The Open Word (Audio)

Pastor David shows us that there should be more to our messages than the fear of the wrath of God. We need to spread the word of God’s mercy and grace. Because, if you think about it, a relationship that is based solely on fear… isn’t much of a relationship at all. We must remember that God’s mercy for us is so overwhelmingly large, and in His mercy, there is His love for each and every one of us sinners. In fact, God’s promise comes to us even in the midst of our rebelliousness. For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Today, Pastor David talks about the struggle between our fleshly desires, and choosing to honor God. Our generation tends to get caught up in media and our own vices… with all of this, it’s easy to get distracted and forget to make time for the Lord. What we don’t often realize, is that our vice can become an idol, which we give priority to, over honoring Him. Time spent on unnecessary distractions, is time spent away from growing in God’s faithfulness. How much time are you spending on distractions as opposed to time with God?

Pastor David discusses what God wants from our lives. We can easily go through the outward appearance and motions of being a follower of Christ, but what God really wants from us… is a life that is lived for Him, both inside and out. He wants your heart and your trust. It’s not just about going to church or reading the bible, it’s more than that. He wants a relationship with you. One that goes deeper than simply going through the motions. Give your heart to Him, the God that sustains, keeps, and saves you.

Today, Pastor David tells us about Jonah’s anger at God’s choice to forgive the people of Nineveh. He shows us how easy it is to get into the mindset that other people don’t matter, or that we don’t need to care about them. This is not how God calls us to act towards others, no matter how similar or different they are to us. You’re called to show love and forgiveness to all the sinners in the world, because you, too, are a sinner, and yet, God shows you His unyielding love and forgiveness every day.

Today Pastor David is going to talk about Jonah, and his attempt to flee from God’s plan for his life. Just like Jonah, everyone goes through tough moments in their lives. Remember that you can always turn back to Him and trust in His help in these difficult moments of faith. Perhaps this hardship in life will draw you nearer to God and strengthen your relationship with Him. It’s easy to lose focus on what truly matters, but remember that, like Jonah, you also have a calling in life, and you must not run from what God has called you to do.

Have you ever had a friend, a sibling, or a child tell you that they were sorry, just to turn around and repeat that same action against you… once again? It’s rather easy to confess our sins and say we are sorry for them, but the hard part comes with true repentance. God calls us not only to confess our sins, but to repent from them as well. For confession without repentance, changes nothing. God gives you many chances to repent from your sin - listen and obey Him, so that you might follow Him into eternity.

I’m sure we’ve all felt it at some point in our lives – that little nudge that tells us what we are doing is not pleasing to the Lord. Maybe you are in a moment of your life where it’s easy to ignore that nudge, but remember, that nudge is a hint from God, a hint that you need to make a change. Don’t ignore it. He’s trying to help you get back on track with your faith and your relationship with Him. It’s important that you listen to these nudges and make an effort to obey His word, while there’s still time to do so. Pastor David shows us why, today.

The day of the Lord is coming ever near. Throughout our lifetime, we must remember to live a life that honors His name. It’s easy to forget that our life on earth will pass by in mere seconds compared to our eternity with Him in Heaven… and judgement comes for all of us in the end. So remember to live your life in such a way that glorifies His name, for He will judge you as you have judged others. Pastor David takes a look at a similar scenario that takes place in Obadiah.

There are many things in life that we derive pleasure from. Maybe it’s a car, a house, or a new phone. Maybe it’s a new relationship, a job, or your status. Whatever it may be, it will not give you complete and lasting satisfaction in life. On your deathbed, your possessions and your status will no longer matter. What will matter, is your relationship with God. If you have spent a lot of time searching for some sort of possession to fill your emptiness, and keep coming up short, maybe it’s time to give God a chance.

It can be difficult to stay focused on our relationship with God sometimes. There are so many sinful and worldly pleasures around us. They may seem appealing and innocent, but if they take us further away from our walk with God, then indeed, they are empty pleasures. Are you in the midst of chasing an empty pleasure? Has life begun to feel hollow? These temporary pleasures cannot fill you up. But God can. Today, Pastor David shows us what life might look like if we choose worldly pleasures over the truth of God.