Open the Bible UK Broadcast

In this broadcast, Pastor Colin introduces us to a new series, "Six Things to Ask of God," focusing on the transformative power of prayer. Through an engaging exploration of the Lord's Prayer, Colin invites us to learn how to pray as Jesus taught, making our prayer lives more meaningful and effective.In this episode, "God's Name," we delve into the first petition of the Lord's Prayer: "Hallowed be your name." Pastor Colin discusses the heavenly versus earthly realities of God's name being honoured and leads us to grasp the profound importance of aligning our prayers with heavenly worship.Touching upon how to use the Lord's Prayer as a template, following in the thoughtful steps of Martin Luther, this series presents a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding and practice of prayer. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to enrich your spiritual journey, this series is designed to assist you in growing closer to God and enriching your prayer life.

Today, we unravel the deeper layers of the Tenth Commandment and how it radically changed the Apostle Paul's life. Many of us know the commandment "you shall not covet," but have we truly grasped its impact on our hearts? Pastor Colin explores how this commandment reveals our inner struggles and points us towards true contentment found in Christ. Through Romans 7, we discover Paul's personal transformation and how God's law opened his eyes to the condition of his heart. This is a crucial lesson for anyone who has ever felt morally upright yet misses the deeper call of spirituality. Join us as we delve into how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life reflecting God's character, offering hope and a new heart.

While many of us nod in agreement when discussing sin and forgiveness, it's easy for these concepts to feel distant. This broadcast challenges us to revisit our understanding of morality and how even the best-living among us need forgiveness. Join Pastor Colin as he unfolds the insights of the 10th commandment, demonstrating how it acts as a key to comprehensively understanding all other commandments.

In today's message titled "Your Struggle with Truth," we explore the profound statement by Jesus: "I am the light of the world, and whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." But what does it truly mean to follow the light? Pastor Colin dives deep into how translating what we hear into action brings the light of life to us. We learn that Christianity isn't just an academic study but involves a personal engagement and an opening of ourselves to follow Jesus fully.In this episode, Pastor Colin also shares a thought-provoking story about a student named Sue, who discovers the truth of Jesus through active obedience. We are reminded of the importance of living the truth actively, as believing leads to obeying and, consequently, seeing the transformation in our lives.Throughout the broadcast, we tackle intriguing concepts such as "truth terrorism," where speaking the truth must always be balanced with love, to avoid causing harm. We're encouraged to embrace authentic faith that doesn't just remain in our heads but translates into visible, loving actions that honour God.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus meant when He called Himself "the truth"? Colin unravels this by reminding us that truth is not merely a construct of our opinions but is deeply rooted in God's character. As we explore Exodus 20:16, we'll see how God's commandments reflect His unwavering truthfulness and challenge us to live the same way.

In this episode titled "Your Struggle for Integrity," Colin explores the Eighth Commandment — "You shall not steal" — and its deep implications for our lives today.Starting with a sobering reflection on Satan, described as the ultimate taker who steals, kills, and destroys, Colin draws a profound contrast with Jesus Christ, the great giver. He challenges us to examine our hearts — are we givers, like Christ, or are we reflecting the taker characteristic of Satan in our lives?Colin invites us to consider how we approach work and contribution. Whether paid or unpaid, our work should be approached with a spirit of service, offered as worship to God. This transformative message redefines the way we view and value our daily tasks, highlighting the biblical principle of work as a blessing and an opportunity to serve others and contribute to the Kingdom of God.

We invite you on a thought-provoking journey as we delve into the deeper meanings of the Eighth Commandment: "Thou shalt not steal". Join Pastor Colin Smith as he explores the concept of stealing beyond the tangible, traditional view of theft. Through this discussion, discover how this commandment challenges our everyday actions and attitudes in areas such as the workplace, family, and even church life. Learn about the profound struggle for integrity that lies at the heart of this biblical commandment and how this concept reaches far beyond simply not taking what isn't yours. With practical examples and biblical insights, this episode encourages us to reflect on our roles as givers rather than takers in various aspects of our lives.

Today's episode tackles the issue of overcoming temptation by cultivating a deep love for Christ, inspired by the seventh commandment. Pastor Colin explores the idea that a new love is stronger than an old habit, encouraging us to replace destructive behaviours with a vibrant, Christ-centred devotion.

