The Preacher Pollard Blog

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

 

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thom Vaught

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

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

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

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

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

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

For my iniquities are gone over my head; 

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

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

Do not forsake me, O LORD; 

O my God, do not be far from me! 

Make haste to help me, 

O Lord, my salvation (21-22)!

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

Afterword

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

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,

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

by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

 

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

 

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

 

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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