“Manhunt”

Neal Pollard

David Shane Gosik.  The name seems innocuous enough, but he was the cause of much local consternation at Bear Valley last evening.  As I was preaching, I looked out at our “full house” to see anywhere from six to twelve men in the foyer rushing back and forth with looks of great concern on their faces.  Only when Dave Chamberlin made an announcement following the invitation song were most of us alerted to the problem.  There was a man, armed and dangerous, on the loose in the area of Hampden and Harlan.  As a crow flies, that is less than a mile from the building.  Police helicopters hovered over the building.  SWAT teams from two counties were looking for the felon.  Shortly after we were dismissed from services, word reached us that Gosik was found in a crawl space outside the Pebble Creek Apartment complex (news via 9news.com).

We live in interesting times.  We are more easily on edge at the thought of armed intruders with potentially evil intent.  We have had Columbine and Aurora to heighten that feeling of vulnerability.  While we are relieved that so many stood ready to protect us from potential harm, we hate to think that there are hardened criminals out there with such little disregard for others’ state of mind or safety.

It is harder for any of us to envision that every time we assemble as God’s people, there is a depraved and most hardened individual who is after each one of us.  Can you imagine if Gosik was trying to break down our doors looking for a specific person last night?  But the Bible speaks of the devil in those exact terms.  He seeks to devour us like a lion seeks his prey (1 Pet. 5:8). He seeks to take advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:11). He seeks to blind the mind (2 Cor. 4:4). He seeks to sway us (1 Jn. 5:19).  It has been said that he attends every worship service, but he certain is a powerful opponent out to get us.  Thankfully, our protection against him is foolproof if utilized (Js. 4:7; Eph. 4:27; Eph. 6:11ff; 1 Pet. 5:9).  But, the first line of defense is to be aware of the danger!  The comfort is that Jesus has already defeated him (Heb. 2:14).

RATS IN THE RESTAURANT

Neal Pollard

A few years ago in Roanoke, Virginia, I heard a local news report about the struggles of a local eating establishment.  Apparently, some patrons saw mice scurrying around the restaurant in Ratatouille fashion.  Health inspectors condemned the eatery, but soon cleared it to reopen.  Strangely, the patrons were not flocking back to dine there.  Go figure.  The owner was interviewed, reassuring the TV audience that it was as safe and clean a place as could be in which to eat.  He likened it to what happens in the wake of an airplane crash.  People stop flying that carrier, though inspections and safety procedures done internally after the crash actually increases safety.  That could be, I guess.  But, I didn’t blame Mr. and Mrs. Consumer.  Rats on the floor and downed airliners get your attention.  You tend to remember the details.

Consider a few names:  Woody Hayes, Gary Hart, John Rocker, Steve Bartman. Milli Vanilli, Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder, George Custer, Mark Sanford, and Dan Quayle (and his “potatoe” spelling feat).  All of these folks except Custer lived beyond their infamous moments, but they are best known for their moment of notoriety.  They may have tried to “exterminate the rats” and “inspect the fleet,” but it did not matter.  They neutralized their influence and in some cases polarized themselves through their comments or actions.  In most cases, these individuals are associated with some gaffe, misbehavior, or foolish choice.

We may not be able to foresee the consequences of our actions when we do them, nor can we choose what the consequences will be.  In dimmer spotlights, average people have harmed their influence for Christ through a few moments of intemperance, dishonesty, rashness, volatility, immorality, or thoughtlessness.  A careless word may permanently alienate us from another.  A moment of indiscretion can cling to us throughout the rest of our lives.  An expression of outrage toward a clerk, store employee, or like professional may keep a soul from Calvary.  May we never lose sight of the power of our influence.  It is powerful, but fragile.  It is eternal, but that can be good or bad depending on how we use it.  If we lose our handle on it, it will drop and shatter.  We can try to clean up, but the stains and remnants may still be visible.  Let us cherish a good name and maintain proper influence.  Without them, we make our job as Christians very difficult.

