Tag: faith

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! 

Thirsting for God

Thirsting for God

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Brent Pollard

In Judah’s dry and barren wilderness, David composes one of the Bible’s most stirring and heartfelt expressions of spiritual yearning. Psalm 63 is a profound meditation of the soul’s thirst for the living God. David’s use of vivid imagery and passionate language in Psalm 63 exemplifies all who seek to draw closer to the Lord, showcasing the depths of his longing.

The psalm opens with David’s earnest cry: “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land without water.” (Psalm 63.1 NASB). David’s intense yearning for God’s presence mirrors the desperation of physical thirst in a desert.

This longing echoes the Israelites’ experience wandering in the wilderness when they complained to Moses, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” (Exodus 17:3). 

David finds relief for his parched soul in the oasis of God’s power and glory, contrasting it with the dry and weary landscape of the Israelites. He repeatedly mentions God’s name (“O God…my God”), demonstrating his unshakeable recognition and relationship with the Almighty. His thirst is quenched by witnessing God’s manifest attributes in the holy place.

In Exodus 33.18, Moses expressed his desire to see God’s glory, which foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, the radiance of God’s glory, as mentioned in Hebrews 1.3. Jesus promised in John 4.10 that whoever drinks the water He gives them will never thirst again, as stated in John 4:14.

David continues: “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You.” (Psalm 63:3). The psalmist praises God’s covenant love, superior to physical life. We love, because He loved us first. (1 John 4:19)

With hands raised in joyful blessing (Psalm 63.4), David declares: “My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness” (Psalm 63.5). Unlike his ancestors, who had physical abundance but spiritual emptiness, David had tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34.8). He feasted on the Bread of Life (John 6.35) and had his deepest hunger divinely fulfilled.

Even in the night watches, a time of spiritual dryness for many, David reflects on his Beloved: “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63.6). The darkness holds no fear because “the Lord is my light” (Psalm 27.1), dispelling the gloom and igniting songs of joyful praise (Psalm 63.7).

David models wholehearted devotion by clinging to God as his help and rejoicing in the shadow of the Almighty’s wings (Psalms 63:7-8). His vivid depiction of pursuing hard after God (Psalm 63.8) recalls Jacob’s fervent wrestling with the Divine (Genesis 32.22–32). Both David and Jacob emerge wounded yet holding tightly to their heavenly Companion, the One whose presence alone can quench the longings of the human soul.

Psalm 63 is a timeless expression of spiritual hunger and holy satisfaction found only in God. From the barren landscapes of wilderness wanderings to the urban deserts of modern faith, the words of the psalmist beckon all who thirst to come to the waters (Isaiah 55.1). The path leads to Christ, the fountain of living waters (Jeremiah 2.13; John 7.37-39). Will you drink deeply from His heart of steadfast love?

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VI)

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (VI)

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Who God Uses In His Service (4:1-18)

Neal Pollard

It is easy for us to think that only the super-spiritual, seemingly-perfect can be effective, but the opposite is true. None of us is too spiritual or perfect, though we should always be striving to be better and do more for the One who gave everything to save us. Paul is continuing his discussion about the ministry he and his co-workers have. As he does, he speaks candidly about himself and them–the messengers. As Christians charged with carrying out the Great Commission, we should all put ourselves in his shoes and understand better who God uses in His service. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY (1-4)

Character does not demand perfection, but it does require a conscience shaped by Scripture and a heart softened by it. This leads one to stay encouraged no matter what is encountered (1). It also leads to honesty and trustworthiness (2). We will conduct our lives righteously, and we will handle God’s Word faithfully. People can trust who we are and, thus, what we say. We may be rejected by the spiritually blind, but we won’t be a roadblock to their faith. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF HUMILITY (5-7)

Paul gives a helpful reminder. It’s not about us, it’s about Christ. He’s the source of light, glory, and power. We’re the plain, fragile pottery God uses to demonstrate His surpassing greatness. 

GOD USES PEOPLE OF DURABILITY (8-12)

To be His servants, we have to weather storms. Those storms may be those we would avoid if we didn’t serve Him, but we understand the importance of our mission. We won’t let affliction, perplexities, persecution, and threats keep us from doing His work! God does not need spiritual sissies in His service. We draw our courage and strength from Him, and it causes Him to shine out through us!

