to stand in this grace (5:2), and we get to boast in hope (5:2), in our tribulations (5:3), and in God (5:11).  In the end, because of Jesus, we shall be saved (5:9-10).

We deserve the wrath of God (5:9), spiritual death (5:12), and condemnation (5:16).  Unlike the fortunate soldier, we could not claim innocence (5:12,19).  Our pardon is the result of Jesus’ innocence, but because of that we can lay claim to “eternal life” (5:21).  Thank God for the saving blood of His Son.

 

 

 

Ron Herman (standing, 2nd left) and his wife, Charlene (seated, far right)

 

Neal Pollard

Kathy and the wife of one of our deacons in Virginia were studying with a sweet woman who was eventually baptized and who remains faithful to this day.  The woman lived in an apartment in a higher crime area.  In the midst of one of their studies, her huge, heavily tattooed, and obviously drunk nephew came downstairs weeping openly and profusely.  Apparently he had been eavesdropping on the study and felt, perhaps aided by the large, nearly empty bottle of liquor, a need of God.  Up to that point, Kathy and her co-teacher was unaware this nephew was in the apartment.  It turns out that this young man faced stiff legal problems as a convicted drug dealer who would not leave that lifestyle.  He was miserable, frightened, and utterly directionless.

The girls were able to leave Donna’s apartment safely, and the young man attended on a Wednesday night not long after this incident.  After a brief devotional and the extending of an invitation, this young man responded.  Knowing only his Catholic background, he went up to the very front and knelt right in front of the pulpit.  It seems that nearly all of us were frozen by this unexpected move.  It was unorthodox.  As he made the sign of the cross repeatedly, it was uncomfortable.  No doubt several wondered, “How should this be handled?”  While we all stood and sang, mired in perplexity, Ron Herman, one of our elders, walked up to the young man.  Perhaps many of us thought, “Good, Ron will escort him to the front pew to the ‘scriptural’ place for handling responses.”

No.  Ron immediately modeled Christ in a most compassionate way.  Ron knelt beside him, putting his arm around this big, burly young man.  He quietly, gently discussed with him the nature of his problem that moved him to respond.  Ron was affirming, smiling, and empathetic.  After the song, Ron informed the congregation that this young man wanted us to pray for him.

So far as I know, this young man has never obeyed the gospel.  In fact, soon after his public response, he was incarcerated.  But I learned a lot about what matters most that evening.  Ron was a professional educator, serving in school administration for his long, illustrious career.  Oh, how much he taught us that night. He was a shepherd exemplifying Christ to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3).  Too often we get uncomfortable when we need to get unseated, and we get embarrassed when we need to get encouraging.  So many among us are hurting and are unsure of what to do.  They are unsure of how we, the church, will respond.  Let us have the love and courage to respond just as Christ would.  Just as Ron did!

Neal Pollard

Russell Young, a distinguished veteran of World War II and the Korean War as both a member of the army and marines, once observed with me many comparisons between the military battlefield and the spiritual battlefield on which every Christian is to fight (cf. Eph. 6:10ff; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Tim. 4:3ff; etc.).  His musings brought to my mind the following observations.

Some of our brethren are “MIA.”  They are “missing in action.”  It may be regarding attending all the services of the saints, participating in the work of the church, or giving liberally of their means.  When there is work to do, these brethren are not to be found.

Some brethren are, similarly, “AWOL.”  They are “away without leave.”  In other words, they are conspicuously absent without “providential cause” (sickness, certain occupational situations, etc.).  They are the ones to whom reference is made when the question is asked, “Where has _____________ been lately?”  When they leave town for a few weeks, no one knows.  No one knows when and if they are sick.  While members may and should phone, how much easier it is when those who are hurting and ill let the church know where they are.

Some brethren are “POWs.”  They are “prisoners of war.”  The war is with Satan and worldliness, but some have been taken captive by the devil to do his will (2 Tim. 2:24-26).  These brethren have willingly and foolishly placed themselves in harm’s way, lowering their defenses and ultimately weakening themselves to the point of capture.

Some brethren are “defectors.”  They have defected to the side of the enemy.  Their deeds align them with the dark forces of evil, but they have not carefully considered that “the other side” is going to “lose big” some day. The stakes are eternally high (cf. Matt. 25:46). Yet, such POWs can and must willingly leave the enemy’s camp.  Others can have a part in their rescue, but ultimately they have to want to leave the devil’s ranks.

