Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the vital role of missionary and evangelistic organisations within the Christian faith. These organizations are affectionately likened to bridesmaids who assist the bride—the church—as she prepares for the bridegroom, Christ.

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin vividly unpacks the enchanting imagery of the church as the beloved bride of Christ. His insights drawn from Ephesians chapter 5 will challenge and encourage you to serve and cherish your local church as Jesus does. You'll discover the profound love Jesus has for the church, a love so deep that He gave Himself up for her. And one day, He will present the church, His bride, in perfect glory without blemish.

Tune in as Pastor Colin calls us to hold a vision of the church just as Jesus sees it—a radiant bride eagerly awaiting her bridegroom.

Knowing God isn't predicated on having an earthly father's love. If you've struggled with fatherly relationships, today's message will reassure you that you can fully experience God's love through Jesus Christ, irrespective of your family background.

The gospel reframes our understanding of love, showing us that the richness of God's love is known through Jesus. This love then informs and transforms our relationships, including how we become loving fathers, husbands, and wives.

Our focus is Ephesians chapter 5, where marriage is a metaphor for Christ's love for His church. Colin emphasizes that our understanding of being a godly husband or wife shouldn't rely solely on human examples but on how Christ loves His bride, the Church. It's a beautiful and liberating message: no matter your past, Christ is your model for love in the present.

Jesus' sacrificial love sets the standard. He gave Himself for the Church, takes the initiative in caring for it, and nurtures it towards a radiant future. Husbands are encouraged to love their wives as Christ loves the Church—a daunting task made possible only through embracing Christ Himself.

In conclusion, Christ's love for His Church is a blueprint for our relationships, an archetype of nurturing and selfless love that transcends time, culture, and personal history. So whatever your past relationships looked like, know that in Christ, a future of learning and embodying true love awaits.

Confronting the moments that jostle and discomfort us in our faith communities, we uncover the profound purpose behind such encounters. Pivoting to Ephesians chapter two, we receive wisdom on how the church, albeit a work in progress, embodies a construction site where Christ is actively at work. Through this inspiring message titled "The Building," we're invited to see beyond the chaos to the promise of transformation, where every trial and interaction is part of our spiritual maturation.

This broadcast is an uplifting nudge for anyone who has felt the sting of rebuke or the pang of spiritual growing pains. It reassures us that these experiences are not merely obstacles but tools in the Master Builder's hands. As we turn to scripture with Pastor Colin, we're encouraged to embrace patience, resist sin, and anticipate the pure joy of Christ's completed work within us.

Have you ever felt beaten down or disenchanted within the church? Disconnected or perhaps even ready to wash your hands of the whole affair? Well, if that's where you find yourself, or if you've been there before, you're not alone. It's not unusual for churchgoers to encounter discouragement or frustration – it's part of navigating our faith in a complex world.

But here's the good news: Pastor Colin is going to open up Ephesians and shed light on how the church, with all its imperfections, is still a project under the masterful care of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus never gives up on His church, and neither should we!

This program is for anyone seeking rejuvenation and a reminder that despite its earthly struggles, the church is destined to be the radiant embodiment of Christ. As we unpack what it means for the church to be likened to a "building", you'll discover that it's not the physical structure that matters but the living, breathing community being shaped and constructed by God Himself.

And don't forget, you can always catch up or re-listen to any of our programs online at openthebible.org.uk. Now, let's join Pastor Colin and get ready to see the church - and perhaps even your place within it - with renewed eyes. Here’s Colin with today’s message, “The Building.”

Are you actively part of a local congregation, or have you chosen to stand on the sidelines? In today's broadcast, we're diving into the heart of what it means to be integrated into the body of Christ, both spiritually and within our communities.

Pastor Colin returns to the profound analogy of the church as the body of Christ, where he talks about the inherent dissonance in being a Christian disconnected from this vital community. Just as a limb severed from the body cannot survive, a Christian isolated from the church misses out on the fullness of Christ's work in the world. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we were not only brought into salvation but also called to belong to something greater than ourselves: His church.

As the conversation unfolds, we'll explore the scriptural insights from Ephesians chapter 1 and question the implications of detachment, the importance of being connected and responsive to the head, Jesus, and what it truly means to work together as one body.

