Tag: duty

Kneeling Before The King

What do you love most about worship? David gives us so much to consider as we come before the Great I Am.

Neal Pollard

Psalm 95 is one of seven “enthronement” psalms, meaning it “celebrates the sovereignty of Yahweh over the whole earth” (Bratcher and Rayburn, np). In other words, God is King of kings. It is written by King David, a fact not deduced from the psalm itself bearing his “signature” but instead from the Holy Spirit telling us so in Hebrews 4:7.  

This is a psalm you may recognize, especially the second half of the psalm. David shifts from the privilege of the present to the prospect of repeating the peril of the past. The Bible so often charts a course for our future by pointing to the mistakes of history. Is there a more oft-repeated example of how not to live than the generation which wandered in the wilderness?

When you break down the contents of the psalm, it appears to have three major themes:

THE WORSHIP (1-2,6)

There are acts of worship–singing and shouting (1), worshipping, bowing down and kneeling (6)

There is a call to worship–David says “let us” six times (1-2,6). We should encourage one another day after day (Heb. 3:13; 10:24-25) to engage in worship.  How often do we do that? Not harassment or a guilt-trip, but a loving appeal to those who seem to be slipping in their faith to the point that they’ve stopped coming to the assemblies. God’s people need to come together to worship, and if some are struggling in this God wants us reaching out to them. 

There is an Object to worship–worship is intentional, meaning that we must direct it with our hearts, minds, and bodies. Worship is “to the Lord” (1), the rock of our salvation (1), a great God and king (3), the Lord our Maker (6), and our God (7). 

THE WONDER (3-5,7a)

Before worship this Sunday, spend a few moments contemplating just Who it is that you are approaching in your worship–His nature, character, attributes, and blessings. David does that within his exhortation and call to worship.

He is above all (3). He is in control of it all (4). He made it all (5-6). He leads us all (7a). With enthusiasm, we should exclaim, “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heaven above with wisdom, power, and love, our God is an awesome God!”

THE WARNING (7b-11)

There are three major warnings here:

There is a warning against delay (7–“Today”). When we are falling away, we may tell ourselves, “I’m not gone for good. I’ll get right…later.” We must remember that, “Tomorrow never comes” (2 Cor. 6:2). 

There is a warning against desensitization (8–“Do not harden your hearts”). None of us is beyond this happening. Keeping our hearts soft to God’s will and word is essential to staying faithful to Him. Sin hardens our hearts, and that is deadly!

There is a warning against dimness (10).  The root of Israel’s rejection was that they erred in the hearts and did not know His ways. Find someone who has wandered away in life, and you will find that they wandered away from His Word. 

Should we worship God from hearts of delight or hands of duty? Yes! Worship should be an utter joy, but let us keep in mind that it is done on His terms and in His way. It is an obligation, one which blesses us and fills our heart with delight. It is a “corporate” activity (Let US). It is a safeguard against falling away. Sunday’s coming! “Oh come, let us bow down!”

Personal Responsibility Meets Divine Grace:

A Deep Dive into the Parables of the Talents and the Hired Laborers

Brent Pollard

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25.14-30) and the Parable of the Hired Laborers (Matthew 20.1-16) delve into profound themes of stewardship and reward, each shedding a unique light on these concepts.

The Parable of the Talents reminds us of our duty to employ the gifts and resources entrusted to our care. It teaches that those who cultivate their talents can expect more significant rewards, revealing a structure where the fruits of one’s labor align with diligent stewardship.

In contrast, the Parable of the Hired Laborers reveals a profound truth about divine grace. It shows that laborers receive equal rewards regardless of when they begin their work. This parable demonstrates that God’s kingdom operates through grace rather than human metrics of effort or worthiness. The equal compensation given to all workers testifies to the Creator’s boundless generosity rather than merely accounting for their toil.

These parables weave together a profound narrative illustrating the delicate balance between human accountability and divine grace. Each carries a distinct truth that neither diminishes our responsibilities nor the grace bestowed upon us. One emphasizes our sacred duty to steward our blessings, while the other reveals God’s boundless generosity, which transcends our human understanding of merit.

Scholars and theologians have grappled with these parables’ apparent contradictions throughout Christian history. Augustine emphasized the call to earnest service in the Parable of the Talents, while Martin Luther highlighted the concept of grace alone, as illustrated in the Parable of the Hired Laborers. Today, these timeless stories continue to shape our understanding of merit, justice, and the nature of grace.

