The Open Word (Audio)

The scriptures implore Christians to allow their light to shine before others that they may be drawn by the love of God. If the actions of a Christian don’t show that they are changed by God, then Pastor David says they may be a porcupine Christian. The quills of a porcupine hurt and propel – not God’s love. Love as God intended brings light into the darkness and lifts us out of sin and despair. Obedience and surrender to God can produce humility and gentleness that allow others see God in us.

Pastor David urges us to avoid being porcupine Christians. By this, he means Christians who are supposed be filled with God’s love yet their actions are destructive toward others and themselves. Are you walking in God’s light, keeping His commands, and loving others? If not, our actions may be pushing others away rather than demonstrating the love of God. A real experience with the transforming love of God will begin a change in you that enables you to obey God and live for Him.

In today’s message, Pastor David calls the Corinthian believers porcupines. Like the barbs of a porcupine their actions were causing damage to each other and towards to Paul. The behavior Paul heard about did not represent a life that was saved and transformed by God. Despite this tendency, Paul still loves them and pours out his heart in an urgent plea for them to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul patiently loved the Corinthians, God’s patiently loves us through our mistakes.

In today’s message, Pastor David takes us back through many of Paul’s hardships that he endured for the sake of the gospel. Paul nearly lost his life and he had ongoing issues that he struggled to understand. Why did Paul have to endure these difficult times? Could he have accomplished more had his life been smoother? Paul knew the answer, for he believed that it was because of his troubles that God was able to use him in a might way. God’s strength was made perfect in Paul’s weakness.

Today, Pastor David explains how Paul had to lean heavily on his experience to remind the Corinthian church of his qualifications. It seems that in the book of 2nd Corinthians Paul had reached his wits end over the accusations against him by false apostles. More important than his own reputation, Paul was extremely concerned that the believers not be convinced to reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. To Paul, believing in Jesus Christ and following him was more important that any comfort in this world.

Today Pastor David teaches about Paul’s battle and struggle with those he calls false apostles. From 2 Corinthians, it seems that dynamic, good preachers and charismatic leaders were winning over the Corinthian believers. The problem was that these preachers were not sharing the true gospel, and their influence was becoming an obstacle to the true gospel of God transforming lives. Paul was bold especially when it came to leading and keeping others in relationship with Jesus Christ.

The truth of God must be believed not just because it is true, for it is also the best direction for our lives. Pastor David reminds us today that we have a complete need of God to be lifted up out of sin and given new life in God, and we accomplish nothing apart from God. God created us, sustains us, forgives us, calls us, and uses us to help accomplish his work on this earth. Our solid foundation is found in God. We are just like Paul who said his only valid boast was about what God had done in his life.

It is God who calls all believers unto Himself, and it is God who also calls and blesses ministry according to His purposes and plans. Today Pastor David explains how Paul faced criticism from false teachers regarding his ministry, and Paul’s defense was to point to the lives of those being transformed for God. God does not bless our lives and ministry so that we can boast about our own accomplishments. As you obey and trust in God, He will work His plan which greater than you can understand.

The Word of God is honest about the state of mankind in weakness having a great need of God. The scriptures contain the only truth that we need for our direction and happiness in this life. Pastor David warns us today that we must be careful not to be misled by the wisdom of this world or swayed by a slick presentation. It is only God’s truth found in the Bible that has the power to transform our lives. Do not choose a lie over the truth of God’s word because God has so much more for you!

Pastor David reminds us today that the goal of all Christians is to be like Jesus Christ. This goal is not a religious requirement; rather, this is essential for the spiritual battle which all believers will face. The Bible challenges us to think about that which is noble, pure, and just because God understands our struggle. In order to face the challenges of temptation or sinful desires and emerge victorious, we must look to the things of God and lean on God’s understanding and strength. God will lead us through!