The Open Word (Audio)

Do you realize that everything you have is Gods’? Pastor David reminds you today that Christ has given everything to you as a gift. Could you handle it if God asked you to sell everything you have or asked you to give it away? Wow – that would be hard! We are selfish creatures, we like our possessions – A LOT! What if He just asked you to give your time or talents? We need to be like Jesus: selfless, compassionate and always looking out for others. Remember that everything you’ve been given is His!

Pastor David reminds you today that if you walk in faith, you will be persecuted. You may not be a threat to the enemy if you aren’t being persecuted. That would mean that you aren’t doing the things that God is asking of you. Being persecuted isn’t fun, but it is something you will learn to stand up against when you start following Christ. He will give you the strength and boldness to do it. Don’t let yourself be walked on. Learn today how to be strong and bold!

You need to be aware of the attacks of the enemy, when you step out as a Christian and do something in faith. Satan doesn’t like it and will try and attack you in any way he can. He will distract you and try to destroy what you believe. You may have to say out loud, “Get behind me Satan, God is in charge of me, not you!” Don’t let him win, claim God’s promises. Memorize scripture so that when the temptation comes, and it will, you can fight it off with the Word of God! Claim it and proclaim it!

Is your faith so deep that when God says to step out in bold faith, you do it? Or do you hesitate? Do you doubt yourself? Sometimes you even doubt God when you are afraid. You cannot see the plans He has for you. You just have to trust that He knows what He’s doing. Pastor David reminds you today that you have no idea what God will do when you step out in faith. If you hesitate you could be missing out on a great blessing. You could be withholding a blessing from someone else. Be brave – take a leap of faith!

Did you know that the forgiveness of sins is not automatic? God gave you a choice to accept Him or reject Him. He left it up to you, it’s your decision to make. In today’s message Pastor David shares that everyone has had to choose, even God’s chosen people. You have to repent and accept God’s plan for your life. If you choose Jesus you will live with Him forever in heaven, but if you reject Him you will spend eternity far away from Him with the enemy of your soul. What choice will you make today?

Today Pastor David teaches that a clear presentation of the facts of the gospel message doesn’t change lives. It needs to be a work on the inside that person by the Holy Spirit. You need to come to a place of repentance and full acceptance of the truth. You have the head knowledge but need a heart change. God knew we needed a Savior, so He sent Jesus to die for everyone’s sins. The Holy Spirit is the one who will change your heart from the inside out. Will you let Him?

Sometimes we pray for things and expect an answer immediately. It may feel like God is taking forever to answer or that He may NEVER answer. We have all prayed those prayers! It may be discouraging and frustrating. God is always right there, He may be saying “Not today my child, be patient, don’t worry!” Pastor David encourages you that God will answer you, but in His time and in His own way. He wants you trust Him fully, even when you can’t see His plan!

Have you ever had a co-worker, friend or family member notice that there was something different about you? Have people said, “I want to know where you get your happiness, your joy?” Pastor David encourages you to always have an answer ready. You need to be able to share where your hope comes from. Today Pastor David tells how Peter and John were asked the very same questions. Listen in to hear how they were prepared with answers that honored the Lord.

Living in the earliest days of the new believing church was incredibly difficult. But one thing that kept them strong, kept them growing and kept them secure was their devotion to fellowship with each other and to prayer and teaching. Pastor David will point out today that they were so impacted by these things, that the early church spread far and wide. Be involved in each other’s lives, show committed friendship, and spend time to grow together. The world will know you’re Christ’s disciple by how well you love each other.

The best way to convert a believer isn’t to stand on a platform and threaten Hell. It’s not to loan out a good spiritual book to an unbelieving friend. Today, you’ll discover with Pastor David that the best way is to share the gospel and make believers is word of mouth, one believer to another. Personal testimony of what God has done in your life is powerful. The gospel can spread because of the clear demonstration of how the gospel had changed your life. You can tell of the impact Jesus has had in your life and hearts will be touched.