Open the Bible UK Broadcast

Are you wondering how to be a better friend or unravel the secrets to lasting, meaningful relationships? Pastor Colin unpacks the qualities of a true friend as outlined in the Bible. From the importance of presence and wise counsel to sensitivity and trust, discover what it takes to cultivate and maintain genuine friendships that mirror Jesus' love for us. Tune in and let's walk through Proverbs 27 to learn how we can enrich our lives and others.

Friendship is a beautiful gift from God. In our series, Wisdom For Life, we explore how the Book of Proverbs provides guidance on making, keeping, and being a good friend. Pastor Colin reminds us that friendships are essential and should be sought intentionally. Throughout the episode, we learn practical steps on how to have good friends, be a good friend, and seek the best friend. Don’t miss today's discussion; it’s full of valuable insights to enrich your spiritual and daily life!

Have you ever wondered where wisdom begins? Whether you're on a continuous journey of faith or just seeking a deeper understanding, this episode in Proverbs offers a compelling exploration of what it means to fear the Lord and how it serves as the foundation of wisdom. Pastor Colin explains the significance of the fear of the Lord, not as something to shy away from, but as a vital element in fostering strength, wisdom, and life itself. Join us as we explore how wisdom is about living a blessed life in the most practical areas, from friendships to family, words...

In today's episode, we dive into the book of Proverbs with a focus on understanding the difference between principles and promises. Pastor Colin provides insightful reflections on Proverbs 22:6, reminding us that while good parenting is treasured, it doesn't guarantee specific outcomes. He highlights the importance of not bearing undue guilt or claiming unearned credit in our children's spiritual journeys, as our ultimate reliance is on God's grace. Throughout the series, titled "Wisdom for Life," we are encouraged to explore the rich wisdom offered in the scriptures that guides our daily decisions, friendships, family life, and work. Join us as...

Today Pastor Colin considers how hope can transform our lives, bringing comfort in sorrow, strength in our toils, and purity to our journey. Discover how a steadfast hope set on the living God can energise and sustain us, drawing us closer to Him and enriching our daily walk with faith. Let’s open the Bible together and grow in hope through Romans Chapter Eight. Don't miss the promise of hope's transformational power in your life!

In this episode of Open the Bible, Pastor Colin Smith dives into the rejuvenating message of "Hope's Surprising Outcomes." As believers, nurturing hope isn't just an inner transformation but one that brings about marvellous results in our lives. Pastor Colin explores how growing in hope can remarkably enhance your witness, fill your life with purity, deepen your comfort, and strengthen you. A fascinating journey through Romans and the teachings of Apostle Peter awaits you. Be sure to tune in for inspiring strategies directly from scripture, and discover how hope can become a compelling testament to the vibrant, thriving faith...

Today we are thinking about the two paths people can take in relating to God. Pastor Colin clarifies that while relating to God based on law can lead to despair, true hope is found through God's grace in Jesus Christ.

Join us as we explore 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and uncover four practical strategies for growing in hope. Pastor Colin will share insights on how embracing grace over law transforms our lives, bringing comfort, confidence, and renewed faith.

Enduring hope is freely given to us by God, through Christ, and by grace. Today, Pastor Colin tackles the deeply held belief that hope is something we must earn by our own efforts and adherence to the law—a notion debunked by the Bible's teachings on grace. By exploring passages, including John 5:45 and 2 Thessalonians 2, Pastor Colin reveals that our true hope doesn't hinge on our failings or our adherence to the law but instead is anchored in the grace bestowed upon us through Jesus Christ.

This programme offers valuable insights into how hope is cultivated through faith in...

In today's broadcast, we delve into the marvellous truth of how Jesus, though seated at the right hand of the Father, is present with us through the Holy Spirit. Join us as we explore the central truth of the Christian faith - "Christ in you, the hope of glory" from Colossians 1:27.

Pastor Colin brilliantly explains how the Holy Spirit is not only with us but in us, working within believers to transform lives and produce the beautiful fruits of faith, hope, and love. We also discuss how to live in the tension between the 'already' and the...

How do we find hope through a relationship with God, specifically through Jesus Christ? Pastor Colin takes us through a marvellous verse from the New Testament, Colossians 1:27, which reveals that "Christ in you" is indeed the "hope of glory." If you've ever felt like hope is far away, this episode is for you.

Join us as we explore what it truly means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, how it provides us an unparalleled hope, and the role of the Holy Spirit in our spiritual journey. Along the way, Pastor Colin shares insightful illustrations and scriptures...

