The Open Word (Audio)

We have a different hope than others who do not know Christ. We understand that this world is temporary and there is so much more waiting for us after death. It is not something we fear or see as an ending. Christians believe death is the start of something greater. Today, Pastor David discusses this hope. When our believing loved ones die, we have a sorrow that only they can fill, but we also have the hope of seeing them again one day. Have you accepted Christ’s work on the cross to gain this hope?

As Christians, God has given us a very important task. We are to lead others to Christ. They should be able to look to us and see Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor David talks about this important role. We need to be beacons of light to those who are still in darkness. We need to love the sinner while hating their sin. When we blend in with the world, we lose our effectiveness in sharing the Gospel and leading people to Christ. Does your life stand out and look different because of your love for Jesus?

God calls us to love one another. Paul understood that this commandment was impossible apart from the Lord. In today’s message, Pastor David further explains Paul’s teaching in First Thessalonians, that says when we abide in Christ, we are supernaturally gifted with the ability to love others. We cannot do it on our own. As we grow in Christ, we become more like Him and are able to love more like Him. Are you abiding in Christ and growing in your love for others?

Sometimes people think that when you become a Christian, you avoid all trials. This is not true, and in fact there are promises in the Bible promising the opposite. Today, Pastor David encourages us not to be surprised when we face trials. He also reminds us that a trial in our life is not necessarily because of God’s disfavor toward us. We live in a fallen world. Although we are not of this world, we will be affected by this world until the day we enter heaven. You are not alone in your trials.

The enemy attacks the church and its people whenever possible. He wants nothing more than for us to turn from God or be confused and misled. In today’s message, Pastor David discusses the importance of being in fellowship with other believers, being in the Word of God, and sitting under God’s teaching. Do not be persuaded by the teachings of men. Be accountable to and honest with other believers. We all struggle to follow God’s narrow path. Do not walk it alone.

Today, Pastor David reminds us that it matters how we live out our Christian testimony. It matters to the One who redeemed us. Jesus cares how we look to others in this world. If our lives look exactly like those around us, then His death on the cross was in vain. It also matters to those around us who do not have Christ and are heading to an eternity apart from God. Therefore, how you live out your testimony on this earth should matter to you! Are you being used by God and bold for the gospel?

Paul and the early Christians faced severe persecution. Many Christians around the world today face similar circumstances. In today’s message, Pastor David reminds us that the gospel is outrageous and offensive to those not ready to listen. If you are being bold for Christ, you will run into those who oppose you. The truth of Jesus cannot be watered down, or it no longer means anything. People need to hear about Christ and their own need for Him just as they did back in Paul’s day.

As believers in Christ, we've been commissioned as ambassadors of The Gospel to share our faith with the world. While some of us may be intimidated by the thought of this, one of the most powerful ways to do so is by simply living a Gospel centered life. In today's message, Pastor David teaches us how God uses the fruits of The Spirit in our lives to reach out to others. In our study, we learn that by simply living lives in pursuit of righteousness and peace, others are bound to be drawn to The Gospel.

The Bible makes it very clear that the Christian life is much more than a mere profession of faith or occasional church attendance. All throughout Scripture we read that a Christian's life is marked by continual sanctification and growth in maturity. In today's message, Pastor David teaches us about the heart, zeal, and passion that was driving the Church of Thessalonica. In our study, we learn a powerful example of just what it means to be a blood bought, born again, Kingdom driven believer in Christ.

One of the last things we expect whenever we respond to a call of ministry or servitude to The Lord is to be met with resistance. More often than not, whenever we're one hundred percent certain our call is from God, we tend to expect an easy path to success. However, in today's message, Pastor David reminds us that our enemy seeks to discourage us from serving The Lord. In our study, we learn about the spiritual battle that takes place in each and every one of our lives when we strive to further God's Kingdom.