Tag: Christianity

Show Your Trust

Carl Pollard

In 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen-pound rock while fishing in Little Meadow Creek. Not knowing what it was made of, his family used it as a doorstop for three years. In 1802, his father, John Reed, took it to a jeweler who identified it as a lump of gold worth about $89,000. That lump of gold, which was used as a doorstop for three years in North Carolina, is one of the biggest gold nuggets ever found east of the Rockies. Until its composition was determined, its value was unknown. 

Until the composition of our faith is determined, its strength is unknown. God will give you the opportunity to prove your faith. What kind of faith will we have? James 2:20-26, “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” 

These two examples could not be any different to the Jewish mind. Abraham, the father of faith, and Rahab, a Gentile prostitute. Abraham was justified by works. 

When was he justified? When he physically took his son to a physical mountain, and placed his physical son on a physical altar. HIS FAITH LED HIM TO DO SOMETHING IN THE WORLD AROUND HIM. What is your faith causing you to do? At some point your faith needs to move from your mind to the world around you. Rahab was justified through the “working of her faith.” Faith demands action. 

It requires Intellect, Emotion, and ACTION. 

Noah had a devoted faith so he believed and obeyed. God told him what was going to happen, and how to avoid the destruction of the world. And Noah believed and obeyed. God has warned us what is going to happen, and how to avoid the destruction of the world. Do you believe that? Then have a devoted faith. A belief that will lead you to devote your life to God. A faith that acts on the word of God. What is the designed end of faith? Why are we to have faith? Because true faith leads to justification (salvation) 

Just like Noah obeyed, and Abraham and Rahab obeyed. 

If Abraham didn’t offer Isaac, what kind of faith is that? If Noah didn’t build an ark, what kind of faith is that? God expects us to have a work of trust. Abraham didn’t know what would happen to Isaac, but he knew God made a promise to Him. Noah spent 100 years building a boat on dry land, but he knew that rain was coming. What will we do with our faith? 

God has warned us of the destruction of our world with fire one day; are you gonna build a boat? He has told us how to be saved–through His son. Many will struggle with dead faith. All talk, no action. Many struggle with demonic faith, God has their intellect and emotion, but He doesn’t have their life. Some have a devoted faith. A trust that is seen through the life they live. What kind of faith do I have? If I don’t have works, if God doesn’t own my life, my faith is no good. 

My belief in God is useless. The only thing that comes from that is regret, because one day we will know exactly why we aren’t in paradise with God. 

We failed to act on our belief.

Why Suffering?

Gary Pollard

This week’s is possibly one of the most-asked existential questions out there. “Why is suffering a part of the human experience?” Believer and non-believer alike struggle with this one. Believers and even many agnostics struggle to justify the existence of an all-powerful, all-loving God with “bone cancer in children” and other seemingly senseless evils. Non-believers may struggle with the existence of suffering, too, especially if their worldview involves progressivism. After thousands of years of lessons learned, shouldn’t we have found a way to eliminate suffering? 

The Bible answers this question: we brought suffering to the human experience by violating the relationship we had with God. The story of the Bible is one that ultimately repairs this condition, thanks to God becoming human and sacrificing himself to repair that breach. On top of that, he came back to life as proof-of-concept and as a promise — we will have immortality, too. The message of Christianity is one that looks forward to a time without evil’s consequences (especially suffering and death). For many people, accepting the hard truth of our (i.e. humanity’s) culpability in the existence of suffering is too much. It can’t be that simple! 

We could illustrate this with an adapted pagan myth. Pandora’s box is well-known to many — she opened a box that contained all of the evil in the world, but with hope attached to them. There was no returning those things to the box and it affected everyone. While the framework of the story is decidedly pagan, it is rooted in historical fact. The first woman on earth did actually open something like Pandora’s box, introducing entropy to the planet for the first time. The consequences were far-reaching, as Christians believe all of humanity came from her. We are living with the consequences of Pandora’s box having been opened. 

Even if we look at this from a totally naturalistic standpoint, the existence of suffering does not necessarily preclude an all-powerful, loving God. In fact, it offers a fairly reasonable explanation for why suffering affects good people! What it does lack is anything resembling meaningful hope for a brighter future — this explanation ends with physical death, the beginning of eternal non-existence. A naturalistic explanation is something like this: There is suffering in the world because we’re all born ignorant and have to learn from the mistakes we make. Mistakes often have a ripple effect, and can sometimes negatively affect others. For example, a new driver’s inexperience may cause an accident that takes the life of an innocent person. It’s seemingly random, chaotic, senseless. What did that other person do to deserve death? Nothing, they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even the naturalistic worldview understands that bending nature’s laws to prevent all tragedies would have devastating consequences in our current framework. 

So why doesn’t God intervene in every situation? The short answer is “we don’t know.” He does often intervene (cf. Hb 1.14; I Kgs 17.8-16; Ruth; Dan 3.8-30, and many, many others), but we don’t always know why. His perspective is infinite, ours is not. It’s frustrating, painful, and confusing at times, but we all accept that it’s temporary. We know that he won’t allow us to deal with more than we’re capable of handling with character intact (I Cor 10.13), but not too much beyond this. Christianity views suffering as part of the human experience that we’re quite ready to leave behind. This is why death is something we look forward to! 

We have sufferings now, but they are nothing compared to the great glory that will be given to us. Everything that God made is waiting with excitement for the time when he will show the world who his children are. The whole world wants very much for that to happen (Rom 8.18-19). 

