Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

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Brent Pollard

Juliet’s poignant line, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, delves into the profound influence of names on identity and perception. This metaphor underscores that a name does not define the essence of a thing or person. In the play’s context, Juliet ponders over Romeo’s last name, Montague, associated with her family’s rival house. She asserts that his true self would remain unchanged even if Romeo had a different name. This argument posits that a name is merely a label without impacting a person’s or thing’s inherent qualities or worth.

Lawmakers in Maryland are proposing a solution to an environmental problem by changing the name of an invasive fish species known for damaging the local ecosystem. The snakehead fish, currently unpopular as a food source, could become more attractive to consumers if given a more appealing name. This example raises interesting questions about the power of names and labels in shaping our perceptions. The lawmakers suggest renaming the fish “Chesapeake Channa” to emphasize its connection to the Chesapeake waters where it currently resides. The aim is to rebrand the invasive species and replace its negative connotations with a more positive image. Given that snakeheads taste delicious, Maryland’s campaign may prove successful. This case illustrates how a simple name change can significantly alter our perception of an object, in this case, a fish.

Juliet’s perspective that a name is a label with no influence on the intrinsic qualities of an object is worth considering. It suggests that intrinsic attributes hold more significance than the names or labels we assign. This viewpoint allows for tactics like renaming a fish to enhance its appeal. However, what if a person or thing’s name reflects their identity and purpose? In such cases, it would be unwise to alter the name. This rose must remain a rose. This caution underscores the responsibility we bear when considering such changes.

Peter reminds us that a name holds significant meaning. In 1 Peter 4.16, he implies that if someone faces persecution, it should be solely because of their faith. For instance, if authorities punish a person for stealing, it does not count as persecution. Those to whom God has given the correction’s instrument should treat the offender lawfully, as mentioned in Romans 13. So Peter says, “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4.16 NASB95). Though it appears only three times in the New Testament, the term “Christian” came to describe a community of believers who followed Jesus Christ’s teachings and distinguished themselves from Jews and pagans. It is the new name God promised through His prophet, Isaiah (Isaiah 62.2). 

As followers of Christ, it is crucial to identify ourselves as Christians. While being “spiritual” or “a believer” is not wrong, it does not define our identity as followers of Christ. To be faithful, we must fully embrace the responsibility that comes with the name “Christian.” This commitment involves living a life consistent with Jesus Christ’s teachings and values, actively following in His footsteps, being a part of a Christian community, and demonstrating love, compassion, and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives. Avoiding “Christian” may indicate a reluctance to accept the associated responsibility and accountability. By embracing our Christian identity, we respond to the call to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet.

In the end, while names and labels can sometimes be arbitrary or misleading, there are cases where a name carries deep significance and meaning, intricately tied to identity and purpose. Just as Juliet recognized that Romeo’s value transcended his surname, and Peter emphasized the importance of embracing the Christian name, we must carefully consider when a name represents something core that should not be rebranded or obscured. A name like “Christian” is not just a label but a calling to embody the teachings of Christ through words and actions. So, while changing names can sometimes be helpful, we must also respect when a name holds profound meaning that should be upheld rather than discarded for pragmatic purposes. Distinguishing between these situations requires wisdom and care.

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXIV)

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXIV)

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Unity And The Resurrection (Part 2)(15:29-58)

Neal Pollard

After having dealt with the many witnesses to the resurrected Christ, the erroneous denial of His resurrection, and the connection of the resurrection to His second coming, Paul turns his focus not just to the impact of His resurrection on how we live but also to our own resurrection. Notice at least three more observations in the second half of this chapter, designed to unite these Christians around the truth of the resurrection.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION (29-34)

Paul launches abruptly from the second coming to an odd argument in support of the resurrection–this enigmatic practice of being baptized for the dead (29). It has been said that there are about 40 different explanations for “the baptism for the dead.” I believe Paul is saying that some were motivated to be baptized out of their desire to be reunited with their saved loved ones after this life. I studied with and saw a man baptized (by Riley Keown and some firefighters) who was strongly motivated by a desire to be reunited with his Christian mother. That would be for nothing if the dead are not raised. 

