The Open Word (Audio)

In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelt in the Holy of Holies in the temple. Through Jesus Christ’s ministry on this earth and the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that now you and I are considered the temple of God! Today Pastor David offers both encouragement and warning regarding this incredible truth! This is a privilege and a responsibility. We are not built by human hands, for God made us and chooses to dwell in us. May your life bring glory to the presence of God that is within you!

Our lives should be about works of righteousness, charity, and love for God! Our lives can radiate God’s love in a way that draws people to God and brings Him honor. Today Pastor Dave warns that too many Christians are living carnally minded just like when they were in the world. Instead, He teaches that a Christian does good works because they are a part of God’s kingdom and filled with the Holy Spirit. What we do or leave undone will have eternal rewards or consequences; so, you must live spiritually minded and do what matters most for God.

What is your life accomplishing? In serving God, what are you pouring your effort into? Pastor David challenges you to consider whether you are directing your life toward that which is lasting and eternal or temporary and fleeting. All that we do in the world will be judged, and we will give an account for what we do on the day of judgement. By God’s grace, it is never too late for Him to redirect our lives, and the good works you do today can be an eternal investment with everlasting rewards!

In today’s message, Pastor David describes three types of spiritual people. One type is those who are not saved, and a second type is those who have received salvation through Christ and are serving Him. A third type of spiritual person is one who has been saved but may act in a carnal way. This carnal way manifests itself in actions that hurt and divide instead of working with the Spirit of God to bring blessing and life. May you leave behind carnal ways and allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life!

In today’s message, Pastor David discusses the importance of a worldview that is formed and lead by Christ. Because of the presence of God’s Spirit in our lives as believers, we have an understanding that unbelievers do not experience. Having this wisdom does not mean we are immune to the affects or influence of sin, and we must still lean into God’s strength and continually seek His wisdom. Through God’s patient guidance we can be changed so the mind of Christ rules and reigns in us!

In today’s message, Pastor David discusses the importance of a worldview that is formed and patterned after Christ. Paul’s defense of his ministry against false teachers was founded in his obedience of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, Paul had received wisdom to teach the believers. You and I can also have wisdom given to us through the Holy Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual matters. God loves us so much that He blesses us with understanding so that we can know Him!

In today’s message, Pastor David explores Paul’s defense of himself toward false teachers. The church in Corinth was experiencing division, and the believers were forming groups around their favorite teacher. Our pride and arrogance can cause us to be divided from others and distracted from God’s work. The Holy Spirit, however, can change our tendency toward sinful treatment of others. We have hope because by the power of God alone can people be changed for God’s glory!

The laws and Holiness of God are what separate us from Him. Our sin can be seen as a great chasm, with us on the dark, death-filled side, and God’s side is bright and full of life. Before Christ, there was no way to cross that divide. But, as Pastor David explains in today’s message, Christ, in His death, bridged that gap. He stands in our defense, freeing us from the death and shame we inherit at birth. He invites us to accept His salvation and cross the bridge into the land of abundant, eternal life.

What a beautiful truth! In the eyes of God, we are all equal! As Paul expressed to the Galatians, in Christ Jesus, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female. The same was true of the Corinthians, and the same is true of us today. In today’s message, Pastor David encourages us to find our level footing in Christ. All believers are the work of His redemption, and He has made us righteous in the eyes of God, no matter our social standing or even how long we’ve been saved.

What is your source of pride? Is it your personal accomplishments? Your career status? Maybe your generosity? These are good things, but as Pastor David challenges us in today’s message, we need to ask ourselves, who deserves the glory for these things? As Paul reminded the Corinthians in this wonderful letter, it is God who deserves the glory for any good thing we can accomplish. The only thing we can truly be proud of is Christ and His work in and through us.