Tag: gospel

Peter’s Confession (And Ours)

Neal Pollard

Caesarea Philippi makes such a dramatic backdrop for the discussion that occurs in Matthew 16. Even today, as ruins 2,000 years later, the place is imposing. Caesarea Philippi, also known in Christ’s day as Paneas because of the mythological god Pan and known today as Banias, had the cave of Pan carved out of the towering rock. It was associated with multiple cultures for multiplied centuries as a center of idolatry. How dramatic it must have been for the disciples to walk among the temples, sanctuary, grottos, and courtyards erected by Herod the Great with the natural, bedrock setting, discussing matters of such importance with their amazing teacher. On this occasion, Jesus initiates the discussion with a profound question. It was a question of identity. He asks them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (13).

The phrase, “Son of Man,” found 29 times in the gospel of Matthew and used every time by Jesus to refer to Himself, identifies Him in a very significant way. With this phrase, Jesus references His humanity—His implicit need of sleep (8:20), His eating and drinking (11:19), His physical death (12:40), His physical suffering (17:12), His bodily deliverance to the Jews (17:22; 20:18), and His humble service (20:28). However, it implies His Deity, because with as many references Jesus speaks of His miraculous power, His reign, His atonement, His judgment, and His second coming. For the discerning disciple, Jesus had already given them the answer. Peter, who this gospel has already demonstrated to be quick to answer (14:28; 15:15) and who would continue to be so (17:4;18:21; 19:27; 26:33,35), is the one who answers Jesus’ query. The answer is the most important confession a person could make in this life. It is the confession in yielding obedience to the Lordship of Jesus many men and women have made since the first century. 

Let us examine the confession made by Peter in Matthew 16:13-19 and observe its significance to us today. 

It was a relevant confession (13-14). The identity of Jesus was a topic of discussion at the time. People were obviously pondering the identity of Jesus. The disciples tell Jesus that public opinion held Him to either be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. What is especially interesting about this is that all of those men would have been dead by this time (cf. 14:1ff), and that means the people believed Him to be a man resurrected from the dead. That would be incredible, but would also seem to imply He was endorsed and even sent by God. In their puzzlement, Jesus was still the focal point of apparently significant debate at this time.

Two millennia of time have done nothing to diminish the relevance of Jesus. He is misunderstood, misrepresented, misinterpreted, and certainly misidentified, but He is still pertinent to the lives of mankind all over the globe. The fact that most miss Who He really is, as they did when He walked the earth, does not negate His relevancy. Skeptics and agnostics try to dismiss Him, yet still discuss Him. The wicked may blaspheme and profane Him, in anger and jest, yet still discuss Him. Those in religious error, with spiritual blinders on, discuss Him. Faithful disciples build their lives completely around Him.  To ascertain His identity marks the height of relevancy.

It was a personal confession (15). Despite the common misperception of Him, Jesus gives His disciples the chance to get it right. Notice that He does so by asking, ““But who do you say that I am?” (15). Regardless of what the Jews said, the pagans said, or the multitude said, Jesus wants these men to answer this. The “you” is plural, but it seems restricted to only His disciples walking with and listening to Him. From Peter’s answer, we can see that the answer is even more specific. Peter, the individual disciple, had to give an answer to the question. 

Jesus wants the world to be won over to Him. But, His Word reveals the individual accountability each of us has to Him as we live our lives on the earth. Earlier in the gospel, He says, ““Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (10:32-33). The “everyone” and the “whoever” suggests the personal nature of the confession each one must have to be eternally accepted by the Father. The church is made up of individuals who wrestled with and came to a proper conclusion about who Jesus is.

It was an accurate confession (16).  When Peter gives his answer, it is the right one. Peter confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Satan knew that this is who Jesus is (4:3,6). The demons knew it, too (8:29). The high priest at His arrest and the passers by at His crucifixion demonstrated their unbelief in this fact (26:63; 27:40), while the Gentile soldiers confessed it (27:54). This confession was a confession of the complete Deity of Jesus. It also contained the idea that Jesus is the Messiah, as He is called in Matthew’s genealogical record (1:1,16-17) . Messiah is the Hebrew designation (Daniel 9:25-26) for Christ, from a Greek word meaning, generally, “one who has been anointed” (Louw-Nida 542), and, specifically, “Fulfiller of Israelite expectation of a deliverer, the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ” (BDAG  1091).  In this sense, other Old Testament passages foretold of His coming (see Psalm 2:2). Peter is saying, in essence, “I believe You are the One prophesied of in the Old Testament as the Divine Deliverer.” While He and the others did not fully grasp the truth Peter spoke, it could not have been more accurate. 

It was a blessed confession (17-19). After Peter’s confession, Jesus responds. He says that Peter is “blessed,” a word Matthew records Jesus using 16 times in this gospel. Each time, the word seems to be used in the sense of something more than mere happiness or joy, though those no doubt are the result of being deemed blessed by God. In fact, everywhere in this gospel that someone is called blessed, there is some blessing or privilege that follows.

  • Receiving the kingdom of heaven (5:3).
  • Being comforted (5:4).
  • Inheriting the earth (5:5).
  • Being filled (5:6).
  • Obtaining mercy (5:7).
  • Seeing God (5:8).
  • Being called sons of God (5:9).
  • Being healed (11:7). 
  • Seeing and hearing (13:16).
  • Being rewarded (24:46; 25:34). 

What are the blessings for Peter?  First, there is heavenly knowledge (17). He understands a truth that did not originate with men, but with God. Second, there was delightful revelation (18). He learns that because Jesus is the anointed One and the Son of God, Jesus would build the church on the foundation of His identity. Third, there is tremendous responsibility (19). Peter is told he will have the task of using the keys—the fact of Jesus’ identity and authority—to unlock the door to let Jews (Acts 2) and Gentiles (Acts 10) into the church of Christ. 

   Whenever anyone follows the instructions first preached by Peter on how to get into the church, they benefit from the same blessings. They accept this heavenly knowledge of who Jesus is. They get to be a part of the unique church that belongs to Jesus. Then, they accept the responsibility to share with others the things Jesus has already bound and loosed in heaven. A life of confessing Christ is the cornerstone to a life with God’s approval, a blessedness unmatched by anything else. 

That even Peter did not grasp the profundity of his confession is clear from His rebuke of the Christ, the Son of the living God shortly after his confession (16:22). Yet, eventually, Peter comes to understand the powerful implications of the confession he makes in Matthew 16:18. He spreads it to thousands of others, who helped to populate and grow that church. As we read his confession today, Peter continues to influence us to imitate his great faith and make the good confession with our lives. May we never be ashamed to own our Lord or defend His cause!

Works Cited

Arndt, William, Frederick W. Danker, et al. A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature 2000 : 1091. Print.

 Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains 1996 : 542. Print.

The Seven “I AM” Declarations: Jesus Reveals Himself (Part 1 of 2)

Brent Pollard

When Jesus said “I AM,” He opened a door into divinity. God had told Moses His name: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3.14). That name—stark, eternal—declared self-existence and sovereign being. Centuries later, a carpenter from Nazareth used the same formula seven times in John’s Gospel.

John recorded these statements with a clear and deliberate purpose: to demonstrate that each “I AM” declaration is a signpost affirming both the divine identity and mission of Christ. Rather than serving as random metaphors, these statements specifically articulate how Jesus meets fundamental human needs and discloses what He offers to believers. Together, they form the thesis of John’s Gospel by answering the central question about Jesus’ true identity.

Let us walk through these seven declarations, not as scholars cataloguing data but as souls hungry for the Bread of Life, stumbling in darkness and desperate for Light.

The Bread of Life (John 6.35, 48, 51)

“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

The multitudes had just eaten their fill of fish and barley loaves. They wanted Jesus as a permanent meal ticket, another Moses who would give daily manna. But Jesus refused to be seen as a mere provider of bread that perishes. He called Himself the true bread from heaven—the source that fills not the stomach but the soul, meeting our deepest need.

