God Is Our Refuge

Brent Pollard

Psalm 46:1 provides profound assurance: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (NASB95). This verse encourages us to find comfort in embracing divine support, reminding us that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments.

It sends a message of profound hope and comfort. Its significance grows as we consider Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Jesus’s teachings and the New Testament reveal a profound truth: He is the eternal God who has guided Abraham’s physical and spiritual descendants throughout history, imparting wisdom, accountability, and love to all nations.

As we read this psalm today, we come across the profound truth of Jesus Christ, who has authority over heaven and earth, demonstrating the depth of his significance. This psalm beautifully illustrates how God’s presence is intricately woven throughout history and the present world. It encourages us to pause and recognize His supreme authority, regardless of others’ approval. However, the most crucial point is the assurance that Jesus Christ is our refuge and source of strength, always available in times of need, as the psalmist discovered on his journey.

The exact date of this Psalm’s composition is insignificant. What makes it truly significant is that it recounts events that have occurred repeatedly throughout history and continue to do so today. It leads us through difficult times, reminding us that ‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of need.’

The psalm vividly depicts nature’s fury, with earthquakes and fierce storms rattling the earth and causing chaos. The author, however, chose to stand firm and unmoved despite what appeared to be chaos in the world around them because they understood that this was a part of God’s design. Jerusalem, the sacred city, remained steadfast and unwavering. Why? Because God’s presence was felt in that moment. The town received a refreshing gift of fresh water when needed.

In the midst of it all, neighboring countries became engulfed in chaos. Amid the chaos and conflicting ambitions, the divine hand intervened with grace and purpose, foiling their plans. Their vigor vanished with a single word. The turmoil gave way to calm. It invites us to “come and see what the Lord has done,” encouraging us to bear witness to the Lord’s works. With a heart set on justice, he stood up to the proud and ruthless while protecting the humble and pure.

What does this mean for us right now? Jesus Christ has remained constant and unchanging throughout the ages. His promise to be with us, steadfast and unwavering, lasts through all ages, right to the end of time. This should inspire hope for us, our loved ones, our country, and humanity. When we genuinely believe in our hearts that the one who sacrificed for us is our haven and unwavering strength, not just for ourselves but for all humanity, we gain the grace to remain calm in times of turmoil and to persevere patiently through the trials that await us. Even when everything appears to be falling apart, we can believe He knows what is best for us.

Unfortunately, belief in a vibrant and engaged God appears to wane in our time. Many people have difficulty believing in God’s active presence in world events and their lives. As a result, they find themselves either trying to manage every detail on their own or seeking advice from other humans in positions of authority.

The absence of faith touches everyone’s hearts, but it manifests itself in unique ways among different groups of people:

  • Those with great wealth frequently put their trust in their riches rather than seeking comfort and guidance from the Divine.
  • The youth frequently place their trust in their strength and abilities.
  • In today’s fast-paced world, where competition looms large, it is all too easy to lose focus amid the cacophony of distractions.

The consequences of ignoring God’s sovereignty extend far beyond the spiritual realm; they permeate the very fabric of our daily lives. When people begin to lose sight of their role in God’s kingdom, they frequently:

  • Pursue riches with unwavering determination.
  • Turn to deception and cunning tactics.
  • Accept a spirit of restlessness, a desire for more, and a tendency to be self-centered.
  • Forsake their bond with one another and the call to care for those around them.

The psalmist gently encourages us to “pause and recognize that I am God.” This stillness—the willingness to pause and acknowledge God’s sovereignty—is necessary for understanding His presence in our lives. Without this recognition, we may become entangled in our turmoil, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty.

So, what can we glean from this? To truly flourish, let God’s word and presence pervade your thoughts. Remember that He walks alongside you, and you will remain steadfast in life’s ups and downs. Do not burden your heart with worry; it will only lead to poor decisions. Instead, believe that God is your refuge and strength, always willing to help you in times of need.

Why should one be troubled when living in the embrace of the Divine Kingdom? Patience is a virtue when it comes to unfolding His divine plans, so resist the temptation to hurry them along. God’s wisdom is beyond our understanding, and His commands are perfectly timed for our lives.

In the grand scheme of things, one must consider who embodies the essence of leadership. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, willingly gave His life for us, triumphantly rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and graciously sent His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us on our journey. With a leader of this caliber, how could the world not eventually progress toward a better future? With such a guardian by our side, what additional assistance do we require besides His loving providence and the life-giving laws He has established?

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XLV)

The Lord God Helps “The Servant” (50:1-11)

Neal Pollard

The first three verses of this chapter seem to better belong with chapter 49, making this an unfortunate chapter break. Isaiah 49:14 says, “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me.'” So, these three verses is His response. There is a set of questions about God’s relationship to Israel followed by a set of questions about Israel’s relationship to God (1-2). His answer to the first set of questions is that their suffering was the result of their unfaithfulness, not His (1). His answer to the second set of questions is that He was able to save them, but they had refused to turn to Him for such (2). His power is limitless and rejecting that power is ludicrous! 

From Isaiah 50:4-11, we hear the voice of The Servant again. In contrast to the faithlessness of the people, The Servant is faithful to the mind and mission of the Lord. He puts His trust in Him in at least three ways.