Some brethren have “battle fatigue.”  They are getting weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9).  Perhaps they are ready to give up the fight (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12).  God wants those enlisted in His army to “war a good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18), but that will require “endurance” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).  The adversary sometimes is all too clearly seen, and he looks intimidating (1 Pet. 5:8).  Most of the world is on his side (Matt. 7:13-14).  Bible studies sometimes do not end with the student obeying the gospel, fellow-soldiers can disappoint, involvement by brethren can at times seem so limited, and personal adversities can hinder. Yet, it can all be “overcome” by faith (cf. 1 John 5:4).  Those who endure will be rewarded in unparalleled fashion (Js. 1:12).

Some brethren will have been “decorated war heroes.”  The medals have not yet been handed out, but these spiritual soldiers are faithfully fighting the good fight.  Israel has the “Medal of Valor.” Poland has the “Virtuti Militari.”  It is the “Victoria Cross” in the United Kingdom, the “Bir Sreshtho” in Bangladesh, the “Order of the Golden Kite” in Japan, the “Royal Order of the Intare” in Rwanda, and the “Medal of Honor” in the United States.  Countries recognize their war heroes for valor on the battlefield.  James, Paul, Peter, and John all mention the imperishable crown that awaits those who come to the end of their battle still standing wearing the armor.

Let us be like those who “became mighty in war” (Heb. 11:34), aware of those things which “war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11).  Endurance is the key to victory!  Maybe you have given up or you feel like giving up the battle. Perhaps you are simply discouraged. The battle may seem long, but the victory promises to be the sweetest ever experienced! Keep fighting!

 

Neal Pollard

Drs. Cardoso and Sabbatini consider emotional tear-shedding to be the simple product of evolution, as “all animals with mobile eyes have nictitating membranes, or inner eyelids, and tears aid in opening, closing, washing, lubricating, and protecting the eye’s delicate, transparent, adaptive lenses” (www.cerebromente.org).  But, they cannot tell us when, how, or why such an evolution occurred.  Science can identify the individual parts of the tear ducts, the orbital and palpebral parts, the superior and inferior lacrimal papilla and puncta, the lacrimal canaliculi, the plica semilunaris, and the rest, but they cannot tell us why these are triggered when humans are sad, afraid, euphoric, or otherwise emotionally touched.  Science can reveal mechanisms and functions, but is at a loss to connect it to the moral, psychological, emotional, and spiritual facets of human beings.

In the Bible, which presupposes and asserts not only God’s existence but also His will, feelings, expectations, and nature, God acknowledges and cares about the emotions that move us to tears as well as to laughter.  The psalmist says God has a bottle, as it were, in which to store our tears (Ps. 56:8).  God Himself, in human flesh, wept (John 11:35; Luke 19:41; Heb. 5:7).  David expresses the vital role tears played in his repentance (Ps. 51), and Paul calls for as much in 2 Corinthians 7:7-11.  The sinful woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears (Lk. 7:38ff).

Why is it that movies, books, or news stories move us to tears?  When we experience a relationship breakup, are hurt or betrayed, or are righteously indignant, why do we sometimes weep and cry?  How is it that the commemoration of the Lord’s Supper, a convicting, moving sermon, a touching spiritual song or hymn, or particularly heartfelt prayer can drive us to shed tears?  If we can separate ourselves from humanistic, godless explanations, we see what is most logical.  We are not simply “the animal that weeps.”  No, as one made in God’s image, we are uniquely able to feel and respond to such feelings with a depth of emotion unmatched in the rest of creation.  God designed us to experience and express the movements of a feeling heart and soul.  Neither evolution nor mere science can supply another, adequate answer.

 

Neal Pollard

As a little child, I remember learning and loving a song we would sing at Vacation Bible School time and sometimes during the weekly Bible class time.  You may know the song:

Don’t drink booze, don’t drink booze, Spend your money on a pair of shoes.
Please don’t smoke, please don’t smoke, Feed your tobacco to a billy goat.
Please don’t curse, please don’t curse, I can’t think of anything that’s worse.
Be polite, be polite, always treat other people right.
Worship God, worship God; Don’t go Sunday with a fishing rod.

It indoctrinated about the perils of using alcohol, tobacco, and curse words as well as the need for courtesy and faithful attendance.  It so happens that I could see the logic in the lesson it taught.

The Associated Press reports that Omega, a 12-year-old chimp, has developed a nicotine addiction from his cage at a Lebanese zoo. Omega has not had an ordinary life, even for a chimpanzee in captivity.  He began life as an entertainer in a local restaurant (you can’t make this stuff up!), where he smoked cigarettes until he was too big and strong for that gig.  The last 10 years have been spent at the zoo, where he waited for those moments when a visitor would toss him a cigarette inside his cage.  Animal rights activists are rescuing him, putting him on an Emirates airline flight, and relocating him to a sanctuary in Brazil where it is presumed they will try to rehabilitate him and break his smoking habit.

