Tag: faith

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IX)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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.

Praying Like Christ

Carl Pollard

Very clearly seen in His ministry, Jesus believed that prayer worked. He realized the effectiveness and power of prayer. Because of this, He had an intimate relationship with the Father. Before He came to this earth, He was close to the Father. He refused to let His flesh separate Him from God. He had a desire to spend time with the Father. 

Sometimes, our motivation to pray is put out because we doubt that our prayers will work or make a difference. I for one have gone through periods of time where I failed to pray as I should, solely because of doubt. 

This is straight from the mouth of Satan. What better way to weaken our faith than to place doubt in our minds in the Creator to which we pray through the Son? 

What happens is we get this view of prayer that its all about the prayer requests. Not that it’s wrong to ask God for help, or pray for the sick, but all too often we see prayer as a help wanted billboard. We miss the point of prayer if this is all we see it as! Prayer is about talking with our Father, building and maintaining our relationship with our Savior! 

How close would you be to your physical father if the only reason you called him and talked to him was to ask for favors? Prayer is all about connection. If we reduce prayer to nothing more than asking for things, we have failed to pray like Christ. 

Making requests is one of the many needed aspects of prayer. It is true that Jesus spoke confidently to God, and requested things. 

God is more than willing to answer His obedient children. James tells us that the prayer of a righteous man is effective. Jesus believed and acted on the confidence that God would answer or hear His prayers. We need to understand the heart and mind of Christ if we are to imitate His prayer life. 

Jesus Was Not Passive. Far too often we believe (or act) as though once we pray about something, we don’t have to do anything more. It’s almost as if we see devotion to God and helping others as being mutually exclusive. We will pray for someone who is hurting, sick, or hungry and then do nothing more. Jesus prayed often, for long periods of time, but He was never passive. He didn’t separate faith from action. Jesus would pray, then heal. He believed, then acted. He would preach, then live what He taught. Why do we think it would be any different? Could it be that we are the answer to our prayers more often than we realize? 

Maybe we are the ones to comfort those who are mourning. Maybe we are the ones who are supposed to feed the hungry. Maybe we are the ones who need to study with the lost. It’s important we pray for others, but we cannot be passive and expect our prayers to be answered. 

Jesus warned against being passive in Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus is teaching about the final judgment we will all face in the end. 

Notice how Jesus rejects those who aren’t concerned for the physical wellbeing of others. He will have nothing to do with Christian’s who fail to have an active prayer life (33-40). A prayer by itself won’t clothe someone. Prayer by itself won’t fill an empty stomach. A prayer with no action will never give someone a drink. Jesus accepts those who DO SOMETHING. Prayer should open our eyes to the needs of those around us. 

If we have a say in the matter, if we have the ability to change someone’s circumstances WE ARE THE ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS. 

Jesus will reject a spirituality that is not concerned for the tangible needs of those around us. People matter to God. So much so that our eternity depends on how we care for anyone we may meet. Don’t get me wrong, God expects us to pray for others (Jesus’ example of prayer included praying for our enemies, and those we love), but He also expects us to be His hands and feet. 

James 2:14-17, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Unfortunately, we often use prayer as a substitute for action. In fact, it sounds so spiritual to say that we will pray about it; but highly hypocritical to have the tools and resources to do something about it but not act. Wives, how would you feel if you went to your husbands and asked them to put together that piece of furniture you bought from the store and they answered by saying “I’ll be praying about it.” Maybe you need the oil changed on your car and they say, “I’ll definitely be praying that gets taken care of.” How frustrating would that be? 

At some point our prayers should open our eyes to the works we should be doing! Like Jesus, we should pray as though it all depended on God, but act responsibly and obediently as though it all depended on us.

