Tag: authority

The Kind Of Church God Doesn’t Want Us To Be

  Within the one body (Colossians 3:15) He claims, however, are individual congregations who in time depart from His doctrine, lose their distinctiveness, or drift from their evangelistic direction.  When this happens, even these are in danger of rejection (John 12:48).  Churches in Asia Minor felt this sting (cf. Revelation 2:5).  What kind of church does God not want us to be?

Neal Pollard

    The commercials are eye-catching.  The products have differed, but the aim of the ad has been the same.  Sit people, blindfolded, before a TV camera.  Parade a line of tastes and smells before them and let them choose their favorite.  Of course, the camera keeps only the records of the consumers who pick their product over the others.  How many others, whose experiments lay dead on the cutting room floor, choose “the leading brand” over the competitor paying for the commercial?  All of that is neatly set aside, thanks to the selective wonders of technology.

    How many religious groups parade themselves before God in each generation?  From His exalted throne up in heaven, He discards with perfect omniscience all who carry the doctrines of men along with their faith in Christ, their intense morality, or their evangelistic zeal (cf. Matthew 15:13).  He claims only one religious group, the one for which His Son gave His life (Acts 20:28), the one founded upon the foundation of Christ (Matthew 16:18), and the one following the pattern He has left them (John 16:13).

    Within the one body (Colossians 3:15) He claims, however, are individual congregations who in time depart from His doctrine, lose their distinctiveness, or drift from their evangelistic direction.  When this happens, even these are in danger of rejection (John 12:48).  Churches in Asia Minor felt this sting (cf. Revelation 2:5).  What kind of church does God not want us to be?

    God does not want weary churches.  Paul warns against weariness in well-doing (Galatians 6:9).  It is possible to find the narrow way so difficult to travel that a congregation finally gives up on doing right.  The right way is rarely the easiest way.  The opposition of the world pressures God’s people, and faint-hearted saints must strive to endure.

    God does not want weakened churches.  He abhors church leaders who are so afraid of losing “contributors” that they kowtow to them.  His wrath is kindled by preachers so pensive about their pension that they fall prey to tickling the ears of the worldly (2 Timothy 4:3). He has difficulty stomaching a lukewarm membership, made tepid in failing to be distinct (cf. Revelation 3:16). As always, those who stand for nothing will fall for anything.

    God does not want worldly churches.  He warns against it (James 4:4).  When churches try so hard to look like the world to the world, they ultimately fail to reach it.  They have nothing to offer it which it does not already have.  But, in the process, they lose God’s acceptance.

    God does not want “wanting” churches.  Belshazzar was “weighed in the balances” and “found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).  The goal of any church is to get beyond this stage of “wanting” (i.e., lacking) maturation and completion (James 1:4).  But, what about churches who are not trying to grow, win souls, train her males to be preachers, elders, deacons, and teachers, and train her females to be strong, convicted, pure, and holy Christian women, and learn more and more of God’s Word?

    God does not want wasteful churches.  American churches have the overwhelming majority of the money, trained preachers, facilities, schools, persons of influence, healthy bodies, and related resources.  That we are not “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) is surprising.  No church, in these affluent circumstances, should struggle to meet unchallenging budgets.  Brethren should not be begged and prodded to do personal work.  Involvement and commitment should be assumed traits of born-again people!  We are sitting on a gold mine of opportunity and material wealth.  We must be able to stand before the King some day and make a good accounting of our stewardship of these things.

    Opportunities abound before us (Galatians 6:10).  Let us blossom into the churches the Father wants us to be (James 1:27)  — Jesus died for us to be (cf. Titus 2:14), and the Spirit teaches us to be (Revelation 2:7ff).  God wants a willing, working, waiting, and watchful church.  At all costs, let us avoid becoming a church God does not want us to be.

When The Clouds Speak

Reflections on God’s Power and Presence in the Book of Job

Brent Pollard

In the book of Job, clouds represent more than just weather patterns; they embody profound metaphors for God’s inscrutable mystery, immense majesty, and sovereign authority. Such imagery offers spiritual insights for individuals seeking to understand the fullness of God’s presence in their lives. These verses combine lyrical elegance with eternal truths for those committed to honoring the authority of Scripture.

Consider what the clouds reveal about our Creator.

1. Clouds Reflect God’s Majesty and Grandeur

“He wraps up the waters in His clouds, and the cloud does not burst under them.” —Job 26.8

Here, we witness the magnificent tapestry of God’s sovereign design. Clouds transport vast quantities of water without releasing it—a stunning equilibrium that surpasses human understanding and highlights God’s supreme authority over His creation. Although science can clarify the complexities of atmospheric physics, we must not forget that behind every natural law stands the sovereign hand of the divine Lawgiver.

In this passage, Job contemplates God’s authority over the depths, the heavens, and the essence of life (Job 26.5–13). The clouds testify to His greatness, who upholds all things by His Word (Hebrews 1.3).

2. Clouds Reveal God’s Mystery and Hiddenness

“‘Clouds are a hiding place for Him, so that He cannot see; and He walks on the vault of heaven.’” —Job 22.14

Although Eliphaz’s views on Job’s culpability are mistaken, he reflects a profound biblical truth: God’s ways often remain enigmatic to humanity. Just as the cloud on Sinai obscured Moses (Exodus 19.9) and the tabernacle radiated with God’s glory (Exodus 40.34–38), the cloud in Job stands as a significant symbol of God’s concealed magnificence.

During periods of uncertainty, it’s crucial to remember that God isn’t far away; instead, He is deeply engaged, even when we can’t perceive His presence. As Paul states, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5.7). Genuine righteousness is demonstrated through trust in God, even when His intentions are not completely clear.

3. Clouds Symbolize God’s Sovereignty Over Nature

“Do you know about the layers of the thick clouds, the wonders of one perfect in knowledge…” —Job 37.16

Elihu urges Job to contemplate the marvels of the sky. The One who is “perfect in knowledge” has meticulously arranged the clouds. In a realm characterized by change and unpredictability, those with unwavering faith find comfort in knowing God sovereignly governs all creation.

This profound truth is echoed in Jesus’s words when He rebuked the wind and the sea, showing that the Creator commands authority over the storm (Mark 4.39–41). Job’s description of the cloud powerfully foreshadows Christ’s sovereign control over the wind and the waves.

4. Clouds Are a Backdrop for Divine Encounter

Although Job existed before the Mosaic law, clouds as vessels of divine encounters are evident throughout Scripture:

• In Exodus 13.21, the Lord guided Israel with a pillar of cloud.

• In Exodus 19.9, He came down to Sinai in a thick cloud to converse with Moses.

• In Matthew 17.5, a brilliant cloud enveloped the mount of transfiguration, and God’s voice proclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

The pattern is clear: God often reveals His presence through the cloud. What seems obscure to human eyes is, in fact, the gateway to divine revelation. Much like Moses and Elijah, the faithful are urged to climb the mountain—even when surrounded by fog—to receive the Word from the Lord.

5. Clouds Teach Us to Wait on God’s Timing

“Can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds, the thundering of His pavilion?” —Job 36.29

Elihu draws our focus to the profound mystery of God’s workings. We lack control over the clouds and do not understand their complex paths entirely. They emerge, transform, and bring rain at the right moment. Similarly, God’s answers remain beyond our understanding.