Omega cannot be held responsible for an unhealthy choice he cannot possibly weigh and rationalize.  Tobacco is an addictive substance, providing a short-term pleasure and creating a dependency that increases with continued use.  He is not made in God’s image (cf. Gen. 1:27), and he has no heaven to gain or hell to lose (cf. Matt. 25:31ff; 2 Cor. 5:10).  We, on the other hand, have been given stewardship over time, money, talents, and other resources, including our bodies (1 Cor. 6:19-20).  There are a myriad of choices we make that can harm those bodies, from overeating to drug abuse to tobacco use.  We do not want to make deliberate choices that wear down or weaken those bodies in which we are to be found wholeheartedly serving the Lord.  The list of poor health conditions related to the effects of long-term, regular smoking is very long.

Beyond that, we should not want to be enslaved to anything or anyone other than our Lord and righteousness.  How sad to see a chimp reduced to taking a drag from a used cigarette.  Sadder still is to see people made in the image of God reduced to nervous, distressed, agitated messes for want of another smoke.  Let us work not to let cigarettes or any other earthly thing make a monkey out of us!

Neal Pollard

If there were ten families just like Wayne and Betty Nelson in every congregation, the building could not contain all the people who would attend them.  They are consummate servants and lovers of Christ, and it shows in an endless number of ways.  Recently, Betty shared with me her doctors’ sternest recommendation.  Due to the cancer treatment she underwent, her bone marrow was so compromised that she is permanently left with an insufficient immune system.  That means she is most susceptible to any germ or disease, large or small.  Thus, the doctors have warned her not to be in public places where sick people and germs are certain to be found.  That includes the assemblies of the church.

Suppose it were to be told by doctors to you or me that we could no longer assemble with the saints?  How would we react?  Would we burst into tears?  Would we become depressed? Would we be relieved? How great a change and effect would it have on our current practice?

Betty has been faithfully attending church services even before those services were with the Lord’s church, as she grew up in a denomination.  She became a Christian after marrying Wayne, and up until her cancer was not only a faithful attender but a very involved Christian woman.  Even from home confinement, she continues to edify and evangelize through sending cards and maximizing the few contacts she is able to have in her circumstances.  To say that the doctors’ diagnosis disturbs her is to grossly understate it.  She was devastated.  She yearns to be present, so much so that when weather and health permits she stands at the fence or on her back porch watching her brothers and sisters arrive and walk to the church building doors.  She often cries as she watches others doing what she so longs to do, too.  She greatly misses the fellowship, the ability to work elbow to elbow with her fellow Christians, and the uplift of worship and Bible class.

I left Betty’s hospital room thinking about this matter.  Do we ever view attending a church service as drudgery or dull duty?  Do we ever choose, from fatigue to family, stagnation to sports, weakness to willfulness, to avoid the assemblies?  Do we long to meet or think we meet too long?  What if the doctors quarantined me from the church?  How much would it change and effect me?  May the Lord grant us all the humility and wisdom to evaluate this and answer, honestly and with our heart.

 

Neal Pollard

I am no political activist, and I was in no small way annoyed and worn out by the political phone calls and ads.  Yet, there was an amendment on the Colorado ballot that did have my undivided attention.  It was simply called “Amendment 62,” an amendment to our state constitution recognizing the independent “personhood” of the unborn child.  By an overwhelming 7 to 3 ratio, our state’s voters denied that amendment.

There are many reasons to recognize the personhood of the unborn child.  The child has its own unique DNA, fingerprints, blood type, many times is even of a different gender, and is distinctly identified as a human being.  The child develops early and rapidly, having blood vessels form in the third week after conception, eyes and the beginning of esophagus, gallbladder, liver, lungs, pancreas, pharynx, stomach and trachea form in the fourth week. The face of the child begins to look human by week five, and the heart begins beating around the same time. The brain of the child can sense smell by day 35.  The beginning of the toes are evident by day 42.  Consider that all of these developments are occurring before or around the time a woman discovers she is pregnant (cf. http://sfuhl.org).  The most compelling reason requires a belief both in God and scripture, which not only gives us our moral bearing regarding life and love of children but also gives us God’s view of the unborn child.

The Bible tells us that God knew the unborn child even before He formed the child in the womb (Isa. 44:1-2; Jer. 1:4-5).  It further states the love and relationship God has with the unborn child (Ps. 22:9-10; 139:13-16).  In Luke 1:39-44, Elizabeth recognizes the personhood both of the unborn child in her own womb and that in Mary’s womb.  If Mary had been pro-choice and had sought to exercise that choice to abort (and why would a pro-choice Christian deny her that “right”?), the world’s only Savior would not have been born.