In our contemporary world, where productivity and performance often dominate the discourse, the Parable of the Talents highlights the importance of faithful effort and wise stewardship of our gifts. Meanwhile, the Parable of the Hired Laborers reminds us that human measures of worth pale compared to divine grace. In modern congregations, these teachings offer wisdom for stewarding our communities and nurturing relationships.

They guide us in developing our talents while grounding our communities in the grace that sustains us all. These parables encourage a delicate balance: striving for excellence in service while embracing the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom, which welcomes all regardless of when they join the work. This inclusiveness offers comfort and reassurance, affirming that God values all.

Rather than conflicting, these parables present a harmonious view of the Christian journey. They reveal a sacred balance where personal responsibility and unmerited grace work as partners in spiritual growth. The Parable of the Talents affirms that our efforts and choices matter—that careful stewardship of our gifts has genuine significance in God’s kingdom. The Parable of the Hired Laborers reminds us that grace forms the foundation of our relationship with God, surpassing human attempts to measure worth.

Together, they paint a vivid picture of discipleship, calling us to excellence while grounding us in humility. They encourage us to invest ourselves entirely in kingdom work while remembering that our worth stems not from our achievements but from God’s boundless love. This perspective offers enduring wisdom for navigating the interplay between human effort and divine grace, speaking as powerfully to modern truth-seekers as it did to its original audience.

Are You In The Plains Of Ono?

Neal Pollard

Valleys are often associated with dismal times, heartaches, and loss. We think mostly of the “valley of the shadow of death.” That name rings with finality. Valleys often represent low times and sorrow.
Nehemiah 6 relates the story of the valley Ono. The enemies of Israel– Sanballet, Tobiah, and Geshem– can represent the beguiling devil. Nehemiah and the Israelites can represent the Christian and his duties. Let us notice some things represented by the plains of Ono.
The Valley Of Entrapment (Nehemiah 6:1-2). The three enemies were bullies. They tried hard to trick Nehemiah into the valley where they could mischievously undo him. Today, Satan tempts us to gather at the lake instead of gathering with the saints in worship where we can drink together of the water of life. Or, he tempts us to stay at home rather than visit the sick and wayward. Do not be trapped! Solomon said, “there shall no evil happen to the just; but the wicked shall be filled with mischief” (Proverbs 12:21).
The Valley Of Scorn (Nehemiah 6:3). The enemies of God did not think the work of Nehemiah was very important (verse 4). Today, God’s enemy tells us that “church work” is not a valuable
use of time. Thanks be unto God for ministers, Bible school teachers, missionaries, faithful Christians, and spiritual leaders who refuse to fall into this valley of scorn. God resists the scorners, but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34).
The Valley Of Deceit (Nehemiah 6:7-12). If Nehemiah would have gone into this valley, he would have lost his courage and godly influence. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Do not let any one deceive you into a valley of worldliness and poor choices.
Prayer, Bible study, and general faithfulness will keep us out of these valleys. Through encouragement and active love, we can help pull others from these valleys and prevent others from plunging into them. By striving to remain on the spiritual peak of fidelity to God, we, like Nehemiah, will overcome the wiles of the wicked (cf. Nehemiah 6:16)!

What Motivates Us To Share Christ

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

If we will ever share Christ with anyone, it will be the product of some motivator. It may be romantic love, if we are trying to win a potential mate. It could be a sense of Christian duty. It might be a profound sense of love and gratitude for our own salvation. Bible writers are often trying to guide us to appreciate the value of being motivated to share the good news. That is what Paul does in 2 Corinthians 5. Paul, who has been defending the work he and his fellow-laborers have been doing as servants of Christ, moves to the broader consideration of what should move us to share Him with others. Motivation is key to involvement. Often, when I see the importance of my personal involvement in spreading Christ to others, it will touch my heart and open my lips.  What motives should move us?

THE TERROR OF THE LORD (11)

This actually connects back to verse 10. There’s a great day coming, and all of us will be judged. If one is unprepared for that day, he or she should rightfully feel terrified. Knowing the terror facing those not ready to face Jesus, we persuade men. 

PERSONAL INTEGRITY (12-13)

Paul saw his involvement in reaching souls as a matter of personal integrity and honor. These spiritual servants shared Christ for God and for them (13). Soul-winning is our responsibility, and we should realize our character is at stake. 

THE LOVE OF CHRIST (14-16)

One of the most important and transforming truths is that Christ loves everyone. In fact, Paul says “the love of Christ controls us” (14). He proved that love by dying for all so that all could be reconciled (see 17-19). All are dead outside of Christ, but He can make men spiritually alive. That love for us and them should move us. 

THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF RECONCILIATION (17-19)

Anyone in Christ is a new creation (17). He reconciled us to Himself, and then gave us the ministry of reconciliation (18). He entrusted us with the message of reconciliation (19). We are offering people the ability to restore their relationship with God. Think of the peace, relief, and joy we can bring into people’s lives by offering them the hope of Christ!

OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST (20)

God has given us the job of representing Him to men. He makes His appeal through us. We implore others on behalf of Christ to be reconciled. That doesn’t make us important, but it does mean our job could not be more important!

THE FACT THAT WE ARE MADE RIGHTEOUS IN HIM (21)

Christ is our substitute sacrifice, as He is for the people we need to reach. He makes us righteous through Himself. Knowing that God looks at a saved soul and sees purity and righteousness is powerful! That’s what He sees when He looks at us, covered in Christ. It’s what He sees when He looks at everyone covered in Christ. I want for others what I myself have been given!

This isn’t the totality of our motivation, but if this was an exhaustive list it would be enough! Suffice it to say that I don’t lack reasons for sharing my faith. The reasons are diverse, but each is significant by itself. Let’s pray for wisdom, courage, and tenderness of heart to be God’s voice and hands in reconciling the world to Him. 

An Evangelist For An Unworthy Gospel?

Friday’s Column: Supplemental Strength

brent 2020

Brent Pollard

I convinced my parents to watch a show I enjoyed with me. I doubt I converted them to watching the same kind of programs as I like but I was happy they enjoyed what we watched together. I was acting as an evangelist, wasn’t I? I told them about something that I felt fervently about, convinced them to look into it themselves, and then encouraged them to commit to following through with it. As I enjoyed the afterglow of the moment, I was hit by a realization. Why is it easy for us to tell others about a book or movie but not about the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

I suppose one answer is fear. If a friend thinks my movie suggestion is stupid, then he will just think I have bad taste in movies. At worst, he won’t ask me my opinion about movies again. The Gospel is different, though. We’re putting ourselves out there. What we present doesn’t just require the forfeiture of an hour and a half, but a lifelong commitment. What we fear is the loss of that companion since we feel as if we are requiring something great from them. The truth, however, is that it is not we who put forth the requirement. God does. We merely relay the information. Thus, regardless of a negative reaction, if we’ve spoken the truth in love (Ephesians 4.15) we’ve done what we are supposed to do in letting them hear what God requires of them (Ezekiel 3.17-19).

I suppose another answer is shame. I don’t fear what my friend thinks about my secular choices. However, I am reminded of the adage that one never publicly discuss religion and politics. Certainly, we have seen with the latter how divisive of a subject it can be. People unfriended me following the last Presidential election simply because they knew I supported the candidate for whom they didn’t vote! Imagine how that person will take the news that the cherished religion of his grandmother was not one that was true to the teaching of the New Testament? The Thessalonians felt their world had been turned upside down (Acts 17.5-8), and I am sure that my friend would feel the same way too.

Yet, that is not the truth, either. I have no power to condemn any grandmother to hell or grant her access to Heaven. God’s Word is truth (John 17.17). If the truth turns one’s world upside down, the fault lies within the worldview that was turned the wrong way, to begin with. As brother Keeble used to say to such a one bothered by the fate of grandmother, “If she had been taught what you’ve been taught, how do you suppose she would have reacted?” Just the fact that discussing religion in polite company is frowned upon is insufficient to dissuade the one genuinely loving his neighbor.

The next time you find yourself excitedly chattering on about something you’re zealous about to a friend, remember that it is possible to talk with them about Jesus that way as well. The only reason that we don’t is that we feel that we cannot. Love casts out fear (1 John 4.18). And if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before the Father (Matthew 10.32-33). Hobbies are great, but may we not find ourselves more energized by them than by the Living God.

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“Who Will Bring Me Down To Earth?” God!

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

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Neal Pollard

The shortest book of the Old Testament is dedicated to revealing the coming punishment of a nation which descended from Esau. Edom, also called Teman (for Esau’s grandson, Gen. 36:15),  faced “the day of the Lord” (a frequent Old Testament term meaning coming, divine punishment) along with all the nations. Well over a thousand years after Esau lived, his descendants betrayed God’s people, Judah, by helping the Babylonians loot Jerusalem during the time of the captivity and exile. God took notice and the book of Obadiah is proof that He planned to take action. 

