Tag: inspiration

When Jude Quoted Books God Didn’t Write

Twenty-five verses. That’s all Jude needed to expose false teachers, rally believers, and deliver one of Scripture’s mightiest doxologies. Yet within this compact letter lie two startling citations—neither from Moses, the prophets, nor the Psalms, but from Jewish apocryphal writings. Why would an inspired writer quote uninspired sources?

Brent Pollard

Twenty-five verses. That’s all Jude needed to expose false teachers, rally believers, and deliver one of Scripture’s mightiest doxologies. Yet within this compact letter lie two startling citations—neither from Moses, the prophets, nor the Psalms, but from Jewish apocryphal writings. Why would an inspired writer quote uninspired sources?

The Arrogance That Mocks What It Cannot See

Jude writes his general epistle with a sense of urgency. False teachers have misused grace to justify immoral behavior and show disrespect for authority. By verse 8, their pride has become demonic, and they “speak evil of dignitaries,” which most likely refers to angelic beings. Jude does not intend to promote the worship of angels; instead, he warns against hubris. These false teachers behaved as if they had authority over realms they did not have, and that is the pride Jude exposes. Therefore, these men slander realities beyond their understanding.

To expose such folly, Jude reaches for an unlikely illustration.

When Even Angels Know Their Limits

Jewish tradition, preserved in the Assumption of Moses, tells of Michael the archangel disputing with Satan over Moses’ body. The devil claimed ownership—perhaps because Moses had killed an Egyptian, perhaps because Satan styled himself lord of the earth.

Michael’s response? He refused to pronounce judgment on his own authority. Though heaven’s chief warrior, he simply said, “The Lord rebuke you.”

Here is Jude’s blade: If Michael—commander of celestial armies—dared not revile even Satan, what business have mortals mocking spiritual powers they neither respect nor understand?

True strength bows before God’s sovereignty. Pride pretends to authority it does not possess.

The Prophet Who Saw Judgment Coming

Jude then quotes 1 Enoch, a Jewish apocalyptic text known to his audience:

“Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all who are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds.”

This inclusion is no blanket endorsement of Enoch’s book any more than Paul’s citations of pagan poets made them Scripture. Instead, the Spirit guided Jude to extract one true statement—a warning echoing throughout divine revelation—and press it into service for eternal purposes.

God can take a fragment of human tradition and forge it into revealed truth without sanctifying its source.

How Inspiration Actually Works

Jude’s method reveals three vital principles:

1. Authority lies in God’s selection, not the source’s pedigree.

The Spirit determines what enters Scripture. Truth remains truth wherever it appears, but only God’s breath makes it authoritative. Jude’s quotes became inspired not because of their origin, but because God chose them.

2. God meets people where they live.

Jude’s Jewish Christian readers knew these traditions. Using familiar examples, he illustrated the truth vividly. We do the same, quoting, say, Shakespeare or Einstein—not to canonize them, but to communicate clearly.

3. The message matters infinitely more than the medium.

Both stories serve one purpose: to contrast human arrogance with divine authority and to warn that God judges all rebellion.

Three Applications for Your Life Today

First, guard your tongue when speaking of spiritual realities.

If Michael, who stands before God’s throne, refused to speak presumptuously, how much more should we? Reverence isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. Before you dismiss spiritual truths or mock what you don’t understand, remember who you’re dealing with.

Second, rest in the certainty of God’s judgment.

False teachers may flourish now. Arrogance may strut across platforms. But Enoch’s prophecy stands: God will judge every ungodly deed. Your job isn’t to play God. It’s to trust Him.

Third, quote wisely, but verify everything.

You’ll find truth scattered across literature, philosophy, and even secular observation. Quote it when it serves God’s truth. But never confuse a helpful quote with Scripture’s authority. Test everything against the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21). All other lights are dim candles held up to Scripture’s blazing sun.

The Weight of a Short Letter

Don’t mistake brevity for shallowness. In twenty-five verses, Jude wields ancient tradition, angelic authority, and divine judgment to demolish pride and call the church back to truth.

Michael’s humility rebukes the arrogant. Enoch’s prophecy warns the rebellious. Together they sound Jude’s central note: “Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

In a world drowning in opinions, that call has never been more urgent.

God has spoken. The question is whether we’ll listen with the humility of angels or the arrogance of fools.

The difference is eternal.

Even when he quotes from outside Scripture, Jude points us back to Scripture’s heart—the unchanging authority of God and the sure destiny of all who defy it.

Two Cuts To The Heart

Growing up, my brother and I had blowgun battles. We’d roll up paper, shape sticky notes into cones, stick bobby pins in the tips, and—voila—homemade blowgun darts. These weren’t toys! One day, I’m hiding behind a wall, and Dale, from across the kitchen, spots my hand. He shoots with deadly aim. One second I’m fine;

Carl Pollard

In the book of Acts, we find two moments where people were “cut to the heart” by the preaching of God’s truth. In Acts 2, Peter, filled with the Spirit, preaches on Pentecost, and his words cut thousands, leading to repentance, salvation, and the start of the church. In Acts 7, Stephen’s bold preaching before the Sanhedrin cuts their hearts, but instead of turning to God, they turn to rage and murder. Two cuts, two responses—one to life, one to destruction. What made the difference? How do we respond when God’s Word cuts our hearts?