The greater concern here is the collective callus on the heart of a nation.  For just short of four full decades, we have legally sanctioned the killing of unborn children.  With the practice now entering a third generation of legal and societal acceptance, I am very concerned about the conscience of an entire culture.

There is an incredible website out there called http://www.physiciansforlife.org, a voice for medical professionals against the horrific practice of abortion.  On the site, they say, “How ironic that the ‘love’ generation should spawn such a culturally accepted abomination as abortion.”  The site is filled with studies and data about the health risks and problems for the mother who makes this choice as well as an endless amount of statistics and research on the matter.

Our task is great.  It begins with our valuing all human life and the eternal implication residing in every person.  This deserves our prayers and our concern.  If we will be more aggressive in teaching the gospel to the lost, we stand a better chance to reach the heart of a nation hardened by years of choosing evil rather than good on this matter.  May God grant our nation a softened heart and may He bless us all, including those unborn who simply want to live.

 

Neal Pollard

I am a part of the greatest institution on earth, conceived in heaven from the eternity before time (Eph. 3:9-11), paid for with the blood of deity in the flesh (Ac. 20:28), and the only institution destined for heaven and the Father’s omnipotent hands (1 Cor. 15:24).  It belongs to Jesus (Matt. 16:18), its design, purpose, and duties were laid out by Him (cf. Eph. 1:22, Col. 3:17), and it wears His name (Rom. 16:16).  It is comprised of those made holy by His blood sacrifice (Heb. 13:12).

The church is called the fullness of Him (Eph. 1:22). It is said to be the way God is glorified on earth (Eph. 3:21). It is said to be so loved by Christ that He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25). It is called His body (Col. 1:24). It is referenced as the pillar and ground of the truth and God’s household (1 Tim. 3:15).

Therefore, it saddens me to hear the all-too-often spoken complaint, “That’s the problem with the church!”  As one who has grown up in the wonderful environment of the New Testament church, I have had the sad experience of hearing men and women bemoan all the problems in the church today.  Usually, those obsessed with such thoughts are extreme–to the left or the right of biblical center.  That is not to say that by avoiding extremism, we shield our eyes from the fact that we are not evangelizing enough, we are often too much like the world, or we suffer from maladies ranging from poor leadership to weak preaching, disharmony to compromise, uninvolvement to faithlessness.  Yes, those problems exist.  They exist in line with the unavoidable fact that the divinely-designed and heavenly-purchased church is comprised of frail, weak, fickle, and sinful people.

However, I am concerned with this cynical, critical, encompassing approach to the church that seems blinded to the good by the bad it sees.  Growing up, I was taught that you will find exactly that for which you are looking.  Do you want to see the hypocrites, the problems, the shortcomings, and the mistakes?  You will be able to fill a file folder with examples.  But, do you want to find the meek and humble, the hardworking, the sacrificial, the valiant, the faithful, and the dedicated?  You will never come close to suffering a shortage of models for that, either.

My job is to ask, “What do I see as my job?”  Am I church critic?  Or, am I body builder?  Fault-finder? Or, saint-supporter?  Scripture indicates that God wants me encouraging, serving, exhorting, and helping my brethren.  I know they are imperfect, but I will seek to give them the benefit of the doubt whenever I can.  Otherwise, I become an answer to the question, “Do you know what the problem with the church is?”

 

Neal Pollard

Pierced hands, feet and side, but He’d simply abide

With the plan of redemption in sight

Since all men were cursed, lost, Jesus paid the high cost

Oneness in Him is God’s holy delight.

World of men in confusion stand beguiled by illusion

That many ways, conflicting, are yet true

But in woeful compromise, they fall short of the prize

Who, despite truth, do not what God says to do.

Full and free, Christ’s shed blood, forms that atoning flood

Which can save one who God’s law has breached

But, though free, it has cost, so to save one who’s lost

One must go where the blood can be reached.

Balm of Gilead bleeding gives grace so exceeding

Such hope found in His gift so free

Obedient and faithful, I find blessings so hopeful

Which brightens my daily journey.

Our orders, His demands, delivered by nail-scarred hands

He calls Christians to spread broad the news

And molded by recognition, the daily commission

Is their seeking the lost e’er they lose.

In times of fear and war, and whether near or far

Still unity must be our cry

For eternity lurks, may there be none who shirks

The plea for which Jesus did die.

Men’s fickle trends fall, but towering over it all

Is the prayer of a Lord before His dying,

One as He and God are, there’s our beacon and star

Purest unity all error denying.