Firefighters And Word-Spreaders

Dave Steeves (photo credit: Holly Steeves)

Grant Wilson and I were in the Navy back in 1992, some 32 years ago. As Grant will tell you, it was a culture shock for both of us. A little more for Grant seeing as how it was his first time out of Smiths Grove. It would be an understatement to say we didn’t know what to expect when checking on board the ship; we were sure, however, that we would experience things that were new to us. I came on board the ship as an undesignated sailor, meaning that I didn’t have a particular job, I was just a member of the department that cared for the outside areas of the ship. The jobs were many but the most disliked was chipping paint, sanding, and painting. Standing the midnight watch in the pilothouse was a close second. It was also tasked to each sailor to be part of the ship’s firefighting team. This is a fact that I was aware of from the training we received in bootcamp, but didn’t fully understand what that would be like on board. You see, when we are out to sea there is no fire department to call, it’s just us in the middle of the ocean, often times hundreds of miles from shore or another ship for that matter. It’s up to us whether we sink or swim (quite literally).

  When we become Christians, we also have “jobs” that we may or may not like or be totally comfortable in doing. I for one, am uncomfortable getting up and speaking. But I know this helps me grow as a person and in my walk with Christ, I also am hopeful that it will be helpful for those that read this. We’ll never know the good we do until we get to the end of this life. But that doesn’t stop us from striving to have a closer walk with our Heavenly Father.

   In the parable of the sower we see that there are four different types of soil.

     Mark 4:3-9 it reads…….

”“Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”“

   We know that the different types of soil are indicators of the condition of the heart. It’s important to see here that the Bible is telling us that although we may not be aware of the condition of the hearers heart, we are still to share Gods word with those we come in contact with.

Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.“

  That verse does not tell us to be sure the people you’re speaking to are ready to hear the good news; it simply says to go and proclaim the word of God. The power of the good news does not lose its value or have its value diminished because the person listening isn’t ready to hear it. That is a very important lesson for us to learn in this passage. But that’s not all we can glean from this parable. The sower is mentioned in Mark 4:3, but is not mentioned again. You see the emphasis is on the condition of the soil/heart, NOT ON THE SOWER. This is a very important point that I think is missed far too often. You see those who have obeyed the gospel and have been added to the Lord’s family have an obligation. Much like on board the ship when I realized that I WOULD IN FACT BE A FIREFIGHTER. It was expected of me when I was sworn in .

I didn’t have a choice anymore. I didn’t sign up for part of the Navy. I signed up for all of it. I wrote a check to the United States Navy with no clear amount noted. Meaning, that I would give everything I had.

   If we are members of the Lords family, we ARE EXPECTED TO SPREAD HIS WORD. We can’t be half-in when it comes to God’s family. Those of us that have been baptized into God’s family are all the way in. We shouldn’t be fearful of that fact–that should give us comfort. Just like on board the ship, there is work to be done but we will never be doing that work alone. We have our Heavenly Father beside us. We have His word to guide us and we also have each of our brothers and sisters in Christ to support us.

   The sower was mentioned almost in passing. Let’s not lose that important point. You see the sower isn’t responsible for the increase. That is on God’s capable shoulders. That fact should free us to not worry as much about the response or lack thereof from those we study with because that’s not what we are called to do. We are called to spread the good news. It is GOD and GOD alone that gives the increase. Our job is to proclaim the word of God to all, not to shoulder guilt if the person we study with doesn’t obey the gospel. This should be a freeing realization to us all, allowing us to continue to spread the word and plant seeds in hopes that those seeds may grow and add another soul to the book of life.

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (IV)

“Conquering” Before The Conquest (3:1-29)

Neal Pollard

We can read ahead in the book of Joshua, appreciating that these military maneuvers were vital to building the confidence and experience of Israel in conquering their enemies and the territory belonging to them. Chapter two shows the first such battle, with the defeat of Sihon and the Amorites (2). The conquered territory was ceded to Reuben and Gad (12). Let us notice the content of this chapter briefly.

