Tag: church

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

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Cooperating With God, Commended To Men (6:1-13)

Neal Pollard

We remind ourselves that chapter breaks are an artificial addition inserted many centuries after the Bible books were written. This chapter is a prime example. Paul is drawing a conclusion in verse one based on what he’s said in 5:16-21. As God “appealed” to the Corinthians through Paul and Timothy (5:20), Paul makes an “appeal” to them not to receive God’s grace in vain (1)–another way of expressing the reconciliation process Paul has just detailed in the last several verses. As the messengers of this reconciliation and grace, Paul again sets out to defend their work and their motives.

He asserts, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry” (3). We don’t know all the reasons why their ministry faced fault-finders, but most who actively serve the Lord will have plenty of detractors. Paul’s opponents resorted to some pretty nitpicking and petty criticisms (see 10:10). I have had the displeasure of hearing elders, deacons, other preachers, and church workers come under fire from self-appointed spiritual analysts, and it usually tells me more about the critic than the criticized. But how much good work has been unfairly tainted by hypercritical people? Moved by the Holy Spirit, Paul goes to the trouble to counter these unnamed “analysts.” 

THEY WERE EARNEST IN THEIR APPEAL (1-2)

Seeing themselves as God’s ambassadors (5:20), they urged the Corinthians not to throw away the great gift of salvation they had received (1). He quotes Isaiah 49:3, where Isaiah also feels like his words were falling on deaf ears and he himself was rejected (49:1-6), to remind them of how precious this salvation is (2). Paul is affirming that they were engaged in ministry to help the Corinthians successfully cross the spiritual finish line. It was urgent! They cared about them.

THEY WERE MINDFUL OF THEIR INFLUENCE (3-9)

In no other letter does Paul so specifically and so frequently refer to the price he paid for serving Christ (see also 4:8ff; 11:23ff; 12:10). He was mindful of not just his exhortation, but just as much his example. So they commend themselves “in every way” (4): he lists ten difficulties (4-5), nine spiritual attributes (6-7), and eight contrasting situations (8-10). They put their work and their character under the microscope, asking the Corinthians to consider their faithful discharge of their divine duty. They understood that souls and eternal destinies were at stake, so they pursued their work with great carefulness. We do well to be mindful of our example and our efforts to win people to Christ and help them mature in Him, too! 

THEY WERE GENUINE IN THEIR AFFECTION (11-13)

Paul was moved by more than his duty to God. He unashamedly declares his affection for these Christians. While he felt they had not always reciprocated his affections, he humbled himself to ask that they open their hearts as wide to him and he and his coworkers had to them. 

More times than I can count, I have seen elders serve from sincere motives, spending hours and expending emotion, to help a struggling brother or sister only to have these men’s love and motives unfairly questioned. The same is true of other, hardworking Christians. Our job is to strive to live above reproach knowing we will be unfairly criticized. It is also important for the critic to take personal inventory, asking if they have considered the spiritual consequences of their maligning. When we all decide to pull together and work for the same important goals, so much more gets accomplished! If you’ve faced unfair criticism, remember that God has a perfect record of your deeds. Even if others misunderstand, God doesn’t! 

Don’t Be Hating

Don’t Be Hating

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Gary Pollard

What is hate? In the New Testament, hate is μισεω (miseo) and has a few definitions. According to one of the best Greek-English lexicons out there, it can mean “anything from ‘disfavor’ to ‘detest’ depending on its context” (BDAG, μισεω). In other words, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean complete detestation. 

“Hate” is kind of a loaded word today. It’s been hijacked by activists seeking to condone depravity. It’s been a little watered-down as a result. 

Any rational person would understand if we hated someone for good reason. Our justice system has divided homicide into categories at least partially for that reason. They’re all wrong, but some forms of hatred are more understandable than others. 

That’s human thinking. The short version is that it is always wrong to hate anyone for any reason (Mt 5.43ff). What about terrorists who target civilians and use them as human shields? They are our enemies. What are we supposed to do for our enemies? Love them, pray for them (5.44). God brings justice on his terms. A soldier fighting these groups may well be that instrument of justice (cf. Rom 13.4). But most of us aren’t soldiers. That’s just an example, so apply this (minus the soldier part) to illegal immigrants, to the sexually depraved indoctrinating our children in public education, to the Federal managerial state destroying our country, and to any other group/movement/individual we might hate because of their behavior and worldview. 

It can be extremely difficult to do (speaking from personal experience here), but God demands perfection in this context — we have to love our enemies, we have to pray for our enemies. We don’t usually select random people as targets of our hatred. We usually have good cause! That doesn’t excuse a poor view of even the worst of people. God will deal with them, our job is to love and pray for them. 