Furthermore, why would a Christian risk danger and death if there is no resurrection (30-31)? What keeps a Christian from “Epicureanism,” simply being devoted to indulging the senses through food and drink, if there is no resurrection (32)? Why strive to live morally and surround oneself with moral influences, if there is no resurrection (33-34)? At least four vital implications are covered by Paul, if the dead are not raised.

THE NATURE OF OUR RESURRECTION (35-49)

Now, Paul gets down to what our resurrection will be like in this section of his discussion. He addresses the question of how and what kind of body (35). Notice.

It will conform to God’s law of sowing and reaping (36-37, 42-44). Paul illustrates this with seed sowing in this life. You cannot reap what you do not sow. The body has to die before resurrection is possible. We will see this more in-depth, but what is raised is much better than what dies. 

It will be a bodily resurrection (39-41).  We cannot miss this fact. Paul refers to the “body” ten times from verses 35-49 ( in addition, “flesh and blood” is verse 50 is actually this same word, too). Our resurrection body will be of a different nature, but it will still be a body. It will be a body as God wished (38), a heavenly body (40), an imperishable body (42), a glorious body (43), and a spiritual body (44). Yes, that leaves some things unanswered, but whether or not our resurrection will be bodily is not unanswered. We will not be a disembodied spirit for eternity. We will have a new body, which Paul describes here. 

It will be spiritual and heavenly (44-49). This body will be engineered to inhabit and live for eternity. Our spirits will continue to live; there is continuity. But, we will inhabit a new, spiritual and heavenly, body! 

THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION (50-58)

Paul lays down an order of operations or procedure here. We will be changed in an instant when the trumpet of God sounds (50-52). We will assume an imperishable, changed body (53-54). Death will die (54). It will be powerless over the saved and resurrected child of God (54-57). 

There is so much richness and depth to this discussion of the resurrection, but Paul gives us enough to favorably receive his final charge. He concludes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (58). Persevere because living the Christian life is worth it! You are not wasting your time. Obey Him! Wait and see. Because Christ was raised, we will be raised! As the song suggests, “What a day, glorious day, that shall be!”

Why You Must Repent

Why You Must Repent

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Carl Pollard

There’s a story told of a man who came forward every Sunday to ask for prayers. 

He continued responding every week for several months. Every time he would confess this same sin he would say, “Lord, take the cobwebs out of my life.” 

Finally, one Sunday, the man responded again with the same sin, and asked for the cobwebs to be taken out of his life. To which the preacher responded, “just kill the spider already.” Often, we come to God asking for forgiveness from the same sin time and time again, and yet we continue to leave the source of temptation in our lives. 

Sin always requires forgiveness. Forgiveness requires repentance. Repentance requires change! Repentance is a topic we are all familiar with. The word repent/repentance is used over 170 times in the Bible It is stressed as a part of the process by which we are forgiven of our sin. Verses like Acts 2:38 come to mind when we hear this word. To repent means to change your mind which leads to a change in direction. It means to feel remorse for sin, and it includes a change in lifestyle. 

When faced with temptation, true repentance is choosing not to sin. When caught in sin, repentance is a godly remorse. It is sincerity in your desire to “go and sin no more.” We understand this. It’s important for the born again Christian, but also for those who are wanting to be immersed and added to the body of Christ. 

We know what it is, but we also need to realize what it isn’t. Repentance isn’t just feeling sad. Paul tells us that worldly remorse is just feeling sorry that you were caught. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” Godly grief that leads to repentance is remorse that you have sinned against the God of our salvation. 

Worldly repentance is hollow and empty. 

It isn’t feeling remorse just because you were caught doing what you shouldn’t. True repentance is so much more. True repentance does not regret parting with sin, false repentance does. True repentance hates sin, false repentance hates the consequences of sin. True repentance accepts godly counsel and accountability, false repentance avoids accountability. 

Our goal must be to practice true repentance, and we can’t fool ourselves. We are ALL in need of forgiveness, but we must be willing to confess our sins, to hate the sin, and change our lives to mirror Christ. 

Why Is repentance needed? Whether it is in relationships, in the church or in the world, God will not forgive us if we are unwilling to change sinful behavior.

Repentance isn’t just guilt, although guilt can sometimes motivate us to repent. 

