“They shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh." Isaiah 66:24 When Jesus spoke about hell, He used these words from Isaiah 66:24 to describe its awful reality: “Their worm does not die and the fire is…

In today's message titled "Why the Wicked Never Rest," we delve into the pressing and often unsettling question: "How could a loving God ever send anyone to Hell?" Pastor Colin brings insight from Isaiah 57, highlighting that there is no rest for the wicked both in this present life and in the hereafter. We explore what it means to be "wicked" acco…

Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be put to shame; behold, my servants shall sing for gladness of heart, but you shall cry out for pain of heart and shall wail for breaking of spirit.” Isaiah 65:…

Pastor Colin explores the importance of rest in our lives, drawing wisdom from Genesis. We often find ourselves overwhelmed, trying to fit in shopping, bill payments, house cleaning, and office work within our packed schedules. But God’s example in creation teaches us to balance work and rest, highlighting the need to appreciate our accomplishments…

They shall bring all your brothers from all the nations as an offering to the LORD to my holy mountain Jerusalem.” Isaiah 66:20 What a marvellous picture: People from all the nations are gathering before the Lord. In Jesus Christ, they have become brothers and sisters. And the missionaries who proclaimed God’s glory in distant lands will have the j…

In this episode, Pastor Colin delves into the nature of true rest. In this broadcast, you will explore what it means to find rest not just for your body but for your soul, as reflected in biblical teachings. Ever felt more exhausted after watching TV for hours? Struggled to find peace even on a beautiful beach? You’re not alone. Colin explores how …

“They shall declare my glory among the nations.” Isaiah 66:19 There is an old (but profoundly unhelpful) phrase that is often quoted: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” How in all the world can you communicate the gospel without words? You can convey love without words, but love is not the gospel. You can bring hope with…

“And from them I will send survivors to the nations… to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory.” Isaiah 66:19 Notice that there are two descriptions of the people to whom God sends His missionaries. First, God sends His missionaries to those who “have not heard my fame.” We would call them “unreached” peoples. People …

“They shall come and shall see my glory…And from them I will send survivors to the nations. Isaiah 66:18-19 Some years ago, John Piper coined a memorable phrase: Missions exist because worship doesn’t. That’s true. The reason we send missionaries is that across the world there are millions of people who do not see Christ’s glory. The great purpose …

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's message, titled "The Love of God," Pastor Colin invites us to explore the infinite and inexhaustible love of God that Christian believers have only begun to taste. Through engaging with the Scriptures, especially Romans 5, we uncover how to receive more of God's immeasurable love. Pastor…

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 Every weekend in church, there are people who come to worship. They sing hymns, appreciate the music, stand for the Bible reading, and listen to the sermon.…

Welcome to this episode of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. Today, we delve into the profound subject of the love of God. Colin highlights that the love given to human beings far surpasses that given to insects, birds, or animals, reflecting the unique capacity of human beings. He explores this deep love and its eternal nature, emphasising t…

“The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory.” Isaiah 66:18 In heaven, everything you discover, everything you accomplish, and everything you enjoy will give you fresh glimpses of the glory of God. After a million ages in heaven, you will only have grasped the beginning of Christ’s glory. That’s …

Many might not immediately think of the fear of God as a friend to the soul. However, Colin illuminates how this fear is not contradictory to the love of God. In fact, they complement and reinforce each other beautifully, leading to a profound spiritual understanding and appreciation of God's nature. As we study Jeremiah chapter 32, Colin explains …

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 Worship and mission are bound up so tightly together that you cannot separate one from the other. When worship declines, mission follows. One sure sign of a church losing its way in worship is that it loses its interest i…

Welcome to Open The Bible with Pastor Colin Smith! Today, we're diving into an essential and sometimes misunderstood topic: the fear of God. Many think that the God of the Old Testament is to be feared, while the God of the New Testament is to be loved. Pastor Colin challenges this notion by affirming that God is unchanging and that both fear and l…