The clouds teach us patience, reminding us that the Lord is active even when those clouds obscure our clarity. As the psalmist eloquently says, “Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Psalm 97.2).

Conclusion: The Cloud Is Not the End of the Story

Job might not understand the full extent of his suffering, but he experiences a profound revelation of God’s greatness, which is enough. Although the clouds may obscure, they also reveal the glory above. They announce God’s power, veil His splendor, and sustain creation. One day, those clouds will serve a different purpose.

“Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen.” —Revelation 1.7

The clouds that once hid God’s glory will eventually reveal the majestic Christ in His fullness. As we walk beneath the expansive sky—occasionally in darkness, often in reverence—we remain assured that above every cloud, the Sovereign Lord reigns.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved

Joshua The Conqueror

The writer of Hebrews compares our desire to have eternal life to the work of Joshua in leading Israel into Canaan (Heb. 4:8). For those who lead the church in the various ways, parents in Christian homes, elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers, mature Christians, etc., the same factors are at play in our mission to conquer for Christ.

Neal Pollard

The book of Joshua begins with an understated transitional statement, one that signaled perhaps one of the most pivotal events in Israelite history. “Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord…” The Lord now looks to Joshua, Moses’ servant, to accomplish the task first given to Moses, to lead the nation into the land promised to Abraham centuries before (Gen. 15:18). Can you imagine being in Joshua’s sandals, trying to follow only the greatest leader the people have ever had? And even he wasn’t able to get the people into the Promised Land before his death. 

It is not surprising, then, that having so great a task and following so great a leader Joshua needs encouragement for this work. Notice how the sixth book of the Bible opens, addressed to the man saddled with the responsibility of getting the people of God across the finish line of their purpose. There are at least five truths Joshua needed to keep in mind.

  • He should remember how he would be victorious (2-3). God emphasizes that He is giving the land to Israel. Israel is going to have to obey and work according to God’s commands, but the victories would come through and because of Him. 
  • He must understand the scope of his mission (4). God lays out specifically the mission, stating in broad terms to boundaries of the territory. The mission would not be a success until all of it had been taken.
  • He could have blessed assurance of God’s help (5). God fortifies Joshua with promises like, “I will be with you” (5), “I will not fail you or forsake you” (5). He reminds Joshua that He was with Moses, and He offered Joshua the same help. 
  • He would have to be a man of strong character (6-7). God calls Joshua to be strong, courageous, unafraid, and obedient. With such a lofty objective, God needed and expected leadership that was trustworthy and reliable. 
  • He had to rely on the Word of God (8-9). Not surprisingly, after a generation was denied the promise land through unbelief and disobedience, this would be critical! God says, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (8). God promises to be with him if he would follow Him! 

The writer of Hebrews compares our desire to have eternal life to the work of Joshua in leading Israel into Canaan (Heb. 4:8). For those who lead the church in the various ways, parents in Christian homes, elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers, mature Christians, etc., the same factors are at play in our mission to conquer for Christ. God gives the victory, the mission, the promises, the word, and the guidelines for our daily living. He is counting on us to partner with Him to gain the victory! 

The Unchanging Word: Prioritizing Scripture Over Human Tradition

In a bold challenge to the Pharisees, Jesus referenced the words of Isaiah, exposing their critical error: elevating human traditions above the divine commandments of God. Their worship, rooted in human traditions, lacked authenticity, revealing a profound reality: the authority of God’s Word remains unparalleled, and no human custom can replace it.

Brent Pollard

Matthew 15:8-9: “‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”

Mark 7:6-7: “He said to them, ‘Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.’”

Comedian Isaak Wells’ humorous Skeletor meme, “Traditions are basically just dead people peer pressuring you,” encompasses a profound truth that aligns with a solemn admonition from Jesus. In a bold challenge to the Pharisees, Jesus referenced the words of Isaiah, exposing their critical error: elevating human traditions above the divine commandments of God. Their worship, rooted in human traditions, lacked authenticity, revealing a profound reality: the authority of God’s Word remains unparalleled, and no human custom can replace it.

The Divine Standard: Scripture’s Authority

True scholarship recognizes Scripture as God’s divinely inspired and infallible Word, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3.16-17. The error of the Pharisees lay in their acceptance of human traditions that obscured the clarity of God’s commands. Matthew Henry observes, “When men’s inventions are tacked to God’s institutions and imposed with equal authority, then worship becomes vain.” Jesus confronted them, asking, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15.3). This statement affirms the authority of Scripture above all human traditions, calling believers to proclaim what the Bible declares and to hold their tongues where it is silent.

The Heart of True Worship

The rebuke of Jesus reveals the very heart of worship. The Pharisees’ hearts were distant from God, making their worship empty despite appearing pious. Genuine worship captivates the heart (John 4.23-24). Following tradition without discernment places habit above heartfelt devotion, whether in our rituals or church practices. Believers must scrutinize their intentions, ensuring their worship springs from hearts wholly devoted to God.

Discerning Godly Practice

Scripture guides discernment between traditions that honor God and those that mislead:

  • Apostolic Example: The early church embraced traditions like weekly communion (Acts 20.7), congregational singing (Ephesians 5.19; Colossians 3.16), and regular assembly (Hebrews 10.25). Paul praised the Corinthians for maintaining apostolic traditions (1 Corinthians 11.2) but corrected deviations.
  • Berean Standard: The Bereans tested teachings against Scripture daily (Acts 17.11), modeling intellectual integrity and spiritual humility.

Scriptural principles for evaluating traditions include:

  • Biblical Warrant: Does the practice have clear scriptural support via commands, examples, or necessary inferences? (Psalm 119.105)
  • Genuine Worship: Does it draw hearts closer to God in spirit and truth? (John 4.23-24; 1 Peter 2.5)
  • Edification: Does it build the church and promote unity? (1 Corinthians 14.26)
  • Apostolic Alignment: Does it reflect New Testament patterns? (Ephesians 2.20)

Practical Application

Apply discernment in:

  • Worship: Do practices align with biblical patterns of praise, prayer, communion, and proclamation, conducted “decently and in order”? (1 Corinthians 14.40)
  • Church Organization: Does leadership follow biblical qualifications for elders and deacons? (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)
  • Personal Devotion: Are spiritual disciplines grounded in Scripture, not an empty routine?
  • Christian Living: Do moral standards reflect God’s Word, not cultural or family traditions that contradict it?

The Call to Heart-Deep Faithfulness

Jesus’ rebuke serves as a profound warning and a gracious invitation. Worship that does not arise from deep and sincere devotion lacks true significance. The Lord desires those who worship Him sincerely and authentically, offering lives fully committed to His glory. Reflect on how traditions shape and influence your faith journey. Examine them in light of the Word. If you find yourself aligned, recommit with heartfelt devotion; if not, earnestly seek biblically grounded alternatives through prayer.

Upholding Scripture’s Supremacy

Genuine faith submits every action to the authority of Scripture. When the Word of God declares, we must respond obediently, even when it starkly contrasts our traditions. In the areas where Scripture is silent, let us generously extend love and freedom, refraining from imposing our convictions upon others. This dedication profoundly influences our communion with God. To love Him with all our hearts is to fully embrace His Word, refusing to distort it to conform to the world’s ways.

Embrace Scripture with open hearts, just as the Bereans did, diligently testing everything by its truth. May our worship flow from fully devoted hearts, our practices be rooted in the truth of Scripture, and our loyalty is unwavering to God alone.

Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Well, What Now?

(A Post-Election Perspective)

Gary Pollard

  1. We love our enemies and show kindness to people who hate us. 
  2. We focus on the transcendent — I know some Christians who are upset about the election results because it may mean their families never get into the country. As an American, I wholly disagree with that mentality — immigration is not a right but a privilege, and must be done legally. That said, I understand their frustration. Our immigration system has become insanely corrupt. It usually takes years, an enormous amount of money, lots of traveling, and miles of paperwork to do it legally. Our ancestors didn’t face anywhere near the same bureaucratic challenges that are in place today. Yes, they came here with nothing but a good work ethic and a desire to contribute, which is arguably not present today. I’m saying all of this because many — understandably — become defensive when someone says, “Maybe we should be compassionate.” What they hear is, “We should just dissolve our borders and overlook the rampant violent crime it causes.” Nope. But we should be patient with and compassionate toward our foreign-born Christian families. We’ll never win hearts and minds by leaning further into our national identity than we do our transcendent one. 
  3. Be grateful, always. Our hope isn’t in any human being or human administration. The powers that be exist because God put them there! Whatever happens in the coming years, we’re grateful that God is and rules. 
  4. Remember the past. The ancient Israelites met the most trouble when they forgot lessons learned by their predecessors. Repeated mistakes result in repeated outcomes. 
  5. Keep eyes on the ultimate goal, first and foremost. My wife and I are expecting our first child after ten years together. Yes, that changes a lot about how I view the world! Yes, I’m breathing a little easier with the possibility of better economic times ahead. But those issues pale when compared with the responsibility of aiming a conscious mind at God. Nothing matters more than hearing, “Good job,” when our Creator returns. Ideally, my loved ones hear the same thing. We’re in for perhaps brighter days — but that can’t distract from what actually matters. 

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. If you do this, you will be children who are truly like your father who is in the heavens. He lets the sun rise for all people, whether they are good or bad. He sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. If you love only those who love you, why should you get a reward for that? Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than anyone else. Even the people who don’t know God are nice to their friends. What I am saying is that you must be perfect, just as your father in the heavens is perfect (Mt 5.43-48). 

The Original Shadow-Caster

Dale Pollard

Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” is a metaphor that uses the image of prisoners in a dark cavern to illustrate the relationship between reality and our interpretation of it. The allegory is a dialogue between Socrates and Glaucon, and it’s arguably a key passage in his work, The Republic. It’s been used as a metaphor by philosophers for thousands of years in order to explain a truth that’s been known in the subconscious human mind since the inception of man.

Cultures with different backgrounds perceive reality and their own histories in a variety of ways but they seem to only have fragments of the truth. Hundreds of ancient mythologies have been preserved on mediums like clay, stone, papyrus, and oral tradition and they perfectly illustrate the shadows on the wall in Plato’s allegory. 

The question is, what’s casting the shadow that many myths exemplify? A thoughtful study will produce an undeniable reality which the hardened skeptic shouldn’t ignore. The truth is that the Bible is the original shadow-caster. 

By piecing together the myths and the legends of floods, serpents, and heavenly battles one further elucidates a singular, supernatural, and immortal narrative. God’s Word is the only book written through His direct influence— what other work commands that level of Authority? 

“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

   2 Peter 1.20-21 

Who Crashed The Sun?

Dale Pollard

According to Egyptian and Greek myth, the sun was put in a chariot and everyday the god Helios would drive that chariot all across the sky. Phaethon was the son of the god Helios who secretly took the sun chariot out one day in an attempt to drive it all by himself. However, since he was young and inexperienced, he wrecked it. He wrecked the sun. In one version of the story it’s said that he drove the chariot too close to the earth, scorching it, and then too far from it, freezing it. That’s a bad day…or night? It’s not clear— Phaethon wrecked the sun. 

Even though the story and the gods in them are fictional, the moral of the story rings true in many ways for us today. When we try to take control from the true God of heaven, we often end up wrecking our own lives. God wants us to willingly let Him lead but some will still attempt to take the reins away. The Bible is full of accounts, parables, and poems that try to get into our (sometimes thick) heads that we have no businesses in the driver seat. 

Saul would attempt to “drive the sun chariot” when Samuel told him to wait for him to arrive so that he could lead the Israelites in sacrifice before a battle with the Philistines. However, Saul became afraid that Samuel was taking too long and offered the sacrifice himself. After his arrival, Samuel told Saul that he had acted foolishly and disobeyed God’s command. Samuel said that if Saul had kept God’s wishes, God would have established his kingdom over Israel forever. The outcome? The Lord rejected him as king because of his disobedience. Saul wrecked his future! (1 Samuel 13). 

God has developed a perfect and holy hierarchy, and He’s at the top. He’s always been and He always will be at the top— even if we’re blind to that reality. He doesn’t want to push anybody down though, in fact He’s always taking His humble servants and raising them up! We serve an awesome God. 

“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” – I Peter 5.5 

Three Qualities For Success

Neal Pollard

I am blessed with a wise woman for a wife. My three sons would tell you that every time they consult her for wisdom, she never disappoints. I think that is because she draws, as the source of her wisdom, on God’s Word. She has filled her heart with it, and that’s what comes out when she interacts. Especially does she want to get that right when offering guidance to her sons. 

King Lemuel seems to have had a mother like that. She teaches her son an “oracle” (sayings or inspired utterances) that first deals with how he uses his professional possession (Proverbs 31:1-9). The bulk of the chapter (31:10-31) will deal with who he looks for as a wife. His mother pleads with him emphatically. I’m not sure where I see a more intense plea anywhere in Scripture: “What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?” I don’t know if this is written in reaction or in proaction, but her concern is palpable. Each bit of counsel is followed up with the next, divine wisdom meant to prepare him or repair him. What are they? 

DON’T ABUSE AUTHORITY (3). This is written to a man in a position of considerable authority. She warns him not to surrender his influence to physical desires or social vanity. The “women” in verse three are contrasted with the woman of noble character described in the beautiful poem at the end of the chapter (31:10-31). These women would take his strength; the virtuous woman would add to it. “Those who destroy kings” are individuals who don’t have his interests at heart. He is not to allow those people into his circle of influence. Have you ever seen people who ingratiate themselves by positioning themselves close to someone they see as powerful and influential? They flatter them with praise. These deplete rather than distribute strength. Neither of these groups care about Lemuel. They care about themselves. 

DON’T ABUSE ALCOHOL (4-7). This admonition is written to warn him against impairment that comes from a different source. Wine and strong drink are the enemies and the contrast to wise decision-making. Why? It causes one to forget the law (5) and the afflicted (5). It is only a temporary escape from their troubles (6) and it actually adds to their troubles (7). Frequently, Proverbs warns against the negative influence of alcohol. “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise” (20:1, NLT). “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine” (23:29-30). In three decades of ministry, I’ve encountered a lot of people struggling with addiction to alcohol. Sometimes it was learned from the home they grew up in. Sometimes it was discovered through friendships or on the job. I cannot tell you how many marriages, homes, careers, and lives have been adversely affected (often tragically) through the abuse of alcohol. Perhaps we are wise to heed the rest of Proverbs 23: “Do not look upon it…” (31). If we keep our eyes off of it, our lips won’t touch it. 

