LET IT NOT BE SAID OF ME 

Dale Pollard

Saul is dead. 

David has just been appointed king. 

Who but the leader of Sauls army, Abner, wages war with David at Gibeon. 

It was a fierce battle and many died on both sides. David defeats Abner and the Israelites and at the end of the battle an interesting event unfolds. 

There’s an oddly brief mention of a man named Asahel among the many men in David’s army. 

Not much is really known about the man— expect that he was as quick as a gazelle! He attempts to chase down Abner but Abner spears him through and kills him (2 Sam. 2:18). We don’t know much, but we know he was fast. 

What will we be remembered for above all else? 

The judge, Abimelech (Judges 9), captures the city of Thebez. Inside the city is a strong tower and all the women and children hid inside. Abimelech tried to burn it down but just moments before the fire is lit, a woman drops a millstone on his head. Abimelech calls out to his armor bearer “run me through so that it can’t be said of me that a woman has slain me!” 

To this day It is said of Abimelech— that a woman slew him. 

When we pass from this life, we’ll be remembered for something. Let’s make it something good. Let’s make it something godly!

No Ordinary Man, No Ordinary Story

Neal Pollard

The tribune (commander), in charge of the Roman regiment posted at Jerusalem, rescues Paul from the Jewish mob in Acts 21. He proves an interesting character, exposed to the local plots and intrigues and familiar with the temperamental behavior of the local Jews. He could have been a foreigner in the eyes of the Empire who earned the right of citizenship through military service, or perhaps he was a slave freed by his owner and given opportunity to buy his citizenship. His story must have been pretty interesting. We learn that his name is Lysias (23:26; 24:7,22). 

But the man he found even more interesting whose story is equally intriguing is the apostle Paul. He was surprised when he heard this controversial Jewish man speaking Greek (21:37), and he mistook him for an Egyptian revolutionary (21:38). If he understand Hebrew, Lysias would have also heard Paul say that he was highly educated (22:3) and a former persecutor of the way he now preached and promoted (22:3-5). He would have discovered that Paul had a supernatural encounter with Jesus on Damascus Road (22:6-9), instructed by Him to go to the city and wait until ultimately a man named Ananias came and told him what Jesus wanted him to do: (1) Immediately arise and be baptized to wash away his sins (22:16) and (2) Be Jesus’ witness to everyone, but especially to the Gentiles (22:15,17-21). The Jewish mob, who understood everything Paul was saying, threatened to attack Paul upon hearing he was offering salvation to Gentiles (22:22-23). So, Lysias had to isolate Paul from the crowd in the barracks (22:24). Seeing Paul as this huge enigma, Lysias decides to chain Paul, flog him, and beat information out of him (22:24-25). This is when Paul tells a centurion that what he was about to do was illegal. He was a Roman citizen (22:25-26). Then, Lysias finds out that Paul was a free-born citizen, meaning his parents were citizens before him. That obviously impresses and frightens the tribune, since he had acted illegally against Paul. What we read next (22:30ff) shows us that Lysias is extremely curious to get the root of this riot and know more of this fascinating man’s story.

But as fascinating as Lysias was and even more fascinating as Paul surely was, the truly extraordinary man with the extraordinary story was the man Paul was persecuted for declaring–the Son of Man! This “Jesus of Nazareth” (22:8), “Lord” (22:8,10), and “Righteous One” (22:14) had changed a man so accomplished and impressive as Paul, and Paul had been transforming lives and saving souls by preaching and teaching Him throughout the known world. The story of God in the flesh, living among His creation, dying for them, and being raised for their justification, who now was back in heaven, is the most extraordinary of all. Its implications are eternal! 

Perhaps you have lived a fascinating life and can wow people with your story. But, God has you here to share His story and to help transform the life and change the story of people destined to stand before Him some day. It’s a story too good to keep to ourselves! 

On the Mountain or on the Plain? A Clear Understanding of Jesus’ Sermons in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.20-49.

Brent Pollard

Throughout human history, there are moments when eternity meets time—when the divine voice breaks through earthly noise with clarity that future generations will recognize. One such moment was when Jesus of Nazareth, the Word made flesh, ascended the hills of Galilee to deliver a profoundly transformative sermon.

Picture the scene in first-century Palestine, where a diverse crowd gathers—not only to observe but to seek truth, find solace from the burdens of religious facades, and heal from the pain of Roman oppression and spiritual emptiness. They long for what their scribes and Pharisees cannot provide: genuine hope, fundamental transformation, and a direct message from God.

The Setting: Mountain and Plain as One Theater

Skeptics may view this as a contradiction, while thoughtful believers see it as the intricate beauty of divine revelation through human witnesses. Matthew mentions a mountain, and Luke describes a plain. This illustrates that divine wisdom offers us not a single rigid narrative, but a range of perspectives that together provide a fuller understanding.

Imagine the hill country of Galilee, where the mountains are gentle slopes topped with flat plateaus—ideal natural amphitheaters for a teacher. Jesus, a master communicator, seeks out this setting. He stands with His disciples on level ground, allowing His voice to reach the gathered crowd.

Deeper factors are at play here. It is fitting that the One who connects heaven and earth, making the lofty accessible to the humble, would share His kingdom manifesto from a place that symbolizes both mountain and plain. This setting is not just a coincidence; it is a deliberate symbol. Christ’s message is both elevated—rooted in divine insight—and open to all who wish to listen.

The Message: One Truth, Multiple Tellings

Let’s pause to reflect on an essential aspect of divine revelation. Are we discussing a single sermon or two distinct ones? This question shows our tendency to view God’s revelations as a unified whole. For example, when musicians perform a grand symphony in different concert halls, are they presenting one symphony or separate performances? The answer is both.

Jesus, the most remarkable Teacher in history, recognized that to share a meaningful truth, He must repeat, adapt, and present it anew for each audience. As He spoke to congregations across Galilee, He consistently revisited His core messages, tailoring them to resonate with different hearts and diverse needs in the unique moments of His ministry.

This is a remarkable gift! Matthew addresses Jewish believers by echoing Moses’ proclamation of the law from Mount Sinai, presenting Jesus as the new and greater lawgiver who fulfills sacred promises rather than abolishing them. In contrast, Luke, with his compassionate focus on the marginalized and Gentile readers, highlights God’s unique care for the forgotten and forsaken.