The defeat of the kingdom of Og in Bashan (1-11).  “The narrative says nothing of the route that was taken, though Numbers indicates that the point of origin was Jazer (Khirbet Jazzir) and, with Deuteronomy 3:1, agrees that its destination was Edrei (Derʿa), thirty miles southeast of the Sea of Galilee (Num 21:32–33). This would have been a fifty-mile march from the southwest to northeast through the Gilead tablelands” (Merrill, NAC, 105). Pointing to the previous battle, God reassured Israel that He would deliver Og into their hands, too (2-3). Again, they showed total obedience to God by utterly destroying everyone (3). They took 60 cities (4), “fortified with high walls, gates and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns” (5). While they destroyed men, women, and children, they took animals and spoils as booty (7). An important fact, though subtly inserted, is the impressiveness of King Og. He was the lone surviving descendant of a race of giants called the Rephaim (2:11). His enormous size is supported by his bed, confiscated by Israel. It was 13 feet long and 6 feet wide (cf. 11). 

The review of the conquered territory to this point (12-17). Moses summarizes all the land they had taken to this point in the region we call the trans-Jordan region (on the other side of the river). This will factor again in Joshua’s writings in his book that follows. Land is distributed to Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh here. Here, Moses gives the eastern boundary of the nation of Israel. 

Preparation for passing the baton of conquering (18-22). This is summed up in two statements: “I commanded you (valiant men; the sons of Israel)” (18) and “I commanded Joshua” (22). The soldiers from this already-conquered territory would leave their wives, children, and livestock behind, and go into battle with their brethren to conquer the rest of the territory in the allotted promised land. The soldiers are told to cross the Jordan and fight until the whole land is subdued (18-20). Joshua, the next commander-in-chief, is told to use these victories over Og and Sihon as object lessons for what was to come. He is also told not to fear, since God would be fighting for them (22). 

Moses, a man conquered by time and circumstance (23-29). Moses begged God to be able to cross over into Canaan with the people and see the land up close (23-25). This is only one of two uses of the name “Lord God” in the entire book of Deuteronomy (the other is 9:26). It means “Yahweh, the Most Powerful One.” Moses speaks optimistically, knowing what God can do (24-25). God replies emphatically, saying what He will do (26-29). He will allow Moses to see the promised land from the mountaintop view of Pisgah, but not enter. Moses once again, in verse 26, makes implicit reference to his striking the rock when asked by God to speak to it (cf. 1:37; Num. 20:12).  Instead, Moses was to focus his final energies on preparing Joshua to finish the task of conquering (28-29). 

Moses appears to allude to one other “conquering” in the last verse of the chapter. Beth-peor (29) is probably the same as Baal-peor (4:3) where Balaam’s evil influence leads to the deaths of 24,000 people who served idols and committed fornication (Num. 25:1-9; Ps. 106:28; Hos. 9:10; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11; Rev. 2:14). Thankfully, not all were conquered by that temptation to sin (4:4)! 

Reading through this chapter, I am reminded of Peter’s observations about certain false teachers in his day. He writes, “For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved” (2 Pet. 2:18-19; cf. Rom. 6:16; John 8:34). There is literal, physical conquering in this chapter (1-22) and figurative, spiritual conquering in this chapter (23-29). Deuteronomy helps us see the way to overcome, submitted fully to God’s revealed will! 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (III)

On Possessing And Dispossessing (2:1-34)

Neal Pollard

After detailing the rebellion and unbelief of the nation in chapter one, Moses highlights aspects of the latter portion of their wandering in this chapter. He breezes through the first 38 years of their wandering (14), explaining that these 40 years were to purge Israel of the generation of the men of war who refused to obey God’s command under Moses to enter Canaan (16). Moses highlights how God completely took care of their needs throughout the wandering (7). But, the emphasis of this chapter seems to be multiple object lessons concerning the nations they encounter near the end of their journey, nations they have some relationship to and observations concerning God’s care for them and the opponents these nations overcame. 

First, there are the Edomites (4-8a, 12). These descendants of Esau (Israel’s brother) have a healthy fear of Israel (4), so God tells them not to provoke them, attack them, or try to take their land (5). This was Esau’s promised land (5). Instead, they were to buy food and water from Edom, trusting God to help meet their needs (6-7). Heathen inhabitants possessed the territory before Esau’s descendants drove them out (12). Moses writes, “dispossessed them and destroyed them from before them and settled in their place.” The Edomites served as a pattern and example to Israel (12).

