Category: Uncategorized

Neal Pollard

Give me the Bible, as no other word will do,
No man can tell me differently to guide me safely through.
He may explain and rationalize to try to stifle and subdue
The revelation of God’s Will, His message to undo.
But I want to hear what “saith the Lord,” not what saith lowly man,
For he shed no blood and built no church nor left a saving plan
Designed and endorsed by God above, only He can breach the span
I trust what I see in His perfect Word, and I know I always can.
You may take and trust philosophies of men themselves defiled
Who try and change the will of God like the serpent who beguiled
But why not accept it as ’tis written trusting fully like a child
The message of the loving, holy God who wants man reconciled?
Give me the Bible, the only way today God communicates to us His mind,
Without it I am miserable and directionless and blind,
I could look the whole earth over and never elsewhere would I find,
The will of God for lowly man. Praise Him for this gift for all mankind!

Neal Pollard

Parents have heard this before and during a vacation or other long trip more times than they care to remember.  Children, “blessed” with a brief attention span, ask, “How much further?  When do we get there?”  Patience can be tried by not knowing how long before something happens and how long something will last. Yet, that is not simply something earthly parents encounter with their children.  The Heavenly Father will expect to hear that an infinite number of times from even His most faithful children.

In Psalm 13, David asks the question of His Father four times. What did He want to know from the Lord?

• How long will I be forgotten (1)?
• How long will I be neglected (1)?
• How long will I be sad (2)?
• How long will I be opposed (2)?

David wrestled with agony just as we often have. He needed resolution and longed for an answer. He is a child asking His Father, “How long?”

The answer was prayer (3-4), faith (5), worship and praise (5-6), and appreciation (6).  May I suggest that these will always be the answer when we are perplexed and filled with confusion? Our Father can always be trusted.  He will lead us safely to our final destination, even as we make it ever closer to home!  As we tell our children when they ask us “how much further,” “you are closer right now than you have ever been!”  Don’t give up before you get there!

Neal Pollard

If you did not know, today is “Earth Day.”  I understand that Earth Day is a politically-charged event, and there are strong feelings on both sides.  There is no doubt that zealous environmentalists were involved in its initial organization and development.  Ironically, as reported in today’s New York Times, organizers at the first annual event in 1970 held tech-ins “to challenge corporate and government leaders” but today corporations have their finger prints all over the activities of Earth Day (see http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/science/earth/22earth.html).  Interestingly, too, that New York Mayor John Lindsay likened an earth day gathering to a “secular revival meeting” (ibid.), since environmentalism has become a religion to many and even has become a cause championed by a growing number in Christendom.

May I remind you of a few important facts as the world observes “Earth Day”?

First, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains” (Ps. 24:1; 1 Cor. 10:26).  This idea was first spoken in scripture by Moses to Pharaoh as part of the explanation for the ten plagues (Ex. 9:29).  David is focused on the Messiah in Psalm 24 as the third part of three looks at Him as Sufferer (Ps. 22), Shepherd (Ps. 23), and Sovereign (Ps. 24).  This Lord of creation holds ownership rights to it all.  Paul quotes this Psalm to help a troubled church fighting over inconsequentials and reminds them that meat is a part of all things on earth owned by the Lord.  God writes the rules about its usage and intent, which includes the use of trees for houses and buildings (Dt. 20:19-20; 1 Kings 4:33), the use of animals for meat (Gen. 9:2-3; Acts 10:13ff), and the use of mined ores, precious stones, and similar materials (Gen. 24:53; 2 Chr. 32:27).  As the brilliant Designer, God has made the earth a vast repository of natural resources for man’s use while here.

Second, “The earth is ours” (Gen. 1:26). Man was created to rule “over all the earth.”  We are stewards of its resources, but we should remember that it is here for our use.  Christians will not overly obsess over the earth, nor will we make environmentalism our chief cause.  May we never forget that our top priority is to “seek and save the lost” (cf. Lk. 19:10) and not to “save the planet.”

Finally, “The earth is temporary” (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff).  These passages above remind us that the God who made it all has the right and has made the promise that some day He will bring it all to an end (cf. 2 Pet. 3:10ff).  It is His to do with as He pleases.  Let us not get so fixated on it that we lose sight of the endless home of the soul where we all will undoubtedly go (cf. Ecc. 12:5).

