July 30, 2021

Are You Different?

In the last year of my basketball coaching career, I recall sitting in my athletic director’s office.  As I was wrestling with my call into full-time ministry that would require my departure from the coaching world, I had asked to meet with him.  The half-hour meeting with him was not a pleasant one.  For the better part of 30 minutes I listened as my coaching philosophy was questioned.  Furthermore, my character and my work ethic were questioned and criticized.  Needless to say, he and I agreed to disagree.  Looking back, I’m grateful that the Lord used that experience to direct my steps.  However, I must confess, even today when his name is mentioned, or that meeting crosses my mind, I instantly feel my blood pressure begin to rise, my face turns a different shade of red, and those little veins begin to pop up on my head.

Perhaps someone comes to your mind that makes you experience the same response.  As you are well aware, we are living in a time where there are many who are working both covertly and openly to destroy us – our faith, our success, our life, our families, all of who we are.  There is no denying the fact this world provides us with many enemies.  The Bible tells us that will be the case for those who love the Lord. 

The question I look forward to investigating with you on Sunday is this:  Are you different?  Am I different?  Are we different when it comes to our response to our enemies?  I hope you can join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series on Spiritual Maturity.  We will be looking at Matthew 5:38-48.  I believe that God has already done a work in my heart when asking this question.  I pray that you will spend part of your weekend with us and invite God to do a work in your heart to better love our enemies. 

Blessings,

Pastor Brandon