evidence – The Preacher Pollard Blog

SATAN ENTICED DAVID TO… COUNT?

The first time we read the name “Satan” in the Bible, it’s under very strange circumstances. Ready?

Here’s the passage:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”

Dale Pollard

The first time we read the name “Satan” in the Bible, it’s under very strange circumstances. Ready?

Here’s the passage:

“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel.”

(I Chronicles 21:1, NIV)

Alright, so Satan decides to pick a fight with God’s man. So how does he do it this time? Well, he incites (or entices) David to take a census of Israel— of course. You might be thoroughly confused at this point but just wait, you’ll want to throw something breakable in a second.

So Satan takes his shot at David and apparently the most devious plan he could come up with was, “Operation Headcount.” There must be more to it than that. Surely.

Make it Make Census

A census in the ancient world—especially in Israel—was not just a headcount. It carried spiritual, political, and economic weight.

It typically involved counting all the men and for at least a few practical reasons. A ruler could use the census to determine the size of his army, or make sure proper tax revenue was collected, or get an idea of how capable his labor force was. Oh, and for Israel, it better be done right.

Exodus 30:12 warns that a census must be accompanied by a ransom/offering, or else a plague would come upon the people:

“Then each one must give a ransom for his life to the LORD… so that no plague may come on them when you number them.”

So maybe now’s a good time to address an alleged contradiction.

Our original passage in question (I Chron. 21:1) is already interpreted in a few ways, especially when compared to its parallel account in 2 Samuel 24:1, which says:

“Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.’”

Did you catch that too? Seems like Samuel contradicts the Chronicler by saying that God was really the one who enticed David into counting folks, not Satan. So which is it— and did you throw something yet?

It Was Satan….. Probably

No matter how you slice it, Satan is the one doing the enticing and here’s how we can be sure.

First, let’s start by contrasting the similarities between this case and Job’s situation. God allowed Satan to test Job— but He remained sovereign. God was clearly in control while Satan had to ask His permission before making Jobs life so miserable. God let the devil torment his most faithful servant, but with strict conditions (Job 1.8,12).

Secondly, it’s possible that “Satan” in 1 Chronicles 21:1 should really be translated “adversary.” Now, this next part isn’t typed with any real certainty, it’s only a personal observation (by the author).

Remember the account of Balaam and his donkey? It’s worth reading again, even if you’re familiar with it. Just before the conversation between a man and his animal takes place we read:

“God’s anger was kindled because he [Balaam] went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary” (Numbers 22:22).

The word adversary is the exact same word that’s translated as Satan in 1 Chronicles 21:1. However, it was the angel of the Lord that stood as an adversary. The language is strikingly similar in both passages. Take a peek, but this time side by side…by side:

1 Chronicles 21:1

“Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel.”

Numbers 22:22

“God’s anger was kindled because Balaam went, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as his adversary”

2 Samuel 24:1

“…the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

How satisfying is that? Instead of a contradiction you see consistency; inspired perfection on full display.

So What Happened To David?

Well, he messed up. A lesser known misstep on David’s part, too. God sent a plague as a consequence—exactly as Exodus 30 had warned. As tragic as that was, again the consistency is amazing. There was a thousand years or so between Exodus and Chronicles but God still remembered exactly what He had told Moses.

After the census, David felt guilt immediately (2 Sam. 24:10) and repented. As anybody after God’s heart would do.

Selective Skepticism

Neal Pollard

“You don’t think the Bible is historically accurate, do you?” “Moses didn’t cross the Red Sea. It was the Reed Sea, only a couple of inches deep.” “Jesus was a good man, but the Son of God, born of a virgin, resurrected from the dead? Come on!” “I just can’t buy that Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament.” “Creation took place in six, literal, 24 hours day? Who believes that?!” These are some typical questions people ask, and increasingly they are being asked by professed Christians as well as agnostics and atheists. The concept of a truly limitless God doing the incredible in the unfolding of history and His plan of salvation troubles many.

But, there seems to be an inconsistency if not a contradiction with many of these doubters. They will claim that they, their family or their friends have had many encounters with the paranormal. They have seen ghosts or UFOs. They have “communicated” with “the dead” with Ouija boards or séances. They go to Palm Readers, read Tarot Cards and tea leaves, or religiously scour their horoscopes to get a bearing on how to plan their future. They put complete trust in psychics and spiritualism. They are willing to swallow every “fact” spouted by humanistic, evolutionary scientists. In fact, a good number of things are simply assumed to be true because of the sources themselves.