He credits the Lord God for His gifts (4-5). These center around His tongue (4) and His ears (5). With His words, He would sustain and encourage. With His ears, He would listen and follow the Lord God’s instructions. With open ears, He obediently followed and persevered (5). 

He credits the Lord God for His mission (6). Here, we have the first of many allusions to the suffering servant. This persecuted Servant would be struck, violated, spat upon, and humiliated. One cannot read these words without thinking about what happened to Jesus on the day He was crucified. 

He credits the Lord God for His help (7-9). Twice, He says, “The Lord God helps Me” (7,9). In the light of this assistance, He is confident (7), determined (7-8), convicted (9), and optimistic (9). 

This chapter ends with The Servant calling on men to join Him in trusting the Lord God. They should fear Him, obey Him, trust Him, and rely on Him (10). Walking by the light of their own fire would simply lead to torment (11). It is foolish to reject the Lord God who showed His loving care to His Servant, who wishes to aid all who follow Him. 

Rejoice In Everything

Carl Pollard

Kentucky used to have several species of wolves, but in the 1980’s they were officially labeled extinct. Back in the 70s and early 80s there was a special bounty offered for wolves caught alive. Each live wolf brought into captivity would bring $5,000! 

That turned two men, Sam and Jed, into fortune hunters. They headed for the forest. Day and night they looked for their $5,000 wolf, but they couldn’t find him. It was hopeless. One night, as they camped in a clearing, Sam awoke to find more than 50 wolves surrounding the camp. 

Their eyes were flaming and their teeth were bared. He nudged his friend and said, “Jed, wake up! We’re rich!” That’s a pretty good attitude to have despite the situation. 

A positive attitude will take you far in life. What about the day when attitude won’t carry you through? What about the day when life’s circumstances are simply overwhelming? We tend to lose sight of Who our God is in these times. That’s when we need encouragement the most. Encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”

In the days that we are overcome with troubles, sometimes a good attitude alone isn’t enough. The peace that passes all understanding is one of the most precious forms of encouragement that God has ever given us. It’s the solution for the pursuit of peace. It’s the peace that comes when we avoid impure actions. And it’s the satisfying answer in our chase for contentment, for the ability to truly enjoy life. If your desire is to experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding you must 

Choose Joy (4) 

Before Paul ever wrote his letter to the church at Philippi discussing the idea of unity, he had already been there in person. 

When Paul first visited Philippi, it didn’t take him long to find trouble. He and Silas were arrested, stripped of their clothes in front of a crowd, and brutally beaten. (Acts 16:22) 

When Paul and Silas regained consciousness, they were in the most secure portion of the Philippian jail, surrounded by prisoners. Their wounds were fresh, and the dirt of the prison floor must have added to the torment. With their feet in stocks designed for discomfort, it made for a day when Paul and Silas needed encouragement about as badly as they ever had.

So what is their reaction to a really bad day?

Acts 16:25 says, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,”

I’ve always found that passage of scripture nearly unbelievable. Two men serving God were singing praise to God, on a day when God was apparently nowhere to be seen. 

Paul had seen God’s power before. 

In fact, a miracle of God was what led to all the trouble. So where was the miracle during the arrest, the humiliation, and the beating? 

Why had God let His missionaries sit in the rot of a prison dungeon all afternoon, and half the night? The bigger question: is, “Why would Paul and Silas sing praise to God under such conditions?”

This is rarely our reaction when we face trials. While they are praising God an earthquake shook the prison, Paul and Silas were freed from their chains, but the prison didn’t collapse upon them. By morning, their wounds were clean, and the gospel was sweeping across the city and the guard of the prison believed and was baptized. There must be a connection between what happened to Paul in Philippi on his first visit, and what he wrote to the church there several years later.

“Rejoice in the Lord always,” Paul wrote 4:4. 

Could they have forgotten Paul the prisoner who sang at midnight? “Don’t be anxious about anything. Instead, pray. And God’s peace will cover your heart.” Choosing joy in the midst of anxiety is faith lived out.

Paul and Silas used an opportunity that most would see as rock bottom to spread the word. Their response to choose joy led to the establishing of the church that Paul is writing to. They aren’t just being told to rejoice always, they saw firsthand two men who were anxious about nothing, and they had God’s peace! If you want this same peace that lets you rejoice in the worst of circumstances, choose prayer instead of worry. Choose to rejoice, because we have the ability to control how we respond. 

God can take you through your hardest moments.

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XLIV)

Introducing “The Servant” (49:1-26)

Neal Pollard

When our boys were small, our family devotions included their matching a Bible book with a fact about it. Our clue for Isaiah was, “Who was the prophet who talked about the Messiah?” While he is far from the only prophet who talked about Christ, Isaiah by far says the most about Him among the prophets. Starting in Isaiah 49, the prophet introduces and has speak the One who calls Himself “the servant” (5,6,7). 

The Servant Reveals His Mission (1-6). He starts with an allusion to His incarnation and the virgin birth (1), where He is named before He’s born. While this might have some limited connection to a prophet like Jeremiah (Jer. 1:5), it seems ultimately to point to Jesus. There are so many New Testament references to ideas found in these six verses that it must refer to Him. John takes the imagery of the sword in His mouth, applying it to Jesus in Revelation (1:16; 2:12,16). Verse six is discerned in the words of Paul (Acts 26:23) and Simeon (Luke 2:30-32). His mission was restoration (5-6), revelation (6), and salvation (6). 

