Open the Bible UK Broadcast

This episode, "Restrain God's Praise," delves deep into the lessons from Jonah’s journey and God's merciful nature. Pastor Colin quetion whether we have perhaps been too hard on Jonah. He reflects on how Jonah's story reveals the ongoing need for God's grace and reminds us all that salvation comes from the Lord. Join us as Pastor Colin shares personal insights on how this profound truth has transf...

If you've ever found yourself wrestling with the idea of committing to follow Jesus, today's broadcast is for you. Pastor Colin reminds us that we often find ourselves sinking like Jonah, overwhelmed by doubt and perceived inadequacies. Yet, the path forward is to lift our gaze to God, as revealed through Jesus Christ, and embrace the transformative love He offers. Prepare to be encouraged as Coli...

Owning our sinfulness is a crucial step in embracing the Gospel. Pastor Colin explores the story of Jonah and his tumultuous journey of faith, highlighting how his struggles and eventual surrender can resonate with each of us. This broadcast takes us through Jonah's humbling acceptance of his need for God and how, even facing overwhelming challenges, God's grace prevails. As Jonah's story unfolds,...

Today, Colin delves into the profound and often misunderstood topic of sin, shedding light on how truly understanding it can lead to a heart of compassion rather than condemnation. As he shares insights from the book of Jonah, Pastor Colin emphasises the importance of being engaged in God’s work rather than remaining passive bystanders. He challenges us to see beyond our grievances, and like the k...

In this episode, Pastor Colin explores God's boundless compassion and urges us to reflect that love in our daily lives. Despite Jonah's reluctance, God's mercy extends to all, challenging us to show kindness to everyone, especially those we might find difficult. We discuss the beauty of every person as a unique creation and how embracing this perspective enhances our compassion. Join us as we lear...

Ever thought about how life’s comforts can sometimes mask the hidden anger within our hearts? Jonah certainly knew this struggle, and Pastor Colin helps us unpack this idea further. We explore the striking contrast between Jonah, consumed by anger, and Job, who responded with worship despite his trials. It's a journey that challenges us to either withdraw into anger or lean into worship when faced...

In today's episode, we are diving deep into the story of Jonah and exploring the challenges and lessons within chapter 4. Pastor Colin invites us to picture ourselves in Jonah’s shoes, experiencing both God’s blessings and His withdrawings as Jonah did with the vine, the worm, and the scorching wind. Pastor Colin addresses how easily we can grow to love God's gifts more than God Himself, a timely...

Does God's grace make you angry, or does it lead you into worship and prayer? Pastor Colin explores the depths of God's love, highlighting that while God's love is for everyone, His deepest love may not be the same for all. Through the story of Jonah, we discover how God's grace can make some people angry but lead others to worship and prayer. This episode invites you to reflect on your own respon...

What do Jonah, Asaph, and the elder brother from Jesus’ story have in common? Despite being obedient servants, they all confronted deep-seated resentment. Join us as we unravel the complexities of how devoted service can sometimes lead to unexpected personal struggles. Drawing from the rich narrative of Jonah Chapter 4, Pastor Colin sheds light on the dangers of undermining one's own repentance an...

Join Colin Smith as he delves into the challenges of evangelism, particularly through the story of Jonah. Discover how God's timing plays a crucial role in bringing transformation to lives and communities. This episode follows the journey of a woman concerned about her husband's faith and explores the mystery of why change doesn't always happen immediately, despite the sincerity of one's efforts....

In today’s broadcast, Colin explores the story of Jonah and the powerful way God used him to deliver a simple yet profound message to the city of Nineveh: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be destroyed." This episode delves into the importance of allowing God's word to change us personally before we can be a beacon of change in our surroundings. Many of us resonate with the busyness of Nineveh, ju...

How can we pacify the anger of God? Using the story of Jonah as a backdrop, Pastor Colin explores the significance of sacrifice and how it points us to the hope found in Jesus Christ. If you've ever wondered about the deeper meanings behind the storms and sacrifices in your life, this episode is for you. Join us as we turn to Jonah Chapter 1, verses 4 to 16, and discover the beautiful narrative of...