Why do these glaring inconsistencies exist? Because some of this deals with the heart and motives, one must be careful in assessing the “whys.” However, it is manifest that such a reality prevails. The Bible talks about the mindset that leads one to put faith in the fanciful all while rejecting the reasonable explanation of God and His ways found in scripture. Certainly, we can treat the claims of scripture as fairly as we can a crystal ball or a Himalayan guru.

The pagan mind of the average Roman citizen was susceptible to the mystical and the cultic. Paul writes, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (Romans 1:18-23). Ironically, with that worldview as a foundation, immorality of the grossest varieties followed (Romans 1:24-28) as well as unrestrained, chaotic behavior that was violent and destructive (Romans 1:29-31). Tucked into the middle of this latter list was the fact that such were “haters of God” (30). Could this be a viable factor? People might not articulate their personal philosophy in such pungent terms, but what is the consequence of their belief system? They reject out of hand the idea of the incarnation (literally, “God in the flesh”), a vicarious death (an innocent one dying for the guilty), an objective, normative, and authoritative divine revelation (i.e., that the Bible came from God’s work in guiding men to write down His will to guide all people of all time), and such Bible themes as sin, repentance, redemption, a universal judgment, heaven, and hell.

Could it be that mankind is disturbed by the thought of accountability and submission? Would we rather have our fancy tickled by clairvoyance, black magic, and Martians than have it all explained by special revelation brought about by an Uncaused Cause who not only set things in motion but takes an active role and shows active concern in our individual lives even today? I cannot speak for what drives a person to choose the ethereal over the eternal, but I can counter the fanciful with some basic facts of faith. Our morality, our spirituality, our drive to have standards of right and wrong, and our yearning to adore and worship cannot be satisfactorily explained by evolution, synapses of the brain, or even inexplicable chance. In our desire to titillate ourselves with apparitions and interpreting space noise, we have aimed infinitely low. If we will look up and put our trust in the all-powerful, perfect God and live our lives from that perspective, we unlock for ourselves the portal to peace and the pathway to purpose. In our heart of hearts, we know that belief in God is the better explanation. To that end, may we follow our hearts!

Latest News: Noah’s Ark

While skeptics might claim that the formation is made up of natural limonite, counter evidence such as the uncanny alignment/shape, subsurface architecture, ancient marine traces, and organic soil signatures prove to be an ensemble unlikely to occur by chance. Yes, I was looking for an excuse to use the word “ensemble.”

The Hornets Of God

Did God actually send hornets against the Canaanites? What do you think is meant by God sending a hornet before Israel?

Dale Pollard

God not only told the Israelites that He would give them the land of Canaan, He also told them how He would do so. Moses records the very words of God as He explains what the initial steps of the conquest was going to look like and it’s as fascinating as it is strange.

Angelic (Conditional) Assistance

“Behold I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay close attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgressions, for my name is in him” (Ex. 23:20-21).

We’re told that the angel would “go before them” and bring them to pagan armies and peoples such as the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and of course, the Canaanites— to name a few. (V.23).

The Terror & The Hornet

After this the reader is thrown a curve ball as two additional names are introduced.

“I will send my terror before you and will throw into confusion all the people against whom you shall come…” (v.27).

“…I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out the Hivites, Cannanites, and the Hittites before you” (v.28).

The angel, terror, and hornet are each different Hebrew words but share a commonality— they go before the Israelites.

It sounds like these terms could describe three separate beings or forerunners that were meant to accomplish separate tasks. It’s an interesting idea so that’s reason enough to dive in and investigate. Hopefully by the time we come up for air it’ll make more sense.

Hornets In The Bible

First, let’s deal with “the hornets.” Only three other times in the Old Testament do we find passages with hornets. Exodus 23:28 is the first time it’s used and here Moses is quoting what God told him that He would do.

The next occurrence is in Deuteronomy 7:20 where Moses reminds the Israelites just before they storm the Promise Land about those hornets God said he would send ahead of them.