What will you do on “Earth Day”?  A lot of that is simply up to you.  But, today and every day, make sure you are preparing yourself for that great and final day for which there is no day that compares (2 Pet. 3:10).

Neal Pollard

What is the “social gospel”?  Interestingly, Wikipedia has a concise, accurate definition on its site.  They define it as a “Protestant Christian intellectual movement that was prominent in the late 19th century and early 20th century.  The movement applied Christian ethics to social problems, especially justice, inequality, liquor, crime, racial tensions, slums, bad hygiene, child labor, weak labor unions, poor schools, and the danger of war” (Social_Gospel).  USA Today ran an article in their “The Forum” section on March 2, 2010, indicating that mainline Protestant denominations are in serious decline and searching for the reasons why.  Half of Protestant churches have fewer than 100 members “and in nearly six out of 10 congregations, it’s the Church of the Blue Hair. Or No Hair. A quarter or more of their congregants are 65 or older.  That’s three times the number for their more conservative Evangelical cousins” (10A).  This newspaper article pointed to the same “social gospel” accomplishments as did Wikipedia, trumpeting and praising their deeds of the past.  But, now, this once majority is now a minority (ibid.).  Their answer is to delve further into social issues, broadening their “reach” by championing gay and lesbian clergy, environmental issues, and postmodernism.  But is it broadening or a further watering down of their message?

May I suggest that the ultimate result of the social gospel is death.  As it is usually associated with changing the changeless message, it is certainly spiritual death.  But a toothless, conviction-less message also leads to its earthly demise.  The social gospel concerns itself with feeding and clothing the body,  but it avoids matters of the soul.  It is un-evangelistic such that it is extremely averse to “proselytizing” anyone who is a “person of faith” and shy about reaching out to unbelievers.

The first century church was interested in its community and “doing good unto all men” (cf. Gal. 6:10).  But, Jesus left them their primary mission in what we often call “The Great Commission” (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47).  The first and greatest order of business was to teach the gospel to the lost, and they did so even at great personal risk and ostracism.  Their communities often misunderstood them and rejected them, though the early Christians did such deeply impacting work that they were said to “turn the whole world upside down” (Acts 17:6).  The gospel was preached to every creature under heaven (Col. 1:23).  Peter and John told a beggar they could not address his physical needs, but what they gave him was eternally better (Acts 3:6).

We need to reach out further and deeper into our communities, but to what end?  Let us meet benevolent needs as we can, but let us remember our mission is to seek and save the lost.  That was Jesus’ (Lk. 19:10).  Otherwise, we will gradually rust and crumble from decay until we are dead and gone.  If we doubt it, let us consider Protestant denominations as “Exhibit A.”

Neal Pollard

I had made my first visit to Colorado about a month before the Columbine shooting on April 20, 1999.  We went to the Southwest Plaza mall that weekend, but that was probably as close to the school campus as we came that March.  That fall, on a second visit, we saw the harrowing scene of the library still cordoned off and covered with sheets.  Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold became names one could not say without feeling that strange tingle up and down the spine.  Worse yet, video uncovered of the teenagers’ target practice and hateful tirades gave a glimpse into a very dark place.  There were also a great many heroes, self-sacrificers who kept the massacre from being worse than it was.  Dave Sanders, Jon Curtis, Jay Gallentine, Adam Foss, Kent Friesen, Patti Nielson, paramedics, and other students and teachers formed a long list of heroes who either sacrificed their lives or put them on the line to resist and counteract the horrific actions of the killers.  There have been other school shootings, including some where an even greater loss of life occurred.  But, there is something unique about the events of 11 years ago that resonates when the name “Columbine” is even mentioned.

April 20, 1999, gave us a graphic demonstration of the ugliness of sin.  Though these events are stark and dramatic, all sin is ugly to God (cf. Hab. 1:13).  Sin put Jesus on the cross, separates us from God, and brings death.

April 20, 1999, gave us hope in man’s potential for great good.  Man is made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), and man often shows a glimpse of the compassion, mercy, sacrifice, and concern we see God show in a perfect way.

April 20, 1999, gave us a reminder that the world needs the gospel.  Where the gospel goes, takes root, and grows, there is goodness and love in the place of evil and hate.  Sin and selfishness are supplanted by sanctification and service where Scripture goes.

I hope you will memorialize these victims today.  I hope, too, that you will reflect on these events and glean from them the brevity of life, the endlessness of eternity, and the need to be spiritual heroes by sharing Jesus with whomever you can today.