Finally, our church family is never, ever, ever a place for hatred. Hatred (μισεω, BDAG) means “having a strong aversion to” or “to disfavor” (instead of giving preferential treatment). We’ll end by letting God speak for himself: 

“We know that we have left death and have come into life. We know this because we love each other. Anyone who does not love is still in death. Anyone who hates a fellow believeris a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life” (I Jn 3.14-15). 

Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

Montagues, Snakeheads, And Christians

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Brent Pollard

Juliet’s poignant line, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, delves into the profound influence of names on identity and perception. This metaphor underscores that a name does not define the essence of a thing or person. In the play’s context, Juliet ponders over Romeo’s last name, Montague, associated with her family’s rival house. She asserts that his true self would remain unchanged even if Romeo had a different name. This argument posits that a name is merely a label without impacting a person’s or thing’s inherent qualities or worth.

Lawmakers in Maryland are proposing a solution to an environmental problem by changing the name of an invasive fish species known for damaging the local ecosystem. The snakehead fish, currently unpopular as a food source, could become more attractive to consumers if given a more appealing name. This example raises interesting questions about the power of names and labels in shaping our perceptions. The lawmakers suggest renaming the fish “Chesapeake Channa” to emphasize its connection to the Chesapeake waters where it currently resides. The aim is to rebrand the invasive species and replace its negative connotations with a more positive image. Given that snakeheads taste delicious, Maryland’s campaign may prove successful. This case illustrates how a simple name change can significantly alter our perception of an object, in this case, a fish.

Juliet’s perspective that a name is a label with no influence on the intrinsic qualities of an object is worth considering. It suggests that intrinsic attributes hold more significance than the names or labels we assign. This viewpoint allows for tactics like renaming a fish to enhance its appeal. However, what if a person or thing’s name reflects their identity and purpose? In such cases, it would be unwise to alter the name. This rose must remain a rose. This caution underscores the responsibility we bear when considering such changes.

Peter reminds us that a name holds significant meaning. In 1 Peter 4.16, he implies that if someone faces persecution, it should be solely because of their faith. For instance, if authorities punish a person for stealing, it does not count as persecution. Those to whom God has given the correction’s instrument should treat the offender lawfully, as mentioned in Romans 13. So Peter says, “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4.16 NASB95). Though it appears only three times in the New Testament, the term “Christian” came to describe a community of believers who followed Jesus Christ’s teachings and distinguished themselves from Jews and pagans. It is the new name God promised through His prophet, Isaiah (Isaiah 62.2). 

As followers of Christ, it is crucial to identify ourselves as Christians. While being “spiritual” or “a believer” is not wrong, it does not define our identity as followers of Christ. To be faithful, we must fully embrace the responsibility that comes with the name “Christian.” This commitment involves living a life consistent with Jesus Christ’s teachings and values, actively following in His footsteps, being a part of a Christian community, and demonstrating love, compassion, and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives. Avoiding “Christian” may indicate a reluctance to accept the associated responsibility and accountability. By embracing our Christian identity, we respond to the call to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet.

In the end, while names and labels can sometimes be arbitrary or misleading, there are cases where a name carries deep significance and meaning, intricately tied to identity and purpose. Just as Juliet recognized that Romeo’s value transcended his surname, and Peter emphasized the importance of embracing the Christian name, we must carefully consider when a name represents something core that should not be rebranded or obscured. A name like “Christian” is not just a label but a calling to embody the teachings of Christ through words and actions. So, while changing names can sometimes be helpful, we must also respect when a name holds profound meaning that should be upheld rather than discarded for pragmatic purposes. Distinguishing between these situations requires wisdom and care.

Why You Must Repent

Why You Must Repent

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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.

Encouragement From Eutychus

Encouragement From Eutychus

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Dale Pollard

Here’s a quick recap of the bizarre events that unfold in Acts 20.

  • Paul preaches past midnight. 
  • A young man named Eutychus falls asleep.
  • As a result he plummets to his death. 
  • He is then miraculously brought back to life.

So what?

Each word that was written in scripture was penned under God’s guidance— for our guidance. This means that even those accounts that might initially strike us as pointless are, in truth, spiritually pointed. 

With this is in mind, Let’s briefly examine three life lessons from Eutychus that deliver relevant reminders for the 21st century Christian. 

