Open the Bible Minute

Colin Smith

Heaven Is Nearer Than You Think

April 20, 2019

The thief thought Christ's kingdom would come sometime in the distant future. That's why he says, "Remember me." But Jesus is saying to him, "You don't need to worry about me remembering you. Before this day is done we're going to be there — you and me!"

Featured Offer

Green Pastures, Still Waters: 31 Days in Psalm 23 by Colin Smith
Green Pastures Still Waters is the new 31-day devotional based on Psalm 23 from Pastor Colin. God has used this psalm to encourage His people for over 3,000 years! May God use these familiar words to bring you fresh strength, hope, comfort, and encouragement.

Archives

Salvation depends, not on your works for Christ, but on Christ's work for you. His work is finished. It's perfect and complete. And you can rest your life, death, and eternity on Him with complete confidence.
April 19, 2019
One of the sinners next to him has a change of heart, and right there on the cross, Jesus saves him. Jesus chooses some surprising friends, doesn't He?
April 18, 2019
It's an extraordinary story—a man who's destined for hell, is given full access to the joys and privileges of paradise. This man is an example of what Christ is able to do for you.
April 17, 2019
The "thief on the cross" was just hours away from eternity and he is raging against God. It was the story of his life, but in his very last hours everything changed. The same could happen for you.
April 16, 2019
A popular song says we’re perfect the way we are. How does that stack up with what God says?
April 15, 2019
Sin is not like a crayon mark that can be easily painted over. It’s a living power that must be cut out before it destroys.
April 14, 2019
Some folks think they were born a Christian, but it’s not that simple. We all start out as sinners in need of God’s grace.
April 13, 2019
The mood of our age says people are upright on their own and have no need of a Savior. If they think there’s no sin in their lives, they’d better take a closer look!
April 12, 2019
Did you know you’re kept by God’s power?  Your salvation does not depend on the strength of your faith,
April 11, 2019
Do you believe the Spirit is in you? If you are unclear about this, you will never triumph over temptation. 
April 10, 2019
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Featured Offer

Green Pastures, Still Waters: 31 Days in Psalm 23 by Colin Smith
Green Pastures Still Waters is the new 31-day devotional based on Psalm 23 from Pastor Colin. God has used this psalm to encourage His people for over 3,000 years! May God use these familiar words to bring you fresh strength, hope, comfort, and encouragement.

About Open the Bible Minute

Open the Bible is the teaching ministry of Pastor Colin Smith. Our mission is to use a broad array of modern media to help people around the world meet Jesus. We do this by opening the Bible for them, helping them open the Bible themselves, and equipping them to open the Bible with others.

About Colin Smith

Colin Smith is senior pastor of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church, a thriving, multi-campus church located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and Founder and Teaching Pastor of Open the Bible.

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

Mailing Address
Open the Bible
P.O. Box 3454
Barrington, IL 60011
Telephone
1-877-OPEN-365