I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have overcome the world” (Jn 16.33). 

What The Holy Spirit Will Never Do

Neal Pollard

There is no question that the Holy Spirit, as an everlasting personality of God, is unlimited in power.  He can do whatever it is possible for God to do, for He is God.  It is interesting to read or hear religious people, from preachers to other members, claiming or asserting things the Holy Spirit is doing in churches and lives today.  In fact, several of these claims demand an answer, principles from scripture that must be considered before such claims are believed and embraced.  What are some things the Holy Spirit will never do?

The Holy Spirit will never override our free will.  John Calvin, a 16th century protestant reformer, went to an extreme that placed salvation solely in God’s hands.  He contended that man did not have a part in it at all.  From this premise came five broad religious ideas that eventually became identified as Calvinism.  One of these tenets is called “irresistible grace,” the idea that those God chooses for salvation are led to faith by the work of the Holy Spirit upon the human heart.  Tragically, this false idea is supported by many in religion today.  Yet, Scripture makes it clear that even in the first century, when the Holy Spirit operated miraculously in confirming the spoken message of Christ, His apostles, and other early Christians, He never directly operated upon the human heart in a way that overtook or overwhelmed the free will of the individual.  Cornelius received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:48-49), but how was he saved?  Acts 11:14-15 indicates that it was words told to him whereby he and his house were to be saved.  1 Corinthians 1:18 tells us that God chose to save souls through the message preached.  One can look in the Bible from cover to cover and never find a statement or implication that God acts directly upon the human heart in a way that overtakes our will and leads us to belief and salvation.  Scripture repeatedly urges man to choose for himself, if he wills (Rev. 22:17; Matt. 11:28-30; etc.).  The Holy Spirit works powerfully upon the human heart to persuade man to obey God, but He does so through the powerful word (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16).  This message is so compelling and convicting, but God has left it to our free will to decide whether to accept or reject this message.

The Holy Spirit will never contradict revealed truth.  Increasing claims are made in churches today about what the Spirit is working in churches to accomplish.  Often, the Spirit has been given credit for a church’s change of policy in women’s role, how or on what to spend money (such as for a grandiose campus), or even a strange, new doctrine.  Such assertions, however, ring hollow.  If these contentions were true, such would reflect most negatively on the character and nature of God.  The result of God revealing one thing in scripture, then revealing something else directly, is contradiction and confusion (cf. 1 Cor. 14:40).  God claimed that He was giving us His will for all people of all time (John 14:26; 16:13; Jude 3, 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3).  If He is still revealing new truth through the Spirit, was He right in those passages?  If He is still revealing new truth through the Spirit, how does this not reflect on His honesty?  God cannot lie (cf. Ti. 1:2), but those who claim Holy Spirit guidance in revealing new truth today, if they are correct, make Him such.

The Holy Spirit will never assert what cannot be confirmed.  Considering the work of Moses, then the later prophets, Jesus, His apostles, and others who asserted that their message was directly from God, one finds miracles being performed which confirmed without doubt the source of the message.  Without such tangible confirmation, how does the one who receives the claim know that claim to be true?  Anyone can claim that the Spirit revealed something to them or told them to do something, but how can anyone know they are right without clear confirmation?  That is what Aaron’s rod was for.  Isaiah (7:14), Jeremiah (44:29), Zechariah (3:8), and others all pointed to a sign that would confirm the veracity of their message.  History bears witness to the truthfulness of their claims (cf. Deut. 18:22).  After the church was established, Paul was already teaching in the first century that the miraculous gifts would not be needed once the written word was completed (1 Cor. 13:8-12).  God has never left Himself unsubstantiated.  How do we confirm doctrine?  We go to the Word God breathed.  It reveals His thoughts and His will.  He will not sanction men’s unconfirmed claims, and we are wise not to rest our hopes on such.  It is a dangerous and unfounded precedent to simply claim divine guidance without proof.  With such an approach, every person can claim a certain revelation, guidance, and heavenly message.  Without confirmation, no one’s claims can be tested!

The Holy Spirit is Divine, living, and powerful.  As God, He is at work in lives today.  He indwells the Christian (Rom. 8:11; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:14; etc.).  He strengthens the inner man (Eph. 3:16).  However, may we never fall prey to the false ideas that man creates and that cannot be verified by scripture (cf. 1 John 4:1).  The Bible exists for the reason of testing such ideas as these.  It must be the standard that proves and disproves men’s claims today.  Know for certain that the Holy Spirit does not today, nor has He ever, overtaken man’s free will.  He will never lead one to a conclusion or teaching that contradicts the Word He inspired holy men of God to pen.  If one claims a Holy Spirit-given message that is more, less, or different from scripture, it must be rejected!  If the alleged Holy Spirit-given message is the same as scripture, then why would God have given us scripture in the first place if He was going to directly dispense the same message apart from the Word?  Finally, He will never allow men to pass off as truth that which they cannot confirm in some way that proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the message is divinely given.  Let God’s people be diligent students of the Bible and as such able to discern right and wrong in such matters as these!

God’s “Seal Training”

Jon Paschal

During the mask era, while I was playing on social media, I found this inspirational speech made by Navy Seal Admiral William H. McRaven during the 2014 University of Texas in Austin commencement.

Most of you are aware that the Navy Seals make up the tip of the spear for our military. Although I do not have the distinction of having trained with them, I have known a few and I can tell you they are some of the most tested, battle hardened, and confident men you will ever encounter.