Second, there are the Moabites (8b-11).  These are the descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. The same instructions are given concerning the territory of these people. Israel is to refrain from harassing them or provoking them to war (9). This was territory promised to Moab (9). However, like the giants Israel saw in spying out their promised land, the Moabites had a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim (11). The Moabites called them Emim, and they apparently displaced these fearful folks. 

Third, there are the Ammonites (19-23,37). Between his mention of Moab and Ammon, Moses reminds the people that their faithless counterparts, these people’s parents, had God against them to destroy them. He doesn’t explicitly mention why here, but we know from numerous accounts that it was their lack of faith. As the new generation heads toward Canaan, they encounter Ammon. They hear the same instructions as concerning Edom and Moab (19). Again, the Ammonites faced giants like the Anakim (Num. 13:33) who the Israelites were too fearful of.  Moses emphasizes the Ammonites courage, even doubling back to Edom to make the point with Israel that Ammon displaced the Rephaim, “A people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim, but the Lord destroyed them before them. And they dispossessed them and settled in their place, just as He did for the sons of Esau, who live in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them; they dispossessed them and settled in their place even to this day” (21-22).  In verse 23, he seems to give another example of a people, the ancestors of the Cretans (Caphtorim), who came to the land of a people, the Avvim, and destroyed them and lived in their place. That would be Israel’s task regarding Canaan.

Fourth, there are the Amorites (24-36). This enemy forms a sort of military exercise and preparation for the conquest. First, God tells them that they would defeat and displace them (24). Israel has grown into a massive, young, and vibrant nation, and people everywhere feared them to the point of dread, trembling, and anguish (25). The king of the Amorites, Sihon, king of Heshbon, is asked to sell food and water to Israel and allow safe passage through their land as the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites had done (26-29). But God used this to harden his heart, that Israel might see God’s deliverance as they obeyed His command (30). In fact, God said, “See, I have begun to deliver Sihon and his land over to you…” (31). Israel fights and God delivers (32-33). Israel “utterly destroyed the men, women and children of every city. We left no survivor. We took only the animals as our booty and the spoil of the cities which we had captured” (34-35). What a transformation of attitude! They could report, “there was no city that was too high for us; the Lord our God delivered all over to us” (36)!  This land would eventually become part of the territory of Reuben and Gad (Josh. 13:15-27). 

Moses is still reviewing the events of the wandering, settling now on the more recent past. But, notice that God is using these inferior, unchosen nations–their ethnic cousins–to show them what courageous action coupled with divine favor could produce. He also clarifies that these territories were not their land of promise, but areas to pass through on the way. He gives them a taste of what the conquest would be like, enabling their victory over the Amorites.

Sometimes, we can learn from the people around us to possess the courage, conviction, and tenacity we need to have in pursuing our God-given tasks (Luke 16:8)! They should never outdo us in their pursuit of their goals and purposes. We also need to be reminded that this world is not our home; we’re just passing through (Mat. 6:19-21; 1 Jn. 2:15-17)! May we never mistake this world for the world to come. Finally, our small victories here are all part of our endeavor to gain the greatest victory there is (1 Jn. 5:4)! 

Rational Faith

Gary Pollard
  1. Universal constants (ie. truth) exist. They must, or civilization would not be able to sustain itself. 
  2. Only one religious system has a flawless narrative from beginning to end: Christianity. The collection of sacred writings we call the bible is uncanny in its preservation and authenticity. No other ancient document has ever held up to academic scrutiny like the bible has. 
  3. While no organization is perfect, none have positively impacted the planet like Christianity has. Not even close. No civilization has been as functional as those which have been built on Judeo-Christian principles. Literacy is as wide-spread as it is because of the bible. 
  4. Evidence for the existence of a higher power is everywhere. If the bible — which contains a supernaturally infallible narrative — claims that the God we serve is that higher power, it is only rational to serve that God. 

“Faith is what makes real the things we hope for. It is proof of what we cannot see. God was pleased with the people who lived a long time ago because they had faith like this. Faith helps us understand that God created the whole world by his command. This means the things we see were created by something that cannot be seen” (Hb 11.1-3). 

