Tuesday, February 27, 2007

More on Biblical Unity


More on Biblical Unity
Brad Reiches
Feb 27 2007 11:01PM



Wednesday, February 28, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"More on Biblical Unity"

"I (Jesus) in them, and Thou in Me,
that they may be perfected in unity."
John 17:23a

I recently made a comment in reference to "unity:"  "We must not compromise our beliefs for the sake of unity."  One GodThoughtsWired! subscriber wrote,

"So, I agree that we must not compromise our beliefs for the sake of unity,
but we must also not discredit the passion Christ displayed
for the true unity He envisions for us."

And I responded,

"is unity important?  ABSOLUTELY!  However, the unity that Jesus desires for His Church is not in conflict with the truth, nor does it come by minimizing the truth.  Biblical unity is based ON the truth and only those who receive the truth that Jesus offers can be truly "unified" in the way that God desires."

I think if we had a chance to sit down and talk, we wouldn't find any disagreement at all.  My whole concern is that I see, in a large sector of the American church, truth being downplayed for the sake of unity (which, sadly, is simply a reflection of our culture).  And isn't that the case, all too often?  The church being influenced by society, rather than the other way around?"

Technically, I do see a difference between,  "Father, may they be unified," versus, "Father, keep them in Thy name so that they will be unified."  I see the first as praying specifically for unity and the second as praying for the thing that will then result in unity.  For example, if I pray, "Father, I pray that you will bless (husband) and (wife)'s communication with each other, their physical and emotional intimacy, and their mutual care for one another; in-so-doing (or, "that") they will be unified."  I do understand how it might be argued that I just prayer for the two of you to be unified, but I would argue that technically, what I was praying for was 3 things, 1.  communication.  2.  intimacy.  3.  care,  the bi-product of which would be unity.

I can certainly agree that MY EMPHASIS may or may not be intended by the Lord (2 Peter 1:20).  As I mentioned to the other subscriber, "My whole concern is that I see, in a large sector of the American church, truth being downplayed for the sake of unity (which, sadly, is simply a reflection of our culture).  And isn't that the case, all too often?  The church being influenced by society, rather than the other way around?" 


 

Monday, February 26, 2007

External Evidences of the Abundant Life 4


External Evidences of the Abundant Life 4
Brad Reiches
Feb 26 2007 09:30PM





Tuesday, February 27, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"External Evidences of the Abundant Life"
CONCLUSION

"I (Jesus) came that they might have life
and might have it abundantly.."
John 10:10

The External Evidence of the Abundant Life...A PARTIAL LIST IN REVIEW:


1.  JOY.

2.  PEACE.

CONTENTMENT.

4.  SATISFACTION.

5.  FULFILLMENT.

6.  FREEDOM FROM FEAR.

7.  FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY.

6.  ZEAL, ENTHUSIASM & PURPOSE FOR LIFE!

Ahhh...the prosperity of the soul!  The abundant life, found only in Jesus.





 

Sunday, February 25, 2007

The Key to Maximum Achievement


The Key to Maximum Achievement
Brad Reiches
Feb 25 2007 07:47PM



Monday, February 26, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"The Key to Maximum Achievement"
FAITHFULNESS

"Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10

Faithfulness is the key to maximum achievement in the kingdom of God.  The key to your future promotion is your current faithfulness.  Faithfulness is what God is looking for.  Faithfulness is what God is waiting for...FROM YOU! 

Success according to God
is not determined by
'percieved fruitfulness,'
but 'persistent faithfulness.'

The apostle Paul was considered worthy of ministry because of his FAITHFULNESS!  "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service" (1 Timothy 1:12).

David was given the privilege to fight and defeat Goliath because of his prior faithfulness in defeating a lion and a bear.

" He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much;
and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. 
Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth,
who will entrust the true riches to you?"
Luke 16:10-11

Joseph became a "successful" man despite being sold into slavery!  Why?  FAITHFULNESS!  And his success continued while in prison!  Why?  FAITHFULNESS!  And ultimately, Joseph was given a position of supreme authority to rule others.  Why?  That's right...FAITHFULNESS!

"Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things,
I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master."
Matthew 25:21, 23, see also Luke 19:17

"Are you seeking great things for yourself?  Do not seek them." (Jeremiah 45:5).  You need only concern yourself with being faithful in the place that God has placed you today.  Faithfulness today will assure God's best for you tomorrow.  "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).

Thursday, February 22, 2007

External Evidences of the Abundant Life 3


External Evidences of the Abundant Life 3
Brad Reiches
Feb 22 2007 10:59PM

FINAL DAY OF OFFER
ANOTHER FREE OFFER FROM THE AUTHOR OF GODTHOUGHTS!

"Brad, this is the best message I have ever heard!"    -Barb Hightower, Moraga, California
"You hit a home-run today, pastor Brad."         -John Diestler, Lafayette, California
"That's it!  That's it!  Preach that message every Sunday and we'll have to get a bigger church!    -Bill Roth, Moraga, California
"Pastor Brad, I pray that the whole world will get hold of that message!"    -Patty Roth, Moraga, California
"You were on fire today, man."    -Kevin Ryan, San Ramon, California

"These were just a few of the comments that I received a few weeks ago after preaching the message entitled, GRACE & TRUTH.  It may have been the most annointed message I have ever had the privilege to give.  It literally felt at times like I was taking dictation from God."    Pastor Brad

Most preachers fall into one of two extreme categories.  They are either big on "truth" and often found to be "legalistic."  Or they are big on "grace" and leave out 90% of the whole gospel.  But the Bible says, "Grace AND truth were realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17, bold mine).

