Whatever You Face, He Is Able!

FILLING IN FOR DALE THIS WEEK AS HE AND JANELLE WERE BUSY WITH THIS:

Jude Mitchell Pollard (born 8/20/23)
Neal Pollard

Luke shows us two demonstrations of Jesus’ power as He traverses the roads and villages of the northern half of Palestine during the early part of His public ministry. These show the diversity of Jesus’ work, even what He did simultaneously. This ultimate example of “multi-tasking” was performed for two situations that were about as opposite of each other as could be. Notice some of these contrasts in Luke 7:1-17:

The Centurion’s ServantThe Widow’s Son
The Centurion reaches out to Jesus (3)Jesus reaches out to the widow (12-13)
The Centurion was already convinced of His powerThe widow was seemingly oblivious to His power
The Centurion was rich and powerful (2,5,8)A widow with no children had no prospect (12)
The servant is about to die (2)The son is dead already (12)
Jesus marveled at the man’s faith (9)Jesus felt compassion for the grieving mother (13)
The Centurion was a GentileNain, a Galilean city, would be Jewish (12)
Jesus healed the servant from afar (6-10)Jesus touched the coffin and raised the son (14)
Nothing is said of the people’s reaction (10)The crowd fears and glorifies God (16-17)

Yet, Jesus is the thread that holds them both together. Whether He is responding to the faith of a devout Roman or responding to the grief of an indigent widow, He knew He could help and He was willing. He knew He had something to offer they could not find anywhere else. He is willing and able to transform sorrow into celebration. These events serve to spread good news about Him all around Him (17). People may not yet understand who He is, but these actions let them know He was no ordinary man or rabbi. Those in the funeral procession say, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” And, “God has visited His people!” (16). As glowing a tribute as this was, they didn’t yet grasp the full picture of Jesus. But, they knew He was special. 

I think about the diverse people we see and know every day. They are black and white, young and old, male and female, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, natives and transplants. Perhaps you can take two people in your circle of influence and make up a column of contrasts like the one above. Despite their differences, they will be united by one significant thing. They need what only Jesus can give, and He can certainly give it to them. Whether they are actively seeking Him or unaware of their need of Him, you and I can forever change their life and circumstance when we introduce them to Jesus. May God help us to do that for someone today! 

Christianity Should Change You

Neal Pollard

Reading Luke’s account of things, Saul may have been the chief threat to the Christians at the time recorded in Acts 8-9. He was “ravaging the church” (8:3), “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (9:1). He was doing “much harm” to the saints (9:13). He would look back on this part of his life, calling himself a harmful persecutor and killer of Christians (22:3ff; 26:9ff; 1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:13). The last thing we would expect, reading about his violent exploits against followers of Christ, would be a complete turnaround. But that’s what happens in Acts 9. 

SAUL’S PLANS ARE CHANGED (1-3). He had letters from the High Priest to authorize his imprisoning of Christians. His zeal and passion to stop Christianity is as strong as could be, but Christ has a message for him. It literally stops him in his tracks. The Christian life can be a sudden, abrupt change even today. When one comes face to face with who Jesus is, it will cause unforeseen, dramatic changes in one’s life!

SAUL’S MIND IS CHANGED (4-7). His entire worldview about who Jesus is changes in what happens on this road to Damascus. He sees a light and hears a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (4). He’s not sure who he’s speaking to, but he knows it’s no mere man. Jesus tells Saul who He is, then tells Saul what to do next. He’s not saved on the road, but told to go to Damascus to await news of what he should do (6). The greatest question of life just may be, “Who is Jesus?” Saul thought he knew, but is finding out that everything he thought he knew was wrong. 

SAUL’S PERSPECTIVE IS CHANGED (8-18). Saul is blinded on the road. He doesn’t eat, drink, or see for three days. Meanwhile, the Lord commissions a man named Ananias to go preach to Saul. Jesus could have easily laid it out there for Saul, but He chose the “foolishness of preaching” to save this persecutor (cf. 1 Cor. 1:21). Naturally, Ananias was apprehensive about his mission, knowing full well all that Saul had done to the saints (13-15). The Lord reassures the preacher that Saul has changed his mind and is ready to hear what he must do, so Ananias obediently goes to Damascus and preaches to him (17). The hardships and realities of life can totally change our perspective, leaving us receptive to the will of Christ. We might not have been seeking before suffering. 

SAUL’S CONDITION IS CHANGED (18). In this moment, he could see–physically and spiritually. With spiritual sight restored, he “got up and was baptized.” Saul would later look back on this and tell us more of what Ananias preached to him. “The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. ‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. ‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name'” (22:14-16). Baptism changed his spiritual condition before God. It washed away his sins. It brought about the change of condition, opening door to a change of mission. Baptism is but part of God’s saving plan, but it is the point at which sins are forgiven for a penitent believer. 

SAUL’S FELLOWSHIP IS CHANGED (19ff). His environment is no longer Christian-haters. It’s the hated Christians. He spends several days with them. He would prove to be such an asset to the saints at Damascus, and he is ultimately, readily accepted as one of them. He fought against the very ones he fought for before becoming a Christian (22), until his former allies plot to kill him (23-24). His new spiritual family helps him steal away (25). He seeks to fellowship with the disciples in Jerusalem, but in an age long before instant communication and technology the word had not reached these saints. They fear he’s an infiltrator, coming among them to do them harm. Can you imagine sitting down for a fellowship meal with the man that imprisoned or killed a friend or loved one? That’s possibly the situation for Saul and these saints. Barnabas, the generous encourager we met in Acts 4, paves the way for Saul’s acceptance. He is ultimately welcomed into the fellowship. Sometimes, our comfort zone is challenged with the addition of new Christians into our fellowship. It could be their worldly background, their income bracket, their skin color, or some similar difference that requires our adjustment. God expects that we’ll overcome any such superficial barriers and see what ties us together–our faith in and following of Jesus.  

