Open the Bible UK Broadcast

In today's broadcast, we delve into the power of faith, exploring what it truly means to have a faith that transforms and sustains us through life's toughest challenges. Through a compelling message taken from Mark chapter 3, Pastor Colin takes us on a journey to better understand responses to Jesus, examining real-life examples that resonate with each of us. Are you ready to discover the vitality...

Join us on today's episode of Open The Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, where we're exploring the challenging theme of obedience in faith. We dive into the striking contradiction of being a 'confessing rebel' and what it means for our spiritual journey. With examples from the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Colin unpacks why simply knowing and acknowledging the truth isn't enough—it's about letting that trut...

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, where today we're exploring the theme of joy in a truly Christ-centred church. We will delve into how churches need not be burdened with rules and regulations, but can be places where joy is abundant and burdens are lifted, following the true message of Jesus. Discover the choices Jesus made that set him apart, and how these stir up conflict yet l...

Today, we delve into the surprising and powerful story of Jesus and Levi, a tax collector regarded by many as the 'scum of the earth'. This broadcast challenges us to rethink common misconceptions about who Jesus chooses to save. Join us as we explore the Book of Mark, chapter two, and discover how Jesus' actions stir up conflict with the religious leaders of His time, and what this means for us t...

Today, Pastor Colin speaks about the importance of not letting anything deter you from coming to Jesus. He illustrates this point with the inspiring story of a leper who sought Jesus' healing. Through today's message, we learn valuable lessons about determination and faith. Pastor Colin emphasises five key encouragements to help you come to Christ and receive from Him. Whether it's the example of...

Today, we're diving into a fascinating story from Mark's gospel. A paralysed man, carried by his friends, couldn't reach Jesus because of the crowd. So they lowered him through the roof, and Jesus did something completely unexpected – he forgave the man's sins. You might wonder, just like the paralysed man probably did, why Jesus spoke of forgiveness when physical healing was clearly needed. Pasto...

Today, Colin discusses the incredible authority of Jesus' words and how they bring about real change in people's lives. From the book of Genesis, we learn that what God says happens. When God said, "Let there be light," there was light. This theme of divine authority continues with Jesus. As Colin explains, Jesus is God in the flesh, and when He speaks, His words have the power to transform lives....

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin dives into Mark Chapter 1, exploring the intriguing scenario where Jesus moves away from a ready-made audience to preach elsewhere. Why would Jesus choose to leave a large crowd with many needs waiting at his doorstep? This fascinating discussion sheds light on the importance Jesus placed on the proclamation of the gospel over performing miracles. We'll uncover w...

This episode dives deep into the importance of Jesus Christ in the gospel. Pastor Colin underscores that having Christ means having everything, while without Him, one has nothing. We'll explore how the New Testament centres entirely on Jesus Christ and how knowing Him brings life. Pastor Colin also shares insights from Mark’s Gospel, particularly focusing on the first 13 verses, highlighting the k...

In today's broadcast, we delve into one of the greatest mysteries and glories of the Christian faith: that Jesus is the Son of God. The disciples may not have fully understood it, but they believed and followed Jesus with a faith that seeks understanding. This is the essence of true discipleship. Pastor Colin explores the profound concept of "faith seeking understanding," reminding us that true co...

Today, Pastor Colin looks at the pitfalls of living for oneself in a world that encourages self-centredness. Pastor Colin highlights that true happiness and joy come from living for Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for us. Tune in as they explore Romans 12 and the transformative power of love that involves sacrifice. Pastor Colin emphasises that being "in Christ" means that what was true of J...

Today, Pastor Colin dives into the topic of love and sacrifice, reminding us that true love always involves a level of sacrifice. Reflecting on Romans Chapter 12, he encourages us to embrace a life of love by being willing to lay down our needs for the benefit of others, just as Jesus did for us. It’s a moving meditation on how saying no to ourselves can lead to profound blessings for others.

