Pastor Brad’s Notebook

27 Jan

Posted at 12:38h in Fridays Are For Family
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I found out recently that one of my most faithful, trusted leaders and his family is being relocated due to a job transfer. It was really hard news to hear. This is a man who has taught for me, led Sunday School and Discipleship classes, counseled hurting individuals and families as well as done everything from cooking to cleaning to repair work around the church for the past ten years. I not only appreciate him as a church member, I love him as a friend. So, it was hard to hear this week that the time has finally come and this will be their last Sunday at Temple Baptist Church.

18 Jan

Posted at 13:27h in Devotionals
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"But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:39 It's a question that has caused considerable consternation: "How can a person know if they have received the gift of the Holy Spirit?" Is there any test to help determine the Spirit's presence or absence in the life of an individual? John says that there is indeed such a test.  He says that the Holy Spirit had not been given yet, "because Jesus was not yet glorified."  So, the test that tells of the Spirit's absence is that of an unglorified Jesus, and the proof that proves His presence is a heart where Jesus is honored.

16 Jan

Posted at 11:43h in Devotionals
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"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away." Matthew 14:22 Jesus "made His disciples get into the boat." I understand this to mean that Jesus forced them, He compelled, constrained them to get into the boat and set sail.  Surely, if there ever was a promise that a mission would be successful, this should have been it. These disciples were literally forced to put out to sea! They were compelled by a command they couldn't refuse - Jesus had told them to go. If they were ever going to be safe, secure and successful this should have been the time and place. There was no doubt about it. They were where Jesus told them to be, when He told them to be there.  They were away from the distractions and dangers of the world. Yet, as I read the account, at first it appears that in obeying Jesus they actually put themselves at the greatest risk of danger, disappointment and failure - He sent them straight into a storm. And what a storm it was! It was such a storm that even these experienced men of the sea had never seen its like before.

13 Jan

Posted at 12:48h in Fridays Are For Family
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As a pastor I'm often asked what I think is the number one reason for divorce. I always give the same answer, "Money." Now, to be a little more circumspect, I must admit this answer is not only very simplistic, but it also overlooks a whole host of evident spiritual and personal shortcomings in both parties. However, I think it is fair to say that the majority of couples that come into my office for counseling do so because of something to do with their finances. Maybe the problem stems from the husband wanting more and more money, so he works more and more and never spends time with his family. Maybe the problem is found in a wife that doesn't realize that you can't spend more than you have - at least not for very long. Maybe the issue is that she "came from money" and he didn't have "pot to spit in or a window to throw it out of" when he was growing up. Maybe it it simply the stress that comes from not enough money coming into the family and the constant struggle to just keep the utilities on. Whatever the situation or the circumstance, the majority of couples who come to my office with marital problems do so because of issues related to money.