Open the Bible UK Broadcast

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.

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...