Up Front and Personal
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Every aspect of our relationship with God is personal, just as every aspect of his relationship with us is personal. As a result of this reality, he considers every aspect of our lives and every manner of our strengths and weaknesses. This results in a comprehensive list of advice and encouragement that allows us to make the most of the Holy Spirit, our fellowship with each other and the duties of the Gospel.
A Little Can Mean a Lot
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
Many people keep away from Christianity because they believe that they have to spend twenty four hours a day, in hard labour serving God. It is true that we serve the Lord, but it is not true that it is hard labour, nor is it true to suggest that everything we do is what God wants and not what we want. The simple reality is that all the things we desire in life, God also desires that we have them. The difference is in the manner we go about achieving our life's ambitions. God has given us the easiest possible way to have a happy and contented life, with all of our basic needs met. He also includes life after death in a far superior body than the one we now dwell in... that's not all that bad for starters. To achieve any of life's goals, there has to be a certain amount of sacrifice... you have to give up some short term pleasures to receive long term benefits. This is the area where God is able to bless us the most. A little sacrifice brings an immediate benefit... many little sacrifices will result in much more than we can imagine.
Surviving the Coming Judgement
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
There are extreme forces and powers in the solar system, but we are protected from most of them by natural counterbalances. Extremes of heat, cold and radiation are balanced by natural insulation that stop these forces destroying all life. The human race has adapted some of the powers of nature for their benefit. Electricity is one such wonder... despite its uses, it can be fatal if it is not insulated from direct human exposure. There is another force that is not talked about all that often and that is the power of God. The bible reveals that this power is going to judge the earth and those in it. However, there is a way to avoid judgment and live forever... that is the purpose of the gospel. The following scriptures reveal how to avoid judgment and how to safely use the available power.
The Gifts of the Spirit Explained
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
This presentation promotes and reveals the relevant promises which God has made, to all those that will receive his salvation (the Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is that part of God which was promised to all those that would believe, and receive his Gospel. This Spirit is the same supernatural force that enabled all the miracles and wonders in the Old Testament, and was also the same source of power which Jesus used in his miracle packed ministry. The Holy Spirit is the promised gift of God, which will still be given to all those that will be obedient to the salvation Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Bible...Directory of Life
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
The Bible is much more than a religious book of writings... it is the inspired thoughts and directions of God in written format. It is available to all, not just a select group. Better still, it works for all those who apply its directions.
Distraction, Lies and Deceipt
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
There's an old saying that you should never discuss sex, politics or religion in polite company. However, that has proven to be a distraction, to try and stop people talking about God. The observable truth is, that politics and sex are frequently the subject of discussion and a quick look in any of the media will reveal that these topics are often in the headlines. There is only one topic that this world wants to avoid and that is religion: particularly Christianity... everything else it seems, is a distraction to keep people away from the true knowledge of God.
Cast Your Bread on the Waters
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
We don't know the details of our future outside of our salvation, but chance and uncertainty are ever before us. We are given simple scriptural instructions on how to act... no matter what is happening.
Ye Have Not Chosen Me, But I Have Chosen You
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
God is the creator of all human life. He knows the best way to direct and guide those who choose life over death. Once God proves himself through the anointing of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues; we should be wise enough to trust him. It stands to reason that we should take the directions and advice that God has given us, because God makes choices based on what he knows, not on what we know. The following scriptures outline the primary directions that all Christians should choose to build upon. After all, we have an eternal reason to serve God the way he wants to be served... God has his reasons.
Building Confidence
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
It is not uncommon for people to have their confidence in God, waver from time to time. God is fully aware of this tendency and has made provision for us within the power of the Holy Spirit and has also revealed motivational principles within the scriptures. The combination of these two motivators has given us an excellent chance of maintaining the wonderful relationship, which God has given us. The following scriptures offer us a very clear perspective and remind us of why we should have confidence in God.
Vision and Commitment
By Pastor Brad Smith [Brisbane]
We have been offered the greatest possible gift anyone could ever receive... eternal joy, happiness, satisfaction, peace, success and life... let's build a life that reflects the opportunities that lay ahead of us. Without a strong vision and dedicated commitment, we cannot attain the greatest offer in the universe.