To get this, we need to dig into “cut to the heart” in the Greek. In Acts 2:37, after Peter preaches about Jesus’ death and resurrection, we read, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart.” The Greek word is katanyssomai, a rare term meaning “to be pierced” or “stung sharply.” Picture a dart hitting your conscience. Growing up, my brother and I had blowgun battles. We’d roll up paper, shape sticky notes into cones, stick bobby pins in the tips, and—voila—homemade blowgun darts. These weren’t toys! One day, I’m hiding behind a wall, and Dale, from across the kitchen, spots my hand. He shoots with deadly aim. One second I’m fine; the next, a dart’s stuck in my wrist, needle in the bone! Talk about pain! We yanked it out, and my wrist instantly swelled up. When Acts 2 says “cut,” it’s not a paper cut—it’s deep. Peter’s words pierced their core, exposing their sin, and they cried, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Now, Acts 7:54. Stephen’s preaching cuts the Sanhedrin’s hearts (“enraged,” ESV), and “they gnashed at him with their teeth.” The Greek word here for “cut” is diapriō, meaning “to saw through” or “cut violently,” like a saw tearing through wood. Their hearts were cut, but with rage, not godly sorrow. Two men stabbed by the same sword: one drops to his knees, seeking a medic; the other, enraged, grips the blade, worsening his wound. Both are cut, but one seeks life, the other death. How often has Scripture stepped on your toes, called out your sin? Ever felt that stab of conviction? Jesus’ words cut the rich young ruler, and he walked away (Mark 10:21-22). In John 6:66, many left after Jesus’ hard teaching. God’s Word is meant to cut and convict, but not all accept it.

In Acts 2, Peter preaches to a diverse crowd on Pentecost, declaring Jesus, whom they crucified, as the risen Messiah. The gospel hits, and they’re “cut to the heart.” They ask, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). That day, 3,000 souls were added to the church. Why? They didn’t resist. They saw their sin—guilty of killing God’s Son—and felt the weight. They humbled themselves, repented, were baptized, and found life. David was “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22) because he listened and obeyed when God’s Word cut him, even when he messed up. God’s Word will call out your sin—lying, lust, pride—and show you the way out. The Acts 2 crowd chose life through humility.

In Acts 7, Stephen, full of faith, stands before the Sanhedrin, exposing their rebellion. He says, “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit” (Acts 7:51). The truth cuts deep, but they gnash their teeth, rush him, and stone him, making Stephen the first Christian martyr. Why? Their pride wouldn’t budge. Like Pharaoh in Exodus, whose heart hardened with each plague (Exodus 7:13-14), they rejected the truth to protect their status. Imagine a doctor diagnosing a deadly disease, saying, “Surgery can save you.” One patient trusts and lives; another storms out, angry, and dies. The Sanhedrin chose the latter—truth exposed their sin, but pride blinded them.

Humility separates these responses. Acts 2’s crowd humbled themselves, sought mercy, and found grace. Acts 7’s Sanhedrin clung to pride, choosing judgment. Proverbs 15:33 says, “Before honor is humility.” James 4:6 adds, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Be like Acts 2, not Acts 7. How will you respond when God’s Word cuts? First, listen with an open heart. Hebrews 4:12 says God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit.” Don’t push it away. Second, submit and obey quickly. The Acts 2 crowd didn’t delay—they repented and were baptized. Like the prodigal son (Luke 15), run to God when truth hits. If you’re in their shoes, repent and be baptized—don’t wait. You don’t know when you’ll stand before God. Third, seek God’s help. He empowered Peter and Stephen’s preaching and convicts us today. Pray for a soft heart. Has God’s Word cut you? Is there sin you’ve ignored, a relationship to mend? Will you choose life through humility or death through pride? 

The stakes are eternal.

From Thick Darkness to Radiant Light: The Journey of Divine Revelation

In our times of confusion and doubt, when the presence of God feels obscured by the clouds of uncertainty, we hold fast to the truth that in Christ, God has revealed Himself, stepping out from behind the veil.

Brent Pollard

“Then Solomon said, ‘The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.’” (2 Chronicles 6.1—the KJV says “thick darkness”)

Have you ever faced the awe-inspiring challenge of grasping the divine purpose, sensing His nearness during trials, or unraveling the intricacies of His character amidst life’s challenges? If that’s the case, you stand alongside the faithful and those who have earnestly sought truth throughout history.

The God Who Dwells in the Thick Cloud

When Solomon dedicated the impressive Temple in Jerusalem, he articulated a profound theological truth we often overlook. Before acknowledging the divine presence in the newly constructed sanctuary, Solomon first reminded the gathered worshippers that the Lord had declared, “He would dwell in the thick cloud” (2 Chronicles 6.1—the KJV states that God resided in “thick darkness”).

This statement wasn’t merely poetic language. Solomon pointed to a profound reality regarding the nature of divine revelation in the narrative of Israel’s past. During the Exodus journey, the Lord revealed His glory through a pillar of cloud. At Mount Sinai, “Moses approached the thick cloud where God was” (Exodus 20.21). The cloud was more than a convenient visual symbol; it embodied the profound mystery of divine revelation.

