How To Be a Growing Christian?

Spiritual growth can be the difference between a thriving faith and one that is stagnate. God not only wants us to grow but requires it (Eph. 4:15-16). The Lord wants us to be all we can be in Him. Below are a few things every Christian needs for spiritual growth.

There are 4 things that need to be part of a Christian’s life for growth.

#1. A Hunger and love for the Word of God

Psalms 1:1-2, says –

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night”

Psalm 1 describes someone who loves to be around Biblical truth. Keeping yourself in the scriptures will bring you spiritual knowledge, especially when you demonstrate a loving pursuit for it. There must be a eagerness and appetite for the Word of God. Any hunger for God’s word will push you to want to know more. Increasing Biblical learning will also bring more opportunities to apply God’s truth to your life. (Read About the Bereans in Acts 17:11)

#2. Active Prayer Life

The blessing of prayer is we can pray anywhere and in any posture. Talking to God constantly ensures spiritual continuity. A constant connection to God helps keeps us in the spirit. A good prayer life also keeps a spiritual partnership between you and God. Keeping God close in our lives will always spur divine movement and growth. (Read 1 Thes. 5:17, Phil 4:4-6, James 5:13-16, Matt. 6:9-13 )

#3. Stay Involved in the Church

Staying involved in church goes beyond service attendance. When Jesus talks about building His church in Matthew 16:18 it wasn’t about brick, mortar and walls! Christ design of the church has always been about a community of believers. It makes a difference on what type of community you are expose to everyday. Keeping ourselves around spiritual activities and people builds our faith and provides encouragement. (Read Luke 10:1-6, Ecclesiastes 4:9, Proverbs 27:17, Acts 2:42-47 )

#4. Learn from your Trials

Trials and trouble are inevitable. That’s why spiritual readiness is needed when the storms of life begin to rage. James gives us an excellent illustration on the purpose and causality of our trials. Notice what James says in Chapter 1:2-4. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. In other words let the trial process take its course so it can complete you and not defeat you! But the two factors in which Trials can really help a Christian are “experience” and “strength“. Being expose to particular troubles will help you stand tall when the next spiritual fight comes your way. If you approach differently then it shows that you have grown since the last encounter.

Growth is a process that doesn’t happen overnight.  Be patient, always keep God in the picture and trust in His timing. Keep working on you and the results will come. Take it day by day and the more you stay with the spiritual things it will in turn make a better you!

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org

Stay Sharp. He Knows the Word Too!

There are two stories in the bible that truly intrigue me. The first being the story of Job. and the other being the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness (Matt 4: 1-11). The events in the story are not complicated . Satan engages Jesus when he was at his weakest. We should take note of this style of attack and tactic as the devil will also come at us in extreme vulnerabilities. He will use anyone and anything to distract us from his ultimate goal. Pulling us away from the Lord. Satan doesn’t care how wore out or wore down you are, if he has opportunity he will take it. Satan attempt to take down Jesus was fought on three levels.

1. A Test of Spiritual Character

2. A Test of Faith

3. A Test of the Word.

A Test of Spiritual Character

Satan tried to get Jesus to do something that He would not normally do and that is move away from his consistent godliness. If you say who you are then “command these stones be made of bread”. The stone and the bread were not the issue. They were actually amoral. Jesus understood this and the tactic that Satan was trying to employ, which was not to let the devil dictate who he was or his actions.One of Jesus consistent patterns throughout his ministry was to perform miracles, which in turn were to help humanity and glorify God. He never did things for self or for the glory of Satan. To start now would be out of spiritual character  for him. Everyday we put forth our Godly character to walk and talk like Jesus.Satan, on the other hand is striving to get you out of your spiritual consistency. He will use situations, circumstances, and even people to derail your spiritual character. Recognizing his game is the key to our resistance (James 4:7) as Paul pointed out in (2 Corinthians 2:11). Knowing coupled with our faith helps us stay even more intensely focus on the Lord and His will.