DON’T ABUSE THE ABUSED (8-9). This passage suggests that one of the cruelest forms of abuse is silence. Lemuel’s mother advised him to “open” his mouth. Some are too powerless to advocate for themselves. They need someone with the power and influence to speak for them. She says to represent the voiceless and penniless (8). She says actively help the poor and needy with righteous judgment and thoughtful defense (9). We all know disenfranchised, marginalized people, people nobody notices, cares about, or helps. That cannot be us. Compassion and sensitivity to the plights of the downtrodden should fill our hearts. 

The king’s mother shares three qualities with her son to give him success: discernment of character, self-control, and compassion. But these things can help peons and peasants like you and me. In this way, Lemuel’s lessons are lessons we can learn, too! 

Left And Right

Gary Pollard

In Matthew 23 Jesus directed some wrath at religious leaders. Verses 3-4 set the tone for what follows — they were hypocrites. He said, “So you should obey them. Do everything they tell you to do. But their lives are not good examples for you to follow. They tell you to do things, but they don’t do those things themselves. They make strict rules that are hard for people to obey. They try to force others to obey all their rules. But they themselves will not try to follow any of those rules.” 

Then, “It will be bad for you teachers of the law and you Pharisees because…” 

  1. You are hypocrites. You travel the world to convert someone and make those converts worse than you are. 
  2. You guide the people, but you are blind. 
  3. You take great pains to follow the smallest commands, but you neglect the most important aspects of the law. 
  4. You put on a good show of holiness, but your hearts are filthy. 
  5. You condemn your ancestors for killing the prophets, but you’re going to kill The Prophet anyways. 
  6. You will not escape God, you will all be judged guilty and be sent to hell. You will be guilty for the death of all good people who have been killed on earth, even for the deaths of Abel and Zechariah. 

With this as a backdrop — and after condemning all of Jerusalem for their evil — Jesus warns his disciples about the future destruction of Jerusalem. This would happen in less than four decades. He throws in some stuff about Earth’s destruction, too. He ends it with examples of good servants, bad servants, and being ready for his final return. This continues through chapter 25, which ends with a climactic display of justice before the entire planet faces eternal life or death. 

So Jesus sets up an archetype — those who claim to follow him, but who push people away from him through their hypocritical, legalistic behavior. How do we know this? 

When he separates everyone into two groups (sheep on the right, goats on the left), the godly are apparently surprised at their fate. “When did we do anything in your name?” They had fulfilled the Royal Law, which meant they lived in his name. 

But the people on the left will be equally shocked! From earlier in Matthew (chapter seven), “Didn’t we prophesy in your name?” “Didn’t we cast out demons in your name?” “Didn’t we perform miracles in your name?” Matthew 7 is about wolves in sheep’s clothing, trees that produce inedible fruit, and people who don’t do what God wants. Right after this section, Jesus goes on a healing tour around the region and sends his followers on missions of the same. He practiced the Royal Law perfectly. 

So what’s the point? As the rest of the NT teaches, we cannot expect to see God if we don’t take care of our fellow man. We cannot expect to see God if we tithe herbs while neglecting the most important aspects of the law (in context, providing for people who need food and other forms of care). 

The scribes and Pharisees are the archetype of those on the left who will be shocked that God rejects them. We often apply this to people in denominations who will be shocked that God rejects them because of how they worshipped or what they taught. This is an egregious mishandling of the text. Jesus applied this explicitly to those who claimed to act in his name while their legalistic behavior and lack of charity repelled others from seeking him. 

Much Better To Listen And Obey

Neal Pollard

God has a straightforward task for Saul in 1 Samuel 15. As a consequence for their opposition to Israel as they are fleeing Egypt in the battle where Aaron and Hur hold up Moses’ arm as Joshua leads the battle (Ex. 17:8-16), Amalek was devoted for destruction by God (Deut. 25:17-19)(1 Sam. 15:1-3). God is not ambiguous. He says “devote to destruction all they have” (3) and “do not spare them” whether man, woman, child, infant, or livestock (3). 

Saul is given the task of carrying out that total annihilation. He amasses a huge army of 210,000 soldiers and sets out against Amalek (4). After warning the Kenites (5-6; Num. 10:29-32) among the Amalekites to leave or die, Saul and his army thoroughly defeat this enemy (7). Up to this point, Saul’s effort has been nothing but a success!

However, Saul decides to do things the way he thinks is best. While he kills all the people as God instructs, “Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction” (9). God commanded Saul and he “would not” do it.

Samuel records some pretty chilling words regarding His choice of Saul. God says, “I regret that I made Saul king” (11,35). This is very similar to what God said about humanity in Noah’s day (Gen. 6:6-7). The text reveals several factors that led to God’s grief. 

  • Saul turned back from following God (11)–He followed what he wanted to do
  • Saul had not performed God’s commandments (11)–He neglected or omitted what God instructed
  • Saul blamed his followers for this sin (15,21)–He left out his part as decision-maker and pinned it on the people
  • Saul forgot his humble roots (17)–He allowed his position to go to his head
  • Saul was disobedient (19)–This was at the very core of Saul’s issues
  • Saul was greedy (19)–He pounced on the spoil
  • Saul had no fear of God (19)–He did evil in the very sight of Him
  • Saul rationalized (20-21)–He claimed to have done what God said except for the “best of the spoil” in order to sacrifice them to God; He reasoned that it was OK since his motives, he claimed, were right.
  • Saul feared the people and listened to them (24)–He got things backward!

But, that is when Samuel delivers the well-known, oft-quoted response to Saul. He tells the king, ““Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king” (22-23). What was going through Saul’s mind? Whatever it specifically was, he decided his way was better than the way God commanded him to go. 

God’s attitude toward such a spirit and mindset is crystal clear. God rejects it! It’s obvious that Saul knew what he was doing. His confession of sin reflects he completely understood what he had done wrong (24-25), but he still feels more concerned about his image with the people than his integrity before God (25,30). He falls at Samuel’s feet and tears the prophet’s robe, and Samuel tells him that symbolized how the kingdom has been torn away from him and his descendants (27-29). Samuel tells him he cannot and he will not keep up appearances for Saul’s sake, but he does follow Saul back to the people so that he can finish the job Saul had not done. He kills Agag (32-34). Then, he leaves Saul never to see him again (35). Samuel was far from hard-hearted, but instead grieved over how Saul had turned out.

It is dangerous for us to put question marks where God has put periods and exclamation marks. We have no right to make right what God has clearly deemed wrong, and we’re wrong to make wrong what God has not forbidden. Saul put himself in God’s place and thereby placed himself in spiritual danger. Perhaps worst of all is behaving in such a way that God regrets choosing to use us to accomplish His will because we would not trust and obey! We can always be sure that what God says is right and only His way is the way to go. In case we lose sight of that, we help ourselves by reviewing the sad case of Saul! “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams” (22).

Three Traps For The Teacher

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Paul’s days as a free man are behind him, and he is awaiting execution (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Yet, his pen has not been silenced and he spends his last days encouraging a young preacher he has mentored and trained. He repeatedly calls Timothy “my son” (2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1; Phil. 2:22; 1 Tim. 1:2; 1:18). Especially in this, the last of his letters, Paul seems to reveal a sense of urgency in revealing practical wisdom to help his young protege to productively serve Christ Jesus (2:1,3,8,10). He likens the work to soldiering (2:3-4), competing as an athlete (2:5), and farming (2:6). He points to how God renders aid and assistance to His faithful proclaimers (2:7-13). 