The Servant Exposes His Rejection (7-13). That this Servant is Jesus is also deduced from the things said in this paragraph. The language and phrases here are repeated again in the Servant Poem of Isaiah 52:13-53:12, several phrases and verses of which are cited in the New Testament and applied to Jesus (Rom. 10:16; Mat. 8:17; Acts 8:32,33; etc.). Ultimately, rulers would acknowledge Him (7; Phil. 2:9-11), but He would be despised and abhorred (7). Isaiah speaks of a future, favorable time (8) which Paul applies to the Christian Age (2 Cor. 6:2). Reign required rejection, and acceptance would follow abuse and abasement. His covenant, forged by His suffering and rejection, would mean multiplied blessings for His followers (9-13). 

The Servant Addresses His People (14-26). The Servant shares the people’s complaints, providing heaven’s answers to them. They say the Lord has forsaken and forgotten them (14), but He says it would be easier for a mother to forget her infant or unborn child (15). They are inscribed on His hand (16). Other saviors would fail them (17-19), but He would not! They would bemoan their captivity (20), but He vows to deliver (22). He would vanquish their oppressors and be their protector (23-26).

To a people marching toward captivity, Isaiah paints a much bigger picture and invites them to look further down the road to the time when Messiah comes. Jews would take passages like Isaiah 49, using them to anticipate His appearance for centuries to follow. That they missed Him when He came only strengthened the truth and divine source of Isaiah’s words here. 

1 Corinthians 13 (Part One)

Gary Pollard

I don’t usually give I Corinthians 13 much time, but that’s not intentional. It’s one of those passages normally seen in brightly-colored, gaudy cursive within a stressed wooden frame, or in the same font on a t-shirt. Or a blanket. It’s become almost cliche, and I’m ashamed to admit that it’s not been a regular part of my studies. I pass one of those Hobby Lobby-style frames with some regularity, and it struck me (finally, after more than a year) that there’s a lot about this chapter I don’t understand! So the next few articles will focus on I Corinthians 13. 

It’s often used to argue that God doesn’t work through his people the same way he did in the first century. This isn’t convincing — a completed canon is not remotely in Paul’s mind as he writes this section, and context offers very little to suggest otherwise. His discussion of love is there to posit its transcendence! If I Corinthians 12 is any indication, some Christians were unhappy with their “superpower” because the gift of service was not as cool as the ability to speak other languages, for example. Paul says, “Love is better than any of these because it’s the only eternal quality.” Besides that, prophecy was the best gift (cf. 14.1ff). This discussion continues through chapter fifteen, where the “perfect” is our final victory over sin/death when Jesus returns. 

This isn’t necessarily to say that miraculous gifts are still a thing — a more convincing argument against the continuation of miraculous gifts comes from Acts. It seems only the Apostles gave out these gifts. After their deaths, it would seem that no more gifts were handed out. There is evidence in the early church fathers that some people still had these gifts into at least the second century, but it wasn’t as common. However, God did directly give these gifts to Cornelius and his family without Apostolic intervention (Acts 10.44-46, 11.17). That was an era-changing, very special occasion to convince the Jewish people that they were no longer the only chosen ones (10.34).

Since the first part of chapter thirteen talks about these special gifts, I wanted to get this discussion out of the way. In the articles that follow (Lord willing), I want to look more closely at what love is, isn’t, does, and will do. Whether God has completely stopped intervening in some peoples’ lives the way he did before or not, the point of this chapter remains: we could be Titans in every spiritual gift, but it’s meaningless without love (1-3). Since we can’t live forever without having been fully matured in love (I Jn 4.7, 12, 16-18, 20-21), I Cor 13 is a very practical look into what a matured love is. 

During that time many believers will lose their faith. They will turn against each other and hate each other. Many false prophets will come and cause many people to believe things that are wrong. There will be so much evil in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. The good news I have shared about God’s kingdom will be told throughout the world. It will spread to every nation. Then the end will come (Mt 24.10-14). 

“How To Get Along With Anyone”

Three Reasons We Love “Growth Reports”

#43- Growth Reports

14 Tips For Voting

Neal Pollard
  • Exercise your right and privilege as a citizen of this nation to cast your vote. But, if you are convicted such is morally wrong, you would sin to violate your conscience (Rom. 14:23).
  • Pray (for wisdom, for peace, for God’s will, for the future of your family, for our leaders)(1 Tim. 2:1-2).
  • Study the many issues and thoughtfully examine each candidate’s position, making a choice that honors God more than it honors background, family, tradition, or friendships (Mat. 6:33; 10:37).
  • Remember that your decision is private and does not have to be shared with anyone else; if asked, you can always change the subject or respectfully decline to answer.
  • Take comfort in the truth that God is in control and elections do not thwart or overtake His will, but they are the result of His sovereign will (Rom. 13:1ff; Dan. 2:21; 4:17,25).
  • Do not make politics more important than relationships in the church, discerning that the diversity of the spiritual family includes new and weak Christians who might stumble as you assert your rights (Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 8:13; 9:19-22).
  • Make sure any public and/or social media comments on politics (including memes, sharing posts and articles, etc.) pass the salt and light tests (Mat. 5:13-16) and the truth in love test (Eph. 4:15; being both truthful and loving).
  • Place your devotion and allegiance to Christ above your politics, being more passionate to proclaim Him than your candidate of choice (Mat. 6:33).
  • Never forget that, as Christians, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20); we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through earth rather than citizens of earth trying to make our way to heaven (2 Pet. 2:11).
  • Take all campaign promises with a grain of salt, realizing candidates may say just about anything to get elected (carefully study their positions over time to get a better idea of where they stand).
  • If you experience anger (associated with politics) before, during, or after this election, do not sin in that anger (Eph. 4:26).
  • Watch your tongue (keyboard)(Jas. 3:2-12).
  • Exercise righteous judgment when seeking to insert political statements and sentiments into the public worship of our God.
  • Never let politics (whether we perceive winds as fair or foul) eclipse your view of your true identity, mission, or destiny (1 Pet. 2:9; Mat. 28:18-20; Col. 3:1-4). Elections always have consequences, but so do our actions (Gal. 6:7-8).

