You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Here, Paul is talking about something that has already happened. “You were sanctified.” In this case, it is not an ongoing process. It is a completed act. The word holy, or holiness, is used in two ways in t…

Today we explore how we as Christians are called to overcome evil with humility. Colin will look at the beauty of living harmoniously, as described in Romans 12:16, and highlight how it's a beacon of hope in our divided world. Discover practical insights from John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, as Pastor Colin shares his wise counsel on engag…

Christ Jesus, who became to us… sanctification. 1 Corinthians 1:30 We have seen that in Christ you are clean, and in Christ you are free. Now we come to the third dimension of who we are in Jesus Christ: Christ is our holiness. Another word for holiness is sanctification. These words mean the same thing, and it is worth knowing them both. Now this …

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a wonderful line in Victor Hugo’s great book Les Misérables. It is the story of Jean Valjean, a heartless criminal. A bishop shows him great kindness, and it changes his life. But later in the story, Jean Valjean’s past gets …

Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:11 Maybe you are thinking, It’s all very well to tell me that I am free, but I don’t feel very free. In fact, sometimes I feel totally defeated. That’s not surprising. If you have thought of yourself as a slave for years, it’s no easy thing to start living the life of a free…

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, where we explore how to navigate the challenging landscape of forgiveness and generosity. In today's episode, "Overcoming Evil With Generosity," we delve into Romans 12:14, a scripture urging us to "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." Pastor Colin candidly addresses the str…

Christ Jesus, who became to us… redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 Notice the centrality of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is at the heart of everything that is truly Christian. The way in which you become free is not through a technique but through a person. Christ is our redemption. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Paul giv…

How can a generous heart play a crucial role in overcoming evil? That's what we'll be looking at today in Romans Chapter 12. Pastor Colin emphasises the importance of love that goes beyond mere obligation, calling us to embrace a spirit of generosity that extends not only to giving but fostering genuine relationships and empathy. This message is pa…

How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:2 What does Paul mean when he says that we have “died to sin”? Most of us find that sin is still pretty much alive, and sometimes very powerful. If you are in Christ, you are now in a whole new position in relation to sin. You are not in the cage, you are in the field. Sin is still your enemy, b…

Today, hope and encouragement are at the heart of our discussion. In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin delves into Romans Chapter 12, offering words of strength and solace for those who feel crushed, troubled, or burdened. The message is simple yet profound: be patient in tribulation. When life presses you down, remember to hang in there and endure. …

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son. Colossians 1:13 Sin is a power. When it gains a grip in your life, it will not let go. Paul says, “Sin reigned” (Rom. 5:21). It is like a tyrant. It bossed you around. The impulses of sin were in the driver’s seat of your life. Sin was your master.…

This episode is all about hope and its pivotal role in our lives. Pastor Colin delves into the concept of 'rejoice in hope', emphasising that it's not about having an optimistic outlook for tomorrow but rather about clinging to the living hope that is found in Jesus Christ, which assures us of a secure future. Amidst our short-term uncertainties, h…

Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 The gospel touches the deepest issues of our lives, even the most powerful issues of temptation and …

Christ Jesus, who became to us… redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come. The heart of the Christian life is that you discover who you are in Jesus Christ, and then be who you are. We’ve seen that the first step in discovering our new identity in Christ is knowing that you are …

Christ Jesus, who became to us … righteousness 1 Corinthians 1:30 In order to understand your purity in Christ, the first thing you need to know is that Christ is your righteousness. The second thing you need to know is that Christ’s righteousness is yours. Imagine that you are living in a derelict building that will soon be pulled down, and you ha…

Are you feeling a bit jaded or lacking enthusiasm? You're not alone, and today’s broadcast is here to help. Pastor Colin explores how to reignite your spiritual fervour and overcome feelings of lethargy, with guidance straight from the Scriptures in Romans 12. This encouraging message, "Overcoming Evil with Zeal," will provide you with practical tr…

That I may… be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own… but that which comes through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:8-9 The issue on the last day will not be how righteous Christ has made you but how righteous Christ is for you. Some think the important thing is how righteous we have become. If you put sugar into a cup of tea, it makes t…