SAUL’S MESSAGE IS CHANGED (20-31). He proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God (20). He proved to opposing Jews that Jesus is the Christ (22). He spoke boldly in the name of Jesus (27). He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord, talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews (28-29). As hard as he had been fighting against Jesus, he was now fighting that hard for Him. 

No wonder the most operative word is “change.” A change of life changes our mind and outlook, setting up a change of our spiritual state (if we respond properly to teaching) that reflects itself in a change of our spiritual environment and a change of our purpose and mission. No, it won’t happen with the flair and drama that Saul experienced, but the gospel is as powerful today as it was then (cf. Rom. 1:16). If being a disciple of Jesus hasn’t dramatically changed who we are and what we do, it may help us to look at Saul’s life and then our own. He can be an encouraging example that prompts us to go deeper and further in our faith. Conversion involves real change. Jesus says conversion is essential to entering the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 18:3), spiritual healing (John 12:40), and for sins to be wiped away (3:19). May people be able to see the change Jesus has made and is making in us!

The Price Of Disrespecting God’s Holiness

Brent Pollard

On Wednesday nights at the Andrews, North Carolina, church, I have attempted to teach about the monarchs of united and divided Israel. After we finished studying Saul, I explored David’s life and reign. In the most recent installment of this series, we discussed David’s transport of the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-Jearim to David’s newly established capital Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13). David didn’t follow Torah protocol when relocating the Ark of the Covenant; instead of having God’s priests carry it, he put it on the back of an ox cart. This decision by David set in motion the series of events that resulted in Uzzah’s death when he reached up to steady the Ark after the oxen jostled it. Such an outcome can more easily stir our emotions than our logic, prompting us to declare that Uzzah’s treatment was unjust.

Although God forbade the Israelites from worshiping graven or molten images, there was one physical object that they were permitted to honor: the Ark of the Covenant. This sacred artifact represented God’s Shekhinah (presence) on earth, facilitating communication with Him. We also recall the Ark’s significance on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the atoning lamb on the mercy seat, which was located between the cherubim’s wings atop the Ark. During the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites took the Ark of the Covenant with them into battle as a symbol of God’s might. However, the apostate Israelites of the Judges’ Period treated the Ark as a mere talisman. This abuse of the Ark led to its temporary loss to the Philistines following their victory over Israel at Aphek (1 Samuel 4). 

Therefore, it becomes clear that God did not overlook Uzzah’s good intentions when he tried to prevent the Ark from falling off the ox cart. Instead, the dishonor David and company showed God kindled His anger because of this act. People treated this holy representation of God with great disrespect, as though they were hauling around a load of potatoes on a simple wooden cart with oxen. While God had overlooked the Philistines’ treatment of the Ark when they returned it similarly (1 Samuel 6), He had expected more from His covenant people. This carefree attitude towards the Ark of the Covenant ultimately led Uzzah to believe he could reach out and touch it without consequence.

It wasn’t the first time God made it abundantly clear that He demanded holiness. For instance, He incinerated Nadab and Abihu for offering an unapproved type of fire, as recorded in Leviticus 10.1. On that occasion, Moses reminded the men’s father, Aaron, of God’s words: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored” (Leviticus 10.3 NASB1995). Even Moses missed out on the Promised Land for failing to give God the glory when he disobeyed God’s instructions for procuring water for the Israelites since his actions could not give God credit for supplying their needs (Numbers 20.12). Thus, David had ample examples to know that the things of God required the utmost reverence and care. Therefore, it is all the more puzzling that David, who typically sought God’s approval before acting, committed such a blunder here.

So, what is our application for Christians living today? I would suggest that there is something very holy from God that people too often treat profanely today. There are certain circumstances when people are not afraid to use the word “casual” when discussing certain assemblies. I am speaking of the church. As the Ark contained the ten commandments, Paul describes the church as the “pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3.15 NASB1995). This same passage teaches that the church is the household of God! As the Ark contained the manna that God used to sustain the Israelites, the church is where we partake of the Bread of Life (see John 6). And as the budding rod of Aaron within the Ark reminded the Israelites of God’s chosen priesthood, we are reminded that we who comprise the church are God’s holy priesthood today (1 Peter 2.9–10).In closing, the lessons from the time of David, Uzzah, and the Ark of the Covenant are not mere historical narratives; they are instructive for our relationship with God today. As David learned painfully, God’s holy nature demands our profound respect and obedience. This story encourages us, as modern-day believers, to examine how we approach that sacred institution God’s Son purchased with His blood (Acts 20.28). God’s word reminds us to live our faith with reverence and awe, understanding that we should not lightly take God’s presence. Like the Israelites of old, God calls us to honor Him in our actions and to treat the church with the respect and reverence she deserves as the bride of Christ (Isaiah 54.5; Revelation 21.2; Ephesians 5.22ff). Thus, as we go about our worship and service in the church, may we do so with the awareness that we are engaging with the living God, who calls us into a relationship marked by reverence, love, and obedience.

…

Filling Up Your Heart 

Carl Pollard

Fort Knox is one of the most heavily guarded places on the planet. There are lookout towers at each corner of the building. Supposedly there are land mines, electric fences, and machine guns that are activated when invisible lasers are tripped. 

They use radar and satellite imaging to keep a close eye on any suspicious activity. 

At any given time there are up to 40,000 guards on standby ready to respond. 

Now, let’s say you make it past all of this, there’s still the vault itself to deal with. 

The door to the vault is made of steel and concrete, and weighs in at over 41,000 pounds. There’s not a single person that knows the combination to get in. Instead, certain staff members only know one combination each. 

Why the need for such extensive security? Because Fort Knox is home to over 4,582 tons of gold worth 6.2 billion dollars. Back in 1974 it contained 11.4 billion dollars. 

All the security makes sense; that’s a lot of money! But what if there wasn’t any gold? It would be a complete waste of time and money to build a fort like this and leave it empty. 