The Heart of Both Accounts: Revolutionary Love

Whether we examine Matthew’s detailed account or Luke’s brief narrative, a common transformative message shines through, resembling the dawn illuminating the hills of Galilee. This is not just a moral lesson or a philosophical debate; it is the proclamation of a kingdom that operates on principles distinctly different from the kingdoms of this world.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus proclaims, shaking the foundations of the established order. In a society that values power, achievement, and independence, Christ highlights the significance of a humble spirit. This humility isn’t about material poverty; instead, it’s the fortunate acknowledgment of our deep need for God, which He sees as essential for His kingdom.

“Love your enemies,” He commands, highlighting a tension between divine principles and human justice. This profound truth reveals that loving those who hurt us embodies God’s essence, as He bestows blessings on both the righteous and the unrighteous.

Reflect on the profound reasoning behind this idea. If we only love those who love us back, what value does that hold? Even tax collectors, the most despised individuals in Jesus’ time, practice this fundamental reciprocity. Kingdom love, however, mirrors our heavenly Father; it offers grace to the ungracious, mercy to the unmerciful, and blessings to those who curse us.

The Foundation That Cannot Be Shaken

Jesus masterfully concludes His profound sermon with a timeless image that has both haunted and comforted believers for two millennia: the story of two builders. One builds on solid ground, while the other builds on unstable terrain. When storms inevitably arrive, only one house withstands the test.

Now is the time to show genuine compassion. Many of us have built our lives on seemingly solid foundations—career achievements, personal relationships, financial security, and religious beliefs—only to see them collapse when faced with life’s inevitable challenges. A divorce can shatter our faith in lasting commitment, job loss can expose our reliance on worldly resources, and a health diagnosis reminds us of the fragility of our carefully constructed lives.

The hope presented in this timeless parable is remarkable. There is an unshakable foundation, a rock that withstands any storm—Jesus Christ. His words hold the creative power that formed the universe, and His promises resonate with the weight of eternity.

Living the Great Reversal

Jesus’ teachings from the hillside—whether delivered on one occasion or many, on a mountain or on flat land—reveal the profound transformation of His kingdom. The last will become first, the humble will be lifted, the grieving will find comfort, the hungry will be satisfied, and those who show mercy will receive mercy in return.

This is not merely sound advice; it reflects the reality seen by God, illustrating how things truly are in His kingdom, both now and in the future. Embracing principles like loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, giving generously, and forgiving freely does not make us unrealistic idealists. Instead, it keeps us practical, aligning our lives with the true nature of existence in God’s universe.

The Call That Echoes Still

The crowds that once gathered on the hillside in Galilee may have faded into dust, but the words of Jesus endure. Each generation faces the same choice: Will we build our lives on the shaky foundations of worldly wisdom, or will we ground ourselves firmly in the solid rock of Christ’s teachings?

The skeptic wrestles with the differences between Matthew’s mountain and Luke’s plain, questioning whether Christ spoke once or multiple times. In contrast, the disciple sees something more profound: the steadfastness of grace, the reliability of truth, and the enduring nature of the One whose words remain timeless.

It’s uncertain whether Jesus conveyed these truths on a single occasion or throughout His ministry. However, this ambiguity enriches our understanding, regardless of whether His teachings are found in one account or multiple instances, their transformative power remains constant.

The exact location of Jesus, whether on a hillside or flat ground, matters less than our openness to listen to His voice and follow His guidance. His kingdom continues to transform the world for all who are willing to believe.

Come now, weary builder. Bring your broken foundations and lost aspirations. The Rock continues to provide a reliable foundation. The Teacher continues to call. The kingdom continues to embrace the downtrodden, offers solace to the grieving, and fulfills the desires of those yearning for justice.

His words endure. His promise remains. His love never gives up.

Build on the Rock.

I Am The True Vine

Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity. So, how do we abide?

Carl Pollard

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses presented a song to Israel, a powerful reminder of God’s justice, power, and mercy, urging the nation to live faithfully to receive His promises. After the song, Moses declared in verse 47, “These words aren’t just empty words, they are your life.” Today, every opportunity to worship and study God’s Word offers us not just empty stories but the words of life. In John 15:1-8, Jesus teaches a powerful message about connection, urging us to “abide” in Him. The word “abide” appears repeatedly in this passage, emphasizing the need to remain connected to Jesus, especially as He spoke these words during the Last Supper, preparing His apostles for a world about to be turned upside down.

Jesus illustrates this connection by calling Himself the True Vine, a familiar image to Israel, where a branch relies on the vine for water and nutrients. Similarly, we must stay connected to Jesus, our source of life. This is His seventh and final “I AM” statement in John, underscoring its significance. Without this vital connection, we face eternal consequences. Jesus warns in John 15:4, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” An independent branch withers and dies, just as a soul disconnected from Christ becomes fruitless and spiritually dead. Jesus emphasizes in verse 5, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” A fruitless branch is cut off (verse 2) and thrown away (verse 6). Without Jesus, we cannot fulfill our purpose—to bear fruit that glorifies God.

But on the flip side, abiding in Jesus leads to a fruitful life. John 15:5 promises, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” This connection transforms our prayers, aligning our desires with God’s will (verse 7). By bearing fruit, we glorify God and prove to be His disciples (verse 8). Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, transforming even mundane moments into eternal significance. Three things endure forever: God, His Word, and human souls. By abiding in Jesus, we invest in eternity.

So, how do we abide? First, meditate on His Word. Personalize Scripture to move it from head to heart. Second, obey His commands, particularly to “love one another” (verse 12). Third, pray continuously about everything, maintaining a constant conversation with Jesus. Finally, rest in His love, as He assures us in verse 9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

Abiding in Jesus, the True Vine, brings life, fruitfulness, and joy while glorifying God. As Colossians 3:4 declares, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Are you connected to the Vine? If not, now is the time to put your faith in Him, obey the gospel, and live for Jesus!

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 7.1-3)

n the last chapter, we spoke in broad terms about the nature of rational beings, reasoning through inference rather than laying down rigid definitions. The only exception was where we did our best to discuss the nature of God. Now, however, we turn to matters that should be addressed according to the church’s established teaching. All souls and all rational natures, whether holy or wicked, were created.

