Open the Bible UK Broadcast

The Bible tells us that we are to forgive one another as Christ has forgiven us. Does God always forgive? How and when does God forgive? Pastor Colin shows us the Bible’s answers to these questions and more.

Where and how can you be merciful? What would that actually look like? Pastor Colin helps us discover seven opportunities for manifesting mercy.

There are four things you most need to know about God as a believer. They are repeated together no less than seven times in the Old Testament.

How can you have a greater appetite for God? The key is changing your diet, because over time, this leads to a change in appetite. Pastor Colin shows us five strategies for changing our spiritual appetites.

Did you know that your own spiritual appetite, your hunger and thirst for God himself can be cultivated? Here’s the key: Change your diet, and you will change your appetite.   Scripture: Matthew 5:6 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

What do you think will give you satisfaction? Is it to be loved? To be appreciated? To get revenge? Jesus tells us that there is only one thing that will satisfy completely. Pastor Colin shows us what this is.   Scripture: Matthew 5:6 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

What does it look like to be blessed by God? Jesus tells us that the blessed people are not those who think they’re right, but those who feel that they’re not.   Scripture: Matthew 5:6 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Some of us were brought up on a version of Christianity that majored on the negative. Pastor Colin talks about the Bible’s positive vision of Christian living—one that brings pleasure to God and makes a positive difference in the world.   Scripture: Romans 6:13-14 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

How do you get more meekness into your life? Jesus said that it is blessed. “Blessed are the meek.” Pastor Colin talks about ten strategies to help you cultivate more meekness in your life.   Scripture: Matthew 5:5 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  

How do you get more meekness in your life? You cannot simply say, “Oh, I want to be meek. Tell me how to be meek.” Pastor Colin shows us that we cannot start there. We have to start further back.   Scripture: Matthew 5:5 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

While Jesus hung from the cross, he prayed “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” How did he do that? Pastor Colin shows us that this is what the Bible calls “meekness.”   Scripture: Matthew 5:5 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Gentle Jesus, meek and mild…” Now that doesn’t sound like the kind of thing a guy who watches football would want to go after. You might be surprised. Pastor Colin talks about some reasons why.   Scripture: Matthew 5:5 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

One glimpse of the love of Christ will do more to strengthen you in your battle against sin than a hundred commitments. Pastor Colin talks about where to look for a glimpse of Christ’s love. Scripture: Psalm 51:1-13

How do you avoid being the guy or the girl who hangs around the things of God for 10, 20, or 30 years, and never changes? Pastor Colin talks about how to break the cycle of habitual sin. Scripture: Psalm 51:1-13

How do you deal with habitual sins—the endless cycle of sinning, saying you’re “sorry” and then repeating the same behavior? Pastor Colin talks about why we never actually move forward in the Christian life without spiritual mourning. Find out the reasons, and how to move forward.   Scripture: Matthew 5:4 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

God says: “Blessed are those who mourn.” But there is a kind of mourning that leads to death, and another kind of mourning that leads to comfort. Pastor Colin helps us discover the difference.   Scripture: Matthew 5:4 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

If you grow in humility, you will reap a whole cluster of other blessings. Pastor Colin talks about how growing in humility will give you the strength you need to face troubles, relationships, and temptations.   Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-6 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Do you think God is for everybody? Many people were taught this from a young age. But Pastor Colin shows us, from the Bible, that God is actually against some people.   Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-6 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Where does God live? If you’re like most people, you would probably say, “Heaven.” Pastor Colin talks about where else God lives.   Scripture: Matthew 5:3 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? Does it mean you’re always saying something like this, “I don’t really have anything to offer”? Of course not. Pastor Colin talks about what it does mean.   Scripture: Matthew 5:3 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

