The Open Word (Audio)

When we come before the Lord in worship, we need to actually worship. Pastor David wants us to put some thought into this. Are we actually worshiping the Maker of the Universe when we are singing? Are we letting those words to the songs sink down deep? Maybe you've been struggling lately with this. Next time, try just listening with your eyes closed. Agree with the words to the songs as you talk to the Lord in your heart, and take it all in. Oh, what wonderful communion is ahead for us with our God!

We are living in a day and age when good is called evil, and evil is called good. We need to be diligent about remaining righteous. Pastor David is reminding us to be lights in the darkness. It's easy to see a bright light in the dark. But if we don't let our little lights shine, no one will be able to tell we are different from the darkness. We should take time to recharge our batteries and make sure that our light doesn't dim. We want to be known as Christians, and for people to see we're different.

We are living in a day and age when good is called evil, and evil is called good. We need to be diligent about remaining righteous. Pastor David is reminding us to be lights in the darkness. It's easy to see a bright light in the dark. But if we don't let our little lights shine, no one will be able to tell we are different from the darkness. We should take time to recharge our batteries and make sure that our light doesn't dim. We want to be known as Christians, and for people to see we're different.

Throughout history, the Jews have been attacked more than any other people group. It's clear when we look back that Satan has tried repeatedly to wipe them out. Thankfully, the Lord will not allow him to have that victory. Even though they haven't been the most faithful, God still protects them. Pastor David is reminding us that the Lord does this for us as well. He looks out for us and blesses us in spite of ourselves. Thank goodness the Lord doesn't give up as easily as we do! We'd be lost forever!

There is a war happening all around us that we can't see. Principalities and powers are moving and working in the spiritual realm. Pastor David is reminding us of the battle raging back and forth between Satan and the Lord. They're battling for our souls! We need to come to realize that the things happening that we can't see are more powerful than we comprehend. The fight is continuous and won't end until Satan is thrown into the lake of fire. Until then, we'd be wise to be armed with the Word of God!

Do you ever read through the Bible and wonder how people had such great faith? Maybe you're one who reads through and wonders how people could have such little faith. No matter which side of the fence you're on, Pastor David reminds us that all are used. The Lord can make the best of anyone's efforts, whether they're the great titans of faith, or those who floundered under pressure. There is hope even for those of us who are weary and lacking. Thank God for His faithfulness toward us!

The Lord has been calling people to Him for a long time. We are in a day and age where most people know about God, or the believe that He exists. But we know that even the devil believes in God. The deciding factor is if they'll come to know Jesus as their Savior. Pastor David is teaching through a period of time when the Lord's wrath is being poured out on the earth, and everyone who has rejected Him has to endure it. Let's not wait another moment to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Do you go through trials every Sunday when you're trying to get ready to go to church? We're going to experience chaos on a regular basis. Pastor David wants to remind us that the Lord has us covered even during those chaotic times. He knows the number of the hairs on our head. Imagine knowing someone so intimately!? So, next time we're in a bind or feeling pressure, we need to remember that God's got this. We need to let go and let God. He can handle it much better than we can anyways!

Do you ever wonder what the significance of certain numbers are in the Bible? As we study God's Word, we learn He ties everything together in an amazing way. Today Pastor David talks with us about people being raised from the dead. Why were they dead three days? It confirms their death! Dead is dead after a few days. If they were raised from the dead right after they died, many would try to say they weren't actually dead. This way, them being raised from the dead is a definite miracle from God!

Have you ever shared with someone and thrown your hands up in the air because they're not hearing you? Pastor David is encouraging us today to continue to pursue them. Our job is to plant seeds. What the Lord does with those seeds is out of our hands. It's not our job to judge whether their hearts are softening to the Gospel. Our job is to continue to share with them, even when the outcome seems bleak. Let's all be refreshed by today's teaching, and allow it to energize us to press on!