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

In the last chapter, we spoke in broad terms about the nature of rational beings, reasoning through inference rather than laying down rigid definitions. The only exception was where we did our best to discuss the nature of God. Now, however, we turn to matters that should be addressed according to the church’s established teaching. All souls and all rational natures, whether holy or wicked, were created. By their very nature, they are incorporeal, yet still creatures, since God made everything through Christ. As John’s Gospel teaches: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made.”

Paul also describes the created order in terms of classes and ranks. He writes that all things were created in Christ: “In Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head.” The text is clear that everything, whether visible and bodily, or invisible and spiritual, was made in and through Christ. The “invisible things” are none other than incorporeal and spiritual powers. Paul, having spoken broadly of the visible and invisible, then lists the particular categories: thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities, and other such powers.

We have already touched on these things before. But now, moving forward in an orderly way, we must consider the sun, moon, and stars. By inference we ask: should these also be counted among the “principalities,” since they are said to have been created in ἀρχάς—that is, for the governance of day and night? Or should we instead see them only as governing day and night in the sense of providing light, without being true members of that order of ruling powers?

When we say that all things were made by Him, and that in Him all things were created—both in heaven and on earth—it is clear that the things in space, which we call heaven, including the sun, moon, and stars, are counted among these heavenly things. Next, since our discussion has already shown that everything was created, and that among created things nothing exists that cannot be capable of either good or evil, we must ask about a certain view held by some: that the sun, moon, and stars are unchangeable and incapable of becoming anything other than what they are. Many people have held a similar view even about the holy angels, and certain heretics have said the same about souls, which they call spiritual natures.

Let us first see what reason itself can discover regarding the sun, moon, and stars. Is the belief in their unchangeableness correct? To answer, we should first turn to what holy Scripture teaches. Job, for instance, appears to say not only that the stars can be subject to sin, but that they actually are not free from it. He says: “The stars also are not clean in Your sight.” This should not be taken as referring to the brightness or physical splendor of the stars, as if one were to say that a garment is unclean. If that were the meaning, it would unfairly reflect on the Creator: after all, the stars cannot, by their own effort, make themselves brighter or less bright, so how could they be blamed for being “unclean” in terms of their physical substance if they are also not praised for their brilliance?

To understand these matters more clearly, we should first ask: is it reasonable to suppose that the stars are living, rational beings? Next, we should ask whether their souls came into existence at the same time as their bodies, or whether they existed beforehand. We should also consider whether, at the end of the world, they will be released from their bodies, and whether, as we cease to live, they too will cease to illuminate the world.

Though these questions may seem bold, our desire to understand the truth as fully as possible makes it reasonable to investigate them, guided by the grace of the Holy Spirit. We think, then, that the stars may rightly be called living beings, because they are said to receive commandments from God—a characteristic normally reserved for rational beings. As the Lord says, “I have given a commandment to all the stars.” What are these commandments? They are the instructions that each star, in its proper order and course, should provide to the world the amount of brilliance entrusted to it. The planets, for example, move in one type of orbit, while the stars called ἀπλανεῖς (wandering stars) move differently.

It follows that the movement of these bodies cannot occur without a soul, nor can living beings exist without motion. Since the stars move with such order and regularity, never seeming to go astray, it would be absurd to claim that such precise and orderly behavior could occur among purely irrational beings. Jeremiah even calls the moon the “queen of heaven.” Yet if the stars are living, rational beings, we should expect both advances and retreats in their movements. Job’s words—“the stars are not clean in His sight”—seem to point to this very possibility.

“I Am Not The Christ”

The apostle John introduces us to the work of John the Baptist by sharing the contentious back and forth between the priests and Levites and this preacher. The Pharisees had sent these leaders from Jerusalem to ascertain who this unconventional, but popular, preacher was.

Neal Pollard

The apostle John introduces us to the work of John the Baptist by sharing the contentious back and forth between the priests and Levites and this preacher. The Pharisees had sent these leaders from Jerusalem to ascertain who this unconventional, but popular, preacher was. He confessed, “I am not the Christ” (John 1:21). His circumstances were somewhat different from anyone else. His express job was to come as a forerunner, a herald to prepare people for Jesus’ coming. 

But he was not the last person who needed to acknowledge that truth. 

What about church leaders and servants? It can be easy to develop a Messiah Complex, seeing ourselves as people’s saviors. Whether they come for counsel or attach themselves to us for spiritual guidance, role confusion can happen easily–not just for the receiver, but also for the giver. We may take on their problems and our lives may get out of balance in seeking to help. Others need to understand, as we do, that we are not the Christ. We are His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20), but our task is to get them connected to Jesus. He alone can save (Acts 4:12).

What about those in close relationships? Whether a spouse, sibling, children, parent, or friend, one may find himself or herself enabling someone whose problems and issues become their own. We cannot be their conscience, moral compass, warden, or parole officer. We want to help and bear burdens (Gal. 6:2), but at some point each must bear their own load (Gal. 6:5). 

What about me? In a much different sense, I cannot substitute my convictions, feelings, opinions, or preferences for Jesus’ word and will. He has all authority (Mat. 28:18). When it comes to how I live, I don’t get to decide where He has already spoken (John 12:48). 

We can learn a lot from John. He consciously set about to maximize Christ and minimize self (John 3:30). It can be tricky to be a servant of Christ without becoming a substitute for Christ, but that is the challenge! Perhaps it starts with a deliberate effort, praying to remember who we are in God’s scheme of things. But is also means remembering who we are not! 

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The Great Invitation: Wheat Among The Tares

Gaining entry into God’s kingdom involves more than just accepting an invitation; it requires embracing God’s means of achieving righteousness. We cannot enter based on our own merits, trying to present our achievements as if they were fine garments

Brent Pollard

During His final week, Jesus told this story while standing in the temple courts, facing hostile religious leaders. It was a pointed parable—one that directly addressed the heart of God’s kingdom purposes (Matthew 22.1-14). Along with His previous parable of the wheat and tares, this reveals a profound truth: God’s kingdom embodies radical grace, presents a mixed reality, and guarantees certain judgment.

The King’s Heart Revealed

A king is preparing a wedding feast for his son. This occasion is not just a social gathering; it reflects the deepest desire of God’s heart. He longs to celebrate His Son in the company of joyful guests. The king has prepared the feast and sent the invitations. Everything is ready.

