Jesus Loves the Church
Do you see the Church as central to the purposes of God in the world? He certainly does, and he will use his Church to accomplish his ends.
Colin Smith: In answer to the question, "What do you believe about the church?" the Heidelberg Catechism says, "I believe that the Son of God, through his Spirit and word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith; and of this community, I am and always will be a living member."
I can't imagine a greater privilege than that. When you believe in Jesus Christ, you become part of his church. And God's purpose is fulfilled as we worship and serve him in local congregations. Jesus loves the church, and if we're his friends, we will love her too.
Guest (Male): Is there someone in your life who needs to know the God of the Bible and might be open to take a journey through the Bible with you? Invite them to openthebible.org.
Featured Offer
Everyone longs for hope. Everyone needs love. And everyone needs something–or someone–to believe in. The Christian life is marked by three enduring gifts—faith, hope, and love. In Grow in Faith, you’ll spend 30 days learning to trust God more deeply, anchoring your heart in His promises and strengthening your confidence in Him each day. This book can be read on its own or alongside Grow in Hope and Grow in Love as part of a devotional journey through the enduring gifts of faith, hope, and love.
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Featured Offer
Everyone longs for hope. Everyone needs love. And everyone needs something–or someone–to believe in. The Christian life is marked by three enduring gifts—faith, hope, and love. In Grow in Faith, you’ll spend 30 days learning to trust God more deeply, anchoring your heart in His promises and strengthening your confidence in Him each day. This book can be read on its own or alongside Grow in Hope and Grow in Love as part of a devotional journey through the enduring gifts of faith, hope, and love.
About Open the Bible Minute
About Colin Smith
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, he trained at the London School of Theology where he earned the degrees of Bachelor of Theology and Master of Philosophy. Before coming to the States in 1996, Colin served as senior pastor of the Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London.
He is the author of several books including Momentum: Pursuing God’s Blessings through the Beatitudes; Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross; Jonah: Navigating a God-Centered Life; The One Year Unlocking the Bible Devotional; 10 Keys for Unlocking the Bible; The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life; as well as others. His preaching ministry is shared around the world through Open the Bible.
Colin and his wife Karen reside in Arlington Heights, Ill., and have two married sons and five granddaughters.
Contact Open the Bible Minute with Colin Smith
info@openthebible.org
https://openthebible.org/
Open the Bible
P.O. Box 3454
Barrington, IL 60011
1-877-OPEN-365