Wouldn’t it be great to have similar confidence, spiritual fortitude, and faith like a seal has? I believe this is the faith described by Jesus in Matthew 17:20 and displayed by Peter as he steps from a boat of full of scared men out on to the waves of the lake in a storm expecting walk on water to his Lord.

I highly recommend you listen to the admiral’s speech. His 10 key points are very similar to a lot of Bible lessons.

1. Start off by making your bed. This may sound a little silly, but the premise is that if you complete something simple it can build a level of confidence. This confidence carries with you through the day as you attempt to overcome harder tasks. -This is a lot like little prayers before you start on a difficult task. Just like Nehemiah asking for direction, protection, and strength, I guarantee a short plea to God will be way easier to accomplish than anything else you do. And the knowledge that you have requested the assistance from God, the one entity that can make you overcome all obstacles is quite comforting. His will might not be for you to succeed every time, but by asking you have a better opportunity than not asking and it will bring you closer to the Lord.

2. Find someone to help you paddle – This is a lot like Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”.

3. Measure a person by the size of the heart, not the size of their flippers – This is a lot like Matthew 7:15-20 where Jesus says to measure a person by their fruits.

4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward. When the admiral failed in BUD/S training, he ended up wet and covered with sand or, as he referred to, as a sugar cookie. -Basically, sometimes no matter how hard you try you still fail. And even though you fail we must be like Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting what lies behind” and “press on toward the goal”.

5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses. Circuses are the extra work that the would-be seals must do when they fail a test to build strength. – And like in James 1:2-4 these extra trials produce steadfastness and make you complete.

6. Sometimes you have to slide down an obstacle headfirst – basically you must use your personal skills to do things more efficiently. In Matthew 25:14-32 the 5 and 2 talent men illustrate this point.

7. Don’t back down from the sharks – This story exemplifies overcoming fear like Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.” Or Isaiah 41:1-20, which says, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you”

8. You must be your very best in the darkest moment- This lesson is similar to what Paul provides to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-16 “Fight the good fight of the faith”

9. Start singing when you’re up to your neck in mud- Singing can help lighten a mood and strengthen your resolve. I believe this is why Psalm 96 teaches us to sing to Lord, daily.

10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bell. – Never give up. Look at the stories of Job, the apostles, and Jesus. All went through great adversity and never stopped praising God.

Although most of us will never be a navy seal, we can take the admiral’s stories along with what the Bible has taught us to do our part in changing the world and make us better Christians.

Crucified With Christ

Carl Pollard

In Galatians 2:20, the Apostle Paul states, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This concept speaks to the core of what it means to follow Jesus and to experience a true relationship with the Father.

Identity

To be “crucified with Christ” is identification with Jesus in His death on the cross. This concept is not merely theoretical; it speaks to the reality of what happens when we follow Christ. It involves a change where the old self—marked by sin and separation from God—is put to death. In this sense, it represents a fresh start, a new beginning in our life

Freedom

One of the most powerful implications of being crucified with Christ is the freedom it brings from the power of sin. As Christians, we believe that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer bound by our sinful nature. Instead, we are free to live in a way that reflects God’s love and righteousness. Romans 6:6 emphasizes this by stating, “We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with.” This freedom allows us to break free from guilt and shame, and serve God with everything in us! 

Change

Being crucified with Christ also speaks to the transformation that occurs in our lives. When we follow Christ, we are not only forgiven but also made new. This transformation is an ongoing process, allowing us to reflect Christ’s character in our lives. The Spirit works within us, producing the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. Crucify yourself with Christ, and what used to define you will be no more. You are a totally new person in Christ! 

Perspective 

Living out the truth of being crucified with Christ requires daily surrender. It means recognizing that life is no longer about our own desires but about living in accordance with God’s will. This surrender can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth. It forces us to let go of our worries and fears, trusting that God is in control.

Ultimately, being crucified with Christ calls for a life of faith. It means trusting in Jesus for every aspect of life, knowing that He is present and active. Living by faith helps us to navigate life’s uncertainties with hope and confidence, rooted in the promises of God.

Beauty

Gary Pollard

This week’s question is a new one for me: What is beauty? A follow-up question some of you may ask is, “What does that have to do with Christianity?” More than we might think! Beauty is a powerful evidence of intelligent design, an aspect of reality that inspires both fear and wonder. 

God shows us what he’s like through what he created. As Paul puts it, “There are things about God that people can’t see — his eternal power and all that makes him God. But since the beginning of the world, those things have been easy for people to understand. They are made clear in what God has made, so people have no excuse for the evil they do” (Rom 1.20). 

Inquisitive minds have marveled at the beauty/symmetry of nature for millennia. A pattern is obvious in so many seemingly-unrelated things! The “Golden Ratio” under various names has been important to our study of reality for thousands of years. It can be seen in the number of leaves on a stem, in the pattern of a nautilus shell, and even the proportions of our faces.1 Not all of us are remotely mathematically minded (at least I’m not), but I don’t need to understand the properties of Φ to appreciate its role in nature’s beauty! I have eyeballs and some level of consciousness, so it’s self-evident. 

The question wasn’t, “Why is beauty important to a believer?” Some consider this topic irrelevant or unimportant or even repulsive, but beauty plays such a powerful role in showcasing God’s unlimited power and love!

