Tag: hope

Keep Hurtin’

Gary Pollard

This is a break from Origen’s First Principles. I’m slow: it takes me a long time to wrap my head around something. Romans 7 and 8 are about our constant battle against our sinful nature. We have the side that wants to be holy and serve God, and we have the side that betrays our human weaknesses. It’s an awful existence in many ways. Even Paul said, “What a miserable person I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death?”

Then we get to 8.17 where Paul talks about suffering. I always assumed this was a shift in topic because he gets into stuff that won’t happen until Jesus returns. But since he spent the previous several paragraphs talking about our constant, sometimes-demoralizing struggle against sin, I don’t think this is necessarily about physical suffering.

God’s Spirit helps our spirit — our mind, emotion, intent, any aspect of being that can’t be measured — in that fight. There are outside influences in our struggle against sin, of course, but Paul really focuses on the stuff that hurts: our own sinful weakness. We hate that we’re weak. We’re ashamed of our failures. We’re “waiting for God to finish making us his own children…we are waiting for our bodies to be made free.”

In the meantime, we suffer. Maybe not physically — though in some places on this earth that’s a reality — but certainly spiritually. We know our faults and failures better than anyone. Our spirits, burdened by the knowledge of our own weakness, groan to God with pain too deep for words. And he helps us!

“We are very weak, but God’s Spirit helps with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray like we should, but the spirit speaks to God for us, begging on our behalf with groaning too deep for words.”

Guilt is a powerful weapon in the enemy’s hands, and we all have too much of it. The struggle and the pain is normal — it’s guaranteed for anyone who wants to be like God. It’s never going to happen in this life! We can’t ever be good like God! But we can try, and we can at least ensure that sin isn’t the master we serve. If you feel that pain, odds are you’re on the right track.

Right after this section, full of empathy and hope and reassurance and warning, Paul says,

“Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right.

Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all.

He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or problems or persecution separate us from his love?”

The struggle and its pain is normal. It’s a sign that our hearts are set on something we won’t achieve until our bodies have been freed. God helps us, he understands, and we cannot let the enemy demoralize us into giving up. It’s harder to keep struggling against our sinful weakness, but it will be so worth it!

“But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Importance Of Grip Strength

Studies show that one of the most reliable indicators of longevity is a person’s grip strength. It is a great way to measure overall muscle conditioning, which is an indicator of overall nutrition, physical activity, and “disease profile.”

Neal Pollard

Studies show that one of the most reliable indicators of longevity is a person’s grip strength. It is a great way to measure overall muscle conditioning, which is an indicator of overall nutrition, physical activity, and “disease profile.” Muscle mass helps one fight the wear and tear of aging, and studies increasingly show that grip strength is a good “proxy” for a lot of other areas of a person’s health picture (source).

New Testament writers speak figuratively of the importance of a strong grip. Paul tells Thessalonica to “keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and in letter” (2 Th. 2:15, NLT). The word “grip” (“hold on to,” NAS) means to “retain in the hand, to seize” (Louw-Nida, 220). This word translated “hold” or “hold fast to” is found frequently in the gospels in a literal sense, often translated as “seize,” “arrest,” and “take hold of,” but also figuratively as “observing” something with zeal. John uses it with the seven churches of Asia to urge them to “hold fast” to their faith (Rev. 2:1, 13,14,15,25; 3:11). Twice, the Hebrews writer uses this word as a way of expressing endurance and faithfulness (4:14; 6:18). In other words, strengthen your grip!

There are a lot of ways to assess your spiritual grip strength:

  • Devotional time with God
  • Acts of service for others
  • Church attendance
  • Involvement in the church’s works
  • The bearing of the fruit of the Spirit
  • Godly and righteous speech
  • A Christlike attitude and spirit
  • Boldness to share Christ with others
  • The ability to resist gossip
  • Faithfulness in trials and hardships
  • Resistance to peer pressure
  • Focus on the needs of others

Of course, there are countless other measurements. But these are broad and representative of spiritual endurance. They challenge us to avoid being weak in faith, allowing ourselves to let go of Christ and the reward He has promised to those who hold on!

They say that grip strength for the hand can be measured and improved by squeezing a tennis ball at maximum strength for up to 30 seconds. Who hasn’t owned one of those hand grippers? For spiritual strength, search for ways like those listed above to hold to God’s unchanging hand!

The Gardener’s Promise

“Her Savior was right there, but grief hid Him. We miss Jesus too, expecting Him to show up in a way WE want, instead of seeing Him in the Word, worship, or answered prayers. Mary saw a gardener, but His name was Jesus.”

Carl Pollard

 I’m no gardener, but I’ve got one story of botanical triumph. In Alabama, I had a fire pit where I burned all sorts of junk—boxes, old couches, mattresses, you name it. One day, I threw in a box of rotten vegetables. Didn’t think much of it. But a few months later, three corn stalks were growing right out of that pit. Shallow roots on a plywood slab, pushing through a metal grate. I didn’t water or tend them, yet they produced nine whole kernels! I ate that corn, somehow didn’t get tetanus, and I’m still amazed. 

Sometimes, where only death is expected, life is found. 

In John 20:11-18 Jesus’ followers expected a dead body but found a living Savior. Mary Magdalene met a “Gardener” who turned her tears into purpose. Christ’s resurrection plants hope in barren places, calling us to share His life with a world in need.

Mary found the tomb empty and wept, thinking someone stole Jesus’ body. She’d stood at the cross (John 19:25), watched Him die, and now even His memory seemed lost. Her tears show what life would be like if Jesus stayed dead—a world without hope. Two angels asked, “Why are you crying?” but grief blinded her to God’s messengers. We do the same, dwelling on broken families or a culture that’s left God, missing what He’s doing. A 2024 Gallup poll says most Americans feel hopeless. If you’re in Christ, the empty tomb is our hope—rejoice in it!

Mary turned and saw Jesus but thought He was the gardener. Gardeners worked tombs early, so it made sense. He asked, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Her Savior was right there, but grief hid Him. We miss Jesus too, expecting Him to show up in a way WE want, instead of seeing Him in the Word, worship, or answered prayers. Mary saw a gardener, but His name was Jesus.

