The Open Word (Audio)

Have you ever met someone who seems to handle everything that comes their way so easily? No matter what it is, no matter how long the trial lasts, they just take it all in and respond with

strength and grace. You may wonder how in the world they do it. Today, Pastor David will teach us how to remain this strong. It’s really no secret. It’s all about being in the word of God and then personally putting in into action. The medicine does not make you better, unless you take it. Ready, to try it?

Have you ever been on a diet? You gave yourself a goal to reach, maybe for a big event or to get healthy. You wanted to lose a certain amount of weight or get a certain result at the doctor. But, then, unfortunately, someone brings your favorite snack to work or gives you a gift card to your favorite restaurant. Today, we will hear from Pastor David regarding self-sacrifice and surrender. Just like with our diets, our Christian life needs to reflect these habits. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary and so worth the struggle.

Do you ever think about all the people who work behind the scenes? Maybe it’s the person who mows the grass to make the park beautiful or what about a secretary who is the face of an organization? Without them, many things would not happen. Yet, often they get no recognition. Usually, they come to work, do their job and move on. Today, Pastor David will teach us that this is what the Lord wants. He is looking for people who are faithful! Not for rewards, or to be noticed, but for the simple pleasure of doing what they have been called to do.

Have you ever been assigned a job and worked really hard to accomplish the task? Maybe, it was a paper you had to write. The assignment was clear, and you worked hard, did your best and got the job done. Today, Pastor David will remind us that this is what the Lord wants us to do. He created us with a specific job to do. He gave each person all the tools they need to accomplish it. Now, He is looking for hard work, dedication, and a job well done. Can He depend on you? What will your grade be?

Have you ever had a birthday cake with a candle that you just could not get to blow out? No matter how hard you tried, that particular candle just wanted to burn forever. Today, this is what Pastor David will teach us about John. John had the “candle” inside that would not go out. His light was forever on fire for the Lord and no one could blow it out. How about you? Is the Holy Spirit inside of you on fire for Jesus? The Lord is looking for passionate people, are you ready to light up a dark world?

Today, Pastor David will remind us that many people are lost and dying. The latest “hot trend” in the mega churches will not set them free and either will the latest bestselling book from their favorite Christian author. According to John 8:32, the word of God will set them free! Therefore, don’t give in to temptations that they need something else, or that the time is not right. Be bold, speak the word of God, and allow God to use you as an instrument in His hands. Someone’s eternity depends on it.

As Pastor David continues his teaching series through the Gospel of Luke, he'll be explaining what genuine repentance looks like. John the Baptist rebukes the pharisees and tax collectors because they chose to live for themselves, rather than thinking of others. Jesus Himself, demonstrated for us what it looks like to be selfless. He died on the cross for us in order to give us salvation even though we didn't deserve it. God calls us to be selfless and others centered just like our Lord.

Do you realize that the moment you call yourself a Christian, or a born again believer, the world places a microscope on you? Unbelievers are watching you! They are watching the way you live, they are watching how you act under pressure, and they want to see if what you say is genuine in your own life. Today, Pastor David will be encouraging us to abide in Jesus the Vine, so we can produce the fruit of the Spirit. Calling yourself a Christian isn't enough, you need to bear fruits of repentance.

John the Baptist was not seeker sensitive when he ministered to the multitudes. He wasn't afraid to call sin, sin, and he wasn't afraid to use the words hell and repentance. Today, Pastor David will be explaining that it's vitally important for us to love unbelievers to the point of telling them the truth of the gospel. We aren't doing anybody any favors by preaching a watered down gospel and sugar coating the destructive nature of sin. A transformed life is the only proof of salvation.

As Pastor David continues his teaching series through the Gospel of Luke, he'll be reminding us how important it is for us to obey the voice of the Lord. In our text today, John the Baptist is speaking forth the Word of God to the people of Israel after God was silent for an extremely long time. The children of Israel continuously disobeyed the Word of the Lord, and then eventually God stopped speaking to them for a prolonged period of time. When God speaks, obey His voice without delay!