In a world marked by division and hostility, the early Christian church transformed society and expanded from 1,000 believers in AD 40 to more than 32 million just three hundred years later through three powerful practices: the performing of healing miracles, earnestly caring for those who were poor and vulnerable, and extending radical hospitality across social barriers, principles that can revolutionize our communities still today.

True biblical hospitality goes beyond simply hanging out with friends. There’s purpose to it. There’s intention to it. There’s an outcome we hope to achieve. As this New Year gets underway, think about people you’ll be crossing paths with at work, at church, and as you go about your daily life. Who is always on the margins, wishing someone would reach out to them? How might you welcome them warmly? How might you make them feel comfortable in your presence instead of judged? How might you come to each conversation eager to turn the topic back to them as often as possible instead of excessively talking about yourself?

Remember that even a simple word of encouragement or act of kindness can have a profound effect. Think of the impact of these straightforward steps:

• You meet someone at church who is sitting alone. Instead of greeting her and heading to your seat, you ask, “Would you like to come sit with me?”
• You find yourself in line at the store, standing behind someone who can’t pay for his groceries. Instead of being annoyed that he’s taking too long, you take a step toward him and quietly say, “Can I cover this for you? It would be my honor.”
• You see someone at work who is kind of known as a loner. Instead of breezing past, you say, “My family and I are just hanging out tonight, playing games and ordering pizza. Want to join us?”

In Romans 12, the apostle Paul offers clear guidance regarding our mandate as followers of Jesus. We are to be devoted to each other in a posture of love. We are to honor others above ourselves. We are to share with those in need. And we are to practice hospitality as a spiritual disciple, no less than an act of worship.

The power to transform our communities lies not in complex programs but in simple acts of genuine hospitality, care for others, and prayer. Be encouraged this week, remembering that as you practice biblical hospitality, you are by definition glorifying God.

I love being your pastor—

Brady

The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, as recounted in Luke 1, teaches us about the importance of faithfulness while waiting on God. Despite their advanced age and Elizabeth’s barrenness, this couple continued to serve God faithfully. I love this story because it always reminds me of two critical realities in the Christ-following life: first, God hears our prayers. Isn’t that great news?

He hears us.

He leans in to absorb every word.

Second, there’s this: God answers those prayers in his perfect timing.  

The angel Gabriel plays a significant role in the Christmas narrative, delivering messages from God to both Zechariah and Mary. These angelic visits highlight the divine orchestration behind the events leading to Jesus’ birth. Gabriel’s interactions with these key figures underscore the importance of their roles in God’s redemptive plan. Think about it: Zechariah’s encounter with the angel Gabriel reassures us that our prayers are heard and God’s promises are sure. And Mary’s response to the angel’s announcement is a powerful example of trust and obedience. Despite the potential for shame and misunderstanding, Mary accepted God’s plan with humility and faith. Her willingness to be used by God, despite the personal cost, challenges us to trust God’s purposes for our lives, even when they seem daunting or unclear.

If you’re dealing with one of those daunting or unclear occasions, know this: God sees you and cares deeply for you. He is working in you, through you, and on your behalf. Stay faithful to his will and his ways. See if he doesn’t amaze you with his perfect plan. Here are some practical steps to take in deepening your faith while you wait on God to move:

1. Keep serving. Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, continue to serve God faithfully, even when there are more questions than answers in your life.

2. Trust and obey. Follow Mary’s example of trust and obedience. Be willing to accept God’s plans for your life, even when they are challenging or unclear. Trust that his purposes are for your good and his glory.

3. Seek beauty and wonder: Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty and wonder around you. Look for signs of his presence and goodness in your daily life. This practice can help you maintain a joyful heart, even in difficult times.

As you go through this week, challenge yourself to walk not by sight but by faith, trusting that God is with you and working in your life.

I love being your pastor!

Brady

Generosity is a core principle of what it means to follow Jesus, and when we practice generosity, we reflect both our gratitude for God’s blessings in our life and our trust in his ongoing provision.

Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to honor the Lord with our wealth, promising that our barns will be “filled to overflowing.” And the kind of “wealth” referred to here isn’t just about money, but about every resource God entrusts to us: our time, our talents, our spiritual gifts, and more. This means that any time we invest ourselves in helping relieve another person’s burden, we’re making a God-honoring choice.

So, how can we make the practice of generosity a more frequent part of our lives? Let me give you three straightforward places to start.

Trust God

Giving is never just about money; it’s about trust. When we offer God our first and best, we’re making a bold declaration: God, I trust you to take care of me. That kind of trust changes us! It draws us closer to the heart of our Father and reminds us that he is always faithful to provide.

Generosity isn’t something God needs from us—it’s something he wants for us. When we hold tightly to what we have, fear and scarcity can take root, but when we trust him with open hands, our faith grows, and our hearts start to align with his purposes.

This week, ask yourself: Am I giving God my best, or just what’s left over?

Trust him with the first and best of your resources, and watch how he meets your needs in sometimes surprising ways. Let this kind of generosity deepen your walk with him.

Plan Your Giving

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul gives us a simple yet powerful instruction: plan your giving. Setting aside a portion of our income regularly isn’t just practical—it’s a spiritual discipline connected to right living that ensures our generosity is intentional and not an afterthought. This habit helps us prioritize what matters most: God’s kingdom work.

When we give with consistency, we’re reminded that generosity isn’t tied to how much we have in the moment but to the faithfulness of God who provides. Planned giving also shapes our hearts, teaching us to live with an open-handed trust that honors God and blesses others.

Take a moment this week to reflect: Is my giving intentional or sporadic? What might need to change in my life for generosity to become my regular rhythm of worship?

Plan your giving for this next week, month, or season, and watch how God uses it to grow his kingdom—and in the process, grow your faith.

Sticking to Your Plan

In 1 Corinthians 16:3-4, Paul emphasizes the importance of accountability when it comes to handling church finances, an exhortation we can apply to personal finances, too. He knew that trust is a cornerstone of healthy community, and transparency in giving builds that trust.

When we follow a consistent plan for generosity, it becomes a habit that reflects God’s character—faithful, dependable, and good, and the best way to make that plan stick over the long haul is by soliciting accountability. Take time this week to examine your giving. Assuming you’re now open to following a thoughtful plan, think through how you’ll stay accountable to that plan. Which trusted friend or loved one can you make aware of the high points of your financial plan so that you’re sure to stick to it over time?

The Impact of Generosity

Generosity is a real bridge-builder. When you offer a word of encouragement, a heartfelt prayer, or a material resource to someone, you pave a path of connection between you and him or her. The ultimate example of this, of course, is seen in the life of Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth in human form. By offering that generous gift, he extended a point of connection to you and me that we could never, ever afford.

As we celebrate the second week of Advent this week, let’s remember that we are called to create space for Christ’s peace to dwell within us. And we are called to emulate him as we give generously to a world in need.

I love being your pastor—

Brady

In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, the gift of prophecy stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and encouragement. We need this ray of light! Maybe now more than ever.

Acts 2:16-18 highlights the prophecy from the book of Joel, emphasizing that in the last days, God will pour out his Spirit on all people. This outpouring will enable sons and daughters to prophesy, young men to see visions, and old men to dream dreams, all of which underscores  the inclusivity and power of the Holy Spirit, who always breaks down the social and gender barriers we tend to construct.

In1 Corinthians 14:1-3, we learn that prophecy is meant for the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers. That’s all it is, a straightforward means for building people up, providing guidance and offering reassurance in times of need.

Over the years, as I’ve trained people to sharpen this spiritual gift, I’ve reminded them that we should always authenticate “words from God” before we articulate them. First Thessalonians 5:19-21 advises believers not to treat prophecies with contempt but to test everything and hold on to what is good, which involves aligning prophetic words with Scripture and seeking confirmation from trusted, wise friends.