So what is beauty? In nature, it is symmetry and something that inspires awe. Snowcapped mountains and roaring seas each have their own beauty (see I Cor 15.40-41 for other examples). Awe is fear with beauty, the goosebumps we might get when we see something truly incredible or terrifying.2 God made nature and people beautiful as an expression of himself! From almost the very beginning, humanity’s enemies hijacked beauty to interact with it in ways God never intended. There’s nothing new under the sun — beauty is just one of a few things God created for good that have potential for abuse. 

In the abstract, beauty is (at least in part) whatever we might call “good” or “beneficial”. When someone helps another person we call that “beautiful”. When a person’s actions and disposition align with what is good, we call that “beautiful”. It is difficult to describe, but God has written a moral code in each person’s heart. Some listen to it, many do not. But we don’t have to delineate this code to know when something is beautiful! Anything done by that ethic is beautiful. 

So God created humans in his own image. He created them to be like himself. He created them male and female. God blessed them and said, “Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. … God looked at everything he had made. And he saw that everything was very good” (Gen 1.27-28, 31). 

 1 Examples of the golden ratio you can find in nature. (n.d.) Sacramento State University. https://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/mirzaagham/math1/SQ5.pdf
2 See also Mcphetres, J. & Zickfield, J. (09.2022). The physiological study of emotional piloerection: A systematic review and guide for future research. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 179 (pp. 6-20). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.010

Absolutely Subjective

Gary Pollard

Carl sourced several of the most commonly asked questions and gave me 70 of them to write about. So I’ll try to tackle a question or three every week for a while (or until something more interesting grabs my attention). This week’s question is, “Are all morals absolute? Where does morality come from?”

Morality concerns itself with the difference between right and wrong. Some things are always wrong: murder, sexual sin, theft, neglecting people in need, etc.

But are all morals absolute? 

Some things are wrong, but forgivable. Jesus used David as an example of this. Leviticus 24.9 said that a special kind of bread was for “Aaron’s descendants only.” In I Samuel, David (left with no other options) ate that bread. This was a sin. Jesus used this incident to prove God’s desire for “mercy over sacrifice” (cf. Mt 12.5-7). Rahab flat out lied about keeping Israelite spies in her home, but was praised as an example of faith because of her actions (Hb 11.31). Then, of course, there’s I John 5.16-17: There’s a type of sin that doesn’t lead to death, and a type that does.

The Bible also teaches — unambiguously — that some things are wrong for some people, and not wrong for others (Rom 14.23; I Cor 8.7-8). The message of those texts is: 1. “Keep your beliefs about these things a secret between you and God, because it’s a blessing to be able to do what you think is right without feeling guilty” (Rom 14.22). 2. “Never do anything that would cause a weaker Christian to mess up” (Rom 14.13, I Cor 8.9, cf. Mt 18.7). 

Where does humanity’s sense of right and wrong come from? 

Some things are self-evident to most people. Most people understand that killing someone for no good reason is morally wrong. Most people understand that taking something that belongs to someone else is wrong. Not everyone is this regulated, though — I Timothy 1.9 says that the law was made for people inclined to harm others. 

On the flip side, “sin gets its power from law” (I Cor 15.56, Rom 3.20, 5.20, 7.7-8), so we should be careful not to emphasize the regulation side of Christianity with people who are generally inclined to do the right thing. 

But some things are not second nature. Not everyone understands that chasing happiness (which is often conflated with euphoria, pleasure, and dopamine) at the expense of someone else’s character or feelings is wrong. Fornication and adultery fall into this category. There are many (often understandable) reasons someone might fall for these, but none of them are ultimately justifiable. Not everyone understands that ordering their lives around anything other than God, or giving immense adoration and respect to a human over God, is wrong (this is idolatry). Our understanding of what is morally right in these (and other related) areas comes from God. 

God’s standard of what’s right has always existed to benefit humanity, prevent abuse of the vulnerable, to give us the most fulfilling life here, and to make us eligible for rescue when Jesus returns. Morality is an extension of God’s existence. It is the first and last line of defense against darkness. This Earth is still around, so bad people and bad things still exist. God gave us a standard of right and wrong that we can’t always live up to, and that’s where grace comes in. But some things are always very wrong and can’t be practiced by anyone who wants to live forever. 

Why You Must Repent

Carl Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

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

Worldly repentance is hollow and empty. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Have A Problem

Gary Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

Dozen Thousand

Gary Pollard

It’s so encouraging that many public figures (by extension, many of their audiences) have rejected outright atheism and godless evolution! Even those who would never consider themselves believers have rejected some of the main pillars of evolution. Among them are people like Joe Rogan, Randall Carlson, Graham Hancock, Jordan Peterson (who does describe himself as a believer in some capacity), Ben Van Kerkwyk, and many others. 

What have they rejected (minus Peterson)? Gradualism/Uniformitarianism — a belief (it is a belief) that current processes are sufficient to explain how things were in the past. Uniformitarianism is the foundation supporting a belief that our earth is billions of years old, that geological processes take millions of years, and it serves as the bias behind radiocarbon/radioisotope dating. 

So what’s the problem? These same proponents of catastrophism (the belief that geological processes are best explained through natural disasters rather than gradual changes over long periods of time) still view the earth as being billions of years old. They still have an evolutionary view of our timeline. Progress is progress, so I don’t want to be harsh in discussing these people! 