Faithful proclamation of the truth is also something that is proven by taking the proper approach to the task. Paul is concerned about unfaithful men being entrusted with the stewardship of teaching others (cf. 2:2,14-26). Timothy is told to remind them and solemnly charge them “not to” do certain things (14) and to “avoid” (16) and “refuse” (23) certain traps that they could potentially fall into as teachers. 

It seems that as we consider the visceral, virulent tack taken by voices of influence within our culture to any number of matters–politics, race, morality, religion, education, etc.–the church, tragically, has at times emulated that tack in our dealings with one another. Whereas Paul described it more as “biting and devouring” when addressing the churches of Galatia (5:13), he is extremely concerned that such a spirit has caught hold with some in Timothy’s circle of influence. Therefore, he warns the young preacher against three traps that those tasked with preaching and teaching the gospel fall into. They are still potent and existent today.

TRAP ONE: WRANGLING ABOUT WORDS (2 Tim. 2: 14)

Paul had warned Timothy about this trap in his first letter to him. He writes in 1 Timothy 6:4 about those advocating a different doctrine, including having “a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words….” (NAS, emph., NP). The inspired Paul does more than diagnose the problem. He addresses root causes like conceit, ignorance, envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction (4-5). He diagnoses the condition of such teachers, calling them “men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth” (5). To these, religion is simply a way to make money (5). 

Now, in this second epistle, Paul warns of additional harm done by such wrangling about words (14). It does not serve a good, edifying purpose and it actually tears down. It’s useless and ruinous. 

How might we fall into that trap in the 21st Century and in the current climate? Social media is a major culprit, where people–often laboring under the guise of defense or promotion of the gospel–mercilessly criticize what others post. What motivates such contrariness? According to Paul, it could things like conceit, ignorance, envy, etc. 

Teachers and preachers might have or develop a reputation for being a gunslinger, ready to fight and argue about anything big or small. Watch or listen to their sermons and classes, and you can be fairly certain that this kind of wrangling will happen. No doubt, the gospel is adequately provocative and offensive to the sensitivities of the heart-hearted or ungodly, but God’s Word doesn’t need “help” from us through crude, sarcastic, mean-spirited attitudes and vocabulary. If we offend, let it be God’s Word presented in love rather than our vicious, sharp-tongued barbs.

TRAP TWO: WORLDLY AND EMPTY CHATTER (2 Tim. 2:16)

Again, this is a theme in Paul’s writing to Timothy. He actually warns against the profane or worldly three times in the first epistle. The law is for the “profane” (1:9; same word). He is told to have nothing to do with “worldly” fables fit only for old women (4:7; same word). Then, Paul closes warning him to avoid “worldly” and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge (6:20; same word). To define what Paul means, just look at the results. Such teaching leads to further ungodliness, spreads like cancer, and upsets the faith of some (16-18). It included claims and teaching that was outright false, in this case asserting that the resurrection had already occurred.

It can be hard to resist worldly and empty chatter in a world full of it. Our culture can get fascinated with vacuous, fruitless things from the latest trends, ideas, and causes célèbres. We consume all our time and energy on matters that ultimately will not matter. We need to examine what we teach and preach. Does it lead the worldly further down that road? Does it undermine their faith in God and His will? Whether we do that through being a devil’s advocate or encouraging wickedness (19), we do it at our own peril in addition to the peril of those who listen and follow us.

TRAP THREE: FOOLISH AND IGNORANT SPECULATIONS (2 Tim. 2:23)

These may be connected to the youthful lusts Paul has just mentioned (22) or the quarrelsomeness he is about to warn Timothy about (24). “Speculations,” depending on context, can refer to the noble act of searching for information and investigating (Acts 15:2,7; 25:20). But, almost entirely in the New Testament, it refers to matters for dispute or engagement in a controversial discussion (Arndt, et all, 429). It involves a clash of opinions (Kittel 300). 

With the call for faith in matters of doctrine sufficiently divisive, what a tragedy when people of influence in the Bible leverage that authority by dividing brethren over what, when boiled down, is nothing more than opinion, speculation, and conjecture. Romans 14 makes clear that not everything is a matter of faith. Christian living necessarily involves judgment calls, and we fall into a trap to confuse either for the other. While a world is dying lost without hope, can we afford to devolve into debates over things that do not, of themselves, affect the salvation, the work, the worship, or the nature of the church? 

The beautiful thing about Paul’s sobering words is that for each trap, there is an escape. More than an escape, it is a healthy, fruitful alternative. What is the escape for “wrangling about words”? A diligent, hard-working handling of the word of truth (15). What is the antidote for “worldly and empty chatter”? The firm foundation of God (20) and the proper preparation of self for every good work (19-21). What is the alternative to “foolish and ignorant speculations”? Labor as the Lord’s bond-servant, being “kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness corrections those who are in opposition” (24-25a). 

The world is watching and we who teach, in whatever format on whatever platform, incur an especially strict judgment (Jas. 3:1). What a privilege to get to share Jesus with the lost and our brethren! As we do, let’s be aware of these teaching landmines. They are not necessary to effectively represent God; instead, they serve the opposite. Be on the lookout for how to please our neighbor for his good and edification (Rom. 15:2). 

 Sources Consulted

Arndt, William et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000 : 429. Print.

Kittel, Gerhard, Gerhard Friedrich, and Geoffrey William Bromiley. Theological Dictionary of the New Testament 1985 : 300. Print.

Neal Pollard

Keep Him King

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

blond man with goatee smiling at camera with blazer on
Dale Pollard

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

1 Samuel 12.24 

When this passage is taken out of the events unfolding in this chapter, it seems like a great verse to remind us to be grateful for God’s blessings. While that application could certainly be made, here’s the context. 

God’s desire for His people is rejected. Unlike the surrounding ancient cultures and nations, Israel had no king. Instead, they were to have men chosen by God to serve as their judge. The temptation to establish an earthly king became so great among the Israelites that they gave in and decided to oppose the Lord’s leadership strategy. 

Samuel is in the final stretch of his life and guided by God’s direction, he allows the people to have what they wanted— but not what they needed. 

Samuel replies to the people’s cry for a king and here’s our verse in context. 

“You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own. As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” 

Samuel wasn’t merely encouraging the people to be grateful for what they have as it might seem on the surface. He was reminding them to not reject the King of Kings after their earthly king fails them. When we make poor decisions and are forced to pay the consequences, the worst possible move would be a move away from God. Taking ownership of the trouble we bring into our lives is vital to future faithfulness. Difficult lessons are, by definition, not a joyful experience. Things could always be worse, but things could always be better. At the end of the day it comes down to which king we decide to serve. 

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke…”

Proverbs 3.11 

Secrets And Symbolism In Scripture

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

Dale Pollard

The Bible’s use of symbolic numbers carry with them a mystical tone. While some numerical usage is familiar to us such as the seven days of creation, other passages can leave one perplexed. A portion of Bible readers will choose to simply glaze over what they don’t understand– others will become frustrated toward an unfamiliar abstraction. The sixth-century philosopher Pythagoras believed that numbers carried a deeper meaning and could be used for more than mathematics. It’s interesting to note that the Greeks assigned a number to their alphabet in such a way that one could turn each word into a number and each number into a letter. Alpha was equal to one, beta would be two— and so on. With the intimidating mountain of confusion that’s associated with Biblical numerology, it would be helpful to create a list (though an incomplete one) of the most popular numbers found in scripture. 