 

Neal Pollard

 

Prayer is a powerful blessing and gift bestowed on us by God.  It is a spiritual lifeline, a relationship builder with the eternal God, a source of help when we struggle and doubt, and so much more.  I cannot think of a decision, small or large, that should be made without prayer.  Churches, families, couples, and individual Christians should be praying more–more often, more fervently, and more trustingly.  What a shame when we act without preceding the action with prayer.

However, for most of my life, I have heard people defend an unscriptural way of worshipping, entering into a marriage not permitted or sanctioned by God’s Word, a decision to engage in an immoral practice, and an illegitimate way of handling a problem with a brother or sister by insisting, “We’ve prayed about it!”

Prayer is not a substitute for obedience.  Praying about and then moving ahead in doing something that stands in disobedience to God is a pointless exercise.  For what are we praying, if the matter has already been settled in God’s Word?  Prayer cannot nullify objective truth.  Prayer without proper understanding is insufficient.  All the prayer in the world cannot change God’s view on matters about which He has already expressed Himself through His written means of communication.

The Bible teaches some important truths that will guide and govern how we pray and for what we pray.  Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, “Your will be done” (Matt. 6:10).  How often, in prayer, are we still stubbornly hanging on to a desire to do things the way we want to do them?  James urges us to check our motives and desires in prayer (4:2-3).  Prayer and righteousness are conjoined, and God’s face is against those who do evil (1 Pet. 3:12)–a reminder that rebellion against God’s will renders the prayer of such a one useless so long as he or she persists in that condition.

I am not saying pray less, but instead pray less selfishly.  I am not saying that all decisions are easy, but we must wed a strong prayer life to a submissive spirit always longing to trust and obey the One to whom we pray!  Developing that kind of attitude and character is definitely something to pray about.

 

Neal Pollard

I will never be mistaken for the “Ministry Geek,” though maybe I could pass for the Abacus Geek or Sundial Geek.  The next text message I send will be my first.  So, while they say that you fear what you do not know, you may be surprised to see me say that I think we should be texting during church services.  Far too many are failing to do so, and it is severely hurting the quality of the Bible classes and worship, not to mention the daily lives of individual Christians.

The texting I refer to is not done with a phone or ipad, but with a Bible.  When it comes to how to worship, far too many never consider, study, or apply the biblical texts that tell us how.  The end result is a vain attempt at worship based upon the foundation of feelings, preferences and personal desires, and the like.  Too many Bible classes, instead of digging deep into the text and seeing what it says, are sessions of “shared ignorance” where we launch off into speculations and obscurities.  A lot of sermons are fluff, current events, funny stories, pop psychology, motivational speeches, and feel good pep rallies, but a serious look at the text of scripture is bypassed and avoided.  The sacred text should be at the forefront, in the foreground, and foremost in our emphasis.  Instead, too often, it is forgotten, foregone, and forfeited.

Texting on phones or similar devices during worship and Bible class fundamentally impairs one’s ability to connect with God and one’s brothers and sisters there with you.  It is harmful to influence, easily a stumbling block for any who might incidentally see us doing it.  Though it may not indicate disinterest, distraction, and disconnection, it may well portray it.   Yet, when it comes to honoring the text of scripture, let us all be consumed with that.  Let us fill our hearts with it.  Let us properly apply it.  Let us share it freely.  With such things, God must surely be pleased.

 

 

Neal Pollard

 

From eternity God planned to save us,

Even before our creation,

Before failing in the choice that he gave us,

Adam committed the sinful violation.

Through time and events He gave us,

The answer to sin’s eternal condemnation,

When Jesus, Who came from heaven to save us,

Provided the great salvation.

You were born in a pure sinless condition,

But the time came and you were a transgressor,

From then until death you are in an awful position,

Until you are washed, a believing, penitent confessor.

Our nature and flesh say, “Just wait until later!”

Our hearts can be hardened in self-service.

Whatever our intention, the risk becomes greater

Waiting to obey should make us so nervous.

For in the twinkling of an eye, He could end it all,

Bring a forever halt to opportunity, time, and earth,

Then off to the judgment, on trembling knees to fall,

For what reason could delaying have such worth?

Death can occur in an instant,

And terminate response to His grace,

Then forever you will know that you can’t

See in heaven your loved ones or Jesus’ face.

Wait for what?  Greater love? More perfect sacrifice?

Better time? A more compelling reason?

No, the best has been done; Paid was the price

Now’s the moment, the day, time, and season!

Won’t you come and obey Him, He loves you

He’s proven it over and again

He wants you and what He promises is true

Forgiveness and peace from your sin!

 

 

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.