God has instructed Christians to guard our hearts, but the first step is to fill it with the word of God. Proverbs 4:13 says, “Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Verses 20-22 say, “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” 

Leading up to Proverbs 4:23, the instruction to us is not just to guard our hearts but to guard the godly instructions within our hearts. Not only that, but we are told that God’s instruction “is your life” and “they are life to those who find them.” A heart filled with sin and worldliness is a dead heart. There is no life flowing from it. It is only when we put Gods word in our hearts that we will have life flowing forth from it. 

Guarding our hearts, according to scripture, is the action of protecting the biblical truths and instructions that God has given us. If we aren’t guarding God’s Word in our hearts, then what are we protecting? If we fail to put Proverbs 4:23 in the context of chapter four and the rest of scripture, we will guard our hearts from receiving what we need from God. If we guard our heart before letting truth in and we don’t guard our heart to keep the truth in, we will be opening the door to sin and selfish desires. 

There’s No Group Like God’s Church

Gary Pollard

I Timothy six is a detailed list of things to avoid if we want to keep bad influences out of our church family. It can be summarized with verse 20 — “Timothy, God has trusted you with many things. Keep them safe and stay away from people who talk about useless things that aren’t from God and who argue against you with fake knowledge. Some people who claim to have that special knowledge have completely abandoned what we believe.” 

A summary of I Timothy might sound something like this:

God’s family isn’t overly structured, but it isn’t vaguely defined either. Every member has abilities that help the other stay faithful. God has a clearly-defined order to his church, but he also has so much grace. He expects us to keep bad influences out of the church, but he also looks out for those who struggle. Some people will try to teach things that aren’t true, but elders can combat those influences. God wants us to be respectful and submissive to our elders. 

No group on this earth is as functional as the church. No community on earth is as selfless as the church. Individually, we are flawed and weak. But with God’s help, we can do so much more with each other than we could ever do alone. We’re all working for the same thing — a life with God forever. 

The Cosmic Ocean

Dale Pollard

We’re climbing a rope which hangs from heaven. Occasionally we feel a gentle tug reminding us that truth is tied to the end. For the time being, we’re left with a plethora of puzzles to ponder and countless mysteries to mull over. The Bible’s not boring. It’s mankind’s one and only peek behind the spiritual veil. Every once in a while we seem to be gifted with a discovery that further bolsters biblical claims. 

In an article by Robotics and Automation News (2021) they cover an interesting astronomical discovery and it’s incredible. They write the following, 

“Space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), among others, invest millions of dollars in searching for water on other planets. So, when water was found in a gaseous state near quasar (a massive black hole), it was indeed a big deal! Yes, scientists have discovered a huge cloud containing more water than what exists on Earth! In fact, it’s 140 trillion times more than the Earth! Two teams of astronomers from NASA discovered water in a reservoir in 2011. It is one of the largest and most distant water reservoirs detected in the universe.”

In the beginning there was water. The Bible opens with a depiction of what was before there was anything at all. 

“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Gen.1.2). 

Interestingly enough, there’s no mention of the Spirit of God creating the water itself. Now, this doesn’t mean that God didn’t create the water but it also leads the mind to connect God and water together. Water is a common thread that runs throughout scripture and we have examples of the Lord using this essential element to bring, sustain, and also take life. Science keeps running into God no matter how often it tries to run away from Him!

How To Avoid Defrauding Deity

Neal Pollard

At the end of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi simply asked, “Will a man rob God?” (3:8). Now that’s not a thought that naturally occurs to most. It would seem impossible to take by force what belongs to an all-powerful, all-knowing Being. Knowing about His supernatural nature, who would dare to try? Especially when you read that those who do so are  “cursed by a curse” by the One we just described (3:9). But Malachi said they robbed God in “tithes and offerings.” When it came to their financial giving, they stole from the Sovereign!

Is it possible to do that today? Wouldn’t we want to steer so far away from such a practice? Consider:

  • We rob God when we put our giving to Him anywhere but the top of our priorities. Malachi’s peers gave God the blind, the lame and the sick, which they would not dare offer their governor, for sacrifice (1:8). God calls this “evil.” What about when we put bills, entertainment, and other spending and saving first, then give God what, if any, is left over. Under the first covenant, God commanded His people give Him “the first fruits” (Ex. 23:16,19). But that covenant is inferior to what we have in Christ (Heb. 8:6). This should motivate us to make giving a “first fruit” and not an after thought.
  • We rob God when giving is a duty rather than a delight. For Malachi’s brethren, offering to God was described as despised, tiresome, and disdainful (1:13). When it came time to give, apparently they had a grimace rather than a grin on their faces. The God who gave them everything was met by a people who begrudged giving back to Him anything. Later, God will teach us that giving begins in the heart, with ourselves. Paul praises the impoverished Macedonians who exceeded expectations (2 Cor. 8:3) in their giving because they first gave themselves to the Lord, then gave their money to His work (2 Cor. 8:5). Paul could characterize them as cheerful givers (2 Cor. 9:7). This was not because they were prosperous and gave a big contribution from the overflow. Their wealth was their generosity (2 Cor. 8:2). They gave beyond their ability and it made them happy to do so. 
  • We rob God when do not test Him with our giving. This is an unexpected admonition. God wanted a chance to show them what He does for the one who gives sacrificially and by faith. The principle does not work and is inconsistent with God’s will if we do not test Him by giving sacrificially and generously. God says, “test me now in this” (3:10). Give generously and see “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows” (3:10). In light of how we can see God work like this in our lives, why would we take that opportunity from Him to show His incredible power. He always proves that He cannot be out-given.

We may ask, “How much should I give?” Truly, there is no set percentage stipulated under Christ’s covenant. They gave a tenth of everything they owned under the Old Law (Deut. 14, 26). What we have is better! We do not have to bring sacrifices for our sins year after year. Christ sacrificed Himself once for all (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 10:10; 1 Pet. 3:18)! It’s hard to imagine a Jew, accustomed to giving a tenth, coming up out of the mikvah (baptistery) on Pentecost, forgiven of their sins, and rejoicing, “Now that I’m a Christian, I don’t have to give ten percent any more!” 

