Tag: church

Not “Inwardly Obsessed!”

Neal Pollard

A very good, longtime preacher friend of mine shared an blog article on his Facebook wall.  The blog’s author, Thom Ranier (of “Surprising Insights of the Formerly Unchurched”), is not a member of the church. Yet, he captures a mentality that knows no religious boundaries.  Wherever there is a community of people, especially one that has existed for any length of time, you have the potential for the specific issues he identifies.  He calls the article, “The 10 Warning Signs Of An Inwardly Obsessed Church.”  Here are the ten:

1) Worship Wars.
2) Prolonged Minutia Meetings.
3) Facility Focus.
4) Program Driven.
5) Inwardly Focused Budget.
6) Inordinate Demand For Pastoral Care.
7) Attitudes Of Entitlement.
8) Greater Concern About Change Than The Gospel.
9) Anger And Hostility.
10) Evangelistic Apathy.
(http://www.thomrainer.com/2012/05/the-inwardly-obsessed-church-10-warning-signs.php)

He begins by saying that there is a degree of need for inward focus–teaching, counseling, healing, fellowshiping, and the like.  Yet, a church can cease thinking souls and too often it starts thinking primarily and even solely about itself.  This is spiritually unhealthy.

As we look at Ranier’s list, especially with the description he gives each one in the article, we may be able to strike off a couple of them out of hand.  These, we think, are not troubling us.  Yet, few of us could say that we are immune from all ten warning signs.  Maybe we attend a church that shows hostility toward one another.  Maybe we attend a church where the church building is almost of “iconic status.”  Maybe we attend a church where the meetings are predominantly about brick, mortar, and the otherwise material, but seldom, if ever, about soul-winning and, well, souls.

Because humanity in every time and place has always fought the battle of self, we should not be surprised that the redeemed of earth today should struggle with putting the needs of self above others.  Oh, and “churches” do not become “internally obsessed” unless “church members” wrestle with that same thing.  What I must do is discipline myself to keep my focus outward, while striving to show others the way by example.

No church wants to be labeled “inwardly-obsessed.”  It sounds unspiritual, unsound, and unsavory.  Yet, in the final analysis, the Lord does the analysis.  Like He did for the seven churches of Asia in Revelation two and three, He knows our works.  He knows who and what we are.  That said, His very message is that change is possible.  Wherever any of us is “inwardly obsessed,” may we have the humility, courage, and resolve to change!  Scripture repeatedly demonstrates that such is God’s desire.

Was It “A Sobering Judgment On Human Endeavors”?

Neal Pollard

I am currently enjoying the book, “What Hath God Wrought?”–a book that covers a period in America commonly called “manifest destiny” or Jacksonian America, when America’s borders, resources, and prominence expanded in unprecedented fashion.  Pulitzer Prize winner Daniel Walker Howe does an excellent job covering every facet of life in the United States from 1815-1848.  One facet to which he devotes a surprising amount of time is the first and second religious “awakening” movements on the frontier.  I was very surprised that he devoted nearly an entire page to the Restoration Movement led by men he notes such as Barton Stone and Alexander Campbell.  He accurately writes, “These leaders reached the conclusion that all theological and creedal formulations must be wrong.  Christians should confine themselves to the language of the New Testament and affirm or deny no religious doctrines beyond that” (181-182).   As Howe astutely observes, this movement was about the “rebirth of the primitive church” with ‘no creed but the Bible’ (182).  However, Howe found the restoration process itself flawed, writing, “The eventual outcome of the movement, however, renders a sobering judgment on human endeavors. The scriptures require interpretation, and restricting religious assertions to those of scripture proved no solution to the scandal of disagreement and division.  In the end, the antidenominational Christian movement added to the number of denominations” (ibid.).

What Howe sees is the ultimate division, but his purpose is not to look more deeply into the “why.”  Consider the premise of the movement, which he rightly portrays as rejecting creeds and following only what is found in Scripture.  While humans choose to engage in that endeavor, it is an endeavor to honor and follow what God desires and commands.  On what grounds would a professed believer in God and the Bible have for choosing something more, less, or different than the Word of God?

 Where did this movement encounter difficulties?  Howe would not reject the imperative of interpretation.  Interpretation is necessary in any field of human existence. Was it restricting religious assertions to those of scripture that was the problem and flaw? Or was it the imposition of man’s will and desires as on a par with and, more accurately, set above Scripture?  

Was it attempting to restrict religious assertions to those of scripture that led Addison Clark to say to the organist, Mrs. Mason, “Play on, Miss Bertha,” or was it not rather a compromise made to clamoring students at Add-Ran college (cf. Roy Deaver, Firm Foundation, 10/9/73)?  Was it a desire to follow scripture that led L.L. Pinkerton to add the melodeon to the worship of the church in Midway, Kentucky, or not instead his estimation that the singing there was so bad that it would “scare even the rats from worship?” (Earl West, Search For The Ancient Order, I, 311).