Please order your FREE copy of Grace & Truth (simply send me an e-mail with "Grace & Truth" in the subject box, along with your snail mail address).  All I ask is that after you listen to it, you are obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in how He would use you to best to support this ministry.

-Pastor Brad


Friday, February 23, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"External Evidences of the Abundant Life"
Part 3

"I (Jesus) came that they might have life
and might have it abundantly.."
John 10:10

The External Evidence of the Abundant Life.


4.  FREEDOM FROM FEAR. 

"Do not fear for I am with you...
the one who fears has not been perfected in love."
Isaiah 41:10a; 1 John 4:18

On more than one occaision I've been accused of being "wreckless," and perhaps, on occaision, that has been true.  Nonetheless, freedom from fear is a WONDERFUL thing.  It has become one of my favorite "perks" of the abundant life.  To be quite honest, having begun a relationship with Jesus at age 5, I've seldom related to the fear(s) that the majority appear to live with.  Fear of death, fear of life, fear of not having enough money, fear of injury, fear of loss, fear of...fear?  As one who lives this life with at least a measure of understanding what the Bible means when it says, "If God is for us who can be against us?" (Romans 8:39), I have only two fears:* 

1.  The fear of the devil should I ever choose to live outside the shelter of God.  2.  The fear of the consequences of sin.

Having said that... "They may come against me, but they will not overcome me, for the Lord is with me to deliver me" (see Jeremiah 1:19).  HALLELUIAH!


5.  FREEDOM FROM ANXIETY. 

"Do not look anxiously about you for I am your God...
Be anxious for nothing."
Isaiah 41:10b; Philippians 4:7

Peace like a river!  The abundant "well-being of the soul!  Every time I merge onto the freeway, I immediately become aware of the "other-world" nature of an anxiety free life.  "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:29).  Oh, what a blessing - THE FREEDOM FROM WORRY!  Anybody remember this:

 "5 Keys to a Worry-Free Lifestyle"

"Do not fret...Do not fret...Do not fret."
Psalm 37:1, 7, 8

An interesting word, "fret."  It means, "to gnaw, wear away, worry."  God says, "DON'T DO IT!"  Don't fret because of others.  Don't fret over things.  Don't fret about circumstances.  Sure it's easier said than done, but God gives us 5 keys to a "fret-less" life from Psalm 37.

Instead of fretting...Trust in the Lord.                             -see verse 3.

Instead of fretting...Delight yourself in the Lord.           -see verse 4. 

Instead of fretting...Commit your ways to the Lord.       -see verse 5.

Instead of fretting...Rest in the Lord.                              -see verse 7.

Instead of fretting...Wait for the Lord.                            -see verse 34.

Trust, delight, commit, rest, wait.  The 5 keys to a worry-free lifestyle.  The paraphrased version goes like this:

"Set your mind on the things above,
not on the things that are on earth...
Fix your eyes on Jesus."
Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 12:2

Losing the "T" and adding an "E" changes fret...to FREE!



And finally...

6.  ZEAL, ENTHUSIASM & PURPOSE FOR LIFE!

I'll talk more about this one next week!


*For those who would suggest the "fear of God" as a third, I generally prefer the term "reverence."

The Power of Encouragement! 4


The Power of Encouragement! 4
Brad Reiches
Feb 22 2007 06:32AM

ANOTHER FREE OFFER FROM THE AUTHOR OF GODTHOUGHTS!

"Brad, this is the best message I have ever heard!"    -Barb Hightower, Moraga, California
"You hit a home-run today, pastor Brad."         -John Diestler, Lafayette, California
"That's it!  That's it!  Preach that message every Sunday and we'll have to get a bigger church!    -Bill Roth, Moraga, California
"Pastor Brad, I pray that the whole world will get hold of that message!"    -Patty Roth, Moraga, California
"You were on fire today, man."    -Kevin Ryan, San Ramon, California

"These were just a few of the comments that I received a few weeks ago after preaching the message entitled, GRACE & TRUTH.  It may have been the most annointed message I have ever had the privilege to give.  It literally felt at times like I was taking dictation from God."    Pastor Brad

Most preachers fall into one of two extreme categories.  They are either big on "truth" and often found to be "legalistic."  Or they are big on "grace" and leave out 90% of the whole gospel.  But the Bible says, "Grace AND truth were realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17, bold mine).

Please order your FREE copy of Grace & Truth (simply send me an e-mail with "Grace & Truth" in the subject box, along with your snail mail address).  All I ask is that after you listen to it, you are obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in how He would use you to best to support this ministry.

-Pastor Brad


Thursday, February 22, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"The Power of Encouragement"
PART 4

"Let all things be done for edification."
1 Corinthians 14:26

Were you aware that the purpose of the church can be summed up in one word?  The general purpose of the church the way God intended it is for "edification."  The "building up" of God's people (see context of above verse). 

"And He gave (to the church) some as apostles,
and some as prophets, and some as evangelists,
and some as pastors, and some as teachers, for
the equipping of the saints for the work of service..."
Ephesians 4:29 (parenthetical addition mine)

Why?  That's right!  "For the building up of the body of Christ" (bold mine).  The wise and mature pastor understands that he/she must protect the flock against those that would "tear down" through their words, attitudes or actions, at all costs.  Thus, the admonition:

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,
but only such a word as is good for edification,
accordingto the need of the moment,
that it may give grace to all who hear."
Ephesians 4:29 (bold mine)

INTENSE!  The purpose of speech is edification!  If your motive is not to build up...remain silent.

Oh, one other thing dear brothers and sisters...beware judging another man's motives.  "Carefully examine" words and actions, but not motives.  Only God can judge with certainty the "thoughts and intentions of the heart."