No, God doesn’t give us estimates or projections. He gives us exhortations and principles. He wants us to give to Him out of our trust in His care and out of our love and appreciation for His gifts to us. When we take inventory of that (and start with Calvary!), we will learn to give the way He wants us to give. 

Guarding Our Gaze

Brent Pollard

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.” (Job 31:1 NLT)

Job declares in Job 31:1 that he made a solemn promise, akin to a covenant, not to look lustfully upon a woman. This action shows his dedication to moral purity. This declaration emphasizes the power of the eyes as conduits for sin, particularly lustful sin, to enter the heart and mind. By making this covenant, Job expresses his determination to maintain a righteous and honorable character. He recognizes the potential harm lustful thoughts can cause and takes preventative measures to avoid it. 

In many ways, our eyes are portals to our souls. Our souls can be sensitive to the images and scenes we expose them to, just as blue eyes are more sensitive to the sun’s bright rays due to their reduced melanin. I can attest to this because I have blue eyes and must wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy.

In the same way that harmful UV rays can have long-term effects on sensitive eyes, certain visual stimuli, most notably pornography, can harm our minds and spirits if consumed excessively. The harm may not be immediately apparent, but just as UV exposure can cause eye problems, exposure to harmful visual content can affect our psyche and moral compass over time.

Consuming pornography can lead to negative consequences, including addiction, distorted perceptions of relationships, and desensitization to healthy sexual experiences. Awareness of our visual consumption and prioritizing content promoting positive mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being is critical.

Take, for example, Japan’s complex socio-cultural landscape. The country’s declining birth rates have been a source of concern, and many factors contribute to this trend, including economic challenges and shifting societal values. In this context, there has been a noticeable increase in the consumption of online pornography. While it is an oversimplification to blame declining birth rates solely on pornography, there is growing awareness of the mental and emotional consequences of excessive consumption. (See https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230808/p2a/00m/0na/025000c)

Job recognized the close relationship between sight and desire. He hoped to avoid lustful thoughts and desires by not allowing himself to gaze wantonly at a woman. This statement by Job reflects a more spiritual understanding of sin, which holds that even considering sin is wrong. His sentiments are consistent with Jesus’ teachings, who later clarified that lustful thinking is equivalent to adultery (see Matthew 5.27–28).

It is more important than ever to remember this covenant in today’s age of instant access to a plethora of images, including explicit content. We should set protective boundaries for our viewing habits, guarding our hearts and minds against content that can distort our understanding of love, commitment, and respect, just as one might wear sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes from damaging sunlight.

Job 31:1 emphasizes the importance of a virtuous inner life by stressing the need to guard our hearts and minds. It encourages people to proactively filter out negative influences and develop a genuine sense of integrity and righteousness. This verse serves as a reminder that true righteousness extends beyond outward appearances, necessitating constant scrutiny of our thoughts and intentions.

Who Will Help Me Get To Paradise? 

Carl Pollard

Proverbs 1:15-19 says, “my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.” 

Verse 15 is a direct tie to the invitation to participate in sin found in verse 11. Sin must be rejected at the first temptation, by refusing even the association that can lead to sin. Avoid the beginnings of sin. Reject the offer to even associate with those who are in sin. Even if we aren’t participating in the deeds of the wicked, there is still guilt by association. Growing up my brothers would convince me to come along with them in breaking a rule, even though I was a perfect and innocent child, I would still get in trouble with mom and dad because I was with them…well maybe I wasn’t all that perfect. But by choosing to hang with the wrong crowd, we risk facing the consequence of hurting our reputation. If our friends invite us to spend the evening at a bar, we can hurt our influence as Christians even if we never have a drink. If we hang with the troublemakers we will be seen as a troublemaker. There are consequences tied to the decisions we make. 

Verse 16 is a warning not to keep evil company. To be careful in the friends we choose. There is guilt by association. You may not be guilty of their sins; but if you are caught with them, you will pay the terrible penalty with them. Sometimes peer pressure causes us to hang with a group of friends that are in sin. But we rationalize it by convincing ourselves that we are strong enough to say no. We may even associate with them with good intention; but the longer we stay, the more deeply involved we become. The only way to avoid this is to do what Scripture advises. Don’t go with them in the first place. The time to say “no” is before we get in too deep.

Verse 17 is another illustration. “As a bird flies into a net and is caught, so will the sinner get caught if he goes head long into sin.” The thing is, many times we know the net is there, but we fly towards it anyway. We know there are consequences to sin, but we do it anyway. Scripture paints a vivid picture of the consequences we will face if we allow our lives to be filled with sin. John 8:34 Jesus tells us, “everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” Practicing sin leads to the consequence of slavery. This is a vivid analogy showing us that by choosing to sin we are enslaved to it. Sin can and will control every aspect of our lives. 

Isaiah 59:2 reveals, “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Another consequence of sin is separation from God the Father. 

Our actions will determine whether God will listen to us or not. It’s obvious that we will never inherit eternal life if we let sin continue to separate us from God. Romans 6:23 shows us the worst consequence of sin, “The wages of sin is death.” Our physical deaths will only be the beginning of an eternity in torment. The payment of sin is spiritual death. 

Solomon warns us of the importance of choosing the right company. He tells us that we have a choice. We can choose righteous company that will help us reach our reward, or we can choose the sinful company. But by doing so, we are accepting sin’s invitation and therefore must face the consequences. 

Poetry, Legalism, Vulnerability, And Protection

Gary Pollard

I Timothy 3 concludes with a beautiful poetic sentence designed to sum up Christianity: God was shown to us in human form. 

He was morally perfect in spirit. 
The angels saw him. 
The message about him was told to everyone. 
People in the world believed in him. 
He was taken up in glory. 

