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 spiritual progress and readiness to be of service to others. Join us in examining how our daily actions and spiritual growth can profoundly impact those around us and the greater community. Don't miss this enlightening and enriching discussion as we explore Psalm 23 and embark on a journey of spiritual self-assessment and growth. Let us encourage one another in this journey and embrace the influence God has entrusted to us!

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. Listen to Pastor Colin paint a vivid picture of this journey and delve into how God positions us to fight against sin's grip. With captivating analogies from climbing to boxing, this message is one of hope and triumph in the Christian life.

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 a future hope. Discover how we are not only saved from sin's penalty but are being progressively freed from its power as we set our sights on the future promise of being fully present with Christ.

As we focus on the book of Jude, Colin discusses the essential workouts for a healthy Christian life, emphasising the need for spiritual discipline as we await the complete fulfilment of our salvation in the presence of Jesus. Get ready for an insightful journey that encourages us to rest in God's triumph while remaining vigilant in our walk of faith.

How can we be spiritually vigilent? Based on Jude verse 23. Pastor Colin reminds us that temptation is a universal struggle and urges us to heed the words of Jesus: "watch and pray, so that you do not enter into temptation." We'll explore why it's crucial to stay alert and the strategies we can use to guard against sin, including self-examination and reflecting on the cross. Colin also challenges us to be realistic about our vulnerabilities and to rely on Jesus Christ for protection. As always, the Bible offers practical wisdom and clear directives to help us walk in a way that's honouring to Jesus.

How do we balance confidence and skepticism in the Christian faith? Pastor Colin explains how balancing trust in Jesus with a healthy skepticism of ourselves is akin to a bicycle having two functioning wheels — both are necessary to move forward effectively. Join us as Pastor Colin unpacks insights from the book of Jude, encouraging us to ‘Watch Yourself’, by maintaining awareness of our own tendencies and spiritual responsibilities. Additionally, discover how the influence of the wrong leaders can lead the church astray, and what steps we can take to 'keep ourselves in spiritual shape'. Embark on this insightful journey with us and strengthen your spiritual walk.

Pastor Colin dives deep into the imagery of Christians as "burning sticks snatched from the fire," a compelling metaphor derived from the book of Jude. Join us as we explore how this vivid picture illustrates God's mercy and the continuous journey of spiritual growth.

Discover how every Christian, though scarred by sin, is rescued and restored by God's grace. As Pastor Colin unpacks Jude's advice on ministry, learn why compassion, humility, and gratitude are at the heart of reaching out to others. Reflect on how God can use even the charred pieces of our lives for His purposes.

Today we dive into the inspiring message titled "Reach Out to Others," focusing on sustaining spiritual health through ministry. Pastor Colin, with his 40 years of experience, enlightens us on the dual nature of ministry — it may be draining, but is also wonderfully nourishing, much like Jesus described His mission as His food. Tune into this enriching discussion as we explore the seven spiritual exercises from the book of Jude, showing us how to maintain spiritual fitness. Remember, reaching out to help one another not only aids others but refreshes our own souls.

In today's episode titled "Learn to Wait," Pastor Colin delves into the theme of patience and spiritual growth during life's waiting periods. Through the lens of biblical examples like Jonah and Judas Iscariot, we explore how aligning with God's plans rather than our own desires leads to a fulfilling Christian life. As Pastor Colin opens the book of Jude, verse 21, he suggests three key ways to grow spiritually while waiting: embracing life's disappointments with patience, cultivating hope in the anticipation of heaven, and deepening our worship by loving God in both pain and pleasure. With his insightful and compassionate approach, Pastor Colin invites us to see our unfulfilled desires as opportunities for spiritual growth and to trust in God's plan.