GOD USES PEOPLE OF STABILITY (13-15)

What causes us to be stable? Faith! Because we are truly convicted of the truth, we cannot help but speak. We have faith in the reality of the resurrection, so we teach and share the message that brings grace to more and more people. This leads more people to give thanks to God and causes God to be glorified.

If I want to be a faithful servant of Jesus, I need to watch my personal conduct, lower myself, endure, and be trustworthy. That does not require perfection, but it does require dedication! But God depends on imperfect people like you and me! We cannot let Him down. 

The Questions of Christ

The Questions of Christ

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Carl Pollard

It’s always refreshing to spend time with young children. Often, we as adults aren’t always willing to be honest. No worries about that with young kids; they are brutally honest. If you ask a small child, “How do I look?,” you will get the truth. Emily’s nephew, when he was around 3-4, came up to me while I was sitting on the couch and asked why my stomach moved so much when I laughed. It wasn’t an insult; he was genuinely curious. You’re going to get the honest truth from the young, and maybe that’s not such a bad thing! 

If you spend any amount of time with children, you’ll also be guaranteed to get a million questions. 

“What’s this?” “Why?” Our cousin, when he was younger, would ask “why?” to every thing you said. But everything is new and unknown to a child. Asking questions is how they learn! This is something worth imitating. Never stop asking questions, as questions are how we grow! That’s one thing you’ll never hear a know it all do: ask a question. Especially in our spiritual lives, we must never stop asking questions. 

In His ministry, Jesus was always asking questions. These were asked not out of ignorance, but because His questions got those listening to think. His questions made people confused, angry, sad, curious, and excited. These questions are worthy of our attention as we try to answer some personally, that He asked His followers. 

“Why are you afraid?” 

“Why do you call me good?” 

“Where is your faith?” 

Each of these need answering on a personal level. Jesus’ natural response when confronted was to ask a question. If He were to look at your personal life, what questions would He ask? He sees your faith now, and there are questions we need to answer. 

Christ sees our hearts, He knows our thoughts, He watches our daily actions. 

What would the Son of God ask of me? 

If you were to count every question posed by Jesus from start to finish you’d find around 307. Why? Why so many questions? Perhaps, it’s because when we ask ourselves questions, we grow. And Jesus is solely concerned about our spiritual growth. 

When we ask ourselves questions, or we read a question from Jesus, we are forced to ponder the answer. Why DO I call the Lord good? Where IS my faith? Why AM I afraid? 

Asking the right questions is everything. 

Answering the perfect questions of Christ is essential if we are going to grow in our faith. 

“Who Do You Say That I Am?” (Matthew 16:15)

In the verses leading up to this point Jesus asks His disciples who the people think He is. The apostles begin answering with some of the things they have heard the people say. “Some say you’re John the Baptist. Others say Elijah or Jeremiah. Some say you’re a prophet.” There were many who acknowledged the Lord’s power and wisdom. 

His miracles were too blatant to ignore, so that even the Pharisees acknowledged He was a miracle worker. The people heard Him teach, they saw His interactions with the sick, the blind, the possessed. Their conclusion? He is a prophet! 

In verse 15, Jesus narrows the focus. His first question was broad, concerned with how everyone saw Him. Notice what He asks next: “But who do YOU say that I Am?” Who you believe Jesus is can only be answered by YOU. 

Many in our culture believe Jesus existed, but He was just a good teacher, a wise man, or a prophet. Many in our part of the country even believe that He is the Son of God. 

But who do YOU say that He is? Our personal view of Christ determines how much we will take what He says seriously. 

Who is Christ to you? Do you truly believe in Him? Peter responds in verse 16 with the answer we should all have for this question. 

“You are the Christ (anointed one), the Son of the Living God.” This is the only right answer. If we are unable to grasp the implications of this statement, we may need to spend more time in God’s word. The fact that Jesus is the Son of God is the SOLE reason we have eternal life. Many will go their entire life claiming to believe Jesus is the Son of God, but never live as though this were true. 

Who do You say that Christ Is? 

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.