Finally, the last mention is the most elucidating. In Joshua 24:12 there’s a subtle hint found in most English translations. It says, “And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you…”. All three passages about hornets refer to the conquest event. More importantly, Joshua seems to recall a single hornet rather than multiple hornets.

Make It Make Sense

Joshua is the only passage in most translations that describes a singular hornet but the other two passages actually use the same Hebrew word. Meaning, the translators chose to make the hornets plural in two passages but chose to make it singular in Joshua’s account.

Well, now it’s time to revisit Exodus. Here the angel is mentioned in the singular and then what the angel does to the Lord’s enemies. The angel will bring the Lord’s “terror” on the pagan people which will “throw them into confusion.” The terrified and confused people will “turn their backs” and run from the Israelites. Like a hornet, the angel will literally put the fear of God in them and chase them. Anybody who’s been chased by a hornet will know that fear and madness all too well.

The guardian angel of the Israelites is mentioned several more times throughout the Old Testament but this particular event showcases the role that their angel played in the conquest of Canaan. It’s probably not talking about literal hornets or even just one nasty hornet that buzzed into battle. You could even argue that Exodus 33:2 further attests to this. It states, “I will send an angel before you and I will drive out the Cannanites, the Amorites, the Hittites…” God explains how He’s going to assist them and then what His assistant is going to do. God’s angel is going to run off the bad guys like an angry hornet.

Could God accomplish His will with just one little hornet? I think every believer knows the answer to that— absolutely.

The Power Of The Resurrection (Pt. 2)

Carl Pollard

The power of the gospel is grounded and built on four essential facts. If just one of these is wrong, there’s no point in being a Christian. No point in worshipping as a family, no need to change the way we live, and no eternal life. These four essential facts are simple–I’m sure you’ve heard them before–but they are life changing.

Fact number one…He Lived.

This simple truth determines the outcome of the gospel truth. We need to establish that Jesus lived, before we can determine if there was a resurrection. If there is no life, there can be no death, no death means no resurrection. Jesus of Nazareth walked the earth.

Scripture says this in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The apostles here claimed to have seen God in the flesh. He dwelt among them, flesh and blood. ALIVE. The Logos, the word took on flesh. He was fully human!

He was flesh and blood just as we are.

For example, Jesus ate (Luke 7:34), He slept (Matt. 8:24), He walked (Luke 24), sometimes on land, sometimes on water…but nevertheless God took on flesh. He wore sandals, His feet got covered with dust from this very world. He felt emotions. He expressed joy (Luke 10:21), He wept (John 11:35), He loved (1 Jn. 4:19). A straight forward reading of scripture teaches us that Jesus truly lived.

But let’s take it a step further and look at some historical proof. The fact that Jesus lived is pretty much universally accepted.

Even people who were enemies of Christ admitted that He lived. Flavius Josephus, a non Christian historian spoke of Jesus in his history of Judaism titled “Jewish Antiquities.” In AD 97. He said this about Jesus, “There was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works—a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”

Just so this article doesn’t turn into history class, we will keep the old quotes to a minimum. But if you want to look it up on your own time, there are many more historians who wrote of Christs existence. Pliny the Younger and Tacitus both reference a man named Jesus who died on a cross.

Point is, history gives us undeniable truth that Jesus lived. Do you believe in George Washington? How about Abraham Lincoln? How come? You’ve never seen him! Historians and eye witnesses give us proof. We have the exact same evidence for Christ.

The power of the Gospel is found in the truth that Jesus the Son of God came down to this earth, took on flesh, and walked among us! He taught, He healed, He was a servant. And to this day He continues to impact millions with the life He lived.

Tune in next week for fact number 2.

Bee Amazed

In 1929, a German chronobiologist named Ingeborg Beling conducted experiments where she trained honeybees to come out of their hives at a specific time to collect sugar water. These experiments demonstrated that bees have an accurate and consistent memory of time, but only within a 24-hour cycle. Other researchers conducted experiments in dark, temperature-controlled rooms and even 180 meters underground in a salt mine to eliminate external cues such as sunlight, warmth, humidity, and air ionization. Despite these circumstances, bees maintained their timekeeping skills.