COMMON BIBLICAL NUMBERS AND THEIR MEANING 

  666: The number of the beast in Revelation 13.18 could be the most widely feared  by the superstitious. It’s possible that much of the symbolism within Revelation is due to the ongoing persecution of the church since the masking of names  and places would add a layer of protection from a vicious government. In other words, it might have been written in a coded language in the same way that military intelligence would code their sensitive messages. 

12: It’s the number that represents power and authority. Jacob has twelve sons, who then fathered seven nations. The seed of Abraham will bring about the Messiah and His twelve followers. When the number twelve is used, we can be sure of an underlying importance. It’s likely to be in a section which is only part of a prominent Biblical thread. As the holy timeline unfolds, the number twelve is then understood and fully appreciated. 

7: Used many times in both the Old and New Testaments (over 600 times), the number seven is prominently found in the book of Revelation. There are seven churches, seven seals, seven angels, seven stars.,etc. It’s a representation of perfection or completeness and is regarded by the Hebrews and Greeks alike to be a number attributed to God. God is perfect and makes all things complete just as He completed all things in a seven day period, including His day of rest. 

40: Noah and his family endure forty days and nights of rain while on the ark, Jesus would fast for the same period of time, and for forty days Moses would stay on Sinai  to receive the holy law from God. There are other examples, but the number itself symbolizes a period of trial and testing. It’s interesting to note that several ancient cultures outside of Mesopotamia believed that it took twenty days to break a habit, and twenty days to form new ones. A total of forty days. Some psychologists even believe that in order to change a negative personality trait, you’ll need to supplement the negative with a positive for forty days, if the results are to be lasting. While the use of the number outside of scripture is speculative, God is clear in how He utilizes it. 

 1: A fascinating number that’s independent, yet it makes up all other numbers after it. It represents unity and is also attributed to God along with three and seven. 

 Though God is made up of three personalities, they are all unified. The significance of both three and one can be found in Ephesians 4.5-6 where Paul would say that there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. John 14.6 declares that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There’s power in the verified and absolute singularity of each use of one, especially when they appear in sets of three. This number brings a heavy humility. Our minds must come to focus on the finality of the Judgment. There will only be one Great Day, and it’s on that Day where each person will be responsible for how they lived their lives here. Every nation and tribe will be there but it will come to a head in a critical moment. A time will come where each one will stand before The One to receive our perfect and just sentence. 


Three Ways Pride Distorts Our Thinking

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

Some people’s sin struggles are evident. If they wrestle with foul language or lying, you can hear it. If they wrestle with immodesty or drunkenness, you can see it. Some spiritual weaknesses, though, are insidiously difficult to see–especially in ourselves. In Luke 9:46-56, in events that follow each other in very short order, the disciples’ struggle with pride is exposed by Jesus. We can understand why they struggled with pride. They were walking with the Messiah! He was training them for a special mission. Now, the only matter for them to settle was how they ranked among each other. Jesus exposes that very mindset in these verses.

PRIDE SEEKS PREEMINENCE (46-48). The disciples argue among themselves about who might be the greatest. Not only is this childish, but it reflects their short memory. They just displayed a deficiency of faith that prevented them from casting out the unclean spirit. Perhaps Peter, James, and John, given privy to the transfiguration, might have felt that if they had been among these other disciples they would have been able to cast it out. We don’t know. All we know is that Jesus rebukes the very idea of the arguing by placing a child in their midst. Children were barely noticed among first-century adults, but Jesus makes paying attention to and ministering to the least of people the mark of greatness. Discipleship is not about glory and visibility. It’s about having our eyes open to the humble and our hearts open to serving them. 

PRIDE SHOWS PREJUDICE (49-50). While some have tried to use these verses to say that there are saved Christians in religious groups outside of the New Testament church, they totally misunderstand Jesus’ point (not to mention, miss the teaching of a great many passages). What was John’s bone of contention? There was a disciple of Jesus who was doing works in His name (acting by His authority; recognizing His identity). They tried to prevent him “because he does not follow along with us” (49). They concluded this person couldn’t be acceptable because he wasn’t accompanying them. Jesus knows this man is on His side, but the disciples’ needed to hear this: “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you” (50). This territorial mentality can creep into our thinking. We should hold hands with all those who are on the Lord’s side, doing the Lord’s work. This is true if it regards the good works of others in the local congregation or if it is area congregations. 

PRIDE SEEKS PUNISHMENT (51-56). Pride shows itself in a very different way shortly after this. Jesus sends some followers on a mission, but they were rejected. James and John’s solution was to exact vengeance on them. They were anxious to call down fire from heaven and consume them. Whatever they expected as Jesus’ reaction, they had to be surprised at His rebuke. He corrects their thinking, saying that He came to this earth to save rather than destroy men’s lives. Jesus’ solution was simply to move on to more receptive hearts (56). Sometimes our impatience with others or disappointment in their displays of unbelief can make us trigger happy. Whether we are indignant on the Lord’s behalf or we feel personally slighted, we need to remember the patient, charitable response Jesus makes to those who, in the moment, refused to receive Him. That patience and kindness may or may not ultimately reach their hearts, but it is the best route to success in trying to both be a disciple and win disciples for Jesus. 

Do a Bible search and see what God says about pride. It’s at the top of the list in those deadly sins of Proverbs 6:16-19, things God says He hates! Both Testaments say that it leads to our downfall (Prov. 3:34; Jas. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:5). So often, we see it as a struggle for those who are already in the body of Christ. I must constantly watch for this self-centered behavior, keeping my focus on other disciples, the lost, the less fortunate and weak, and especially the Lord. Let me remember that it’s all about Him and them, and say with John the Baptist, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). 

5 Buckets For Life

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

blond man with goatee smiling at camera with blazer on
Dale Pollard

We would all like to improve in many ways, but many of us are also well aware of the flaws we feel are holding us back. Those shortcomings tend to get in the way, slow us down, or even prevent us from achieving the quality of life that we desire. While there is plenty of room for improvement in my life, I have found that there is a simple way to clearly envision where I am currently, and also plan for where I would like to be in the future. 

It’s true that our burdens often come from our blessings. For example, the blessing of having a car may result in the burden of expensive bills that follow a mechanical issue. 

I believe that there are five major buckets of blessings that we all must give our time and attention to. They are the five categories that, if purposefully tended, help our lives to be wonderful. On the other hand, if neglected, we find ourselves in a head-spinning spiral of worry and anxiety. 

These buckets are: 

  1. Faith 
  2. Mental maturity 
  3. Physical health 
  4. Relationships 
  5. Work 

If one of those buckets isn’t filled with the proper content, the effects, I’m sure you’re aware, are negative. If these crucial categories are filled correctly, our quality of life will only improve. 

God is the Creator of life itself which makes Him the leading authority on the subject. Consider how He can help you in each of the five areas listed here.

Faith 

By denying self, our focus is diverted away from our negative self absorption. Putting God and others first can give you a better, fresh, and positive perspective. 