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

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

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Unity And The Resurrection (Part 2)(15:29-58)

Neal Pollard

After having dealt with the many witnesses to the resurrected Christ, the erroneous denial of His resurrection, and the connection of the resurrection to His second coming, Paul turns his focus not just to the impact of His resurrection on how we live but also to our own resurrection. Notice at least three more observations in the second half of this chapter, designed to unite these Christians around the truth of the resurrection.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION (29-34)

Paul launches abruptly from the second coming to an odd argument in support of the resurrection–this enigmatic practice of being baptized for the dead (29). It has been said that there are about 40 different explanations for “the baptism for the dead.” I believe Paul is saying that some were motivated to be baptized out of their desire to be reunited with their saved loved ones after this life. I studied with and saw a man baptized (by Riley Keown and some firefighters) who was strongly motivated by a desire to be reunited with his Christian mother. That would be for nothing if the dead are not raised. 

Furthermore, why would a Christian risk danger and death if there is no resurrection (30-31)? What keeps a Christian from “Epicureanism,” simply being devoted to indulging the senses through food and drink, if there is no resurrection (32)? Why strive to live morally and surround oneself with moral influences, if there is no resurrection (33-34)? At least four vital implications are covered by Paul, if the dead are not raised.

THE NATURE OF OUR RESURRECTION (35-49)

Now, Paul gets down to what our resurrection will be like in this section of his discussion. He addresses the question of how and what kind of body (35). Notice.

It will conform to God’s law of sowing and reaping (36-37, 42-44). Paul illustrates this with seed sowing in this life. You cannot reap what you do not sow. The body has to die before resurrection is possible. We will see this more in-depth, but what is raised is much better than what dies. 

It will be a bodily resurrection (39-41).  We cannot miss this fact. Paul refers to the “body” ten times from verses 35-49 ( in addition, “flesh and blood” is verse 50 is actually this same word, too). Our resurrection body will be of a different nature, but it will still be a body. It will be a body as God wished (38), a heavenly body (40), an imperishable body (42), a glorious body (43), and a spiritual body (44). Yes, that leaves some things unanswered, but whether or not our resurrection will be bodily is not unanswered. We will not be a disembodied spirit for eternity. We will have a new body, which Paul describes here. 

It will be spiritual and heavenly (44-49). This body will be engineered to inhabit and live for eternity. Our spirits will continue to live; there is continuity. But, we will inhabit a new, spiritual and heavenly, body! 

THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION (50-58)

Paul lays down an order of operations or procedure here. We will be changed in an instant when the trumpet of God sounds (50-52). We will assume an imperishable, changed body (53-54). Death will die (54). It will be powerless over the saved and resurrected child of God (54-57). 

There is so much richness and depth to this discussion of the resurrection, but Paul gives us enough to favorably receive his final charge. He concludes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (58). Persevere because living the Christian life is worth it! You are not wasting your time. Obey Him! Wait and see. Because Christ was raised, we will be raised! As the song suggests, “What a day, glorious day, that shall be!”

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.

The Giver Of Life

The Giver Of Life

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Carl Pollard

 There are some in the world who follow Christ for the wrong reasons. Perhaps they were told that everything in life would be perfect if they chose to follow Jesus. It is possible that they did it for their family and not out of their own conviction. Maybe they became a Christian to try and get some physical blessing out of it. 

To put our faith in action we are all motivated by something. If we aren’t careful, we can quickly lose motivation if it is based on the wrong ideas. For a few moments we are going to turn our attention to the cost of discipleship. As Christians, we are called to follow God, and not because our faith will come with certain perks. We follow Christ because He is the Son of the Living God. The truth of His resurrection compels us to put our faith in action. The many attributes of Christ compel us to trust in Him as Lord. He is worthy of our worship, our love, and our obedience. 

But even more, the beauty of the Gospel is that in trusting Jesus and acting out our faith, we find that He pours many blessings into our lives. This is not our motivation, but it is a side effect of faithfully following the Savior. I used to believe that it was wrong to think, “what’s in it for me.” 

We may even feel guilty for thinking this way. We do our best to put our faith in action and often we ask, “what’s the point?” 