While that is the background of Obadiah, it’s the way that Edom saw itself that has been imitated by many nations in subsequent times. One of the consequences of forgetting and denying God is that the most frequent substitute put on the throne of one’s heart is self. How sweet to embrace the thought that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psa. 33:12). What a contrast to the frequent lamentation in Scripture about nations who forget God (Psa. 106:21; Deu. 32:18; Jud. 3:7; Jer. 3:21; etc.). 

Is it possible for people today to imitate the mindset of the Edomites? If so, how does God feel about that? How will He respond to that? It seems that at the heart of this book, we find:

THE SOURCE OF THEIR SECURITY (3-9)

Obadiah says they are arrogant and put their trust in their hiding places and their lofty places. They thought they had built a pretty impregnable defense and impenetrable destiny. This earth and world provide no such guarantees. Jesus would call this building upon the sand (Mat. 7:26-27). What do I place my confidence in? The stock market? Material prosperity? Military might? Higher education? Recreation? Retirement? None of these things are inherently wrong, but they make poor foundations for our lives. 

THEIR SIN (10-14)

It appears that the three overarching problems God has with Edom is that they did nothing when their brother (the nation of Judah) was in need (10-11), they rejoiced over their brother’s misfortune (12), and they even participated in his suffering (13-14). When we list out the “worst sins” mankind commits, where do we place apathy? God puts it at the top of His list here. Sometimes we call them “sins of omission.” Edmund Burke wrote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” On Judgment Day, the Lord will place on His left hand those who saw the needs of others and didn’t meet them (Mat. 25:31-46). Obadiah depicts three stages of one spiritual cancer: indifference, gloating, and collusion. John’s sobering words are appropriate here, as he asks, “But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). How helpful to see our brothers–those through Christ or Adam–as God sees them.

THEIR SENTENCE (15-20)

Nine times in five verses (10-14), Obadiah refers to “the day” God visited Judah for her sins. It was the day of their disaster, distress, destruction, and misfortune. Because of Edom’s sinful response described above, God had a day set aside for them, too. They would reap what they sowed (15-16). They would suffer (18). They would lose it all (17,19-20). The future looked bright for God’s faithful remnant (17-21), but not for those who had built their lives upon the sand. 

This book has application for our world, our country, for the church, and for each of us as individuals. Frequently, life will come along and shake our confidence. How we do on the other side of that distress depends on our foundation. That is a prayerful process. We can be fire or stubble (18). May we find the strength ascend Mount Zion and the kingdom (21; Heb. 12:22-29). 

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Petra: In the territory of ancient Edom

A Proverb To Ponder

Neal Pollard

Now, not all our attenders are members,
And not all our members are attenders,
But if all our attenders were members,
And all our members were attenders

THEN…

We’d have more trouble menders,
More gospel defenders,
And more true soul-winners!

BUT…

We’d have fewer people offenders,
Fewer spiritual hinderers,
And fewer religious pretenders!

SO…

Let us all render a more tender surrender
To the Commander of a love full of splendor!
As we meander on this earth full of sinners,
Let us engender a life with the Lord at the center.

Happiness Guaranteed!

Neal Pollard

Who wouldn’t find that appealing? Many years ago, Hugo McCord wrote a book entitled, “Happiness Guaranteed.” In it, he wrote, “Is happiness difficult? Yes, to those on the wrong road. Is it elusive? Yes, to those who want it without a price. But to the simple, plain folk of the earth, willing to walk God’s road, willing to pay God’s price, happiness is, like God, not far from every one of us.”  Many spend a lifetime in a desperate, elusive attempt to be happy. What if there was a formula for true happiness? I believe we find it in Psalm 37:23-26. This text tells us what we need to be happy.

We need a direction mapped by God (23). If we make life a self-guided tour, we can guarantee ourselves a life of misery. Even a Christian’s heartaches often stem from our trying to “go it alone” without His guidance. He guides us through the Word (Psa. 119:105,133). He knows everything at the deepest level of comprehension. He understands what kind of life will make us happy and miserable. David says life without God’s guidance is chaotic and disorderly. I read about an optometrist who examined an elderly patient and asked, “Can you read the fifth line of the chart?” “No.” “How about the fourth line?” “No.” “Hmm. Try the second line.” “No.” “Surely you can read the first line.” The old man said, “Truth is I’ve never learned to read.” Have we learned to read? Have we gotten into the regular habit of consulting God’s divine roadmap?