Have you ever struggled with purity? Pastor Colin helps us to look at the concept of sexual purity, exploring it through the lens of Biblical teachings. He takes us back to the beginning, highlighting that the first thoughts on sexuality were pure and came from God.Today's message offers a compassionate look at the pressures of maintaining purity in modern society and the importance of keeping promises, both big and small, as exemplified through a touching children's story. The message aims to provide clarity and encouragement for anyone facing struggles in this area. Join us as we open our Bibles to Exodus chapter 20, verse 14, and discover the depth of God's guidance on living a pure life.

Today, Pastor Colin helps us explore the age-old commandments and how they relate to our modern struggles, particularly focusing on the commandment “you shall not commit murder.”He likens murder to trains on a track, urging us to reflect not just on the act itself but on the journeys of anger and conflict that often lead to it. We will explore the subtle moral stations we often stop at—like anger, rudeness, and recklessness—each one drawing us closer to breaking this commandment. It’s a vital reminder that harbouring ill will or inflicting harsh words can be more significant than we might realise.Tune in as Colin stresses the significance of valuing every human life, including the unborn and the elderly, and highlights the need for personal peace and reconciliation in our daily lives. He also compassionately acknowledges the struggles with depression and hopelessness, offering hope by reinforcing the irreplaceable value of each life in God's eyes.

Today we explore what it truly means to be created in the image of God. This insightful discussion takes us into the depths of the Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder," and delves into the sacredness and uniqueness of human life as a gift from God. Join Pastor Colin as he navigates the complexities surrounding human dignity, the value of life, and the implications of our eternal soul.

Join Pastor Colin on the vital topic of parenting and representing God to our children. In today's discussion, Pastor Colin poses a thought-provoking question: "How am I representing God to this child?" Recognising the high and holy calling of parenting, Pastor Colin reminds us of the immense value and responsibility in guiding our children with wisdom, sufficiency, and love. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or leader, this episode offers biblical insights on using authority wisely and compassionately.

In this episode of Open the Bible, Pastor Colin Smith takes us on a thoughtful journey through the fifth commandment, exploring what it means to honour those in authority, even when they might not seem honourable. As always, Colin sheds light on the sometimes challenging dynamics of respecting and valuing the authority figures in our lives, from parents to teachers and beyond. Join us as we delve into the complexities of relationships and authority, and learn how to embody the spirit of honour at various stages of life. Whether you're a child, launching into adulthood, or caring for parents in their later years, discover the biblical principles of giving weight to those God places in your path.

In this episode, we dive into the thought-provoking question: Why did God create the heavens and the earth in six days instead of an instant? Pastor Colin explores the meaning and value of the Sabbath day, challenging perceptions of it as a day filled with old rules and restrictions. Discover how the gift of rest is meant to help us savour the eternal, deepen our worship, and strengthen our grasp on eternity. Whether a believer or someone curious about faith, this conversation will spark reflection on how we spend time and embrace rest in our lives.

You might be surprised to learn that Sabbath not just about taking a day off; there's a deeper insight into how we perceive work and rest. Join Pastor Colin as he explores the significance of the Sabbath and how God’s interest in our work week equates to His interest in our Sunday worship. Unpack the dignity of work, the essential nature of rest, and understand why all your work, paid or unpaid, reflects the image of God. Whether you’re an executive or manual worker, there’s something in this message for you.

In today's broadcast, we'll discuss the critical question: Is there an unforgivable sin? Pastor Colin unpacks what it truly means to blaspheme the Spirit and the significance of acknowledging our need for a Saviour. Discover how recognising our own need keeps Christ at the centre, ensuring that His grace shines brightly through our actions.As we study Exodus 20, we'll learn why it's essential to honour God's name, not only as a matter of faith but as a calling that shapes how we live and interact with the world. Prepare for an insightful session that reminds us of the transformative power of humility, integrity, and love in our walk with Christ.

Join Pastor Colin explore how the misuse and irreverent use of God's name affect our society, culture, and personal spirituality. They discuss the importance of reverence in how we speak of God, challenging the "OMG culture" that often surrounds us. Pastor Colin emphasises the need for love, respect, and truth when using the name of God, not just as an exclamation or filler in conversation.In this insightful broadcast, Colin also reflects on how many people and causes throughout history have attempted to claim divine endorsement and how this impacts the world's view of faith today. Discover how this can even be a struggle within religious communities and what it means to carry the name of God with integrity.

In this episode, titled "Your Struggle with Worship," Pastor Colin dives deep into the essence of idolatry, guided by the profound insights of Augustine. Join us in understanding how idolatry isn't just about graven images but can be a quiet struggle within all of us as we explore Colossians chapter one, verses 15 to 23.Discover the dual nature of idolatry: the temptation to elevate created things to divine levels and the equally pervasive challenge of trying to use God for our personal gains, rather than genuinely worshipping Him. This episode provides eye-opening reflections and valuable questions to ponder as we examine our personal relationship with God, and how we might inadvertently place Him in an Aladdin's lamp role.