4.1-6 address the teachings of legalistic people — they teach that Christians have to avoid certain practices that God doesn’t prohibit. This section can be summarized with verses 4-5: Everything that God made is good. Nothing he made should be refused if we accept it with gratitude. Everything he made is made pure through prayer.” 

9-16 wraps up chapter four, especially 9-10 — We hope in the living God who will save all people, especially those who are faithful to him. This is why we work and struggle. 

Chapter five is about each Christian’s responsibility to God’s family. It also includes a list of vulnerable members who should be provided for by the church. In that same section, 17-18, we learn that elders who lead well and dedicate a lot of their time to the church should be paid to do so, particularly those who counsel and teach. 

Being an elder isn’t easy. It’s a ton of pressure, and the qualifications are strict. So 19 includes protections for those elders: don’t even listen to an accusation against an elder unless two or three other people also witnessed what he’s being accused of. 

It’s easy to gossip about elders if we don’t like what they do. But this verse sets the standard for how we should talk about our spiritual leaders. Verse 21 takes it even further — when it comes to correcting an elder (or any other sinning member for that matter), we can’t be biased at all. Paul invokes three different ultimate-authority figures in this statement. We can’t throw someone under the bus just because we don’t like them. 

Fighting For Our Fathers

Dale Pollard

Nebuchadnezzar became a beast in some form or fashion because of his pride in Daniel 4. Oddly enough we find out that his grandson, Belshazzar, falls into the same sinful snare in the very next chapter. This makes for more than an interesting story because it serves as an example of a common thread within scripture. The phrase “like father, like son” rings true in a negative way more often than not. It’s surprising to read of the many heroes of the faith who were failures as fathers. It’s almost disheartening to discover that it’s more common to find stories of poor parenting than successful ones. As tragic as these accounts are, it’s a blessing to have and learn from them. Let’s look into a few of these examples. 

Lot (Genesis 19.6-8)

Lot not only chose to pitch his tent outside of Sin City (Gen.13.12), he eventually moved his family into Sodom as well. In chapter 19 we read, “So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, and said, ‘Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof’” (6-8). Not long after these shocking verses, Lot’s remaining daughters take advantage of him in a cave after being saved from Sodom. Clearly Lot wasn’t a great father. 

ISAAC (Genesis 25)

Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob (Gen.25.28). Favoritism among parents is not uncommon to read about in scripture but this never seems to work out in the end. Issac was a weak father in other areas as well. He marries a deceptive wife and fails to rule his family in a God-fearing way. 

JACOB (GENESIS 37)

Like father, like son. Jacob shows favoritism towards Joseph and because of this we read the following, 

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him” (Gen. 37.3-4). 

ELI (I SAMUEL 2.22-25)

“Now Eli was very old, and he heard everything his sons did to all of Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress… Nevertheless, they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them” (22-25b) 

Eli was a priest at Shiloh, but he was a pitiful parent. His sons, Hophni and Phineas, were allowed to make sacrifices to the Lord but they were known among the community as acting extremely wickedly. They fornicated with women in the tabernacle and stole sacrificial meats from the people. So horrible were they that the Israelites began to “abhor the sacrifices to the Lord” (v.17). 

Young Samuel, who was being raised by Eli in the temple, receives a vision from God who says that He is going to destroy Eli’s boys, but Eli’s response to this news is rather flippant. He says, “the Lord will do what is right according to Him.” Sure enough, the prophecy plays out exactly as God said it would and Eli ends up dying upon hearing of it in I Samuel 4. 

Sadly, Samuel turns out to be a failure as a father as well as the king, David, that he anoints. 

While these accounts aren’t uplifting to read, they serve as humbling warnings to fathers today. If you want to be a faithful father, you’re going to have to fight for it. 

“Now The Sons Of Eli…”

Neal Pollard

After reading the beautiful story of a distressed, barren woman who was able to have a son and who dedicated him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1), we turn to the much darker, tragic story of the High Priest and judge of Israel, Eli, and his sons in 1 Samuel 2:11-36. We read of much better things of Hannah’s son, Samuel. He “was ministering before the Lord” (18). He “grew in the presence of the Lord” (21). Like Jesus in Luke 2:52, “Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man” (26). But it was not like this with Hophni and Phineas. Notice how Scripture describes them in 1 Samuel two.

They were worthless (11). Literally, they were “sons of Belial.” This means worthlessness, wickedness, and good-for-nothing. It would be difficult to think of a more unfavorable way to be memorialized by God in scripture. Their deeds, which Scripture reveals, will show us why they are remembered this way. 

They were ignorant (11). More specifically, they were ignorant about the Lord. What irony! The men whose job it was to minister to the people on His behalf according to the law are described as those who “did not know the Lord.” The word “know” suggests to observe, realize, experience, recognize, be concerned about, and care about (Holladay 128-129). Merely going through the motions of worship and service does not guarantee that we know the God we serve. Hophni and Phineas did not!

They were sinful (17). This is a general assessment of their behavior among the people. “The sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord.” They showed this by treating “the offering of the Lord with contempt.” It was holy, but they treated it as unholy! How audacious was their sin? “They lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (22). Instead of reverently ministering to God, treating Him as holy at the time and place of worship, they were there committing fornication! 

They were obstinate (25). Their father, Eli, pleaded with them to repent. He admonished them, “but they would not listen to the voice of their father” (25). Is there a condition any worse than an unwillingness to listen to instruction? Truly, “a foolish son is destruction to his father” (Prov. 19:13). 

They were indulged (27-36). No doubt, Hophni and Phineas were “worthless,” but who did God make liable? Eli! God sent a rebuking prophet to him, not his sons (27). God charged Eli with “scorning” (“kicking,” NAS, NKJ) His sacrifices and offerings. He indulged himself and acted without self-control, and he left that example for his sons (29). It was tantamount to despising God (30). God promised judgment and destruction on his house. He was a poor example to his children, and he was responsible for their behavior. He was “unfaithful” in his duties (cf. 35). While they are grown by the time we read of them in 1 Samuel two, they obviously were not disciplined and trained as they should have been. God makes that clear.

