Kicking and screaming. Loud noises. Hot and sweaty. Searing flesh.
Obviously you probably figured out with that description and the title I am not describing a child being disciplined or being asked to do something he doesn’t want to do. Branding cattle or sheep was an absolute essential in the days we call the Wild West. The brand identified whose sheep or cattle or horses they were.
Phil Cooke, in his book, Unique, defines a brand as “what do people think of when they think of you, your product or your organization?” Each church establishes its brand, i.e. what it is known for. Preaching. Youth program. Generosity. Outreach to the community. Love. So much more.
As an individual follower of Jesus, I am branded. If you are a Christ-follower you are too. The question is this: “what do people think of when they think of me/you?” Is there a checklist to see how we are doing in that area?
Actually there is. “Branded”, my sermon series from I John which starts this Sunday, has 5 marks/brands which should be the makeup of every follower of Christ. They are marks I will be visiting as we make our way through this fantastic book.
LOVE DEEPLY
OBEY FAITHFULLY
LIVE AUTHENTICALLY
KNOW COMPLETELY
BELIEVE CONFIDENTLY
I can’t take credit for thinking those up. James MacDonald gets kudos for that. I’m excited to be preaching this book. I have never done it before. So I thank you for your prayers ahead of time.
I would say that almost all of the Christians I know do not exhibit any of the above mentioned
“Brands”.
Almost all of them have no distinguishing characteristics from the non believers I know.
Maybe you are suggesting they should but it’s just not so in the real world I know.
Maybe they do in the make-believe world Theists tend to live in.
I would probably agree with you but that is not something to hold against all of us. However it is because of what u say that I feel so strongly about preaching on them.
I don’t hold it against anyone. I just think it is a bit delusional. Preach much and expect little and you won’t be disappointed.
I never take that approach Jeff. I preach expecting God to change hearts. If I didn’t then I am wasting my time IMHO
These “brands” cannot be preached enough, Bill, in helping Christians to grow in their faith. Prayers for the success of your sermons that God’s Holy Spirit will speak through you.
Blessings!
I hope to bring these brands to the forefront quite a bit during this series Martha.
Nice subject and analogy. That’s a great question to ponder. And not easy to hide from.
Praying for you, Bill.
Thanks for your prayers Floyd.
I’m reading Unique at the moment and I keep swinging between learning lessons applicable for my work to my church to some of the personal applications you’ve identified. 🙂
I swung the same way also Rodney. At times I thought there was no relevance then realized there was.
I John raises some difficult concepts and extends some bar-raising challenges. Interested to hear what God has to say through you on these subjects, Bill. Prayers!
I agree Pam. Hope I don’t disappoint.
Hi Bill! I hope your preaching went well today! I’m sure it did as you are so inspired and excited to share this knowledge with others. I wish I could be there to hear it…
Thank you for introducing us to this book, it sounds wonderful. Probably it’s one that you could read every year, and get a new perspective every time.
Blessings and prayers,
Ceil
There are times when I just don’t know what to expect Ceil. This was one of those mornings. I know I have something to say but not sure how it will come across. Thanks for your prayers.