We need a delight in His way (23). In a matter of minutes, you can find out what a person enjoys in life. It could be sports, politics, travel, shopping, mechanic-ing, nature, reading, fishing, horseback riding, or stamp-collecting. Kept in proper place and priority, these can be good, healthy, and legitimate. But way too many people get their thrills in illegitimate ways. They enjoy the unwholesome, filthy, perverted and vulgar. To many, “The word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it” (Jer. 6:10). Solomon adds, “A fool does not delight in understanding…” (Prov. 18:2a). God’s outline for living, when followed, leads to delight. Other ways are paved with the heartache of others who foolishly paved those same paths previously.

We need a dependence on God’s providential care (24-25). Seven times in the Psalms, the writer tells God, “The righteous trust in You” (5:11; 9:10; 17:7; 25:22; 31:19; 55:23; 56:3). Your faith can be built if you trust that God, even when things seem doubtful, will provide what is needed and what is best. Not just materially, but in times when spiritual decisions must be made (cf. Gen. 22:8; Rom. 4:18-21). When we place our future, fears and fortunes in God’s almighty hands, we find true happiness (1 Pet. 5:7). David challenges us to find a case of a true follower forsaken by God. Satan wants us to think God doesn’t care about us. That’s what he wanted Job’s problems to do to Job—make him turn against God. If you are suffering right now, be assured that God hasn’t left you.

We need a duty to others (26). Norman Vincent Peale said, “The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised” (The Power of Positive Thinking, 54). Psalm 37:26 mentions two responsibilities we, being richly blessed by God, have to others. The  first, mercy, should express itself through acts of kindness. The second, lending, shows generosity. God ties generosity to true conversion. We give our money, our time, our talents, our heart, and ourselves. Listen to the joyful words from those spend themselves serving others. They say, “We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done” (Lk. 17:10).

We overcomplicate life with needless worry, harmful actions, and heavy burdens. So many people, from a financial, social, and physical perspective, have every reason to be happy but are miserable! The opposite of that is true, too. One may be drained of every resource but faith, but no one can rob them of their joy (Ps. 128:2; Pr. 3:18; 14:21; 29:18)!

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“I Don’t Consider Myself Unfaithful”

Neal Pollard

An intelligent, independent young American man in his mid-20s showed up at the Siem Reap church building for mid-week services.  He not only grew up in the church, but he even attended a “Christian” high school and one of our brotherhood universities.  He is doing field research for an advanced degree in cultural anthropology, which brought him to Cambodia.  He is a decent, inquisitive person seemingly intent on bringing positive change to this world, but upon leaving his home state after graduating college he ceased association with the church.  When asked about his religious life, he said, “I don’t consider myself unfaithful, but I’m not attending the church right now.  I guess you could say I’m taking a break.”

Rather than being a “what’s wrong with young people is…” or “what’s wrong with the church is…” article, I want to think in terms of what faithfulness or unfaithfulness is.  Is it something we can gauge, and, if so, how?  Can we claim faithfulness but fail to demonstrate it?

The Bible speaks of the faithfulness of God, for example.  How do we know He is faithful?  Moses suggests we conclude such based on His work, ways, and attributes (Deut. 32:4). The psalmist points to His word and work (Psa. 33:4).  Faithfulness involved His working wonders and deliberately planning (Isa. 25:1).

In the same way, the Bible identifies faithfulness as something tangible and measurable, as visible as justice and mercy (Mat. 23:23), as demonstrable as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).  The very word refers to loyalty and trustworthiness (Utley, np).  In Galatians 5:22, it “describes the believer’s new relationship with people, especially believers” (ibid.).  In this list, it is more than trust or belief.  The other eight words indicate ethical qualities, so this should be interpreted as such, too.  In other words, being faithful is seen by how we live and what we do.  Can we be faithful to Christ and His church when we do not attach ourselves to a local congregation, provoking others to love and good works as a manner of habit (Heb. 10:24-25).  If we are not seeking to build up one another (1 Th. 5:11) or cause the growth of the body (Eph. 4:16), how is that not unfaithful?  Twice in the gospels, Jesus tells parables concerning faithfully accomplish our Christian responsibilities (Mat. 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27). There could be no judgment and accountability without there being concrete ways to measure and determine faithfulness.

We do not get to define it for ourselves.  The Lord has already revealed what He considers faithfulness and unfaithfulness.  Ceasing to work for and worship Him, failing to encourage the spiritual family, and abstaining from such service as soul-winning and moral distinctiveness are tangible indicators that we have ceased from faithfulness.  Let us so live that in the end we can hear our Lord exclaim, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mat. 25:21,23).

Carl preaching at the mid-week service at Siem Reap church of Christ.