And here’s another tip: In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the “Love Chapter,” we’re reminded that all spiritual gifts, including prophecy, should be exercised with love. Love is the language of the gospel—that’s a good way to think about it. Which means it’s the foundation of all ministry.

As you seek to exercise the gift of prophecy as you engage in conversation with others,  here are three questions to consider:

1. What can I say that would help this person keep going?

2. What has God spoken to this person that I can confirm?

3. What pain has this person they experienced that God longs to comfort?

Prophecy is not just inspirational; it is miraculous. It involves hearing from God and having the courage to share his message with others, which can lead to profound moments of revelation and transformation. This week, challenge yourself to be open to the gift of prophecy. Pray for eyes to see, ears to hear, a mind to understand, and a heart to believe. Seek opportunities to speak words of strength, encouragement, and comfort to those around you.

I love being your pastor—

Brady

One of our three core tenets around New Life is worship, and one of the primary reasons we think worship is such a big deal is that when we offer sacrifices of praise to God, our perspective shifts, our hearts expand, and our spirits lift. As it relates to the prevalence of anxiety and fear in our lives these days, what this means is that as we choose to take our eyes off of our fearsome circumstances and fix our gaze on God instead, praise becomes a weapon in our hands that silences the enemy and interrupts his schemes. Walls fall as we praise God. Giants are divinely slain.

In this way praise isn’t just an act of worship; it’s a heartfelt declaration of faith. When we sing and praise God, especially in difficult times, we are reminded of his presence and power. In turn, this act of worship strengthens our faith and helps us focus on God’s promises rather than our problems. It’s a really productive exchange.

But there is still more to the benefits of praising God instead of fixating on our problems which is this: as our faith is strengthened, our awareness of and belief in God’s presence goes up. By believing that God is with us, we can face any challenge with confidence, trusting that God is working all things out for our good.

This is why you and I are wise to desirethe gift of faith in our lives. The gift of faith is the special ability to be full of divine confidence and conviction in any situation. According to Hebrews 11:1, it involves being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. It is this gift that enables us to trust God completely, even when circumstances seem impossible.

So, how do we “desire faith”? First, surrender the whole of your life to God. The measure of our faith is not determined by the number of prayers we get answered but by the amount of our lives we are willing to surrender to him.

What a profound thought.

As you and I surrender more and more of ourselves to our heavenly Father, our faith miraculously grows. Think of it this way: by trusting God with every part of our lives, we create space for faith to grow. We create space to see God at work in our lives, causing miracles to unfold.

A miracle is simply a divine intervention into our human affairs, and I’m always struck by the fact that the people I encounter who are living fully surrendered to Jesus are the same ones who tell me of the miracles they’ve seen him do.

Do you see the correlation?

As you surrender to the Lord Jesus, your faith in him is strengthened.
As your faith in him is strengthened, your eyes are opened to his work in the world.
As your eyes are open with fresh spiritual insight, you see his miracle-working power at hand.

If you are waiting on a miracle in your life—a diagnosis to be reversed, a prodigal child to come home, a financial situation to be reconciled, a divisive relationship to finally mend—let me encourage you as your pastor to surrender more of your life to Christ.

I mean it. Give him more room to work, not less.
Give him more of your heart, not less.
Give him more of your time and attention, more of your focus and care.

Then, pray bold prayers, asking him to do for you what only God can do!

God is with you.

And he is capable of doing the impossible, in and through your life.

I love being your pastor—

Spiritual gifts are often misunderstood or overlooked in modern Christianity, even as they remain as relevant today as they were in the early church. The simplest way to think about a spiritual gift is this: it’s the Holy Spirit at work in us in a particular way the blesses both God and the people who love him.