Observe that those the king invited initially decline—these were individuals who should have felt honored to attend—but instead, they make excuses and turn away. Even worse, they mistreat the king’s messengers. This behavior is a clear reflection of what Israel’s leaders did to the prophets, and what they were about to do to God’s own Son.

Their rejection, however, does not thwart God’s purpose; it reveals it. When those who considered themselves worthy prove unworthy, the king sends his servants with new instructions: “Go to the highways and invite anyone you find.”

This overture is the Gospel in its essence. God’s grace extends beyond all human boundaries. The invitation that began with the covenant people reaches out to everyone—Gentiles, outcasts, and anyone willing to accept it. Paul captured this idea perfectly when he said, “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1.16).

The Uncomfortable Truth

The story takes an unsettling turn when the servants gather “both bad and good”—not just the obviously righteous, but everyone willing to accept the invitation. The wedding hall fills with a diverse crowd, and Jesus wants us to understand that this is precisely how God’s kingdom appears in the present age.

Consider the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13.24-30). In this story, good grain and weeds grow together in the same field, often appearing almost identical until it is time for the harvest. The householder instructs his servants not to separate the two too early, understanding that acting too soon could harm the wheat along with the weeds.

In the church, both genuine believers and false professors sit in the same pews, sing the same songs, and bear the same name, “Christian.” From our perspective, they are often indistinguishable from one another. Only God knows the heart.

This truth should deeply humble us. While we can’t see the heart as God does, Jesus taught us that “by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7.20). We can and should discern spiritual fruit—such as love, repentance, and growth in holiness. However, this discernment is vastly different from making a final judgment. We can recognize patterns of spiritual life or spiritual deadness, but we cannot declare anyone’s eternal destiny. Our responsibility is to remain faithful ourselves while exercising wise and loving discernment regarding the fruit we observe in others.

The Essential Garment

The king is shocked when he inspects his guests and discovers that one man is not wearing a wedding garment. In that culture, it was common for hosts to provide appropriate attire for their guests. Refusing to wear it was considered an insult, as it signified a rejection of the king’s grace. The king is shocked when he inspects his guests and discovers that one man is not wearing a wedding garment. In that culture, it was common for hosts to provide appropriate attire for their guests. Refusing to wear it was considered an insult, as it signified a rejection of the king’s grace.

The man stands speechless. What could he possibly say? The invitation was sincere, the host provided the garments, and the feast was ready. His exclusion came not from the king’s lack of generosity but from his own refusal to embrace grace.

This fact is at the heart of the Gospel. Gaining entry into God’s kingdom involves more than just accepting an invitation; it requires embracing God’s means of achieving righteousness. We cannot enter based on our own merits, trying to present our achievements as if they were fine garments. Isaiah reminds us that our righteousness is like filthy rags in God’s sight.

The wedding garment symbolizes the righteousness of Christ himself. Paul teaches that we must be “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3.27). This concept isn’t about moral improvement or religious performance—it’s about letting go of our own efforts and receiving what only God can provide.

Grace for the Unworthy

What stands out to me most about these parables is that none of the guests genuinely deserve their spot at the feast. The first guests demonstrate their unworthiness by rejecting the invitation. The guests brought in from the highways aren’t worthy by any merit-based criteria. Even those who wear appropriate attire at the feast arrive solely by grace.

This reality reflects the parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20.1-16). Neither the early workers nor the late ones “earned” their whole day’s wage; it was the landowner’s generous decision. The same principle applies in God’s kingdom. We are all travelers on the road, gathered by grace, clothed by grace, and sustained by grace.

This truth should humble our pride and inspire our worship. If you’re at the feast, it’s because God wanted you there, not because you earned it. When you wear Christ’s righteousness, it is because He provided what you could never achieve on your own.

Living with the Mystery

I understand that the mixed nature of the church can be discouraging. You may observe hypocrisy among those who claim to follow Christ. You witness divisions, scandals, and failures within the visible church. At times, you might wonder if the entire institution is compromised.

Take heart—Jesus anticipated this very situation. The wheat and the tares will grow together until the harvest. The wedding hall will include both genuine and counterfeit guests until the King’s final inspection. This fact is not a flaw in God’s plan; it is part of His wisdom.

Our mission is not to rid the church of every false believer—that is God’s responsibility during the final judgment. Instead, our mission is to examine our own hearts to ensure that Christ’s wedding garment of righteousness clothes us. Additionally, the King compels us to extend His invitation to others who are traversing the roads of this world.

We should encourage one another to be faithful and lovingly confront sin when we notice it. However, we must remember that ultimate judgment belongs solely to God. He will separate the wheat from the tares at the right time, and His judgment will be perfect.

The Certainty of Joy

Don’t let the presence of tares discourage you from recognizing the truth of the wheat. Don’t allow counterfeit garments to diminish your confidence in the genuine righteousness you have received in Christ. The King knows His own, and the harvest will come. The feast will be glorious.

If you have accepted the invitation and come to the feast dressed in Christ, you can find comfort in this promise: what God has begun in you, He will also complete. The same grace that called you from the highways will support you until that final day when He removes every falsehood, and only the truth remains.

If you find yourself on the highways, unsure whether the invitation includes you, pay attention. The King’s servants are still reaching out to invite you. The message remains the same: “Come, for everything is ready.” The garment of righteousness is still offered freely to anyone willing to accept it.

The feast is genuine. The King is gracious. The invitation remains open.

Come to the wedding.

Weekly Wisdom from my favorite writer…

The Dread of Doing It is Worse than Doing It

The Way, The Truth, And The Life

In a world with countless beliefs, how do we know what’s true? Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are the four most practiced religions globally, with Christianity making up over 33% of the world’s population. Each of these beliefs acknowledges Jesus in some way…

Carl Pollard

In a world with countless beliefs, how do we know what’s true? Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are the four most practiced religions globally, with Christianity making up over 33% of the world’s population. Each of these beliefs acknowledges Jesus in some way: Islam sees Him as a prophet and Messiah, Buddhists view Him as an enlightened figure, and Hindus consider Him a deity. They all agree—Jesus is worth listening to. But what did Jesus say about Himself? In John 14:6, He says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If these religions point to Jesus, and Jesus points only to Himself, that’s a bold claim worth considering! 