 

“Cares”

Neal Pollard

In the book of poems, “Pack Up Your Troubles,” is the following poem, entitled “Cares” and written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning:

The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea, among the winds at play;
Among the lowing of the herds, the rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds, the humming of the bees.
The foolish fears of what may happen, I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass, among the new-mown hay;
Among the husking of the corn where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born, out in the fields with God (Malone, 215-6)

This Victorian-era, English poet echoes the teaching of Christ in Matthew six.  In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord addresses one of mankind’s most common tendencies.  Worry, whatever we call it–”anxiousness,” “concern,” or “fretting”–is depicted by Jesus as short-sighted (25), senseless (26-30), faithless (30), forbidden (31), pagan (32), improper prioritizing (33), and unproductive (34).

In the midst of His admonition, Jesus points to the birds, lilies, and grass.  Long before Browning’s beautiful poem, Jesus had driven home this idea.  Watch the creation of God.  How carefree they tend to their business, not assured of another moment or another meal.  How provided for they are, even though they are so often helpless and powerless.

But we are made in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27).  Jesus died for us all (2 Cor. 5:15).  He not only provides for us now, but He is preparing an eternal house for those of us who prepare to inhabit it (Jn. 14:1-4; Ps. 23:6).  Are you wrestling with worry?  Jesus knew you would.  All He says is that it is unnecessary since God knows you have needs, it is untrusting since it shows a lack of confidence in God’s power, and unfruitful since it concerns a tomorrow that is beyond our reach.  Certainly we have cares.  But, as Peter says, cast all of them on the caring Christ (1 Pet. 5:7).

PROTECT YOUR HEAD!

Neal Pollard

I was actually watching when Juan Nicasio, Colorado Rockies’ pitcher, was hit in the head by a line drive off the bat of the Washington Nationals’ Ian Desmond. The impact and fall broke Nicasio’s neck.  In the last few seasons, there have been several similar incidents with equally frightening consequences. Brandon McCarthy, Doug Fister, Hiroki Kuroda, Chris Young, and now J.A. Happ are other pitchers to have been hit in the head by a batted ball from 60 feet, 6 inches away.  It is remarkable that none of them died.  For men who throw the baseball as fast as 100 miles per hour and men with the hand-eye coordination to serve it back with the added momentum of the swing of the bat, the effect is like a launched missile.  Major League pitchers only have a baseball cap, and figuring out how to improve the protection is difficult.  A full-fledged helmet is too unwieldy and likely would add to pitchers’ danger.  Others have suggested Kevlar lining inside the cap.  The debate will likely rage on, and pitchers will remain exposed to this vulnerability.

Spiritually, you and I are also in a vulnerable position.  Our heads are exposed to various dangers on a daily basis!  Whether it be “philosophy and empty deception” (Col. 2:8), destructive distortions (2 Pet. 3:16; Gal. 1:7), “worldly and empty chatter” and false knowledge (1 Tim. 6:20), “empty words” (Eph. 5:6), the basic principles of the world (Gal. 4:3), and other, similar and dangerous ideas, we must protect our heads!  Thankfully, God has given us protection.  Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the helmet of salvation that will help protect us against dark powers and evil spiritual forces.  Paul calls the hope of salvation a helmet in 1 Thessalonians 5:8.  Isn’t it interesting that our salvation is meant to protect our heads from the forces of evil?  Do we maintain strong faith in the sacrifice of Christ? Does it motivate us to resist the world’s deadly enticements? Lose that hope and you could not be in a more vulnerable position!  Hold onto that hope and you are impervious to Satan’s fiery darts!  But, no one will make us wear this helmet!  That’s our own job as individuals.  Yet, let us constantly remind ourselves of what is at stake.  Protect your head!

THIS SATURDAY’S DOOR-KNOCKING

Neal Pollard

Two wonderful upcoming events should have us excited! Vacation Bible School is a prime opportunity for us to be evangelistic with our neighbors, friends, and co-workers.  It showcases the many talented people we have in our education program for children and it is always pulled off in an impressive way.  Our seminar/gospel meeting will be conducted by one of the most engaging, genuine preachers among us.  Steve Higginbotham will do an outstanding job.  There are several things we can do, but this Saturday’s door-knocking can accomplish so much to try and draw our nearest community neighbors to both these events.  May I make a personal appeal to you to be at our building this Saturday at 1 P.M.  To encourage you, consider three brief and true statements.

