The Hard Facts of Life
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
We don't own this planet and have no more rights and enforceable laws than what the powers of the universe allow... whether natural or spiritual. Our lawmakers and leaders are losing the fight to support and maintain the ethics and morality that guarantee us a lasting future. Troubles, strife and the increase in lawlessness are becoming far more frequent on a worldwide basis. The history of the human race shows the same story over and over again. The bible consistently reveals a final and irreversible collapse.
Always Abounding
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
There are two basic principles underlying spiritual growth and development in Godly service (love). MAT 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God (spiritual priorities), and his righteousness (free from natural obstacles); and all these (natural) things shall be added unto you. Putting God first (prayerfully) in both thought and deed, is an inescapable priority. The following verses cover two vital aspects of God's methods for our person development and effectiveness. This means that fellowship and the gifts are a priority for you.
The Right Tree
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
God not only reveals the nature of the two primary trees in creation, he also uses similar metaphors for spiritual guidance and understanding. We are reminded that we are firstly, spiritual purposed creatures.
Distractions Can Be Deadly
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Every living being is involved in a battle for survival. After that comes the emotional needs such as happiness, love, peace, etc., but when there is no apparent struggle for life, then all the emotional pleasures replace the necessities. Modern thinking would have us believe that the 'present time' is the only real thing and all else is an illusion or a distraction. This is a very dangerous attitude, because it assumes that our natural pleasures of each day is the only thing that counts. Each living person also has a soul that needs to be kept alive, because we are dual beings. While most are busy keeping the body and mind alive and happy, those who are wise are taking steps to keep the soul alive. Only the knowledge of true salvation makes this possible. 2COR 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (we no longer fight the same battle for survival and emotional comforts that the world does), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; God reveals the real battle and the best method to win it.
The New Ark
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The ark that Noah built was like nothing ever seen before on the earth. It was big and obvious, but no one related to the message that went with its construction. None identified his preaching and the ark with salvation and safety... none had seen a great flood before. They all perished because they simply couldn't bring themselves to weigh up the evidence. Likewise, the spirit filled church is a spiritual ark, but for most people during the last 2000 years, the signs based church is not identified as a place of safety. Even though death has stalked humanity from their earliest existence, not even the promise of eternal life with signs following has been able to capture the hearts of the majority.
Equipped to Minister
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
'Plug and Play' is a term used to describe the specific design of a computer system that makes it possible for the computer to use a device as soon as it is connected, with no special knowledge or training required. This is no different than the very effective plan of salvation (the New Testament), which Jesus Christ first introduced on the day of Pentecost. From the moment we receive the Holy Spirit we are ready to live forever and serve the Lord in truly amazing ways...
Draw Near to God
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
It is amazing how some things never change. We are warned by Mark, 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches (or power) to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. We also understand that wealth and power lead to a sense of entitlement and pride, making it very hard for the essential trait of humility and patience to be practiced (these being the only effective approach to God and his blessings). It is also not surprising that the age of entitlement (vast wealth and resources on tap for all Western nations) is taking its toll on both Christians and the nations themselves. Increasingly in our narcissistic age, we see a deluded self-belief and inflated sense of importance, made possible by technology and politically correct bullying.
Water, Fire and Judgment
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Despite modern advances in technology, medicine and knowledge; humanity is still going backwards at an alarming rate. Death, sickness, wars, the abuse of the poor and the lust for dominance is worsening. Morals, integrity and justice are declining, being replaced with flawed practices that led to the failure of all past empires... it will happen again. However, the good news is that God has other plans for the earth. God had Noah build an ark to save those who believed the prophecy of a coming flood. Likewise, Jesus Christ is building another ark... called the church; which will also deliver those who prepare for the coming fire. Both destructive judgments are the results of human rebellion against the principles and creation of God.
Prophets of Repentance and Life
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Repentance is much more than feeling bad about your failings and shortcomings. Rather, it defines a willingness to obey God and to be directed by his principles of life. Feeling sorry or guilty is not what God expects, he wants people to make changes, to make commitments and stand by them. We need to obey his directives to receive the Holy Spirit and to use it to build a truly Christian lifestyle; full of mercy and blessings. A walk with God means submission to him and a change of direction. It also means that we will take responsibility for our own actions... not blaming others nor pretending to be spiritual. Thus we agree to both live by God's word and to offer the gospel to the unsaved. We are God's prophets; a living walking testimony.
Turn Away From Natural Thinking
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
One of the greatest mistakes people make is by expecting God to act in ways considered to be logical by human standards. God is a Spirit, thus his ways are different than ours. Our expectations and reasoning is very limited by comparison... with God seeming to be mysterious in many ways. ISA 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. If the correct scriptural approach is taken, many of the mysteries of God and his purposes, can be simply & easily used for the benefit of humanity.