Children are a legacy concerning our priorities, influence, and values. More often than not, they are a reflection of us. That can make us rejoice or regret. In Eli’s case, he would rue his sons’ actions to the day of his death (4:18). May we do all we can to esteem highly the Lord’s instructions for our homes (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4)! 

The “God-Shaped Void” And Ontological Argument

Brent Pollard

The debate between creationists and atheists is probably not new to you. This heated debate frequently takes the form of verbal duels, with each side trying to persuade onlookers to take their side. Unfortunately, these arguments rarely convince their opponents to change their minds. In most cases, they are speaking to an already confident audience.

Since I hold a creationist worldview, I frequently read works that reinforce that view. Unfortunately, the strategy used to make the case for God’s existence often comes off as bland and unpersuasive. These tactics wouldn’t have influenced me had I not already convinced myself.

Ultimately, faith is the deciding factor. We can’t provide indisputable evidence since we weren’t around for the “Big Bang” or creation. We found our faith in the evidence that we found most convincing, be it ancient fossils or direct revelation from God. This truth leads me to an essential aspect of my approach when discussing my faith.

When asked about my faith, I usually explain why I think there must be a higher power, pleading only for tolerance and acceptance. I want to debunk the myth that people who believe in God are stupid. To this end, allow me to provide two fundamental arguments that offer compelling evidence of a Creator.

First, I’d like to discuss the concept of a “God-shaped void” in every person’s soul. Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis, a theologian born roughly 320 years after Jesus of Nazareth, is widely credited with developing this idea. However, the French mathematician Blaise Pascal may be a more likely originator. Pascal’s perspective gives us much to ponder.

According to Pascal, the search for and disappointment in material happiness are signs of a more profound spiritual longing. He contended that only something infinite and unchanging, like God, could fill this gaping chasm. This void brings us to an intriguing point about our universal need for worship.

We can’t help but wonder if there is a universal, hardwired urge to worship. How come religion is so pervasive? What accounts for the universality of references to spiritual phenomena like ghosts and ghouls? How do some people discover spirituality in the great outdoors? These occurrences point to an innate desire to worship. Skeptics, however, might have a different take on this.

Skeptics may write off religion as the product of neuroses, thereby tagging the vast majority of humanity as mentally ill. The paradox here is apparent: It takes neurosis or paranoia to believe you’re the only sane person in the room. Interestingly, skeptics themselves seem to show a form of devotion.

Even skeptics have their form of religious devotion. Non-believers hold science in high regard and defend its tenets with great zeal. Like accusations of heresy in religious contexts, challenging their scientific beliefs can elicit strong reactions. This reaction has led me to question the source of our knowledge.

While I value science’s role, I am skeptical of its origins. Believers credit their knowledge to God or a higher power. Atheist scientists rely heavily on human-made discoveries and theories with inherent flaws. Changes in academic science are possible and frequent. However, God’s Word does not change. This immutability brings me to another critical argument I wish to present.

The ontological argument is my second piece of evidence for God’s existence. Anselm of Canterbury first advanced this line of a priori knowledge-based philosophical reasoning in 1078. Here’s what Anselm proposed:

Anselm theorized that God must exist because He is “a being than which no greater can be conceived.” This argument may seem complicated, but it claims that God must exist because everyone can imagine a supreme being and that having a physical presence is one measure of greatness. The universal nature of belief in God provides further credence to this argument.

The fact that people all over the world believe in God lends support to this claim. It resonates with the concept of a “God-shaped void,” implying a global recognition of a supreme entity Whom men desire to worship. With these points in mind, what do I conclude about the existence of God?

Is there a God? Yes, I think so. I suggest you give that idea some thought, too. Perhaps you already know about God but still, feel something is missing. Seek Him out; you won’t regret it. I believe that you can find Him because I have found Him.

Details

The Love Of Money…

Neal Pollard

In the New Testament, Paul says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:10). He mentions temptation and being trapped by many and foolish and harmful desires (1 Tim. 6:9). In the Old Testament, In Ecclesiastes 5, Solomon shares with us some of those evils and desires.

Money…

  • Fails to satisfy (10). Who ever thinks they have enough money? The one who loves money finds no satisfaction with abundance or income, yet he keeps pursuing it any way. Money doesn’t just burn a hole in the pocket. It cannot fill the hole of the heart. Solomon, who would know, says, “This too is vanity.”
  • Increases threats (11). I have been to huts in Tanzania and Cambodia, and they do not have ADT or Ring doorbells (they often don’t have doors)! But, in first-world countries like our own, we have locks, guns, and other security measures. We have cyber security and other means of trying to prevent fraud and theft. Solomon says, “When good things increase, those who consume them increase.” The more we have, the more can can have taken.
  • Is not a sleep aid (12). Solomon asserts that a poor working man pillows his head in sleep more readily than his wealthy counterpart. Money does not bring peace and comfort of itself.
  • Can easily be lost (13-14). We can think of notable incidents that cost the rich, at times almost overnight–The Great Depression, The Dot Com Bust, 2008. Solomon mentions bad investments, but the point is that money is not a foundation we can trust to build a life upon. Paul calls them the “uncertainty of riches” (1 Tim. 6:17).
  • Cannot be taken with us (15-16). When Job lost everything, this righteous rich man humbly took this in stride, saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Here, Solomon says that’s a fact where we humbly resign ourselves to it or resist it. Paul adds, “for we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (1 Tim. 6:7). To be consumed with stockpiling what stays behind is folly. Jesus says, “Send it on up to heaven” (Mat. 6:19-21).
  • Is not a mood lifter (17). It might buy a face lift, but it can’t lift the face. The old adage, “money can’t buy happiness,” has repeatedly been proven true. While it can buy property, it can’t buy personality. Solomon’s rich man, toiling after the wind, “eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.”