While idolatry might conjure up images of ancient carvings, today we explore how it's intricately woven into our modern lives. Pastor Colin challenges us to reflect on how we might unknowingly worship aspects of life that should be used for God's glory, rather than confuse the Creator with the creation. This thought-provoking discussion invites us to examine our personal relationships and daily practices to uncover subtle forms of idolatry that may be influencing our worship.

Join us on this enlightening episode of "Open the Bible" as Pastor Colin Smith explores the question: What does God actually say to us? While it could be easy for God to assert His immense power, Pastor Colin shares that God's appeal is based on love rather than raw strength. Journey with us into the Bible as we delve into Exodus and examine God's call for us to embrace Him with loving loyalty, free from any other influences.

Today, Pastor Colin delves into the profound connection between the God we worship, the values we hold, and the lifestyle we lead. Drawing on the example of the Ten Commandments, he explains how our morals are closely tied to the character of God. In a world brimming with different values and beliefs, how do we determine which ones to follow?

Does the Christian life sometimes feel like an ongoing struggle? Or a never-ending climb? Every believer's journey, from the moment of new birth until they stand in the presence of Jesus, involves challenges. But take heart, we're all in the same boat—or rather, on the same rock face—struggling against the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Ten Commandments frame the real struggles of our daily lives, from contentment to truth, and integrity to worship. Pastor Colin emphasises that while it's difficult, God's Spirit empowers us to progress step by step. Whether you're new to this journey or have been climbing for years, our struggles are both common and part of our growth. Even if you've fallen off the wall, God's mercy is your rope, holding you fast and offering hope and encouragement.

In this final message of our series "Hope is a Name," based on 1 Corinthians Chapter 15, Pastor Colin delves into the transformative truth of the resurrection life promised in Christ. Together, we explore the profound call to live steadfast and abundant lives for Christ, recognising the eternal hope that lies ahead for believers and the urgency of reaching those yet to know Him.Join us as we unpack God's promise of victory over death and what it means to live with heavenly hope in our hearts, even amidst earthly challenges. Pastor Colin calls us to reflect: "In light of the glorious life ahead and the reality of millions perishing without Christ, are we doing all we can for Him?" It's a question that drives us toward deeper commitment and action in our walk with the Lord.

In this episode, Pastor Colin dives into 1 Corinthians 15, illuminating how being steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord offers hope for believers. This journey through scripture reveals that our labors are not in vain because, through Christ’s resurrection, we have a promise of eternal life and new, imperishable bodies, designed for everlasting joy with Him.If you've ever wondered how the resurrection impacts our present life, today's message holds the answers. With engaging clarity, Pastor Colin explains that because Christ was raised, believers, whether living or departed, have the assurance of rising with Him one day. It’s about living in the confidence and hope of the resurrection, motivating us to serve more diligently today.

Today, we take a fascinating journey through 1 Corinthians 15, exploring the Apostle Paul’s description of the Resurrection body. Have you ever wondered what life in eternity will be like? Today's discussion offers a glimpse into this mystery, with Pastor Colin exploring the imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual nature of our resurrection bodies. Join us in revealing the beauty of God’s promise, reminding us of the eternal home that awaits believers. Pastor Colin encourages us that these insights not only inspire awe but also provide strength and perseverance in our daily trials. As you listen, embrace the hope for tomorrow and explore how this powerful message can uplift your spirit and bolster your faith. Don’t forget, if you missed an episode or wish to listen again, you can catch up online at openthebible.org.uk or subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform by searching for 'Open The Bible UK'. Enjoy daily reflections and insights through ‘Open The Bible Daily’ read by Sue McCleish.

Join us on this episode of "Open the Bible" as Pastor Colin Smith dives into the marvellous truth of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. Together, we explore the anticipation believers hold for the glorious new life promised through Christ. Pastor Colin answers sceptics' questions about the resurrection and provides an analogy to help us grasp what lies ahead. Discover how death is not the end, but a gateway into a radiant eternal life with God. Whether you have questions or seek deeper understanding, this discussion is not to be missed.Listen along and find hope in the joyous life promised to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Plus, don't forget to explore further teachings and podcasts online at openthebible.org.uk.

