Salvation through Forgiveness

Robby Bradfordadvent, Bible study, Christianity, Christmas, forgiveness, Jesus Christ, New Testament, prayer, salvation, sinLeave a Comment

“…to give his people the knowledge of salvation    through the forgiveness of their sins…”  –Luke 1:77You can’t get past it.  Forgiveness of sins is the salvation that Jesus brings.He doesn’t come to just to model morality or love.  He doesn’t come merely to offer peace or platitudes, but he is interested in saving people who have offended him.The hope found in … Read More

On-Time Promise-Keeping

Robby Bradfordadvent, character, Christianity, Christmas, discipleship, New TestamentLeave a Comment

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  –2 Peter 3:9God sees waiting so much differently than we do.  He’s waiting to perform the resurrection for those buried in the graves in the picture to the left, for example.   … Read More

White as Snow–Advent 2012 Theme

Robby Bradfordadvent, Christmas, Church life, discipleship, evangelism, First Assembly of God Lafayette, Jesus Christ, New Testament, Sunday message series, Sunday themesLeave a Comment

“‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red as crimson, They shall be like wool.’”   –Isaiah 1:18 This seminal promise of the Christmas season brings one great theme of the Advent to the fore: God’s grace gives in a way that … Read More

MiracleWorker: OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2012 SERIES

Robby BradfordChristianity, Church life, faith, First Assembly of God Lafayette, Jesus Christ, miracles, New Testament, Sunday message series, Sunday themesLeave a Comment

Nothing else like the stories of what Jesus did kindles and rekindles the flame of faith in my own life!  During October and November, we’ll be visiting these 2000 year-old stories again and finding fresh application for ourselves in the 21st Century! Below you’ll see what days we’ll be focusing on what stories so you can read ahead.  Be sure … Read More

How a Christian Approaches Conflict and Confrontation

Robby Bradfordcharacter, Christianity, church growth, Church life, conflict, confrontation, discipleship, forgiveness, Jesus Christ, New TestamentLeave a Comment

You see the two people walking in the lower right-hand corner of this beautiful photo of the San Diego coast?  They are a picture of how Jesus tells us how to approach conflict and confrontation.Let’s look at a couple of key passages on the subject.  The first is found in Matthew 18:15-17–“If your brother sins against you, go and show him … Read More

What are my Spiritual Gifts?

Robby Bradford1 Corinthians, Christianity, discipleship, discover, gifts of the Spirit, Holy Spirit, leadership, New Testament, Paul3 Comments

The Holy Spirit is part of what it means to be a Christian.  The powerful, abiding presence of God’s Spirit is part of what he does in the life of the one following Jesus.  Beyond that, however, the Spirit gives gifts to everyone who is following Jesus. The apostle Paul puts it like this: “Now to each one the manifestation of … Read More

Seven Cities: Lent Message Series

Robby BradfordChristianity, end times, Jesus Christ, New Testament, Revelation, Sunday message series1 Comment

Lent is a word for Spring, but it’s come to refer to a roughly six-week season in the Christian calendar where many Christians take a fast or go on a special plan of reading and praying to prepare for Easter.  It starts with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter roughly 40 days later. We’re not observing Lent at First Assembly, … Read More

Magnificat in 100 Syllables

Robby Bradfordadvent, Christmas, Jesus Christ, Mary, New Testament, poetryLeave a Comment

And Mary said:    “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful   of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—   holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,   from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with … Read More

1 to 10 Words A Line on Luke 1:45

Robby Bradfordadvent, Christmas, faith, Jesus Christ, Mary, New Testament, poetryLeave a Comment

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But … Read More