But how can you tell if the Holy Spirit is at work in you? Let me give you two clear thoughts:

1. First, you will know the Holy Spirit is working in and through you when your actions and words point people to Jesus rather than direct attention to you.
2. Second, you will know the Holy Spirit is at work in and through you when your actions and words build up or encourage others instead of shaming them, hurting them, or discouraging them.

Watch for the times throughout your day when these dynamics are at work! Pay attention when your words and actions seem to direct people toward Jesus, toward righteous living, toward integrity, toward grace. And watch for that little uplift in someone’s countenance that tells you your words or actions were a blessing in their lives.

In terms of the types of spiritual gifts God might be using to accomplish his work through your life, consider what the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines,” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, NIV).

I hope you’ll join us in coming weeks as we work through each of these gifts in detail, but for now, let me just plant a few seeds about the first two mentioned: wisdom and knowledge.

The Gift of Wisdom

The gift of wisdom is the special ability to offer sound counsel to others, and I think you’d agree that given the rampant misinformation in our world today, this gift is sorely needed. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s complexities and make decisions that honor God.

Wisdom is not limited to age; even young people can possess this gift. The key is to seek out wise counsel, ask thoughtful questions, and be open to learning from others. Jesus himself exemplified this at the age of 12, sitting among teachers and asking questions, and if Jesus valued wisdom, then how much more should we?

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of knowledge is the special ability to have critical insight into people and situations and helps us discern the truth in a world full of deception. How desperately we need knowledge and insight these days, two resources that come from God, alone.

Practicing the Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge

If you’d like to practice these gifts this week, let me give you a few things to try:

1. Ask God to give you more of these gifts. He loves to lavish us with gifts that honor him!
2. Surround yourself with wise and godly people. Seek their advice. Ask them insightful questions. Listen well.
3. Before making your next significant decision, especially in critical areas like voting, making big life changes, or offering counsel to others, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit of Truth will lead you along the path of righteousness, the path that honors God, by helping you make informed and godly decisions.
4. Identify your spiritual gifts. Then, ask God to reveal to you opportunities for using them to benefit other people. For example, if you have a gift of teaching, consider saying yes to helping tutor children in local schools who are struggling to learn how to read or write or do math.

Remember, the gifts of wisdom and knowledge are available to all who seek them. Let’s use these gifts to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

I love being on this journey with you—

Pastor Brady

When we’re wrestling with temptation it can feel like we’re the only one who struggles to live right in a world that’s so often wrong. In fact, temptation is a universal experience, something everyone faces. Whether tempted toward money, power, sex, or something else altogether, no temptation is new, and all temptation is the distortion of a desire, or wanting right things wrongly—now. It’s a distraction from the goodness and glory of God.

Whenever you’re tempted, know that the enemy of your soul, Satan, hopes that you’ll take the bait and fall into outright sin. But as the apostle Paul reminds us, we can follow a different path.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul looks to the history of the Israelites to illustrate the dangers of temptation. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, the Israelites fell into idolatry and immorality. This serves as a warning that we, too, are susceptible to the same pitfalls if we are not vigilant.

History is a valuable teacher in that as we study the past, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes.

So, how do we remain vigilant against Satan’s schemes?

First, remember that you are most prone to temptation when you are tired, hungry, isolated, and emotionally wounded—such as when you’ve been slandered or when you’re sought reconciliation with someone who just doesn’t want to reconcile. Being aware of these vulnerable moments can help you take proactive steps to avoid allowing temptation to have its way in your life.

Second, remember that God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. This is such a critical reality to keep in mind: When you are faced with temptation, you always have the option of submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil. By doing so, the devil, Scripture promises, will flee.

We see this turn of events in the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness just after he was baptized into his earthly ministry. When Satan tempted Jesus, hoping Jesus would then fall into sin, Jesus countered all three attempts with nothing but the Word of God. We can follow this example by knowing and looking to Scripture to combat the enemy’s lies.