Today, we're diving deep into the heart of spiritual passion. Pastor Colin takes us on a journey through Romans 12, reminding us of the importance of rekindling our fervour for Christ. Have you ever felt like your zeal for the Lord was dwindling? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the natural tendency for Christians to lose their initial…

Christ Jesus, who became to us… righteousness. 1 Corinthians 1:30 If you are to grasp and enjoy your new purity in Christ, there are two things you need to know, and they are both right here in this verse. The first one is that Christ is your righteousness. Your faith does not make you right with God, nor does your repentance, or your performance i…

This broadcast dives into the challenges of genuine love, urging us to love those close to us—the people in our homes, churches, and communities. Pastor Colin shares profound insights from Romans chapter 12, highlighting the call to "let love be genuine" and overcome evil with good, just as God loves us in our imperfect state. Throughout the episod…

To the one who… believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. Romans 4:5 God justifies sinners. This is mind-boggling. You would expect this verse to say that God justifies the righteous. If God is just, surely He should be looking to justify people who have not broken His law. But nobody is righteous—not even on…

Today we are looking at the biblical concept of overcoming evil with good, guided by the profound wisdom in Romans chapter 12. Surprisingly, scripture emphasises that the journey to overcoming evil begins not with grand gestures, but with genuine love. Love might not top the list of strategies we'd instinctively think of—many might opt for prayer o…

You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 This is the first of the four dimensions of our new identity in Christ: when we are in Christ, we are clean, though we still sin. The word the Bible uses to describe this is justification. “Since we have bee…

Welcome to a new episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's uplifting and insightful broadcast, Pastor Colin delves deep into Romans 12, reminding us not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good. As he explores the challenges faced by early Christians under the Roman Empire, Pastor Colin offers timeless wisdom and ho…

Because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30 This is one of the most marvellous statements in the whole of the Bible. In earlier verses, Paul reminds us that God calls ordinary, unimpressive human beings like us, who have nothing very much to boast ab…

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 This is one of the hardest truths for us to grasp in all of the Bible. If the old has really gone, then why do we still face the same old temptations? Why do we still struggle with the same temperament? The Bible tells us that we are …

The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying. "A son has been born to Naomi". They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse. the father of David. Ruth 4:17 We have seen that the baby born in Bethlehem is described as a redeemer. Here we are told that they named him Obed, and Obed means servant. So the baby born in Bethlehem is a redeeme…

In today's broadcast, we dive into a pressing question that many are grappling with – how do we navigate the deep divisions in our society today? From issues of life, marriage, and gender to the challenges surrounding death, we explore what the Bible has to say. Join Pastor Colin as he takes us on a journey through Romans 12, offering biblical insi…

The righteous flourish like the palm tree… They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age. Psalm 42:12-14 Don’t miss the wise counsel that can be gleaned from the story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz.Wisdom for those who are older. Stay close to those who love you. Take an active intere…

Have you ever asked yourself, "Does the new life live in me?" It's not just about living a moral or successful life, or even feeling part of a church. The heart of the matter is whether the life of Jesus Christ is within you. Pastor Colin explores how to discern this vital spiritual state through insights from Galatians. Whether you've been ponderi…

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him. Ruth 4:15 How will this child be a restorer of life and a nourisher of Naomi's old age? The redeemer brings love. “Your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seve…

Pastor Colin delves into the heart of Galatians chapter 6, tackling the intriguing contrasts between viewing Jesus as merely a teacher and acknowledging Him as our Saviour. The discussion highlights the profound challenge of confronting our own inadequacies and the natural human tendency to want to earn salvation rather than accepting it as a free …

The women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!” Ruth 4:14 There was a close relative who was not willing to redeem. He could have helped Naomi, but he didn’t. Maybe you have had something like this happen. Friends or family could have helped you, but they didn…

Today, we're looking into the ongoing spiritual battle Christians face in navigating life with the 'flesh'. Pastor Colin elaborates on the powerful analogy of gardening to illustrate sin's persistent pull and how we can weaken its hold with determination and by living through the Spirit. Drawing on the wisdom of John Owen, a renowned Puritan writer…