This statement comes from Jesus’ farewell talk with His disciples during the Last Supper, recorded in John 13–17. It’s Thursday night, hours before His crucifixion. Judas has left to betray Him, and Jesus is preparing His followers for His death, resurrection, and ascension. He comforts them, saying, “Let not your hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1–4). But Thomas, confused, asks, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” Jesus’ response is direct: He is the way, the truth, the life. The Greek words emphasize exclusivity—He’s not a way but the way. This isn’t just for Thomas; it’s for all of us searching for God. 

The Way: Jesus is the only path to God. In November, 1975, seventy-five convicts started digging a secret tunnel designed to bring them up at the other side of the wall of Saltillo Prison in northern Mexico. On April 18, 1976,6 months later, they tunneled up into the nearby courtroom in which many of them had been sentenced. The surprised judges returned all 75 to jail. It helps to know the direction you’re going in life. We can’t find our way to God by guessing or following our gut. Acts 4:12 says, “There is salvation in no one else.” Following Jesus means trusting and obeying Him, walking the narrow path (Matthew 7:14).

The Truth: In a world that says truth is relative, Jesus stands as alētheia, reality itself. He calls us out above the world telling us to “just chase what feels good.” His truth tells us we’re sinners who need a Savior (Romans 3:23) but are loved and forgiven (John 3:16). His truth sets us free (John 8:32).

The Life: Jesus offers “zōē,” abundant, eternal life. Not a life running on empty, but one full of purpose and hope (John 10:10). He proved it by rising from the dead (Revelation 1:18). No job, bank account, or relationship can match that.

The Only Way: Jesus says no one reaches the Father except through Him. In 2025, that’s not popular, but it’s clear. He’s the bridge to God (1 Timothy 2:5). We don’t have to be harsh about it—Jesus loved everyone, and so should we. But love means pointing people to Him.

So what do we do? Follow the Way—trust Jesus, obey the gospel, stay on His path. Live the Truth. Let His teachings guide your life. Share the Life, tell others about Him. Jesus isn’t just a way, truth, or life—He’s THE way, THE truth, THE life. Trust Him, follow Him, and share Him with a world that needs Him now more than ever.

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 6.3-4)

We must remember that some beings, who fell away from the original state we spoke of earlier, have sunk so deeply into corruption and wickedness that they are considered unworthy of the kind of training and instruction given to humanity in this life, with the help of heavenly powers. Instead, they remain in open hostility and opposition to those who are receiving that instruction.

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

We must remember that some beings, who fell away from the original state we spoke of earlier, have sunk so deeply into corruption and wickedness that they are considered unworthy of the kind of training and instruction given to humanity in this life, with the help of heavenly powers. Instead, they remain in open hostility and opposition to those who are receiving that instruction. This is why our mortal life is full of struggles and trials: they are stirred up by the resistance of those who fell from a better condition without even looking back. Scripture calls them “the devil and his angels,” along with the other ranks of evil that the apostle listed among the hostile powers.

Will any of these beings, who now live under the devil’s rule and obey his evil commands, one day be restored to righteousness because they still possess free will? Or has their stubborn and deep-rooted wickedness become so hardened by habit that it has essentially become their very nature? The answer is not yet clear. Perhaps you, reader, may consider it possible that in the end, nothing—whether in the visible, temporal worlds or in the unseen, eternal worlds—will remain entirely outside the ultimate unity and order of all things.

For now, however, both in the visible and temporal realms and in the unseen, eternal ones, every being is placed according to a deliberate plan, in the order and degree that matches its worth. Some may, in the earliest times, and others much later—even after long and severe punishments lasting through countless ages—be improved by this stern discipline. Maybe they will slowly be restored, first by the teaching of angels, and later by higher powers, until step by step they advance to better states. Through this process, they may finally reach the eternal and invisible realm, having passed through every stage of heavenly instruction.

From this, I think we might infer that every rational being, by moving from one order to another, may eventually experience the whole range of states—rising and falling, progressing or failing—according to its own choices and the exercise of its free will. 

Paul teaches that some things are visible and temporary, while others are invisible and eternal. So we must ask: in what sense are visible things “temporary”? Does it mean that they will completely cease to exist in the ages to come, when all things scattered from one beginning are being restored to unity? Or does it mean that, while the outward form of visible things will pass away, their underlying essence will remain, free from corruption?

Paul seems to support the latter view when he says, “The form of this world is passing away.” David says the same: “The skies will leave, but You endure. They will grow old like a garment, You will change them like clothing, and they will be changed.” If the skies are “changed,” then they do not vanish altogether. Likewise, if the form of the world “passes away,” this is not destruction of its substance but a transformation of its quality and appearance. Isaiah also, when he speaks of “a new sky and a new earth,” points to the same reality.

This renewal of sky and earth—the transformation of the world and of the skies themselves—is prepared for those who follow the path we have described, moving toward that final happiness in which even enemies are subdued, and in which God is said to be “all in all.” If anyone imagines that at the end material, bodily nature will be completely destroyed, that view is hard to sustain. For how could so many powerful beings exist without bodies? Only God has the nature to exist entirely without material substance. Others suggest instead that, in the end, bodily existence will be purified and refined until it is like the clearness of the skies, pure and radiant as the aether. Ultimately, however, the truth of how this will be is known with certainty only to God, and to His friends through Christ and his spirit. 

You Can Do It!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it!

Neal Pollard

Kansei Matsuzawa is from Tokyo, Japan. He grew up there playing soccer until the thought occurred to him as a teenager that he wanted to try American football after watching his first NFL game. He had never kicked a football until the age of 20. Of course, it took a lot of practice as well as watching YouTube and Instagram videos. Last Saturday, Kansei’s last second kick helped Hawaii defeat Stanford if both teams’ 2025 opener. This is his fourth year of playing college football in America. His goal is to kick in the NFL, and who’s to doubt him? He’s come so far already!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it! Find the tools needed and use them. Research, explore, and attempt! Consider what happened when men and women in Bible times thought this way:

  • Caleb was ready to fight giants (Num. 13:30), then 40 years later he drove them out (Jos. 14:12; 15:14).
  • Jael, an unassuming woman, killed the evil commander of an army with a tent peg and ended Canaan’s oppression of Israel (Jud. 4:17-23).
  • David slew a frightening giant with a sling and a rock (1 Sam. 17:49-50).
  • David’s mighty men, Adino, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, and Benaiah, among others, did incredibly daring and memorable things among God’s enemies (2 Sam. 23:8ff).
  • Elijah out-dueled 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and called down fire from heaven (1 Ki. 18:36-46).
  • Peter walked on water (Mat. 14:28-29), then later preached the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:21-36).
  • Paul won the Gentile world to Christ in one incredible effort after another (Acts 13-28).
  • Hebrews 11 breaks down a highlight reel of incredible, often unlikely, accomplishments men and woman made for God by faith through the ages.