Does God only send storms as a result of sin, or can occur even when we're walking closely with Him? As we navigate through Jonah's journey, we discover God's incredible grace and His sovereign hand at work, even in the middle of life's tempests. Join us as we unpack Jonah chapter 1, verses 4 to 16, in the compelling message titled "Refuse God's Provision through Someone Else". Pastor Colin offers...

We've all had moments when life doesn’t go as planned—whether that's due to a sudden job loss or a shift in life's circumstances—and Jonah's story captures this perfectly. Pastor Colin takes us through Jonah's initial resistance to God's call, uncovering the self-centeredness lurking beneath his prosperous life. The story challenges us all: when God calls us to something new, will we resist, like...

This week, we're diving into the intriguing tale of Jonah—the prophet who experienced miracles, yet grappled with the same inner struggles as many believers do. Did Jonah truly live a God-centred life? Get ready as Pastor Colin Smith unravels Jonah's fascinating journey of resisting God's call to venture beyond his comfort zone and the powerful lessons it holds for us all. In our series, 'How to A...

"Lord, to whom shall we go?" This powerful message explores the richness of life with Jesus and the challenges of standing firm in faith amid cultural pressures. Pastor Colin takes us through John's Gospel, highlighting Peter's heartfelt declaration of Christ's words as eternal life. Discover how one man's journey away from faith led to a renewed commitment to Christ, showcasing God's unending lov...

How can you stand firm in your faith when so many are turning away? Join us as we explore themes of enduring faith, the struggles of university students facing newfound freedom, and the challenge of holding steadfast to Jesus' teachings in a culture that is often at odds with His message. We'll journey through John chapter 6, discussing the uniqueness of Jesus, the necessity of the atonement, and...

How can Christians deepen their confidence in belonging to Christ, especially when doubts arise? Whether it's understanding the impact of temperament, the path of our faith, or simply looking at the strength of Jesus' promises, this episode highlights practical ways to strengthen your faith journey. Join us as we explore how pursuing the life Christ calls us to, believing in His promises, and ackn...

Today’s discussion revolves around a crucial aspect of faith – assurance. Colin dives deep into understanding how assurance brings comfort, peace, and joy by knowing that Jesus Christ is yours forever. This episode addresses the most frequently asked questions that many believers face: Is their faith genuine? Are they truly one of God's people? Pastor Colin sheds light on the difference between fa...

Today's episode called "Defiant", tackles Hebrews chapter 6, exploring the sobering reality of spiritual experiences that may fall short of true faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Colin reflects on the tendency for some individuals, even those raised in Christian environments, to drift away or become defiant toward Christ. This message underscores the importance of returning to the heart of faith and e...

Why might those who have tasted the gospel turn away and become defiant? This episode focuses on Hebrews chapter six, addressing the deeply compelling character of 'Defiant,' who represents individuals who have experienced Christianity but chose a different path. Pastor Colin highlights the distinction between spiritual and saving experiences, elucidating how even those who seem engaged with the f...

Do you feel like you are 'drifting' in faith? Today we explore the journey of a character named Drifting, who represents those who find themselves without clear convictions and are in search of something more in their spiritual lives. We will dive into the book of Hebrews, uncovering its teachings on steadfast faith and enduring conviction. The conversation touches on the essential understanding t...

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith! In today's episode, we delve into the crucial role of influence in our lives. Pastor Colin challenges us to reflect deeply on our personal spheres of influence—be it friends, family, work, or church—and to consider what kind of influence we are having. This practical message centres around seven pivotal questions designed to help us evaluate our s...

Being a Christian means being roped to Jesus Christ. Today, Pastor Colin flips the perception of being yoked to Christ as a burden and presents an encouraging message of hope. He explores how our Saviour can hold onto us even when we fall, offering an in-depth look through the book of Jude. Join us as we explore how God saves us not only from sin's penalty but also from its power and presence. Lis...

Today Colin explains that while our journey with faith in Jesus Christ begins with the forgiveness of our sins and freedom from condemnation, it doesn't end there. Salvation, indeed, is a process that involves a wonderful, ongoing transformation. Within this episode, Colin explores the three-fold perspective of salvation as described in the Bible: it's an accomplished event, a current process, and...