But I would like to remind myself (and whoever may read this) of why I don’t believe the earth is any more than (at most) 12-15,000 years old: 

  1. Population of earth — We double in population every couple of decades. Allowing for disasters, if humans (or humans-ish, as evolutionists say) came onto the scene 1,000,000 years ago, we’d have something like 1×105000 people on earth today. The known universe couldn’t hold anywhere near that many people, much less our one planet. Since the current population of earth is around 8.02 billion (according to commerce.gov), we can safely assume that we’re no older than 12-15,000 years. 
  2. Sediment layers across our ocean floors are far too “thin” to support an age of hundreds of millions of years. Sediment should be “choking the oceans” if the oceans were that old. The salinity (saltiness) of the oceans is another problem for old-earth proponents — it has been convincingly proven that our oceans are getting saltier with time (rather than remaining constant). Based on current salinity, our earth is no more than several thousand years old. 

Many other brilliant authors have written much more than can be contained here. I recommend perusing the Institute for Creation Research’s website, as well as Apologetics Press and Answers in Genesis for more proofs. While the secular world is still off on quite a few things, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that progress is being made. 

At least for right now, there does seem to be a positive trend in society’s thirst for meaning! Let’s make the most of this by showing God’s love even more. Let’s prove to the world that there’s no better life than a Christian life! Our God is coming back — when he does, the entire world will see him. Let’s show them that we believe in him enough to love like Jesus!  

1  Butt, K. (2001). Fighting the crowd over a young earth. ApologeticsPress.org. https://apologeticspress.org/fighting-the-crowd-over-a-young-earth-882/

2  Tomkins, J.P. & Clarey, T. (2021). The oceans point to a young earth. Institute for Creation Research. https://www.icr.org/article/oceans-young-earth

God’s Word Is Your Compass

Brent Pollard

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it.” (Deuteronomy 30.11–14 NASB 1995)

The Bible is widely known, but not all individuals believe in it. Moreover, simply believing in the Bible does not guarantee a transformation in behavior. This fact is unfortunate, as the Bible provides easily understandable and actionable instructions from God (see Psalm 19:7).

Despite the varying levels of belief, it is essential to acknowledge the Bible’s widespread availability and recognition. In this digital age, accessing God’s word is just a swipe away on a smartphone. Given the Bible’s evergreen status, it’s reasonable to assume that most people also possess a printed copy. This accessibility demonstrates God’s neverending ability to provide guidance and wisdom.

Given the Bible’s widespread availability, it is crucial to understand that it offers guidance and advice. We should always count on the Word of God as our compass, using it as both guidance and assurance. The Bible instructs us to discuss and share its teachings as a practical guide for daily living, using the phrase “in your mouth” (v. 14). It’s like a handbook for navigating life, packed with wisdom we can draw upon for all our daily decisions.

However, merely reading or hearing God’s words is insufficient; they must be internalized in our hearts (see Psalm 119.11). The text emphasizes the importance of internalizing the Word of God in our hearts. It is crucial to adopt the messages conveyed by the Bible to develop our values and actions. This internalization marks the beginning of a genuine transformation. As the teachings of the Bible permeate our existence, they shape our decisions, leading us to act with deep understanding.

The ultimate purpose of religious truth is to promote obedience, not satisfy curiosity or thought. Consequently, the word of God has immense power to motivate us to take action. As believers, we must implement the teachings of the Bible into our daily lives. Following its principles is a clear indication of our genuine faith. The Bible reinforces the importance of putting one’s beliefs into action (see Hebrews 11 and James 2.14–26). As James urged, we must be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers” (James 1:21 NASB 1995).

In conclusion, the Bible is more than just a book; it is a personal compass that deeply connects with our hearts and influences our conduct. God has crafted the teachings to make them easy to understand and practice daily. To fully benefit from the Bible, we must actively engage with it, allowing it to shape our beliefs, decisions, and actions. By doing so, we can experience the transformative power of God’s word in our lives.

Rational Faith

Gary Pollard
  1. Universal constants (ie. truth) exist. They must, or civilization would not be able to sustain itself. 
  2. Only one religious system has a flawless narrative from beginning to end: Christianity. The collection of sacred writings we call the bible is uncanny in its preservation and authenticity. No other ancient document has ever held up to academic scrutiny like the bible has. 
  3. While no organization is perfect, none have positively impacted the planet like Christianity has. Not even close. No civilization has been as functional as those which have been built on Judeo-Christian principles. Literacy is as wide-spread as it is because of the bible. 
  4. Evidence for the existence of a higher power is everywhere. If the bible — which contains a supernaturally infallible narrative — claims that the God we serve is that higher power, it is only rational to serve that God. 

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. God was pleased with the people who lived a long time ago because they had faith like this. Faith helps us understand that God created the whole world by his command. This means the things we see were created by something that cannot be seen” (Hb 11.1-3). 

We were not there 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth. We were not there when he created the earth. We were not there when he came back to life. We were not there to witness any miracles. 

But what has been left to us is a series of compelling proofs, such as the complexity and order of the universe from the cosmic scale to the microscopic scale. We have a collection of ancient documents which have been preserved to a degree that no other ancient documents have, and which contain no narrative contradictions. We have a system of belief that, when followed properly, is the most functional way to live. We will not see with our own eyes until Jesus returns. Until then we are satisfied with the evidence we have, and we are confident in who God is and that he exists. This is the very definition of faith. 

If The Gospel Isn’t Working

Dale Pollard
The longest train ever recorded in history was the Australian BHP Iron Ore. The cars behind it stretched approximately 4.6 miles. To provide some mind-boggling perspective here's what one train-fanatic wrote, 

“Driven by a single driver, the line’s 99,734-ton and 682-car train was able to carry 82,000 tons (181 million pounds) of iron ore. The Australian BHP Iron Ore can fit about 24 Eiffel Towers…The weight of this train being the same as about 402 Statues of Liberty.”