Jesus said, “Mary,” and she knew Him, crying “Rabboni!” (Teacher). All 4 Gospels make women the first resurrection witnesses. This was countercultural, and some rejected their claims (even the apostles). Skeptics like Celsus called Mary “hysterical.” But she was the perfect witness: she followed Jesus, heard His prophecies, watched Him die, and saw Him rise. He spoke her name, like the Good Shepherd (John 10:3), and it shows He knows your name, your pain, and calls you to life as your Great High Priest and Shepherd. 

Jesus told Mary, “Go tell my brothers I’m ascending to my Father and your Father.” His resurrection makes God our Father. Mary ran to share the news. Only 10% of Christians regularly share their faith (Barna, 2021), but 1.6 billion people haven’t heard the gospel. Don’t hold onto safe faith—plant the seed of hope. Where death is expected, life is found. God will bring the increase.

Trust the Savior in barren places—brokenness, doubt, or pain. Jesus plants hope, as He did for Mary (John 16:33). Hear His call to repentance, baptism, or renewed commitment (Acts 22:16). 

Plant hope boldly—share your faith, serve others, invite someone to worship with you. The harvest is ready, and it’s more than nine kernels.

“And Yet I Will Rejoice”

Many Christians serve a “God of good times,” praising Him when life is easy. But the God of the Bible is bigger. When the fig tree fails, the vines are bare, and the fields are empty, will you get angry, give up, or rejoice?

Carl Pollard

Corrie ten Boom was born on April 15, 1892, in the Netherlands to a devout Christian family. Her father, Casper, ran a thriving watchmaking business. Their deep faith shaped their response to the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The ten Booms joined the underground resistance, transforming their home into a safe haven for Jews and others persecuted by the Nazis. Using a hidden room in their house, they saved countless lives. Tragically, in 1944, a betrayal led to their arrest. Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to a concentration camp, enduring brutal conditions. Betsie died there, and their father passed away in prison. Corrie survived and later wrote, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” 

How could she say this after such devastating loss? Life often feels like a pit—barren, hopeless, empty. The prophet Habakkuk faced a similar pit in Judah, a nation crumbling under the threat of invasion. Yet, he wrote one of the Bible’s boldest declarations of faith in Habakkuk 3:17-19: though everything fails, “I will rejoice in the Lord.” Unlike most prophets who spoke for God to the people, Habakkuk spoke to God for the people, asking two questions we often wrestle with: “Why?” and “How long?” His story offers three vital truths for navigating life’s darkest moments.

The Reality of Fear (v. 16)

Habakkuk trembled when God revealed His plan: the Babylonians would bring judgment on Judah. “I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters my bones; my legs tremble beneath me.” He knew destruction was certain—starvation, cannibalism, the ruin of Solomon’s temple, the end of his nation. The dread was so deep it made him physically weak. We’ve all felt fear like this—news of a tragedy, a diagnosis, or loss that shakes us to the core. Yet, Habakkuk chose to “quietly wait for the day of trouble” to come upon the invaders. God promised to judge the Babylonians and deliver His people, though not in Habakkuk’s lifetime. The Hebrew word for “wait” means to rest or settle down, like David’s soul finding rest in God (Psalm 62:1). Instead of letting fear consume him, Habakkuk anchored his heart in God’s promises. Can we trust God’s timing, even when we’re afraid?

The Choice of Joy (vv. 17-18)

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk describes total ruin in an agricultural society—permanent crops like figs and olives gone, annual crops like wheat vanished, livestock dead. This wasn’t just financial loss; it was famine, hopelessness, death. Yet, he declared, “I will rejoice in the Lord.” Like Job, who praised God after losing everything, Habakkuk’s faith didn’t rely on blessings. Satan once questioned if Job trusted God only because of His gifts. Job proved his faith was real, and Habakkuk does the same. True joy, rooted in Christ, can’t be taken away. When life strips everything else, can we choose to find joy in God alone?

The Strength to Rise (v. 19)

“God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk found strength not in himself but in God. Spiritual maturity means refusing to rely on our own resources. God gave him “feet like a deer’s” to walk confidently in difficult, high places—places he’d rather avoid. I’m terrified of heights; anything over 6’5” makes me weak. But God equips us to go where we wouldn’t choose, strengthening us for the journey. Sometimes, God strips away what we depend on to make Him our only joy. Faith says, “The just shall live by faith.” Habakkuk knew God would either rescue him or allow his death, but even death is under God’s control. Are we willing to let God lead us to higher places, trusting His strength?

Habakkuk had questions, and so do we. But faith rests in these truths: God is too wise to make mistakes, too kind to be cruel, and always in control. 

A man once saw a butterfly struggling to escape its cocoon. Frustrated, he cut it open, only to watch it die, unable to fly. The struggle strengthens its wings, just as trials strengthen our faith. Many Christians serve a “God of good times,” praising Him when life is easy. But the God of the Bible is bigger. When the fig tree fails, the vines are bare, and the fields are empty, will you get angry, give up, or rejoice? “And yet, I will rejoice.” If you’re struggling to praise God, battling sin, or need to obey the gospel, trust His promises—they never fail. Let God lead you today.

Let Go And Let God: Finding Peace Through Surrender

To say that crisis is welcomed is inaccurate, but strength in suffering is one of the most faith-building examples we can find in others. I invite you to read a brief glimpse of one such example.

Brent Pollard

My recent stay in a long-term acute medical facility resulted in my return home on a ventilator. I was unable to entirely wean off the ventilator, as I had done successfully in 2021. As a result, I find it necessary to connect myself to the ventilator every night as I prepare to sleep. The ventilator helps me expel excess CO₂ from my body, which my restrictive lung disease makes challenging to do. Since returning home, I’ve become more aware of how much trust I need to place in my ventilator to avoid panic. Suppose you have ever remained conscious while on a ventilator; you may understand what I am saying. The device helps you breathe, but you must fully surrender and refrain from interfering with the machine’s operation on your behalf. Using a ventilator presents a significant learning curve, contradicting our natural inclination.

As I reflect on my new reality, I can’t help but think of an expression you’ve probably heard before: “Let go and let God.” Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous used that expression in the middle of the twentieth century, but its origin is unknown. Although it is not rooted in a specific scripture, several passages in the Bible convey a similar sentiment. Here are some such passages:

Proverbs 3.5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (NASB95).