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Have you ever expected help from a specific person and been disappointed? Pastor Colin shares how God, in His unfailing nature, can meet our needs through unexpected means. We continue our journey in the Book of Ruth, particularly focusing on Chapter 4, where God's provision shines through the story of Naomi and Ruth. Explore the powerful symbolism of redemption captured in the birth of a child in Bethlehem and his impact on Naomi's life. This episode reminds us of the hope, love, and purpose that God brings into our lives, even in the face of disappointment and loss.

Today we look at the theme of blessing in the final part of our series, "Ordinary People, Extraordinary God." This broadcast focuses on a memorable wedding in the book of Ruth and the blessings that flow from it, underscoring the kindness and provision of God. Pastor Colin explores what it means to receive God's blessing as we start a new phase in life, like marriage. You'll be encouraged by the remarkable story of Ruth and Naomi, filled with hope and a testament to God's ongoing redemption through Christ. Listen along for a message full of insight and encouragement!

Welcome to "Open the Bible" with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's episode, we're delving into the theme of redemption, exploring how Boaz's story in the Book of Ruth beautifully points us to Jesus Christ. Pastor Colin discusses the profound ways in which Christ's love and sacrifice offer eternal life and hope to all, regardless of past rebellion. Join us as we uncover the powerful message of Christ's willingness to be our redeemer. Whether you're familiar with the story of Ruth or hearing it for the first time, this episode brings an uplifting message of grace and renewal. Don't forget, if you've missed any part of our series "Ordinary People, Extraordinary God," you can catch up online at openthebible.org.uk.

Have you ever noticed how the Book of Ruth has deep ties to the story of Jesus? Although His name doesn’t explicitly appear in Ruth, the concept of the 'redeemer' runs throughout, offering a profound insight into His role as our Redeemer. Today's discussion will take us to the heart of these connections, spotlighting why this Old Testament book is so crucial to understanding our Saviour. Tune in as we explore how Ruth’s story, filled with faith and redemption, beautifully illustrates Jesus's works and purposes.

Today, Pastor Colin delves into Ruth's courageous initiative and her journey of faith with Boaz. We discuss how faith is portrayed vividly in the Old Testament, offering a visual learning experience for all believers. As we follow Ruth's story from Chapter 3, you'll see how faith leads to trust and action, embodying the essence of living boldly with faith in God.We'll uncover the lessons on love from Naomi's counsel, Ruth's initiative, and Boaz's resolve. Love that waits, commits, and gives is beautifully exemplified in this narrative. Colin reveals how Boaz’s actions toward Ruth echo the love of Jesus Christ for us, highlighting the importance of taking initiatives of faith.Faith means seeking Christ, asking and receiving, submitting and obeying, and ultimately trusting and waiting. Discover the richness of approaching life with faith through this wonderful portrayal in the Book of Ruth.

Welcome back to our engaging series on the Book of Ruth, as we delve into the timeless lessons drawn from the lives of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. In today's episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, we explore why an ancient love story still holds relevance in our lives. Brimming with themes of love, loss, and divine providence, the narrative beautifully reflects how our extraordinary God uses ordinary people to fulfil His gracious plans. Pastor Colin explains how love can guide us towards appreciation, selflessness, and rest. Join us as we uncover profound insights from Ruth's world to enrich our faith journey.

Welcome to another episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith! In today's inspiring message, we explore the marvellous story of Ruth—a tale of hope, kindness, and God's providence. If you're feeling a bit hopeless, this is a must-listen as Pastor Colin highlights three ways to pursue and find hope, just as Ruth did with the compassion shown by Boaz.As we explore this ancient and beautiful narrative, we'll see how God’s kindness and provision have far-reaching impacts, even beyond our own lifetimes. This episode is a gentle reminder that the Lord provides for us abundantly, often through the kindness of others, and invites us to find refuge under His wings.If you missed any of the series or wish to listen again, visit openthebible.org.uk or find us on major podcast platforms. Stay tuned for more insights as we continue this journey through the Book of Ruth. Thank you for being with us, and we hope you find encouragement and strength in today's message!

Welcome to today's episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. We're exploring the captivating story of Naomi and Ruth in the book of Ruth, Chapter Two. Titled 'Hope', this episode explores how even amidst sorrow and loss, new horizons of hope begin to open up as God's hidden hand works in the lives of Naomi and Ruth.In this session, Pastor Colin and David Pick guide us through the story, showing how Ruth’s commitment and faithfulness opened the door to God’s blessings through Boaz, a godly and generous man. We'll see how God often reflects our actions towards others in His dealings with us, a principle beautifully illustrated in the kindness Ruth showed to Naomi and the blessings she received in return.