Trains are impressive heavy-haulers, but only under the right conditions. On the tracks they’ll whistle while they work but once they’re derailed— they only whistle. Trains don’t work without tracks. 

Paul would make an interesting appeal to the saints who met at the infant church family in Thessalonica. He asks that they pray for the powerful gospel to have a straight path so it could move quickly. His exact words were,

“pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…”

2 Thess. 3.1b 

In a simple yet inspired prayer request a practical and profound implication steps out of subtlety— Prayerlessness will hinder the furtherance of the gospel. 

Based on this text, the content of congregational prayers may be in need of careful inspection. Reevaluating your evangelistic ministries, online presence, visibility in the community, advertising efforts, kingdom expenditures, and even the dynamics the worship service— all must fall below the prayer line on the priority list.  

While Paul was writing to the Thessalonians, God was writing to the rest of us. He reminds us that this request should ring in the prayers of His congregations today. The written petition by itself informs the modern church that this is something that God is willing and able to do for us, He would just have us ask. The powerful gospel needs prayer— like a train needs tracks. 

A 21st century church member may occasionally think 

The gospel doesn’t seem to be as convicting in my community. It works just fine in other parts of the world, and it worked well in the past— but not so much here and now. 

More Reasons Can Be Found 

Here: James 4.2-3 
Here: Matthew 21.22 
And Here: Ephesians 6.19-20 



———————————
Quote, (A-z-trains.com)

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XLVII)

Reconciled (45:1-28)

Neal Pollard

Now, it was time. In fact, it appears that Joseph could no longer hold it back. All the emotion, all the years came flowing out in this moment of time. The days of contention with her brothers, the day in the pit, the years in the dungeon, as difficult as they were to endure, must now have seemed like a distant memory. In the entire narrative, this is probably my favorite chapter. Don’t you hate to see loved ones and dear friends at great odds with each other? Or those who have hurt loved ones and friends who refuse to make it right? So much water has gone under the bridge leading us to these touching moments.

Disclosure (1-3).

Joseph’s emotions are uncontrollable and he cries (1). He dismisses everyone but his brothers. His weeping could be heard all the way to Pharaoh’s house (2). Then, he said it! “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” (3). How many times since he had first seen them had he wanted to tell them, restrained only by his wisdom and perhaps the providence of God? 

Dismay (3-5).

While it may not have been divinely intended, I wonder if there’s a touch of humor in the brothers’ response? Joseph reveals his identity, “But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed at his presence” (3). They are speechless! They believed him long ago dead, having rotted in some prison, abused by some taskmaster, or killed in the toil of a slave. But here he is before them. Of course, it was a sobering moment for them. The brother they betrayed had the power and backing of the powerful Egyptian nation behind him. Joseph beckons them to come near him, and he seeks to console them.

Discernment (5-8).

The brothers had been selfish, calculating, and without self-control. They had been wicked and sinful. What was Joseph’s perspective? He saw God in all this. Four times in his answer, Joseph credits God: “God sent me before you to preserve life” (5), “God sent me before you to preserve a remnant” (7), and “it was not you who sent me here, but God” (8; see his instructions in verse 9, too). Oh, for a heart, a mind, and a maturity to see life through Joseph-shaped glasses! To see my challenges, setbacks, adversities, and trials as the tools God uses to accomplish His purpose (Js. 1:2-4)! How that transforms tears into triumphs!

Directions (9-25).

Joseph urges the brothers to go back home without “delay” (9). He tells them where they will live, in the rich pasturelands of Goshen. He directs them to tell his father the power and position he had in Egypt. After all the weeping, embracing, and catching up with them, Pharaoh learns the news and rolls out the red carpet for Joseph’s family. He offers the best of the land (20), then Joseph lavishes them with many gifts. He heaps Benjamin with an extraordinary measure of goods and garments and his dad with extravagant gifts (23). Interestingly, he admonishes them not to quarrel on the way (24). The brothers comply!

Delight (26-28). 

Jacob is given the news and reacts like the brothers. He was stunned and in disbelief (26). But when he was shown evidence of the truth of their news, we read, “the spirit of their father Jacob revived” (27)! Something he thought was impossible was now the prospect before him. He would see Joseph again!

For all the dysfunction and missteps of this household, the beauty of unity rises like cream to the top! How it reminds me of God’s family today. While it is better to never have strife (1 Cor. 1:10-13), it is beautiful to see the humility, the spirit of forgiveness, the penitence, and the fruits of repentance that brings us back together again! When self is surrendered for the good of a brother or sister (Phil. 2:3-4), God is glorified and His work progresses. It is worth repeating: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psa. 133:1).

God’s Endless Love

Dawson Eubank

Since the world this week celebrated Valentine’s Day, I saw it fitting for us to talk about God‘s love. In the bustling noise of life with all its hardships, trials and tribulations, there is an unwavering truth–God’s endless love,. Let’s jump through Romans and unravel the depths of this divine love that sustains and transforms our lives.

Romans 5:8 – Sacrificial Love: 

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ, willingly laying down His life for us, even in our brokenness. It’s a love beyond comprehension, a love that saw our flaws yet chose to redeem us.

