The Open Word (Audio)

Guilt is a powerful thing. Feeling broken for the sin and evil you’ve done is a heavy burden. But it’s in the midst of this brokenness that Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness become active in your life and you become new. Your guilt is gone, your sin is forgiven. Today Pastor David will explain the next step in response to this internal change that happens in your heart. Be baptized, in obedience, to demonstrate and give testimony that you were dead to sin and now are washed and made alive in Christ.

It’s really hard to admit you are wrong, isn’t it! Especially to a God who is Holy and perfect. However, God is the one who most deserves and cares about your admission of sin and desire to change. And yelling of damnation to come to unbelievers isn’t the way to help them to reach that point of repentance. As Pastor David will explain today, bringing others to repentance is an act of the Holy Spirit through you sharing the hope and forgiveness and love available because of what Jesus did on the cross.

Many of us could scarce imagine what it would be like to follow someone for three years, only to witness them suffer a terrible death. The amount of confusion, heartbreak, and loss of hope would no doubt crush many of us. As you've probably guessed, this is in reference to the life and death of Christ. In today's message, Pastor David reminds you that every part of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ was according to plan. In his study, you'll learn how God had everything under His control.

When would you say is the last time that you were absolutely marveled by the works of God in your life? Has it been a while since you last felt such awe and wonder towards God, or do you make it a point to reflect on His power and goodness regularly? In today's message, Pastor David reflects on the reaction of the early believers after having received the Holy Spirit. In his study, you'll learn the importance of guarding your heart from an apathetic attitude and to seek God regularly to fill you with His Spirit.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes we can make as believers is comparing our ministries and the way God works in each of our lives. While sharing our testimonies is great for encouragement, comparing for the sake of pride is extremely detrimental. As Pastor David will teach you in his message today, God works in each and every one of us in a unique way. In his study, you'll learn how comparing works not only puts God in a box, but it can just as easily lead to pride, frustration, and discouragement.

If you've been a believer for any extended period of time, chances are you're well aware that the Jewish feasts are foreshadowings of Christ. From Tabernacles and the Lord dwelling with us, to Passover and the crucifixion, they all point to Jesus. In today's message, Pastor David will teach you about the Feast of First Fruits and how it speaks of the Resurrection. In his study, you'll learn how Christ was the First Fruit of the resurrection that all believers will experience.

Chances are you've had your fair share of moments in life where you needed to make an extremely big decision. While many of us deal with these in fervent prayer and counsel, things tend to get a little more complicated when large decisions involve several people. In today's message, Pastor David reflects on the importance of prayer and heavenly wisdom, rather than worldly emotions. In his study, you'll learn about the replacement of Judas Iscariot and the diligent prayers of the apostles during the process.

On a scale of one to ten, how much depth, honesty, and complexity would you say is involved in your prayer life? From a simple prayer before a meal being a one, and a fasted, isolated, contrite spirit of a prayer being a ten, where would you say you're at? In today's message, Pastor David will encourage you to reflect on your prayer life and address the areas that might be lacking. In his study, you'll learn about the power of heart felt, faith filled, Kingdom driven prayers and how they move God's hand.

Among the many denominations throughout the world, there are some who unfortunately believe that the power of The Spirit was only for the early Church. While some limit it to just the disciples, others claim that it was a temporary institution until the Church was big enough. However, as Pastor David will teach you in his message today, this same power is still available for believers today. In his study, you'll learn how God still uses His Spirit to radically move through the lives of individuals throughout the world.

For many of us, it can be hard to imagine not going to church on a regular basis. Whether we were born and raised in a church or we've been going for decades since the day we were saved, it's just second nature to us. Have you ever tried imagining what it would be like if there were no Church at all? In today's message, Pastor David will introduce you to the Book of Acts. In his study, you'll learn about the context, history, and spiritual climate as he begins his new series in this book that records the birth of the Church.