Neal Pollard

-People began with the assumption that the mind of God rather than the minds of men was responsible for Scripture?

-People assumed that a God powerful enough to create everything in such intricate and amazing detail could preserve that Scripture throughout the wear and tear of the ages and the varied attacks of men?

-People assumed that Scripture constructed in just such a way was the sole authority for all religious matters?

-People tried trusting the simple, repeated claims Scripture makes for its own inspiration and authority?

-People treated Scripture as the breathed out message from God and not like it was a comic book, on a par with the works of Homer, Aristotle, or Shakespeare, or a literary work to be sliced and diced with condescending contempt?

-People read and studied that Scripture reverently and submissively rather than looking for ways to attack, mock, and undermine it?

-People approached Scripture as their guide for living and sought to have it reshape their thinking, renew their mind, and remake their character?

-People had such confidence is Scripture that they felt compelled to gently, persistently, and zealously share it with people in the world around them?

-People spent less time debating the authenticity of Scripture and more time demonstrating the altering ability of Scripture?

-People simply lived the Scripture rather than lumping it?

What would happen?  Would we generate a society full of hypocrites and charlatans? Would there be anarchy, chaos, and evil?  Would there be an epidemic of despair and unhappiness?  Would we be a people racked with guilt and emptiness?  If our premise was that the Bible is what it claims to be and we thus gave it the place such a premise deserves and demands, what impact would we have on this world and those whose lives we touch and influence?  What if?

Neal Pollard

It is humbling to think about those men upon whose labor and study we feebly try to build.  The Bear Valley church of Christ has a legacy of outstanding men who have worked at this location, who have preached in the very pulpit it is my privilege to fill.  That is no doubt a contributor to the depth of Bible knowledge present in this congregation as well as the decades of sound, balanced teaching that has kept her from veering to the left or to the right of Bible center.  Perhaps you are unaware of the men, spiritual heroes, who have worked among us.

ROY LANIER, SR.

Brother Lanier’s biography was included in Loyd Smith’s 1986 book, Great Preachers of Yesterday, a volume that included the biographies of great men of the early and mid-1900s–Porter, Tant, Oliphant, McGaughey, Blue, Warlick, Rice, and many others.  Smith records the fact that Lanier wrote 11 volumes for Gospel Advocate’s Teacher’s Annual Lesson Commentary, 16 years as staff writer for Gospel Advocate, he debated, wrote several books, served as the first Bible Department head at Oklahoma Christian, Central Christian College, and served in that role at York College.  He was the first preacher to take the gospel to Salt Lake City, Utah. His last 15 years were spent helping start and run the Bear Valley School of Preaching that has met here on this property for 45 years!  Lee Hanstein is his granddaughter and Will is his great-grandson.

NORMAN GIPSON

Born about 19 years after brother Lanier in 1918, brother Gipson began preaching in 1935.  A Texas native who began preaching in Turkey, Texas, Gipson wrote tracts and books, spoke on daily radio programs, and debated through the heart of the 20th century (Preachers Of Today, Volume 2).  He worked in the northeast in the 1950s and was said to have a gentle disposition.  He converted several of our members, including the Randalls.

MONROE THARP

Preachers Of Today (Volume 5) featured brother Tharp, chronicling his long standing work in Christian camps and effective located work in Texas and Colorado.  He was among the original teachers in the school, and he began preaching in 1937.

ROY LANIER, JR.

A December, 1968, issue of The Minister’s Monthly, featured an already seasoned Roy Lanier, Jr., among featured “personalities.”  At the time, he was preaching in Midwest City, Oklahoma, but had already done local work in Iowa an Florida, too.  He would soon move to Colorado and be closely associated with this congregation for years.  He was known for conducting VBS, teacher-training, lectures, radio and TV, and foreign campaigns.  He spoke in a campaign in South Africa in 1968 that resulted in 76 baptisms.

AVON MALONE

Brother Malone was one of the early pulpit preachers at Bear Valley as well as a teacher in the school.  He was a teacher at Harding, Oklahoma Christian, Preston Road, and Brown Trail, too. He also did local work throughout Texas and Arkansas, wrote prolifically for periodicals as well as several books, including commentaries. He preached many, many gospel meetings throughout the post-war years. He is honored on the website, http://www.therestorationmovement.com.

