Two-Headed Monster

Last year in Vermont, a calf was born with Polycephaly. That is a condition of having two heads. Although it was quite an anomaly and drew the attention of the media, the calf only lived for about two days. Animals born with this condition suffer from many severe complications and life expectancy is just a fraction of what it normally would be. They often suffer from severe respiratory and neurological problems, which result in a low quality of life and they quickly die. The Bible tells us that Christ is our head and that we should give him control of our lives. When we try to take control of our own lives, we undermine the authority of Christ and become a two-headed monster. Just imagine the spiritual problems and complications when there are two heads fighting for control. Anything with two heads is strange and not part of God’s original design. Is God the head of your life or are you still trying to be in charge? – Pastor Brad Brandon

Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

A Pleasure Cruise

Many Christians today choose a church the same way someone would choose a pleasure cruise. They look for luxurious facilities that will make them comfortable. They make sure that the entertainment is something they will thoroughly enjoy. They may even look through the programs to make sure it suits their interests. They’ll ask about the food and inquire of the service. If they enjoyed their experience then they may decide to return again. Unfortunately, the church was never intended to be a pleasure cruise. The church’s purpose is not to provide fun and relaxation. The true purpose is to be a battleship on a rescue mission. We have been called to reach lost souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission is simple, to preach the gospel of Christ, to those who have never received His saving grace. We are in a battle to save souls. But many churches have turned their battleship, into a luxury liner. Is the focus of your church to save souls or entertain the masses? Today, be a strong voice to remind people that our mission is to rescue the perishing. There will plenty of time for leisure on the other side. – Pastor Brad Brandon

1 Timothy 1:18 “…that thou mightiest war a good warfare”

Monopoly of the Spirit

A group of church leaders had gathered togther to plan a citywide evangelistic campaign. One of the men suggested that the well-known evangelist D. L. Moody be considered as a possible speaker. The pastors discussed the suggestion and several spoke favorably about Moody. But one young preacher who wasn’t in favor of inviting him stood up and said with a note of sarcasm, “From the way some of you talk, you’d think Mr. Moody had a monopoly on the Holy Spirit.” The room became quiet. Then another pastor stood up and said, “No sir, Mr. Moody does not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit does have a monopoly on Mr. Moody!” Imagine what we could do if the Holy Spirit had a monopoly on us. – Pastor Brad Brandon

Galatians 5:16 “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

All Things Work Together

Eric Wilson is known as the photographic painter. His paintings are so detailed and realistic, people often mistake them for photographs. He was once asked how he gets his pictures to look so real. He responded by simply saying, “One brush stroke at a time.” Imagine tens of thousands of individual brush strokes all working together to make such a perfect work of art. So it is in our own lives. Everything that we have gone through works together to make us who we are. Every victory and defeat, every heartbreak and trial, are all promised to make us a complete work in him. Don’t get discouraged at the individual trials of everyday life. Know that it is one brush stroke, among many, that will work together to make a beautiful picture of you. – Pastor Brad Brandon

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

What Really Matters is How You Finish

 

Robert Robinson was a popular preacher in the late 1700’s. Today, he is best known as the author of the classic hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” But what a lot of people don’ t know is that later in his ministry he began to backslide. To the point where people said there was hardly a resemblance of anything Christian left in him. After years of living apart from God, one day he found himself riding a stagecoach with a lady who was joyfully humming the hymn he had written many years before. At one point she asked him if he was familiar with the song, which had given her so much joy. He responded to her by saying, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy soul that wrote that hymn, so many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds to have that joy again.” The encounter so impressed Robinson that it sparked a work of repentance and revival in his life. He went on to finish his life boldly proclaiming the gospel and leading souls to Christ. As the hymn says “prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” Praise God there are “streams of mercy never failing.” Remember, it’s not how you start that matters. It’s how you finish. God is always waiting for you to return home, no matter where you’ve been or how long you’ve been gone. – Pastor Brad Brandon

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Boldly Ask Big

There was once a philosopher who was privileged to be in the court of Alexander the Great. He was a philosopher of exceptional ability, but had little financial means. Needing money, the philosopher asked Alexander the Great for assistance and was told to draw whatever he needed from the royal treasury. He then went to the treasury and requested an amount equal to $500,000. The treasurer immediately refused the large sum, wanting to verify such a withdrawal. When Alexander the Great heard that the money was refused he responded by demanding, “Pay the amount at once. The philosopher has honored me by the largeness of his request. In this, he shows that he fully understands both my generosity and my wealth.” God is glorified when we seek him in the impossible. Don’t ever be afraid to boldy ask God for the big things. – Pastor Brad Brandon

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Success In Failure

A few years ago a Georgia peach farmer had his entire crop destroyed by an early frost. He was devastated and was in danger of losing his entire estate. Because of this hardship, he became very discouraged and stopped going to church. After a few weeks his pastor went to check on him. When the pastor kindly asked him why he had been absent. The man replied, “I just can’t serve a God that would allow my entire peach crop to be destroyed.” The Pastor nodded his head and gently replied, “But you know, God’s not in the business of growing peaches, He’s in the business of growing Christians.” No matter what you are going through, please know God has a much greater purpose for your life. He has called you to do great and mighty things, in His name. The greater the trial, the greater your purpose. – Pastor Brad Brandon

James 1:3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

Be Ready-Minded

Christians are constantly told that we need to be more open-minded. To the point where we think that there are only two options. Either we are open-minded or we are closed-minded. We are told being open-minded is virtuous and good and being closed-minded is evil and bigoted. But the Bible says we are to be neither open-minded nor closed-minded. It tells us to be “ready-minded”. Being open-minded is to be unguarded allowing thoughts, unfiltered by God’s Word, into our thinking. Being closed-minded is to foolishly close ourselves off from truth. Ready-mindedness allows us to guard against that which is false, while allowing the light of truth to illuminate our minds. So, If someone ever accuses you of being closed-minded, just respond by saying, “I’m not closed-minded, I am just ready-minded.” We must be vigilant to guard our minds against anything that is not inline with biblical truths. – Pastor Brad Brandon

Acts 17:11 “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily”

The Perfect Church

I once met a man who told me he would never go to church, “because church is full of hypocrites.” I quickly responded by saying, “so is Wal-Mart, but you’d go there.” You see, where ever people gather your going to find faults and imperfections. Churches are filled with people, and people are filled with flaws. Churches are made up of people, who have all kinds of struggles and we all make plenty of mistakes. If you expect people to be perfect, then expect to be disappointed. Perfection is reserved only for Christ. So, at church today, enjoy the fact that you are in good company with people who are flawed just like you. Never forget that the only perfect church is one with no people in it. But, one day Christ will present us without spot or blemish. What a glorious day that will be. – Pastor Brad Brandon

Ephesians 5:27 “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

Plastic Preachers

Many people don’t know that the fake diploma industry is a huge problem in the United States. In fact, it is an industry that has exceeded $450,000,000. It became such a problem that the United States Congress got involved and formed a committee to investigate. From their investigation, the Congressional committee concluded that there were currently more than 5,000 fake medical doctors practicing in the United States and that people have even died at the hands of these untrained fraudsters. The Apostle Paul essential warns Christians of the same thing, spiritually. He tells us to watch out for false teachers and apostle, who will disguise themselves as something they are not. Just like the fake doctors, these false teachers and apostles operate undetected and there are many more than anyone truly realizes. Make sure that you watch out for them and always test them against God’s Word. Never be afraid to confront false teaching where ever you find it. – Pastor Brad Brandon

2 Corinthians 11:13 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.”