In Luke 13:3,5, Jesus tells those who come to him to repent or they will perish. In this section several people come to Jesus to talk not about their own sins, but the sins of others. It’s a whole lot easier to see the faults in others rather than the blatantly obvious faults we have in our own lives. 

Here the people have done exactly what we continue to do today, talk about the sins of others rather than their own. But Jesus tells them they are horribly mistaken. There is power in repentance, and twice in this one conversation Jesus tells them to repent.

If I am honest, there have been far too many times I have failed to just “kill the spider.” I am ashamed of the sin I continued to feed all the while pointing out sin in everyone else’s lives. God will look at each and every one of us. He sees our sins and there is no one to blame but ourselves. Repent. Before your conscience is seared or the end comes. Repent.

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXIII)

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXIII)

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Unity And The Resurrection (Part 1)(15:1-28)

Neal Pollard

Paul once again signals a change in subject, moving on to another area of concern for the Corinthians. This one is a doctrinal question and he uses a slightly different phrase: “Now I make known to you” rather than “Now concerning.” The subject is the heart of the gospel, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1-4), which transpired “according to the Scriptures” (3-4). In some deep, challenging concepts, Paul explains both the resurrection of Christ and our eventual bodily resurrection. Some form of the word “raised” is found 22 times in this chapter. What does Paul discuss?

THE TESTIMONY CONCERNING THE RESURRECTION (1-11)

Starting with the resurrection of Christ, Paul lays out the witnesses to His resurrected body. He lists Cephas, the twelve, 500 brethren at once, James, all the apostles, then to Paul (5-8). Notice the solid nature of these witnesses. It was diverse, meaning He appeared to individuals, small groups, and very large groups. It was sequential, meaning several different occasions over time. It was representative rather than exhaustive, as the gospels reveal even more resurrection appearances (Luke 24; Matt. 28; Mark 16; John 20-21). It was verifiable, as many of these witnesses were still alive when Paul wrote this letter. Bonafide, corroborating witnesses confirmed the truth of the resurrection. Corinth (and we) should be united in the belief that Jesus is raised from the dead (11). One footnote within the list of witnesses is the insight of Paul’s ongoing struggle with his sinful past which he rejoices to know was overcome by the wonderful grace of God (8-10).

THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE RESURRECTION (12-19)

Some among the Corinthians taught that there is no resurrection (12). Certainly it is a teaching that requires faith, but denying the resurrection has some catastrophic consequences. These adversely affect both believers and unbelievers. Without the resurrection, unbelievers have no reasonable explanation about our origin, purpose, or destiny. But, if there is no resurrection, the believer is most devastated (19). What follows, if these naysayers are correct? If no resurrection, Christ is not raised (13). If Christ is not raised, our preaching is vain (14), our faith is vain (14), testifiers to His resurrection are false witnesses (15), our faith is worthless (17), we’re still in our sins (17), saints who have already died have perished (18), and we are of all men most to be pitied (19). Life and death are pretty miserable and pointless without the resurrection of Christ and our own bodily resurrection. Death wins. 

THE CEREMONY AT THE RESURRECTION (20-28)

Paul begins this paragraph with a note of triumph, asserting, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (20). Then, Paul takes us momentarily to the second coming, the general resurrection, and the end (23-24). What will happen then? We will all be made alive (22). Christ will hand over the kingdom to God the Father (24). He will have abolished all rule, authority, and power (24). His reign will end at the subjugation of all enemies, last of which is death (25-28). As the song says, “What a day, glorious day, that will be!” Nothing we have ever seen will prepare us for what will happen “at His coming.” And Paul is not done describing that incredible moment, which we will see in the second half of the chapter. 

Keep in mind that Paul is teaching and clarifying about the resurrection for a central purpose, to unite Christians around the heart of the gospel. It is the foundation of our hope. It helps us endure the most difficult trials of life. Peter says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). Amen! 

We Have A Problem

We Have A Problem

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Gary Pollard

Nearly every culture in history hoped for immortality or rebirth or “the transmigration of the soul.” This is evident in the myths and stories handed down for millennia. Ancient Egyptians believed in Duat, the terrifying world of departed souls. Here, among other tests, the departed soul must verify that they’ve not committed certain sins (theft, murder, deceit, adultery, blasphemy, and 39 others). If they passed all of these tests, they believed they’d be reborn among the stars of heaven. Many other ancient cultures had remarkably similar beliefs, but we won’t go into these for the sake of word count.