Psalm 46.10: “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (NASB95).

1 Peter 5.7: “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (NASB95).

Surrender is deeply complex. In the face of uncertainty about what lies ahead, the burden of expectation to solve every problem, and the unyielding grip of anxiety, we frequently overwork, cling more tightly, and eventually exhaust our resources. It is then we need to “let go and let God.” This expression does not advocate idleness or inaction; instead, it promotes a proactive faith. It takes faith to rely on the Divine’s strength, wisdom, and love to handle what is beyond our abilities. It represents a receptive and generous attitude, emphasizing openness over defensiveness.

By releasing, we make room for the divine to work. When we give up our efforts, we can begin to hear the Lord’s voice. As we release our burdens, we feel the comforting embrace surrounding us. Jesus invites us to experience this release.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11.28 NASB95).

Releasing is not the same as giving up—surrendering our control, not our hope. It represents giving up our fears, letting go of our timing, relinquishing our desired outcomes, and surrendering our sense of control. In this pursuit, we discover tranquility and divine peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4.7).

Surrendering our burdens to God ultimately opens us to a peace beyond comprehension. Faith in His intentions for our lives brings a profound sense of peace and confidence. He comforts our weary souls and assures us that He will bear our burdens if we seek Him out.

What burden are you still trying to carry on your own that God is inviting you to release today? Let go and let God! Let us find comfort in releasing our grip and welcoming the peace only He can provide.

Tempests And Tornadoes

Neal Pollard

In 2009, Gary, Dale, and I took a scenic route back from Neosho, Missouri, where I’d held a meeting, to Denver, Colorado. It took us through Greensburg, Kansas, site of one of the most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history. That was May 4, 2007. Just two years later, the nearest city to Neosho, Joplin, would experience one of the deadliest tornadoes in modern times. 160 people lost their lives. I have been to Moore, Oklahoma, several times. From 1998 to 2015, this Oklahoma City suburb experienced nine tornadoes, three of them large enough to take lives. One in 1999 claimed 46 lives, and another in 2013 claimed 24. Of course, we experienced a deadly, destructive tornado here in Bowling Green less than four years ago.

The Bible doesn’t use the word tornado (or hurricane). But, it does speak of violent windstorms (Zech. 7:14; Mark 4:37ff), tempests (Job 9:17; Psa. 55:8), whirlwinds (Hos. 8:7), thunderstorms (Exo. 9:18; Job 37:1ff), hailstorms (Psa. 148:8; Hag. 2:17), and similar natural events. Whether the ancients experienced an EF-5 or not, they saw the destructive force of nature often enough. Inevitably, inspired writers compared the trials and difficulties of life to storms. Think of some compelling parallels.

  • Both can come suddenly and unexpectedly.
  • Both can inflict damage that leave lasting consequences.
  • Both can evoke strong emotions like anxiety, fear, distress, and sorrow.
  • Both awake in us feelings of dependency and inadequacy.
  • Both should heighten our awareness of the God who rules wind, water, and world.
  • Both are no respecters of our status, education, income, age, etc.
  • Both are confronted better with adequate shelter and protection.

No doubt, this is an incomplete list. But, God’s wisdom included the inspired illustrations of physical storms to prepare us for the storms of life. Isaiah foresees a glorious future “like a refuge from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry country, like the shade of a huge rock in a parched land” (Isa. 32:2). In the face of a host of potential threats, the psalmist asserts, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2).

Perhaps you are facing something that you’d liken to a tornado or tempest in your inmost being. This will continue as long as we’re in this body on this earth and this life. God does not promise us exemption from their presence, but He does promise us escape from their power. If you are in the midst of the storm, hold onto Him. He promises that you will survive and that ultimately you will triumph.

“Jesus Certain”

After nearly five months in the hospital, Brent makes his return to HIS slot, the Friday article! We’re so pleased and excited to have him back and he’s speaking of blessed assurance…

Brent Pollard

A London-based direct marketer of promotional merchandise has a memorable slogan that reflects the trustworthiness of its brand. Just as a trusted marketer’s slogan inspires confidence in its customers, our faith in Jesus Christ gives us even more assurance. We can say we are “Jesus certain” about our salvation.

Believing in someone’s or something’s ability to keep promises brings valuable peace of mind. Spiritually, we have such faith in the salvation promised through obedience to Jesus Christ that we can say we are “Jesus certain.” Here are a few passages that give us this assurance.

Building on this foundation of trust, Peter reminds us that God has given us everything we require for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3). The essence of this truth lies in God’s word, which contains the precious and magnificent promises that He has graciously bestowed upon us (2 Peter 1.4). We can be “Jesus certain.”

John expands on this idea, reminding us that our confidence is based on the truth of God’s word, as expressed in 1 John 5:13. John wrote his epistle to assure his readers of the precious gift of eternal life that awaits them. The divine message explains the path to salvation with clarity and purpose. As a result, we can be confident in our salvation. We can truly know. We can be “Jesus certain.”

However, this motivates us to study the Scriptures and follow the path of salvation. Peter emphasizes confirming our calling and election (2 Peter 1.10). Paul instructs us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). We can be “Jesus certain.”

Throughout the scriptures, we find numerous assurances of our salvation: Peter promises us equipped godliness, John emphasizes the certainty of eternal life, and Paul encourages us to work out our salvation. Together, these passages remind us of our unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, of how we are “Jesus certain.”

May we cling steadfastly to our assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Let us persevere in our search for wisdom in the Scriptures, embracing our divine calling and assurance with steadfast hearts. As we journey in faith and obedience, let us strive to work out our salvation with reverence and awe, knowing that we can be “Jesus certain” of the eternal life that awaits us. Let this assurance inspire us to live purposefully daily and commit to our salvation journey.

Habakkuk: Living By Faith (III)

Do you have a “no matter what” faith? How does one develop such a faith, one that grows and develops even when life is hard? Habakkuk knows.

FAITH TRIUMPHANT (3:1-19)

Neal Pollard

Nothing has changed in the circumstances Habakkuk is wrestling with. Babylon is still coming to execute God’s wrath for Judah’s sin. Babylon is still more wicked than Judah, the catalog of sins just reviewed in the previous chapter. But we notice the change in tone in the last verse of Habakkuk 2. The prophet has gladly resigned himself to the fact that God is on the throne, still in charge and perfectly knowing what He is doing.

