The Sure Mercies of David Two
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The death and resurrection of Christ enabled God to introduce a far better covenant, than the one it replaced. Our covenant begins with the personal anointing (indwelling) of the Holy Spirit. Due to the frailty of human beings, a system is also needed that can successfully deal with our failings and vulnerabilities. To meet these needs, God introduced a covenant dominated by grace and mercy. Mercy =Not getting the judgment you deserve. Grace=Getting forgiveness and blessing you don't deserve. Interestingly enough, God included one of the great, yet little understood blessings of the Old Testament for our ongoing benefit. This mechanism that keeps us free from our shortcomings is also referred to as 'the sure mercies of David'. These mercies are comprised of deliverance from our enemies and deliverance from ourselves... we no longer need to be victims to anything, especially sin.
Everyone Has An Opinion
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Before any discovery or invention can be confirmed, it is necessary that scientific methods of testing and duplicating can bring about the claimed result. If a theory is correct, it will be reproduced with continuous and consistent results forthcoming. When it comes to matters of God and salvation, there is a simple and effective formula that works every time. If we simply repeat what Jesus said and what the apostles did, we too can get the same results. Today, there are more opinions around than ever, but there is only one formula that God still backs with signs following. The formula is: Repentance, water baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit.
A Message of Life and Hope
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Human government is powerless to prevent wars, diseases, disasters, nor are they able to care for all the earth's people. The world is divided into political and religions groups; none can properly care for their own people, nor are able to implement a lasting system of peace and hope. Most are either powerless or selfish, accepting the suffering of others, while trying to maintain their beliefs and lifestyles. None are addressing the world's problems, none are fighting for all the world's people. Thankfully, there is a far better way available.
The Bible is not Politically Correct
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Neither should it be. Commonly abbreviated to PC: is a modern term, claimed to be used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended not to offend/disadvantage any particular group of people. In reality, the PC movement uses guilt and deceit, to support the perversions of a minority at the expense of everyone else. Given enough time, a whole society will crumble. This is nothing more than Godless ideology. PRO 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. Selfishness never ends.
Defining Devils and Serpents in Mark 16
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The church age began on Pentecost (33AD) when the New Covenant was activated with signs miracles and wonders. The sacrifice that Christ had made opened the door for all men to witness the salvation plan of God. Faithful disciples began speaking in tongues as the spirit entered their bodies... other signs and wonders were being equally poured out for the first time. Much of what Jesus had prophesied was now becoming reality. This encouraged men and women to search the scriptures so they could identify and learn exactly how the New Covenant applied to them. Every era and culture has their own terminology and unique culture. That is why scriptural terminology and observable reality need to be put into a spiritual perspective... keeping in mind that the bible usually self interprets for the seekers of the truth. 1COR 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. People are easily confused by Hollywood stereotypes, religious errors and cultural myths... that is why we use the bible to interpret itself where possible.
The First Day of Eternity
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The first day of eternity began for humanity on the day of Pentecost (33AD). It was given to those who had been obedient to the salvation gospel of Jesus Christ and was confirmed with God given signs. This outpouring included natural, intellectual and spiritual changes and opportunities, which will never be taken away from those who remain faithful. Interestingly, this offer is still available today... eternity is still awaiting the wise.
There Are Only Ever Two Choices
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
We live in a world where literally thousands of choices can be made every day. These collectively consume time, energy and resources; ultimately determining our personal destiny. Despite the numerous choices we make from moment to moment; there are only two primary choices we are effectively making every day... whether we live or whether we die. The right choices need to be made every day if we value our lives.
Cause and Effect
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Newton's third law of motion states...For every action, there is an equal (in size) and opposite (in direction) reaction. This law is not only true in the natural universe... it is also a spiritual law.
The Most Urgent Need
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The most urgent need facing the whole world is not peace from war, not freedom from tyranny, not hunger nor pollution, but life itself. All people from all nations face one common enemy...death!! The gospel of Jesus Christ offers the human race a solution to their greatest need and also reveals a new world, which will deal with the other issues that afflict us all. However, people are often blind to this simple reality and fight for much lesser causes while their real problems are often overlooked. The following verse tells us what to expect when the world thinks it has solved its biggest problem. 1THE 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Vessels of Life
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The human race has designed specific vessels to hold important things in safe and preserving ways. Likewise, planet earth and all that makes life possible (a vessel travelling through hostile extremes in the great vacuum of space), provides all the essentials for life to exist. The factors needed to make the earth a safe and vibrant planet are far too numerous to be an accident... rather we believe that God created the earth to be a provider and maintainer of life... a vessel of purposeful design, with a life plan than most humans fail to grasp.