Jesus wants us to get the basics of true meaning and purpose in this life. To that end, He warns, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Mat. 6:24). No, it is not a wholesale indictment of money or the rich. It is a warning that there is only one solid foundation to build life upon (Mat. 7:24-27). Money is not it.

The Qualifications Of Elders

Gary Pollard

I Timothy three deals with the qualifications of Christian men who want to be elders. 

1 — Wanting to be an elder is a good thing. 

2 — An elder must have a squeaky clean reputation, both inside and out of the church. He also has to be faithful to his wife. A man who isn’t faithful to his wife certainly can’t be faithful to the bride of Christ. 

3 — An elder can’t be alcoholic or violent; he should be known for being gentle and peaceful. He also can’t be materialistic. Since elders who preach, teach, and work hard deserve to be paid (5.17-18), this shouldn’t be a weakness for them. 

4-5 — Are repeats of verse 2, but expands this to an elder’s family. If he neglects his family’s spiritual health, he’ll neglect the church’s spiritual health. 

6 — An elder can’t be a new Christian. 

7 — An elder has to have the respect of people who aren’t in the church. 

Verses 8-13 are the qualifications for deacons. They’re nearly identical to elders, and the faithful-to-their-wives issue is repeated here. This section has been a source of controversy for years, but it’s explained very clearly in 3.11-12: they must be faithful to their wives, and their wives must also have the respect of other people. It also applies to widows in 5.9 — they have to have been faithful to their husbands (and meet some other qualifications) to be financially supported by their church family. 

Osophobia

Ososphobia: The Fear Of Cannibalism

Dale Pollard

The name is derived from a Greek word meaning “human-eater.” 

In the movie 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea there’s a scene where one of the main characters finds himself on an island in the middle of the ocean. Suspense begins to build as he hears the faint sound of bongo drums beating in the distance and that sound becomes louder and steadily closer. Suddenly, out of the jungle line a large group of spear-wielding cannibalistic natives appear and they’re running right at the protagonist. They chase the poor man across the beach and he barely escapes by the skin of his teeth. 

That scene was terrifying and it even instilled in me this irrational fear of cannibals, even though they’re rare here in Tompkinsville Kentucky. 

Did You Know?

In the 1830s, European explorers came to the Fiji islands and they were horrified to discover the local custom of cannibalism. In my humble opinion, exploration is just not worth a run in with human-eating humans. Today, there are allegedly isolated tribes in the most remote places that still partake in the practice of plating people. 

Fear Is Natural 

We all fear something! The one who claims to be fearless is afraid to admit or confront their fear. Fear isn’t wrong; it’s actually natural. We’re supposed to have a healthy fear of the Lord (Job 28:28) and Solomon discusses the natural fear of death in Ecclesiastes. Facing fear is a noble thing but it only truly matters in a spiritual sense. 

The Fear of Truth 

A common phobia in our world today seems to be the fear of truth itself. Many in the Lord’s church know family members and friends who have refused to listen and act on the truth found in God’s Word. They’re afraid to give up the teachings taught to them by their families or the religious groups they grew up in. They’re afraid that the truth requires them to give up a sin they tightly hold on to and the sacrifice which is required to follow Christ. 

The Power of Truth 

The gospel of John is all about truth. In it we learn that Jesus is the only way to heaven— and that’s the truth (John 14:6, 17:17). Though confronting that truth might occasionally make us fearful, we must show others that it also has the power to free and cleanse us of our past and future sins. We must teach through our actions, daily lives, and yes, by inviting them to look at this great truth in Bible study. 

Avoid Making God Your Adversary

Neal Pollard

Because Solomon chose his wives over God, God was angry at him and told him, “I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant” (1 Kings 11:11). It was only because of God’s integrity and His loyalty to his father David that God did not take the entire kingdom away from him and his posterity. God told Solomon, “I will give one tribe to your son for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen” (13).

In 1 Kings 11:14-40, God details the opposition of three powerful enemies: Hadad the Edomite (14-22), Rezan, ruler of the Arameans (23-25), and especially Jeroboam the son of Nebat (26-40). The immediate cause of Hadad’s opposition was David’s army commander, Joab’s, extermination of the rest of the Edomite males of his generation. His resulting hatred emboldened his opposition to Solomon. The immediate cause of Rezan’s opposition was Solomon’s father, David’s slaughtering of his former army. The immediate cause of Jeroboam’s opposition was the visit from God’s prophet, Ahijah the Shilohite, who told him God was giving him rule over ten of the tribes of Israel because of Solomon’s idolatry and disobedience. Solomon heard about that prophecy and, combined with hearing from God that he would lose the majority of the kingdom, “Solomon sought therefore to put Jeroboam to death; but Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt to Shishak king of Egypt, and he was in Egypt until the death of Solomon” (40). 

It is interesting that there was an immediate cause of all of this opposition to Solomon, but there was also an ultimate cause. The ultimate cause was Solomon’s own sin and unfaithfulness. He was learning an immutable (unchanging) truth, that one cannot successfully oppose God without consequences. He was reaping the very thing he had sown. My dad often says, “Many people sow their wild oats and pray for a crop failure.” Perhaps that was Solomon. But, he was seeing noxious weeds choking the garden of his achievements and success. 

Scripture gives us an avoidable maxim: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:7-8). Hosea would put it sowing to the wind and reaping a whirlwind (8:7). Eliphaz described it as plowing iniquity and sowing trouble harvesting the same (Job 4:8). However we put it, no one wants to set himself up as God’s enemy (Rom. 8:7; Jas. 4:4). It is a losing proposition that brings heartache in this life and infinitely more trouble in the life to come. 

Overcoming Distractions: Maintaining Focus on Spiritual Responsibilities

Brent Pollard

We all have spiritual responsibilities. Unfortunately, we do not always meet them. We frequently let these responsibilities slip despite being fully aware of their importance. A study of the Scriptures reveals three significant sources of distraction from our spiritual obligations.