We are born hungry for purpose, acceptance, and to fill a God-shaped void. We try to satisfy this hunger with achievements and pleasures. Yet earthly bread leaves us hungry again. Christ alone satisfies because He is life. To come to Him ends our soul’s restlessness.

The Light of the World (John 8.12; 9.5)

“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

Picture Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, its massive golden lamps blazing in the temple courts, commemorating the pillar of fire that led Israel through the wilderness. Against that backdrop, Jesus makes His audacious claim: I am the true Light.

Darkness in Scripture is never neutral. It represents sin’s blindness, ignorance’s confusion, and the deep despair that comes from separation from God. To walk in darkness means to lack moral direction, to be unable to see or know God, and to experience the guilt and shame that result from this separation.

But Jesus does not merely illuminate the path—He is the path. He does not simply reveal truth—He is truth embodied. When we follow Him, we step out of the shadow of death into the light of life. We see clearly, perhaps for the first time, who God is, who we are, and what life is meant to be.

The Door (John 10.7, 9)

“I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”

In the ancient world, a shepherd led his flock into a walled enclosure each night. There was a single opening—no gate, just an entrance. The shepherd would lie across it, making his body the door, a living barrier. No wolf could enter without facing him, and no sheep could slip out unseen. The shepherd as “door” meant protection and the only path to safety.

Jesus claims to be the only true entrance into God’s safety. No one climbs over by achievement. No one sneaks in with rituals. There is no other entrance called “good intentions” or “sincere beliefs.”

The exclusivity of the Door troubles our pluralistic age, but it ought to comfort our souls. For if Jesus is the Door, we know exactly where to enter. We are not left to guess which of a thousand paths might lead to God. We need not wonder whether our efforts are enough. The Door stands open. The Shepherd calls. When we enter through Him, we are saved.

The Good Shepherd (John 10.11, 14)

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

Israel had sung of the Lord as their Shepherd in Psalm 23. The prophets had condemned Israel’s leaders as faithless shepherds who scattered the flock. Now Jesus claims the title for Himself—and defines it by the cross.

A hired hand flees danger. A false shepherd uses sheep. The Good Shepherd knows His sheep, calls them by name, and lays down His life. The cross was not a tragedy; it was the Shepherd’s choice for His flock.

This is love without parallel. This is commitment beyond measure. And this is why we can trust Him even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Our Shepherd has already been there—and He has conquered it.

In our next article, we will explore the final three “I AM” declarations, where Jesus reveals Himself as the answer to our deepest fears, our greatest confusion, and our spiritual fruitlessness.

Beyond Doomscrolling: How God Equips Us to Slay Giants

Brent Pollard

The Temptation to Feed on Fear

In this high-stakes election year, with our nation more tribalized than perhaps any time in recent memory, the core issue we face is a widespread habit: “doomscrolling.” This compulsive, endless consumption of negative news and distressing online content feeds anxiety, nurtures fear, and starves the soul of hope. First popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic, doomscrolling amounts to voluntary imprisonment in a cell of manufactured despair. To resist fear and reclaim perspective, we must rely on faith, deliberate thought, and God’s Word—tools that equip us for the challenges and Goliaths of our time.

The Christian response to such darkness must be light. We must make Philippians 4.6-8 not merely familiar, but our constant companion. Through prayer, we banish anxiety; through deliberate focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and excellent, we reclaim our thoughts from the enemy’s propaganda machine. Where the world offers an endless stream of catastrophe, God offers peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4.7).

Light-Scrolling and Ancient Warfare

It was through such positive scrolling—what we might call “light-scrolling”—that I encountered a video by someone calling himself “The Nerdy Christian.” His observation about David and Goliath arrested my attention and challenged assumptions I had carried for years. Like many, I had viewed this famous contest as ending in David’s victory solely through God’s direct intervention. Yet history reveals a more nuanced truth, making the story even richer.

The sling was no child’s toy. It was among the most fearsome weapons of the ancient world—a fact the Romans learned to their horror. When Hannibal crossed the Alps with his war elephants and stood at Rome’s gates, he brought 2,000 slingers whose skill was legendary. At the Battle of Cannae, one of Rome’s most devastating defeats, a slinger’s stone struck the consul Lucius Aemilius Paullus, inflicting wounds that led to his death. The mighty Republic that would eventually rule the Mediterranean nearly fell before the whirring death delivered by stones and leather straps.

The Insult Was Not in the Weapon

When Goliath taunted David, his words dripped with contempt—but not contempt for the sling itself. “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” (1 Samuel 17.43 NASB). The sting lay not in dismissing the weapon, but in the absurdity of a shepherd boy, dressed in farm clothes and carrying pastoral tools, presuming to face a champion warrior. A proper opponent would bear the armor and weapons Saul had attempted to strap onto David’s young frame (1 Samuel 17.38-39). To Goliath, it was as if someone had sent a farmhand with a crook to chase off a trained predator.

But what the giant in his arrogance failed to perceive, David understood with crystalline clarity: God had been preparing him for this moment through every ordinary day he had spent in the fields.

The Physics of Faith

Slingers were crucial to the armies of the ancient Near East, Greece, and Rome. Their effectiveness was rooted in simple physics—the high kinetic energy produced by rotational motion and release velocity. When 1 Samuel 17.49 describes the stone sinking into Goliath’s forehead, it aligns perfectly with natural laws. The stone would have fractured the giant’s skull, perhaps punching clear through to lodge itself in the wound. This created the impression of “sinking” into the flesh.

What the armored Goliath seems to have overlooked was the relative thinness of skin and bone protecting the brain. The practiced David, who had spent years perfecting his aim against predators, knew precisely where to deliver the lethal blow. He didn’t need God to bend the laws of nature. God had already woven into creation the very physics that would bring down the blasphemer.

Does this rob the story of its wonder? Far from it. This understanding actually deepens our appreciation for how God works.

Providence in the Pasture

Though God did not need to perform a supernatural miracle at the moment of combat, His providence had followed David throughout his youth like a shepherd follows his flock. That providence established a pattern, a precedent upon which faith could firmly stand. As David himself declared before the king, God had given him strength to defeat lions and bears that threatened his sheep (1 Samuel 17.34-37). The same covenant-keeping God who delivered him from those fierce beasts would deliver him from this uncircumcised Philistine who dared mock the living God and His people.

Here we glimpse a profound truth about divine preparation: God uses the mundane to equip us for the momentous. David’s years in obscurity, mastering a weapon most would consider beneath a warrior’s dignity, became the very foundation for his greatest victory. His faithfulness in small things—protecting defenseless sheep from predators—prepared him for great things. He protected defenseless Israel from the champion of Gath.

More Than the Mundane

The Nerdy Christian rightly observed that God will use the ordinary experiences of our lives to equip us for extraordinary callings. Yet we must not stop there. Otherwise, we truncate the full counsel of Scripture. God has not limited Himself to using only the mundane to prepare His people for battle.

Consider Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3.16-17 NASB). God has given us His very words—not merely as historical record or moral guideline, but as comprehensive equipment for “every good work.” Peter echoes this truth when he reminds us that God’s divine power “has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him” (2 Peter 1.3 NASB). The context reveals that this knowledge comes through the Gospel itself.

And what is this Gospel? Paul declares it to be “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1.16 NASB). The Greek word translated “power” isdunamis (δύναμις)—the very word from which Alfred Nobel derived the name for his explosive invention: dynamite.

Yes, the Gospel is God’s dynamite.

Weapons Divinely Powerful

Listen to how Paul describes this explosive power that God places in our hands: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10.3-5 NASB).