Through Heaven’s Eyes

Landon Bryant

Have you ever felt worthless? Or at the very least unimportant? 

These are very human thoughts and feelings. It doesn’t take very long in scripture to find numerous examples of how God values the people in his kingdom. 

Just a few examples being: 

Matthew 10:29-31, ESV “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Or Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB2020 “The Lord appeared to him long ago, saying, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you out with kindness.”

And last but not least, Psalm 139:13-14 NIV, NASB “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

With that in mind, I want to tell you about a movie I used to watch as a young boy. 

The Prince of Egypt is an animated children’s movie that attempts to tell the story of the Exodus. As a kid I just thought it was a good movie and never really understood the biblical aspect of the story. Watching it again with children of my own now gave me a fresh perspective. 

Here are the lyrics from one of the musical numbers in the film, and I want you to think about how this might apply to your own life. 

THROUGH HEAVEN’S EYES

“A single thread in a tapestry

Though its color brightly shines

Can never see its purpose

In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top of the mountains mighty face

Does it think it’s more important than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth or where your value lies?

You can never see through the eyes of man. 

You must look at your life, Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

‬‬ A lake of gold in the desert sand Is less than a cool fresh spring

And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy is greater than the richest king

If a man loses everything he owns, has he truly lost his worth?

Or is it the beginning of a new and brighter birth?

So how do you measure the worth of a man?

In wealth or strength or size? In how much he gained or how much he gave?

The answer will come to him who tries, to look at his life through heaven’s eyes

And that’s why we share all we have with you, Though there’s little to be found

When all you’ve got is nothing, there’s a lot to go around

No life can escape being blown about by the winds of change and chance

And though you never know all the steps, You must learn to join the dance

So how do you judge what a man is worth, By what he builds or buys?

You can never see with your eyes on earth, 

Look at your life through heaven’s eyes

  • Through Heaven’s Eyes: By Stephen Schwartz. 

Another way of saying this is that it’s about perspective. We all have a purpose, whether we have found it yet or not. We are made in the image of God. The alpha and the omega, the one who spoke everything, literally everything, into existence. No matter how broken this life becomes nothing in this world can take that away from you. 

Don’t count yourself out on any grounds. Just because you can’t see how you are supposed to shine in this brightly colored tapestry of Gods people doesn’t mean you aren’t as important as any other of those threads around you. 

Isaiah: Trusting The Holy One Who Rules The World (XLIII)

Listen To Me (48:1-22)!

Neal Pollard

James Smith neatly summarizes the last 27 chapters of Isaiah as an introduction of two servants of God. He writes, “One was obedient, the other disobedient. The first was an individual; the second represented the entire nation” (OT Survey Series, 128). Starting at the end of chapter 44 through the end of this chapter, Isaiah predicts the coming of Cyrus the Great well before even his birth. But Cyrus is not the point; He’s an illustration of the point. The point is about the rock solid nature of God’s Word! Twice, He calls to Israel and says, “Hear me!” (1,12). He declares and proclaims (3). He prefaces His revelation by stating, “Thus says the Lord…” (17). He admonishes them to pay attention to His commandments (18). He punctuates statements with “says the Lord” (17,22). All of this is a summons to listen to Him!

Notice God’s case for the people to hear His word.

He accurately foretells the future (3-5). From long ago, He declared things before they happened. Knowing how hardhearted the people were, He did this as a loving act to soften those hearts. Their idols could not do this (5)!

He foretells new things that had not been before (6-8). Here is proof of His unique nature. They could not compare what He prophecies with anything like it in their past. They could not have imagined it and they had no experience with it, proving God’s superlative ways. 

He acts in the defense and protection of His own character (9-11). All that He did and the things He chose not to do which demonstrated His mercy was a show of love, but even more than that it was in harmony with His perfect character. Three times, He says, “For my sake.” For His praise and glory, He did these marvelous things. 

He backs up His word with His unmatched power (12-16). He is first in time (12), best by means of creation (13), superior by reason of sustaining (13), unparalleled because of His love (14), and all of it proves what He can make and do like no one else can! 

His words have unmatched value (17-22). Notice. His words teach one to profit (17). His words lead to well-being and righteousness (18). His words leads men to pave a better road for their children (19). His word gives redemption (20). His word leads to providence and blessings (20-21).