• It Is Easy.  We are not setting up Bible studies.  We are simply inviting (or leaving fliers at the door if they are not home).  A quick, pleasant “hello” and statement of what we are inviting them to attend is all you need to know.  If you have access to small children, they always serve as an excellent buffer.  But, no matter your age or degree of cuteness, you will find this the easiest evangelizing you will ever do.
• It Is For You.  Door-knocking is not just for the students, preachers, elders, or teens.  Parents, deacons, men, women, middle-aged folks, young adults, professionals, unprofessionals, blue-collar, white-collar, tall, short, fat, skinny, and if there be any other category, your presence is vital to the success of this.  So often, we assume others will do the work.  Please do not make this assumption.  If you are tempted to feel that way, know that others share that struggle.  Encourage somebody else.  Call or email them and tell them you are coming and ask them to come, too.
• It Is Important.  You may be helping somebody take their first step toward heaven.  You might find somebody who has been searching for truth.  You may knock the door of somebody who has been struggling and looking for answers.  God may use you this Saturday to save a soul!  How wonderful to be able to face our dear Savior some day having taken opportunities like this Saturday to expose people to the Lord’s church.

I feel pretty confident that you will not regret participating in this Saturday’s mass inviting. It will require a little time, gas, and energy, but it is also one of those things that just leaves you feeling like you have helped the Lord a little in His mission of reaching the lost.  My highest hope is that I will see you this Saturday at 1 P.M. as we try to take greater Bear Valley for Christ!

“Does The Bible Really Teach That?”

Neal Pollard

Perhaps you have had a chuckle at the “chimney corner Scriptures”–those things that sound like or we think that are in the Bible but are not (“Let your conscience be your guide” or “confession is good for the soul” or “God works in a mysterious way”).  It is not as funny when our hearts and minds are not adequately protected from a teacher or preacher who promotes something as biblical that is not.  It may be someone who touts a thing as acceptable to God which the Bible teaches is not.  It may be someone who asserts that something must be believed or done, though the Bible does not bind it.  Either way, God holds each of us accountable for knowing His will.  We are cheating ourselves and our souls who allow a teacher or preacher to dictate to us how we should feel or think about a given matter.  I am not saying we should be suspicious or distrusting.  Instead, I am saying we should be like the Bereans.  One of the most powerful, positive statements made about any group of people is said of them in Acts 17:11: “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” You have likely read that passage before, but what is the Holy Spirit saying about them?

They Were Characterized By EXCELLENCE.  They were noble-minded. Notice that it began here.  All else positive that is said about them began with their mindset.  Jesus praises people who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Mt. 5:6). These people were predisposed to accept God’s Word.  What higher praise can be lavished on anyone?

They Were Characterized By EAGERNESS.  The antithesis of this would be apathy and indifference.  These were “word-receivers.”  They were sponges, anxious to know God’s Word.  The Bible, from cover to cover, touts itself as the message of salvation.  Doesn’t it deserve our greatest enthusiasm?

They Were Characterized By EXAMINING. But, they were not uncritical, undiscerning students.  They were listening to one of history’s greatest Christians, borne along by the Holy Spirit, but they still checked after him.  Every man who purports to be God’s proclaimer deserves that same level of scrutiny.

They Were Characterized By EVERYDAYNESS.  They were not content to wait for the next Bible class or sermon.  They were daily devourers of these Divine dictates!  Aren’t there things you feel compelled to do on a daily basis (eat, sleep, brush your teeth, check your Facebook)? We prove to God we are serious about the blessing of having a relationship with Him by constant, consistent consultation of His revealed mind and desires–we only find that in His Word!

How can we tell whether something is just a man’s conviction or is God’s command?  How do we know that some strange, new doctrine is true or false? Do not be content to let somebody be your sole source of gauging that!  Be a Berean!

Curing Gray Hair?

Neal Pollard

As one who has been possessed of gray hair since college, I was particularly intrigued by the article I ran across from Popular Science.  A cream developed for a skin condition called “vitiligo” helped to restore lost pigment in the skin of some of those suffering from it.  Researchers believe it might do the same thing for those with gray hair. The theory is that those with gray hair have too much hydrogen peroxide in their hair follicles and shafts. They believe this cream could reduce that and restore a person’s natural hair color (via FASEB Journal, http://www.fasebj.org).