God reveals Himself but remains partially concealed. God makes Himself known yet retains His mystery. God comes near while transcending complete human comprehension.

The cloud embodied a dual nature, serving as both a source of revelation and a veil of concealment at once. Even as the Almighty resided with His people, an essential mystery lingered about Him, a sacred obscurity that no human intellect could fathom.

The ancient Israelites faced this theological tension in their daily lives. The divine presence resided in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, yet it was concealed by veils and accessed through sacred rituals. Prophets, sacred teachings, and divine interventions in history expressed His revelation, always conveying the understanding that something greater exists beyond the visible or the comprehensible.

The Revelation in Christ

But the story doesn’t end in darkness or shadows.

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son…He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature…” (Hebrews 1.1-3)

The New Testament unfolds an incredible progression in the story of divine revelation. In the Savior, the Almighty reveals Himself, emerging from obscurity. The heavy shadows yield themselves to brilliant illumination. What He had once hidden, we now see and understand more clearly, inspiring hope and transformation.

This truth doesn’t mean all mystery vanishes—God remains greater than our understanding—but something fundamental has changed. No longer do we approach God through shadows and symbols alone. In Jesus, we encounter “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1.15), the one who could rightfully say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14.9).

The author of Hebrews carefully constructs this theological progression. Where God once spoke “in many portions and in many ways” (including through clouds and darkness), He now speaks through His Son. Where God once concealed His glory, now we see “the radiance of His (God’s) glory.” Where God’s nature was once partially obscured, we now have “the exact representation of His nature.”

Living in the Light

What does this mean for us today?

It unveils that we serve a God who longs to be understood and embraced. From the smoking mountain of Sinai to the humble manger of Bethlehem, we witness the unfolding of God’s revelation, moving from shadow to substance and from cloud to clarity. This revelation is not distant or exclusive, but accessible and inclusive to all who seek it.

It means that although we continue to “see through a glass, darkly” in numerous aspects (1 Corinthians 13.12 KJV), we possess a profound revelation that sheds light on all else in Christ. While the shadows teach us valuable lessons, we now understand them thanks to the light of complete revelation.

God beckons us to a profound closeness with Him, though He dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6.16). Thus, the veil has been torn asunder (Mark 15.38). God pierced the heavy veil of darkness separating us from that Light. As we traverse the valleys of shadow and face moments of uncertainty, we find solace in the unfolding of divine revelation. The Almighty, who once resided in the depths of dense clouds, has come close to us. Despite lingering darkness, the light still shines (John 1.5).

In our times of confusion and doubt, when the presence of God feels obscured by the clouds of uncertainty, we hold fast to the truth that in Christ, God has revealed Himself, stepping out from behind the veil. The transition from darkness to light transcends mere biblical narrative; it embodies the essence of our spiritual journey as we grow in our understanding of Him daily.

“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the NASB® (New American Standard Bible®, 1995 Updated Edition). Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Straight Skinny (Of Timothy)

It’s not a manual for making ministers. Its true value is in the vision that’s laid out in these two letters. It’s God’s instructions for building a strong future of faith and provides the necessary steps that need to be taken if we are to pass the torch to the next generation.

Dale Pollard

It’s a shame that the letters to Timothy got stereotyped into a users manual for young ministers. 

Most summaries of the letters say something along these lines: 

“First Timothy presents the most explicit and complete instructions for church leadership and organization in the entire Bible. This includes sections on appropriate conduct in worship gatherings, the qualifications of elders and deacons, and the proper order of church discipline. Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters in a way that would have helped the young pastor to emphasize education and sound teaching of leaders and members.”

But there’s more to it.

It’s not a manual for making ministers. Its true value is in the vision that’s laid out in these two letters. It’s God’s instructions for building a strong future of faith and provides the necessary steps that need to be taken if we are to pass the torch to the next generation. 

It’s about instilling faithfulness in the young, and it’s about mentoring— mentors (2 Tim. 2:2).

Paul encouraged Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1:18; 6:12). Perseverance in what was good often became a slog for Timothy, one that required thick skin and a clear purpose. The short and sweet of Timothy could be something like this. 

Get up, 

get after it, 

and remember who God called you to be. 

That’s Your Interpretation

Neal Pollard

There are multiple Greek words used in the New Testament to talk about the process of explaining and interpreting God’s Word.

  • Mark 4:34 tells us Jesus was “explaining” His parables and other teachings to the disciples. This word means to loose or set free, to clarify and interpret.
  • Luke 24:27 is the first of six occurrences of a word translated “explained,” “translated,” and “interpreted” to speak of Jesus explaining to the disciples on the road to Emmaus how the Old Testament Scripture concerned Himself. The word refers to formal, extensive explanation of what is difficult to understand.
  • A trio of passages in Acts (11:4; 18:26; 28:23) refer to a word meaning to “expose” (a fourth use in Acts is used by Stephen to speak of Moses’ parents setting him outside, 7:21) or explain, manifest, declare, and expound. The latter three are all used in reference to a man taking God’s Word and explaining it to others.
  • 2 Peter 1:20 is the passage telling us that “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation….” This word (“interpretation”) means to release or unravel, the act or process of explaining even what is difficult or complex.

