The Open Word (Audio)

Are you willing to decrease so that God may increase in your life? Many believers like glory for themselves rather than giving it up to God. Pastor David will show you today how God still does signs and wonders in order to draw unbelievers to Himself. Unfortunately many believers think that when there is a work of God it’s because of their own efforts and strengths. If you’ve been given spiritual gifts, it is because of God’s grace, not because of anything special about you or your efforts.

When you go throughout your day do you think about how all you do should be for the purpose of glorifying God? Pastor David will be teaching through Romans about glorifying God. The Apostle Paul is saying in this text that there are many ways you can glorify Him. They only way you can glorify God is if you hold fast to the hope of God. Eternity stands before you, He is the God of hope. So when you get hindered or discouraged about glorifying God, focus on hope and receive joy.

Have you ever allowed your personal opinions to get in-between your relationship with other believers? Pastor David will be showing you how God desires your love for Him and for others rather than how holy you appear to be. Jesus said, “and this is how the world will know you are My disciples, by the love you have for one another.” Encourage other believers to live for the Lord, but don’t force feed your opinions on them. Make disciples of Jesus, not disciples after yourself.

Do you purpose to live peaceable with all men? Pastor David will be teaching on the balance between walking in the liberty of your beliefs and having love towards others. You should stand fast in your convictions and beliefs, but in such a way that you are loving, in order to win others over to Christ. Just because you’re convicted about a certain sin or action does not mean you need to force feed your convictions on other people. Be an example and love others. Let God do the convicting.

Through this chapter in Romans, Pastor David will be exhorting you to wake up out of sleep and live as though you believe in the imminent return of the Lord. If the Lord were to come back today would you be ready? If you’re living for the flesh instead of living for the Spirit, then your actions reveal that you really don’t believe that Christ can come back at any time. The Apostle Paul exhorts all believers to live a pure and holy life, and to forsake all known sin. Confess, repent, and wake up today.

When others think about you, are you known for your love? Pastor David will be exhorting you to radiate God’s love. Love is the emphasis of the early Christian community, and a commandment from the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “The world will know you are My disciples, by the love you have for one another.” If you’re going through your Christian walk and not loving others, then you’ve fallen asleep to the mission given you. Awake out of sleep, for your salvation’s near.

You ever have problems submitting to authority? Pastor David will be teaching on the authority of God in your life. The Lord commands all believers to submit to the authorities that are in office. You’re only commanded to submit to your authorities as long as the authorities are not telling you to disobey God. If you disobey the civil authorities because you’re choosing to obey God, you need to be prepared to face the consequences. If you live a Godly life you will be persecuted.

Pastor David will be showing us in the book of Romans that God is a God of order, and not disorder. The Lord has set up an authority structure for your benefit. He is sovereign and in control of the affairs of man. Do you believe that the Lord is sovereign over your life? When things happen to you and you go through trials you can have faith that the Lord will work all things for your good. Purpose to trust in God and not lean on your own understanding during times of trial.

Join us today as Pastor David teaches through Paul’s exhortations to all believers in regards to being steadfast and fervent in the Spirit. The only way you can grow in holiness and grow in love is if you’re first fervent in Spirit, and steadfast. All of the commands and exhortations in the Bible require steadfastness. It’s very easy to start off the right way, but are you still actively pursuing those Godly characteristics to this day? Don’t sprint and burn out, run the race with endurance.

As Pastor David continues his teaching on living as a sacrifice, he will be emphasizing the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to love through you. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this, all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” One thing that is a testimony to the world that you are a disciple of Christ is your genuine love for one another. Being a living sacrifice is all about loving God, and loving one another.