Listen, we have a High Priest in Jesus who sympathizes with our weaknesses. He knows we’re not going to get it right every time! So, when you do find yourself tempted to pursue a distortion of something that’s godly and good, just stop for a second. Turn toward your heavenly Father. Approach his throne with confidence, knowing that you will receive mercy and find grace in your time of need—not just occasionally, but every single time.

This week, I hope you’ll make a conscious effort to recognize your vulnerable moments and seek God’s help in those times. Use Scripture to strengthen your resolve as you work to resist the enemy. Remember, you are not alone in this battle! Jesus has already secured the victory for you.

I love being your pastor,

Brady

LBB Blog Post

Church in the City | Chapter 9

Run to Get the Prize

06 October 2024

Around New Life, we’ve long said that we’re “in the city for the sake of the city,” and as things become crazier in our world, I’ve never believed that phrase more acutely. We’re not here to serve ourselves. We’re here to serve those who don’t know God, those who thirst for a cup of cool water in what feels increasingly like dry, parched land.

It really is true: while our gatherings on Sunday mornings are vital to our collective health as a body, the strength of not only our local congregation but the global Church at large is felt only when we engage with our community, when we operate outside our four walls.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the metaphor of a race to describe the Christian life. He speaks to the people of Corinth, a city known for its athletes and the Isthmian Games. Paul’s message is clear: all believers must actively engage in their faith, just as all runners run in a race.

Two major obstacles often keep people from engaging in their faith: the fear of failure and the fear of criticism. Pastor Brady shared a personal story about his life-saving heart surgery as a baby, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and being willing to fail. Just as the surgeon took a risk to save his life, we must be willing to step out in faith, even if it means facing failure or criticism.

Paul emphasizes the need for strict training, likening it to the preparation athletes undergo for competition. For Christians, this means daily disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in fellowship. These practices prepare us for the moments when God calls us to act.

Paul speaks of running for a prize that will last forever. This prize is not just about eternal life but also about knowing Christ and being known by him. It’s about living a life of integrity, loving our families, and nurturing relationships—all true rewards of a life well-lived in faith.

So, let me issue a challenge to you and me both: let’s evaluate with fresh energy what we are running after. Are we pursuing things that truly matter? Are our goals aligned with God’s purpose for our lives? It’s crucial to ensure that our ambitions are not about worldly success but about eternal significance.

This week, take time to reflect on your life and your faith journey. Ask yourself:

1. Am I actively engaged in my faith, or am I on the sidelines?

2. What fears are holding me back from fully participating in the race God has set before me?

3. What daily disciplines can I incorporate to strengthen my spiritual life? When will I start?

Then, I invite you to commit to one act of service outside the church walls this week. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply being a friend to someone in need, take a step to actively engage in your faith. Remember, the race is not just about the finish line but about the journey and the impact we make along the way.

Stand up, New Life. Step out and start running the race God has set before you. Your life matters, and your faith can make a profound impact.

I love being your pastor—

Pastor Brady

You’ve probably noticed that all around us, discussions about sex are often skewed and misinformed, with social media, movies, and other platforms bombarding us with messages that contradict biblical teachings. Ignoring this topic in church leaves a void that secular narratives quickly fill, which is why we’ve spent the last two weeks talking about to how align our thinking on sex with God’s thinking as laid out in Scripture.

Many pastors shy away from preaching about sex and money, yet these are areas where our culture is most confused. By addressing these topics head-on, the church can provide clarity and guidance rooted in Scripture.

We’ve been journeying through the book of 1 Corinthians, and in chapter six we find the apostle Paul addressing the Corinthians, who lived in a culture that promoted sexual freedom without boundaries. The prevalent slogan, “Everything is permissible for me,” reflects a mindset that Paul challenged by emphasizing that not everything is beneficial.

Paul confronted the Greek notion that the body and spirit were to be thought of separate entities. They’re not separate! They are intimately intertwined, which is why Paul argued that what we do with our bodies affects our spirits. This holistic view underscores for us still today the importance of honoring God with our entire being—body, soul, and spirit.

