Neal Pollard Paul writes two letters of instruction to Timothy, the preacher at Ephesus. As his father in the faith (cf. 1 Tim. 1:18), Paul wanted the younger man endowed with the wisdom and courage to be God’s man. Timothy would face pressures and temptations from many different directions. The apostle’s words also provide some … Continue reading Communication Landmines
Tag: wisdom
“You Can Find Somebody To Tell You What You Want To Hear”
Neal Pollard Someone wants to be involved in an illicit relationship, defend an unscriptural marriage (or enter into one), engage in some vice or sinful behavior “in moderation” (or otherwise), and they talk to someone who shows them from scripture why it should not be done. Perhaps they ask several people and get the same … Continue reading “You Can Find Somebody To Tell You What You Want To Hear”
Learning A Lesson From A Lantern
Gary Pollard III For some reason, I’m a big fan of old fashioned lighting. I’m especially drawn to old kerosene lanterns because they’re simple and just cool. I went to light one of my lanterns (I might have a few of them...) and the flame wouldn’t stay alive for more than a few seconds. I thought, “Maybe the vent is covered … Continue reading Learning A Lesson From A Lantern
Wisdom Is Vindicated By All Her Children
Neal Pollard Jesus said, “wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Luke 7:35). He said this in response to the hypercriticism and unrighteous judgment of those who condemned both John the Baptist and Him. They said John was too conservative and Jesus was too liberal. They hacked at the methods and message of both, without … Continue reading Wisdom Is Vindicated By All Her Children
Zadok The Priest
Neal Pollard Zadok the priest was neither an Anglican Church member or even British. Many associate his name with Handel's 18th century coronation hymn, written first for King George II. But, he was a significant, if minor, Old Testament character. We learn at least four great lessons from his character, as revealed in Scripture. He … Continue reading Zadok The Priest
Tychicus: Trustworthy Transporter
Neal Pollard Have you ever paid close attention to the ends of especially the epistles? There are a variety of otherwise obscure Bible characters who make their cameos as if in passing. Tychicus is one such early Christian. You find him referenced five times in Holy Writ. He is numbered among the missionaries in Asia … Continue reading Tychicus: Trustworthy Transporter
HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE CHURCH WILL NOT GROW?
Neal Pollard Talk Up Big Plans And Follow Through With Inactivity. This will build frustration and discouragement. Satanfears not the plan, but rather the working of it. Make No Plans For The Future: Just Accept The Status Quo. Just hope that the future will take care of itself. Buy into the "is/ought" fallacy: "The way it … Continue reading HOW CAN WE ENSURE THE CHURCH WILL NOT GROW?
Poking The Bear
Neal Pollard It’s not a Social Media phenomenon, but those platforms have proliferated this problem. Begin by making a provocative statement about race, religion, politics, other social issue, matter of judgment, or the like, then step back and watch while the unrestrained and undisciplined scratch and claw at one another. Soon, the issue is obscured … Continue reading Poking The Bear
Lessons From Yogi Berra’s “Yogi-isms”
Neal Pollard One of the great American personalities of the 20th Century, Yogi Berra, has died. The 90 year old died Tuesday, September 22, in West Caldwell, New Jersey. In his wake, Berra, a Hall of Fame catcher with the New York Yankees in the 1940s-1960s, left a book full of memorable quotes, such as: … Continue reading Lessons From Yogi Berra’s “Yogi-isms”
THE MASTER’S MATERIAL
Neal Pollard A while back it was popular in the religious world to talk about Jesus' encounter with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The emphasis has often been on the disciples' experience. I believe the biblical emphasis is on the character of Jesus. The disciples are contemplating Him even as they encounter Him. … Continue reading THE MASTER’S MATERIAL