  1. A lesson on Common sense: God is with His people, God protects His people, but we still read of a young man who sits where he shouldn’t have. As a result, he tumbles to his death. Unfortunate things can happen to godly people, especially in the absence of common sense. 
  2. A Lesson On Commitment: This account is not a call for preachers to shorten their sermons, or even a warning for members who might be tempted to take a nap in worship. While Eutychus may not be the first guy that comes to mind when we think of a Bible character who demonstrated commitment— he still made it a priority to be with his Christian family. He held on, even though it was clearly past his bedtime. How many of us have forsaken the assembly simply because we don’t feel like it? How many Christians find themselves struggling to remain focused in a one hour period of worship? There is something to be said for this man’s commitment to Christ— even as the hours ticked by and exhaustion began to take its toll on him. 
  3. A Lesson On Correction: Though I would not want to be immortalized in history as the guy who fell out of a window in church, this potential tragedy became a powerful testimony of God’s grace. God does not expect total perfection, rather our constant correction. When we take a tumble spiritually, what corrections can we implement to avoid the same  mistake in the future? 
1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (IX)

1 Corinthians: That There Be No Divisions Among You (IX)

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Unity And Lawsuits (6:1-6)

Neal Pollard

Apparently, brethren suing one another was a problem plaguing the church of the first century. James asks his audience, “Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?” (2:6). In context, these are not the rich from the community but rich Christians taking their brethren to court. It was a problem for the church at Corinth, and Paul takes the time to address it. 

This Practice Was Audacious (1)

“Neighbor” in this verse is “Christian neighbor,” which is clear from verses five and six. Paul shows his disbelief at this practice, using the word “dare.” We might say, “How dare you do this?” To take a matter of disagreement or division between ourselves “before the unrighteous and not before the saints” damages the image of the Lord’s church in the community. 

This Practice Was Ignorant (2-3)

Often, we get so off track and err because we “do not know” God’s Word (Paul says “do you not know” twice in these verses). I have known of Christians suing Christians, and it is the height of ignorance of the worst kind! When challenged by the Sadducees, Jesus responded, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Mat. 22:29). When we are ignorant of Scripture, we will wind up violating the will of God and breaking the heart of God.

This Practice Was An Abdication (4-6)

God has a definitive system for His family to handle whatever challenges it faces. If our brother offends us, He has a plan (Mat. 18:15-17). If our brother is overtaken in a fault, He has a plan (Gal. 6:1-2). If we offend our brother, He has a plan (Mat. 5:23-24). If we have seemingly irreconcilable difference, He has a plan. The plan is not to use earthly courts, but to solicit “a wise man” from “among you” (5). 

This Practice Was Damaging (6)

Paul’s bottom-line concern is inviting interference and unflattering insight into the precious bride of Christ. To have the world see the church’s “dirty laundry” can do untold harm to her ability to win souls to Christ. Incidentally, this is not about covering up abuses or crimes, but rather personal grievances brethren have between each other. If we act like the world in such circumstances, we offer the world absolutely nothing different from what it already believes and does. The world is hopelessly divided already. They should be able to look to the church and see a higher law! 

King Jotham

King Jotham

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A Model of Principled Leadership and Spiritual Integrity

Brent Pollard

King Jotham of Judah, who reigned in the 8th century BC, is often overlooked in the historical pantheon of biblical kings. However, he was known for his prudent leadership and unwavering moral integrity. After succeeding his father, Uzziah, Jotham distinguished himself by actively studying his father’s reign and taking measures to avoid repeating his mistakes. He focused on enhancing his kingdom’s defenses and infrastructure. Additionally, he dedicated himself to religious duties, ensuring he stayed within his limits. The astute blend of political acumen and spiritual dedication ensured stability and prosperity in Judah under his rule and set a benchmark for effective leadership, highlighting the importance of balancing authority with piety. Contrasting Jotham’s decision to prioritize constructive projects with Uzziah’s focus on personal glorification highlights vital leadership lessons that can shape individual and communal growth.

Jotham’s Wisdom and Prudence (2 Chronicles 27.1-2):

Jotham was determined to learn from his father Uzziah’s errors, which defined his otherwise successful reign. He wisely avoided overstepping his boundaries by considering his experiences, family history, and lessons from observing others. Unlike his father, Jotham remained humble and discerning and never trespassed into sacred spaces. His prudence, demonstrating his dedication to being a proper leader, underscored his effectiveness in guiding his kingdom.

Jotham’s Constructive Endeavors (2 Chronicles 27.3-5):

While his father concentrated on building structures for war and glorification, Jotham prioritized constructive projects that would benefit his people. This included fortifying Judah and rebuilding the Temple’s Upper Gate to improve the community’s security and welfare. His dedication to public service and the welfare of his people exemplified his altruistic leadership style and priorities.

Jotham’s Spiritual Integrity (2 Chronicles 27.6–9):

Jotham had a solid and unwavering bond with God, showcasing the depth of his spiritual devotion. He prepared to walk before the Lord his God, demonstrating his intentional alignment with God’s will. Jotham shared King Jehoshaphat’s deep commitment to seeking God. This underscores the importance of spiritual integrity as a cornerstone for effective leadership.