This transformation leads directly to the prayer with which he ends this short book. The odd notation, “according to Shigionoth,” identifies it as a highly emotional poem. BDB Lexicon speaks of it as a “wild, passionate song, with rapid changes of rhythm” (993). So dramatic was this form of poetry that it “would be a song which provoked great excitement by its performance” (Koehler, HALOT, 1414). Habakkuk has come through the thick and dangerous fog of the trial of his faith, and he emerges into the clear blue sky of confidence in God’s character and work. What does his triumphant faith look like?

Appeal (2). He petitions God out of a deep fear and reverence that is apparent throughout this prayer. Yet, he is bold enough to ask God to revive His work and make it known. He asks for mercy amid His just wrath. It’s the only two things he asks for in the whole prayer. Habakkuk will describe the wrath in the latter part of the chapter (8,12). He wants God to swiftly answer (“in the midst of the years”). 

Admiration (3-4). As he copes with God’s pending judgment, Habakkuk still has a heart to praise. He writes of God’s splendor, radiance, and unmistakable power. He is pictured as a king coming in procession, only His harbingers are the radiance and rays of His glory. 

Awe (5-12). Habakkuk’s response to the greatness of God’s power is to describe His coming in judgment. He envisions the carnage in the aftermath of God’s wrath on the disobedient. He comes with pestilence and plague (5), standing, surveying, then shattering (6), rage, anger, and wrath (8), chastisement (9), and indignation and anger (12). All creation trembled at His coming (10-11). This God with whom Habakkuk had debated is transcendent, doing what is right in the proper measure at the proper time. Habakkuk can only watch in jaw-dropping wonder. 

Acknowledgement (13-16). Habakkuk proclaims the acts of God with four “you” statements–You went forth, You struck, You pierced, and You trampled. He acted in salvation for His people and in retribution against the wicked. Habakkuk’s acknowledgement of such perfect justice is telling: “I heard and my inward parts trembled, At the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise who will invade us.” Not only does he acknowledge the greatness of God, but the justice of His decision to bring about the Babylonian Captivity against his sinful brethren. 

Acceptance (17-18). Out of this comes the resignation of trusting faith. It’s a “no matter what” faith on Habakkuk’s part. These verses have become some of the best known and most quoted of the entire book (along with 1:13, 2:4, and 2:20). How can we illustrate triumphant faith? How about these words? “Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.” If every earthly blessing is withheld from me, I know that God is worthy of my trust and deserving of my worship and praise. This is the faith that will cause us to live (2:4)!

Acclamation (19). Habakkuk’s final declaration is of his strength through the Lord (cf. Phil. 4:13). Though the Chaldeans are knocking on the door, ready to break it in and take them away, the prophet pictures himself (and the faithful) as those who are still standing through God’s help. Like Job, praising God despite his pain (Job 42:2), Habakkuk rises from the ashes of his perplexity and the trial of his faith. He stands on the rock solid foundation of God’s trustworthiness. After the trial, with God’s help and by God’s mercy, he will stand. 

Where am I in my faith? Is it being tested? Am I listening to God’s truth as He teaches it? If so, then, no matter what, I will triumph through Him! 

Assurance Of Truth

Carl Pollard

A few years back, my dad and I traveled to Cambodia for a mission trip. One evening, we wandered through the night market, looking at all the different shops. They had everything from designer clothes to headphones like Beats, Gucci belts, and even iPhones—all unbelievably cheap! I mean, we’re talking $5 for a Casio watch, $10 for an iPhone, and $12 for an iPad. 

At first, it felt like a dream, but the longer we looked, the more we realized something was off. Those “Beats By Dre” headphones actually said “Beats By Bray,” and the Ray-Ban sunglasses actually said “Roy-Bans.” The Casio watch I bought? It seemed legit but died after a few weeks. These knockoffs looked real at first glance, but upon closer inspection, the truth was clear. 

These fake items exist because somewhere, genuine designer products are out there, creating a market for the fakes. Just like those counterfeits, false truths abound today. Jesus warned us about false prophets, and we see their influence everywhere. Satan takes what’s valuable and crafts knockoffs that seem real but lack true worth. As Buddy the Elf famously said, “You sit on a throne of lies.”

In a world filled with deception, false teachings threaten our faith. Yet, John, the apostle Jesus loved, assured early believers that they could have confidence in their relationship with God. There’s no reason to fear; we can have the assurance of truth. God desires for us to feel secure in our faith, knowing that we are saved, a privilege not extended to those outside of Christ.

John makes it clear why he wrote his letters. In 1 John 5:13, he states, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” This assurance isn’t a gamble; it’s a certainty for those who believe.

John encourages us to evaluate our faith through three tests. First, do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 4:9-10 emphasizes God’s love for us, even when we were unlovable. He sacrificed His Son so we could live through Him. Recognizing this love is crucial.

Next, do you obey God’s commands? 1 John 2:3-6 tells us that knowing Him means keeping His commandments. Obedience isn’t just about fear; it’s rooted in love. We must trust and obey God, finding assurance in our faith through our actions.

Lastly, do you show love toward others? 1 John 3:14 states that love for our brothers and sisters shows we’ve passed from death to life. Love is an active choice, demonstrated through our actions and sacrifices. 1 John 3:18-24 challenges us to love not just in words but in deeds. 

In summary, ask yourself three essential questions: Do you believe in Jesus? Do you obey the Father? Do you love others? If you answered no to any, you may not be right with God. But there’s hope. With a repentant heart, God is ready to forgive and embrace you. So, how badly do you want eternal life? Enough to change your behavior? Let’s strive to embody belief, love, and obedience in our lives.

What To Say To God When You’re In Trouble

Neal Pollard

Have you ever found yourself in over your head, when you had to ask for help? We never like to get to that point, financially, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. But, unless we callous our hearts to the truth, we need God constantly–especially spiritually. In Psalm 38, David comes before the Lord pleading with Him to help in a dire situation. While it involves the opposition of earthly enemies (12,19), the main concern is his own opposition to God’s will. The main problem on David’s mind is his sin problem. David gives us an example of how to pray to God in time of trouble, especially the self-induced kind. 