God is about to talk to His people about the prospect of their restoration (ch. 49-55). But first, they needed to prepare their hearts and change their lives. Truly, “When people fall away from God, he will challenge them in various ways. In this case God calls for his people to listen to him, to hear him out, and respond accordingly. If they would just take into consideration who God is (the Creator, Lord of history, Redeemer, Holy One, Teacher, and Leader), then God would be able to pour out his blessing on his people” (G. Smith, NAC, 333). 

A Biblical Flood In Our Time:

Hurricane Helene’s Lessons

Brent Pollard

In a remarkable display of divine providence, a changing storm pattern guided Helene far to the east, sparing my cherished home in the north Georgia mountains from its fury. Though this may bring scant solace to those affected by the storms in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, I reflect on the profound insights that the sorrowful occurrences of late September 2024 have unveiled. Sometimes, extreme weather events’ catastrophic character justifies using terms like “biblical.” Indeed, WUNC’s Due South featured an article on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, capturing the devastation with the phrase “biblical destruction.”

Peter tells us that the great flood swept away the world existing before Noah’s days (2 Peter 3.6). Similarly, WSPA shared a segment from their newscast on YouTube, aptly titled “Hurricane Helene Geographically Changed Western NC River, Fire Chief Said.” In the report, the journalist referenced a first responder from Swannanoa, who shared that the landscape surrounding the Swannanoa River had transformed significantly over the three days of relentless rain and flooding. This change necessitated remapping the area to facilitate the rescue of individuals and the execution of other essential duties!

One might ponder how three days of rain could bring about such a remarkable transformation. Yet, Helene’s four outcomes turned the familiar into the terra incognito.

  • Channel shifts: Rivers and streams changed course, forming new channels or eroding existing ones.
  • Sediment deposition: Floodwaters transported significant sediment downstream, affecting riverbeds and water quality.
  • Landslides: Heavy rainfall created instability, resulting in landslides that blocked waterways and altered water flow. 
  • Erosion: Increased water flow has accelerated erosion, particularly in areas with vulnerable soils, altering the shape and depth of river valleys.

From September 25 to 27, Yancey County, North Carolina, got hit with a remarkable 31.3 inches of rain in just a few days. This recorded amount is the highest in the region, surpassing all others with noteworthy distinction. But what if you were to multiply that number by forty days? What wonders might forty days bring if three days can transform a place beyond recognition? Noah constructed the Ark as a refuge amidst the deluge that engulfed the earth, resulting from relentless forty-day rain and the shattering of the planet’s vast aquifers (Genesis 7.11–12).

Anyone who survived Hurricane Helene’s destructive energy will find it more difficult to dismiss the idea of an angry God using water to cleanse the world’s surface of a creation that had become too pesky with its sin. Indeed, it is not difficult to believe that God could use a flood to inundate the world, but that in so admits that there is One to whom we must all account (cf. Romans 14.12). This admission is what the skeptic and scoffer seek to avoid.

The profound effects of Hurricane Helene stand as a poignant reminder of nature’s untamed strength and our enduring fragility in the face of forces that lie beyond our grasp. Though our technological advancements allow us to monitor, assess, and occasionally foresee these devastating occurrences, nature’s power reminds us of her power to transform our world in just a matter of days. The changing landscape of western North Carolina resonates with timeless stories of divine influence woven through the fabric of nature, inviting both the faithful and the doubtful to ponder deeper truths about our connection to the world around us and, perhaps, to its Maker. As communities rise anew and adjust to their transformed landscapes, the teachings of Helene—echoing the timeless story of Noah’s flood—persist in their relevance, urging us to honor the power of nature and recognize our limitations as we journey through the challenges of our ever-changing world.

How Do You Describe His Love?

Carl Pollard

Ephesians 3:17–19 says, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

Looking at the context of these verses, Paul tells us that through the power of the Spirit, and because of the indwelling of Christ, we are to become established in love and being established in love, we have power to comprehend the love of Christ. 

But how do you describe such a love? Paul says, “comprehend what is the breadth, and length and height and depth.” But he purposefully left off what it is that he was describing. So what does he mean? It takes in the eternity of God. God is Love; and in that, an infinity of breadth, length, depth, and height, is included; or rather all breadth, length, depth, and height, are lost in this immensity. It comprehends all that is above, all that is below, all that is past, and all that is to come. All of this is said in reference to human beings. The love of God, in its breadth, is a net that encompasses the globe; its length reaches from the eternal purpose of the mission of Christ, to the eternity which is to be spent in his glory; its depth reaches to the lowest sinner, and to the deepest depravity of the human heart; and its height to the infinite glory of the throne of Christ.

How do you describe the love of Christ? We can’t. No one has ever shown this amount of love for this many sinful people. And yet we still act like we have power, like we are above God. Man on his own has no power. 

But God has given us the opportunity to have the power to comprehend His Son’s love. 

Comprehension is defined as “to process information, understand, grasp.” A child growing up hears from their parents that they love him. He hears it every day, but he never fully comprehends that love until he has kids of his own. A person will go through something traumatic, and the first couple of hours he is in shock. He knows what happened, but he hasn’t comprehended it yet. Sadly, we can hear about the love of Christ, and we can hear God’s Word. But this isn’t the same as comprehension. 