Acts 20:35

Mental maturity 

When we seek to understand our own minds and what makes us tick, we’ll be able to identify where these negative thoughts and reactions originate. 

Philippians 4:8

Physical health 

Poor health habits like fast-food diets, lack of physical exercise, and sleep deprivation only make dealing with stress all the more difficult. God designed your body to function properly when properly taken care of. 

Luke 1:37 

Relationships 

Every relationship, whether in marriage, friendship, family, coworkers, or the church, all have one thing in common—they were made by God. Thankfully, God wrote a book to help us understand who we are to be to each individual that make up those groups. 

Romans 12:16

Work 

God built us to work— He expects us to. Some choose to be lazy, and they suffer. Others choose to constantly work to the neglect of the four other areas mentioned. There must be a balance, and God knows that. 

Psalm 128:2 

While there’s a lot more to be said concerning these five categories, I hope this simplifies things and helps refocus on what really matters. 

Hopefully, looking at life through His divine lens is a reminder of Who we should turn to for everything. He has given us the ultimate assurance— and He is willing to give us the ultimate assistance. 

Jesus Has All Authority

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

Jesus has come to Jerusalem and taken the gloves off. By His unparalleled authority, He is directly challenging the religious establishment whose shallow righteousness has been rejected by His Father. He has come to take the Old Law out of the way and establish His church. It’s teaching like this parable in Luke 20:9-18 that will provoke those leaders to the point that they will trump up charges and bribe false witnesses to arrest, try, and have Him crucified. This parable is stark and shocking, and the moral as heavy as an anvil. Notice.

THESE LEADERS WERE GUILTY OF IMPROPER STEWARDSHIP (9). The “man” in the parable represents God, the Father. He made Israel a nation and gave the Jews a Law to follow and keep. The Jews, particularly the religious leadership, were entrusted with faithfully carrying it out, but they did not. 

THEY WERE GUILTY OF TAKING WHAT DIDN’T BELONG TO THEM (10). In fact, these leaders–dubbed “the vine-growers” by Jesus in this parable–thought that they were in charge. They sought to make people subject to them, to follow their rules (cf. Rom. 10:3-4). The end result was vain religion (Mat. 15:8-9).

THEY WERE GUILTY OF ABUSING THOSE SENT TO THEM (11-15). The “slaves” sent to them were presumably prophets and teachers, no doubt inclusive of John the Baptist. These were the Father’s spokesmen, come to teach and correct them. Each one sent was treated the same, sad way: they “beat him and sent him away empty-handed.” Last of all, the son was sent (13-14). The “owner” (the Father) sent Him, saying, “I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him” (13). Instead, seeing Him as the heir, they plotted to kill Him (14). Obviously, Jesus is referring to Himself and the very thoughts these religious leaders were thinking as He told the parable! 

THEY WERE GUILTY OF LOSING WHAT WAS ENTRUSTED TO THEM (16-18). Instead of being convicted by this parable, these religious leaders recoil at the moral of the parable: “What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy these vine-growers and will give the vineyard to others” (15-16). Their emotion boils over and they audibly reply to Jesus’ parable, “May it never be!” They missed the travesty of the behavior they and their forefathers had shown to God’s messengers and the sin they were about to perpetrate on His Son. They didn’t want to lose their grip on the power and influence they had taken. But Jesus doubles down, changing the imagery from a vineyard to building construction. They were going to reject Jesus, the stone, but He would be made the chief corner stone. He would judge and destroy them, if they did not abandon their rebellion.

Jesus is full of love, kindness, and peace. But, that’s an incomplete picture of Him. He came to establish His rule and reign. He must be King and Lord of our lives. We must submit to His way and truth to enjoy His life. 

Open Bible on a black table with book marker and pink highlighting
Jesus Has All Authority

The Church Is A Family

Thursday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

IMG_3998

Kason Eubanks

A few months ago, Lehman and a bunch of other churches went to church camp. During that week, I got to think about family. A quote I read once by Lisa Weed said, “Being a part of a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.”

Let me start off by defining family. According to Webster’s dictionary, one definition is “the group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit.” That kind of family can be shown through the illustration of a loving husband giving his wife some facial masks on Christmas Morning. As she opened the gift, her 5-year-old daughter asked what they were. The Mom replied, “It’s a present to make me beautiful.” After the mom applied one of the facial masks, the little girl looked at her mom and replied, “Mom, it didn’t work.”

Another definition Webster’s gave is “all the descendants from a common ancestry.” To me, that sounds like the relationship God has with His church. 2 Corinthians 6:18 says, “And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty. Ephesians 5:25-27 defines the church family as being without blemish. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” 

Thankfully, God has given us the opportunity to be part of a perfect family. Maybe you’re not a member of the church family, and you would like to put Christ on in baptism or you want us to pray with you and for you so you can get your life on track. Whatever your need, please reach out to God’s perfect family. 

Lehman on last day of camp this year.

OUR PROBLEM WITH AUTHORITY

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

A researcher at the Royal Society of Medicine in the UK published a paper called “The Spoilt Generation.” He ties the alarming rates of child depression, teenage pregnancy, obesity, violent crimes by adolescents, and more to a basic lack of respect for authority (Daily Mail).  The Cato Institute published a study simply entitled, “Respect For Authority.” One of its most basic findings is that the public believes social instability follows  disrespect for authority (Cato). 

What do you think?  Have you noticed a decline of respect in society for parents, teachers, the police, employers, and  others in a position of authority? Most of us would agree it’s happening, and that it is not good.  Peter warns about it in the most sobering of terms, speaking of the unrighteous who face eternal punishment as those who, in part, “despise authority (2 Pt 2:10). Jude offers a very similar warning, describing those who turn God’s  grace into permission to do whatever they please (4), and this includes their “rejecting authority” (8).  So why do we often have a problem with authority?

We have a problem with rebelliousness. Saul, the earthly king, had a problem with rebellion (1 Sam. 15:23). Paul writes Timothy, discussing why the Law of Moses existed. It was for unrighteous people, and at the top of that list were the lawless and rebellious (1 Tim. 1:9). Rebellion is insubordination. It characterized the period of the Judges, when everyone did what they thought was right to them (17:6; 21:25). As we look at crime in our current society, we see the fruit of rebellion. CNN reports a 33% increase in homicides in major U.S. cities from 2019 to 2020, and now it is up another 24% since the beginning of 2021 (CNN). Yet, cities like Baltimore no longer prosecute drug possession, prostitution, and other low-level offenses. In California, shoplifting has in some places ceased to have any legal ramifications. How many looters in major U.S. cities have never served a day in jail or paid a penny in fines? Romans 13 clearly condemns this. Paul says “whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves” (2). Most of us would condemn this nationally, but do we struggle with rebellion against authority closer to home? Do we struggle with it against employers, elders, and parents? Rebelliousness can be milder than murder and more limited than against government. Do we only submit if we accept what they lead us to do? Do we maintain meekness and gentleness only if we agree with them? Rebellion is not the mark of a disciple of Christ; such have a different master. 