WARREN WILCOX

A modest, self-deprecating man, brother Wilcox, as Willard Collins once said of Ira North, “never knew how great he was.” His scholarship was recognized by those who invited him to speak on lectureships, education, church growth, and evidences seminars, and World Video Bible School.  WVBS produced many videos of Warren’s classes on a great many subjects.  He was most beloved and an integral part of the growth and unity of the church in Denver area through his work with this church, the school, camp, and Singing Youth of Denver.

More could be said about all these men and others, especially men more contemporary to the present day.  What a legacy!  Thousands of sermons and articles, scores of baptisms, and hundreds of years combined experience speak to our richest of pasts.  What will we do to build upon this amazing and storied past?  May we endeavor to work today so that we can leave an imprint on this area, the church, and the world to the glory of God!

Neal Pollard

It is humbling to think about those men upon whose labor and study we feebly try to build.  The Bear Valley church of Christ has a legacy of outstanding men who have worked at this location, who have preached in the very pulpit it is my privilege to fill.  That is no doubt a contributor to the depth of Bible knowledge present in this congregation as well as the decades of sound, balanced teaching that has kept her from veering to the left or to the right of Bible center.  Perhaps you are unaware of the men, spiritual heroes, who have worked among us.

ROY LANIER, SR.

Brother Lanier’s biography was included in Loyd Smith’s 1986 book, Great Preachers of Yesterday, a volume that included the biographies of great men of the early and mid-1900s–Porter, Tant, Oliphant, McGaughey, Blue, Warlick, Rice, and many others.  Smith records the fact that Lanier wrote 11 volumes for Gospel Advocate’s Teacher’s Annual Lesson Commentary, 16 years as staff writer for Gospel Advocate, he debated, wrote several books, served as the first Bible Department head at Oklahoma Christian, Central Christian College, and served in that role at York College.  He was the first preacher to take the gospel to Salt Lake City, Utah. His last 15 years were spent helping start and run the Bear Valley School of Preaching that has met here on this property for 45 years!  Lee Hanstein is his granddaughter and Will is his great-grandson.

NORMAN GIPSON

Born about 19 years after brother Lanier in 1918, brother Gipson began preaching in 1935.  A Texas native who began preaching in Turkey, Texas, Gipson wrote tracts and books, spoke on daily radio programs, and debated through the heart of the 20th century (Preachers Of Today, Volume 2).  He worked in the northeast in the 1950s and was said to have a gentle disposition.  He converted several of our members, including the Randalls.

MONROE THARP

Preachers Of Today (Volume 5) featured brother Tharp, chronicling his long standing work in Christian camps and effective located work in Texas and Colorado.  He was among the original teachers in the school, and he began preaching in 1937.

ROY LANIER, JR.

A December, 1968, issue of The Minister’s Monthly, featured an already seasoned Roy Lanier, Jr., among featured “personalities.”  At the time, he was preaching in Midwest City, Oklahoma, but had already done local work in Iowa an Florida, too.  He would soon move to Colorado and be closely associated with this congregation for years.  He was known for conducting VBS, teacher-training, lectures, radio and TV, and foreign campaigns.  He spoke in a campaign in South Africa in 1968 that resulted in 76 baptisms.

AVON MALONE

Brother Malone was one of the early pulpit preachers at Bear Valley as well as a teacher in the school.  He was a teacher at Harding, Oklahoma Christian, Preston Road, and Brown Trail, too. He also did local work throughout Texas and Arkansas, wrote prolifically for periodicals as well as several books, including commentaries. He preached many, many gospel meetings throughout the post-war years. He is honored on the website, http://www.therestorationmovement.com.

WARREN WILCOX

A modest, self-deprecating man, brother Wilcox, as Willard Collins once said of Ira North, “never knew how great he was.” His scholarship was recognized by those who invited him to speak on lectureships, education, church growth, and evidences seminars, and World Video Bible School.  WVBS produced many videos of Warren’s classes on a great many subjects.  He was most beloved and an integral part of the growth and unity of the church in Denver area through his work with this church, the school, camp, and Singing Youth of Denver.

More could be said about all these men and others, especially men more contemporary to the present day.  What a legacy!  Thousands of sermons and articles, scores of baptisms, and hundreds of years combined experience speak to our richest of pasts.  What will we do to build upon this amazing and storied past?  May we endeavor to work today so that we can leave an imprint on this area, the church, and the world to the glory of God!