Is there hope amidst the challenges of life? In Psalm 42, we delve into the experiences of David and Jesus, and how, like them, we too can find ourselves wrestling with feelings of distance from God, especially during trying times. Pastor Colin sheds light on the inevitable trials of the Christian journey and offers practical strategies to cultivate hope. Through honest prayer, self-reflection, and affirming God’s truths, we can navigate through life's darker moments. Whether you’re feeling spiritually distant or simply in search of encouragement, this broadcast promises insights that can refresh your faith and bring you closer to G...

Find out how Psalm 42 offers medicine for the soul during life's dry seasons. Many of us have felt low energy, flatness, and a loss of joy. Pastor Colin explores the Psalmist's heartfelt cry, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" and the answer filled with hope, "Hope in God." Discover how the Bible speaks into every aspect of our lives, guiding us from despair to renewed hope.

Join us as we learn how to grow in hope, even when God feels distant.

Are you feeling defeated by your own shortcomings and wondering if the flame of God's grace is dwindling in your life? Fear not, as Pastor Colin delves into Isaiah 42, providing hope and encouragement to the discouraged hearts among us. With the imagery of a smouldering wick and a bruised reed, today's message reminds us that God will not extinguish our fragile faith but will nurture it back to a vibrant flame. Whether your heart is heavy from sin or your spirit feels crushed, this Scripture-based discussion is here to reassure you of God's unwavering commitment and love. Join us...

In today's broadcast, we're diving into the message of hope from Psalm 51, exploring the beauty of a broken heart and the transformative power of repentance. Pastor Colin discusses how feelings of inadequacy and brokenness can often lead us to believe we are beyond redemption. However, through Scripture, we learn that God does not despise a broken heart. Instead, such brokenness is the very beginning of a journey with Him.

This message helps dispel Satan's lies that our sins are too great or our faith too small. Instead, it encourages us with the truth that Jesus Christ has...

Today Pastor Colin Smith delves into the transformative message of godly sorrow and true repentance. We'll explore the significant difference between worldly sorrow, which leads to bitterness and despair, and godly sorrow, which paves the way to repentance and new life in Christ. Discover how repentance isn't merely beating yourself up over past failures but a hopeful journey towards a future filled with God's grace. Listen as Pastor Colin provides insightful applications and personal reflections on living a life rooted in the Gospel.

Today, Pastor Colin delves into the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, as seen through the stories of Saul, Esau, and David. Unlike worldly sorrow that leads to regret and bitterness, godly sorrow illuminates our path towards true repentance and transformation by providing light from God, a genuine desire for Him, and hope in His promises. Join us as we unpack the significance of repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no room for regret.

Today, we tackle the question: "To forgive or not to forsake?" Have you ever wondered if God can truly forgive a sin you aren't ready to forsake? Pastor Colin takes us on a deep dive into the heart of repentance, inspired by the wise words of Dr. Alan Redpath and the biblical truths of Isaiah chapter 55.

Explore the transformative power of forsaking sin as we journey through Matthew 21 and the story of the two sons. Learn how genuine repentance reflects our relationship with God and the profound changes it can bring. Pastor Colin also turns our attention...

Pastor Colin navigates the crucial subject of repentance through the teachings of Jesus, particularly focusing on the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21. This parable powerfully underscores the difference between professing faith and living it out in your daily actions.

Through the engaging story of a man with two sons—one who says he'll obey but doesn’t, and the other who initially refuses but later repents and acts—Pastor Colin challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we saying "yes" to God but failing to follow His commands? This message serves as a solemn...

Today, Pastor Colin thoughtfully explores Romans chapter 6, verse 13, inviting us to offer our present, imperfect lives to God, just as they are, with all their challenges and imperfections.

In this episode titled "Giving as Much as You Know of Yourself," Pastor Colin shatters the illusion that we must wait for life to be perfect or our circumstances to be ideal before we can serve God effectively. He emphasises the value of offering our real lives, with all their messiness, into Jesus's hands, who accepts us as we are and transforms us.

Colin draws upon biblical...

This episode challenges us to rethink the way we often perceive our faith as a list of don'ts, instead guiding us towards embracing a life abundant in love and joy as we offer ourselves to God. Anchored in Romans Chapter 6, Pastor Colin shares how we can transform our lives by truly offering ourselves—wholeheartedly and without reservation—to a God who loves us unconditionally.

Pastor Colin expertly intertwines scripture with real-life stories to illustrate the rich blessings found in full submission to God. Discover the liberating joy that comes from dedicating not just your gifts but your enti...