Scripture itself is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6.17), sharper than any two-edged blade. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4.12). Where David carried five smooth stones from the brook, we carry the eternal Word that spoke worlds into existence. Where David’s sling could fell one giant, God’s Word can topple every fortress of falsehood that exalts itself against truth.

Equipped for Every Giant

The giants we face today seldom wear bronze armor or carry spears like weaver’s beams. They come disguised as anxiety scrolling through our feeds. They come in the form of speculations that undermine faith, as lofty arguments against the knowledge of God. They appear in the culture’s contempt for biblical truth, in our own wavering doubts, in the thousand small compromises that would diminish our devotion.

But God has equipped us to face them all. Through the mundane experiences of life, He builds practical skills in us. He builds tested faith. Through the profound truth of His Word, He arms us with weapons divinely powerful. Through the Gospel’s explosive force, He gives us everything pertaining to life and godliness.

The question is never whether God has equipped us. The question is whether we will, like David, step forward in faith with the tools He has provided. Refuse the ill-fitting armor of human wisdom. Trust instead in the name of the Lord of hosts whom we serve (1 Samuel 17.45).

The Witness of Preparation

When we immerse ourselves in Scripture daily, its truth shapes our thoughts and guides our steps. Something remarkable happens. We discover we can indeed slay every evil giant we face. As we grow deeper in a relationship with our Savior, others will take note—just as the religious leaders noticed about the apostles—that we have been with Jesus (Acts 4.13).

This is God’s way: to prepare us through providence, equip us through His Word, and empower us through His Spirit. He takes shepherd boys and makes them giant-slayers. He takes fishermen and makes them fishers of men. He takes ordinary believers and uses them to turn the world upside down (Acts 17.6).

The giants still taunt. The enemy still rages. But we need not doomscroll through catalogs of catastrophe, rehearsing reasons for despair. Instead, let us take up the weapons God has forged for us—both the practical skills refined through faithful living and the spiritual sword that is His eternal Word. Let us step forward, not in our own strength, but in the name of the God who has covenanted with His people. And let us remember: the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17.47). He uses the weak things of this world to shame the strong, that no flesh should glory in His presence (1 Corinthians 1.27-29).

In Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8.37). Every giant will fall. When we resist the culture of fear and trust in the practical skills God builds in us and the explosive power of His Word, we are equipped for every challenge. In this way, the world will know that there is a God in spiritual Israel (1 Samuel 17.46; Romans 9.6-8).

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book II, Ch. 4.2)

Gary Pollard

[This is a continuing translation of Origen’s systematic theology in modern language]

It would take too long to gather every passage in the Gospels showing that the God of the Law and the God of the Gospel are one and the same. We’ll briefly look at the Acts of the Apostles. There, Stephen and the other apostles prayed to the God who made the sky and earth, who spoke through the prophets, and who is called “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” This was the same God who brought Israel out of Egypt. These compel us to have faith in the Creator and cultivate love for him in anyone who learns to think of him appropriately.

This fits with Jesus’s own teaching. When he was asked which commandment in the Law is greatest, he answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And the second is like it: love your neighbor as yourself.” Then he added, “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” If he was training someone to become his disciple, why would he compel them to love the God of the Law, unless he recognized that God as the one true God?

But suppose, despite all these clear indications, someone insists that Jesus was speaking about some other, unknown God when he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” In that case, how could Jesus reasonably say that “the Law and the Prophets” depend on these two commandments? If the Law and the Prophets truly come from the Creator—as even the opponents admit—how could they depend on commandments that come from a different God? What is foreign to him cannot be said to hang on him.

Paul’s own words make this point even more clearly. When he writes, “I thank my God, whom I serve from my ancestors with a pure conscience,” he shows that he did not turn to a new or foreign deity when he came to Christ. Who are Paul’s ancestors, if not those about whom he says, “Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I”? The opening of Romans makes the same point for anyone who understands Paul’s language. He begins with, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was born from the seed of David according to the flesh and appointed Son of God in power by his resurrection…” This proves that the God Paul preached is the same God who spoke long ago through the prophets and promised the coming of Christ.

Paul also interprets the Law in ways that reveal its divine purpose for the church. When he quoted the command, “Do not muzzle the ox that is treading out the grain,” he asked, “Does God care about the ox, or was this written for our sake?” And he answered, “It was written to to benefit us,” meaning that the God who gave the Law gave it for the benefit of the apostles who preach the gospel. Elsewhere Paul embraces the promises attached to the Law, saying, “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: that it may go well with you, and that you may live long on the land the Lord your God gives you.” By this he clearly showed that the Law, its God, and the promises attached to it are good in his sight.

A Kingdom Opportunist

October hits, and life kicks into overdrive. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, it’s a relentless lineup! Family visits, work parties, and the creeping numbers on the scale keep you on your toes and in a food coma. In all this, it’s easy to let Bible study and prayer slip. But if you’re too busy for God, you’re too busy. So how do you balance life with spiritual growth?

Carl Pollard

October hits, and life kicks into overdrive. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, it’s a relentless lineup! Family visits, work parties, and the creeping numbers on the scale keep you on your toes and in a food coma. In all this, it’s easy to let Bible study and prayer slip. But if you’re too busy for God, you’re too busy. So how do you balance life with spiritual growth? Be a Kingdom Opportunist,  someone who spots and acts on God-given moments to advance His work, not for personal gain, but for His glory.

A Kingdom Opportunist sees openings in daily life and responds with faith and courage. Scripture shows us people who lived this way, always ready to act when God opened a door. 

Paul didn’t let circumstances stop him. In Acts 16:25-34, he and Silas are beaten and chained in a Philippian jail. Instead of giving up, they’re praying and singing hymns at midnight. When an earthquake opens the prison doors, they don’t run; they stay and share the gospel with the jailer, leading him to Christ. In Acts 17, Paul’s in Athens, surrounded by idols. He spots an altar to an “unknown God” and uses it to preach the gospel. Synagogue, marketplace, or jail cell, Paul turned every moment toward Christ. He teaches us to see opportunities in tough spots: a coworker’s question, a neighbor’s grief, a delayed schedule. These aren’t interruptions, they’re opportunities! 

In Acts 16:13-15, Lydia, a businesswoman in Philippi, hears Paul’s message by the river. God opens her heart, and she responds immediately, following Jesus and opening her home to Paul’s team. Her hospitality makes her house a base for the early church. Lydia didn’t need a stage or a title, she used her home, influence, and resources to serve God. What do you have? A spare hour? A skill? A kitchen table? Like Lydia, you can use what’s in your hand. 

Barnabas, the “son of encouragement,” saw what others missed. In Acts 9:26-27, when the disciples feared Saul (later Paul) because of his past, Barnabas took a chance, vouching for him and bringing him into the church. In Acts 11:25-26, he tracked down Paul in Tarsus, kickstarting his ministry. He also gave John Mark a second shot after a failure (Acts 15:36-39), helping him grow into a key servant. Barnabas invested in people, seeing God’s work where others saw problems. Who needs your encouragement? A struggling teen, a new Christian, a friend who messed up? A kind word or second chance can shift someone’s path for God’s glory.

Scripture is filled with examples. Esther risked her life to save her people, seeing her role as queen as God’s timing (Esther 4:16). The Shunammite woman gave Elisha a room, creating space for God’s work (2 Kings 4:8-10). Andrew brought his brother Peter to Jesus in a simple act that changed everything (John 1:40-42). Each saw God’s hand and acted, not for themselves, but for His purpose.

Unlike worldly opportunists chasing self-interest, Kingdom Opportunists are driven by God’s glory. They’re prayerful, discerning, and bold, ready to move when God opens a door. To live this way, pray daily for eyes to see opportunities. Study Scripture to be ready to share your faith. Use what you have: time, talents, or a listening ear. Step into hard situations with trust, like Paul. Encourage others, like Barnabas. And stay humble, pointing to Jesus.