First is pursuing material wealth (refer to Matthew 6.24–34). In this passage, Jesus warns against serving God and the embodiment of wealth, or Mammon. Life isn’t all about material things. We create a spiritual void when we focus solely on meeting material needs. The theologian Augustine referred to this as a “God-shaped blank” within us, emphasizing our innate desire to worship and serve God. If God does not fill this void, something else, most often Mammon, will. Possessions and pleasures can quickly become idols in our lives. However, Jesus assures us that if we prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, our material needs, like those of the creatures in His creation, will be met. The problem arises when our faith wanes, and we forget God’s promise. In times of financial difficulty, we may believe it is solely our responsibility to fix things rather than trusting God’s provision. While we must continue to work, like the birds searching for worms, we must not allow anxiety to consume us. Excessive devotion to Mammon causes spiritual suffering and neglect of spiritual responsibilities.

Second, we may pay attention to the wrong things (Matthew 14.28–33). This passage depicts Peter walking on the raging Sea of Galilee, echoing Jesus’ feat. But Peter begins to sink when he starts paying attention to the wind and waves rather than focusing on Jesus. Similarly, the people in our lives might serve to divert our attention from Jesus, which is why 1 Corinthians 5.6 and 15.33 warn us to be cautious. Likewise, worldly concerns, wealth, and pleasures can choke out God’s Word, preventing us from bearing fruit (Luke 8.14). Our faith may wane, just as Peter’s did if we allow the world’s distractions and temptations to consume us. We must constantly refocus our attention on Jesus and place our relationship with Him first and foremost. We can ensure that we continue to grow in our faith and bear fruit for God’s kingdom by doing so.

Finally, we become fixated on minor issues (Luke 10.38–42). In this story, Martha over-prepares because she intends to serve Jesus and His disciples. Jesus corrects her, saying that her sister Mary is doing what is genuinely needed by focusing on her spiritual needs. Too often, we allow valid but minor issues to divert our attention away from our spiritual responsibilities. Brother Maxie Boren gave an example of a congregation arguing over a surplus of bricks rather than focusing on evangelizing their community, which resulted in zero evangelistic efforts. Sometimes, even good intentions can distract us from our spiritual responsibilities, like chasing after money or being in a negative environment. Recognizing that our spiritual needs should always precede trivial matters is crucial. We can better serve our community through the proclamation of the Gospel if we put our spiritual duties first. Maintaining vigilance and not allowing eternally insignificant matters to impede our progress in fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities is critical. 

Let us strive to stay focused, fulfilling our spiritual responsibilities and avoiding pitfalls related to wealth, our environment, and trivialities.

20 Tips On Encouragement

Neal Pollard
  • Look for the lonely and reach out to them.
  • Pay attention to the (small) details and acknowledge what others miss.
  • Don’t miss the bashful and shy.
  • Listen closely to what’s going on in people’s lives.
  • Care.
  • Pray for opportunities to encourage.
  • At times, encourage anonymously.
  • Remember those who are usually behind the scenes.
  • Put yourself in the place of others.
  • See through Christlike eyes.
  • Find happiness in encouraging and joy in others enjoying encouragement.
  • Consider encouragement a sacred duty.
  • Do an act of service for an unsuspecting other.
  • Be a meaningful, genuine complimenter free of selfish motives.
  • Remember that encouragers are church growers.
  • Don’t overlook the frustrated (young parents, teens, unemployed, newly divorced).
  • Mentally walk a mile in the potentially encouraged’s shoes.
  • Find exciting, unusual ways to make someone’s day.
  • Appreciate the value of a handwritten note or card (especially in our virtual world).
  • Reach out to the “marginalized” (new members, the poor, those who attend alone, the elderly, widows, widowers, etc.)

Worship, Women, And The Wrong Idea

Gary Pollard

Chapter two is what we’re probably most familiar with when we study I Timothy. Here are the highlights:
1 — God expects us to pray for everyone, specifically that God will do good things for them and give them what they need. “All people” includes people who hate us and want to harm us.
2 — God expects us to pray for anyone who has authority over us. This is for the specific purpose of living quiet and peaceful lives.
3 — This makes God happy, and he’s the one who will save us in the end.
8 — Anywhere Christians are together and worship is being offered to God in some way, he expects godly men to lead that worship. This goes back to 1.4 and the word usually translated “administration” or “stewardship”. The word is οικονομια (oikonomia), and would be best translated “house-law” in this context. The church is God’s house, so he expects us to follow his rules.
This is a difficult passage for many to accept because it contradicts our culture’s view of equality. Many in the world think this passage is misogynistic, but it isn’t. When it comes to worship — and because the church is God’s house, not ours — he wants godly men to lead. Notice that not just any man can lead! Hymenaus and Alexander were men, but they weren’t qualified. Men who lead can’t have anger issues and can’t be argumentative. If a man who has those issues leads a prayer or any other act of worship, according to I Tim 2.8 it’s just as sinful as if a woman did the same.
9-15 lists some of the reasons that this is the case, but I want to focus on the most difficult verse in this section (15 — “…but women will be saved through having children, if they continue to live in faith, love, and holiness with self-control”). On its face, this is a weird verse. What’s going on here?
Men have the responsibility of leading worship and leading their families. We’re told that this is because Eve sinned first, then Adam (14). Maybe Paul doesn’t want Christian women to get the wrong idea, thinking there’s no hope for them because of something someone did thousands of years before. Women are the only people who can bring new life into the world. The church is made up of people, and only because of mothers. This could be an encouragement — “Women, we’re only here because of you. This is so important that if you live faithfully, you have just as much a claim to salvation as your male counterparts”. This is echoed in I Pt 3.7. But it may also be a call to avoid the lifestyles of the women in II Tim 3.6-7, who may have been former employees at the Temple of Artemis.