Open the Bible UK Broadcast

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.

In this episode, we explore the story of Naaman, a man initially resistant to God's command, much like many of us who struggle with accepting divine guidance. Through Naaman's journey, Pastor Colin illuminates how we can find liberation and cleansing by believing in God's promises. Feel stuck or offended by God's commands? Discover how embracing God's promises can free us to obey with a willing heart.

Do you feel distant from God? Today, we dive into the compelling story of Naaman from 2 Kings Chapter 5. This episode, "God Will Cleanse Us," draws an enlightening parallel between leprosy and sin, offering hope and encouragement for anyone who feels distant from God. Experience the remarkable transformation of Naaman, a mighty yet afflicted commander, and reflect on how God’s grace can cleanse and renew us.

Today we delve into a story full of profound truths about our own feelings of inadequacy, especially when faced with overwhelming tasks. Pastor Colin gently reminds us that even the Apostle Paul asked, "Who is sufficient for these things?" but found comfort in knowing that our sufficiency is found in God alone.

Through a heartening narrative found in 2 Kings 4, Pastor Colin explores how God uses our 'little' to achieve His 'great'. Whether it's through a small offering or a seemingly foolish mistake, God's marvellous purpose unfolds uniquely for each of us. Dive with us into this inspiring...

How does God's grace save us from the repercussions of our own foolish mistakes? Pastor Colin shares an extraordinary tale of a student's error that nearly led to disaster but was turned around by divine intervention. This message is part of our series "In God We Trust," highlighting scenes from the life of Elisha, each illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness.

The Bible is filled with examples of human error, yet it shows us that God's work endures despite our failures. Whether we regret something we've said or done, had missteps in parenting, or made financial mistakes, God’s ma...

Have you ever noticed how God's power is often revealed through our weaknesses? Join us as Pastor Colin looks at the story of Elisha, highlights a miraculous resurrection, and discusses the importance of acknowledging our dependence on God. This message will bring comfort and a fresh perspective on the Christian journey, reminding us of the hope and strength found in trusting God's plan. We'll also see how this story echoes the life and resurrection of Jesus, offering a glimpse of the glorious future awaiting God's servants.

If we fully devote ourselves to Jesus, what sort of life can we anticipate? Pastor Colin delves into the life of a Shunemite woman from 2 Kings chapter 4, reflecting on themes of blessing and sorrow. He reminds us that while following Jesus leads to great blessings, such as experiencing God's love and a glorious future in Christ, it also involves enduring trials and sorrows. The story of the Shunemite woman, who was greatly blessed but also deeply sorrowed by the loss of her son, highlights this profound truth. This mirrors the journey of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who faced...

Today we'll explore the mighty ways God provides, often beyond our own faith and obedience. Join us as we delve into 2 Kings chapter 4 and learn how God worked miracles for a needy widow through her faith and action, reminding us that God's provision is intertwined with our faithfulness. Find out how God not only meets our needs but also works towards our freedom and joy. Remember, every need is met according to His riches.

Today's episode takes us through some inspiring Old Testament stories that showcase God's enduring power and provision. Pastor Colin introduces us to a moving narrative about a destitute widow who experienced God's miraculous provision through faith and obedience. Discover how God uses what He has already given to provide for our needs, as we see through the widow's story of overflowing oil. Our journey begins in 2 Kings Chapter 4, exploring how God calls us to trust and have confidence in Him, while working through our faith and obedience.

In this special episode, Pastor Colin was interviewed by Lydia Bennett from Premier Christian Radio's Surgery Hour. They dive deep into the topic of growing in faith, also the title of Pastor Colin's latest book. Discover the essence of faith as Pastor Colin shares how a little faith can move mountains because of our great Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Join us as Lydia Bennett explores spiritual maturity, trust, and the connection between knowing God's Word and trusting in Him more deeply. Through rich stories and insights, Pastor Colin sheds light on common challenges to faith growth, like fear...

How do we realign our hearts with God’s purpose? Discover the profound truth that the gospel encourages us to come as we are to Jesus and receive a new heart from Him.

Join us as we delve into the story of Solomon and his son Rehoboam, exploring the wisdom Solomon offered and the choices Rehoboam made. Could there be areas in our own hearts that need recalibrating? Pastor Colin guides us through recognising where our hearts might go astray and how Jesus Christ promises to set them right.