It still happens today. No, not through miraculous means and not of the physical, material kind. Not even in episodes that are earth-shattering and dramatic. It may be a brief conversation, a courageous stand, an act of service, or a show of genuine love. 

God once asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Ex. 4:2). Is He asking you and me that? The answer? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ec. 9:10)! 

“But He Was A Leper”

If you have to boil down a person’s life to its most irreducible form, what would you say? In some ways, that depends upon the person–he or she was encouraging, unselfish, critical, dishonest, successful, famous, stingy. In another way, each of us could be described in the same way.

Neal Pollard

If you have to boil down a person’s life to its most irreducible form, what would you say? In some ways, that depends upon the person–he or she was encouraging, unselfish, critical, dishonest, successful, famous, stingy. In another way, each of us could be described in the same way. Romans 3:23 captures that when it says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” At some point, it is inevitably said of you and me, “They were a sinner.” Consider Naaman. Captain, whose life is recorded for us in 2 Kings 5. Great man. Highly respected. Victorious. Valiant warrior. “But he was a leper” (1). 

His accolades and accomplishments could not change that. His earthly king could not change that (5). His horses and chariots could not change that (9). His own intelligence and opinions could not change that (11-12). The only thing that solved his terminal problem was acting on his faith in God’s Word. Elisha gave him simple instructions: “Wash, and be clean” (13). When he got over his impulsive fury and considered the good counsel of those around him, “he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean” (14). Now, it could be said of him, “He was clean.”

We often make this story an Old Testament illustration of baptism. It fits perfectly in that application. But, let’s not let ourselves off the hook. When God’s Word goes along with our will and desires, it’s not a problem to obey. But, when it challenges us to do what is against our flesh, our nature, and our own will, that’s when character is defined. That’s where the heart is proven. The reaction God is looking for, it seems, is “humility.” As James puts it, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (1:19-22). To his credit, Naaman did that. May I have a humility like that, too. 

The Day Of Small Things

Tomorrow may feel equally unremarkable. The alarm will ring, responsibilities will loom, and the usual tasks will await you. But here’s the secret that can change everything

Brent Pollard

“The Day of Small Things”—Zechariah 4.10

Some days unfold like pages from an unfinished manuscript. You fold laundry, respond to texts, keep appointments, and wonder whether this chapter of your story has any significance in the grand narrative. Nothing spectacular happens. The sun sets on what feels like wasted hours, and you question the impact you made. Yet it is precisely in these seemingly insignificant moments that the voice of God once thundered through His prophet: “Who dares despise the day of small things?”

The Heart of the Promise

The words emerge from a scene filled with disappointment. After seventy years of exile in Babylon, a remnant had returned to Jerusalem with burning hearts and calloused hands, eager to rebuild the temple of the Lord. However, when they laid the foundation stones, reality struck like a winter wind. What they managed to construct appeared pitiful compared to the memory of Solomon’s magnificent temple. Those who remembered its former glory wept openly—not tears of joy, but tears that cut deeper than any enemy’s sword (Ezra 3.12-13).

In a moment of deep discouragement, God communicated through Zechariah with a vision that would transform everything. The prophet saw a golden lampstand, continuously supplied with an endless source of oil—an image representing divine provision that is unwavering, never faltering, and never running dry. Then came the profound message that would resonate through eternity: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4.6 ESV)

Finally, there’s a question that redefines every small beginning: “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10 NASB95). God pointed to the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s weathered hands—not a sword or a scepter, but a humble tool for patient and faithful building. Stone by stone. True and level. The message is clear: Do not underestimate this stage. I rejoice to see My people moving forward in obedience, even when their efforts seem insignificant to human eyes.

The Logic of Divine Delight

This verse does not imply that God has a peculiar preference for smallness, as if He opposes magnificence or fears grandeur. Instead, it reveals a profound truth that challenges our entire value system: He finds immense joy in faithfulness, regardless of its scale. What we may consider ordinary often holds extraordinary significance in His eternal purposes.

Consider the divine pattern that runs like a golden thread throughout Scripture: a mustard seed grows into a mighty tree (Luke 13.19). Jesus feeds thousands with five loaves and two fish (John 6.9 ff). Twelve ordinary men from various walks of life spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. A young woman’s “yes” to God’s will changes the destiny of the world (Luke 1.38). God’s signature move is to bring forth greatness from beginnings so humble that human eyes often overlook them.

For the discouraged exiles, their modest temple could never match the architectural glory of Solomon’s. Yet, here lies the breathtaking irony that brings joy to the angels: this would be the very temple where the Son of God Himself would walk, teaching, healing, and transforming hearts. Their “day of small things” was not the end of the story; it was the necessary beginning of the most significant chapter ever written.

Living in the Small Days

How should we live when the day feels ordinary and our contributions fade like morning mist?

Measure by faithfulness, not by flash. The kingdom of God progresses through steadfast efforts—the kind that occurs when no one is watching. This includes praying when there’s no one around to hear, serving without receiving recognition, reading Scripture in the quiet of dawn, and encouraging someone who may never know your name. We often feel tempted to measure significance by numbers, visibility, or the applause of the world. However, God’s joy is found in consistent obedience that His Spirit sustains.

Refuse the poison of comparison. Those returning from exile looked at their foundation and compared it to Solomon’s temple, which led to deep despair. We often do the same with our hearts when we compare our ordinary faithfulness to the highlight moments of others or even to our own “better” seasons. Comparison is a thief that blinds us to what God is accomplishing right now, in this place, through our own hands. It is better to ask, “What has God placed before me today?” and then serve faithfully in that exact spot.