Growing up, I hated literature. I can remember reading the Iliad, eyes glazed over, and just seeing words on a page. I couldn’t tell you a thing about what I was reading. I wasn’t comprehending. Paul says, “And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). And to GNOSKO the love of Christ. A working knowledge as opposed to factual knowledge. This is comprehension, a useful knowledge of Christ’s love. As a faithful Christian, you can comprehend the love of Christ. And knowing His love is power. We sing, “Amazing love! How can it be? That you, my God would die for me.” To be powerful is to comprehend the love of Christ. And in comprehending we live out his love. That is our purpose as Christians.

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XLII)

Comparing Bel And Babylon To The Lord (46:1-47:15)

Neal Pollard

Isaiah: Trusting The Holy One Who Rules The World

Comparing Babylon To The Lord (46:1-47:15)

Neal Pollard

It seems plausible that the central idea in Isaiah 46-48 is given in the statement, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me” (46:9). You will notice a decided contrast, specifically between the Lord with Bel and Nebo (46:1) and between God and Babylon (47:1). The Babylonians are associated with their gods, and God calls His people to sit in the jury and judge between both. The verdict is a foregone conclusion, if they will honestly examine the evidence. At least five pieces of evidence are brought forth in these two chapters. 

His Power (46:1-7). By contrast, Bel, Nebo, and any material god must be created by man before it can be worshipped. It cannot save (2). It must be carried to the place of worship and set up before men fall before it (7). It is inanimate, inaudible, and impotent (7). But God made us, carries us, and saves us (4).

His Perception (46:8-10). It is in this section that the aforementioned statement is made of the special, unique nature of God (9). “He declares the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done” (10). For an example, look at the previous chapters where He presents for their consideration a king who would not be born for well over a century when Isaiah writes. Our God has perfect foreknowledge. None other has that ability.

His Purpose (46:10-13). As a part of His foreknowledge, God sets forth His purpose. He declares His purpose and counsel (10), then reveals what it is. It involves using a man from a far country, whom He calls a “bird of prey” (11). It is not shown here who that is. Jeremiah and Ezekiel call Nebuchadnezzar an eagle (Jer. 49:22; Ezek. 17:3). But the main thing is not the predator, but the God who purposes to use him. He purposes what He does in order to bring about His righteousness and salvation (13). Whatever He purposes will happen (Job 42:2), and He purposes only what is good and right (Gen. 18:25).

His Perseverance (47:1-9). The attention is suddenly turned upon Babylon, with God sending this nation a message even before it rises to global prominence. Isaiah appears to look past the Assyrians and the Babylonians to the Medo-Persian rise to power as a world empire. Cyrus will humble and subjugate Babylon, a sign that God has not given up on His people. God was angry at His people for their sin and would use Babylon to punish them (47:6), but this heathen nation was foolish not to see that they could not flaunt His will and survive. 

His Purity (47:10-15). Isaiah lays out the sin and wickedness of Babylon–lovers of pleasure (8), complacent (8), wickedness (10), sinful pride (10), and sorcery (12). It would harm them and any who allied with them (15). The next chapter will vindicate the character of God, but He is not susceptible to any of these spiritual impurities. He is the antithesis of them.

A recurring theme of Scripture is something we often sing, that “there is no God like Jehovah.” How foolish to trust anything or anyone besides Him. God’s Old Testament people made that mistake to their harm and destruction. We must not follow their footsteps, in view of our Awesome and only God! 

“Is Killing Animals Wrong?”

Gary Pollard

With deer/turkey season right around the corner in our area, I thought now would be an appropriate time to look at this question. 

The answer is no. Thanks for reading. 

The context of the question appears to be hunting, so I’ll approach it from that angle. Hopefully everyone reading this condemns unnecessary cruelty to animals! A person willing to inflict pain on any living thing for no good reason is probably not capable of showing godly love. Hunting (the way most people do it) is not the same thing as animal cruelty. 

  1. After the flood humanity was given total control over animals and permission to eat meat. Maybe this was done as a consequence of massive, planet-wide changes. The post-flood environment was nothing like pre-flood, and lifespans were radically shortened. Perhaps eating meat was a way to compensate (through diet) for all of these changes (cf. Gen 9.3). God made it very clear that eating meat (which necessarily means harvesting) was no longer prohibited. 
  2. There’s an ethical way to take game and an unethical way. The overwhelming majority of us are very cognizant of this.  
  3. Deer meat is a great source of protein and an affordable way to feed a family for several months or more. The same can be said about most of the other forms of game normally harvested in North America. Most hunters I know harvest game for the purpose of providing affordable meat for their families. It’s also a phenomenal time to bond with family and friends!
  4. Hunting is a critical part of conservation, contrary to its usually-negative portrayal in most movies and shows.1
  5. If you have a Christian family member who has strong negative feelings about hunting, maybe don’t strap a deer to your hood and drive to their house (cf. Rom 14.15-17). 
  1.  Moore, A. (02.24.2021). The role of hunting in wildlife conservation, explained. NC State University College of Natural Resources. https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2021/02/hunting-wildlife-conservation-explained/ ↩︎

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XLI)

God’s Use Of A Persian King (45:1-25)

Neal Pollard

Isaiah writes in the 8th Century B.C. about a man who would reign nearly 200 years later. He calls him by his name (4), which is a Persian rather than a Jewish name. It must have seemed strange to Isaiah’s audience given not just the man’s ethnicity but his nation’s relative obscurity at the time of the prophet’s writing. Much of this chapter is devoted to explaining how Cyrus’ rise and his benevolent actions is a clear, powerful statement about the greatness and uniqueness of God. 