Because the church will ever be filled with human beings, it will ever be subject to the carnal practice of division (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10-13).  That in no way undermines the rightness of our desire to follow only scripture, adding or subtracting nothing.  It further proves how valiantly we must subject our will to His will, and focus solely on what pleases Him!


Not far from the kingdom

Neal Pollard

Jesus’ teaching was intensifying opposition from the Jewish religious community. In Mark 12:12, they sought to lay hands on Him. In Mark 12:13, they sought to catch Him in His words. The Pharisees and the Herodians started it, the Sadducees tried their hand, and then a scribe approached Him. In Elihu-fashion, he had been listening to the others interrogate Jesus and He decided to ask a plain, simple question. “Which is the first commandment of all?” (Mark 12:28). That was it. No silly scenarios. No disingenuous flattery belying sullied motives. It was a solid, serious, and substantial question. Jesus masterfully, straightforwardly answers the man, then he responds, “Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices” (Mark 12:32-33). Jesus’ evaluation of the man is captured by the inspired Luke: “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). What does that last statement suggest?

Improvement. It was a definite improvement over the other religionists represented on this occasion. It may have been an improvement over his attitude before he saw and heard Jesus handle these critics. That he was not far from the kingdom of God suggests progress. He was going the right direction.

Integrity. He had used no cunning and did not try to justify himself. The words hypocrisy and greatly mistaken tell Jesus’ attitude toward those others, but this exchange with the scribe seems marked by honesty and openness. He could see that true love was more crucial than the entire Old Testament sacrificial system. Jesus would prove that at the cross (cf. Gal. 2:20).

Insufficiency. As hopeful as this encounter was for the scribe, it closes with the man not far from the kingdom, yet not a part of it either. This is not to suggest that the man’s circumstance was hopeless. Certainly, with a heart like that, he could easily be imagined as one who obeyed the gospel when the apostles soon began preaching it. Yet, we must be reminded that “not far from the kingdom” is not enough for anyone today. The religiously sincere, the moral, the ethical, the honest, and the charitable have much to commend them, but none of those things alone suffice. Be grateful for those you meet who demonstrate these character traits, but let it propel you to try and persuade them of the gospel. If they are so honest-hearted, they will submit to Jesus’ will.

Three Results Of Healthy Churches (Acts 9:31)

Neal Pollard

The churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria were hearing challenging, accurate preaching and were actively getting the truth into their communities (Acts 9:26-30).  They walked in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).  This led to three wonderful results, the very things we should want in our congregation today.

They were unified.  Luke records that these churches had “peace.”  This word has a literal and figurative application.  While there no doubt seems to be an allusion to the absence of external pressures that were in place previously (cf. Acts 8-9).  Yet, they were preaching the word (Act 8:4) even during these hard times, and the members were drawn together by faithful service in these circumstances.  Consequently, they had peace internally even while they were debates and threats (Acts 9:29).

They were edified.  In this great, working, and spiritually healthy atmosphere, the church was uplifted.  They were building up each other and reaching out to one another.  Though it is unstated, they were no doubt making decisions and acting in such a way as to think of others before themselves.  They were acting in the best interest of one another.  What an atmosphere this produces!

They were multiplied.  Essentially, they were experiencing numerical growth because of the spiritual atmosphere.    Because the church was obeying, serving, and honoring Jesus as Lord, they grew.  So, it will ever be.  Genuine, sustainable growth does not come through the bells and whistles of fads and fashions taken from society or the religious world.  Live out the word in your life, and you will see growth.

The Holy Spirit gives us good and bad examples of churches and individuals throughout the Bible.  The purpose of this is to help us know how we ought to conduct ourselves in the household of God (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15).  Thank God for the example found in Acts 9:31.

Where Are You From?

Neal Pollard

I’ve been asked that most of my adult life.  Being raised in Georgia and receiving my college education in Alabama and Tennessee, I was asked that from the time my family and I moved to Virginia in 1994 and am constantly asked that since we moved here to Colorado in 2006.  My accent gives away my geographical heritage.  While I was a student at Faulkner University, my parents moved up to a community informally known as Mud Puppy, Georgia–several houses off Gold Mine Road north of Blairsville.  People always got a kick out of my answer when they asked, “Where are you from?”

New Orleans is “the big easy.”  Las Vegas is “sin city.”  New York City is “the big apple.”  Chicago is “the windy city.”  Miami is “vice city.”  Boston is “Beantown.” Tagline Guru has the names of some lesser known towns, too.  Did you know that Cape Hatteras, NC, is known as “the graveyard of the Atlantic”?  Forestville, CA, is “the poison oak capital of the world.”  Nashville, TN, is called “the protestant vatican.”  Gallup, NM, is “the drunk driving capital of America.”  My favorite is Algona, IA–“The world’s largest Chee-to” (www.taglineguru.com/monikerlist.html).