Romans 5:5 – Overflowing Love: 

“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Let’s dwell on the overflowing nature of God’s love, filling every corner of our hearts through the presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s a love that brings hope, assurance, and a sense of belonging.

Romans 8:38-39 – Unbreakable Love: 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Meditate on the unbreakable bond of love between us and our Creator. Nothing in this world, no circumstance or force, can sever this divine connection. It’s a love that endures through eternity.

As we ponder Romans, may we experience the richness of God’s love. Let’s embrace the truth that we are cherished, forgiven, and empowered by His love. Let this love be our anchor in the storms of life, our light in the darkest nights, and our joy in every season. For in God’s love, we find our ultimate fulfillment and purpose.

Genesis: These Are The Generations (XLI)

Joseph’s Purity And Integrity (39:1-23)

Neal Pollard

Moses resumes the saga of the rejected brother, Joseph, who through slave traders made his way into the home of a prominent Egyptian soldier named Potiphar (1). In this chapter, we learn much more about the character of a young man who had gone from favored son to subjugated stranger in a foreign land. He appears friendless, but not alone (2)! 

Joseph was blessed (2-6). Most of all, he was blessed because “the Lord was with him” (2-3). He was also blessed with competency and capability (3,6). He was blessed with people skills (4). He was even blessed with a good physique and handsome features (6). Despite the traumatic events that led him to Egypt, Joseph did not sulk or surrender in defeat. He made the most of what God gave him. We do well to do as the song says: “Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God has done” (Eph. 1:3; Rom. 2:4). 

Joseph was besieged (7-12). Joseph drew more than the admiration of his master’s wife. He was the object of her unwholesome desire (7). She illustrates the progressive nature of sin. First, she lusted (7). Then, she propositioned him (7). She totally ignored his well-reasoned refusal (8-9). She persisted in her efforts to seduce him, “day after day” (10). Finally, she waited for an opportune moment when they were alone to step up her immoral pursuit (11-12). 

How hard was this for Joseph? We are not told whether or not Potiphar’s wife was pretty, but we know she was powerful. Joseph was a young man with presumably normal, God-given sexual desires. Joseph was far from home, might have felt forgotten by God, and had tried repeatedly to resist this woman’s advances. He could have said, “Oh, well. I tried.” But he did not give in and would not give in to her seduction.

Joseph was betrayed (13-20). We are not told if it was embarrassment at being rebuffed or fear that her aggression might be discovered, but she lies about what happened. Joseph, in his effort to escape her literal clutches, left the garment that she had grabbed in her hand as he fled (13). She shows the men of the household the garment, claiming he had tried to force himself on her (14-16). She repeated the lie to Potiphar later that day and even insinuates Potiphar was partially to blame (17-19). Potiphar’s anger burns and he has Joseph thrown in prison (19-20). 

Be reminded that sometimes you will suffer through no fault of your own. You can be the victim of others’ lies, slander, and scorn. Peter’s words are spiritual salve: “Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Pet. 4:15-16).

Joseph was buoyant (21-23). There is no indication that Joseph grew bitter against God. Did he wonder what he had done wrong to suffer at the hands of his brother then his master’s wife? If so, Scripture is silent about it. Later, he indicates that he saw God’s hand with him through all of this (50:20). No, Joseph landed on his feet in the prison. Why? God continued to uphold him. God was with Joseph, extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailor (21). He is given responsibility once more (22). The Lord made him to prosper (23).

Joseph is a great example of a New Testament principle applicable to every child of God. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31b). Also, there is no temptation too great that we must give in; God will provide a way of escape and help us endure whatever we face (1 Cor. 10:13). He did that for Joseph and He will do that for you and me. 

The Dividing Christ

Neal Pollard

Wait a minute! We rightly say that Jesus died so that we all might be one in Him as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). How do we reconcile that with what Jesus says in Luke 12? He says He came to grant division (51). “Grant” means to give out, bestow, or donate, also with the idea of producing or imposing (BDAG 242-243). When Jesus makes this statement, it’s in the midst of a very distressing prospect for His own physical future (50) but also the impact His completed mission would have on His followers. 

HE REVEALS THE FACT OF THE DIVISION (Luke 12:49-53). This had to surprise His disciples for Jesus to issue this warning. Houses would divide over Him, as some tried to follow Him while others fought against Him. He desires us all to have peace (John 14:27; Col. 3:15), but it is a peace that requires submission and obedience to Him. That very prospect works like a sword (Mat. 10:34) that fights against peace for those who refuse to take Christ on His terms. Our response to Jesus may divide us from parents, children, in-laws, and no doubt siblings and even spouses (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1ff). How many of us today have experienced that very thing? Surely God would want us to be at peace, but choosing Him when loved ones refuse to do so inevitably causes division. 

HE REVEALS THE SOURCE OF THE DIVISION (Luke 12:54-56). There is a seeming abrupt change of subject here. How does their ability to read the weather relate to what Jesus has just taught? He is talking about a mindset or worldview. People in His day, like ours, were adept at analyzing earthly things like predicting weather from observing the earth and sky, but could not analyze things of greater importance. Here was Jesus who had come with the truth, something they should be able to hear, consider, and then rightly choose, but instead they chose to reject it. As long as there are those who treat Jesus this way, there will be division. 

