Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Introduction Just how radical was Paul?  How about the radical things God does in people’s lives – like a great deliverance from tyranny only to end up in a desert? Definition of radical in the Webster’s dictionary:  Thoroughgoing or extreme, especially as regards change from accepted or traditional forms; forming a basis or foundation; of or going to the root or origin. From Corinth to Antioch, e...

Recap from last week Focus on the challenge to become more like Jesus – determination and how? Growing, stretching, and being challenged:  Listening to Jesus and doing what he says John 10: 17 – not just our good ideas Being kind to others, especially those who are not of the faith – Hebrews 10:23-25 Not forsaking the gathering together – how do you interpret that? The focus on how the church star...

As we reach the end of 2022 and move into a new year, does this passage not ask us to define what our aim is for 2023? Is it the “one thing” that Paul and Mary embraced?  “Your next step now is this: set some clear objectives. Ask yourself: where would I like to be a year from now? Robert Mager, a consultant in the field of education, says that a well-stated objective defines where a person will b...

Here is the test for our time together: for unto us a child is born, and a son is given. All this is for us: God’s amazing love for each of us.   A child is born. Mary asks the the question: how can this be?  That is a great question. Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord! How do we receive Jesus? Get born again?   A son is given.  God so loved that he gave What does he give t...

Received a German song based on Isaiah 9:6 from a friend in Germany.  The concept of time with God is different from us.  We see the future of the one born and his accomplishments: the teaching ministry of Jesus, the Power of Jesus, the nature of Jesus, and now the administration and reign of Jesus! Where there is no peace My first sermon in the open air - peace In the confusion the story of Princ...

“His Name shall be called … Everlasting Father”. Isaiah 9:6 This one has me stumped.  Why would you call a baby “Everlasting Father”? Son, brother, or uncle might be a better description.  I have some ideas rambling through my mind, but this particular prophecy has captured my imagination this Christmas season. It is a most amazing prophecy concerning Jesus’ names 750 years before he was born. A v...

A Paradox is not two doctors! a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. There are many such things in the Gospel: “Whoever strives to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will keep it.” Luke 17:33 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed...

Introduction I love the names of Jesus in the Bible.  This prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 is a direct exposition of who the Messiah will be. The focus is naturally an encouraging sign to those who are struggling, and it would lift up the spirits of those who are depressed. It raises our eyes, our vision of a great deliverer and inspires hope. Just saying the names of the coming One is uplifting! Text agai...

Here is one of the saddest cases in the New Testament:  the breakup between Barnabas and Saul. It is the end of the first missionary team that brought about such a foundation to the church and the growth of the Christian movement. Some say it is Gods way of multiplying the work.  I have to disagree, even though I fully believe that God can work all things together for good, as he did do in this ca...

Conflict resolution Part 1 Acts 15: 13-35 Initial conflicts:             Personal conflicts: repent and forgiveness Attacks from without:             Spiritual weapons: Prayer and forgiveness Internal conflicts:             Appeal process to accepted leadership is there a political struggle for the leadership of this movement? Do the Pharisees want to take control of the movement. (Is that why are...

Conflicts Galore Part 1. Acts 15 Long Creek Baptist Church  Sunday, September 4, 2022   Introduction Apparently, believers in the first century had a lot of issues to overcome: First there were their own personal hurdles to conquer: pride, jealousy, shame, guilt which lead to their own encounter with the risen Lord, ending in freedom from sin, confidence in eternal life, a new life with Jesus as t...

Introduction Paul’s response to being stoned: the different sides of walking with Jesus: Miracles and persecution, wisdom and misunderstanding or jealousy, grace and condemnation. What happens when our expectations are not met, or we assume our prayers are not answered when they are not answered the way we want them to be? What is our reaction then?  Here we see the impact that Jesus has had on Pa...

The miracles follow the Gospel. In each instance when Jesus is preached, He grants faith to those who believe. There are many different instances where faith is exercised, but when faith is present, Jesus meets with individuals and does amazing things. How these events are interpreted is often not as they were intended as in this story.  I once asked if I could go to the hospital and pray with a d...

The background to this event:  the team is in Antioch.  The message about the Messiah was received with enthusiasm. The message focused on God’s immeasurable grace by fulfilling his promises made long ago which includes the nations as well as Israel. The message also shows the power of God to do such wonderful feats because Jesus is alive from the dead! But the jealous ones insisted the civic lead...

Introduction to the way services were performed in synagogues in the first century:  Luke shows us how it was with Jesus and now with Paul:  the reading from the law and prophets, and then the invitation to guests and others who are acknowledged as sage people to comment with a word of encouragement.  It was also adopted by Paul in the Corinthian church where he says ““What is the outcome then, br...

From Expectation to Realization Moving out from Antioch, they started to experience many amazing things about God’s working beyond anything they had hitherto known.  But the encounter in Pisidian Antioch was greater than anticipated! An incredible event beyond the focus or expectations of any in the city! What a great means of going viral in the first century. (Chinese Whispers?) The news got arou...

When God calls us, he has already taken our stupidity into consideration. When I first got saved, I experienced many healings. But since then there have been many different results.  The Joys of Salvation! The transition from death to life, darkness to light, renewing of the mind,  forgiveness, cleansing, confidence of eternal life The Excitement of Discovery What it means to be filled with the Sp...

Leadership has to do with trust: who did the church in Jerusalem trust? Who can we trust with the money? Will it be used for its purpose? Who will represent our love for the church? Return with John Mark (who later writes Mark) to disciple him How did the church grow? From house to house, sharing communion, fellowship, teaching, and prayer. The organization of groups was not set up like today.  Th...

The tension between grief for loss and joy over miracles is the stuff that makes for many discussions within the church.  That too can be a source of great struggle for those who try to understand the question “why”? Being dogmatic and immovable is often unhelpful for those desperate for answers, even to the point where it can cause them to retreat from fellowship, something the Bible encourages u...

Towards the end of my recovery period, Janet filled in for the third Sunday with a wonderful message on "A New Beginning"! This encouraging and uplifting word will help focus your attention on that which is important in life. Enjoy!

On the second Sunday while I was still in recovery from my operation, Dr. Michael Cloer, the Mission Strategist for the Cape Fear Network of Baptist Churches preached for us. This is an important message for all Christians examining the question: "What is the greatest thing you can do?" From Mark 2:1-12

Is negotiating with God something we try to do? Or do with think we don't really need God in our lives because we are able to do it ourselves? While I was in hospital and recovering from a major operation, Trevor Love came to share a powerful message from Mark 8:11-13 at Long Creek Baptist Church. Take time to consider this text!

Now the church in Jerusalem is central to the start of this “Life”. Cyrene in Libya is mentioned several times: one who carries Jesus’s cross, at Pentecost, and now again here. The difference between this account and the others concerning the spread of the Gospel, is that we do not know who is involved.  Philip and Peter have been prominent, and the accounting of what happened in Caesarea was give...

Watching basketball during the playoffs is a lot of fun.  I do enjoy the great offensive plays, the trick shots and the no look passing leading to great baskets and shimmies. But spending some time with my son in law and hearing him talk about the game, I see the importance of having a great defense.  Draymond Green is brilliant at defense. And that leads to wins! The same is true with Jesus, when...