God’s still opening doors every day, at work, home, or in your community. My prayer is that we’ll see these moments, respond with faith, and act with courage. As we do, God’s Kingdom grows, one opportunity at a time. You’re equipped for this moment. 

Be a Kingdom Opportunist!

What Judas Missed: The Providence Of Absence

The Synoptic Gospels all record Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper during the Last Supper. John, writing later, highlights different moments from the same night. When we lay these accounts side by side, a clearer picture emerges—one that reveals both divine providence and human frailty in sharp relief.

Brent Pollard

God’s wisdom shines through the four Gospel accounts in unexpected ways. Nowhere is this more evident than in the reconstruction of our Lord’s final Passover with His disciples.

The Synoptic Gospels all record Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper during the Last Supper. John, writing later, highlights different moments from the same night. When we lay these accounts side by side, a clearer picture emerges—one that reveals both divine providence and human frailty in sharp relief.

Luke, the careful historian, notes that the final Passover began with an argument. The disciples disputed among themselves who was the greatest (22.24). This prompted Jesus to teach humility not only through words, but also through action. He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed their feet (John 13.4ff). True greatness, He demonstrated, lies in serving others.

However, John’s Gospel clarifies a crucial aspect of that night’s sequence. Despite his prominent place in Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, Judas probably wasn’t present when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper.

Here’s what likely happened: After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus and the Twelve began their Passover meal. During this time, shortly after Jesus’ act of service, He handed a morsel of bread to Judas, identifying him as the betrayer (John 13.26). Judas departed immediately, vanishing into the night (John 13.30).

Only after Judas left did Jesus take the bread and declare it His body, which was soon to be broken (Matthew 26.26; Mark 14.22). Later still—meta to deipnesai, the Greek phrase meaning “after supper”—He took the cup and proclaimed it the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22.20; 1 Corinthians 11.25).

The betrayer had already gone.

Does Judas’s absence from this sacred moment carry symbolic weight? We must be careful not to over-read. Peter sat at that table, yet within hours, he would deny his Lord three times. As we often declare about the Lord’s Supper, participation has nothing to do with personal worthiness. None of us merits the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. None of the disciples gathered that night deserved what Jesus was about to do for them.

Judas’s swift departure likely served a more immediate, though no less providential, purpose. His exit facilitated the dark necessity that would lead to our Lord’s arrest in Gethsemane. God’s sovereignty moves through betrayal as surely as through blessing, orchestrating even the actions of the wicked for redemptive ends.

One question remains: Why didn’t John include the institution of the Lord’s Supper in his Gospel?

The answer sheds light on God’s design as revealed in Scripture. John’s was the last Gospel written. By then, the Synoptic Gospels had circulated throughout the churches for decades. Christians were already familiar with the details of how Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. This freed John, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to provide what the other Gospel writers hadn’t recorded.

John gives us the intimate moments—the private teachings and prayers that occurred between supper and arrest. Consider the High Priestly Prayer of John 17, where Jesus intercedes for His disciples and for all who would believe through their word. Consider the comforting promise of John 14:1-3, where Jesus tells them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. These treasures appear nowhere in the Synoptic Gospels.

John’s Gospel doesn’t merely supplement the others—it completes the portrait. Each evangelist contributes unique dimensions to our understanding. Together they reveal not just what happened, but what it means.

When we delve into these unique perspectives, we gain something precious: a more comprehensive picture of Jesus’ final hours with those He loved. We see sovereignty and tenderness intertwined. We witness the depth of Christ’s care for His followers even as betrayal ripened and denial gestated in the hearts around that table.

Every detail carries weight. Every exclusion and inclusion serves a divine purpose. The argument about greatness becomes the occasion for the greatest act of humility. The betrayer’s exit clears the stage for the institution of the meal that would sustain the church through millennia. The absence of specific details in one Gospel creates space for other revelations in another.

The table Judas abandoned still stands. It declares that God’s grace reaches the unworthy, that true greatness kneels with a towel, that covenant blood speaks better things than thirty pieces of silver clutched by a traitor stumbling toward his fate.

We come to that table not because we deserve it, but because we desperately need it. We remember not merely historical events, but present realities—Christ’s body broken, His blood shed, His love poured out while we were yet sinners. And in remembering, we are transformed by the One who loved His own to the uttermost, even unto death.

Come. Remember. Be changed.

Overcoming Evil With Good

On Wednesday, an assassin shocked the world by killing Charlie Kirk, a man known for his traditional viewpoints. Although he faced accusations of holding objectionable views, his actual offense was his effectiveness in conveying conservative and Bible-based concepts. Unable to defeat him in debates, his opponents resorted to silencing him with a bullet.

Brent Pollard

On Wednesday, an assassin shocked the world by killing Charlie Kirk, a man known for his traditional viewpoints. Although he faced accusations of holding objectionable views, his actual offense was his effectiveness in conveying conservative and Bible-based concepts. Unable to defeat him in debates, his opponents resorted to silencing him with a bullet.

Thursday commemorated 24 years since the 9/11 attacks that profoundly impacted our nation and altered countless lives indefinitely. For those of us who can recall, those feelings remain vivid. The haunting images of the smoldering World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and that desolate Pennsylvania field remain etched in our memories. Unease lingers in the pit of our stomachs when we hear the audio from that day: the radio chatter of first responders and the frantic calls to loved ones from the cellphones of those trapped on doomed planes or in the World Trade Center towers from which there was no escape.

Occurrences such as these deeply affect us and lead us toward hopelessness. If we are not cautious, they may also lead us to feelings of anger, a desire for retaliation, or a sense of hopeless withdrawal.

In moments like this, the words of the apostle Paul resonate: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12.21). These words serve as a vital reminder, encouraging us to go beyond mere resistance to evil and to face it with the goodness of Christ actively.

Evil’s Real Power—and Its Limit

Evil exists, and the Bible presents it plainly. Paul had witnessed persecution, political corruption, and violence up close. Nevertheless, he refuses to let evil prevail in the end. Why?

Because Christ has already achieved victory through the cross and resurrection, the most formidable weapon of Satan—death—has been rendered ineffective. Evil may inflict pain, but it cannot prevail against the people of God.

Responding to hate with hate allows darkness to take root in our hearts. Responding with retaliation might seem instinctive, yet it merely compounds the damage. As Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, drawing inspiration from the words of John 1:5, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Paul articulates the same concept in a compelling, Spirit-inspired statement: “overcome evil with good.”

Goodness as an Active Weapon

This call does not constitute passive avoidance. Paul’s instruction serves to motivate. In the lines of the surrounding context of Romans 12.21, he clearly articulates it:

• “Bless those who persecute you…” (v. 14).

• “Repay no one evil for evil…” (v. 17).

• “…if your enemy is hungry, feed him…” (v. 20).

Kindness transcends mere courteous expressions. This love, filled with the Spirit, nourishes, forgives, and serves, even when faced with mistreatment. This type of goodness illuminates a realm that transcends our earthly existence. According to the latter part of verse 20, such actions can “heap burning coals” upon the heads of those who wrong us. While vengeance ultimately belongs to God (Romans 12.19), we can find solace in the understanding that our goodness serves as a formidable weapon against evil.

Three Gospel Tasks Reframed

Considering Romans 12.21, the church’s mission takes on renewed urgency:

Evangelism: Proclaiming the ultimate good.

The goodness we provide transcends mere humanitarian efforts; it embodies the message of Jesus Christ, who was crucified and has risen from the dead. As the world grows weary of violence and retribution, individuals seek hope that evil cannot extinguish. Our testimony of forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ serves as a powerful act of overcoming evil.

Edification: Strengthening the saints.

It is not uncommon for believers to feel disheartened or frustrated as troubling news continues to accumulate. Romans 12 encourages us to uplift one another in maintaining a gentle spirit. By engaging in worship, study, and fellowship, we nurture goodness and stand against cynicism.

