Open the Bible UK Broadcast

How does the gospel move from something we believe to something that shapes every part of life? Pastor Colin Smith begins the series ‘A Generous Life’ by showing how the presence of Christ, through the Holy Spirit, transforms our relationships, freedom, forgiveness and care for others. Discover why Christian growth is not driven by guilt or pride, but by the good news of Jesus Christ living in us....

How can you keep the Spirit’s fire burning? In this final message from 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Colin Smith encourages us to discern human words carefully, respond to God’s Word with faith and obedience, and trust Christ’s continuing work in us. Though Christians are not yet sinless, in Jesus Christ we are blameless: our guilt has been placed on him. Discover the security and hope that come from Go...

How can you recognise truth from error when you hear teaching, advice or someone claiming to speak for God? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Colin Smith helps us grow in spiritual discernment without becoming cynical or isolated. Discover practical biblical tests for weighing what you hear: does it agree with Scripture, honour Jesus Christ, proclaim the gospel of grace, reflect godly...

What are we really up against, what are we hoping to see, and what do we depend on? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Colin Smith helps us see why persistent prayer is essential. Lasting change does not come through human effort alone, but through the gracious power of God’s Holy Spirit.

What does life in the Holy Spirit look like? In 1 Thessalonians 5, Pastor Colin Smith explores God’s call to be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in every circumstance. Discover why persistent prayer is not driven by guilt or duty, but grows from the joy of knowing Christ and sharing every part of life with him.

When a loved one dies, grief can feel unfinished. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, Pastor Colin Smith points us to the great hope of Christ’s return: believers will be raised, reunited and forever with the Lord. Discover why this future hope brings strength for sorrow, suffering and the challenges of life today—and why true hope is found only in Jesus Christ.

When someone we love dies, grief can bring many painful questions. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5, Pastor Colin Smith opens God’s Word to show the sure hope Christians have in Jesus Christ. Because Jesus died and rose again, those who die in Christ are with him, and one day all God’s people will be raised and reunited in his presence. Discover comfort and encouragement in the promise...

How can your work become an expression of love for God and others? In 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Colin Smith explores the value of working quietly, peacefully and productively, while learning to serve people wisely according to their needs.

Is work simply a way to earn money, or does it have a deeper purpose? In this message, Colin Smith explores the biblical dignity of work. Discover how your daily responsibilities, whether paid or unpaid, can reflect God’s image, fulfil his calling and express love for others.

What hope is there when past sin, painful memories or ingrained habits make the pursuit of purity feel overwhelming? In this message from 1 Thessalonians 4, Pastor Colin Smith reminds us that God’s will is not only to forgive his people, but to sanctify them. Discover why the battle for holiness is a normal part of the Christian life, and take heart: God is with you in the struggle, giving strengt...

What is the difference between justification and sanctification? Pastor Colin Smith opens 1 Thessalonians 4 to show how Christ not only forgives us and makes us right with God, but also changes us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Explore God’s call to a holy life, the urgency of personal purity, and the encouragement that growth in Christ is both possible and essential.

When life brings great trials or strong temptations, God does not ask us to pretend everything is easy. He calls us to stand firm in Christ. In this message from 1 Thessalonians 3, Pastor Colin Smith shows how faith that endures under pressure encourages others and displays the reality of God’s work in us. Discover why even strong faith needs to keep growing, and why the right response to challeng...

When faith comes under fire through trials and temptation, we need one another. Pastor Colin Smith looks at 1 Thessalonians 3 and shows how we can strengthen those who are struggling: by being present, bringing God’s Word, and praying faithfully.

What defines success in the Christian life? Pastor Colin Smith explores two powerful impulses that can hold us back from faithful discipleship: the desire for comfort and the need for other people’s approval. Looking at 1 Thessalonians 2, discover the freedom that comes from knowing you are loved and approved by God through Jesus Christ.

How do you measure success in life, family or church? Pastor Colin Smith opens 1 Thessalonians 2 to show that true success is not found in comfort, popularity or impressive numbers, but in the advance of the gospel and the approval of God. Discover why following Christ means moving beyond our desire for comfort and growing in the shared calling God gives to all his people.

How can your faith stand firm when life becomes difficult? In 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Colin Smith explores how the gospel comes with the power of the Holy Spirit and deep conviction, producing a life-changing faith that endures under pressure. Discover the marks of genuine faith: turning to God, serving him in love, and living in hope of Christ’s return.

What does an authentic work of God look like? In 1 Thessalonians, Pastor Colin Smith explores how the gospel transformed a young church facing severe opposition, giving them a faith that did not buckle under pressure. Discover why the risen Jesus is the heart of the gospel, and how God can grow in us an urgent, enduring faith that reaches others.

What happens when someone becomes a Christian? Pastor Colin Smith opens the Bible to show that salvation is a miracle of God’s grace: Jesus speaks life into people who were spiritually dead. As we hear his Word, the Spirit gives new hearts, new desires and new life. Discover why there is hope in Christ for every sinner, why it is always worth sharing the gospel, and why we should look away from ou...

What makes the difference between someone who trusts Christ and someone who does not? In Ephesians 2, Pastor Colin Smith explains that we were spiritually dead in sin, unable to change our own condition. But God, rich in mercy, makes people alive in Christ. Join David Pick and Pastor Colin for the first part of ‘Dead Men Walking’ and discover why salvation is not simply something we achieve, but a...

Why did Jesus come, and what was happening at the cross? In this message from Ephesians 2, Pastor Colin Smith explores the sobering reality of God’s wrath and the astonishing love shown when Christ bore the punishment that brings us peace. Discover how the cross deepens our confidence in God’s love, fuels compassion for others, and calls us to put our faith in Jesus.

Sin is more than a problem in the world around us; it is a problem within each of us. In this message, Pastor Colin Smith opens Ephesians 2 to explore the difficult but vital truth of God’s wrath. Discover why God’s judgement against evil is the world’s hope, why we need to face our own sin honestly, and how this prepares us to grasp the greatness of Christ’s salvation.

Our hearts do not always lead us in the right direction. In this message from Ephesians 2, Pastor Colin Smith helps us recognise the cravings, thoughts and desires that flow from our sinful nature—and why we need to bring our hearts under the authority of God’s Word. We also consider how honest humility, especially in our families, can point others to the grace of Jesus Christ. There is real hope...

Why do we do things we later regret? In this message from Ephesians 2, Colin Smith explores the Bible’s honest answer: sin is not only around us, but within us, affecting our thoughts, desires and affections. Discover why recognising our need can draw us more deeply to Jesus Christ.

Sin is more than a list of wrong actions; it is a destructive power at work within us. In this message from Genesis 4 and 5, Pastor Colin Smith helps us see why we cannot overcome it by simply trying harder. Discover the hope God offers when we recognise our need and call on him. Our true hope is found in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Why do human beings show such remarkable courage and goodness, yet also commit such terrible evil? Pastor Colin Smith explores the Bible’s answer in Genesis: we are made in God’s image, giving every life dignity and worth, but we are also born in the likeness of fallen Adam. Discover why this ‘double image’ helps us understand ourselves and our world, and why no one is born a Christian—but God’s g...