The point is that everyone desired new life. We have it already! Jesus came to this earth when every major culture had a well-established, fully-developed…problem. What do we do after we die? Just about everyone believed we’d go to “heaven” (among the stars), but their views of life-after-death varied somewhat. Jesus — God in human form — gave a solution to this very well-developed problem: Himself. 

We’re so far beyond this archaic conundrum. Colossians 3 tells us what God wants us to do now that we already have new life! 

  1. In 3.1-4, our new life means thinking about higher things. 
  2. In 3.5-9, our new life means getting rid of bad behaviors. 
  3. In 3.11-12, our new life means we have an identity that transcends cultural boundaries because our allegiance is to Jesus first. 
  4. In 3.12-17, our new life means we do everything we can to be at peace with each other and pursue a united spirit. 
  5. In 3.18-4.1, our new life means that we try to structure our homes and lifestyles in the most functional possible ways. 

Our new life is hidden in Jesus. We are already immoral, and death is just the pivotal moment when the “seed” of this body becomes the fully-developed “plant” of a new, immortal body (cf. I Cor 15). Jesus and his inspired writers beautifully and simply answered the millennia-old questions asked by every culture prior to his arrival. We will meet him in the air. He will rescue us when earth is destroyed. We will live with him forever in a perfect new world. No other religion so boldly answers these questions, another evidence of Christianity’s divine origin! 

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXII)

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXII)

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Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 4)(14:20-40)

Neal Pollard

Paul concludes the lengthiest discussion of this letter with some final appeals to the Corinthians to use their gifts to be united rather than divided. The underlying principle in these final words is “order.” The disorderly way they were handling these gifts inevitably caused strife and difficulty for them. Paul suggests several principles that would help them conquer the chaos.

MATURITY (20)

Paul lays the groundwork for their success in properly exercising spiritual gifts by saying, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (20). Immaturity is the enemy of church growth and of the fulfillment of all of the Lord’s will.  Selfish thinking, whether self-promotion or self-interest, shifts the focus to the individual member and away from the body. Without mature thinking, there will not be mature acting. 

PRIORITY (21-25)

When one is focused on self-importance, he or she will not be able to properly see others. Of course, this happens at the expense of fellow-Christians, but it also adversely impacts non-Christians who may be at the assemblies. Paul reminds them that their gifts were exercised to persuade unbelievers (22). God wants the unbeliever to be convicted (24) and moved to obedience (25). He accomplishes this through His people’s stewardship of their gifts. Though we live after the age of miraculous spiritual gifts, we still should be mindful of how we exercise our gifts in the potential presence of non-Christians. Don’t let them be invisible to you, but be sensitive to them and act accordingly. Their souls are so important, we must use our gifts to bring them to Christ. We want them to declare “that God is certainly among you” (25). 

HUMILITY (26-39)

Paul reiterates something he has just said repeatedly (3-5, 12,17): “Let all things be done for edification” (26). This necessitates putting the needs of others above one’s own interests. Isn’t that hard to do? Paul says to submit your own opportunities and abilities to the needs of the body. You might notice that Paul says “keep silent” three times, to three groups–the tongue-speaker with no interpreter (28), a prophet while another prophet is giving revelation (30), and women (34). The reasons are different for each group, but the principle is the same. God has rules and desires order. That’s infinitely more important than what we might desire. God wants one’s gifts to be exercised for the learning and exhortation of all (31,35) and for peace to triumph over confusion (33). That requires me to get myself out of His way so that He can accomplish His will. 

PROPRIETY (40)

Paul sums up, saying, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” That’s two elements. Am I doing what is right? Am I doing it in the right way? This is knowledge and application. Some don’t know any better. Others know better, but they don’t do better. Both deficiencies must be addressed. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts. They are not to show people how spiritual or special we are. They are to edify the church, evangelize the lost, and exalt God. If we keep this in mind, we will achieve the unity that God so jealously desires.

Encouragement From Eutychus

Encouragement From Eutychus

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Dale Pollard

Here’s a quick recap of the bizarre events that unfold in Acts 20.