We have a problem with respect. Paul says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Th. 5:12-13). Esteem, as a verb, is found 28 times and means to think, consider, or regard. Paul is telling the church how to regard their leaders (“very highly in love”) and why (“because of their work”). Interestingly, the noun form of this verbs is often tied to various types of leadership–“Ruler” (Mt. 2:6), “leader” (Lk. 22:26), “governor” (Acts 7:10), “chief” (Acts 14:12) and “leading men” (Acts 15:22). But in 1 Thessalonians 5:13, it is a verb and means to engage in the intellectual process of thinking of them with the highest respect. The word “esteem” deals with our character generally and not just how we treat elders and any other leaders. Philippians 2:3 says, “With humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” But Peter speaks of some who “count it a pleasure to revel in doing wrong” (2 Pet. 2:13). Respect is a matter of how you set your mind. If we don’t have it in our hearts to respect those in authority, it can’t help but show in the way we speak to them or about them. Our children learn how to treat authority figures by watching and listening to us. What are we teaching them?

We have a problem with our religion. “Religion” is only found  four times in the New Testament. It means appropriate beliefs and the devout practice of our obligations (Louw-Nida, 530). How do we properly express our religion? It is not just about worshipping the way God commands. That’s a vital part, but only one way. Paul tells us what his pre-Christian religion looked like (Acts 26:5). He tells us about the false religion of some, ruled by their fleshly minds (Col. 2:18). James uses the word “religion” twice, in James 1:26-27. He teaches that pure, untainted religion is proven or disproven by your thoughts, words, and deeds. When I show disdain toward those in authority in or out of the church context, I’m telling everyone who witnesses it about my religion. I am making an impression on them that will either lead them closer to God or farther away from Him. Whatever I tell them about the one(s) in authority, I am telling them far more about me. If they follow my lead, will they stumble (cf. Lk. 17:1-2)? 

 

Our problem with authority is ultimately a problem with God. When Paul tells Rome that those who resist authority oppose God’s will, he was talking about a government ruled by wicked Caesars who murdered Christians. When I disapprove of or disagree with those in positions of authority, in the nation, church, workplace or home, I must respond how God says respond. I must leave the rest to Him. 

God’s “House-Law”

Wednesday’s Column: “Third’s Words”

Gary III

Gary Pollard

Every home has some kind of system in place to keep order. Maybe you were told to take your shoes off at the door, keep your elbows off the table, make your bed in the morning, or brush your teeth more than twice a month. Every home is different and the expectations for conduct and cleanliness vary accordingly. However your home was structured, you were at least bound to a set of rules in some form.

God’s house is no different. I’m not just talking about the building we meet in for worship, but that anytime His family offers up worship to Him we are expected to follow His rules. I Timothy 1.4 talks about God’s “house-law” (often mistranslated “stewardship” or “godly edification”). The word is οικονομία (oikonomia), combining οίκος (house) with νόμος (law). What does this mean in context? In I Timothy Paul publicly berates two members who were teaching “myths and endless genealogies which do not promote the house law of God in faith” (1.3, 4; 20).

If any teaching goes against what God has told us He wants, it’s a violation of His house-law. We understand this when it comes to daily life outside of religious activities. If we break the law we are held accountable to it. We understand that violating the laws our governments put in place to maintain order and promote justice carries consequences. Some, though, do not act as if the same applies to God’s people in a religious context.

God’s house-law is more specifically defined in I Timothy 2.1-8. Anytime and anywhere Christian men and women offer worship together, God expects qualified Christian men to lead. This is made clear with the phrase, “…in every place” (2.8). God’s house, God’s rules.

Not just any man can lead, though! He must be someone who is able to lift holy hands (that is, he is pure in life and can offer worship without the stain of sin), he must be cool-headed, and he can’t be unstable in his faith (2.8). God’s house, God’s rules.

God expects women to avoid drawing undue attention to themselves (2.9, 10) and are to allow godly men to lead them in worship (2.11-14). His house, his rules.

In all of my vast wisdom and experience as a child, I didn’t always agree with or like all of my family’s house rules. Probably every teen and their unfortunate parents experience this. My feelings about a house rule did not alter its validity in any way. It was not my house so I was not in a position to change or violate the rules. Trying to do so was not only futile but often carried consequences.

God’s design for His church is not acceptable to the secular world. In their disagreement or downright hostility toward it they have pushed many churches into changing God’s house-laws. This doesn’t fly in the legal world, the home, or in any setting where rules were set in place by those most qualified to make them. Why would it work with God?

We may not always understand why God made the laws that He did, but this is where the faith aspect of 1 Timothy 1.4 comes into play. We have to ask ourselves, “Do we trust that God knew what He was doing when He made these laws, and do I really want to challenge Him on the rules He made for His own family?” At the end of the day we must remember that in God’s house we follow God’s laws. Many of the problems facing the church in 2020 can be solved simply by accepting this fact! If we do – as in any family – we will not only have harmony in the church, but a permanent, peaceful home with God after this life.

Job 38.4-7

Korah’s Rebellion 

Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

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Dale Pollard

For the next few weeks we will look at some of the lesser known Biblical accounts, and the lessons we can learn from them. 

In Numbers sixteen there is a strange and terrifying event that unfolds. It has all the ingredients of a great movie. There’s rebellion, jealousy, vengeance, and drama but it’s so much more than a story. It’s history, and it’s been divinely recorded for our learning.

Korah seems to be the individual that starts a rebellion against God’s chosen leader, Moses. He hops up on his high horse and rallies together two hundred and fifty other leaders among the people. This group, no doubt, gave him the confidence to directly confront Moses face to face. He says, “You’ve overstepped yourself, Moses! Take a look around at the people you’re trying to lead. They are just as righteous as you, and God is in their midst!” Moses falls on his face, then says, “Tomorrow, God will make His stand with who He chooses.”

When morning comes, Korah and his fellow rebels bring incense to the Tent of Meeting to offer up to God. In the meantime, an intense conversation between God and Moses takes place. God, filled with righteous anger, is about to demolish every one of them in their tents, but Moses pleads with God to give them a chance. So, a warning is given to the people, “stay away from the tents of these evil men!” No sooner had the warning been given, the earth opens up and Korah and all those belonging to him are swallowed up by the earth. Fear spreads among the people as they were afraid for their lives, and who could blame them? God then strikes down the two hundred and fifty leaders with fire— the worship offerings still in their hands. What an account! Of course there are several applicable lessons for us, but here are just three.

Mind your Maker.

God chose for His people who He wanted to be in the leadership positions. When Korah felt that he knew better, the consequences were fatal. May we never fall victim to the mindset that tells us that we know better than God. Our Lord wants us to live a certain way, and worship a certain way. When we make changes to His divine commands, just like Korah, we have overstepped our bounds.

Mind your mingling.

How did so many band together with Korah? They were all mingling in the wrong crowd. Every one of those men made a choice. They chose to grumble and complain together, then they died together. It doesn’t matter how many people think the same way we do if that thinking isn’t Patterned after God’s thinking.

Mind your motives.

What drove these men to take such a stance? They were motivated by pride, discontentment, anger, greed, and self-righteousness. All of these attitudes are toxic for the church today, and all of them still lead to destruction.

While this account is a humbling reminder of God’s reaction to disobedience, there’s more to the story. Although Korah was out of line, his descendants would prove to be more upright (Numbers 26:11). They even go on to write some of the Psalms in the years to come, including Psalm 42. Your upbringing and roots do not have to dictate your eternity. Like Korah, we all have a choice. My prayer is that as these historical events are read we learn from them and press forward, more determined to be faithful children to a perfect Father.

“As the dear thirsts for water, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” 

Psalm 42:1-2

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