Neal Pollard

That little saying is written at the top of on one of the pages at the front of my Bible.  I have no idea who to thank for it or where it came from, but it is a profound statement.  When you consider Israel’s shortcoming, particularly in the wilderness, they typified the problems that attend the attitude without the gratitude approach to life.  God makes clear through His inspired writers that He did not appreciate their grumbling, complaining, and ungrateful state.

Today, despite economic “downturns,” the deflated value of the dollar, market struggles, and the like, Americans still live in the relative land of plenty.  Yet, there continues to be no shortage of ingratitude way beyond the pale of even the levels to which Israel stooped.  Whether it is a sense of entitlement, self-absorbedness, or years of being spoiled, this expectation for ease and disdain for difficulty surely cannot please our Lord.  How can we develop the grace of “less attitude and more gratitude”?

• –Make Thanksgiving A Part Of Your Spiritual DNA, Such That Others Would Associate Gratitude And Thanksgiving With You.
• –Notice The Kindnesses And Favors Done For You, However Big Or Small.
• –Immediately Write Thank You Notes, Call, Or Speak Personally To Those Who Have Done A Kindness.
• –In Prayer, Make Your Expressions Of Gratitude To God Specific And Heartfelt.
• –Try To Notice Your Blessings With Great Concentration, Trying To Discover Even Small Blessings One Normally Would Overlook.
• –Make It A Challenge Or Exercise To Look For As Many Ways You Have Been Blessed As You Can Discover.
• –Try And Find The Potential Blessings In Even Negative Or Hurtful Circumstances.
• –Trust That God Is Powerful Enough To Bring Good Out Of The Worst Happenings.
• –Consciously Work To Break The Habit Of “Whining And Complaining,” Perhaps Asking A Trusted Friend Or Companion To Hold You Accountable And Graciously Accepting It When They Point Out Times You Fall Prey To It.
• –See Trials As Stepping Stones To Good Character And Strength.
• –Realize That Everybody Has Problems And Most People’s Are Far Worse Than Yours.
• –Hold Yourself To The High Standards Of Joy, Peace, And Contentment, Not Settling For The Shame And Mediocrity Of Petty Murmuring.
• –Study The Bible To See How God Handled Those With More Attitude And Less Gratitude.
• –Make It A Deliberate Task In Your Child-Rearing To Strongly Emphasize The Importance Of Showing Gratitude To God And Others, Being Careful To Model It Before Them.

Neal Pollard

The lady sitting next to me on the plane engaged me in conversation, and soon it came out that I was a preacher.  She then informed me of something I have heard with some frequency lately from people out in the world.  She said that she was on a spiritual journey.  It began in 2004.  She was in city government in a northern state, but left that job to move with her husband and son to the deep south where she now works as a civil engineer.  She is well educated and well-to-do, from what I could gather.  She grew up Lutheran and her husband grew up a Methodist.  Both were disenchanted with hypocrisy and liturgy in their particular congregations.  But, with the move and the fact that their only son was now in High School, she was searching.

Her “journey” took her in spiritual, mystical directions.  In the process, she has taken up tai chi–she now embraces the physical aspects but rejects the spiritual part.  She had investigated Buddhism, but found it unsatisfactory.  She has discovered the gnostic gospels, and especially is drawn to Pistis Sophia (the gnostic tradition of Mary Magdalene).  More recently, she has become absorbed with Michael Newton, a former atheist who has come to believe in reincarnation and helps his patients “discover their past lives” through hypnosis.

She was truly open and while I listened at length, I tried to gently guide her to biblical truth found in passages like Hebrews 9:27, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58, and 2 Peter 3:11ff.  We found common ground and she is very open to the possibility she is not on the “right path.”  It was difficult, however, to get her firmly convinced that God’s sole means of communicating was through scripture.  I ended our discussion by telling her that if she remains honest in her quest, she will find the answers for which she seeks.

That interchange made me think of Paul’s visit to Mars Hill in Acts 17, though this woman grew up in a church teaching belief in Christ.  She represents a world of people in our culture searching for something spiritual to fill the hole in their souls.  While the result of our impromptu, two hour Bible study ended inconclusively, I am certain that there are people in search of God all around us.  Our job is to guide them toward the Way, the truth and the life (cf. John 14:6).  No one will find what they seek apart from Him.  No one and nothing else can fill that “hole” in the soul that is Christ-shaped.  Let us be ready to guide whoever God puts in our path that may be on their own spiritual quest!