Reversing gray hair, restoring bald hair, shedding those extra, stubborn pounds, and similar ambitions appeal to our vanity, but they are not necessary for our souls.  Millions try product after product to address such perceived needs, willing to spend money and make sacrifices in such pursuits.  After all, we want to do what we can to look our best.

Yet, the greatest need of every generation has a 100% success rate for every one who has ever obtained it.  It goes beyond skin deep.  It reaches to the soul.  It may not change the outward appearance, but it renews the inner person (2 Cor. 4:16ff).

It is baffling that so many more do not move heaven and earth to address this true need.  Many are unaware they suffer from it.  So many more are in denial.  Still others are not dedicated to doing what it takes to have it.  The reasons are varied, but the majority do not want this cure.

Jesus’ blood.  It cost Him His life to make it available (John 19:34).  But, it is the unfailing cure (Eph. 2:13; Heb. 13:12; 1 Jn. 1:7; etc.).  Long after these bodies have decayed and disappeared in the ground, it will be working for us.  It has an eternal guarantee.  You cannot beat that, but you definitely must have it!  If you would like to know how to obtain this cure, read more about it here.

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?

 

Neal Pollard

Amos writes Israel to warn them of the captivity to come, yet he writes to urge and warn them to repent for as long as God will forbear.  In Amos five, God gives them a three-fold encouragement to preserve or regain spiritual life.  All three required Israel to “seek” with the promise that they would find.  What was God’s prescription for life in this chapter?

“SEEK ME” (Amos 5:4-5).   In these verses, God contrasts Himself with Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba, three prominent cities in the northern kingdom.  Ward and Smalley show the extreme alliteration about Gilgal (“Gilgal shall surely go into exile”), considering it a literary device to drive home the fact of their punishment (cf. A Handbook on the Book of Amos, p. 102).  Bethel means “house of God” but they had made this and their other dwelling places “Beth Aven” (the house of evil).  Beersheba, along with the other two cities, were sites for worship.  Yet, their worship and their lives had turned from God.  The point with all three cities is that they represented the people turning somewhere else for help and purpose rather than Him.  All generations should mean what we ask in song–”Where could I go but to the Lord?”

“SEEK THE LORD” (Amos 5:6-7).  Amos ends this short section by adding his inspired echo to the Lord’s.  Instead of exposing false alternatives, now Amos is warning of spiritual consequences.  Punishment awaited those who did not recognize and submit to the rule and authority of God.   He warns against twisting justice and perverting righteousness.

“SEEK GOOD AND NOT EVIL” (5:14ff).  It seems Israel was saying the right things, but they were not living the right life.  Their mouths professed, but their lives denied.  An omniscient God was not fooled, and for that reason He could reject their pleas for help and deliverance.  Repentance means truly reaching for right and rejecting wrong from the inside out, heart and actions.  If we truly want life, our heart and lives will tend toward God.  Otherwise, whatever our lips say in worship or in trouble, God knows the truth.

Many have suggested that “seek” better means “come back” in the case of Amos five.   Today, one may be seeking for the first time or seeking to come back to God again.  Either way, God and good are the ways to life!

RUSSELL YOUNG: THE REAL “MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD”

Neal Pollard

I have fond memories of many preachers, living and dead, but elders have been some of my best friends.  On Friday, I received word that one of the first two elders to shepherd me as a full-time preacher died of a sudden heart attack on Friday, April 26.  He was 91.

Perhaps I have never met a more diverse and interesting man in my life.  He knew John Wayne and was friends with Alvin York.  He did archaeological work, and some of his finds are housed at the University of Tennessee.  He was Tennessee’s middleweight boxing champion in his youth.  He ate lunch with J. Edgar Hoover and assisted him on numerous classified projects.  He was extremely well-read and as good a historian as any I have met.  He was manager of government communications in Washington, D.C., a post that helped him to meet and work with eight presidents (Kennedy-Bush I). He was a veteran of World War II and Korea, serving in both the U.S. and Australian armies in WWII and as a marine in Korea.  He fought in the Pacific theatre and spent time as a prisoner of war. In his career at AT&T, he helped to avert at least one serious international crisis with the Soviet Union.  He authored a book on the history of AT&T.  Truly, this just scratches the surface of his achievements in the world.

