Open the Bible UK Broadcast

Do you long to know God more deeply and to experience his presence in everyday life? In this message from Matthew 5, Pastor Colin Smith explains why Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

Discover how recognising our need of God opens the way to prayer, forgiveness, the riches of Christ, and a life that makes much of the cross. If you feel overwhelmed by failure, temptation, or the challenges ahead, this encouraging message points you to the God who dwells with the humble.

What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Pastor Colin Smith opens the first Beatitude, showing that humility is not denying your gifts, but recognising that everything you have comes from God. As we acknowledge our need before him, we discover the surprising blessing of his presence with us.

How can you forgive when the hurt runs deep? Pastor Colin Smith shows how the Beatitudes give us a pathway for growth in the Christian life. Rather than trying to reach forgiveness, purity or peace by our own strength, we begin by admitting our need and looking to Christ for what we lack.

What are the distinguishing marks of a true Christian? Pastor Colin Smith begin a new series in the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes the life that is truly blessed by God.

Discover why faith and good works matter, yet neither alone provides the full answer. As we look at the Beatitudes, we are invited to examine our own hearts and pursue growing humility, purity, mercy, peace and hunger for righteousness.

If God gave you more, what would you do with it? In this final message from the series A Generous Life, Pastor Colin Smith explores 2 Corinthians 9 and the difference between giving to gain and giving from grace.

Discover why God’s blessings are not simply for our own comfort, but so that we can grow in generosity, meet needs, bring thanksgiving to God, and reflect the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us.

How should we decide what to give? In this message from 2 Corinthians 9, Pastor Colin Smith explores the freedom and joy of Christian generosity. God provides both ‘bread for food’ and ‘seed for sowing’, inviting us to trust him, give cheerfully, and reflect the self-giving love of Jesus.

In a world where trust is often broken, Jesus Christ will never let you down. Join Pastor Colin Smith in 2 Corinthians 8 as he explores what generous, trustworthy Christian giving looks like: giving in proportion to what God has provided, supporting the poor and gospel ministry, and handling every gift with integrity and accountability.

Discover why a church that reflects God’s character will be marked by both generosity and careful stewardship—and find fresh encouragement to place your trust in Christ, who loves you completely and can be trusted with your life, your death and your eternity.

How can we grow in generosity, especially when life is hard and resources feel limited? In this message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor Colin Smith looks at the Macedonian churches, whose overflowing joy in Christ led to rich generosity even in severe trial and extreme poverty.

Discover why Christian giving is not driven by guilt or rules, but by the grace of Jesus Christ, who became poor so that we might become rich. As we see more of God’s generosity towards us, his character begins to shape our lives.

What motivates your giving? Pastor Colin Smith shows from 2 Corinthians 8–9 that gospel generosity is not driven by guilt or pride, but by the freedom and joy that flow from knowing Jesus Christ. Discover how Christ, though rich, became poor for us—and how his gracious gift reshapes our hearts and lives.

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. Join us in 2 Corinthians 8 for ‘A Generous God’.

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 God’s promise to complete the work he has begun.

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 character and build up the church? Learn how to welcome wise counsel while keeping your freedom to follow Christ.

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 that, though we grieve, we do not grieve without hope.

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 strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

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 challenges beyond our own ability is to ask God: “Increase our faith.”

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 ourselves and put our trust in Jesus.

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 miracle of God’s grace.

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 for every sinner who comes to him.

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 grace in Jesus Christ is offered freely to all.

Christians are not people who think they are better than others. Rather, they know they are far from righteous and deeply in need of a Saviour. In this message from Ecclesiastes 7, Pastor Colin Smith helps us face the reality of sin without blaming God for the brokenness we see in the world.

As we honestly confess our need, we discover fresh hope in Jesus Christ—the only one who is truly righteous. He offers us the righteousness we could never achieve for ourselves, inviting us to come to God with humble, thankful hearts.

Why is the world as it is, and why do we find it so hard to love God and do what is right? In this first message from The Inside Story of Human Life, Pastor Colin Smith opens Ecclesiastes 7 to explore the life Adam and Eve once knew, the reality of sin, and why understanding our condition leads us to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

What do you do when the good news of Jesus seems too good to be true? Pastor Colin Smith encourages us to take an honest look: come and see what Jesus has done, listen to what he has said, and investigate what he offers.

Continuing in 2 Kings, Pastor Colin contrasts closed unbelief with a willingness to seek the truth. Discover the abundant life, forgiveness and reconciliation with God that Christ freely offers, and why those who have received this good news are called to share it.

How do you respond when you hear good news? In 2 Kings 7, Pastor Colin Smith introduces three very different responses to God’s gracious provision: selfishness, doubt and outright unbelief. Discover the joy of receiving the good news of Jesus Christ and sharing it with others.

When fear surrounds you, what do you see? In this message from 2 Kings 6, Pastor Colin Smith shows how faith opens our eyes to the greater reality of God’s presence, power and mercy. Discover why walking by faith, rather than by sight, leads us from fear into peace.

When fear keeps you awake and the future feels overwhelming, where can you turn? In 2 Kings 6, Elisha’s servant wakes to find an enemy army surrounding the city. Yet Elisha points him to a greater reality: God is with His people.

Join Pastor Colin Smith as he explores how God knows all that troubles you, and how faith helps us see beyond our circumstances to His presence and power.