If you've ever felt like you di...

"Where is your heart?". Today Pastor Colin explores the importance of our heart as the command and control centre of our lives. Discover how understanding the condition of our heart today can predict where our life will lead tomorrow. Join us as we unwrap the wisdom of Proverbs 23 in the message titled "The Heart Gone Wrong" and learn about God's transformative promise to replace a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Don't miss this chance to reflect on the ultimate importance of what's in your heart.

Today we look at a powerful encounter between Jesus and a teacher of the law from the Gospel of Mark. When Jesus tells the questioning man that he's "not far from the Kingdom of God," it sparks an exploration of what it means to truly belong to Christ. Join us as we unfold four insights for sharing the Gospel and examine four faces of the human condition, highlighting the chasm between the world and the teachings of Jesus. Discover how genuine conversion involves ending rebellion, offering ourselves to God, trusting in His power, and loving as He commands.

In Mark 11 and 12 Jesus finds himself unwelcome and questioned at the temple. We explore the lessons Jesus teaches us in handling tough questions, emphasising how to be a winsome witnesses for Christ, and navigate through challenges with grace and courage. It's a lesson filled with insights on authority, hypocrisy, cynicism, and the true essence of love.

The topic of death can often be daunting to think about. However, Pastor Colin challenges us to confront our fears, particularly surrounding death, by looking at them through the lens of gospel truth. Jesus' death and resurrection offer hope and deliverance from the chains of sin, urging us to believe in Him. As we explore John 8, we unpack the stark contrast between dying in our sins and dying in the Lord. Pastor Colin offers heartfelt guidance for those approaching the end of life without faith and provides comforting words for friends and loved ones in such situations.

Today we discuss one of life's certainties—death. Join Pastor Colin to explore the contrasting ways people approach the end of life, through the story of a young woman who faced her fears at her grandmother's funeral, despite being an intrepid traveller.

In this episode, Colin shares how the Bible offers profound insights into the realities of life and death. While we often shy away from discussing mortality, Pastor Colin gently encourages us to confront this inevitable reality with faith and understanding.

Today we're hoping to understand the impact of discontent, described by Pastor Colin as a "hellish sin." It's an exploration of how discontent can grip our lives, bring anxiety, and lead us further from peace. But there's hope! We learn that contentment, a wonderful grace commended by the Bible, is within reach. As we delve into scripture, notably Exodus 17, Pastor Colin guides us from the darkness of discontent towards the light of contentment, showing us a path from anger to peace, frustration to satisfaction, and anxiety to trust.

Whether you're familiar with the story of Job or...

In this episode, we kickstart a compelling four-week series titled "The Art of Contentment." Pastor Colin delves deep into the concept of discontentment, boldly describing it as a "hellish sin," a phrase inspired by the 17th-century pastor, Thomas Boston. Join us as we explore how discontent stems from pride, rebellion, and unbelief, and learn why it's crucial to address these roots for a more content and peace-filled life.

This message will challenge you to reevaluate how you perceive discontentment in your own life and see it through a biblical lens. Pastor Colin draws from Scripture, specifically Exodus...

Do you know that in midst of adversity, we have the ability to conquer evil with good?

Pastor Colin guides us through examples of how we can be overcome by evil in our daily lives, whether through fear, pressure, or injustice. Yet, through faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ, we have the power to not only resist evil but to triumph over it.

Drawing on historical insights from the Book of Acts and the trials of early Christians under Nero, Colin reminds us that though they faced immense challenges, their faith endured. The same...

In today's episode, Pastor Colin talks about the deep divisions we face as a society over issues of life, marriage, gender, and more, and how these challenges can lead us to ask the crucial question: "What are we to do?"

Pastor Colin reminds us to first understand and feel the weight of these divisions before diving into Romans 12, where the Apostle Paul offers profound guidance on how Christians can respond: by not being overcome by evil but overcoming evil with good. In a world that often feels increasingly divided, Pastor Colin explores how genuine love and the...

In today's programme, Pastor Colin addresses a thought-provoking topic: "Blessed are those who are persecuted", based on Matthew 5:10-12. He delves into the challenges faced by Christians in both Western societies and globally, where persecution for the faith can vary greatly.

Pastor Colin shares personal anecdotes and explores how persecution, though difficult, can strengthen one's faith and deepen fellowship with Christ. He encourages listeners, especially the youth, to stand firm in their beliefs despite societal pressures and opposition they might encounter.