This is NOT wrong. In fact, this is the definition of “counting the cost.” Luke 14:28, Jesus says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” 

In this section, Jesus is teaching us to realize just how much it will cost us to become His follower. Faith in action is no easy task. Obeying the Son of God isn’t a walk in the park. There were several occasions where the people believed that Jesus’ teachings were too hard to obey. But that sacrifice is part of following the Son of God. Deny self, take up cross, follow Him. 

Those are difficult decisions to make. 

Jesus, in Luke 14, shows us the importance of fully understanding what it will cost us to follow Him. In this mental exercise, you measure the cost against what you stand to gain in following Jesus (hint, you’ll gain far more than what it cost you). As we think about the idea of counting the cost, there’s one of many reasons why Jesus is worth the Cost: Jesus Gives Life. 

In John 6, Jesus presents some very difficult teachings to the crowds. He is teaching in the synagogue in the city of Capernaum to a large group of Jews. These hard teachings from Jesus actually caused many followers to leave Jesus! Verse 60 says, “When His followers heard this many of them said, ‘this teaching is hard, who can accept it?’” 

How often do we respond like this? 

There’s more discussion, and Jesus knew this would happen. Finally, in verse 66, it says that after He said these things His followers left him and followed Him no more. 

After these people leave Him, He turns to His disciples and notice what He says: “Do you want to go away as well?’” (67).

Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Peter’s response is profound. When faced with the question, “will you also leave?”, his response is “to whom shall we go?” This is a question we must all consider. Who would you be without Christ? Who could take the place of Savior in your life? Many have made the decision to let the world be their savior.

If Christ wasn’t in your life, who could you turn to? 

It is in the identity of Jesus that we find the main appeal of God’s Son. Jesus is God. Peter realized this powerful truth. Christ has the words of eternal life. This was all he needed to follow Jesus to the very end. 

If Jesus is God, His words are more than just words. His words are truth. His words open our eyes to the truth of eternity. Jesus is worth following; He is worthy of our faith, because He gives us eternal Life. 

Jesus gives us the option to follow or leave. But who would we turn to? He is the Son of God, His words give life. This powerful encouragement shows us that every word of Jesus pierces the depths of our souls and binds our lives in truth. This cannot be found anywhere else. Others can offer words of wisdom and words of truth, but Jesus alone gives the words that can be trusted for an eternity.

As we count the cost, we must keep in mind that Jesus gives everlasting life to those who put their faith in Him.

The Power Of The Resurrection (Part 3)

The Power Of The Resurrection (Part 3)

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Carl Pollard

 Previously we have discussed the importance of knowing for certain that Jesus lived on this earth. The power of His resurrection begins with the hope of His birth. We are all in need of a Savior. Thankfully, 2,000 years ago God sent His Son to take on flesh. He willingly came and left an example for us to imitate. Secular historians all agree that Jesus of Nazareth really did exist. But there’s more to this that we need to study. He lived, oh yes, He LIVED. But we also need to understand that He Died. 

Scripture says that, in John 19:18, “There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.” Mark 15:39 adds, “When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Scripture tells us that not only did Jesus live on earth, He was also put to death. John tells us that Jesus hung on a cross between two criminals. Mark records the response of a Roman centurion who saw the way Jesus died and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” 

God in flesh and blood hung on a cross for my sins, for the sins of the world. For me, having several biblical authors record the death of Jesus is more than enough proof. But let’s see what secular history has to say about His death. 

The Roman historian Tacitus said this in AD 117, “Their originator, Christ, has been executed in Tiberius’ reign, by Pontius Pilate.” Even Jesus’ worst enemies record His death. The Jewish Rabbis and Religious leaders wrote this in the Talmud, “Jesus of Nazareth was a transgressor in Israel who practiced magic, scorned the words of the wise, led the people astray, and said that he had not come to destroy the law but to add to it. He was hanged on Passover Eve for heresy and misleading the people.” 

The truth is, Jesus surely died for you and me. Scripture clearly teaches this, and so do many secular historians. For us to fully grasp the power of what comes next, we’ve got to believe that Jesus lived and that He died on a cross for you and me. 