Begin small, begin now. Holiness and ministry often don’t announce themselves with grand displays or loud celebrations. Instead, they develop quietly through our daily choices: reading one psalm thoughtfully, offering one sincere prayer, or performing one act of kindness without expecting anything in return. These small acts of obedience accumulate like stones in a wall, creating something strong enough to withstand any storm.

Rest in His perfect timing. Every day, no matter how small, is significant in God’s eyes. Each moment belongs to Him. The psalmist confidently states, “My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31.15). If this is true—and it is—then we waste no day, and God acknowledges every effort. You are not falling behind if you walk by His Spirit, and you are not stuck if He has promised to complete the work He started in you.

The Weight of Ordinary Moments

Perhaps this day feels painfully insignificant. You are caring for children whose appreciation comes in the form of sticky hugs and sleepy whispers. You diligently handle tasks that often go unnoticed, and people frequently overlook your hard work and achievements. You are enduring struggles that remain unseen by the outside world.

In that exact moment, Zechariah’s ancient question still resonates: “Who has despised the day of small things?”

The answer shines brightly in the heavens: God does not disregard it. He never has. He finds joy in seeing you take up your tools and lay down another stone in faithful obedience. Your seemingly small actions today hold more significance than you can imagine.

Tomorrow may feel equally unremarkable. The alarm will ring, responsibilities will loom, and the usual tasks will await you. But here’s the secret that can change everything: In the nail-scarred hands of the One who takes joy in humble beginnings, even your smallest day is intricately woven into His magnificent, eternal purpose.

Take heart. Do not despise the day of small things. In the economy of heaven, they are often the most significant things of all.

A Timely Article As Our Marriage Seminar Is Coming

Sometimes Blessings Require Work

The Power Of Kindness

You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

Carl Pollard

Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), is a profound expression of God’s character and a cornerstone of Christian living. The Greek word chrēstotēs is best described as goodness, generosity, and a disposition to act with compassion. When we study the idea of kindness in scripture, it is filled with theological depth and practical implications, calling us to embody Christ’s love in a broken world.

Scripture consistently portrays kindness as a reflection of God’s nature. In Titus 3:4, Paul writes of “the kindness and love of God our Savior” appearing through Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing that divine kindness is the basis for salvation. This is also seen in Ephesians 2:7, where God’s grace is expressed “in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” So kindness isn’t just a human virtue but a divine attribute christians are called to imitate! You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

The call to kindness is active and intentional. Colossians 3:12 instructs Christians, as God’s chosen ones, to “put on… kindness,” suggesting a deliberate choice to clothe ourselves in compassionate actions. This is seen with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where kindness transcends cultural and social barriers, demonstrating love through sacrificial care. Kindness is not passive; it requires courage to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8), even when inconvenient or costly.

In a world marked by division, kindness becomes a powerful tool for the spreading of the gospel. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness leads to repentance, suggesting that our acts of kindness can draw others to Christ. A kind word, a generous deed, or a forgiving spirit can soften hearts and reflect God’s love. 

Kindness is a daily calling to mirror Christ’s compassion. It challenges us to extend grace to the undeserving, forgive the offender, and serve the overlooked. As we practice kindness, we participate in God’s redemptive work, softening hearts to His love. 

Let’s live kindly, reflecting the Savior’s heart in every interaction.

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 6.1-2)

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

When we talk about the end, we mean the time when everything is finally made perfect. Because this is such an important and difficult subject, anyone who wants to study it should come with a clear and careful mind. If someone doesn’t have experience thinking about subjects like this, they might consider it to be a waste of time. Or if someone already has strong opinions or presuppositions, they might even say that these ideas are evil or heretical—not because they really understand them, but because they’re already prejudiced by dogma. That’s why we must talk about these things with caution. We are not giving definitive answers, we’re just investigating these things for the purpose of discussion. Earlier, when we looked at the nature of God, I tried to present only clear and unquestioned truths. But we will do our best to handle this more like a discussion than a set of dogmatic definitions.

The end of the world, then, will come when God judges everyone for their sins. Only God knows the time when this will happen, and only He knows how He will give each person what they deserve. But we also believe that God’s kindness, through Jesus Christ, will guide all of His creation to one final goal—even His enemies, who will one day be defeated and brought under His power. 

The scripture says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” If that sounds hard to understand, Paul explains it more clearly, “Christ must rule until he has put all enemies under his feet.” And if we still wonder what that means, Paul adds, “For all things must be put under him.”

But what does it mean for everything to be “put under” Christ? I believe it means that all things will one day submit to Him in the same way we try to submit now. The apostles submitted this way. All of the faithful dead have, too. For us, being put into subjection under Christ is not an act of tyranny, but it is about being saved. To belong to Christ means to share in the rescue He’s made possible. David understood this when he said, “I must calm down and turn to God; only He can rescue me.”

Since this will be the end—when all enemies will be placed under Christ, when death (the last enemy) will be destroyed, and when Christ will hand the kingdom over to God the Father—let’s think about the beginning of all things. The end is always like the beginning. Just as there is one end for all things, there was also one beginning of all things. From that single beginning came many different paths with lots of variety. But through God’s goodness and through submitting to Christ, everything will be brought back to one final end, which looks like the beginning. This is what it means when every being in the sky, on earth, and under the earth bows at the name of Jesus, showing their submission to Him. These three groups represent the entire universe, which was arranged from the one beginning, each according to how they lived. 

Goodness does not belong to created beings by their very nature; only God is good by His very nature. Others share in “goodness” only when God gives it, and they remain that way only as long as they pursue holiness, wisdom, and fellowship with God. But if they reject these things, each one causes their own fall—some quickly, others slowly, some falling far, others not as far. This demonstrates God’s fair judgment: each one has consequences in proportion to their choices and how far they’ve fallen.

Some who were closer in time to the beginning (which mirrors the future end) were placed in high ranks when the world was arranged: some became angels, some influences, some principalities, some powers to rule over those who need guidance. Others became thrones, with the work of judging or ruling, and others were given control over those who were like slaves. All of this was given through God’s wise judgment, fairly and without favoritism, according to each one’s merit and their progress in imitating God. But those who were removed from their primal state of happiness were not removed with no hope of recovery. They were placed under the rule of the different powers we just mentioned, so that by learning from them and through discipline, they might be reshaped and restored to blessedness again.