We were not there 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth. We were not there when he created the earth. We were not there when he came back to life. We were not there to witness any miracles. 

But what has been left to us is a series of compelling proofs, such as the complexity and order of the universe from the cosmic scale to the microscopic scale. We have a collection of ancient documents which have been preserved to a degree that no other ancient documents have, and which contain no narrative contradictions. We have a system of belief that, when followed properly, is the most functional way to live. We will not see with our own eyes until Jesus returns. Until then we are satisfied with the evidence we have, and we are confident in who God is and that he exists. This is the very definition of faith. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (II)

Why They Wandered In The Wilderness (1:1-46)

Neal Pollard

Interestingly, Moses begins the book of Deuteronomy by giving the date, location, audience, and reason for writing. He gathered all Israel in the portion of the wilderness in the land of Moab, on the first day of the 11th month of the 40th year of their wandering. He writes that with his first address to the people he did so to “expound this law” (5). In order to give a detailed explanation of the law, he chooses to review exactly how they came to be in their current predicament. 

A Rejected Mission (6-25). Moses starts his review at Mt. Sinai, where God told them to go and take possession of Canaan (6-8). To mobilize and care for a people so numerous–at the suggestion of his father-in-law (Ex. 18)–wise and experienced men were delegated to judge any grievances and issues among the people (9-18). When they arrived at Kadesh-Barnea in the hill country of the Amorites (19-20), they glimpsed their promised land (21). Moses admonished them, “Do not fear or be dismayed” (21b). The people devised the plan of sending spies into Canaan to bring back produce and a report of what they found in the land, which Moses approved (22-25). What he did not approve was their evaluation. 

A Rebellious Men (26-33). Moses says that despite acknowledging that the land was good, they were rebellious and unwilling (26). They grumbled (27). The spies spread fear into the hearts of the people (28). They were shocked and afraid (29). They did not trust God, despite His faithful leadership and protection (30-33). An objective as ancient as Abraham, the very target they aimed at upon their exodus from Egypt, was now shunned. They let emotions overshadow their God-given purpose. For this, God calls them an “evil generation” (35). 

A Recompensing Maker (34-46). Moses tells us how God felt about their distrust and disobedience. Not only was He angry with the nation (34), He would be angry for Moses during the wandering (37; Num. 20:12; Deut. 3:26; 4:21). God took an oath against them, a sobering image to consider (34). That generation was forbidden from entering Canaan (35,40), with the exception of Caleb who “followed the Lord fully” (36) and Joshua who would succeed Moses (38). Their children, whom they used as an excuse for disobedience, would grow up and go do what they lacked the faith to accomplish (39). Hearing this, the people suddenly mustered their courage and attempted to take the land. But God had withdrawn His help, and the people were chased as if by bees and “crushed…from Seir to Hormah” (41-44). Again, they were being  rebellious and presumptuous (43). They wept to the Lord, but He would not listen to a people who had stubbornly rejected His Word (45). They were consigned to circle around Mount Seir for the duration of their wandering (2:1ff). 

This new generation needed to know exactly why there were in the wilderness. They needed to know the way to leave the wilderness and to take the promised land. They needed to be more intimately acquainted with the God who had preserved them these 40 years, to trust Him as He led them in the conquest to come. They needed to come face to face with the faults of their fathers, to avoid repeating the deadly cycle. To go forward, it is often helpful to remember the past. We do not have to be enslaved by it, but we must be educated by it. Therefore, the wilderness experience will be retold by Bible writers throughout the Old Testament and even reviewed in the various genres of New Testament literature: the gospels (John 3:14; 6:32), history (Acts 7:44), and the epistles (1 Cor. 10:5; Heb. 3:8,17). In fact, Paul said God wants us to learn from this generation how not to live (1 Cor. 10:11). Moses is trying to do that with the next generation, to get them to see where their fathers had fallen short. 

