Sound of Truth Podcast

There are only two occasions in the Gospels in which Jesus talks about the church. Here is the first of those two occasions.

As we live between the first and second comings of Christ, we are called to proclaim His kingdom. Christ's kingdom was inaugurated at His first coming, and will be established in its fullness at His return. In the meantime, we seek to partner together in proclaiming the kingdom.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Matthew 6.33 is one of the clarifying verses in the Bible. It clarifies our priorities. It clarifies our commitment.

In this short sermon summary from the Prophet Malachi, Brett shows how God provides hope for families, which results in hope for a nation.

Jeff Christopherson returns to Sound of Truth Podcast (previous episodes: #274 & #275) to give an overview of the seven temptations of the Western Church: 

1- Philosophicalism: Prioritizing doctrinal correctness over compassionate action. 
2- Professionalism: Relying on a gifted pastoral team rather than equipping all disciples for mission.
3- Presentationalism: Valuing inspiring worship and strong preaching as the primary metrics of health.
4- Passivism: Adopting a "come to us" mentality ("Everybody is welcome") rather than actively seeking the lost.
5- Pragmatism: Celebrating numerical growth and efficiency ("fastest growing church") over kingdom collaboration.
6- Partisanism: Elevating national patriotism or political ideology to the level of primary allegiance.
7- Paternalism: Imposing a specific cultural or leadership model on the global church rather than learning from its diverse mosaic.

"So he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.'" (Zechariah 4.6, MSB)

In this episode, Brett reminds us that we can only live out Christianity by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

Haggai questions the commitment of God's people. How can they say they value God when their personal houses are very nice while God's house is in disrepair? Haggai challenges us to show that God is really #1 in our lives.

In one of the most stunning verses in the entire Bible, we learn that God rejoices over His children with singing. This short message could change your perspective of God!

What happens when you don't feel like you are experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? What happens when circumstances seem to indicate that God is not blessing you? Will you still trust in God? Can you still REJOICE in Him?

The modern mind struggles to imagine how God could be vengeful or jealous. But Nahum reminds us that it is an essential part of God's holy character.