Embracing Change: Opening the Bible to Encounter Jesus

 

Summary

The ministry is undergoing a significant yet subtle transformation as we change our name from "Unlocking the Bible" to "Open the Bible." This change, effective from June 6th, is the result of months of prayer and careful planning. The new name reflects our mission more accurately and is driven by three core reasons. First, in these uncertain times, there is an urgent need for people to open the Bible and encounter Jesus. The word "open" is not only an invitation but also a call to action, urging individuals to engage with the Scriptures actively. Second, the greatest obstacle to finding Christ is not the inability to open the Bible but the choice not to. Our mission is to change this by encouraging and equipping people to open the Bible for themselves and with others. Third, while our radio ministry is vital, we offer a wide range of resources, and this name change allows us to reintroduce the full scope of our ministry.

With this change, our resources will be rebranded to align with the new name. Our radio program will be called "Open the Bible," our monthly devotion will be "Open the Bible Daily," and our online training modules will be "Open the Bible for Leaders." Our journeys through the Bible will be known as "Open the Bible Story" and will be integrated into our website, openthebible.org. Despite these changes, our unwavering commitment to Scripture remains the same. We are excited about the opportunities this new chapter presents and invite you to join us in prayer as we continue to open the Bible so that people can meet Jesus.

Key Takeaways

- The urgency of opening the Bible is more pressing than ever in these uncertain times. The word "open" serves as both an invitation and a call to action, encouraging individuals to engage with the Scriptures and meet Jesus. This active engagement is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding. [00:24]

- The biggest barrier to finding Christ is not the inability to open the Bible but the choice not to. Our mission is to change this by encouraging people to open the Bible for themselves and with others. This personal and communal engagement with Scripture is essential for a deeper relationship with God. [00:50]

- Our ministry offers a wide range of resources beyond radio, and the name change allows us to reintroduce the full scope of what we do. This rebranding is an opportunity to reach more people and provide them with the tools they need to engage with the Bible. [01:21]

- Despite the changes, our commitment to Scripture remains unwavering. The two most important words in our name are "the Bible," and by God's grace, this commitment will never change. This steadfast dedication to Scripture is the foundation of our ministry. [02:29]

- We are excited about the opportunities this new chapter presents and invite you to join us in prayer. As we continue to open the Bible, we pray that the Lord will use this ministry to help people meet Jesus and grow in their faith. [02:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Name Change Announcement
[00:24] - Urgency of Opening the Bible
[00:38] - Invitation and Call to Action
[00:50] - Overcoming Barriers to Finding Christ
[01:07] - Equipping Others to Open the Bible
[01:21] - Expanding Ministry Resources
[01:33] - Rebranding and Integration
[01:46] - New Resource Names
[01:59] - Website and Contact Information
[02:14] - What Stays the Same
[02:29] - Commitment to Scripture
[02:45] - Looking Ahead
[02:58] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the three core reasons mentioned for the name change from "Unlocking the Bible" to "Open the Bible"? [00:24]

2. How does the new name "Open the Bible" serve as both an invitation and a call to action according to the sermon? [00:38]

3. What changes will be made to the ministry's resources as a result of the rebranding? [01:46]

4. Despite the changes in the ministry's name and resources, what remains unchanged according to the sermon? [02:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the urgency of opening the Bible in uncertain times relate to the passages from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12? [00:24]

2. In what ways might the choice not to open the Bible be a barrier to finding Christ, and how does this relate to the mission of the ministry? [00:50]

3. How does the rebranding of the ministry's resources aim to equip individuals to engage with the Bible both personally and communally? [01:07]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of prayer in the ministry's new chapter and its mission to help people meet Jesus? [02:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current engagement with the Bible. How can you make opening the Bible a more regular and intentional part of your daily routine? [00:24]

2. Consider a time when you chose not to open the Bible. What were the reasons, and how can you overcome these barriers in the future? [00:50]

3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of communal engagement with Scripture. How can you involve others in your Bible study practices, perhaps by starting a small group or joining one? [01:07]

4. With the ministry's rebranding, what new resources or tools are you interested in exploring to deepen your understanding of the Bible? [01:46]

5. The sermon invites us to join in prayer for the ministry's mission. How can you incorporate prayer for this mission into your personal prayer life? [02:45]

6. How does the steadfast commitment to Scripture inspire you to remain dedicated to your own study and application of the Bible in your life? [02:29]

7. Identify one specific way you can help someone else open the Bible and encounter Jesus this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [00:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Urgency in Engaging with Scripture
In these uncertain times, the call to open the Bible is more pressing than ever. The act of opening the Bible is not just a passive gesture but an active engagement with the Word of God. It is an invitation to encounter Jesus and grow spiritually. By opening the Bible, individuals are encouraged to delve deeper into the Scriptures, allowing the transformative power of God's Word to guide and shape their lives. This engagement is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding, as it provides the foundation for a meaningful relationship with Christ. [00:24]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to actively engage with the Bible and allow it to shape your understanding of Jesus?


