The Open Word (Audio)

JESUS always knew how to get to the point in a conversation. He never felt the need to create long roads to the Truth. As we listen into another conversation JESUS had with His disciples, we’ll hear Him get to the heart of an issue concerning the relevancy of sin. As Pastor David points out, JESUS wanted to make sure that the disciples understood the need for repentance, in the face of speculation. God desires that all men repent and does not use a measuring stick concerning sin.

When we come to Christ, we can’t expect to avoid division. JESUS knew and warned that the message of the Kingdom would separate people from one another. In our time with Pastor David, we’ll hear about the inevitable push back that comes from people who are resistant to entering the Kingdom. If we choose to follow Christ, we need to be prepared for a battle over the genuineness of our faith. Even well-meaning friends and loved ones should be expected to challenge God’s Lordship in our lives.

What does it mean when God says He’s going to separate the wheat from the chaff? And is that something we need to be concerned about? In today’s program, we’ll endeavor to understand what the Lord wanted to us to know about this powerful truth. According to Pastor David, when God says He’s going to burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire, He’s not talking about what He plans to do to believers. But the fire is meant for the unbelieving who refuse to repent from their sin.

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.