You want to make progress in the Christian life, but you feel stuck. You’ve lost momentum. Pastor Colin talks about the key to progress in the Christian life, and where all progress starts.   Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 The Sermon on the Mount 5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. The Beatitudes 2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons[a] of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Pastor Colin shares the impactful wisdom once imparted by Warren Wiersbe about the importance of encouragement in ministry. As Pastor Colin dissects the beloved Psalm, he provides insights into what it means to have the Lord as your shepherd, reflecting on Jesus’ words, "I am the good shepherd." He emphasizes the richness of being part of Jesus Christ's flock, where you will never be in want. The Psalm, which has comforted and encouraged God's people for over 3,000 years, points to the profound relationship between the shepherd and his sheep and serves to remind us of the protection, restoration, and love promised to us by our Lord.Pastor Colin identifies with feelings of fatigue and the need for encouragement in challenging times. In breaking down Psalm 23, he assures us that God's shepherding includes ownership, leadership, and the provision of our needs. He challenges us by asking whether we truly want to be wholly owned by anyone, inviting us to recognize the joy and security found in surrendering to Christ, our shepherd.

We're exploring the story of David—a shepherd boy turned monarch whose triumphs and tribulations resonate through history. Despite his stature as Israel's most lauded king, David understood that his true greatness was rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ. As we trace his lineage forward, we see a lineage destined to bring forth Jesus Himself. We're journeying together into 1 Samuel 17, where young David's famous encounter with Goliath offers more than just a tale of courage; it's a precursor to the coming Messiah whom David prefigured—a king of peace, shepherd of His people, and a beacon for all nations. In this Sermon we're diving into the heart of the Christmas story through the lens of a revered biblical hero – King David.. Although David achieved monumental victories, like his defeat of Goliath, he knew the people needed a saviour greater than himself, a righteous ruler to guide them towards true peace. Pastor Colin will share with us from 1 Samuel 17, where the tale of David and Goliath unfolds. It's a story many are familiar with, but we're looking beyond the battle lines to see the profound symbolism – both armies hinging their fates on one man's combat. David represents a type of Christ, who would ultimately enter humanity's fray, confront the colossal giants of sin, death, and hell, and claim victory on our behalf. As you listen, let the realisation settle in that Jesus, the greater Son of David, enters our struggles, fights our battles, and secures our triumphs. In His kingdom, we’re not just subjects; we're co-heirs to the promises made to David long ago.

"What is the church and why does it matter?" Pastor Colin invites listeners to delve into the pages of Matthew chapter 16 with the objective of reigniting our passion for the church, as perceived through the eyes of Jesus Christ. Despite the church appearing outdated and irrelevant to the contemporary world, the scripture reveals its true worth as an infinitely valuable and gloriously eternal entity. Through this series, Pastor Colin aims to shift our perspective from a worldly view to one that aligns with Christ's vision for His church. In this sermon, Pastor Colin prompts reflection on the stark contrast between the number of Americans who identify as Christians and those who actively participate in church worship. With a focus on the statistical disparity, he highlights the concern for the 173 million individuals who claim Christian faith but lack engagement with a local congregation. As the message unfolds, Pastor Colin addresses the myriad reasons that may lead people away from active church involvement and counters the modern, individualistic stance that doubts the church's relevance or effectiveness."

Welcome to the last message in our series on second Thessalonians. Pastor Colin reflects on the unique way God has spoken through this powerful letter. He shares his personal connection with the text, highlighting how it will remain a special part of our spiritual journey. Today, we delve into the concluding benediction of second Thessalonians, uncovering a heartfelt prayer for God's blessing and a word of peace for His people. Join us as we explore the intertwining of teaching and prayer, which exemplifies the essence of authentic ministry, and discover Paul’s model of praying for those we teach. Pastor Colin ushers us into the core of the Thessalonian church life, marked by its birth in turmoil and sustained growth in the face of persecution. He emphasizes the steady theme of prayers throughout the letter, culminating in Paul’s final prayer for God's peace in all times and ways. Drawing on life’s seasons, from adolescence to old age, we are called to seek peace amid the changes and challenges. Pastor Colin explains the breadth of peace — peace with God, within ourselves, and with others — and how it is intricately woven into the fabric of our being by Christ, the Lord of Peace. As we face the unknowns of life, we are reminded that God's presence, His sure promises, and His sufficient grace are the steadfast foundation that enables us to receive and rest in His everlasting peace. Amen.

