The Open Word (Audio)

God sent his faithful servants out among the gentile and pagan nations to preach his name. And because of the power of the Holy Spirit in these early servants, the number of believers continued to grow and multiply. But, as Pastor David will explain today, not all believed, truly, for salvation. Sometimes people declare belief for the wrong reasons. Simon the magician believed in God in order to try to obtain the power of the Spirit. Are you believing Jesus for salvation, desiring to give glory to God and not just hoping for gain?

God’s spirit was alive and active in the early church in Jerusalem. His apostles were bringing new believers to faith. They were doing good work serving God’s people there. Yet, as Pastor David points out today, this is the point at which God called his servants to scatter to other nations. It didn’t make sense. But, ultimately, God’s plan was far bigger and more exciting than any of his disciples could understand. His word spread and His name was proclaimed as believers trusted his call and followed in faith.

Sometimes it’s hard to hold onto the hope that God is good All of the Time. Believers are attacked and slandered. They may even die for the cause of Christ like Stephen, the first martyr. Today, Pastor David will encourage you with the fact that though you may be stuck in a horrible circumstance, God is powerful and present. He’s at work and will use the wickedness of the enemy to further the work of the gospel for eternal glory. He has something greater in store when you’re overwhelmed with the present.

It frequently happens that when you’re doing well and you’re making a great impact for the kingdom, the enemy may attack. Satan can’t stand success for the kingdom of God and knows you are likely less alert for his presence. Today, Pastor David will challenge you to be on guard. When Satan can’t measure up to the power and wisdom the Holy Spirit brings, he’ll attack through people accusing, slandering and perhaps even hurting you. God provided Stephen with peace and bravery and promises to be with you as well.

All believers have been gifted with talents and abilities to serve the Lord by serving in the body of believers. Yet, it’s all too easy to sit back and let others do the work instead of faithfully giving of your time and abilities. Today Pastor David will remind you that you are filled and led by the Holy Spirit to serve. He will guide you and he will equip you. Are you willing to let God use you by serving the body? Even if no one knows your name or what you do, God knows. He sees what you do for Him to further His kingdom.

How can people who have vastly different opinions, backgrounds and educations ever hope to get along in the long run? Is there any hope that a church body made up of such different people can be united? As you’ll discover with Pastor David today, there is indeed hope. Believers are united under Christ. Believers are part of one body. Don’t let practical, temporal things dictate who you’ll serve or love. Christ’s blood covers all differences and allows you to love, care and serve all people.

There is a battle within each person between the heart and the flesh. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to follow Christ, you have to decide if you let go of this world and its empty promises and grab onto the truth and hope of the gospel. Today, Pastor David will encourage you to examine your life and decide if you’re willing to surrender to the hand of God and his will in your life. And there’s no middle ground. You must decide. Neutrality about God, means you’ve chosen the world. If you wait you may be separated from God forever.

You may consider yourself a religious person, knowing about the things in the bible. You’ve read of the miracles that Jesus performed, the lessons he taught and the faith of his beloved in the bible. But, as Pastor David will explain today, knowing this will never save you. You must be willing to let go of the things of this world – like prestige, position or financial comforts, to grow in relationship with God. You have a decision to make whether you’ll surrender your daily life to Jesus and live the abundant life he’s called you to.

The Holy Spirit was moving mightily as the message of the gospel was beginning to go out. Yet, as Pastor David will explain today, the enemy wouldn’t let go without a fight. He brought persecution and distractions to derail the spread of the gospel. He can do this in your life today. The more of a threat you are to him the harder he will fight against you. Yet, you must remember, ultimately, he is a defeated foe. He can’t ever destroy the work of Christ! God’s plan will prevail!

Do you think it matters to God how you live your life? Do you show integrity to others by the way you live? It matters to God, the church, yourself and definitely the world. People are always watching Christians to see how they will fail. One thing you can’t fail to do, is repent. Today Pastor David teaches that God gave Ananias and Sapphira the chance to repent, but they rejected Him and were punished. God wants the best for you and the best is for you to repent so that you can live with Him forever!