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Jesus is the Son of Man who came to seek and save the lost. But how does He seek and save us? How God seeks people who ignore Him: This is why Jesus came into the world. God became man. The invisible God revealed Himself and made Himself known to us in Jesus Christ: “No one has ever…

In today's episode, we dive into the heart of spiritual life: where it comes from, how it is nourished, and why it matters so deeply for our daily lives. Pastor Colin explores the profound truth that spiritual life originates from the Word of God and is sustained by it. Our discussion centres around Colossians 3 and the importance of letting the wo…

Thus says the LORD: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and they say, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is a blessing in it,’ so I will do for my servants’ sake, and not destroy them all.” Isaiah 65:8 You pick up a cluster of grapes. Some of the grapes have gone bad. But you don’t throw them all away because some grapes in the bunch are good. You…

This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Matthew 15:8 Religion is a mixed bag and much of it offends God, especially religion that is: Hypocritical (talking the talk but not walking the walk). Personalised (a projection of your own preferences and prejudices). Ritualistic (rites and disciplines that don’t change lives…

A people who provoke me to my face continually… These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day. Isaiah 65:3, 5 Here are several more forms of religion that Isaiah identifies as offensive to God. Dark religion: People “who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places” (65:4). This brand of religion takes a great interest in th…

Today, we're diving deep into one of the core themes of our ministry: the authority of the Word of God. Pastor Colin explores how the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is central to our faith as it contains God speaking to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. We discuss how the Bible is not merely a book of information, but it is life, light, fo…

A people who provoke me to my face continually… These are a smoke in my nostrils, a fire that burns all the day. Isaiah 65:3, 5 Clearly there is a kind of religion that God does not like. It is not pleasing to Him; it actually provokes Him! Isaiah identifies several forms of religion that are offensive to God. Hypocritical religion: “A rebellious p…

Today, we continue our journey in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, exploring the message of "The Son of God." Pastor Colin shares how the Holy Spirit—referred to in various names such as the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Spirit of Truth—dwells within us and transforms our lives from the inside out. It's a powerful reminder that Christ in us …

I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices. Isaiah 65:2 The rebellious people described here in verse 2 are different from the people who did not ask for or seek God in verse 1. We know that because in the New Testament Paul quotes these verses and tells us that they ref…

In today's broadcast, Pastor Colin delves deep into the topic of caring for our souls, introducing us to the concept of 'Four Friends for the Soul.' Inspired by the works of Andrew Gray, a remarkable preacher who left a great legacy at a young age, we explore these four vital companions for a Christian journey: the Son of God, the Word of God, the …

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name. Isaiah 65:1 What do you think God would have to say to people who don’t ask for Him and don’t seek after Him? You might expect Him to say: “There are many people …

In this episode, Pastor Colin delves into the importance of guarding your heart, as we explore the wisdom found in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." We'll discover practical steps on how to watch, investigate, confess, commit, and trust in the quest to maintain a healthy spiritual heart. From…

I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, “Here I am, here I am,” to a nation that was not called by my name. Isaiah 65:1 Notice who Isaiah is describing here—people who do not ask for or seek God. We might call these secular people today. In Isaiah’s time, this group of …

Welcome to another episode of "Open The Bible" with Pastor Colin Smith, hosted by David Pick. Today's discussion centres around a crucial teaching from the Book of Proverbs on the importance of guarding your heart. But what does that mean? Why is it so important? And most significantly, how do we actually go about doing what God calls us to do? Dra…

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down… Isaiah 64:1 Here is prayer that you could pray: O, that You would rend the heavens and come down. Come down and make Your name known. Even among your own people many have such a vague grasp of Your glory. To many You seem distant. Let us see with fresh clarity, who You really are. By Your Holy Spiri…

O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 Why would God listen to an unclean, unrighteous, dried out, and unstable person? Isaiah gives us two reasons here in Isaiah 64: First, plead the relationship you have with God (your Father): Notice Isaiah appeals to the covenant relati…