Today we discuss the vital topic of confronting and overcoming sin in our lives. Pastor Colin guides us through a straightforward biblical strategy for tackling sin: Know it, Stock it, and Kill it, drawing insight from Romans 8:13. He explains the importance of recognising sin's presence and impact and how to proactively fight it using the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Colin shares practical tips for identifying sin, using the Bible as a tool for self-examination, and delving into how John Owen's teachings from the 17th century can aid in understanding and overcoming sin. Tune in as...

This week, Pastor Colin tackles some profound questions about the vulnerabilities we all face in our spiritual lives. Have you ever stopped to consider which sins you're most susceptible to? Pastor Colin delves into the importance of recognising these internal battles and offers insightful guidance to help us prevail against temptation.

Throughout the broadcast, Pastor Colin emphasises the significance of self-awareness and knowledge in our journey of faith. He shares his personal experiences and encourages listeners to engage in self-examination using the Bible. With practical advice and spiritual wisdom, this episode is a valuable chance to reflect...

What is your prevailing attitude towards God and how does it impact every sphere of your life? Pastor Colin delves into the story of Job, a man who, through immense struggle, finds transformation by glimpsing the glory of God. As we examine the heart's response to God's greatness, this episode offers a fresh perspective on questioning, faith, and worship. We invite you to turn to Job chapter 42 and join us in discovering how knowing God can change your life and heal your heart.

In today's episode, we explore the profound spiritual journey of Job and delve into the notion that our transformation is deeply tied to our knowledge of God. Pastor Colin highlights the change that occurs within us as we grow in our understanding of God's glory, using Job's story to illustrate this powerful truth. We learn that knowing God more can lead us to deeper change, repentance, and spiritual growth. Don't miss out as we unpack Job 42:5-6, uncovering how Job's encounter with God brought about a remarkable transformation.

Today's broadcast, titled "The Man Who Could Not Repent," offers an insightful look into the life of Esau, a character from the Bible who missed out on God's grace. Pastor Colin discusses the importance of drawing near to God to truly experience repentance, offering practical and encouraging guidance for those feeling trapped in patterns of sin. This marks the first part of our inspiring new series "Repentance: The Hidden Path to a Transformed Life," which aims to help us understand and pursue true repentance through faith and grace.

Is repentance merely beating oneself up for past failures? Pastor Colin explains why genuine repentance is actually a cause for heavenly joy and a path to a transformed life. Drawing from scripture, including Hebrews chapter 12, and the story of the prodigal son, we learn that repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong, joyous commitment to turning from sin and giving ourselves fully to God.

With deep insights into historical Christian teachings, we are challenged to rethink our understanding of repentance beyond initial acts of faith to a continual, life-encompassing process. Pastor Colin encourages listeners to...

Join us as we delve into the stories from John Bunyan's timeless classic, "Pilgrim's Progress". This episode unravels the adventures of Little Faith who faces three cunning thieves, Faint Heart, Mistrust, and Guilt. As Pastor Colin highlights, these characters serve as powerful metaphors for the challenges in our own Christian journey. Are you sometimes threatened by faint-heartedness, robbed by mistrust, or beaten down by guilt? Learn how to exercise faith and find strength in your walk with Christ.

Tune in as we explore scripture in Luke Chapter 8 and discover practical ways to apply faith in our lives...

Just as muscles grow through exercise, our faith expands when applied to life's challenges. Today, we delve into this fascinating analogy and explore how trials are vital for spiritual growth. Pastor Colin brings to light the importance of applying faith in real-life situations, using the tale of disciples facing a storm and Jesus's teaching as his focal point.

Join us in Luke chapter 8, verses 22 to 25, as we discover the seventh strategy for fortifying our faith – exercise. Throughout this series, we've uncovered six previous strategies, but today we focus on exercising faith actively, akin to working out muscles, an...

Why does God allow trials and tribulations, and what purpose do these challenges serve? Pastor Colin offers biblical insights from 1 Peter 1, revealing the strength and genuineness of our faith when tested.

We learn that a faith proven through trials is more precious than gold and results in praise, glory, and honour. Pastor Colin shares a poignant parable, reminding us that there are gems of grace to be discovered even in our darkest moments. Our trials, while painful, refine and grow our faith, revealing God's purpose and presence in our lives.

Join us as we uncover...

This episode delves into the delicate balance between believing and trusting, especially when life's challenges test our faith. Pastor Colin guides us through the first book of Peter, exploring how faith, like gold, is refined through trials. Discover why tested faith is both genuine and more precious than gold, and find comfort in the assurance that such trials will one day result in praise and glory. Join us as we uncover the profound truth that while grief may accompany trials, they serve to authenticate and strengthen our faith.