A Test of Faith

The Lord proves in Matthew chapter 4, that the shield of faith can stop the enemy dead in his tracks. The faith clinic that the Lord puts on in the wilderness is  a great example for all saints looking to take their faith to the next level. Each attempt by Satan was met with Christ faith in our heavenly father. Jesus chose faith in the father rather in himself or the enticement of Satan when faced with hunger, pride, and temptation. Just like our savior, we must rely on our personal faith to do spiritual battle . The Bible tells us that the enemy is a fiery dart thrower (Ephesians 6:16) and each volley he throws is designed to weaken, distract and ultimately devour you. Just like the shield in first century was the barrier between the soldier and incoming fire. It is the spiritual shield that provides protection for the heart, mind and spirit for the child of God.

A Test of the Word.

Looking at Matthew 4 from a general perspective, you would think that Satan attempt to take on Jesus with scripture skills is a futile feat.In verse 4, Jesus puts the Word on Satan, by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. After the first encounter, one would think that Jesus rebuttal to Satan’s bread temptation alone shuts down any future attempts, but the devil plays along. We should take note of this action, especially in verse 6. Think about it. If Satan has the audacity to try Jesus with the Word, what is to stop him from repeating the same tactic against us? Make no mistake Satan know’s the Word. In verse 6, he quotes Psalm 91:11, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” The Lord hits back in verse 7, by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 and shuts him down for good in verse 10 by referencing Deuteronomy 6:13, “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name”. Sometimes fighting the good fight means wielding the sword or putting the Word on our adversary. Jesus example of this in the wilderness gives us a path to victory over Satan!

Jesus was a masterful teacher and understood the Mosaic law extremely well. He was there in the beginning with God when he created it along with Moses at Mount Sinai. During Jesus ministry he quoted from 24 books in the Old Testament and yet Satan still thought he had a chance! So study to keep yourself sharp in the Bible, because the devil knows the Word too!

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org

Backpack City!

Another Chance to Serve for His Glory!

Last month we held our our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway for families in the community. It was truly a congregational effort. The members of the CU church family unified themselves in both donation and volunteer efforts. Over 100 backpacks and 1500 school supplies were handed out.  In addition to the supplies, 25 free hair cuts were performed by professional barber John Cardenas. All this was due to God’s glory and we could not be in this position without the hand of the almighty. Now that the school year has started lets stay in prayer for kids, teachers and schools in our area and everywhere to have a safe and productive 2016 year.

Some of the many we were privilege to serve.

The Barber in Action!

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org

VBS Awesomeness!

40 Kids. 4 Nights. 18 Bible Reviews. 12 Teaching Sessions and Over 100 meals given out. So what does this all sum up? It’s Simple.

Vacation Bible School is an Awesome Labor of Love!

We had another great year of Vacation Bible School. Throughout the years VBS has been a great ministry for the Central Union Church of Christ. 2016 was no different and in fact it was one of the best years to date. I want to thank all the volunteers, teachers and everyone who attended one or all nights during CU Vacation Bible School week.

Check out some of the activities and highlights of VBS this past July.

VBS 2016 Reviews, Games and Group Fun!

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VBS 2014 Throwback

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org

The Lifting Effect of Singing

Throughout the years being a Christian I have been moved by different aspects of worship. Wonderful preaching, prayers and singing have truly inspired me. It would be easy for anyone to come to the conclusion that I am very “pro-preaching“. That has been my passion throughout my ministry and it rings true today. Recently though I have developed an appreciation for singing. Why now? Well, that is a good question!  The answer is simple. I have seen its “Lifting effect“. It is truly amazing how rhythmic melody and harmonic tempo can change moods. For years singing in worship has made me cry, sad, joyful and at times enhanced my preaching. No doubt singing is soul soothing. It has turned my day completely around. It has brought reset to a bad week. That is how singing has affected me.

However, I have seen people moved by song in a entirely different way. Much of this insight has been driven by Central Harmony, the singing chorus of Central Union church of Christ. For years, Central Harmony has been taking their singing ministry to a number of song conducive spots in the Central Texas area. The Western Hills Nursing Center, is one of the places the chorus visits each month. The enthusiasm by the residents every third Sunday at 3pm is truly indescribable. The anticipation is absolutely electric. Similar to a group of people converging to see a summer blockbuster or counting down the seconds before a super bowl kick off. Every now and then I get a chance to accompany them on a ministry visit. And every time I come out it seems like I see a different person impacted by their singing.