Benevolence: Doing tangible good.

Addressing needs—nourishing the hungry, providing solace to the grieving, assisting neighbors in distress—is not a secondary endeavor. We are fighting a battle of the spirit. Each act of compassion proclaims that darkness does not hold the ultimate authority.

Living the Verse Today

How can we apply Romans 12.21 today?

• Pray for enemies and victims alike. Name them before God.

• Guard your words. Refuse to spread hatred online or in conversation.

• Share Christ. Offer the gospel as the deepest good, the cure for sin’s root cause.

These actions may seem insignificant in the face of widespread evil, yet they hold great power because God amplifies them. The kingdom flourishes through small, Spirit-inspired acts of kindness.

Hope That Overcomes

When Jesus confronted the greatest evil—an unjust cross—He triumphed not by summoning legions of angels but by surrendering His life and rising again. His resurrection demonstrates that goodness is not a sign of weakness, but rather the unstoppable power of God.

The anniversary of 9/11 and Charlie Kirk’s tragic assassination serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for strength in our world. Let us stand firm against the shadows of this time. With our hearts anchored in Christ, let us overcome evil with good—making the most of our time through evangelism, edification, and benevolence until His return.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12.21).

All Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), © 2001 Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

You Can Do It!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it!

Neal Pollard

Kansei Matsuzawa is from Tokyo, Japan. He grew up there playing soccer until the thought occurred to him as a teenager that he wanted to try American football after watching his first NFL game. He had never kicked a football until the age of 20. Of course, it took a lot of practice as well as watching YouTube and Instagram videos. Last Saturday, Kansei’s last second kick helped Hawaii defeat Stanford if both teams’ 2025 opener. This is his fourth year of playing college football in America. His goal is to kick in the NFL, and who’s to doubt him? He’s come so far already!

What have you wanted to try to do for the Lord but convinced yourself is impossible? Memorize 100 Scriptures? Preach a sermon? Teach a class? Share the gospel with a lost soul? Serve in church leadership? Whatever is within the scope of God’s will and authorization and whatever is within the field of human possibility, you can do it! Find the tools needed and use them. Research, explore, and attempt! Consider what happened when men and women in Bible times thought this way:

  • Caleb was ready to fight giants (Num. 13:30), then 40 years later he drove them out (Jos. 14:12; 15:14).
  • Jael, an unassuming woman, killed the evil commander of an army with a tent peg and ended Canaan’s oppression of Israel (Jud. 4:17-23).
  • David slew a frightening giant with a sling and a rock (1 Sam. 17:49-50).
  • David’s mighty men, Adino, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, and Benaiah, among others, did incredibly daring and memorable things among God’s enemies (2 Sam. 23:8ff).
  • Elijah out-dueled 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and called down fire from heaven (1 Ki. 18:36-46).
  • Peter walked on water (Mat. 14:28-29), then later preached the first gospel sermon (Acts 2:21-36).
  • Paul won the Gentile world to Christ in one incredible effort after another (Acts 13-28).
  • Hebrews 11 breaks down a highlight reel of incredible, often unlikely, accomplishments men and woman made for God by faith through the ages.

It still happens today. No, not through miraculous means and not of the physical, material kind. Not even in episodes that are earth-shattering and dramatic. It may be a brief conversation, a courageous stand, an act of service, or a show of genuine love. 

God once asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Ex. 4:2). Is He asking you and me that? The answer? “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ec. 9:10)! 

The Power Of Kindness

You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

Carl Pollard

Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), is a profound expression of God’s character and a cornerstone of Christian living. The Greek word chrēstotēs is best described as goodness, generosity, and a disposition to act with compassion. When we study the idea of kindness in scripture, it is filled with theological depth and practical implications, calling us to embody Christ’s love in a broken world.

Scripture consistently portrays kindness as a reflection of God’s nature. In Titus 3:4, Paul writes of “the kindness and love of God our Savior” appearing through Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing that divine kindness is the basis for salvation. This is also seen in Ephesians 2:7, where God’s grace is expressed “in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” So kindness isn’t just a human virtue but a divine attribute christians are called to imitate! You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

The call to kindness is active and intentional. Colossians 3:12 instructs Christians, as God’s chosen ones, to “put on… kindness,” suggesting a deliberate choice to clothe ourselves in compassionate actions. This is seen with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where kindness transcends cultural and social barriers, demonstrating love through sacrificial care. Kindness is not passive; it requires courage to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8), even when inconvenient or costly.

In a world marked by division, kindness becomes a powerful tool for the spreading of the gospel. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness leads to repentance, suggesting that our acts of kindness can draw others to Christ. A kind word, a generous deed, or a forgiving spirit can soften hearts and reflect God’s love. 

Kindness is a daily calling to mirror Christ’s compassion. It challenges us to extend grace to the undeserving, forgive the offender, and serve the overlooked. As we practice kindness, we participate in God’s redemptive work, softening hearts to His love. 

Let’s live kindly, reflecting the Savior’s heart in every interaction.

Almost Too Good To Be True!

How often we hear that the gospel, defined, is “good news.” It is God’s good news, meant to be shared. That’s exactly what the women and the two disciples are doing with the larger group of disciples when Jesus makes His final appearance before returning to heaven. But there are a few things He wants to impress upon them before He goes

Neal Pollard

How often we hear that the gospel, defined, is “good news.” It is God’s good news, meant to be shared. That’s exactly what the women and the two disciples are doing with the larger group of disciples when Jesus makes His final appearance before returning to heaven. But there are a few things He wants to impress upon them before He goes. Notice how the book of Luke ends (24:36-53).

There is a reminder of His identity (36-43). The predominant reminder in this last appearance is of His humanity, the identity He took on to save us from our sins. He shows them His hands and feet (40) and then eats a meal before them (41-43). He will appeal to His Deity in His final instructions, referencing His Father in heaven (49), but He did not want them to forget the brotherhood He shared with them all. How often do I benefit by remembering, as I go about as His disciple, that Jesus fully understands what I am going through? Read Hebrews 2:9-18, for example. He was for a little while made lower than the angels in order taste death for everyone (9). He was perfected in His work as our great High Priest by suffering as a human (10). He is not ashamed to call us “brethren” (11). He partook of sharing our nature, flesh and blood (14). He had to be made like His brethren in all things to become a merciful and faithful High Priest (17). He was tempted in His suffering, which helps Him come to our aid as we suffer (18). There are a multitude of additional passages reinforcing and supplementing our understanding and appreciation of Christ’s humanity, but the resurrected Jesus wants them to remember His humanity after He ascends to heaven. 

There is a reminder of His history (44-48). It is a mind-boggling truth that Jesus’ history goes back to His preexistence, before He became human. The facet of history of highest interest to Him is sacred history. So, He opened their minds to understand the Scripture (45). He appealed to the three major divisions of the Hebrew Old Testament, the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms (44). We might call them the books of history, prophecy, and poetry. They are saturated with the themes He elaborates upon in verses 46-47, His suffering, His resurrection, and His plan of salvation. By looking to God’s past revelation, they would be equipped for their present mission and fortified for their future reward. So it is for us today. The verification of Scripture, fulfilled prophecy, 

There is a reminder of His destiny (49-53). It included ascending to heaven to carry out the promise of His Father upon them, to be His witnesses, “clothed with power from on high” (49). Luke gives us fuller details of what happens in this discussion in Acts 1:4-8, and it includes His marching orders and an elaboration of what we read Him telling them about being His witnesses starting in Jerusalem (46-47). His immediate destination is heaven (50), and theirs is Jerusalem (52-53). They went there with great joy and, once there, “were continually in the temple praising God” (53). They were mentally preparing for their earth-shattering, world-changing mission. Heartache was overwhelmed by hope. Disappointment was conquered by determination. They were about to turn the world upside down, an intention they made good on from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the world (Acts 1:8; 17:6). Lest we forget, their role in His destiny is the same as ours. We are standing on their shoulders, carrying on their mission today. Jesus needs us to help fulfill His destiny in our world just as He needed them. They rose up and met the challenge! What about us?