HE REVEALS A WAY TO PREVENT DIVISION (57-59). Jesus closes this paragraph dealing with how to achieve peace when it comes to earthly things. It may be unavoidable that there will be division when it comes to who is lord of our lives, but there are ways to keep peace. If we see the spiritual as more important than the material, we will avoid unnecessary division with others. Jesus calls this judging what is right (57). Don’t fight and divide over earthly disputes. These drain our time, energy, and maybe more! It may exact a higher price than we anticipated. Reserve your fight for what really matters–things spiritual and eternal. 

We are in a divided world right now. That’s not just true politically, but certainly also spiritually. Everyone whose heart is open to the truth are those with whom we can find the common ground of unity in Christ. But our allegiance to Him may also make us some enemies. Jesus warns of this potential, but He also warns us not to unnecessarily create barriers that divide us from others. Discipleship is about priorities, prioritizing Jesus’ will above our own interests. That can be hard, but that mindset can help us win those in the world who are searching for truth. 

Temporary Versus Permanent

Eli Watson

Good evening, Today before church I was working on cleaning a house out; the lady that had lived here passed two years ago, and in the meantime the objects in the house sat and gathered dust. And after taking countless trash bags out to the dumpster, it got me thinking about how none of the earthly possessions we collect in this life matter. They’re not coming with us nor will we need/miss them when we’re gone. Let us turn our attention to Matthew 6:19-21, which says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

These words offer a powerful reminder that our earthly existence is not meant to be permanent. God, in His infinite wisdom, has instilled within each of us a deep yearning for something beyond the boundaries of this temporary life. Our souls are eternal, but we are on a temporary trip. We have a longing and sense to be with him for eternity because that’s what He had intended from the beginning when He was walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve. Making the right decisions in life by focusing on what’s truly important is the only way to get back to him though. 

Now, before we jump to the wrong conclusion, Jesus didn’t say that … 

You can’t own a phone

You can’t buy a computer.

You can’t purchase a home.

You can’t drive a car.

You can’t buy gifts for someone.

You can’t save or invest money for retirement.

You can’t buy more than one shirt or a pair of jeans.

What Jesus did say was, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth …” 

Said another way, stop focusing on accumulating money and things and set your heart pursuing “treasures in heaven,” which leads us to the next question. What does this mean?

Consider the seasons of life mentioned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. A time to be born, a time to die, a time to weep, and a time to laugh – all encompassing the spectrum of human experiences. Each phase serves as a stitch in the tapestry of our existence. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this earthly journey is not our final destination. There’s a longing for eternity within us. In acknowledging our impermanence, we can take a look at the apostle Paul, who in 2 Corinthians 4:18 encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. This shift in focus beckons us to consider the eternal significance of our actions, relationships, and faith. Everything that we do in this short life counts, but the possessions we have won’t affect our judgement day determinations, there’s no Forbes list in heaven. 

Our temporary journey on Earth prompts us to seek a deeper connection with God. It’s an opportunity to align our lives with His divine purpose, and spread his word along the way. That’s one of the most important parts of our walk in this life, and as we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that our existence here is just a sneak peak to the everlasting reality promised through faith in Jesus Christ.

The transient nature of life doesn’t diminish its value; instead, it underlines the importance of living purposefully. In Psalm 90:12, we’re encouraged to “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This wisdom involves recognizing the brevity of life and using our time wisely, investing in eternal treasures. These eternal treasures don’t care about your credit score or any debt to income ratios but rather of the spiritual score, are you living the way you know you should. Having the spiritual wisdom and maturity to get through this life will be what matters in the end. 

Our journey on Earth also invites us to share the love and hope found in Christ with those around us. Matthew 28:19-20 compels us to go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we participate in God’s redemptive plan, extending the invitation to eternal life to others. While on this earth we were instructed to be fishers of men, and we are meant to use draw people in by showing them the love of God that is pouring out of us. We have been given an opportunity to show the everlasting mercy and grace of God that has been shown to us. 

In conclusion, as we contemplate the temporary nature of our earthly existence, let us be inspired to live intentionally. May we find purpose in aligning our actions with God’s will, nurturing deep connections with Him, and sharing His love with a world longing for eternal hope. For in the tapestry of life, our temporary moments find eternal significance in the hands of our Creator.

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. 

Thoughts On Love (Part 2)

Gary Pollard

Love for other people means taking care of them, even if we don’t like them. We’re also expected to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. How is it possible to show love to God the same way we show love to people? It isn’t possible, because God needs nothing. Everything we have comes from him, so we cannot give him anything he doesn’t already have. 

Jesus told a story about two sons. Their father asked them to work in the field — one of them said, “I will,” the other said, “I won’t.” The one who agreed to work never went to the fields, and the one who didn’t want to work eventually worked. Who actually did what their dad asked them to do? 

We show love for God by doing what he wants us to do, even if we don’t want to do it. It’s very difficult (often bordering impossible) to love our enemies. But if we love God, we’ll love our enemies. In our current political climate, it’s very tempting to violate the unconstitutional policies that have been shoved down our throats for decades. But if we love God, we’ll follow every law that doesn’t demand sin on our part. If we ever reach a point where our physical safety is threatened because of our faith, we will remain passive if we love God. 

Having love for God means doing what he wants us to do. John makes it very clear that we cannot love God and hate other humans at the same time. We cannot love God and neglect our Christian family. The point of love is to prove the goodness of God! If we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, the natural expression of this is to take care of the people God created! Loving God means emulating his nature — God is love. He proved this by sacrificing his son while we were neck-deep in violating everything he holds sacred. We deserved nothing, and he gave us everything. If we love God, we try to emulate that level of sacrifice for other people.