Chronobiologists conducted various tests to examine the circadian rhythms of bees. These tests included raising bees in specialized incubators, altering their metabolism with chemicals, and exposing them to near-freezing temperatures. Despite these disruptive conditions, cooling only delayed the bees’ 24-hour rhythm by 3-6 hours. The most convincing evidence came from an experiment where bees were trained in Paris and transported to New York. The bees experienced jet lag while searching for food around Central European Time. Still, they gradually adjusted to the Eastern Time Zone by resetting their internal clocks using the sun, similar to humans. Thus, bees can tell time.

According to the study, despite having tiny brains, bees possess higher cognitive abilities than previously believed. They can measure short intervals ranging from 6 to 36 seconds and potentially manage multiple timings simultaneously. However, the exact mechanism by which bees keep time is still unknown. Several hypotheses have been proposed, including counting heartbeats, observing temperature cycles in the hive, or having an innate sense of time passing. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the complex cognitive functions of bees and other insects. It also opens up new avenues for research into the cognitive abilities of small-brained species.

The discovery of such incredible abilities within these tiny creatures creates a striking contrast that reminds us of Carl Gustav Boberg’s experience. After a storm, the serene beauty and birds singing contrasted sharply with the previous chaos. It made Boberg reflect on the wonders of creation and the power of God, which eventually inspired him to write the verses of “How Great Thou Art.”

In the same way that we have discovered the honeybee’s sophisticated sense of time, it leads us to question the level of intelligence and cognitive capacity of animals. This discovery encourages us to appreciate the intricacies we can find in even the smallest creatures, just like how Boberg contemplated the wonders of creation and the omnipotence of God after the storm. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of nature, it makes us wonder about the other remarkable abilities possessed by the creatures around us. How often do we disregard the extraordinary while striving to comprehend the world, and how might these revelations inspire us to consider the grander mysteries of existence?

Paul’s words to the Romans (1.18–23) explain that the Gentiles were unrighteous because they rejected God’s testimony about Himself in nature. This scriptural perspective reminds us that the marvels of the natural world, as uncovered by scientific inquiry, can also be a testament to something greater than ourselves. When we explore the intricacies of nature, from the tiniest bee to the vast cosmos, Paul’s words about eternal power and divine nature face us, pointing us toward an ever-present nature that is waiting to be discovered and revered.

Combining science and spirituality leads to a deeper understanding of the world’s complexities. Whether we look through a microscope, read a hymn, or study scripture, each perspective offers a unique insight into the vastness of our world. As we stand at the intersection of knowledge and wonder, we can echo the sentiment expressed by Boberg in “How Great Thou Art” and continue to be inspired by the wonders of nature and divinity.

The Cosmic Ocean

Dale Pollard

We’re climbing a rope which hangs from heaven. Occasionally we feel a gentle tug reminding us that truth is tied to the end. For the time being, we’re left with a plethora of puzzles to ponder and countless mysteries to mull over. The Bible’s not boring. It’s mankind’s one and only peek behind the spiritual veil. Every once in a while we seem to be gifted with a discovery that further bolsters biblical claims.

In an article by Robotics and Automation News (2021) they cover an interesting astronomical discovery and it’s incredible. They write the following,

“Space agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), among others, invest millions of dollars in searching for water on other planets. So, when water was found in a gaseous state near quasar (a massive black hole), it was indeed a big deal! Yes, scientists have discovered a huge cloud containing more water than what exists on Earth! In fact, it’s 140 trillion times more than the Earth! Two teams of astronomers from NASA discovered water in a reservoir in 2011. It is one of the largest and most distant water reservoirs detected in the universe.”

In the beginning there was water. The Bible opens with a depiction of what was before there was anything at all.

“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Gen.1.2).

Interestingly enough, there’s no mention of the Spirit of God creating the water itself. Now, this doesn’t mean that God didn’t create the water but it also leads the mind to connect God and water together. Water is a common thread that runs throughout scripture and we have examples of the Lord using this essential element to bring, sustain, and also take life. Science keeps running into God no matter how often it tries to run away from Him!

I Hope You Read This

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

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Carl Pollard

We have abused this word. We say things like, “I hope there’s some food at the house” or, “I hope the weather is nice tomorrow,” and “I hope my team wins the Super Bowl.” The hope that’s mentioned in scripture has a completely different definition.