Origen’s “On First Principles” (Book 1, Ch. 2.10)

Here’s the key: some might think God was all-powerful before Wisdom (the Son of God) came into the picture, making God a Father. But Scripture is clear: “In wisdom, you made everything,” and the Gospel says, “Through Him all things were made, and nothing was made without him.” This means God’s title as all-powerful is tied to being a Father through Wisdom, who is the Son. The Son, Jesus, is the purest expression of God’s infinite power.

Gary Pollard

[Editor’s Note: Gary is translating the Ante-Nicene Fathers works, beginning with Origin’s work. It is meant to update the British English of Roberts and Donaldson. What follows is part of that translation]

Let’s consider the phrase, “Wisdom is the ultimate expression of God’s infinite power.” To understand this, we first need to examine what God’s “infinite power” means, and then we’ll see how Wisdom flows from it. Just like you can’t be a parent without a child or a leader without a team, God can’t be called all-powerful without something or someone to exercise that power over. For God to truly be all-powerful, everything must exist—otherwise, there’d be a time when God wasn’t fully in charge, which doesn’t add up.

Imagine someone saying there was a time when nothing existed, and God only later became all-powerful when everything came into being. That would imply God somehow leveled up, going from “less powerful” to “all-powerful”, which is a better state. But that’s a flawed and inaccurate way to think about God, right? It suggests God was incomplete and then gained something later. Instead, if God is always all-powerful, then the things that make God all-powerful—creation, beings to govern—must always have been there. God has always had authority over everything, ruling as a king or leader. We’ll dig deeper into creation later, but for now, let’s focus on the main point: Wisdom is described as the purest expression of God’s infinite power.

Here’s the key: some might think God was all-powerful before Wisdom (the Son of God) came into the picture, making God a Father. But Scripture is clear: “In wisdom, you made everything,” and the Gospel says, “Through Him all things were made, and nothing was made without him.” This means God’s title as all-powerful is tied to being a Father through Wisdom, who is the Son. The Son, Jesus, is the purest expression of God’s infinite power.

So what is the “glory of the Almighty” that Wisdom flows from? It’s the brilliance of God’s total authority, and Wisdom—Jesus—shares in that brilliance. Through Wisdom, God doesn’t just rule like a dictator; God’s power is expressed through the willing loyalty of creation. To make it perfectly clear, the Father and the Son share the same power. John in Revelation says, “This is what the Lord God says, the One who is, was, and is to come, the Almighty.” Who’s the “One to come”? That’s Jesus. So, just as we’re not shocked that Jesus is God alongside the Father, we shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus, the Son, is also all-powerful. Jesus Himself says to the Father, “Everything You have is Mine, and everything I have is Yours, and I’m glorified through them.” If everything the Father has belongs to Jesus, that includes God’s infinite power. The Son, being all-powerful too, shares everything the Father has.

Jesus says, “I’m glorified in them,” meaning His glory shines through creation. Scripture backs this up: “At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow—in the heavens, on earth, and below—and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” So, Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s power, the pure and radiant Wisdom, glorified as the embodiment of that power.

To break it down further: God the Father is all-powerful because He has authority over everything—sky, earth, sun, moon, stars, you name it. He exercises this power through His Word, Jesus, because “at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow.” If everything bows to Jesus, then Jesus is the one with authority over all things, channeling that power back to the Father. This happens through Wisdom—through reason and truth, not force or obligation. That’s why Jesus’ glory is so pure: He holds all things together through wisdom, not despotic control. This is the clearest, most authentic kind of glory because it’s not forced—it’s freely given.

Now, let’s contrast this. Anything that can change or shift—like human nature or created things—might have moments of glory through good deeds or wisdom, but that glory isn’t permanent because it’s not part of their core. It can fade. But God’s Wisdom, the Son, is unchanging. Every good quality in Him is permanent, not temporary. That’s why His glory is described as pure and authentic—because it’s part of who He is, forever. 

Preachers And Preaching

The words of Paul have never been more urgently needed: “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21).

Neal Pollard

Last night, we finished our third annual EQUIPPED workshop. It was uplifting for so many reasons, too many to try and list here. I want to focus on just one. Certainly, the speakers we had represented a diversity of style, background, schooling, age, race, and personality. To the person, each shared the common value of presenting God’s word faithfully, richly, and beneficially. In every session I attended (and I floated into multiple sessions many hours), I admired how effectively each exposed God’s message!

We also had representatives from six schools of preaching (Bear Valley Bible Institute, Brown Trail SOP, Florida SOP, Georgia SOP, Tri-Cities SOP, West Virginia SOP), not including speakers training preachers from these schools and in the Memphis SOP, Faulkner University, and Freed-Hardeman University. I talked with several of these men, and they speak of the urgent need we have to meet the surging preacher shortage crisis facing God’s people. Often, this shortage causes or hastens congregations having to shut their doors. At best, it hamstrings the work the local church can do. It is a reminder of our pressing need to emphasize the wonderful life preaching is, encouraging our sons to preach, and our daughters to want to marry preachers.

The best part of this weekend was seeing preachers from all over who came to feast on God’s word and get practical ideas to enhance their local works. If there was anything better than that, it was the several “prospective” preachers that were in attendance. Talking to young men who shared with me their aspiration to go preach, those who were making their plans to attend school for that purpose, and seeing young men who just need a person of influence in their lives to gently nudge them in that direction.

The words of Paul have never been more urgently needed: “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Cor. 1:21). Because we believe that, let’s encourage men to engage in the greatest mission God ever gave.

The Gospel Is For ALL!

The news that the good news is for everyone is old news to us, but it is still big news! It does not matter who you are, where you are from, what you have done, or when you hear, the gospel is for you, too!

Neal Pollard

The first time the word “Gentiles” appears in Scripture is in Psalm 2:1 (your translation may have “nations”). Isn’t it interesting that this is a Messianic psalm? According to New Testament writers, the “mystery of Christ” and the “mystery of the gospel” is “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body…” (Eph. 3:6; cf. Rom. 16:25-27; Col. 1:27). Prophets like Isaiah foretold this (42:1). That’s incredibly important to you and me, since, presumably, the overwhelming majority of not only those who read this but also those who are members of the New Testament church in the 21st Century are ethnically Gentiles. Acts 10 is where it all began. Jesus’ roadmap of making disciples was ultimately heading to this destination (1:8). 

THE MAN (1-8). Luke introduces us to the Gentile who will first have the opportunity to hear the gospel. His righteous character is outlined: (a) “Devout” (profoundly reverent), (b) God-fearing, (c) Generous, and (d) Prayerful (2). He will later be described as “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews” (22). His “prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God” (4). He is directed by an angel of the Lord to send for Peter (5) who would preach to him (22). He was moral and full of faith in God, but he needed instruction and guidance. Though he was a good, moral man, he obviously needed more than that.

THE MISSIONARY (9ff). Peter is the first to preach the gospel to the Jews (Acts 2). Now, the Lord chooses him to be the first to preach it to the Gentiles. However reluctant he was about the first mission, this mission is far more complicated. So, the Lord gives him a visual to illustrate the legitimacy of this new mission. Peter “saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air. A voice came to him, ‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat!’” (11-13). At first, Peter refuses on the grounds that such was forbidden under the Law of Moses (Lev. 11:20-25; Deut. 14:4-20). But after divine reassurance and re-reassurance (14-16), Peter seems to get the message (cf. 28). When emissaries from Cornelius arrive to find Peter, he gives them lodging (23) then leaves with them the next day for Cornelius’ home (24). 