DIVINE DIRECTION (1-8). Isaiah walks through God’s plan to accomplish His will through Cyrus. He calls him His “anointed” (the Hebrew word “messiah”). That He will be with and empower this Persian is graphically explained: “whose right hand I have grasped, to subdue nations before him and to loose the belts of kings, to open doors before him that gates may not be closed” (1). God tells the nation what He will do through Cyrus (2-3) and that He does so for their sake and so they will know His power and love (4-8). The reason behind all of this is to turn the heart of His people back toward Him, that they would trust and obey Him. It is interesting to read the ancient historian Josephus, who writes that Cyrus read the book of Isaiah prompting him to order the rebuilding of the temple and even its dimensions (Antiquities XI.5-7; XV.386). 

DIVINE SOVERIGNTY (9-13). A natural response to what we read in the first eight verses is, “Why?” Why use a foreign king and speak so favorably of him? Why make such a plan? God explains by pointing out His sovereignty, His supreme and ultimate power. It is like clay arguing with a potter or a child questioning its parents concerning how or why it came to be (9-10). God has absolute right as Creator to do as He pleases (11-13), and the rest of this chapter demonstrates that He can be trusted to act in only righteous and perfect ways. That includes His utilization of Cyrus in His plans (13). 

DIVINE SALVATION (14-25). I like James Smith’s analysis of this plan of salvation articulated by Isaiah. Taking verses 9-25 together, Smith says:

  • God’s plan was unchallengeable in its origin (9ff).
  • God’s plan was consistent in its direction (11-13).
  • God’s plan was universal in its scope (14).
  • God’s plan was certain in its result (15-17).
  • God’s plan was rational in its design (18-25).

(Major Prophets, 134).

While the prophecy about Cyrus would be fulfilled in 536 B.C. and the temple would be completed in 520, there is with Isaiah a look at ultimate salvation. The justification and salvation Isaiah writes of in this more specific sense would be brought about through the God whose character and nature would be most perfectly shown in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Isaiah is looking forward, not just a few hundred years but over 700 years to the coming of the Savior. Do you see glimpses of this is statements like, “To me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance” (23b; Phil. 2:10-11)? 

Isaiah’s audience trusted in Assyria and Egypt to be their Savior. They could not pick for themselves a deliverer better than God could. Cyrus would prove this point, but Jesus would be the ultimate demonstration of this truth! 

A Loving And Terrifying God

Dale Pollard

Let’s say one morning Dan (no one in particular) opens his Bible and reads 1 John 4:8. It says that God is love. He feels pretty good about this, closes his Bible, and goes throughout his day. The next morning Dan happens to read Hebrews 10:31. It’s confusing and he’s kind confused now. It says, “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” 

The explanation? God happens to be the greatest Father there is. A good Father is going to spend time with his boy. He’s going to throw the ball with him in the yard, he’ll go fishing with him, he’s going to listen to him, he’s going to hug him, and he’ll verbally express the love he has for that boy.

Imagine the next day that the same little boy says a swear word for the very first time. What is that good father going to do? He’s going to spank the kid! Not out of hate, but out of love. He still loves his I son, and he spanks his son out of love. That child is going to cry and have a healthy fear of his dad. He still loves his dad. Maybe he’s not feeling it in the moment that he’s on the ground in a puddle of tears trying to pull his pants up, but he loves his dad.

There is no doubt that God loves us, and this thread runs through all of scripture. God made the earth, gave His son, and created Heaven and a way to get there. He loves us, but do we realize what He can do to us?

You do not want to be found guilty in sin when the trumpet sounds and those clouds roll back. This would be a terrifying thing. Yes, God is love. He’s perfect, He’s just, and He doesn’t want anybody to be lost (Jn. 3.16). 

Yearlong Series On Why To Love The Church

(You’ll Love This One!)

#42-The Bible is the Emphasis

Bread And Circuses

Neal Pollard

An early second-century Latin satirist named Juvenal is credited with giving the world the phrase, “bread and circuses.” In context, he wrote, “They shed their sense of responsibility long ago, when they lost their votes, and the bribes; the mob that used to grant power, high office, the legions, everything, curtails its desires, and reveals its anxiety for two things only, bread and circuses (Book 2, lines 10.56-89). The predominant idea in this now-famous line is that the populace lost its interest in political freedom and civic responsibility, being numbed and lured most by physical satisfaction and entertainment. In modern times, the phrase has been used to speak of food and entertainment being used by the government to keep people happy and submissive.

What makes this such an effective strategy? Perhaps it is a human tendency to favor pleasure over hard work and laziness over critical thinking, among other things. A love of ease and the illusion of peace can cause a person to surrender things of far greater value to keep them. Those things might be absolute truth, God-given moral values, personal sacrifice, care of and connection to community, charity, and similar building blocks of society. When we reduce our existence to placating our baser desires, we let go of what is much more valuable and this is to our ultimate harm. 