The word in Romans 15:13, for example, is the Greek word “elpis. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This word is defined as, “Looking forward to something with confidence” (BDAG 319). It is an expectation that we have as Christians. We have hope because we call God our Father.

The world does not have that relationship and because of this they have nothing to hope in. If they look forward to anything it’s pay day, or the weekend, or vacations. Every one of these come to an end and once again they are left with no hope.

Don’t get me wrong, we look forward to these things too. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but this isn’t what we look forward to solely. We know that there is more to life than vacation.

1 Peter 5:10 is an incredible verse that describes the hope we have. It says, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

This is true hope. It is the God of the universe Himself that will do this for each one of his children. We may not see it every day, but the world is lost and desperate. We have what they need. They’re desperate for guidance because they’re lost. They’re desperate for purpose because they have none. They’re desperate for Hope because the world offers nothing to those who are struggling.

God has entrusted us with the answers to life, so what are we doing with this knowledge?

Test His Truth

Tuesday Column: Dale Mail

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Dale Pollard

(now the pulpit minister of the Tompkinsville church of Christ, Tompkinsville, KY)

With countless opinions and information out there, God is just another “option” and the Bible is just “good advice to follow.” Dave Mustaine summed up how many people feel when he said, “The Bible and several other self help or enlightenment books cite the Seven Deadly Sins. They are: pride, greed, lust, envy, wrath, sloth, and gluttony. That pretty much covers everything that we do, that is sinful… or fun for that matter.”

Is the Bible just an ancient “self-help” book that tells us not to do anything fun? Questioning God is not something new. Even Epicurus said, “Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then He is not omnipotent. Is He able, but not willing? Then He is malevolent. Is He both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is He neither able nor willing? Then why call Him God?” I truly believe that you can understand who God is just based on scripture. When He gave that book to man, He gave us a piece of Himself.

God wants a relationship with us (I Peter 5:6-7). This is why He has purposefully informed us about Himself. People need God whether they know it or not. I’d encourage you, as an individual, to put the Bible on trial. Put the accuracy of its pages to the test. It has withstood hundreds of years of accusations and doubt. Often we are able to grow in our faith and belief as a result of seeking and searching. As His church, we have a responsibility to proclaim the excellence of our creator. We do it by our love for others, exposing the evidence of His existence, and introducing Jesus every opportunity we have.

The Truth Is Out There

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

Gary Pollard

I believe that God exists. I believe that He communicated with His creation by direct contact, messengers, and a series of ancient texts. I believe that He wants His human creation to be with Him after they die. I believe that He expects those who claim to be His to act within the guidelines He set in those ancient texts. I believe that there is life after death and that where we go depends on whether or not we follow this God.

Why do I believe this, though? What reason do I have to believe in something I cannot experience with my senses? I was not there thousands of years ago when the prophets and Hebrews talked to God. I was not there when God came here to teach. I was not there when the authors of the original texts delivered their writings to the early church. The ancient texts translated into English sometimes do not effectively communicate the emotion of the words and concepts in the original language. So why do I believe these things? Why do you believe these things?

Think about this carefully. From Genesis to Revelation the message is clear: God wants His people to exist with Him after time is destroyed. This message was communicated to an impossible variety of people, sometimes separated by hundreds of years, thousands of miles, culture, kingdom, race, and language. There are tens of thousands of manuscripts of these ancient texts in many, many different languages. There are some 25,000 New Testament manuscripts or fragments that are separated by about a thousand years, at least 8 different languages, thousands of miles of geography, and many different cultures. Yet, they are at least 95% accurate to each other. The remaining 5% do not contain a single contradiction; rather, they are spelling errors, slips of the pen, writing on the wrong line, or minor variances (“God said” vs. “He said” or “and” vs. “but”).

Of the rich libraries we have of ancient literature, none can hold even the dimmest candle to the profound accuracy and unity of the scriptures. They could not have been produced by man alone. There had to be Someone not confined by time supervising each person as they wrote. Keep in mind, these ancient cultures did not have the advantage of modern communication. They were almost totally isolated from each other and would have known little of the others’ existence, much less what they experienced or wrote from God. Our Bible has supernatural origins and its contents reveal the nature of our Creator. What I believe comes from this book because I know it is God’s message to mankind. I encourage those who have not already done so to do an in-depth study of the origin of scripture. It is one of the most faith-building studies anyone could undertake. When you know with certainty that what you are reading contains the actual thoughts and desires of God, it bolsters your faith in ways I could not begin to adequately describe.