Neal Pollard

Let Us Pray Specifically.  Speak to God in specific terms.  Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6).  God knows everything that is going one in all our lives, but He still says ask (cf. Matt. 7:7).  May it never be said of us that do not have because we did not ask (cf. James 4:2).   Prayers of the Bible are notable for how specific they often are.  Pray for people by name.  Pray for circumstances in detail.  Pray for specific outcomes.

Let Us Pray Sincerely.  Pour out your heart to God.  Take away any pretense, selfishness, or self-serving thoughts.  Hold nothing back, knowing that God will understand the content of your intent (cf. Rom. 8:26).  Do not let formality or rote repetition cast a shadow over your prayer life.

Let Us Pray Submissively.  Pray understanding that God’s will must be done, not just in matters of sickness but in all matters (cf. Matt. 6:10).  Submission and humility are linked (cf. James 4:7-10).  God is sovereign and can see what we cannot see, even in the circumstances closest to our hearts.  Ask with Abraham, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Gen. 18:25).  Trust not only in His power when you pray, but in His wisdom and perfect nature.  Then, no matter what, you can say, “It is well with my soul.”

Let Us Pray Surely.  James, speaking of making requests of God, counsels us to “ask in faith, with no doubting…” (1:6).  Jesus assures us, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matt. 21:22).  Let us trust in the importance of our trusting in God’s power to do whatever is within the framework of His perfect will.  Truly believe in the power of prayer.  Have that confidence!

Let Us Pray Steadfastly.  Be like David, who said, “But I call to God, and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice” (Psa. 55:16-17).  “Be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).  If such persistence can sway the heart of the wicked, how much more can our prayers influence the Righteous and Holy God (cf. Luke 18:1-7)?   Night and day found Paul praying exceedingly for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 3:10).  The prophetess Anna did the same for possibly decades of time (Luke 2:37).

Remember that the prayers of righteous people are productive (James 5:16).  Let us be valiant soldiers in praying for especially each other, as well as the lost and ourselves.  Perhaps nothing preaches the profound importance of our prayers to God more than the symbol of Revelation 8:1-4.  The seventh seal is broken and there is silence in heaven for a half hour, a brief but significant moment.  What causes the silence?  It is the prayers of the saints coming up to God and the attention God pays to those prayers.  How humbling and awesome, that our prayers mean that much to God!  Let us not neglect this great reservoir of power God has asked us to use!

Neal Pollard

Several years ago, I asked the Winklers to pass along advice for married couples on how to have a successful, happy marriage.  They were very kind to comply and I have the material, in brother Winkler’s easily distinguishable handwriting, in my files.  Their suggestions were broken into two categories, the first being positive things couples can do for their marriages and the latter being habits, actions and attitudes that hurt a marriage.  Here are the answers from a couple who seemed as happily married as any two people I have known (Wendell Winkler passed away in 2005).

Positive Things:

1) Put your companion first.

2) Build the confidence of each other, never making the other feel inferior.

3) Maintain a beautiful togetherness [laugh, cry, plan vacations, and work together]. Walk through life together.  Do not ride off in opposite directions [in interests, finance, recreation, etc.].

4) Adjust to your companion’s interests [if he fishes, she learns to fish; if she loves to shop, he learns to shop].

5) Be united in your goals and aspirations [for your children, for your retirement].

6) Cooperate with each other [in disciplining your children, etc.].

7) Make your companion a partner in all things.

8) Be open, free and uninhibited in your communication.

9) Close each day on a positive note.

10) Practice 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

Things To Avoid:

1) Excessive debt.

2) “Me” and “I” syndrome instead of “we.”

3) Suspicion and distrust.

4) Failure to understand what is involved in “headship” and “submission.”

5) Misarranged priorities.

6) Failure to be commendatory.

7) Failure to notice and apply the little things

8) Refusal to eliminate annoyances

9) Failure to keep romance in the marriage [never become too old to hold hands].

This material was written down by brother Winkler on February 14, 2004.