ACKNOWLEDGE HOW YOUR SIN MAKES HIM FEEL (1-3)

David knows that God hates sin and is displeased by its presence in our lives. Meaningful repentance and change is not possible until we can see our sin through His perfect eyes. This honest assessment will keep us from being defensive or from rationalizing.

SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE SERIOUSNESS OF YOUR SIN (4-8)

Look at all the descriptive terms and synonyms David uses regarding his sin. His “iniquities” are heavy burdens, foul and festering wounds, that which causes him to be bent over and bowed down, the cause of constant mourning, a debilitating sickness, and a numbing, crushing, agitating thing. See your sin that way and there is no way to hang onto it, much less embrace and defend it. 

CONFESS YOUR INABILITY TO RESOLVE THIS ALONE (9-14)

Pride is such a destructive thing! David shows no sign of it in this psalm. He feels isolated from friends and tormented by foes. He feels incapable of solving this problem himself. Resolution must be preceded by recognition of how daunting our circumstance is without God. 

TELL GOD OF YOUR HOPE THAT HE WILL HELP YOU (15-22) 

The state of mind David has expressed inevitably leads to divine dependency. He hopes in God. He’s confident that God will answer him. Though he knows he’s close to falling, he pleads with God to intercede. His final plea as he speaks to God? “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation.” 

We must resist the devil and our own fleshly desires. God has equipped us with the ability to be disciplined and to deny self. But, the battle cannot be won without leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Don’t just know that. Express it to God daily, throughout the day. It will help you see your problems more clearly and to see God as the solution. 

14 Tips For Voting

Neal Pollard
  • Exercise your right and privilege as a citizen of this nation to cast your vote. But, if you are convicted such is morally wrong, you would sin to violate your conscience (Rom. 14:23).
  • Pray (for wisdom, for peace, for God’s will, for the future of your family, for our leaders)(1 Tim. 2:1-2).
  • Study the many issues and thoughtfully examine each candidate’s position, making a choice that honors God more than it honors background, family, tradition, or friendships (Mat. 6:33; 10:37).
  • Remember that your decision is private and does not have to be shared with anyone else; if asked, you can always change the subject or respectfully decline to answer.
  • Take comfort in the truth that God is in control and elections do not thwart or overtake His will, but they are the result of His sovereign will (Rom. 13:1ff; Dan. 2:21; 4:17,25).
  • Do not make politics more important than relationships in the church, discerning that the diversity of the spiritual family includes new and weak Christians who might stumble as you assert your rights (Rom. 14:19; 1 Cor. 8:13; 9:19-22).
  • Make sure any public and/or social media comments on politics (including memes, sharing posts and articles, etc.) pass the salt and light tests (Mat. 5:13-16) and the truth in love test (Eph. 4:15; being both truthful and loving).
  • Place your devotion and allegiance to Christ above your politics, being more passionate to proclaim Him than your candidate of choice (Mat. 6:33).
  • Never forget that, as Christians, our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20); we are citizens of heaven trying to make our way through earth rather than citizens of earth trying to make our way to heaven (2 Pet. 2:11).
  • Take all campaign promises with a grain of salt, realizing candidates may say just about anything to get elected (carefully study their positions over time to get a better idea of where they stand).
  • If you experience anger (associated with politics) before, during, or after this election, do not sin in that anger (Eph. 4:26).
  • Watch your tongue (keyboard)(Jas. 3:2-12).
  • Exercise righteous judgment when seeking to insert political statements and sentiments into the public worship of our God.
  • Never let politics (whether we perceive winds as fair or foul) eclipse your view of your true identity, mission, or destiny (1 Pet. 2:9; Mat. 28:18-20; Col. 3:1-4). Elections always have consequences, but so do our actions (Gal. 6:7-8).

Isaiah: The Holy One Who Rules The World (XXXIX)

“Fear Not” (43:1-28)

Neal Pollard

The content of this chapter is connected with exhortation, “fear not,” seen in 41:10,13, and 14. God has just delivered sobering news at the end of the previous chapter, so through the prophet He encourages them regarding their future. The trouble was a consequence of their own unfaithfulness, but God shows them what He wants to do for them as they return to Him.  He makes several promises, all fortified by His proven integrity in the past–He created, formed, and redeemed them (1). They can trust that His promises would encourage and embolden them. 

There will be redemption (1-4). What motivated God was the Fatherly love. He says, “I have called you by name, you are mine” (1). Whatever adversity confronted them, God would be with them (2). He is Savior (3). In affectionate terms, God tells His people they are precious in His eyes, honored, loved, and valued (4). 

There will be return (5-7). God speaks of His people coming from every direction–note the east, west, north, and south of verses 5-6. Summarized, He speaks of their returning “from the ends of the earth” (6). In this promise, there is a reminder of divine ownership. He called, created, formed, and made them for Himself and His glory (7). That they would ever have a lowered sense of their identity and purpose is mind-boggling! Is it any less for God’s people today?

There will be rescue (8-28). In this lengthiest section of the chapter, God repeatedly reminds them of His unmatched power. Twice, He reminds, “I am the Lord” (11,15). He points out that He is Redeemer (14), the Holy One (14), the Creator of Israel (15), King (15), and, most frequently, “the Lord” (10-12, 14-16). As He will contrast Himself with the gods of the nations throughout this section of Isaiah (see verse 10), He is distinguished from all rivals as an animate, omnipotent One who has the power to do what He wills. There is the rescue He effected in the past (16-18). Now, He says, “I am doing a new thing” (19). It would cause the creation to praise Him (20), and He wanted it to make His people praise Him (21).  Incredibly, they had rejected and neglected Him (22-24) and burdened, wearied, and hurt Him with their sins (23,26-28). But how did He respond in the midst of such moral failure? “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (25). However, the rescue is conditional. If they persist in transgressions and iniquities, God would allow them to suffer destruction and reviling (28).

Despite their persistent unfaithfulness, God’s perseverance and patience held out the hope of redemption, return, and rescue. He longs for man’s salvation, proven most fully at the cross. He wants a relationship with us, even if we so easily allow the world to blind us. He will not unconditionally save us, but there is nothing He wants more. In a scary world, that should lead us to “fear not.”