If you’ve ever wondered why persecution could be considered a blessing or how ad...

Today Pastor Colin invites us to explore the challenging yet enriching path of the Beatitudes, particularly focusing on the often unexpected outcome of living a godly life—persecution.

Diving into Matthew 5, Pastor Colin unpacks the virtues that Christ calls us to pursue: humility, forgiveness, peace-making, and purity. These elements, however, culminate in a surprising promise—persecution. Pastor Colin explains why those who seek to embody these traits may face opposition rather than worldly praise, and how Jesus prepares us for this reality without burying the cost in small print.

We all face temptations, often hearing that nagging voice trying to define us by our past sins. But as Pastor Colin reminds us, in these moments, we must stand firm in our new identity in Christ—a new creation and a child of God.

Join us as we explore how foundational biblical truths of sanctification and regeneration can empower us to overcome temptation, grow in our faith, and live victorious Christian lives. You won't want to miss this enlightening teaching from 2 Corinthians 5, packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for every believer.

Today, we delve into the liberating truth that "You have been set free from sin." Join us as we explore the Apostle Paul's powerful message in Romans 6:22 and 2 Corinthians Chapter 5. Discover how understanding your identity in Christ can empower you to engage in the ongoing battle against sin, knowing that while sin may remain your enemy, it is no longer your master. This is crucial for making progress in the Christian life.

We'll also look at the concept of regeneration – a fundamental change in the believer's soul that marks the beginning of our Christian journey. Learn about th...

Pastor Colin Smith invites you to explore the journey of faith and patience as exemplified by the life of Abraham. As we navigate our daily struggles and unanswered questions, we're reminded that faith demands patience for what we do not yet see or have. Pastor Colin encourages us to embrace a life of obedience and endurance, drawing parallels between our earthly lives and Abraham's journey to the Promised Land. With an inspiring look into Hebrews 11, we learn that while we walk by faith, we anticipate a future that faith reveals, looking forward to a heavenly city whose builder is...

Today we are discussing the pivotal relationship between faith and obedience—a cornerstone of the Christian life. Pastor Colin presents three vivid illustrations, highlighting the correct interplay between faith and obedience through the story of Abraham. Join us as we explore how faith leads us into the fruitful path of obedience and the patience it demands. This engaging discussion rooted in Hebrews chapter 11 will inspire and challenge you in your walk of faith.

Psalm 23 reminds us of the comfort and reassurance that comes with knowing the Lord as our Shepherd. Join us in exploring what it truly means to be wholly owned by Jesus Christ and the blessings that follow. Pastor Colin sheds light on the marvellous gifts that come from being part of God's flock: guidance, restoration, protection, provision, and unconditional love.

As we journey through this beloved Psalm, we invite you to reflect on your relationship with Christ and how His presence can lead you through life's valleys. Whether you're a long-time believer or new to the faith...

Psalm 23 is a chapter cherished by countless believers across millennia. Discover why this scripture has been a source of solace and inspiration for God's people for over 3,000 years.

Pastor Colin explores the central theme of the Psalm: "The LORD is my shepherd," and why this imagery continues to captivate our hearts. If you're feeling weary or in need of reassurance, this message is designed just for you. It highlights how God, as our shepherd, promises guidance, protection, and an unwavering commitment to His people.

Be encouraged today by the marvellous truth that God remembers through the lens of Malachi 3:16. Dive into the comforting reassurance that our works, words, tears, and desires are never forgotten by God, as highlighted in His Book of Remembrance. Pastor Colin encourages us not to lose heart in our service to the Lord, reminding us that every act of faith, no matter how small, is acknowledged by God.

In contrast, there's joyous news in knowing that our sins, although recorded, are not remembered in Christ, as Pastor Colin explains with insights from Hebrews 6:10 and Colossians 2:14. Let this...

In today's episode, we delve into the timeless wisdom of Malachi Chapter 3, a source of encouragement for those feeling disheartened in their journey of faith and service. Whether it's your work, ministry or love that seems overlooked, Pastor Colin reminds us that God never forgets. Join us as we explore how the Lord remembers our efforts, words, and even our tears. Ready to be uplifted? Tune in and discover the profound assurance that your labour in the Lord is never in vain.