We live in a world where even the religious decry any attempt to give an absolute meaning or interpretation of a verse or paragraph of the Bible. While great care and careful study should accompany any effort to understand what Scripture is saying, the passages above (and a great many others) prove that God intended for His Word to be interpreted. Yet, it is suggested that there was a right way for them to be understood. Definitive, binding conclusions could be drawn. All people could (and must) conform to the commands, teachings, and principles of those passages.

Truly, everyone who thoughtfully studies it interprets the Bible. Our challenge is to faithfully, honestly, and truly understand each passage in its context and ultimately harmonize it with the whole of Scripture. The Bible repeatedly speaks of Jesus and others taking the Old Testament, making interpretations and sharing them as authoritative truths to be obeyed.

Paul uses another word, unique to him, to tell Timothy to “handle accurately the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Other Scriptures speak of this “word of truth” as being intrinsically tied to bringing about our salvation (Eph. 1:13; Jas. 1:18). The word translated “handle accurately” means “to cut in a straight line; ἵνα ὀρθοτομῇ τὰς ὁδούς σου so that he gives you the right direction, so that he teaches you correctly, so that he gives you the right teaching” (Lust, Eynikel, and Hauspie, LEX LXX Lex., np). Leave it to a tentmaker to use such an analogy.

The New Testament is filled with passages teaching us about salvation, church organization, worship, gender roles, sexuality, morality, and much, much more. If these and other Scriptures can be cut straight, can’t they be cut crooked (cf. 2 Pet. 3:16)? If parables had a right interpretation, couldn’t they have wrong ones? If the Old Testament can be used to explain truth about Jesus, couldn’t they also be used to teach error about Him? The work of Peter, Aquila and Priscilla, and Paul in Acts, explaining to others, is implicitly endorsed as sound and proper. Doesn’t that mean that one could fail in such efforts by improper handling of Scripture? If holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, the intention was for their words to be taken, processed, and utilized in a way that produced God’s pleasure and approval.

In a relativistic age, where knowledge, truth, and morality is said to not be absolute, authoritative, and binding, such passages are ignored or denied. Yet, there they stand, resolutely declaring that Scripture must be properly interpreted. The task for you and me is to humbly, prayerfully, and diligently read, meditate upon, study, then obey from the heart all that God commands in His Word. Is it important? Jesus thought so, asserting, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48; cf. John 14:26; 16:13). May “our interpretation” harmonize with the meaning He clearly intends and instructs through His inspired writers! Nothing else will suffice!

Are You Feeding Your Soul?

Jeremy Waddell

We all go through phases in life. Several of us have entered the same phase in life over the past few months with our families…

  • This phase that has challenged
    • our honesty, 
    • our health, 
    • our time & money, 
    • it’s taken up space in our house,
    • it’s even challenged our marriage vows to a certain degree…”in sickness and in health, for better or worse.”

-Sourdough Bread-

  • All jokes aside, with every phase and experience in our life there is always a lesson to learn. 
  • Just so everyone knows Ashley makes the BEST sourdough bread…now anyway! 

When making bread:

  • You can have the greatest recipe.
  • Use the right ingredients and follow the directions perfectly.
  • But if we aren’t feeding that starter daily, which is the base of the bread, then the bread is not going to come out right.  
  • It’s a living thing that needs to be fed everyday regardless of when we plan to use it. 
  • Sometimes Ashley will take a “bread break”, put it in the refrigerator and doesn’t plan to use it for a few days…
  • It’s still living without being fed, for a while anyways, but it’s not as strong or good as it could be. 

So how can we learn a spiritual lesson from sourdough bread?

We can say all the same things about our souls!

  • We need to feed our souls daily with reading our Bible, with prayer, with fellowship if we want to be and remain strong Christians. 
  • Just because we know the recipe of salvation and have followed all the steps perfectly doesn’t mean that it just stops there.
  • Our souls are living and need feeding daily! 
  • 2 Peter 3:17-18– “beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with error of the wicked; but grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
    • Not reading the word daily can make us weak and unprepared for when wicked things creep into our lives.

Acts 17:11— “they searched the scriptures daily.”

1 Timothy 4:13– “till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”

There are many verses in the Bible telling us to read it and use the scriptures every day. 

There are verses we all know by heart and lean on all the time: 

  • 2 Timothy 3:16– “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness.”
    • It’s useful for us and for others. 
  • 2 Timothy 2:15- “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
    • God expects us to work hard in knowing the scriptures and understanding them so we can grow and can teach others.
  • Hebrews 4:12- “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  

Being in the word, reading daily, feeding our soul the knowledge of God through His inspired writers will keep our hearts and lives on the right path! It will help us grow closer to God and to be ready to teach others about Him. 

As it says in Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4 “…man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  We need the meat of the word to keep our souls strong! 

If you struggle with studying and being in the word, as I know I do and probably all of us do, then now is the time to make a change.  Put out the distractions in life that keep you from it, try harder to read daily!  

