The Open Word (Audio)

Christians are forgiven of all sins because of Jesus’ sacrifice and given the power of God through the Holy Spirit. This is a whole new way of life after a person has been lifted out of a life ruled only by sin. However, a Christian can still be influenced by human sinful condition. Pastor David encourages us to surrender our lives to God each day so we can win the spiritual battle for our souls. That which you focus on is your direction, therefore you must purposefully turn your heart to God!

Today Pastor David pulls back the curtain on the struggles Paul had in ministry. Paul was both praised and put down for his leadership in the church. At one point Paul was called a god and another time his apostleship was questioned. No matter how he was treated though he yearned to preach and emphasize the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our reputation is worth risking to serve God and see God work transformation in other people. Like Paul, our lives can be dedicated to fully serving God’s purposes!

When it comes to the topic of giving, people may get uncomfortable. Pastor David says teaching on giving is not easy, yet the exploration of our financial stewardship can lead us to a deeper walk with God. Therefore, you must evaluate whether you are being obedient to God in the use of your finances and giving. Whether you have an abundance of wealth or are on a tight budget, this is an opportunity to surrender more of your life to God and receive greater peace and contentment.

Pastor David does not believe that any Christian should be forced to give a certain percentage or amount of money. How is it that a believer can know how much to give to the work of God or needs of others? To understand what to give, one must pray that God would show them, and the spiritual blessing can be a walk with God built on trust that God will provide for your needs. We are free to give as God leads, and God reminds us here today that we will reap according to the measure that we sow!

In today’s message, Pastor David addresses Paul’s words regarding financial stewardship, which can be applied today. Paul was certainly taking up a collection for the Jerusalem church, but Paul did not want the people to give out of unhealthy pressure. Instead of contributing out of a desire to please others or being coerced, Christians are to donate out of a cheerful heart that is longing to please God and see God’s work continue. A sure principle the Bible teaches is that we will reap what we sow.

Again, from all of us here at The Open Word, we want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Today Pastor David will complete his five part series on the Advent season. We've learned that Advent truly helps us to focus our attention on the important things. It's easy to miss the beauty of the story of Christmas with all of the busyness that surrounds the season. In this message Pastor David will zero in on what's truly important about this season...Christ the King among us!

From all of us here at The Open Word...Merry Christmas! And that's exactly what Pastor David will be sharing with us in this fifth and final installment of his series on the Advent season. Today we hear the story we've all heard many times before...the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. And yet Pastor David shares it in such a fresh way today. We encourage you to listen to this familiar story with an open heart to hear what the LORD might speak afresh to you.

The last time you were with us Pastor David shared with us some of the staggering mathematical possibilities surrounding just a handful of the prophecies pertaining to Jesus Christ. The likelihood of even a fraction of the prophecies being fulfilled is completely impossible. And yet, we know, that Jesus fulfilled all of them to a “T”. Today Pastor David will remind us of the great love God has for us in that He sent His one and only son to die on the cross for our sins.

For those of you who like odds...you are in for a treat today! There is some math surrounding the prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ...friends, it is UTTERLY astounding! Today Pastor David will share some insights from a book where a mathematician tries to give us some sense of the sheer magnitude of what our LORD accomplished. The data is plain. It is completely impossible for someone to do the things that Jesus did. The amazing truth is that history proves that He did everything He said He would.

In the last several broadcasts we've been learning more about Advent. Each broadcast Pastor David has featured a certain element of Advent and how it impacts us. The promise of the LORD's return is one that we need to keep ever present in our minds. And the Christmas season is one that helps us do that. When we stop and think about how Jesus made His way to us here on earth, through the virgin birth, in a manger, heralded by a star...it's easy to see His return even more clearly.