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (I)

Background And Introduction

Neal Pollard

It is majestic. It is Messianic. It is a masterpiece of literary genius, even among the inspired books of the Bible. Delivered by an aging Moses as Israel stands at the cusp of Canaan, it is full of preaching and persuasion. The book is material that is necessary for the next generation, who had survived forty years in the wilderness, to ready themselves for what God had prepared for them. As James Smith puts it, there was a new generation, new land, new dangers, new prospects, new challenges, new duties, and a new leader about to emerge (478). 

There are 34 chapters, 958 verses, and 28,461 words in this book. The book’s name comes from the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and literally means “second law.” It actually goes deeper and further applies the original law given in Exodus to the previous generation. Deuteronomy has been called “Moses’ farewell address.” The Hebrew title comes from the first line of the book–אֵ֣לֶּה הַדְּבָרִ֗ים (“these are the words”). It is written in the plains of Moab east of the Jordan River in 1406 B.C., the last year of the period of wandering.

Try to go to far without reading a command, promise, or warning. Moses’ life’s work has been to get these people into the land God promised Abraham He would give to them. He knows he will not physically finish that job, but the law-giver was trying to ready them for life on the other side of the Jordan River in their new home.

There are different ways to divide the material of the book of Deuteronomy. One can see it as three individuals sermons, a shorter one (ch. 1-4), a long one (ch. 5-26), and a last, shorter, and summarizing one (ch. 27-34). The theme of each sermon is “obedience.”  Griffith Thomas sees it as giving the necessity of obedience (the Law of God), the motive of obedience (the goodness of God), the standard of obedience (the word of God), the incentive of obedience (the faithfulness of God), and the alternative of obedience (the justice of God)(166). These sermons may have all been delivered in the same day, and the timespan of the whole book is measured in weeks. 

Alternately, one could see the book as centering around the idea of “covenant.” God initiates the covenant, Israel receives the covenant, and the book of Deuteronomy contains the recording of the covenant. As such, the book gives the character of God, the character of Israel, and the nature of their relationship. Regarding God’s character, the book reveals Him as Elector of Israel (26:5-9), Redeemer of Israel (many places including 3:24-29), Defender of Israel (ch. 2,7,31), Benefactor of Israel (32:15-18), and Judge of Israel (ch. 7, 30,32-33)(cf. Merrill, NAC, 47). 

Kline Meredith observes that Deuteronomy reflects “vassal treaties” of their time, consisting of six parts: (1) preamble (1:1-5), (2) historical prologue (1:6-4:43), (3) general stipulations (5:1-1132), (4) specific stipulations (12:1-26:14), (5) divine witnesses invoked, and (6) blessings and curses (ch. 27-28)(Treaty Of The Great King, 1963). 

One other way to break down Deuteronomy would be to see it as looking back (ch. 1-4), looking up (ch. 5-26), and looking ahead (ch. 27-34). 

There are no new characters introduced in Deuteronomy, but a total of 15 characters already introduced are found in this book. They include God’s chosen, but also God’s enemies. Yet, the focus is upon the nation as a whole and their responsibility to hear God’s Word and do it. Their obedience would cause divine blessings. Their rejection would cause divine curse.

Themes to look for include the land, remembering, blessings, repentance, ethical and moral purity, listening, and loving God. Key words include all (264), today (59), statutes (29), sons (74), see (33), people (86), live (35), heart (46), earth (34), covenant (27), and eat (59). This is not exhaustive, but helps us get some idea of what the book is about and the material it covers. 

Let us drink deeply of this divine discourse, making application as we see how God longs to interact with His chosen people. 

The Dangers Of Forgetting God In Prosperity (Deuteronomy 8:7-20)

Brent Pollard

“But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today” (Deuteronomy 8.11 NLT).

In today’s world, self-sufficiency and autonomy are highly valued. But Deuteronomy 8.7-20 reminds us of our reliance on a higher power. Moses used this passage to warn the Israelites before they entered Canaan, and it teaches a valuable lesson for individuals and nations: the dangers of forgetting God in times of prosperity.

