On today's programme, we're delving deep into the true essence of Christian praying. Pastor Colin emphasizes that the goal of such prayer is not to achieve relaxation of the body – it's far more profound.

As we explore this spiritual practice, we must understand that biblical prayer entails engaging the mind, focusing thoughts, and communing with God. A stark contrast to certain forms of mysticism that encourage an empty mind, Christian prayer invites us to fill our mind with God's presence. With the guidance of an open Bible, prayer becomes a dynamic and meaningful dialogue.

For those feeling uncertain about prayer, this broadcast is your stepping-stone – a primer, if you will, on initiating a prayerful life. Pastor Colin shares seven practical pointers on effective prayer, each beginning with the letter 'P', derived from the life and prayers of the prophet Elijah, a man whose prayers were met with divine responses.

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin explores the powerful story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, where the prophets of Baal find their cries met with silence, while the true God responds with might. This biblical account challenges us to reflect deeply on the focus of our lives. Are we placing our hopes in things that, ultimately, cannot fulfil our deepest needs?

Philip Ryken aptly notes that success, pleasure, and personal beauty, though often idolised, remain incapable of answering our prayers. They are silent when we need them most. Yet, there is one who hears and saves—God Himself, the one who corresponds to the name we call upon.

Join us as we probe into 1 Kings 18:20-40, drawing a "Line in the Sand," and discover why it's essential to anchor your life in someone who can genuinely respond to your call for help.

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin challenges us with a profound topic: the impossibility of serving two masters. He asserts, "You cannot worship God and at the same time craft your own truth, shape your own morality, and somehow contrive your own independent purpose for life. It's about making a decisive choice, an inevitable decision that demands our attention."

Through the narrative of Elijah and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:20-40, Pastor Colin illustrates the stark choices that confront us as believers. The ancient dilemma of 'limping between two opinions' speaks volumes to our contemporary struggles with faith and worldly distractions. He invites us to consider the exclusive claims of God over our lives and the futility of trying to follow Him while clinging to idols of our making.

Join us for today's poignant message, aptly titled "A Line in the Sand," where we examine Elijah's challenge to the Israelites at Mount Carmel. It's a call to clear-cut commitment, to choose whom we will serve.

In today's broadcast, we dive into the intriguing relationship of Elijah and Obadiah – two men firmly rooted in their belief, yet with dispositions and callings so contrasting that mutual understanding was quite the challenge.

While Elijah, the prophet, took the route of bold confrontation, announcing the word of God with zealous authority, Obadiah's life was strikingly different. Less known and seemingly more politically inclined, Obadiah served within King Ahab's court, a place shrouded in darkness. Despite the dubious shadows cast upon him, Obadiah was a beacon of influence where it was needed most, exemplifying that God's plans are often wider and more intricate than we can fathom.

Today, we invite you to journey with us to 1 Kings chapter 18, as Pastor Colin unfolds the significance of these two distinct paths, reminding us that "Your Work Matters More Than You Think." What could possibly go wrong when two brothers in faith, who serve the same God, come face to face? A lot, actually. And therein lies a powerful lesson about embracing the diversity of God's callings.

Today, we venture into the curious and encouraging story of Obadiah, a lesser-known figure from the Old Testament. As we tackle the narrative of this godly man entrenched in the court of King Ahab, we observe a person of faith navigating an overwhelmingly ungodly environment – a scenario that reverberates with many of us today.

Obadiah's tale reminds us of the light that can be found in the darkest of places and the influence one can wield by staying true to God's path. The challenges and pressures he must have faced resonate with those many of us experience in our workplaces, especially when our Christian values seem at odds with our professional ones.

In this broadcast, Pastor Colin Smith opens the scriptures to the account of Obadiah in 1 Kings chapter 18, providing insights and strength to persevere for anyone feeling the weight of their calling. Whether you work in a secular job, face ethical dilemmas, or wonder if you should shift to vocational ministry, the story of Obadiah has something to say to you. Tune in as we explore why your work matters more than you might think, here on "Open the Bible."