But, I did not get to see him in these venues.  He regaled me with story after story the first five years I worked as the preacher for the Cold Harbor Road church of Christ in Virginia, about some of these incidents, but I knew him as my elder, a man for whom and with whom I worked in Christ’s vineyard.  His influence in the community led him to study with a man from whose conversion literally dozens more have come.  I sat in with him on other successful Bible studies.  He had a rare ability to plainly tell Bible truth to people in a way that convicted and persuaded, rather than angered, them.  He knew the flock.  He gently corrected those members in error and led them back home.  He led the congregation to lovingly, consistently practice church discipline.  He counseled with Christians and non-Christians.  He and Ann were as benevolent and giving as any couple I have known–who knows how many people they helped.  They were neither afraid of nor strangers to hard work, from work days to cleaning the baptistry monthly to helping the elderly and the sick.  If he ever missed a major surgery of a member, I cannot recall it.  He had boundless energy which he apparently used non-stop to the very end.  He established congregations in Australia and Virginia, and he was a major force behind the early growth of the Cold Harbor congregation. He served as an elder in at least two congregations.

Russell Young was a Renaissance Man in the noblest sense of the word.  He symbolized what made his the “greatest generation.”  But, he challenges us with his example.  If a country boy from the Sequatchie Valley of Tennessee could achieve so much in a long, full life, what about you and me?  The church can have great and numerous leaders to guide it to great heights, if there is a will within the men among us.  For now, those of us who knew Russell will long for the endless day of reunion with him in heaven!  Praise God for “mighty men” like Russell Young!

SEVEN WORKS OF CHRIST IN COLOSSIANS ONE

Neal Pollard

When Epaphras reported to Paul about the church at Colosse, he must have told him not only of their loving nature but also about a strange, new teaching bothering them.  It claimed to be a philosophy (2:8), had elements that sounded like Judaism (2:11,14,16-17), insisted that certain mystical powers were to be worshipped rather than Christ (2:15,18-19), taught the body is evil and must be abused (2:20-23), but claimed to be Christians (2:3-10). How do you respond to such a complex, multifaceted teaching?

The Holy Spirit though Paul exalts the supremacy of Christ. He taught Jesus as the absolute supreme and sufficient One throughout the epistle (read through and see how many proofs of this you can find in these four short chapters—I found 13 in just the first two chapters).  But I want you to notice seven great works of Christ, found in Colossians one, which point to His matchlessness.

• REVELATION (9). As opposed to the false knowledge of the ones condemned by Paul in this epistle, Paul points them to “the knowledge of His will” (9) for “understanding” (9) and “increasing in the knowledge of God” (10). Such allows us to walk right and bear fruit. The written revelation strengthens us with His might. He did that work through the Spirit (Jn. 14:26; 16:13).
• SALVATION (14). Paul tells us we have redemption and forgiveness in Him! He did that work at Calvary.
• CREATION (16). There was no creative act without Him.  “All things” were created by Him.  That’s exhaustive in nature.
• INCARNATION (19). Though coming in the flesh was not necessarily an act performed by Christ, He did the work of being a human flawlessly.  No one else ever did. In Colossians 2:9, Paul completes the thought implied here, that the fullness of God dwelt in Jesus “bodily.”  It also connects the statement in verse 19 to the thought in the next several verses. This work was completed at Calvary (cf. Jn. 19:30).
• RECONCILIATION (20-22). His death at Calvary, called redemption and forgiveness earlier, also involved bringing mankind back to God. Sin separated us. When we favorably respond to His offer, Jesus brings peace and makes us presentable (22).
• EXPECTATION (27).  What was long a mystery is now known: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” His successful atonement gives us hope in the most hopeless circumstances.
• FORTIFICATION (29). God left us a work to do, nothing more important than the evangelization of the world (cf. 23,28). Jesus strengthens us for that task, causing us to have supreme confidence (cf. Ph. 4:13).

Nobody can compare to Jesus. Not the mystery cults. Not materialism. Not world religions. Not atheism. Jesus is supreme because His work is sublime! May this help us never surrender!