Whether it is tears streaming, or a person standing clapping with jubilation…

The same thought always pops up in my mind, that is found in Colossians 3:16.”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”

Check out below some of their Western Hills outings.

Central Harmony at Western Hills Nursing Center. (07/17/16)

Recent songs of praise on 7/17/16.

Gifts for the residents last December 2015.

 

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org

Playing Hurt

Listening to Minister Leon Ivory preach at our First Sunday in June had me both encouraged and reminiscing a little. One of the things it brought to memory was my days playing football. Football was a passion of mine back when I attended high school in the early 90’s. Eventually I got hurt as is the nature of the sport. I remember being helped off the field and my coach asking me a unique question that still resonates with me today. My coach, in his deep voice would asked me “Keir are you hurt or injured”. When I heard the question the first time I thought to myself isn’t it the same?  I replied, “What’s the difference coach”? He replied, “Hurt you can still play, but if you have an injury then you need rest and treatment.” Not only does this makes sense in the game of football, but this also applies to our daily walk with Christ.

The church is a team. Jesus is our divine coach and His playbook is the Word of God. We huddle up every Sunday morning to learn new spiritual plays to live by and help others during the week. Followers of Christ will eventually suffer injury. (2 Timothy 3:12). The injuries also occur in different varieties. Some saints are wounded by people in everyday life. Others are hurt by family or situations in their past. Then we have the injuries that happen on the team, or those by other believers in church. Sometimes these are the worse kind of injuries due to people’s expectation of Christians. It is unfortunate that many in the Lord’s church are playing hurt today. In other words they are active in the church but they are wounded. Hurt from a loss love one. Bruised from the sting of a broken relationship. Scarred from issues or demons in their past. No it is not easy being hurt, but here is a shot of praise. You can still PLAY HURT! Matter of fact Jesus specializes in brokenness. So what does the Lord want from those hurting?
Stay in the spiritual game. Here’s How.

5 things you can do when injury is suffered on the spiritual playing field.

1. First, you have to acknowledge you are hurting.
Denial hinders healing.

2. Fight off through faith the drift or retreating spirits that come on you.

Satan is going to employ the kitchen sink strategy. He is going to throw countless darts tipped with poison. That poison will be bitterness, self-pity, apathy, worthlessness and more. Fighting off the devil will take both resistance(James 4:7) and faith (Ephesians. 6:10-16). Be ready to fight and the blessing is this conflict will make you stronger in the faith.

3. Seek the Right Treatment

There are a lot of so-called remedies the devil will put in front of you! Ill advice, unconducive associations, bitter thoughts and non-spiritual avenues will keep you in a hurtful state. Rest and Treatment is needed when a football player suffers injury on the field. On the team I played for, the field house was the place to get treatment. Jesus declared in (Matthew 11:28) that the place to go for spiritual treatment is come to Him. Just because we are hurt doesn’t mean we still can’t play.The right treatment always starts and ends with Jesus.

4. Keep yourself checked in the Hospital

The church is a spiritual hospital and it is imperative (Hebrews 10:25) that we stay with the Lord. Being around other believers, their encouragement, study, praise and worship can do wonders for hurting saints.

5. Continuous Forgiveness

Forgiveness is Christianity 101 and is a must for complete healing. Jesus declares this in (Matthew 18:21-22). The Greek word for forgiveness in this text is “aphiemi“, which means to send away or let go. No single person will ever offend someone 490 times! The principle that Jesus is pointing out that we constantly forgive so as times goes on and the more you send it away(forgive), the pain loses its sting and force over time. When we practice the forgiveness Jesus teaches then we come to a point where the mental or emotional wound no longer touches your spirit.

For your reading and personal study.
Matthew 11:28, Matthew 18:21-22, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 10:24-25, James 4:7, Ephesians 6:10-16.

In His Awesome Service.

Be Bless,

KS Brady

Keir S. Brady is the senior minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycuccanfamily.org