All of this makes me think that God arranged the human race for a purpose: that in the future world—when God makes a new sky and a new earth, as Isaiah promised—it will be brought back into perfect unity. This is the unity Jesus prayed for when He said to the Father, “I’m not praying for just these followers, but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that all who believe in me can be one. You are in me and I am in you. I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me.” 

Paul confirms this when he says, “This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God.” And Paul urges us even now, while we are alive and in the church (which is like a preview of the kingdom that will come), to live out this unity when he says, “I beg all of you to agree with each other. You should not be divided into different groups. Be completely joined together again with the same kind of thinking and the same purpose.” 

“Bible Marking With Kathy Pollard”

Exciting new page! Kathy walks through the first of many Bible-marking topics. The page also has a quick “How To” video. New content every week. Please like and subscribe.

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Ancient Phenomenon Of Grip Lock In Battle

Throughout history, soldiers have been remembered for their courage and skill — but sometimes, a warrior stands out for their extreme endurance. In high stress situations, combatants have been known to grip their weapon so tightly that their fingers can’t release them— even after the danger is gone.

Dale Pollard

Throughout history, soldiers have been remembered for their courage and skill — but sometimes, a warrior stands out for their extreme endurance. In high stress situations, combatants have been known to grip their weapon so tightly that their fingers can’t release them— even after the danger is gone. This phenomenon is known as “grip lock” (or, in death, cadaveric spasm) and it appears in sources from the Biblical record to various other battle chronicles.

The Biblical Case of Eleazar 

One of the earliest recorded examples comes from 2 Samuel 23:9–10 (10th century BC). Eleazar, one of David’s “mighty men,” fought the Philistines long after the rest of the army had retreated. His effort was so great that “his hand clung to the sword” after the battle — an epic but physiologically accurate description of “sustained tetanic muscle contraction” from hours of exertion and an extreme adrenaline overload.

More Military Accounts 

Battle of Marathon (490 BC) – Herodotus records Athenian hoplites whose hands were “welded” to their spear shafts after the fight.

Battle of Cannae (216 BC) – Polybius describes Roman infantry unable to drop their shields or swords, even in retreat, with some death grips preserved in fallen soldiers.

Boudicca’s Revolt (AD 60–61) – Tacitus notes Briton warriors locked to their chariot rails or spears, requiring force to release them.

Battle of Stiklestad (AD 1030) – Norse sagas speak of hands “frozen to the sword like ice to iron.”

Physiology 

Modern science explains grip lock as a combination of:

Adrenaline surge – The sympathetic nervous system floods the body with epinephrine and norepinephrine, boosting muscle contraction power.

Full recruitment of fast-twitch fibers – Grip muscles in the forearm contract at maximal force, overriding fine motor control.

Loss of inhibitory signals – The brain suppresses “release” commands in favor of survival-driven holding or pulling actions.

Muscle fatigue and tetany – After prolonged strain, the muscles seize in a sustained contraction, sometimes lasting minutes or hours.

Eleazar’s hand that refused to let go eliminates any chasm between a myth and medical reality. The Bible is accurate down to the finest details and it teaches us more than just history; it shows us the future (Rev. 22, 1 Thess. 4.16-18, Matt. 24.42-44).

“…..but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead”

I Samuel 23:10

“You’ve Got Mail”

I began preaching full-time in 1992 in a small west Alabama town near the Mississippi border. It was one year before Tim Berners-Lee released the code that became the world wide web, allowing images, video, and audio to be transmitted from servers to computers using existing phone lines. This was more commonly called “dial up.”

Neal Pollard

I began preaching full-time in 1992 in a small west Alabama town near the Mississippi border. It was one year before Tim Berners-Lee released the code that became the world wide web, allowing images, video, and audio to be transmitted from servers to computers using existing phone lines. This was more commonly called “dial up.” For the first three years of my preaching, I typed up Bible classes and sermons (if I didn’t hand write them) on a Brother word processor (it was a typewriter/keyboard attached to a computer monitor). 

Let’s just say that the past 30 years have brought a lot of change in the world of technology. During the ’90s and ’00s, email was king and texting was a complicated, time-consuming, and less desirable alternative. In those days, AOL was the emperor of email. Using a modem (Google it), your computer would connect through the phone and AOL would greet you with, “You’ve got mail” (if you had email). A 1990s movie by that title will give more context to what it was like.

Did you know that dial up internet access is still available? About 160,000 households in America still use it. But on September 30, it will cease. A critical chapter of internet history will be relegated to the museum of technology’s past, like the rotary phone (Google that, too).

I appreciate a few ways this illustrates the work of the church today. First, some changes are desirable and necessary. We can embrace new ways of doing things God preserved in Scripture (Matt. 9:17). As our elders are fond of saying, “We will think outside the box, but inside the Book.” Most of us embraced fiber-optics and satellite, then found dial-up tedious and time-consuming. Old truths can wear new clothes, so long as the truths are not altered (cf. Rev. 22:18-19). See Power Point, newly-written, Scriptural songs and hymns, live-streaming, etc.

Second, while what man creates, invents, and innovates is ever-changing, God’s Word is all-sufficient, timeless, and essential (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Matt. 24:35). No discovery will make it obsolete or irrelevant. It shall stand forever, a rock that cannot be broken or weathered by time or trends (John 10:35). See women’s role (1 Tim. 2:11-15), baptism’s role in salvation (Matt. 28:18-20), the nature of marriage (Eph. 5:31), marriage, divorce, and remarriage (Matt. 19:4-9), etc. 

Third, we should tenaciously defend and fight for truth (Jude 3), but we should take a different tack with tradition. We certainly should not elevate it to be on a par with truth. We must not put it above the truth (Mark 7:6-9). We should not strain relationships and fellowship over matters not “tied down” in Scripture (Romans 14). See Bible translations, modest, but less formal, worship attire, order of worship, etc. 

160,000 households are clinging to dial up until the last possible minute, but then it will be gone. Let’s avoid that spirit when it comes to God’s Word and His work. Where change does not violate God’s will, let us hold it as a matter of indifference. Where the change does violence to it, may we be found nowhere near it!