Oh boy, are you in for a treat! Today's sermon is quite a unique journey through time, as we welcome a very special guest from the annals of history—none other than Adam. Yes, the very first human created by God himself! Adam's here to set the record straight and share his extraordinary life story with us. From his first breath in the Garden of Eden to the heartache of humanity's fall, Adam unfolds his experience with openness and wisdom. He reminds us that while he may carry some of the blame for sin entering our world, we're all in this together. It's a story of loss, hope, and an immense longing for redemption. But here's the twist—he doesn't just dwell on the past. Adam ties his narrative to the joyful Christmas message. What could be a better time to reflect on the hope that was promised right from the beginning and has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ? Throughout the sermon, Adam draws profound parallels between himself and Christ, revealing the beautiful pattern of redemption. He highlights the contrast of his failure against the backdrop of Christ's victory, lifting our hearts to the Savior who triumphs where we could not. Warmly woven into Adam's tale are poignant reflections on faith, grace, and God's offer to renew our broken spirits. He extends an invitation to each and every one of us to embrace the Savior and receive

🌟Sermon Show Notes: A Timeless Message of Faith with Our Father Abraham🌟 Join us for a journey through time and faith with none other than our forefather Abraham, a man whose remarkable journey still resonates with us thousands of years later. As we gather, we'll discover the joy awaiting us in God's glorious presence, a sight Abraham assures us is truly breathtaking. Though our friend Abraham hails from an era long before our own, with a lifespan reaching an astonishing 175 years, he brings a message that is as fresh and vital as if it were given just yesterday. His story connects us across millennia to the heart of God's plan for humanity. Abraham grew up in a world of idol worship. Yet, in an incredible encounter, God shone His glory upon him and turned his life around. This same God, who intervened in Abraham's life, is eager to make Himself known to each of us today, especially during this season of Christmas. With humour and warmth, Abraham shares how despite his initial doubts, the miraculous promise of a son was fulfilled in his and Sarah's lives. Yet the story does not end there, for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise would not be found in his immediate descendants but in one who was to come many generations later—Jesus Christ.

Welcome to a sermon by Pastor Colin Smith from Open The Bible, from Second Timothy, Chapter 1, verse 12. In today's sermon, Pastor Colin draws on the Apostle Paul's profound message to Timothy from a dark prison cell, showcasing remarkable faith and resolve. We hear about the essence of Christian faith, being profoundly personal and focused on Jesus Christ. Pastor Colin paints a vivid picture of committing our whole selves – body, mind, and spirit – to the trust of Christ. This act of surrender allows believers to experience deep peace and security, knowing Jesus is capable of guarding what we entrust to Him. As we join Pastor Colin in studying Second Timothy, we discover not only Paul's steadfast trust but also the steps we can take to achieve a victorious Christian life amidst trials and uncertainties.

Pastor Colin invites us to reflect on an empowering passage of scripture from 2 Timothy, Chapter 1 and Verse 12, which declares, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." This powerful message reminds us that despite life's uncertainties, we can find solace and strength in our unwavering faith. Pastor Colin focuses on how to navigate life's unpredictability and fostering resilience through faith. Touching on personal experiences and challenging moments such as the sudden loss of young lives, milestones like high school graduation, and the normal transitions of aging, Pastor Colin relates these to Apostle Paul's experience and teachings. Paul's words, written from the loneliness of a prison cell, were meant to mentor and strengthen Timothy against the adversities of life by anchoring him in the relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Colin shares that our Christian faith goes beyond knowledge of the scriptures, it's a profound personal relationship with Jesus, a relationship that renews our strength and fills us with confidence no matter what we face. As we conclude, let us carry these words with us: "I know whom I have believed," and let that be the bedrock of our confidence today and always. If this message has moved you, or you're in search of further spiritual guidance, do not hesitate to contact us at Open the Bible.