The final paragraph of Ezekiel describes the twelve gates of the new city.  The prophet said the city would no longer be called Jerusalem but rather “Yahweh-shammah.”  “The Lord is there” (48:35).

Would you not love to live in a place whose citizens and characteristics were truly such that the town’s name or nickname would be, “the Lord is there.”  The Hebrews writer describes the church as “the city of the living God, the new Jerusalem” (12:22-23).  We should so conduct ourselves as a congregation that all who come among us and visit with us come to identify us as “Yahweh-shammah.”  The Lord is there!

TEBOW’S IMPACT ON CHURCHES?

Neal Pollard

Wait a minute!  This is not “another story on Tim Tebow”… per se.  I have used great restraint in not writing about the Denver quarterback, but this is a bit different.  Over the weekend, we received a phone call from the New York Daily.  Columnist Erik German was working on a story about the impact Tebow has had on churches in the Denver area.

That made me wonder.  The very question is a commentary on our times.  Tebow, very openly, unashamedly devout, is making waves at water coolers everywhere.  This story is bigger than Denver.  As big as his winning ways is his attempt to glorify God whenever given the opportunity.  It is hard to describe how exciting it is to have such a positive role model being given such prominence.  But, again, why the question?

Maybe the Bear Valley congregation is an aberration.  Maybe other congregations of the Lord’s people are having streams of people drop in because of Tebowmania or even Tebowing.  Maybe the denominations are feeling a similar impact.  Maybe we have had people stop by our services because of this phenomenon, but just chose not to tell us. But, so far as I know, we have not been the benificiary of this ballplayer’s bold beliefs.

But, here is the point.  We already have a “Mile High Messiah.”  All indications are that He has no direct interest in the outcome of football games or other athletic contests.  If it takes Tebow (or any other celebrity) to put us “on the map” with the community, then maybe we should ask ourselves where we have been before now.  What we have in Christ and what Christ wants to offer the world far transcends what anybody else has to offer.

Maybe Tebow will inspire those of us who know and have obeyed the truth to shine the light brighter than ever.  Maybe we will be unashamed to tell them the good news. Maybe this will wake us up to the power of our collective influence.  Maybe we will sustain such zeal and boldness, no matter what number 15 does on the playing field.  Let us pray to that end!

Learning From The Church’s First Recorded Sin

Neal Pollard

The world likes to record and memorialize its “firsts”–the first airplane flight, Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color barrier, Roger Bannister’s sub-four-minute mile, Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, and so forth.  There are some firsts no one relishes.  Oklahoma City was the site of the first federal building bombed by U.S. citizens.  Nevada was the first state to legalize prostitution.  Hawaii was the first state to legalize gay marriages.  Andrew Johnson was the first president impeached.  The 1919 Chicago White Sox was the first professional team caught losing on purpose for money.

Acts 5:1-4 records the first sin in the church.  It was a sin concerning money.  This sin, committed by Ananias and Sapphira, was written to warn us.  It contains many lessons we need today.  Consider a few of them.

The church was imperfect in the days of the apostles.  The church was, is, and always will be imperfect on the “human side.”  It is inevitable because we are all sinners (cf. Rom. 3:23).  Yet, the divine side of the church was, is, and always will be perfect, as perfect as God is.  The New Testament instructions and teaching about what the church is to be and do is not subject to change, for its Designer is divine.  Yet, we will never find a “perfect church” here because it is filled with flawed humans like us.

The church is right, though some in it are wrong.  There are some hypocrites in the church, as there are anywhere.  There are liars in the church, as there are anywhere.  There are covetous and greedy people in the church, as there are anywhere.  These things are wrong!  But it is not a refection on the purchaser or purchase price of the church.  A church can have members who are less than they should be without such being the grounds for us rejecting Christ and His church.

It is wrong to cover up sin.  God did not cover up their sin.  He advertised it in Acts five.  Sometimes, we are prone, when we see someone practicing sin, to look the other way or make excuses for it.  How consistent is it for us to preach against the sin of those “outside,” then ignore that which occurs “inside.”

One can commit sin while doing good.  This couple was giving to support the displaced saints in Jerusalem.  They had a part in it, but they lied and thus sinned.  The Bible reveals others who sinned while doing good–Nadab and Abihu were worshipping (Lev. 10:1-3).  Today, there are good people who sin in their teaching and worship.  What about those who sprinkle for baptism, add instruments to their singing, place women in positions of authority and leadership, teach salvation by faith alone, etc.?

There are many other lessons to be learned from this infamous couple.  May we so live and labor that we will be remembered by the Lord on the last day, but may it be a remembrance for righteousness and not wickedness.  Let us do right and for the right reasons!

(I believe these main points came as the result of a conversation I had with Flavil Nichols at least fifteen years ago).