Tag: apostle

“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! 

The Art Of Contentment

Neal Pollard

Paul mastered the art of contentment despite extreme adversity. Behind prison bars he wrote, “I have learned to be content…” (Phil. 4:11). It didn’t come naturally to him. He learned it in the proverbial “school of hard knocks.” Contentment suggests the idea of supporting oneself without aid from others. Vincent adds, “By the power of his own will, to resist the shock of circumstance. Paul is self-sufficient through the power of the self; not he, but Christ in him” (459-460).

Everybody has met malcontents. Such are rarely happy, satisfied, or appeased. They are always holding the short end of the stick. They are forever the victim. From their point of view, nothing seems satisfactory. Aren’t they such fun?

The church where they are attending is always deficient in some way. The leadership is not enough of this and too much of that. The same applies to the Bible school, worship services, preacher, song leader, missionaries, facilities, deacons, or programs of work. Others find them a mine field, and interacting with them is comparable to walking on egg shells.

Malcontents have failed to grow in the important spiritual area Paul references in Philippians. The sniping and yelping of the discontented interferes with the good it can do. It is destructive, divisive, discouraging, and devilish. John Bunyan concluded, “If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.” Or, as another put it, “The crown of life looks funny on a sore head.”

In an English cemetery stand two sad epitaphs on slabs of granite. The wife’s reads, “She died for want of things.” Her husband’s says, “He died trying to give them to her.” No doubt the man never made her happy because he had not the power. Only she did. Sadly, she never exercised what Paul did in adverse circumstances.

Perhaps Paul wrote above the howl of a dying fellow-prisoner in the squalor of a dirty cell, looking up to see the scowl of a godless prison guard. Perhaps, with Christlike peace, he shook his head, smiled, and sealed up that inspired epistle to the church at Philippi. Perhaps, there persecuted but not forsaken (cf. 2 Cor. 4:9), he sang a hymn (cf. Acts 16:25). Whatever happened, one thing is certain. Paul found a way to be content. Let us learn that.

Bearing the Marks of Truth:

Living the Gospel in the Footsteps of Paul

Brent Pollard

Paul made a statement in Galatians 6.17 that is worth considering. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he declared, “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (ESV). This statement raises the question: was he speaking literally? Did his fearless preaching of Jesus Christ result in physical marks? Considering the hardships listed in 2 Corinthians 11—195 stripes from the Jews, beatings with rods, and being stoned in Lystra—it’s plausible that Paul bore physical scars from these experiences. It’s unlikely any of us bear such marks for Jesus.

However, Paul’s message delves deeper than the physical scars. His letter to the Galatians also defended against accusations of being a false apostle. Critics claimed he received his message from men, not from divine revelation. Paul countered this by pointing to his scars as evidence of his apostleship and dedication to God’s truth. Thus, his physical marks were not just scars but proof of his faithfulness and the truth he preached.

This proof leads to a reflective question: if someone examined your life closely, would they see the truth of God’s Word as clearly as they might see the physical scars on Paul? It’s a challenging thought. Paul encourages us to bear the marks of Jesus, the marks of truth, in our lives. Remember Jesus’ words in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (ESV). God’s word, the Bible, calls us to bear its marks in our lives actively.

Bearing the marks of Jesus Christ means living in alignment with His teachings and principles, allowing His truth to permeate every aspect of our lives. This involves reflecting His love, grace, and forgiveness in our interactions and consistently seeking to grow in understanding and applying His Word. As we embody God’s truth, we become living testimonies of His transformative power and a beacon of hope to those around us.

In conclusion, the marks of Jesus Christ that Paul bore are a profound metaphor for Christian life. Whether physical scars from persecution or the spiritual imprints of living according to Christ’s teachings, these marks signify a life committed to the gospel. Paul’s dedication serves as a reminder of discipleship’s cost and divine truth’s strength. As followers of Christ today, we are challenged to bear our own marks through our actions and life choices, not necessarily through physical suffering but through a commitment to living out His teachings. Let us strive to make the gospel’s truth visible in our lives, serving as clear indicators of our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, thereby honoring the legacy of apostles like Paul and contributing to the witness of God’s kingdom on earth. 

Motivations For Teaching Difficult Things

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

It becomes clear from reading the second letter to the Corinthians that Paul feels the need to defend himself and his actions among his readers. He feared that he had been misunderstood in his previous work among them (cf. 1:12-14). In fact, it seems as though this is the purpose of the letter (look also at 5:11-12). If you remember from the first letter, he had some pretty challenging and unpopular things to say about how they were behaving. It’s not far-fetched to think that some of them not only would not appreciate what he said, but would attack him as the messenger for saying it. Sometimes, however lovingly and kindly we share the truth, it will offend the hearer who, instead of repenting, tries to undermine the one who said it.  As we read this section, think of Paul as a man, just like his audience, who has feelings, struggles, difficulties, and temptations, too. He also needed them to know that it was because he cared so much about them that he would not “shrink from declaring to [them] anything that was profitable” (cf. Acts 20:20). What drove Paul to minister to the Corinthians? Notice several things he says in 2 Corinthians one.

THE GRACE OF GOD (12)

He would not boast in himself, whether his abilities or knowledge or influence. Those are empty and unsatisfying. His motives were pure and he was helped by a grace he wanted them to appreciate, too. When we understand our need of God’s grace, it will move us to give Him our all in response. 

THE JUDGMENT DAY OF GOD (13-14)

Paul wanted them to be able to legitimately boast together and of one another at “the day of the Lord” (cf. 5:10). The word “boast” in modern English has negative connotations–bragging, arrogance, and sinful pride. Paul wanted to have confidence in them as they faced this Day, as confident as he hoped they were of him in view of it. We should share the whole counsel of God to make sure people are ready for the most important day of all. 

THE PROMISES OF GOD (20)

He shared the positive and negative, the promises and the warnings, because he knew God meant what He said. He would not equivocate or talk out of both sides of his mouth. He was going to give them “the whole purpose of God” (cf. Acts 20:27). He knew God was the supreme promise-keeper (2 Tim. 4:8; 2 Cor. 5:11-14). 

THE GLORY OF GOD (20)

Paul taught them for the glory of God. The Word is God’s. The promises are God’s. The salvation is from God. How silly for the fragile pottery to brag (4:7); the glory belongs to the Potter. Anything worthwhile we accomplish is always because of God. 

THE WORKING OF GOD (21-22)

Paul was moved by the knowledge that God is the one who establishes men (21), sets us apart (21), and gives us His Spirit (22). Knowing this, we should share Him with people so that God can accomplish His work in their lives. 

THE WITNESS OF GOD (23-24)

Wise teachers and preachers will remember that God is watching their work. He can see where no one else can–our hearts and motives. Knowing He knows me inside and out, I will check myself and do His work to bring the joy and strength of the hearers (23-24). 

THE PEOPLE OF GOD (2:1-4)

We should be moved by genuine love and concern for people. Those who share the word should share life with those who receive the word from them. Building relationships, being together in all the ups and downs of life, is what it is all about. It’s hard to imagine staying motivated to share the gospel with people we isolate ourselves from. 

Perhaps there are some preachers and teachers who just love beating up on their listeners (or readers). Motivation is individual to each one (Phil. 1:15-17). I have to believe that every faithful proclaimer wants not only to please God but also help as many people as possible go to heaven. There are so many great reasons why Christians should want to share God’s Word with others. Paul gives us a handful of them here.