No doubt we see this increasingly in our national political environment, but can we succumb to the mindset of yearning for “bread and circuses” in the religious realm? Apparently so. Paul warned about “difficult times” when men would be “lovers of self, lovers of money…and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:1,2,4). In such times, they would “not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). It seems easier to follow the flesh than to live by faith, but it is spiritually fatal. It is described as going from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (2 Tim. 3:13). In the first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote, “But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives” (1 Tim. 5:6).

This isn’t to suggest that being a foodie or that watching TV shows and movies is sinful. That misses the greater point of Scripture. It is possible to let life become more about gratifying our bodies and putting our greater focus on the things of this world, and that is sinful. Paul tells us how to put all of that in its proper place, urging, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). “Bread and circuses” can be legitimate ways to build connections with people whose never-dying souls will live somewhere, but they can never become an end in themselves. We were created for infinitely more! 

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XL)

God Vs. Gods (44:1-28)

Neal Pollard

God calls to His chosen people, reminding them that He formed them and set them apart for Himself (1). Everything He promises in this chapter is built upon the foundation of that truth. They were perpetually guilty of aiming infinitely too low in what to place their trust in. As we read, we can relate to that. We doublecheck our investments, log a great many minutes in our workout routines and dietary plans, expend a lot of passion and energy into political matters, and engage our hearts in other earthly things while ignoring and neglecting the God who made us and set us apart by Christ. Because He has given His Son, we have even less reason to misplace our trust today. Walk though this powerful chapter and make the comparison the prophet leads Israel to make.

Recognize You Belong To God (1-5). Just as He chose them (1), He speaks of all He has provided for them as their God. He mentions water (3), His Spirit (3), and fruitfulness (4). Consequently, His discerning people would say, “I am the Lord’s” and revel in being claimed by Him (5). This came with blessings for them and their descendants. 

Trust In The True God (6-23). God sets Himself apart by who He is–Lord, King, Redeemer, and Lord of hosts (speaking of military might)(6). He proves Himself trustworthy by His unique nature, calling on them to compare Him to the gods of the nations around Him. Gary Smith provides a great chart which shows the contrasts stated and implied in the text here: 

What was said?What contrast was implied?
1. Men “form” idols (44:9)God “forms” the world and his people
2. Idols do not help; give no profit (44:9)God strengthens and helps his people
3. Their witness does not see, know (44:9)God’s witnesses see and know
4. Idol makers tremble in fear (44:11)God’s people need not fear
5. Idol makers will be ashamed (44:11)God’s people will not be ashamed
6. Idol makers get tired and weary (44:12) God’s strengthens so people are not weary
7. Idol makers measure on  wood (44:13)God measures out the heavens with his hand
8. Idols are images of humanity (44:13)God made man in his image
9. Idols are wood and metal (44:14)God made the wood and the metals
10. People worship what they make (44:15) The Maker/Creator should be worshipped
11. People seek divine deliverance (44:17)Only God can bring real deliverance
12. Idols blind people’s eyes (44:18)God opens people’s eyes
13. Idols give no understanding (44:19)God gives wisdom and understanding
14. Idolatry is a deceptive lie (44:20)God reveals the truth
15. Idols lead people astray (44:20)God calls people to turn from lies

(NAC, 239).

Isaiah presents the case, showing how utterly ludicrous it is to trust in a god that one has to make, who is useless, who is mindless, who is powerless, and who after he has crafted it worships it. He writes, “he makes a god and worships it; he makes it an idol and falls down before it” (15).

Instead, by discerning who God is, the people appreciate how fully He has forgiven them (22). Their right-thinking response is to praise Him for being a God without rival (23).

Understand That We Are Restored By God (24-28). He is our Creator and Sustainer (24). He has the ability to do what He promises and determines. This God is the One who promises to rebuild, to even do so by the hands of a foreign power who is hundreds of years from being born (28). A God without limits of power and who sees the future as if it is the past is the God who promises to restore His people. 

Fellowship And Golf

Dale Wiley

For the past 3 or 4 years Harold Nicks, Jim Fuqua, Bob Raby & I have been playing golf most every week. During that time, there’s been no bad language, no nasty jokes and a minimal amount of gossiping. Occasionally, as my golfing partners advance in age, some health issues arise. Shoulder pain, knees going out or a pulled hammie. Then they have to go on the injured reserve list. No problem because we go straight to the bench and in comes Elder Jim Humphries to take his place. Still, there’s no bad language, no dirty jokes and a minimal amount of cheating. 

Last Friday Jim and I were playing at Paul Walker and around the 6th hole noticed a couple of older men behind us and asked if they cared to join us. They agreed and one of them hit his ball in the woods and then into the creek.  A few choice words followed. Then on the next hole he hit a window in a house and then more words followed, some of which Elder Jim had not heard since his Army days back in the ’60’s. 

Jim and I were talking later how nice it was to be able to play weekly with a group of brothers that chose not to behave that way, even when the ball doesn’t always go where we want it to go and that we appreciate the fellowship of our brothers in Christ.

Fellowship with our Brothers and Sisters in Christ encourages and uplifts one another to be more Christ like and has a great influence on those around us, whether it be the Crew on Grub Night, the Young at Heart Ladies, or Tuesday’s Ladies Bible Class at Kathy’s, to maintain our spiritual growth. 

Remember these words:

1 Corinthians 1:9: You were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 John 1:3: That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us.