A Heart For God: Finding Faith Despite Our Flaws

A Heart For God: Finding Faith Despite Our Flaws

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Brent Pollard

David is known as the man after God’s heart, but he is also a flawed human capable of terrible things. This truth might seem contradictory initially, raising questions about whether one must strictly follow religious doctrine or if God’s grace is enough. Even though David lived under a different covenant, God’s nature remains the same today. So, while the requirements for salvation have changed, nine out of ten commandments from the Old Testament are still considered necessary in the New Testament. David may have broken several commands during his lifetime, but we acknowledge that he was privileged to be the ancestor of the lineage that would result in the birth of Christ. As a result, despite being flawed, God thought he was worthy of using him to spread His love and mercy in this world.

Let’s examine David under a microscope to resolve this apparent contradiction. Lest you accuse me of being picky, remember that the Law of Moses required strict adherence. Therefore, consider a list of David’s sins.

  • David broke the Seventh Commandment against adultery by sleeping with Bathsheba, a married woman (Exodus 20.14; Deuteronomy 5.18).
  • David went on to violate the Sixth Commandment by ordering the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband (Exodus 20.13; Deuteronomy 5.17).
  • David violated the Ninth Commandment by lying and deceiving in both sins (Exodus 20.16; Deuteronomy 5.20). David also broke this commandment when he misled Ahimelech in 1 Samuel 21.
  • David violated God’s Law prohibiting a leader from having more than one wife (Deuteronomy 17.17), as well as God’s purpose for marriage as expounded upon by Jesus in Matthew 19.
  • David broke the Law by partaking in the showbread, which God only intended for the priests (1 Samuel 21.3ff; Leviticus 24.5–9). In all fairness, Jesus did use this incident to stress the need for mercy over legalism in Matthew 12.4.
  • In one of his last notable acts as king, David numbered the people in a manner inconsistent with God’s regulations regarding such, bringing a plague upon his people (2 Samuel 24.1–9; Exodus 30.11–16).

What actions did David take that were considered righteous or admirable? As previously stated, David earned the moniker “the man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13.14; Acts 13.22). So he must have done something, making the sins we’ve mentioned seem minor in comparison—at least, that is what we would expect. Consider a list of David’s accolades.

  • As a young shepherd, David showed his faith and courage by defeating Goliath with a sling and a stone, demonstrating his trust in God (1 Samuel 17.45–50).
  • David spared Saul’s life twice, showing respect for God’s anointed king (1 Samuel 24, 26).
  • David repented after committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed (2 Samuel 12:13, Psalm 51). David was a penitent man, as the psalms he wrote show. Nearly half a dozen psalms have a penitential tone.
  • The book of Psalms, cited at least ten times in the New Testament, shows the depth of David’s faith. A couple of those psalms were messianic, serving as prophecy (see Psalm 22). Thus, David’s heartfelt praise, lament, and trust encourage believers today.
  • David laid the groundwork for building a new home for God’s Ark and provided a place for God’s shekinah to dwell. The Ark of the Covenant had been in Shiloh for the first 300 years of Israel’s national life. But the debacle of the battle near Aphek led to its loss to the Philistines for seven months. When the Ark returned on a cart led by two cows set loose by the Philistines, it came to Beth-shemesh. And the Ark did not have a permanent home until David brought it to Jerusalem.

I do not want to convey the impression that faith is a transactional exchange. David did not become the man after God’s own heart because his good deeds outweighed the bad. It was David’s heart that truly distinguished him. What truly characterized him was his genuine love and devotion to God and his willingness to repent and seek forgiveness when he sinned. David based his faith on a deep, personal relationship with God rather than earning favor through deeds. And David was aware that God’s mercy could bridge the gap.

Reflecting on the life of David, we see a vivid portrait of human complexity painted against the backdrop of divine grace. David’s story is not merely one of failure or success but a testament to the transformative power of repentance and the unfathomable depths of God’s mercy. Despite his significant shortcomings, David’s heart—a heart willing to acknowledge wrongdoing and turn back to God—set him apart. His legacy, therefore, isn’t defined by his failures but by his profound relationship with God. It highlights a path of redemption and faithfulness accessible to all. This narrative encourages us to approach God with a contrite spirit and to live with the assurance that grace, not our imperfect attempts at righteousness, is the foundation of our relationship with the Divine. In all its complexity, David’s life reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and forgiveness. It’s a message of hope and reassurance for every believer.