THE MESSAGE (13ff). Peter has to receive and comprehend the message before he can share it with Cornelius. The message is simple. No person is excluded. No one is unholy and unclean based solely on their ethnicity (15-16). While Peter is trying to connect those dots (17), it begins to make sense to him (19). It will form the launching point when he preaches Jesus to Cornelius and his house (34ff). 

The news that the good news is for everyone is old news to us, but it is still big news! It does not matter who you are, where you are from, what you have done, or when you hear, the gospel is for you, too! It is for your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your classmates, your friends, your enemies–everybody! That may have started in Acts 10, but it will continue until the second coming of Christ. We must remove any hesitations and prejudices we may harbor and see every person through heavenly eyes. It’s our mission and God’s message for every man (and woman). 

The Season of Impermanence:

What does an ancient oriental custom have to do with time management and the appreciation of the preciousness of time? No one can make the connection like Brent. Read more and be challenged by his unique perspective.

Reflections Beneath the Cherry Blossoms on Time, Purpose, and Eternity

Brent Pollard

In a poem, a twelfth-century Buddhist monk named Hoshi Saigyo stated that the cherry tree, or Sakura, only had one problem: it caused people to gather. Saigyo was undoubtedly referring to the ancient practice of hanami, which translates as “flower viewing.”

Indeed, people have gathered to view the lovely sakura blooms since at least the Heian period (794–1185 AD). Regarding motivation, the Japanese value the ephemeral quality of all flowers, especially cherry blossoms.

Each year, the Japanese Meteorological Corporation releases a calendar that estimates the bloom dates for sakura, reflecting Japan’s cultural reverence for impermanence. While the residents of Japan’s northernmost climes, such as Hokkaido, usually have to wait until the end of April or the first of May to see sakura flowers, people in Okinawa come together as early as mid-January to view the hikanzakura—also known as the Taiwan cherry—blossoms. Outside of the cherry trees gifted from Japan within the Tidal Basin of Washington, D.C., or the same variety of cherries planted in sufficient numbers for Macon, Georgia, to host the International Cherry Blossom Festival, one wishing to emulate the practice of hanami might well substitute another flowering tree, such as the plum or dogwood.

Some Japanese are so committed to hanami that they will travel throughout Japan’s 47 prefectures to catch the various cherry blossom spots. As for what hanami entails beyond the camera, one brings all the accouterments of a ground picnic: blankets and bentos (lunch boxes). Should you wish to participate in the celebrations, please be advised that some locations are so popular that people camp out early to secure a prime viewing spot. The most beloved of these blossoms is the Somei Yoshino, or Yoshino cherry—a variety whose pale petals are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom season marks the beginning of numerous significant life transitions. Since the academic and fiscal years begin in the spring, sakura is often associated with new responsibilities, personal growth, and the transition into adulthood—a theme not unlike the “season for everything” described in Ecclesiastes 3. It is common in Japanese films or anime to show two characters—possibly destined lovers—meeting beneath the cherry trees, their encounter tinged with beauty and impermanence as delicate pink petals fall around them. Such moments may seem mystical, but they reflect a more profound truth: Life moves quickly, bringing opportunities we must seize or let slip away. For Christians, this symbolism echoes the call to live purposefully and steward each season well—particularly those that signal the beginning of new responsibilities or callings.

The well-known Latin phrase carpe diem, meaning “seize the day,” may serve as a fitting analogy for the Japanese passion for flower viewing. Those of us in Christendom can better understand this concept through the eyes of the wise King Solomon. In Ecclesiastes 9.10, Solomon says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going” (NASB95).

In other words, as the beauty of the sakura flower is fleeting, so too are our lives (see James 4.14). Though perhaps unspoken, the practice of hanami reminds participants of the impermanence of life, teaching us to hold what we have with reverence. In this way, hanami reflects a deeply rooted Zen sensibility that embraces transience not as a cause for sorrow but as an invitation to be fully present. For those of us shaped by Christian thought, this quiet awareness harmonizes with the wisdom of Ecclesiastes: that life, though brief, is to be lived with purpose, gratitude, and wholehearted devotion (see Ecclesiastes 12.13-14).

Given this potentially upsetting truth for some, it is clear how important it is to manage our time effectively. In the context of Ephesians 5.15-17, the Apostle Paul suggests that we make the most of our time by walking—or acting—wisely. Moses tells us in Psalm 90 that we are likely to live 70 years, but if we are strong, we may live to 80 (Psalm 90.10). Even so, there is no guarantee. Each of us has a set appointment with death (Hebrews 9.27) unless God’s will allows the second coming of Christ to occur first.

Thus, would you hoard the Gospel’s sacred treasure? How quickly could you overcome procrastination if you knew tomorrow would never come? How soon would you mend your broken relationships? Would you remain silent in the face of the wicked’s schemes? The questions linger—sobering, urgent, and real.

Indeed, the words of Laura E. Newell from the hymn “As the Life of a Flower” ring true: “As the life of a flower, as a breath or a sigh, so the years that we live as a dream hasten by; true, today we are here, but tomorrow may see just a grave in the vale, and a memory of me.”

2 Corinthians: Christianity Is Personal (IV)

The Way Aromas Hit People (2:12-17)

Neal Pollard

I was originally going to call this, “The way we smell to others,” but thought that might be misleading or inaccurate. Paul uses a very unusual illustration to make an important point in this paragraph of his second letter to Corinth’s Christians. The backdrop of the illustration was when he came to Troas to take advantage of an open door to preach the gospel. It was a trying experience, as he couldn’t find Titus there. He left them for Macedonia (12-13). 

In chapter three, he is going to change metaphors. But, first, he describes their work of sharing the gospel as like God sending His fragrance through them which others evaluate or judge (14-15). The same message “smells” differently to the recipients, based on the receptivity and spiritual condition of those hearers (16). But Paul makes clear that their motives and message are not “rotten,” but if it is rejected it is because the listeners are perishing (17). 

Think about how so many could hear the Son of God Himself teach and preach, and thoroughly reject it to the degree that they even took Him and nailed Him to a cross! 

When you share Jesus and the message of His saving grace with others, there will be those who find that “fragrance of Christ” (15) a “sweet aroma” (14). It will be so appealing to them that they leave their old life and follow Him, much as the men God chose to follow Him during His ministry. It’s attractive and satisfying. There are still so many with good, receptive hearts out there. We see that when we share Him.

However, be prepared for some to find that same message repulsive. It’s not what they want and not what they are after. Have you ever been sick in such a way that even your favorite foods nauseated you to smell them cooking? There is no more savory and appealing message than the Bible’s story of grace, but many will reject it anyway! It can leave us feeling so inadequate (16), but we must remember that it is not our message. It is Christ’s message. Our job is simply to spread it with personal integrity, honesty, and righteous motivation. His word will work its power on those who seek their satisfaction in Him.  

The Power Of The Resurrection (Pt. 2)

Carl Pollard

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

Fact number one…He Lived. 

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

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

He was flesh and blood just as we are. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tune in next week for fact number 2.

The Power Of The Resurrection

Carl Pollard

We read of several men and women in scripture who died and were brought back to life. Elijah raised a widow’s son in 1 Kings 17. Elisha raised the son of a Shunamite woman in 2 Kings 4. Jesus saw a funeral procession in Luke 7, He felt compassion towards the widow who had lost her only son and He brought him back to life. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after three days in John 11. He also raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Coming back from the dead wasn’t unheard of when Jesus rose from the grave. 

The power of His resurrection is found in the fact that He rose to never die again. With His death, He defeated the grip that death has on us. Elijah raised the widow’s son, but that son eventually died. It’s the same with the son in Luke 7, with Lazarus and the daughter of Jairus. They were raised through the power of God, but they died again. 