Origen Was Smart

Gary Pollard

I cannot recommend enough the books Origen wrote against an Epicurean named Celsus. He uses incredible (if wordy) arguments refuting the attacks Celsus levies against the church in his work entitled True Discourse. In his defense of Christianity and the gospels, we get this little gem (Cont. Cels. 3.39): 

And I am of opinion that it was on this account that Jesus wished to employ such persons as teachers of his doctrines, namely that there might clearly appear to all who were capable of understanding, that the guileless purpose of the writers being, so to speak, marked with great simplicity, was deemed worthy of being accompanied by a diviner power, which accomplished far more than it seemed possible could be accomplished by a periphrasis of words, and a weaving of sentences, accompanied by all the distinctions of Grecian arts. 

The power of scripture lies in its simultaneously simple and profound nature. It’s simple enough to be understood by the least-educated among us, and profound enough to give intellectuals something to chew on. Another evidence of supernatural origin, attested to by Origen. 

Women’s Role Isn’t The Issue

Neal Pollard

Anecdotal and emotional appeals are made. Expressions of dissatisfaction with how things are “done in churches of Christ” and anxious concerns that we are in the minority seem to ignore something much more significant. What does the Bible say?

A preacher recently wrote, “I wonder how many of our members are as dumbfounded as many of our ministers about our current practices with women in our churches, but have allowed fear and caution to keep them silent as our practices remain the same. Is it groupthink? Do we have well thought out theologies supporting our current practices? Do most of us realize the oddity of our male dominated services in 21st century society? Perhaps there are more who want to ask these questions than we sometimes imagine.”

In an age when women have been allowed by society to ascend all the way to the top of the corporate ladder, assuming the heads of companies, the fields of medicine, science, politics, and education, it may seem odd to some that she does not lead singing, lead prayers, “preside” over or serve the Lord’s Supper, preach, or serve as an elder or deacon in mainstream churches of Christ. Is this a civil rights issue? Is it a cultural issue? Exactly what is the issue?

The reason that those certain preachers feel “there comes a time that silence must give way to words and actions” seems bigger than a single issue. The reason has to do with a basic approach to the Bible and an attitude toward what it is and how it serves today. If the issue was simply what the Bible has to say, the issue would be an open and shut case. In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul tells Timothy he is writing that letter “so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” This follows a “household of God” matter already mentioned by Paul in 1 Timothy 2:8- 15. Amid a discussion of women’s role, Paul says, “A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet” (11-12). The reason he gives is not tied to first century culture. As Timothy was the preacher at Ephesus and was half-Greek himself, Paul did not appeal to ethnicity. He goes back to the creation, a different time, place, and ethnicity. Cultural practice or norm was not the issue.

Here is the issue. What is our attitude toward the Bible? Is it God-breathed, equipping man for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17)? Is the God who created each of us, our world, and the universe, with every amazing intricacy of design, smart enough and powerful enough to successfully communicate to man in written form in a way that would stand the tests of time, transmission (making copies from original documents), and translating it into different languages? Certainly, man would be incapable of this, but dare we say that God did not do this? Especially should we be careful when the Bible claims over and over again that God did communicate through inspired men.

If scripture is not reliable as the standard of religious authority and does not contain an established pattern for teaching and practice, so many other matters are up for grabs–the institution of marriage as it is, homosexuality, abortion, calling our Creator “Jehovah” rather than “Allah,” the Deity, atonement, and resurrection of Christ, and the list is truly inexhaustible. On what grounds do we reject clear teaching on women’s role in churches of Christ while accepting that there is no way to the Father but through Christ? Beware! This is bigger than a single issue. One’s attitude toward the inspiration and authority of scripture is the real, underlying issue!

He Left The Manger (Poem)

Dale Pollard

He was born of a virgin, foreseen by the few 
A miraculous event— many know to be true 
He would save those in sin both friend, neighbor, and stranger 
But all that happened when He got out of the manger 

 His life was a short one, at least on this earth 
Some overlooked Him, his power, and worth 
He faced many challenges, his future looked bleak 
He was tortured and beaten, but turned the other cheek 

A beautiful life— filled with joy and with danger, 
But all that took place once the Lord left the manger 
He holds many titles, king of kings and Lord of Lords 
He established His kingdom without even a sword 

He’s the healer, our Savior, and any-life-changer 
But there’s more to His story 
He’s coming in glory 
Because Jesus left the manger 

The Power Of God’s Word

Saturday’s Column: Learning From Lehman

Stephen Pitcock

One of the greatest influences I have had in my life is my mom. I’m not sure if you were aware, but my mom has frequently been in and out of jail over the past several years. Not that she did anything to be thrown into jail, but rather she volunteers to go to the Detention Center in Elizabethtown and conduct bible studies with the women there. However, when she goes, she is only allowed to take her Bible in with her and they shut the door and lock it behind her. We’ve talked about it several times and there is only a couple of instances when she felt scared, when she felt like she was in danger.

Once she was having a Bible study and the topic was things we must do as Christians. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” However, there was one woman there that was adamant that she did not have to do anything once she was “saved”. It got to the point that the woman was furious, and my mom was scared, and she wasn’t sure what to do or if the woman would harm her in some way. So, mom very calmly opened her Bible to Matthew 25 and gave it to the woman and asked her to read verses 31-46.