Isaiah: Trusting The Holy One Who Rules The World (XXIX)

The Righteous King And The Spirit (32:1-20)

Neal Pollard

It is difficult to say whether or not the king in verse one is Messianic, especially since he is mentioned in tandem with princes who also rule. Yet, his coming is mentioned in connection with the Spirit being poured upon God’s people from on high (15). The princes may refer to those subordinated to this king, whether apostles or disciples. Of course, there is a contextual meaning as with previous Messianic passages (7:14; 9:6,7). The more immediate application, if this is dual-fulfillment, could apply either to Hezekiah or Josiah, since the general time line is close to the invasion of the Assyrians in 701 B.C. Contrasted with a more hopeful future is the disastrous leadership of the current rulers. 

The hope of a better day is set against the spiritual troubles of the present. Whereas there is wind and drought (2,13), blindness and deafness (3), hastiness and deficiency (4), folly and dishonor (5), sin and error (6), and weak women (9-12), Isaiah says these will be done away by a better day. He also writes of the turning point that will happen with the coming of the Spirit (15-20). The blessings include fruitfulness (15), justice and righteousness (16), peace (17), security (18), and prosperity (19-20).

Is Isaiah referring to the spiritual blessings to come in the day of Christ? I believe so. Yet, I also think in the more immediate sense that Isaiah portrays the day that would come after the oppression of foreign invaders when the nation returns. They were about to endure some intensely frightening things as a means of turning their hearts back to God (9-14). What Isaiah holds forth would come after this. Ultimately, the spiritual blessings that would come with the appearance of the Messiah would bless “the people who walk in darkness [that] will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them” (9:2; Mat. 4:16)!

Encouragement

Travis Harrison

It’s not hard in today’s world to find things that discourage us. There are plenty of things that can bring us down. At times it really does feel like wherever we go, whatever we do, or say, there is something ready to discourage us. Unfortunately, people can be those roadblocks as well. That’s far from what we as Christians are called to do.

It was important in the days of the early church to encourage one another. So important that God commands it. It was important to God then – its important now.  Thankfully we have blessings such as the church and our church family to help us through those discouraging times. How do we go about finding ways to encourage each other? Is it the way we speak or how we live, or is it in our faith? Is it all the above? The fellowship we have with our friends, our family, along with worshipping and singing praises, and studying God’s Word are just a few. These are blessings that we receive when we meet together no doubt, but let’s not contain our encouragements just to the assembly. Our everyday lives are just as important and those around us everywhere need to feel encouraged regularly.  I just want to share briefly a few examples of what the Bible says about encouraging others and ways we can do just that.

Encouraging others is important, it’s necessary, it’s a command. Paul was one, if not the, most influential apostles of the first century church. He was a great teacher, preacher, mentor, and guess what? He was great at encouraging people. At the beginning of most of his letters he would begin with words of praise and thanks. (1 Thess. 1:2-3,) (Phil. 1:3-8,) (1 Cor. 1:4-5) are a few examples. In (Romans 1:12) Paul writes that he longs to be with them so that they can encourage one another in the faith. These types of encouragements were part of his everyday life.

We can’t discuss encouragement without mentioning Barnabas, the “son of encouragement.” He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, but he wasn’t a main character like Paul – he played a smaller, but still very important role.  Paul spent his early life persecuting Christians. The people of the first churches, as well as the disciples feared this man, and rightfully so. After he became a Christian, the disciples didn’t believe he was one of them, so what did Barnabas do? He encouraged Paul by standing up for him in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-31). He was a fellow missionary with Paul, Mark, Titus, and others. He encouraged those in Antioch to remain faithful in the Lord with steadfast purpose, (Acts 11:23.) Paul and Barnabas visited these churches, they taught, and they lived out their teachings. They encouraged them in their works and through their faith. They instilled hope, strengthening the church’s faith. (1Thessalonians 5:11) – Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We can all benefit from their examples. 

Let’s face it, life is hard at times. Certain situations bring us discouragement and can distort and change our thinking. Who wouldn’t want to be encouraged and uplifted in these hard times?  It might not seem like a big deal to some, but kind words of encouragement and praise could make all the difference in the world. (Proverbs 16:24) – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 12:25) -Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. We shouldn’t be surprised that little things like sending a card or giving a compliment, sending a text message, phone call or email, could make a big difference. How underrated but so appreciated those things can be!  It’s hard not to smile and be filled with some kind of encouragement if someone messages you to say they’ve missed you, and been thinking about you, been praying for you.  Check in on those you haven’t seen recently – Invite someone new to dinner – someone not typically in your crowd or someone new to the church. Practice hospitality as it says in (Romans 12:13.) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor, (Romans 12:10.) 

When we encourage people we show our love, compassion, understanding, and we give them hope. It helps reset our minds, builds our confidence in each other, and allows us to see God more clearly. More than anything we are showing others how we live our faith just as Paul and Barnabas did. We show we want to be like Christ and people can see God through our actions towards them. Encouragement is powerful! Just remember that sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impacts. 

A Shot In The Arm

Carl Pollard

The promises of God can get us through the toughest of times. His love is the shot in the arm we need to remain faithful. Paul says in Romans 8:35, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” So far in this section, Paul has asked four questions: 

  1. Who Can Be Against Us? 
  2. Who Can Accuse Us? 
  3. Who Can Condemn Us? 
  4. Who Can Separate Us? 

The Love of Christ is unbreakable, nothing can affect it. “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” We can let these push us away from Christ and His love, but His love toward us is unbreakable. 

Several years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the pond behind his house. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore. His mother, in the house and looking out the window, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug of war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. After weeks and weeks in the hospital the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. On his arms, were deep scratches from where his mother’s fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pants legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, “But, look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms too. I have them because my Mom wouldn’t let go.” 

Just like a mother who loves her child, so God loves us. The scars on the hands and feet of Jesus remind us that God, in His great love for us, could not let us go. But His love doesn’t mean that we won’t face famine or peril or sword. We will still have to endure suffering, Just know that no matter what scars may be on your legs from the world, Christ has scars on His hands and feet. If The Son of God suffered, what makes us think we won’t as well? 