This is a beckoning to consider our place and purpose within the church. It's a challenge to evaluate why staying detached from Christian fellowship might feel safe but doesn't align with the life Jesus desires for us. The church is not just an option for Christians; it's essential for growth, ministry, and ultimately, for fully living out our faith.

In today's broadcast, we're diving deep into the often curious relationship between Jesus and the church. So, if you've ever found yourself pondering, "I want to make a big impact for God, but the church seems like a mess. Do I really need to be part of it?" then you're in precisely the right place!

Pastor Colin will be unpacking some pretty potent Scripture from Ephesians Chapter 1, and addressing the idea that, despite its imperfections, the church is fundamentally intertwined with the work of God on earth. After all, Jesus didn't just randomly decide to associate with the church; He actively chose it as His vessel.

Many of us have viewed the church as a petrol station, a quick pit stop to refuel our spiritual tanks, or as a movie theatre, seeking entertainment and a place to escape our worries. But Open the Bible is here to shift that perspective. It's time to discard those consumer-oriented images and recognize that the church isn't a service provider; it's a living, breathing community where Jesus's plans unfold.

🎙️ Welcome to "Open the Bible" with Pastor Colin Smith! 📖

Join us as we dive deeper into understanding the essence of the church and its significance to every believer. Today's message, "What is the Church, and Why Does It Matter?" brings to light how every one of us in the congregation is a part of God's divine gathering.

Pastor Colin emphasizes that our place in the church isn't an accident but a deliberate action from God. Discover why the church is so dear to Christ and, consequently, why it should matter to us. If Christ gave himself for the church despite its imperfections, shouldn't we also share in that love and commitment?

In today's episode, we're diving into a thought-provoking and perhaps slightly controversial topic: the role and importance of the church in a Christian's spiritual life. Some voices in our society suggest the church may hinder rather than help our faith. But what does the Bible say? What vision do the Scriptures cast for the church?

As we kick off our new series, "What is the Church and Why Does It Matter?", Pastor Colin reveals why the church is not only relevant but also cherished by Christ himself. Christ’s profound love for the church and His sacrifice are the cornerstones we will explore. Despite varying perspectives, Jesus' view of the church is clear—it’s a precious and valued gathering of believers.

Pastor Colin challenges us to take a close look at Matthew chapters 16 and 18, as we share Jesus' passion for His church and seek to understand it the way Christ Himself does.

This series promises to rekindle our love for the church as Jesus' bride and shed light on its true beauty and purpose. So, if you're curious, sceptical, or simply longing for biblical insight—tune in for a fresh understanding of what the church is and why it absolutely matters.

Pastor Colin explores the unwavering truth that our choices in serving God have both present challenges and eternal reward. For many of us, the road of faith can be rocky, often leading us to ponder whether our commitment holds any true weight. But rest assured, today's message promises to elevate our spirits and reaffirm the value of perseverance.

Many Christians experience times when following Jesus feels overwhelming; perhaps you're enduring such a season now. Faced with the hardships along this path, the question "Is it truly worth it?" can surface. We aim to answer that with scriptural encouragement focusing on the anticipated day of God's great recognition for His servants.

Pastor Colin will guide us through Malachi chapter 3 and the profound promise that those who have dedicated themselves to serving the Almighty will witness clear distinction from those who haven't–a distinction that will stand glaringly apparent on that ultimate day. Envisioning this future, we recognise the immeasurable worth of our service to the Lord.

Embarking further into our series, we're inevitably facing times when our faith wavers, and a sense of discouragement creeps in. Here we are, persistently striving to follow Christ, yet we may wonder about the tangibility of our efforts.

But fear not, for we delve into one of the Bible's most uplifting passages in the book of Malachi, Chapter 3. We've seen how the faithful come together, discuss the goodness of the Lord, and find comfort in knowing that God hears them. He doesn't just listen, but He actively remembers our service to Him, and the acts done in His name are everlasting in His divine memory.

Today's focus is truly heartening—we're exploring how God rewards those who remain steadfast in faith. Malachi's words paint an inspiring picture, and we're eager to examine what the future holds for us through the text from Malachi Chapter 3. God's forthcoming rewards for His servants include being treasured, spared, healed, and set free. We'll contemplate these enriching promises with Pastor Colin, so keep your Bibles open and ready.