These verses reveal a judgment scene where the nations are gathered before God’s throne and are separated as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. Those to the right will inherit the kingdom prepared for them (meant for us) because they ministered to the least of these their brethren. Those to the left will depart into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels (not meant for us) because they did not minister to the least of these.

Upon reading the verses the woman broke down crying. She knew what she believed to be true wasn’t. If you ask my mom, she’ll tell you it was nothing she said that provoked this sudden and instant change in the woman, but rather it was the word of God.

Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

  • –  Living – God’s word is active, able to achieve its purpose, working in people’s lives and it’s as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.
  • –  Powerful – God’s word has the power to change our thoughts, change our lives and change our eternal destiny.
  • –  Pierces – God’s word pierces our soul with truth, points out our sins and provides the cure.
  • –  Discernment – God’s word can perceive and recognize our every thought and intention.Isaiah 55:11 tells us “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” I’m not sure about the rest of the story. I hope the woman was able to leave with a new resolve to study and obey God’s word. However, we have God’s word available to us and it can do the same in our lives if we allow it.
    James 1:21 tells us, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” That is, if we read and meditate in it, pray for understanding and if we are faithful and obedient to God’s commandments therein. God’s word is able to do instantly what man is unable to do.

The Truth Is Out There

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

 

Gary Pollard

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

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

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

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

8 Interesting Facts About The Bible

 Tuesday’s Column: Dale Mail

dalejanelle2021

Dale Pollard

  1. The Bible was written by 40 different writers. 
  2. The Bible was written from 3 continents: Asia, Africa, & Europe.
  3. It was written in 3 ancient languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, & Greek. 
  4. The original manuscripts making up the cannon contain 611,000 words. 
  5. The longest book is Jeremiah. 
  6. The shortest book is 3rd John.
  7. The Bible contains around 185 songs. 
  8. The Bible records around 21 dreams.  

The Bible is more than just fascinating trivia, it’s the only book that God ever wrote. Let’s make sure we’re spending time in His Word daily. 

“Self-Sufficient Study”

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

Gary III

Gary Pollard

All gas internal combustion engines require three things to operate: fuel, spark, and compression. If one of the three is working improperly, a number of symptoms can arise. This is an oversimplification, of course, but those three systems must be mostly operable in order to be usable. 

Troubleshooting can be expensive if a person has little or no experience with this common engine type. Learning to maintain a vehicle and enact basic repairs saves an enormous amount of money! Relying on someone else to do it is often very costly. 

We fully understand that not everyone is equipped to be a scholar-level theologian. However, many Christians take this idea and swing the opposite direction. How many have been Christians for decades and have just a basic understanding of scripture? How many multi-generational Christians snore at the thought of advanced biblical studies? How many have only the knowledge they retain from a sermon? How many base their understanding and beliefs on the values held by respected friends or family? 

No one is perfect; the more a person learns through deep bible study, the more they are confronted with their own inadequacies. But a dedicated student of the scriptures also gains this: 

  1. A profound appreciation for grace and its role in our practical lives. 
  2. Mind-blowing discoveries and realizations about the nature of God and eternity that bullet-proof our faith. 
  3. The full emotional and intellectual impact of biblical principles. 
  4. A deeper understanding of the goals, message(s), meaning, and practical applications of a book. 
  5. A heartwarming and emotion-eliciting  appreciation for the role of The Word, Jesus, and His hand in creation, sustaining the genetic line that brought about His physical death, the timeless sacrifice He made by subjecting Himself eternally to the Father, and the role He plays today on our behalf.
  6. An ability to defend the faith, refute false doctrine, convert a lost soul, and build faith in others. 
  7. An ability to avoid sin more effectively. 
  8. A far lesser likelihood of accepting false doctrines or harmful practices.  
  9. Excitement, joy, and fulfillment about being a Christian! 
  10. A great disdain for arguments over petty issues that are weakening the church, and the ability to shut them down and refute them soundly. 

As a bonus, learning to read and translate Greek or Hebrew (at least with the help of a lexicon, a decent understanding of rules of each language, and their proper application in each context) will give even more profound insight into words and concepts we read in our native translations. 

Relying on what others tell us is not sufficient! We may find that the cost, eternally, is far steeper than what we would pay to the most expensive mechanic for repairs we could do at a fraction of the cost. Not only will we gain a great appreciation for what we know and live by becoming true Bible students, but it also greatly enhances our ability to live a faithful Christian life. 

 

JETHRO

Monday’s Column: Neal At The Cross

pollard

Neal Pollard

Jethro is one of my favorite Old Testament people. His efforts in Exodus 18 seem to be what he’s remembered most for. Yet, he is quite an impressive person from the time we meet him in the beginning of the book of Exodus.

