The Open Word (Audio)

John issued a call to believers that feels impossible. But he desired that by his encouragement and the truth of the Holy Spirit speaking through him, his readers would not sin. He also wanted to convey to them the forgiveness and grace available to believers when we do sin. Pastor David explains John’s reasons for writing his letters to the church. If you are a follower of Christ, you should feel the conviction to live a life of obedience and a desire to walk without sin. Ultimately this should be your your heart’s desire.

John proclaimed one reason he wrote 3 letters to the early church was so that their joy might be made complete. He longed for the believers to have a truth of the knowledge of God and the good news of Jesus so that it would transform their lives. Pastor David teaches today, in this introductory overview lesson, that John wanted the church to recognize the lies and the liars so that they could walk in the truth of God and have full, abundant life. And this life is full of joy despite difficulties and daily trials.

The early church faced quite a bit of heresy coming in to the church that began to muddle beliefs and contradict the truth of the gospel. The apostle John wrote 3 letters to respond to the growing influx of false doctrines. Today, Pastor David explains some of the various heresies the early church was beginning to believe and how, even today, they threaten to weaken the church. For example, the Gnostics taught believers that salvation came through knowledge which contradicted the truth of the gospel of salvation by grace through faith.

Pastor David has been walking us through the Bible in a year. Although he did not make his goal of 12 months, he finishes up his teaching today after 18 months. The book of Revelation is full of mystery, allegory, and future events yet to come. Although we cannot currently interpret it all, it will someday become our history. Every book of the Bible is important, but you do not need to understand all of Revelation to be saved. Jesus is the one way to salvation. Have you chosen to follow Him?

Today, Pastor David lays out an overview of the entire book of Revelation. Verses 11 to the end of the book discuss the Great Tribulation. There will be a time when extraordinary and supernatural things happen on the earth. It will be a time of great destruction when it seems that the only sensible thing to do is to turn to the Lord. But men’s hearts will be hardened, and they will not surrender. Have you chosen Christ? Now is the time to repent and be saved. There will be a time when it’s too late.

The Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. In its pages, he is told to leave his book open, because the time of the Lord is at hand. In today’s message, Pastor David asks the important question, “Are you ready for Jesus’ coming?” He has promised to return and says it will happen like a thief in the night. You cannot prepare in the instant, but must be prepared ahead of time. Do you know Jesus, and have you accepted Him as your resurrected Savior? Do you strive to live a life worthy? Are you ready?

The Bible is a tool for us to use to understand God and His Will more fully. It is bursting with meaning, lessons, examples, and the love of God. In today’s message, Pastor David continues his teaching through the Bible in a year. He describes this overview as looking down at the Bible from 30,000 feet and just getting an idea of its major themes. If you desire to know the Lord more intimately, delve into the Bible deeper and study what God has inspired the authors to write. It is a gift to you and a blessing from God!

Today, Pastor David reminds you that what you believe about Jesus Christ matters. You cannot just broadly say you believe in God and then assume you are heaven-bound. Jesus is the answer. If you believe He came from heaven, died on the cross for your sins, and was resurrected again, you will be saved. There is no other way. Even the Devil and his demons believe in God, but they are destined for Hell. Choose Jesus and you can know with certainty that you are saved, and the kingdom of heaven awaits.

God loves the whole world. Jesus died for the sin of all mankind. Pastor David reminds us today, however, that Jesus’ sacrifice is only effective for those who accept it. Jesus is waiting with outstretched arms for all to receive Him. But it is up to each individual to walk into His embrace. Some choose to turn away and others walk right past Him. We need to continue to love those people because God loves them. He desires that all would accept Jesus’ gift, but sadly this will never be the case. Love them still.

When in doubt, always go back to the foundations of your faith. Today, Pastor David reminds you that there will be false teachers and people who add to the gospel. They try to confuse and lead people astray. Christ wants you to remember where you came from. Jesus descended from heaven to die on the cross for you because He loves you. He was resurrected and sits at the right hand of God, the Father, interceding for you. It’s simple. God loves you, Jesus died for you, and the Holy spirit guides you!