The Challenge of Righteous Leadership:

Despite Jotham’s exceptional leadership, his people did not emulate his virtuous example and continued practicing idolatry, revealing the complexities of leadership and followership dynamics. This highlights a crucial lesson: being a good leader does not necessarily ensure followership. Leaders ought to maintain their integrity regardless of whether or not they have public approval or support.

King Jotham’s life inspires us to uphold righteousness and integrity despite external pressures or historical influences. His story encourages us to steer clear of societal corruption and familial mistakes, guiding us toward a path that aligns with the divine expectations of justice, compassion, and righteousness. Jotham’s example encourages us to dedicate our time and talents to higher principles, instilling a vigilant and cautious approach to personal and communal responsibilities. Following King Jotham’s example can assist in constructing a society where integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior are prioritized, fostering a community built on trust and righteousness. It may not always be the easiest or most popular choice, but maintaining our integrity is crucial for earning the trust and respect of others. Amid life’s challenges, King Jotham is a resilient role model, showcasing the strength of staying committed to one’s values and beliefs in the most adverse circumstances. Ultimately, his legacy serves as a reminder that character strength and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right are the actual indicators of success. 

The Art Of Contentment

The Art Of Contentment

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Neal Pollard

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

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

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

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

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

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

They Did Not Drive Out The Inhabitants

They Did Not Drive Out The Inhabitants

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Neal Pollard

The Lord delivered a dire warning to the people through Moses, saying, “But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell” (Num. 33:55). Well, from mighty Judah to lowly Dan, Israel did not drive them out. The rest of the book of Judges reveals the consequences of this spiritual failure, which are first mentioned in Judges chapter one. 

Notice how the writer chronicles this.

  • It was a failure on the part of all the tribes and their territories (19, 21, 27. 29-31, 33). The statement is repeatedly made that they did not drive them out. Not even one tribe could claim they did what God told them to do. 
  • It caused Israel to live with the Canaanites in the land (21, 29-30, 32-33).  “Living among” the natives would cause the ways of the Canaanites to live inside of them. They would ultimately become guilty of as heinous and deplorable deeds as the natives ever did (read Moses’ dire warning about this in Deuteronomy 8 or Joshua’s dire warning about this in Joshua 23-24, for example). 
  • They did not drive out the people completely (28). I have heard it said that “partial obedience” equals “full disobedience.” In the end, either we have done what the Lord commanded or we have not. For national and spiritual purity to exist, God knew they had to totally eliminate the unrighteous beliefs and practices of the godless natives. Israel failed in this task.
  • The Canaanites were more persistent than the Israelites (27,35). Manasseh was tasked with clearing out five villages and their inhabitants, and they failed in each task. Why? “The Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land.” The “world” was more tenacious in their work than God’s people. 
  • They compromised (30,33,35). The divine instructions called for complete annihilation. But, when the Israelites faced resistance or grew weary in their task, they chose an alternative to the Lord’s command. Instead of killing them, they subjected them to forced labor. They were planting the seeds that would produce the deadly crop of every man doing what was right in his own eyes (17:6; 21:25). 
  • They were even overcome by the Canaanites (34). In the pathetic case of Dan, the Amorites drove the Danites back into the hill country and “did not allow them to come down to the plain.” Instead, the Amorites persisted in dwelling in their territory. Only with the “house of Joseph” coming to their aid did Dan get to live in their allotted area.

Judges 1-2 are a recap of highlights in the second half of the book of Joshua. The primary focus of the book of Joshua is on the people’s obedience and the resulting blessings of possessing the promised land. The primary focus of the book of Judges is on the people’s disobedience and the resulting trouble that followed. This was the message of Moses, in preparing them to possess Canaan. He told them, “For if you will be careful to do all this commandment that I command you to do, loving the Lord your God, walking in all his ways, and holding fast to him, then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations greater and mightier than you. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours. Your territory shall be from the wilderness to the Lebanon and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea. No one shall be able to stand against you. The Lord your God will lay the fear of you and the dread of you on all the land that you shall tread, as he promised you. See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other gods that you have not known” (Deut. 11:22-28). Ultimately, they chose the curse.

What is the take away for us under the law of Christ today? Our mission is to save the world, not destroy it (Mat. 28:19). We are to live in the world, but are not to be “of” the world (John 17:15). We are to be salt and light for them (Mat. 5:13-16), not to be conformed to them (Rom. 12:2). God wants us to enjoy every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph. 1:3ff), but we labor under a potential curse (1 Co. 16:22; Gal. 1:6-9). We cannot live perfect lives, but we are expected to keep our hearts soft and submissive to the will of God. We must keep to our purpose and maintain our resolve to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:20-22). Let us strive to leave a legacy of obedience! 

If The Gospel Isn’t Working

If The Gospel Isn’t Working

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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 



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Quote, (A-z-trains.com)