36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” Paul isn’t saying that none of these things will happen to followers of Jesus. He isn’t saying Christians won’t experience hardship or distress; or that they won’t be persecuted, or face famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Paul knows this firsthand. If our earthly bodies survive the tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword, then all of those things will draw us into a closer relationship with God. If our bodies don’t survive, then we will find ourselves in the presence of God. Either way, we win. 

This is what Paul was talking about when he said in Philippians one that to live is Christ, and to die is gain. The love of God makes us immune to the worst of the world’s fears. And that love can be a shot in the arm in the worst of times!

It Ain’t Me

Gary Pollard

One of the most difficult things (at least for me) to accept about grace is this: There’s nothing we can do to deserve it, or be “worthy” of it. When I sin, it just makes me feel even more unworthy. This can quickly devolve into apathy — why even try? Every sin seems to compound, every prayer for strength seems ignored. If prayers for strength are ignored, surely prayers for forgiveness are, too! 

This mentality is not a healthy one. But how does one go from an intellectual understanding of grace’s power to accepting the reality of human imperfection? How do we prevent defeat in the aftermath of mistakes? If there’s a fix-all answer to this, I haven’t found it. 

Perhaps the answer is a lack of faith. At its core, faith is really confidence — that God exists, that he rewards people who try hard to have a relationship with him, that his grace is enough for us because his power is most effectively displayed through weakness. 

Maybe it’s disbelief. Does Jesus really forgive us when we sin? Yeah, Paul says “I don’t understand why I act the way I do. I don’t do the good I want to do, and I do the evil I hate. … But I am not really the one doing the evil. It is sin living in me that does it” (Rom 7.15, 17, 20). But later he says, “You are not ruled by your sinful selves. You are ruled by spirit, if God’s spirit really lives in you” (8.9). What does he mean by “ruled”? If I can’t seem to avoid sin, am I not ruled by it? What about Rom 6.2? “So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? Of course not! Our old sinful life ended. It’s dead. So how can we continue living in sin?” Which is it? Are we ok because we sin even when we don’t want to? Or are we in trouble because we’re not immune to sin? Maybe this would be better classed under confidence, but it’s so hard to believe that God still wants a relationship with people who claim to love him while vulnerable to sin’s influence. 

Scripture seems to clear this up, if we can only accept its significance: “We know that the law is spiritual, but I am not. I am so human. Sin rules me as if I were its slave. I don’t understand why I act the way I do. I don’t do the good I want to do, I do the evil I hate. And if I don’t want to do what I do, that means I agree that the law is good” (Rom 7.14-16). 

The question each person seems to have to answer is, “Do I really hate sin’s influence in my life?” God knows the true answer to that question. Romans 6.12 says, “Don’t let sin control your life here. You must not be ruled by the things your sinful self makes you want to do.” A few verses later, “In the past you were slaves to sin and you did not even think about doing right.” Verse 23, in the context of these chapters, says that all people are going to die physically because every human has sinned. But all who despise sin (while still vulnerable to its influence) and follow God will be “no longer under death’s power” because Jesus defeated sin’s ultimate punishment. 

We can’t avoid death, just like we can’t avoid sin. Where our heart really is makes the difference. “So I have learned this rule: When I want to do good, evil is there with me. In my mind I am happy with God’s law. But I see another law working in my body. That law makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and that law makes me its prisoner.” 

God knows we’re human. God knows we’re weak and constantly fighting sin’s influence. We’re not God, we’re not impervious to its control. Even Paul said, “What a miserable person I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death?” The answer is Jesus, the one who will rescue us from our current bodies if our “minds serve God’s law, even as our bodies serve the law of sin” (7.25). 

Finally, “Now there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is because the law of the spirit of life that comes from Christ Jesus has freed us from the law of sin and death. … God used a human life to destroy sin.” What does this mean? This means if we live to do what God wants us to do, he will give our bodies life on the last day (8.11). We’re never going to be free of sin’s influence in our lives, but we choose our masters. Will we pursue sin with our hearts and actions, or will we serve God with our hearts while the weakness of sin only makes us anticipate freedom (8.18ff) even more? We aren’t doing this alone — we have Jesus defending us (I Jn 2.1-2) and we have God searching our intent (Rom 8.26-27). 

“We know that everything God made has been waiting in pain like a woman ready to give birth to a child. Not just the created world, either — we’ve also been waiting with pain inside us. We have the spirit as the first part of God’s promise. So we are waiting for God to finish making us his children. I mean we are waiting for our bodies to be made free.” 

Executed, But Still Rescued

Neal Pollard

In the very intimate correspondence to his spiritual son that we call the epistle of 2 Timothy, Paul seems very aware that the time of his departure from this earth had come (4:6). Paul was not under house arrest, like we read at the end of Acts. He is in chains (1:16). 

The city of Rome burned between July 19-24, 64 AD. The fire started in the Circus Maximus stadium, but burned 10 of the city’s 14 districts before it was extinguished. Some historians blame Nero, but there is no doubt Nero blamed the Christians. He rounded up Christians already in the city, including Peter (cf. 2 Pet. 1:14-15), and had many of them executed that same fall. 

Lenski says Paul was in Spain at the time of the fire, but he was captured in a continuing dragnet of Christians: “Christianity had become a religio illicita, and especially its propagation became a crime against the state. Not long after Paul’s return from Spain he was arrested. Now he would be charged with a crime; Paul was, therefore, thrown into a dungeon as a felon. After some delay he was tried and executed. Tradition asserts that he perished under Nero who died June 9, 68. The details of his martyrdom are not known. He must have been condemned to death for spreading a religio illicita” (474).

So, as the time drew nearer for him to die, Paul uses an interesting word to describe his anticipated situation. He reviews some of the events of his first missionary journey, reminding Timothy that at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra he endured many persecutions, “and out of them all the Lord rescued me!” (3:11). You may remember that this including being stoned by the Jews and left for dead. That was a miraculous rescue!