The Great Conjunction

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

There’s a reason why we know who Galileo is. In 1610, with his telescope, the astronomer discovered four moons orbiting Jupiter. The same year, he discovered a strange oval around Saturn eventually known to be its rings. Then, in 1623, he observed an astronomical event, happening once every 20 years, known as the “Great Conjunction.” This is when the two giant planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, travel together across the sky and appear aligned. In fact, they are so close that to the naked eye they almost appear to be one giant star (known popularly as “The Christmas Star”)(Bill Keeter, Nasa.gov). Tonight, 12/21/2020, is the closest our two biggest planets have appeared together since that night 397 years ago when Galileo dubbed this phenomena with its popular name. The last time most of the earth had the view it will have tonight was March 5, 1226. A popular theory for “the star” of Matthew 2:2, which drew the Magi from the east, was the “Great Conjunction” (which happened three times in 7 B.C., in May, September, and December)(Joe Rao, space.com).

Did God, in His providence and the process of holding all things together (Col. 1:17), make the “Great Conjunction” part of His fulness of time (Gal. 4:4) that brought about the events surrounding the wise men and Herod in Matthew two? We cannot know that, but it is a powerful demonstration of the order and design of an omnipotent creator.

This God of order has made known some other “Great Conjunctions” through His eternal word:

Belief and baptism (Mark 16:16)–Together, they bring salvation
Faith and works (James 2:14-26)–Together, they ensure life
Repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38)–Together, they effect remission of sins
Faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13:13)–Together, they are the “abiding” things
Repentance and belief (Mark 1:15)–Together, they form the gospel of God
Righteousness, peace, and joy (Rom. 14:17)–Together, they constitute the kingdom of heaven
Life and peace (Rom. 8:6)–Together, they are consequences of the mind set on the Spirit
Spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)–Together, they form the essentials of true worship
Goodness, righteousness, and truth (Eph. 5:9)–Together, they form the fruit of the light)
Deed and truth (1 John 3:18)–Together, they demonstrate true love

There are actually so many more of these “combinations” or conjunctions that God has brought together. As compelling and awe-inspiring as His creative power is, as shown in tonight’s incredibly rare celestial occurrence, it simply builds our faith in His ability to fulfill the many great promises that saturate His Word. I hope skies are clear where you are tonight and that you will take the time to view the southwest sky right after sunset. Why not take a moment, as you gawk, to thank and praise the God who has so thoroughly revealed to you who He is and what He wants for your life?

Sources consulted:

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/the-great-conjunction-of-jupiter-and-saturn
https://www.space.com/great-conjunction-jupiter-saturn-2020-fun-facts

The Reality Of Jesus Christ

Johnson Kell

He was born of a virgin and when He was about thirty years of age He was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. And being full of the Holy Spirit He began His ministry walking the dusty roads of Judea, Samaria and Galilee, performing miracles and preaching the gospel. And He did go out carrying His own cross toward Calvary, and He did hang there for hours writhing in anguish and pain. And He did cry out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He did die there, shedding His blood for the sins of the world.

But there was a resurrection and He spent forty days with His apostles providing many proofs of a bodily resurrection–the tomb was found empty. And after forty days He spoke to them for the last time and as they watched intently He disappeared through the clouds on His way back to heaven. Some time later, when Stephen was being stoned to death, he cried out, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.”

And so we have the assurance that our Savior is at His Father’s side making intercession for each one of us. And we can recall in the letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colosse, where he cried, “Christ in you the hope of glory!” So as we are born-again children, we, too, can say, “Christ in us the hope of glory!”

This was and this is the reality of Jesus Christ.

See The Living God (Poem)

Neal Pollard

I cannot stop staring at the mountains and the skies

The beauty is so breathless, an endless feast for my eyes

I cannot look at all this and give credit to luck or chance

I’m a victor of the Creator, not a victim of circumstance.

