The Open Word (Audio)

There have always been scoffers when it comes to the teachings of Christ. But the Word of God clearly warns about the dangers resisting the gospel. In today’s teaching with Pastor David, we’re reminded to be prepared for judgment. As followers of Christ, we ought to live in such a way that is so future focused that the advancement of the Gospel becomes the center of our lives. So let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ and demonstrate belief by the way we love and live out the message of the gospel.

There a number of theories on the return of Christ, but the Bible teaches that no man knows the day or hour of His return. In light of all the waiting and theories, one thing we know for sure: He’s coming back. In our time with Pastor David today, we’ll hear what the Bible says about having a mind-set that is future focused, ready for His return. While some grow weary in the speculation and waiting, others will renew their strength by advancing the Kingdom of God by the gospel of JESUS Christ.

Have you ever struggled with the feeling of anxiousness? We all have at one time or another. But if we deal with anxiousness through prayer, we can overcome the temptation to give place to it in our lives. As we get into today’s teaching with Pastor David, we’re reminded to trust in God, no matter the circumstance. To be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving turn to God in prayer. For as we do, Christ JESUS will destroy the work of the enemy in our lives

Sometimes our worries feel bigger than our God. So it’s not unusual for us to allow it to take over our lives. God warns believers to not allow worry to control them because it can only create a hindrance in their relationship with Him and people in their lives. In our time with Pastor David, we’ll also consider how a tendency to worry could destroy our joy in our relationship with God. When we experience worry, it’s important to cast our cares on Him and not allow this kind of sin to take over lives.

God loves to bless His children. And one of the ways He does that is through financial prosperity. Not everyone who loves God will become rich… or should even seek to become rich. But when we are blessed in this way, it is for the purpose of being a blessing. In our time with Pastor David, we’ll consider how we might be able to bless others as we seek to honor God. There’s nothing wrong with being rich. Wealth is to be enjoyed. But riches should never get in the way of our relationship with God.

How much would it take for you to be satisfied? While responses are sure to vary, one thing is certain; God loves to bless His children and teaches them to be satisfied. In today’s program with Pastor David, we’ll consider how we might receive from God in a way that does not create a hindrance. No amount of blessing can ever become a problem if it doesn’t compete with our relationship with God. We must learn to be good stewards of His provision and find satisfaction in our relationship with God.

Have you ever noticed that people don’t mind if you talk about God or His love as long as you don’t mention the Name of JESUS? It’s been that way since the beginning. The Name of JESUS brings offense… even to some who claim to follow Him but want to avoid conflict. As Pastor David shares today, if we only speak of the love and mercies of God, but leave out the reality of sin, we run the risk of misrepresenting the Truth. God will hold us accountable to the measure of truth we are given.

The truth isn’t popular. And if we think about it, how could it be? Since the Name of JESUS has never been popular, the Truth can’t possibly be either. In fact, we know that JESUS identifies Himself as the Truth, the Way AND the Life. So as Pastor David points out, the Truth will never sell as well as lies. Worldly people only want to hear about things that don’t challenge their sin. The fact is that the majority hide themselves from the truth because the truth dispels darkness and shines a light on our sin

Hypocrisy breaks God’s heart. Not only because of the false nature of our devotion, but because it can lead other people astray. If we claim to have a relationship with JESUS, it’s important to remember to be genuine in our language and attitudes with God and in our relationships with other people. As we hear JESUS warning through the teachings of Pastor David, it would be a good time to administer a heart-check to be sure if what we believe is in keeping with true love for Word of God.

JESUS sees right through us. We know this to be true because He always discerned the hearts of the people around Him, especially the religious leaders who were filled with evil motivations. In today’s message with Pastor David, we’ll hear how JESUS warned the people about the dangers of following the religious leaders. Nothing JESUS did or said could ever convince them of the Truth, yet He makes the distinction between those who truly follow Him and those who do not.