The Open Word (Audio)

The idea of someone coming back to life from the dead can cause many reactions and emotions amongst individuals. As society increasingly relies on so-called scientific explanations, the idea of the supernatural becomes absurd. In today’s message Pastor David discusses the Shock and Awe of those who witness their loved ones come back to life! Reflecting on the miracles of Jesus, Pastor David helps us better understand the emotions and reactions of witnessing such an event. Well, let’s join Pastor David in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 23:46, in part one of his message entitled “Silence of the Tomb”.

Joseph of Arimathea was considered by many scholars to be a secret Christian. Joseph was a part of the Sanhedrin, which was a very strict Jewish religious organization. If they found out that Joseph was a Christian he would have been kicked out and maybe even killed. Joseph had to use wisdom as to who he would share this with and when he would share Christ. Chances are your don’t live in an area where you will be persecuted and killed for Jesus so are you preaching Christ in your sphere of influence?

Today Pastor David will be teaching on the character and life of Mary Magdalene and her devotion to the Savior. Mary’s life could be summed up in one word - surrender. Her life was wholly and completely surrendered to Jesus Christ. She was filled with numerous demons and her life was dedicated to darkness before Christ. Once Jesus healed her of the demons then she clung to Jesus and never let go of Him. What word defines your character now that you’re saved?

One of the main characteristics of the prophet Amos, that all believers should imitate, is Amos’ intimate relationship with the Lord. Since Amos was close to the Lord and meditated on His word, he was able to have a steadfast, proper, Biblical worldview. As you spend time communing with the Lord in prayer and in His word, you will naturally have your mind renewed. The moment you become distracted from the Lord you will begin to backslide into the mold of the world.

Amos was a prophet that many haven’t heard of, yet he was one of the most bold and faithful prophets in all of the Bible. Amos had a tough and extortive message for the nation of Israel and the nation of Israel did not heed his warnings. Just as Amos was rejected by the nation of Israel because he preached the truth, you as a believer will be rejected by some in the world as well. Typically people don’t want to hear any truth that requires them to change their sinful behavior.

As Pastor David continues his character study on Barnabas he will be teaching us the dangers of legalism. Even though Barnabas was known to be a mighty man of God, a son of encouragement and gracious, he was still at a moment in his life when he fell into legalism. This goes to show no matter how spiritual you are, no matter how strong you are, you must always remain diligent against falling into a works mentality. You’re saved by grace through faith, not of works.

The character of Barnabas is a beautiful example of what all believers should aspire to be. Barnabas means “son of encouragement” and that’s exactly what Barnabas did. Barnabas would encourage and build up all those around him. Barnabas was not only an encourager but he was a great steward over the resources God blessed him with. When we realize that we’re mere stewards, we begin to use those resources to further His Kingdom rather than our own.

As Pastor David continues his teaching through the life of Samson he will be emphasizing the importance of teaching your children to obey you as the authority in their lives so that they can learn to obey God. Samson did not honor his parents because his parents did not lead him in the right way. Even though his parents knew he should not have gotten involved with Delilah, they still gave in to his request. When children are left alone to go their own way they will always choose the way of the flesh.

As we look at the life of Samson there are many attributes that we as believers should steer clear from. Samson’s pride and lust got the better of him and was the reason for his undoing. During the beginning of Samson’s life the Lord allowed him to have tremendous strength to do the Lord’s work, but Samson got pumped up with pride. When you have great spiritual experiences with the Lord and you’re strong and growing, that doesn’t mean you should grow complacent in abiding with Him.

The Bible says that those who persevere to the end will be saved. This is true of the Apostle John. We know that John started off being extremely selfish and proud, yet at the end of his life he wrote the Book of Revelation and was known as the Apostle of Love. The life of John should be a comfort to all believers because we can all be selfish and are currently being transformed. Pastor David says it’s not about where you once were with the Lord, it’s about where you are now.