  • Paul preaches past midnight. 
  • A young man named Eutychus falls asleep.
  • As a result he plummets to his death. 
  • He is then miraculously brought back to life.

So what?

Each word that was written in scripture was penned under God’s guidance— for our guidance. This means that even those accounts that might initially strike us as pointless are, in truth, spiritually pointed. 

With this is in mind, Let’s briefly examine three life lessons from Eutychus that deliver relevant reminders for the 21st century Christian. 

  1. A lesson on Common sense: God is with His people, God protects His people, but we still read of a young man who sits where he shouldn’t have. As a result, he tumbles to his death. Unfortunate things can happen to godly people, especially in the absence of common sense. 
  2. A Lesson On Commitment: This account is not a call for preachers to shorten their sermons, or even a warning for members who might be tempted to take a nap in worship. While Eutychus may not be the first guy that comes to mind when we think of a Bible character who demonstrated commitment— he still made it a priority to be with his Christian family. He held on, even though it was clearly past his bedtime. How many of us have forsaken the assembly simply because we don’t feel like it? How many Christians find themselves struggling to remain focused in a one hour period of worship? There is something to be said for this man’s commitment to Christ— even as the hours ticked by and exhaustion began to take its toll on him. 
  3. A Lesson On Correction: Though I would not want to be immortalized in history as the guy who fell out of a window in church, this potential tragedy became a powerful testimony of God’s grace. God does not expect total perfection, rather our constant correction. When we take a tumble spiritually, what corrections can we implement to avoid the same  mistake in the future? 
1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXI)

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (XXI)

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Unity And Spiritual Gifts (Part 3)(14:1-19)

Neal Pollard

It is pretty easy to break down the focus of Paul’s message in these 19 verses. In a nutshell, Paul is telling Corinth that prophecy and tongues are for the edification of the church. What was to move this was “love” (1). Not surprisingly, given that tongue-speaking might seem more exotic or impressive, the Corinthians seemed to put higher regard on that gift than the others. Paul makes the point that prophecy is superior to tongue-speaking for multiple reasons. By itself, tongue-speaking does not communicate to men (1-2), but prophecy did (3). Tongue-speaking edified only the speaker, but prophecy edified the whole church (4). Tongue-speaking required an interpreter, but prophecy didn’t (5-14). His summary of this contrast is: “In the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue” (19). 

We may wonder where the application is for us in our age of post-miraculous gifts. What can we take away from this section of Scripture since we have neither prophets nor tongue-speakers today. Notice how Paul’s words are relevant to us in the church today. 

BEWARE OF PRIDE

How were some regarding their gifts? In verse 20, he is going to suggest that they were being childish about these gifts. Chapter 12 shows that they were considering some gifts as “less honorable” and “more presentable” (23). Is it possible for us to do that today? Do we vaunt song leaders, preachers, teachers, and other more visible talents and have less regard for other ministries and works? We should not. Every single effort done for the glory of God and the advancement of His cause is equally vital and honorable.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE DESIRABLE

Paul is not saying they shouldn’t desire these spiritual gifts. In fact, the opposite is true (1, 12). Their mishandling or improperly viewing them did not nullify their need to engage in them. The Lord doesn’t want us on the sideline, burying our talent. He takes a dim view of that approach, doesn’t He (cf. Mat. 25:14-30). Do what you do best, but don’t fall prey to comparing your gift to someone else’s. That’s a false standard of measurement. “God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired” (12:18).

IT’S ALL ABOUT EDIFICATION

Why exercise spiritual gifts in the first place? Paul tells us. It is for edification and exhortation and consolation (3). The aim is to edify the whole church (4). The aim is “that the church may receive edifying” (5). He implores, “Seek to abound for the edification of the church” (12). It is failure if what you do results in that “the other person is not edified” (17). We do not have to guess what is at the heart of Paul’s concern here. He reveals it repeatedly. 

Isn’t it easy for us to lose sight of the purpose of our mission and identity even as we do “church work”? Sometimes, works and ministries are begun to achieve edification but somewhere along the way we forget that. Isn’t it ironic that Martha was part of the commendable choice to have Jesus in her home, but she lost sight of what was most important very quickly. It wasn’t about the serving, but about listening to His word (Luke 10:38-42).