Humans often overlook and take the natural world’s consistent and predictable patterns for granted. When we receive everything we require from the natural order, we may mistakenly believe our success and sustenance are solely due to our efforts or luck. We fail to recognize the divine orchestration underlying the natural order. This passage encourages us to look beyond the natural laws that govern our daily lives and recognize the divine hand that propels these laws forward.

Moving from direct divine provision in the wilderness to self-sustained agriculture in Canaan represents a spiritual journey. It depicts a shift from visible reliance on God toward a faith-based partnership. As we live, success may tempt us to forget that our progress results from working with divine will and instead take sole credit for our efforts. This forgetfulness can cause alienation from our spiritual source, arrogance, and a false sense of self-reliance.

Many civilizations rose to great heights throughout history but eventually collapsed when they abandoned divine principles. The text warns us that ignoring God’s role in our success leads to spiritual decay, which frequently precedes physical and societal decline. The Canaanites and Israelites serve as stark reminders of what awaits those who choose to live without acknowledging God’s authority.

In an increasingly atheistic society, where people prioritize “science” over spiritual beliefs, it is critical to acknowledge God’s presence in all aspects of our lives. Our achievements and the beauty and order we see in nature are not solely the result of human effort or natural laws but rather evidence of God’s grace.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, Deuteronomy 8.7–20 reminds us of God’s omnipresence and benevolence. Remembering God during times of prosperity promotes humility, gratitude, and a sense of purpose. Let us strive to keep God at the forefront of our minds and recognize that every blessing, no matter how small or insignificant it appears, is a testament to God’s unfailing love and provision.

What’s the call to action? How can we apply the lessons from Deuteronomy 8.7–20? Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there any areas in which you may have overlooked God’s role? Try something as simple as keeping a gratitude journal to record God’s providence. Also, consider ways to work with God to bring about good in the world. Instead of waiting for adversity to remind you of your need for the divine, strive to live each day with a conscious recognition of God, who is the source of all your blessings (see James 1.17).

The principles outlined in Deuteronomy 8:7-20 hold significance for individuals and our communities, cities, and nations. In this secular and complex world, it is crucial to have a place where people can gather and celebrate their shared values, including faith. Coming together can cultivate wisdom, kindness, and cooperation in these spaces. Let us consider this timeless advice as a guide that reminds us that we cannot achieve true prosperity unless we are at peace with God, ourselves, and each other, not just in material terms.

Defining Love

Carl Pollard

“Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy or boast.” Many of us know exactly where this verse is found. 1 Corinthians 13, which is quite possibly the most well-known chapter in the entire Bible. When many people hear “love is patient, love is kind,” they start hearing wedding bells and think of a white dress. This profound chapter is all about defining true love, and Paul isn’t talking about the feeling you have when you want to marry someone. There is so much depth to this chapter and that is what we are going to dig into in this article.

True love is increasingly harder to find and practiced by few. So many are chasing a feeling that comes and goes with each moment. The love that Paul is talking about is agape love. This chapter is all about explaining why TRUE, sacrificial love is the greatest. Before we get into this chapter we need to understand why Paul is writing about love. The main reason for this letter is because the church at Corinth was an absolute mess. 

This congregation was filled with all kinds of sinful behavior, drama, and misunderstandings. Their behavior was a negative influence on others, and it was unacceptable before God. Chapter 13 was written so that these Christian’s would correct their behavior by practicing true agape love. 

The Corinthians were obsessed with spiritual gifts, especially the gift of speaking in other languages. Paul spends chapter 12 dealing with spiritual gifts in the church. They have a purpose, and ultimately they are for unity and glorifying God. God gave these gifts to help strengthen the church in its beginning stages. They were abusing their gifts, they were bragging about their abilities and acting like children. “Oh you only have the gift of wisdom? I have the gift of prophecy!” Some were bragging, others were trying to use gifts they didn’t even have! Like fake prophesying just to seem cool. Chapter 12 ends with Paul saying, “you can strive towards greater gifts, but there is a more excellent way.” That better way is having the gift of love. 

