The Open Word (Audio)

Many of us have thought at some point that if we were God we would probably do things a little bit different. After things turn out for the greater good, we often give God thanks that He is God, and we are not. In today's edition of The Open Word, Pastor David reflects on the omniscience of God. In our study, we learn how the all knowing and all powerful God operates in a manner that's far beyond our comprehension. With this in mind, we can take heart in knowing that God's never surprised, and handles each situation perfectly.

Just as we have our daily routines in work, family, and social life, we can often end up treating church in the same manner. Whether our congregation is in a book we don't like or the teachings aren't exciting, we can easily turn church into routine. In today's edition of The Open Word, Pastor David encourages us to guard our hearts from regarding church as an obligation. In our study, we learn the importance of maintaining an anticipation of God's work and revelation in our lives.

As we go about our daily lives, it's fairly easy for us to fall into a routine or pattern that shows little to no variation. Once we're in this mindset, we can often impose this monotonous reality into our perception of other people, places, or things. Throw this perception of God into the picture and we're quick to find ourselves surprised by His next move. In today's message, Pastor David discusses how we're sure to be surprised by God once we feel we've “figured Him out.”

Trying to wrap our heads around certain theological realities can be a struggle to say the least. One of these struggles, is trying to fully understand the incarnation of Christ. The idea of God becoming man yet remaining fully God, is a theological conundrum that's puzzled theologians for centuries. In today's edition of The Open Word, Pastor David discusses one of Luke's primary focuses in his Gospel account. In our study, we learn how the Gospel of Luke helps us to better understand the humanity of Christ.

One of the most difficult ideas for the nation of Israel to grasp during the time of Christ, was the fact that He had come to include everyone...Jews AND Gentiles. Jewish people could hardly fathom this. As Pastor David begins this study through the book of Luke, we'll learn that this Gospel, above the rest, seems to focus on that fact. As we just heard from Pastor David, Luke mentions the world outside of the nation of Israel more than any of the other writers.

Picture yourself in the ancient world of first century Rome just shortly after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. With no cell phones, youtube, or television, many would doubt that the Gospel could cover the known world so quickly. In today's message, Pastor David starts us off in the Gospel of Luke, the physician and evangelist. In our study, we learn how Luke's Gospel has made such a large impact with the amount of detail and clarity that he provided for its readers almost two thousand years ago.

There are many times in life where we let the evil acts of others suck us into acting like them. I see this every day in my children, one child pinching another because the first took their toy. In Pastor Davids message today, we are encouraged not to repay evil with evil. In 3 John we read 'he who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God'. If you are not walking in the truth, can you say you are of God? No, a life that is truly changed by God lives a life of glory for God, not evil.

You likely have someone in your life that somewhere along your journey played a role in your salvation. Perhaps it was a Sunday school teacher, or a college roommate who didn't give up, or even a coworker who shared an encouraging word or two. In his message today, Pastor David encourages you to reach out to that individual and share with them what a blessing they were in your life. Be a blessing to them by sharing that you are still walking with the Lord.

In his message today, Pastor David asks the question, how does your physical health compare to your spiritual health? If your spiritual health was an indicator of your physical health, would you be in a coma or strong enough to climb a mountain? This is a quick way to gauge your spiritual health, something that we need to care for just as we do our physical health. Are you eating nutritious foods or going for junk food? Do you spend your time in the Word or watching reality TV shows?

Do you understand how much what you believe matters? Today Pastor David encourages you to have a heart of a Believer instead of a deceiver. As a disciple of Jesus, it's important to understand the balance of walking in Truth and grace. Walk away from either one, and you could disciple others towards legalism or living like the world. Pastor David stresses the importance of staying in God's Word and seeking Him. By doing so, God will empower you to live out a life of faith that bears witness to Him!