It truly is a joy to share today's sermon with you. Our message delves into the fascinating world of spiritual beings that exist just out of our sight—angels. As reflected in Scripture, specifically in the book of Revelation, we find that the presence of angels is more profound than we often consider. Today's teaching highlights the extraordinary nature of humankind, created uniquely with both a body and a soul. This combination allows for a divine potential that angels, who are spirit without body, and animals, which have bodies but no eternal souls, cannot fathom. Pastor Colin encourages us to be mindful and intentional about how we interact with the world. The things we listen to, watch, and engage with have the power to shape our souls. It's a timely reminder to consider the spiritual implications of our physical experiences.

Today we delve into the reflections of a leader who feels overlooked and under-appreciated—Herod the Great. Despite his grand achievements and the stability he brought to his realm, he's left wondering why history remembers him for his connection to Jesus rather than his own accomplishments. Herod shares his background, his rise to power with the help of Roman emperors, and how he brought peace and economic prosperity to his land. He remodeled the city of Jerusalem, built magnificent structures, and improved the religious institutions of the day. Despite his success, he's most renowned for his reaction to the birth of Jesus. Herod cunningly inquired about the Messiah's whereabouts, pretending to seek to worship Him when he was driven by the desire to eliminate a potential rival. As we look back on Herod's life, he recognizes his own missed opportunities. He now sees that his battle against Jesus was not merely political but a resistance against God's will. Herod's life story is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and how one's true legacy is determined not by buildings or titles but by the lives we touch and the choices we make.

Pastor Colin delves deep into the trials of Joseph, betrothed to Mary, and his world-shattering experience of her pregnancy. Tackling doubts and societal pressures, he navigates a journey through divine intervention, angelic encounters, and prophetic fulfillments to a place of understanding and acceptance—illuminating the authenticity of the virgin birth and its pivotal role in our spiritual quest. By weaving these scriptural events into the fabric of our modern lives, he challenges us to consider the singular nature of Jesus and the potential for transformation in our response to Him. Through this poignant recounting, Pastor Colin seeks not to simply retell a story but to stir a deeper recognition of God's plan and its relevance to us. He prompts a reflection on the birth of Christ as a touchstone of hope and salvation that extends across generations and cultures.

Welcome to this week's sermon with Pastor Colin as he delves into an insightful perspective on the Christian faith. Reflecting on Luke's Gospel, Pastor Colin discusses the character of Simeon, a man from Jerusalem filled with the Holy Spirit, who eagerly awaited the Messiah's arrival. Though not a witness to Christ's birth or the proclamation of the angels, Simeon's encounter with Jesus in the temple resonates powerfully. Typical of his humble background, Simeon offers a relatable connection to the ordinary believer, highlighting the power of God's revelation to those of simple faith. In the latter half of his message, Pastor Colin emphasizes the profundity of Simeon's experience, stressing the transformative impact Jesus has on individuals—either as a cornerstone for the rising or a stumbling block for the falling. He encourages the congregation to become believers and followers, allowing Christ's light to guide them through life's darkness. Drawing the sermon to a close, Pastor Colin calls everyone to become worshippers, recognizing Jesus as the glory of the faithful and a source of everlasting hope. In closing, he delivers a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for the gift of salvation and eternal life through His Son.

Welcome to our special Christmas service featuring a sermon from Pastor Colin. In today's message, he shares his reflections and a unique perspective on the Christmas story, focusing on the essence of the celebration: the birth of Jesus Christ. While acknowledging that some may shy away from the traditional terminology, Pastor Colin invites us to delve into the true significance of this day—the joy and glory of Christ's arrival into the world. Pastor Colin draws upon John's experiences with Jesus, recounting the moments he witnessed firsthand. From his initial encounter with Jesus alongside his brother James, to the profound Transfiguration event that revealed Christ's divine glory, Pastor Colin offers an intimate account of John's journey as a disciple. Through his narrative, we're reminded of the humanity of the apostles, their desires, and the transformations they underwent in Christ's presence—a testament to the lasting impact of Jesus's mission and the living hope He grants to all who believe.