  • Jethro was an appreciative man (Ex. 2:20). Moses met Jethro’s family after fleeing from the Pharaoh’s wrath following Moses’ murder of an Egyptian taskmaster. Moses helps Jethro’s seven daughters by fending off some mischievous shepherds and caring for the man’s sheep and family’s water needs. When Jethro heard of this, he asked his daughters, “Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” Jethro was eager to quickly, tangibly show his thanks for Moses’ kindness.
  • Jethro was a spiritual man (Ex. 2:16; 3:1). One of the first facts we learn about the man is that he is “the priest of Midian.” He likely was the chief representative of the people in religious sacrifice, though it seems that when Moses meets him he has not yet learned who the true and only God is. That realization comes later (Ex. 18:10-11), but his role as spiritual leader is introduced to us from the beginning though with no details of it in the text.
  • Jethro was an accommodating man (Ex. 4:18). When the time came and Moses heeded God’s bidding to confront the Pharaoh, it meant separating himself from his work and living arrangements in Midian. Moses pleaded with his father-in-law, and Jethro made that easy for him, telling him, “Go in peace.” Jacob’s father-in-law had not been so kind. What a contrast in this man who saw the bigger picture and made his son-in-law’s departure that much easier.
  • Jethro was a sensible man (Ex. 18). This is the quality of the man about which we have heard most. Jethro’s appeal to Moses’ common sense, to get help from the people in judging the people, has served as a role model in spiritual leadership for centuries. Jethro could see the effect of the old, broken system on both Moses and the people. He sized it up, saying, “The thing that you are doing is not good” (17). But, a sensible man does more than raise the specter of the problem. He offers a solution (19-23), and it works beautifully (24-26).

One of the marvel’s of the Bible’s inspiration is seeing the supporting cast of men and women whose lives crossed the people we know best in Scripture. Moses was perhaps the most prominent figure of Old Testament history, so those whose lives he touched show up at several points. Jethro is one of the most interesting of them all.

pikiwiki_israel_35745_sheep_grazing

The World Is Desperate

Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

IMG_0806

Carl Pollard

Generalizations are almost always wrong. For example, just because you’re from Colorado doesn’t mean you smoke weed, or just because you’re homeschooled doesn’t mean you’ve never seen a person before. Just because you live in Alabama doesn’t make you an Alabama fan. Just because many people fall into a category, doesn’t mean that every person is the same.

There is one generalization that is true: the world is desperate. Without Christ, many issues in life go unsolved. Family problems are harder to overcome, job issues get blown out of proportion, and questions go unsolved. Over the next few weeks I’d like to look at three major issues that the world has no answer for. But these three topics are easily explained through God’s Word.

Each one of us has had these thoughts before. Every single person ever born at some point will have these questions. So number one, the world is desperate for Guidance (Psa. 119:105). Ever been lost? It is amazing how easy it is to get turned around. I’m terrible with directions, and even with maps up on my phone, I still find a way to get lost.

The world feels the same way–they’re lost. They don’t have direction in life. They float around going from one thing to the next looking for guidance. As Christians, our guide is God’s Word. It gives us a map for life. Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, has to do with guidance. Each section in this chapter covers different aspects of keeping God’s Word. In the first eight verses, the psalmist says things like, “blessed are those who walk in the Law of the Lord,” and “I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.” The rest of the chapter sticks with this pattern.

If you ever find yourself questioning why you follow scripture, study this chapter and you will find reason after reason. Looking at verse 105, it says this, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Are you anxious? Turn to God’s Word. Are you hurting? Turn to God’s Word. Are you afflicted? Turn to God’s Word (119:107). Has your family disowned you? Turn to God’s Word. Have your kids left the Church? Turn to God’s Word. Did you lose your job? Turn to God’s Word. See, the world doesn’t turn to scripture when it faces these problems, and they are left without a guide, without comfort, and without something to rely on. There’s a reason God inspired men to write the Bible, and that reason is so that flawed man can have a guide through life.

563871_3978156290465_1606961254_n
As my dad and Wes Autrey demonstrated in Yellowstone Park, you also                    need to know how to use a roadmap to avoid getting lost.

 

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE?

Wednesday’s Column: Third’s Words

10423661_10207901451272315_9069631728203375436_n

Gary Pollard III

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

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

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

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

764px-uncial_0220_rom-4.23-5.3
Uncial 220 (fragment of Romans 4:23-5:3)

The Inevitable Standard

Neal Pollard

Everywhere, each generation tries to figure out the why and how of living. Most will not find the right path (Mat. 7:13-14). Almost all are convicted, even passionate, about the way they wish to live life. They may be fiery about politics, social issues, relationships, and even religious ideals, and to be consistent they must appeal to some ultimately, overarching authority that makes right right and wrong wrong whatever their point of view. Will it be feelings, friends, the majority, the minority, the church, family, a teacher, culture, or something else? The Bible claims to be the arbitrator by which all matters are judged. But if not the Bible, there has to be some universal absolutes with an adequate origin to compel people to follow it. Whether the issue is rape, murder, stealing, or similar norm that stands between order and chaos, there has to be adequate reason to submit to it. 

This inevitable standard helps us decide whether or not a Creator exists. If there is nothing (no One) greater, bigger, wiser, and stronger than us, why can’t we decide right and wrong as our whims determine? Why would we desire civilization and peace? Why would we wish good will or at least peaceful coexistence with each other?

The inevitable standard helps us decide which god (God) is to be followed. Do their alleged writings and teachings cohere and show consistency? Do they adequately answer the great questions of life?