The heavens preach this sermon, Our God He loves and lives

All nature shares the message, what joy and hope it gives

He’s up in heaven waiting until the day He’ll bring us home

For now He’s left us evidence, and we pray, “Lord Jesus, come.”

I cannot stop looking into my little baby’s eyes

I see his parents’ imprint when he laughs and when he cries

In awe my tears are welling as his face shows eternity

This little one God’s endless power shows to all who clearly see

You cannot look at people and fail to see the living God

Our design says a designer, to say “no God” is to play the fraud

He’s patiently waiting for more people to come to Him and live

What will you do with this moment? Give what you have to give.

I cannot stop reading this Book that explains it all

My cause, my purpose, my destiny, His plan, His way, His call

It has proven to be perfect, it’s been tried and tried again.

It says there is an answer to my problem it calls sin.

The Bible shares the mind of God, it helps us find the way

It helps us understand His heart, and how to live today

It pierces our hearts so we’ll make room to put His will inside

How great our God to show us the path where we can walk at His side

A TRUTH IN THE MIDST OF TRANSIENCE (poem)

Neal Pollard

Waters vast and oceans deep create a marvel and wonder
By its volume and power but also the creatures that you’ll find thereunder.
The stars and planets, galaxies, the universe, the vastness of outer space
The finest particles and smallest molecules, the most infinitesimal place.
The power of the greatest man who rules upon the land
The lowliest person who grovels around unseen and far from grand.
The outward beauty and loveliness of the Lord’s most fair person
The inward workings and intricate details of us all makes this so very certain.
To look upon the mountains high, whether green or rocky or tall
To investigate the tiniest plant and the creatures so delicate and small
Look afar or microscopically, dig and search, uncover
Test it, taste it, see it, smell it, here’s what you’ll discover
Locked within our DNA or viewed from light years away
You see the same truth, over and over, a fact that’s here to stay.
We are the evidence of a Being whose power and knowledge are unending
Who makes what is made extraordinary, through His infinite nature expending
But making what’s made and doing what’s done, His resources are not depleted
Because He is God, He’s never without. He never needs completed.
He’s worthy and mighty, He’s wonderful and true, the God we worship and serve
He’s faithful and ingenious, active and gracious, from perfection He cannot swerve
As you walk through the day and make observations, what you see or happens to you.
Whatever may change, crumble, fall, or fade away, God will still be faithful and true.

Endothelial cells viewed under a microscope

Implications of God’s Existence

Neal Pollard

“God is.” God is real. God is alive. God is watching. God is in control. All these ideas and an infinite number besides are implicit in the fact of God’s existence. That God is implies other things.

God can work through every event of life among men to accomplish His sovereign purpose (Rom. 8:28). God, in an amazingly intricate way, weaves together the innumerable actions and occurrences that transpire in daily life on every continent according to His will. He does not make or force anyone to do anything, but He can work through even tragedies caused by men to effect good. The problem comes when one tries to define goodness on his or her terms rather than the transcendent good that is larger than the single person. Strength in trial, character in tragedy, example in spite of great loss or pain are all transcendent good that can occur even in the reverses we face in our individual lives.

God has not left us alone (Rom. 8:35-39). Deism suggests that God created it all, then took a Divinely giant step backward forever out of our affairs. Yet, God isn’t aloof and indifferent to man. This was best proven at the cross of Calvary. It is proven in the perfect Word He has left to guide us. It is proven through the strength derived from prayer. It is proven by the fellowship and companionship provided through the church He eternally purposed (cf. Eph. 3:9-11).

God holds us accountable (Rom. 14:12). What a privilege to be counted as part of the human race, made in the likeness of God (Jas. 3:9), and to be recipients of countless blessings! So “…from everyone who has been given much shall much be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more” (Luke 12:48). Especially is this true in relationship to God. He has given us life, an everlasting spirit, material and spiritual blessings in abundance, talent, time, and opportunity. For all of these resources, we shall give an account for our stewardship of them.

Only a fool would deny what is so clearly seen (Ps. 14:1; 53:1; Heb. 11:3). Since God is, we must respond appropriately. We should do so both from gratitude and a sober realization that His existence requires our proper response.

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Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

Carl Pollard

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Tuesday Column: Dale Mail

Dale Pollard

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Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

Gary Pollard

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Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

Neal Pollard

Sources consulted:

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