In today's broadcast, we dive into the profound teachings from the First Book of John, chapter 4, exploring how "Love Comes from God". Pastor Colin draws six practical strategies for growing in love, distinguishing them from mere self-help by emphasising the transformative power of God's love in our hearts. The conversation unravels the interconnected threads of God's part and our part in the jour...

Today's message is all about love - a profound and hopeful topic, especially for those who have felt unloved in their lives. Pastor Colin shares the encouraging message that regardless of our experiences, we can love because God's love for us is greater than we can imagine. We delve into 1 John 4 to explore the simple yet powerful truth: "We love because He first loved us." Through this Bible pass...

In today's insightful episode, "Hope's Surprising Outcomes," Pastor Colin explores how hope positively transforms our lives in remarkably practical ways. You'll discover four powerful outcomes: hope enhances our witness, leads us to purer living, provides deeper comfort, and strengthens us for life's journey.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the theme of hope and its surprising outcomes in our lives. Pastor Colin explains how growing in hope not only helps us become better witnesses for Christ but also enables us to lead purer lives. We'll explore Romans 8:18 and 1 Peter 3:15, gaining insights into how hope can set us apart in a world often marked by despair. Join us as we uncover the biblical str...

Today, we delve into a significant question: If Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, how can He truly be present 24/7 with each and every one of us? Pastor Colin explains this wonderful truth by exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit. We'll look at Colossians 1:27 and discover how "Christ in you, the hope of glory" manifests in our lives through the Holy Spirit, giving us str...

Today we're exploring a profound and encouraging theme: finding hope through a relationship with God. Today's message is based on a marvellous verse from Colossians chapter one, verse 27, which tells us, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." We'll dive into what it means to have hope in God and how this is achieved through Christ dwelling within us. Pastor Colin's teaching aims to renew our strength...

Today’s episode dives into the profound experiences of feeling abandoned and finding hope, exemplified by the lives of David and Jesus. Host David Pick and Pastor Colin explore how these moments of spiritual struggle are not unique and how recognising them can offer solace and strength. Join us as we reflect on Psalm 42 and discuss practical strategies to build hope, such as speaking honestly to G...

Feeling low on energy or enthusiasm? Today's message might strike a chord with you. Pastor Colin delves deep into Psalm 42 and how it can help renew hope in our hearts even when life seems flat and discouraging. As we explore the profound verses of Psalm 42, we'll find valuable insights on enduring faith, hope, and love.

Welcome to another episode of "Open the Bible" with Pastor Colin Smith. Today, we're diving into a thought-provoking message on how to navigate the inevitable encounters with the three "thieves" of our faith journey: faint heart, mistrust, and guilt. Drawing inspiration from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," Pastor Colin discusses how these adversaries threaten to derail our spiritual growth and...

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith as he unpacks the transformative power of "Applied Faith". Just as muscles grow stronger when exercised, our faith grows when applied in challenging situations. In today's episode, Colin dives into the analogy of faith being like a muscle and explores how our trust in God must be actively applied, especially during life's trials. Pastor Colin and c...

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's episode, Pastor Colin delves into the profound questions that many of us have when facing life's trials. Why does God allow these hardships in our lives, and what good can come from them? Drawing from the Apostle Peter's writings, specifically 1 Peter 1:3-9, Colin explores the concept of Tested Faith – faith that has been refined and pr...

In today's message, "Tested Faith," we're diving deep into the nature of faith through passages from 1 Peter Chapter 1, verses 3-9. Pastor Colin discusses the dual aspects of faith—belief and trust—and how these are tested and strengthened. It's easy to have faith when life is smooth, but true faith involves trusting God even when we don't have all the answers. We explore how tested faith is both...

If the apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith, how much more should we be asking the Lord to increase ours? Today, Pastor Colin Smith explores this crucial question as we dive into Luke 17. Discover why the disciples asked Jesus to bolster their faith and how that applies to our lives today. Explore with Pastor Colin how challenges like temptation, the command to forgive, and personal failur...