The Open Word (Audio)

There's probably a vast majority of us that look at the split of Paul and John Mark as a sort of dramatic or tense ordeal. While Scripture doesn't really give us as much detail as we might prefer, we often tend to think of the situation as a negative one. However, as Pastor David teaches us in our study today, this separation was more than likely a prayerful and considerate one. In our study, we learn that while there might be tensions at times in ministry, not everyone is called or led by The Spirit in the same direction.

Whenever an actor is assigned a role in a film or play, they spend countless hours reading the script for their performance. If they were to simply gloss over their parts, it's needless to say that their performance would likely be less than impressive. In today's message, Pastor David teaches us the importance of continually growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. In our study, we learn that the best way to do this is by none other than diligently studying God's Word, the lamp stand to our feet.

While mankind has definitely had a negative history regarding wars and conflict, we all typically desire a life of peace. In some cases, this desire for peace can be so overwhelming in certain individuals that the current state of the world can bring a great sense of hopelessness. In today's message, Pastor David reflects on the peace that's obtainable for each and every one of us in Christ. In our study, we learn about the peace that surpasses all understanding found in none other than The Prince of peace, Jesus.

Each and every one of us is quick to discover that upon putting our faith in Christ, our purification is a long and tedious process.

As much as we'd like to simply snap our fingers and be made perfect in the image of Christ, our pursuit of holiness is gradual. In today's message, Pastor David teaches us about the slow and steady process of sanctification in the Christian life. In our study, we learn the importance of remaining diligent in our walk and continually pursuing holiness with confession and repentance of sin.

Messages that speak of the judgement and wrath of God are often considered controversial by many to say the least. However, it's important that we consider the implications regarding God's character if He were to never judge evil and sin. In today's message, Pastor David teaches us that it's because God is loving and just that He must one day judge mankind. In our study, we learn that while God's wrath is indeed terrifying, for Him to disregard sin and evil would be even more so.

Many of us are probably all too familiar with the old saying “ignorance is bliss.” While this might have some practical application for things that are less than important, this type of mindset can be extremely dangerous regarding things that are. In today's message, Pastor David reflects on the hearts of those who are willfully ignorant of the truths that God has revealed. In our study, we learn about the hard heartedness of those who choose not to believe, no matter how much evidence is laid before them.

Many of us can easily struggle when it comes to comprehending something that we're typically so far removed from. When it comes to the liberties of the Church today and the persecution of the early Church, we often have a hard time understanding the contrast. In today's message, Pastor David challenges us with the message that Peter gave to the early Church in the midst of their persecution. In our study, we learn the importance of letting our light so shine before men, especially as believers with such great freedom.

Due to the deceptive nature of the human heart, we can easily convince ourselves that we're someone or something we're truly not. Perhaps the most tragic form of this deception is none other than an individual who believes that they're saved but aren't. In today's message, Pastor David warns us of the dangers of continually hardening our heart to the call of God's Spirit in our lives. In our study, we learn the importance of seeking out our salvation with fear and trembling, leaving no room for doubt.

No matter how convicted we are to share the truth with others, God's judgement on mankind isn't always easy to discuss. As many of us would agree, a message of love, peace, and grace is much easier than one of sin and judgement. However, as Pastor David will teach us in today's study, God's judgement is an inescapable reality that each and every one of us confronted with. In our study, we learn that this judgement isn't merely for sin, but the rejection of The only One who can save us from it.

No matter how convicted we are to share the truth with others, God's judgement on mankind isn't always easy to discuss. As many of us would agree, a message of love, peace, and grace is much easier than one of sin and judgement. However, as Pastor David will teach us in today's study, God's judgement is an inescapable reality that each and every one of us confronted with. In our study, we learn that this judgement isn't merely for sin, but the rejection of The only One who can save us from it.