In today's episode, Colin unpacks the pivotal role that personal ministry plays in our walk of faith. Each of us may not summon fire from heaven or call nations to repentance like Elijah did on Mount Carmel, but we are all given the precious opportunity to positively affect the lives of those around us, be it one person or one family at a time.

Guiding us through 1 Kings chapter 17, Pastor Colin reflects on how our own hearts may at times condemn us and how we are to remind ourselves that God is greater than our hearts. He also shares the beautiful affirmation that faith, though tested, will eventually triumph, and one day we will stand before Jesus Christ, fully understanding and seeing clearly.

As you listen, we invite you to open your heart to the truths drawn from Elijah's journey of strength and tenderness, and how it beautifully mirrors the incarnate work of Jesus—entering into our lives, bearing our burdens, and ultimately providing the path to everlasting life.

We often hear that 'faith begins where you trust God's promise enough to obey his commands', but today we're going to witness how a mother's leap of trust and obedience underscores this profound truth.

Join us on a journey through one of Pastor Colin's favourite narratives—the tale of a widow and her son on the verge of their last meal, facing what seems to be the end of the line. But it's in this place of despair where God sends a prophet who asks for a sacrifice that borders on the unbelievable. The widow's response? To take a step of faith so staggering that it sets her on a remarkable path.

As we explore 1 Kings 17:17-24, Pastor Colin guides us through the heartache and triumph of this mother's journey, showcasing how her actions thread the needle between belief in a distant deity and the transformative power of following God's direction, no matter the cost. It's a story that not only reaches us through the Scriptures but echoes in our own lives, as we each grapple with placing our trust in God's promises.

What does Jesus Christ want you to do with your life? Delving into the Christian ethos of self-sacrifice for the sake of eternal joy, he invites us to shift our focus from personal desires to serving God with unwavering generosity and spirit.

We're guided through a journey into 1 Kings chapter 17, verses 7 to 16, pondering why God asks for sacrifice and what it truly means to 'take up the cross'. As Colin intensely explores the concept of counting oneself as 'dead already', he encourages Christians to relinquish ownership of their lives to God, and in doing so, discover the most impactful ways they can contribute to His purpose.

Be prepared to question your own contributions, whether it's through prayer, service, or generosity, and take heart in knowing that any sacrifice made is in pursuit of a greater joy beyond this world.

As we delve into the story of Elijah, we learn that even when familiar sources of sustenance disappear, God's merciful hand is still at work, provisioning us through unexpected means.

In the life of Elijah, we find a striking lesson in trust. Stationed at Cherith, God nourishes him, but the moment the brook dries up, Elijah is directed to Zarephath. It's here we find the crux of our message: We must rely on God, who is the ultimate supplier, rather than the supply itself. This truth resonates across various aspects of our lives, be it friendships, churches, or careers. These are but channels God uses; He alone remains our unwavering source.

Perhaps you're presently facing a shift, where a familiar source of comfort or support is no longer available. Fear not, for Pastor Colin assures us of God's continuous guidance and provision. It's in these interims, as we await His new direction, that our faith is put to the test. Will we trust in His faithfulness, despite the uncertainty?

Today we're joined by Pastor Colin to talk about a common conundrum for Christians: Seeking God's guidance.

In life, we often yearn for clarity in our next steps, but sometimes forget to focus on what God has already set before us. Colin suggests moving forward in faith with what God has given us, trusting Him to reveal the next steps when the time is right. But, how do we discern God's will, especially when faced with closed doors and uncertainty?

Using the life of Elijah from 1 Kings chapter 17, Pastor Colin reveals a powerful principle: You can only guide a moving object. He encourages us to fix our minds not on what's ahead but to actively engage in what God calls us to do now — to uphold our current responsibilities and trust God's wisdom for the future.

Interestingly, we'll learn that God's guidance often comes not through the grand and pristine but can arrive via unexpected, even 'unclean', vessels. Take the raven's role in nourishing Elijah, a creature deemed 'unclean' yet chosen by God as a provider. This serves as a reminder that God can use any means to support His people and fulfill His will.