Neal Pollard

In defense of disobedience, people will appeal to the fact that God is a God of love.  That He certainly is (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19)!  But, how loving a Father would you consider Him if He had told His Son that He would have to die on a cross, enduring tremendous suffering (Heb. 12:2) in order to save a world of sinners, watch Christ go to earth, live, die, arise and come back to heaven, and then say to His ascended Son, “I was not telling you the truth.  It does not matter whether people obey the gospel or not.  I am going to save them anyway.  For all you have done of their behalf (cf. Heb. 13:12), I will ask them nothing in return!”

Such a cruel portrayal of God flies in the face of the essence of His pure and holy nature.  That He would expect the very most from His sinless Son, a co-eternal member of the Godhead, but expect absolutely nothing from the worthless ones for whom His Son died is non-sensical and illogical.  Obedience to the gospel and faithful living thereafter is but the least we could do in appreciation for our atonement.  We cannot earn our salvation (Eph. 2:9), but neither does God place zero expectations upon us (Jas. 2:26).  He only gives the benefits of His grace to the ones who obey His will (Heb. 5:9).  Let us do away with the type of “none of self and all of thee” mentality which wants all of the grace without any of the obedience.  It just doesn’t work that way.

Neal Pollard

We bought the boys “The Blind Side,” and as the boys were watching it via Clear Play they arrived at that dramatic point when Michael Oher has to write an essay in order to get his GPA high enough to graduate eligible for NCAA college football.  Tim McGraw’s character claims that “The Charge Of The Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson was written to depict the rivalry between two SEC football programs.  Actually, Tennyson wrote it after reading an article in the London Times in 1854, written to describe a particular part of the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War.  Ironically, though written during the Victorian age of logic and reason, Tennyson’s most famous line may have been, “Theirs was not to reason why.”

What about for us?  Certainly, the Bible encourages us to reason together over spiritual truths (Isa. 1:18).  God endowed us with native intelligence, able to decipher right and wrong.  We can “know” (cf. John 8:32).  But, there also arises a time and circumstance in which we must cease rationalizing and reasoning away, content to follow the great Commander of the soul and to say, “Where He leads me, I will follow.”  Too many have ceaselessly made it their business to “reason why.”  God gives clear instructions, but they incessantly say, “Why?”  He says, “Follow. Teach. Purify. Yield. Obey.”  Is ours to reason why?

Neal Pollard

Jake drove over to the next county to buy a new bull for the farm. It cost more than expected, and he was left with only one dollar. This was a problem since he needed to let his wife know that he’d bought the bull so she could come get it with the truck–and telegrams cost a dollar a word. He thought for a while and said, “Go ahead and just make it this one word: comfortable.”  “How’s that going to get your point across?” asked the clerk. “Don’t worry,” said Jake.  “Sue’s not the greatest reader. She’ll say it real slow” (via THE FURROW, March 2010, p. 28).

How is your communication in marriage?  Do you know your mate well enough to know how best to give and receive messages? Sometimes we get so comfortable that we begin to make assumptions about what our spouse knows and understands.  How can we dwell together in knowledge without making the investment in one another, an investment that includes time, talking, and attention (cf. 1 Pet. 3:7)? Such biblical mandates as “love” (Eph. 5:25; Ti. 2:4) and “submission” (Eph. 5:22-24) cannot be properly obeyed without knowing one another and communicating.

We should be comfortable with each other, at ease and not on pins and needles in a marriage.  How miserable that must be!  Yet, when comfortable means presumption and assumption we may be in more trouble than a man with a bull and no way to get him home!  Let’s become comfortable with communicating.

Neal Pollard

Since arriving in Jasper, Alabama, on Saturday, I have been treated to speckled butter beans, the tastiest green beans, pinto beans, and a variety of delicious beans and peas. Yet, the piece de resistance was lovingly laid on the potluck table in the Curry church of Christ building last evening undoubtedly by some angel of whom I am as yet unaware. There was a dish of “white acre peas.” For the uninitiated, these scrumptious delicacies are in the cow pea and butter pea family and are also known as Lady Cream. They are very considerate plants, growing so quickly that you don’t need to weed them and they grow plentifully–just not anywhere outside the very deep south.

My wife and I used to eat those glorious peas at least once a week. We never knew a day would come when we could not buy them on demand. They were cheap, easy to cook, and tasty. Now, many years removed from our days as newlyweds in Livingston, Alabama, we still occasionally mention the good old days eating white acre peas.

I find it interesting that we were created with that ability to remember and long for something that comparatively small and simple. Reminiscing is a trait unique to humans among all creation. Longing for the past implies intelligence.