May the LORD make the woman… like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah... and may your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the LORD will give you. Ruth 4:11-12 Ruth and Boaz are married in the presence of many witnesses, and what follows c…

Today we look at the heart of Christian life as Pastor Colin explores what it means to live by the Spirit. Discover the encouragement that comes from knowing that the very fact you're battling with sin is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work within you. Using the book of Galatians, chapters 5 and 6, Pastor Colin explains how true believers are not onl…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:3-4 Why is this story in the Bible? It shines a light on o…

It is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I... If he will redeem you, good; let him do it. But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the LORD lives, I will redeem you. Ruth 3:12-13 The job description for a redeemer would be: To bring hope by restoring an inheritance and raising a family. What qualifications would …

“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” Ruth 3:9 Ruth asked Boaz to commit himself to her in marriage because he was a redeemer. Redeemer is the single most important word in this story, and it is one of the richest and most beautiful descriptions of our Lord Jesus Christ. What is a redeemer? God revealed His truth progressiv…

Today Colin dives deep into how Christians can sometimes unknowingly surrender their freedom in Christ. Many believers find themselves continuously battling sin, facing defeat, and calling a truce with these struggles. But Colin emphasises that indulging the flesh can rob us of our God-given freedom. This episode, based on Galatians chapters three …

May you be blessed by the LORD, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. Ruth 3:10 Ruth’s initiative in coming to Boaz gives us a picture of how we should come to Jesus. Ruth took a risky initiative of faith. She went to Boaz and asked. And because she aske…

Today, we're diving into the heart of what it means to truly grasp the Gospel and live free from the bondage of sin. Are you struggling with a particular sin or ongoing battle in your life? Pastor Colin reminds us that while we may be weak, the Spirit of God residing within us is strong and mighty. The Gospel doesn't just offer forgiveness; it empo…

“Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask.” Ruth 3:11 We saw earlier what we can learn from Naomi’s example of love. There is more for us to learn about love from the example of Boaz. Love waits. “She lay at his feet until the morning” (3:14). Boaz faced an extraordinary test of his character and integrity. If this were the…

Today we are looking at Galatians chapter 3, exploring the impact of the Gospel and how it transcends mere adherence to law. Pastor Colin delves into the age-old struggle between feeling burdened by the law versus embracing the freedom and life granted through Christ. As we navigate this discussion, we’re reminded of the essential truth that the Go…

"She went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in law had commanded her." Ruth 3:2, 3:7, 3:9, 2:12, 3:11 After the winnowing was done, one of the farm workers would spend the night on the threshing floor to guard the grain. Naomi knew that Boaz would be guarding the grain that night (3:2). And when Ruth went to the threshing floor…

Today, we're looking at truths found in the Book of Galatians. We'll explore why living by laws or our own efforts can never impart life or righteousness. Discover how the gospel is not simply forgiveness plus the law, but rather forgiveness plus life—the life of Christ within us through the Holy Spirit. Pastor Colin helps us grasp the liberating d…

“Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor… When he lies down… go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do.” Ruth 3:2-4 Ruth 3:2-4 Naomi tells her daughter-in-law to make herself as attractive as possible, to sneak up on a man in the middle of the night, and to lie down at…

In today's discussion, Pastor Colin explores the topic of grace and its transformative power in our lives. As we dive into Galatians chapter two, we confront the challenging concept of righteousness and what it truly means to be justified not by law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Throughout the broadcast, Pastor Colin emphasises the crucial gospel …

My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Ruth 3:1 Naomi was an older woman. Ruth had made an extraordinary commitment to care for her, but what would happen when Naomi was gone? Naomi gives us a marvellous example of love. Love appreciates what others have done and seeks to do good for them. “Should I not seek rest…

My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 The story of Ruth is a marvellous story of hope. If you are feeling hopeless today, what should you do? Do what you can. Ruth took responsibility, and she used the strength God had given her. She also took the initiative to go out into the fiel…