The inevitable standard helps us decide whether or not Bible doctrines taught by men are consistent with and true to what the Bible actually teaches. How do we know how to worship, be saved from sins, what roles to play in life, what our purpose is, and how to reach a desirable destiny? The nonsensical claim that you have your truth and I have mine is unacceptable in every other discipline (building construction, medicine, physics, mathematics, etc.). Even falling back on “you have your interpretation and I have mine” is a dangerous slope since there are matters of life and godless ( Pet. 1:3). 

The inevitable standard helps us fulfill our roles in the home, the church, and the world. How should we live and how should we help our physical family, spiritual family, and communities live? It matters!

It may gall us to think we all must concede to a standard of right and wrong, of absolute truth. To say that all of us are accountable to the same standard may be construed as bigoted, small-minded, or narrow, but everything falls apart if each of us follows our own set of rules. Imagine an interstate where every driver followed whatever they thought they should and ignored whatever they felt they could or should. All of us are on the road of life heading somewhere. How will we get there? There is an inevitable standard, given by God to us through men He moved to write it down (2 Tim. 3:16-17). 

tape measure.jpg

WHAT DOES IT REQUIRE TO ACCEPT INSPIRATION?

Neal Pollard

It is of no little concern to me that men who are supposed to be gospel preachers, many of them men tainted by a corrupted higher education at denominational theology schools, have a poor opinion of the doctrine of inspiration. Like little hungry lambs, these men are led by their “scholarly” shepherds who are eager to bring them to the poisoned waters of the “Q” theory and the documentary hypothesis. They consume the rancid food of deutero-Isaiah and trito-Isaiah.

Their erudite educators push them to believe extrabiblical theories rather than internal claims. Where they get their sermon material and on what they preach would be quite interesting to know, and to what authority they appeal even more so. What does it take to simply accept that the Bible is completely, inerrantly, and plenarily from God through inspired men?

A Belief In A Personal God, Able And Willing To Communicate With Man. If we can accept that the Creator God continues to care and be interested in us and what becomes of us, can we also trust that His love would lead Him to accurately, honestly communicate His will–a will He would accurately supervise from beginning to completion and preserve through the process of transmission through the ages?

A Belief In Divine Omnipotence. Is God powerful enough to give us the Word as the Bible claims and is He loving enough and of character sufficient to let the Bible be what it claims to be? Could He provide for us in the 21st century His complete will? Do we have trouble with the idea that God is able to breathe out His Word to and through men and then preserve it for all time?

A Belief That The Bible’s Claims Take Precedence Over Man’s Criticisms. Humanistic thought is quick to accept man’s opinions and conclusions over what the Bible simply says. What qualifies any man to do that? Are we better off to accept the claims made by the most tested, assaulted, yet exonerated book of all times, which, when followed, leads man to the greatest and highest life, or the claims made by men, which repeatedly prove to lead man to emptiness, misery, and hopelessness?

It is frustrating to hear arrogant, though feeble, frail, finite, and flawed men taking cheap shots at scripture, undermining the divine inspiration of the Bible. Herein lies a very critical rub. John 12:48 says the words of Christ will one day judge us. Revelation 20:12 speaks of the books and the book of life being opened, judging mankind.

What will be the standard of judgment? The words of Q, deutero, and JEDP? It just does not make sense, and swallowing such a low view of inspiration will undermine the faith of many. May we have the humility and trust to accept the Bible at face value, believing it to be what our capable God claims that it is!

2_timothy_3_16

The Ever-Fixed Mark

Neal Pollard

This phrase is taken from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 to describe love. While it is an apt, poetic description of love, it also is the perfect modifier of God’s Word. If there is a word to describe the current culture, it is “change.” Our world is enamored with it, constantly changing its mind, its values, its standards of right and wrong, its worldview, and its priorities. Swept up in all of this are societal attitudes about so many things.

What was once right is now wrong. What was wrong is now right. And while not every instance of this is wrong, so many of them are the product of mankind pushing the envelope of previous norms and standards of decency. Let me cite some specific examples:

  • The definition of marriage
  • The definition of gender
  • Sexual mores
  • The sanctity and humanity of the unborn
  • The view of the inspiration and authority of Scripture
  • Male and female leadership roles
  • The move from monotheism to polytheism (one God to many Gods)
  • The existence of God and the deity of Jesus Christ
  • The ethics of honesty, hard work, and service

Our list could be much longer, but these representative items have all fallen victim to the world’s push for what it sees as greater freedom, satisfaction, and happiness. Those who rely on the Bible as their infallible guide already know how the story turns out for those who make themselves the standard. “I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23). More solemnly, Solomon says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 16:25). In Paul’s day, suppressing, speculative, sensual, and subverting souls rejected God in deference to self-guidance with destructive results (Rom. 1:18ff). Thus it will always be when man builds upon the foundation of himself.

What happens with us, individually and collectively, when we build upon the rock of Scripture is survival in the severest tests (Mat. 7:24-25). When we see Scripture as something to change us rather than something subject to our changes, we have a sure standard by which to chart our lives. Antecedent societies have experienced the trauma of spiritual self-determination (cf. Prov. 14:34). In a world enamored with unrighteous change, may we determine to fix our gaze on the ever-fixed mark of Scripture!

harrows_bristle_board_bullseye