The Apostles asked: "Lord, increase our faith". Through a detailed exploration of Luke Chapter 17, Pastor Colin guides us on a journey to understand why and when we, too, should ask the Lord to increase our faith.

Discover the reasons behind the disciples’ request, especially in the face of life's challenges like temptation, failure, and the battles with unbelief. Learn the significance of growing faith in navigating these times and how faith can help us connect with the divine strength necessary for the demanding life Christ calls us to lead.

Join us in this series, "Grow in...

Why should Christians not be content with having only 'Little Faith'? Pastor Colin delves into Luke chapter 17, sharing insights on how even a small faith can achieve remarkable things, yet why it is essential for believers to seek a more robust faith to face life's challenges.

As we follow the disciples' plea to Jesus to 'increase our faith,' Pastor Colin explores the context of this request and offers strategies for nurturing a deeper faith. We'll revisit stories from last week that illustrated how and why faith can stumble and the steps necessary to grow in our...

In today's episode, Pastor Colin delves into the disciples' request to Jesus, "Lord, increase our faith," reflecting on the need for growth in our spiritual journeys. Faith is something that every follower of Jesus must nurture, and sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way that make us realise our need for a stronger connection with God.

As we explore Matthew Chapter 6, Pastor Colin discusses the different strategies to cultivate and strengthen our faith amidst life's hurdles, such as health issues, relational crises, or career difficulties. He reminds us that even the smallest amount of faith can achieve...

In this broadcast, we delve into the heart of faith, hope, and love—our distinct callings from God that endure eternally. Pastor Colin passionately discusses the critical need for the Christian church today to experience a fresh outpouring of these virtues, which sets us apart in a world filled with conflict and despair.

The message titled "Little Faith" explores why our faith must grow beyond being merely existent. Through biblical stories, such as the calming of the storm and Peter walking on water, we learn that little faith, though obedient and prayerful, often falters amid anxiety and li...

The Christian journey is a process of growth in repentance, holiness, and spiritual maturity. While many aspects of our faith are in a state of development, Pastor Colin reminds us that our understanding of who Jesus is remains steadfast. This episode dives into the reassurance of Christ’s identity, with encouragement from 1 Timothy chapter 6 and explores the significance of public confession among believers, akin to vows witnessed at a wedding. Pastor Colin also touches on the powerful anticipation of witnessing Christ's glorious return.

Pastor Colin emphasises the importance of understanding who we are in Jesus Christ. Embark on this journey with us as we learn from Paul's encouraging message to Timothy. Despite being naturally timid, young, and inexperienced, Timothy is reminded that his identity is not in his weaknesses, but in his union with Christ. This inspiring episode calls us to embrace the honour of being God’s own and encourages us to live by grace rather than nature.

We explore Paul's encouragement to Timothy as a 'man of God', a term traditionally reserved for figures such as Moses and El...

How do we have contentment amidst financial challenges? Explore how true contentment isn't solely about having less but also in appreciating more of what we have been blessed with, cultivating gratitude irrespective of our circumstances.

Pastor Colin Smith, guided by biblical wisdom, emphasises the value of finding contentment when times are lean, and conversely, learning a kind of ‘holy discontent’ when abundance comes our way. Based on teachings from the First Book of Timothy, chapter 6, Colin invites you to reflect on the notion that godliness coupled with contentment is indeed ‘great gain’.

Join us as we disco...

The world often tells us that happiness lies in acquiring more, but through biblical wisdom, Pastor Colin reminds us that true contentment is found when our desires align with what we have. Drawing on inspiration from Apostle Paul, Thomas Boston, and even historical texts by Jeremiah Burroughs, we learn the art of cultivating contentment through subtraction, rather than addition.

This lesson isn’t just about finding peace when you have less but also developing a holy discontent when you have more, ensuring that your joy and hope are anchored in God rather than material possessions. Pastor Colin's me...

In this episode, Colin delves into what leadership should look like in a Gospel-centred Church. As we explore 1 Timothy chapter 5, we find wisdom on Christian leadership, accountability, and the role of good deeds within the Church. Whether you are a church leader or someone keen to understand godly leadership, this session brings clarity and encouragement. Join us in exploring the importance of protection for good leaders, the accountability they have, and how their hidden good works will be ultimately recognised by God.

In today's broadcast, we're delving into the vital role of leadership in a gospel-centred church. Pastor Colin explores how direction within the church comes not from a single individual nor from everyone, but from tested and trusted leaders, creating a cohesive and healthy church environment. Starting from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 5, we learn about the profound impact of godly elders and how they serve with wisdom, helping to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.