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, where we embark on a heartfelt journey through the Book of Ruth. In today's message, "Grief," Pastor Colin explores a profound theme—the sovereignty of God as a source of comfort during times of sorrow and loss. Through Naomi's story, we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, God’s mighty hand is at work for our good. Is it possible to cling to faith when life seems random and painful? Pastor Colin encourages us to affirm God’s sovereignty, remember His covenant with us, and walk with the man of sorrows—Jesus, who knows our every grief. This episode promises hope and encouragement, especially for those burdened by sadness and adversity. If you've missed any part of our series, "Ordinary People, Extraordinary God," based on the Book of Ruth, you can catch up online at OpenTheBible.org.uk. Dive deeper into your faith journey with us, and find solace in knowing that God's love and promise are constants, even in life's toughest trials. Don’t forget to visit our site for a free viewing of Pastor Colin's film, "Heaven, How I Got Here," amid this reflective Easter season. Join us again soon as we uncover how God transforms bitterness to blessing in Naomi's life, only on Open the Bible.

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. Today's broadcast delves into the profound journey of grappling with grief, exploring how sorrow can hit in waves, distorting our perceptions and lurking at the door of bitterness. Pastor Colin takes us through the biblical story of Naomi from the book of Ruth, as she navigates her path through immense sorrow and loss. Through Naomi's story, we gain wisdom on dealing with trauma and are reminded of the remarkable help that faith offers. So, if you're walking this difficult path today, find solace in the Scriptures and in God’s comforting presence.

Join us on "Open the Bible" with Pastor Colin Smith and host David Pick as we explore a profound expression of love from the Book of Ruth. Discover how Ruth's commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, highlights three marks of loving commitment—consideration, choice, and enduring commitment. Explore a story of sacrificial love, the challenges of faith, and the blessings that follow. Whether you're new to the story or revisiting it, you'll be captivated by the lessons it holds for us today. Tune in to reflect on how love chooses and perseveres, bringing God's blessings in unimaginable ways. Don't miss this inspiring episode and be ready to see how the extraordinary God works through ordinary people. For more episodes, visit openthebible.org.uk, and subscribe to the podcast on major platforms. Let’s learn together about love that commits and endures, inspired by the greatest example of all—Jesus Christ.

Today's broadcast dives deep into the beautiful and timeless story of Ruth, a tale of love and genuine commitment. Pastor Colin explores three key aspects of what characterises true love, showing how love considers, chooses, and ultimately commits. It’s a reminder that the essence of love extends far beyond mere feelings, highlighting profound choices and commitments symbolised through Ruth’s journey.As always, our discussions are rooted in the scriptures, specifically focusing on Ruth chapter 1, verses 6 to 18. Pastor Colin explores how God weaves our lives and our losses into His grand narrative of love and redemption.If you’ve missed any episodes or wish to revisit previous sessions, you can find all our teachings on the website, Open the Bible UK, and across major podcast platforms by searching "Open the Bible UK". We also offer short daily reflections called "Open the Bible Daily", which are perfect for quick, spiritual nourishment.Join us again for the next part of Ruth’s compelling story of love and redemption. It's a message not just of biblical times but one that resonates with the choices and commitments we encounter in our own lives today.

Join us for an inspiring discussion on Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith as we dive into the profound story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Our journey begins with exploring how the lives, loves, and losses of these ordinary people are intricately woven into God's hidden plan to bless the world. Pastor Colin reminds us that amidst our own challenges, God's providence is at work, weaving our life stories into something beautiful. We also ponder the burning question, "Did Elimelech make a mistake going to Moab?" and discover how God's goodness shines through every decision, whether wise or not. Don't miss out as we unfold the significance of God's grace in our lives, demonstrating that He cares for each of us. Tune in and reflect on how God might be using your life's journey to bring blessings to others in this uplifting series, Ordinary People, Extraordinary God. Don't forget, all episodes are available to revisit on our website, and catch Pastor Colin's messages on our podcast. See you next time as we explore the marks of genuine love in the story of Ruth. Happy listening!

In this episode, we delve into one of the Bible's most captivating tales, the story of Ruth. Pastor Colin reveals three compelling reasons he's drawn to this narrative: it's about ordinary people that we can all relate to, it's a story about our extraordinary God, and it's ultimately a story of redemption. As we embark on this journey, we'll explore how the lives of Ruth and Naomi unfold and how God's remarkable provision and kindness shine through, even in the toughest times. Whether you're new to the Bible or a long-time reader, this episode promises insights and encouragement for everyone. Grab your Bible and join us as we start with the first five verses, and let’s experience the beauty of these ordinary lives touched by an extraordinary God.

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