Sexual immorality is not just a physical act; sin in this regard carries profound spiritual implications. This is why Paul urged believers to flee from sexual immorality. I know we’re called to be patient throughout Scripture, but in this situation, different counsel applies. We are to waste no time in running away from any situation that could leave us sinning sexually against ourselves, against another person, and ultimately against God.

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Jesus’ teachings on sex and marriage are clear and consistent. He emphasizes that sex is designed for a man and a woman within the covenant of marriage. Incidentally, that’s the only situation in which sex is to occur.

Why? Because such a commitment is the only way to foster intimacy and spiritual growth, aligning with God’s design.

Whenever I encounter this chapter in Scripture, I think of this truth: When we cheapen sex, we cheapen our souls. It really is true. The enemy seeks to devalue the sacred act of sex, but understanding its true purpose helps us honor it appropriately.

That understanding has to include this truth: our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This means that God dwells within us, making our physical actions deeply significant. We are not our own; we were bought at a price—the life of Jesus Christ.

Understanding that we are temples of the Holy Spirit should motivate us to pursue holiness, making choices that honor God and reflect our identity as his children. So, let me ask you to consider a few things:

1. Do you truly understand how valuable you are to God? You were bought with a high price. You were expensive to him! Yet he gladly paid for you.
2. Are you committed to glorifying God with your sexuality? What shifts in thinking or behavior might be necessary for you to get more serious about this commitment?
3. Are you actively fleeing any form of sexual immorality? Remember, this isdefined as any sexual act that occurs outside of the bonds of marriage.

This week, I hope you’ll commit to honoring God with your body. Reflect on your actions and decisions, ensuring they align with your identity as a child of God.

I love you!

I’m for you.

Pastor Brady

How do you feel when you think about God’s holiness?

Do you feel defeated, like you’ll never measure up?

Do you feel distanced from him, as though your imperfections make him sick?

Or do you feel drawn in by him, inspired to be holy because God is holy?

As believers, we’re called to be holy. But we can’t live up to that standard by ourselves. We need God’s presence to be holy. We need God’s power to be holy. We need God’s character, coursing through our thoughts, our words, our lives.

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Friends, we are the bride of Christ, and one of the primary ways we practice holiness is in how we view our bodies and our sexuality. In 1 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of sexual immorality within the church, clear in his message that we can’t tolerate unrepentant sin among our members. Paul’s instruction to “hand this man over to Satan” (1 Corinthians 5:5) may seem harsh, but it underscores the seriousness of maintaining holiness within the church. This action is meant to lead the sinner to repentance and ultimately restore him or her to the fellowship.

I hope you caught that: the goal of Paul’s position here is to help us when we sin to find our way back to God.

Think about how your life changed when you first decided to follow Jesus. You probably experienced transformation, right? Your behaviors, attitudes, and desires started to align more closely with God’s will as you began to grow in your faith.

This is as it should be!

Believers are called to be “peculiar” and to stand out from the world. Our lives should reflect the values of the kingdom of God, not those of the culture. This includes our social media posts, our conversations, and our overall conduct. We’re to demonstrate that we have been sanctified—called out for the purpose of becoming more like Jesus.

By our words and actions, we can show the world that we are taking up our cross daily, repenting of our sins, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. We should demonstrate that we’re in this deal for the long haul, actively participating with God. We can show that as the Church, we are supporting each other in this journey, not condemning, but building up.

I hope you’re going all-in with God today. I really do. There is no better plan for your life than that one!

Here’s a way to start:

1. Examine your life. Ask yourself if your life has changed since you decided to follow Jesus. Are there areas where you need to repent and seek transformation?
2. Pursue holiness. Reflect on areas of your life that need to align more closely with God’s holiness. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in purity and righteousness.
3. Support other believers. Be a source of encouragement and support for fellow believers who are struggling. Pray for them and offer practical help.

I love you.
God loves you.
Let’s keep pressing on.

Pastor Brady