This is something EVERYONE can have. The love that Paul is speaking about is not the love of romance and warm fuzzy feelings. Paul is using the Greek word “Agape” which means self-sacrificing love. Agape love is behind all actions that put others before self. This is the love with which God loved us when He sent His Son (John 3:16). A love that does what’s difficult, because it is a choice. We are called to imitate this love. 

As Paul begins to describe love in chapter 13, he tells us that love is essential. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3). These gifts that the Corinthians were obsessed with were meaningless if they didn’t have love. If you are speaking without love, it’s empty noise! Have you ever pulled a trailer that was empty? As you’re going down the road every bump and pothole sends it banging up and down. It makes a whole bunch of noise because it’s empty. No matter what our words contain, if they are said without love it’s just a load of nothing. 

It was the same for any other gift they had! Whether it’s prophecy, wisdom, or even faith, if there is no love they are irrelevant. This is why love is essential! The Corinthians failed to see the true purpose of the gifts. They didn’t use them out of love. Paul quotes Jesus when he says “faith to move mountains” (cf. Matt. 17:20). You could have faith to do the impossible, but again if you have no love it won’t do you any good. A faith to move mountains is great, but if you don’t have love your faith won’t do you any good. Faith, wisdom, or any other gift isn’t a sign that you’re a Christian, it’s LOVE!

If we’re not willing to deny ourselves for the sake of others, our religion is worthless. You could give everything you own to the poor, you could even be martyred for Christ, but again if you do it without love you’ve sacrificed for no reason. Everything that Paul mentions in verses 1-3 are good things! Tongues were good for the church at the time. Prophecy, knowledge, faith, all wonderful things. Sacrifice is good, but love is SO valuable, SO important, that apart from it every other good thing is useless. 

As Christians, we need to remember that love is essential. No matter what good thing you may do, if you don’t have love you might as well not do it. Agape love is hard to find, so be the one to sacrifice for others. Make choices out of love, speak with love, and live imitating the agape love of God!

More Than Sorry

The Profound Gift Of Propitiation

Brent Pollard

Consider a scenario in which you accidentally crash your friend’s car, causing him to become upset. You could apologize and offer him your vehicle to make things right, hoping to repair your friendship. This overture is similar to what the term “propitiation” means but on a much broader scale.

Imagine God as a close friend and ourselves as those who have made a mistake. Sometimes, we may do something wrong, which creates a gap between us and God, much like when friends become angry. However, what is remarkable is that God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to solve this problem. He didn’t do this by giving something to God but by becoming the solution Himself (John 3.16; 1 John 4.10).

Jesus never committed any wrong, yet He willingly chose to take the punishment meant for us and expressed the most heartfelt apology for everything that anyone has done or will do. It was more than just saying sorry; it was about reconciling our relationship with God. This outcome is what we mean by “propitiation”: Jesus took our place to restore our relationship with God (Romans 3.23–25, 1 John 2.2).

Let’s go back to the car story. If you accidentally damaged your friend’s car, you could try to compensate for it by fixing or compensating him. But what if your friend said, “It’s alright, I forgive you, and let’s work together to repair the car”? This response is similar to what God did for us but on a much grander scale. God did not only forgive us, but He also made it possible for Jesus to reconcile us to Him. By doing this, He demonstrated His immense love for us, even though we continue to make mistakes (Romans 5.8).

Thanks to Jesus, God doesn’t hold our mistakes against us. He welcomes us with open arms as if nothing ever happened. This result is not because we fixed things ourselves but because Jesus did (Colossians 1.19–22). We can again be close to God and be His friends because Jesus has made things right between us and Him.

So, “propitiation” is a complex word that describes how Jesus helped restore our friendship with God by taking our place, even though He was innocent. It shows how much God loves us and wants us to return to Him despite our sins (Romans 5.10–11; 1 John 4.10). 

When we understand the concept of propitiation, we realize that Jesus willingly bore the weight of our sins on the cross. His sacrifice satisfied God’s righteous anger and justice, ensuring God’s reconciliation with us. Our past mistakes no longer define us, but by the grace and forgiveness God extends to us through Jesus. It is a testament to God’s boundless love for us, allowing us to turn away from our sins and forge a close relationship with him again.