The Son of God came to be killed, to die in our place. Never to die again! Christ has saved us, there is power in His sacrifice because He continues to live today! He lives to Intercede for us! Muhammad is dead. Joseph Smith Is dead. Buddha is dead. But Christ, the author of our faith, is ALIVE. 

We sing a song with these lyrics, “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world TODAY!” Do you truly believe that? His Resurrection gives us eternal life. At least, that’s what scripture tells us. How certain are you that Jesus came back from the dead? Did you see it happen? For many, The Bible’s an old book, a lot has happened since then. Is Jesus really at the right hand of God today? 

How can we know this is the truth? 

The Power of the cross is only life changing because of Who died on it. Christianity focuses on the cross but Jesus was one of many who were killed by the Romans. The symbol of our faith is just an instrument of torture. The Resurrection is what gives the cross its meaning. If Jesus would’ve died on the cross and stayed in the ground, our faith is worthless. What happened after the cross is what gives us eternal life. 

The Bible is clear in teaching that Jesus rose from the dead. Matt. 28:6 tells us the few words that changed the course of history. Words that changed the world. “He is not here. He has RISEN.” The power of the gospel is grounded and built on 4 essential facts. If just one of these is wrong, there’s no point in being a Christian. No point in coming together to worship, no need to change the way you live, and no eternal life. 

We know from Scripture as well as secular history that He lived, He died, He rose, and one day He is coming back! The next four weeks we will look at these more in depth as we look at the Truth of the Gospel!

If The Gospel Isn’t Working

Dale Pollard
The longest train ever recorded in history was the Australian BHP Iron Ore. The cars behind it stretched approximately 4.6 miles. To provide some mind-boggling perspective here's what one train-fanatic wrote, 

“Driven by a single driver, the line’s 99,734-ton and 682-car train was able to carry 82,000 tons (181 million pounds) of iron ore. The Australian BHP Iron Ore can fit about 24 Eiffel Towers…The weight of this train being the same as about 402 Statues of Liberty.”

Trains are impressive heavy-haulers, but only under the right conditions. On the tracks they’ll whistle while they work but once they’re derailed— they only whistle. Trains don’t work without tracks. 

Paul would make an interesting appeal to the saints who met at the infant church family in Thessalonica. He asks that they pray for the powerful gospel to have a straight path so it could move quickly. His exact words were,

“pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified…”

2 Thess. 3.1b 

In a simple yet inspired prayer request a practical and profound implication steps out of subtlety— Prayerlessness will hinder the furtherance of the gospel. 

Based on this text, the content of congregational prayers may be in need of careful inspection. Reevaluating your evangelistic ministries, online presence, visibility in the community, advertising efforts, kingdom expenditures, and even the dynamics the worship service— all must fall below the prayer line on the priority list.  

While Paul was writing to the Thessalonians, God was writing to the rest of us. He reminds us that this request should ring in the prayers of His congregations today. The written petition by itself informs the modern church that this is something that God is willing and able to do for us, He would just have us ask. The powerful gospel needs prayer— like a train needs tracks. 

A 21st century church member may occasionally think 

The gospel doesn’t seem to be as convicting in my community. It works just fine in other parts of the world, and it worked well in the past— but not so much here and now. 

More Reasons Can Be Found 

Here: James 4.2-3 
Here: Matthew 21.22 
And Here: Ephesians 6.19-20 



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Quote, (A-z-trains.com)

DIY

Wayne Moyers

If you have ever watched any home improvement TV shows, I’m sure you have seen the ads for Home Depot and their slogan, “Getting Projects Done.” This ad is aimed at the do-it-yourself’er, the DIY’er.

I have to admit that I am a DIY’er. I enjoy watching TV shows and YouTube videos of other DIY’ers and experts, trying to learn as much as I can to make my next project easier and hopefully have better results. I’m confident that many of you are DIY’ers as well. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from successfully completing a DIY project. No matter how large or small, no matter if it’s something around the house, a landscaping project in the yard, a repair or something to the car, truck, or, my personal favorite, the tractor.

No matter how much we learn on how much knowledge we acquire taking on these projects, there is one project that is way too big and way too important for any DIY’er. That project is our salvation. No matter what our DIY abilities are, we cannot save ourselves. Paul says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Then, he writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8).

No man’s wisdom, knowledge, message, experience or abilities can save him, but God’s gospel can. It is the only thing that can save us and the only way to salvation (John 14:6). God, through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has provided a way to rescue us from the consequences of sin. He offers us salvation so that we can have a second chance at life and an opportunity to experience a spiritual rebirth into a new life in the Spirit and ultimately eternal life with Him in heaven (Acts 2:46-47). God says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

If you have not been obedient to the gospel and need to take advantage of the salvation that God has offered or you have need of the prayers of God’s people, don’t try to do it yourself. Do what God says do for the help only He can give.

Why Do You Come?

Brent Pollard

I hope I am not injuring Matthew’s text by sharing this. Still, I have recently been reflecting on Jesus’ testimony about John the Immerser as recorded in Matthew 11.7ff. Jesus asked the assembled crowd about their rationale for venturing into the wilderness to hear John. Were they going to see: “A reed shaken in the wind?” “A man dressed in fine clothes?” “A prophet?” What were they hoping to find?

Had they anticipated someone whose opinions and beliefs could be easily changed? John did not easily change his mind or bow to the masses’ will. Did they think they would meet someone living a life of luxury? John’s simple lifestyle, which included camel-hair clothing and the consumption of locusts and wild honey, was meant to highlight his prophetic calling and set him apart from the rest of society. John was a prophet, Jesus says, and not just any regular prophet. He prophesied in the Old Testament to come before the Messiah and pave the way for him (see Malachi 3.1).

Jesus spoke highly of John and emphasized the significance of His upcoming kingdom, stating that even the least in it would be greater than John. We must recognize that we can be a part of this kingdom by obeying the gospel. With this understanding in mind, let’s consider a new perspective. Why should we attend church assemblies now that Jesus has established His kingdom and added to it those He saves (Acts 2:47)?

To paraphrase Jesus, “Did you come here for a show?” Like Jesus’s question about the reed, this challenges the idea of fickleness and superficiality in worship. If attendees primarily seek entertainment, they may miss the depth and reverence of a genuine relationship with God. Desires to develop spiritually, interact with other Christians, and actively participate in the body of Christ should be the driving forces behind attending church services. It is an opportunity to learn from biblical teachings, receive guidance and support, and collectively worship and glorify God. Engaging in these gatherings strengthens our faith, builds meaningful relationships, and contributes to advancing God’s kingdom on earth.

Would Jesus ask, “Did you come here for personal gain?” Analogous to the question about “a man dressed in fine clothes,” this question challenges those who attend church for social status, networking opportunities, or personal recognition. Jesus would prioritize the sincerity of one’s intentions and the desire to grow spiritually rather than seeking personal gain. He emphasized humility, selflessness, and a genuine love for God and others. Therefore, attending church should be driven by a genuine hunger for spiritual growth and a desire to serve and love others rather than personal gain or recognition.

Or would He ask, “Did you come here to meet God?” As Jesus confirmed John’s prophetic role, this question reinforces the primary purpose of the church: to engage in communal worship and seek a deeper relationship with God. Attending church is more than fulfilling a religious obligation; it is about connecting with a higher power and finding meaning in our lives. Through this connection, we can experience personal transformation and contribute to the well-being of our community.It’s important to regularly evaluate our reasons for attending church services and ensure that we understand what true worship means. Worship is not about us but showing our love, respect, and admiration for God. It’s not about receiving anything but about giving. We should avoid letting the latest gimmicks or methodology take away from the message or purpose of coming together, which is to honor God. Each of us can contribute by demonstrating humility and service and emphasizing that the focus is on God, not on any one person.