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6 When you pray, you will feel your unworthiness. We all do. Coming into a holy place makes you feel how unholy you are. Isaiah knew about this too, and he describes …

Welcome to this enlightening instalment of Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's broadcast, we delve into the complex topic of cultural distortions within Christianity, particularly the notion that a mere affirmation of being on a 'spiritual journey' is sufficient for salvation. Pastor Colin continues to explore what it genuinely means…

I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Isaiah 63:7 How do you prepare to pray? One way is to fill your mind with the goo…

Welcome to Open the Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. In today's episode, we delve into perhaps the most anticipated message of our entire series: "Saving Your Soul". Pastor Colin explores the invaluable worth of your soul and how it can be saved according to the Bible. This message is tailored for everyone, as it directly concerns the essence of your…

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence-as when ire kindles brushwood and the ire causes water to boil-to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! Isaiah 64:1-2 When Isaiah asks God to "come down and make your name known", he is asking fo…

Today, we're delving into the profound and essential topic of your soul's worth. Pastor Colin unpacks why caring for your soul should be a priority over everything else, explaining the eternal impact of neglecting this vital aspect of our being. We're starting with a thought-provoking discussion on how modern culture often values physical wellness …

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down ... to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! Isaiah 64:1-2 God’s name is a way of speaking about His character. So, when Isaiah prays that God would “come down… to make your name known,” what he is asking is that God would “come down and let us…

Welcome to Open The Bible with Pastor Colin Smith. Today we're diving into a fascinating topic: our souls. In today's discussion, we'll explore what the soul truly is, why it is of supreme value, and how to care for it. Pastor Colin will lead us through various Scriptures, starting with Mark 8, to understand more about the eternal nature of our sou…

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence. Isaiah 64:1 Isaiah’s prayer was formed by the Bible and by his own experience. Isaiah knew from the Bible that God’s presence had come down to Mount Sinai, and when that happened, the whole mountain shook (Ex. 19:17-19). But this wasn’t just history t…

Pastor Colin delves deeply into concepts of heaven, hell, and Christ's profound love and sacrifice. He explains the Christian understanding of Jesus entering hell so that we might never have to experience it. Pastor Colin shares the astonishing demonstration of God's love for us through Jesus' journey to the cross. Moreover, we explore the book of …

“Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:22 Would you consider making it your goal this year to grow in the areas of faith and prayer? That may sound like two goals, but it is really one. For where faith grows, prayer follows. The greater our confidence in God, the more we will ask of Him. Our prayers are the cl…

Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down... Isaiah 64:1 The Bible records some marvellous prayers and Isaiah 64 is one of the greatest. It is a prayer for revival and because it is in the Bible, we know it was breathed out by the Holy Spirit of God. It is often said that the best way of learning prayer is to pray with other people. There is…

“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the aflicted. then shall your light rise in the darkness.” Isaiah 58:10 There is a story of a monk who had given himself to prayer. All his life, he longed that just once, Christ would appear to him. He had prayed this for years, and then one day it happened. The monk was praying, a…

In today’s message titled "Restore Worship", taken from our series "Restore My Soul", we will explore the last verses of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the miseries of Hell, the joy of Heaven, and how both of these realities should shape our worship and lives today. As we navigate through Isaiah's words, we are invited to consider our own journey, th…

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant. Philippians 2:4-7 God’s purpose in sending His S…

Welcome to Open The Bible with Pastor Colin Smith, where we explore the power and message of the gospel and its impact on our daily lives. Are actions alone enough to communicate the gospel, or do we need to speak it too? Join us as we delve into this topic and more, continuing our enlightening series Restore My Soul. In today's broadcast, Pastor C…

The LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59:15-16 Do you see what Isaiah is saying? God is going to fight for our salvation. He comes to us and He stands with us as …

In today's broadcast, we delve into a fascinating conversation about worship and mission, exploring how they intertwine and fuel each other in a church's life. Whether you're a church leader, a member of a congregation, or simply curious about the connection between a church's dedication to worship and its commitment to outreach, this episode will …