How many feel a spiritual longing that has long since evaded them? Perhaps it was a time when they were happy, faithfully serving God and productively serving Him. Maybe it was a time before they fell into a lifestyle of sin. It could have been back to a time of innocence. The hollowness left by such a longing infinitely eclipses any other kind of yearning for the past. David expresses it well in repenting of his horrific behavior with Bathsheba and disposal of Uriah, saying, “Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12a). Israel felt it in Babylon, when asked to sing the songs of their homeland and past (Psalm 137:3-4). So many, long since ravaged by the effects of their sins, may feel that the goodness of their past is gone forever. Yet, I know many who have come home and through determined faithfulness have found the joy of their salvation returned to them. Remember, we serve a God of hope (Rom. 15:13). He sent Christ to suffer, die, and rise again so we could experience the realization of that hope! Do not let that be in vain for your life!

Neal Pollard

The story is told of a poor old Indian who walked into a Western military camp to beg for food.  They found suspended from his neck a locket, inside of which they found a piece of paper containing his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.  The paper, entitling him to a pension, was signed by none other than George Washington.  Perhaps because not many native Americans actually enlisted individually to fight as soldiers in the Revolutionary War, this old vet may have been unaware of procedure and protocol or of the value of that piece of paper which he likely could not read.  He was entitled to what the Government had to offer, but he did not know to ask.  Thus, rather than having his needs supplied, he was severely deprived.

However sad and tragic this man’s story seems, how many children of God entitled to the privileges of strength and help from prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship find themselves spiritually starving, alone, and struggling?  God is their Father.  Jesus is their elder Brother.  All spiritual blessings are theirs.  Yet, they do not seek and ask.  How sad that there are Christians with access to all the help of heaven who have chosen to be lonely beggars!  May we live up to that worthy name and life into which we were called when we were baptized into Christ.

Neal Pollard

As one who could not be more creeped out by snakes, I was thrilled for my sons to tell me what was the deadliest snake in the world.  The Inland Taipan, native to Australia, is the most venomous land snake on earth, and it has the most toxic venom known to exist.  Yet, it is a shy snake, not known to be aggressive toward humans.  Far more people die from cobras, rattlesnakes, and mambas (!) than reclusive, though deadly, snakes like the Taipan, the boomslang, and the tiger snake.

Mike O’Shea, author of Venemous Snakes of the World, was interviewed by Princeton University Press, and in the course of the conversation he mentioned many of the fables and myths about treating poisonous snake bites that actually do more harm than good.  He listed tourniquets, razor-cuts, venom extractors, and herbal, magical, or traditional treatments, and all of us have heard of some or all of these suggested “cures,” as wrong ways to treat such a bite.  Then he said what was most effective: keep the bite area and the victim still, keep the victim awake and as reassured as possible, keep pressure on neurotoxic bites, keep the airways clear, and perform CPR as needed.  Obviously, in all cases, the biggest, best thing to do is get the victim medical help and get a description of the offender if unable to kill and bring it with you and the victim to the hospital.

The Bible calls the devil “the serpent of old” (Rev. 12:9; 20:2).  It also draws some correlation between the serpent and the devil in 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-14 (deceiving and craftiness).  Most feel certain that the devil was involved in the Eden events in which a serpent beguiled Eve.  Likening the work and effects of the devil to that of a deadly snake is not a stretch.

If a species of snake enjoyed in physical terms the success the devil enjoys in spiritual terms, every health and emergency services agency in every nation around the world would rise up today and make its eradication their top priority.  They would not rest until this creature was fought and defeated.  To say they would be diligent would be to grossly understate the matter.

Yet, the devil is inserting his toxic poison into the hearts of willing victims every second of time.  If only the worst he could do was kill the body.  He is ruining souls (cf. 2 Tim. 2:25-26), which impacts eternity.

We should avoid places where he is likely to be (1 The. 5:22).  We should take precautions (1 Pet. 5:8).  We should know his habits and methods (2 Cor. 2:11).  We should fight him (1 Pet. 5:9; Js. 4:8; Eph. 6:11).

If we are “bitten” by him, we need to seek help, being reassured that Christ has the power to heal us if we properly treat the “wound.”  As scary as the devil can seem, God is more powerful.  We have the help of others at our disposal, but more importantly we have God’s help and His cure is 100% successful if applied.