Now, confined to chains with an insane emperor breathing down his neck, Paul says that the Christians had deserted him. Considering the enormous scrutiny they were under simply for being Christians, visiting a notorious, incarcerated Christian was risky! He charitably prayed that it might not be counted against them (4:16). Then, he says that he was rescued from out of the lion’s mouth (4:17), and “interpreters have identified the lion as the literal lions of the amphitheater, the emperor Nero, or Satan” (Lea and Griffin, The New American Commentary, Vol. 34, 256). But, we cannot be sure. But, even if the lion was figurative, the rescue was literal.

At nearly the end of his last letter, Paul confidently adds, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (4:18).  Consider Nero and the Roman machine! He had already been beaten numerous times. Who knows the terrible hardships he endured in the squalor of this dungeon? Yet, he would state with confidence that God would rescue him from the worst of them. Perhaps weeks or days after he dispatched this letter to Timothy, guards unlocked him and took him to the chopping block where, as a Roman citizen, he died by beheading rather than a harsher death like crucifixion or burning.  What about his inspired words in 2 Timothy 4:18?

Paul teaches us to think eternally and heavenly. On the other side of that beheading, there was safety and arrival to God’s heavenly kingdom. It was what he lived for. It was what he died for. What a reminder as we live in this body for such a short time, that we await our rescue. Our rescuer is Jesus, “who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Th. 1:10). He “delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us” (2 Cor. 1:10). 

Marks

Gary Pollard

Every normally functioning person is acutely aware of something wrong within them. Most people subconsciously or consciously understand that they’re horribly wrong somehow. Historically we’ve tried to fix this in different ways. The Pharisees and Sadducees are two archetypal mentalities among religious people — one extreme goes to the right and mandates excessive behavioral restrictions in an attempt to earn God’s favor through what is not far from asceticism. The other side says, “What’s the point in dwelling on it?” and mostly ignore the problem.


The problem with both groups is that they cannot control their bodies’ enslavement to sin. Paul warns against the legalist and traditionalist by saying, “These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do” (Col 2.23). He warns against those who show no self restraint when he said, “So do you think we should keep sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? Of course not!” (Rom 6.1).


Right now reality is enslaved to death. Death is still a thing because sin is still a thing. Death was not a part of earth’s reality until sin was. Sin introduced death to earth, and it hasn’t left us since. Sin is a proof that we will die — everyone carries that proof because everyone is going to die at some point.


We carry a different proof with us, though. We still have the proof of sin because we’re all still going to die (Hb 9.27). But we also carry proof of immortality. Paul makes it very clear in I Corinthians 15 that our death is no different from a seed being planted. It is planted as one thing, it comes back to life as something much more impressive. So death is imminent for each person because of sin, but our death brings us life! Just like sin is transcendent proof of imminent death, grace is transcendent proof of imminent immortality!

Heaven: Worth The Hype

Todd Childress

There are times in our lives when we get hyped up and get excited about events we want to attend or new places we want to visit or new restaurants we want to try out and we go to these events, new places, and restaurants and they end up not meeting our expectations and we are left feeling disappointed. We can also get hyped up about our sports teams at the beginning of the season. The season ends and we are disappointed of the season’s outcome. I know several of us sure have been disappointed over the past four years with that Kentucky basketball team.

Fortunately for Christians, we know of a place that will always live up to the hype and surpass our highest expectations: Heaven.

  1. Why do we have the opportunity to be in Heaven with God/Jesus?

John 3:16 

Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins so that we can all have a home with Him and God for eternity in Heaven. We should always be grateful for his ultimate sacrifice.

In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

There is room for all who seek and do God’s will. Jesus gave us this great promise that he has made a way for us to be in God’s presence and is actively working on a perfect place for us to live.

     2. Descriptions of Heaven, based on what the Bible says:

Revelation 21:4 tells us, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes: there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Really, if you think about it, Heaven is opposite of the World we live in. No pain, no death, no sorrow, no cancer, no sickness, no diseases, and NO SIN.

I also think about how we have had to say goodbye to loved ones who have passed on from this life. In Heaven, no more saying goodbye. We will be with them for eternity. Imagine the most beautiful ocean, or beach, or waterfalls, the most beautiful places on Earth you have seen. They do not compare to what our eyes will witness in Heaven. 

Likewise, think of the most wonderful and peaceful sounds like birds chirping, the relaxing sound of streams flowing, waves crashing on the shore. None of these sounds will compare to the sounds we will hear in Heaven.

  1. What can we do to make sure we are in Heaven?

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus says “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Earthly treasures wear out and can be stolen and are only temporary, but our treasures in Heaven will last for eternity. Jesus warns us against stockpiling money and possessions on earth. Instead, believers should make choices that allow them to store up treasures in Heaven. A person’s top priority can be God, or money, but cannot be both. We strive after what we desire and THAT is our treasure. What we treasure indicates what really owns us. So let us treasure God and make him our top priority.

Colossians 3:1-5 teaches,

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

In this scripture, Paul tells the Colossians since they have been buried and raised to new life, they ought to set their minds on things above rather than following religious rules and seeking to satisfy the opinions of men. We should do the same.

In October 2001 the Christian band Mercy Me released the song I Can Only Imagine.

In the song, the narrator wonders what it would be like to stand before God in heaven. 

 In the refrain, the singer ponders, “Will I dance for You Jesus/or in awe of you be still/Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall/Will I sing hallelujah/will I be able to speak at all/I can only imagine/I can only imagine”.

I want to encourage you and challenge you. Let’s not just imagine what Heaven may be like, let’s do God’s will and lay up treasures for ourselves in Heaven.  Let’s turn our imaginations into reality.

 I am really looking forward to when we are in Heaven together someday.

If you have not put Christ on in baptism to have your sins forgiven, but want to do so, today is a great opportunity. If you are a Christian and you have struggles that have kept you from focusing on Heavenly treasures, we will pray with you and encourage you. Heaven is worth the hype!

You Can Rely On This

Dale Pollard

“This is a trustworthy statement…” (Titus 3.8).

Definition of Trustworthy: “That which can be relied on”

The Statement You Can Rely On (v.4-7) 

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

The Substance of the Statement: 

What Should We Trust? 

  1. He showed up to show love  (v4)
  2. Mercy was the motivator  (v5)
  3. Total transformation is true (v5)
  4. The Savior is the Solution (v6) 
  5. Grace is the greatest (v7)
  6. Our destination is definite (v7)