Day 2: Overcoming the Choice Not to Open the Bible
The greatest barrier to finding Christ is not the inability to open the Bible but the choice not to. Many people have access to the Scriptures but choose not to engage with them. This choice can stem from various reasons, such as busyness, distraction, or a lack of understanding of the Bible's importance. The mission is to change this by encouraging individuals to open the Bible for themselves and with others. Personal and communal engagement with Scripture is essential for a deeper relationship with God, as it allows individuals to discover the truth and wisdom found within its pages. [00:50]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one reason you might choose not to open the Bible regularly. How can you address this barrier and make a conscious decision to engage with Scripture today?


Day 3: Expanding Ministry Resources
The ministry offers a wide range of resources beyond radio, and the name change to "Open the Bible" allows for the reintroduction of the full scope of what is offered. This rebranding is an opportunity to reach more people and provide them with the tools they need to engage with the Bible. By expanding the resources available, the ministry aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and understanding necessary to explore the Scriptures deeply. This expansion is not just about providing more content but about creating opportunities for individuals to grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. [01:21]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: What new resource or tool can you explore this week to deepen your understanding of the Bible and enhance your spiritual growth?


Day 4: Unwavering Commitment to Scripture
Despite the changes in the ministry's name and resources, the commitment to Scripture remains unwavering. The two most important words in the name are "the Bible," and by God's grace, this commitment will never change. This steadfast dedication to Scripture is the foundation of the ministry, ensuring that all efforts are rooted in the truth and wisdom of God's Word. The ministry's focus on Scripture serves as a reminder of the importance of grounding one's faith in the Bible and allowing it to guide every aspect of life. [02:29]

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Scripture in your daily life, ensuring that it remains the foundation of your faith and actions?


Day 5: Embracing New Opportunities
The ministry is excited about the opportunities this new chapter presents and invites individuals to join in prayer. As the ministry continues to open the Bible, there is a prayerful hope that the Lord will use these efforts to help people meet Jesus and grow in their faith. This new chapter is not just about a name change but about embracing the possibilities that come with it. By opening the Bible, individuals are invited to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, allowing God's Word to illuminate their path and deepen their relationship with Christ. [02:45]

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

Reflection: What new opportunity can you embrace today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and allow His Word to transform your life?

Quotes


First, if ever there was a time when people need to open the Bible and meet Jesus, it's now, and we feel a great sense of urgency to help people open the Bible in these uncertain times. The word open is compelling; it's an invitation and it's also a call to action. [00:28:48]

The biggest barrier to people finding Christ is not that they can't open the Bible but that many don't open the Bible, and our mission is to change that, and our new name aligns with that mission. We want to open the Bible for people, help them open the Bible for themselves, and equip them to open the Bible with others. [00:50:64]

By God's grace, we have the privilege of serving people around the world. Some know us only as a radio ministry, and while radio is vital to what we do, there are many other resources that we offer. Changing our name gives us the opportunity to reintroduce the breadth of what we do. [01:13:84]

Our radio program will be called Open the Bible, our monthly devotion will be called Open the Bible Daily, our new online training modules will be called Open the Bible for Leaders, our journeys through the Bible, which we've been calling Open, will now be called Open the Bible Story and will be integrated into our website. [01:06:88]

Speaking of websites, everything we do and everything we offer will now be accessed through one website, openthebible.org, and our toll-free phone number will be 1-877-open 365. So that's what's changing. [02:09:28]

The two most important words in our name are the Bible. Our commitment to Scripture has not changed, and by God's grace, it never will. Our Open the Bible team is excited as we look ahead to the many ministry opportunities that we have around the world. [02:31:59]

Please join us in praying that the Lord will continue to use this ministry in this new chapter as we continue to open the Bible so that people can meet Jesus. [02:50:48]

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Transcript
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